We're in a difficult position this week, as we are facing the possible loss of our beloved pooch, Sophie. She's 15, and has been hanging on by a thread for quite some time. Though she's still doing some normal things, she appears to be having some pain. So, we're taking her to the vet tomorrow to get their opinion on her health. We realize we're way too close to the situation to make a logical decision. We love her dearly and want what's best for her. We want what's best for our kids too, and that's to keep their best friend around as long as possible.
I have mixed feelings, as I've had this dog since I was 26 years old! Though I had dogs as a kid, she's my first "real" dog. She belongs to me. However, I can't bear to see her struggle, and I can't bear to break my girls' hearts. We're just in quite a rough spot. Our hearts are breaking little by little and we can't bear to speak about it in great detail. We've begun to speak in code, so that the tears don't fall just yet. Oh, but believe me, mine have been falling for a long time anyway. Sigh.
I have tried to imagine life without her. I have pictured myself alone at home without my faithful companion. I have tried to think of all the good things and all the joy she has brought all of us. I have been blessed with a good long 15 years. I figure she's been on borrowed time for a long time now. I am grateful for her and for the obvious ways the Lord is helping us through this time. He cares about everything we care about. This is for sure.
So, tomorrow we talk to the vet and see where we go from here. And so I ask you boldly, please pray for my girls.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
"Wettnessday"
Rain rain rain. One of the good things about rain is that we're all stuck inside together. Why is that a good thing? Well, we all get a little punchy when we're stuck inside, and my family just gets funnier and funnier. Usually.
On the way to school yesterday, Serena in her great wisdom says to me, "I'd just like to see if these so-called April showers really bring May flowers."
I'm with her. Is this Spring thing real or what?
Spiders are also making their way into our human spaces, and they are not welcome let me tell you! I sucked one up with the vacuum cleaner yesterday, then pictured it holding on for dear life inside the tube just to come out and get me later.
Natalie also had a little spider trespassing on her bedroom ceiling last night. I was downstairs, but could hear the girls talking about what they were going to do about the spider. I called up there, "How big is he?" Natalie, knowing my great fear of the 8-legged monster says back, "Big enough to take down the whole house!" Then laughing, she admits it's pretty tiny, in fact. Serena, in her infinite silliness walked into the bedroom, looked up at the spider and said rather seriously, "Excuse me, Sir or Madam, could you please get off my sister's ceiling?" Natalie exploded into giggles and I chuckled at her ridiculous but clever humor. Sir or Madam. That girl cracks me up daily, I'm telling you.
So, it might be a wet and wicked Wednesday, but I know that what's raining in my house is a whole lot of silliness. Who needs an umbrella for that?
On the way to school yesterday, Serena in her great wisdom says to me, "I'd just like to see if these so-called April showers really bring May flowers."
I'm with her. Is this Spring thing real or what?
Spiders are also making their way into our human spaces, and they are not welcome let me tell you! I sucked one up with the vacuum cleaner yesterday, then pictured it holding on for dear life inside the tube just to come out and get me later.
Natalie also had a little spider trespassing on her bedroom ceiling last night. I was downstairs, but could hear the girls talking about what they were going to do about the spider. I called up there, "How big is he?" Natalie, knowing my great fear of the 8-legged monster says back, "Big enough to take down the whole house!" Then laughing, she admits it's pretty tiny, in fact. Serena, in her infinite silliness walked into the bedroom, looked up at the spider and said rather seriously, "Excuse me, Sir or Madam, could you please get off my sister's ceiling?" Natalie exploded into giggles and I chuckled at her ridiculous but clever humor. Sir or Madam. That girl cracks me up daily, I'm telling you.
So, it might be a wet and wicked Wednesday, but I know that what's raining in my house is a whole lot of silliness. Who needs an umbrella for that?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Skinny Dippin' or Chunky Dunkin'
With the coming of the new pool also came the dreaded swimsuit shopping. Having a young teen and a preteen means sifting through dozens and dozens of acceptable suits, semi-acceptable suits, and "ain't no way" type suits. Recognizing that my opinions and judgements don't always match up to those of my girls, I know that swimsuit shopping requires a tough-as-nails constitution.
Well, I don't have that when it comes to swimsuits. They derail me. Mock me. Scorn me. Stick their little straps up at me. So, I bring along my best weapon. "Fashion Dad." That's right, Daddy comes along...busting bikinis, tossing plunging necklines, defeating the dreaded thong. Fashion Dad. Hear the music??
So, with Fashion Dad in tow, I have someone to stand in alliance with me against the bathing suit forces of the world. He's there to 86 certain selections, scowl at others, wipe mom's brow when she gets exasperated. He's there to mediate when mom says, "too low" and daughter says, "no, it's not". There to dig through the twisted hangers, mazes of dumped merchandise, the hell of the dressing room, the pouts of the daughters who can't find her bottoms in a medium. There to reassure me that we're going for Chinese when we're finished with this war.
In a weak moment, I decided to try to stuff myself into a few suits of my own. What was I thinking? Was my blood sugar low? Was I in denial? All of those and more, apparently. As I shoved, struggled, and shimmied my way into what should have been used as sausage casings, my despair became the elephant in the dressing room. It was then and there that I decided I would wear my bathrobe in the family pool this year. Signed, stamped, decided. Yes, I will be rockin' the bathrobe. In the pool.
So, Natalie was able to find a suit that she not only loved, but also passed the parent approval test. It has to be modest, youthful looking, and unable to attract the opposite sex. Simple enough, right? Serena was another story. After going from one store to another, we finally ordered 2 very cute suits online and she looks like a doll in both of them! Score! Winner! Kersplasharooni! Happy mom. Happy Fashion Dad.
So, skinny dip or chunky dunk? I guess it depends on whether you believe the dressing room mirrors or not! My advice? STAY OUT OF THOSE THINGS! They may look innocent enough, but it's a war zone in there! Order your suits online, try them on at home where you are loved. Squeeze on in, then cannonball right into the pool. Forget about your legs, your bum, your girls upstairs. Enjoy what God gave you.
