Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
And for posterities sake I feel I must record that my Year of a Million Dreams Mickey antennea topper is gone! I am so sad! Glad for my clean car that went through the car wash that ate my antennea topper but so sad my ears are gone. Feel like it could be a long time before I get another. . . and I so want to go back. Emory and Jillie talk all the time about going back. I really want to go again. . .
10:00am January 6, 2009
Well, Mondays can be like that can't they? Totally missed writing on here. spent lots of time answering emails on my blackberry and got sore thumbs from it! made a run to BJ's and picked up a Winnie the Pooh video I bought off craigslist for Emory. Came home to a mess for dinner that ended up taking over an hour and a half to be done with and no one was thrilled about. oh well. Sat on couch and talked with Mark a bit and put kids to bed. Watched an hour of mindless tv and then most of the news and went to bed. No wonder I didn't write!
Did read my scriptures yesterday and today. Oswald Chambers selections last couple of days are not very clear for me or at least not very something. . . oh well.
Mark leaves for Phoenix tomorrow am so I will need to help him pack tonight also need to run to Kohl's and see if I can pick up a shirt for him. Also need to run to bank.
So I am off to do a couple errands and take care of the little ones.
Well, Mondays can be like that can't they? Totally missed writing on here. spent lots of time answering emails on my blackberry and got sore thumbs from it! made a run to BJ's and picked up a Winnie the Pooh video I bought off craigslist for Emory. Came home to a mess for dinner that ended up taking over an hour and a half to be done with and no one was thrilled about. oh well. Sat on couch and talked with Mark a bit and put kids to bed. Watched an hour of mindless tv and then most of the news and went to bed. No wonder I didn't write!
Did read my scriptures yesterday and today. Oswald Chambers selections last couple of days are not very clear for me or at least not very something. . . oh well.
Mark leaves for Phoenix tomorrow am so I will need to help him pack tonight also need to run to Kohl's and see if I can pick up a shirt for him. Also need to run to bank.
So I am off to do a couple errands and take care of the little ones.
Monday, January 05, 2009
January 4, 2009
Did make it to worship today. A little rough start as my vision was doing that stobe light like thing but it passed after just a few minutes. Bathed Em and Jill and was able to get out the door on time. Knew before we left this morning I would be ordering pizza for dinner. Sundays are hard for me. Maybe just getting us all out and going. Feeling like it should be a day of rest and it's not, or just needing to know I can have that one day off from the kitchen, not sure exactly what. Almost always glad to have made the effort though.
Anywho, got to have Mark with me in s.s. Studying John right now. John 3 today. And Nicodemus and Jesus discussion. Head knowledge or heart knowledge. Interesting. Understanding or belief. I like the book of John! Pastor Mark for service today and communion meditation. Little distracted as I had a headache and then an abrupt answer to my general greeting to someone in front of me in church! weird! Thought only I noticed and was racking my brain as to how to set it straight by end of service but all ended well and no one seemed offended in the end! And even Mark did notice the strange abruptness of the person so I wasn't imagining things! Whew!
Spent afternoon puttering around cleaning up kitchen and floors a bit to have Jim and Laurie over for the evening. Enjoyed visiting with them. Made the from cake mix snickerdoodles and added rice crispies fro crunch and even though I burned last batch coming out of oven, yum. Definitely make those again! Baked up my cresent wrapped gouda and actually got to eat some this time. Served with apples and crackers. yum again.
Zach took Kiley to small group tonight. Cameron did not have sm. group nor Emory Team Kid.
Did fit in my bible reading tonight. OT is interesting enough to keep me going right now and even wanted to read ahead but I will try and pace myself. NT was on temptation of Jesus in the dessert. Answering with scripture. What an excellent reminder for me. I know it has only been 4 days since the new year but I am so thankful to have had even 4 days in the Word. Must be God because I can never do it on my own.
Bible study to start back up this week on Thursday night. Need the accountability for sure. Not sure what to do about starting my own study here in my home. Timing just seems off or wrong or something. Guess what I need to do is pray and let God show me. Woudl love to do a couples study and a womens study as well. so many thoughts, so little time. 5 kids. husband. big house. littel money right now. Yup, better just seek God on this one for sure!
Hoping my upset tummy is more to many onions on my sub tonight and nothing more. Cold and flu season. yuk. Emory and Jillie still with the runny noses pretty good but no other symptoms just yet. No meds given yet. Need to call pediatrician for flu vaccine booster for both of them.
And Christmas decorations still await me. They are so pretty tho. . .
Not to much time on computer right now as I am sharing with Mark, Cameron and Kiley. Probably good. Lots of other stuff to do. And now I am needing to head to bed as it is after midnight and even with my tummy upset, I need to try and get at least a decent nights sleep or it just throws my whole day off.
