Moments on Main Street

The Strainer Saga

2012-01-27T15:48:00.000-05:00

One upon a time there was a girl who got the brainy idea that winter would be the best time to find a lower priced food strainer on eBay.
That girl was me.
So I began scouring eBay. What I really wanted was one like my Mom has. All metal parts. Built to last.
So, when I came across this gently used beauty with a low opening bid, I went for it.

As I researched further, to my dismay I noticed these beauties go for upwards of $230-$300. Sadness filled me as I gave in and began looking for the less durable, still workable, partially plastic ones.
That's when I found this one...

It was located in my state. It was used once this past summer. So I put in a low bid, decided it was also going to be my final bid. I was still dreaming of finding an all metal steal at a yardsale or goodwill or something.
As I was continuing to scour the web, I came across this one.

Also in my state, also used once this past summer. Thinking it was the same one I had bid on, I noticed it wasn't showing my bid. Instead of looking in my bidding history, I chalked it up to a glitch in the system and once again entered my low final bid.
That's when bad things started happening.
When I got the email that I was the winning bidder, I was reservedly elated. I won it, I own it, but it's still not exactly what I wanted. Oh well. As long as it works. That's when I noticed the strainer 3 picture was missing the tray. Oh boy.
About this time, the email came in saying I won strainer 2.
I have to admit the first thing that I thought when I realized what I had done was
"What is Curt going to say about this!"
To my amazement, he just snickered and rolled his eyes. Said something about "I'm not helping to do it this summer", and then asked if maybe one of my sisters would want the one.
Put it this way. Had it been reversed, my reaction would have been, shall we say, less rolling eyes at ridiculousness and more steaming from the ears. I have a good man, he teaches me alot.
So I ended up with both strainers, and yes strainer 3 was missing the tray. I contacted the seller, He hadnt realized it, so he refunded 1/2 my money. I'm sure I can find a tray elsewhere on eBay.
Fast forward 2 or 3 weeks to yesterday.
"Congratulations you are the winning bidder of ....Strainer 1.
Confusion Moment - Wait, What?
Elation Moment - Yay! It's the one I wanted!
Elation Moment - It was a steal!
Freak out moment - Did I add one too many zeros when I put in that bid?
Freak out moment - Will Curt be just as understanding now that there is a 3rd strainer headed our way?
He was still nice about it, but for some reason I wont be surprised if my ebay password mysteriously changes.
So my dear readers, This is the question.

Do you think now would be a good time to tell him that the stainer will not attach to our counter-tops or tables, and I need either a new table or a picnic table outside so it will work?

Yeah, I didn't think so. :)

Birth Order

2011-12-29T17:36:00.000-05:00

Anyone want to guess where these guys come in line?

Yes, how did you guess.

They are the youngest-borns of our family.

Just how did one family manage to get 3 of them?

And then you always have those who want to jump ship on their birth order :)

We do Thanksgiving..

2011-11-26T01:23:00.000-05:00

It seems to have become a theme in my life.

Just doing.

Maybe because it is expected
Maybe out of mindless habit
Maybe as a way of avoiding thinking.
Whatever the reason, I'm ready for change.(and not the kind Obama promised)
I'm done doing Thanksgiving. I'm done looking at it as an event. That day that I "give thanks"
It needs to become my lifestyle.
While I somewhat revel in the melancholy part of my personality, it does not tend to lend itself to gratefulness.
Did you know you should brush your teeth for a full 3 minutes?

No this is not a rabbit trail...

Set the timer, pick up the tooth brush, and get busy. Brushing and making a list of all things you are thankful for. I would suggest a mental list over an audible one. Unless you enjoy cleaning your mirror and all things near your sink. In a week or two, you are sure to notice a difference. Both in your dental health, and the health of your "Thanksgiving attitude"

Just for Lucy & Duane.
You were represented here at thanksgiving.

Failed Brakes

2011-11-22T21:46:00.000-05:00

That is what I am thankful for today.

My husband called me when I had just pulled into work. Letting me know that tonight's plans would have to change. When he pulled into the driveway at his work, the brakes on his truck gave out.
My first question was if he was okay.
Yes he is fine.
My next thought was to breath a grateful prayer.
Not only for his safety this morning, but for the safety this past weekend. We were at the cabin. In that truck.
Over the mountains
On hairpin turns
Two hours there,
Two hours home.
Turnpike, tons of cars, moderately heavy traffic.
And here we are safe & sound.
Tonight when he came home from work, I hugged him a little tighter, and once again breathed a prayer of thankfulness
For Safety
For failed brakes, that remind me that I serve a mighty God.

3 years

2011-11-08T17:00:00.000-05:00

Three years ago...

Bug on the Windsheild

2011-11-07T18:24:00.001-05:00

Yes, it had been one of those days.
I woke up in the morning right on time. Twelve hours -give or take- from when I had fallen asleep. I wasn't feeling the greatest the night before, and truth be told those 12 hours didn't do much to improve the way I felt.
My contacts were all dried out from sleeping with them in.
I got my breakfast, packed my lunch & headed to work.
Despite leaving in plenty of time, after getting behind a tractor, unable to pass; I punched in at 7:32.
It was a long day.
Stress of trying to get all things on my list done.
Added pressure of last minute things to get done.
Till I looked at the clock & realized it was 5:00, and past time for me to be headed home; I was feeling the need for another 12 hour night.
Driving home i was making mental lists of all i needed to do in the evening before being able to get some sleep. I felt ever so much like a bug, and my mental list combined with my day was the windshield coming at me at 45 mph.
I was in stop & go traffic. I like that even less than following tractors. At one of the "stop" times, i saw movement in the top right corner of my windshield. And there was a little bug crawling across my windshield. I actually smiled at the irony of my previous thoughts of feeling like a bug splattered on a windshield.
I watched as he crawled ever so slowly. His antennae waving in the air. Antennae that look to be only ever so slightly attached to his body. I began to marvel at my Creator's handiwork. Thinking about the bug & how delicately he was designed, and God taking care of his every need.
The thought of God taking care of me, and knowing how many hairs are on my head, really hit home for the first time. Or at least in a way that I never thought of before.
I am a "make my world work" type of person. I have plans, I figure out what I need to do to get the results I expect. When my world doesn't work, I get stressed, I get frustrated, and often times to my shame, I only then cry out to God.
Even then it is "Lord, help me make this work" not "Lord here is the situation, I give it to You"
Amazing how sometimes all it takes is something like a bug on the windshield for God to get your attention.

Art class

2011-09-29T21:39:00.000-04:00

I clearly remember the third grade. I was sitting at my desk working on history homework. Art class had just finished and there was time left to do some homework before the end of the day. I raised my hand, and asked the teacher - "Why can't we have art class everyday?" In my mind it was a valid question. We had history every day- why not art? She smiled that "oh-silly little child" smile, and said: Because if we only did art what would you do when you get older? I smartly replied "be a mom". The bell rang & school was over for the day.
    Fast forward quite a few years & here I am. While I am deeply grateful for my education in other subjects than art; (In fact I do quite like history) I still wish every day was art class.
As a child I had a very interesting imagination. Picking all kinds of weeds & tossing them together to make salad to serve from my McDonald's drive thru window. (the playhouse window) The salad generally got served with a mud burger and fries (twigs). I colored shapes on a piece of paper and dumped moms olive oil it so it would become transparent like a stained glass window. And then came the day when mom said I could use her sewing machine. Bits and pieces of scraps turned to misshapen pieces of doll or barbie clothes. I was in heaven.
   I still wish it was Art class every day. It's not. I'm not a mom yet, so those things I learned in school do come in handy.
   I still get my craft fix as often as I can. My newest venture is opening my own etsy shop. Right now I have some fabric flower headbands in it, but I also have some hair ties & pins that aren't listed. I dream of a shop full of little clothes and shoes, but for now its headbands.
The other way I let out my inner artist ( I say that word very loosely!) is photography. I love it. I take pictures in my head even when I don't have my camera. There is just something about creating, and capturing that perfect moment, that has a profound grip on my heart.
So, while it's not art class every day all day for me. It's something I'm holding on to.

The Maine Event

2011-09-19T22:37:00.001-04:00

Saturday morning sunrise

Anticipation is half the fun. Or so they say. It's been looked forward to for almost a year. It's been dreamed of, thought out, planned. Now it has already been here & it's over...But what a wonderful time it was. ;)
We left in the early hours of Saturday morning (9/10) and headed out on our week long adventure to Maine. We went with friends of ours Lisa & Brent & their son William. We filled our week with quaint towns, lighthouses, hiking, beach-combing, good food, games, great memories, and lots of pictures.

At the Portland Head Light

The Goddard Mansion at Williams State Park in Portland

Weathered Building Scrumptious-ness

Our attempt at Pasta & Fresh Mussels

Lovely sunset views from the back yard.

boats - water - happiness

small town bakery

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. The one on the Maine State Quarter

Handsome husband


Went to the docks to get some "lobstah" for supper the one night.

our house

Our Last Maine Sunset

The boot at L.L. Bean

We had an absolutely amazing time. A week that I will never forget.

Hello, my name is Susie Housewife, & I'm a multi-tasker

2011-08-13T16:09:00.000-04:00

You know those days when you feel pretty good about yourself? Well, today just might be one of them.
I slept in. (dont worry, that wasn't part of the multitasking)
The kind of sleeping in where you sleep solid. Not the listen-to-the-neighbor-mow-his-yard, or the-dog-barking-loudly, but I'm still sleeping, kind of sleep.
Then, I ate breakfast. A healthy bowl of Quaker oats with raw milk. And yes, the cereal was healthy, cause Bob Harper eats it.

