Not so much a "resolution" per se, but a little priority adjustment with my creative time. I'd like to get back into scrapbooking, less stamping (perhaps some of both). I just think my scrapbooking blesses my family so much more, and after all one only has so much extra free time. I'm thinking I'd like to take on the challenge of a "project 365". Seems quite easy, and I'm sure when the year is over huge satisfaction accomplished. Here is a link to what a project 365 is. I'd love to have some friends join me - sort of cheering each other on.
Check it out here
Be sure to leave me a note where you'll post your completed weeks so I can give you much kudos.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Proverbs 31 website
Today's devotional post is a very good one. (Wednesday, July 8) Go read it. Life challenging. (link at right)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Why is it.....
Does this only happen in my house???? Seriously. To keep up with the laundry, I try to do one load a day, usually this helps me maintain this chore. Those who know me well, know that laundry is one chore I rather enjoy. Not sure why, but it just is - I typically do not have piles and piles, and seldom do I ever have unfolded laundry in baskets. Now, it may sit in the dryer a day (or two if I've totally spaced that load) but I've concluded that laundry must not be such a burden to me, since I seem to keep on top of it. I digress. My amazement is I live in a house of 4 people, and granted two of those people are under the age of 8, and ONE of THOSE people is a "messy by nature" type - so Ryan can go through several sets of clothes in a day. Especially in the summer. I also recognize that while the small boys (not the big one) is still sleeping in pullups (shhhh, family secret here) I put them in new jammies each night. When I fold my "load a day" (or two) I'm continually amazed at the size of the four piles. Seriously, my pile will have just a few items in it. Do I not wear clothes every day? Are my "colors" dispersed enough that not all my clothes are "dark" or not all my undies are "white" ??? Why is my pile always so tiny? If only I could do my OWN laundry, I could probably stretch it to once a week. I try to train up my hubby to wear his jeans more than once, as well as Steffen if they've not been playing outside. Steffen wears a uniform for goodness sake - his laundry should be very minimal. PLUS their clothes are still kid sized - why are their piles just HUGE??? Mine minimal? It continues to baffle me, and it's these profound things I often think about. How about your house. Do you wonder about this? Where does the mommy clothes go? Why is our pile so small? Carry on with your day......
Friday, June 5, 2009
Exhale
We survived May. It was a little iffy there for awhile, but yes indeed Monday, June 1 arrived with great celebration in my heart.
As you may have already guessed, I'm a analyzer. After coming off a month like that, I do sit back and try to analyze what I can do to be sure THAT doesn't happen again. When life gets that crazy, I no longer enjoy the journey, I'm in pure survival mode and who wants to live like that??? However, there was precious little I could do differently, unless I had the knowledge I have now, this side of things.
To recap:
End of year stuff went well. Hindsight, the field trip to the Science Museum was not what I had envisioned in my mind. And my mind was foolish on this. To go on the bus, does mean I will be asked to HELP - it's not just a free little trip for me to enjoy the day with my son. As far as my son, it's a day to spend with his friends, not a neat little excursion out with momma. So, my bad. I didn't think that one through. I was much too busy that day to really help with a class field trip. I WASN'T too busy to spend the day enjoying a museum with my son, that is why I went. Anyway, it was still fun. The museum was fascinating, I can't wait to return and make it a family adventure - not a 1st grader field trip. One of my gripes of the day. We arrived and we all scattered, except for the kids we were assigned. So, while I understand the logic, it wasn't THAT much fun for Steffen to only occasionally see his friends here and there. Of course the boy that was assigned to me, was not one of Steffen's closer friends so you get the idea. When we all met for lunch, they were all together, and it was hard to get them rallied to go back into the museum since they just wanted to continue to play with their friends. They are 7 - very understandable. NOTE TO SELF - if the field trip falls at the END OF THE YEAR, do not feel you need to volunteer unless your schedule is indeed clear. It WON'T be the "bonding time" alone with your kiddo you envision. and that's ok.
I had volunteered to coordinate/organize all the pictures throughout the year that Steffen's teacher mainly took and put them on a DVD, and make copies for all the parents. Since fun stuff was happening all the way till the end of the year, and I wanted to include pictures of all the fun stuff, guess what, the DVD's did not get DONE before school got out, I am still trying to get those mailed out to parents. Sigh. It wouldn't have been a stressor, however I think my computer is dying, and it's getting cranky with all the DVD burning I'm doing - so the process has been very hit or miss. I don't even want to think about the reality IF MY COMPUTER DIES - noooooooo, not now. How about the end of the summer.... I can't think about a new computer right now.
Ryan's end of school, well, I had to miss his last day. It was Steffen's field trip day. FORTUNATELY, I've got a fabulous friend that I love like a sister, whom I trust my children with as I would family. She took Ryan to school AND picked him up his last day of school. It was one of those hard decisions I made, choosing to go on Steffen's field trip with him. (see above, in hind site, I wish I hadn't done that - but Steffen appreciated it, so it was worth that.) Ryan's class was such an unusually close class. I really enjoyed getting to know the mom's of some of his closer friends. They will all (most, anyhow) go to a different school as Ryan next year, so we will have to be very intentional about keeping in touch. They are so young, and Ryan will, no doubt make more fabulous friends. But really, I enjoyed the families/mom's so much, I want to make that happen. They are good folk, worth the effort. The play dates for the summer have begun, so I look forward to seeing everyone again. Of course, Ryan's BD party helped, many close friends came and they had a blast together again.
Adam and Lindsay had a wonderful time during the AFA graduation. Adam will be a senior next year, so this was when they got their rings, and a huge formal "ring dance". I'm not military, so I am pretty green at what it all means, but the ring dance is a big deal and they seemed to have a very good time. I was glad to see them get out and enjoy Colorado a bit - whitewater rafting and a hike here in town. With the AFA graduation, it brought up thoughts of next year and Adam's graduation. (See, next May will NOT be any less chaotic, probably even more chaos with him graduating and family in town etc) The thought of him graduating, and "moving on" just breaks my heart. I cannot even imagine if it were my own kiddo. If he were "mine", I'd know he'd be back. As it is, the US government will have him for at least 10 more years and who knows where he'll lay his head? So no, it's unlikely he'll be back to Colorado any time soon. We'll have to chase him around wherever he goes. :D
Tanner has moved in. He seems to have immersed himself into our family life well. I don't know. It's been so crazy over here, I hope we haven't scared him off. There are 20 (??) interns at Compassion International this summer, and they seem to be getting together often, so that is good. The boys, of course, love to have another big brother to wrestle with etc.
Dan's job continues to go well. His 90 days is up the end of June. We're hoping for a raise??? We are thankful for the good job. They seem to be very happy with him. With the addition of Dan and a new secretary, the "bosses" are thrilled at how they are getting organized etc. We'll see how "thrilled" at the end of the month - tee hee. They've been very accommodating to us for some long weekend plans we have planned for the summer. One, being next weekend, Dan flys home to be with his family to celebrate his oldest sister's birthday. Do I dare say the age????? Let's just say it's a milestone and she's 12 years older than Dan. Amazing. I'm sad I can't make this trip, but our "new" budget cannot afford us living like the Rockefeller's (not that it ever could, but we were more accommodating on family oriented trips). I've got a few fun things planned with the boys and I while daddy is away.
THE PARTY of all parties. Dan's dreamed of having a large party in our backyard for one of the boys for years. I've put him off until this year. We rented a jump house and invited all of Ryan's friends. Ryan has a lot of friends! Check out our picassa website (link to the right) for pictures. (NOTE: Ryan's biological family came - mom, brother, aunt - there's a cute picture of them all together) A few of the older boys found a few snakes in our back lot (where they belong) and they were a big hit. Even the little girls were enthralled. They are harmless, I know, but the closer they get to the house, the more creeped out I get. I LOVE that our yard is a place for the boys to explore and do things that boys should be doing - but keep it away from the house. sigh.
Being the practical gal that I am, I figured why waste the 6 hour rental on the jump house??? We invited our entire Sunday School class, and their families back at 4pm for a family BBQ. Of course, being the end of the school year, everyone was ready for a nice family get together. My house was packed. The rain held off, but the temperatures dropped, so it got a bit chilly for the little kids - my house was packed. I wouldn't have minded, but the snakes came out again. AND more kids got involved in finding them. I think three or maybe four families went home that night with pet snakes. We make Steffen release them at night. We just feel that is the right thing to do, plus momma WILL NOT ALLOW the snakes in the house WHATSOEVER. Dogs are pets, not snakes. Obviously, not all parents feel like I do, so it became an expensive BBQ for some - since they had to go out and buy aquariums or whatever those things need to live in. We have Steffen convinced that they need to return to their rocks, to their own families and sleep with their mommy and daddys. He can recatch them tomorrow. ewwwwwwww. Overall, this side of things, it was a very full, but fun day.
JUNE has arrived. It's been cold and rainy this week. So no pool action yet.
That's it for family life, I think.
The boys have started their T-Ball/Baseball schedules. I was pleased to see that the season ends early/mid July. I'm glad that the boys games are on different nights, however, that will make our June nights very busy M-Th. Sigh. I'll keep you posted.
We said our goodbyes to one family already. My heart still aches. Kristi will, I believe, be a friend I will travel to go see, and they love to ski, so I think chances are pretty good that we haven't said our final goodbye. They are military as well, so we'll see where they land. They are both from the San Antonio area, which is near where my sister and her husband retired to, so that's a plus as well. Still, I will miss her deeply. I prayed for so long for a friendship like ours, and God gave me her for just a blink of an eye. Good Folk.
I started to read "the Shack". Interestingly creative. I look forward to finishing it and pondering the creative ways it was written. By no means do I, nor do I feel one should, find it answering deep theological questions, but creative literature is still fun to ponder now and again. Maybe another post I'll discuss further interesting points. I'm still reading my other two good reads, and still have thoughts I want to post on those as well. I just needed to get through May.... and I have. - amen
As you may have already guessed, I'm a analyzer. After coming off a month like that, I do sit back and try to analyze what I can do to be sure THAT doesn't happen again. When life gets that crazy, I no longer enjoy the journey, I'm in pure survival mode and who wants to live like that??? However, there was precious little I could do differently, unless I had the knowledge I have now, this side of things.
To recap:
End of year stuff went well. Hindsight, the field trip to the Science Museum was not what I had envisioned in my mind. And my mind was foolish on this. To go on the bus, does mean I will be asked to HELP - it's not just a free little trip for me to enjoy the day with my son. As far as my son, it's a day to spend with his friends, not a neat little excursion out with momma. So, my bad. I didn't think that one through. I was much too busy that day to really help with a class field trip. I WASN'T too busy to spend the day enjoying a museum with my son, that is why I went. Anyway, it was still fun. The museum was fascinating, I can't wait to return and make it a family adventure - not a 1st grader field trip. One of my gripes of the day. We arrived and we all scattered, except for the kids we were assigned. So, while I understand the logic, it wasn't THAT much fun for Steffen to only occasionally see his friends here and there. Of course the boy that was assigned to me, was not one of Steffen's closer friends so you get the idea. When we all met for lunch, they were all together, and it was hard to get them rallied to go back into the museum since they just wanted to continue to play with their friends. They are 7 - very understandable. NOTE TO SELF - if the field trip falls at the END OF THE YEAR, do not feel you need to volunteer unless your schedule is indeed clear. It WON'T be the "bonding time" alone with your kiddo you envision. and that's ok.
I had volunteered to coordinate/organize all the pictures throughout the year that Steffen's teacher mainly took and put them on a DVD, and make copies for all the parents. Since fun stuff was happening all the way till the end of the year, and I wanted to include pictures of all the fun stuff, guess what, the DVD's did not get DONE before school got out, I am still trying to get those mailed out to parents. Sigh. It wouldn't have been a stressor, however I think my computer is dying, and it's getting cranky with all the DVD burning I'm doing - so the process has been very hit or miss. I don't even want to think about the reality IF MY COMPUTER DIES - noooooooo, not now. How about the end of the summer.... I can't think about a new computer right now.
Ryan's end of school, well, I had to miss his last day. It was Steffen's field trip day. FORTUNATELY, I've got a fabulous friend that I love like a sister, whom I trust my children with as I would family. She took Ryan to school AND picked him up his last day of school. It was one of those hard decisions I made, choosing to go on Steffen's field trip with him. (see above, in hind site, I wish I hadn't done that - but Steffen appreciated it, so it was worth that.) Ryan's class was such an unusually close class. I really enjoyed getting to know the mom's of some of his closer friends. They will all (most, anyhow) go to a different school as Ryan next year, so we will have to be very intentional about keeping in touch. They are so young, and Ryan will, no doubt make more fabulous friends. But really, I enjoyed the families/mom's so much, I want to make that happen. They are good folk, worth the effort. The play dates for the summer have begun, so I look forward to seeing everyone again. Of course, Ryan's BD party helped, many close friends came and they had a blast together again.
