*after many encouraging words, I decided to go ahead and re-post the post I pulled yesterday morning. here 'tis.*
When I started this blog I really had no direction. Then I started leaning toward encouraging women, thinking maybe somehow, through some of the junk I've been through personally or that Josh and I have been through as a couple, I could help someone else.
Now, I'm realizing it's an outlet. It's a way for me to talk to someone without actually having to... talk to someone. It's easier this way because I don't have to see the eye rolls or hear the gasps or see looks of disappointment.
My heart is heavy and talking to my husband just isn't working. It's not that he doesn't understand where I'm coming from. It's just that...he's a man. And for me, to process stuff, I talk. Talk talk talk. Usually in circles. Usually it doesn't make sense. But I just need to speak. I need to get it out there. And sometimes in talking about stuff, it helps.
I'm afraid to journal my next thoughts (many of them) because my family and friends read this. But I'm going to. I'm going to put out there the real me. The ugly me. The girl that I am that I am not proud of.
But it's me.
I feel like my life is being twist-turned upside down. We leave in one week to live in 40 sq feet. And folks, that's the least of my concerns. I'm not worried about the ins and the outs of living in a semi-truck. Maybe I should be. Maybe I'm being naive about it all. But there's so much more going on.
Last Monday I told you how I'm a selfish being. You're soon to see just how selfish I am.
With permission, I tell you my sister's story.
My sister Erica and her husband Derek are moving to Seattle at the beginning of May. They'll rent a small apartment and they'll live there for a few months. Derek is sick and in need of a bone marrow transplant. His brother is a match, praise the Lord, and so the transplant can get started soon.
My sister has three small children. Ages three, two and one.
They cannot go to Seattle.
They will be moving into my home.
My mother, too.
There are no coincidences with God. None. He knows all. And He knew the timing of all of this. That my niece and nephews would need a place. That we'd have a home that would be empty five days a week.
I don't know how everything is going to work. I just know my selfish side of it. I know that for over a month I've been thinking they should move into our house. I've known I should say something.
But I didn't.
My husband brought it up. Because he's a giver. He likes to bless others with what he's been blessed with. In this case-our home.
We can't help my sister financially but our house will be here whether we are or not. We still have to pay our mortgage even if we'll only be here 10 days per month.
Last Sunday Josh presented the idea of the kids and my mom (who will be the kids' caregiver) to move into our home.
I couldn't say anything. While I know this is the right thing, it's the hard thing. This is my home and I want it to be my home for the days I get to be here. And soon, it won't be. There will be others living here and running the place. My girls' bedroom will no longer be theirs but their cousins'. My bedroom will belong to my mom. And my family of four will move to our upstairs of 495 sq ft. Bigger than 40, of this I'm aware!
This is probably the hardest thing I've had to do. And as I write I feel so ridiculous. My sister's husband is sick for crying out loud and I'm worried about my house? An earthly possession? Derek could die and I'm concerned that things will not be just so? Basically...I make me sick.
I don't know how things are going to play out. I do know that my husband is incredible. Willing to basically support two families. And he has no qualms about it. He's completely fine with it. He's glad to do it.
And then there is me. Fighting with every part of my being.
I don't like seeing this ugly side of me. I hate it. But again, this is me and this is where I am. (Lord, help me.)
So, I ask for your prayers for my sister, for Derek, for their kiddos who are about to go through a HUGE transition and for my bratty self too, if ya would.
I also ask that you praise the Lord that His timing is perfect, that Derek has a match, that my husband is amazing, and that I got to wear flip flops and a tank top today.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Monday, April 06, 2009
Pulled
Last night I wrote out a post.
At 2 a.m. I woke up unable to fall back to sleep.
I was panicked over someone reading what I'd written.
Fearful of being judged.
Fearful of hurting any family who may read it. (not that many in my own family read this)
The first thing I did when I got up this morning was to delete the post, rather...I saved it as draft.
Before I had a chance to do it I had four comments.
Jackie
Linda
Maria
Miriam
As I laid in bed last night I was sure I would have hate mail over my post.
Instead, I find that these four women have loved on and encouraged me.
I still pulled the post.
But, ladies, I want to say thank you. It was nice to know this morning that my thoughts (though not necessarily right) aren't neccessarily out of line either.
I may put the post back up, but for now, it's going to sit.
At 2 a.m. I woke up unable to fall back to sleep.
I was panicked over someone reading what I'd written.
Fearful of being judged.
Fearful of hurting any family who may read it. (not that many in my own family read this)
The first thing I did when I got up this morning was to delete the post, rather...I saved it as draft.
Before I had a chance to do it I had four comments.
Jackie
Linda
Maria
Miriam
As I laid in bed last night I was sure I would have hate mail over my post.
Instead, I find that these four women have loved on and encouraged me.
I still pulled the post.
But, ladies, I want to say thank you. It was nice to know this morning that my thoughts (though not necessarily right) aren't neccessarily out of line either.
I may put the post back up, but for now, it's going to sit.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
20 Cloves...say WHAT?!
Holy moly, have I THE most amazing recipe to share with you. (courtesy of Kraft and my SIL)
Chicken with 20 Cloves of Garlic
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1lb.)
20 cloves of garlic, peeled
3/4 C. chicken broth
1/4 C. Caesar dressing
1/4 C. grated Parmesan Cheese
Here's whatcha do:
Heat large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and gralic; cook 4 min turning after 2 minutes.
Stir in broth and dressing; cover with lid. Cook chicken 4 minutes on each side or until done (165*)
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 1 minute.
So good, peeps, SO GOOD. The garlic gets so soft and mild and yummy! And start to finish, about 30 minutes. Loved that.
I served it with roasted baby red potatoes and carrots (out of a can). Josh and I loved it and my three year old gobbled it up, too.
Head on over to Gayle's at the Grocery Cart Challenge for more yummy recipes and she has a giveaway too!
Chicken with 20 Cloves of Garlic
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1lb.)
20 cloves of garlic, peeled
3/4 C. chicken broth
1/4 C. Caesar dressing
1/4 C. grated Parmesan Cheese
Here's whatcha do:
Heat large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and gralic; cook 4 min turning after 2 minutes.
Stir in broth and dressing; cover with lid. Cook chicken 4 minutes on each side or until done (165*)
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 1 minute.
So good, peeps, SO GOOD. The garlic gets so soft and mild and yummy! And start to finish, about 30 minutes. Loved that.
I served it with roasted baby red potatoes and carrots (out of a can). Josh and I loved it and my three year old gobbled it up, too.
Head on over to Gayle's at the Grocery Cart Challenge for more yummy recipes and she has a giveaway too!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Promise Kept
In June 1998, two weeks after my high school graduation and three weeks before my wedding day, I went to Mexico on a mission trip.
Around the campfire one night I felt the Lord whisper, "you will be a mother to the motherless."
And instead of being in awe over it; being filled with excitement...I panicked.
"will I not be able to have children?"
About 18 months into our marriage a doctor told me I probably wouldn't be able to have kids (not that we were wanting to at that time but there were some medical issues and this was his diagnosis) and I remembered the words of that June night.