Now, on to the Susie Housewife part. I would say Donna Reed, but what I had for lunch (cold pizza) puts me below her league. I'm pretty sure. Plus she would do it in heels & pearls instead of twisted up bed-head, and bare feet.

Marinara Sauce

Like I said. Susie Housewife. After breakfast I started Marinara Sauce to can. I also started the washer. I currently have my eye on the canner, wherein sits 20-some pints of sauce, with more next to it waiting to go in. plus, i was working on these little guys...

Eggplant headband

They are going to single-handedly (along with many other that look very much like them) get me & C to Ireland for an anniversary trip. Not saying which anniversary. Might be the 5th, or it might be the 50th. We're not sure yet. Regardless of if they sell or not., It is so good to be able to create.
I guess thats what canning is too. If you want to call it that.
Really though I think this is pretty too. And it will taste good later on. Pretty & functional & I'm all about that! ;)

Last weeks peaches.

Bedtime Prayers...

2011-07-25T00:45:00.000-04:00

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I snore while my wife's awake.

I pray the Lord, dont let my life be at stake.

This should be C's prayer tonight...

I'm not particularly mad or annoyed at him. At least I hadn't been. He has this thing he does. You know "I'm not even really tired" then head hits pillow & he's asleep before I even finish brushing my teeth. And belive me I am not the kind of stand-in-front-of-the-sink-forever-brushing-your-teeth type of girl.
I am however the type of girl that lays in bed thinking of ways she could wake up her husband.
I feel like I'm 12 again. I feel like i did every Sunday afternoon when my sister decided to take a nap & I didn't want to. I would whine & complain that this is the only time I get to hang out with her & try to put her on a guilt trip. (yeah I did that at 12)
That's how I feel.
If I cant sleep why should he.
So my list of ways to wake him....

I'll start out subtle. Lay on my back with my knees bent & let them "fall over" on him in my sleep....

Flail my arms, moan & groan, pretending I am having a nightmare till he wakes up & "wake's me" from my horrible dream.

Use my cell phone to call the house phone. Answer the house phone & say "I think you have the wrong number"

Scream at the top of my lungs, then try to convince him he was dreaming.

Point the laser beam out the window at the dog pen to make Jack bark. Hop back in bed, & convince Curt to go out & see what his problem is. Turn off the laser before Curt gets out there.

Change the time on the clock, make the alarm go off & try to convince him it really is morning, it's just dark cause there is a thunderstorm brewing

Repeat number two, adding in some kicking & punching.

Turn his pager up the whole way & call in an emotional problem at our address. Cause that's what is gonna happen if I cant sleep soon!

And tell me why is it when I finally roll the whole way around & finally get comfortable, that he feels the urge to interrupt his snoring, roll on his side & breath on me?

Disclaimer: I do not have homicidal tendencies, am not in the practice of making crank 911 calls,, & I do love my husband dearly :)

Is it strange...

2011-06-22T02:19:00.000-04:00

Is it strange that I am particularly aware of my arm hair when it storms? They say before you get struck by lightning the hair on your arms stands up.Yes its storming, & yes I hate storms.
Something woke me up. I'm not sure what exactly, but as I was drifting back to sleep, I saw it lightning....through my eyelids. So now I'm awake.
Our bedroom basically has two walls of windows, so yeah it lights up in here. It's really quiet outside. I hear the jangle of Jack's dog license. I guess the stillness woke him up too.
My husband however is preparing wood for this coming winter. It's apparently gonna be a long cold one.
Every time it lightnings it illuminates the ceiling fan. For some reason it looks kinda creepy, & if I let my imagination go, I'll be up all night squeezing the life out of a meat tenderizer to use as protection from the mass murderer that is outside my deck doors.
Its starting to rain.
I can hear it on the tin roof of the garage.
I'm suddenly rethinking the placement of our pool only a couple yards from our bedroom. Doesn't lightning strike water faster?
Its in an all out pour now.
How's this for a middle of the night weather report?
I guess the storms not too bad. I haven't woken C up yet. I'm liking the idea of blogging on the laptop in a pitch black room during a thunderstorm. The screen is pretty blinding. Makes me not see the lightning.
Storms are such a mixed thing for me.
I hate thunderstorms. They scare me. Probably cause I'm too worried about my hair standing on end. Maybe because lightning can cause fires, and fire scares me ever since I was a little girl.
Childhood is so intriguing.
So many misconceptions turn into lasting fears.
A strike started a barn fire when I was little. My dad was a fireman. He was gone most the night. I've hated storms ever since, that's probably when I started hating fires too. I used to have recurring dreams that as punishment i had to sit on a chair while my mom was working at the desk. There would be fire creeping towards me (from a log that fell from the wood stove) and she would make me sit there as it crept closer & closer.
My mom is not mean, I don't remember actually having to sit in that chair as punishment, but I did hate the wood stove for as long as I can remember. If I was home alone, the stove would go out and I would freeze before even thinking of putting more wood in it.
Sometimes misconceptions are placed in our childhood minds by others.
One of my friends was really into hockey when he was little. His dad told him that the lightning was when God scored a shot, & the thunder was all the angels applauding. He also was told that God was rearranging the living room furniture. Guess God has lots of sofas cause its really rumbling.
On the other side of hating storms...
They also amaze me. I can just see God reaching out and touching the sky and lightning streaking away from his touch. Kinda like over-sized static electricity when I touch the metal file cabinet at work. When I'm not alone, or awoken from sleep.
Speaking of waking up, C just rolled over and mumbled something about using black powder to kill a black bear and left out a little chortle. Think it's safe to say he's not waking up anytime soon.
Think I'll try to put in my earbuds and call it a night...or whatever time it is...

In no certain order...

2011-06-05T18:59:00.000-04:00

Things that annoy me, disturb me, or generally amuse me...

1. People who do a year's worth of banking at the drive thru. It is a drive THRU not a park & STAY
2. Registration stickers on all 4 corners of a liscense plate. If they were meant to be in all 4 corners, there would be an indentation on all 4 corners.
3. Following a truck, or being followed by a truck.
4. People who leave their turn signals on when they have no intention of turning
5. Meeting people I know when I am shopping. Not because I dont like the people, just because it feels weird to have little half conversations in the middle of shopping.
6. Backseat drivers. When I'm driving or even if I am a passenger.
7.The fact that I am simply incapable of using a hot glue gun without burning my fingers.
8. Matching socks. I'm gonna throw out all my socks & buy ones that are all the same brand.
9.Unflushed public toilets
10. Putting something somewhere so you'll know where it is when you need it, & then forgeting where you put it.
11. The fact that my husband can fall asleep the moment his head hits the pillow.
12. When you get disconnected mid phone conversation. Do you call them or wait till they call you?
13. Bluetooth headsets - I just cant get used to people walking around in the store looking like they are talking to themselves
14. "floppy fish" handshakes.
15. The scan button on the radio/constantly flipping channels
16. comb-overs
17. mocking birds that copy car alarms
18. people that dominate conversations & can always make it pertain to 1 certain topic
19. roadkill
20. talking, laughing, or walking in one's sleep

It's May 22nd...

2011-05-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

and the world is still here.
No rapture. Not that I was expecting it at 6pm as Mr Harold Camping predicted.
The world didnt end; but someone's world ended today.
Someone died today.
Actually about 154,138 someones died today. Their world ended. Were they ready?
So maybe like me you weren't looking for Christ to return at 6pm, but are you looking for Him to return?
He's coming back.
Not at 6pm on May 21 2001, but maybe May 22,2011. Or maybe it wont be for another 100 years.
We dont know when, but it will happen.
Ready or not. He's coming.

I have not yet begun to fight...

2011-04-11T11:45:00.000-04:00

His name was John Paul
He had two first names - that always intrigues me
He was born in Scotland
There is something I love about the Scottish brogue
He deserted the slave trade industry because it disgusted him
He didn't let the money mold his morals
When a case of yellow fever claimed the lives of both the ship captain & the second in command, he stepped up.
He took on the responsibility.
Somewhere along the way, he added a last name of Jones.

And although the above things would give me plenty of reason to think he's pretty cool, that is not what I like about him.

But despite the good, the bad or the ugly, we remember him for something else.

"I have not yet begun to fight"

These words were said in the midst of battle when a British sailor was taunting him to surrender.

Those words I decided need to be my creed. So many people; me as well. We fight, but not for the right things.

We fight

-out of selfishness.

-because we think our way is right & their way is wrong.

-to hide the fact that we are really fighting ourselves

-just for the sake of fighting

But I want to fight

-for relationships

-against injustice

-for the lost soul

-against the power of Satan

-for the person who has no voice

-for what is right.

When everyone else thinks it would be reasonable to give up. I want to say "I have not yet begun to fight" When all within us & without is begging us to give up, taunting us that it's not worth it; I want to fight. And I want to fight strong. Never giving up. Not being content to sit back when the there is a fight worth fighting. But to be there full force. Fighting for the right thing, fighting against self.

Windshield Wiper Judgeyness

2011-03-11T11:35:00.002-05:00

So, I realize this is the internet, & I'm about to share this with the world, but I think I'm OK with that.
I have this fear of judgment that I am met with every time it rains. It is one of my insecurities that I am working through.

Every time I go away when it rains I am faced with how fast to run my windshield wipers. If I run them too slow, I can't see, but if I run them faster I always wonder if people look at me like I'm some obsessively crazed windshield wiper maniac.
I think I care more what other people think of me when I'm driving than I do at any other time. I distinctly remember a rainy day about 1 1/2 years ago. My car was in the shop for a face-lift, and the rental I had was a Mazda 5.

