I am pro-chocolate, pro-candy, pro-(cute and funny)costume, and pro-kids! While I understand some of the reasons people are anti-halloween, I don't understand them all. I for one, refuse to give evil any special recognition! You'd think, oh, well, then don't celebrate Halloween. No, it 's actually in reverse, at least for me. I choose to make Halloween all about fun, pumpkins, candy, and all things good! If all the Christians shut their porch lights off, then I guess all the kids have no choice but to knock on doors in the dark. I would rather greet them with a happy smile and give them candy. After all, it is all about the candy. At least it is for my family. And since we enjoy dressing up and acting silly, this is the one day you have license to do that without appearing crazy. (not that it should stop anyone)
Evil exists out there every day of the week, not just on Halloween. Just look around you. Churches that put on carnivals and fun activities for Halloween have the right idea. Don't take it away, but change the meaning. We aren't celebrating darkness unless we have darkness in our hearts. You don't need a holiday for that. It's just that knocking on doors for candy in July is well, just plain weird!!
So, whatever your opinion of Halloween, remember to at least eat some chocolate. And if you really want to make someone happy on a typically scary day, take your kids to the local senior centers and nursing homes. They absolutely love to see all the kids come in. It does wonders for their spirits!!
Be blessed, and don't be afraid to let your (jack o lantern) light shine!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Stream of Consciousness
A creative mind wanders all day long. A creative person is often a daydreamer, has an imaginary friend as a child, sees images in the clouds and in their hot cocoa that no one else sees. A creative person begins as a creative child, who makes up songs and jokes, dresses up or pretends to be an animal. Have you ever felt uplifted by just coloring with crayons next to a child? Do you ever just enjoy watching them play or getting involved in their play-acting? I spent so much time with my girls just playing house or store, having "classy" tea parties, or doing jungle rides in the wagon in the backyard. Creative people are often avid readers, ask lots of questions, seem more fascinated with basic things that most people take for granted. They often seem "artsty fartsy" or "weird" to others who "have it all together", but to me, they are the coolest breed of people around. They are living in technicolor, while the rest remain in black and white!
Life in this world can be a lot of things, but it should never be boring. I am always skeptical when someone tells me they are bored. How can a person be bored? I don't get it. I'm guessing the mind of that person may be asleep for whatever reason. There is so much to be enjoyed and experienced, and you don't have to go anywhere to get it. I believe God created us to have wonderful positive thoughts, so what happens? When you start relying on the world to entertain you, you're going to have problems and yes, you will be bored.
I spent a lot of time alone as a kid, so I had countless opportunities to create in my mind. I was the kid with the imaginary friend. I wrote poems and stories, drew pictures out of scribbles and read countless books. I made everything up as I went along. It became a place of escape, where I could create every situation and every outcome, completely suited to me. It was survival then, and it is survival now. I don't mind being alone, I am never bored, and life rarely gets me down. I guess my mind never "parks" for very long, and that has been a saving grace for me.
I can see why many creative people in history went a little bonkers. Their minds must have been going about 200 miles per hour. Sometimes my mind races like that, but it's usually things I want to do or accomplish, or ideas that I am excited about. If my mind is going to race, I'd like it to be about things that are positive, things of God, and things that matter.
I could go on and on about the mind. It really is a terrible thing to waste. It's something we have to be careful with, as it is the enemy's target. Joyce Meyer wrote a great book about the mind, called "Battlefield of the Mind". It's a good read.
In one of my college writing classes, we did an exercise called "stream of consciousness". It was a way of writing down every thought that came to mind, usually to help you with a concept or even come up with a title for your piece. I have never forgotten it, and I use it sometimes to come up with creative ideas. I think it could be used to start your day off in a positive light as well. Get your thoughts going on a concept, like "goodness" for example. Let your mind go to all things good, starting with God, and what He is doing for you. Keep it going all day long! I promise you won't be bored and I promise you will feel more creative.
My stream today will be about thinking of one good thing about everyone I know. It should be an all day thing, but it will keep me focused on the positive and not all the negatives I have avoided talking about so far!!
Be blessed, from the tip of your toes to the top of your mind!! :)
Life in this world can be a lot of things, but it should never be boring. I am always skeptical when someone tells me they are bored. How can a person be bored? I don't get it. I'm guessing the mind of that person may be asleep for whatever reason. There is so much to be enjoyed and experienced, and you don't have to go anywhere to get it. I believe God created us to have wonderful positive thoughts, so what happens? When you start relying on the world to entertain you, you're going to have problems and yes, you will be bored.
I spent a lot of time alone as a kid, so I had countless opportunities to create in my mind. I was the kid with the imaginary friend. I wrote poems and stories, drew pictures out of scribbles and read countless books. I made everything up as I went along. It became a place of escape, where I could create every situation and every outcome, completely suited to me. It was survival then, and it is survival now. I don't mind being alone, I am never bored, and life rarely gets me down. I guess my mind never "parks" for very long, and that has been a saving grace for me.
I can see why many creative people in history went a little bonkers. Their minds must have been going about 200 miles per hour. Sometimes my mind races like that, but it's usually things I want to do or accomplish, or ideas that I am excited about. If my mind is going to race, I'd like it to be about things that are positive, things of God, and things that matter.
I could go on and on about the mind. It really is a terrible thing to waste. It's something we have to be careful with, as it is the enemy's target. Joyce Meyer wrote a great book about the mind, called "Battlefield of the Mind". It's a good read.
In one of my college writing classes, we did an exercise called "stream of consciousness". It was a way of writing down every thought that came to mind, usually to help you with a concept or even come up with a title for your piece. I have never forgotten it, and I use it sometimes to come up with creative ideas. I think it could be used to start your day off in a positive light as well. Get your thoughts going on a concept, like "goodness" for example. Let your mind go to all things good, starting with God, and what He is doing for you. Keep it going all day long! I promise you won't be bored and I promise you will feel more creative.
