I cannot believe it has been two months since I have been able to get on here! Long story but the end result was having my computer wiped clean and starting over. Cheaper than a new computer but not a lot of fun.
Well it's Halloween and all my little dumplings - except the 20yo and the one in high school band will be out begging for candy. I can't wait! LOL! We had our fall festival at the church Saturday night and our youth put on the best Haunted Maze we have had in a long time. And, my kids got candy!
We went to the high school's "trick or treat trail" on Tuesday. We played games and my kids got candy!!!
We are going out tonight into the neighborhood and, my kids will get candy!
I am like Garfield here....I love this holiday! :)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Last day of summer vacation
It was Friday. The last Friday before school would start. It had been raining off and on all week long so there went our trip to the lake (no boat and there is no way the grass had been mowed). No spraypark - they (the children) didn't want to go. But, MMMMOOOOOMMMMMM what are we going to do on the last day of summer?????? They wailed.
So, we went to my dad's house - Sir, as all the grandkids call him. He still lives in the house we grew up in. He was taking it easy on this quiet Friday. So, we visited for a short while and we decided to go to the park. After all, we can walk to Sir's park. (We live in the sort of country and can't walk to the park). So, off we went to the park. We walked past the swingset and playplace and ran down the hill to jump the creek - just like when I was a kid. We went to the amphitheatre and climbed the surrounding walls and sat in the "watchtowers" (the tops of the wall corners). We climbed trees to get down and walked along the rock walls around to the back and jumped off. We talked about the games I played there as a girl. There is a dolphin statue at the park that has water spraying on it and is there to be played and climbed on. We took off our shoes and ran into the water and onto the dolphin in our clothes - just like when I was a kid. I shared stories of coming to play in the dolphin with my sister and our best friends. We climbed some more trees and went back down to the creek. The creek has rock walls on either side and runs through the town getting wider in places and narrower in others. I jumped down into the creek and told the kids to come on and follow me. They did. We went through the tunnel under the creek with me passing on stories of how we did this when we were little and would stop under the sidewalk and yell when people would walk over us. We climbed out on the other side and climbed back up to the street - just like when I was a kid.
We walked back past Sir's house and up the very long hill to the church that I grew up in. We found an open door and I took them inside. I showed them the sanctuary I was baptized in. I told them stories of going to church and sitting in the balconey. We went up to look. I told them stories of singing in the choir and going to lock-ins and climbing up the ladder into the steeple. We walked through the church and I showed them the music room and we check to see if the elevator worked - just like when I was a kid.
We left the church and went around the corner to the school I had attended. It is no longer a "real" school but only houses the gifted program for the elementary students. As we walked past the playground I told them about playing kickball and hopskotch and racing and playing basketball. We walked down the sidewalk and they walked up the grass hill - just like when I was a kid. We walked around front and walked in the door and we were met by a lady asking if we needed any help. I explained to her that I had gone to school there and wondered if I could take my kids on a tour. She asked when I had been there and I told her @ the time. She asked me the name of my 6th grade teachers. I told her - Mrs. Martha Brush, Mrs. Betty Cox, Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Cooper. She smiled and said "I am Mrs. Cooper" Wow! that was amazing! What was even more amazing was that was the only year she taught at Gary and had just returned the year before. She said for us to feel free to wander and introduced me to a few of her colleagues.
We walked through the school with me sharing stories, answering questions, showing them my old classrooms, cafeteria and auditorium (the auditorium still has the same wooden seats!) We finally walked out and down the steep ramps to the street - just like when I was a kid. Okay, so I usually ran down them.
We walked back to my dad's house and headed down the road. We stopped at the store and bought ice cream and chocolate sauce and waffle cones and came home and ate sortof sundaes.
All in all, it was a very good day. And I got to act just like when I was a kid.
So, we went to my dad's house - Sir, as all the grandkids call him. He still lives in the house we grew up in. He was taking it easy on this quiet Friday. So, we visited for a short while and we decided to go to the park. After all, we can walk to Sir's park. (We live in the sort of country and can't walk to the park). So, off we went to the park. We walked past the swingset and playplace and ran down the hill to jump the creek - just like when I was a kid. We went to the amphitheatre and climbed the surrounding walls and sat in the "watchtowers" (the tops of the wall corners). We climbed trees to get down and walked along the rock walls around to the back and jumped off. We talked about the games I played there as a girl. There is a dolphin statue at the park that has water spraying on it and is there to be played and climbed on. We took off our shoes and ran into the water and onto the dolphin in our clothes - just like when I was a kid. I shared stories of coming to play in the dolphin with my sister and our best friends. We climbed some more trees and went back down to the creek. The creek has rock walls on either side and runs through the town getting wider in places and narrower in others. I jumped down into the creek and told the kids to come on and follow me. They did. We went through the tunnel under the creek with me passing on stories of how we did this when we were little and would stop under the sidewalk and yell when people would walk over us. We climbed out on the other side and climbed back up to the street - just like when I was a kid.
We walked back past Sir's house and up the very long hill to the church that I grew up in. We found an open door and I took them inside. I showed them the sanctuary I was baptized in. I told them stories of going to church and sitting in the balconey. We went up to look. I told them stories of singing in the choir and going to lock-ins and climbing up the ladder into the steeple. We walked through the church and I showed them the music room and we check to see if the elevator worked - just like when I was a kid.
We left the church and went around the corner to the school I had attended. It is no longer a "real" school but only houses the gifted program for the elementary students. As we walked past the playground I told them about playing kickball and hopskotch and racing and playing basketball. We walked down the sidewalk and they walked up the grass hill - just like when I was a kid. We walked around front and walked in the door and we were met by a lady asking if we needed any help. I explained to her that I had gone to school there and wondered if I could take my kids on a tour. She asked when I had been there and I told her @ the time. She asked me the name of my 6th grade teachers. I told her - Mrs. Martha Brush, Mrs. Betty Cox, Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Cooper. She smiled and said "I am Mrs. Cooper" Wow! that was amazing! What was even more amazing was that was the only year she taught at Gary and had just returned the year before. She said for us to feel free to wander and introduced me to a few of her colleagues.
We walked through the school with me sharing stories, answering questions, showing them my old classrooms, cafeteria and auditorium (the auditorium still has the same wooden seats!) We finally walked out and down the steep ramps to the street - just like when I was a kid. Okay, so I usually ran down them.
We walked back to my dad's house and headed down the road. We stopped at the store and bought ice cream and chocolate sauce and waffle cones and came home and ate sortof sundaes.
All in all, it was a very good day. And I got to act just like when I was a kid.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Meet the teacher
Tonight was the big night! We went to the new school and I do mean brand new building new school and met the teachers for 3 of my little darlings. We are so excited. My kindergartner has the same teacher that #3 child had, my 2nd grader has the same teacher that #4 child had and, until tonight, I had never met the teacher the 4th grader has! 2 out of 3 ain't bad! We got the principal that I like, we have the nurse that fully understands my way of thinking. Unless it is broken, bleeding profusely or is running a temperature it needs to go back to class. And we have the office people that I get along with really well. You know, the ones that you can call and they know you and don't put you through all kinds of craziness just to get a note to your child. The kids are really excited to be going to the new school and I am excited that I will actually have 3 at the same campus. I've never even had 2 at the same campus.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Insanity has Begun!