"so, this must mean we'll adopt." were my thoughts after hearing what the doctor had to say.
Josh and I never "tried" for a baby. Our first baby was quite a surprise to us. A blessing in disguise, really. The doctor was wrong and I was able to have two children.
But over these last ten years I've wondered, "Lord, did I not hear You right?" Did I make that up in my head?"
Never really feeling He's answered, I've just left it be.
About a year and half ago our church started an orphanage in Rwanda. Beth-Ammi "House of My People" I can't remember how many orphans there are there but there are many.
Many.
Our pastor presented that we could sponsor a child for a small amount each month. I jumped on it.
Then, a group went to Africa and came home with pictures of all the children. The photos were laid out on a table and we could pick which child we wanted to sponsor. I looked them over. Overwhelmed by how many of these sweet children have no parents.
I picked a boy.
A boy named Habineza.
For the last year or so we've sponsored Habineza and sadly, there are months I write my check out of duty rather than love. Not thinking about it and forgetting the blessing that this is for me to do this.
Until I receive a letter.
The letter is in Habineza's handwriting but then translated into English at the bottom.
Dear Josh and Sarah,
Let me praise God for giving me this opportunity of writing to you and to know if you're fine. About me, I'm fine too. Home in Rwanda; concerning the school am warding well.
Again let me take this opportunity to thank you for being my parent; and I again thank now God Who has given you this heart.
Your Child Habineza
Dear Daddy and Mummy,
I greet you in Jesus' name!!!
Once again I would like to thank you so much for being continue to be my parents. Even if I am not yet seeing you by face but am ever confient with you as God has prepared you to be my parents. I even prayed for you and for all you doing so that God may continue to strengthen you and prosoper you. I would like to inform you that I have finished my academic school year and I have succeeded.
Your Child Habineza
Even after reading those letters, tears streaming down my face, it didn't hit me. It was about a month later when I was looking at Habineza's picture on my fridge and remembering his sweet words.
Bam!
"you will be a mother to the motherless."
In the second letter he addresses us as Daddy and Mummy!!!
"you will be a mother to the motherless."
I may never get to hold that sweet boy in my arms but I am confident this is the boy the Lord was preparing my heart for those years ago around that campfire.
The Lord, He keeps His promises.
Around the campfire one night I felt the Lord whisper, "you will be a mother to the motherless."
And instead of being in awe over it; being filled with excitement...I panicked.
"will I not be able to have children?"
About 18 months into our marriage a doctor told me I probably wouldn't be able to have kids (not that we were wanting to at that time but there were some medical issues and this was his diagnosis) and I remembered the words of that June night.
"so, this must mean we'll adopt." were my thoughts after hearing what the doctor had to say.
Josh and I never "tried" for a baby. Our first baby was quite a surprise to us. A blessing in disguise, really. The doctor was wrong and I was able to have two children.
But over these last ten years I've wondered, "Lord, did I not hear You right?" Did I make that up in my head?"
Never really feeling He's answered, I've just left it be.
About a year and half ago our church started an orphanage in Rwanda. Beth-Ammi "House of My People" I can't remember how many orphans there are there but there are many.
Many.
Our pastor presented that we could sponsor a child for a small amount each month. I jumped on it.
Then, a group went to Africa and came home with pictures of all the children. The photos were laid out on a table and we could pick which child we wanted to sponsor. I looked them over. Overwhelmed by how many of these sweet children have no parents.
I picked a boy.
A boy named Habineza.
For the last year or so we've sponsored Habineza and sadly, there are months I write my check out of duty rather than love. Not thinking about it and forgetting the blessing that this is for me to do this.
Until I receive a letter.
The letter is in Habineza's handwriting but then translated into English at the bottom.
Dear Josh and Sarah,
Let me praise God for giving me this opportunity of writing to you and to know if you're fine. About me, I'm fine too. Home in Rwanda; concerning the school am warding well.
Again let me take this opportunity to thank you for being my parent; and I again thank now God Who has given you this heart.
Your Child Habineza
Dear Daddy and Mummy,
I greet you in Jesus' name!!!
Once again I would like to thank you so much for being continue to be my parents. Even if I am not yet seeing you by face but am ever confient with you as God has prepared you to be my parents. I even prayed for you and for all you doing so that God may continue to strengthen you and prosoper you. I would like to inform you that I have finished my academic school year and I have succeeded.
Your Child Habineza
Even after reading those letters, tears streaming down my face, it didn't hit me. It was about a month later when I was looking at Habineza's picture on my fridge and remembering his sweet words.
Bam!
"you will be a mother to the motherless."
In the second letter he addresses us as Daddy and Mummy!!!
"you will be a mother to the motherless."
I may never get to hold that sweet boy in my arms but I am confident this is the boy the Lord was preparing my heart for those years ago around that campfire.
The Lord, He keeps His promises.
Monday, March 30, 2009
the post without a title
it's been an emotional roller coaster lately in my life. in my heart.
even though i have an amazing amazing life, there are still struggles. some i inflict on myself, others that are actually real.
i can't recall how many times i've discussed on my blog my weight issues.
too many, i'm sure.
but i've hit a new low.
emotionally.
saturday, i didn't even want to go out in public. saturday we took family pictures with my in-laws. i was disgusted with myself being in them. saturday night a friend of mine calls to invite us to her son's birthday party for sunday. we showed up yesterday and i could hardly stand being there. she's so cute and thin. wearing the most fun outfit ever.
then there was me.
it's been a while since i've been on a scale but saturday i tried to put on a pair of my fat pants and they wouldn't button.
not a good sign.
not.at.all.
***************************
i have a bff. and lately i don't see or talk to her much and it hurts my heart more than i can say.
***************************
besides our new life changing job situation, there's more stuff coming our way that i'm not sure i'm prepared for. i'm a selfish selfish girl. i'm trying to be obedient, do what i know i should do. but my heart, well she's not in it.
***************************
treena, chad and their girls were here on saturday. they helped us get a bunch of stuff crossed off my "to do before we're never home" list. a bunch. so much that i actually feel i can breathe. it was amazing and wonderful and how do you say thank you for stuff like that?
**************************
i have a baby sister. she's not even close to being a baby. she's almost 23. i love her. like mad. i don't see or talk to her near enough. i saw her yesterday at the hospital (we were visiting our new baby cousin) and my arms just wanted to reach out and grab her and pull her to me and never let her go. but it was one of those moments when i knew it just wouldn't be welcomed.
************************
about a year ago my other sister and i finally clicked. finally became friends. if that makes sense... she was living in montana and after 20+ years i finally felt like we were friends, sisters. it was amazing. and i hated that she was so far away. then she moved. to be just 40 minutes away. and i had all these amazing plans for us to hang out all the time. and circumstances in her life have made that difficult. and now she'll be moving again. to seattle. 3 hours from me.
**************************
all these things going through my heart. feeling so sorry for me. consumed with myself that i forget to look to Jesus. consumed with all my issues. consumed with my own world. sitting in church yesterday, i couldn't even sing. couldn't participate in worship. then i look over. and i see a girl my age who is 8+ months pregnant, recently widowed. her eyes closed. her hands lifted to Jesus. a peace across her sweet face. and i just wanted to kick myself. how in the world can i be so consumed with me when this girl has been through so much and yet she praises Jesus? i haven't been thankful to the Lord for anything lately. i've been fighting Him with every ounce of my selfish being.
