Why do Christmas trees never go back into the box as easily as they were originally packed in there? We un-decorated for Christmas yesterday, which I think for most people is not a fun day. Dragging things back up into the attic is a lot harder than getting them down. Jason says at least the Christmas tree comes down easier than it goes up, but what a pain to try to get it to fit in whatever storage container you have!
Everyone has a different theory about when to put away the Christmas decorations. Some do it the day after Christmas, others before the 1st, others immediately after the New Year, and then everyone knows that one house where the decorations don't come down until March - if at all!
Growing up, my mom was huge about getting it down before the New Year began; she always quoted bad luck, but I know she didn't really believe that as she wasn't superstitious. But, I have adopted that mentality, and we've always taken everything down before the New Year begins. One year while we were living in TX, we had been in Nashville for Christmas and came home mid-day on the 31st, went and did something for New Year's Eve, and came home exhausted and ready to crash. We had company coming the following day for our annual New Year's event anyway. (It's an Underhill tradition to make my favorite black eyed pea dip for either a New Year's Eve or Day event - I love it!) I just decided we could take it down on the 2nd or 3rd. We went to bed and slept well, but at around 5 am (company was due at around 9 am for football games), I woke up straight in bed thinking, "What in the world are we doing? We have got to get these Christmas decorations up!" To my husband's alarm, I hustled us out of bed and we got everything down and clean before company got there. We didn't technically make it before the New Year, but 9 am was pretty close! :)
Ever since, I've made sure that we get everything up before the New Year. I'm not superstitious either, but I just like having a fresh, clean house to start the New Year off. I'm ready to put behind me the two months of holidays, crazy schedules, and parties to get down to a fresh new routine. I love facing a brand new year of possibilities, a few resolutions, and the promise of spring coming with an organized, clean house. It just goes along with the New Year for me.
The Bible talks about fresh starts too! Lamentations 3:22-26 says, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will WAIT for him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." God's compassions are new every morning. Each day is a new opportunity to praise him with our lives. Each day is a chance to start over and be all that God has called us to be.
I also like Isaiah 43:18-19, 21 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland... (for) the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." WOW! God says, forget about this last year, forget about 2006. Don't dwell on the things that went wrong. I am doing a new thing - I have great plans for 2007! I am making good come out of all the bad (the desert and the wasteland). I formed YOU for my own joy; I made you so that you can tell everyone how great a God I am! This verse was written to the Israelites who went through cycle upon cyle of being oppressed and then restored due to their disobedience and focus on the past.
God wants to do a new thing in our lives. My house is clean in preparation for a New Year, but it will dirty quickly... very quickly I'm afraid! But, God's mercies are new EVERY morning! His compassions fail not. His plans for us are so far-reaching that if we knew them all, we would probably collapse! How exciting!
More on this, reflections of 2006, prayers for 2007, a few resolutions, and PICTURES (finally!!) in the next couple of days.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Well, we had an exciting dinner tonight. Jason's mom had brought over a Honeybaked Ham on New Year's Eve Day that we have thoroughly enjoyed. Jason and I decided you could almost justify the price of it with as many meals as we've gotten out of it; of course we got it for free. I decided I'd be super economical and non-wasteful and make a soup out of the leftover ham bone. I printed off a couple, narrowed it down to two, and to my delight, Jason chose one from Food Network which was a spicy New-Orleans style stew. It was noted as "medium" difficulty on Food Network so I was looking forward to the challenge; Food Network recipes always intimidate me a bit. However, this recipe appeared to be actually very simple. I got the stock going with the ham bone and corn cobs, and the aroma of the ham bone was so delicious. It was finally cold, and just smelling that ham bone today made Jason and I both anticipate the yummy taste of a warm bowl of soup tonight.
The ham bone, corn cobs, and ten cups of water were to simmer an hour and a half. I had to scrape the cobs to release the corn milk which sounded very chef-like to me. I measured out the water precisely as to not mess up the esteemed Food Network recipe. I even made sure I had the temperature on exactly medium-low; I spent a few minutes debating what was actually medium low. Is it halfway between "medium" and "low"? Or is it one or two clicks past medium towards low? Why don't they label that? I went for two clicks beyond medium towards low.
So, as I said, we enjoyed the lovely ham aroma. I was taking down the upstairs Christmas tree, and I was waiting for the time to add the other ingredients to the now simmering stock. I had checked it a couple of times, but I did wonder whether I was to add more water or not. There were no instructions to do so, and I assumed that adding more water would only mess up the consistency of the recipe. If the hallowed chefs at Food Network did not say to add water, then by all means, I was not going to add water.
Suddenly, as I was tying up the branches of the tree, I smelled an unfamiliar aroma. It was not the aroma of the sweet smelling ham, but a different smell was wafting towards my nostrils. I smelled for a moment and then rushed downstairs. The closer I got to the kitchen, the clearer the smell of scorched food became. I rushed in to find the pot nearly on fire. It was smoking ferociously, and I could hear the remnants sizzling in the pot before I even got into the kitchen.
I rushed it outside and doused it with water. After opening windows, and the smell still not dissipating, we did what any other American family would do. We went out to dinner and left the windows open. Salsaritas was good, but it wasn't the savory soup I'd longed for. And, throughout dinner, all I could smell was my hair reeking of scorched food... There's nothing like scorched food to replace that new house smell! Upon returning home, the smell still lingered. Right now, we have every candle we can find and a stick of incense burning. Our bedroom is very romantic!
The lesson I've learned is perhaps Food Network does not belong on the cooking pedestal I have placed them on. A couple of weeks ago, I looked through a Rachel Ray cookbook and was not impressed enough to keep it on my Christmas list. Of course she's on NBC now with Harpo. So, I'll be more wary of Barefoot Contessa and her cohorts. I do love Paula Dean though and want to try her fried chicken recipe...
The other thing I've learned is I want to burn more candles. I used to burn them ALL the time and haven't had time to do so lately I guess. Just got out of the habit. I like it!! :)
Of course this experience can happen to anyone. Our dear Uncle Paul, a fireman no less, once BURNED his kitchen (and had to call the fire department) when something on the stove burned. Needless to say, he still hears about that... :)
The ham bone, corn cobs, and ten cups of water were to simmer an hour and a half. I had to scrape the cobs to release the corn milk which sounded very chef-like to me. I measured out the water precisely as to not mess up the esteemed Food Network recipe. I even made sure I had the temperature on exactly medium-low; I spent a few minutes debating what was actually medium low. Is it halfway between "medium" and "low"? Or is it one or two clicks past medium towards low? Why don't they label that? I went for two clicks beyond medium towards low.
So, as I said, we enjoyed the lovely ham aroma. I was taking down the upstairs Christmas tree, and I was waiting for the time to add the other ingredients to the now simmering stock. I had checked it a couple of times, but I did wonder whether I was to add more water or not. There were no instructions to do so, and I assumed that adding more water would only mess up the consistency of the recipe. If the hallowed chefs at Food Network did not say to add water, then by all means, I was not going to add water.
Suddenly, as I was tying up the branches of the tree, I smelled an unfamiliar aroma. It was not the aroma of the sweet smelling ham, but a different smell was wafting towards my nostrils. I smelled for a moment and then rushed downstairs. The closer I got to the kitchen, the clearer the smell of scorched food became. I rushed in to find the pot nearly on fire. It was smoking ferociously, and I could hear the remnants sizzling in the pot before I even got into the kitchen.
I rushed it outside and doused it with water. After opening windows, and the smell still not dissipating, we did what any other American family would do. We went out to dinner and left the windows open. Salsaritas was good, but it wasn't the savory soup I'd longed for. And, throughout dinner, all I could smell was my hair reeking of scorched food... There's nothing like scorched food to replace that new house smell! Upon returning home, the smell still lingered. Right now, we have every candle we can find and a stick of incense burning. Our bedroom is very romantic!
The lesson I've learned is perhaps Food Network does not belong on the cooking pedestal I have placed them on. A couple of weeks ago, I looked through a Rachel Ray cookbook and was not impressed enough to keep it on my Christmas list. Of course she's on NBC now with Harpo. So, I'll be more wary of Barefoot Contessa and her cohorts. I do love Paula Dean though and want to try her fried chicken recipe...
The other thing I've learned is I want to burn more candles. I used to burn them ALL the time and haven't had time to do so lately I guess. Just got out of the habit. I like it!! :)
Of course this experience can happen to anyone. Our dear Uncle Paul, a fireman no less, once BURNED his kitchen (and had to call the fire department) when something on the stove burned. Needless to say, he still hears about that... :)
Friday, December 22, 2006
We have a contract on the TX house! Didn't take long once it was priced right! The realtor was leaving to go out of town so we didn't get into the details, but we do have a buyer. My only regret is that we didn't do this long ago. But, as Jason and I have talked, if we had done it a couple of years ago and our credit had been damaged, we never would have been able to buy this house. So, I guess it all works out. Thank you for all that have prayed! Continue praying that this will finish up and close as planned!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
PRAISE GOD!!! All the time of course, but specifically in this time...
Jason just emailed and said that we are approved for the short sale... not only that, but the agreement we have with the mortgage company is that we owe NOTHING for the house - no part of the remaining balance. Our realtor told Jason that only one in fifty people applying for a short sale get one in which they don't have to repay any of the difference. She said the letter we wrote to the mortgage company was what made the difference. We just explained all that we have gone through with the renters, hanging on to it and paying double mortgage payments for more than a year, the extensive financial hardship on our family from this house, and me going back to work because of that. Looking back on all of that just makes me sick thinking of all we have gone through, the many tears I've cried (and still cry) from working this year, the deep ache in my heart as I leave my two babies every single morning, and the strain my working has put on our marriage and our ministry.
BUT, I heard a Word on the Way yesterday that pointed out that FAITH is not giving up even when the worst is at its worst. Faith is constantly believing that God is God, and He has the PERFECT solution to any problem. He quoted the verse about faith producing perseverance. I have NEVER understood that verse better than I did yesterday when it all struck me. And that's before I heard the news today! James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Through ALL trials! Amen!
Here's my prayer and hopefully the reason for all of this - we won't know until we get to heaven for sure. BUT, my prayer is that someone is impacted by our story. When I wrote that letter to the mortgage company, I prayed and prayed and prayed. I basically wrote out a testimony of our faith on that letter. I tried to demonstrate how we had tried to handle this in a way reflective of our faith. I talked about our struggle with the renters, the financial destruction this has caused our family, and my going back to work to try and cover that. But, I also said that we had total faith in God that He would take care of us! I just have prayed over and over that whoever read our letter would be a person whose heart God would pierce for us. I pray that someone who reads that might get a glimpse of what kind of hope a real, breathing, loving God can offer. I still pray that!