On Monday night, my 2nd oldest started band camp. It occurs every night this week except Wednesday and next week it will be twice a day. Dance tryouts for my oldest daughter for competitive dance are next Thursday Friday and Saturday as well as the beginning of the dance team practice for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders competition which, if we score high enough, means we will be performing at a half-time extravaganze at a Cowboys game. As exciting as that sounds, one must understand that I am NOT a fan of "America's" team. But, I will go, I will cheer for my daughter, and I will wear the colors of whatever team happens to be playing against Dallas that week. And, hopefully, my husband will stand between me and whoever I offend with my cheers and boos! LOL!
Summer is slipping away so we are doing as much as can in these last few "dog days" of summer.
Summer is slipping away so we are doing as much as can in these last few "dog days" of summer.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Band camp starts tonight
Pray for me! Band camp starts tonight and it is just the beginning of the crazy life called school. From here until November, there will be something going on every night of the week with 1 or more children. Right now the 14yo schedule will look like this starting with the first week of school... Monday: band practice; Tuesday: scouts; Wednesday: Youth; Thursday: Football game he plays in; Friday: Varsity football where he plays in the band....And that is just the first one. Girls will have dance 1 evening a week but probably not the same evening. youngest boys are playing fall ball and I am praying they are on the same team!
I am starting my casserole and crockpot recipe searches as well as trying to find "different" things for lunches that are fairly easy and don't cost a fortune. Any help is appreciated!
I am starting my casserole and crockpot recipe searches as well as trying to find "different" things for lunches that are fairly easy and don't cost a fortune. Any help is appreciated!
Friday, August 1, 2008
August already!!!!
It is so hard to believe it is August and school will start in just 3 short weeks! I think this has been a great summer! We have gone to the lake, discovered a splash park in our town, played in the sprinklers, ridden bikes, gone for walks... and we will keep on going until school actually starts!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Church Camp and the Epilogue
Worship Wednesday night was a night of keys. We were each given a key and the sermon was about being willing to use the key to unlock the cell we have put ourselves into through our own doings and THEN we were to give the key up so we could not unlock the door and go back in. I have to say the teens were all for giving up the keys (except the one who thought his key was really neat) but a few of us adults have grown accustomed to the cell and are not willing to step out of it as it is unknown territory and little frightening. I gladly accepted the key so I can let myself out but I held onto it not really ready to stay out....well, let's just say God had other plans. After being home a couple of weeks, I have discovered my key is gone. I let myself out and now I cannot get back in! Yikes! God what are you thinking!!???!!! Oh, you probably think I can handle it....well....I'm glad You can because I am going to be following YOU! Oh yeah, I'm supposed to be doing that anyway aren't I???
Also, during the sermon, Pierre stopped and said "I see someone under a tree tomorrow afternoon reading their Bible. I don't know who you are but you need to know that God will show you the scriptures you are looking for" Well, I made the joke along with several other counselors about "wonder how many kids will be under trees reading their Bibles tomorrow" LOL! The next afternoon, I was trying to get the counselor I had loaned my swimsuit to so I could go swimming. I sat down on a bench basically between the two camps and sent her a text. While waiting for her response I decided to go through the scripture for our next small group session. After I had done that, I decided maybe it was time I sought God in my struggles....gee, what a novel idea? LOL! Prayer is one of my strong suits and some have said it is my calling but, I have really strayed away from it over the past couple of years because I didn't want to hear what God had to say so I decided to look up scriptures on prayer. The first one I read was 1 Sam 12:23 "As for me, far be it that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you..." Ouch...talk about slapping me right in the face. This was followed by 2 Chron 7:14 which was a scripture aimed at me and my friend who I was also looking for scripture for her and then Rom 8:26 which spoke to both of us as well. So here I am still waiting for a response to my text and thinking "God, I will do better. I make that commitment now" I gathered my stuff and stood up and as I did, I realized I was sitting under the biggest darn tree at camp. Needless to say, I told Pierre what had happened when I got back to our camp. He asked me to share that with the group that night and I did. And, I am still holding to that commitment and going to Him in prayer everyday lifting up those I know are in need and those who He places on my heart.
Thursday night at camp is usually a night of tears and LOTS of them! This thursday night was different. Altar calls had been made and answered through the week and the focus for this night was on taking the next step. Understanding who we are, why we are here, and what we can do when we let God take the lead. As he finished, he had kids stand up according to what they felt called to do. One of my youth stood under a call as a teacher or youth director. I stood and prayed with Him knowing that God is going to do great things through this young man. As we walked out of worship that night, the youth and I began plans to start a Bible study to get further into the Word and it is now in its 3rd week. God is Good.
Also, during the sermon, Pierre stopped and said "I see someone under a tree tomorrow afternoon reading their Bible. I don't know who you are but you need to know that God will show you the scriptures you are looking for" Well, I made the joke along with several other counselors about "wonder how many kids will be under trees reading their Bibles tomorrow" LOL! The next afternoon, I was trying to get the counselor I had loaned my swimsuit to so I could go swimming. I sat down on a bench basically between the two camps and sent her a text. While waiting for her response I decided to go through the scripture for our next small group session. After I had done that, I decided maybe it was time I sought God in my struggles....gee, what a novel idea? LOL! Prayer is one of my strong suits and some have said it is my calling but, I have really strayed away from it over the past couple of years because I didn't want to hear what God had to say so I decided to look up scriptures on prayer. The first one I read was 1 Sam 12:23 "As for me, far be it that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you..." Ouch...talk about slapping me right in the face. This was followed by 2 Chron 7:14 which was a scripture aimed at me and my friend who I was also looking for scripture for her and then Rom 8:26 which spoke to both of us as well. So here I am still waiting for a response to my text and thinking "God, I will do better. I make that commitment now" I gathered my stuff and stood up and as I did, I realized I was sitting under the biggest darn tree at camp. Needless to say, I told Pierre what had happened when I got back to our camp. He asked me to share that with the group that night and I did. And, I am still holding to that commitment and going to Him in prayer everyday lifting up those I know are in need and those who He places on my heart.
Thursday night at camp is usually a night of tears and LOTS of them! This thursday night was different. Altar calls had been made and answered through the week and the focus for this night was on taking the next step. Understanding who we are, why we are here, and what we can do when we let God take the lead. As he finished, he had kids stand up according to what they felt called to do. One of my youth stood under a call as a teacher or youth director. I stood and prayed with Him knowing that God is going to do great things through this young man. As we walked out of worship that night, the youth and I began plans to start a Bible study to get further into the Word and it is now in its 3rd week. God is Good.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
It's coming, we have just had company!
I will give my last church camp installment tomorrow. we have had company and I am just now getting caught up on my house!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Church Camp Part II
Second day of camp....