Adam and Lindsay had a wonderful time during the AFA graduation. Adam will be a senior next year, so this was when they got their rings, and a huge formal "ring dance". I'm not military, so I am pretty green at what it all means, but the ring dance is a big deal and they seemed to have a very good time. I was glad to see them get out and enjoy Colorado a bit - whitewater rafting and a hike here in town. With the AFA graduation, it brought up thoughts of next year and Adam's graduation. (See, next May will NOT be any less chaotic, probably even more chaos with him graduating and family in town etc) The thought of him graduating, and "moving on" just breaks my heart. I cannot even imagine if it were my own kiddo. If he were "mine", I'd know he'd be back. As it is, the US government will have him for at least 10 more years and who knows where he'll lay his head? So no, it's unlikely he'll be back to Colorado any time soon. We'll have to chase him around wherever he goes. :D
Tanner has moved in. He seems to have immersed himself into our family life well. I don't know. It's been so crazy over here, I hope we haven't scared him off. There are 20 (??) interns at Compassion International this summer, and they seem to be getting together often, so that is good. The boys, of course, love to have another big brother to wrestle with etc.
Dan's job continues to go well. His 90 days is up the end of June. We're hoping for a raise??? We are thankful for the good job. They seem to be very happy with him. With the addition of Dan and a new secretary, the "bosses" are thrilled at how they are getting organized etc. We'll see how "thrilled" at the end of the month - tee hee. They've been very accommodating to us for some long weekend plans we have planned for the summer. One, being next weekend, Dan flys home to be with his family to celebrate his oldest sister's birthday. Do I dare say the age????? Let's just say it's a milestone and she's 12 years older than Dan. Amazing. I'm sad I can't make this trip, but our "new" budget cannot afford us living like the Rockefeller's (not that it ever could, but we were more accommodating on family oriented trips). I've got a few fun things planned with the boys and I while daddy is away.
THE PARTY of all parties. Dan's dreamed of having a large party in our backyard for one of the boys for years. I've put him off until this year. We rented a jump house and invited all of Ryan's friends. Ryan has a lot of friends! Check out our picassa website (link to the right) for pictures. (NOTE: Ryan's biological family came - mom, brother, aunt - there's a cute picture of them all together) A few of the older boys found a few snakes in our back lot (where they belong) and they were a big hit. Even the little girls were enthralled. They are harmless, I know, but the closer they get to the house, the more creeped out I get. I LOVE that our yard is a place for the boys to explore and do things that boys should be doing - but keep it away from the house. sigh.
Being the practical gal that I am, I figured why waste the 6 hour rental on the jump house??? We invited our entire Sunday School class, and their families back at 4pm for a family BBQ. Of course, being the end of the school year, everyone was ready for a nice family get together. My house was packed. The rain held off, but the temperatures dropped, so it got a bit chilly for the little kids - my house was packed. I wouldn't have minded, but the snakes came out again. AND more kids got involved in finding them. I think three or maybe four families went home that night with pet snakes. We make Steffen release them at night. We just feel that is the right thing to do, plus momma WILL NOT ALLOW the snakes in the house WHATSOEVER. Dogs are pets, not snakes. Obviously, not all parents feel like I do, so it became an expensive BBQ for some - since they had to go out and buy aquariums or whatever those things need to live in. We have Steffen convinced that they need to return to their rocks, to their own families and sleep with their mommy and daddys. He can recatch them tomorrow. ewwwwwwww. Overall, this side of things, it was a very full, but fun day.
JUNE has arrived. It's been cold and rainy this week. So no pool action yet.
That's it for family life, I think.
The boys have started their T-Ball/Baseball schedules. I was pleased to see that the season ends early/mid July. I'm glad that the boys games are on different nights, however, that will make our June nights very busy M-Th. Sigh. I'll keep you posted.
We said our goodbyes to one family already. My heart still aches. Kristi will, I believe, be a friend I will travel to go see, and they love to ski, so I think chances are pretty good that we haven't said our final goodbye. They are military as well, so we'll see where they land. They are both from the San Antonio area, which is near where my sister and her husband retired to, so that's a plus as well. Still, I will miss her deeply. I prayed for so long for a friendship like ours, and God gave me her for just a blink of an eye. Good Folk.
I started to read "the Shack". Interestingly creative. I look forward to finishing it and pondering the creative ways it was written. By no means do I, nor do I feel one should, find it answering deep theological questions, but creative literature is still fun to ponder now and again. Maybe another post I'll discuss further interesting points. I'm still reading my other two good reads, and still have thoughts I want to post on those as well. I just needed to get through May.... and I have. - amen
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
My Baby is 5
Today is Ryan's 5th birthday! It also happens to be the day he "graduated" from Pre-Kindergarten. I asked the other mom's/friends if today was a sad day for them, and they said no. (Mom's who their 5YO is their youngest) and the general consensus was we are ready for our little ones to move out of pre-school era. I am a little more tender thinking my baby turned 5 today. It just seems like such a big boy age.
LOTS going on right now, so not time to blog, but I wanted to celebrate my son's birthday with y'all.
(PS that is one of his Pre-K teachers, not me - I didn't become gorgeous overnight :D)
Be sure to check into our picassa site for more photos. Enjoy.
Happy Birthday my baby!!!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Randomness for sure...
It's almost been a month since my last post - wow. I've always maintained that May is FAR busier than December. c.r.a.z.y.
So, here's the latest family update:
***
Steffen ended his Landsharks Running club on Monday. He really enjoyed it. Amazed me, because it's a pretty LOW KEY club, with only having 3 "meets" and the kids only run 1 race at each meet, everyone gets a ribbon. Thankfully it wasn't too much a family commitment to the practices etc. He loved it, his best friend Timmy also ran, so it was fun. RYAN, of course probably loved it more. Practices were held at a neighborhood park, and the siblings of the runners got to play at the playground during practice. Ryan met "new best friends". Some who could likely be in his class next year since it was a team from our school. I got to dialog with a parent about their dog, a golden doodle, as we are casually researching breeds for our next pet. Anyhoo, it's over, and I'm glad to have my evenings back to "normal". Steffen has just a few more weeks left to school, lots going on. They have their school-wide "field day" tomorrow - which is bunches of fun for the kids. I should help volunteer with the events, maybe next year. I just like to follow Steffen's class around with my camera.
***
Ryan just finished his swim lessons. He passed his level with flying colors. Truth be known, I think he could have been bumped up to the higher level right away. Can he swim....hmmm, not sure I"d feel comfortable throwing him into the middle of the pool. He really didn't learn some of the swimming strokes - just going under, floating etc. Our pool at our health club opens Memorial Day weekend, so we're not long for me to go and see for myself his ability level. Again, glad to have it over, and my Tues/Thurs mornings available.
***
Dan's job is going well.
***
Ryan turns 5 next week (20th). We've got quite a party planned for him, and his friends. Because the weekend AFTER his birthday is Memorial Day, we're putting the party off until May 30, school will be out, so it will be a good time for all the buddies to all get together. I'm making it a Knight and Shining Armour and Princess theme (since he's got lots of girlfriends). Should be a photographer's dream. Stand by for pictures.
***
Adam's girlfriend is coming into town next week as Adam finishes up his Jr. year at the Air Force Academy. It's hard to believe he will be a Sr. next year. He's certainly part of our family now, and I will be very sad to see him go off and start his life. Speaking of which, he just got notice that he did get "into" flight school. So he will go train to be a pilot once school is out. He will not get his base until next February. Apparently they do not know what plane they will get until flight school starts???? He's torn between a fighter jet, or a cargo plane. As his "mother" I hope for the cargo. But I can imagine that fighter jet would be pretty darned exciting. Let's hope by then, we'll not be in war. Pretty proud moment, none the less. I don't think Lindsay (his girlfriend) is too hip on the plan, but I'm sure once it's sunk in, she'll come around. :) Speaking of Lindsay, she graduates this weekend for SALVE. Lots of big life stuff going on around here. We're equally as proud of her and all her accomplishments. Adam heads there this week for her Ball and commencement program.
***
We're taking in another college student this summer as he comes to town to "work" at Compassion International on an internship program. We've not met him yet, but it seems he'll be a good fit into our family as well. Because he'll be here at home "full time" (unlike Adam, who is here on occasional weekends) I will have to step up my cooking! I don't think cereal dinners will cut it with a college boy.
***
Gotta run, just wanted to give y'all an update. LOTS going on. We've got plans to camp the weekend of memorial day weekend. We've got TWO sets of friends that are moving this month. BOTH military, one is a neighbor, so we will all feel their absence profoundly since the kids seem to be playing non-stop these days. Sad days ahead. The other family, the wife, is my playmate. (she likes to get out and enjoy nature like me - hike, ski) It took me 8 years to "find" her, and now she leaves....sigh. God is faithful, I know.
Toodles - check in at our Picassa site, since with business, comes lots of pictures!!!
So, here's the latest family update:
***
Steffen ended his Landsharks Running club on Monday. He really enjoyed it. Amazed me, because it's a pretty LOW KEY club, with only having 3 "meets" and the kids only run 1 race at each meet, everyone gets a ribbon. Thankfully it wasn't too much a family commitment to the practices etc. He loved it, his best friend Timmy also ran, so it was fun. RYAN, of course probably loved it more. Practices were held at a neighborhood park, and the siblings of the runners got to play at the playground during practice. Ryan met "new best friends". Some who could likely be in his class next year since it was a team from our school. I got to dialog with a parent about their dog, a golden doodle, as we are casually researching breeds for our next pet. Anyhoo, it's over, and I'm glad to have my evenings back to "normal". Steffen has just a few more weeks left to school, lots going on. They have their school-wide "field day" tomorrow - which is bunches of fun for the kids. I should help volunteer with the events, maybe next year. I just like to follow Steffen's class around with my camera.
***
Ryan just finished his swim lessons. He passed his level with flying colors. Truth be known, I think he could have been bumped up to the higher level right away. Can he swim....hmmm, not sure I"d feel comfortable throwing him into the middle of the pool. He really didn't learn some of the swimming strokes - just going under, floating etc. Our pool at our health club opens Memorial Day weekend, so we're not long for me to go and see for myself his ability level. Again, glad to have it over, and my Tues/Thurs mornings available.
***
Dan's job is going well.
***
Ryan turns 5 next week (20th). We've got quite a party planned for him, and his friends. Because the weekend AFTER his birthday is Memorial Day, we're putting the party off until May 30, school will be out, so it will be a good time for all the buddies to all get together. I'm making it a Knight and Shining Armour and Princess theme (since he's got lots of girlfriends). Should be a photographer's dream. Stand by for pictures.
***
Adam's girlfriend is coming into town next week as Adam finishes up his Jr. year at the Air Force Academy. It's hard to believe he will be a Sr. next year. He's certainly part of our family now, and I will be very sad to see him go off and start his life. Speaking of which, he just got notice that he did get "into" flight school. So he will go train to be a pilot once school is out. He will not get his base until next February. Apparently they do not know what plane they will get until flight school starts???? He's torn between a fighter jet, or a cargo plane. As his "mother" I hope for the cargo. But I can imagine that fighter jet would be pretty darned exciting. Let's hope by then, we'll not be in war. Pretty proud moment, none the less. I don't think Lindsay (his girlfriend) is too hip on the plan, but I'm sure once it's sunk in, she'll come around. :) Speaking of Lindsay, she graduates this weekend for SALVE. Lots of big life stuff going on around here. We're equally as proud of her and all her accomplishments. Adam heads there this week for her Ball and commencement program.
***
We're taking in another college student this summer as he comes to town to "work" at Compassion International on an internship program. We've not met him yet, but it seems he'll be a good fit into our family as well. Because he'll be here at home "full time" (unlike Adam, who is here on occasional weekends) I will have to step up my cooking! I don't think cereal dinners will cut it with a college boy.
***
Gotta run, just wanted to give y'all an update. LOTS going on. We've got plans to camp the weekend of memorial day weekend. We've got TWO sets of friends that are moving this month. BOTH military, one is a neighbor, so we will all feel their absence profoundly since the kids seem to be playing non-stop these days. Sad days ahead. The other family, the wife, is my playmate. (she likes to get out and enjoy nature like me - hike, ski) It took me 8 years to "find" her, and now she leaves....sigh. God is faithful, I know.