*************************
so, this is where i am on this monday morning. it's not pretty. but i'm documenting it. so that when the Lord sees me through it, i can document that, too.
even though i have an amazing amazing life, there are still struggles. some i inflict on myself, others that are actually real.
i can't recall how many times i've discussed on my blog my weight issues.
too many, i'm sure.
but i've hit a new low.
emotionally.
saturday, i didn't even want to go out in public. saturday we took family pictures with my in-laws. i was disgusted with myself being in them. saturday night a friend of mine calls to invite us to her son's birthday party for sunday. we showed up yesterday and i could hardly stand being there. she's so cute and thin. wearing the most fun outfit ever.
then there was me.
it's been a while since i've been on a scale but saturday i tried to put on a pair of my fat pants and they wouldn't button.
not a good sign.
not.at.all.
***************************
i have a bff. and lately i don't see or talk to her much and it hurts my heart more than i can say.
***************************
besides our new life changing job situation, there's more stuff coming our way that i'm not sure i'm prepared for. i'm a selfish selfish girl. i'm trying to be obedient, do what i know i should do. but my heart, well she's not in it.
***************************
treena, chad and their girls were here on saturday. they helped us get a bunch of stuff crossed off my "to do before we're never home" list. a bunch. so much that i actually feel i can breathe. it was amazing and wonderful and how do you say thank you for stuff like that?
**************************
i have a baby sister. she's not even close to being a baby. she's almost 23. i love her. like mad. i don't see or talk to her near enough. i saw her yesterday at the hospital (we were visiting our new baby cousin) and my arms just wanted to reach out and grab her and pull her to me and never let her go. but it was one of those moments when i knew it just wouldn't be welcomed.
************************
about a year ago my other sister and i finally clicked. finally became friends. if that makes sense... she was living in montana and after 20+ years i finally felt like we were friends, sisters. it was amazing. and i hated that she was so far away. then she moved. to be just 40 minutes away. and i had all these amazing plans for us to hang out all the time. and circumstances in her life have made that difficult. and now she'll be moving again. to seattle. 3 hours from me.
**************************
all these things going through my heart. feeling so sorry for me. consumed with myself that i forget to look to Jesus. consumed with all my issues. consumed with my own world. sitting in church yesterday, i couldn't even sing. couldn't participate in worship. then i look over. and i see a girl my age who is 8+ months pregnant, recently widowed. her eyes closed. her hands lifted to Jesus. a peace across her sweet face. and i just wanted to kick myself. how in the world can i be so consumed with me when this girl has been through so much and yet she praises Jesus? i haven't been thankful to the Lord for anything lately. i've been fighting Him with every ounce of my selfish being.
*************************
so, this is where i am on this monday morning. it's not pretty. but i'm documenting it. so that when the Lord sees me through it, i can document that, too.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
in case you haven't thrown up today
So, after reading Jackie's post about her fridge I was inspired.
After I show you today's picture you may ask me to never again post another picture.
I used to be that girl who cleaned out her fridge every week. Cleaned out the leftovers, washed and dried all the shelves. I hate a dirty, cluttered fridge. It makes me a little bit crazy. Plus, the more I have in there the less I know I have in there. Ya know? And then stuff goes bad before I get to it and I've wasted money. And I hate wasting money since our tree quit producing it about 11 years ago.
Anymore, when I get in the fridge, it's a hurry up, get in, get out before something crawls outta there!
Yes, I'm embarrassed to say, I pulled this out of my fridge. That's a prep bowl with some extremely moldy sour cream and two lemons that now look like oranges but are as hard as baseballs.
After I show you today's picture you may ask me to never again post another picture.
I used to be that girl who cleaned out her fridge every week. Cleaned out the leftovers, washed and dried all the shelves. I hate a dirty, cluttered fridge. It makes me a little bit crazy. Plus, the more I have in there the less I know I have in there. Ya know? And then stuff goes bad before I get to it and I've wasted money. And I hate wasting money since our tree quit producing it about 11 years ago.
Anymore, when I get in the fridge, it's a hurry up, get in, get out before something crawls outta there!
Yes, I'm embarrassed to say, I pulled this out of my fridge. That's a prep bowl with some extremely moldy sour cream and two lemons that now look like oranges but are as hard as baseballs. *shiver*
It took me an hour to clean out my fridge. Two waste baskets full of food (this included some of the containers because I just couldn't bear to open them!) two dishwasher loads of containers and a half full dumpster outside from those two waste baskets.
Can you say waste?!
It was ridiculous how much of that food would have been fine if we'd just eaten it instead of wasting. My lack of planning meals lately has gotten ugly and we'll either eat out or I'll make another meal even though we could have eaten last night's leftovers.
My fridge is beautiful now.
And if you come over for lunch I can make you some soy sauce with salsa with a stick of butter.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Little Late to the Party
but that's better than not partying at all, right?
Fo sho.
Ultimate Blog Party is where everyone can join in on a virtual party and tour blogs and meet new peeps. I'm all about meetin' me some new peeps. Plus, you can win prizes and I definitely love prizes.
So, if you're here for the first time...Welcome!!!! Hello. Hi. How do ya darn do?! If you frequent here often, the next bit of info is old news.
To my new friends, let me tell ya a bit about myself and my sweet fam.
I'm Sarah. If this party weren't virtual, if you were actually coming to my house to party it up I'd plan a whole big shindig, make some lists of everything I'd like to make or bake and games I'd love for us to play and then I'd completely overwhelm myself and you'd get peanuts and M&M's and possibly some water. I'd also be making a mad dash about 10 minutes before ya showed up, trying to clean my house and shove everything into one of the two bedrooms of our house.
Uh huh. Keepin' it real, yo. Keepin' it real.
My husband is Joshua. We've been married almost 11 years. He's crazy about me. And well, I'm just crazy. Kidding. I'm crazy about him too. We married when I was 18, him 20. We were young and in love and 11 years later, we're still young and by golly...still in love. Not that it's been easy. Because holy smokes it hasn't been. But Jesus, love, patience and a whole lotta prayers have gotten us where we are today.
We have two girls, ages 3 and pert near 11 months.
They are the reason I breathe.
And the reason I need a straight jacket.
Sugar and Spice as I've recently dubbed them. Couldn't be more accurate. Our 3 year old is sweet as can be. Definitely learning to assert her opinions but she's amazing and wonderful and I'm one blessed mama to call this girl mine. Spice...oh, Spice. Going on 11 months. There's no better name for her. She's horrible. But we love her. Opposite of her sister in so many ways but I'm addicted to her anyway. She's adorable and has a twinkle of naughtiness about everything she does. Had she been the firstborn, she'd be the last born. =)
I'm addicted to Iced Venti Hazelnut Breves from Starbucks. It's an illness that I may need professional help for. Seriously, I drink 20 oz. of half and half daily. That's not normal!
