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Saturday, December 09, 2006

As I promised, I want to share some of my Nativities with the blogging world.
Over to the right, you'll see (starting from the top left) a stocking hanger, a box that holds Nativity ornaments (it's too interesting to put away) and a candle holder. On the second row, you'll see one that one of the boys bought me in their school fundraiser one year. The second one on that row is one that a dear friend gave me. It was made out of one piece of clay. The figures were carved out of the "clay clump". On the bottom shelf, you'll see the ornaments that came out of the box on the top shelf. These are made out of sculpting clay. And on the right, is another small one that one of the boys bought (in a different year) from a different fund raiser.

In the picture directly under this, you'll see one that I bought for myself at an "After-Christmas" sale a few years ago. I love Veggie Tales! They have been an integral part of my boys' childhood years. We have many of the movies. I never took it out of the box because I can think of no better way to display it.


This shelf on the left is also in the family room. Starting on the top is a small tree with Nativity ornaments. Just to the right of it is a snow globe with the Precious Moments figures in it. On the second shelf--to the left is one that a family bought us when we cared for their dog one year. It was purchased in Mexico and is very interesting.

The one to the right on the second shelf was made for me by a friend from our previous church, Sue, who was learning to use the scroll saw (I think that's the right tool). On the bottom row, you'll see two of the smallest ones I have. The one on the left (is white) and very intricate inside. DH's former District Superintendent and his family brought back for us after a trip overseas.

The one on the right on the bottom shelf is in a small walnut shell. It is really special to me. Each year, DH and I have hosted an Open House during the holidays for our church family. This is kind of how the whole Nativity thing began. People would come over and see the ones that we had and then they kind of started adding to the collection as they would see one somewhere.

The little walnut was brought over one year during the Open House. The man who brought it was a WWII vet and when he handed it to me, he said, "I got this when I was serving in the war. I was stationed in Germany. I thought it was so unique, and so I bought it. I knew it needed somewhere special to be, so I am giving it to you." I have displayed it proudly each year since that day. He is gone now...that makes it even more special to me.




This photo shows three more that were given to me by other people. The one on the left was given to me by DH when he went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The snow globe and the center was given to me by DH one Christmas. And the one on the right was given to me by my Dad and StepMom. I believe it's from Phoenix.


This nativity in the photo on the right, was cut out by a man who was in our church in South Tampa. His name was Rick. He also loved looking at our Nativities each year when he would come to Open House. He cut them out and his wife, Vickie, who was quite an artist, painted them. I have always loved this set. It has such character.


I love them below the window painting that is displayed above them. This reminds me of being little and laying awake waiting to hear "sleigh bells in the (ahem) sand"...what can I say? I was raised in Florida...no snow here.




Finally, the shelf in the photo below holds one that was also made for me by Rick. The one on the top shelf that is shaped like a half-circle. It was the first one that he made for me. This served as a pattern later on for my Grandfather as he learned to cut them. He loved this piece, too. The one on the bottom shelf in the picture above is another one made for me by Sue and her husband. They used a wood burning kit on it. It's really neat.

We have only scratched the "tip" of the Nativity "iceberg" that is at my house. There are also ornaments on each tree that have been given to us over the years. The Nativities in this blog entry are all displayed in the family room.

I realize that these are a little like "Home Movies". If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. I'll try to get the Living Room photographed and shared in the next day or so.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Thursday Thirteen #36



Thirteen things about visiting a Housing Project...I went with a colleague to visit a local housing project today. It was to get a "feel" for the situation of a family we are adopting at school for the holidays.

1. I've been TO the projects before...but never IN them. It was QUITE an experience. I don't really "want" to go back--although I will I'm sure.

2. I had to step over three condom packages just to get from the car to the door of the lady's house.

3. She is living in the project with three of her FIVE sons. They are in the minority racially in this project and are scared because of it. One of the boys was "jumped" coming from the bus by a drug dealer and had his collar bone broken.

4. If you really want to know what "milling about" means, then driving into the housing project is a great way to describe it. There were a lot of people just "milling about". I had to wonder about the kids that looked like they should have been in school?????

5. Everyone had a "watchful eye" as we pulled up in a large SUV, though. I had to wonder what thoughts were running through their heads. I know many people approach those areas with an "I need to save them" attitude. I hope they didn't think that about us....I mean people are people in my opinion.

6. The walls are made of cinder blocks. To hang things on them and make the space look "livable" you have to drill into the wall. This was a three bedroom two story apartment. The stairs are concrete.

7. There is one window downstairs. It is at the backside of the project with a fence going behind it. No lights back there. The window slides like a small sliding glass door. She has been broken into twice and is scared "they" are coming back. So she stays up at night to make the house look "active" and then sleeps during the day while the boys are in school.

8. Some people living in the projects are doing the best with what they have. She has decorated well and has kept the place clean and tidy. I have to wonder, though, about things like cigarettes, tattoos, and body piercings. Who is paying for those? And what SHOULD that money be used for?

9. She is a Christian and knows about grace and love...but she is afraid to go to church. She is agoraphobic. I wonder which came first...living in the housing project....or the anxiety and fear?

10. The boys wish for the holidays was for a sports bottle for drinks so that they can use them when they have to sleep in the car to avoid drug deals and such. They are also hoping they can get their "OWN" bath towel. Right now, they share.

11. There are broken things everywhere. Her stove has been broken for months. They keep saying they'll come fix it...but they haven't. So she and the kids eat TV dinners everynight cooked in the microwave.

12. I had to wonder what they looked like in the beginning. Sure they must have still looked institutional...but the broken stuff wouldn't have been there.

13. It is NOT a life I would EVER want to live. It DOES remind me just how blessed I am...and it makes me want to reach out to others out of my own abundance.

In some ways, adopting this family has reminded me just what a skeptic I am sometimes. Working with the population my school serves, I know that there are people who use and abuse "the system". My visit today let me know that there is a need and that it is legitimate...But the things I learned went MUCH MUCH deeper than that. May we all find some way to reach out to those in need this season. Blessings.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Monday Memories...become Tuesday's Treasures



I started this post Monday morning. I've come back to it three times. Now, it's past 9:30 and I'm thinking it may have morphed from Monday Memories to a Tuesday Treasure. Whenever you read it...have a great day.


I can't think of just ONE memory to share, so today I'm going to share my "Memory Tree". This is the tree that sits in our family room. It has all the kids' pictures and handmade decorations on it. It's FILLED with memories. Each year as I put it up, it takes me back to when they were younger and when I was younger.

Our living room tree (shared yesterday) has all burgundy and gold on it. It includes all of our Nativity ornaments (that are wood or folksy) and other collectible ornaments. I love decorating it and sitting in front of it.

The family room tree almost pulls me up close to it, though. I want to touch each ornament and think about who gave it to us, who made it, and/or what it means to me.
Another thing I love putting together, is my village. These pieces have been collected over the years. My favorite holiday movie is "It's a Wonderful Life". I have several houses and buildings that are replicas from the movie. A few years ago, I got a train station that is called "Lexington Station". I bought it because I LOVED the time we lived in Lexington, KY.
Things are coming together at my house...thank goodness!!

Happy Preparing!!

Sunday, December 03, 2006

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...


Here's our formal Living Room tree with two different amounts of lights. I took the first one on the left with a flash...and the second on the right without. I was feeling rather sorry for myself that I was decorating alone...then DSs 3 and 4 came home to help out. Suddenly it was more fun!!

DS 3 and I hung a garland along the sliding glass window behind the tree last night. I'll try and take that photo later.

I have our other tree (with family ornaments on it) up in our Family Room--thanks to DS 4's help. I'll post photos of that later.

I have to get all of my Nativities up. For those of you who don't know me IRL, I collect them. I think I have almost 75 now. Each one has a special place in my heart. Yesterday when DSs 3 & 4 and I were out getting an angel, we rounded the corner with a BUNCH of Nativities and DS 3 quickly put his hands out to hide the shelf and said, "Oh, Mom...this is a restricted zone. Only employees beyond this point." He knew that we could potentially be there a while if I had the chance to look for "just one more".