Toodles - check in at our Picassa site, since with business, comes lots of pictures!!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Teaching to Change Lives...
I received this book from a woman I deeply respect. A sister in Christ, but more importantly, someone I am watching very closely - my unofficial mentor. I co-lead a woman's Bible Study this past year and was so amazed at watching her. Anyway, she gave me this book at the end of our time together. So when Marion gives me something to read, I sit up and take notice as I esteem her highly. (taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:13) I know, Paul was talking about our Elders, but I still esteem her highly, and thank God for her in my life continually.
So, back to the book. I opened this book up today and thought I'd jot down my initial impressions as I embark on this reading, and thought it could be interesting to compare my thoughts AFTER I read it. Here's the "note" I made on the inside cover:
April 21, 2009. Initial thoughts as I start this book. This book was a gift, not one I purchased myself. A gift from a woman who's life I admire greatly. If she felt I would benefit from this book, let me learn what it has to say. "Teacher" would not be a word I'd use to describe myself. Not one of my "giftings". I feel I struggle with clear articulation, so how can I effectively communicate my "material"? No, I would not call myself a teacher. (except where my boys are concerned). I would, however, think I have some "leadership" qualities (not necessarily my strongest gifting) but it made me wonder where the difference lies. Again, I'd cite my "lacking" in ability to articulate concisely - I"m the Queen of Rabbit Trails - a horribly frustrating quality in a teacher. (IMO) (But, I'm working on this) Leader? perhaps. I have a strong heart's desire for spiritual maturity. I LOVE to contemplate God's Word, and apply it to not only MY life, but lives around me - and really strive to encourage those in my circle of influence to pursue things of God. Therefore, I ask, where do teaching and leadership differ? Where am I thinking incorrectly? I tend to gravitate to books that talk about good leadership (Twelve Ordinary Men, by John MacArthur comes to mind - may dust that off again), as opposed to good teaching. So this could be interesting. I look forward to finding these answers, and what God is about to teach me. (LOVE THAT)
So, like my other book, I'll pipe in now and again what I'm learning. I'm already diggin' what I've read so far. Still not convinced I'm a "teacher" - except where my children, and perhaps as a neighborhood mom is concerned. It's good stuff ladies - come follow along if you want - I'd love the company.
***
Thank you for all the encouragement from my last post - I needed that.
I'll keep today's post short, and give you time to go out and get your own book and follow along. :-D
So, back to the book. I opened this book up today and thought I'd jot down my initial impressions as I embark on this reading, and thought it could be interesting to compare my thoughts AFTER I read it. Here's the "note" I made on the inside cover:
April 21, 2009. Initial thoughts as I start this book. This book was a gift, not one I purchased myself. A gift from a woman who's life I admire greatly. If she felt I would benefit from this book, let me learn what it has to say. "Teacher" would not be a word I'd use to describe myself. Not one of my "giftings". I feel I struggle with clear articulation, so how can I effectively communicate my "material"? No, I would not call myself a teacher. (except where my boys are concerned). I would, however, think I have some "leadership" qualities (not necessarily my strongest gifting) but it made me wonder where the difference lies. Again, I'd cite my "lacking" in ability to articulate concisely - I"m the Queen of Rabbit Trails - a horribly frustrating quality in a teacher. (IMO) (But, I'm working on this) Leader? perhaps. I have a strong heart's desire for spiritual maturity. I LOVE to contemplate God's Word, and apply it to not only MY life, but lives around me - and really strive to encourage those in my circle of influence to pursue things of God. Therefore, I ask, where do teaching and leadership differ? Where am I thinking incorrectly? I tend to gravitate to books that talk about good leadership (Twelve Ordinary Men, by John MacArthur comes to mind - may dust that off again), as opposed to good teaching. So this could be interesting. I look forward to finding these answers, and what God is about to teach me. (LOVE THAT)
So, like my other book, I'll pipe in now and again what I'm learning. I'm already diggin' what I've read so far. Still not convinced I'm a "teacher" - except where my children, and perhaps as a neighborhood mom is concerned. It's good stuff ladies - come follow along if you want - I'd love the company.
***
Thank you for all the encouragement from my last post - I needed that.
I'll keep today's post short, and give you time to go out and get your own book and follow along. :-D
Saturday, April 18, 2009
I am OUT OF SHAPE....
This full time motherhood thing. I thought I had it all figured out. I realized this week how OUT OF SHAPE I AM. WARNING: serious whining ahead This week kicked my b**t in the motherhood arena. I knew Dan was a fabulous help to me around here, but I had no idea HOW MUCH he helped me until this week. Dang! My hats off to all you friends out there whose husbands have "regular" jobs (which is all of you) I AM NOT WORTHY. Not once, not twice but three different occasions this week I was feeling pretty ticked off at this new "employment" thing. Then he deposited his check on Friday and I got over it. Let me explain.
Tuesday I had it all worked out. Dan would come home from work, we'd have dinner, and he could go deliver a refrigerator we had bought on Craigs List. I even had the open bed truck all lined up, had the refrig already paid for, all the people in their places. Dan had to stay late at work to finish up a bid. EXCUSE ME???? No, send my husband home on time, please. I was pretty indignant as this hiccup really messed with my evening. I had to go pick up the truck, which now meant I had the boys with me, which made it complicated, how could I get a refrig into a truck. The seller was not cooperative to reschedule.... it all came together, and the kids and I ran through McDonalds at 8:15 pm that night - and Dan met us in the driveway - he was just getting home as well. GRRRRRR. Wednesday, both boys have school, so it's my "free" day. My tummy was experiencing some "odd" pains, so I thought I best stay close to home, and didn't take long to realize I was coming down with a flu bug. Chills etc. A little hiccup in car pool, meant I had to go get both boys from school, so going to bed was not an option. By my 3:30 carpool, I was good and trembling, but knew I had to push through it, Dan could not come home. I did ask him to meet me at Steffen's running club practice field so we could tag team ASAP and I could get home and get to bed. (5:30) GRRRRRR. Friday - snow day. It was so beautiful, and I was feeling better from the flu bug, so it wasn't so bad. Then about 3:30pm the sun started to peek through and the kids wanted to go sledding....nooooooooo, can't you wait until daddy gets home? No, here in Colorado, you cannot wait for those rare sledding moments. when the time was right, you have to jump on it. Especially this time of year. God's agent (aka the Holy Spirit) worked quickly on me for this one, and I announced OF COURSE we'll go sledding. Lets get our snow pants on. (I so did not want to go do this) We had a ball, and sure enough, as we stomped through the door at 5pm, another storm started and we wouldn't have been able to go sledding at that time (daddy home time). By the time Dan rolled in the door after his long week at work - I had a great appreciation of how much time I have been taking off these past two and a half years from "stay at home mom". VERY HUMBLING my friends. I've got to step up my game and get much more organized around here. Daddy is just not here to fill in for play like he has. Momma has to play and engage. WOWSA.
For the record, Dan let me sleep in, wAAAAY in today (saturday) and I sorted Lego's much of my day, playing with Steffen. Daddy built a very ugly snowman in the backyard with the boys.
This slacker is signing off. May I be much better tomorrow than I was yesterday. I can do this.
Tuesday I had it all worked out. Dan would come home from work, we'd have dinner, and he could go deliver a refrigerator we had bought on Craigs List. I even had the open bed truck all lined up, had the refrig already paid for, all the people in their places. Dan had to stay late at work to finish up a bid. EXCUSE ME???? No, send my husband home on time, please. I was pretty indignant as this hiccup really messed with my evening. I had to go pick up the truck, which now meant I had the boys with me, which made it complicated, how could I get a refrig into a truck. The seller was not cooperative to reschedule.... it all came together, and the kids and I ran through McDonalds at 8:15 pm that night - and Dan met us in the driveway - he was just getting home as well. GRRRRRR. Wednesday, both boys have school, so it's my "free" day. My tummy was experiencing some "odd" pains, so I thought I best stay close to home, and didn't take long to realize I was coming down with a flu bug. Chills etc. A little hiccup in car pool, meant I had to go get both boys from school, so going to bed was not an option. By my 3:30 carpool, I was good and trembling, but knew I had to push through it, Dan could not come home. I did ask him to meet me at Steffen's running club practice field so we could tag team ASAP and I could get home and get to bed. (5:30) GRRRRRR. Friday - snow day. It was so beautiful, and I was feeling better from the flu bug, so it wasn't so bad. Then about 3:30pm the sun started to peek through and the kids wanted to go sledding....nooooooooo, can't you wait until daddy gets home? No, here in Colorado, you cannot wait for those rare sledding moments. when the time was right, you have to jump on it. Especially this time of year. God's agent (aka the Holy Spirit) worked quickly on me for this one, and I announced OF COURSE we'll go sledding. Lets get our snow pants on. (I so did not want to go do this) We had a ball, and sure enough, as we stomped through the door at 5pm, another storm started and we wouldn't have been able to go sledding at that time (daddy home time). By the time Dan rolled in the door after his long week at work - I had a great appreciation of how much time I have been taking off these past two and a half years from "stay at home mom". VERY HUMBLING my friends. I've got to step up my game and get much more organized around here. Daddy is just not here to fill in for play like he has. Momma has to play and engage. WOWSA.
For the record, Dan let me sleep in, wAAAAY in today (saturday) and I sorted Lego's much of my day, playing with Steffen. Daddy built a very ugly snowman in the backyard with the boys.
This slacker is signing off. May I be much better tomorrow than I was yesterday. I can do this.
Monday, April 13, 2009
This is not necessarily a bad thing....
Apparently, according to our President of the United States, we are no longer a Christian nation. At my first hearing of his talk where he stated this, I was appalled, outraged, very offended. Where does he get off......???? After pondering on this a bit, I thought, perhaps this is not such a bad thing. Let me explain.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland with a girlfriend who had an unexpected "extra" ticket. We travel with a bus tour company, but took a few extra days and went up to Belfast and got to experience their "Orange Parade", and all the glory of all the trouble up in the northern part of that country. We stayed with family of friends of hers - strangers basically. We really got to hang with them and really get a taste of what real Irish folks do with their days. We sat around the house a lot, drank copious amounts of beer and smoked cigarette after cigarette. (my friend and I didn't, they did :) In our just hanging around, talking about any and everything it led to very interesting conversations of what these regular folk thought about Americans. I am not kidding, their impressions of America comes from the Jerry Springer show. They REALLY thought this is how the American family lives - as lived out on Jerry Springer. We were flabbergasted. Certainly they could not believe that.....yes, they believed that. We took no time to set the record straight of what Jerry Springer really represented in our culture. Many years have passed, the internet and all, have hopefully broadened their horizons to who we are (and are not).
9-11 happened, and I remembered vividly hearing the prayer that Dr. Dobson gave his staff gathered for the occasion. In part, it was sobering to really dig deep within ourselves and know that we are not such a "great" nation as most would lead you to believe. As a nation, we are, and have long been, on a slippery slippery slope of moral chaos.
Recently I read on a blog, sort of a tribute to the recently departed Paul Harvey, one of his excerpts as follows:
Several years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland with a girlfriend who had an unexpected "extra" ticket. We travel with a bus tour company, but took a few extra days and went up to Belfast and got to experience their "Orange Parade", and all the glory of all the trouble up in the northern part of that country. We stayed with family of friends of hers - strangers basically. We really got to hang with them and really get a taste of what real Irish folks do with their days. We sat around the house a lot, drank copious amounts of beer and smoked cigarette after cigarette. (my friend and I didn't, they did :) In our just hanging around, talking about any and everything it led to very interesting conversations of what these regular folk thought about Americans. I am not kidding, their impressions of America comes from the Jerry Springer show. They REALLY thought this is how the American family lives - as lived out on Jerry Springer. We were flabbergasted. Certainly they could not believe that.....yes, they believed that. We took no time to set the record straight of what Jerry Springer really represented in our culture. Many years have passed, the internet and all, have hopefully broadened their horizons to who we are (and are not).
9-11 happened, and I remembered vividly hearing the prayer that Dr. Dobson gave his staff gathered for the occasion. In part, it was sobering to really dig deep within ourselves and know that we are not such a "great" nation as most would lead you to believe. As a nation, we are, and have long been, on a slippery slippery slope of moral chaos.
Recently I read on a blog, sort of a tribute to the recently departed Paul Harvey, one of his excerpts as follows:
IF I WERE THE DEVIL...
Paul Harvey speculates about what he would do if he were evil.
