Well, I definitely was had! We had planned a cookout for Memorial Day and invited some of our favorite people for ribs, chicken, potato salad, banana pudding - the works! And we made it through Monday morning with all the requisite preparation - cooking, cleaning, etc. The first guests arrived and meat came off the grill, and I was busy in the house trying to keep up with the demand (the food was awesome - thanks everyone!) DH called me outside and proceeds to inform me that this was actually a surprise birthday party for me! What a sweetie!! This is the second surprise party he's been able to pull on me - and this time the kiddos actually kept it from me! I don't whether to be proud of them or concerned...lol! It was a wonderful time, and I had a ball!
Thank you honey, for all your hard work - and thank you friends for coming!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Thursday
So why do people make such a big deal about birthdays? I mean, it's just another trip of the earth around the sun, another batch of seasons, another 365 days! 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds. Bam! There goes another one! It's another 52 weeks of experience, of life. Another year of growth, hopefully spiritual growth. Why are we so hung up on numbers in our society? Weight, age, IQ points - all are quantitative measurements. What about the quality of the living? What about the joys experienced, the sorrows endured, the love shared, the friendship enjoyed? What about the beauty of a sunrise, the glory of a sunset? The innocence of a child's smile, the wisdom of a grandparent's story? Isn't the life you've lived and experienced worth far more than the number attached to your life span?
...or am I just trying to convince myself...?
On the domestic front - yes, that was DS1 on the local news describing in his inimitable way how it feels to have a firefighter for a father, with the smoke and flames rolling in the background. "It's scary. It just is, scary." Ah, this mother's heart is so proud! However, the English/Victorian Lit. major - hmmm - maybe not so much! Where are the WORDS?!? LOL! And for those who called and expressed their concern as to whether or not DH was at the scene, thank you! Yes, he was called in, and yes he was fighting the fire, and to be honest, I expect him to be there for awhile yet.
I have to admit that I drove as close to the scene as traffic would allow - note to self - DO. NOT. EVER. DO. THAT. AGAIN! It's really tough to see this seeminly chaotic scene with danger and destruction and know that your husband is somewhere in there. And I know he was loving every minute of it! He so rarely actually gets to see real flames - except in the grill! As a matter of fact, DH happened to see DS1&2 (Nutsy & Trigger, Thing1 & Thing2, Toejam & Earl - take yer pick!) and asked if I was with them. He was happy to hear that I was at home (they had gone with a friend and his mother and grandmother.) Wish I'd have stayed there!
...or am I just trying to convince myself...?
On the domestic front - yes, that was DS1 on the local news describing in his inimitable way how it feels to have a firefighter for a father, with the smoke and flames rolling in the background. "It's scary. It just is, scary." Ah, this mother's heart is so proud! However, the English/Victorian Lit. major - hmmm - maybe not so much! Where are the WORDS?!? LOL! And for those who called and expressed their concern as to whether or not DH was at the scene, thank you! Yes, he was called in, and yes he was fighting the fire, and to be honest, I expect him to be there for awhile yet.
I have to admit that I drove as close to the scene as traffic would allow - note to self - DO. NOT. EVER. DO. THAT. AGAIN! It's really tough to see this seeminly chaotic scene with danger and destruction and know that your husband is somewhere in there. And I know he was loving every minute of it! He so rarely actually gets to see real flames - except in the grill! As a matter of fact, DH happened to see DS1&2 (Nutsy & Trigger, Thing1 & Thing2, Toejam & Earl - take yer pick!) and asked if I was with them. He was happy to hear that I was at home (they had gone with a friend and his mother and grandmother.) Wish I'd have stayed there!
Monday, May 23, 2005
Angels and bugs
I got a call yesterday from my aunt and grandfather, stating that they were coming to town and hoping to drop by to see us. Of course, at the time they called, we were sitting in church. Wouldn't ya know it?! Fortunately, they stopped by on their way out of town, so I got to see them. My aunt, indeed, most of the women in the family (both sides) are/were involved in Job's Daughters - a masonic organization for girls. Currently, my aunt and grandfather are the adult leaders of the chapter in my home town, and my aunt is in line to be the big boss of the state in about two years. She has asked me to help her with some cross stitching for her term as GG, as soon as she finds the 'right' angel (her mascot.) Well, some of that surf time at work came in handy as I was able to direct her to a particular designer's website. Woohoo! We'll see what she thinks...