                             Now for those of you, who haven't a clue what a vehicle is
                             unless you own it or aspire to own it; A Mazda 5 is a cross
                             between a very long car and a very short mini van. You
                             know you have "toy" poodles? This is a "toy" mini van.

Well, it was on that rainy day that I was at a red light & realized that this van has a windshield wiper for the back window. I promptly turned it on, & after a lengthy giggle fit, turned it back off wondering if it looks as much like a dog wagging it's tail to the people in line behind me, as it did to me.

As I said, I am working through it. I have reached the point that I can now see that the reason I feel judged is because I "Windshield wiper judge" others that are on the road. You know... there is always that one person coming the other way in a light sprinkling of rain that has their wipers going to the beat of Flight of the Bumblebee.

Like I said...I'm working on it. Lucky for me It's not raining today. It will be a judge free drive home :)

Sometimes...

2011-02-25T22:14:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I wish I could go back...
*To the days when my friends & I could entertain ourselves for several hours at walmart & leave without buying anything but gum.
*To the days when we bought cakes to celebrate Friday nights off.
*To the days where we tried to see how many girls fit in a bus bathroom...and a telephone booth.
*To the days where the setting summer sun only marked the beginning of a wonderful time.
*To the days of driving to roxburry listening to Rogers & Hammerstein soundtrack of Sound of Music, & pretending our stuffed animals were being stalked
*To the days of CD Players & large headphones with lots of splitters so we could all listen to the music together.
*To the days we (mostly me) would stand defiantly with my face in the wind. (I vaguely think this had something to do with lyrics from a song...maybe from Paul Overstreet or Midsouth?)
*To the days of corny inside jokes that sent us into gales of laughter. Inside jokes that don't even mean anything anymore.
*To the days when we passed Cd's around like prized possessions - cause they were.
*To the days of 6 girls sleeping sideways on a bed just so we could room together at the cabin.
*To the days where we talked & laughed till we cried...
*To the days where the best thing was a new roll of film & time with my friends.

Sometimes I wish I could go back...But only sometimes.

*Disclaimer: This post has a judgement free zone wrapped around it....I realize one or more of these memories may display things that are no longer a part of my character :)

Hope...

2011-02-19T00:17:00.001-05:00

You know those moments that are just ordinary, & all the sudden, that ordinary moment turns into a moment of utter clarity. It can be a phrase, a song, or just a insignificant greeting card saying. But at that moment it speeks so deeply into your life & to your particular place in life, that you will simply remember it for the rest of your life.

I'm sure if I would think for a little I could come up with many instances, but there are a few that come to mind immediately. And alot of them have to do with songs.
I'm a words girl. I read, I write, I talk. Words do it for me. So, songs do it for me. Lyrics can be so powerful. Words are powerful.

It's been about a year. We went to a Casting Crowns concert. It was kinda a last minute thing. We had other plans, but when the opportunity came up, we took it. Our seats were in the very top row at the Giant Center. As far away from the stage as you could be without being outside or on the roof. But it was monumental.
At the time, I was struggling with alot of questions. The carpet had been ripped out from under me, and I felt like my world was a snow globe being shaken by an over-exuberant 2 year old. I thought I had been dealing with my "issues". But it's funny how they can come back up with no warning.
Especially when someone else puts your feelings into words in the form of a song.
When CC sang Praise you in this storm everyone starts singing along, and as the lyrics were up there on the jumbotron, I realized for the first time that the lyrics were praise you in this storm, not the storm, and that was the first chip at my heart. Cause I was in a very real storm to me, and to sing that I will Praise God in the midst of the storm, was alot different than telling God that I would praise Him in this storm. The song starts with these words.
      I was sure by now That You would have reached down
      And wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day
That was exactly what I was feeling. In all honesty I think I may have been a bit angry at God. I know, how un-Christian right? I was angry about injustice. I was angry that the power of my words were being demeened & nullified. I was angry that God wasnt stepping in & saving the day. I was feeling trapped in a situation that was out. of. my. control.
     I remember when I stumbled in the windYou heard my cry,You raised me up again
    But my strength is almost gone How can I carry on if I can't find You
I was having a very hard time finding God in the midst of my struggles. Oh there were many times in my life I could look back & see how God was at work in my life. How He had made things work out. But in my state that day, I couldn't see it. I was fighting for all I was worth. I was seeking truth. But I was being met with brick walls. I was drained. And in my human mind I could not see how God - a God of truth, justice, love, mercy, & hope- could be found in my situation.
   I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands

   For You are who You are no matter where I am
   And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
   You never left my side and though my heart is torn
   I will praise You in this storm
It was that moment in the darkenss of the nosebleed section at a Casting Crowns concert that I hadn't even planned to be at. God was there & Hope was restored. Hope in the future. hope that the injustice would end. Hope that I would not be in this storm for the rest of my life. Granted it wasn't over. But there was the final realization that this is not all that God has in store for me. And...that He wasn't going anywhere.

As I said, it's been a year. A year of growth, & a year of realizing just how great my God is. Not great as in "that was a great sunset" but great in the way that He is my Strong Tower, my Shelter in the Storm. My Defender, my Abba.

The love of money...

2011-02-09T12:03:00.013-05:00

Is some days the root of much amusement. :)

It all started back on a cold day in late December.
C called me on his way home from work. He needed to make a stop to check on a friends elderly mother who after taking some pills began to feel ill. Friend called C since he is an EMT to see if he could check up on her since he (friend) was about an hour from home.
So... C did. She was fine, just happened to take them on an empty stomach.
About a week later, we got a little envelope in our mailbox. In little old lady handwriting, it was addressed to C. It held a sincere thank-you note, and a $20 bill. While it was unnecessary, & certainly unexpected, C hung on to that $20 like gold.

                   See, before C & I got together he paid cash for
                   simply everything. Me not so much. My Debit Card
                   was my sidekick, & the two of us got along like very
                   old friends.
                   After we got married, by default I became the keeper
                   of the checkbook. Perhaps because C's way of balancing
                   his account was "withdraw cash, look at balance on
                   receipt" :)
                  Once we got settled into our budget, we talked of doing
                   a monthly spending allowance. You know, for the snack
                   thing at work, or in C's case a soda every now & then.
                   Time goes on, and the whole allowance thing kinda fell
                   by the wayside.

All that brings us to last night. I'm laying in bed, & see C frantically digging through his work pants pockets, moving stuff around at the head of the bed, trying to look down between the wall & the mattress. Suddenly he gives me an accusing look & says "Did you take me dollar?"
At that point I cracked up laughing. Like that was going to help my case for innocence....I finally convinced him I did not take it from him, & it probably came out of his pocket somewhere & is lost.
The dear lost dollar was the last of his $20. He gave me a sad look, and we went to sleep. I fell asleep thinking that perhaps I am depriving my husband a little too much if he is getting sad over $1.
Then this morning, in the murky blurry eyed moments before I was completely awake, I see a folded dollar held up in front of my nose & an excited-because-it's-Christmas kind of voice say....I found my dollar!

And that my friends is the man I love :)

Not only is it Monday...

2010-12-13T11:35:00.001-05:00

You would think that the fact that it is Monday would be enough. Sometimes I feel bad for Monday because I think it gets an undeserving bad rap, but not this Monday. No this Monday is totally deserving!
So anyone that has known me for any amount of time, knows that since the day I understood what sleeping in meant, - I love it. So these mornings in the dark season of winter are not my best friend.
But this particular morning, I awoke to my husband being a particularly extreme brand of funny. Not that I was all that amused in my half-wakened state, but that is neither here nor there. I crawled out of bed, glowered at the not so early morning darkness, & prepared to take on the day. I ate a semi-healthy breakfast, packed my lunch, got dressed of course, and headed to work. That is when it all started downhill. Which would be fine if I lived uphill from work........ I dont.
The first thing was the fact that the streetlights were still on. Streetlights = Darkness, Darkness= Night, Night = should not be on the way to work! Even after that though, I was still okay.
Then I reached the local high school.
Two minutes away from work, with 2 minutes to spare.
A little man in a reflective yellow jacket. (Little as in short, not in character I'm sure, but then again I do question it after his actions.)
His job title is crossing guard. He walked out into the middle of the road. He's allowed to do that.
The problem this morning as has happened several other mornings, is that he stops traffic (traffic that is on their way to work) to allow all 150 buses to pull out & go on their merry way. I sat in my car & said "this is so stupid! stupid! stupid! stupid!" until the word stupid itself sounded stupid. (it's looking a little stupid now too) Not only is it annoying because I'm still trying to get to work while their work is done (for the moment) but the school also has an entrance/exit that leads to a road that leads to a traffic light that intersects with the road that they are pulling out onto! (follow all that)
Anyway, nothing to wake you up on a Monday morning, than to get you blood bubbling! (it wasn't quite a rolling boil)