Thinking about all of those things is hard to think about looking back. It is still VERY hard to leave my babies in the mornings. It's hard for Jason and I to maintain just sanity and balance in our marriage - both of us working is really hard! We've sacrificed a lot this year. But, isn't God so good? If someone could be impacted through this, then it would all be worth it! And, irony of all ironies, while we were cramped in that apartment this summer, our house that we are living in now was being built just a mile away from us! God is good!
On the practical side, pray for our house to sell! We feel we are so close to the finish. Jason is of course hopelessly optimistic and is pulling for us to be finished with it going into 2007. While I certainly hope this is the case, I'd be happy for sometime soon. Our realtor did say that she has 12-13 people to look at it this week! That's double the amount of people we've had look at it in 9 months - well, 2 years for that matter!
Our $163,000 house is now appraised for $132,000 (which I think is actually a little high). The mortgage company is asking for at least $108,000 which gives us some room for realtor's fees. Just pray that it sells within this price range and that it will sell quickly. Pray for our realtor Mendy as well!
Thanks to all of you who have been prayer warriors and supporters with us through this. We love you so much and are so thankful for your precious aromas of prayers lifted up unto our Lord. Thank you!
Jason just emailed and said that we are approved for the short sale... not only that, but the agreement we have with the mortgage company is that we owe NOTHING for the house - no part of the remaining balance. Our realtor told Jason that only one in fifty people applying for a short sale get one in which they don't have to repay any of the difference. She said the letter we wrote to the mortgage company was what made the difference. We just explained all that we have gone through with the renters, hanging on to it and paying double mortgage payments for more than a year, the extensive financial hardship on our family from this house, and me going back to work because of that. Looking back on all of that just makes me sick thinking of all we have gone through, the many tears I've cried (and still cry) from working this year, the deep ache in my heart as I leave my two babies every single morning, and the strain my working has put on our marriage and our ministry.
BUT, I heard a Word on the Way yesterday that pointed out that FAITH is not giving up even when the worst is at its worst. Faith is constantly believing that God is God, and He has the PERFECT solution to any problem. He quoted the verse about faith producing perseverance. I have NEVER understood that verse better than I did yesterday when it all struck me. And that's before I heard the news today! James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Through ALL trials! Amen!
Here's my prayer and hopefully the reason for all of this - we won't know until we get to heaven for sure. BUT, my prayer is that someone is impacted by our story. When I wrote that letter to the mortgage company, I prayed and prayed and prayed. I basically wrote out a testimony of our faith on that letter. I tried to demonstrate how we had tried to handle this in a way reflective of our faith. I talked about our struggle with the renters, the financial destruction this has caused our family, and my going back to work to try and cover that. But, I also said that we had total faith in God that He would take care of us! I just have prayed over and over that whoever read our letter would be a person whose heart God would pierce for us. I pray that someone who reads that might get a glimpse of what kind of hope a real, breathing, loving God can offer. I still pray that!
Thinking about all of those things is hard to think about looking back. It is still VERY hard to leave my babies in the mornings. It's hard for Jason and I to maintain just sanity and balance in our marriage - both of us working is really hard! We've sacrificed a lot this year. But, isn't God so good? If someone could be impacted through this, then it would all be worth it! And, irony of all ironies, while we were cramped in that apartment this summer, our house that we are living in now was being built just a mile away from us! God is good!
On the practical side, pray for our house to sell! We feel we are so close to the finish. Jason is of course hopelessly optimistic and is pulling for us to be finished with it going into 2007. While I certainly hope this is the case, I'd be happy for sometime soon. Our realtor did say that she has 12-13 people to look at it this week! That's double the amount of people we've had look at it in 9 months - well, 2 years for that matter!
Our $163,000 house is now appraised for $132,000 (which I think is actually a little high). The mortgage company is asking for at least $108,000 which gives us some room for realtor's fees. Just pray that it sells within this price range and that it will sell quickly. Pray for our realtor Mendy as well!
Thanks to all of you who have been prayer warriors and supporters with us through this. We love you so much and are so thankful for your precious aromas of prayers lifted up unto our Lord. Thank you!
Monday, December 18, 2006
It was so warm today that when I took the kids out for recess, I actually wanted to lay out. Not in a bathing suit necessarily. It wasn't hot, but the sun actually was tanning my face I think. Had I been out longer than 10 minutes, I think I could have gotten a little color today... reminds me of TX!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
My quiet times have certainly changed over the last few months with going back to work. I used to cherish the times the kids went down for naps for obvious reasons, but I would mainly use that time to stretch out and just have me and God time. It was quiet, middle of the day, and it was such a fabulous recharge. Since my fourth graders don't take naps, ha ha!, I've had to be creative in finding time.
I think this is a subject many people struggle with. So often our lives are filled up with an insane amount of activities and responsibilities, and it's hard to get a schedule down. Hey, that's just life. Most people I talk to really love having a quiet time and want the time. It's not that they are neglecting their relationship with God, it's just hard to make the time. I think a lot of people, epecially moms, feel like a quiet time is "Me" time and feel guilty taking it. A quiet time is like anything else, if you want to do it and it's important to you, you just have to make yourself carve out the time. Easier said than done, eh?
SO MANY people feel so guilty when they miss a quiet time or even a couple of weeks of quiet times that they just give up. Many of us look at quiet times with a diet mentality. Well, I'm on a diet, I've been doing good, I can see improvements, OH! I blew it tonight at that party (or the whole month of December)... Oh well, I just can't do this, it's too hard to lose weight. Ever feel like that about something? Add feeling like God is mad at you or you're not eligible for the holiest of holies club at church and people treat quiet times the same way.
God is not up in heaven keeping a tally sheet of our quiet times. It's not a sin to miss one, and it's not something we should feel guilty about. HOWEVER (did you sense that coming), a quiet time is something we should strive to do. It's like any command in the Bible, take tithing for instance. God is not going to strike us with lightning for not tithing, but when we do tithe, we have an even closer fellowship with God. That closer fellowship is a blessing in and of itself. Quiet times are not so much for God, although he does crave fellowship with us. But, they are for ourselves because we benefit the most from having a quiet time with God and basking in his love and presence for a specific time each day.
The other thing people get hung up on is time of day. A quiet time is not "holier" in the morning. There are benefits to starting your day off in the right mentality and right frame of mind, but talking to God at night and analyzing your day's actions and words can be just as beneficial. I've talked to many people that once they missed their quiet time in the morning just decided they'd missed it and would try it again the next morning. That successful morning sometimes never comes - Satan is good at that! The best key I found when I was struggling with starting a regular quiet time was committing that I would NOT go to bed until I had my quiet time. If I had it in the morning, great; if at lunch, great; but if I hadn't finished it by that evening, I would not go to bed until I had completed it. Some people say they are too tired to do it at night. I agree that sometimes this is true. But, I've overcome this by praying through those times and just deciding to at least read something. Sometimes I'll just read a few verses and pray through those before I go to bed. God will give you that extra bit of energy if you pray for it. This strategy has worked for me through several periods in my life. Anytime that I am struggling with getting them done, I try to start this process and am usually able to get back on track.
So, what qualifies as a quiet time? I've had many different phases in my life.
I've had phases where my quiet times consisted of 15-30 minutes of reading a devotional book, journaling, and praying at various times of the day. My favorite book was a devotional entitled "Women of the Bible" where I just studied a different woman each week. There were lots of insights God taught me. I "happened" to study Hannah as I was struggling with not being able to get pregnant and God taught me to be satisfied with what I have when I have it. Most recently, I've really enjoyed "Voices of the Faithful". God has really used that with me this year. I received it as a birthday present last year and started it in January. The devotionals lined up almost perfectly with my struggles that I went through at the beginning of the year. My jaw would almost drop open at what I was reading.
I've had great times in my life where I've taken the kids' whole nap time to just sit and do a big long study for an hour or two at a time and then do a more inspirational quiet time at night - two a day! Earlier this year I was doing Disciple's Prayer Life (just at my own pace) and then reading through the Bible at night with journaling.
And, then there have been other times where I have to take what I can get when I can get it. Both times that the kids were small babies and my physical NEED was to take a nap during any small moment, I would have to just read a verse here and there to meditate on or when I had a few minutes to think (clearly or not), I would meditate and pray on whatever the sermon had been about that week. Sometimes my quiet time was as I was nursing or rocking one of them to sleep just singing praise songs to God and praying through the words I was singing. Just a moment here and there where I was completely yielded to God. Could I live on that forever? No, but it was better than nothing at the time.
Lately, my quiet times have been either something inspiring in a song or a verse read as I listen to christian radio on the way to school. I've prayed a lot more in the car than I have in past years. That's been a neat thing. In the past, my quiet times have been more reading and learning and listening and not as much me talking necessarily. Now, I am praying more where I'm talking, and I feel my intercessory prayer has grown more. My input has been less though. I was getting the Word on the Way devotionals at school for a while, but those just randomly stopped coming recently. It's hard to get that input at times!
Just the other day, I was flipping through stations on the way to work and heard just a brief 10 seconds or so of a random radio station. It was one I haven't heard before and it faded out not to be found again before I could listen to the rest of what the guy was saying. He was talking about how years ago, using welfare was really looked down upon. He lived with his grandparents and needed glasses. Someone had suggested they go to get free glasses, but his grandparents refused. They saved and scraped together the money to buy the glasses eventually. He talked about how people in those days, not even very long ago, really depended on God to get them the things they need. Their prayer life and faith was a lot stronger because there was no instant gratification. I told Jason that I guess if one of the kids needed glasses and we couldn't afford them that we would certainly accept free ones or just put it on credit to pay it off a little at a time, and we wouldn't think a think about it. In a sense, I think someone providing them for free would seem like God's provision to me. But, I really prayed that day about relying on God more. Our society is so instant gratification focused! That's interesting to compare our faith with those that are older and lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It gives new meaning to the mention of God in our pledge and on our money because that's what this country was founded upon. Just an interesting way that God touched my heart...
Now that I've gotten into the routine of school, quiet times are getting a little easier. I'm hoping to get more regular at the start of the new school year. For a while, I just honestly wasn't doing them at all. I really missed that fellowship though. I'm hoping over winter break to get some long periods of time where I can really dive in to study God's word. Oh, I crave it!!!
Anybody else have creative ideas to offer?? Good devotional books to recommend?
I think this is a subject many people struggle with. So often our lives are filled up with an insane amount of activities and responsibilities, and it's hard to get a schedule down. Hey, that's just life. Most people I talk to really love having a quiet time and want the time. It's not that they are neglecting their relationship with God, it's just hard to make the time. I think a lot of people, epecially moms, feel like a quiet time is "Me" time and feel guilty taking it. A quiet time is like anything else, if you want to do it and it's important to you, you just have to make yourself carve out the time. Easier said than done, eh?