And if all else fails, wear your bathrobe. :)
Well, I don't have that when it comes to swimsuits. They derail me. Mock me. Scorn me. Stick their little straps up at me. So, I bring along my best weapon. "Fashion Dad." That's right, Daddy comes along...busting bikinis, tossing plunging necklines, defeating the dreaded thong. Fashion Dad. Hear the music??
So, with Fashion Dad in tow, I have someone to stand in alliance with me against the bathing suit forces of the world. He's there to 86 certain selections, scowl at others, wipe mom's brow when she gets exasperated. He's there to mediate when mom says, "too low" and daughter says, "no, it's not". There to dig through the twisted hangers, mazes of dumped merchandise, the hell of the dressing room, the pouts of the daughters who can't find her bottoms in a medium. There to reassure me that we're going for Chinese when we're finished with this war.
In a weak moment, I decided to try to stuff myself into a few suits of my own. What was I thinking? Was my blood sugar low? Was I in denial? All of those and more, apparently. As I shoved, struggled, and shimmied my way into what should have been used as sausage casings, my despair became the elephant in the dressing room. It was then and there that I decided I would wear my bathrobe in the family pool this year. Signed, stamped, decided. Yes, I will be rockin' the bathrobe. In the pool.
So, Natalie was able to find a suit that she not only loved, but also passed the parent approval test. It has to be modest, youthful looking, and unable to attract the opposite sex. Simple enough, right? Serena was another story. After going from one store to another, we finally ordered 2 very cute suits online and she looks like a doll in both of them! Score! Winner! Kersplasharooni! Happy mom. Happy Fashion Dad.
So, skinny dip or chunky dunk? I guess it depends on whether you believe the dressing room mirrors or not! My advice? STAY OUT OF THOSE THINGS! They may look innocent enough, but it's a war zone in there! Order your suits online, try them on at home where you are loved. Squeeze on in, then cannonball right into the pool. Forget about your legs, your bum, your girls upstairs. Enjoy what God gave you.
And if all else fails, wear your bathrobe. :)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Spring? Is it really you?
I can say that "s" word now, as "S"pring has kinda sorta probably arrived around here. The animals are definitely in the mood, let me tell ya. I know more about turkeys than should be legal! They don't "get a room", if you know what I mean....right there in my yard! :) Can't wait for the mama to bring her babies for a visit in a few weeks!
The girls busted out of the van on Sunday after church and ran straight for the backyard to toss the football around. Barefoot, in dresses, sweater thrown in reckless abandon in the grass. Love it!
The flowers are blooming, and I can smell the hyacinths in the air. It is so refreshing to finally get out of the house and feel the warm air and sun on my face. A "SAD" sufferer, I need SO much light to keep me going, hence the reason I live in a glass house!
Sophie is still not doing much better and we're nearing a decision. I don't talk about this much as you notice, but it has been agonizing on my spirit for months now. I've been grieving, though I haven't lost her yet. I can't imagine people who take care of those with a terminal illness. It's no comparison, but it is certainly a big issue in our family. Painful and slow. Up and down. Sigh.
Back to signs of spring...worms! The other day several worms made it into the garage and behind my van. Yes, I flung them out so I wouldn't run them over. Don't laugh. I said, 'happy to see you, now get out'.
And of course, leading the signs of spring would be the sounds of birds singing, frogs croaking, and water dripping from the gutters. I love it all. Even the giant list of "to-do's" that will begin to overtake the kitchen counter.
Spring. You've sprung, you sneaky little "s"-word!
The girls busted out of the van on Sunday after church and ran straight for the backyard to toss the football around. Barefoot, in dresses, sweater thrown in reckless abandon in the grass. Love it!
The flowers are blooming, and I can smell the hyacinths in the air. It is so refreshing to finally get out of the house and feel the warm air and sun on my face. A "SAD" sufferer, I need SO much light to keep me going, hence the reason I live in a glass house!
Sophie is still not doing much better and we're nearing a decision. I don't talk about this much as you notice, but it has been agonizing on my spirit for months now. I've been grieving, though I haven't lost her yet. I can't imagine people who take care of those with a terminal illness. It's no comparison, but it is certainly a big issue in our family. Painful and slow. Up and down. Sigh.
Back to signs of spring...worms! The other day several worms made it into the garage and behind my van. Yes, I flung them out so I wouldn't run them over. Don't laugh. I said, 'happy to see you, now get out'.
And of course, leading the signs of spring would be the sounds of birds singing, frogs croaking, and water dripping from the gutters. I love it all. Even the giant list of "to-do's" that will begin to overtake the kitchen counter.
Spring. You've sprung, you sneaky little "s"-word!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Because He Lives
Easter has been on my mind for the past week, but mostly because I needed to do some running for basket fillers and food items. We spent time doing cookies and eggs and all the "traditional" festivities of Easter.
We also know the real Reason we celebrate Easter! We still use our Resurrection eggs to retell the story we all know so well. We know God gave His Son on the cross to pay for all of our sins. We know God's power raised His Son from the dead. How awesome is that?? We know the details, and yet the emotion waits for the actual Easter day every year.
It's the hearing of our amazing praise and worship team at church. It's the remembering of the cross and all it represents for lowly ole me. It's being a mother and knowing I could never watch my child die like Jesus did, let alone any other way. It's humbling.
I cry because of all He did for me, but I cry because I don't love Him nearly enough. I couldn't possibly. I feel like such a taker.
I felt that way at church this morning, as the Praise and Worship team poured their hearts out on the stage. As the kids came in and sang so sweetly to us. As I heard the lyrics and watched the changed faces around me and saw the tears. As I knew how much time they all put into the gifts they presented. All for Him and all for us. I really don't deserve that and I know it. I haven't been giving back enough. I've been busy taking.
I thought of the weeks and the months I have had, feeling "less than", is the only way I can put it right now. Feeling less, but knowing better because He died and because He lives that I can and should rejoice no matter how I FEEL.