I would gain control of the most powerful nation in the world;
I would delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man's effort, instead of God's blessings;
I would promote an attitude of loving things and using people, instead of the other way around;
I would dupe entire states into relying on gambling for their state revenue;
I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to leadership;
I would make it legal to take the life of unborn babies;
I would make it socially acceptable to take one's own life, and invent machines to make it convenient;
I would cheapen human life as much as possible so that the life of animals are valued more than human beings;
I would take God out of the schools, where even the mention of His name was grounds for a lawsuit;
I would come up with drugs that sedate the mind and target the young, and I would get sports heroes to advertise them;
I would get control of the media, so that every night I could pollute the mind of every family member for my agenda;
I would attack the family, the backbone of any nation.
I would make divorce acceptable and easy, even fashionable. If the family crumbles, so does the nation;
I would compel people to express their most depraved fantasies on canvas and movie screens, and I would call it art;
I would convince the world that people are born homosexuals, and that their lifestyles should be accepted and marveled;
I would convince the people that right and wrong are determined by a few who call themselves authorities and refer to their agenda as politically correct;
I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, and the Bible is for the naive;
I would dull the minds of Christians, and make them believe that prayer is not important, and that faithfulness and obedience are optional;
I guess I would leave things pretty much the way they are.
All this to say, perhaps it's a good thing that our president has "declared" that we are NOT a Christian nation. It would give us a place to get to, a place to work towards, righting the wrongs we as Americans have let slide for so many years. Maybe we're not so far off from the image Jerry Springer portrays? (Is he still even on the TV???)
Just something to ponder. I've not made up my mind yet - I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
so like God....
Dan and I have been very aware, and very careful to not pull out our "wish lists" just yet. Dan is only 1 1/2 weeks into employment and we struggle with the temptation to celebrate by all the possibilities we can now "afford" to do/buy, which a week and a half ago were not a reality. Before you think I'm crying poverty here, I'm not. It's just that we WERE faced with the reality of really looking at our lives and the "dreams" and "plans" we had for our recreation, our home beautification project (aka bottemless pit). It was a great place to be. Nothing like a dwindling savings to really get your wants/needs into perspective. I digress... So now that secure (this is relative, I know) employment is now again in our lives, we started to resurrect our lists. Then crazy me.....I put window wiper fluid in our radiator. Not once, but realized that I had done it the last time I "topped off" my wiper fluid. Call it hormone craziness, not sure - I"ve had A LOT of absentmindedness lately. So I took my vehicle in to get flushed out, and $600+ later.... I'm back humbled by our savings numbers. What???? I know I can be guilty of over spiritualizing things. But I do think in this case, God did want to get my attention before I got too far ahead of Him. Fortunately all our landscaping plants have not been purchased yet, and the travel plans to Old Faithful and Mount Rushmore have not yet been booked. Sigh. FYI, the radiator flushing did not cost us $600, but you know how it goes when a mechanic gets a hold of your car, especially one with 75K miles on it. Wah. I do, however, celebrate that I do have a Father that DOES care about His Children, and DOES reel me back in when I step out in traffic. Sheesh. For the record, God, I'd rather not put our $ into our vehicle - can you call on Your Spirit to pull me back BEFORE I pour that wiper fluid???? Thank you.
****
Today was our last day with our small group Bible Study. With the exception of one gal, all 12 of us were present today (and that gal has a busy busy busy ministry, and near impossible for her to attend). In my history of Women's Bible study, at our church as well as others, by this time of the year/season, life just gets the best of us - the numbers dwindle. These ladies were so awesome. They came hungry to learn God's Word. We had such lively talks about the subjects at hand (1 & 2 Thessalonians/Ruth) and those books are not easy ones to grapple with at times. We had ladies from the full spectrum of "maturity in their faith". And yet the "wise" as well as the "apprentices" asked such profound, real questions throughout the past 9 months. It's group like these that keep me excited to come back for more (and of course His word too). Ladies, what a privilege it was to Study along side you these months. My life is much richer because of our time together. Sweet sweet times. My heart is full. (and I'm sure God's is as well)
****
Another shout out. When we see parenting done "right" it deserves a huge shout out. Last weekend our Sunday School class enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship with our families. Pot luck and a little Easter Egg hunt for the kiddos. Because our crazy Colorado weather, seldom do we get to enjoy Easter Egg Hunts outdoors, so we're confined to make do indoors. Let me set this up for you. I'd say we've got upwards of about 20 couples in our SS class. Most in the life stage of grade school age and younger families. Most with 2-6 kids. You do the math. LOTS of munchkins running around crazy seeking out plastic eggs filled with candy and the sorts. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy. Recipe for disaster. I know myself well enough to just stay CLEAR of the room where all the eggs were hidden. I sent Dan in. God Bless all the parents who ventured through those double doors. Steffen is not my aggressive type, so I knew he'd probably be safe in there and I wouldn't have to closely watch him (he was with the older group). With Ryan (almost 5YO), I knew it'd be a "teachable moment". Aggressive would probably be a bit strong, but his personality would be one to fill his basket at all risk to limb of others. So, I had a little talk with my youngest that there were plenty of eggs, he need not FILL his basket and once he had perhaps 10 or so, to please step in and help the younger ones (he was with the 1-4YOs) find some for their baskets. Good parenting right??? Because I was too cowardly to follow through to see how he "did" with these marching orders. I just had to trust that my words would ring through his head and head to his heart and just accept the outcome and hopefully his father would intervene if he got too ugly. I have no idea how he did. He did emerge with 10-12 eggs. However, Dan did experience one child do exactly what I had hoped my child would do. His basket was full, and he was starting to "hand out" his eggs to the little ones. Dan wasn't' sure whose child this was, but I think we figured out it was one of the Wilson kids. So today's shout out goes to Dan and Marcea Wilson to a job well done my friends. It does this mom's heart good to know that once in awhile we do get it right, and our kids do hear us. Even with the formidable temptation to all that candy!!!!!
****
Go hug your kids, smooch your hubby and GET OFF THIS COMPUTER!
****
Today was our last day with our small group Bible Study. With the exception of one gal, all 12 of us were present today (and that gal has a busy busy busy ministry, and near impossible for her to attend). In my history of Women's Bible study, at our church as well as others, by this time of the year/season, life just gets the best of us - the numbers dwindle. These ladies were so awesome. They came hungry to learn God's Word. We had such lively talks about the subjects at hand (1 & 2 Thessalonians/Ruth) and those books are not easy ones to grapple with at times. We had ladies from the full spectrum of "maturity in their faith". And yet the "wise" as well as the "apprentices" asked such profound, real questions throughout the past 9 months. It's group like these that keep me excited to come back for more (and of course His word too). Ladies, what a privilege it was to Study along side you these months. My life is much richer because of our time together. Sweet sweet times. My heart is full. (and I'm sure God's is as well)
****
Another shout out. When we see parenting done "right" it deserves a huge shout out. Last weekend our Sunday School class enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship with our families. Pot luck and a little Easter Egg hunt for the kiddos. Because our crazy Colorado weather, seldom do we get to enjoy Easter Egg Hunts outdoors, so we're confined to make do indoors. Let me set this up for you. I'd say we've got upwards of about 20 couples in our SS class. Most in the life stage of grade school age and younger families. Most with 2-6 kids. You do the math. LOTS of munchkins running around crazy seeking out plastic eggs filled with candy and the sorts. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy. Recipe for disaster. I know myself well enough to just stay CLEAR of the room where all the eggs were hidden. I sent Dan in. God Bless all the parents who ventured through those double doors. Steffen is not my aggressive type, so I knew he'd probably be safe in there and I wouldn't have to closely watch him (he was with the older group). With Ryan (almost 5YO), I knew it'd be a "teachable moment". Aggressive would probably be a bit strong, but his personality would be one to fill his basket at all risk to limb of others. So, I had a little talk with my youngest that there were plenty of eggs, he need not FILL his basket and once he had perhaps 10 or so, to please step in and help the younger ones (he was with the 1-4YOs) find some for their baskets. Good parenting right??? Because I was too cowardly to follow through to see how he "did" with these marching orders. I just had to trust that my words would ring through his head and head to his heart and just accept the outcome and hopefully his father would intervene if he got too ugly. I have no idea how he did. He did emerge with 10-12 eggs. However, Dan did experience one child do exactly what I had hoped my child would do. His basket was full, and he was starting to "hand out" his eggs to the little ones. Dan wasn't' sure whose child this was, but I think we figured out it was one of the Wilson kids. So today's shout out goes to Dan and Marcea Wilson to a job well done my friends. It does this mom's heart good to know that once in awhile we do get it right, and our kids do hear us. Even with the formidable temptation to all that candy!!!!!
****
Go hug your kids, smooch your hubby and GET OFF THIS COMPUTER!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Safety of Self Control
Today's post comes from a chapter in my book Feminine Appeal. Yes, going at this one v.e.r.y. slow, but that's ok. Self Control is (WAS) typically a sin I really didn't think I had toooo much problem with. It's one of those that I always thought I had pretty much in control (pun intended). Then I read this chapter, and then God did His work. As He always does so fabulously. CONVICTED. and I learned a thing or two. First thing I learned, I need to re-read the chapter and really ponder it a bit more. I thought the title "safety of self control" was a bit odd, and now I'm just loving it. Basically (you can go read it for yourself) where the "safety" comes in, was totally new to me. Our SELF CONTROL is God's way to keep us "safe" from our sins. (duh) When we exercise self control in the areas where we struggle with our self control, victory means safety from sin. How cool is that? I thought it was. Going in a little deeper into my world....self control over sleep really hit home for me. I am, what we call "not a morning person". When said like that, it's quite acceptable right. I just do not get up easily. I sleep hard. (as my roomie at the woman's retreat will attest, poor thing, giggle) It's just the way it is. woa, not so fast my fellow sleepy heads. One point she raised, which stung deep was: "I am often tempted to stay up late at night and indulge in some form of relaxation." Amen sistah. I hear you. LOVE my night time. Then she quoted Martha Peace: "I have heard of women who pride themselves on being "night people." That means they have trouble getting up in the mornings because they come alive at night. They may stay up to all hours reading, watching television, or pursuing some sort of interest. The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family. . . " Ok, I caught it - zing. I don't necessarily need to get up, Dan is already up, he, after all is a "morning person". She continues with her quote of Martha Peace: "These women are not "night people." They are lazy and selfish." Now wait a minute.....lazy and selfish??? continuing "Who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they pleased and sleep late the next day? Once a young wife begins getting up earlier than her children (what is that?) and her husband (I cannot even imagine this), she will cease to be a "night person." She will be tired at night and go to bed at a reasonable hour so she will be there to serve her family the next morning." Waaaa. I've been nailed. Let me first disclaim here, just cuz I was convicted by this, doesn't mean you should be. God works at us differently - so I am not proposing we ALL need to work on this. I'm just saying this really hit me, and came right out of left field. Which when things like this happen, I can be most assured that it's God working, and when I know it's God, I DO sit up and listen. So Guess what....I'm going to take it to prayer and ask God to help me serve my family when they wake up. I was thinking about this over the past days. How about I post a few pictures of my sleeping brood? I just cannot imagine being the first one up in the house. I LOVE the idea, but typically I'd say it's just not realistic for me. Now I'll remember "lazy" and "selfish". Yep, I'd have to agree with it, now that it's been put in front of my face.
If my childhood friend Carolyn is reading, I'm sure you are laughing to yourself. I remember many a days you'd come "wake me up" for grade school, only to find me in a huge tangled hair in my face mess. I've never been a morning person. We'll see how this goes.
There was much more I learned/was convicted from this chapter, but I'll let it go at the sleep one. Maybe post more another time.
*****
BIG NEWS
Dan got employed today! Unbelievable. I just sit and shake my head at how God works in his life (Dan's). The kicker here, it's a GOOD JOB - not "just a job". Not a job to "pay the bills", but a pretty decent job. He started immediately (today) I'll have to post more about it later. I'm tired, and I've got a crazy day tomorrow and so much to do, and you know, see my blurb above. Time to get to bed at a decent hour.
****
So, in my randomness, what are your thoughts on Self Control? What comes to your mind when someone suggests practicing Self Control? I think of over eating, drinking, drugs, sex, anger, shopping. See, where I was coming from, these areas, I'm not so bad, not perfect, but not so bad. But then she suggested I was "lazy" at serving my family because I was in bed when they get up and start their day. Again, good stuff. Really enjoying the book - easy read, have been getting good stuff to ponder. Will you ponder with me?
If my childhood friend Carolyn is reading, I'm sure you are laughing to yourself. I remember many a days you'd come "wake me up" for grade school, only to find me in a huge tangled hair in my face mess. I've never been a morning person. We'll see how this goes.