Of Pillows & Such

2010-11-19T19:55:00.000-05:00

I was laying in bed in the early hours of the morning today, unable to sleep cause I got too warm.
Go figure, we're in the middle of a cold spell, & I'm suddenly warm?
As I struggled to bunch & roll my pillow in order to get comfortable, I was once again reminded that I am in desperate need of a new pillow.
I dont know how it goes in your house, but here's how it works in mine.
I have 1 pillow.
It's my favorite pillow (perhaps cause its my only?)
I've had it for as long as I can remember.
& I've got a pretty good memory so that's pretty long.
I distinctly remember the day the tag (do not remove under federal law tag) finaly fell to shreds. That end always went in the pillowcase first, cause I don't like feeling crinkly tags while I sleep.
Now that I think about it, I think it was one of my Christmas presents from back in the day, & I think my older sister got one the same time. I should ask her if she still has hers.
At sleepovers friends would "freak out" over my pillow. ( Like we didnt have enough freaking out to do over the cute boys!) It was all lumpy and bumpy. I liked it that way tho, cause there was always somewhere to stick my bob when i was laying on my back :)
Time goes on, and I now find myself in that place of having to find a pillow. The lumps & bumps got smaller, & the pillow got overall thinner. Guess old age can have that affect. I hate the thought of a new pillow. They have so many kinds. Firm, Medim Firm, Super Firm, Contoured, Down Filled....The list goes on & on! I have no idea what I like! They dont have a catagory for lumpy & bumpy. Every time I go to Walmart, or Target I look at them, but in overwhelmed exasperation I decide I'll figure it out "next time".
Eventually I'll have no pillow, and anything will be better than nothing I guess.
Speaking of pillows, C uses two. Yep, Two. Stacked one on top of the other. When we got married two came along with him. One was very heavy, very thin. Think cardboard (ok, a little exageration there) The other pleasantly plump. He decided to replace the thin one with a down one. He now sleeps with his head at a 90 degree angle from his body. Tell me, Is this normal?
The other frustrating point is that sheet sets come with 2 pillowcases, so there is always one pillow with a different case. Guess I have to start buying them individually.

Nothing like a ridiculously long post about oversized marshmallows!

Thats what Faith Can Do

2010-10-27T22:30:00.005-04:00

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
you think its more than you can take
but you're stronger, stronger than you know
Dont you give up now the sun will soon be shining
you gotta face the clouds to find the silver lining....

i've seen dreams that move a mountain
hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Family Camping

2010-10-11T11:28:00.002-04:00

It's close
It's fun
It's family

This is the second year that we went camping in the Back 40. Otherwise known as the big area behind my dad's shop.

Dad watching over breakfast.
I think its kinda cool how the tripod frames an A for Aaron ;)

Kirsten digging her mini marshmallos out of her hot chocolate.

Saturday was a clean up day at the shop. For some reason the men like doing things like driving the Hyster & pulling tress out by their roots, walking on the roof and pulling down tree branches, and going up in high lifts to fix windows on buildings.

While cleaning up a spot right near the campfire, Curt found a snake... thus the eager anticipation of Lucy & Christine to see but not be food put them on a higher level :)

Dad or otherwise refered to as Grandpa...enjoying some food with a few of his girls.

Dave going up to do the window.

Hauling fire wood

The happy littlest camper :)

I think this was during church.

It was a great weekend. Laughing, Talking, Playing settlers...Doing things that family was meant to do.

I'm an Aunt again!

2010-08-13T19:22:00.000-04:00

Diving In...

2010-08-02T21:12:00.005-04:00

Peace

Tranquility

Solitude

Freedom

Serenity

Silence

Stillness

These are the words that have been flowing through my brain the last week or two. It all started one night when C convinced me that anyone can float, and talked me through my fear (most of it) of water & right into a floating state. :) Since then it has become one of my favorite things to do in the pool.

Floating ears submerged beneath the water, all you hear is quite, silence. The traffic noise, my annoying incessantly barking dog, the neighbors lawn mower, even the birds. Its all gone. & when I find myself in that place of complete silence, my mind can think freely, and my heart can listen... Its therapeutic.

"Be still & know that I am God."

I've loved these words for so long. Maybe it is because in my life, there are few still moments. Or, maybe it is just the amazing thought of knowing that He is God, and all that it entails. Maybe it is because the Hebrew term for "be still" meant that which is slack, or to let drop, or in some instances, to be disheartened or weak. Cause in all honesty, I've felt that.

If you feel disheartened or weak, know that I am God.

To me, that speaks amazing things to my heart.

Whatever it is, those words were on my mind. & floating in the silence of my little backyard swimming pool, I felt it. The cares on my shoulders couldn't push me down - I was floating. The noise of controversy, I couldn't hear it. It was just me and God. Me floating in the water, with God's blue evening sky domed over top of me. Nothing could reach me. It was beautiful.

And then my mind kicked into analogy mode. It does that every so often.

You see, I told you I learned how to float. & I did. I just float, with one hand grasping the edge of the pool. & before you protest, that it doesn't mean I can float until I've left go of the edge, let me tell you I have. I know I can float. I'm just too scared to float beyond the reach of the poolside. I'm terrified of letting my head go under the water. I'm fearful that I might drown. Even when C is right there saying "I wont let you go under"

I should be fine with it all. After all, he is even an EMT.

And despite the fact that I wonder if I'm missing out on the full experience floating in the middle of the pool, my fear (so far) has kept me from finding out.

And as I lay there floating, I wonder if that is how I am with God sometimes.

I hold on to my safety nets, and my security blankets. God is there saying "Let go... I'll catch you...I won't let you go under", but I hold on instead of launching out with reckless abandon.

Fear is a crippling disease. It gets a hold of your mind, & turns you into a crazy person full of panic. & Satan knows that. He's the master of manipulation, and fear. & I wont let him control me when it comes to MY spiritual life.

It's MY life,

It's me & God,

We're jumping off the high dive together.

We're pushing off from the sides of the pool.

Be still & know that I am God

Dare to love....

2010-07-03T23:19:00.000-04:00

If we could see through His eyes Then we could dare to love the way God loves If we could see through His eyes Then we would understand the way God understands For His eyes see through the surface right down to our needs Far beyond where we are to where we can be If we could only see through His eyes

JOURNEY

2010-05-06T14:09:00.005-04:00

Journey. It's a word that has come up in my blog, in my conversations lately, and in emails. It is a word that means so much, that feels so much. To the dictionary, it means traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time. a distance, a course or period of travel; passage or progress from one stage to another. While all these are so, to me it means more. It means not always knowing where I'm going to end up, not always understanding the direction my Map is telling me to go, It means feeling lost but trusting my GPS, it means feeling lonely, but knowing I'm not alone. It means trudging through valleys because they are what divides the mountaintops. It means perseverance It means hope It means faith It means trusting that God's Grace is sufficient It means being still & waiting for direction. I don't know about you, but waiting is one of the hardest things for me to do. I used to work at a bookstore, & while there a book lighted upon the shelves. It caught me by the heart. It was titled Wait. Just a little book with a poem & some photos. What a way to catch my attention than to put two of my hearts loves (poetry & photography) together. And with such a powerful message at that. I was only 17 or so, but it struck such a chord in my life. And many times I find the words running through my mind. Here it is....

Wait by Russell Lee Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried; Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied. I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . . And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply. "Lord, I need answers, I need to know why! Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard? By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait? I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign, Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe, We need but to ask, and we shall receive. And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry: I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate, As my Master replied again, "Wait." So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut, And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . . and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. I could shake the heavens and darken the sun. I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be. You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me. You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint. You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair; You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there. You'd not know the joy of resting in Me When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove. You would know that I give, and I save, for a start, But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night, The faith that I give when you walk without sight. The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee, What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee. Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true, But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me. And though oft My answers seem terribly late, My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."

So as I sit & wait (although sometimes I admit I get impatient) I remember that Yes, God's grace is sufficient for me. & even thought the journey at times is hard, painful even. I know without a doubt that God is doing a work in my life, that I would not want to miss. God said, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end." (Exodus 33:14) And that my friends will make this journey worthwhile.

Spring Cleaning

2010-04-26T11:53:00.004-04:00

Now I'm sure the thought of those words send all you domestic ladies into a dither. -Thoughts of wiping down walls, -moving furniture around so you can sweep wall to wall, -Cleaning out the "junk closet" (wait, do other people even have them?), -Spit shining the silver and washing windows. Me? I just think that maybe for once my house will get completely cleaned in one week. I know, it sounds like my house must be full of dust bunnies and dingy windows, & honestly sometimes it is. What can I say I work full time, and live by Rt 23. The inside doesn't always get cleaned & those front windows with the lovely grime? Maybe this week...maybe. This past weekend, I decided that it is time for Spring Cleaning, & not necessarily house cleaning. Everything is getting cleaned out & organized. Finances - oh yes the dreaded cant live with it, cant live without it budget. Sadly it has gotten neglected the last few months. And then, last night I discovered that my computer has a nice little template on it to help me organize the budget. I was so excited I stayed up way to late figuring it out. That's the second thing that needs spring cleaned - or just discipline. Getting to bed at a normal hour & using time wisely. Next on the list is Meal Prep. I NEED to start planning my meals - healthy meals. Since I can tend to be an excuse-y-ish person, I will make some here: -I never did much cooking before I was married. I worked till 5, came home & mom normally had supper pretty much ready. So therefore I lack experience. (can i still claim that after 1 1/2 yrs of being married?) -Secondly my husband is lactose intolerant...no milk, cheese, sour cream, butter, cream cheese....(there is a kind of milk that he can have for when i need to use it in something) -Thirdly, my husband does not eat most vegetables. So instead of making corn every night, or just a vegetable for me, I sometimes skip it. I know, I know, how un-wifey of me. So aside from these excuses, I'm about to embark on a journy of healthy cooking. Anyone with ideas for me, please give! I'm accepting every idea that doesn't include liver & onions. :) And yes, also on my spring cleaning list is my house. Inside & outside. I dream of that perfect house, that never has clutter, never gets junk mail, no need for "storage" closets or better yet "junk closets". & little by little, room by room, my aim is to get there....before it needs to be called Summer Cleaning. Till next time You can find me with the bald headed guy. (Mr Clean, silly people! my husband's not bald!)