The boys and I watched the Crufts Dog Show last night. Wow - huge! However, I didn't see a Brit among the competitors. Speaking of dogs - ours is a goofball! Of the HIGHEST degree! His breed happens to point (only spaniel that does, so I'm told) and to watch him point while on the deck or looking out the front door is a riot! He absolutely WILL. NOT. MOVE. You can bug him, tease him, call him, anything - and he just stays like he is. Usually, he's watching a rabbit (his favorite!) or a chipmunk in the backyard, or birds in the front. Well, last night, I let him out for the last time of the night, and before he's at the steps of the deck, he starts pointing. And there I am, straining to see what the heck he's looking at. No, don't see a rabbit. No birds. No chipmunks. Nothing. DS1 crept up beside me and, after watching a few seconds, told me Wrigley was pointing at the lightning bugs! Sheesh!
The boys and I watched the Crufts Dog Show last night. Wow - huge! However, I didn't see a Brit among the competitors. Speaking of dogs - ours is a goofball! Of the HIGHEST degree! His breed happens to point (only spaniel that does, so I'm told) and to watch him point while on the deck or looking out the front door is a riot! He absolutely WILL. NOT. MOVE. You can bug him, tease him, call him, anything - and he just stays like he is. Usually, he's watching a rabbit (his favorite!) or a chipmunk in the backyard, or birds in the front. Well, last night, I let him out for the last time of the night, and before he's at the steps of the deck, he starts pointing. And there I am, straining to see what the heck he's looking at. No, don't see a rabbit. No birds. No chipmunks. Nothing. DS1 crept up beside me and, after watching a few seconds, told me Wrigley was pointing at the lightning bugs! Sheesh!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Friday
FRIDAY!! Woo-ha! Nothing much has been going on in my little world. I've been stitching again - which has been a real stress reliever for me. Not stitching anything huge or complicated. I found some freebie patterns of the months of the year - really small ones - but they're put out by a floss company. And of course, I can't find their floss in my local cross stitch shop, so I get to customize them when I kit them out. LOVE to do that!
The kiddos are nearly done with school for the year - happy and sad at the same time. Looking forward to having them home! Summer starts the birthday season for us, too, so I need to get on the ball planning some parties.
Today is Wrigley's birthday - and yes, looks like we'll be doing something for him - and this after I swore I wouldn't be one of those dog people! Oh well, he's worth it!
So. There ya go. Small town me and my small town life and small town thoughts of randomness...but I'm okay with that!
The kiddos are nearly done with school for the year - happy and sad at the same time. Looking forward to having them home! Summer starts the birthday season for us, too, so I need to get on the ball planning some parties.
Today is Wrigley's birthday - and yes, looks like we'll be doing something for him - and this after I swore I wouldn't be one of those dog people! Oh well, he's worth it!
So. There ya go. Small town me and my small town life and small town thoughts of randomness...but I'm okay with that!
Monday, May 16, 2005
From Captivating...
"You are a woman. An image bearer of God. The Crown of Creation. You were chosen before time and space, and you are wholly and dearly loved. You are sought after, pursued, romanced, the passionate desire of you Fiance, Jesus. You are dangerous in your beauty and your life-giving power. And you are needed...Your aching, awakened heart leads you to the feet of Jesus, where you wait on him and wait for him. The eyes of his heart are ever upon you. The King is captivated by your beauty...Whatever your particular calling, you are meant to grace the world with your dance, to follow the lead of Jesus wherever he leads you. He will lead you first into himself; and then, with him, he will lead you into the world that he loves and needs you to love."
I think what has affected me most about this book, and the 'Guidance' print mentioned in an earlier blog, is that, taken personally, they refer to me as a 'woman.' Now that might sound a bit odd, but bear with me. I went from being a 'child' (read: 'afterthought'), shuffled from pillar to post by a single mother, to being a 'roommate' in college and immediately after, to a 'girlfriend', 'fiancee', 'wife', and then to 'mommy.' I've never really stopped and thought of myself as 'woman' without these other labels. 'Woman' as a stand-alone entity. 'Woman' as worthy of respect. 'Woman' as having special, God-given talents and abilities.
Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not faulting my DH or DKs at all. I love my role and titles of wife and mother! I wouldn't trade my life for anything! And I know they love and respect me. But there's never been an opportunity to just be a 'woman'. I don't think I've ever even referred to myself that way. On various forms asking for gender, it limits the choice to 'male' and 'female'. Not 'man' or 'woman'. Even the term 'female' has a cold, clinical and sterile feel. Whereas 'woman' sounds warm and nurturing, creative and giving.
I don't know where I'm trying to go with this. Probably nowhere. It's just something that struck me and I felt I needed to get it written somewhere.
I think what has affected me most about this book, and the 'Guidance' print mentioned in an earlier blog, is that, taken personally, they refer to me as a 'woman.' Now that might sound a bit odd, but bear with me. I went from being a 'child' (read: 'afterthought'), shuffled from pillar to post by a single mother, to being a 'roommate' in college and immediately after, to a 'girlfriend', 'fiancee', 'wife', and then to 'mommy.' I've never really stopped and thought of myself as 'woman' without these other labels. 'Woman' as a stand-alone entity. 'Woman' as worthy of respect. 'Woman' as having special, God-given talents and abilities.
Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not faulting my DH or DKs at all. I love my role and titles of wife and mother! I wouldn't trade my life for anything! And I know they love and respect me. But there's never been an opportunity to just be a 'woman'. I don't think I've ever even referred to myself that way. On various forms asking for gender, it limits the choice to 'male' and 'female'. Not 'man' or 'woman'. Even the term 'female' has a cold, clinical and sterile feel. Whereas 'woman' sounds warm and nurturing, creative and giving.
I don't know where I'm trying to go with this. Probably nowhere. It's just something that struck me and I felt I needed to get it written somewhere.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Thursday
One of my co-workers gave his 3 day notice today. He starts a new job Monday. I'm going to miss him! He was so funny! But I understand - the fees weren't there, the drive was the pits, etc. So, see ya 'round, Sparky!
The book that DH and DKs got me for Mother's Day is by Stasi and John Eldredge (of Wild at Heart fame) and is called Captivating. And what Wild at Heart has done for a lot of the men I know, I believe Captivating will do for lots of women I know. It explores the questions in a woman's heart like the other book did for the a man's heart. I have found so many things I identify with in this book! I told DH last night that the women's ministry servant group should make this the theme for our women's retreat next year - and I haven't even finished the book yet! The only problems I can see are that a study guide would have to be constructed and that I don't think we could get through it in the limited time we have that weekend!
DS1 has his final elementary school music program tonight. Final, that is, if he actually can pass this grade! From what I've seen and heard of the program, it should be really cute - I know he's had a lot of fun doing it!
Well...back to work...
The book that DH and DKs got me for Mother's Day is by Stasi and John Eldredge (of Wild at Heart fame) and is called Captivating. And what Wild at Heart has done for a lot of the men I know, I believe Captivating will do for lots of women I know. It explores the questions in a woman's heart like the other book did for the a man's heart. I have found so many things I identify with in this book! I told DH last night that the women's ministry servant group should make this the theme for our women's retreat next year - and I haven't even finished the book yet! The only problems I can see are that a study guide would have to be constructed and that I don't think we could get through it in the limited time we have that weekend!
DS1 has his final elementary school music program tonight. Final, that is, if he actually can pass this grade! From what I've seen and heard of the program, it should be really cute - I know he's had a lot of fun doing it!
Well...back to work...
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Mem'ries...
...like the corners of my mind...la di da di da di daaa di
Sorry!
DS1 and I were doing some cleaning last night in anticipation of our Memorial Day cookout bash-type thing - never too early to do spring cleaning - lol! Anyway, we came across my junior high and high school yearbooks. So, of course, we had to take a break and peruse them. Riot! The funnest (is that a word?) part was reading all the signatures. "You're so sweet - stay that way" and "never forget the fun we had..." and "you'll go far in life 'cuz your so smart and funny" yada yada yada...