But today is about Him, not me, and yet He would say it is all for US! He wants so much for us. To be able to give and take freely and most of all to be grateful and humbled by His Great Love!
Happy Easter, friends
We also know the real Reason we celebrate Easter! We still use our Resurrection eggs to retell the story we all know so well. We know God gave His Son on the cross to pay for all of our sins. We know God's power raised His Son from the dead. How awesome is that?? We know the details, and yet the emotion waits for the actual Easter day every year.
It's the hearing of our amazing praise and worship team at church. It's the remembering of the cross and all it represents for lowly ole me. It's being a mother and knowing I could never watch my child die like Jesus did, let alone any other way. It's humbling.
I cry because of all He did for me, but I cry because I don't love Him nearly enough. I couldn't possibly. I feel like such a taker.
I felt that way at church this morning, as the Praise and Worship team poured their hearts out on the stage. As the kids came in and sang so sweetly to us. As I heard the lyrics and watched the changed faces around me and saw the tears. As I knew how much time they all put into the gifts they presented. All for Him and all for us. I really don't deserve that and I know it. I haven't been giving back enough. I've been busy taking.
I thought of the weeks and the months I have had, feeling "less than", is the only way I can put it right now. Feeling less, but knowing better because He died and because He lives that I can and should rejoice no matter how I FEEL.
But today is about Him, not me, and yet He would say it is all for US! He wants so much for us. To be able to give and take freely and most of all to be grateful and humbled by His Great Love!
Happy Easter, friends
Thursday, April 21, 2011
What's on your Tee Shirt?
Blogging is cheaper than therapy and easier on your friend's ears. It provides an outlet for your feelings and thoughts that are sometimes ill-received if said out loud, mainly because some people are not good listeners! Not a venting session, not a complaints department, but a place where it's okay to have real feelings and express them. A place to say them where it's not met with a disapproving look or some canned response from some people who think you have to be correct all the time! People complain that you're honest and people complain that you're not being open. Can't make them happy, can we? Good thing it's not our job to keep people happy!
It is our "job" to be encouraging, helpful, and to build them up. (sometimes a pleasure, sometimes a job if you're honest)
Well, we all have a "tee shirt" saying, and today mine would read like this:
"PLEASE BE PATIENT. GOD ISN'T FINISHED WITH ME YET!"
If only we could wear our "tee shirts" every day, so people know what to expect when we're around them!
"Make me feel good. I feel like crud today."
"My pet is sick. Please be compassionate with me."
"I feel fat. Please don't talk about bathing suits today."
"Don't ask me to bring a dish to pass. I'm short on cash."
"Hello. I'm standing right here. Talk about your party somewhere else"
"Don't ask me any more questions about so and so. It's none of OUR business"
"You you you. I wanna talk about me!" (I guess that's Toby Keith's shirt)
"Ask me why I'm joyful even when life is hard."
"Chocolate should be an IV drip."
"Hello? Hello? Wow. I AM invisible."
And so on...what would YOUR shirt say on any given day??
It is our "job" to be encouraging, helpful, and to build them up. (sometimes a pleasure, sometimes a job if you're honest)
Well, we all have a "tee shirt" saying, and today mine would read like this:
"PLEASE BE PATIENT. GOD ISN'T FINISHED WITH ME YET!"
If only we could wear our "tee shirts" every day, so people know what to expect when we're around them!
"Make me feel good. I feel like crud today."
"My pet is sick. Please be compassionate with me."
"I feel fat. Please don't talk about bathing suits today."
"Don't ask me to bring a dish to pass. I'm short on cash."
"Hello. I'm standing right here. Talk about your party somewhere else"
"Don't ask me any more questions about so and so. It's none of OUR business"
"You you you. I wanna talk about me!" (I guess that's Toby Keith's shirt)
"Ask me why I'm joyful even when life is hard."
"Chocolate should be an IV drip."
"Hello? Hello? Wow. I AM invisible."
And so on...what would YOUR shirt say on any given day??
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Life Begins Again and Again
"I'm not 40-something. I'm $36.54 plus shipping and handling."
Lately, I've noticed something good about entering my 40's. I have really mellowed about some things, and become more passionate about others. For instance, I don't get all rattled about everything I hear on TV, particularly politics. I am finding that reacting to everything that "talking heads" say about what "they think" is a waste of my time.
However, trying to seek out valuable relationships and friendships has made it to the top of my list. Maybe it's not such a great thing, but my patience has worn thin on relationships that offer nothing more than satisfying their curiosity about something. I'm done feeling empty after talking to someone. I'm done trying to pour into someone's life who has no need for a place in mine. Is that bad? Maybe. I'm a bit tired of taking on the attached guilt as well! Gone are the days of white-knuckling it, accepting other people's "stuff", while my "stuff" is still under a microscope. While I have forgiven and moved on, you're still stuck in the past. I guess at 41, I don't have the time I had when I was 31 for all the nonsense. Life is short. I guess I need to work on letting it all go and not letting any of it stick. As you can see, it is hard to have a Godly attitude sometimes, and yet there will be someone who will be quick to judge me for that too. Good thing I don't write to impress, right?
I was told recently by someone that I say the things on my blog that she would like to say. Honestly, I think more people should just say them. Carefully and mindfully, say them. If it doesn't matter, don't say it at all. And know when to let go of the grudge you carry for the person who said something you didn't agree with or like. What a world it would be to see that kind of maturity take place. How many relationships could be renewed by that kind of "pass" and understanding? Truth may hurt, but there is no substitute for honesty. It takes a courageous person to be honest with you and face the consequences and subsequent fallout. I have spent a lifetime with a friend who candycoats everything. It has put me in a position of never being able to be open with her. She would get very angry, though you would think time served would count for something. It doesn't if you haven't had an authentic relationship. I know that was a lot to say and I didn't plan to elaborate on it. I keep adding stuff as I read this back. Must be important to someone, I guess. Probably me, as this is a time in my life that I want my relationships to count for something. I want to know who has my back, and lately, I'm just not sure about that.