Forget Me Not....Vicki Hinze

2010-04-12T23:09:00.001-04:00

Carjacked & beaten, "Susan" awakes with no knowledge of who she is or where she came from. The only thing she assumes is that her name is Susan. This she knows because of a piece of paper stuck in her pocket. In her search to discover who she is, it becomes apparent that she is being hunted by someone. Working with Benjamin Brandt, owner of the Crossroads Crisis Center, she begins to piece her life together, discovering that she is not Susan at all. She has no memory, or money; however she has a deep seated faith in God, and rely's on Him to show her the answers to her life. This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Press.

Here burns my candle... Liz Curtis Higgs

2010-03-26T22:03:00.001-04:00

I have to admit I don't often pick up a historical fiction & become enthralled in it's pages. However, this book held onto me. Follow the struggle of a down to earth highlander who marries above her station. Alone in so many ways- little in common with her mother-in-law, or sister -in-law, worshiping a secret god, far away from her family. As God works, & pulls her into a relationship she becomes a force to reckon with. Her new found faith in God gives her strength in the middle of a war, to become a pillar for her family. Liz weaves the story of Ruth against the backdrop or war-torn Scotland in a way that makes you feel as if you are walking the streets. So much that when reading the book to myself it had a tinge of a Scottish accent. :) Overall a good read, making me wish a sequel was available now. This book was provide for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Press Go here to get your copy!

a cool poem...

2010-03-21T21:05:00.002-04:00

Read as written the following poem is a sad picture of much of society today. Read in reverse, it shows the hope & power a person has to change it. Came across this recently & thought it was pretty neat. Lost Generation I realize this may be a shock, 'Happiness comes from within' is a lie, and 'Money will make me happy' So in thirty years I will tell my children they are not the most important thing in my life. My employer will know that I have my priorities straight because work is more important than family I tell you this Once upon a time Families stayed together but this will not be true in my era this is a quick fix society Experts tell me Thirty years from now I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce I do not concede that I will live in a country of my own making In the future Environmental destruction will be the norm No longer can it be said that My peers and I care about this earth It will be evident that My generation is apathetic and lethargic It is foolish to presume that There is hope. And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.

Raw...

2010-02-04T22:50:00.000-05:00

The last couple months of my life, have been a journey of epic proportions. I can only remember one other time in my life, where I have struggled, and fought, and clawed this hard to figure out if what I believe in is the same thing as Who I believe in. I have always prayed that I would never endure heartache like that again. And I haven't for the most part. Back then, I searched the internet over to see if there was anyone else who had discovered the kind of emotional pain, that physically hurt. I didnt find any scientific proof, but I still believe it. The last few months, I have learned once again, that Who I believe in will always trump what I am going through. I've cried, I've prayed, I've fought, I almost gave up almost but between me & God, I picked up where I left off and struggled some more. My strong wall of emotions became a landslide of raw emotion. and in the raw place, my heart open and bleeding on an autopsy table of what felt like failure, God reached in. To a place that I dont think He has ever been before. I'm still struggling, I'm still confused, I'm not sure what the right way to fight is anymore It's still raw, but God is there. He's not gonna let the life drain from me as I fight. And sometimes, God doesn't just fix things for us. Sometimes He lets us live with battle scars. Not because He doesnt care, but because He wants us to remember the fight, and remind us that there are things worth fighting for. I'm still on this epic journey, but I am not alone. And I'm going to be ok. I know it.

Technology: defined by me

2010-01-21T23:35:00.003-05:00

I have recently become annoyed. Actually not so recent, unless you call the last year recent. (Which in the grand scheme of things actually may be considered recent) So yes, I am an annoyed person. And what has caused this annoyance? Technology. They (I'm not sure who they are) say that when we die we have only used a very small percentage of our brains. We could have learned so much more, we could have created, we could have invented. We could have advanced technology. For some reason tho, it seems that every advancement in technology has a very serious repercussion. At least the technology that I use. Maybe it is just me and the fact that I allow it to overtake me. I'm not sure, but let me be more specific.

Cell Phones. - I think this one has been the longest in the "annoy me" running. We only recently got a house phone. Before that, the only way to reach us was our cell phones. I believe it was last summer when it really started to get on my nerves. I was never unreachable. I'm eating dinner, the cell phone rings. I'm with my family, the cell phone rings. I go for a walk with my husband, the cell phone rings. I remember the day that I had had it. I wanted to let my phone at home, and go somewhere to be alone, but that starts a whole new panic line of "She's not at home, she doesn't pick up her cell phone, do you think I should call a search party?" (ok so not talking of any one person, just generalization) So after the yearning to put my cell phone through the garbage disposal, there came an epiphany. I don't have to let my cell phone annoy me! When I go to visit someone, it can stay in the car, or silent in my purse. They can leave me a message. If a life threatening situation arises I most likely cant help them anyway, and can do just as much then as I could do two hours from now when my visit is over. Next problem with cell phones is texting. Yes I text. No I do not hold full conversations through texting. No I do not rite lyke thys wen i txt. That Is My Pet Peeve. I believe text language is going to be the breakdown of intelligence in America and it is SAD!
Facebook - this has been for a while as well. I started out on xanga way back in Feb of 05. I've had the arguments with people who think it is a waste of time or weird but then spend hours reading my posts. I've had the argument that it's not safe and some stalker is going to come kill me in my sleep. With xanga or any blog I see the danger of fakeness. Blogging gives opportunity to be any person that you want to be. And that bugs me. I resolve to be real! I've since had myspace facebook, and now this blog. Yes, technology allows me to do this, the fallback to all of these comes in the form of fakeness. Myspace - my myspace was short lived. After several random people wanted to be my friend, and several lewd comments, I decided that yes, myspace just might be pedophile heaven. Next I became one of the millions to join facebook. Now don't get me wrong, I still use facebook, but it has come withing milliseconds of it's lifespan on more than one occasion. I very quickly learned that facebook is all about friends. Sometimes I wonder if I am going to get a friend request from the cashier at the local grocery store. Cause everyone you've ever met eyes with is on there. And your neighbor just brushed his teeth and is heading to bed. Like I said I still use facebook, but my thing is more about writing, which other than one sentence updates doesn't seem to be the aim of facebook.
Camera's - I know your probably thinking wow she is majorly messed up. She thinks cameras are evil too? No, in fact I love photography. Photography can be a beautiful expression of art. I'd love to travel the world and take pictures of everything! Throughout High School, I was know to always have my camera in hand. On field trips I would go through two films. On Chorus tour I could double that. It's all well and good. Maybe a bit excessive. I've recently begun wondering how many memories I missed making, because I was watching memories being made. I want to remember things not because I took a picture of them, but because I participated in them. Sometimes you can do both, but when I cant, I hope I set the camera down, and join in.
Internet, Movies, Mp3's even books. I guess what I've realized even more so recently is that life is short. Live it with others, don't seclude yourself with technology. Sit around a campfire & sing songs with friends. Don't look up a campfire clip on YouTube.

When I was younger I used to peruse the obituaries for people my age that had died. I wanted to read about their lives, and imagine what they could have done if they lived. I know, morbid right? It's a practice I've pretty much given up. Instead when I flip through the pages, and see the obituaries, I think of things that I can add to my list of "40 things to do before I'm 40", I think of ways that I want to live my life.

Moral of the story. If you cant reach me on my cell phone, I might be visiting with a dear friend that I did NOT meet on facebook.

Primal: The quest for the lost soul of Christianity

2009-12-22T12:01:00.000-05:00

I love reading. I love learning. I love learning by reading. I love Mark Batterson's new book titled Primal. There are few books that I remember reading that have had the power to impact me to such depths. To sit and read, but wanting to jump and do. To read a page, and realize 15 minutes later you are still on that page, because it has caused you to think and explore what those ideas look like in 3D life. This book sent me on a journey. One that I hope I stay on for the rest of my life. It helped me to explore what it means in my life, to love God truly with all my heart soul mind and strength. It renewed my passion for fighting for what is right, for getting close enought to alow my heart to break for the things that break God's heart, for loving with all that I have in me, for discovering all that there is to discover, and to give everything I have, to everything I do. Sorry, I know that is one long sentance & probably not "legal") This book has changed my mindset, and even more it has changed my heart-set. I challenge you to put this book at the top of your reading list for 2010. Read it. Do it. Go back to that Primal place. It's worth it.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”
This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah. Go order yours today at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/results.php

my dad....my hero

2009-12-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

There is this unexplainable bond between a dad and his daughters....

at least there is with my dad and this particular daughter.

My dad has always been one of the strongest men I know.

He was my first knight in shining armor.

He held the hose and sprayed cold water on my foot when i dropped a brick on it. He asked me if I could wiggle my toes. I could, so he told me it's probably not broken and if I lay on the sofa a little bit, it will feel better soon.

He had the heaviest baseball bat I ever used. He used to hit balls out to my sisters in the evenings, and my goal was to one day be able to hit as far as he did. When I hit my first home run way out into center field, he was the first one I thought of.

He tried to tell me what x-rays are like the first time we thought I broke my ankle. (yes there were several times x-rays were needed.)

He grabbed me from the table and sat me in the sink of cold water, when hot gravy got spilled on me.

He took me to the ER when a dizzy spell and a conk on the head made me forget what I had done the last 2 days.