Did make it to worship today. A little rough start as my vision was doing that stobe light like thing but it passed after just a few minutes. Bathed Em and Jill and was able to get out the door on time. Knew before we left this morning I would be ordering pizza for dinner. Sundays are hard for me. Maybe just getting us all out and going. Feeling like it should be a day of rest and it's not, or just needing to know I can have that one day off from the kitchen, not sure exactly what. Almost always glad to have made the effort though.
Anywho, got to have Mark with me in s.s. Studying John right now. John 3 today. And Nicodemus and Jesus discussion. Head knowledge or heart knowledge. Interesting. Understanding or belief. I like the book of John! Pastor Mark for service today and communion meditation. Little distracted as I had a headache and then an abrupt answer to my general greeting to someone in front of me in church! weird! Thought only I noticed and was racking my brain as to how to set it straight by end of service but all ended well and no one seemed offended in the end! And even Mark did notice the strange abruptness of the person so I wasn't imagining things! Whew!
Spent afternoon puttering around cleaning up kitchen and floors a bit to have Jim and Laurie over for the evening. Enjoyed visiting with them. Made the from cake mix snickerdoodles and added rice crispies fro crunch and even though I burned last batch coming out of oven, yum. Definitely make those again! Baked up my cresent wrapped gouda and actually got to eat some this time. Served with apples and crackers. yum again.
Zach took Kiley to small group tonight. Cameron did not have sm. group nor Emory Team Kid.
Did fit in my bible reading tonight. OT is interesting enough to keep me going right now and even wanted to read ahead but I will try and pace myself. NT was on temptation of Jesus in the dessert. Answering with scripture. What an excellent reminder for me. I know it has only been 4 days since the new year but I am so thankful to have had even 4 days in the Word. Must be God because I can never do it on my own.
Bible study to start back up this week on Thursday night. Need the accountability for sure. Not sure what to do about starting my own study here in my home. Timing just seems off or wrong or something. Guess what I need to do is pray and let God show me. Woudl love to do a couples study and a womens study as well. so many thoughts, so little time. 5 kids. husband. big house. littel money right now. Yup, better just seek God on this one for sure!
Hoping my upset tummy is more to many onions on my sub tonight and nothing more. Cold and flu season. yuk. Emory and Jillie still with the runny noses pretty good but no other symptoms just yet. No meds given yet. Need to call pediatrician for flu vaccine booster for both of them.
And Christmas decorations still await me. They are so pretty tho. . .
Not to much time on computer right now as I am sharing with Mark, Cameron and Kiley. Probably good. Lots of other stuff to do. And now I am needing to head to bed as it is after midnight and even with my tummy upset, I need to try and get at least a decent nights sleep or it just throws my whole day off.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
January 3, 2009
So I missed connecting up with my craigslist guy who wanted my linen shower curtain, found out that the newly discovered dollar store with some different kinds of stuff is going under and everything was 69 cents today but I had no time to shop, attended a funeral for an old family/church friend who is my Mom's age, got a traffic ticket for making an illegal u-turn, tried to visit a friend in the hospital who got discharged just before I arrived, folded a back log of laundry, made pork chops for dinner, read to my little ones, played Phase 10 with my 13 year old, and surfed the net on my kids desktop as my laptop is dead.
I think that is all the randomness I can handle.
I tried to read my next passages of scripture for today but I was already ahead on the OT, and never made it to the NT (actually may have been ahead on that too come to think of it?) and was somewhat confused by the Oswald Chambers devotional for today? And to be truthful? I was touched by the memorial service today and maybe I was just off today in way more than one direction! ugh.
So the little ones are in bed, older boys are watching a flick, Kiley is listening to Harry Potter Book on CD and Mark is snoring on the couch. Tomorrow is church, I really want to go, I do, just wish I could leave my snotty two little ones home! Mark is done teaching his 4year olds until February so he gets to come to adult ss class with Jillie and I. Do not feel like spending money on lunch tomorrow or having to cook when I get home. Might have plans for Jim and Laurie to come over tomorrow night if Ki and Cam can get a ride to small group if they have it.
Zach returns MN in just a week and a half. Mark got lots of work done on Zach's car today before he leaves. Tires, oil, wiper blades, hope it holds up for trip out and in the cold weather once it gets there. Mark also took my van and filled it up with gas today and ran it through the car wash. Nice. That acts of service guy.
Mark also fit his walk in the woods in today. He must be feeling better.
I've yet to begin un-decorating. HUGE sigh, did you hear it? Maybe tomorrow. . .
Okay, so I wasn't done with the randomness. It was just a random day all around I guess.