We have worship and small groups and free time in during the day and then our main worship service at night. During our small group session in the morning, I was finally getting the kids started talking and we were headed in a good a direction when my co-leader got to the group and blew the whole discussion out of the water. Talk about frustrating! I just tried to go with the flow and roll us somewhere close to back on track. By the afternoon, small groups was not an interest to them and the session was crazy. No one wanted to do anything but talk to the person next to them about what they were going to do when they got back home, who had met up with who, and who would make a cute couple.....anyway, when we finally got a topic going that everyone was interested in (okay, so it was nothing to do with our curriculum but at least we were all talking together) here comes my co-leader and it all goes out the window.....Argh!!!
So we get to worship. They band is awesome, again! And then Pierre starts talking about forgiveness. About God's forgiveness, about our forgiveness. Well, I don't know of anyone in our camp that could not relate to at least some form of unforgiveness at some point in their life. One of my ADHD Asbergers kid was still for the entire 2 hours we were in worship. Talk about a milestone (and he wasn't asleep either, he was listening). Then he hit the nail on the head where I am most impacted....forgiving yourself....."Don't even go there!" I shouted in my mind. "There are things in my life that I have done that forgiveness of self is not possible!" That is when I heard the message loud and clear, one that I have heard before but it just slapped me in the face..... "If God, who is the creator of all things, all-powerful, all-knowing, can forgive me for my sins - no matter what they are - who am I to put myself above him and not forgive myself" Yep, a lot of junk went in the trash on Tuesday night that should have gone there a long time ago. Funny how we hold onto things.
Our family group met after worship and there was not a kid among us who was not at least slightly moved. I was not in enough control of my cracking voice to pray so I asked one of the young men in the group we married if he would pray, and he did. And, it was an awesome prayer.
Our small group on Wednesday morning was a little better than Tuesday. I paired everybody up and gave them two minutes to learn as much information as possible about each other and discover their greatest dream and greatest fear. We talked about each one and then I gave them "homework"! LOL! I told them they had to seek each other out after we did the ropes course and before our next small group meeting and pair up again and ask their new partners the same questions and share them with the group. They agreed. Oh, and it had to be someone they didn't already know.
We did the high ropes challenge course that day. I have a fear of heights. Not so much the heights (I love the view) but more a fear of falling from a great height! So, my kids are on the course and I am encouraging them every step of the way. The one who is afraid to move because she can't feel the harness, I convince her to step to the lower pole and she will not only feel the harness but will have a wedgie that will remind her it is there for the entire section. *grinning* I convince each of them to keep moving, it is only when they stop their fear can take over. Let me tell you, I can be creative from the ground encouraging these guys! LOL! I had one camper that all she did was climb to the top of the cargo net and come down. I was really proud of her for accomplishing that! Then it was my turn....well....let me just say that I talk a good game. I did make it through and then had to ride the zip line down. Now, I like zip lines. I just don't like that you have to lean forward looking down over the side of a 30ft tower to start the zip. I yelled....loudly.....really loudly....then when I went past the youth holding the ladder I yelled "Wheeeeeeeee!" He laughed at me and said, "That's not what you sounded like up there!" LOL!
To be continued......
We have worship and small groups and free time in during the day and then our main worship service at night. During our small group session in the morning, I was finally getting the kids started talking and we were headed in a good a direction when my co-leader got to the group and blew the whole discussion out of the water. Talk about frustrating! I just tried to go with the flow and roll us somewhere close to back on track. By the afternoon, small groups was not an interest to them and the session was crazy. No one wanted to do anything but talk to the person next to them about what they were going to do when they got back home, who had met up with who, and who would make a cute couple.....anyway, when we finally got a topic going that everyone was interested in (okay, so it was nothing to do with our curriculum but at least we were all talking together) here comes my co-leader and it all goes out the window.....Argh!!!
So we get to worship. They band is awesome, again! And then Pierre starts talking about forgiveness. About God's forgiveness, about our forgiveness. Well, I don't know of anyone in our camp that could not relate to at least some form of unforgiveness at some point in their life. One of my ADHD Asbergers kid was still for the entire 2 hours we were in worship. Talk about a milestone (and he wasn't asleep either, he was listening). Then he hit the nail on the head where I am most impacted....forgiving yourself....."Don't even go there!" I shouted in my mind. "There are things in my life that I have done that forgiveness of self is not possible!" That is when I heard the message loud and clear, one that I have heard before but it just slapped me in the face..... "If God, who is the creator of all things, all-powerful, all-knowing, can forgive me for my sins - no matter what they are - who am I to put myself above him and not forgive myself" Yep, a lot of junk went in the trash on Tuesday night that should have gone there a long time ago. Funny how we hold onto things.
Our family group met after worship and there was not a kid among us who was not at least slightly moved. I was not in enough control of my cracking voice to pray so I asked one of the young men in the group we married if he would pray, and he did. And, it was an awesome prayer.
Our small group on Wednesday morning was a little better than Tuesday. I paired everybody up and gave them two minutes to learn as much information as possible about each other and discover their greatest dream and greatest fear. We talked about each one and then I gave them "homework"! LOL! I told them they had to seek each other out after we did the ropes course and before our next small group meeting and pair up again and ask their new partners the same questions and share them with the group. They agreed. Oh, and it had to be someone they didn't already know.
We did the high ropes challenge course that day. I have a fear of heights. Not so much the heights (I love the view) but more a fear of falling from a great height! So, my kids are on the course and I am encouraging them every step of the way. The one who is afraid to move because she can't feel the harness, I convince her to step to the lower pole and she will not only feel the harness but will have a wedgie that will remind her it is there for the entire section. *grinning* I convince each of them to keep moving, it is only when they stop their fear can take over. Let me tell you, I can be creative from the ground encouraging these guys! LOL! I had one camper that all she did was climb to the top of the cargo net and come down. I was really proud of her for accomplishing that! Then it was my turn....well....let me just say that I talk a good game. I did make it through and then had to ride the zip line down. Now, I like zip lines. I just don't like that you have to lean forward looking down over the side of a 30ft tower to start the zip. I yelled....loudly.....really loudly....then when I went past the youth holding the ladder I yelled "Wheeeeeeeee!" He laughed at me and said, "That's not what you sounded like up there!" LOL!
To be continued......
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Church Camp Part 1
I call it Part 1 because there is no way I can possibly get all of it into one post.
Counselors go down on Sunday night for our own worship service to get more in the spirit for the campers arriving on Monday. Later after the service, I walked into our senior high worship area and found a man walking around and praying over all the area and over all the youth to come. Already, I am hooked as prayer is my strength and sustanance.
Monday morning is always hectic with the arrival of the campers, meeting our cabin people, and getting everyone settled. We met with our directors and discovered that this senior high camp was going to be a lot different than ones in the past. I am all for changes but was a little skeptical about some of them.