There was much more I learned/was convicted from this chapter, but I'll let it go at the sleep one. Maybe post more another time.
*****
BIG NEWS
Dan got employed today! Unbelievable. I just sit and shake my head at how God works in his life (Dan's). The kicker here, it's a GOOD JOB - not "just a job". Not a job to "pay the bills", but a pretty decent job. He started immediately (today) I'll have to post more about it later. I'm tired, and I've got a crazy day tomorrow and so much to do, and you know, see my blurb above. Time to get to bed at a decent hour.
****
So, in my randomness, what are your thoughts on Self Control? What comes to your mind when someone suggests practicing Self Control? I think of over eating, drinking, drugs, sex, anger, shopping. See, where I was coming from, these areas, I'm not so bad, not perfect, but not so bad. But then she suggested I was "lazy" at serving my family because I was in bed when they get up and start their day. Again, good stuff. Really enjoying the book - easy read, have been getting good stuff to ponder. Will you ponder with me?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Home again...
We're home from our trip to Arizona for Spring Break. (see the link at right to our Picassa web albums) We were able to enjoy the week with my mom who "snow birds" there a few months of the year to escape the Wisconsin winters. Her sister, my Aunt Eileen, joined her again this year. What a blessing. My Aunt Eileen never had children of her own, but you'd never know it. She hovered and cleaned and played and cleaned and really entertained the boys this week. She's 83 (will be in July). We had fabulous weather - not too hot, not too cold. The boys swam every day. Ryan is almost good to go. Steffen, he has a healthy fear of the water he still needs to overcome, but it will come. Most of my readers know Ryan, so you can just picture him. Everyday he entered the pool, made new friend(s) and on Saturday when we had to say our goodbyes to "the pool" his exit was quite grandiose. He knew all the kids by that time, and most of their parents as well. Elvis has left the building. He is quite a trip to watch him work a crowd. I can hardly wait for his school years to begin and his friends to stabilize.
***
Like any ends to Big events, I start my Monday with big plans to "start over". So today I made my menu:
Mon: Fish Sticks
Tues: croc pot chicken italiano (Ryan's swim Lesson on Tues/Thurs nights)
Wed: bean and rice rollups
Thurs: croc pot potato/corn chowder
Fri: not quite sure yet, my friday has some plans that need to materialize, and Dan may be in charge of Friday meal. Otherwise, Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) I return to the gym. Goal: make it to they gym 3X week
Today, I started to be more conscientious about drinking more water, cut out pop (Pepsi) and less coffee. Neither of which I drink a whole lot, but I'd like to eliminate from my diet completely.
Today I stopped taking one of my medications I've wanted to for awhile now (anti-anxiety) and it's never a good time, so I just need to do it and rely more on God in these areas that drove me to the medication.
Today I did my quiet time and Bible STudy early in the am.
***
So it starts. I find after spring break, the chaos starts, preparing for summer stuff. Ryan starts his swim lessons tomorrow (2X week for 1 month) I presume these lessons will put him over the hump and he'll be a bona fide swimmer at age 4 and 3/4. I sign up both boys for their t-Ball and modified T-ball for the summer. They start in June. Steffen starts a running club with his school next week. It's pretty tame stuff, but I like to get him involved in group activities to help him with his shyness and he loves to run, so we'll see where it goes. They only have 3 "meets" so most of it is practice. ahhhh, I think that's it, other than preparing for end of school stuff. Ryan "graduates" from pre-school (yes, they do it with a cap and gown!!!) on his 5th birthday (May 20)
***
My Bible Study has only 2 more meetings - ends next week. I'll miss this a lot. I stepped into leadership this year and got to enjoy meeting with the leaders before our small groups and what a wealth of wisdom that has been. LOVE IT. I hope to return next year (if they'll have this rookie) I just love studying God's Word and this has been so rewarding. I also just love to meet other women in our large church - it enriches my life immensely. I've enjoyed our small group as well. What a great group of ladies hungry for the Word and faithful to their study. It's been wonderful - seldom do they miss, seldom do they not finish their study. WONDERFUL discussions. I'll hate that we have to disperse and all get in different groups next year. Rumor has it we're studying Romans in the Fall (or is it Hebrews?). I can not wait. I look forward to hear what's going on for the summer in women's ministry. Last year we did a casual format going through "I am". (I think that was our topics) Again, met some great ladies in our church I would not have met otherwise.
***
I'll close here - I've rambled enough. I'll try to post more often, since I've promised profound thoughts (Ha). Thanks for sticking with me.
***
Like any ends to Big events, I start my Monday with big plans to "start over". So today I made my menu:
Mon: Fish Sticks
Tues: croc pot chicken italiano (Ryan's swim Lesson on Tues/Thurs nights)
Wed: bean and rice rollups
Thurs: croc pot potato/corn chowder
Fri: not quite sure yet, my friday has some plans that need to materialize, and Dan may be in charge of Friday meal. Otherwise, Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) I return to the gym. Goal: make it to they gym 3X week
Today, I started to be more conscientious about drinking more water, cut out pop (Pepsi) and less coffee. Neither of which I drink a whole lot, but I'd like to eliminate from my diet completely.
Today I stopped taking one of my medications I've wanted to for awhile now (anti-anxiety) and it's never a good time, so I just need to do it and rely more on God in these areas that drove me to the medication.
Today I did my quiet time and Bible STudy early in the am.
***
So it starts. I find after spring break, the chaos starts, preparing for summer stuff. Ryan starts his swim lessons tomorrow (2X week for 1 month) I presume these lessons will put him over the hump and he'll be a bona fide swimmer at age 4 and 3/4. I sign up both boys for their t-Ball and modified T-ball for the summer. They start in June. Steffen starts a running club with his school next week. It's pretty tame stuff, but I like to get him involved in group activities to help him with his shyness and he loves to run, so we'll see where it goes. They only have 3 "meets" so most of it is practice. ahhhh, I think that's it, other than preparing for end of school stuff. Ryan "graduates" from pre-school (yes, they do it with a cap and gown!!!) on his 5th birthday (May 20)
***
My Bible Study has only 2 more meetings - ends next week. I'll miss this a lot. I stepped into leadership this year and got to enjoy meeting with the leaders before our small groups and what a wealth of wisdom that has been. LOVE IT. I hope to return next year (if they'll have this rookie) I just love studying God's Word and this has been so rewarding. I also just love to meet other women in our large church - it enriches my life immensely. I've enjoyed our small group as well. What a great group of ladies hungry for the Word and faithful to their study. It's been wonderful - seldom do they miss, seldom do they not finish their study. WONDERFUL discussions. I'll hate that we have to disperse and all get in different groups next year. Rumor has it we're studying Romans in the Fall (or is it Hebrews?). I can not wait. I look forward to hear what's going on for the summer in women's ministry. Last year we did a casual format going through "I am". (I think that was our topics) Again, met some great ladies in our church I would not have met otherwise.
***
I'll close here - I've rambled enough. I'll try to post more often, since I've promised profound thoughts (Ha). Thanks for sticking with me.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
What do YOU see???
Look at this picture and tell me what you see. Do you see a huge cloud lifting over our home? We had our FINAL inspection today and we passed. Which means construction is OFFICIALLY OVER!! Does that mean we are done? No, but as far as the inspectors are concerned we have dotted all our "I's" and crossed all our "T's". Let me add an aside here - in the world of home construction if you ever consider NOT getting a permit for your work - RETHINK it. Good friends and neighbors are trying to sell their home and the PREVIOUS owners did not pull a permit, and let me tell you, it's been a nightmare now to resell the house when repairs were made w/o a permit. It was of no fault of theirs, but now coming back to haunt THEM when they try to resell. NOT WORTH THE HASSLE people. (We've heard of this many occasions - deals fall through at the closing table) Anyway our repairs/construction are now official! HUGE HUGE HUGE! For me, I can start moving some things back in areas that I knew the inspectors had to look. woo hoo! All Dan has left, with regards to this huge remodel, is painting the outside of the house (where new siding went up on the new addition). Painting/staining trim and doors inside. Constructing our window sills where all the new windows went. Not too much left - I hardly notice these things. I'm just ecstatic that all my Christmas decorations can go back on the monkey shelves which can be put back in front of the "hatch" that leads to our crawlspace under the new addition.
****
We are preparing/packing for our trip to Arizona. We are soooo fortunate that my mom "snowbirds" in Arizona (Snowbirds are what the "natives" call all those who migrate from colder parts of the country (eg. Wisconsin) during the winter months. They arrive in January and leave in April - anyway, mom is one of them so we get a great place to spend spring break every year. This year she had a free ticket, my sister had a free ticket and we had a free ticket (thanks to all the purchasing from the remodel) so we are virtually getting there for free, and of course staying for free and using mom's car for free.....not bad eh? She is putting Dan to work when we get there, so she's offered to "pay" him and has paid for his ticket - so we're heading out on Friday for some fun in the sun. Check into our Picassa site for pictures. I'm getting sooooo excited. March is by far the BEST month to visit Phoenix, so we are sooo excited. We also get to reconnect with family and friends.
****
I"ve got some profound thoughts rattling around in this noggin' of mine...I hope to get it to this blog very soon. I just wanted to share the big news of the passing of inspection.
Later my friends. . . . .
I took pictures...
As promised, I took pictures of the two areas giving me lots of grief in 2009. My goal is to use what I've got, and both these closets are FULL of stuff I need to use before I buy more. Do you think a whole closet full of candles is a tad excessive???? I did kick it in high gear this wee
kend and reorganize my linen closet where all my girly, pretty smelling stuff is. So now, if it's organized and cannot really see it, can I buy more? hmmm, didn't think so. Anyway, here it is, for all to see. Hopefully I'll retake it the end of 2009 and we'll see progress. :) I'm sorry to report that those pretty blue/green boxes are NOT from Tiffany's.....rather from Partylite. A pretty stunning visual, huh?There you have it, and I'll check back in a year.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Happy Anniversary
Today is me and my sweeties 9 year wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe 9 years ago we were enjoying a "chamber of commerce day" wedding in Scottsdale Arizona - where we called home. It was a gorgeous day - but we were dog tired by the time we hit our honeymoon suite that night. Whew. We enjoyed a 7 day (??) Windjammer Barefoot Cruise in the Caribbean. Perfect for a honeymoon. (I hear the outfit has folded) Ahhh, to be on a beach again. Ahhh, to be in a bikini again. :) So we've been married 9 years, which then means on May 7 we'll have been in Colorado 9 years. THAT is so hard to believe! We sort of "passed" on the day, and will go out to dinner on Friday night.
Our wedding day is such a great memory. The weather was perfect, we were married by a pastor we love and adore (and greatly miss his preaching) (Pastor Darryl DelHousaye) All our family (except my bro) were there - most for the whole week leading up to the wedding. Both my dad and dan's mom were living. I had a very close friend from High School come all the way from Wisconsin. So many highlights.
One specific, vivid memory is when I was at the end of the asile waiting to walk down. We got married at Scottsdale Bible Church, which is a very large church, larger than Village Seven. There are no outside windows, so although we were married at 10:30 am, when all the doors are closed, it's quite dark. The organist simulated the "bells ringing" before I came down the aisle, the sanctuary was dark, and apparently from Dan's perspective, looking up that very long asile with my dad and I waiting at the top, I was silouetted against the open door. It was riviting, waiting for 10 very long "dongs" of the bell. Pretty dramatic if I do say so myself. Dan's Aunt Ellie sang "only by Grace" (performed by Kim Hill) - which was a perfect song for my "second" wedding. Only by Grace, indeed.
I could go on and on about wedding day memories. I'll save them for another anniversary. I want to hear something special from your day.
Our wedding day is such a great memory. The weather was perfect, we were married by a pastor we love and adore (and greatly miss his preaching) (Pastor Darryl DelHousaye) All our family (except my bro) were there - most for the whole week leading up to the wedding. Both my dad and dan's mom were living. I had a very close friend from High School come all the way from Wisconsin. So many highlights.
One specific, vivid memory is when I was at the end of the asile waiting to walk down. We got married at Scottsdale Bible Church, which is a very large church, larger than Village Seven. There are no outside windows, so although we were married at 10:30 am, when all the doors are closed, it's quite dark. The organist simulated the "bells ringing" before I came down the aisle, the sanctuary was dark, and apparently from Dan's perspective, looking up that very long asile with my dad and I waiting at the top, I was silouetted against the open door. It was riviting, waiting for 10 very long "dongs" of the bell. Pretty dramatic if I do say so myself. Dan's Aunt Ellie sang "only by Grace" (performed by Kim Hill) - which was a perfect song for my "second" wedding. Only by Grace, indeed.