It is nice to be loved for the simple things....maybe you're just nice. Not that you're the right political offiliation or you belong to the same group, go to the same class, have the same age kids, play the same sport, like the same music. One of my best friends has so little in common with me, and yet accepts me and knows me better than the oldest friend I have! That's a cool thing to me, and I value that. I value that I don't have to "be" anyone other than me to be her friend. I get her time of day because she sees value in me and the things I say, and I for her.
So while relationships are important to me, it doesn't take a village full of them to make my life full. I believe God will bring the right people in my life and enable me to be the best person I can be in order to keep those relationships healthy. I also believe that He will do some sponging off of the relationships that aren't serving either one of us well.
I'm over 40, yet feel like in so many ways my life is at a renewal phase. It's time to shake off some old and find some new. Maybe it's the "new" me who could use a new friend. The old me may not have been ready. Who knows. God works favor in my life every day, and this will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
Life begins at 40? It's starting to make a bit of sense now. Life begins again and again.
Lately, I've noticed something good about entering my 40's. I have really mellowed about some things, and become more passionate about others. For instance, I don't get all rattled about everything I hear on TV, particularly politics. I am finding that reacting to everything that "talking heads" say about what "they think" is a waste of my time.
However, trying to seek out valuable relationships and friendships has made it to the top of my list. Maybe it's not such a great thing, but my patience has worn thin on relationships that offer nothing more than satisfying their curiosity about something. I'm done feeling empty after talking to someone. I'm done trying to pour into someone's life who has no need for a place in mine. Is that bad? Maybe. I'm a bit tired of taking on the attached guilt as well! Gone are the days of white-knuckling it, accepting other people's "stuff", while my "stuff" is still under a microscope. While I have forgiven and moved on, you're still stuck in the past. I guess at 41, I don't have the time I had when I was 31 for all the nonsense. Life is short. I guess I need to work on letting it all go and not letting any of it stick. As you can see, it is hard to have a Godly attitude sometimes, and yet there will be someone who will be quick to judge me for that too. Good thing I don't write to impress, right?
I was told recently by someone that I say the things on my blog that she would like to say. Honestly, I think more people should just say them. Carefully and mindfully, say them. If it doesn't matter, don't say it at all. And know when to let go of the grudge you carry for the person who said something you didn't agree with or like. What a world it would be to see that kind of maturity take place. How many relationships could be renewed by that kind of "pass" and understanding? Truth may hurt, but there is no substitute for honesty. It takes a courageous person to be honest with you and face the consequences and subsequent fallout. I have spent a lifetime with a friend who candycoats everything. It has put me in a position of never being able to be open with her. She would get very angry, though you would think time served would count for something. It doesn't if you haven't had an authentic relationship. I know that was a lot to say and I didn't plan to elaborate on it. I keep adding stuff as I read this back. Must be important to someone, I guess. Probably me, as this is a time in my life that I want my relationships to count for something. I want to know who has my back, and lately, I'm just not sure about that.
It is nice to be loved for the simple things....maybe you're just nice. Not that you're the right political offiliation or you belong to the same group, go to the same class, have the same age kids, play the same sport, like the same music. One of my best friends has so little in common with me, and yet accepts me and knows me better than the oldest friend I have! That's a cool thing to me, and I value that. I value that I don't have to "be" anyone other than me to be her friend. I get her time of day because she sees value in me and the things I say, and I for her.
So while relationships are important to me, it doesn't take a village full of them to make my life full. I believe God will bring the right people in my life and enable me to be the best person I can be in order to keep those relationships healthy. I also believe that He will do some sponging off of the relationships that aren't serving either one of us well.
I'm over 40, yet feel like in so many ways my life is at a renewal phase. It's time to shake off some old and find some new. Maybe it's the "new" me who could use a new friend. The old me may not have been ready. Who knows. God works favor in my life every day, and this will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
Life begins at 40? It's starting to make a bit of sense now. Life begins again and again.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Borrowed Witdom..no, it's not a typo.
Quotes are for people who can't think of their own witty things to say, right?
I don't care.
Here's a funny one....
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."
And that's witty, my friends.
I don't care.
Here's a funny one....
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."
And that's witty, my friends.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Weekender
Saturday was a busy full-of-tiring-but-fun stuff. First we drove to Perry for District 5 Band Solo and Ensemble. Natalie and Grace played a wonderful couple of duets, which won them a rating of "1", which is like getting a blue ribbon! If my computer worked the way it was supposed to, you would see a photo of two beautiful smiling girls with medals.
On the way home, we got a call from an old friend, requesting Natalie's presence. The Whittums were in Midland on church business, and they were hoping to have Natalie come and hang out with Emily. We haven't seen Em in 2 years! Needless to say, the girls were excited to get together, and like always, they just pick up where they left off on their kindergarten-born friendship. Natalie received probably the best compliment she's received in a long time, when Em's mom told us that the only time Emily smiles that big is when Natalie is around! Aww...we so miss Em around here too. I am so glad it worked out for them. Nat really needed to spend time with Em!
I am so grateful that Natalie has such genuine friends. It sure is a rarity these days. Don't even get me started....
On the way home, we got a call from an old friend, requesting Natalie's presence. The Whittums were in Midland on church business, and they were hoping to have Natalie come and hang out with Emily. We haven't seen Em in 2 years! Needless to say, the girls were excited to get together, and like always, they just pick up where they left off on their kindergarten-born friendship. Natalie received probably the best compliment she's received in a long time, when Em's mom told us that the only time Emily smiles that big is when Natalie is around! Aww...we so miss Em around here too. I am so glad it worked out for them. Nat really needed to spend time with Em!
I am so grateful that Natalie has such genuine friends. It sure is a rarity these days. Don't even get me started....
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Kid Quote of the Week
Serena is my fried chicken and potatoes girl around here. I think she could eat them for every meal if we let her!
The girls came in from outside to find me in the kitchen, where I was frying up some chicken for dinner.
"Oh, mom....that smells so good! It's like Grandma's house....and it smells just like home too."