So I missed connecting up with my craigslist guy who wanted my linen shower curtain, found out that the newly discovered dollar store with some different kinds of stuff is going under and everything was 69 cents today but I had no time to shop, attended a funeral for an old family/church friend who is my Mom's age, got a traffic ticket for making an illegal u-turn, tried to visit a friend in the hospital who got discharged just before I arrived, folded a back log of laundry, made pork chops for dinner, read to my little ones, played Phase 10 with my 13 year old, and surfed the net on my kids desktop as my laptop is dead.
I think that is all the randomness I can handle.
I tried to read my next passages of scripture for today but I was already ahead on the OT, and never made it to the NT (actually may have been ahead on that too come to think of it?) and was somewhat confused by the Oswald Chambers devotional for today? And to be truthful? I was touched by the memorial service today and maybe I was just off today in way more than one direction! ugh.
So the little ones are in bed, older boys are watching a flick, Kiley is listening to Harry Potter Book on CD and Mark is snoring on the couch. Tomorrow is church, I really want to go, I do, just wish I could leave my snotty two little ones home! Mark is done teaching his 4year olds until February so he gets to come to adult ss class with Jillie and I. Do not feel like spending money on lunch tomorrow or having to cook when I get home. Might have plans for Jim and Laurie to come over tomorrow night if Ki and Cam can get a ride to small group if they have it.
Zach returns MN in just a week and a half. Mark got lots of work done on Zach's car today before he leaves. Tires, oil, wiper blades, hope it holds up for trip out and in the cold weather once it gets there. Mark also took my van and filled it up with gas today and ran it through the car wash. Nice. That acts of service guy.
Mark also fit his walk in the woods in today. He must be feeling better.
I've yet to begin un-decorating. HUGE sigh, did you hear it? Maybe tomorrow. . .
Okay, so I wasn't done with the randomness. It was just a random day all around I guess.
Friday, January 02, 2009
January 2, 2009
Emory wants to know how much longer until his 6th birthday. he is tired of hearing oh about a month, or about 4 weeks . That answer is old. So today I told him 27 more days. He is much happier with that answer. Perhaps it is a great opportunity to fine tune his understanding of days and weeks and months and years. Such a big concept for a little one who has lived such a short span of time. He asked me this morning after remembering to rip off day one on his new desk top calendar, "Why are we keeping track of the days anyway Mommy?" Oh my little one, what a good question you ask! Emory is my thinker for sure. He loves a good count down to the next event. Proof for certain he is his Mamas boy. I, who live for events and seem to only get bogged down in the day to day understand his anticipation and need for events.
Last night was an event. We celebrated Dominic's 7th birthday with dinner at Chili's with Jeremy and Jineen, most of Jineen's family, me and all my kiddos. Dom seemed to have a good time, I know Emory did. Jillie had a fine time after she was able to move closer to the action but her early seating right next to her Mommy proved best for dinner eating purposes.
I need to "go out with God" (Oswald Chambers this morning!) now and get to the buisness of the mundane if you will. Never know what God will make of it! IT to include starting to undecorate the house from Christmas, it will look so bare. Trying to catch up on laundry. Bedding and towels as well. With Zach leaving in a few short days I must catch up with all of his things for sure. Thinking on where the weekly budget needs to be spent (fun stuff like do we have enough tp for the week, how about margarine or chocolate milk syrup, do we have birthdays or other things to cover, and always the milk and diet soda supply), and the ever present errands for a family. Today it is a trip to the library before I run Kiley up to Hannah's for a birthday party.
It's always the mundane things that weigh me down. I try to have a good attitude about it, even find ways to make it fun but inevitably, it is just so much more to get done. Not so much joy in crossing things off a list for me, I'm a more "wow, look at what I found in this kind of girl" Meaning a nugget of truth in my bible reading, a fun recipe in a magazine to try, an especially good book I come across, a new way of getting a stain out of something or cleaning something that makes it better, a special moment with one of the kiddos, oh, on and on. Perhaps that is why God has given me what He has. There is much depth and breadth (is that a word?) in taking care of this big house and this multitude of children. Nothing simple about that. Always something new or happening.
So I am off for now. Praying this day will be His, lead by Him and lived out for Him. I can find joy in that right?!
Keepin' it real, Kim
Emory wants to know how much longer until his 6th birthday. he is tired of hearing oh about a month, or about 4 weeks . That answer is old. So today I told him 27 more days. He is much happier with that answer. Perhaps it is a great opportunity to fine tune his understanding of days and weeks and months and years. Such a big concept for a little one who has lived such a short span of time. He asked me this morning after remembering to rip off day one on his new desk top calendar, "Why are we keeping track of the days anyway Mommy?" Oh my little one, what a good question you ask! Emory is my thinker for sure. He loves a good count down to the next event. Proof for certain he is his Mamas boy. I, who live for events and seem to only get bogged down in the day to day understand his anticipation and need for events.