I love to blog, facebook, and twitter.
I love card games and hanging out with friends and family.
I love to take pictures. I love summer and flip flops. I love tattoos and have two of them myself.
I love to cook but mostly I love to eat. I love to grocery shop and write out lists. Then I write out the list again in nicer, neater handwriting.
I love music and singing at the top o' my lungs when no one is listening um, or within earshot.
Scrapbooking is a favorite past time but I don't do it nearly as often as I'd like.
I'm an oldest child and have two sisters. I was raised by my mother and am in awe that she raised my sisters and me alone.
I can't be serious for the life of me. Seriously. =) My dad drown when I was 19 and I make a joke out of it as often as possible. It makes people uncomfortable. It helps me deal.
I love road trips.
And it's a good thing because soon my sweet lil family will be living out of a 40 sq. ft. Peterbilt. Yes, 40 sq. ft. Not 400, not 4000. Forty. My husband is a truck driver through and through. He's given notice at his current job and we'll soon (like April 13th soon) be hitting the road in a semi-truck. (still not sure why it's called a semi when it's a huge full blown truck, but whatev) We'll be gone five days a week, living in a green 1997 Peterbilt. Double bunks. Fridge. Microwave. Stereo. And a laptop so I can blog OTR (over the road).
We're stoked for our new life. Our new adventure. I'll blog daily about where we are and what we're hauling, who we're meeting, and if we can actually live in 40 sq. feet without killing one another.
So, there's a bit about me.
Thanks for visiting, I'm glad you've stopped by, leave me a comment so I can visit your blog too!
And the free prizes I'd like to win....
#50
#68
#71
Fo sho.
Ultimate Blog Party is where everyone can join in on a virtual party and tour blogs and meet new peeps. I'm all about meetin' me some new peeps. Plus, you can win prizes and I definitely love prizes.
So, if you're here for the first time...Welcome!!!! Hello. Hi. How do ya darn do?! If you frequent here often, the next bit of info is old news.
To my new friends, let me tell ya a bit about myself and my sweet fam.
I'm Sarah. If this party weren't virtual, if you were actually coming to my house to party it up I'd plan a whole big shindig, make some lists of everything I'd like to make or bake and games I'd love for us to play and then I'd completely overwhelm myself and you'd get peanuts and M&M's and possibly some water. I'd also be making a mad dash about 10 minutes before ya showed up, trying to clean my house and shove everything into one of the two bedrooms of our house.
Uh huh. Keepin' it real, yo. Keepin' it real.
My husband is Joshua. We've been married almost 11 years. He's crazy about me. And well, I'm just crazy. Kidding. I'm crazy about him too. We married when I was 18, him 20. We were young and in love and 11 years later, we're still young and by golly...still in love. Not that it's been easy. Because holy smokes it hasn't been. But Jesus, love, patience and a whole lotta prayers have gotten us where we are today.
We have two girls, ages 3 and pert near 11 months.
They are the reason I breathe.
And the reason I need a straight jacket.
Sugar and Spice as I've recently dubbed them. Couldn't be more accurate. Our 3 year old is sweet as can be. Definitely learning to assert her opinions but she's amazing and wonderful and I'm one blessed mama to call this girl mine. Spice...oh, Spice. Going on 11 months. There's no better name for her. She's horrible. But we love her. Opposite of her sister in so many ways but I'm addicted to her anyway. She's adorable and has a twinkle of naughtiness about everything she does. Had she been the firstborn, she'd be the last born. =)
I'm addicted to Iced Venti Hazelnut Breves from Starbucks. It's an illness that I may need professional help for. Seriously, I drink 20 oz. of half and half daily. That's not normal!
I love to blog, facebook, and twitter.
I love card games and hanging out with friends and family.
I love to take pictures. I love summer and flip flops. I love tattoos and have two of them myself.
I love to cook but mostly I love to eat. I love to grocery shop and write out lists. Then I write out the list again in nicer, neater handwriting.
I love music and singing at the top o' my lungs when no one is listening um, or within earshot.
Scrapbooking is a favorite past time but I don't do it nearly as often as I'd like.
I'm an oldest child and have two sisters. I was raised by my mother and am in awe that she raised my sisters and me alone.
I can't be serious for the life of me. Seriously. =) My dad drown when I was 19 and I make a joke out of it as often as possible. It makes people uncomfortable. It helps me deal.
I love road trips.
And it's a good thing because soon my sweet lil family will be living out of a 40 sq. ft. Peterbilt. Yes, 40 sq. ft. Not 400, not 4000. Forty. My husband is a truck driver through and through. He's given notice at his current job and we'll soon (like April 13th soon) be hitting the road in a semi-truck. (still not sure why it's called a semi when it's a huge full blown truck, but whatev) We'll be gone five days a week, living in a green 1997 Peterbilt. Double bunks. Fridge. Microwave. Stereo. And a laptop so I can blog OTR (over the road).
We're stoked for our new life. Our new adventure. I'll blog daily about where we are and what we're hauling, who we're meeting, and if we can actually live in 40 sq. feet without killing one another.
So, there's a bit about me.
Thanks for visiting, I'm glad you've stopped by, leave me a comment so I can visit your blog too!
And the free prizes I'd like to win....
#50
#68
#71
It was bound to happen
I'm sure I have at least one male reader, possibly two.
Dear Male Reader(s),
I'd exit this blog, like stat.
Sincerely,
Sarah
No, really. You'll want to go now.
Hopefully they've left. If not, they'll wish they had. And probably any females too.
Oh well.
One of the perks of being a nursing mama is that your menstrual cycle does not return until you taper off or quit nursing altogether. Usually. I have friends who've started long before they're done nursing. But for the most part, you have a wee bit of a break from "the curse" and I must say I like that perk of nursing.
I've gone to nursing Alison only twice a day for the most part and am supplementing with some formula my sister no longer needed. Four cans!!! Yee haw. That stuff is expensive and yet another reason I chose to breastfeed my kids.
Since I'm nursing less I shouldn't have been surprised yesterday when ol' Aunt Flow returned. But I felt like a kid again wondering what the heck I was supposed to do. It's been so long since I'd had to deal with this issue. And she's back with a vengence, I'm telling you!
So, I suppose I should stop letting her use these as toys, huh?
Dear Male Reader(s),
I'd exit this blog, like stat.
Sincerely,
Sarah
No, really. You'll want to go now.
Hopefully they've left. If not, they'll wish they had. And probably any females too.
Oh well.
One of the perks of being a nursing mama is that your menstrual cycle does not return until you taper off or quit nursing altogether. Usually. I have friends who've started long before they're done nursing. But for the most part, you have a wee bit of a break from "the curse" and I must say I like that perk of nursing.
I've gone to nursing Alison only twice a day for the most part and am supplementing with some formula my sister no longer needed. Four cans!!! Yee haw. That stuff is expensive and yet another reason I chose to breastfeed my kids.
Since I'm nursing less I shouldn't have been surprised yesterday when ol' Aunt Flow returned. But I felt like a kid again wondering what the heck I was supposed to do. It's been so long since I'd had to deal with this issue. And she's back with a vengence, I'm telling you!