It was really bad when someone signed with a nickname of some sort, because I absolutely cannot remember these people's regular names, let alone nicknames! And then there were the people who signed my yearbooks and I don't remember EVER even talking to them, let alone knowing them well enough to garner sappy sentiments and signatures for posterity!
I'm so glad that Jesus won't ever forget me. And that the words He left for me to read will still ring true forever.
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands... Isaiah 49:16a
...he remembers his covenant forever... Psalm 111:5
Sorry!
DS1 and I were doing some cleaning last night in anticipation of our Memorial Day cookout bash-type thing - never too early to do spring cleaning - lol! Anyway, we came across my junior high and high school yearbooks. So, of course, we had to take a break and peruse them. Riot! The funnest (is that a word?) part was reading all the signatures. "You're so sweet - stay that way" and "never forget the fun we had..." and "you'll go far in life 'cuz your so smart and funny" yada yada yada...
It was really bad when someone signed with a nickname of some sort, because I absolutely cannot remember these people's regular names, let alone nicknames! And then there were the people who signed my yearbooks and I don't remember EVER even talking to them, let alone knowing them well enough to garner sappy sentiments and signatures for posterity!
I'm so glad that Jesus won't ever forget me. And that the words He left for me to read will still ring true forever.
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands... Isaiah 49:16a
...he remembers his covenant forever... Psalm 111:5
Monday, May 09, 2005
Happy Mother's Day
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
I got the sweetest hand-drawn cards from the kiddos - nothing better than that! And of course, DS1 always cracks me up when he signs things - 'from your loving son' - what ten year old talks like that?! DH got me a book that he didn't even know I wanted - he's good! And told me that the picture I blogged about will hopefully be coming to our house sometime soon - as soon as the store finds one for him. I didn't have to do dishes or laundry or anything! I got the remote ALL DAY! Pretty good Mother's Day!
I called my grandmother to wish her a HMD and make sure she got her card (and in a roundabout way - to make sure my mother got her card too.) What I wanna know is - where are the cards for dysfunctional families?! I mean, it's always been a problem especially for Mother's Day! "You've always been there for me, your unconditional love means the world to me, I couldn't have done it without you," blah blah blah. Come one - where are the cards that say "Thanks for the egg!" or "Thanks for the nine month rent-free accomodations" or "You were awesome when I was a kid, but recently..." Sorry if I sound a little bitter. Mother's Day just puts me in a bit of a snit.
So, I'll focus on how wonderful my day was and how much grammy loved her card and leave it at that.
I got the sweetest hand-drawn cards from the kiddos - nothing better than that! And of course, DS1 always cracks me up when he signs things - 'from your loving son' - what ten year old talks like that?! DH got me a book that he didn't even know I wanted - he's good! And told me that the picture I blogged about will hopefully be coming to our house sometime soon - as soon as the store finds one for him. I didn't have to do dishes or laundry or anything! I got the remote ALL DAY! Pretty good Mother's Day!
I called my grandmother to wish her a HMD and make sure she got her card (and in a roundabout way - to make sure my mother got her card too.) What I wanna know is - where are the cards for dysfunctional families?! I mean, it's always been a problem especially for Mother's Day! "You've always been there for me, your unconditional love means the world to me, I couldn't have done it without you," blah blah blah. Come one - where are the cards that say "Thanks for the egg!" or "Thanks for the nine month rent-free accomodations" or "You were awesome when I was a kid, but recently..." Sorry if I sound a little bitter. Mother's Day just puts me in a bit of a snit.
So, I'll focus on how wonderful my day was and how much grammy loved her card and leave it at that.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
What do YOU think?
Found this story on Fox News: (yes, I filter...)
California churchgoers called the cops on three strange men they thought were skin heads - but the bald trio turned out to be Marines looking for a buddy.
"They have short Marine haircuts, and someone perceives that they're skinheads, and that they were intimidating people," San Bernardino County sheriff's Sgt. Frank Gonzales told the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin of Ontario, Calif. "It turns out that was not the case, and they were very polite."
It all began April 24 at Spanish-language mass at St. Peter and St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Rancho Cucamonga, about 40 miles east of Los Angeles.