My stream today will be about thinking of one good thing about everyone I know. It should be an all day thing, but it will keep me focused on the positive and not all the negatives I have avoided talking about so far!!
Be blessed, from the tip of your toes to the top of your mind!! :)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Something To Remember
In my studying of pride and humility this week, I've been reading a lot of the Old Testament, mostly 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Whew...this is tough on a New Testament girl!! Anyway, I wanted to share something you've all read before, but it is worth remembering. Here goes...
Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be Kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
Mother Teresa
And the most important thing to remember? The "people" she speaks of? That means us too!
Be blessed and "never tire of doing what is right." (2 Thess. 3:13)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Pumpkin Fever
The leaves are falling, the ladybugs are crawling, but all is well because no one is bawling. Do you see what happens when I don't get a good night's sleep? Silliness all day, that's what. I had strange dreams of friends singing on PBS specials, their mouths looking larger than their heads...these dreams just get weirder and weirder. I thought I heard a terribly loud noise sometime around 2 am, so I was pretty much awake from then on, just dozing from strange dream to stranger dream. Since I'm not on medication, I have to wonder if it's a pumpkin overdose.
Because of my love of all things Fall, I am obsessed with pumpkins. That's right....I can't get enough pumpkins. I have the real thing lining the front sidewalk, pumpkin candies in the candy dish, pumpkin flavored pudding in the refrigerator, pumpkin decorations all over the house, and then my new obsession... I call it Pumpkin Cappi-Latte, my coffee combination of powdered french vanilla cappuccino mix with Pumpkin Spice Latte mix. Add hot skim milk, and there you have it. Another way to enjoy pumpkin. I also put pumpkin pie spice in with my coffee grounds in the morning. Add to that a piece of pumpkin bread or a pumpkin muffin, and wowie!
I have a mean pumpkin cheesecake that blows the socks off my family, I have pumpkin recipes galore and I love them all. I can't wait to carve some pumpkins just so I can roast the seeds. Have I gone far enough yet? I think you get the idea, my little pumpkin.
And speaking of my "real pumpkins", they are still asleep! No school for the rest of the week due to all the creepy cruds going around. I haven't gotten it yet. Maybe it's because of my pumpkin intake!! :)
Enjoy your day, enjoy the fall, and please, enjoy the pumpkins!
Because of my love of all things Fall, I am obsessed with pumpkins. That's right....I can't get enough pumpkins. I have the real thing lining the front sidewalk, pumpkin candies in the candy dish, pumpkin flavored pudding in the refrigerator, pumpkin decorations all over the house, and then my new obsession... I call it Pumpkin Cappi-Latte, my coffee combination of powdered french vanilla cappuccino mix with Pumpkin Spice Latte mix. Add hot skim milk, and there you have it. Another way to enjoy pumpkin. I also put pumpkin pie spice in with my coffee grounds in the morning. Add to that a piece of pumpkin bread or a pumpkin muffin, and wowie!
I have a mean pumpkin cheesecake that blows the socks off my family, I have pumpkin recipes galore and I love them all. I can't wait to carve some pumpkins just so I can roast the seeds. Have I gone far enough yet? I think you get the idea, my little pumpkin.
And speaking of my "real pumpkins", they are still asleep! No school for the rest of the week due to all the creepy cruds going around. I haven't gotten it yet. Maybe it's because of my pumpkin intake!! :)
Enjoy your day, enjoy the fall, and please, enjoy the pumpkins!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Focusing on the Gift that Matters
We're beginning to plan for Christmas, which includes getting an idea of what we can afford this year. Notice I said "includes". I hope it goes without saying that Christmas is far more than presents under the tree! But, we do have 2 girls who are getting older and with that comes more pricey tags. We're careful with our spending, as my choice to be home to raise the girls means one income. There's nothing wrong with cutting down whether you have one income or two, or whether or not we're in tough economic times. What matters is the condition of your heart when it's gift giving time.
I've been thinking a lot about Christmas and some things I haven't enjoyed about it because those are things I don't want to repeat. I've thought about the word "gift" and what that means. To me, it means giving of your own accord and giving when you really truly have it in your heart to give. Another way of looking at it is if you have to pull out a credit card to please someone else, that's not a true gift at all. When it endangers your economic status and goes against your beliefs, or you're doing it to fit in or to please someone else, that's just not a gift.
With that said, let me flashback a bit. In Steve's family, we have been known as the "black sheep" when it comes to Christmas. I was the only one who chose to be a stay at home mom, and our spending was very limited. While they drew names and had what I considered too high limits for spending, we had to pass. We felt pretty horrible when they gave our children gifts. We just couldn't buy 11 kids Christmas presents! How fun was that, you ask? Oh, not at all, and it certainly didn't gain us (mostly me) any brownie points at the time. My suggestion to do a "chinese" auction was met with a not so welcome reception. I tried. I truly didn't want to shake things up, but no matter what I did, I looked bad. I say "I" because you know the in-law usually gets blamed for everything. It's okay, I can take it.
When I was worried about how I was going to pay for gifts for my OWN children, I couldn't possibly be worried about spending another $60 on a sibling who seemed to have way more than I had in the first place. See, it just brought out some ugliness all the way around. It got ugly when we refused to go along with it, but I knew in my heart that we had done the right thing.
Isn't it sad that when we sit around and talk about Christmas parties or gatherings, that there's always a story like this one? Wouldn't it be nice if everyone understood and respected someone else's financial situation? Wouldn't it be nice if we focused on family and God and the birth of our Savior and let that be the gift on the table, under the tree, and in our arms??