Last night was an event. We celebrated Dominic's 7th birthday with dinner at Chili's with Jeremy and Jineen, most of Jineen's family, me and all my kiddos. Dom seemed to have a good time, I know Emory did. Jillie had a fine time after she was able to move closer to the action but her early seating right next to her Mommy proved best for dinner eating purposes.
I need to "go out with God" (Oswald Chambers this morning!) now and get to the buisness of the mundane if you will. Never know what God will make of it! IT to include starting to undecorate the house from Christmas, it will look so bare. Trying to catch up on laundry. Bedding and towels as well. With Zach leaving in a few short days I must catch up with all of his things for sure. Thinking on where the weekly budget needs to be spent (fun stuff like do we have enough tp for the week, how about margarine or chocolate milk syrup, do we have birthdays or other things to cover, and always the milk and diet soda supply), and the ever present errands for a family. Today it is a trip to the library before I run Kiley up to Hannah's for a birthday party.
It's always the mundane things that weigh me down. I try to have a good attitude about it, even find ways to make it fun but inevitably, it is just so much more to get done. Not so much joy in crossing things off a list for me, I'm a more "wow, look at what I found in this kind of girl" Meaning a nugget of truth in my bible reading, a fun recipe in a magazine to try, an especially good book I come across, a new way of getting a stain out of something or cleaning something that makes it better, a special moment with one of the kiddos, oh, on and on. Perhaps that is why God has given me what He has. There is much depth and breadth (is that a word?) in taking care of this big house and this multitude of children. Nothing simple about that. Always something new or happening.
So I am off for now. Praying this day will be His, lead by Him and lived out for Him. I can find joy in that right?!
Keepin' it real, Kim
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Well, 2008 has come and gone. How can it be the final countdown of hours before yet another New Year?
Simple. TIME marches on. We are simply along for the ride on that one. What we DO with that time is quite another matter.
Just read a quote at the end of Oswald Chambers Journal entry that I think is a worthy thought to go forward on, into a brand spankin' New Year.
Leave the Irreparable past in HIS hands and step out into the Irrisistable future with HIM.
No sense worrying over the undone, regrettable parts of last year, just learn from them, hopefully giving yourself as much and more Grace as you extend to others and move on into the future with the same grace and mercy extended to you each and every day by our loving and faithful Father God. And no worrying about the future either!
Happy New Year 2008
Simple. TIME marches on. We are simply along for the ride on that one. What we DO with that time is quite another matter.
Just read a quote at the end of Oswald Chambers Journal entry that I think is a worthy thought to go forward on, into a brand spankin' New Year.
Leave the Irreparable past in HIS hands and step out into the Irrisistable future with HIM.
No sense worrying over the undone, regrettable parts of last year, just learn from them, hopefully giving yourself as much and more Grace as you extend to others and move on into the future with the same grace and mercy extended to you each and every day by our loving and faithful Father God. And no worrying about the future either!
Happy New Year 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Okay, soooo I am not a very good blogger. Just a good blog follower and reader.
But I do like to think through my fingers every now and again.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there is much to be thankful for.
Mark and I still both have our parents. Our kids are all growing and thriving. Mark is still employed in this awful ecomomy that is a huge blessing. We are able to pay our bills every month. We attend a great church that cares more about it's people then it's image. I am still able to be at home with my little ones and almost keep up with them (ha!). I have great siblings and just got to be with all of them at once (first time in 5 years). I live in a beautiful house that I am still able to keep somewhat clean most of the time! I am involved with two small groups that carry me through the rough patches as we look together toward God and His answers for our lives. I am most thankful for the little things though. The unexpected smile or I love you from my husband. The hug from one of my kids. The lunch dates with old and new friends. The hour to sit and read a book. The ability to remember how blessed I am. The Word made new through the Holy Sprit every time I read it. Insulin. Okay, that one is a love/hate thing, hehe.
So I just realized, as I do every single time I sit down to do this, I could continue this list far past my ability or time to type. I am thankful. Lord, show me how to live out that gratitude and thankfulness ever day.
I am off to shower (what?! it's only 2pm or so?) and make the last grocery store trek before the big meal. I am sad so few are coming but relived at the lesser work load, strange feelings.
Perhaps I will blog again another day. . .
But I do like to think through my fingers every now and again.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there is much to be thankful for.