He taught me to parallel park, and apparently he taught me well. I passed my drivers test.

He went with me when I bought my car.

He has been there through sprains & strains & knee surgeries & heart issues. He taught me to explore, to figure things out, and to think for myself.

Yesterday my dad went for a stress test. They discovered that sometime in the recent past, my dad had a heart attack, and the left ventricle is only functioning at 17%.

So he is scheduled for a heart catherization, and more tests and doctor visits.

I wish I could rescue him like he has rescued me so many times.

I wish I could tell him to wiggle his toes and lie down a little and it will be OK.

But it doesn't work that way.

So, I'm putting my hero in the the capable hands of The Hero.

and it's all gonna be OK

Book Reviews

2009-12-10T16:53:00.005-05:00

More Than a Match by Michael & Amy Smalley

The 5 keys to compatibility for life.

Although this book seems to be geared more for a single person, or couples about to embark into a marriage, it holds a lot of useful information for me as a married person as well.

Although everything changes when you get married, don’t expect your partner to be changed. Marriage doesn’t alleviate prior relationship glitches. Marriage is not a fairy tale. These are just a few things I picked up from this book.

Michael & Amy use their many years as counselors, as well as instances from their own lives to bring out key points of compatibility in relationships. They show ways to work through conflicts that arise, and keep on the path to that fantastic marriage that you have always dreamed of having. What I love the most is that they underscore that all the compatibility issues can be overcome by a strong commitment to God and to each other. And their marriage is a testament to that fact.

99 Ways To Increase Your Income by Frank Martin

They say the big things come in small packages. The same is true for this little book. Only 102 pages & 7 chapters long, but it is filled and overflowing with a wealth of ideas.

Want to make a little spending money? Maybe you would like to rake in a substantial extra income, or need a little guidance on how to make your money grow. Frank Martin gives plenty of ways for all of those options. The great thing is they are simple ideas that don’t take a genius to figure out how to follow. I’ve tried a few of them, and they work!

Take a little time to pick it up and read it, and then follow through. With the help of this little book, you can earn some extra cash, and make your money work for you!

If you would like to add these books to your library, head on over to http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/

These books were provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah

Have Your way - Britt Nicole

2009-12-09T12:05:00.000-05:00

Feels like I’ve been here forever Why cant You just intervene Do you see the tears keep falling And I’m falling apart at the seams But You never said the road would be easy But You said that You would never leave. And You never promised that this life wasn’t hard But You said that You’d take care of me. So I’ll stop searching for the answers I’ll stop praying for an escape And I’ll trust You God, with where I am And believe that You will have Your way Just have Your way Just have Your way When my friends & my family have left me And I feel so ashamed and so cold Remind me You take broken things And turn them into beautiful So I’ll stop searching for the answers I’ll stop praying for an escape And I’ll trust You God, with where I am And believe that You will have Your way Just have Your way Just have Your way Even if my dreams have died And even if I don’t survive I’ll still worship you with all my life So I’ll stop searching for the answers I’ll stop praying for an escape And I’ll trust You God, with where I am And believe that You will have Your way Just have Your way Just have Your way I know you will I wont forget You love me Have Your way. The song has struck a chord in my heart the past couple weeks. It amazes me how song lyrics can be so powerful. But then I guess words in general can do that. They can encourage, upbuild, bring comfort, or they can cause a death blow in one fell swoop. I need to make sure I choose my words carefully every time I open my mouth.

Anniversary Trip...Pungoteague, Va

2009-11-09T16:17:00.005-05:00

Pretty Byrd Cottage - this was our house. Cross the little bridge to our little island home.

Sunset at the bay

and again :)

The one morning I happened to wake up around sunrise. From laying in bed, you could pretty much see out ever window in the house, and when I saw the sun coming up, framed by the woodwork on the porch, I just had to drag myself out to snap a picture. Believe me, I went back to bed and slept blissfully :)

Out & about in the paddleboat the two cute chairs on the other island in our little lake

Feeding the fish some crackers

The clearest pic I managed to get of the "big fish" Out at the Harbor

Enjoying a book on the back porch Sunday afternoon

One Year

2009-11-08T00:36:00.003-05:00

Once in a while

In the middle of an ordinary life, Love,

Gives us a Fairy Tale

Grammar Guilt

2009-11-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

It was all started 10 years ago. I hated it. It was a little game my teacher made up, He called it Grammar Court. We all had to keep track of when classmates used grammar incorrectly, and report it in grammar court. I think pretty much everybody hated it. Maybe it was because we didn't like to be held accountable by our peers, or maybe it was the whole "I don't know if you can but you may" responses we heard oh so frequently. Regardless of the reasons, it served its purpose. While I will readily admit I am far from "Grammar Queen" It now at times will irk me when people use grammar incorrectly. (i.e. I seen him do it, or I done it yesterday) As you read my blog I'm most certain you will be able to find gramatical errors, but I'm mainly talking about the verbal gramatical errors. :) Along with grammar class, came spelling & vocab. Now as much as I hated grammar with all the rules that never change except for the 2 exceptions...I did love spelling. Perhaps because it came easy to me. It also irks me when people cant spell - especially on blogs that i read. It can at times be a deciding factor of whether I return to that blog again. Now granted I am not Miss Spelling Bee winner, but when it is common, everyday words, either learn how to spell or use the spell check button - that's what it is there for. I've said all this to say that for the last three or so days I've had a bad case of Grammar Guilt and I'm not sure how to alleviate it. It all comes from when I was texting a friend of mine, and I use don't instead of doesn't. The reason was the word was shorter. I feel as though I went over to the dark side. And don't even get me started on the text way of shortening and misspelling words... Any way you can think of to help alleviate my guilt?

The Beauty of Death

2009-10-05T11:46:00.001-04:00

No, I'm not being morbid. Recently I've been struck so vividly by the beauty that comes from the dying process. Autumn is my favorite season. It has been, for as long as I can remember. The vibrant colors of fall, for some reason give me a boost of energy. The crunch beneath your feet, the brisk cool air, the amazing colors - it presents a smorgasbord for the senses. As the trees prepare for winter, it slowly shuts off the supply of "food" to the leaves. As the leaves try to change colors during the "dying" process, they remind me to never make excuses for not living life. The create beauty till that final breaking off point. They live - quite vibrantly, in fact - the whole time they are dying. So often I find myself holding back because it might not work out, it will take too long, or it might be too hard. Then I sit back and realize that time will pass anyway, and the "fall" might be worth the experience. I don't want to be the kind of green leaf that lets go early, because it will die eventually anyway. I don't want to be the brown leaf that that refuses to let go of my dreams, or plans just because they are mine. I want to be one of those maple leaves. preferably the orangish-yellowish ones. So beautiful and inspiring through out the dying process. That even though all odds are stacked against it, it continues to live vibrantly, affecting those around it, going full force until it's over. ________________________________ In short, I want guidance. I want to dream, and plan, and DO full-heartedly, until it is clear that God has another path for me. Then, I want to let go, give it up, and transfer my vision to the new pathway. I want to hold my dreams tight enough to give it my all, but loose enough that when God says "I have a better idea" I can let it go in eagerness of what is to come.

The Battles of War...

2009-09-17T07:27:00.007-04:00

Iwo Jima, Japan 1945 - They fought for 36 days over an island made of 8 square miles of volcanic rock. It was a foothold, a large step in their strategy. 6800 died, over 19,000 were wounded. Their plan was to attack & win. The fought an enemy that they could not see, as the Japanese fought from trenches and underground passages. They were sitting targets, but they pressed on. Six men climbed Mt. Suribachi together, carrying a flag that weighed over 100 lbs. Their Sargent went with them. The order was to hoist the flag so every Marine on the island could see it. It was a symbol of victory for this battle, and hope for the future. New York City, 2001 - The end of the world as we knew it. Three New York City firefighters, raising a flag in the midst of desolation and despair. The colors of the flag stand brilliant against the gray backdrop of rubble. Again, it was a symbol of hope for the future of not only the city, but of the United States. It sent a message to all - We are still proud, we are not broken, we will press on, we will not give up.

These two pictures are universally known. When you see them, you know when they happened, you know the circumstances surrounding the events, but you don't always know the people in the picture. The flag raisers at Iwo Jima were Sargent Michael Strank, Harlon Block, Franklin Sousley, Ira Hayes, Rene Gagnon, & John Bradley. The firefighters at Ground Zero were George Johnson, Dan McWilliams, & Billy Eisengrein.I can tell you these names, but unless you are related to them, you most likely will not remember them.

However, there is another picture that is well known. And although it alters slightly, different angles, and different artists, it is still a symbol that has stood through much trial, as a symbol of freedom. That is a picture of Christ on the cross. My King crucified that I might live. We know His name, and He is known all over the world

At this very time, we are at war. I'm not talking about the United States anymore. I'm talking about myself, and the Christians around me. If we are not fighting the daily battles, we are losing. Japan's strategy at Iwo Jima, was to kill 10 US soldiers before being killed. Their plan was not to win, but to be a detriment to the US forces. They planned to fail. If you are not planning to win, you are planning to fail. Their is no middle ground.

The Sargent and his men carried the 100 lb flag to the top of the mountain to plant it so all could see, who's control the island was under. Christ as our Sargent is helping us climb the mountains in our lives. Am I winning the battle against self, that is hesitant to show to the world who's control my life is under? Am I willing, like the flag at ground zero, to stand out against a backdrop of sin & spiritual death & destruction? To put Christ out there, through me, that others can see the victory He is helping me to gain, and the hope He gives to others?