In my family, we don't exchange gifts with my siblings. We bring a favorite dish to pass, we have a wonderful meal, we talk and catch up, laugh, play games, and take pictures. There is no pressure to walk through that door. You don't need to worry if your arms aren't loaded with gifts. You only need to worry if you're on a diet!! Some years, when all can handle it, we will do an auction, but if times are tough, we leave it out. NO big deal!! Just come so you can be hugged!
Now in Steve's family, they do a chinese auction. I'd like to say I told you so, and I guess I just did, but at least we can walk in there and not feel the pressure of walking in without gifts. Sometimes it just has to be someone else's idea. Whatever works.
Make sure when you are giving a gift that you really want to give it. Don't do it out of obligation, guilt, or even spite. You're not doing yourself or anyone else a favor by being a big ole phony. Christmas means One thing to me. That is the focus I choose to have. It makes the difference between having a stressful holiday, or a holiday full of joy. I choose the latter.
Be blessed as you enter the holiday season and keep your eyes on the GIFT!
I've been thinking a lot about Christmas and some things I haven't enjoyed about it because those are things I don't want to repeat. I've thought about the word "gift" and what that means. To me, it means giving of your own accord and giving when you really truly have it in your heart to give. Another way of looking at it is if you have to pull out a credit card to please someone else, that's not a true gift at all. When it endangers your economic status and goes against your beliefs, or you're doing it to fit in or to please someone else, that's just not a gift.
With that said, let me flashback a bit. In Steve's family, we have been known as the "black sheep" when it comes to Christmas. I was the only one who chose to be a stay at home mom, and our spending was very limited. While they drew names and had what I considered too high limits for spending, we had to pass. We felt pretty horrible when they gave our children gifts. We just couldn't buy 11 kids Christmas presents! How fun was that, you ask? Oh, not at all, and it certainly didn't gain us (mostly me) any brownie points at the time. My suggestion to do a "chinese" auction was met with a not so welcome reception. I tried. I truly didn't want to shake things up, but no matter what I did, I looked bad. I say "I" because you know the in-law usually gets blamed for everything. It's okay, I can take it.
When I was worried about how I was going to pay for gifts for my OWN children, I couldn't possibly be worried about spending another $60 on a sibling who seemed to have way more than I had in the first place. See, it just brought out some ugliness all the way around. It got ugly when we refused to go along with it, but I knew in my heart that we had done the right thing.
Isn't it sad that when we sit around and talk about Christmas parties or gatherings, that there's always a story like this one? Wouldn't it be nice if everyone understood and respected someone else's financial situation? Wouldn't it be nice if we focused on family and God and the birth of our Savior and let that be the gift on the table, under the tree, and in our arms??
In my family, we don't exchange gifts with my siblings. We bring a favorite dish to pass, we have a wonderful meal, we talk and catch up, laugh, play games, and take pictures. There is no pressure to walk through that door. You don't need to worry if your arms aren't loaded with gifts. You only need to worry if you're on a diet!! Some years, when all can handle it, we will do an auction, but if times are tough, we leave it out. NO big deal!! Just come so you can be hugged!
Now in Steve's family, they do a chinese auction. I'd like to say I told you so, and I guess I just did, but at least we can walk in there and not feel the pressure of walking in without gifts. Sometimes it just has to be someone else's idea. Whatever works.
Make sure when you are giving a gift that you really want to give it. Don't do it out of obligation, guilt, or even spite. You're not doing yourself or anyone else a favor by being a big ole phony. Christmas means One thing to me. That is the focus I choose to have. It makes the difference between having a stressful holiday, or a holiday full of joy. I choose the latter.
Be blessed as you enter the holiday season and keep your eyes on the GIFT!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Pride is the Master of Disguise
Here's a little something I want to share about this "little" thing called Pride. I hope it hits you where it hit me.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...because you
"deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already
know it all.
I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of
me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to
admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...because you'd rather look
in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...because
nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...because real romance
demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you
refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince
you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking
out for you. Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...
If you stick with me
You'll never know.
(Taken from Praying God's Word, by Beth Moore)
The Bible tells us that God hates pride. That's a pretty strong word, coming from God. I think we'd better listen. Pride is the end of many homes, relationships, lives. It is the enemy of churches and marriages, friendships, and joy. If you're full of yourself, you can't be full of the Spirit of God. Sounds to me like Pride would be a pretty good tool for the enemy.
What is the opposite of pride? Humility. If we don't humble ourselves, guess what? God will humble us. He won't put up with that very long at all!
In this book, Beth also provides scripture-based prayers specifically for help in dealing with the issue of pride. One simple one goes like this: "Father, help me to understand that the pride in my heart is deceiving me." (see Jeremiah 49:16)
I think pride is so deceptive that we don't even realize that it's our main problem! It's taken me a long time to recognize certain thinking patterns and behaviors were just pride in disguise. It's a daily prayer of mine to ask God to help me keep only the pride that is acceptable to Him, and toss out the rest!!
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...because you
"deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already
know it all.
I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of
me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to
admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...because you'd rather look
in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...because
nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...because real romance
demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you
refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince
you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking
out for you. Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...
If you stick with me
You'll never know.
(Taken from Praying God's Word, by Beth Moore)
The Bible tells us that God hates pride. That's a pretty strong word, coming from God. I think we'd better listen. Pride is the end of many homes, relationships, lives. It is the enemy of churches and marriages, friendships, and joy. If you're full of yourself, you can't be full of the Spirit of God. Sounds to me like Pride would be a pretty good tool for the enemy.
What is the opposite of pride? Humility. If we don't humble ourselves, guess what? God will humble us. He won't put up with that very long at all!