Speaking of that angel...my tree topper died last year. I went on an angel hunt. I never dreamed it would be quite the undertaking it was. We started at Target...they had them...but they all had those fiber optic wings. Sorry if I offend anyone...but I can't stand that fiber optic stuff. We went to KMart and finally went to the mall. The FIFTH store we went into in the mall was Macys. Thank goodness for Macys...because we found her...and she was on SALE for half price!!

I'm off for more decorating. More later. Happy Preparation Days!!!

What Happened???

I use Blogger Beta. I cannot insert pictures. I want to insert pictures of my Christmas tree. It's like the buttons are all gone. Is anyone else having problems with this? It makes me a little cranky!!! (Updated to add...if this happens to you, it seems that hitting F5 and then the refresh button is the answer. It worked as you can see above. There is also a suggestion to empty the cache after you do this.)

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Thursday Thirteen # 35

Thirteen Random Things that SUSAN has done (or thought) this week:
1. I have SO MUCH shopping to do before Christmas! I have bits and pieces done, but it is only bits and pieces.
2. I planned my "holiday" gift for the teachers in my school. I am "giving" them 30 minutes away from their classroom while I go in and teach a lesson. I think I am going to give them cookies and hot chocolate when I go in.
3. We went to the Italian buffet for DH's birthday. As I said earlier, he doesn't like to make a big deal about it...but my DSs do...especially #4. #4 "played" Happy Birthday on the piano and revealed his gift from the bench...toooo cute!!! I think DH appreciated it. DS 2 sent a nice text message from his soccer game...another gesture that I think touched DH.
4. I met a friend for dinner last night. It felt like forever since we have just sat and talked. I love these types of "get togethers".
5. I am supposed to have a Pampered Chef party on Dec. 11th. Once again, I am reminded that I can't do it all...so I think I am going to cancel it.
6. I REALLY want to get my Christmas decorations up...I have the BUG this year!! There are 27 boxes of decorations in my attic that the boys will have to get out for me.
7. I DO like it when DH is here during the week.
8. I also like the fact that, in a few weeks, consulting will be his only job. Doing 2+ is just too much.
9. DS 2 is cleared to play for soccer again. He starts at the varsity game tonight.
10. Next week is going to be CRAZY...we have something going on EVERY NIGHT!!!
11. I am looking forward to the holiday break from school. I need it to rest. (Who am I kidding? It really doesn't bring THAT much rest.)
12. I am behind on writing again. This is an example of "extra" jobs that I need to balance better or reconsider.
13. DS 1 asked me last night if "they" give us TT topics or how we get them. I told him that we pick them ourselves. Today, I kind of wished that suggested topics were posted somewhere.
;-)
Happy Thursday, everyone!!

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Happy Birthday to YOU!!

Today's my Dh's birthday. He doesn't like to "do" birthdays too much...and that's OK. And while we don't make a huge deal about it...I have to say that each and every time it rolls around I whisper a prayer of thanks for the day he was born. I am sure that God knew on that day that someday we would meet and that I would be blessed by being married to this wonderful man. I cannot imagine what life would be without him. It's been an exciting, adventurous, happy, 20-year experience!! I'm so glad he was born and that he was picked for me and that we get to spend many many more years together. So, while his birthday might not be a "huge deal" to him...it DOES mean a GREAT DEAL for me...because he's a real gift!!

I love you, Hon!!

It's also my cousin, Lynn's birthday. Why not hop on over to her blog and give her a BIRTHDAY greeting!!!!

Happy Birthday DH and Lynn!!

Monday, November 27, 2006

Monday Memories--Christmas Shopping


I love to shop for the holidays. I usually go the day right after Thanksgiving and hit all the stores. I also pick up stuff throughout the year. I keep a journal telling who I shop for each Christmas and what we get them. I have done this since 1999.

I want to tell about shopping early in our marriage though. Dh and I were living in Kentucky. We were definitely POOR seminary students with a young son. Christmas shopping for everyone was a challenge for me. I love to buy gifts...and knowing we couldn't really afford gifts, I was sad. That Thanksgiving was just dh, DS 1 and I at our home. I don't remember seeing the add, but Lazarus had an "After Thanksgiving Sale". That year, they were giving away free Lazzie Bears (just like the one in this picture) for EVERY purchase.

Now, let me explain. When we got there, we found out that for EVERY item you purchased, you could get a free Lazzie Bear. DH and I bought socks, underwear...anything cheap and necessary and we left Lazarus that year with 20---yes, that's right TWENTY Lazzie Bears! I am pretty sure we didn't just give them away that year...but perhaps the next two years after that. I've never seen a store do that before or since....it was a blessing to a poor seminary student an his teacher wife though..that I KNOW for sure.

I have since lost my Lazzie Bear. I found this picture on eBay and this memory just came flooding back. While I wouldn't go back to that time in our lives for anything, I am thankful for the ways that God provided for us as we struggled to "make it". This is just one of many many examples of blessings that we received during those lean times. And yes, I even think He cared enough to help us be able to give that Christmas....those cute fluffy, white lovable bears!!

Happy Monday Everyone!!

Saturday, November 25, 2006

The A-Z of Me Meme

Jane at Cozy Reader tagged me with this meme...Please check the "T"...you MIGHT be tagged...and if you're name's not there, let me encourage you to do it anyway for fun.

The A-Z of Me Meme

A - Available/Single? I am unavailable and proud of it---19 (pushing 20) years!!

B - Best Friend? My husband

C- Cake or Pie? Cake--Chocolate please! BUT Cherry Pie is a VERY close second.

D - Drink Of Choice? Diet Coke!! Especially from Sonic!

E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? My Laptop.

F - Favorite Color? Green

G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Bears

H - Hometown? I was born in Marion, OH but grew up in Tampa, FL.

I - Indulgence? A trip to Chicos

J - January Or February? January---Super Bowl!!!!

K - Kids & Their Names? 4 sons---no names here/just initials---D, M, J, and A.

L - Life Is Incomplete Without? My husband, children, and extended family.

M - Marriage Date? August 15, 1987

N- Number Of Siblings? 2 brothers

O - Oranges Or Apples? Oranges

P - Phobias/Fears? Small spaces and FROGS!!!

Q - Favorite Quote? "You can if you think you can!"

R - Reason to Smile- My boys are growing into fine young men....

S - Season? Fall (outside of Florida)

T - Tag Three People? KT (KT Chronicles); Lynn (Seeking Thin Spaces); Greg and Christie (Carrkaylary) HOPING to JUMPSTART Lynn and Greg's blogging again!!!

U - Unknown Fact About Me? I was in the Sound of Music when I was a child....I was Gretel (I know that some of you know this already)

V - Vegetable you don't like? BEETS!!!!!

W - Worst Habit? Biting off WAY more than I can chew!!!!!!

X - X-rays You've Had? I think only dental exrays recently....

Y - Your Favorite Food? Italian.....LOVE Chicken Marsala

Z - Zodiac Sign? Leo, but I don't pay any attention to that stuff.

Friday, November 24, 2006

The Friday After...

Normally I go to the stores bright and early the day after Thanksgiving. Normally, I map it all out and go with a plan. I'm out all day and don't come back until I am ready to drop. I mapped nothing out yesterday. I glanced at the adds...but it was literally a glance. Nothing excited me. I didn't feel great. So I slept "in" until just after 7:00am. DH DID look at ads. He DID plan a bit. He and DS 2 left just after 7:30 for the mall. I told him I "might" go out a bit.

DSs 3 and 4 and I DID go to Michaels, to Old Navy, Best Buy, and Walmart. I dropped them off at home mid-morning and went to Sports Authority and Home Depot.

By the time I got home at 1:00, I WAS ready to drop...though not from shopping. I was just tired...still not totally up to par. SO, this afternoon I did something I rarely do on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I SLEPT!! For two hours. It was WONDERFUL!

When I woke up, I worked on our Christmas Cards (getting the photo order)...it took FOREVER. I was starting to think that we'd have to send out Hannukah cards since those were the only styles that didn't cut off my DS 2's head in the photo!! I finally fixed that tonight and Christmas Cards ARE in our future.