At Iwo Jima, those men, represented the United States, at Ground Zero, the firefighters represented our strength and resolve. As Christians, we are ambassadors (authorized messenger or representative) of Christ. Am I showing a clear picture of who Christ is?

Ephesians 6:12-20a

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador.

A house of worth

2009-09-13T15:59:00.004-04:00

There is an abandoned old house that I have driven by pretty much every day for the last 10 months. I used to say to Curt - "lets find out who own's that house and make them an offer." It's one of those old houses with the falling down trellis, crooked window shades, overgrown bushes, ...in other words a house with lots of potential. For the past several months, the local fire departments have been using it for training. The windows have been broken out. The crooked shades, are now jagged edged from being torn. The trellis is now disconnected from from the porch roof, and hanging precariously over the driveway. As we drove by the other day, Curt said to me - "Still want to put in an offer?" I laughed and replied with an emphatic "no I think it's beyond saving". I got to thinking as we drove, how good it is that God doesn't have the same attitude as me. He still has interest in me, even if I'm not in the greatest condition. Sin works to destroy us, yet he still sees the value in us. I'm hoping the house stays for a while, it will be a good reminder as I drive by every day.

First's in Life

2009-08-29T16:15:00.004-04:00

You know you have many first in life. Some you remember, some only others remember. Some you remember with fond memories, while others you would like to forget.

There is your first tooth
first steps
first birthday
first pet
first job
first vacation
first day of school
first car
first surgery
first kiss
first child

Today I can add another first to my list. My first trip to petsmart. I believe this is a first that I will remember for pretty much the rest of my life. The first tip that this was going to be an interesting experience, was the sight of random strangers and their dogs talking to each other in the parking lot. Strangers that form a kind of bond I've only seen before once. And that was when a Duck & Ducklings chose to cross Main Street in downtown Ephrata. The second thing about Petsmart, is that you can take your pet along into the store with you. Yes, it is a store to buy things for your pet, but is your pet really going to help you pick it out? Inside the store, it was no different than outside. Aisle's were full of Dogs with their people on their leashes...wait, wrong way. Aisle's were full of People with their dogs on their leashes. Everyone exclaimed over each others dog. It was like second grade show & tell, only it was for adults. Extreme amazement at the difference in size between a Chihuahua and a Labradoodle like it was the first day that a labradoodle was bigger than a chihuahua in the history of dogs. And then came the all too answered question of the shopping trip. "So what kind of dog do you have?" After several times I was tempted to tell a half truth and tell them we have a miniature lab, but...we would politely reply in such a sweet tone, "we have a Black Lab/Jack Russel mix." Next came the all too familiar look of shock & surprise on the face of the all to friendly questioner. Followed by the familier response - "That's got to be an interesting mix", and our reply of "Actually he just looks like a miniature lab." Next in line of questioning came how old is he, how long have you had him, house dog I assume?, how is training going? and finally, the favorite part of the conversation - "Well, it was nice meeting you!" ... Oh Yes, we have officially met, I'll be sure to wave when I see you on the road. So, we made it out of petsmart without being accosted by to many friendly pet owners. While I do admit, I am beginning to like our dog to the point of loving it, it is by far not considered to be an official part of the family, and we do not consider spending $200 dollars on him at petsmart to be a necessary part of our existence. Below you can find a picture of our beloved PET "Jack"

*Note to the Reader: At the time of publishing, the writer was in a slightly sarcastic and exaggerated mood. The writer will not be held liable for any exageration of the facts in the post.

State of Mind

2009-08-19T03:36:00.000-04:00

My mind is flying into various corners today... I think it must be trying to hide from all it knows it has to get done... We have been thoroughly enjoying our little dog. His official name has been deemed "Jack". I feel it is a very strong name, and one that has so many predecessors. Jack Black Captian Jack Sparrow Jack Ingram Jack Daniels Jack the Ripper -although he's not a killer, he does tend to terrorize my family room at times... Jack be nimble Jack be quick Jack London - on that note perhaps his name should have been "Buck" Jack Nicholson Apple Jacks Cracker Jacks ..... but i like to call him "Sir Jackson Jimmy Jabbers". When I do call him that he normally just sits and looks at me with that cute little head tilt thing that dogs do. He's getting pretty good about going into his pen at night and being silent. But he still hasnt grasped the concept of doing his business outsided. It's more like go outside, run, romp, play, bark at stones for 20 minutes then go inside and promptly go to the bathroom. Oh well, this too shall pass. If not, I'd like to introduce you to "Jack the no longer house dog".

He really is adorable...

2009-08-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

soft black hair with white on his toes and chest

cute little voice (although we haven't heard too much yet)

playful & cuddly

adorable floppy ears

he likes to take naps next to my creative memories box

and he has this annoying penchant for early mornings.

he loves kisses - much to my dismay

7 1/2 weeks old & he's feeling a little lonely

1/2 black lab, 1/2 jack russel - he looks like a miniature lab

he likes to see himself in the mirror & pee on my kitchen floor

and he has no name yet

we could use some help in that department

we are kinda thinking of naming him "Jack"

but we are open to other possibilities

if you want to help us out, just leave a comment!

God cried today..

2009-08-02T17:24:00.000-04:00

at least thats what I think. This evening about 15 minutes from where I am, there is a family whose world has been torn apart. Earlier this week, a man from our church was killed in a tree cutting accident. He left behind his wife, and 5 adopted children. The veiwing is tonight, the funeral is tomorrow morning. When I woke up this morning, the rain was pounding against the window and making trails down the glass. The image I got was one of God crying. Crying for the children who dont understand why daddy never came home from work. Crying for his wife who tries to grasp it all, and hold tight to her children. Crying, because His children are crying. Crying because His children's hearts are breaking. As I watched in awe at God's tears running down my bedroom window, I cried too. For my sister in Christ, who is expiriencing pain in the loss of her husband, and for her children, who at one point in their lives lost a father, and are now losing another - one who loved them so much. God cried today...I'm pretty sure of that.

oh the joys...

2009-07-31T22:13:00.000-04:00

the joys of being a housekeeper that is. Well, housekeeper, homemaker, keeper at home - to me they pretty much mean keeping a house looking like a home instead of a war zone. Right now, as I sit on my sofa in front of my AC, my house looks a bit like a war zone, or a disaster area, or if you are an avid "zits" fan, Jeremy's bedroom. As I look around, I see two laundry loads of wash on the floor waiting to be folded. Why, you ask is it on the floor? Well, that is the easiest place to fold it, as my kitchen table quadruples as a table, a sewing space, a mini greenhouse ( it hold my few houseplants) and a desk. The sewing space holds obviously the sewing machine, a 1/2 sewn dress, and various "needing repair" items. The green house part holds 3 houseplants that I have managed to keep alive ever since I got married nearly 9 months ago. The desk part, holds bills that I need to sit down & pay tonight, and the kitchen table part - well, it's actually cleaned off - at the moment. So, there are two loads of wash on the floor, Creative Memories table is in much need of attention, several pairs of shoes that have accumulated at the bottom of the stairs, a beach chair and umbrella that are waiting for my car to get out of the shop, a cookbook left discarded on the sofa for a later "look see", and all surfaces are in much need of dusting. I hearken back to the days when my mom used to tell me I'd make my life much easier if I would just put things away when I'm done with them - Mom, I now agree wholeheartedly! But, the real reason I am sitting in front of my AC is because I went outside to watter the plants in my porch flower pots (those flowers have been sitting on death row for the last several weeks, and I feel deep with in there is no more hope for a stay of execution) As I was watering them, I was observing the flowerbed that God waters for me. I noticed the weeds were getting quite greedy and only allowing the flowers mere peeking room, so I took action. When I was younger, I'm not sure how young, I made a pact with myself - never to become one of those women who (has a flowerbed or garden in the front yard) finds it practical to hike her posterior portion towards heaven. Imagine my predicament. It just rained today, hard. I have a bum knee, which puts squatting out of the picture. Not about to get myself all wet by kneeling, I did the unthinkable. I bent over, and wondered as the cars whizzed by, how many young impressionable girls vowed to never become me. So, the point of this story is, that I became quite hot, and quite lightheaded as i up and downed out there, that I now find it necessary to drink a glass of cold water, and inform the world that I have allot of work to do tonight, and I should start the disaster relief right about ....now.

This thing they call marriage

2009-07-24T18:30:00.000-04:00

Funny how something can change you so quickly. I haven't even been married a year, and i'm changing into one of those people. You know the kind of people that they always say your gonna turn into. Oh yes, those things called adults. More specifically those things called sensible adults. Like my mom. The kind of people who tell you to eat breakfast - even more a healthy breakfast The kind of people who tell you not to eat raw cookie dough The kind of people that tell you to make sure you drink enough water & get enough sleep. It's kinda scary! I used to never eat breakfast- especially eggs. They caused my stomache to flip flop if I ate them in the morning. This morning, I ate and egg burrito, just a matter of minutes after I crawled out of bed. And it was oh so good! I've been married almost 9 months, and already I find myself steering away from the oh so sugar laden cereals for more healthy alternatives like plain cheerios, and quaker oat squares. I make cookies & warn my husband not to eat the cookie dough cause there is uncooked eggs in it. It has become habit for me to drink a glass of water when I get up in the morning, and a glass of water before bed (plus the constant water bottle on my desk at work) Come 10pm I'm normally about ready to crash...2am bedtimes are a thing of the past. I just ate a waffle - my mom used to put the 10x sugar on for us so we couldn't overdo it. I put some on, and thought it looked like too much so I shook a bit off... I think I'm turning into one of those things...those Adult people

steamrolled

2009-07-07T22:30:00.000-04:00

Life is so interesting... take the word steam rolled when you steam iron something, you steam out all the wrinkles, but when someone says they feel like they got steamrolled, it has nothing to do with the wrinkles of life being smoothed out. so tell me, what is the solution to a person picking themselves up after being steamrolled? i'm up for suggestions.