In this book, Beth also provides scripture-based prayers specifically for help in dealing with the issue of pride. One simple one goes like this: "Father, help me to understand that the pride in my heart is deceiving me." (see Jeremiah 49:16)
I think pride is so deceptive that we don't even realize that it's our main problem! It's taken me a long time to recognize certain thinking patterns and behaviors were just pride in disguise. It's a daily prayer of mine to ask God to help me keep only the pride that is acceptable to Him, and toss out the rest!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Busy Crazy Germy...My Weekend
With sick kids all day Friday, I knew I had little time to prepare for my photo shoot with Cassie, our niece, on Saturday. I scurried around, cleaning, hanging sheets on the line, disinfecting everything, taking temperatures, and preparing to have company all day. What surprised me was how well it all turned out, despite all the things I was trying to do in a day. Cassie is pretty laid back and wasn't too crazy about being out in the cold shooting pictures, but we laughed a lot and made it very fun. She was pretty happy with the first few shots we did, but I kept encouraging her to let me do more! We ended up with about 85 pictures, which to me is nothing! We walked quite a bit of the property, looking for "the perfect birch tree", and ended up in the side yard for most of the shots! Cassie is beautiful, with big happy dimples, which she tried to disguise! What? I used to eat lemons as a kid, thinking it would make me have dimples! I know, I know...
This was one of our favorite shots, and she really likes black and white, although the colors were really pretty on Saturday. Some of our backgrounds were so pretty it looked like a Sears backdrop!
While Cassie, mom Rona, and brother James were here, Steve's mom and dad stopped by, and we all had a nice time visiting. The doorbell rang as they were preparing to leave, and there on the porch was Patty and Regan, surprising us with a visit! The phone rang twice, with calls from friends as well. When it rains, it pours around here. After having cabin fever for 2 weeks, I welcomed all the hubbub! That, and my house was clean!
On Sunday, the girls still had low fevers, so we spared the public of our germs and stayed home from church. Patty, Regan, and Taylor stopped by on their way back to Vicksburg for a short visit around noon. The migraine started about 12:30....an unwelcome visitor, for sure. Anyway, through it all, life is good and I am blessed. There isn't too much I can complain about at all.
The weather will be warm today, dinner is already planned, the dog is well and frisky, and I have nothing but praise to utter! As I tell my girls when they exit the van, "don't let anyone steal your joy. Don't let anyone get in your knickers. Don't let anyone poo in your ice cream. If someone tries to bring you down, pray God's favor on them, and feel sad that they don't know Him." I don't know about them, but it sure makes a difference in the way I handle people!
Enjoy your day. I know I will.
This was one of our favorite shots, and she really likes black and white, although the colors were really pretty on Saturday. Some of our backgrounds were so pretty it looked like a Sears backdrop!While Cassie, mom Rona, and brother James were here, Steve's mom and dad stopped by, and we all had a nice time visiting. The doorbell rang as they were preparing to leave, and there on the porch was Patty and Regan, surprising us with a visit! The phone rang twice, with calls from friends as well. When it rains, it pours around here. After having cabin fever for 2 weeks, I welcomed all the hubbub! That, and my house was clean!
On Sunday, the girls still had low fevers, so we spared the public of our germs and stayed home from church. Patty, Regan, and Taylor stopped by on their way back to Vicksburg for a short visit around noon. The migraine started about 12:30....an unwelcome visitor, for sure. Anyway, through it all, life is good and I am blessed. There isn't too much I can complain about at all.
The weather will be warm today, dinner is already planned, the dog is well and frisky, and I have nothing but praise to utter! As I tell my girls when they exit the van, "don't let anyone steal your joy. Don't let anyone get in your knickers. Don't let anyone poo in your ice cream. If someone tries to bring you down, pray God's favor on them, and feel sad that they don't know Him." I don't know about them, but it sure makes a difference in the way I handle people!
Enjoy your day. I know I will.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Creepy Crud
Well, the dog has healed for the most part, but now both girls are sick. We're not sure exactly what they have, but we're hopeful that it isn't the dreaded H1N1 virus. There has been one case in our school so far. Pretty scary stuff. However, God is watching over them, we are sure of that.
I have been quite the nurse these past 2 weeks, which sometimes makes me wonder if I haven't missed my calling. Although having sick kids can be stressful because you're always worried about the fever spiking in the middle of the night or worse, I do enjoy taking care of them. They love the constant attention, special trays, getting to use a straw, and the surprises I bring them. They are enjoying being pampered, although being sick really isn't all that fun. I keep their "charts" nearby so I can track every medication dose, every temperature, and any other info. I might need. Since I wasn't feeling too well myself these past couple of days, Steve worked from home again, and made the popsicle run this morning.
Of course, this couldn't have better timing, as I'm doing the photo shoot for Cassie tomorrow, plus Patty and family have arrived from Vicksburg for a visit. She is staying about 4 miles from here, which is a safe distance from our germs, I guess. I've put together a goodie basket for her and her family, which I will probably spray with Lysol and leave outside my door for her to find!
So, that's what's going on in my world today. I hope you are feeling well and your kids (if you have them) can escape the creepy crud going around. I'll be praying for all of you to stay well and healthy!
I have been quite the nurse these past 2 weeks, which sometimes makes me wonder if I haven't missed my calling. Although having sick kids can be stressful because you're always worried about the fever spiking in the middle of the night or worse, I do enjoy taking care of them. They love the constant attention, special trays, getting to use a straw, and the surprises I bring them. They are enjoying being pampered, although being sick really isn't all that fun. I keep their "charts" nearby so I can track every medication dose, every temperature, and any other info. I might need. Since I wasn't feeling too well myself these past couple of days, Steve worked from home again, and made the popsicle run this morning.
Of course, this couldn't have better timing, as I'm doing the photo shoot for Cassie tomorrow, plus Patty and family have arrived from Vicksburg for a visit. She is staying about 4 miles from here, which is a safe distance from our germs, I guess. I've put together a goodie basket for her and her family, which I will probably spray with Lysol and leave outside my door for her to find!