We met with the youth and broke out into our small groups. These are our families for the week....talk about dysfunctional.....ours definitely was. :) We started out getting to know each other with giving our names and an animal that starts with the same sound. Now my phone has all these new names followed by animals! LOL! Our group definitely did not "gel" at the beginning. Our worship service started with an amazing band. The lead singer fully praising God in all that he did. and then came our speaker....Pierre Moranza....This is truly a man about God. His message on Monday night, although I will admit that I could not tell you exactly what it was about, was very powerful. It began with an introduction as to who he was and what he had witnessed in his international ministry. He spoke of things that occur in other countries on a "regular" basis that are considered "unbelieveable" here in the states as we have so much other "junk" that we worry about that we just don't or won't have the faith to believe in them. He spoke of miracles he has witnessed and ones he had only heard of but knows that they are possible! I think the overall, at least what I got from it, was it is up to us to open ourselves up to the possbilities of God rather than limiting ourselves by our own shortcomings and interruptions.
After worship we met with our "family" groups. The kids that came from our own church. Well, let me tell you about my "family" group. I have two ADHD kids who have also been diagnosed with Asbergers. And then I have one who is trying to figure out what she is supposed to do and one who is looking for answers. They don't "gel" in youth......definitely not "gelling" at camp. So, there was another group, who did not even know each other as they were from different churches so our groups got married. I will tell you how that worked out in another post.
My one camper who is looking for answer is a 6'2" teddy bear. He carries himself as one who does not need anyone yet is so open to God it is amazing. He and I basically met last year at camp and through crazy circumstances (a severe case of poison ivy) he came to know he could trust me. He suffered many hardships this past year and he and I only briefly saw each other during the year but he was back at camp with us and what a blessing. On Monday night he was in tears and wanting to believe in God's miracles but still not letting me know what he was struggling with so I was just there for him. If he had been two I would have scooped him up and held him tight and not let anything hurt him again but he is this very tall young man (I am all of 5'2") who I could hug and talk to and that is what I did. I spoke about God being in his heart and that would be where his strength and comfort would have to come from in the harsh world we tend to live in.
Another thing that Pierre really touched on was prayer and the power of prayer and the importance of prayer. I fully believe God gifts each one of us with something to further His kingdom and through much of my Christian life, I have been told that mine is prayer. Well, let's just say that I have fallen short of this gift over the last year. My prayer life has not been where it should be and the more Pierre talked the more I just say "Amen" and hang my head in the shame of a child who has not held up her end of the bargain....I am changing that....I will get into that in another post....
Counselors go down on Sunday night for our own worship service to get more in the spirit for the campers arriving on Monday. Later after the service, I walked into our senior high worship area and found a man walking around and praying over all the area and over all the youth to come. Already, I am hooked as prayer is my strength and sustanance.
Monday morning is always hectic with the arrival of the campers, meeting our cabin people, and getting everyone settled. We met with our directors and discovered that this senior high camp was going to be a lot different than ones in the past. I am all for changes but was a little skeptical about some of them.
We met with the youth and broke out into our small groups. These are our families for the week....talk about dysfunctional.....ours definitely was. :) We started out getting to know each other with giving our names and an animal that starts with the same sound. Now my phone has all these new names followed by animals! LOL! Our group definitely did not "gel" at the beginning. Our worship service started with an amazing band. The lead singer fully praising God in all that he did. and then came our speaker....Pierre Moranza....This is truly a man about God. His message on Monday night, although I will admit that I could not tell you exactly what it was about, was very powerful. It began with an introduction as to who he was and what he had witnessed in his international ministry. He spoke of things that occur in other countries on a "regular" basis that are considered "unbelieveable" here in the states as we have so much other "junk" that we worry about that we just don't or won't have the faith to believe in them. He spoke of miracles he has witnessed and ones he had only heard of but knows that they are possible! I think the overall, at least what I got from it, was it is up to us to open ourselves up to the possbilities of God rather than limiting ourselves by our own shortcomings and interruptions.
After worship we met with our "family" groups. The kids that came from our own church. Well, let me tell you about my "family" group. I have two ADHD kids who have also been diagnosed with Asbergers. And then I have one who is trying to figure out what she is supposed to do and one who is looking for answers. They don't "gel" in youth......definitely not "gelling" at camp. So, there was another group, who did not even know each other as they were from different churches so our groups got married. I will tell you how that worked out in another post.
My one camper who is looking for answer is a 6'2" teddy bear. He carries himself as one who does not need anyone yet is so open to God it is amazing. He and I basically met last year at camp and through crazy circumstances (a severe case of poison ivy) he came to know he could trust me. He suffered many hardships this past year and he and I only briefly saw each other during the year but he was back at camp with us and what a blessing. On Monday night he was in tears and wanting to believe in God's miracles but still not letting me know what he was struggling with so I was just there for him. If he had been two I would have scooped him up and held him tight and not let anything hurt him again but he is this very tall young man (I am all of 5'2") who I could hug and talk to and that is what I did. I spoke about God being in his heart and that would be where his strength and comfort would have to come from in the harsh world we tend to live in.
Another thing that Pierre really touched on was prayer and the power of prayer and the importance of prayer. I fully believe God gifts each one of us with something to further His kingdom and through much of my Christian life, I have been told that mine is prayer. Well, let's just say that I have fallen short of this gift over the last year. My prayer life has not been where it should be and the more Pierre talked the more I just say "Amen" and hang my head in the shame of a child who has not held up her end of the bargain....I am changing that....I will get into that in another post....
Friday, July 11, 2008
Church Camp
One word - wow (and I mean that in the most awestruck voice I can muster). Will post more after some sleep and prayer.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Kids and what they say.....again!
I broke my leg at the knee two days before Christmas and I am just now really starting to be able to "get into" my workouts again. Yesterday as I was working out to my tape, my youngest walked in and started watching me. Finally, he just shook his head and said, "That lady is really wearing you out isn't she?" Okay, you try and do step aerobics and laugh at the same time!
Church camp starts on Monday! Yeah!!!!! I am going, my oldest is a counselor, my next two are going as campers, and my youngest 3 will be at grandma's. Yep, my sweetheart is getting a week off.
Church camp starts on Monday! Yeah!!!!! I am going, my oldest is a counselor, my next two are going as campers, and my youngest 3 will be at grandma's. Yep, my sweetheart is getting a week off.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The start of All-stars
We WON!!! 14-4 against the west. How is that for excitement.....The East beats the West! We play again tonight. I just had to share this picture. It is the only one I got as he does not appreciate pictures like his momma does....
And last night we had water games with the youth. We were one short to have equal teams so I got to join in the fun!
And one last picture....my sweetheart with the tomato crop!
And last night we had water games with the youth. We were one short to have equal teams so I got to join in the fun!
And one last picture....my sweetheart with the tomato crop!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Mother of Year???? I don't think so
So, my 14yo has made the All-Star Team! Woohoo!
He has made a comment during the last couple of weeks of the regular season about his cleats being a little tight. I am thinking that we will have to buy a new pair for the fall season. When he came off the field for practice last night, he showed me his blisters on his toes that were caused by taking his socks off because they made his shoes too tight.
I am thinking "WHAT??? You just said they were a little tight two weeks ago!"
So off to the store today to buy new cleats so he will have them for the first game tonight.
He has been wearing a size 9 or 9.5 so I ask the kid in the store for a 10.5.... I am thinking that will give a little growing room. The kid comes back and they don't have a 10.5 but they do have an 11 and an 11.5
Drew puts the 11 on his foot. I am thinking "growing room". His toe is smushed into the end of the shoe. The 11.5 is a little better but still tight.