Aw, that sweet girl gets me every time!
It's amazing how little it takes for them to put a smile back on my face!
The girls came in from outside to find me in the kitchen, where I was frying up some chicken for dinner.
"Oh, mom....that smells so good! It's like Grandma's house....and it smells just like home too."
Aw, that sweet girl gets me every time!
It's amazing how little it takes for them to put a smile back on my face!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
La Vie douce
Life's got me down just a bit these days, and my mind is wandering to places I wish didn't exist. So, I have nothing to say today except for this:
"Mangi il gelato e faccia funzionare nudo."
Have fun translating, and then do what it says.
"Mangi il gelato e faccia funzionare nudo."
Have fun translating, and then do what it says.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Fourth Time Was A Pain!
Finally. My wedding ring is back on my finger! It wasn't easy, though...
We got the kids off to Toledo Saturday morning, then made our way to town for our 11am appointment with the jeweler. The plan: Size the ring, then pick up the girls' rings, pay, go spend the day having fun together. Yeah, right.
We arrived at the store, the jeweler apologized for forgetting to do the sizing, then told us to come back in about 45 minutes and it would be ready.
We went off to run some errands, and basically kill time, because we couldn't do our grocery shopping until just before we were headed home. We gave him 90 minutes to complete the work before we stopped back in, truly ready to get this behind us!
When we returned to the store, we were met by an employee who looked in vain for my wedding ring and the other two rings we were waiting for. He couldn't find them anywhere, and the jeweler had gone to lunch.
So we did some more running around, killing time, carving up a day that was meant to be spent together at home. Meanwhile, we did have a nice lunch together, and spent some time looking at sway bars for the camper. So romantic, I know.
We returned yet again (3rd trip in one day) in hopes of finally picking up our rings, paying them, knowing we would never do business with them again! This time my wedding ring was done, but Natalie's ring hadn't even been started! What??
As predicted, Steve put my ring on my finger while sitting in the parking lot! We then went off in search of more things to do while we waited, getting a bit frustrated. From Menard's, we called to make sure the final ring was finished before we made our 4th and last trip to the jewelry store!
They gave us a bit of a discount for our trouble, which covered the gas, given the gas prices and all of our trips. Finally, we made our last stop at the grocery store and got home in time to have a nice steak dinner together. It was fantastic!
I'm glad to have my ring and glad to be done with all the hoopla! I sure wish people would do a better job with customer service. It would have made a huge difference in our day!
We got the kids off to Toledo Saturday morning, then made our way to town for our 11am appointment with the jeweler. The plan: Size the ring, then pick up the girls' rings, pay, go spend the day having fun together. Yeah, right.
We arrived at the store, the jeweler apologized for forgetting to do the sizing, then told us to come back in about 45 minutes and it would be ready.
We went off to run some errands, and basically kill time, because we couldn't do our grocery shopping until just before we were headed home. We gave him 90 minutes to complete the work before we stopped back in, truly ready to get this behind us!
When we returned to the store, we were met by an employee who looked in vain for my wedding ring and the other two rings we were waiting for. He couldn't find them anywhere, and the jeweler had gone to lunch.
So we did some more running around, killing time, carving up a day that was meant to be spent together at home. Meanwhile, we did have a nice lunch together, and spent some time looking at sway bars for the camper. So romantic, I know.
We returned yet again (3rd trip in one day) in hopes of finally picking up our rings, paying them, knowing we would never do business with them again! This time my wedding ring was done, but Natalie's ring hadn't even been started! What??
As predicted, Steve put my ring on my finger while sitting in the parking lot! We then went off in search of more things to do while we waited, getting a bit frustrated. From Menard's, we called to make sure the final ring was finished before we made our 4th and last trip to the jewelry store!
They gave us a bit of a discount for our trouble, which covered the gas, given the gas prices and all of our trips. Finally, we made our last stop at the grocery store and got home in time to have a nice steak dinner together. It was fantastic!
I'm glad to have my ring and glad to be done with all the hoopla! I sure wish people would do a better job with customer service. It would have made a huge difference in our day!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Fourth Time Is A Charm?
We got the call a couple of weeks ago that my wedding ring was finished at the jewelry store. So, again we made the trip into a neighboring town to pick it up. We were also expecting 3 other rings to be done as well, so the girls were excited about getting their "Tenth birthday" rings back, sized and repaired.
Shouldn't I know by now that nothing I plan ever turns out exactly the way I want it to?? We arrived at the store and requested our order, then found out that only 2 rings were completed. My wedding ring and another ring Steve gave me early on in our relationship. I was disappointed for the girls, but excited to finally get my wedding ring back where it belongs!
Steve gave me my sapphire, then pocketed my wedding ring to give me later. He wanted to do it up right! I waited for a whole day, knowing that evening he was going to "pop the question", and wondering what he was going to do. Well, he's a simple, no-nonsense kind of guy, so I really didn't expect bells and whistles. What I got was far better.
I was making my way out of the kitchen and he was coming in. The girls were sitting at the table, chatting about digital drums. Suddenly, he pulled the ring out of his pocket and began his proposal. Right in front of the girls! He wanted them to see what they missed the first time, I guess! I thought it was sweet that while I had these notions of us being alone and all romantic (romantic lush that I am), he wanted it to be a family event. What happened next was also an event.
No, I still said "yes", but when he went to slip the ring on my finger, it didn't fit!!! The jewelry store forgot to size it! Ugh! Not again! So, back in the pocket went my ring, and we're going back to the store on Saturday for yet another try! The girls will be in Toledo all day Saturday, so the "proposal" this time will surely be just the two of us! Probably in the car on the way to Sam's Club, but who cares, right??
After all, in my life, the fourth time is a charm!
Shouldn't I know by now that nothing I plan ever turns out exactly the way I want it to?? We arrived at the store and requested our order, then found out that only 2 rings were completed. My wedding ring and another ring Steve gave me early on in our relationship. I was disappointed for the girls, but excited to finally get my wedding ring back where it belongs!