SO MANY people feel so guilty when they miss a quiet time or even a couple of weeks of quiet times that they just give up. Many of us look at quiet times with a diet mentality. Well, I'm on a diet, I've been doing good, I can see improvements, OH! I blew it tonight at that party (or the whole month of December)... Oh well, I just can't do this, it's too hard to lose weight. Ever feel like that about something? Add feeling like God is mad at you or you're not eligible for the holiest of holies club at church and people treat quiet times the same way.
God is not up in heaven keeping a tally sheet of our quiet times. It's not a sin to miss one, and it's not something we should feel guilty about. HOWEVER (did you sense that coming), a quiet time is something we should strive to do. It's like any command in the Bible, take tithing for instance. God is not going to strike us with lightning for not tithing, but when we do tithe, we have an even closer fellowship with God. That closer fellowship is a blessing in and of itself. Quiet times are not so much for God, although he does crave fellowship with us. But, they are for ourselves because we benefit the most from having a quiet time with God and basking in his love and presence for a specific time each day.
The other thing people get hung up on is time of day. A quiet time is not "holier" in the morning. There are benefits to starting your day off in the right mentality and right frame of mind, but talking to God at night and analyzing your day's actions and words can be just as beneficial. I've talked to many people that once they missed their quiet time in the morning just decided they'd missed it and would try it again the next morning. That successful morning sometimes never comes - Satan is good at that! The best key I found when I was struggling with starting a regular quiet time was committing that I would NOT go to bed until I had my quiet time. If I had it in the morning, great; if at lunch, great; but if I hadn't finished it by that evening, I would not go to bed until I had completed it. Some people say they are too tired to do it at night. I agree that sometimes this is true. But, I've overcome this by praying through those times and just deciding to at least read something. Sometimes I'll just read a few verses and pray through those before I go to bed. God will give you that extra bit of energy if you pray for it. This strategy has worked for me through several periods in my life. Anytime that I am struggling with getting them done, I try to start this process and am usually able to get back on track.
So, what qualifies as a quiet time? I've had many different phases in my life.
I've had phases where my quiet times consisted of 15-30 minutes of reading a devotional book, journaling, and praying at various times of the day. My favorite book was a devotional entitled "Women of the Bible" where I just studied a different woman each week. There were lots of insights God taught me. I "happened" to study Hannah as I was struggling with not being able to get pregnant and God taught me to be satisfied with what I have when I have it. Most recently, I've really enjoyed "Voices of the Faithful". God has really used that with me this year. I received it as a birthday present last year and started it in January. The devotionals lined up almost perfectly with my struggles that I went through at the beginning of the year. My jaw would almost drop open at what I was reading.
I've had great times in my life where I've taken the kids' whole nap time to just sit and do a big long study for an hour or two at a time and then do a more inspirational quiet time at night - two a day! Earlier this year I was doing Disciple's Prayer Life (just at my own pace) and then reading through the Bible at night with journaling.
And, then there have been other times where I have to take what I can get when I can get it. Both times that the kids were small babies and my physical NEED was to take a nap during any small moment, I would have to just read a verse here and there to meditate on or when I had a few minutes to think (clearly or not), I would meditate and pray on whatever the sermon had been about that week. Sometimes my quiet time was as I was nursing or rocking one of them to sleep just singing praise songs to God and praying through the words I was singing. Just a moment here and there where I was completely yielded to God. Could I live on that forever? No, but it was better than nothing at the time.
Lately, my quiet times have been either something inspiring in a song or a verse read as I listen to christian radio on the way to school. I've prayed a lot more in the car than I have in past years. That's been a neat thing. In the past, my quiet times have been more reading and learning and listening and not as much me talking necessarily. Now, I am praying more where I'm talking, and I feel my intercessory prayer has grown more. My input has been less though. I was getting the Word on the Way devotionals at school for a while, but those just randomly stopped coming recently. It's hard to get that input at times!
Just the other day, I was flipping through stations on the way to work and heard just a brief 10 seconds or so of a random radio station. It was one I haven't heard before and it faded out not to be found again before I could listen to the rest of what the guy was saying. He was talking about how years ago, using welfare was really looked down upon. He lived with his grandparents and needed glasses. Someone had suggested they go to get free glasses, but his grandparents refused. They saved and scraped together the money to buy the glasses eventually. He talked about how people in those days, not even very long ago, really depended on God to get them the things they need. Their prayer life and faith was a lot stronger because there was no instant gratification. I told Jason that I guess if one of the kids needed glasses and we couldn't afford them that we would certainly accept free ones or just put it on credit to pay it off a little at a time, and we wouldn't think a think about it. In a sense, I think someone providing them for free would seem like God's provision to me. But, I really prayed that day about relying on God more. Our society is so instant gratification focused! That's interesting to compare our faith with those that are older and lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It gives new meaning to the mention of God in our pledge and on our money because that's what this country was founded upon. Just an interesting way that God touched my heart...
Now that I've gotten into the routine of school, quiet times are getting a little easier. I'm hoping to get more regular at the start of the new school year. For a while, I just honestly wasn't doing them at all. I really missed that fellowship though. I'm hoping over winter break to get some long periods of time where I can really dive in to study God's word. Oh, I crave it!!!
Anybody else have creative ideas to offer?? Good devotional books to recommend?
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Icky things Part 2
So, I find out that our fourth grade class is getting.... crabs, frogs, and millipedes!!! Yep, we had to build the habitats ourselves which wasn't so bad. Then the animals came. They were shipped from a company and came in big boxes packed with lots of the little foam peanuts. Then, the frogs and crabs were in bags with water and the millipedes in little trays.
I was icked out at the thought of having to get those little frogs out. They are more like fish in that they swim in a big tank and are small frogs - African Dwarf Frogs to be exact. I wasn't sure how to get them out, so I went over and watched the Science teacher expert get hers out. They were jumping all over the place! They hopped right out of the nets onto the floor!! I always hated as a kid when our fish jumped out of the tank. My dad would just pick them up with his bare hands and plop them back into the tank, as did Belinda to the frogs. I was really a little stressed about it. She offered to come do my class but I decided I needed to do mine on my own.
The kids were divided into five groups. Each group was supposed to get three each of frogs, millipedes, and crabs. I then had a tank of the "extras". "Extras" means that when an animal dies from one of their groups, it got replaced with one of mine. Therefore, I had to maintain my own tank instead of getting kids to do it.
The first few made me nervous, but the anxiety was heightened by the fact that I had to do it with my kids in the room. I gave them an assignment, but they were watching me and the frogs of course. There were a couple of dead ones which grossed me out, and I felt bad for them. But, without much ceremony, into the trash can they went. Luckily, there were no incidents, and they all got into their new little habitats safely. I was really proud of myself! They were really pretty cute once I wasn't having to TOUCH them. They just eat fish food and swim around.
Then to the millipedes. There's just no getting around these squirmy little things. I had the kids that wanted to pick them up and put them into their tanks. Someone wanted to in each group. I had a kid do mine. YUCK! They eat leftover apples, lettuce, etc.
The crabs were another story. They came in two bags, males and females. The males were all big ones (1-3") and came snapping and active and ready to go. I got them divided out, but they were tricky as well. They are very fast little guys. Then, I went to open the female bag. The water in that bag was filthy. Something was wrong because several of them were dead. I had to throw several of them out and the kids only had two each. They eat very stinky food. GROSS!
Well, over the past couple of weeks, the kids have really enjoyed them. They have done pretty well in caring for them. One day, all of the frog tanks were filthy. The kids were just feeding them too much and the water got very dirty. Someone had to clean them out. Short of having Jason come up and do it, I would have to. And I did! It was at that moment that I realized God was helping me grow.
At the end of the project, we adopted the animals out. Of course, not a lot of parents wanted those animals in their houses. Our class actually had the most frogs live. I adopted out several, and then we had three left over. One class had only one frog that lived the entire time! I did choose to give away the millipedes - they were still too gross for me. I did end up picking them up to get them to the other teacher adopting them, but I did wear gloves... :) I now have three frogs that I am taking home to the kids, and I have several crabs that I'm going to keep in the classroom. They are pretty cool!
I like when I realize that God is even concerned about growing me in the small areas as well. It's not a hugely important thing, but I became able to enjoy a few more of God's creations. Most importantly for myself, I overcame a part of a fear. I still can't squash a big crunchy bug, but the creepy crawlies don't bother me quite as much as I used to. It was a big confidence thing for me! Wonder what fears I'll conquer next....
So, I find out that our fourth grade class is getting.... crabs, frogs, and millipedes!!! Yep, we had to build the habitats ourselves which wasn't so bad. Then the animals came. They were shipped from a company and came in big boxes packed with lots of the little foam peanuts. Then, the frogs and crabs were in bags with water and the millipedes in little trays.
I was icked out at the thought of having to get those little frogs out. They are more like fish in that they swim in a big tank and are small frogs - African Dwarf Frogs to be exact. I wasn't sure how to get them out, so I went over and watched the Science teacher expert get hers out. They were jumping all over the place! They hopped right out of the nets onto the floor!! I always hated as a kid when our fish jumped out of the tank. My dad would just pick them up with his bare hands and plop them back into the tank, as did Belinda to the frogs. I was really a little stressed about it. She offered to come do my class but I decided I needed to do mine on my own.
The kids were divided into five groups. Each group was supposed to get three each of frogs, millipedes, and crabs. I then had a tank of the "extras". "Extras" means that when an animal dies from one of their groups, it got replaced with one of mine. Therefore, I had to maintain my own tank instead of getting kids to do it.
The first few made me nervous, but the anxiety was heightened by the fact that I had to do it with my kids in the room. I gave them an assignment, but they were watching me and the frogs of course. There were a couple of dead ones which grossed me out, and I felt bad for them. But, without much ceremony, into the trash can they went. Luckily, there were no incidents, and they all got into their new little habitats safely. I was really proud of myself! They were really pretty cute once I wasn't having to TOUCH them. They just eat fish food and swim around.
Then to the millipedes. There's just no getting around these squirmy little things. I had the kids that wanted to pick them up and put them into their tanks. Someone wanted to in each group. I had a kid do mine. YUCK! They eat leftover apples, lettuce, etc.
The crabs were another story. They came in two bags, males and females. The males were all big ones (1-3") and came snapping and active and ready to go. I got them divided out, but they were tricky as well. They are very fast little guys. Then, I went to open the female bag. The water in that bag was filthy. Something was wrong because several of them were dead. I had to throw several of them out and the kids only had two each. They eat very stinky food. GROSS!