So, I suppose I should stop letting her use these as toys, huh?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Conversations and Laughter Continue
I'm beginning to wonder if the child will be a comedienne when she's older.
Last week we had a friend over on Thursday night to tell us about Clearwire internet services. His name is John.
About an hour before he was due at our house....
Me: "Jaylee, we have a friend coming over tonight."
Her: "Who?"
Me: "His name is John."
Her: "Oh, John the Baptist?"
The next day we hung out with my friend Jana. I went to pick her up from her in-laws and before I reached the door I could smell something.
Skunk.
I get to the door and knock. She opens the door and the skunk smell is even more overwhelming. We get to the van, where the kiddos are inside, and Jana begins to tell me about the skunk story. And from the back seat, Jaylee pipes up...
"What you do is you get a gun and you shoot the skunk."
Yes, my friends, we've taught her well.
Last week we had a friend over on Thursday night to tell us about Clearwire internet services. His name is John.
About an hour before he was due at our house....
Me: "Jaylee, we have a friend coming over tonight."
Her: "Who?"
Me: "His name is John."
Her: "Oh, John the Baptist?"
The next day we hung out with my friend Jana. I went to pick her up from her in-laws and before I reached the door I could smell something.
Skunk.
I get to the door and knock. She opens the door and the skunk smell is even more overwhelming. We get to the van, where the kiddos are inside, and Jana begins to tell me about the skunk story. And from the back seat, Jaylee pipes up...
"What you do is you get a gun and you shoot the skunk."
Yes, my friends, we've taught her well.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Structure is Good
But I don't usually roll very structurally. (Is that even a word?!) (spell check says YES!)
However, I need to be more structured in certain areas of my life. A very wonderful friend of mine is quite structured. She has a plan. And that's that. She jokes that she wants me to help her live a little more freely. If she only knew how sometimes this fly-by-the-seat-a-my-pants thing I have going is actually stressful!
I tend to just roll with whatever comes my way. But I crave structure. I crave routine. Crazy, huh?! Me?!
I KNOW!
Crystal Paine has put on Making Your Home a Haven for a long time. Not sure how long but I've lurked her blog for well over a year and I was seeing the series pretty frequently. Since I'm needing some structure, guidance and encouragement in the homemaking department I decided to head to Crystal's blog. Today I see that Tammy will now be hosting Making Your Home a Haven.
I love that she's starting the series off with a list! A list of five things I want to accomplish every morning. Simple things.
I like simple.
So, here's my morning list:
1. Bible reading (just me and me and the girls)
2. Morning dishes.
3. Make beds.
4. Plan dinner.
5. Play time with the girls.
Seems so easy, doesn't it? Amazing how so often I can't even get those five simple things done. This time I've decided to write them down where I'll see them first thing, hopefully to help and inspire to do them each day!
What are five things you do every morning?
However, I need to be more structured in certain areas of my life. A very wonderful friend of mine is quite structured. She has a plan. And that's that. She jokes that she wants me to help her live a little more freely. If she only knew how sometimes this fly-by-the-seat-a-my-pants thing I have going is actually stressful!
I tend to just roll with whatever comes my way. But I crave structure. I crave routine. Crazy, huh?! Me?!
I KNOW!
Crystal Paine has put on Making Your Home a Haven for a long time. Not sure how long but I've lurked her blog for well over a year and I was seeing the series pretty frequently. Since I'm needing some structure, guidance and encouragement in the homemaking department I decided to head to Crystal's blog. Today I see that Tammy will now be hosting Making Your Home a Haven.
I love that she's starting the series off with a list! A list of five things I want to accomplish every morning. Simple things.
I like simple.
So, here's my morning list:
1. Bible reading (just me and me and the girls)
2. Morning dishes.
3. Make beds.
4. Plan dinner.
5. Play time with the girls.
Seems so easy, doesn't it? Amazing how so often I can't even get those five simple things done. This time I've decided to write them down where I'll see them first thing, hopefully to help and inspire to do them each day!
What are five things you do every morning?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Return of the Maternity Pants
I was that girl who at five minutes pregnant wanted to wear maternity clothes.
I love me some maternity clothes.
'Specially the jeans.
It's amazing to not have to zip up or button your jeans. To just pull 'em down and then pull 'em up. So easy. So convenient. Sooo comfy.
Today we stopped in Biggs, OR on our way home to gas up and use the restroom. For some reason I tried to just pull my jeans down without unbuttoning them first. It didn't work. It reminded me of the first day I was able to wear normal jeans after having Alison. I was so used to just pullin 'em down that it came as quite the shock when it didn't work out so hot.
But while washing my hands before leaving the restroom I thought, ya know, I think I might have to buy me a pair of maternity pants just for the sake of not having buttons or zippers. And that panel can hold my belly flab so it's contained and not jiggling all over the place.
You may think I'm kidding but oh I'm not.
I think it's been my most intelligent thought since, well...ever.
I love me some maternity clothes.
'Specially the jeans.
It's amazing to not have to zip up or button your jeans. To just pull 'em down and then pull 'em up. So easy. So convenient. Sooo comfy.
Today we stopped in Biggs, OR on our way home to gas up and use the restroom. For some reason I tried to just pull my jeans down without unbuttoning them first. It didn't work. It reminded me of the first day I was able to wear normal jeans after having Alison. I was so used to just pullin 'em down that it came as quite the shock when it didn't work out so hot.
But while washing my hands before leaving the restroom I thought, ya know, I think I might have to buy me a pair of maternity pants just for the sake of not having buttons or zippers. And that panel can hold my belly flab so it's contained and not jiggling all over the place.
You may think I'm kidding but oh I'm not.
I think it's been my most intelligent thought since, well...ever.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
She said FREE
Hey, Natalie has FREE music!
So, go check out her blog. First four get a free CD!
*update!*
Hey, there's still time to get a CD! Only two peeps (myself being one) have claimed a CD and she's offering a couple more, so hurry it up! What's better than FREE music?!
So, go check out her blog. First four get a free CD!
*update!*
Hey, there's still time to get a CD! Only two peeps (myself being one) have claimed a CD and she's offering a couple more, so hurry it up! What's better than FREE music?!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Dear Hotmail
You are making my life miserable.
My emails are not being sent.
Nor are they being received.
I'd like to cuss at you, Hotmail, but I'm holding back. 'Cause I'm a nice girl like that.
Please get fixed. Stat.
Thank you,
Sarah
My emails are not being sent.
Nor are they being received.
I'd like to cuss at you, Hotmail, but I'm holding back. 'Cause I'm a nice girl like that.
Please get fixed. Stat.
Thank you,
Sarah
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Peanut Butter Oreos with a Glass of Milk
I couldn't think of a title for this post since it's just ramblings. So, I thought I'd title it by what I'm eating at the moment. If I continue to do that my next 5 posts and my last 7 posts would have the same title...
and she wonders why she's gained five lbs?! I KNOW!!!
Today was my last bible study at the Nazarene church. Esther study is over. I'm a sad girl. I've loved this study and love what I've learned. Transparency being one thing I learned about. Something I'm still grasping.