Mark and I still both have our parents. Our kids are all growing and thriving. Mark is still employed in this awful ecomomy that is a huge blessing. We are able to pay our bills every month. We attend a great church that cares more about it's people then it's image. I am still able to be at home with my little ones and almost keep up with them (ha!). I have great siblings and just got to be with all of them at once (first time in 5 years). I live in a beautiful house that I am still able to keep somewhat clean most of the time! I am involved with two small groups that carry me through the rough patches as we look together toward God and His answers for our lives. I am most thankful for the little things though. The unexpected smile or I love you from my husband. The hug from one of my kids. The lunch dates with old and new friends. The hour to sit and read a book. The ability to remember how blessed I am. The Word made new through the Holy Sprit every time I read it. Insulin. Okay, that one is a love/hate thing, hehe.
So I just realized, as I do every single time I sit down to do this, I could continue this list far past my ability or time to type. I am thankful. Lord, show me how to live out that gratitude and thankfulness ever day.
I am off to shower (what?! it's only 2pm or so?) and make the last grocery store trek before the big meal. I am sad so few are coming but relived at the lesser work load, strange feelings.
Perhaps I will blog again another day. . .
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wedding Take Two
Shift gears, 3 weeks to plan a budget wedding with almost no help for the Mother of the Groom as she does it all! Convinvced I am super women (duh!) I agree to help my friend with a last minute affair for her oldest son.
THIS is what we had to work with! Okay so the trees and the sky and the beach were okay but are you kidding me? An outside pavillion in the middle of summer with questionable water and electricity? ack!
This is what we ended up with. After lots and lots and lots of work and a very helpful husband 
(Mine!) and another couple (hubby and wife both 
took day off 
work!) MAYBE the stunning rainbow at the end of a very hard 3 days was nice. I took virtually no pictures of the wedding as I was consumed with setting up the tables, decorating, cooking, cleaning, clean up, etc.
We were asked several times who the "caterers" were because everything was so nice/pretty/good.
Un-be-liev-able. Uummm, the Grooms Mother and few of her friends okay? Can we eat now? Before we have to cart the whole thing 2 hours back up the road after we clean it up in the dark with only one shop light to help??!!
Did I mention a 4 course meal with multiple desserts and appetizers to begin and hot foods/cold foods, and everything inbetween? oh nearly forgot, special menu items due to extreme allergies and vegan attendees? What? For 100 guest!!!!!
Live and Learn. sometimes it is best NOT to assume you are super women and just tell a good friend from the get go you are not super women. Except? I'm convinced SHE IS. Kudos to you Gloria for pulling it off.
More wedding shots b/c they have people I love in them!
My three nieces/nephew, My brothers kiddos
My handsome husband loving his little "bride to be someday" during the Daddy and Daughter dance. sniff sniff.
Okay. 'nuf wedding. It was gorgeous. It was fun. it was exhausting, I think I'll sleep for a month! NOT! coming up! more wedding, more trips, more house company.
Sorry, I have no clue how to format this thing. So I lost the cute pic of Emory and Jillie in cute outfits but we will move on anyway!
The State Fair is a must every July. Free food, free baby chicks to hold if you dare, climbing on the tractors and looking at the motor homes, card board cut outs and homemade ice cream, being in the kid tent and competitions. You've got to learn your horses from the "big dogs" somewhere!
A Bridal shower game that my team won!
The bride modeling the dress she will wear to meet the President a few days after the wedding. 
The flower girl and ring bearer at rehearsal.
Getting our hair done.
Kiley hated her hair! Don't blame her to much! But she was a fabulous guest book attendant
The big event! 
Oh my word! It is October already? Where did that go?!!
Granted we had an incredibly busy summer and even into September but Halloween is this week?!!
I need to upload some photos to remember all we did and to see my sweet kiddos on line!
I need to upload some photos to remember all we did and to see my sweet kiddos on line!
Back soon with something a little more relevant to say.
oh look! a regular summer day in July with really cute outfits! ha! there is a wedding about to invade out lives.
but first a 13th birthday party. and bridal shower and rehearsal dinner and the big day.
So the birthday party included one really cute girl, 100 balloons flooding th ecieling of our 2 story family room, a huge candy buffet, pizza and cute cupcakes. The loot nor the friends are pictured but there was a wealth of both! Apples to Apples anyone? OKAY so this is gonna take more than one post! Back in a minute!
Friday, July 25, 2008
I'm beat. I can't seem to get everything crossed off my to do list and tomorrow is the beginning of "The Wedding" event.
Kiley's has her best friend over for a couple days as she is in from Mexico for just a few days. I just finished up making them chocolate covered strawberries, bananas and apples. They are watching a movie, one of the Harry Potter ones I think (Kiley got the first 4 for her birthday).
Cameron went to Wal*art with me. We picked up a few groceries and the extra air mattress I needed for our next wave of company. Couldn't find a white oxford though for Cam. I'll probably check a couple places tomorrow. We did find pants and shoes yesterday at least.