Well, over the past couple of weeks, the kids have really enjoyed them. They have done pretty well in caring for them. One day, all of the frog tanks were filthy. The kids were just feeding them too much and the water got very dirty. Someone had to clean them out. Short of having Jason come up and do it, I would have to. And I did! It was at that moment that I realized God was helping me grow.
At the end of the project, we adopted the animals out. Of course, not a lot of parents wanted those animals in their houses. Our class actually had the most frogs live. I adopted out several, and then we had three left over. One class had only one frog that lived the entire time! I did choose to give away the millipedes - they were still too gross for me. I did end up picking them up to get them to the other teacher adopting them, but I did wear gloves... :) I now have three frogs that I am taking home to the kids, and I have several crabs that I'm going to keep in the classroom. They are pretty cool!
I like when I realize that God is even concerned about growing me in the small areas as well. It's not a hugely important thing, but I became able to enjoy a few more of God's creations. Most importantly for myself, I overcame a part of a fear. I still can't squash a big crunchy bug, but the creepy crawlies don't bother me quite as much as I used to. It was a big confidence thing for me! Wonder what fears I'll conquer next....
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Icky Things, Part One
I tell you, this is just the year that God is teaching me to be stretched in big ways and small ways. These past couple of weeks, I've been stretched in a small way within my classroom. (Okay, there is a LOT of stretching daily here at school; today I am focusing on one.) Those of you who know me well can attest that this is REALLY stretching for me - in a non-spiritual, non life-threatening sort of way. I have to set up the post about what God has taught me with a background post:
I hate icky things - bugs, mice, bugs, worms, bugs, etc. When we lived in our TX ghetto house, we had mice, waterbugs (basically giganormous cockroaches), and geckos (those cute little lizards are not so cute when they are in your bathtub at 6 am! We also had albino geckos which were really freaky). It was so gross! We would call the landlord to let her know and she would just say, that's how it is in TX. And, it was true in a sense as many of our friends had them. And, most of our friends were living in cheap housing because we were all going through seminary; cheap housing brings all kinds of critters I guess.
Anyway, Jason has had the honor of sending these blessed creations on to wherever dead animals go. I have often joked that I could not have remained single for that reason alone - disposing of unwanted creatures. I told Jason that's his divorce-free insurance - only joking!! He would bravely trap the mice (one night three ran out and we were going ballistic trying to catch them all), flush the geckos, and squash the waterbugs. I was helplessly fearful when it came to these feats.
I am especially grossed out by the squashing of a bug. It really isn't fear of the bug in and of itself. I know a giant cockroach is not going to bite me or something. It's the fear of going to step on it and it running up my leg or jumping on me. It's largely the dread of the crunch of the exoskeleton and the squishing of the guts all over the floor/my shoe... ICH! I cannot get over that aspect. I honestly just shivered thinking about it. And, there is always a little thought that runs through my head as to whether God would have us kill cockroaches. Aren't they his creations as well? Shouldn't we just release them? But, that's just a very small thought.
So, as you may or may not be wondering, there were many times when I would come across an animal friend when I was home by myself. Thankfully I never encountered a mouse or gecko on my own, but I often came across bugs. Incapable of squashing them myself but not wanting them roaming around in the house, I came up with a failproof solution. I "cupped" the bugs. This process simply involved putting a cup over the bug until Jason could come home and dispose of it. Sometimes it would be dead by the time he got home due to lack of oxygen. This system worked pretty well although Jason always found it amusing to come home and find an upside down cup in the middle of the floor. And, I always used the same cup as to not mix up drinking cups and bug cups. Washing them with bleach just somehow couldn't kill the ickiness in my mind.
One morning as I was getting ready, a HUGE waterbug/cockroach came crawling across the bathroom floor. I was absolutely terrified as it was the largest bug I had ever seen outside of a zoo or some other animal display. It was longer than my fingers. I was almost in a panic. But, having a system in place for these situations kept me calm, and I rushed to get my bug cup. However, I came back to "cup" the bug only to find that the bug was LONGER than the cup!!! Oh my goodness, what in the world was I going to do??? I raced to my kitchen to find something long enough to capture this monstrosity! The only thing I could find was a glass loaf pan - heavy enough that the bug couldn't throw it off or crawl under it and long enough to cover it. I raced back to the freak of nature and "cupped" (or should I say "loafed"?) it. Whew!
I continued to get ready keeping as far away as possible. I watched it with the same morbid interest that we watch the remainder of a car wreck. I just couldn't look away; I was horrified! After a few minutes though, something strange begin to happen. The glass loaf pan began to fog up. The bug was SO big that his breath fogged up an entire loaf pan!! I was absolutely freaked out!
Needless to say, Jason took care of this big bug. He still wouldn't let us break the lease and move out; we didn't have children at the time or I surely would have pulled that card. That is until we got broken into by the gang members next door, but that is a whole other story - they even stole our roast beef!
So, my bug warrior has always taken care of me; I'm so thankful for him. We haven't experienced infestations of anything lately - just small things here and there, but I am still insanely squeamish of all creepy-crawlies... We've even had fish tanks over the years that I like to enjoy, but can't stand picking out the dead ones, cleaning the tank, or anything of that nature. You can imagine that we don't keep fish that long.
So, imagine my surprise and horror when I discovered that the fourth grade class I was teaching would be getting animals to study! Animals that I would have to care for, feed, clean cages, etc for a period of several weeks... more on that tomorrow!
I tell you, this is just the year that God is teaching me to be stretched in big ways and small ways. These past couple of weeks, I've been stretched in a small way within my classroom. (Okay, there is a LOT of stretching daily here at school; today I am focusing on one.) Those of you who know me well can attest that this is REALLY stretching for me - in a non-spiritual, non life-threatening sort of way. I have to set up the post about what God has taught me with a background post:
I hate icky things - bugs, mice, bugs, worms, bugs, etc. When we lived in our TX ghetto house, we had mice, waterbugs (basically giganormous cockroaches), and geckos (those cute little lizards are not so cute when they are in your bathtub at 6 am! We also had albino geckos which were really freaky). It was so gross! We would call the landlord to let her know and she would just say, that's how it is in TX. And, it was true in a sense as many of our friends had them. And, most of our friends were living in cheap housing because we were all going through seminary; cheap housing brings all kinds of critters I guess.
Anyway, Jason has had the honor of sending these blessed creations on to wherever dead animals go. I have often joked that I could not have remained single for that reason alone - disposing of unwanted creatures. I told Jason that's his divorce-free insurance - only joking!! He would bravely trap the mice (one night three ran out and we were going ballistic trying to catch them all), flush the geckos, and squash the waterbugs. I was helplessly fearful when it came to these feats.
I am especially grossed out by the squashing of a bug. It really isn't fear of the bug in and of itself. I know a giant cockroach is not going to bite me or something. It's the fear of going to step on it and it running up my leg or jumping on me. It's largely the dread of the crunch of the exoskeleton and the squishing of the guts all over the floor/my shoe... ICH! I cannot get over that aspect. I honestly just shivered thinking about it. And, there is always a little thought that runs through my head as to whether God would have us kill cockroaches. Aren't they his creations as well? Shouldn't we just release them? But, that's just a very small thought.
So, as you may or may not be wondering, there were many times when I would come across an animal friend when I was home by myself. Thankfully I never encountered a mouse or gecko on my own, but I often came across bugs. Incapable of squashing them myself but not wanting them roaming around in the house, I came up with a failproof solution. I "cupped" the bugs. This process simply involved putting a cup over the bug until Jason could come home and dispose of it. Sometimes it would be dead by the time he got home due to lack of oxygen. This system worked pretty well although Jason always found it amusing to come home and find an upside down cup in the middle of the floor. And, I always used the same cup as to not mix up drinking cups and bug cups. Washing them with bleach just somehow couldn't kill the ickiness in my mind.
One morning as I was getting ready, a HUGE waterbug/cockroach came crawling across the bathroom floor. I was absolutely terrified as it was the largest bug I had ever seen outside of a zoo or some other animal display. It was longer than my fingers. I was almost in a panic. But, having a system in place for these situations kept me calm, and I rushed to get my bug cup. However, I came back to "cup" the bug only to find that the bug was LONGER than the cup!!! Oh my goodness, what in the world was I going to do??? I raced to my kitchen to find something long enough to capture this monstrosity! The only thing I could find was a glass loaf pan - heavy enough that the bug couldn't throw it off or crawl under it and long enough to cover it. I raced back to the freak of nature and "cupped" (or should I say "loafed"?) it. Whew!
I continued to get ready keeping as far away as possible. I watched it with the same morbid interest that we watch the remainder of a car wreck. I just couldn't look away; I was horrified! After a few minutes though, something strange begin to happen. The glass loaf pan began to fog up. The bug was SO big that his breath fogged up an entire loaf pan!! I was absolutely freaked out!
Needless to say, Jason took care of this big bug. He still wouldn't let us break the lease and move out; we didn't have children at the time or I surely would have pulled that card. That is until we got broken into by the gang members next door, but that is a whole other story - they even stole our roast beef!
So, my bug warrior has always taken care of me; I'm so thankful for him. We haven't experienced infestations of anything lately - just small things here and there, but I am still insanely squeamish of all creepy-crawlies... We've even had fish tanks over the years that I like to enjoy, but can't stand picking out the dead ones, cleaning the tank, or anything of that nature. You can imagine that we don't keep fish that long.
So, imagine my surprise and horror when I discovered that the fourth grade class I was teaching would be getting animals to study! Animals that I would have to care for, feed, clean cages, etc for a period of several weeks... more on that tomorrow!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Well, I made a California Roll today - nope, not a new recipe, not a dance move, and not a type of cigar. It's a traffic violation... yep, I rolled through a stop sign. I saw the cop turn around with his lights on and being the responsible citizen I am, I pulled over so that he could pass me and get those bad guys. And then he pulled over with me!!! I was like what the heck??? He said I ran the stop sign. I believed him, but it was a total shock to me. Luckily, I couldn't find my registration for a while and never did find my insurance card because this gave us time to shoot the breeze. He asked what I did, I said a teacher, he said he thought I was a teacher - just his intuition he said... okay. But anyway, he ended up I think getting tired of waiting for me to find my insurance, gave me the benefit of the doubt and let me off with a warning. This is in spite of my still IL driver's license as well which I told him we had just bought a new house - less than 30 days ago. He said that you now have TEN days to get your license changed. Seems to me that you'd have better things to do within ten days of moving here than to go wait four hours at the driver's license station... see my earlier post from 12/2... But, I got off with a warning. He was a very nice and respectful cop - not just because he let me off. He was really nice.