When I walked in and signed my name there was a little paper talking about the next study beginning next month. I was thrilled! Yay! I signed myself, wrote out my check for my book and took the book to my table. And then it hit me.
I won't be able to go.
I won't be home every Tuesday morning to go to this study.
I'll be riding around in a semi with a man and two little girls.
I started to put my book back and retrieve my check when a lady named Kathy came over. I explained why I was putting back my book but she encouraged me that I could do the study on my own.
Smart lady, she is.
I know it won't be the same but the study is on David and ohhh how I know I'll love learning more about David.
Just that little realization though that I won't be home was kinda weird. Last night little baby 'o mine decided to scuh-reaam for about an hour. She wants everyone to know she has teeth bustin' through. Right now, I can shut her door and my door and cover my head with a pillow to muffle those screams.
Thinking in a Peterbilt it's not going to be quite so easy.
We have some rough roads ahead. Things that we can only work out once we're actually dealing with them. I think my husband is still on cloud 9 about the whole deal that he's forgetting we're going with him...that the babe of ours is going too.
I'm not panicking just yet. But I'm sure it's comin'. I'm really good at panicking. My specialty if you must know.
So many changes ahead. Good ones. But still change.
And it takes me awhile to adjust to that stuff.
and she wonders why she's gained five lbs?! I KNOW!!!
Today was my last bible study at the Nazarene church. Esther study is over. I'm a sad girl. I've loved this study and love what I've learned. Transparency being one thing I learned about. Something I'm still grasping.
When I walked in and signed my name there was a little paper talking about the next study beginning next month. I was thrilled! Yay! I signed myself, wrote out my check for my book and took the book to my table. And then it hit me.
I won't be able to go.
I won't be home every Tuesday morning to go to this study.
I'll be riding around in a semi with a man and two little girls.
I started to put my book back and retrieve my check when a lady named Kathy came over. I explained why I was putting back my book but she encouraged me that I could do the study on my own.
Smart lady, she is.
I know it won't be the same but the study is on David and ohhh how I know I'll love learning more about David.
Just that little realization though that I won't be home was kinda weird. Last night little baby 'o mine decided to scuh-reaam for about an hour. She wants everyone to know she has teeth bustin' through. Right now, I can shut her door and my door and cover my head with a pillow to muffle those screams.
Thinking in a Peterbilt it's not going to be quite so easy.
We have some rough roads ahead. Things that we can only work out once we're actually dealing with them. I think my husband is still on cloud 9 about the whole deal that he's forgetting we're going with him...that the babe of ours is going too.
I'm not panicking just yet. But I'm sure it's comin'. I'm really good at panicking. My specialty if you must know.
So many changes ahead. Good ones. But still change.
And it takes me awhile to adjust to that stuff.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Time's Up
Seriously.
Who was I trying to kid going an entire week?!
Gives me the shivers just thinking about it.
Being addicted to blogging and email and Facebook is better than drugs right?
RIGHT?!
The last few days have been fun. We got some unexpected company this weekend, in the form of two young girls. Ages 10 and pert near 12. Basically I had me two awesome babysitters! They were great with my wee little baby and of course my three year old thought they hung the moon.
My SIL called yesterday morning and said they were driving up here to hang out for the evening. This would be no big deal if they were just a hop, skip and jump away. But they live about three hours away. They drove all over yesterday and ended up in our town to play some cards. Then after 10 pm decided that it was probably time to head home. Thank goodness, I was beginning to fall asleep playing Hearts.
Love how they roll.
Sweet 10 month old baby of mine is teething. She thinks you're supposed to be awake the entire time you're cuttin' teeth. Would someone please tell her she's mistaken? She's not taking my word for it.
Had coffee with my friend Megan on Sunday afternoon. I saw the flowergirl and ring bearer that were in my wedding. They were getting coffee too. They're in their teens now and that makes me feel old.
I panicked this morning not being able to find my tennis shoes. I always, always wear my tennies. Then I remembered they got dirty last night and aren't fit for wearing in the house. I feel a lil nekkid without 'em.
Can you tell I haven't blogged in a few days?! Random stuff just flowing from my fingers.
Happy Monday!!!
Who was I trying to kid going an entire week?!
Gives me the shivers just thinking about it.
Being addicted to blogging and email and Facebook is better than drugs right?
RIGHT?!
The last few days have been fun. We got some unexpected company this weekend, in the form of two young girls. Ages 10 and pert near 12. Basically I had me two awesome babysitters! They were great with my wee little baby and of course my three year old thought they hung the moon.
My SIL called yesterday morning and said they were driving up here to hang out for the evening. This would be no big deal if they were just a hop, skip and jump away. But they live about three hours away. They drove all over yesterday and ended up in our town to play some cards. Then after 10 pm decided that it was probably time to head home. Thank goodness, I was beginning to fall asleep playing Hearts.
Love how they roll.
Sweet 10 month old baby of mine is teething. She thinks you're supposed to be awake the entire time you're cuttin' teeth. Would someone please tell her she's mistaken? She's not taking my word for it.
Had coffee with my friend Megan on Sunday afternoon. I saw the flowergirl and ring bearer that were in my wedding. They were getting coffee too. They're in their teens now and that makes me feel old.
I panicked this morning not being able to find my tennis shoes. I always, always wear my tennies. Then I remembered they got dirty last night and aren't fit for wearing in the house. I feel a lil nekkid without 'em.
Can you tell I haven't blogged in a few days?! Random stuff just flowing from my fingers.
Happy Monday!!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Spring Cleaning
Two mornings ago I heard it.
That sweet sound that has been a year comin'.
The sound of birds chirping outside my bedroom window.
This my friend is when I know spring is near. It was sweet music to my tired of winter soul.
With Spring comes green grass, filled in potholes on our road, blossoms on cherry trees, longer days of sunshine.
And Spring Cleaning.
With our new way of life coming up shortly, a list needs to be made of all the stuff that we need to get done before we head out over the road.
We have 1100 square feet of unfinished basement that houses a bunch of junk. Camping gear, Christmas decor, paint cans (because I change paint colors like I change diapers) more Christmas decor, baby clothes, skinny clothes (yes, someday I'll be skinny again)(stop laughing.)
It's time to get into that stuff and get it cleaned up.
But the last few nights and then early this morning, I've not been able to sleep well.
There's another area in my life that needs cleaning. Some serious serious cleaning.
My heart, folks. My heart.
Once again I find myself in front of the screen hour after hour, day after day. I make up every excuse I can. "Dishes are done, I can spend some time on FB." "Girls are napping, why not?" "I just FAPA'd two loads of laundry, let me reward myself."
But at the end of a day, I'm ill. Physically ill for the time I've wasted. Yesterday a friend threatened to delete her FB account. I panicked! I'd hate for her to do that. But two nights ago, I laid in bed considering deleting my blog and my Facebook. I know how she feels. While the computer is awesome in so many ways, it can easily suck the life right outta ya. And it does it slowly without you even realizing how much time is spent here.
I got out of bed at 5 this morning. I don't like 5 o'clock. But my heart hurt and I knew I needed to make it right. I opened up my Bible and a song sheet from church was still in there. The first song had these words...