During the service, three bald men in civilian clothes came in and sat down.
Before Mass had even finished, the three suddenly got up, walked to the front of the room, turned and faced the congregation in silence for a few moments - and then left.
"It was very disrespectful," said parishioner Aida Nordahl, who said she and her fellow congregants were put ill at ease.
The next Sunday, May 1, the three men came back, sitting among worshippers and talking to each other during Mass.
That's when someone in the congregation called the sheriff's department.
The three men told deputies that they'd just returned from service in Iraq and were looking for a friend they though might attend services at the church.
When they didn't see him in the congregation the first time, they came back a week later.
The Rev. Patrick Kirsch explained what had happened to relieved parishioners, and said he considered the matter closed.
"We don't want to make it more than it is," he said. "I was reassured by the police that [the men] wouldn't be back."
...just wanted to see what the blog family thinks about this story...
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
It's WHAT...?!
I picked the kiddos up from school yesterday, and DS1 was sooo excited!
"Mom! Guesswhatprojectwe'redoinginschoolit'ssocooldoyouwannaknowwhatitisactuallyit'sprettygrossareyousureyouwannaknow?"
"Uh, do I have a choice?"
"No!"
He then proceeds to show me a ziploc baggie of what looked like dryer lint.
"Guess what this is!"
"Um..."
"Owl vomit!!"
Riiiiiight.
"And look at this!" He holds up a second ziploc bag full of something I wasn't quite sure I actually wanted to look at.
"Guess what this is!"
I don't think so.
"Mouse bones! Look! Here's a skull!"
Okay - driving now! Please put all that away and never bring it out in my presence EVER. AGAIN. Love you okay buh-bye!
So I guess my question is - where would one 'harvest' such a product? I mean, does one wander through the woods and happen to find small piles of dryer lint, and think - hey! I can gather this for distribution to elementary school students! Woo-ha! Cha-ching!
And for the record - yes, owl vomit does in fact smell terrible. Thanks for asking.
"Mom! Guesswhatprojectwe'redoinginschoolit'ssocooldoyouwannaknowwhatitisactuallyit'sprettygrossareyousureyouwannaknow?"
"Uh, do I have a choice?"
"No!"
He then proceeds to show me a ziploc baggie of what looked like dryer lint.
"Guess what this is!"
"Um..."
"Owl vomit!!"
Riiiiiight.
"And look at this!" He holds up a second ziploc bag full of something I wasn't quite sure I actually wanted to look at.
"Guess what this is!"
I don't think so.
"Mouse bones! Look! Here's a skull!"
Okay - driving now! Please put all that away and never bring it out in my presence EVER. AGAIN. Love you okay buh-bye!
So I guess my question is - where would one 'harvest' such a product? I mean, does one wander through the woods and happen to find small piles of dryer lint, and think - hey! I can gather this for distribution to elementary school students! Woo-ha! Cha-ching!
And for the record - yes, owl vomit does in fact smell terrible. Thanks for asking.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
"Is there a problem?!" Sheesh!
Can I just say how much I detest when people are inconsiderate, rude, and downright selfish! Especially when it's someone you HAVE to be around! No avoidance! And then that person has the nerve to ask what's wrong!? Ugh! ...breathe in...breathe out... Okay - venting over - for now!
We're anxiously awaiting the results of DS1' s math test today. (Thanks, Kate!) We've been encouraging him to study harder and bring his grades up, because he doesn't have much time left this year. Don't know if he's going to make it in time!
The office manager has been gone the last two days and so I've been covering her work as well as my own, so this won't be very long (or very interesting, for that matter!) Just wanted to check in and say yes I'm still here somewhere - buried under paperwork and phone cords! lol!
Happy Tuesday!
We're anxiously awaiting the results of DS1' s math test today. (Thanks, Kate!) We've been encouraging him to study harder and bring his grades up, because he doesn't have much time left this year. Don't know if he's going to make it in time!
The office manager has been gone the last two days and so I've been covering her work as well as my own, so this won't be very long (or very interesting, for that matter!) Just wanted to check in and say yes I'm still here somewhere - buried under paperwork and phone cords! lol!
Happy Tuesday!
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