But, as I was driving home, I noticed I rolled through a stop sign! I caught myself afterwards and perhaps I do this more than I think. The cop acknowledged even he has done it, and it's an easy way to mess up. I told him I had made a mental stop, just not an actual car stop. He laughed and said, "Exactly." But, I am going to try and be more cautious of this!! :)
BTW... the cop called it a California Roll (I didn't ask why, just chuckled like I got the joke). Just wanted to clarify that wasn't a term I made up!! :)
But, as I was driving home, I noticed I rolled through a stop sign! I caught myself afterwards and perhaps I do this more than I think. The cop acknowledged even he has done it, and it's an easy way to mess up. I told him I had made a mental stop, just not an actual car stop. He laughed and said, "Exactly." But, I am going to try and be more cautious of this!! :)
BTW... the cop called it a California Roll (I didn't ask why, just chuckled like I got the joke). Just wanted to clarify that wasn't a term I made up!! :)
Monday, December 04, 2006
Immigration...
Okay, this is a huge issue for our country right now. Here's my two cents. No, I don't like that there are people here illegally. I certainly don't like my tax dollars going towards that. I enjoy talk radio some, and that's about all you'll hear in the afternoons on 99.7 is ranting about the Mexicans that don't speak English. I totally get the political problems and financial and even legal problems they pose. And, I do think ENGLISH should be our national language... BUT... I also have somewhat of a soft heart for a couple of reasons.
First of all, we lived in TX for four years. Two of those years I taught in an EXTREMELY low income school where many of my students were probably illegals or whose families were. They'd be gone to Mexico for a month during Christmas break. Most of their parents did not speak English at all, and we had to have translators for conferences. I really love the Hispanic culture. The parents are actually respectful of the role of the teacher and just want the best for their kids - unlike MANY American parents! They are a quiet, appreciative group. And great food....! I will say when we lived in the ghetto house and they had big parties every Saturday night it was a tad annoying, but I loved their culture. And, I loved those kids. They came from so little and worked very hard for everything they got. Most parents worked 2-3 jobs doing whatever they could to make ends meet. I just really respect them.
The other is what I've noticed recently. Being in an unfinished subdivision, there are about three houses right around us still under construction. Most of the men are Hispanics. I've noticed two things about them. 1) They are VERY hard workers... one day I watched them RUNNING huge bricko (?) blocks up and down hills, tossing them to the next person and building with them very quickly, nonstop for HOURS. They are hard, hard workers. And 2) We have put out several things in the trash (some Christmas decorations last week and a boxspring and mattress set today), and within minutes they were picked up by the workers.
I think that "Mexicans" are not really ruining our country. We are ruining our country. Most of us have become very lazy; honest work is no longer considered to be honorable. Americans want to be in charge and telling someone else to do the grunt work. Whole books are written about how to delgate! We've become afraid of hard work, and the Hispanics are simply grabbing the jobs that we refuse to take.
Also, we are spoiled. Who would be satisfied with a used mattress from someone's trash? (And being my sanitary germo-phobe self, I would be the first in line to say I'd rather sleep on the floor than someone else's old mattress!) Many Hispanics have recently come from poverty. Some of my kids in TX had houses in America with dirt floors! Like in DFW! And it was far better than their houses in Mexico. Mexico has deplorable living conditions which makes them so much more appreciative for anything they have, used or not! We, as a country, have to have the newest and best. There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, but it's gotten to the point of being spoiled in many instances.
America is deteriorating not because of who is coming in, but what we are allowing to happen as a society. We are becoming weaker because we are not sticking to the same beliefs and ethics that this country was built upon. Too many people are hating the Hispanics for taking advantages of opportunities. I know there is work to be done, and I do think something has to be done to make our borders stronger. But, who can blame them?
Okay, this is a huge issue for our country right now. Here's my two cents. No, I don't like that there are people here illegally. I certainly don't like my tax dollars going towards that. I enjoy talk radio some, and that's about all you'll hear in the afternoons on 99.7 is ranting about the Mexicans that don't speak English. I totally get the political problems and financial and even legal problems they pose. And, I do think ENGLISH should be our national language... BUT... I also have somewhat of a soft heart for a couple of reasons.
First of all, we lived in TX for four years. Two of those years I taught in an EXTREMELY low income school where many of my students were probably illegals or whose families were. They'd be gone to Mexico for a month during Christmas break. Most of their parents did not speak English at all, and we had to have translators for conferences. I really love the Hispanic culture. The parents are actually respectful of the role of the teacher and just want the best for their kids - unlike MANY American parents! They are a quiet, appreciative group. And great food....! I will say when we lived in the ghetto house and they had big parties every Saturday night it was a tad annoying, but I loved their culture. And, I loved those kids. They came from so little and worked very hard for everything they got. Most parents worked 2-3 jobs doing whatever they could to make ends meet. I just really respect them.
The other is what I've noticed recently. Being in an unfinished subdivision, there are about three houses right around us still under construction. Most of the men are Hispanics. I've noticed two things about them. 1) They are VERY hard workers... one day I watched them RUNNING huge bricko (?) blocks up and down hills, tossing them to the next person and building with them very quickly, nonstop for HOURS. They are hard, hard workers. And 2) We have put out several things in the trash (some Christmas decorations last week and a boxspring and mattress set today), and within minutes they were picked up by the workers.
I think that "Mexicans" are not really ruining our country. We are ruining our country. Most of us have become very lazy; honest work is no longer considered to be honorable. Americans want to be in charge and telling someone else to do the grunt work. Whole books are written about how to delgate! We've become afraid of hard work, and the Hispanics are simply grabbing the jobs that we refuse to take.
Also, we are spoiled. Who would be satisfied with a used mattress from someone's trash? (And being my sanitary germo-phobe self, I would be the first in line to say I'd rather sleep on the floor than someone else's old mattress!) Many Hispanics have recently come from poverty. Some of my kids in TX had houses in America with dirt floors! Like in DFW! And it was far better than their houses in Mexico. Mexico has deplorable living conditions which makes them so much more appreciative for anything they have, used or not! We, as a country, have to have the newest and best. There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, but it's gotten to the point of being spoiled in many instances.
America is deteriorating not because of who is coming in, but what we are allowing to happen as a society. We are becoming weaker because we are not sticking to the same beliefs and ethics that this country was built upon. Too many people are hating the Hispanics for taking advantages of opportunities. I know there is work to be done, and I do think something has to be done to make our borders stronger. But, who can blame them?
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Have you ever come in to put on your contacts in the morning only to find that one of your contacts is not in the case? You look around and find it in some random place on the sink or the vanity... you think you got it on your finger and into the case, but you didn't. It's all wrinkled and dry... For years this has happened to me, and I've always tossed them in the trash. If this is you, I come bringing good news and joyful tidings..... :)
You can stick the contact back in the solution, leave it for the day and TA DA!!! it's as good as new! This has happened TWICE in the last couple of weeks with me - to the same contact! Each time I just stick it in solution, and it's as good as new! It's a whole new world! :)
You can stick the contact back in the solution, leave it for the day and TA DA!!! it's as good as new! This has happened TWICE in the last couple of weeks with me - to the same contact! Each time I just stick it in solution, and it's as good as new! It's a whole new world! :)
Saturday, December 02, 2006
I heard that they are now passing a law that older drivers (and older is defined as someone over 55!!) will now have to attend a two day (six hour total) driving course whenever they get a ticket to try and curb older people on the road that shouldn't be due to lowered mental capabilities. First, isn't 55 a little young for that???? Second, discrimination! Regular drivers have to go to a two hour class. This is in Nashville BTW. This was being debated on 99.7. Someone brought up that people should have to retest once they reach a certain age. I agree! I think maybe starting at age 60, people should have to retest every five years and/or whenever they get a ticket or a violation of some sorts. But, here is the reason why I think that will NEVER happen. I went to go get my new TN driver's license a few months back and there was a FOUR hour wait!!! And, I hear it's ALWAYS like that!! So, who has time for that? Much less adding required retestings for everyone over the age of 55?? It will never happen (my opinion)! Instead, they make everyone go to classes. I think this is a lame law....
Monday, November 20, 2006
We have our computer at home!! It's amazing what a difference it makes. I'm not staying on here a ton tonight, but hopefully this weekend I'll get some pictures up.
I do want to get those skydiving pics up. I finally got my video this past week, and it was fun to watch. I'm ready to go again. I want Halloween pics up too!
Two day week this week with Thanksgiving holidays, and I'm so excited! I told the kids today that I am a million times more excited than them about the two day week. Not to get away from them, but just to be home and enjoy my family. I used this approach to try and settle them down, but it didn't accomplish much. They were so hyper today!!!
Well, I've got to make a grocery list for all of our Thanksgiving dinners (three!). And to do the bills - whoo hoo! Fun evening, eh? :)
I do want to get those skydiving pics up. I finally got my video this past week, and it was fun to watch. I'm ready to go again. I want Halloween pics up too!
Two day week this week with Thanksgiving holidays, and I'm so excited! I told the kids today that I am a million times more excited than them about the two day week. Not to get away from them, but just to be home and enjoy my family. I used this approach to try and settle them down, but it didn't accomplish much. They were so hyper today!!!
Well, I've got to make a grocery list for all of our Thanksgiving dinners (three!). And to do the bills - whoo hoo! Fun evening, eh? :)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Happy Birthday to three! I have three people I know whose birthdays are today. Rachel (my sister), Jason Hayes, and Alyson! Happy Birthday to all three! Interesting - I wonder if they were all Valentines babies - Feb 14th + 9 months = Nov 14th.....
So, speaking of birthdays... I've had some thoughts as I am am approaching my older years. I've sailed over the brink of thirty with no major mishaps as of yet. I have found a few more grey hairs as of late which I promptly pulled out and haven't parted my hair the same way since. My sister and Jason Hayes are both turning 29 while sweet young Alyson is hitting 16 (I left off her last name for minor protection...). So, both Jason and Rachel will be enjoying their last years in their twenties.
So, my thirties are not that hard to imagine. Many have said they love their thirties because the "tough" years of your twenties are over. Most of us feel more settled in life and have homes and families that are beginning to be established. So, I can get where our thirties will be good. "These are the days we'll remember" to quote the song from Cheaper by the Dozen. I believe it!
It is crazy to think what will happen in this next decade of life. Our kids will be 13 and 11 at the end of this decade the Lord willing - geez louise! A thirteen year old girl in my household can't be good! And then my forties will put them at 23 and 21. I could be attending my children's weddings by then. Even that though is somewhat believable.