Danielle will go home tomorrow at 7:30am as my sister and her family will be arriving just about same time or shortly before after driving overnight from NC with 3 teens and a toddler.
Rehearsal is tomorrow evening followed by dinner so at least I don't have to cook!
We are having a Mommy and Daughter/Daughter in law morning tomorrow as we go to breakfast and then to get our nails done. So at least an hour to just sit and do nothing. woo-hoo. My legs are aching tonight after being on the go all day today.
Haven't gotten the promised e-mail about going to pick up Emory's tux yet so tomorrow I will just have to swing by the mall with him and hope for the best.
My brother has been thru gallbladder surgery and was not able to have the procedure done laproscopically so his recovery will be a bit longer. I am still hoping he is able to be discharged and feels up to stopping in as we have not been together (all 5 of the siblings) since Emory was born five years ago. We are so scattered across the nation it is hard to do it very often.
Hair appointments for the girls Saturday morning and then the wedding that evening. I am really looking forward to it!
And here it is, 1am again. Hopefully I will have some good pictures to post next time I can sit and recap!
Kiley's has her best friend over for a couple days as she is in from Mexico for just a few days. I just finished up making them chocolate covered strawberries, bananas and apples. They are watching a movie, one of the Harry Potter ones I think (Kiley got the first 4 for her birthday).
Cameron went to Wal*art with me. We picked up a few groceries and the extra air mattress I needed for our next wave of company. Couldn't find a white oxford though for Cam. I'll probably check a couple places tomorrow. We did find pants and shoes yesterday at least.
Danielle will go home tomorrow at 7:30am as my sister and her family will be arriving just about same time or shortly before after driving overnight from NC with 3 teens and a toddler.
Rehearsal is tomorrow evening followed by dinner so at least I don't have to cook!
We are having a Mommy and Daughter/Daughter in law morning tomorrow as we go to breakfast and then to get our nails done. So at least an hour to just sit and do nothing. woo-hoo. My legs are aching tonight after being on the go all day today.
Haven't gotten the promised e-mail about going to pick up Emory's tux yet so tomorrow I will just have to swing by the mall with him and hope for the best.
My brother has been thru gallbladder surgery and was not able to have the procedure done laproscopically so his recovery will be a bit longer. I am still hoping he is able to be discharged and feels up to stopping in as we have not been together (all 5 of the siblings) since Emory was born five years ago. We are so scattered across the nation it is hard to do it very often.
Hair appointments for the girls Saturday morning and then the wedding that evening. I am really looking forward to it!
And here it is, 1am again. Hopefully I will have some good pictures to post next time I can sit and recap!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Feeling Grateful for my Home
This is the image that is burned into my mind tonight as I think of what could have been.
Last night I had a guest in my home until 11pm. I drove her home and returned at almost exactly midnight. All was calm and quiet in my neighborhood on a Tuesday evening at that hour. I needed some time to decompress after a particularly busy day and night. I sat down at my kitchen counter on this comuputer next to my kitchen window. I had watched the lightening flashing for nearly an hour before the actual rain began. And it was a loud, earth shaking violent rain storm. But short lived. I prepared for bed and was ready to lie down by 1:15am or so. I had taken some medication is the only thing I can come up with as to why I didn't hear the goings on just a short time later. Even my heavy sleeper of a husband said he heard more violent thunderstorms moving through and sirens nearby. I never heard a thing.
Today when I had only been up a little while, Mark called home to see if I had been out and about yet today and I said no, why? he proceeded to tell me about a neighbors home that was no longer. I popped Emory and the girls into the car and drove around the block to the sight you see above. I slowed as I approached the driveway to find a middle aged lady speaking with another young mom and kids (neighbors I believe). I rolled my window down and asked if everyone was safe? yes, she said in a dazed sort of way, so I said I would be praying for them and drove on. I felt the tears stinging my eyes at the loss.
Why did lightening choose that home? Why did it burn so quickly? Why had I seen absolutely nothing out of the ordinary as I drove at 20 miles per hour right by the front yard of this home less then 90 minutes before 911 was called?
I do believe the house was basically empty as it was on the market and from frequently driving by (every single time I leave my home I have to drive by)it appeared to be unoccupied altho the lawn was beautifully maintained all the time. The gentleman in the driveway was going through a few boxes in the garage.
It is so sad. And yet, it is such a relief to know it is only a material thing. If you look closely at the photo you can see that the neighboring house's siding is almost completely melted away on the one side. Scary hot heat to do something like that. And that house is fully occupied.