I could go on and on about wedding day memories. I'll save them for another anniversary. I want to hear something special from your day.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
a little enabling....
Since I can't go shop this sale, I thought I'd pass along the info to you. Yankee Candle is have a $1 sale on their tarts. For those who do not know what tarts are, those are the wax discs you put in a warmer. It equates to about a 50% off - so go stock up. May I recommend the Vanilla Lime, Island Spa, Lavender Vanilla for some yummy spring scents.
http://www.yankeecandle.com/yc/html/retail/Email_HTML/web_XF903A1.html
Also, sign into their website for their flyers and you'll be sent a coupon for $10 off $25 purchase (good deal) AND they now honor expired coupons, so go for it. See how one could get herself into trouble :)
Oh, by the way. If you try a scent and do not like it, return it and they will gladly exchange it.
Happy shopping. Remember poor me, on candle buying restrictions in 2009!!! ;-D
http://www.yankeecandle.com/yc/html/retail/Email_HTML/web_XF903A1.html
Also, sign into their website for their flyers and you'll be sent a coupon for $10 off $25 purchase (good deal) AND they now honor expired coupons, so go for it. See how one could get herself into trouble :)
Oh, by the way. If you try a scent and do not like it, return it and they will gladly exchange it.
Happy shopping. Remember poor me, on candle buying restrictions in 2009!!! ;-D
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Checking in, Checking up...
Confession time. I've had PLENTY of opportunity to resist my urge to buy more candles, more lotions, more jewelery. Really. It's only March (barely) and I've had temptations galore in these three areas, in particular. (Keeping with my earlier post of downsizing in 2009) How am I doing? ehhhh, OK. Not great. My candle junkie, AKA Suzanne, emailed me with Partylite's March promotion. Ladies, it was just too good to pass up. Buy just ONE dozen votives and get 2 dozen FREE!!! You KNOW I'll use them. :) Never mind, I still have a closet full. I will say, in my defense, that many of my candle stock are of the fall/holiday scents. So, I really did need some new spring scents. So I caved. BUT, no more - OK? Then, my dear friend Sheila is getting rid of some of HER inventory of Lia Sophia jewelery....great prices....I have to buy birthday gifts anyway, right??? So far I've not succumbed to this temptation. For this one, I wait for Dan to get a job, and if she still has her pieces, I'll buy the ones I have my eye on. The birthday in question is not until June. I've got time to mull this one over. As for the lotions, I'm doing great. I'll be glad to get rid of all these various scents in my closet. I do, however, REALLY want to get my favorite face wash...but am holding strong. I should take a picture of both my linen closet with all my girly stuff, and then of my candles - then you guys can REALLY see my progress. Hmmm, let me think on that.
So, those of you braving a few resolutions with me. How are you doing? TA, how's that reading through the Bible? I think of you often. I know how hard it is to get my weekly study through ONE book of the Bible....I can't wait to hear how this goes for you this year. Keep on my friend. Don't give up!!! I'll be there at the finish line with a cup of cold water for you!
Come on, for those of you who DID NOT share with us....what are you working on? Can I save a glass of water for you too? I'll share a few other things I'm "working on" for 2009 another time.
***
as an aside....I got the GREEN light from Dan to go skiing on Monday!!! I am so stoked!! What a huge blessing this is to me. We'll have to pull money from under the mattress, and I should NOT be doing this, but I don't get opportunities like this very often (read: never). Thank you Lord, for giving me a wonderful, supportive husband. I think he's just as thrilled to "give" me this. Woo Hoo!
Later ladies.....
So, those of you braving a few resolutions with me. How are you doing? TA, how's that reading through the Bible? I think of you often. I know how hard it is to get my weekly study through ONE book of the Bible....I can't wait to hear how this goes for you this year. Keep on my friend. Don't give up!!! I'll be there at the finish line with a cup of cold water for you!
Come on, for those of you who DID NOT share with us....what are you working on? Can I save a glass of water for you too? I'll share a few other things I'm "working on" for 2009 another time.
***
as an aside....I got the GREEN light from Dan to go skiing on Monday!!! I am so stoked!! What a huge blessing this is to me. We'll have to pull money from under the mattress, and I should NOT be doing this, but I don't get opportunities like this very often (read: never). Thank you Lord, for giving me a wonderful, supportive husband. I think he's just as thrilled to "give" me this. Woo Hoo!
Later ladies.....
Friday, March 6, 2009
The boy is growwwing...
Steffen has been unusually hungry lately. I know that means a growth spurt. This was some spurt. He no longer fits in the bathtub when I rinse his hair. (sigh - yes, we still bathe him...another post) His birthday is around Christmas, and this year we knew he needed a new bike, but it's no fun getting a bike in December. So, today we went out and got him a new bike. I just marvel at how big he's getting. He DOES still like to cuddle now and again. (Especially after a bath to get warm) and you know, he just doesn't fit in my lap anymore. Of course, we make it work. :-D
***
Wednesday, March 4 was my dad's birthday. He would have been 74, had he lived. He's been gone 7 years. sigh. These days sort of just creep up on you, ya know??? I've been a bit blue these past few days. I so wish he could have met my boys. He would have really enjoyed them both. He was a great grandpa to my nieces, I"m sure they feel the loss a lot. I know some of you reading this have lost a parent, and so I know you grieve with me. sigh.
***
Dan is home. The OK job is not a done deal. I guess they COULD still get crazy busy. And if they do, Dan has told them he'd return. It just didn't make sense to be there while things were still trying to get rolling. In the meantime, he continues to seek work here in Colorado Springs. For now, I'm glad he's home. With Easter around the corner, I had really hoped he wouldn't miss the opportunity to sing with Steve Green (at our Church) and spend Easter with US. In the meantime, my world just opened up again. A friend and I are trying to get skiing this Monday while he's home. Woo Hoo!!! We'll see, these grandiose plans seldom seem to work out for me.
***
Tomorrow I'm going to check in on those "resolutions" we talked about. Confession time.
Thanks for stopping by. One of these days I've got a few good things I want to get your opinion(s) on.
Toodles!!
***
Wednesday, March 4 was my dad's birthday. He would have been 74, had he lived. He's been gone 7 years. sigh. These days sort of just creep up on you, ya know??? I've been a bit blue these past few days. I so wish he could have met my boys. He would have really enjoyed them both. He was a great grandpa to my nieces, I"m sure they feel the loss a lot. I know some of you reading this have lost a parent, and so I know you grieve with me. sigh.
***
Dan is home. The OK job is not a done deal. I guess they COULD still get crazy busy. And if they do, Dan has told them he'd return. It just didn't make sense to be there while things were still trying to get rolling. In the meantime, he continues to seek work here in Colorado Springs. For now, I'm glad he's home. With Easter around the corner, I had really hoped he wouldn't miss the opportunity to sing with Steve Green (at our Church) and spend Easter with US. In the meantime, my world just opened up again. A friend and I are trying to get skiing this Monday while he's home. Woo Hoo!!! We'll see, these grandiose plans seldom seem to work out for me.
***
Tomorrow I'm going to check in on those "resolutions" we talked about. Confession time.
Thanks for stopping by. One of these days I've got a few good things I want to get your opinion(s) on.
Toodles!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Later....
My baby is coming home!! That's good news/bad news. But overall, good. We'll "eat" the airline ticket we had for him to come home this weekend, but in the long run, him coming home TOMORROW will save us all the money he's putting out these past few weeks.
Woo Hoo!
HOWEVER, that means I got LOTS to do before he comes home in 24 hours. :D
Anyone have the urge to invite our Ryan over to play tomorrow afternoon........
My world just changed. Single parenting NO MORE! shhhhh, we're going to surprise the boys.
**
over and out big buddy.....
Woo Hoo!
HOWEVER, that means I got LOTS to do before he comes home in 24 hours. :D
Anyone have the urge to invite our Ryan over to play tomorrow afternoon........
My world just changed. Single parenting NO MORE! shhhhh, we're going to surprise the boys.
**
over and out big buddy.....
OOPS!
I have a confession to make. I goofed. Hopefully I can recover from my oops!
Most of you know, Dan is out of town. This is week three. I'll give an update on that later. Dan is very much a family man, very much a homebody. So this separation from us is hard for him. However, he does need work, so that is why we are undertaking the sacrifice. In my efforts to encourage him, I tell him that we are fine, the boys are doing well, I'm keeping up with life. All of which is true (which is somewhat perplexing to me, again, another post). Then the other night I had a epiphany....my knight and shining armour, our family hero is being told he is not needed. OOOPS! I wanted him to know that we are doing fine, coping well, and I think I inadvertently told him he is not needed here at home. It's a fine line, I know. I didn't want him to think life was falling apart here, he'd worry and stress that he wasn't taking care of us properly. BUT, I know my guy, he DOES want to know that he is valuable, needed and loved. (don't we all???) So last night while on the phone, I tried to convey how much we miss him, need him but we're doing OK. How proud I am of the sacrifice he is making for us and we can't wait for him to come home. Whew. I hope I recovered from my bad. Don't get me wrong. These feelings are sincere. Our guys are smart on such things - he can see right through my obligatory fluff. I DO miss him, I DO need him and he IS our family hero. I just didn't do so well at telling him these things. Pray for my guy as we delicately balance on the high wire.
***
So, Dan is still in OKC. Given any day, the story is different. It's a hard struggle. The community and the media have caught "wind" of out-of-towners trying to sell their wares. So the sell is much harder. They (locals) don't much care that Peak Roofing is a licensed contractor with an A+ chamber of commerce rating. (I guess in OK, roofing companies do not need to be a licensed contractor??) What the locals DO care is that these outsiders are coming in and taking business away from the locals. I understand this. And privately, I thought this a big concern myself. My dad was a local businessman (heating and A/C contractor), and I know ALL about supporting your local businesses, and I do try to when at all possible. Even when it may cost me a few extra dollars. So this whole venture wasn't so exciting for me, on a personal level. However, the fact that Peak Roofing was giving the customer a superior product and craftmanship (not sure that is the right word) gave me more peace that we could align ourself with this venture. I digress... So, after three weeks, these are the very problems they are faced with. Dan is discouraged, and very lonely for home. He has a flight to come home this weekend (yea!!) But we'll decide in the next few days if we're at the point of determining if the sacrifice is really worth it. Mind you, we still have not seen any postive cash flow to our bank account..... In the meantime, we have not heard anything from the local (colorado springs) job possibility that is suppose to be hiring mid March. God knows. I know we will not go hungry, and at this point we do not have to sell one of our rental properties. Thank you for your continued prayers.
***
Between you an me, the boys and I are doing fine. Better than I could have imagined. While I am very surprised by this, I am surprised by my surprise. :) Why should I be surprised. I serve a living and faithful God. God's grace and mercy is alive and very active in our family right now, why should I be surprised by how "smooth" things are running around here at home? God is good, and He DOES care about the mundane things in our lives. It just give me the very warm fuzzies to remember that. God is Good ALL THE TIME!!!
Thank you for your prayers. They are felt.
Most of you know, Dan is out of town. This is week three. I'll give an update on that later. Dan is very much a family man, very much a homebody. So this separation from us is hard for him. However, he does need work, so that is why we are undertaking the sacrifice. In my efforts to encourage him, I tell him that we are fine, the boys are doing well, I'm keeping up with life. All of which is true (which is somewhat perplexing to me, again, another post). Then the other night I had a epiphany....my knight and shining armour, our family hero is being told he is not needed. OOOPS! I wanted him to know that we are doing fine, coping well, and I think I inadvertently told him he is not needed here at home. It's a fine line, I know. I didn't want him to think life was falling apart here, he'd worry and stress that he wasn't taking care of us properly. BUT, I know my guy, he DOES want to know that he is valuable, needed and loved. (don't we all???) So last night while on the phone, I tried to convey how much we miss him, need him but we're doing OK. How proud I am of the sacrifice he is making for us and we can't wait for him to come home. Whew. I hope I recovered from my bad. Don't get me wrong. These feelings are sincere. Our guys are smart on such things - he can see right through my obligatory fluff. I DO miss him, I DO need him and he IS our family hero. I just didn't do so well at telling him these things. Pray for my guy as we delicately balance on the high wire.