After watching Shrek 2 with DS 4 and DH, I am blogging, then I am off to bed.

Hope your Friday was also wonderful!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Monday, November 20, 2006

Thanksgiving Memories....

Since I'm Counting My Blessings this week, AND it's Monday Memory time, I thought I'd share some Thanksgiving Memories with you.

As a child, I remember traveling to Georgia a few times on Thanksgiving to visit my Grandparents. We usually had some other extended family there...Aunts, Uncles, Cousins. It was always cooler there than it was in Florida. I loved the "crispness" of all of it. The day was always filled with parades, food and football (both indoors and outdoors).

I can picture Grandpa sitting in "his chair" right next to the sliding glass door. He was always ready to let a kid or the dog in or out. He'd play "Ladies go pace, pace, pace" (or as he said it, "paize, paize, paize") with the youngest children in the room....or he'd "whisper" in your ear...which meant a great deal of laughter was coming. I miss him so much.

As we grew older, we celebrated in Florida more often and Grandma and Grandpa would come down here. The day was always the same though...the same food, the same parades, the same football...and the SAME FUN!!

I still remember the first year DH and I were married. We traveled to Georgia for Thanksgiving. I was a couple months pregnant and didn't feel good. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me...and probably HORMONE H#!! for my DH. Thank goodness he didn't just turn around and "run"...instead he loved me as he always has...he put up with the rollercoaster and was ever-patient with my emotions. Now I look back and laugh at that year...trying to be the perfect "just married/just pregnant" couple...who were we (OK who was I) trying to kid?????

We have traveled to Tennessee twice in the past decade or so for Thanksgiving. This is always fun as it puts a whole new "spin" on the holiday. We again were able to meet with our extended families and enjoy the crispness and delights of the holiday together.

I have "hosted" Thanksgiving in my own home several times in the past few years as well. I enjoy the preparation...I enjoy the fullness of the house...the love and joy that permeates every crevice as we converge on the holiday. It's a holiday that really has no expectations other than to enjoy (and be thankful for) those you love and the blessings you have.

For us, there are many....and those make the BEST MEMORIES!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK, EVERYONE!!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Count Your Blessings...

As was probably true in many churches today, DH preached about being thankful and remembering our blessings. A couple of weeks ago, he mentioned that everyone should write down all the blessings they can remember. He suggested that when we are negative, blue, sad, whatever, that we should pull out that list and see the blessings...and we probably won't feel so sad, negative, or blue. Today, he said it again.

Immediately, my mind went to the hymn that we used to sing in church when I was little,

Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done.

It's a good idea. We forget so often to stop and see the blessings that are around us everyday. In fact, I think we often take them for granted.

May we all take the time this week to count our blessings and be thankful for each and every one.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

More Prayer Requests

Last month, I put this request up on my blog. Today, I am asking you to please continue to remember my SIL, Heather and her family. Heather is facing more medical treatment and chemo. Of course, anytime, this would be stressful, but add the holidays in and I'm sure that doesn't make it easier. You can visit her blog to read a great post about the shock and awe she has experienced in the last couple of days.

Thank you, in advance, for your prayers on her behalf.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

More Geometry Lessons...

As I stated in my last post, DS 3 was struggling with Geometry last night. He is in the 7th grade. I took Geometry in the 8th grade and I did HORRIBLE!! I remember struggling and never understanding its relevance to me or the rest of the world, for that matter. I admitted this to DS 3 and I guess DS 4 overheard.

This morning, as DS 4 and I rode to school, he seemed puzzled. He finally spoke up and said, "Mom, you didn't understand Geometry when you were a kid?" I told him that was right. He said, "And you still don't understand it very well?" I said, "That's right." Then, he paused a long time. Finally, he said, "Mom, you do 'get it' at my level, don't you? I mean, you DO understand squares, triangles and circles, right?"

I assured him that 2nd grade Math was within my capabilities...and that I DO know what a circle, triangle, and square is. He simply replied, "Good!"

Monday, November 13, 2006

I know my limitations....

We all have areas that just aren't our forte'. Today's been filled with gentle reminders that it's OK to have them...and that I DO have them....

**My "Alice" called me from my house today and said, "I've torn your house up and I don't want you to be shocked when you get home." She cleans my house and does our laundry for us every week. She is a GOD-SEND and a very dear friend on top of it all. Anyway, after I reminded her that it's her job to pick up and clean up not to tear up...she told me...."we've got to tear up to clean up." M (her DIL) cleaned all my windows (inside and out), the screens, and their tracks. R (her son) moved a lightswitch for DS 3's new room. As I talked to her tonight she said, "I know you don't know where to start sometimes, so I started for you." My limitation (in this case) is totally HER strength. For that, I am thankful.

**I WANT to be superMom and be able to cook and keep up with the boys. The fact is, they are going in four different directions. Tonight was a late night (I have a meeting every Monday until 6:00pm). I totally understand why my Mom didn't want to cook when she got home at 6:00pm. It'd be all I did...so for those of you who live in the vacinity of Moe's Southwest Grill, "If it's Monday, it must be Moe's." We got their $5 for any burrito, chips, and drink deal. You can't beat that.

**DS 3 is doing his Math homework and just called me into the room. He started with "I know you're probably not the one for me to ask this, but..." (He already knew my limitations in this area.) Math is simply NOT my thing. Never has been. Even worse, however, is that he is doing the Math that I disliked the MOST of all: Geometry. I sat down with him. I looked at the samples. I tried to think aloud. I listened to his rationale. I offered to call my friend, Debra, who IS a Math Whiz. He says he got it when he talked it out with me. I could only shrug and say "OK". I'm limited for certain in this area.

**After the "Math Lesson", I went into MY bathroom. It's the first time tonight I've been in my room. SOMEONE clogged the toilet today and didn't plunge!! After 20 minutes of plunging, it finally unclogged. You might say, "if you got it, then it's not a limitation." The limitation here is that I simply am NOT cut out to be Mrs. Fix-it. I'm glad it worked this time. Being a plumber, however, is not a hat I care to wear too often.

Isn't it amazing that despite our limitations, God provides for our needs? I'm thankful for the fact that we have limitations is not a sentence for failure. Instead, our limitations are avenues of blessing from other people and situations. For that, I am thankful.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

She's Going Away...

I only paid $25 for her! TWENTY-FIVE! I gave another $25 to get the six chairs with her. I remember that day so well. I was out garage-saling. We were new in the area and trying to furnish our new home on a budget. I came upon an elderly lady's garage sale. She was down-sizing to move into a smaller apartment. I fell in love with her the minute I saw her. I asked, "How much?" The lady replied "Twenty-five." For a minute, I thought she meant $2500 and I was shocked. But then she said, "You can have her and the chairs for fifty dollars." I immediately went over to my FIL's house and woke him up to bring his van to help me bring her home. And here she's been ever since.

I remember the lady being a bit sad about losing HER table. She told me about the dinners she and her family had held around it. She told me it had been used with her kids when they were younger and her grandkids. I promised her it was going to be used for many of the same purposes in our home. I told her what a blessing I knew it would be. I was right.

Here "she" is in the picture below (at the far end, closest to the window) ready for Thanksgiving last year. We had to add two "extensions" to her to fit everybody.

The second picture shows her doing what she does best, entertaining family and friends for special occasions. (Note: This is "her" looking towards the extension tables.)



Here she is below, all dressed up for our Christmas Open House last year. This has been an annual event in our house since DH and I started in the ministry. I have loved having her here for it because she extends to such a nice size to hold all the yummy food!!

Here she is at DS 3's birthday celebration this summer. She's not particularly dressed up...just providing us a great place to eat all the yummy food. DSs 2 and 4 are waiting for the "go ahead" to dive into their lobster feast.

You might be wondering, then, "WHERE'S she going?" Well, we are a growing family. Not in numbers, but the boys are getting bigger and they need their space. DS 3, especially, has been shifted around in our house. He needs a place to call his own. We are closing this dining room "nook" in to make a bedroom/office space. It will have a wall and french doors to close it off. This will make it usable as an office or small dining room (should we ever sell) and usable now for DS 3's bedroom--something he desparately needs.