So tonight, as I reflect on that image, I am thankful for my house. My home. Which is so often a huge effort for me to maintain to any standard of decency. I love to have people in. I love to offer hospitality. But often do not because I feel my home is not put together enough or clean enough. This week and next I have had/will have house company nearly non stop. What if that home were mine?
Tonight I am grateful for my home. Dirt, mess and not perfectness and all. Each object within it's walls seem more perfect tonight. Each member of my household, including the one "overnight guest" of the evening seem more important. Why does it take such stark tragedy for us to stop and see the blessings right in our path?
Tonight, I see them and am grateful.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
So tonight is Peanut Butter Pie, made with heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. oh my word. Nothing should be this easy to make and this good to eat! I am obviously on a dessert streak or something. And I'm cooking a bit more too. Perhaps I'm looking for the way to my husbands heart again? Nah! Already figured that one out, a clean house! Which I accomplished today with a little help and boy does it feel good to have it clean for a day or so or at least an hour or two!
Now it is off to bath, bedtime book and bed for the little two.
Kiley's 13 B day party tommorrow!
Now it is off to bath, bedtime book and bed for the little two.
Kiley's 13 B day party tommorrow!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Time Marches On
Did you ever find yourself in the middle of something that you had been plannning to do for a while but had continually put off for some reason? Tonight my perspective changed and I realized why I had been putting this "chore" off. It was yet another milestone being reached. And I'm not so sure I was fully ready for it to happen.
Call me crazy as anyone who has spent anytime with me in the last 5 years will tell you, I have been crazy at times, but I was not ready to admit time indeed is marching on. All my bellyaching about two more toddlers and haven't I already done this four times already and will diapers and babies never end. . .well , tonight before I knew what hit me, Mark was finally ready to help me out and take the crib down. For the very last time. For one of our children. Ever. Five of our six have slept in this crib, it is no treasure but it is our crib. Our babies each slept there. But our last baby is three years old however that happened.
Not only did we take the crib down, but we took all of her nursery stuff down/out as well, crib quilt off the wall, matching valences down, changing table removed from room, dust ruffle folded up and every receiving blanket neatly stacked and removed from the room. Call me crazy but I was getting choked up! Then we moved across the hall and "borrowed/relocated" a five shelf bookcase from Emory's room and moved it in. The room is far from done but we sure made a big mess and it will be done soon as company is a coming and that is what initiated this change it up~switcharoo now as I may have continued to put it off forever otherwise!
Now don't be too concerned as this last little one doesn't quite know how to "sleep alone" and still spends most nights someplace in her Mommy and Daddy's bedroom still. I have never had this before with any of the others and I try to be upset by it but it's hard to be too upset ya know?
When I tired of working on that end of the hall, I moved into the teenage daughters room and set to work helping her clean. Yet another bin full of "Mom, I just don't want/need/have room for this stuff anymore, can I get rid of it?" Why would my 13 year old not want her Snow White costume any longer or her very last golden books or the canvas craft project from a 4 year old birthday party I ask! What is my life coming to?
Maybe some of this. If blogger would let me post my pictures you would see a picture of a gorgeous sunset the DH and I watched on the beach 1000 miles away without the kids a few weeks back. Maybe the whole growing up/time marching on thing is okay after all.
Call me crazy as anyone who has spent anytime with me in the last 5 years will tell you, I have been crazy at times, but I was not ready to admit time indeed is marching on. All my bellyaching about two more toddlers and haven't I already done this four times already and will diapers and babies never end. . .well , tonight before I knew what hit me, Mark was finally ready to help me out and take the crib down. For the very last time. For one of our children. Ever. Five of our six have slept in this crib, it is no treasure but it is our crib. Our babies each slept there. But our last baby is three years old however that happened.
Not only did we take the crib down, but we took all of her nursery stuff down/out as well, crib quilt off the wall, matching valences down, changing table removed from room, dust ruffle folded up and every receiving blanket neatly stacked and removed from the room. Call me crazy but I was getting choked up! Then we moved across the hall and "borrowed/relocated" a five shelf bookcase from Emory's room and moved it in. The room is far from done but we sure made a big mess and it will be done soon as company is a coming and that is what initiated this change it up~switcharoo now as I may have continued to put it off forever otherwise!
Now don't be too concerned as this last little one doesn't quite know how to "sleep alone" and still spends most nights someplace in her Mommy and Daddy's bedroom still. I have never had this before with any of the others and I try to be upset by it but it's hard to be too upset ya know?
When I tired of working on that end of the hall, I moved into the teenage daughters room and set to work helping her clean. Yet another bin full of "Mom, I just don't want/need/have room for this stuff anymore, can I get rid of it?" Why would my 13 year old not want her Snow White costume any longer or her very last golden books or the canvas craft project from a 4 year old birthday party I ask! What is my life coming to?