***
So, Dan is still in OKC. Given any day, the story is different. It's a hard struggle. The community and the media have caught "wind" of out-of-towners trying to sell their wares. So the sell is much harder. They (locals) don't much care that Peak Roofing is a licensed contractor with an A+ chamber of commerce rating. (I guess in OK, roofing companies do not need to be a licensed contractor??) What the locals DO care is that these outsiders are coming in and taking business away from the locals. I understand this. And privately, I thought this a big concern myself. My dad was a local businessman (heating and A/C contractor), and I know ALL about supporting your local businesses, and I do try to when at all possible. Even when it may cost me a few extra dollars. So this whole venture wasn't so exciting for me, on a personal level. However, the fact that Peak Roofing was giving the customer a superior product and craftmanship (not sure that is the right word) gave me more peace that we could align ourself with this venture. I digress... So, after three weeks, these are the very problems they are faced with. Dan is discouraged, and very lonely for home. He has a flight to come home this weekend (yea!!) But we'll decide in the next few days if we're at the point of determining if the sacrifice is really worth it. Mind you, we still have not seen any postive cash flow to our bank account..... In the meantime, we have not heard anything from the local (colorado springs) job possibility that is suppose to be hiring mid March. God knows. I know we will not go hungry, and at this point we do not have to sell one of our rental properties. Thank you for your continued prayers.
***
Between you an me, the boys and I are doing fine. Better than I could have imagined. While I am very surprised by this, I am surprised by my surprise. :) Why should I be surprised. I serve a living and faithful God. God's grace and mercy is alive and very active in our family right now, why should I be surprised by how "smooth" things are running around here at home? God is good, and He DOES care about the mundane things in our lives. It just give me the very warm fuzzies to remember that. God is Good ALL THE TIME!!!
Thank you for your prayers. They are felt.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Weekend Recap
The boys and I headed to the Mountains this weekend. We had this weekend planned a long time ago, and had invited some friends to join us with their children who are both good friends with our kids. So much for advanced planning. Dan, as you know, is in Oklahoma City, and our friends came up sick (the mom) so it was a bust. I thought why not still just go. Just getting away from our house would be a "forced" relaxation time. No chores, beautiful scenery, no computer, no tv. I did end up inviting one of the boys babysitters, Melissa to join us. We had a nice time. Lots of relaxing. We've got family "connections" with a cabin in Silverthorn Colorado with some of Dan's cousins. It's a wonderful little A-frame with gorgeous views of Buffalo Mountain. (AKA Steffen mountain - since you do not become an "official" Steffen until you climb the family mountain) I've not done it - maybe this summer??? (BTW, Steffen is Dan's mom's maiden name) We've enjoyed the "cabin" enough that I know how to open and close the house up. What a great retreat - 2 hours door to door. We played Chess, Checkers, Uno, Sorry, Trouble, 3 puzzles, 13rounds of Mexican Train dominoes, solitare, mastermind.....great fun.
We miss Daddy, but we're doing well. The weekend away certainly helped. It's amazing how the kids really do step up to the plate and be helpful and "big boys" when daddy is gone.
We'll know more in the next few days if this job situation will really be worth it. They have been submitting several roof bids already, and they did get one job already. NOt bad for three days work? THey should know more about the other bids this week. In the meantime, Dan will climb many more ladders in the next week. In the meantime, we just pray this other job opportunity here in the Springs pans out.
I've got lots of cleaning and organizing on my calendar for this week.
I hope to get another thoughtful post planned this week. For now, I'm just enjoying the mush brain. Good night.
We miss Daddy, but we're doing well. The weekend away certainly helped. It's amazing how the kids really do step up to the plate and be helpful and "big boys" when daddy is gone.
We'll know more in the next few days if this job situation will really be worth it. They have been submitting several roof bids already, and they did get one job already. NOt bad for three days work? THey should know more about the other bids this week. In the meantime, Dan will climb many more ladders in the next week. In the meantime, we just pray this other job opportunity here in the Springs pans out.
I've got lots of cleaning and organizing on my calendar for this week.
I hope to get another thoughtful post planned this week. For now, I'm just enjoying the mush brain. Good night.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Gainful (??) employment
As promised, here's the latest on Dan's employment situation.
Our contractor for our Kitchen/room addition has a brother in town who owns a pretty sizable roofing company. They actually put on our new roof as well. Business is slow here, but Oklahoma City just experienced a pretty horrific tornado, followed by a huge hail storm. They are moving a temporary operation out there. They need salesmen to fill out all the insurance work etc. Dan will get a commission on each roof they do. This could be a pretty lucrative, temporary job situation. We hope it will only be 30-60 days. We'll see how it goes. They drive to OK tomorrow am. This came up pretty suddenly, so we've been scrambling over here to get him ready to go and get all the stuff he will need. It will be a family sacrifice, but one I think we can handle for this short time, if it does indeed pan out to be something financially beneficial.
In the mean time, he does have an application in at a pretty solid lead here in town. The pay is not so great, but it is solid work, with potential and with Benefits. SO....that is on our horizon as well. (We're told they are hiring in March) Obviously we'd like this one if everything lines out properly. OC is only a 10 hour drive or a very short flight if he needs to rush back here for an interview.
Please pray for my man. None of these opportunities are "perfect" and both are with family sacrifice.
Please pray for my husbands wife and his children. (that would be ME, Steffen and Ryan) I'm not afraid of this challenge - I'm pretty independent and can handle the task at hand. HOWEVER, my little sinners that I'm in charge of...they could put me over the edge. :-) Just kidding. Do pray that they not get too squirlley (sp?) with daddy gone. Play dates would be a welcome thing in the coming days.
Dan is planning on coming back home NEXT weekend, as we have plans to host the main course for Ambassadors progressive dinner. Then, if he's still diggin' the OC job (read: he's making awesome $), we hope he'll just stay in OC until spring break and meet us in Phoenix, where the boys and I are planning on visiting my mom.
Pray that this local job DOES come through, and go ahead and pray that they offer him a little more money than what the job posted.
That's all I know. It could get interesting over here.
Our contractor for our Kitchen/room addition has a brother in town who owns a pretty sizable roofing company. They actually put on our new roof as well. Business is slow here, but Oklahoma City just experienced a pretty horrific tornado, followed by a huge hail storm. They are moving a temporary operation out there. They need salesmen to fill out all the insurance work etc. Dan will get a commission on each roof they do. This could be a pretty lucrative, temporary job situation. We hope it will only be 30-60 days. We'll see how it goes. They drive to OK tomorrow am. This came up pretty suddenly, so we've been scrambling over here to get him ready to go and get all the stuff he will need. It will be a family sacrifice, but one I think we can handle for this short time, if it does indeed pan out to be something financially beneficial.
In the mean time, he does have an application in at a pretty solid lead here in town. The pay is not so great, but it is solid work, with potential and with Benefits. SO....that is on our horizon as well. (We're told they are hiring in March) Obviously we'd like this one if everything lines out properly. OC is only a 10 hour drive or a very short flight if he needs to rush back here for an interview.
Please pray for my man. None of these opportunities are "perfect" and both are with family sacrifice.
Please pray for my husbands wife and his children. (that would be ME, Steffen and Ryan) I'm not afraid of this challenge - I'm pretty independent and can handle the task at hand. HOWEVER, my little sinners that I'm in charge of...they could put me over the edge. :-) Just kidding. Do pray that they not get too squirlley (sp?) with daddy gone. Play dates would be a welcome thing in the coming days.
Dan is planning on coming back home NEXT weekend, as we have plans to host the main course for Ambassadors progressive dinner. Then, if he's still diggin' the OC job (read: he's making awesome $), we hope he'll just stay in OC until spring break and meet us in Phoenix, where the boys and I are planning on visiting my mom.
Pray that this local job DOES come through, and go ahead and pray that they offer him a little more money than what the job posted.
That's all I know. It could get interesting over here.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
TItus 2:4
As I mentioned earlier, a friend and I are working our way through the book Feminine Appeal. The gist is we look at Titus 2:4 and there are 7 areas we, as married gals, need to be "trained" in. One of the authors questions was to ask our HUSBANDS which of the seven, if he could choose, would he have us work on. It's a pretty vulnerable place to be. And, as I suspected, Dan's answer was very different than what I would have thought he would have said. In fact, it got a "wow" response from me. To honor his/our privacy I won't share our conversation. However, it did provoke a very good, God Centered conversation. One I'd really encourage all of you to have with your spouse. I will share, that he was a bit reluctant to share his heart, for fear it'd hurt me. But, since I asked, and he had confidence that since I DID solicit his thoughts on this, it would be safe for him to share. EEK. Really, it wasn't so bad. I was surprised, but I feel better equipped to be sure we are going down the same path in this journey, this side of heaven. So now, as I continue with this study, I'll ask God for help in the areas I didn't think I needed help!!! :) Humility at its finest.
***
Steffen finally lost his FIRST tooth today! I was threatening to take him to the Dentist tomorrow if he did not get that tooth out before then. (it's been hanging there). As I mentioned, his permanent teeth have already popped through, behind the baby teeth, so he finally has the "hole" that hopefully his permanent tooth will slide into. Sort of strange, he really doesn't have a space there, since the permanent tooth is already in.
***
There is a little nugget I can report on tomorrow on Dan's employment. Nothing TOO exciting, certainly something temporary, but he has to talk to the owner of this company before I share too much. It will be a sacrafice to the family for the interim, so please pray for us. I'll let you know more tomorrow.
***
Steffen finally lost his FIRST tooth today! I was threatening to take him to the Dentist tomorrow if he did not get that tooth out before then. (it's been hanging there). As I mentioned, his permanent teeth have already popped through, behind the baby teeth, so he finally has the "hole" that hopefully his permanent tooth will slide into. Sort of strange, he really doesn't have a space there, since the permanent tooth is already in.
***
There is a little nugget I can report on tomorrow on Dan's employment. Nothing TOO exciting, certainly something temporary, but he has to talk to the owner of this company before I share too much. It will be a sacrafice to the family for the interim, so please pray for us. I'll let you know more tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Do any of you have "home verses"?
I've been wanting to put some verses on my wall (like Upper Case Living type thing). I've wanted to do it before the big remodel. I just never came up with the verse I wanted. How about you? Do you have scripture on your walls? Either in vinyl or framed art? I'd like something for my new "sun" room, that has beautiful views of Pikes Peak. (mtns declare your glory??) I also want one down in our guest room (Adam's room). Down there it doesn't necessarily need to be scripture. I'd like a good family quote/verse as well. Anyone? I'll probably put a "create" type thing in my area in the basement where I do my scrapbooking, stamping, crafting.
Have any of you used Upper Case Living? Like it? No? I just got my hands on a catalog (finally, been wanting one for a long time) I know Stampin' Up has wall art now. Way back when I searched on the internet and found a company where you can basically design your own - little pricy.
Anyway, I'm soliciting ideas.
During our remodle, we had to put in a significant steel beam where our old coat closet was holding up the upstairs :) I wanted to put a verse on that beam before we covered it....never happened.
Perhaps you don't have wall art, but do you have a family verse? I've heard of people doing that. Love that idea. We don't....yet. What are your family verses?
Have any of you used Upper Case Living? Like it? No? I just got my hands on a catalog (finally, been wanting one for a long time) I know Stampin' Up has wall art now. Way back when I searched on the internet and found a company where you can basically design your own - little pricy.
Anyway, I'm soliciting ideas.
During our remodle, we had to put in a significant steel beam where our old coat closet was holding up the upstairs :) I wanted to put a verse on that beam before we covered it....never happened.
Perhaps you don't have wall art, but do you have a family verse? I've heard of people doing that. Love that idea. We don't....yet. What are your family verses?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
New Years resolutions
Do any of you make New Year resolutions? Many people I know don't. Hate them. It defeats them. I understand that. I, however, do. Call them goals if you like that better.
One I have for 2009 is to downsize. Of course our circumstances dictated this one for me. I open my linen closet in our master bath, and it's appalling. Gluttony at its finest. How many lotions, hair products, makeup etc. etc. does one gal need? Really. I'm not even one that really messes with all that stuff much! (since leaving the work force). I've tried almost every "rough heels" remedy known to man. I've GOTTA get stocked up on those Bath and Body Works sales. It goes on and on. With 2009 being the year Dan will get a "regular" job (we've been self employed for the last two years), we really need to tighten up the spending. So I resolved to NOT go to ONE at home party (stamping, beauty control, jewelry, candles) this year. (I have a whole closet filled with candles) I'm using what I've got, no more adding to my collection, no matter how great the sale. (oooooh, but my friend Sheila practically GIVES away her Lia Sophia jewelry....) That's my challenge. I do make an exception for the stamp club I belong to. I am saving my weekly allowance to meet my minimum purchases there. This is girly therapy for me, and it's only once a month, AND I resolve to only spend my minimum.