So, that's what's going on in my world today. I hope you are feeling well and your kids (if you have them) can escape the creepy crud going around. I'll be praying for all of you to stay well and healthy!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Ozzie and Patty: The Next "Marley and Me"...
First a Sophie update....then some amusing things to share about my friend Patty and her new puppy, Osgoode (Ozzy). Sophie is doing well. I gave her a much needed bath yesterday, and I probably won't go into great detail about that. Let's just say it was an interesting experience. She's still a bit wobbly, but able to walk on her own, go to the "bathroom", and her begging skills are top notch! She's looking and smelling better every day.
Patty is coming up here Friday and Saturday, so we've been chatting a lot this week. It seems Michigan has not been as friendly to her as she'd hoped. Her experience at the DMV was less than successful....she walked in to get her new license and plate, carrying nearly every piece of I.D. she had. After waiting for a very long time, she was told they also need her marriage license. So, back home, back to the DMV for another long long wait. That was Monday. On Wednesday, she attempted to use her bank for the first time. She asked to get a bank card in her own name, as the only one they had was her husband's. Nope, the teller says, can't give you one. Why? Your husband has to be here too. What?? Okay, then just cash this check for me. Sure. I'll just have to charge you $10 to do that. What?? The lady was less than friendly and less than helpful, leaving my dear friend in quite a frazzle. The whole reason she needed cash was because she and her new friend, the neighbor, were taking the kids to a pumpkin farm after school that day. So, her new friend offers to let Patty write her a check and she would just cash it and give her the money. Problem solved. Except that it didn't quite work that way. Patty brought the cash home, put it on the kitchen counter, then left to run some more errands for the day. She came home to her son saying, 'mom, I don't think Osgoode (the puppy) wants you to go to the pumpkin farm today'. Why is that? Patty asked. 'well, I found your money all chewed up all over the floor'. Oh....where is he? Looking at her from his comfy perch on the living room chair, where he is not supposed to be.
Sure, she wanted to wring his neck, but after all the hassle she had gone through that week, all she could do was laugh! Yes, laugh. What else can you do?? So, she and the friend went BACK to the friend's bank and traded the shredded money in for new. Patty has quite a sense of humor, and when used on strangers, it sometimes flies over their heads. She said to the helpful teller (where she will now move her account), "I was planning on taking Ozzy to the pumpkin farm, but I'm not taking him now" (she was just kidding) The lady says back, "well, I wouldn't take him either!"
This is just one of the Ozzy stories, and just a couple of the Michigan stories she has shared with me so far. Through it all, she manages to laugh. Of course, I can't wait to hear what happens next because I can always use a good laugh!
Enjoy your day and remember to laugh through the hard times. Next time you need a good laugh, ask me about the bath experience with Sophie. That's if you have a strong stomach. :)
Patty is coming up here Friday and Saturday, so we've been chatting a lot this week. It seems Michigan has not been as friendly to her as she'd hoped. Her experience at the DMV was less than successful....she walked in to get her new license and plate, carrying nearly every piece of I.D. she had. After waiting for a very long time, she was told they also need her marriage license. So, back home, back to the DMV for another long long wait. That was Monday. On Wednesday, she attempted to use her bank for the first time. She asked to get a bank card in her own name, as the only one they had was her husband's. Nope, the teller says, can't give you one. Why? Your husband has to be here too. What?? Okay, then just cash this check for me. Sure. I'll just have to charge you $10 to do that. What?? The lady was less than friendly and less than helpful, leaving my dear friend in quite a frazzle. The whole reason she needed cash was because she and her new friend, the neighbor, were taking the kids to a pumpkin farm after school that day. So, her new friend offers to let Patty write her a check and she would just cash it and give her the money. Problem solved. Except that it didn't quite work that way. Patty brought the cash home, put it on the kitchen counter, then left to run some more errands for the day. She came home to her son saying, 'mom, I don't think Osgoode (the puppy) wants you to go to the pumpkin farm today'. Why is that? Patty asked. 'well, I found your money all chewed up all over the floor'. Oh....where is he? Looking at her from his comfy perch on the living room chair, where he is not supposed to be.Sure, she wanted to wring his neck, but after all the hassle she had gone through that week, all she could do was laugh! Yes, laugh. What else can you do?? So, she and the friend went BACK to the friend's bank and traded the shredded money in for new. Patty has quite a sense of humor, and when used on strangers, it sometimes flies over their heads. She said to the helpful teller (where she will now move her account), "I was planning on taking Ozzy to the pumpkin farm, but I'm not taking him now" (she was just kidding) The lady says back, "well, I wouldn't take him either!"
This is just one of the Ozzy stories, and just a couple of the Michigan stories she has shared with me so far. Through it all, she manages to laugh. Of course, I can't wait to hear what happens next because I can always use a good laugh!
Enjoy your day and remember to laugh through the hard times. Next time you need a good laugh, ask me about the bath experience with Sophie. That's if you have a strong stomach. :)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Updates
Wow. I don't know what I pushed, but the text is blue and underlined. Hmmm....must be mice in the keyboard again....
There's sweet (oh, text is normal now...weird) Sophie in her makeshift bed. She's doing much better!! She is now able to get up and walk. Still a little unstable and a bit clumsy, but definitely showing improvement. I'm still watching to make sure she doesn't fall and break a leg. She has arthritis in her hips as well. Aging isn't too easy on pets, and even harder on the owners.
We were able to sneak in a fall photo shoot, though it was very cold. I know my camera removes red eye, but I wonder if it removes "red nose" too! I gotta tell ya...I like the Nikon D60, but I will never like it better than my Minolta Maxxum regular ole 35mm film camera!! Film is still better than digital any day, sorry digi fans!!