I have no room for her now. I realize that we really only use her on very special occasions because most of the time we eat at the dining area of our kitchen. It's sentimental, I guess. I love the fact that she extends to hold so many. I love the fact that she is solid wood with some very neat scrollwork on her sides. I'm a little sad. I know that sounds strange. I won't miss her in the way you miss people when they leave. I'll miss being able to "dress" her up for the holidays and special occasions, the joy of feeding so many people around her, and the memories she dredges up (in general). I NOW understand what was happening in the lady's mind as she watched her table be loaded into my FIL's van. Yes, I'll miss her!!

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Do you know...

that feeling of being alone,a bit unnerved, kind of blue, and being on the verge of a pity party...and then suddenly feeling like all is right in the world because a loved one comes home by surprise and suddenly security, peace, and comfort fills the room?

I DO! DH came home EARLY last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE that man!!!
DH is in the middle of a lot of travel right now. He is coming home on Fridays, leaving on Sunday afternoon and out for the week. I love it that he is able to do this. But I miss him when he's gone. Last night, I was expecting him at midnight...and when I pulled in from dropping DS 3 off at the church retreat, DS 4 shouted, "DAD'S HOME!" It took me a minute to believe it...but sure enough he was. What a GREAT surprise and a blessing!

Friday, November 10, 2006

When Negative Nellie Comes to Call....

Do you ever get cranky? I do. Last night, I started out for the hospital at 3:45. I had to pick up DS 3 from school at 4:15. We got gas and were on the road by 4:45. This is a trip that normally takes only an hour. Last night it took an hour and forty-five minutes! We finally arrived at the hospital after CRAWLING on the Interstate for the last 45 minutes of our trip.

When we got to the hospital, Dad was tired. He'd had several visitors throughout the day and probably hadn't rested as he should. It was evident that he needed to rest and having us there was NOT going to help him accomplish this. SOOO...15 minutes after arriving, my brothers, SIL, DSs 3 and 4, and I left.

When I got back in the car, I called DH (who's been out of town since Sunday) to remind him about something he needed to do. He responded and I found myself escalating and snapping at him. Poor man. He hasn't even been home and he was on the receiving end of MY "crabby patty".

We went to dinner. I suddenly realized just how tired I was. It came over in a wave. DS 4 (who was also tired) was also crabby and I snapped at him on the way home.

This morning I woke up and promised myself I'd settle down. I didn't. DS 1 didn't do something the way I wanted it done--and I found my "Negative Nellie" resurfacing.

When I arrived at work, my boss called me on the Walkie Talkie to see if I could meet with him this morning. Of course, we ALL know that the RIGHT answer is "OF COURSE I can!" I must admit my "cloud" made me jump to all kinds of negative conclusions about WHAT he wanted. I don't know why. I had no reason to think this meeting was going to be negative...I think I just projected my attitude on the prospect of this meeting. It turned out to be very positive. Shame on me!!

Then, this afternoon I had a conversation with my brother Dan and I said, "I hope I wasn't too crabby last night." I said, "I don't want to be that way." He said, "You can blog about how you're learning not to be negative."

Here's my blog...It's a lesson I'm going to learn...one way or another!! Thanks, Dan, for the reminder. :-)

On a POSITIVE note: DS 3 fixed my TT from yesterday and made the two colors match. Isn't he the greatest????

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Thursday Thirteen #35

Thirteen Things about SUSAN'SWeek


1. I MADE my OWN Thursday Thirteen Banner and Code today!!! It's not perfect, but it's a start. (Sorry for tooting my own horn, but I was excited!) I am hoping that DS 3 will be really proud..since he's usually the person I rely on with html stuff.

2. DS 1 started Hapkito (a martial arts combination of Tae Kwon Do and Jujutsu). I love the definition that I found online: Hapkido teaches you to remain in harmony with the universe, by always encountering attack force with softness, anger with calmness, and stress with understanding. (I'm thinking some of us should learn to do that with our minds!!)

3. Grandma and Grandpa saved the day again as they helped out with the kids while I was at the hospital with my Dad. They are quite a blessing to all of us!!

4. Several people at work have "carried" my responsibilities in my absence. I have the best co-workers and colleagues!!!

5. My car can go 344 miles on a tank of gas. (No, I didn't run out...I just know I was REALLY close!)

6. My DS 4's teacher was named Teachers of the Year at our school this year. I love it when great teachers are recognized.

7. An old friend, who I haven't seen in ages, was listed as Teacher of the Year at her school. I passed the sign and saw her name. It made me smile.

8. #7, along with a conversation with my brother, Dan, and watching Dad go through his hospital stint this week, has made me realize I need to send written notes more often. They're just more special. (I'm sorry if I've neglected that with any of you reading this who know me IRL)

9. One benefit of my drives to the hospital is that I "get" to have a Rt. 44 Diet Coke from Sonic!! I love the crushed ice!!!!

10. DS 2 helped me remember that even when they are older and more mature, they still "need" us to draw lines in the sand sometimes. DS 3 also helped me with this....but he doesn't know it!!

11. DSs 1 and 2 totally impressed me as we waited at the hospital on Monday. Neither of them were there...but they called me several times during the day and checked in with me. (Boys are not always the best at this.)

12. I miss, miss, miss my husband when he is out of town. I am so thankful, though, that he is able to live out his passion and calling each and every day.

13. I have also loved the support I have received from the blogging community this week. Your comments and prayers are VERY special to me..and blessed me beyond what you'll ever know.


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!





Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Wednesday Update

DS 4 and I went up to see my Dad tonight. He is doing much better. While we were there, he walked for the second time today. The bandages have been removed and he actually ate something solid tonight. We're moving along.

I appreciate all of you praying for him. I know those prayers DO make a difference.

I have always been keenly aware that the sincerity and attitude of the health care workers could "make or break" your hospital experience. It is becoming even more evident now. These people have been WONDERFUL! They are calm. They are kind. They are consistent. They smile.

If you know someone who works in health care....or you have experienced great health care....say "thank you". It's a small thing...and they deserve MUCH MORE....but a little "thank you" can go a long way.

i

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Normal??? What does it mean???

As we sat with Dad today, I really started to ask myself "what's normal?" I mean he has just undergone major surgery. He wants to know (and we do too)...is everything OK. Is he responding like a normal person would. Yet, I am pretty convinced there is NO such thing as "normal" (perhaps especially in this type of situation).

Because we are unique, because we are "wired" differently, and because we bring different sets of aches and pains to the operation, how could we know that every after surgery response is "normal".

So, rather than ask "Is this normal?" I think I'm going to change my thoughts and questions to: "Is this OK?" or "Is it acceptable?"

Dad's recovering well...he's in pain (which is OK)...and he's having trouble finding a comfortable seating position (which is OK)...he's occasionally a bit incoherent (which is also OK).

He's better (less anxious) when we're there. He at least has some support and people that can advocate for his needs. I came home tonight and will go back tomorrow evening to check in on him and everyone else up there. I also realize that almost as important as knowing the patient is OK...is knowing that the family is "OK" too.

I think we are. Everyone's holding their own right now. This is no short road we're on. It's going to require a journey that has only just begun. I think that together we'll be able to make it and we'll be FINE---er I mean OK...and THAT'S normal, right??? ;-)

Hospitals...UGH!

I don't like hospitals. I really never have. I remember when I was a child, our neighbor was critically ill. Mom would go up to the hospital to see her. Incidentally, it was the same hospital where we have been this weekend with Dad (although they have built new parts to it). We would sit in the lobby while our mother would go up to see her. It seemed like HOURS. I don't know if it was or not...it just seemed that way.

Time seems to pass slower there, doesn't it?

Yesterday, Dad's surgery went rather "fast" (four hours). It didn't seem like long before the doc came out and told us all went well. What DID take long was the time between that visit and the time we could go back in and see him (about five hours). At five o'clock, it was painful to say the least to see him. They had not removed his breathing tube, but he was semi-coherent. He was fighting and very uncomfortable. Since family can only go in for 30 minutes at a time (and only four times a day) this made me want to fuss a bit: HOW long will he have to be in this discomfort? WHY do you let him lay in his bed and struggle like this? IS this good for the heart? DOES anyone care?