Steve gave me my sapphire, then pocketed my wedding ring to give me later. He wanted to do it up right! I waited for a whole day, knowing that evening he was going to "pop the question", and wondering what he was going to do. Well, he's a simple, no-nonsense kind of guy, so I really didn't expect bells and whistles. What I got was far better.
I was making my way out of the kitchen and he was coming in. The girls were sitting at the table, chatting about digital drums. Suddenly, he pulled the ring out of his pocket and began his proposal. Right in front of the girls! He wanted them to see what they missed the first time, I guess! I thought it was sweet that while I had these notions of us being alone and all romantic (romantic lush that I am), he wanted it to be a family event. What happened next was also an event.
No, I still said "yes", but when he went to slip the ring on my finger, it didn't fit!!! The jewelry store forgot to size it! Ugh! Not again! So, back in the pocket went my ring, and we're going back to the store on Saturday for yet another try! The girls will be in Toledo all day Saturday, so the "proposal" this time will surely be just the two of us! Probably in the car on the way to Sam's Club, but who cares, right??
After all, in my life, the fourth time is a charm!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Big 500
Did you hear the fanfare? Feel the confetti in your hair? Well, then you missed it! Today's post marks a very special milestone in my blogging career. Today I hit my 500th post! That means in approximately 33 months, I have averaged nearly 15 posts a month! That's about 1 post every other day! Whew!
Looking back, I have covered nearly every subject. Crazy life experiences starring possums, bats, "demented squirrels", "intruders", and my beloved pooch. I have dished about marriage, politics (and subsequent barf), TV shows, music, books, weight, health, home decor, God, and even Eleanor Roosevelt!
I have rejoiced, grieved, lamented, bubbled, steamed, complained, and laughed. I have shared foolishness, wisdom, ideas, successes, and failures. I've even brought my elliptical to "life". That's a crazy bunch of muddled up topics, but they somehow describe me perfectly.
I have shared my "wannabes",but I've also shared my truths. My rejections, joys, and frustrations. I have written by moonlight, and while basking in the sun. God knows I've written while it's snowing!
I typed my way through pain, loss, gains (mostly weight), and parenting woes and joys. I have written while on the mountaintop, and I've certainly written in the valley. I have probably touched on something that everyone faces at one time or another. I sure hope so, or it's all been for nothing. Some people blog, some people talk, some people reach for chocolate! Well, I do it all, hence the weight thing! (and probably carpal tunnel one day)
And who has been reading? You!! Wonderful you. However, that doesn't always mean it's written with you in mind. Sometimes I write to myself and you're just eavesdropping on us! I write in the journal, and you pick it up and read it with my permission. In other words, I'm sharing a bit of me with you....but why?? Why would someone want to do that anyway?
When I started this blog, I assumed it would be a way to write the things that are floating in my head all the time, and that has been some of the case. What I didn't expect was to learn so many things about myself through reading my own words. And to put it "out there" gives it power, right? It means you own what you say. You must mean it or you wouldn't say it, right? Obviously when you say something, you want it to be heard. Blogging is much the same to me, a person who may be of few words sometimes. I write what I really would like to say, if ever given the chance to speak and be heard. This world is noisy when you're on the quiet side. Here on my laptop, I get a chance to make my noise.
So, on this day, my 500th post, I celebrate your eyes, which tune in to my noise. For the 13 official followers, I say thank you for posting your cute litte pics or names, for the occasional (but rare) comments, and for pushing the little reaction comment buttons. For those of you who pop in now and then, I appreciate you too! If you keep reading, I'll keep talking.
So here's to 500 more....and hopefully a new PC so I can get back to doing what I love most--posting beautiful pictures of the world around me.
Thank you!!
Looking back, I have covered nearly every subject. Crazy life experiences starring possums, bats, "demented squirrels", "intruders", and my beloved pooch. I have dished about marriage, politics (and subsequent barf), TV shows, music, books, weight, health, home decor, God, and even Eleanor Roosevelt!
I have rejoiced, grieved, lamented, bubbled, steamed, complained, and laughed. I have shared foolishness, wisdom, ideas, successes, and failures. I've even brought my elliptical to "life". That's a crazy bunch of muddled up topics, but they somehow describe me perfectly.
I have shared my "wannabes",but I've also shared my truths. My rejections, joys, and frustrations. I have written by moonlight, and while basking in the sun. God knows I've written while it's snowing!
I typed my way through pain, loss, gains (mostly weight), and parenting woes and joys. I have written while on the mountaintop, and I've certainly written in the valley. I have probably touched on something that everyone faces at one time or another. I sure hope so, or it's all been for nothing. Some people blog, some people talk, some people reach for chocolate! Well, I do it all, hence the weight thing! (and probably carpal tunnel one day)
And who has been reading? You!! Wonderful you. However, that doesn't always mean it's written with you in mind. Sometimes I write to myself and you're just eavesdropping on us! I write in the journal, and you pick it up and read it with my permission. In other words, I'm sharing a bit of me with you....but why?? Why would someone want to do that anyway?
When I started this blog, I assumed it would be a way to write the things that are floating in my head all the time, and that has been some of the case. What I didn't expect was to learn so many things about myself through reading my own words. And to put it "out there" gives it power, right? It means you own what you say. You must mean it or you wouldn't say it, right? Obviously when you say something, you want it to be heard. Blogging is much the same to me, a person who may be of few words sometimes. I write what I really would like to say, if ever given the chance to speak and be heard. This world is noisy when you're on the quiet side. Here on my laptop, I get a chance to make my noise.
So, on this day, my 500th post, I celebrate your eyes, which tune in to my noise. For the 13 official followers, I say thank you for posting your cute litte pics or names, for the occasional (but rare) comments, and for pushing the little reaction comment buttons. For those of you who pop in now and then, I appreciate you too! If you keep reading, I'll keep talking.
So here's to 500 more....and hopefully a new PC so I can get back to doing what I love most--posting beautiful pictures of the world around me.