Those girls are growing up too fast! I've done these "shoots" since they were babies. I'd put them in their red wagon with straw and pumpkins. I still do lots of jumping in the leaves pictures because let's face it, you're never too old to play in the leaves,right? Just watch out if you have a dog. There may be a surprise or two in the pile!! Ew, I know. Those girls love to pose...I think I took about 160 shots of them! Thanks to all of you who prayed us through our Sophie emergency. It means a lot to know that people understand how much we love our dog and get that she's a part of our family too!
Have a blessed week...prepare for cuddling. Snow is on the way!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A Woeful Wednesday...
I awoke early on Wednesday morning to my very restless dog. It was about 4:30 am and it seemed she wanted to go out. In her old age, she has been doing this nightly wake up thing for a while now. For some reason, I put on my slippers and wrapped in a blanket and followed her outside. I then noticed her stumbling and tripping, unable to walk a straight line. She made it back to the steps and just as I ran to her, she collapsed.
I quickly scooped up my 49 pound baby and ran into the house, straight into the bedroom to wake Steve. He was already awake, having seen the lights turn on. I was already crying, scared to death of what was happening to her. She was alive, but clearly not acting normal.
We put her down and watched as her head turned to the side repeatedly, and she seemed to stare at nothing, all the while not being able to stand. She didn't seem to be in pain or other distress, and as it was so early in the morning, I couldn't call the vet. So, I curled up on the floor next to her and tried to comfort her as much as I could. I prayed, of course, and I panicked, all at the same time, however impossible that may seem.
We couldn't see the vet until later in the afternoon, but upon talking with the vet, it seemed she was having some kind of dizzy spell. I guess it's common in older dogs. He said to give her a dramamine to help with the nausea and it would help her sleep. Well, we both needed sleep at this point. I made her a comfy bed next to the couch and tried to lay down with her. She kept picking her head up to look for me, so I finally laid down on the floor and put my head next to hers. Mind you, we have a hardwood floor in the living room. I didn't care! I was so exhausted and all I wanted to do was fix her, so I fell asleep right there with her, hard floor and all.
Because I have so much trouble lifting her, and I knew I couldn't deal with the unknown diagnosis without someone there, I asked Steve to take her to the vet. I couldn't go with him because of the kids' activities, and on short notice having no one to help us. My mom has been sick and I didn't want her to know what was going on. Well, Steve has had some pretty rough days at work with certain things going on and the last thing he needed was to leave work in the middle of it, but he did. For Sophie and for me. Probably not the easiest thing to do, but I have to say, Steve is a family man first, and I am so grateful for that.
Serena decided to help Daddy open the doors since he had to carry Sophie in his arms, so she went along to the vet. I asked him to please keep her in the waiting room during the exam, just in case. By the time I got back from Volleyball with Nattie, they had already returned. I didn't know if this was good news or bad, and I had already taken something to calm me down, preparing for the worst.
It turns out, Sophie has what is called "vastibular syndrome". In other words, her equilibrium is off, and she is extremely dizzy. It is common in dogs her age, it should go away within a few days to up to 2 weeks, and it is extremely rare for it to be permanent. Good good news!!!
I was so relieved at this news, as the whole day I spent crying over her, thanking God for 13 special years with her, and wondering if the day of decision had come. I was a wreck, as I told my friend, who graciously prayed for me that day.
She is still very unstable, and I have to assist her in everything, including bathroom duties, which is interesting and I won't go there! She's pretty heavy, but I carry her everywhere and let her ride with me to school so she doesn't think I left her. It has been difficult, but I am thankful I am home for her, because I would probably lose my job by now if I worked. I hate to say this, but I don't think I'd care!!
So, today is our 15th anniversary, and I made a turkey dinner. We won't be going out, and no cards will be exchanged. I've never really cared about cards and gifts on our anniversary. I am just thankful we're still happily married! I'm sure once my mom is well enough to take the girls and our dog has recovered, we will go out and have an evening together. Some things just have to be first. A good marriage can handle that and a whole lot more!!
Woeful Wednesday ended up being Thankful Wednesday, by the way.
I quickly scooped up my 49 pound baby and ran into the house, straight into the bedroom to wake Steve. He was already awake, having seen the lights turn on. I was already crying, scared to death of what was happening to her. She was alive, but clearly not acting normal.
We put her down and watched as her head turned to the side repeatedly, and she seemed to stare at nothing, all the while not being able to stand. She didn't seem to be in pain or other distress, and as it was so early in the morning, I couldn't call the vet. So, I curled up on the floor next to her and tried to comfort her as much as I could. I prayed, of course, and I panicked, all at the same time, however impossible that may seem.
We couldn't see the vet until later in the afternoon, but upon talking with the vet, it seemed she was having some kind of dizzy spell. I guess it's common in older dogs. He said to give her a dramamine to help with the nausea and it would help her sleep. Well, we both needed sleep at this point. I made her a comfy bed next to the couch and tried to lay down with her. She kept picking her head up to look for me, so I finally laid down on the floor and put my head next to hers. Mind you, we have a hardwood floor in the living room. I didn't care! I was so exhausted and all I wanted to do was fix her, so I fell asleep right there with her, hard floor and all.
Because I have so much trouble lifting her, and I knew I couldn't deal with the unknown diagnosis without someone there, I asked Steve to take her to the vet. I couldn't go with him because of the kids' activities, and on short notice having no one to help us. My mom has been sick and I didn't want her to know what was going on. Well, Steve has had some pretty rough days at work with certain things going on and the last thing he needed was to leave work in the middle of it, but he did. For Sophie and for me. Probably not the easiest thing to do, but I have to say, Steve is a family man first, and I am so grateful for that.
Serena decided to help Daddy open the doors since he had to carry Sophie in his arms, so she went along to the vet. I asked him to please keep her in the waiting room during the exam, just in case. By the time I got back from Volleyball with Nattie, they had already returned. I didn't know if this was good news or bad, and I had already taken something to calm me down, preparing for the worst.