My troubled soul, why so weighed down
You were not made to bear this heavy load
Cast all your burdens, upon the Lord
Jesus cares, He cares for you
Jesus cares, He cares for you
And all your worrying won't help you make it through
Cast all your burdens, upon the Lord
I will praise the might name of Jesus
Praise the Lord the lifter of my head
Praise the Rock of my salvation
All my days are in His faithful hands
My anxious heart, why so upset
When trials come, how you so easily forget
To cast your burdens, upon the Lord
Jesus cares, He cares for you
The last part, about the anxious heart...that's me right now.
Anxious about the time I've lost by spending it here. Guilt. Fear. Sadness.
I have two girls who need me. Two girls that see the back of my head more than my face. So, I'm going to take the week off from here and get my heart right. My priorities right.
I have the best blog readers ever. Thanks for knowing that I go through this often. Usually I take a day off, or limit my time, but this time I think I need a bigger deal. Something to really make me look to Jesus and see why I'm spending so much time here.
So, I will see you next Thursday.
Love to you all.
That sweet sound that has been a year comin'.
The sound of birds chirping outside my bedroom window.
This my friend is when I know spring is near. It was sweet music to my tired of winter soul.
With Spring comes green grass, filled in potholes on our road, blossoms on cherry trees, longer days of sunshine.
And Spring Cleaning.
With our new way of life coming up shortly, a list needs to be made of all the stuff that we need to get done before we head out over the road.
We have 1100 square feet of unfinished basement that houses a bunch of junk. Camping gear, Christmas decor, paint cans (because I change paint colors like I change diapers) more Christmas decor, baby clothes, skinny clothes (yes, someday I'll be skinny again)(stop laughing.)
It's time to get into that stuff and get it cleaned up.
But the last few nights and then early this morning, I've not been able to sleep well.
There's another area in my life that needs cleaning. Some serious serious cleaning.
My heart, folks. My heart.
Once again I find myself in front of the screen hour after hour, day after day. I make up every excuse I can. "Dishes are done, I can spend some time on FB." "Girls are napping, why not?" "I just FAPA'd two loads of laundry, let me reward myself."
But at the end of a day, I'm ill. Physically ill for the time I've wasted. Yesterday a friend threatened to delete her FB account. I panicked! I'd hate for her to do that. But two nights ago, I laid in bed considering deleting my blog and my Facebook. I know how she feels. While the computer is awesome in so many ways, it can easily suck the life right outta ya. And it does it slowly without you even realizing how much time is spent here.
I got out of bed at 5 this morning. I don't like 5 o'clock. But my heart hurt and I knew I needed to make it right. I opened up my Bible and a song sheet from church was still in there. The first song had these words...
My troubled soul, why so weighed down
You were not made to bear this heavy load
Cast all your burdens, upon the Lord
Jesus cares, He cares for you
Jesus cares, He cares for you
And all your worrying won't help you make it through
Cast all your burdens, upon the Lord
I will praise the might name of Jesus
Praise the Lord the lifter of my head
Praise the Rock of my salvation
All my days are in His faithful hands
My anxious heart, why so upset
When trials come, how you so easily forget
To cast your burdens, upon the Lord
Jesus cares, He cares for you
The last part, about the anxious heart...that's me right now.
Anxious about the time I've lost by spending it here. Guilt. Fear. Sadness.
I have two girls who need me. Two girls that see the back of my head more than my face. So, I'm going to take the week off from here and get my heart right. My priorities right.
I have the best blog readers ever. Thanks for knowing that I go through this often. Usually I take a day off, or limit my time, but this time I think I need a bigger deal. Something to really make me look to Jesus and see why I'm spending so much time here.
So, I will see you next Thursday.
Love to you all.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Loved
Do you have anyone in your life whose handwriting you'd know just by seeing it? Handwriting that makes you smile?
I do. I went to school with a girl whose handwriting stood out from everyone. Her handwriting made such an impression on me that I tried copying it for awhile. I have handwritten stuff from high school in my basement to prove it. =)
While I haven't seen her handwriting in over 10 years, today when I opened my mailbox sat a small envelope with familiar handwriting.
Natalie knows that this week I'm going without coffee as a way to try and save for my laptop. She also knows how much I love my coffee. With this sweet card was a gift card to Starbucks. I walked up my driveway in tears. My heart swelled. My day made.
Thank you, Natalie. I love you, sweet friend.
I do. I went to school with a girl whose handwriting stood out from everyone. Her handwriting made such an impression on me that I tried copying it for awhile. I have handwritten stuff from high school in my basement to prove it. =)
While I haven't seen her handwriting in over 10 years, today when I opened my mailbox sat a small envelope with familiar handwriting.
Natalie knows that this week I'm going without coffee as a way to try and save for my laptop. She also knows how much I love my coffee. With this sweet card was a gift card to Starbucks. I walked up my driveway in tears. My heart swelled. My day made.
Thank you, Natalie. I love you, sweet friend.
Time Off
I feel like a complete moron whenever I want to complain.
I've got it so good.
But I've got my days, man. I've got my days.
This week hasn't been easy. And it's only Wednesday.
By Monday afternoon I was wanting to pull the hair out of my head and the girls' too. It was just one of those days.
The husband, knowing me so well, told me to run my errands. Alone.
Wise, wise man I married.
I ran my errands and I was in such a sour mood. While waiting in line at the postal center I go to I had time to randomly decorate the envelope I was mailing. That made me laugh out loud. I get a little delirious when I'm in a bad mood and the dumbest things can make me crack up. Decorating Emily's envelope did that for me.
When I got home Josh asked me what I needed. What would help.
"A day. Just one day. To myself. For myself."
I know, I sound extremely selfish. But it's true. I'd just like a day to not have to make breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or nurse. Or change diapers. Or comb tangly, curly hair on a child who has an extremely sensitive head.
Yuck. Reading over my words makes me wanna kick myself.
But it doesn't mean I still don't want that day to myself.
Josh told me to go for it. But Amber's reminder on Facebook that I'll need to hook up the inverter to the car battery and to my breast pump brought me back to reality. It could be interesting to have a day alone.
Guess we'll see what happens, it is only Wednesday...
I've got it so good.
But I've got my days, man. I've got my days.
This week hasn't been easy. And it's only Wednesday.
By Monday afternoon I was wanting to pull the hair out of my head and the girls' too. It was just one of those days.
The husband, knowing me so well, told me to run my errands. Alone.
Wise, wise man I married.
I ran my errands and I was in such a sour mood. While waiting in line at the postal center I go to I had time to randomly decorate the envelope I was mailing. That made me laugh out loud. I get a little delirious when I'm in a bad mood and the dumbest things can make me crack up. Decorating Emily's envelope did that for me.
When I got home Josh asked me what I needed. What would help.
"A day. Just one day. To myself. For myself."
I know, I sound extremely selfish. But it's true. I'd just like a day to not have to make breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or nurse. Or change diapers. Or comb tangly, curly hair on a child who has an extremely sensitive head.
Yuck. Reading over my words makes me wanna kick myself.