WHAT????!!!!! You have been wearing a 9!!!!!
They are out of size 12-14. So, off we go to another store and ask for a 12. They also are out of size 12 but they have a 12.5 we can try. I am thinking, "okay, if it just happens to not be too long we will go ahead and get it and he can just wear one of his regular socks under the baseball sock to make up for the difference in size"
I should not have even bothered having that thought. The 12.5 fits. Yep, that's right, it fits!
My poor baby has been wearing a 9 all season and is now in a 12.5.......
Now I know what "a little tight" really means!!!!!
The good news: I didn't buy a 10 AND 11 to get him through the season!?!
He has made a comment during the last couple of weeks of the regular season about his cleats being a little tight. I am thinking that we will have to buy a new pair for the fall season. When he came off the field for practice last night, he showed me his blisters on his toes that were caused by taking his socks off because they made his shoes too tight.
I am thinking "WHAT??? You just said they were a little tight two weeks ago!"
So off to the store today to buy new cleats so he will have them for the first game tonight.
He has been wearing a size 9 or 9.5 so I ask the kid in the store for a 10.5.... I am thinking that will give a little growing room. The kid comes back and they don't have a 10.5 but they do have an 11 and an 11.5
Drew puts the 11 on his foot. I am thinking "growing room". His toe is smushed into the end of the shoe. The 11.5 is a little better but still tight.
WHAT????!!!!! You have been wearing a 9!!!!!
They are out of size 12-14. So, off we go to another store and ask for a 12. They also are out of size 12 but they have a 12.5 we can try. I am thinking, "okay, if it just happens to not be too long we will go ahead and get it and he can just wear one of his regular socks under the baseball sock to make up for the difference in size"
I should not have even bothered having that thought. The 12.5 fits. Yep, that's right, it fits!
My poor baby has been wearing a 9 all season and is now in a 12.5.......
Now I know what "a little tight" really means!!!!!
The good news: I didn't buy a 10 AND 11 to get him through the season!?!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
My kid's comments crack me up....
In the car the other night with 5 kids.....
It was late, they were grouchy, I was tired, we were headed home.....
They kept fighting and arguing until I had finally had enough! I spoke in my most authoritative car voice....."The next one who yells or touches another person in this car will NOT go swimming tomorrow. You WILL go to the lake with us but you WILL SIT on the picnic table and NOT get in the water. You WILL NOT EVEN be allowed to wear your swimsuit!" Should've stopped while I was ahead before the swimsuit comment as my 5 year immediately said "Oh....so we will be sitting there naked, huh"
Yep.....all anger got pushed out by the laughter.
It was late, they were grouchy, I was tired, we were headed home.....
They kept fighting and arguing until I had finally had enough! I spoke in my most authoritative car voice....."The next one who yells or touches another person in this car will NOT go swimming tomorrow. You WILL go to the lake with us but you WILL SIT on the picnic table and NOT get in the water. You WILL NOT EVEN be allowed to wear your swimsuit!" Should've stopped while I was ahead before the swimsuit comment as my 5 year immediately said "Oh....so we will be sitting there naked, huh"
Yep.....all anger got pushed out by the laughter.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Where did I come from???
I never did get around to giving an background info on me when I started this blog so here goes.
Where did I come from?
I come from a Grandfather born in Oklahoma territory who was the son of a very strong women. She must have been....the only pictures of her husband, he is cleaning his gun and has jug of "something" beside him! She also helped to raise my dad as his mother passed away when he was very young.
My mother was born and raised in Arkansas (we always teased her about wearing shoes). She had 2 sisters and 2 brothers and amazingly enough all of the girls ended up in Texas.
My Dad was in the army when he was "assigned" to my mother by the general. She kind of requested him. The first night they went out, she wasn't really sure what his name was but knew he was nice and good-looking. They never looked back. They were married and Dad was transferred to Pennsylvania where my sister was born.....Skookelhaven (that is not spelled right) is where she was born. Soon after dad was transferred to New York for six months and the on to Taiwan. (this is where the story gets good!)
My parents spent 2+ years in Taipei, Taiwan. Mom and dad lived next door to the same neighbors they had in New York. I was born on the U.S. Army base in Taiwan. We stayed there until I was about one. We have all kinds of cool stuff from being over there. Just imagine the plane trip back to the states.....17 hours with a 1yo and a 2.5 yo!
As I grew older I realized that not only was I born in Taiwan.....I was "Made in Taiwan"..... My husband used to tell me he wanted a tattoo. I always said fine as long as you don't mind me having "made in Taiwan" tattoo'd on my...... Needless to say, he does not have a tattoo! LOL!
From there we moved to Virginia while dad worked in Washington D.C.. We were there probably 3 years. I do remember things from Virginia....like the time I climbed all the way to the top of the apple tree in the back yard and Mom had to call the firemen to come get me.....something about little limbs.....I was having fun!
From Virginia we moved to Alaska. Wow! Is it ever beautiful there! We got to see the Northern Lights. Dad got his pilot's license and would fly to the Kenai Peninsula fro lunch..... If you have ever wondered, moose do run across the tundra! We lived on base and there was empty land behind our house. During the spring we had to watch out for moose and we could only go in the little woods as there were bears in the big woods. Sometimes we had to stay on the school bus due to a bear alert or a moose alert. That just meant one or the other was wandering around the neighborhood.
After 20 years and 8 months in the army, Dad retired and we moved to Texas. His dad lived here and he wanted us to have the opportunity to get to know him. My dad made an awesome choice!
I will add more of my adventures in Alaska (there are many) and I really like to think about it especially when it is 100 degrees here. Always helps to think about snow.......
Where did I come from?
I come from a Grandfather born in Oklahoma territory who was the son of a very strong women. She must have been....the only pictures of her husband, he is cleaning his gun and has jug of "something" beside him! She also helped to raise my dad as his mother passed away when he was very young.
My mother was born and raised in Arkansas (we always teased her about wearing shoes). She had 2 sisters and 2 brothers and amazingly enough all of the girls ended up in Texas.
My Dad was in the army when he was "assigned" to my mother by the general. She kind of requested him. The first night they went out, she wasn't really sure what his name was but knew he was nice and good-looking. They never looked back. They were married and Dad was transferred to Pennsylvania where my sister was born.....Skookelhaven (that is not spelled right) is where she was born. Soon after dad was transferred to New York for six months and the on to Taiwan. (this is where the story gets good!)
My parents spent 2+ years in Taipei, Taiwan. Mom and dad lived next door to the same neighbors they had in New York. I was born on the U.S. Army base in Taiwan. We stayed there until I was about one. We have all kinds of cool stuff from being over there. Just imagine the plane trip back to the states.....17 hours with a 1yo and a 2.5 yo!
As I grew older I realized that not only was I born in Taiwan.....I was "Made in Taiwan"..... My husband used to tell me he wanted a tattoo. I always said fine as long as you don't mind me having "made in Taiwan" tattoo'd on my...... Needless to say, he does not have a tattoo! LOL!