It's only February and I've been soooo tempted already. This is going to be hard.
How can I pray for you? What changes are you trying to make in 2009? Would you like to join me in my quest to "use what you've got" in 2009? I'll check in now and again to see how y'all are doing. Accountability IS effective.
NOTE: Steffen still has a fever. Thank you Lord for my wonderful husband. I am still making my date with a friend for coffee this morning. :-)
One I have for 2009 is to downsize. Of course our circumstances dictated this one for me. I open my linen closet in our master bath, and it's appalling. Gluttony at its finest. How many lotions, hair products, makeup etc. etc. does one gal need? Really. I'm not even one that really messes with all that stuff much! (since leaving the work force). I've tried almost every "rough heels" remedy known to man. I've GOTTA get stocked up on those Bath and Body Works sales. It goes on and on. With 2009 being the year Dan will get a "regular" job (we've been self employed for the last two years), we really need to tighten up the spending. So I resolved to NOT go to ONE at home party (stamping, beauty control, jewelry, candles) this year. (I have a whole closet filled with candles) I'm using what I've got, no more adding to my collection, no matter how great the sale. (oooooh, but my friend Sheila practically GIVES away her Lia Sophia jewelry....) That's my challenge. I do make an exception for the stamp club I belong to. I am saving my weekly allowance to meet my minimum purchases there. This is girly therapy for me, and it's only once a month, AND I resolve to only spend my minimum.
It's only February and I've been soooo tempted already. This is going to be hard.
How can I pray for you? What changes are you trying to make in 2009? Would you like to join me in my quest to "use what you've got" in 2009? I'll check in now and again to see how y'all are doing. Accountability IS effective.
NOTE: Steffen still has a fever. Thank you Lord for my wonderful husband. I am still making my date with a friend for coffee this morning. :-)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Another sick child....
Steffen crawled into our bed this morning with a fever. You've GOT to be kidding me. Doesn't God understand that today is Monday, a day both children go to school and I get to do what I want? Last week Ryan missed all three days of his Pre-school due to illness. For certain, my sinful, ungrateful heart is being exposed here. All I wanted in life was to become a mom, and here I am, a mom right in the thick of it, and I want ME TIME!!! Sigh. God certainly knew what a job it is, and it's not for the fickle. He gave us two children, instead of the 10 I wanted. I still admire those women who handle motherhood with such grace, and enjoy it to the fullest. I try to have these women in my life, you inspire me. You humble me. You remind me of this higher calling. Without knowing it, you sharpen me back to what I've been called to be. So thank you. So, I'll keep this post short and go love on my sick child.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
No real big thoughts today.....
We've got the cold bug running through our house. Ryan is getting over a cold that kept him from school ALL last week, and Dan has come down with it, keeping him home from church today. It was a good day to just cuddle in by the fire, which is exactly what we did. I enjoy the warmer temperatures, but for goodness sakes, it's early February - I"m not ready for spring yet! I've got many more fires to burn in my gorgeous new fireplace!
I generally try to not "work" on Sundays, try to keep it low key, unplugged, unstressed. I wasn't too successful today. While Dan napped on and off all day, I decided it was a good day to organize, file our business paperwork. I hadn't done it all year, so you can imagine... It feels so good to get that done.
Dan asked me this evening about what to wear on an interview. (suit vs. sport coat, vs. shirt and tie etc.) I asked did I miss something? Does he have an interview this week? He said no, he just had a feeling he would this week. It may seem like an odd thing to say, but when my husband gets these "feelings" I generally take pause. When we were diagnosed (or I was) with "Premature Ovarian Failure" (early menopause) right after we got married, and all my hormone levels indicated that we would not be able to conceive, Dan had the "feeling" that we'd have children. He was very delicate to not really go on and on about it. But he just had this "peace". Of course God made good on that Peace, didn't He.
So, my husband has a "feeling" he's going on an interview this week. So we should pray, shall we?
I generally try to not "work" on Sundays, try to keep it low key, unplugged, unstressed. I wasn't too successful today. While Dan napped on and off all day, I decided it was a good day to organize, file our business paperwork. I hadn't done it all year, so you can imagine... It feels so good to get that done.
Dan asked me this evening about what to wear on an interview. (suit vs. sport coat, vs. shirt and tie etc.) I asked did I miss something? Does he have an interview this week? He said no, he just had a feeling he would this week. It may seem like an odd thing to say, but when my husband gets these "feelings" I generally take pause. When we were diagnosed (or I was) with "Premature Ovarian Failure" (early menopause) right after we got married, and all my hormone levels indicated that we would not be able to conceive, Dan had the "feeling" that we'd have children. He was very delicate to not really go on and on about it. But he just had this "peace". Of course God made good on that Peace, didn't He.
So, my husband has a "feeling" he's going on an interview this week. So we should pray, shall we?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
I want to be called "the bomb"....
A few months back, I was introducing myself to the dad of one of Ryans pre-school friends. I know his (the father) parents from our church. As I was introducing myself, and told him I was in Women's Bible Study with his mom, his response was, "my mom, isn't she the greatest, she's the bomb". I know his mother, and yes, she is the bomb. So I guess when I grow old, I don't want my kids to call me beloved, I want to be called "the bomb". No one can accuse me of not being relevant to our culture.
You know (my Wisconsin accent coming through here), it was one of those moments in life, pretty obscure on the surface, but it has REALLY stuck with me. Here is a grown man, with children of his own, and he calls his mom the bomb. Oh, how I want that from my sons. I really need to tell Sue, my friend this. She may not find it as pleasing as beloved, but I think she'll get the point.
I'm not driven to have my children adore me, or seek their approval, but I do want to raise boys that honor their mother. I think those boys are the ones that make the finest husbands and fathers. It starts right now, when Steffen's attitude is quite sassy and irreverent towards me. I'm caught in the quandary to disipline him or is this task for his father? I think the latter. It not only shows that his attitude will NOT BE TOLERATED towards his mother, but also that his mother's husband does not take too kindly to anyone speaking to his wife that way. Get the distinction? Right now we have the luxury/burden of having Dan home all day long, so he's right there in the thick of it, often hearing the exchange by his 7 year old son. I so often just want to whip him (Steffen, not Dan) across the room when he responds to me in such a manner - "the unmitiaged gall" (quote from the Grinch - a favorite in our home)....how dare he speak to me that way. It sends me into orbit every single time, yet I know we've allowed it to get to this point, and it has to stop, or we have a long road in front of us.
Thoughts? What has been your experience, and how did you deal with it? Poorly?
You know (my Wisconsin accent coming through here), it was one of those moments in life, pretty obscure on the surface, but it has REALLY stuck with me. Here is a grown man, with children of his own, and he calls his mom the bomb. Oh, how I want that from my sons. I really need to tell Sue, my friend this. She may not find it as pleasing as beloved, but I think she'll get the point.
I'm not driven to have my children adore me, or seek their approval, but I do want to raise boys that honor their mother. I think those boys are the ones that make the finest husbands and fathers. It starts right now, when Steffen's attitude is quite sassy and irreverent towards me. I'm caught in the quandary to disipline him or is this task for his father? I think the latter. It not only shows that his attitude will NOT BE TOLERATED towards his mother, but also that his mother's husband does not take too kindly to anyone speaking to his wife that way. Get the distinction? Right now we have the luxury/burden of having Dan home all day long, so he's right there in the thick of it, often hearing the exchange by his 7 year old son. I so often just want to whip him (Steffen, not Dan) across the room when he responds to me in such a manner - "the unmitiaged gall" (quote from the Grinch - a favorite in our home)....how dare he speak to me that way. It sends me into orbit every single time, yet I know we've allowed it to get to this point, and it has to stop, or we have a long road in front of us.
Thoughts? What has been your experience, and how did you deal with it? Poorly?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
I learned something today....
I'm going through the book, Feminine Appeal, by Carolyn Mahaney (link to the right) and so far it's been very good. You should see my pages - very very marked up. Sorry, I cannot lend this one out. She's going through 7 virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother, as stated in Titus 2. I'm actually going through this with a friend who also desires to work on her role, in particular, as a Godly wife. I believe "getting this right" is so key to every other aspect of a woman's life (if your married, that is), right behind our relationship with our Lord, and knowing who He is and who I am in Him. Anyway, the first virtue deals with our husbands, and how we are to love him. Oh no, not yet ANOTHER lesson on submission, and men are from mars type lesson. Not that these things are not important, but I'm feeling a bit saturated on these points and yet still struggle with being the kind of Wife God has called me to be. Onto my interesting discovery from my reading the other day.
She, the author, talks about that Paul uses phileo rather than agape to describe the kind of love we are to have for our husbands, here in Titus 2:4. Phileo the love between very close friends: tender, affectionate, passionate kind of love. It emphasizes enjoyment and respect in a relationship. Agape refers to a self-sacrificing love. She goes on to pontificate on why she thinks Paul uses this love word - good stuff - get the book. However, if that was not interesting enough, she goes on to say that "in commands specifically related to wives, agape is never used." Does that strike you like it hit me? Really?? No agape love commandments for us wives? (she does say that does not release us from this kind of love, for certain, however her comment that phileo is the type love always used in commandments to wives.) Now for my Bible scholars out there, I would like to verify this, in my free time. But did you know that???? And in turn, with commandments to HUSBANDS, agape is always used. I liked her theories on why this is, what are your thoughts? One thing she mentioned, which resounded true for me in my life, women are very capable of agape love (sacrificial love) all the time. We can continue to clean, cook, buy groceries for our husbands when our tender feelings have subsided, or using her words: "when he is a true and unvarnished jerk." (of course that would not be any of OUR husbands) But that is so true. We can serve till the cows come home, and yet not feel tender love towards our husbands. Do you think God (Paul) knew that about women? We (us wives) don't struggle with agape love. Thoughts? Comments???
She, the author, talks about that Paul uses phileo rather than agape to describe the kind of love we are to have for our husbands, here in Titus 2:4. Phileo the love between very close friends: tender, affectionate, passionate kind of love. It emphasizes enjoyment and respect in a relationship. Agape refers to a self-sacrificing love. She goes on to pontificate on why she thinks Paul uses this love word - good stuff - get the book. However, if that was not interesting enough, she goes on to say that "in commands specifically related to wives, agape is never used." Does that strike you like it hit me? Really?? No agape love commandments for us wives? (she does say that does not release us from this kind of love, for certain, however her comment that phileo is the type love always used in commandments to wives.) Now for my Bible scholars out there, I would like to verify this, in my free time. But did you know that???? And in turn, with commandments to HUSBANDS, agape is always used. I liked her theories on why this is, what are your thoughts? One thing she mentioned, which resounded true for me in my life, women are very capable of agape love (sacrificial love) all the time. We can continue to clean, cook, buy groceries for our husbands when our tender feelings have subsided, or using her words: "when he is a true and unvarnished jerk." (of course that would not be any of OUR husbands) But that is so true. We can serve till the cows come home, and yet not feel tender love towards our husbands. Do you think God (Paul) knew that about women? We (us wives) don't struggle with agape love. Thoughts? Comments???
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Randomness.....
I did get the boys and my flights booked for Spring break. That's always exciting. What a blessing to be able to travel to AZ in March with little cost. We cannot book Dan's because HOPEFULLY he'll have a job and would not be able to join us. I'll save my heart thoughts on that whole job thing another post. He is in Elgin, celebrating his dad's 88th birthda
y. I am so thankful that he is able to do this. They are a special family.
Isn't this just the cutest Picture? At least SOMEONE in our family had no problems making great friends. This is Ryan's Best Buds from his Pre-K. Noelle, Cade and Owen. These friends are a riot. All the parents are good folk too. Unfortunately for us, they all will go to TCA Central, whereas Ryan will go to TCA East. We'll have to try hard to keep up with the friendships.
Steffen is about to lose his first tooth. He's got "shark teeth". A condition where his permanent teeth have already come through BEHIND his baby teeth. I'm told this is common.
y. I am so thankful that he is able to do this. They are a special family.Isn't this just the cutest Picture? At least SOMEONE in our family had no problems making great friends. This is Ryan's Best Buds from his Pre-K. Noelle, Cade and Owen. These friends are a riot. All the parents are good folk too. Unfortunately for us, they all will go to TCA Central, whereas Ryan will go to TCA East. We'll have to try hard to keep up with the friendships.
Steffen is about to lose his first tooth. He's got "shark teeth". A condition where his permanent teeth have already come through BEHIND his baby teeth. I'm told this is common.
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