The nurse came in and started barking (and I do mean barking) in her "nails-on-the-chalkboard" patronizing voice, "Mr. C. you have to be at a 95 and you're too low! All that smoking you've done made your lungs not work so well. I wanted to take you off the monitors two hours ago, but we can't. You've got to settle down." All I could think was "Blah! Blah! Blah!" He was brushing her off with small motions of his hand...I am pretty sure this was his way of saying to us, "Get her the **** out of here!" She left.

We told him, you've got to relax and breathe so that they can take this tube out. We told him firmly but softly. He nodded and we left. When we told him we'd be back at 9:00, he looked at the clock. You could almost see him calculating that in his head. (I know he was medicated, but it was evident that there WAS some thought going on there.)

I called DS 1 (who is trained as an LPN) and DH (who has spent a lot of time in the CCU and asked him if it was right for her to be barking orders at him. I know they need to be firm. He, however, doesn't respond to that well. They both told us to call her out and just let her know. My stepmother, brothers and I did just that. The nurse listened to us and put up a wall in about two seconds (she just kept saying, "OK."

Of course, we wonder what happened until her shift was over.

We returned at 8:00 and another family in the waiting room told us they came out looking for us. Again, I wanted to SCREAM. They have my stepmother's cell phone number....WHY didn't they call??? She called to let them know that we were back in the hospital. The new nurse (Dave, I think) said they had taken the breathing tube out and that he would be out to get us as soon as possible (they were in the middle of something else).

We waited.

The family that was also waiting received a visit from their surgeon who bluntly came into the room and said, "She's going to die tonight." I thought, "Oh my goodness...right here in front of everyone he said that!?!?!" He could have just as easily been saying, "I'm going to Walmart after I leave here." It was cold and matter-of-fact. Unbelievable. He DID soften a bit after the initial shocker and told these people that they could go see their loved one but that she did NOT look good due to reopening her up...etc. etc. etc.

We waited.

At 10:23, we called the nurse again. He said he still could not let us back there. I am thinking, "What about OUR loved one?" This family is going back. They are going in twos. We wouldn't look. We just wanted to say goodnight and let him know that we are here. The nurse told us Dad knew we were there and that he was ready for bed.

Now, I am preparing to go back for the 9:00 visit.

And as I sit here and think about all this...I realize....

I STILL don't like hospitals much.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Personality Profile

I love these things. So, when I went to Mary's site today and saw it...I decided to jump on over and give it a try for myself. Mary should know that since I think we are long lost sisters, I didn't read hers before I did mine so I could honestly compare. I'm off to do that now. I have to say I just read mine to my brother and he says some of these things just do not apply to me...I'll let those of you who know me IRL decide which ones those are....It's fun anyway..

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have medium extroversion.
You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.
Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.
But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."

Conscientiousness:

You have high conscientiousness.
Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.
Most things in your life are organized and planned well.
But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.

Agreeableness:

You have medium agreeableness.
You're generally a friendly and trusting person.
But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism.
You get along well with others, as long as they play fair.

Neuroticism:

You have low neuroticism.
You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.
Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.
Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

All is Well....

Thanks for your prayers. Dad came through his surgery fine. I am now thinking this is when the tough part starts.

It's nice to know there's so much support from so many people.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Sunday's Random Reflections...

As I indicated in my last post, my Dad will be having Open Heart Surgery on Monday. My brother came in from Texas and we will all be there during the surgery. Since the kids cannot go on Monday, my family all went up yesterday to see him.

I must say, they don't make hospitals like they used to!! This area (the heart center) is brand new. His room is huge. There is a monitor on a swing arm by his bed. On that monitor is the phone, the Internet, the TV, and the Remotes to run them all. He came out to the lobby to visit everyone (there's just too many of us for even a large room). He didn't have to push a monitor. The heart monitor is small and clips to his waistband.

Although they will do quite a few bypasses (4 - 6), it sounds like the doctor is confident that this will be relatively routine. As he said, "I'll have the equivalent of a brand new heart." That's a good thing. The doctor says (if he cooperates) that he can drive in two weeks and play golf in six. Now, I'd say that's progress. When my Grandparents each had their surgery, I KNOW they weren't doing stuff that quick.

I was thinking about that "brand new heart" thing on my way home last night. Isn't it true that if WE want a brand new heart (new attitudes, feelings, and ways of thinking) that we need to do about the same thing as a heart patient?

Dad is spending the weekend in the hospital so they can clean out his lungs. This means no smoking, no sodium, etc. If we're going to have new hearts, we too must "clean out" the junk that is there in preparation.

After the surgery, of course, there will have to be lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, etc.). The same is true for the non-surgical brand new heart, isn't it? We have to change our thinking, look through new eyes, and exercise love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

Keep praying for my Dad. But also, I'm hoping that for those of us who need a "change of heart" we'll ask for and receive one. It could transform our world!

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Prayer Request

For those of you who pray, I am asking you to pray for my Dad. He is in the hospital waiting on heart bypass surgery on Monday morning. I talked to him this morning and he is saying they are looking at 4 - 6 bypasses.

I'll blog more updates later.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones....

And words can sometimes hurt me!



Have you ever been at the receiving end of hurtful words? This happened to me last night. It wasn't a family member or really even a "dear" friend. It was someone who I know very little about. Still, she hurled words that hurt in response to something I said.

My first reaction, I admit, was to throw some words right back. I kind of stuck my claws out for a minute ready to respond with some of the thoughts that were running around my head that moment. Instead of stooping (this time), though, I decided to reflect on her words.

This is definitely one of my downfalls. I ponder. I "reflect". And quite honestly, sometimes I sink lower in my "woe is me" pity party when I do so. It's kind of like the puppy who sits and licks a wound. I play those words over and over in my head and soon, like most of us, I start to internalize them. This is ineffective at best. It's one of those human nature responses that can whittle away at our sense of self. While the words are still in my head...I am working to follow the advice of a long-ago pastor: "If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn't, DON'T!"

I realized something though. We all sling hurtful words about sometimes. One of Dh's sermons that will always stick in my mind is "Words that Hurt/Words that Heal".

How many times do words go flying off my tongue that I wish I could reach out and grab back? Last night, though it hurt, was a gentle reminder just how powerful our words are. They can bite and sting.

May we all "throw" some "Words that Heal" someone's way today and refrain from those "Words that Hurt"...because even when we are well-intentioned, they CAN hurt!!

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Thursday Thirteen #34


Thirteen Things SUSAN'S Learned From Blogging


1. HTML "can" be a real pain in the neck!! (Isn't it amazing the difference a < or a > can make??????

2. Sometimes it's better to seek an Outside Expert like Susie at Bluebird Blogs to help with it!

3. There are strangers on the Internet that can become friends! (Not "everyone's" an axe murderer....just ask Mary or Sandy.

4. The meaning (and the joy) of Memes.

5. How to insert photos and make Slide Shows like the one from 10/31.

6. Just what "You Tube" is.

7. Blogrolling

8. Blogring

9. The "TRUE" reasons for Mondays (Memories), Wednesdays (Wordless) and Thursdays (13).

10. I am a "very little fish" in a VERY BIG SEA!!

11. How someone can "surf" for more than an "hour"

12. Tags

13. Acronyms 'R Us: DS, DH, FIL, MIL, DM, DD, KWIM, etc, etc, etc!!!

What's ONE thing you've learned since you started blogging???






Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Halloween Fun!

Here's our slide show from the Block Party at our church tonight. By early numbers, it looks like nearly 1000 people joined in the fun. Here it is through my family's eyes.


And WHAT IS a Snapdragon?

Heather's post today made me realize I forgot what it even meant to "be" a snapdragon (or any other flower for that matter)! SO....I went to look up the definition, here it is according to that quiz:

"Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

I don't know quite how to take that mischief part....she said with a smile and a wink!!

I'm going to blog more later....and I think I'm off to see if I can figure out what Echinacea is on that quiz. Lynn said someone came out with that description...can't even picture it. It's a little Fall fun anyway.

As I pointed out to Heather, I'm awful glad there ARE more flowers in the garden!! It would be rather boring if we were all the same, wouldn't it???