Thank you!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuna Tuesday
I woke up today and it felt like Monday all over again, only without the thunder and lightning. Maybe I should mention that my wake up call involved a heinous smell at 4am. A smell that my dear dog created, along with her cow patty sized present on the floor beside my bed. I dragged my zombie self out of bed, flashlight in hand. I've learned to keep a flashlight nearby for these events that are common in her elder dog years. It's either a flashlight or a pair of galoshes. Ya know?
I wadded up some tissue and carried her present as far from my nose as possible and flushed it with a vengeance, carrying the Lysol in my other hand. By then, I was wide awake. I couldn't get the smell out of my nose, let alone the room, and my dog went back to sleep. Lucky her. I tried to spray the Lysol quietly and strategically so as not to hit the dog or wake the hubby. Sigh. Thank God for Vicks Vaporub. Crime Scene Investigators use it, and so do I.
At least we made it to school on time and no one forgot anything. See, I remember to count my blessings. I do. There is exactly one.
I decided to make a tuna, lettuce, and tomato sandwich for lunch, in keeping with my so-called healthy eating plan. Another big sigh. I pulled out my trusty Pampered Chef can opener and went to town on my solid white albacore in water. Nope. It was not to be. I could not get my can opener to work for the first time ever! I pulled out my old cruddy standby opener, and it started to take part of the top off, leaving big solid attached pieces here and there. Great. I pulled out a sharp knife and started hammering at the attached sides, thinking all the while, "do I know how to get to the ER?" Okay, putting the knife away, I grabbed a fork and tried to pry the sides open to get the tuna out. Suddenly, the can flipped and landed face down in my utensil drawer. Oh, brother. I caught it as quickly as I could and tried in vain to get it open. Oh, geez. Now I'm not even hungry anymore!!
I should just stop there, really, and tell you that the key to any diet is to never be able to open your food source. But, eventually, I got part of the can open and was able to make my sammie. Unfortunately, the tuna can did not make it to the recycling bin, I couldn't rinse it properly, and so all day long all I smelled was tuna. And the memory of the cow patty. Together. Sigh.
I guess you could say I focus too much on the annoyances in my life, but really, it's just humorous to me. Just like the way Steve "fixed" the toilet in the girls' bathroom! He bejiggered or bedazzled something in the back of the stool and now,seriously, it sounds like an airplane taking off every time they flush!! We can't help but laugh, but seriously, one night I darn near flew out of bed, thinking we were under attack!
It's no wonder why my dear daughter said to me today, "Ya know, mom, you talk about poop a lot." Yeah, well, it's all I got right now, you little stinker. Get it? Stinker!
Have a nice day, friends!
I wadded up some tissue and carried her present as far from my nose as possible and flushed it with a vengeance, carrying the Lysol in my other hand. By then, I was wide awake. I couldn't get the smell out of my nose, let alone the room, and my dog went back to sleep. Lucky her. I tried to spray the Lysol quietly and strategically so as not to hit the dog or wake the hubby. Sigh. Thank God for Vicks Vaporub. Crime Scene Investigators use it, and so do I.
At least we made it to school on time and no one forgot anything. See, I remember to count my blessings. I do. There is exactly one.
I decided to make a tuna, lettuce, and tomato sandwich for lunch, in keeping with my so-called healthy eating plan. Another big sigh. I pulled out my trusty Pampered Chef can opener and went to town on my solid white albacore in water. Nope. It was not to be. I could not get my can opener to work for the first time ever! I pulled out my old cruddy standby opener, and it started to take part of the top off, leaving big solid attached pieces here and there. Great. I pulled out a sharp knife and started hammering at the attached sides, thinking all the while, "do I know how to get to the ER?" Okay, putting the knife away, I grabbed a fork and tried to pry the sides open to get the tuna out. Suddenly, the can flipped and landed face down in my utensil drawer. Oh, brother. I caught it as quickly as I could and tried in vain to get it open. Oh, geez. Now I'm not even hungry anymore!!
I should just stop there, really, and tell you that the key to any diet is to never be able to open your food source. But, eventually, I got part of the can open and was able to make my sammie. Unfortunately, the tuna can did not make it to the recycling bin, I couldn't rinse it properly, and so all day long all I smelled was tuna. And the memory of the cow patty. Together. Sigh.
I guess you could say I focus too much on the annoyances in my life, but really, it's just humorous to me. Just like the way Steve "fixed" the toilet in the girls' bathroom! He bejiggered or bedazzled something in the back of the stool and now,seriously, it sounds like an airplane taking off every time they flush!! We can't help but laugh, but seriously, one night I darn near flew out of bed, thinking we were under attack!
It's no wonder why my dear daughter said to me today, "Ya know, mom, you talk about poop a lot." Yeah, well, it's all I got right now, you little stinker. Get it? Stinker!
Have a nice day, friends!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Just Another Manic Monday
Yawn.....I did that all day today, and you know why? Lightning. Snakes. Dying cell phones. Sophie. What a rough and sleepless night I had last night! Between the constant lightning, I was having bad dreams, then waking up to my dog trying to move around, and the "beep beep beep" of Steve's distant but dying cell phone. Ever have a night like that? Like sleep is some foreign concept to your body? Peace that never seems to come?
So, I basically slumped my way out of bed and nearly bumped into my own cup of coffee, which was being held out to me by my loving and knowing hubby. I think I mumbled a meek, "thank you" to him before I began throwing on some old running pants to wear in my mom bus on the way to school. The night before, I had taken a shower and I was so tired I didn't even comb my wet hair. It was a mess of waves and kinks this morning, and of course, I didn't have a stitch of makeup on. Luckily the dog remained asleep so I didn't have to deal with her first thing. All I wanted to do was get the kids to school, come home and try to wake up a little so I could get some things accomplished. Well, who do I think I am? A princess?
As I was pulling up to Natalie's school, the dreaded sentence came. "Mom, I think I forgot my gym clothes!!" The child was in a panic, as she always is when she forgets anything. "I'm gonna have to sit in the detention room!" Ugh. Here I go. All the way back home. Put on some makeup. Fix the hair. Find some clean jeans. (didn't happen) Hope the dog doesn't wake up and need to go out. (she did.) Fly (obeying all the laws, of course) back to the school, go inside, track her down, then go the nearly 10 miles all the way back home. Groan.