Maybe some of this. If blogger would let me post my pictures you would see a picture of a gorgeous sunset the DH and I watched on the beach 1000 miles away without the kids a few weeks back. Maybe the whole growing up/time marching on thing is okay after all.
Monday, July 14, 2008
A quickie post before I am off to bed! ha! me, quick!
Today I put chicken breast frozen, a clump actually, in the crockpot before church with a jar of salsa. That's it. on low from around 8am to 1pm. Came home, put 4 cups of white rice in microwave and had Kiley snap the last of the sugar snap peas to cook up on stove top. Then one can of crosiant rolls and there you go, dinner in just a few minutes after church. Mark said it was a definite "make again". Jillie and Kiley ate it. Emory had a tough time but once he tasted it ate it up and Cameron ate his usual 3 bites, commented, yes, it taste like chicken and salsa and asked to be excused. The chicken was very moist and I liked it a lot.
I then made a chocolate sheet cake from"scratch" whcih was way to rich for me (which is a good thing, I will not be so tempted to eat it!) but every one else seemed to like it. Mark added whippped topping from the can and that made it a bit more doable. I am not a chocolate fiend at all.
This past week I made 2- 5 flavor pound cakes from "scratch" and they were delicious! Also sugared up some strawberries to go with one of them altho I prefer this cake plain jane actually.
Busy week coming up. kiley big birthday bash, wedding shower for me and girls, house cleaning for up coming company and party and then a graduation party on Sunday. And then the wedding in 2 short weeks followed by Bible school. Best not to look to far ahead I think! Tomorrow we have haircuts on the schedule. oh! Jillie wore her hair up to church today and it was adorable. I put it up to visit Mark's parents tonight as well. soooo stinkin' cute! Will have to dowload some pics soon. She is sooo big!
Also spent one hour in backyard with Emory and Jillie with water and sun today. nice. Mark joined us for a few minutes.
Backing up a day, Cameron went bowling with a couple neighbor boys Saturday afternoon, came home and played basketball with them. Kiley spent the night with neighbor girl and came home early for church next morning. Mom and Dad stopped by for little bit but only saw Emory as everyone else was off or asleep. Friday night we had family from church down for dinner (burgers/dogs on grill) and I ruined perfectly good corn on cob by over cooking in crock pot. ugh. Thursday Cam, Ki and I attended a VBS meeting at BVBC. Talked to Karen and shopped at BJ's on way home. Looks like house company for the wedding.
Adn that's my later part of the week in review.
I am off to bed. 12:45am.
Today I put chicken breast frozen, a clump actually, in the crockpot before church with a jar of salsa. That's it. on low from around 8am to 1pm. Came home, put 4 cups of white rice in microwave and had Kiley snap the last of the sugar snap peas to cook up on stove top. Then one can of crosiant rolls and there you go, dinner in just a few minutes after church. Mark said it was a definite "make again". Jillie and Kiley ate it. Emory had a tough time but once he tasted it ate it up and Cameron ate his usual 3 bites, commented, yes, it taste like chicken and salsa and asked to be excused. The chicken was very moist and I liked it a lot.
I then made a chocolate sheet cake from"scratch" whcih was way to rich for me (which is a good thing, I will not be so tempted to eat it!) but every one else seemed to like it. Mark added whippped topping from the can and that made it a bit more doable. I am not a chocolate fiend at all.
This past week I made 2- 5 flavor pound cakes from "scratch" and they were delicious! Also sugared up some strawberries to go with one of them altho I prefer this cake plain jane actually.
Busy week coming up. kiley big birthday bash, wedding shower for me and girls, house cleaning for up coming company and party and then a graduation party on Sunday. And then the wedding in 2 short weeks followed by Bible school. Best not to look to far ahead I think! Tomorrow we have haircuts on the schedule. oh! Jillie wore her hair up to church today and it was adorable. I put it up to visit Mark's parents tonight as well. soooo stinkin' cute! Will have to dowload some pics soon. She is sooo big!
Also spent one hour in backyard with Emory and Jillie with water and sun today. nice. Mark joined us for a few minutes.
Backing up a day, Cameron went bowling with a couple neighbor boys Saturday afternoon, came home and played basketball with them. Kiley spent the night with neighbor girl and came home early for church next morning. Mom and Dad stopped by for little bit but only saw Emory as everyone else was off or asleep. Friday night we had family from church down for dinner (burgers/dogs on grill) and I ruined perfectly good corn on cob by over cooking in crock pot. ugh. Thursday Cam, Ki and I attended a VBS meeting at BVBC. Talked to Karen and shopped at BJ's on way home. Looks like house company for the wedding.
Adn that's my later part of the week in review.
I am off to bed. 12:45am.
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