What I can't get to is being like 80 or 90. Both of my grandmothers are active and healthy and are very involved in their churches and communities. They are both in their 70's. I think 70's are still "young". I would definitely not define 70 as "old" and perhaps even 80's. I guess what is unfathomable is the culture of that age group. What will my generation be stuck on? Today's "older" generation have seen rights given to women and blacks. They've seen a huge burst of technology. My grandma has a computer and does email - she even forwards me things sometimes! I think that's awesome!
The one "cultural" old lady thing I definitely do not get is that red hat society. I get the whole message, I'm old and I'll do what I darn well please. I definitely have some respect for that mentality. But, they are "prove" their independence by taking trips to the museum, eating out at tea places for lunch, and having garden parties. They are still the stereotypical old ladies that get together - they just have tacky clothing on while they are doing the same things they are in theory rebelling against aren't they? Red and purple??? And the big gaudy accessories that go with it? It's almost as bad as being at a UT game. It would be a toss up to see who is tackiest!
The older I get the more I do truly believe that age is a state of mind - hence my decison to go sky diving on my 30th birthday. And I'll do something even crazier for my 40th and maybe even 35 - not that skydiving is that crazy really. But, I truly believe that the moment I decide -I can't do that, I'm too old for that, that's too scary, that's too crazy - that I start to age a bit mentally. I never want to get to the point where I am afraid to do something.
I know some of you smarty pants will say that I griped about the crocodile guy and said he did dangerous things and risked death all the time. Someone wrote on there about me going to Africa and petting the cheetahs and wasn't that the same (although they posted anonymously which bugs me). And, no, it wasn't the same. I was petting a cheetah many people had petted before and I was doing so while a park ranger was standing behind me with a loaded shotgun. And, no, I didn't have children. Steve Irwin was swimming in open waters petting and exploring animals perhaps never touched by man. Hence the thrill of his show. It would be a boring show him petting the stingrays at Opry Mills, eh? And, I NEVER meant or implied that he deserved to die, I just said that when you undertake something of that nature, you know the risks that go along with it. I read an interview where the guy with him on the boat said they had always talked about that WHEN Steve Irwin were to die, it would be on open waters because he wasn't as strong in the water and with marine life as he was with land animals. And, I definitely respect that risk-taking. My point was that I didn't get why people were so absolutely shocked. That's all. He had a very risky occupation.
So, sky-diving, yes there's a risk with it which is what I enjoy. It's what helps me feel that I'm not letting myself become afraid of things in my old age. :) That's why I enjoy it. My aunt and Mamaw both lectured me about it and didn't want me going "because I have children." I can see a point to that. But, statistically, there are a nominal amount of deaths associated with sky-diving compared to driving in a car, flying in an airplane, or even having an unhealthy diet without exercise. It's a calculated risk with someone hooked to me that is an expert, a parachute, and a backup parachute. After doing it, I think even moreso that skydiving is insanely safe. More on that when I get those pictures posted.
I think everyone should do something to stay young in your frame of mind. I think we have to guard against getting set in our ways and living life in a rut. Live life abundantly! Experience more than our tiny corner of the world. There's so much out there! My 35 or 40 year old thing I want to do is maybe rappelling or rock climbing (not the at the mall kind), but I think Jason wants to do something like that too for his. But, I really want to go on a vacation with something like Adventure Junkies where the entire week/weekend is filled with those kinds of things. It's physically demanding. It's like an overnight hike, kyaking (another thing I want to do soon), bicycling, skydiving, rapelling, etc all in one action-packed week. They even give you a training regimen to do in preparation for the trip. How awesome is that?????!!!!!
So, share your thoughts on old age or young age or what you do to stay young at heart and mind.
So, speaking of birthdays... I've had some thoughts as I am am approaching my older years. I've sailed over the brink of thirty with no major mishaps as of yet. I have found a few more grey hairs as of late which I promptly pulled out and haven't parted my hair the same way since. My sister and Jason Hayes are both turning 29 while sweet young Alyson is hitting 16 (I left off her last name for minor protection...). So, both Jason and Rachel will be enjoying their last years in their twenties.
So, my thirties are not that hard to imagine. Many have said they love their thirties because the "tough" years of your twenties are over. Most of us feel more settled in life and have homes and families that are beginning to be established. So, I can get where our thirties will be good. "These are the days we'll remember" to quote the song from Cheaper by the Dozen. I believe it!
It is crazy to think what will happen in this next decade of life. Our kids will be 13 and 11 at the end of this decade the Lord willing - geez louise! A thirteen year old girl in my household can't be good! And then my forties will put them at 23 and 21. I could be attending my children's weddings by then. Even that though is somewhat believable.
What I can't get to is being like 80 or 90. Both of my grandmothers are active and healthy and are very involved in their churches and communities. They are both in their 70's. I think 70's are still "young". I would definitely not define 70 as "old" and perhaps even 80's. I guess what is unfathomable is the culture of that age group. What will my generation be stuck on? Today's "older" generation have seen rights given to women and blacks. They've seen a huge burst of technology. My grandma has a computer and does email - she even forwards me things sometimes! I think that's awesome!
The one "cultural" old lady thing I definitely do not get is that red hat society. I get the whole message, I'm old and I'll do what I darn well please. I definitely have some respect for that mentality. But, they are "prove" their independence by taking trips to the museum, eating out at tea places for lunch, and having garden parties. They are still the stereotypical old ladies that get together - they just have tacky clothing on while they are doing the same things they are in theory rebelling against aren't they? Red and purple??? And the big gaudy accessories that go with it? It's almost as bad as being at a UT game. It would be a toss up to see who is tackiest!
The older I get the more I do truly believe that age is a state of mind - hence my decison to go sky diving on my 30th birthday. And I'll do something even crazier for my 40th and maybe even 35 - not that skydiving is that crazy really. But, I truly believe that the moment I decide -I can't do that, I'm too old for that, that's too scary, that's too crazy - that I start to age a bit mentally. I never want to get to the point where I am afraid to do something.
I know some of you smarty pants will say that I griped about the crocodile guy and said he did dangerous things and risked death all the time. Someone wrote on there about me going to Africa and petting the cheetahs and wasn't that the same (although they posted anonymously which bugs me). And, no, it wasn't the same. I was petting a cheetah many people had petted before and I was doing so while a park ranger was standing behind me with a loaded shotgun. And, no, I didn't have children. Steve Irwin was swimming in open waters petting and exploring animals perhaps never touched by man. Hence the thrill of his show. It would be a boring show him petting the stingrays at Opry Mills, eh? And, I NEVER meant or implied that he deserved to die, I just said that when you undertake something of that nature, you know the risks that go along with it. I read an interview where the guy with him on the boat said they had always talked about that WHEN Steve Irwin were to die, it would be on open waters because he wasn't as strong in the water and with marine life as he was with land animals. And, I definitely respect that risk-taking. My point was that I didn't get why people were so absolutely shocked. That's all. He had a very risky occupation.
So, sky-diving, yes there's a risk with it which is what I enjoy. It's what helps me feel that I'm not letting myself become afraid of things in my old age. :) That's why I enjoy it. My aunt and Mamaw both lectured me about it and didn't want me going "because I have children." I can see a point to that. But, statistically, there are a nominal amount of deaths associated with sky-diving compared to driving in a car, flying in an airplane, or even having an unhealthy diet without exercise. It's a calculated risk with someone hooked to me that is an expert, a parachute, and a backup parachute. After doing it, I think even moreso that skydiving is insanely safe. More on that when I get those pictures posted.
I think everyone should do something to stay young in your frame of mind. I think we have to guard against getting set in our ways and living life in a rut. Live life abundantly! Experience more than our tiny corner of the world. There's so much out there! My 35 or 40 year old thing I want to do is maybe rappelling or rock climbing (not the at the mall kind), but I think Jason wants to do something like that too for his. But, I really want to go on a vacation with something like Adventure Junkies where the entire week/weekend is filled with those kinds of things. It's physically demanding. It's like an overnight hike, kyaking (another thing I want to do soon), bicycling, skydiving, rapelling, etc all in one action-packed week. They even give you a training regimen to do in preparation for the trip. How awesome is that?????!!!!!
So, share your thoughts on old age or young age or what you do to stay young at heart and mind.
Monday, November 13, 2006
I'm Baaaaccckkk....
Okay, so I'm going to do better about blogging now. I just discovered I can type a quick message from school, but I just can't view any blogs from school. Website restrictions and all...
I am going to get caught up on blogs. Since there are so many to catch up on, I'm probably going to go back and date them accordingly. Such as Halloween pics will be on Halloween... so keep your eyes peeled!
I have a VERY important question. I heard this "figure of speech" the other day and had never heard it. I want to know if it is a legitimate figure of speech that I've missed out on or one that was just a weird use of the wrong word. SO, this is very important to me for reasons which I will explain at a later date. PLEASE RESPOND!!!
The phrase was, "Tomorrow is going to be a gentleman." It was used as in, "Tomorrow is going to be a crazy day." So, anyone ever heard that, used that? Tomorrow is going to be a gentleman? It doesn't make a bit of sense to me!
Please post a quick response!
Okay, so I'm going to do better about blogging now. I just discovered I can type a quick message from school, but I just can't view any blogs from school. Website restrictions and all...
I am going to get caught up on blogs. Since there are so many to catch up on, I'm probably going to go back and date them accordingly. Such as Halloween pics will be on Halloween... so keep your eyes peeled!
I have a VERY important question. I heard this "figure of speech" the other day and had never heard it. I want to know if it is a legitimate figure of speech that I've missed out on or one that was just a weird use of the wrong word. SO, this is very important to me for reasons which I will explain at a later date. PLEASE RESPOND!!!
The phrase was, "Tomorrow is going to be a gentleman." It was used as in, "Tomorrow is going to be a crazy day." So, anyone ever heard that, used that? Tomorrow is going to be a gentleman? It doesn't make a bit of sense to me!
Please post a quick response!
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Stay at Home Mom vs. The Working Mom, Part Five
What's Your Point?
So, what is my point? Just to tell you pros and cons of different times of mothering in my life? NOPE!
First of all, I think working moms often misunderstand the role and challenges of staying at home and vice-versa. Both groups of women in general have times that they believe the other is making the wrong choice. I heard a whole radio station show one time where the working moms were debating the stay at home moms about whose job was harder and who had the bigger challenge and who was right! Why would we get into attacking each other like that?
I've been guilty of this judgement. My opinion during the time I was finally able to stay home was that all women should be at home. Any woman who said they "couldn't" stay home was just a cop-out. Anyone could stay home if they really wanted to. And, it never looks good on paper budget-wise, you just have to step out in faith and do it. That may be true in many cases, but I am a living testament that this isn't always true. There are some times that a woman just has to work.