That would have been too easy, so I threw in a trip to the store for some laundry soap. I was out, of course, that's why I was wearing my cruddy old running pants in public. So, what happens? I had to go to the bathroom (from all that coffee), I looked awful (even after the primping), so why not run into an old friend, right? Well, I gotta say, I haven't seen this person in many many years, which was more than fine with me, so I did a bad thing. I stayed on my own side of the store and made a beeline for the register, getting out of there before this person spotted naughty ol' me! Actually, in my state of mind, I probably did him/ her a very big favor!
So, that was my Monday. Coulda been better. Coulda been worse. Just another crazy day in my unpredictable neighborhood!
So, I basically slumped my way out of bed and nearly bumped into my own cup of coffee, which was being held out to me by my loving and knowing hubby. I think I mumbled a meek, "thank you" to him before I began throwing on some old running pants to wear in my mom bus on the way to school. The night before, I had taken a shower and I was so tired I didn't even comb my wet hair. It was a mess of waves and kinks this morning, and of course, I didn't have a stitch of makeup on. Luckily the dog remained asleep so I didn't have to deal with her first thing. All I wanted to do was get the kids to school, come home and try to wake up a little so I could get some things accomplished. Well, who do I think I am? A princess?
As I was pulling up to Natalie's school, the dreaded sentence came. "Mom, I think I forgot my gym clothes!!" The child was in a panic, as she always is when she forgets anything. "I'm gonna have to sit in the detention room!" Ugh. Here I go. All the way back home. Put on some makeup. Fix the hair. Find some clean jeans. (didn't happen) Hope the dog doesn't wake up and need to go out. (she did.) Fly (obeying all the laws, of course) back to the school, go inside, track her down, then go the nearly 10 miles all the way back home. Groan.
That would have been too easy, so I threw in a trip to the store for some laundry soap. I was out, of course, that's why I was wearing my cruddy old running pants in public. So, what happens? I had to go to the bathroom (from all that coffee), I looked awful (even after the primping), so why not run into an old friend, right? Well, I gotta say, I haven't seen this person in many many years, which was more than fine with me, so I did a bad thing. I stayed on my own side of the store and made a beeline for the register, getting out of there before this person spotted naughty ol' me! Actually, in my state of mind, I probably did him/ her a very big favor!
So, that was my Monday. Coulda been better. Coulda been worse. Just another crazy day in my unpredictable neighborhood!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Four /One/ One One
It's April Fool's Day and you would expect a person like me to be too busy short-sheeting beds to stop and blog, right? Well, the joke is clearly on me. I woke up tired and a bit dumpy after a restless night. I had goofy dreams all night long, all because of a ridiculous incident during American Idol last night.
We're all sitting together on the couch and suddenly I see this bright spot of light flickering twice on the french doors in the kitchen. I did my customary, "DID YOU SEE THAT??" little number that I do so well. Steve and I jumped up and started flipping on lights and opening doors, trying to find the source of the light, which to me, was clearly a flashlight yielding intruder. I boldly swung open the front door, yelling, "Killer! Cujo! Get 'em!" Yup. Send the dobermans out. That usually works, right?
Satisfied that we had sufficiently interrupted our show, we sat back down and talked about what the light could be. We have a lot of windows and reflective spots in our house, so we figured maybe it was some flukey thing. Next thing I heard was a loud SLAM coming from the garage entrance area. "WHAT WAS THAT??" I jumped and yelled to Steve. He sat there for a minute. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET OVER THERE AND SEE WHAT THAT WAS!"
"I will, geez, give me a second, will ya?" Was his approximate reply. I reminded him that his job is to protect us, so get out there and protect! "I am protecting you! I'm sitting right by you, right? Nothing can get you...I'M RIGHT HERE!"
"Well, get over THERE and protect me!" I said, probably not very politely. I won't say what he said after that, but let's just say he was doing his best to appease me, but it was not easy.
So, he checked the doors AGAIN, and found the source of the loud bang. Serena's backpack was hanging precariously from her hook, and her large notebook slid out of it onto the floor. Whew...that was a close one! I later tripped over the notebook on my way to the laundry room. "What? you couldn't even put it back?" Oh, whatever!
And that's the 411 on my 4 1 11. Have a fun and foolish one!
We're all sitting together on the couch and suddenly I see this bright spot of light flickering twice on the french doors in the kitchen. I did my customary, "DID YOU SEE THAT??" little number that I do so well. Steve and I jumped up and started flipping on lights and opening doors, trying to find the source of the light, which to me, was clearly a flashlight yielding intruder. I boldly swung open the front door, yelling, "Killer! Cujo! Get 'em!" Yup. Send the dobermans out. That usually works, right?
Satisfied that we had sufficiently interrupted our show, we sat back down and talked about what the light could be. We have a lot of windows and reflective spots in our house, so we figured maybe it was some flukey thing. Next thing I heard was a loud SLAM coming from the garage entrance area. "WHAT WAS THAT??" I jumped and yelled to Steve. He sat there for a minute. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET OVER THERE AND SEE WHAT THAT WAS!"
"I will, geez, give me a second, will ya?" Was his approximate reply. I reminded him that his job is to protect us, so get out there and protect! "I am protecting you! I'm sitting right by you, right? Nothing can get you...I'M RIGHT HERE!"
"Well, get over THERE and protect me!" I said, probably not very politely. I won't say what he said after that, but let's just say he was doing his best to appease me, but it was not easy.
So, he checked the doors AGAIN, and found the source of the loud bang. Serena's backpack was hanging precariously from her hook, and her large notebook slid out of it onto the floor. Whew...that was a close one! I later tripped over the notebook on my way to the laundry room. "What? you couldn't even put it back?" Oh, whatever!
And that's the 411 on my 4 1 11. Have a fun and foolish one!