It turns out, Sophie has what is called "vastibular syndrome". In other words, her equilibrium is off, and she is extremely dizzy. It is common in dogs her age, it should go away within a few days to up to 2 weeks, and it is extremely rare for it to be permanent. Good good news!!!
I was so relieved at this news, as the whole day I spent crying over her, thanking God for 13 special years with her, and wondering if the day of decision had come. I was a wreck, as I told my friend, who graciously prayed for me that day.
She is still very unstable, and I have to assist her in everything, including bathroom duties, which is interesting and I won't go there! She's pretty heavy, but I carry her everywhere and let her ride with me to school so she doesn't think I left her. It has been difficult, but I am thankful I am home for her, because I would probably lose my job by now if I worked. I hate to say this, but I don't think I'd care!!
So, today is our 15th anniversary, and I made a turkey dinner. We won't be going out, and no cards will be exchanged. I've never really cared about cards and gifts on our anniversary. I am just thankful we're still happily married! I'm sure once my mom is well enough to take the girls and our dog has recovered, we will go out and have an evening together. Some things just have to be first. A good marriage can handle that and a whole lot more!!
Woeful Wednesday ended up being Thankful Wednesday, by the way.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Hello, Deer
The day I canned tomatoes, these little visitors came sneaking out of the woods into the yard. I snapped these through my bedroom window...I actually took about 15 shots. Dad asked me why I took so many, and I told him I would take 100 pictures to just get one good one! That is dedication!And speaking of dedication, do you have a hobby? Something you enjoy doing alone or with others? I used to be pretty serious about scrapbooking, but building this house made me stop for about 4 years now. I know, it's sad.
However, something in me is awakening again, and an opportunity to scrap among friends has arrived!! Jenn Bovee and I are putting together a scrapbook day at the church on Saturday, November 7th from 9:30 am- 3:30 pm. We are very excited!!
What would be even more exciting is to see you there! Whether you scrap or not, I always look at these things as an opportunity to learn. If I didn't feel creative, I would just take my photos and spend the day organizing and labeling them, putting them into books. While I worked on that, I visited and enjoyed the creativity of others. Sometimes it's more about the fellowship than the layouts. At least that's the way I look at it.
So, you don't have to be creative or even a scrapbook nut to come. You can scrapbook so many things besides kids! You can do travels, wildlife sightings, hunting, friendship, family, favorite things, blessings...the possibilities are endless! Like quilting groups, scrapbookers tend to form a close bond with one another. It's a good thing!
Do I have you hooked yet?? I'm not even sure I'm hooked all the way yet, but I will be there with bells on, and I will enjoy the day. I've invited my uber-creative friend, Patty....pray she'll make it. Hey, all we need to make it even better is for HANNAH to come too!!!
Have a great week, my "deers".....
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Change is Coming
I am a card-carrying, self-professed lover of all things Fall!! The colors, the air, the coziness, the frost, pumpkins, apples, donuts, scarecrows, orchards, roadside stands, etc.. you get the idea.
The trees surround my house in a rainbow of fall colors, mixed in with the green of all the white pines...it's so gorgeous here in the woods. I'm a bit like a squirrel, as I get into a bit of a scamper mode, trying to get the harvest in, trying to get the lawn stuff put away, and planning for next spring. So much to do. And yet, in a few months, sooner than we think, the leaves will fall, the woods will sleep, and it will get very very silent here in the neighborhood. Ahhh....I almost can't wait. Weird, I know.
I am a type of person that kind of needs a forced slow down. I am always doing something and find it hard to take time out to just enjoy life. When my kids were home sick from school, I wondered why I enjoyed it so much. It wasn't that I wanted my kids to be sick, it's that I sat with them for the whole day. I watched movies with them, read them stories, folded warm laundry while they rested their feet on my lap. It was a quieting time for me and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, no matter what I should have been doing chorewise.
So, I have been forcing myself to take some time out each day to do something deliberately relaxing. I began watching a movie today, but I didn't finish it. Hmm....tried to read a bit, but the sun was shining, so I moved on to something else. Hmm... I know this is weird, but the relaxing thing I did today was a 45 minute cardio workout. I felt super great and relaxed afterwards, then took a hot shower, using all my stinky bath stuff I got for my birthday. Super relaxing.
Yes, I do know how, I just sometimes don't know when. I hope to figure this out soon, because relaxing does feel pretty good.
How do you relax??
The trees surround my house in a rainbow of fall colors, mixed in with the green of all the white pines...it's so gorgeous here in the woods. I'm a bit like a squirrel, as I get into a bit of a scamper mode, trying to get the harvest in, trying to get the lawn stuff put away, and planning for next spring. So much to do. And yet, in a few months, sooner than we think, the leaves will fall, the woods will sleep, and it will get very very silent here in the neighborhood. Ahhh....I almost can't wait. Weird, I know.
I am a type of person that kind of needs a forced slow down. I am always doing something and find it hard to take time out to just enjoy life. When my kids were home sick from school, I wondered why I enjoyed it so much. It wasn't that I wanted my kids to be sick, it's that I sat with them for the whole day. I watched movies with them, read them stories, folded warm laundry while they rested their feet on my lap. It was a quieting time for me and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, no matter what I should have been doing chorewise.
So, I have been forcing myself to take some time out each day to do something deliberately relaxing. I began watching a movie today, but I didn't finish it. Hmm....tried to read a bit, but the sun was shining, so I moved on to something else. Hmm... I know this is weird, but the relaxing thing I did today was a 45 minute cardio workout. I felt super great and relaxed afterwards, then took a hot shower, using all my stinky bath stuff I got for my birthday. Super relaxing.
Yes, I do know how, I just sometimes don't know when. I hope to figure this out soon, because relaxing does feel pretty good.
How do you relax??