Monday, October 30, 2006

Just What IS Public Service????

I witnessed a car accident today. One car turned right without even stopping for the red light that was in front of her. She kind of "eased" into the road and the other car that was in front of me (with the green light) tried to move away from the car, but couldn't. It was almost like watching slow motion.

I pulled right behind the two cars as they pulled over. I got out of my car and soon discovered that these were very senior citizens. The front car (the one who doesn't understand red lights) lady asked me, "Why are we stopped?" I told her that she hit the car that was now behind her when she didn't stop at the light. She said, "Do you think I'll need my insurance card?" I told her I was certain someone would want her card because that car didn't have a front bumper anymore.

In the second car, was a couple. She immediately pulled out a plastic envelope filled with papers. I have to be honest I wondered if she'd done this a time or two. I asked them if they were OK and she said yes. She asked me if I saw the accident. I told her I did. She immediately handed me a card from her neat little packet and said, "Would you fill this out?" It was a "Witness Card" to be given to anyone at an accident who said they saw it.

I went back to my car and dialed 9-1-1. Enter Public Service.

The lady at 911 asked me a ton of questions. I told her I saw the accident, no one was hurt, yes the cars were damaged, no there was no power line down, no there was no leakage from the cars....she told me she'd send a public service aide right out.

And we waited. I had a meeting at 4:00 across town. I was obviously going to be late for it. We waited for almost 20 minutes. I called 911 back and asked them if I was OK leaving. She was a bit short with me, but said I could leave as long as I had given them my information. I let the people in both cars know that I was leaving and that someone would be right along.

In the meantime, I called my FIL who I knew was going to be in that area when he picked my DS 4 up from school. He went by there at 4:15 and there was still not a Public Service Aide there. These senior citizens had been sitting in their hot cars for close to 45 minutes! He called 911 to follow-up and the operator was not so friendly.

About that time, an undercover police officer showed up and took care of it.

I'm glad he showed up....I just have to wonder WHAT and WHERE was the public service? Should these people have had to wait so long in their hot cars for help? Should they have been left there on the side of the road without anyone else there? I think response time is important. I realize there could have been other things happening, but we don't live in a tiny town. There should be more than ONE person to respond. I was disappointed and surprised by the amount of time that passed before these people saw anyone besides me or my FIL. That is just not right!!

What do you think is fair "wait time" in this type of situation?

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Because I Promised....

I've made two blogging promises that I haven't kept. The first is that I promised Lynn I would do this, here it is.....

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

Since Mary was also a Snapdragon...I am curious to know if there ARE any other flowers??? OR, are well that much alike in our answers?

And the second promise I made was to Dan that I'd post this picture for a friend of his from work

This is Paula Deen's son. We think it's Bobby. I am certain that those Paula and Son's experts out there will correct me if I am wrong.

OK, promises kept...I'll blog more later.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Photographs and Memories

Do you remember that song?

I am finally home and want to share my week of memories in photos:

Here I am with Mary in front of California Dreamin. We had a WONDERFUL visit! I knew she was neat before I met her face to face, but now I am certain of it. She is a true bundle of JOY!
After I met Mary and Mom and I hung out in Charleston a bit, it was off to Greensboro, NC for work! This is the view from our hotel where we could see the leaves starting to show off their Fall colors for us. I LOVE Fall...so was thankful we got to see some color while there. It was a REAL treat. And then we were off to Savannah to meet Sandy (aka Flip Flop Floozie) at Lady and Sons. Mom and I are standing in the line at 9:30 to get a number at 10:00 only to come back at 11:00 for lunch! If you have not read about Paula Deen and her great restaurant, here's a link: Lady and Sons.

Here's the line...to the front door...and it got much longer than this!
And here's Sandy (on the left taking a picture) and Mom watching the lady that steps into the street and asks "Are ya'll ready to eat?" She doesn't ask once. Nope. She asks it until she's satisfied that the crowd is REALLY ready THEN she rings the dinner and says, "Come and get it!" (We obeyed!)

I had to add another post below to allow me to get all the pics in. Blogger wasn't cooperating...keep reading....

More Photographs and Memories...

I'm going to see if blogger will let me continue my story in this post.

Here's Sandy and I at Lady and Sons.
Here's Sandy showing off the buffet. She was good and didn't eat from it. Being visitors here and knowing it will be a long time before we come to Paula Deen's again, Mom and I had the lunch buffet. MMMMM!!!!


After we left Sandy, Mom and I toured the city. We enjoyed the many sites of Savannah. My favorite was the St. John the Baptist Cathedral and it's gorgeous stained glass windows!
I also quite enjoyed the tour of the Juliette Gordon Lowe Birthplace. You might know that this is the lady who founded the Girl Scouts. What I didn't know before is just how artistic she was. It was amazing. She painted, sculpted, carved wood AND she handmade this iron gate for her garden:


We rounded out our trip with a visit to a lady who was our neighbor when I was a child (more than 30 years ago). She is now 91 and lives in Savannah with her two daughters. It was so neat to see her after all these years.


As you can see, it was a WONDERFUL trip that will live on in these photos (and the many others that I took) for years to come. Thanks to everyone who let us drop in and visit a while. It was GREAT!!

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Savannah Smiles!!

I have gone from Charleston Charm to Savannah Smiles!! Today I met Sandy for lunch. I can't wait to post all my pics from my "blogroll tour"....but will have to do it when I get home. I didn't bring my chord to upload pics.

We had a DELIGHTFUL time eating at Lady and Sons. It was wonderful. And what a trooper Sandy is for pressing on to find a parking space! This is a task that is nearly impossible here in Savannah I understand. I KNOW she looked for one for at least 30 minutes after the first time she passed us on the corner...so, Sandy, thank YOU for persevering!

I so totally enjoyed our time together. Yes, I do think it's a great idea to get together with those "friends" we've made via the Internet....

And, no, Sandy is NO axe murderer (even though I DID think about stopping a buying a plastic axe to bring with me)---DS 2, I am TOTALLY fine!

Home tomorrow....I'll update then.

Top O' the Mornin' To Me....

I tried to post this last night, but blogger wasn't cooperating. I know it's Thursday and time for TT, I'll have to do that later on this evening.

Yesterday morning, I received the most wonderful call from my sweet husband! I picked up the phone and heard these words, "Good morning love of my life!" Those words rang in my ear the rest of the day. I love that man!!!

So, to dh....

"Thank you for the wonderful wake up call....love of my life!"

I love that man!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Charleston Charm...

OK, I rolled into Charleston last night at Dusk and must admit I found myself wondering, "Where's that Charleston Charm that everyone talks about?" Mom and I went to the Mall, we drove a bit around in the dark, but still couldn't quite see it.

This morning I drove down to the Visitor's Center to see what we could find before our lunch "date" with Mary. I still didn't quite find the "charm" that I was looking for until we went to California Dreamin' at lunch. Mary is FILLED with charm!!!! It is so funny to meet someone in real life and already know so much about them. We shared a wonderful meal...including soup and salad that wouldn't go away despite the fact that I kept chewing and swallowing...and super conversation.

My Mother commented as we drove out of the parking lot, "It was as if you had always known each other." I think no higher compliment could be paid. She's right.

Mary, thanks for a delightful and CHARMING meal!! We had a great bus tour and found all the historic homes after we left our lunch...but the memory that shall remain dearest is actually meeting this person that I have considered "friend" over the Internet for the year.

Now, I CAN'T WAIT for Thursday when I get to meet Sandy!!

(I can't post any pics while I'm on the road, so you'll have to hop on over to Mary's Place to see them.)

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Somebody's Been Sneaking in MY Room!!

Remember when Goldilocks fell asleep in the Bears' house? Remember when they found her? I had a Goldilocks experience yesterday.

I am on a week-long trip to promote my new book. I have been in Orlando for the last three days. Yesterday, I came back to my room to do some work while my friend, M, went over to a keynote session. As I sat at the desk in the hotel room typing, I heard a key in the door. It was about time for M to be back, so I didn't think too much of it. I also heard voices talking. I didn't think too much of that either because we were meeting friends for dinner.