From there we moved to Virginia while dad worked in Washington D.C.. We were there probably 3 years. I do remember things from Virginia....like the time I climbed all the way to the top of the apple tree in the back yard and Mom had to call the firemen to come get me.....something about little limbs.....I was having fun!
From Virginia we moved to Alaska. Wow! Is it ever beautiful there! We got to see the Northern Lights. Dad got his pilot's license and would fly to the Kenai Peninsula fro lunch..... If you have ever wondered, moose do run across the tundra! We lived on base and there was empty land behind our house. During the spring we had to watch out for moose and we could only go in the little woods as there were bears in the big woods. Sometimes we had to stay on the school bus due to a bear alert or a moose alert. That just meant one or the other was wandering around the neighborhood.
After 20 years and 8 months in the army, Dad retired and we moved to Texas. His dad lived here and he wanted us to have the opportunity to get to know him. My dad made an awesome choice!
I will add more of my adventures in Alaska (there are many) and I really like to think about it especially when it is 100 degrees here. Always helps to think about snow.......
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tag! You're it!
Okay, I was tagged and I don't know how to add a link but here goes....
1. What was I doing 10 years ago: I was pregnant (well, with six kids, that's a given) I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter, experiencing the hottest summer I can ever remember with 30 days of temps over 100 and no rain from Feb to Oct. We would sit in the living room under the fan (running full blast - did I mention I was pregnant?) playing cards and board games with my oldest who was 9 and my 2nd oldest who was 4 (made his own rules). And, we did a lot of coloring with my 3rd who was 1.5. Okay so I was actually the one coloring.... We also put up a swing set that took nine hours and believe it or not, it is still in our backyard.
2. Five things on my "to do" list:
Clean out the attached, enclosed, air conditioned garage so we can make it into two bedrooms.
Actually write our summer schedule down.
Actually write the youth summer schedule on my calendar.
Get my appraisal license (yes the market is slow right now but it will come back, it always does)
Enjoy my kids.
3. Snacks I enjoy:
Brownies
Cheese
Snickers
Popcorn (the sweet kind)
Dove chocolate with caramel
4. Things I would do if I were a millionaire:
Build a youth center for my church
Take all my youth on a mission trip
Build a slightly bigger house (5 kids still at home, husband, me....two bathrooms...)
5. Places I have lived:
Taiwan
Virginia
Alaska
Texas
Now, I am tagging you!
1. What was I doing 10 years ago: I was pregnant (well, with six kids, that's a given) I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter, experiencing the hottest summer I can ever remember with 30 days of temps over 100 and no rain from Feb to Oct. We would sit in the living room under the fan (running full blast - did I mention I was pregnant?) playing cards and board games with my oldest who was 9 and my 2nd oldest who was 4 (made his own rules). And, we did a lot of coloring with my 3rd who was 1.5. Okay so I was actually the one coloring.... We also put up a swing set that took nine hours and believe it or not, it is still in our backyard.
2. Five things on my "to do" list:
Clean out the attached, enclosed, air conditioned garage so we can make it into two bedrooms.
Actually write our summer schedule down.
Actually write the youth summer schedule on my calendar.
Get my appraisal license (yes the market is slow right now but it will come back, it always does)
Enjoy my kids.
3. Snacks I enjoy:
Brownies
Cheese
Snickers
Popcorn (the sweet kind)
Dove chocolate with caramel
4. Things I would do if I were a millionaire:
Build a youth center for my church
Take all my youth on a mission trip
Build a slightly bigger house (5 kids still at home, husband, me....two bathrooms...)
5. Places I have lived:
Taiwan
Virginia
Alaska
Texas
Now, I am tagging you!
Monday, May 19, 2008
My t-baller sliding into home
You gotta love the slide.....especially when you realize nobody on the other team even knows he is scoring a run!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Things kids say.....again
My 14 yo had a friend over to spend the night the other night. He stayed most of the following day. Sometime in the afternoon, my 5yo asked me when we were going to turn him back in.
Later in the week as we were sitting at the dinner table, the discussion turned to being grounded and who had been grounded for how long and why. My 5yo popped up and said, "I can't be grounded. I am too cute and cuddly".
A couple of days later the discussion turned to the 5yo growing up. I asked him when he thought he would be old enough for me to ground him. He said, "Probably when I am 14. No. I will still be too cute and cuddly"
Gotta love them!
Later in the week as we were sitting at the dinner table, the discussion turned to being grounded and who had been grounded for how long and why. My 5yo popped up and said, "I can't be grounded. I am too cute and cuddly".
A couple of days later the discussion turned to the 5yo growing up. I asked him when he thought he would be old enough for me to ground him. He said, "Probably when I am 14. No. I will still be too cute and cuddly"
Gotta love them!
Monday, April 14, 2008
| You Are Flip Flops |
 Cheery and sunny in disposition, you usually have something to smile about. Style is important to you, as long as you can stay casual. It takes a lot to get you to dress up! You are a loyal and true person, though you can be a bit of a flake. You tend to "play hooky" and blow off responsibilities a lot more than most people. You should live: By the beach You should work: At a casual up and coming company |
What Kind of Shoe Are You?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Struggles
I just got an invitation from http://diggingforpearls.blogspot.com. I don't know how to do the link with her name. It was an opportunity to join her survey of the 10 struggles of Christian women.
Boy, this really got me to thinking about things.
After all the time on crutches and God teaching me that I do not HAVE to do EVERYTHING. I still struggle with letting others help me. Part of that is the realization of the blessing it is to be ABLE to do things I want/need to do. My youth group got a real boost because I am mobile again.
Did God let my house fall in because I needed help? No. Did God let my children suffer because I needed help? No. Did God let my family go hungry because I couldn't stand in the kitchen and cook? No. Did God take care of the little things by the people in my life reaching out and helping? Yes! He was there throughout all of it and He is still there.
And yet, when another adult offered to handle the painting day in the youth room so I could spend time with my husband on his birthday, it was still hard for me to say okay. But, I did! And for me that was HUGE! Of course, there is that little voice inside of me that keeps saying - she offered so that you would not be tempted to climb the ladder with a brace! But, I also know it was God's way of showing me that I have a support system. Now that I have learned to lean on it a little bit, it is easier for me to lean on HIM a little more often.
Boy, this really got me to thinking about things.
After all the time on crutches and God teaching me that I do not HAVE to do EVERYTHING. I still struggle with letting others help me. Part of that is the realization of the blessing it is to be ABLE to do things I want/need to do. My youth group got a real boost because I am mobile again.
Did God let my house fall in because I needed help? No. Did God let my children suffer because I needed help? No. Did God let my family go hungry because I couldn't stand in the kitchen and cook? No. Did God take care of the little things by the people in my life reaching out and helping? Yes! He was there throughout all of it and He is still there.
And yet, when another adult offered to handle the painting day in the youth room so I could spend time with my husband on his birthday, it was still hard for me to say okay. But, I did! And for me that was HUGE! Of course, there is that little voice inside of me that keeps saying - she offered so that you would not be tempted to climb the ladder with a brace! But, I also know it was God's way of showing me that I have a support system. Now that I have learned to lean on it a little bit, it is easier for me to lean on HIM a little more often.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
No more crutches!!!