I, having stayed home, know that it's not the piece of cake that many working women feel it is. I've heard working women say that staying home is just easier and a lot less pressure. I think this can depend on your marriage. If a working woman's husband is one who believes the woman does everything no matter what, then yes, that could be difficult. In my case, I have a fabulous husband, and he has taken over a lot of the responsibilities! He does more than I do around here right now! It's tough being home with the kids all day! It's really a full time job. And there is NEVER as much time as you think.
My personal belief is that my heart is designed to be at home - I think it's the heart of the woman to make the home the priority. Not that some women aren't called to work, but I think most women are designed to raise their children and keep their home a safe haven for their husbands. Some women can do that very effectively while working part time or from home, and some can do it while working full time. But, obviously the more time and energy you have available, the more your family is able to get. I have seen women who just needed to get out and work as well - at least a few hours a week. My point is that I believe it is the woman's responsibility to be the primary "home-maker" - it takes some women more hours to do that I guess.
The only thing I have come to believe is wrong is being somewhere long term where your heart doesn't belong. Working for years and years when your heart desires to be at home is wrong for your family - if we are not able to be who God has designed us to be, we become ineffective, unhappy, and simply unpleasant people to be around. That's the key to life - to be where God has called you! On the same token, if your heart is at work, and that's what drives you, then go to work! If that's the way God has shaped you, then working is what you should be doing.
I also feel that there are times when God may call us out of either role to slip into the other for a temporary time. I think the key to this, especially for me, is accepting that role with contentment. Being content. I think it's something that a lot of women struggle with. A bigger house, more or less kids, clothing or accessories, etc. God just wants us to be content and thankful for the MANY blessings we have. So, being content in a hard situation is a great testament to our faith and love for Christ.
Finally, I think it is VERY wrong for anyone to criticize anyone else for the way they are living their lives. SAHMs shouldn't criticize WM and vice versa. We should examine our hearts for judgement of anyone and ask God to help us with that area. Most importantly, we never know the situations that require or cause a woman to work or stay home, and we don't know the plan that God has for her life. I think that women tend to attack each other about this issue because they want to be affirmed that their decision is right. It's like the whole breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding issue that so many women debate about. Who's right? Such guilt and pressure can be associated with these issues, but it's still the same issue at heart.
Women want to feel they are doing the best for their kids and their families. Women want to be lifted up and encouraged. Instead of judging someone else for their position, let's lift each other up - as women and as sisters in Christ!
What's Your Point?
So, what is my point? Just to tell you pros and cons of different times of mothering in my life? NOPE!
First of all, I think working moms often misunderstand the role and challenges of staying at home and vice-versa. Both groups of women in general have times that they believe the other is making the wrong choice. I heard a whole radio station show one time where the working moms were debating the stay at home moms about whose job was harder and who had the bigger challenge and who was right! Why would we get into attacking each other like that?
I've been guilty of this judgement. My opinion during the time I was finally able to stay home was that all women should be at home. Any woman who said they "couldn't" stay home was just a cop-out. Anyone could stay home if they really wanted to. And, it never looks good on paper budget-wise, you just have to step out in faith and do it. That may be true in many cases, but I am a living testament that this isn't always true. There are some times that a woman just has to work.
I, having stayed home, know that it's not the piece of cake that many working women feel it is. I've heard working women say that staying home is just easier and a lot less pressure. I think this can depend on your marriage. If a working woman's husband is one who believes the woman does everything no matter what, then yes, that could be difficult. In my case, I have a fabulous husband, and he has taken over a lot of the responsibilities! He does more than I do around here right now! It's tough being home with the kids all day! It's really a full time job. And there is NEVER as much time as you think.
My personal belief is that my heart is designed to be at home - I think it's the heart of the woman to make the home the priority. Not that some women aren't called to work, but I think most women are designed to raise their children and keep their home a safe haven for their husbands. Some women can do that very effectively while working part time or from home, and some can do it while working full time. But, obviously the more time and energy you have available, the more your family is able to get. I have seen women who just needed to get out and work as well - at least a few hours a week. My point is that I believe it is the woman's responsibility to be the primary "home-maker" - it takes some women more hours to do that I guess.
The only thing I have come to believe is wrong is being somewhere long term where your heart doesn't belong. Working for years and years when your heart desires to be at home is wrong for your family - if we are not able to be who God has designed us to be, we become ineffective, unhappy, and simply unpleasant people to be around. That's the key to life - to be where God has called you! On the same token, if your heart is at work, and that's what drives you, then go to work! If that's the way God has shaped you, then working is what you should be doing.
I also feel that there are times when God may call us out of either role to slip into the other for a temporary time. I think the key to this, especially for me, is accepting that role with contentment. Being content. I think it's something that a lot of women struggle with. A bigger house, more or less kids, clothing or accessories, etc. God just wants us to be content and thankful for the MANY blessings we have. So, being content in a hard situation is a great testament to our faith and love for Christ.
Finally, I think it is VERY wrong for anyone to criticize anyone else for the way they are living their lives. SAHMs shouldn't criticize WM and vice versa. We should examine our hearts for judgement of anyone and ask God to help us with that area. Most importantly, we never know the situations that require or cause a woman to work or stay home, and we don't know the plan that God has for her life. I think that women tend to attack each other about this issue because they want to be affirmed that their decision is right. It's like the whole breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding issue that so many women debate about. Who's right? Such guilt and pressure can be associated with these issues, but it's still the same issue at heart.
Women want to feel they are doing the best for their kids and their families. Women want to be lifted up and encouraged. Instead of judging someone else for their position, let's lift each other up - as women and as sisters in Christ!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The Stay at Home Mom vs. The Working Mom, Part Four
WORKING - The second time!
So, here I am again, working! I find the same challenges - balancing family, figuring out how to get it all in, missing my kids like crazy. My day starts around 5:30 am, I try to leave by 6 or 6:15 every morning. I get to work, rush off as soon as school is out to relieve Lori, get home around 4:00, figure out something for dinner, and try to enjoy the four or five hours with the kids. I get the kids down and then spend a couple of hours grading papers or working on something for school. Asleep at midnight or so, then up again! I'm tired mostly! And, I feel pulled ministry wise. I want to be doing so much more with my Connect Group girls, but I don't have the time to spend. AND I miss my friends!!! Being away from my kids during the day does not lend me to wanting to leave them with a sitter at night or even with just Jason. I need that time with me and feel they need it with me. It doesn't leave as much time to just enjoy my girlfriends - I MISS YOU ALL!!! :)
Lest I sound negative, working has its benefits. It's great to feel productive and that I'm making a difference somewhere other than my laundry. I love facing challenges throughout the day, and I truly love love love to teach! I love getting to help a child or a parent figure out a problem or work on a issue they are having. I enjoy the pace of the day and having a lot to think about and figure out. And, being in a great school certainly helps. My confidence as a teacher has really grown from the last environment I was in. And, the money definitely helps ease some tension around here.
But, my heart is at home!
WORKING - The second time!
So, here I am again, working! I find the same challenges - balancing family, figuring out how to get it all in, missing my kids like crazy. My day starts around 5:30 am, I try to leave by 6 or 6:15 every morning. I get to work, rush off as soon as school is out to relieve Lori, get home around 4:00, figure out something for dinner, and try to enjoy the four or five hours with the kids. I get the kids down and then spend a couple of hours grading papers or working on something for school. Asleep at midnight or so, then up again! I'm tired mostly! And, I feel pulled ministry wise. I want to be doing so much more with my Connect Group girls, but I don't have the time to spend. AND I miss my friends!!! Being away from my kids during the day does not lend me to wanting to leave them with a sitter at night or even with just Jason. I need that time with me and feel they need it with me. It doesn't leave as much time to just enjoy my girlfriends - I MISS YOU ALL!!! :)
Lest I sound negative, working has its benefits. It's great to feel productive and that I'm making a difference somewhere other than my laundry. I love facing challenges throughout the day, and I truly love love love to teach! I love getting to help a child or a parent figure out a problem or work on a issue they are having. I enjoy the pace of the day and having a lot to think about and figure out. And, being in a great school certainly helps. My confidence as a teacher has really grown from the last environment I was in. And, the money definitely helps ease some tension around here.
But, my heart is at home!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Stay at Home Mom vs. The Working Mom, Part Three
HOME AT LAST!
When we moved to IL, I was finally able to stay home! It was a huge time of learning for me. I became involved in MOPS as soon as I moved there. I could not get enough of that daily mom interaction. I had friends who really helped me learn and cope with staying home. It was definitely a lifestyle to get used to. Staying home was drastically different. I remembered hearing other moms talk about the "trapped" feeling home with a cranky baby all day. Now, Katie Beth was hardly cranky. But, with her being two, I definitely still had a demanding boss. God really grew my patience during this time! :) I remember during one particularly challenging day, I for a split second thought that I would have rather been at work teaching. But, then I heard God say, "Really?" I thought for a minute about all of the days of teaching, how I missed Katie Beth, and I reflected on what a blessing it had been to be at home. I came to the realization that my worst day at home was still better than my best day at work. I was so glad to be home.
Before too long, I was pregnant with Everett. I was so grateful to not be working! I was so sick! Being home was much more convenient except trying to keep Katie Beth entertained in bed beside me. Home with two was a much bigger challenge, but one we all adjusted to.
Moving to TN was great as we were closer to family. I didn't get involved with MOPS as I just felt so overwhelmed. But the kids were both in MDO one day a week (Katie Beth two), and I had time for myself and time to share with them. It felt much more balanced.
The things I really appreciated about being able to be home was that I was able to really serve my family. I really tried, although it didn't always happen, to have the house cleaned, laundry done, and a semi-decent meal cooked by the time Jason got home. It was so nice to spend our time in the afternoons and evenings just playing with the kids instead of having to deal with bills or cleaning or STUFF. I also was able to get all the grocery shopping, errand running, etc done during the week which left our weekends free. This was great for our family. It made our time together quality time and strengthened us all. I loved getting to exercise and see friends regularly as well. I also feel I really grew spiritually - as a mother and a woman!
I think the most challenging part about being home for me was at times feeling like nothing I did was going to last. I would work all day long to get laundry, meals, cleaning, etc done and at the end of the day, there was always more to do. Preparing, serving, and cleaning up after three meals a day kept me feeling like I was in the kitchen. Especially with a toddler who lets you know he's finished by throwing food - you have to be fast with him! And, there were days when I missed using my brain - or those analytical parts that don't get used as much. I would do math puzzles or suduko or IQ tests just to try to keep it exercised! I remember missing wearing cute clothes and going to work. Finances were stricter too. BUT, all of these things were minor struggles. There were times I got frustrated, but for the majority of the time, I loved being home. I really saw that time as a blessing. A huge one!