So I stayed at the desk and kept typing. I should note that the door opened in such a way that I couldn't see who was opening it until they peeked around it.

Well, suddenly I heard a voice say, "Somebody's in our room!" The voice, which came from a small scantily clad twenty-something girl, was a surprise to me. As she peered around the door at me, I replied, "NO, somebody's in MY room!" (in my best Mama Bear voice.) She and her friend turned to the males that now appeared with them and said, "What's going on here?" I said, "This WAS my room and IS my room until tomorrow." They apologized and shut the door.

I called the front desk. The lady there told me there had "been a mix-up" and they had issued these people a key for my room number when they meant to issue it for the room just across from mine.

All I can say is "Thank GOODNESS it was a "mix-up" and they were not axe murderers or something....!" And "I'm so glad I was working in my clothes and not my pajamas or something!"

Speaking of axe murderers, this week I get to meet two blogging friends, Mary and Sandy. I am SO excited! I remember when I read about three more blogging friends meeting with their husbands some months ago. It was really neat.

DS 2, however, has had a GRAND time with this. He said he can picture the headline now, "Learning for Lifetime killed by Flip Flop Floozie" (sorry, Sandy--he's a bit "off" sometimes). I had to LAUGH when I DID go visit Sandy's blog yesterday and found this picture of her in her Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt . I LAUGHED out loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, I'm even MORE excited to meet these two sweet blogging women! DS 2 it will be FINE!!!!!!!!!

Besides, I "survived" Goldilocks in Orlando!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today's my Dad's birthday. I am the worst at picking out presents for him. I mean what do you get a person who has "everything"? I thought I'd send him this "blog card" to start with. Let me introduce you to this man:

Dad loves to laugh. He enjoys a good story and can make you laugh until the tears run freely down your cheeks. I think my brother mentioned the "jacket joke" on his blog not long ago. He is a great joke teller and the "jacket" is one of the oldest that we never tire of hearing.

Dad is a "softie". He sometimes presents a very tough exterior, but I think truth-be-told he's all MUSH on the inside. He has written me several letters over the years that I treasure. I think he's even gotten "mushier" as we've aged and added more and more grandkids to his "brood".

He knows and loves the value of family and its history. He is working diligently to put together our family history. He's not just making a simple "tree" to pass down. Instead, he is digging up stories from the past and the present and including them in what I am certain will be a treasure for years to come.

Thank you, Dad, for all you do and for all you are! I love you!


Sunday, October 15, 2006

Five for Five Meme

A Meme!
I was tagged with this meme by Jane over at Cozy Reader with this fun meme:


1. Five minutes to yourself...How would you spend them?
-In total SHOCK that I had five minutes (OK, I'm kidding)
-Reading
-Breathing in and out and relaxing
-Whispering a prayer
-Blogsurfing

2. Five dollars to spend...How or where would you spend it?
-Shopping at the used book store
-Giving it to one of my boys
-Visit the dollar store
-school supplies
-My daily Diet Coke visit

3. Five items in your house you could part with right now.
-The light over my dining room table
-my carpet
-my husband's dresser (it doesn't match anything)
-the dishwasher (time for a new one)
-papers, papers, papers!!

4. Five items you asolutely, positively could NEVER part with.
-my photo albums
-the church pew
-my Grandma's paintings
-the old school desk
-my computer

5. Five words you love.
-meander
-absolutely
-passion
-adorable
-unconditional

I'm going to tag Mary, Dan and KT.

Friday, October 13, 2006

The Accomplice I'm Not

Tonight's the big game. I'm sure that no matter where you live, there's a "big game". You know, the two rival high schools meet on a football field and the town goes wild! Tonights our night. SHS meets RHS. Orange meets Maroon. I've been to this game once in the past eight years. It's high energy and it's fun...but it's a tight squeeze for seats to be certain.

DSs 2 and 3 started talking about it last night. They had a plan. They wanted to go all out for the game. This morning they were still talking about going "paint shopping". My two normally level-headed children decided they wanted to be like the crazies who get on the fan film at football games. They wanted to paint themselves---maroon! Off they went to find maroon body paint this afternoon...but it's SOLD OUT! I thought October would be a "perfect" time to find it....no luck. They brought, instead, three tubes of red and one tube of purple at the clerk's suggestion. DS 2 also figured they may need black to tone it down.

I tried to help them mix it. First it was too red. Add more purple. Then it was kind of fuscia colored. Add black to tone it down. Then it was sort of brick red....we mixed and mixed. And the clock kept ticking.

Finally, DS 2 said he wanted to go to the other party store and see if they could just get maroon. No luck.

I'm not one that you would EVER find painted up at a football game. I like them, sure, but painted, NO WAY! I tried to help them....I wanted them to have fun....but I simply couldn't get the right mix.

Still they are gone. They are at the game. I'm sure they'll find a way to have fun sans the paint.

Now, I'm going to go figure out how to make maroon!!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

And to think that I saw it in Taco Bell....


Tonight DS 4 and I went to Taco Bell for dinner. He and I stayed at school late due to violin and then planned to go to the school's skate night at our local rink.

While we were in Taco Bell, a young lady walked in with this little girl in tow. The lady was dressed in uniform and ready for work. She went to the cash register and clocked in. I kept looking for the person that was going to take the little girl...I totally understand tag-teaming. But no one came. The Mother went behind the counter while the little girl sat quietly in the booth waiting.

Soon, the Mother returned with a quesadilla and a drink. She cut it for the little girl and made sure it was cooled off. Then, she returned to the food line where she was stationed to make food.

This little girl is....well....LITTLE!!!!! She was so quiet. She'd speak in a quiet voice to others around her (I am pretty sure it was all Spanish)...but they didn't pay attention.

She sat still. She ate. Occasionally she'd pop up like you see her here and then sit back down to eat.

I kept waiting....but no one came. I watched this for nearly 45 minutes! I had to leave. I wanted to tell the Mom that I would sit and play with her. I wanted to protect her from the crowds of people that filled the restaurant...and so easily could have walked off with her before Mom looked back up.

I am sure Mom was doing the best she could. I know it was better than leaving the child unattended at home (I've seen that at school and in foster care before.)

But, she was so......

LITTLE!!!!!!!!

And the world we live in is so.....

BIG!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

A Lesson that Stings a Bit

As some of you know, I have many teacher's guides that I have to write in the next couple of weeks. I have made a good dent in them and that is a good thing. In order to stay on top of them, though, I should write one each night (on average) to get them to the editor and the publisher on time.

Last night, I sat down with my laptop to check email, blogs, and "stuff". DS 3 was on the computer in my room doing his homework. As I sat on the bed, laptop in hand, I thought out loud, "Oh, I SHOULD write a teacher's guide, but I don't want to." It really wasn't meant to be a conversational statement...but it quickly became one. DS 3 calmly looked at me and said, "What if I decided that I don't really feel like doing my Science Journal tonight?" OUCH!!!

Again I was reminded that they are ALWAYS watching and listening to us! I told him he was right, dutifully started working on stuff that needed to get done rather than stuff I "wanted" to do!! Thanks, Son!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Monday Memory

I was trying to think of a good memory to share. Then I went to Lazy Daisy's place last night and read her memory of a church nursery nightmare. It reminded me of some of the funny stories I have had in church nurseries and Sunday School with my own kids. So.......

Did I ever tell you about the time my DS 2 fired his Sunday School teacher?

DH and I had just been appointed to a new church. We had two young sons at the time (ages 5 and almost 4). The almost-4-year-old went to Sunday School one week not long after we arrived at this church. The teacher came up to DH and I after church and said, "I need to talk to you about M." This always made me cringe because he was a bit strong-willed as a toddler. She continued, "He got upset with me in class today." I still can't remember exactly WHAT he was upset about...but it really doesn't matter. She said, "He looked at me and said, 'My Dad's the boss of this church and he's going to fire you!'"

Now you or I might have told a young mother this story with a smile. It IS kind of funny, if you think about it. She wasn't happy though. She was a bit older and really seemed to be from the "children were to be seen and not heard" era. OK, maybe she wasn't quite that bad...but it seemed like it to me.