Woohoo! I am finally off the crutches! Only took 3 months but I am off of them. Of course I still have the brace that runs from my ankle all the way up but I now have both hands free! Now I can do all my stuff again! All my cleaning....laundry........cooking.........YIKES! Where did those crutches go!?!
I have a new physical therapist. He is the best! He makes me walk everyday (he, of course, rides his bicycle). He encourages me every step of the way and extends the walk every chance he gets. He is tough but loving. His strategy to get me to walk farther is a very cute smile and the words...."Awww, Mom, you can do it. It's not THAT much farther" Did I mention he is 5 years old and very hard to say no too?
Update on my pastor: His kidneys are improving and they are back to just a liver transplant. He did have a transfusion yesterday as he had several small tears in his esophagus that had to be stitched up. He should go on the transplant list today. He is very weak but still in good spirits. This is all due to Crohn's disease causing sirhosis of the liver. Thank you for your prayers.
I have a new physical therapist. He is the best! He makes me walk everyday (he, of course, rides his bicycle). He encourages me every step of the way and extends the walk every chance he gets. He is tough but loving. His strategy to get me to walk farther is a very cute smile and the words...."Awww, Mom, you can do it. It's not THAT much farther" Did I mention he is 5 years old and very hard to say no too?
Update on my pastor: His kidneys are improving and they are back to just a liver transplant. He did have a transfusion yesterday as he had several small tears in his esophagus that had to be stitched up. He should go on the transplant list today. He is very weak but still in good spirits. This is all due to Crohn's disease causing sirhosis of the liver. Thank you for your prayers.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Prayers
I don't know how many people read this but this is to ask for prayer. Our pastor has been admitted to the hospital in liver failure and now his kidneys are involved and he has an infection. He is on an IV and antibiotics. He has a shunt to relieve the fluid build up and is scheduled for a battery of tests tomorrow. I believe this is in preparation of putting him on the transplant list. This man is not only my pastor but a very good friend and more like a big brother than just a friend. Please pray for answers, for the doctors wisdom in treatment and his and his wife's strength in this time of trial.
Thank you
Thank you
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What Kids Say
On Sunday, my 7yo amazed his children's director. When asked about Palm Sunday he said"That's the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and every threw their coats and palm branches down in front of him and cheered for him" Wow! I was amazed too. Then, just about the time I am telling all my neighbors about my wonderful son, he hops on his bike, rides across the yard, "tooting" the whole way, jumps off his bike and yells at his brother "Wow! That fart lasted through the whole yard!"
My 5yo was telling jokes the other day. You know, the ones that really only a 5yo gets. No one in the car was listening or laughing when he says "Tough crowd, is anybody alive out there?"
9yo in church on Communion Sunday. We are sitting in the pew right after a prayer when she realizes it is Communion Sunday. She looks at me and says out loud. "Cool! We get to eat today!"
Kids are Krazy!
My 5yo was telling jokes the other day. You know, the ones that really only a 5yo gets. No one in the car was listening or laughing when he says "Tough crowd, is anybody alive out there?"
9yo in church on Communion Sunday. We are sitting in the pew right after a prayer when she realizes it is Communion Sunday. She looks at me and says out loud. "Cool! We get to eat today!"
Kids are Krazy!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
God's Wonderful Hug
Last night, at the high school, there was a youth rally.....Fish the Planet.
The bands were awesome, the speaker was great! I am sitting in the upper tier of the gym, still on crutches when he begins speaking of praying with people, asking if for those who are new believers to come and pray, and asking for those who have accepted Christ but then have made some really bad decisions, choices (me), lately to come and confess your sins and let someone pray for you and your healing (me). Then he began asking for people to pray with the kids. He calls for youth directors (me), youth pastors, adult leaders, more women (again, me). Again, I am sitting in the upper tier of the gym knowing that getting to that area of prayer on the bottom floor is NOT what God wanted for me. Thus began the mental pity party. Not only am I guilty of making bad decisions lately, I am also unable to do what I love more than anything, and that is sit down one on one and pray with someone.....I am worthless......Oh look, they need more women.....yep, I am really worthless at this point......I am on crutches and I am not jumping up and running down to be a part of this......this really sucks.......life is hard....I am supposed to be down there.....Praying!!!! When a women whom I have never met puts her arm around my shoulder...."What is your name?" "Margaret", I reply. "Well, Margaret, God just laid it on my heart to come to you and pray for you" And with that she lifted me in prayer not having any clue what was going on in my life but praying knowing God and I both are aware of my life and my struggles.
What an AWESOME GOD we serve!
I learned some things last night. I do not have to be in the middle of everything. I do not have to do it all! It is okay to lean on Him. God will provide for my needs even when I cannot get to Him...He comes to me with a hug and a resounding I LOVE YOU! Things that we all know but, the reminders are the things that carry me from one day to the next.
The bands were awesome, the speaker was great! I am sitting in the upper tier of the gym, still on crutches when he begins speaking of praying with people, asking if for those who are new believers to come and pray, and asking for those who have accepted Christ but then have made some really bad decisions, choices (me), lately to come and confess your sins and let someone pray for you and your healing (me). Then he began asking for people to pray with the kids. He calls for youth directors (me), youth pastors, adult leaders, more women (again, me). Again, I am sitting in the upper tier of the gym knowing that getting to that area of prayer on the bottom floor is NOT what God wanted for me. Thus began the mental pity party. Not only am I guilty of making bad decisions lately, I am also unable to do what I love more than anything, and that is sit down one on one and pray with someone.....I am worthless......Oh look, they need more women.....yep, I am really worthless at this point......I am on crutches and I am not jumping up and running down to be a part of this......this really sucks.......life is hard....I am supposed to be down there.....Praying!!!! When a women whom I have never met puts her arm around my shoulder...."What is your name?" "Margaret", I reply. "Well, Margaret, God just laid it on my heart to come to you and pray for you" And with that she lifted me in prayer not having any clue what was going on in my life but praying knowing God and I both are aware of my life and my struggles.
What an AWESOME GOD we serve!
I learned some things last night. I do not have to be in the middle of everything. I do not have to do it all! It is okay to lean on Him. God will provide for my needs even when I cannot get to Him...He comes to me with a hug and a resounding I LOVE YOU! Things that we all know but, the reminders are the things that carry me from one day to the next.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Really not liking the crutches!!!!
I am still on crutches for another 3 weeks! AAARRRRRGH!
Well, youth was interesting to say the least on wednesday night. We spent about 15 minutes on Revelations and the rest of the time on Ash Wednesday, Lent, the church calendar, the preparation, fasting, praying.....everything....they had so many questions.....
And then there was the Ash Wednesday service. After explaining it to them, two of them came up to me and said they just really weren't sure about the whole ashes on their forehead thing. I assured them it was a choice to get them or not but really hoped they would attend the service. They did! They did not get the ashes but they did stay for the whole service. Anxiously awaiting our conversation next week!