HOME AT LAST!
When we moved to IL, I was finally able to stay home! It was a huge time of learning for me. I became involved in MOPS as soon as I moved there. I could not get enough of that daily mom interaction. I had friends who really helped me learn and cope with staying home. It was definitely a lifestyle to get used to. Staying home was drastically different. I remembered hearing other moms talk about the "trapped" feeling home with a cranky baby all day. Now, Katie Beth was hardly cranky. But, with her being two, I definitely still had a demanding boss. God really grew my patience during this time! :) I remember during one particularly challenging day, I for a split second thought that I would have rather been at work teaching. But, then I heard God say, "Really?" I thought for a minute about all of the days of teaching, how I missed Katie Beth, and I reflected on what a blessing it had been to be at home. I came to the realization that my worst day at home was still better than my best day at work. I was so glad to be home.
Before too long, I was pregnant with Everett. I was so grateful to not be working! I was so sick! Being home was much more convenient except trying to keep Katie Beth entertained in bed beside me. Home with two was a much bigger challenge, but one we all adjusted to.
Moving to TN was great as we were closer to family. I didn't get involved with MOPS as I just felt so overwhelmed. But the kids were both in MDO one day a week (Katie Beth two), and I had time for myself and time to share with them. It felt much more balanced.
The things I really appreciated about being able to be home was that I was able to really serve my family. I really tried, although it didn't always happen, to have the house cleaned, laundry done, and a semi-decent meal cooked by the time Jason got home. It was so nice to spend our time in the afternoons and evenings just playing with the kids instead of having to deal with bills or cleaning or STUFF. I also was able to get all the grocery shopping, errand running, etc done during the week which left our weekends free. This was great for our family. It made our time together quality time and strengthened us all. I loved getting to exercise and see friends regularly as well. I also feel I really grew spiritually - as a mother and a woman!
I think the most challenging part about being home for me was at times feeling like nothing I did was going to last. I would work all day long to get laundry, meals, cleaning, etc done and at the end of the day, there was always more to do. Preparing, serving, and cleaning up after three meals a day kept me feeling like I was in the kitchen. Especially with a toddler who lets you know he's finished by throwing food - you have to be fast with him! And, there were days when I missed using my brain - or those analytical parts that don't get used as much. I would do math puzzles or suduko or IQ tests just to try to keep it exercised! I remember missing wearing cute clothes and going to work. Finances were stricter too. BUT, all of these things were minor struggles. There were times I got frustrated, but for the majority of the time, I loved being home. I really saw that time as a blessing. A huge one!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
I HAVE A NEPHEW!!!!!!!!!!!
introducing.... Micah Dallas JONES!!!
Proud Aunt Sarah!!! 
top - the ceremony at the courthouse - look how my brother is beaming
second - Andy and Stephanie with Micah and Judge Muriel Robinson - who happens to be mine and Andy's cousin somehow
third - Micah chilling out at his party
below - Isn't Micah adorable???? I JUST LOVE HIM! Oh yeah, it was Andy's birthday yesterday. And they got to adopt Micah today! Needless to say, I forgot about Andy's birthday because I was so excited about Micah! Sorry bro!
Well, as you may have figured out, I now OFFICIALLY have an adorable nephew! Yep, a new family member has arrived weighing about 15-20 pounds and a really big baby! He can even crawl, sit up, and already eats solids!!! :)
Andy and Stephanie (my brother and his wife) had signed up to do foster parenting about this time last year. It took them a while to complete the training but by the beginning of December, they were ready. It is such a cool story because they weren't actually even in the computer system. They should have been, but there was some hang up and they weren't in. They were a little surprised they hadn't gotten any calls. Well, their caseworker called one day and asked if they wanted a brand new baby. The caseworker said he thought of Andy and Stephanie first thing. They had a lot of experience with kids - Stephanie has especially worked with small children for years. But, a brand new baby? One whose mom had been on drugs and was premature and tiny? But, they went for it! We were all so thrilled, but we were also very hesitant to get excited about the possibility of adoption. So many people wanted babies, and Andy and Stephanie weren't even looking for a permanent situation necessarily.
But, time went on, Andy and Stephanie have gone through process after process. Micah didn't suffer ANY side effects from the drugs in his mother's system, and he is now up to an acceptable weight for his age! His birth mother gave up custody, then dad never came forward, they fought red tape and legal issues. And, finally, 10 months later, Micah is OURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am tearing up just thinking about how excited I am this day has come. It's interesting to realize just how hesitant I've been to resist against getting my heart broken. I've just been careful about getting attached too much - although that's been impossible. But, now that he's ours, he's really ours, I am just flooded with such love for him and excitement. I loved him before, but knowing he is ours forever with no chance of losing him just thrills my heart to no end.
As I was experiencing these feelings this morning, I thought of our relationship with God. God, in the same way I thought, must be so thrilled when we come to accept him. When we accept Christ, the Bible says we are ADOPTED into his family as SONS. We have all the rights and privileges of sonship with our heavenly Father. Just as Andy and Stephanie will never give Micah up no matter what, even moreso with God. Just as Andy and Stephanie have loved him before this official day of adoption, they love him even more with such joy! Just as God - except that God loved us FULLY while we were still sinners! He didn't guard his heart against loving us too much, He didn't worry about loving us and his heart breaking. He just loved and sent his Son to die for us. He does hurt when some reject him. And, he does rejoice even moreso than we ever could when we are finally ADOPTED into the family. He is thrilled when we are finally HIS! Once we are his, we are in his hand, our names are written in the Book of Life, and NOTHING can take us away. If we rejoice in the earthly adoption of a sweet baby, just imagine God's joy at knowing he has us for eternity! No wonder the angels rejoice when someone is saved - I can just hear them praising and singing, "He's (or she) is ours! They are ours! They are on our side! They will be with us forever!!!" This is what I was thinking this morning and all day about Micah. I'm just so thrilled, but it is amazing to think of how much greater God's love is over our own decisions to come to him! WHOO HOO!!!
Pray for Andy, Stephanie, and Micah. They are actually right now in the process of applying/ looking into the possibility of moving to Atlanta to be houseparents in a group home for children who have been taken out of their own homes. It will be a huge move for them to be away from all of their family as well as a major life change. They are an amazing couple who I know God has blessed in a phenomenal way. They would do a great job wherever He uses them, and they have such big hearts that just want to love and care for those that need it. They both have such servant's hearts and truly get what it means to love someone else more than themselves.
I'm so proud of my baby brother and Stephanie! I so admire them both and am just thrilled for them! Now, how do we let them know that they have to leave Micah here if they leave???
Monday, October 02, 2006
The Stay at Home Mom vs. The Working Mom, Part Two
WORKING - The first time!
Well, when I found out I was pregnant, I had no initial desire to stay at home. Despite how I appreciated my own mother being at home, I also at times thought she was at home too much and could have used some socialization. Besides, what would I do all day? I was sure I would be bored stiff with just a baby to care for. My plan was to continue teaching and just have all of the time during breaks to spend with our new baby.
Our first morning home with Katie Beth, I laid down with her on the couch for a nap and it was the most surreal time with her. It had been snowing (okay, huge ice storm, but biggest one in 25 years in TX) and outside was just peaceful and white. It felt so great to be home after the hospital and some relaxing praise music was playing on the stereo. I dozed off smelling my new sweet baby girl, and I suddenly woke up panicked. I started crying to Jason, "I can't go back to work, I can't go back!" I couldn't imagine parting with this little thing. Jason essentially said, "Uh, sorry, too bad." There was no way financially at the time, and I was in the middle of the school year. I finished out the year and actually worked one more year.
It was challenging to work. I missed Katie Beth and stressed about every tiny thing the daycare workers did wrong. She went to daycare at our church so Jason was right there and fed her lunch every day. But still... it wasn't me. I missed her like crazy, but I really survived okay. I could do this! I didn't really dread work, just missed Katie Beth.
When we moved to IL, we made the commitment to stay home. More about that in a sec...
I think my biggest challenges during this stage were missing Katie Beth, and not having the connection with other moms. There were a few moms at the school I was teaching at, but I didn't have a lot of connections. I had other moms that were friends, but I just didn't see them much because I was working. ALL of our friends at church either had much older children, were early married, or many were even single. No mom friends. And our church's mom programs were during the day. It was hard to learn and grow and connect. Those were my biggest struggles. And pumping throughout the day too - sorry guys! :) Majorly hard though!
Our other hard thing as a family came because of Jason's schedule. Being a minister, he had one day off - Friday. I was working of course. Jason worked Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. It was hard to spend time together as a family. And, his hours at Fellowship were very demanding. Lots and lots and lots of late nights!
WORKING - The first time!
Well, when I found out I was pregnant, I had no initial desire to stay at home. Despite how I appreciated my own mother being at home, I also at times thought she was at home too much and could have used some socialization. Besides, what would I do all day? I was sure I would be bored stiff with just a baby to care for. My plan was to continue teaching and just have all of the time during breaks to spend with our new baby.
Our first morning home with Katie Beth, I laid down with her on the couch for a nap and it was the most surreal time with her. It had been snowing (okay, huge ice storm, but biggest one in 25 years in TX) and outside was just peaceful and white. It felt so great to be home after the hospital and some relaxing praise music was playing on the stereo. I dozed off smelling my new sweet baby girl, and I suddenly woke up panicked. I started crying to Jason, "I can't go back to work, I can't go back!" I couldn't imagine parting with this little thing. Jason essentially said, "Uh, sorry, too bad." There was no way financially at the time, and I was in the middle of the school year. I finished out the year and actually worked one more year.
It was challenging to work. I missed Katie Beth and stressed about every tiny thing the daycare workers did wrong. She went to daycare at our church so Jason was right there and fed her lunch every day. But still... it wasn't me. I missed her like crazy, but I really survived okay. I could do this! I didn't really dread work, just missed Katie Beth.
When we moved to IL, we made the commitment to stay home. More about that in a sec...
I think my biggest challenges during this stage were missing Katie Beth, and not having the connection with other moms. There were a few moms at the school I was teaching at, but I didn't have a lot of connections. I had other moms that were friends, but I just didn't see them much because I was working. ALL of our friends at church either had much older children, were early married, or many were even single. No mom friends. And our church's mom programs were during the day. It was hard to learn and grow and connect. Those were my biggest struggles. And pumping throughout the day too - sorry guys! :) Majorly hard though!
Our other hard thing as a family came because of Jason's schedule. Being a minister, he had one day off - Friday. I was working of course. Jason worked Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. It was hard to spend time together as a family. And, his hours at Fellowship were very demanding. Lots and lots and lots of late nights!
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