The young pastor's wife turned beet red and pictured the next Staff Parish meeting where they decided that DH just wasn't a good "fit" for this place! It didn't happen (thank goodness).

Sunday, October 08, 2006

On Morning Routines with Teens, Pre-teens, and Children

I am sitting in my room this morning reading and relaxing and preparing for our Sunday.

DS 3 came in my room half-dazed still from his night's sleep. He said, "I'm going to take a quick shower." (Picture Eeyore saying it.) I said, "OK. Do you want to use my shower?" He mumbled, "No, I'll use our shower." And off he went.

About this time, I heard DS 4 get out of bed. He was singing a glorious song to himself as he wandered through the house getting ready. He is still humming as I type this. I thought to myself, "I wish that everyone would get up singing and humming in the morning. How much more calm and relaxed might our day be?"

Suddenly I heard 18yo teen/adult DS 1 start banging on the bathroom door and yelling at his pre-teen brother to GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM! His tyrade went on about "bathroom etiquette". I am not sure if there's "morning etiquette" for yelling at your family members---although I'm pretty sure it doesn't exist in his book when he is in the "last-minute" mode and someone has cramped his style.

He gave his brother a lecture about taking too long in the bathroom (literally it was about 7 minutes) and I reminded him that we DO have more than ONE bathroom. That didn't really matter to him. He reminded me that his brother needed to know that other people had to get ready and that he was late and that he took too long in the shower...and so on and so on...I think I wanted to hum a pretty tune!!

And that is precisely what DS 4 is still doing!

We could learn a lot from children (and teens), can't we??? May we all have song in hearts today....AND avoid "long showers"!

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Working FOR the Weekend...or ON the weekend???

Remember the old song, "Everybody's workin' for the weekend"? I've said before I always PLAN to work FOR the weekend. I work hard during the week so that I can have a weekend....but lately...I keep working ON and THROUGH the weekend. I'm trying to stop, really I am. This weekend I've been somewhat successful.

Today, we spent 3 and 1/2 hours at the soccer field. Between DS 2 and 4, we had back to back soccer games. It was actually nice that both games happened on the same field this week. Since DS 2's team travels, they are sometimes out of town, dividing our attention. DS 4 scored FOUR goals in his game. In fact, these were the only scores by his team. It was fun, but it was DARN HOT out there!!!! Just doesn't seem right that it should be 90 degrees in October.

I went to Walmart this afternoon....I can always do some damage there. I was so excited because my small group always buys water bottles as gifts for Women's Emmaus (weekend renewal). We are usually excited when we can find bottles for $1. Today, while browsing in Walmart, I saw a HUGE bin full of colorful water bottles for 10 cents (yep, you read that right) a piece!!!!!!!!!!! Who can resist THAT kind of a savings????? I promptly went to the front of the store and got an empty cart (because my cart was already full).

I decided that I'd buy for this upcoming weekend AND the next two (a total of 180 bottles). They filled the second cart. It was funny to see people's faces when they saw this crazy woman walking through Walmart with two carts and one filled completely with water bottles! What was even funnier is that every 20 or so steps, one bottle would fall off the cart!! I can never do anything quietly!

When I got to the checkout, the guy's eyes almost bugged out of his head when he saw my two carts. He had to ring up 10 cents all 180 times. When he pulled my cash register receipt, he held it up to see how long it was and said, "I've been working at Walmart a while and THAT is the longest receipt I've seen!" How proud I am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow DH leaves for a week. I am always sad when he's away, but am happy that he gets to travel and help churches all over the country. It's what he's passionate about...and that's a good thing.

On another note, for those of you praying for my SIL and her family. Heather came through surgery just fine. She will be in the hospital for the next few days and on strict no lifting rest for about 4 weeks. Please continue to keep all of them in your prayers as they receive pathology reports and acclimate to life at home with Mom on rest.

And finally, DS 3 has proclaimed me STRANGE...no surprise there. He was reading my blog and noticed that I wish I could wake up tomorrow and cartwheel. He said, "You could have picked ANYTHING, Mom....WHY cartwheels???" I don't know...it's my blog and that's what came to my mind!!!

That's all for now...just didn't want you all to think I'd fallen off the blogging wagon!!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Prayer Requests

I'm going to ask anyone who reads this post, to send up a special prayer for my SIL, Heather. She's experiencing some health issues and could use some prayers. Hope you are feeling better soon, Heather.

Also, say a special prayer for my cyberfriend, Mary. She lost her 47 year-old Father-in-Law in a tragic accident this week.

Please pray for peace for both of these situations. Thank goodness we serve a God who loves us and wants to hold us when things are rough.

Blessings!

Brand New Meme

Marytagged me with this interesting and meaningful meme:

1. Favorite memory of your mother? My Mother is pretty spontaneous. I think one of my favorite things that makes me smile is thinking about her hearing sirens and saying, "Let's go see what happened!" Or, all the times we just stayed home and laughed and enjoyed each other. One thing we used to do at home is sit together on the piano bench and play and sing through the hymnal. I loved that! I am so glad that she took the time and felt the conviction to raise us in the church. I know it has set my entire life on a path that is filled with blessings.

2. Favorite memory of your father? I think family vacations would have to be my favorite memories here. We'd travel and listen to Eight Track Tapes (some of you aren't even old enough to remember these!) and sing and laugh. I also remember when we'd ask what time it was, he'd reply, "What time do you have to be there?" His likes to make sure people around him are laughing and having a good time. If this meant that HE needed to provide the humor, he would (and does).

3. What one skill would you like to wake up tomorrow and be able to do (though you'd never learned it)? OK this is kind of strange. I wish I could have learned to do a cartwheel. I tried. It wasn't in my genes, I guess.

4. Which one of your dreams has come true?Besides my wonderful husband and family (which is definitely my #1 dream come true...I have been able to be in a career to which I felt called. I have not only been able to touch a small class of kids, but have seen God expand my horizons by letting me work in classrooms and schools all around the country.

I'm tagging: Heather (when she's feeling better), Dan, and Lynn (I'm hoping that Dan and/or Lynn tag Greg--hint, hint!)

Monday, October 02, 2006

More Reading Notes...

If you read my blog regularly, then you know that I am reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. I posted about this last week here.

The story is a famous one from the gospel of Luke where Jesus drops by the house of Mary and Martha. According to some scholars, he may have dropped by with up to 70 other people. While Jesus sat in the Living Room teaching, Mary sat at his feet. As her sister, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, Martha was scurrying about to make preparations for the meal. She gets a little testy and goes to Jesus and complains about her sister's lack of care in this situation.

Now, many people that I talk to are in the SAME boat as me...they wonder just HOW the work would get done if the hostesses BOTH sat down. They did, however, have to eat, right?

I just finished chapter four and think that Weaver agrees with this. It's not that the service was wrong, it was that Martha was worried and couldn't stop and sit still for a moment at the feet of Jesus.

Weaver notes that in that day it was certainly expected that women would make all the preparations. It certainly wasn't that Martha didn't LOVE Jesus, she DID invite him into her home. But Jesus sensed her worry when he said, "Martha, you're worried about many things, but only one thing is needed." His note would have surprised the men in the room, because he was inviting her to take a seat with her sister at his feet. He was inviting her to rest and to know him.

This chapter ended with a BIG ah-hah for me. We ARE surrounded by legitimate needs and legitimate areas of service. When you have a Martha personality, it's your nature to jump up when no one else will and say, "I'll do it." We might even do it well...but it's not what God wants us to do.

Weaver says...
while there are manythings that need to be done, things I'm capable of and want to do, I am not always the one to do them. Even if I have a burden for a certain need or project, my interest or concern is not a surefire sign that I need to be in charge. God may only be calling me to pray that the right person will rise up to accomplish it. What's more, I may be stealing someone else's blessing when I assume I must do it all.


Interesting, isn't it? Weaver quotes Charles Spurgeon who wrote:
"Her fault was not that she served. The condition of a servant well becomes every Christian. Her fault was that she grew 'cumbered with much serving' so that she forgot him and only remembered the service."


May we all choose "one thing" that is needed today and not bite off more than we can (or we SHOULD) chew!