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Life is One Big Chemical Reaction
Sigh...as I sit here in silence, I should be relaxed and quiet. The truth is, I don't really know how to relax unless I am exhausted and I fall into bed. I am being honest. I do not know how to lay on the couch with a blanket and watch a movie. Nope. It's just not in me. I have to be doing something every minute. I may blog a bit, or play a computer game for a few minutes, but I'm not even relaxed at that moment. I'm always thinking there is something else I should be doing. When I'm shopping and I've stayed a bit too long (like at Michael's), I start to get a weird feeling in my stomach, almost like an anxious feeling that tells me it's time to go home. Though I can have a laid back attitude, I'm probably not as laid back on the inside as I should be. That's my confession for today. Take it or leave it.
This has been a challenging week for someone who doesn't relax. The kids are both in after school activities, church has started up again, and Steve has been frazzled about work, to say the least. Do you ever remember hearing about the chain of reactions when dad has a bad day? Dad comes home, gets mad at mom, mom gets upset at the kids, and the kids kick the dog? Well, it wasn't that drastic here, but I could clearly see how letting the stress of life can really mess everybody up in an instant. We were running late, Serena ran around in the dirt in her socks, couldn't find her study paper for science....we just had little annoyances that felt like they were building and building.
I tried in vain to keep a good attitude, I read scriptures, I took deep breaths, but I could see just how hard that was going to be to maintain. Some days are just like that! We live in a screwed up world where people don't do what you ask them to do and it causes a big problem. I call it life's chemical reaction. Hold out your cup of baking soda, and people pour in just a little vinegar....too much, and it will overflow!! However, we can stop the reaction process with ourselves!!
I've said it before and I'll say it again..we can have peace when there is no tangible reason to have it. We can have it because of the peace God has already given us. We can trust that he will work things out for our good, no matter how big or small they are. We can lean on Him when our day is not going so swell, and know that He will use all of our stumbling blocks for a higher purpose. Dirty socks too? Yes. Serena will be handwashing her own socks after tennis tonight, in my effort to show her that it is more work for me when she doesn't respect her clothes. How can that be a "purpose"? It is one more opportunity to teach her something of value. It's annoying when the kids leave stuff all over the house and I have to step over it until they decide to pick it up. But the lesson I teach them is worth letting it sit there. Yes, it is painstaking work. Just like trying to make it in this world.
It is harder to do what is right, but so worth it. I am so glad Pastor Dave is doing a Wed. class on "Boundaries", because as parents, the stress of life sometimes causes us to let the boundaries blur a bit. We just can't do that! By the way, there are so very few of us in this class....PD has put together a great class. I know he doesn't mind doing it for 4 or for 40, but it is such a valuable class that it's a shame more parents aren't coming. So, tell everyone you know about it! It's not just a class about kids....it's about our own boundaries. Good stuff. Last night we even discussed politics, and I'm so glad because it wasn't about R's and D's, hatred and narrow minds, but about keeping ourselves informed and thinking for ourselves, which I wholeheartedly believe in. PD has some great wisdom in this area. I usually cringe at political discussions, but I actually walked away from this one feeling better. Good job, PD!
I pray that you're not letting stress steal your blessings as it tried to steal mine. Stay on your knees when this is happening on your life. Keep your eyes up and keep making lists of what you are grateful for. That is one way to keep the vinegar out of your cup!!
This has been a challenging week for someone who doesn't relax. The kids are both in after school activities, church has started up again, and Steve has been frazzled about work, to say the least. Do you ever remember hearing about the chain of reactions when dad has a bad day? Dad comes home, gets mad at mom, mom gets upset at the kids, and the kids kick the dog? Well, it wasn't that drastic here, but I could clearly see how letting the stress of life can really mess everybody up in an instant. We were running late, Serena ran around in the dirt in her socks, couldn't find her study paper for science....we just had little annoyances that felt like they were building and building.
I tried in vain to keep a good attitude, I read scriptures, I took deep breaths, but I could see just how hard that was going to be to maintain. Some days are just like that! We live in a screwed up world where people don't do what you ask them to do and it causes a big problem. I call it life's chemical reaction. Hold out your cup of baking soda, and people pour in just a little vinegar....too much, and it will overflow!! However, we can stop the reaction process with ourselves!!
I've said it before and I'll say it again..we can have peace when there is no tangible reason to have it. We can have it because of the peace God has already given us. We can trust that he will work things out for our good, no matter how big or small they are. We can lean on Him when our day is not going so swell, and know that He will use all of our stumbling blocks for a higher purpose. Dirty socks too? Yes. Serena will be handwashing her own socks after tennis tonight, in my effort to show her that it is more work for me when she doesn't respect her clothes. How can that be a "purpose"? It is one more opportunity to teach her something of value. It's annoying when the kids leave stuff all over the house and I have to step over it until they decide to pick it up. But the lesson I teach them is worth letting it sit there. Yes, it is painstaking work. Just like trying to make it in this world.
It is harder to do what is right, but so worth it. I am so glad Pastor Dave is doing a Wed. class on "Boundaries", because as parents, the stress of life sometimes causes us to let the boundaries blur a bit. We just can't do that! By the way, there are so very few of us in this class....PD has put together a great class. I know he doesn't mind doing it for 4 or for 40, but it is such a valuable class that it's a shame more parents aren't coming. So, tell everyone you know about it! It's not just a class about kids....it's about our own boundaries. Good stuff. Last night we even discussed politics, and I'm so glad because it wasn't about R's and D's, hatred and narrow minds, but about keeping ourselves informed and thinking for ourselves, which I wholeheartedly believe in. PD has some great wisdom in this area. I usually cringe at political discussions, but I actually walked away from this one feeling better. Good job, PD!
I pray that you're not letting stress steal your blessings as it tried to steal mine. Stay on your knees when this is happening on your life. Keep your eyes up and keep making lists of what you are grateful for. That is one way to keep the vinegar out of your cup!!