Back to the crutches thing.....I am completely bummed out. I know that things could be so much worse but today I am having my own little pity party. I have done my best to put my best foot forward and stay positive but all I really want to do is cry and I will later on. But tomorrow is a new day....a gift from God and I will enjoy it and learn as much from this experience as I can. I am, however, pretty sure I did not pray for patience....hmmmm.....maybe somebody else prayed for it for me..........
Well, youth was interesting to say the least on wednesday night. We spent about 15 minutes on Revelations and the rest of the time on Ash Wednesday, Lent, the church calendar, the preparation, fasting, praying.....everything....they had so many questions.....
And then there was the Ash Wednesday service. After explaining it to them, two of them came up to me and said they just really weren't sure about the whole ashes on their forehead thing. I assured them it was a choice to get them or not but really hoped they would attend the service. They did! They did not get the ashes but they did stay for the whole service. Anxiously awaiting our conversation next week!
Back to the crutches thing.....I am completely bummed out. I know that things could be so much worse but today I am having my own little pity party. I have done my best to put my best foot forward and stay positive but all I really want to do is cry and I will later on. But tomorrow is a new day....a gift from God and I will enjoy it and learn as much from this experience as I can. I am, however, pretty sure I did not pray for patience....hmmmm.....maybe somebody else prayed for it for me..........
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
This week
I am sitting here in front of my computer thinking of all the things I need to do this week. And the most important (aside from my kids) is to go the doctor and see if I can turn in my crutches! Living for Thursday.
And what has this whole experience taught me? Well, that would take an entire book!
I am getting ready for youth tomorrow night. We are studying Revelations and playing games in order for them to at least retain a little bit of what we are talking about. But, tomorrow night poses an interesting dilemma....It is Ash Wednesday which cuts youth down to an hour. An hour that I want to spend talking to them about Revelation and Ash Wednesday and Lent. What to do what to do......
I have new pictures that I will post this week.
And what has this whole experience taught me? Well, that would take an entire book!
I am getting ready for youth tomorrow night. We are studying Revelations and playing games in order for them to at least retain a little bit of what we are talking about. But, tomorrow night poses an interesting dilemma....It is Ash Wednesday which cuts youth down to an hour. An hour that I want to spend talking to them about Revelation and Ash Wednesday and Lent. What to do what to do......
I have new pictures that I will post this week.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wasting time
4 Jobs I've Had
1. Real Estate Appraiser
2. Sale clerk at Dillards
3. Secretary
4. Office Manager
4 Movies Watched Over and Over
1. Star Wars
2. It's a Wonderful Life
3. The man from Snowy River
4. Grease
4 Places I've Lived
1. Taipei, Taiwan
2. Ft. Richardson, Alaska
3. Annandale, Virginia
4. Texas
4 TV Shows I Watch
1. Between the Lions
2. Cyber Chase
3. Fetch
4. Ghost Hunters
4 Places I've Been (on vacation)
1. Carribean
2. Florida
3. Colorado
4. South Dakota
4 People Who Email Me Regularly
1. Online friends
2. Cheer friends
3. My sister
4. my friends
4 Favorite Things to Eat (just four???)
1. Seafood
2. Chocolate
3. Deviled eggs
4. cheese
4 Places I'd Rather Be
1. in bed
2. someplace with snow
3. on a cruise
4. golfing
4 Things I Look Forward to This Year
1. summer
2. Christmas
3. Thanksgiving
4. My anniversary
If you're reading and feel like wasting some time of your own, please consider yourself tagged! And please leave a comment and let me know if you did this - that will waste even more of my time and yours. (copied this part from Kym)
1. Real Estate Appraiser
2. Sale clerk at Dillards
3. Secretary
4. Office Manager
4 Movies Watched Over and Over
1. Star Wars
2. It's a Wonderful Life
3. The man from Snowy River
4. Grease
4 Places I've Lived
1. Taipei, Taiwan
2. Ft. Richardson, Alaska
3. Annandale, Virginia
4. Texas
4 TV Shows I Watch
1. Between the Lions
2. Cyber Chase
3. Fetch
4. Ghost Hunters
4 Places I've Been (on vacation)
1. Carribean
2. Florida
3. Colorado
4. South Dakota
4 People Who Email Me Regularly
1. Online friends
2. Cheer friends
3. My sister
4. my friends
4 Favorite Things to Eat (just four???)
1. Seafood
2. Chocolate
3. Deviled eggs
4. cheese
4 Places I'd Rather Be
1. in bed
2. someplace with snow
3. on a cruise
4. golfing
4 Things I Look Forward to This Year
1. summer
2. Christmas
3. Thanksgiving
4. My anniversary
If you're reading and feel like wasting some time of your own, please consider yourself tagged! And please leave a comment and let me know if you did this - that will waste even more of my time and yours. (copied this part from Kym)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Well, here is the story of my leg. DH was already at the golf course and I drove out to join him. I got out there, jumped in the last available cart and met him and our friend on the 2nd hole. We played that one and went on the 3rd where I sent my ball into the brush. We were searching for it and found others and my dh fell on a rock and we thought he had cracked his kneecap. But, he was okay but it did spark a discussion on broken bones. I made the comment that I had not broken anything more than a toe. Not two minutes later we headed to the next tee box. I was going down a hill and I hit a rock on the side of the path. I bounced out of the cart onto the path standing on my left leg at which point I felt it break. I was working so hard to keep myself in the cart that I was still holding the steering wheel. At this point I was jerked back into the cart that was still moving forward. The back wheel of the cart then hit the rock and I bounced back out having the good sense to let go this time. I landed on my butt and have a major bruise to show for it. The golf cart continued forward but without me. I sat up and thought I was okay but quickly realized that i needed to lay back down or i was going to pass out. After 6 children with no drugs, I had learned to manage pain and figure out where it was coming from. DH was asking me where it hurt and I was trying really hard to determine if I had hurt anything but my leg. I decided that was the extent of any major injury and my dh and our friend put me in the golf cart and got me up to the suburban. We found out at this point, that even with all his injuries to his back and right leg over the years, he can still pick me up and put me in my car. We got to the emergency room and got checked in. They got the x-rays and called the orthopedic doctor and then got a cat scan. Now, the cat sat there and stared at my leg but I don't know how much scanning it did ****grinning****. They put me in an immobilizer and sent me home with instructions to call the doctor in the morning. We were at his office at 10 the next morning and learned that it would not require surgery and they were not going to cast it so I can bend my knee and won't have to deal with a stiff knee. So, I am in a brace with bendability at the knee which can be removed for showers!!!! I broke the bone where the tibia and the knee bone meet. I have to stay off of it for 6 weeks. I am having additiona x-rays on the 11th to be sure nothing is out of place. Now for the lesson to be learned.......If you are ever bounced out of golf cart.....LET GO! The sore muscles were almost worse than the break. I could barely lift my head off the couch on Christmas morning. And, I am still dealing with whatever I did to my right bicep muscle.
The good news is I am down to two weeks and 2 days before I can put weight on it!
The good news is I am down to two weeks and 2 days before I can put weight on it!
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