A little too much...

2009-06-29T15:15:00.000-04:00

A little too much, Today was a little to much for me A few falls too many and one win too few A little to long today was a little too long for me but someone is calling - calling my name calling come, come, come and rest all who are weary come come come and rest all who are heavy rest rest rest sometimes i try sometimes i try just a little to hard fighting the current and loosing the fight and sometimes i feel sometimest i feel like i'm swimming alone But someone is holding, holding me up - calling come, come & rest all who are weary rest come, come & rest all who are heavy rest calling me softly and sweetly calling me like im a child calling tho i'm not worthy calling me even now come come and rest all who are weary rest come come & rest all who are heavy rest - rest ___________________________________ I happen to intensly love this song. It is the most played song in my iTunes - separated from the 2nd played by over 100 times. It has such feeling & emotion all through it - kinda how those days are. But, it is awesome to know that we are never alone. God is never going to leave us - even when we feel alone, when we feel we are drowning in it all God is there, holding us up, helping us keep on. I really do serve an amazing God.

One Hand

2009-06-01T17:45:00.000-04:00

A flash of lightening, a clap of thunder, hands scraped raw from scratching an unforgiving rock wall. Trying to catch the smallest crevice that will supply her with new hope. Hearing someone calling from above, she looks up. A hand is reaching down to her, offering help. The hand makes motions of urgent insistence as she listens to the faceless voice telling her to take hold. warily she pushes herself against the rock wall she has been fighting against. Only be letting go can she reach for the proffered hand. She eyes the unknown hand, unsure of whether it is worth the risk. The rain pouring from the sky has made each movement treacherous. Bracing herself, she removes one hand from the crevice it so desperately sought just moments before, and grabs a hold of the hand. The wind howls like an angry wildcat. She feels her feet loosing their footing. In an act of desperation, she pulls her other hand from its crevice and grabs the wrist belonging to the hand. She holds on to the single arm as her feet lose their place. Suspended over the dark abyss, she's at the mercy of the hand. Time suspends, the wind howls, the rain pours, the lightening flashes, and the thunder claps as she clings to that solitary hand. Caught in all of despair, she wills her lifeline to not let go. Why do people find it so hard to offer both hands? Is there someone who needs you to offer a little more? Are they clinging to the hope that you have shared with them, just wishing you would offer them just a bit more to help them up over the rim of the abyss they are falling into.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-28T21:38:00.001-04:00

tents....creek....toads.....fishing.....food over campfires......family......guitar music We left thursday morning around 9:30. drove the 4 hours to petticote junction. set up our tent, and had a great weekend. end or story- with alot in between. I remember thinking thursday evening as i lay on our double high airmattress under a fuzzy blanket & a sleeping bag how "welcoming" it sounded. bullfrogs croaking, the water in the creek (more like a river) that ran by our campsite, the distant sound of cars driving on the road across the creek. it sounded peaceful, comforting. about 4 hours later, i awoke. gone was the welcoming sounds, the peaceful comforted feelings were replaced with damp coldness, and the growing need to make use of the facilities....which were all the way accross campground. Instead, I rolled over soaking up as much body heat from Curt as i could, and burrowing deeper in the covers. lets just say it took a long time for morning to arrive, and i was honestly never more grateful to see the sun filtering through my tent.

Friends

2009-05-27T00:13:00.000-04:00

2009-05-08T12:14:00.000-04:00

It's been a long week, but it went by fast.... I know, it doesn't really make all that much sense, but I know what I mean. Its been pretty busy, which means we've packed that much in, that it seems a long way since last weekend, but I have so much to do, that I haven't gotten done this week, therefore it feels like it flew by. Last night was lovely. I didnt get out from work as early as I was hoping, but I managed to get home, before Curt, and tidy up the house a little bit, (You know how much tidying up just a little after a hurricane would do? Well thats pretty much all it did. My house is a wreck right now...so please no surprise visits!) before heading to Ephrata to meet Galen & Janessa at Applebees. It was super awesome. The food, -yummy smothered chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli- and definately the company all contributed to a wonderful evening. Then there was that pretty sunset. Did you notice it? So beautiful after all the rain this week :) So, tonight, I'm gonna get alot done. The wash, the cleaning, pricing yardsale stuff & packing it up to go tomorrow bright (or dark) and early. Untill next time. m

The Other Michelle

2009-04-05T00:15:00.000-04:00

We met four years ago in New Creations Chorus

we had the connection of a shared name,

four years later, we share much more than that.

The wedding of one of my best friends

Michelle Mummau

Glendon Strite

The lovely bride, & her bridesmaids

hiding out in the nursery before

the ceremony.

Lynnae Lisa Michelle & Jen

Brotherly Love :)

Justin, Michelle & Jeremy

The Groomsmen

Jusin, Dallas, Glendon & Jeremy

Ron & Bev Mummau Family

Lisa

Michelle

Jen

Lynnae

Gabriella

Jeremy's liking Lynnae's bouquet

The Whole Bridal Party

To Glendon & Michelle - Congratulations! Wish you guys the best!

We're Related - Barack Obama said so...

2009-04-01T08:47:00.000-04:00

I just got done chewing my Dad out. Ancestry has always facinated me. I've wished so often as I read through great great (however many it is) grandparents diary's that I could have just an hour to sit down with them and drink in all I can about what their lives were like. And now I just found out I could have. I received an email from Barack Obama on facebook through the "We're Related" application. Apparently we are fourth cousins once removed... And apparently, I could have had one of those sit down chats with my great grandmother. She apparently died when I was thirteen. Her married name was Pearl Marie Smith. It makes we want to delve into research about her life. Was she in the witness protection program? Is that why her last name was smith? Because none of my grandparents grew up as smith's. And how lucky am I? Everyone I know has 4 great grandparents, mine are: Jake & Esther Newswanger, Aaron & Mary Weaver, David & Elizabeth Weaver, Christian & Rebecca Sauder - now I also have Charles & Pearl Smith! - Cant wait to learn about them! & meet all my 4.5 cousins in person, maybe have slumber parties with my 5th cousins at the White House! __________ In other news, since April 1rst came around, so far I've talked to only a handful of people who actually failed to mention April Fools, or tell me a joke. I can only pray that none of my kids have to share a birthday with me! It can be a real pain! __________ Things I love about today: ~ It's not snowing - a majority of my birthdays include snow ~Early this morning my husband was talking in his semi-conscious state, till I absolutely laughed him wide awake at 2am ~It looks like it could rain - I love rain (except for what it does to my arthritis) ~No matter how old I get, I still love birthdays - I just try to ignore that fact that the age I am makes me sound old, & simply enjoy the day ~ My husband is taking me out for supper tonight ~I keep getting birthday texts, emails & comments - which means I have friends who love me, or love the fact that I am getting older ~I have yummy leftovers in my lunch ~I awoke in a relatively healthy state this morning ~The work week is halfway over

2008-12-18T22:42:00.000-05:00

“You’re acting like a child” - this was the response I heard Monday, from a customer who was not called when his parts were ready, because we noted that he would stop by for them on his way home from work. He was positive that he was supposed to receive a call to verify that his parts were ready; I calmly explained that there must have been some miscommunication, and that I was sorry. His response was that I was being childish by not owning up to “my” mistake. As I hung up the phone I was quite perturbed at his commanding rudeness. I let out a frustrated sigh, and put it behind me.Later that afternoon, an older gentleman came in for his order. We chatted as I got his bill together, and of course the conversation came to the impending snow. I mentioned that I think I’d be ok with a good snowstorm again. (Like I have any say in it!) It’s been a while since we were actually snowed in. He smiled & kind of chuckled and replied, “at my age, mild winters are just okay, you must still be a child at heart.” There it was again, only this time with no negative connotation insinuated. I smiled back, and affirmed that this might just be the case.Monday night we went shopping. Berean Bookstore, Old Navy, Circuit City, and that wonderful almost heaven on earth place called Michaels. There is just something about crafts, stickers, decorations, paper, and all that fun stuff, that makes me want to spend hours looking through each and every scrumpcialicious (yes I’m making up a word) individual item. One of my treasures of the evening was a box of 64 Crayola Crayons. We have nieces, we have nephews, we have coloring books, and now we have some delightful crayons. Colors with delicious names like courage, Bear Hug, Purple Mountains Majesty, Granny Smith Apple, Macaroni & Cheese, Super Happy, Tickle Me Pink, & Wisteria. Yesterday I was at home all day, and I pulled out my new box of crayons, each of them with a perfectly sharpened tip, all smelling so amazingly new; and I took each one from the box, and wrote their names on a piece of paper. Yes, perhaps I am a child at heart. It still grants my heart such great joy, to use a never before used crayon. And yes, the thought did cross my mind, to go upstairs and dig out the coloring book, but instead, I put the crayons back in their place, left out a contented sigh, and took a nap. Yes, I may be a child, but I’m okay with that. We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing. So next time it snows, no matter your age, go outside. - make snow angels, build a snowman, have a neighborhood snowball fight, chase snow flakes with your toungue sticking out. look silly, be silly, have fun - be a child at heart.