But it doesn't mean I still don't want that day to myself.
Josh told me to go for it. But Amber's reminder on Facebook that I'll need to hook up the inverter to the car battery and to my breast pump brought me back to reality. It could be interesting to have a day alone.
Guess we'll see what happens, it is only Wednesday...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Be Heard
On March 6, 2009 President Obama made the announcement that he wants to reverse the Conscience Clause.
What is the Conscience Clause?
"The Conscience Clause was implemented by former President George W. Bush to give physicians and nurses the choice to act according to their conscience — to not participate in abortion procedures if it conflicts with their personal convictions. If President Obama makes this damaging move, if he reverses the Conscience Clause, pro-life doctors and nurses will be forced into performing abortion procedures, despite their individual beliefs."
http://www.beheardproject.com/
Be Heard Project -Protect Pro-Life Doctors from beheard on Vimeo.
The video shows that it's over 5 minutes long, it isn't. Take the few seconds to watch. Then go to beheardproject.com and sign the petition. We have less than 30 days.
What is the Conscience Clause?
"The Conscience Clause was implemented by former President George W. Bush to give physicians and nurses the choice to act according to their conscience — to not participate in abortion procedures if it conflicts with their personal convictions. If President Obama makes this damaging move, if he reverses the Conscience Clause, pro-life doctors and nurses will be forced into performing abortion procedures, despite their individual beliefs."
http://www.beheardproject.com/
Be Heard Project -Protect Pro-Life Doctors from beheard on Vimeo.
The video shows that it's over 5 minutes long, it isn't. Take the few seconds to watch. Then go to beheardproject.com and sign the petition. We have less than 30 days.
Monday, March 09, 2009
An Unconventional Way of Life
Ahhh.
That's the sound of a girl who has two sleeping children.
Well?
Well.
After four years of being away from a big rig, my husband is going back on the road.
It'll look a little different this time around as myself and two small children will be joining him in the Peterbilt.
Josh gave his notice last Thursday and his last day at Oxarc will be Good Friday. A good Friday indeed! Our first trip out will be April 13th. We couldn't be more excited.
We've had some raised eyebrows. Some "hmmphs". Some cheers. Some questions. We're not going into this thinking that moving two small children into a semi-truck will be easy. It's going to be quite difficult and quite interesting.
However, our family will get to be together all day, everyday. We have two amazing little travelers and Josh and I hate being away from each other all day. We've found a way to incorporate making a living and being together as a family as much as possible. Another awesome thing? My husband gets to do what he wants to do for a living! I love that part. Love it.
Four years ago while I was pregnant with Jaylee we didn't think it was possible to have a family in a truck. Everyone said it'd be impossible. And you know, everyone is always right. =) So, Josh gave up his dream for Jaylee and me. And ever since then, that sparkle in his eyes has been a little less shiny. I am thrilled he gets to live his dream again. And I'm thrilled to be part of it.
A work week for us will kinda look like this:
Sunday afternoon/evening load up the truck and head to destination X.
Monday-unload and re-load and head for the next destination. Tuesday thru Friday will be about the same.
Each day will be different. With about 500 miles or so a day. We'll roll in on Friday afternoon/evening, spend time with family and unwind from our week.
Saturdays will consist of letting the girls run their little hearts out to burn off some of that energy, while I make meals for the week, wash our clothes, clean our home and re-pack the truck. Josh will still go spandexing (he's panicked about gaining that 15 lbs again. Heaven forbid he see 150 on the scale!) and Sundays will still be for church and more time with extended family.
Many are thinking we're crazy. Uh, yeah. We already know that. But we're at a place in our lives that we can do this. Our girls love to ride and if they didn't, we couldn't do this. Josh and I love being together. We love working together. We know couples who couldn't do what we're doing. Every family has a different dynamic. Living in a Peterbilt will be ours.
And while we can do it, we will.
This isn't the actual truck we'll be driving, though this is similar...just without the two trailers behind it and ours will be extended hood (meaning the nose of it is longer.) I will of course post pictures after she pulls into my driveway for the first time!
Questions? Comments? Go for it!
That's the sound of a girl who has two sleeping children.
Well?
Well.
After four years of being away from a big rig, my husband is going back on the road.
It'll look a little different this time around as myself and two small children will be joining him in the Peterbilt.
Josh gave his notice last Thursday and his last day at Oxarc will be Good Friday. A good Friday indeed! Our first trip out will be April 13th. We couldn't be more excited.
We've had some raised eyebrows. Some "hmmphs". Some cheers. Some questions. We're not going into this thinking that moving two small children into a semi-truck will be easy. It's going to be quite difficult and quite interesting.
However, our family will get to be together all day, everyday. We have two amazing little travelers and Josh and I hate being away from each other all day. We've found a way to incorporate making a living and being together as a family as much as possible. Another awesome thing? My husband gets to do what he wants to do for a living! I love that part. Love it.
Four years ago while I was pregnant with Jaylee we didn't think it was possible to have a family in a truck. Everyone said it'd be impossible. And you know, everyone is always right. =) So, Josh gave up his dream for Jaylee and me. And ever since then, that sparkle in his eyes has been a little less shiny. I am thrilled he gets to live his dream again. And I'm thrilled to be part of it.
A work week for us will kinda look like this:
Sunday afternoon/evening load up the truck and head to destination X.
Monday-unload and re-load and head for the next destination. Tuesday thru Friday will be about the same.
Each day will be different. With about 500 miles or so a day. We'll roll in on Friday afternoon/evening, spend time with family and unwind from our week.
Saturdays will consist of letting the girls run their little hearts out to burn off some of that energy, while I make meals for the week, wash our clothes, clean our home and re-pack the truck. Josh will still go spandexing (he's panicked about gaining that 15 lbs again. Heaven forbid he see 150 on the scale!) and Sundays will still be for church and more time with extended family.
Many are thinking we're crazy. Uh, yeah. We already know that. But we're at a place in our lives that we can do this. Our girls love to ride and if they didn't, we couldn't do this. Josh and I love being together. We love working together. We know couples who couldn't do what we're doing. Every family has a different dynamic. Living in a Peterbilt will be ours.
And while we can do it, we will.
This isn't the actual truck we'll be driving, though this is similar...just without the two trailers behind it and ours will be extended hood (meaning the nose of it is longer.) I will of course post pictures after she pulls into my driveway for the first time!Questions? Comments? Go for it!
The Bucket
A couple of weeks ago my status on Facebook was set to something along the lines of "I just made the best eBay purchase, ever."
I don't think those were my exact words. But closeastinkinnough.
Before I show you the purchase I have to tell the story first otherwise you'll wonder why the heck I'd buy these things.
Most of you know about my mom, two sisters and me living in a fifth wheel back when I was 12. Or was I 13? Either way...we lived in a fifth wheel. Not a fancy shmancy one that had heat and plumbing and all that. This was basically four dark paneled walls and a roof. There was a bathroom with a mirror, sink and toilet.
The mirror was the only thing that worked.
So, to um, use the facilities, we got pretty creative and used a bucket.
Not just any bucket.
A McDonald's Happy Meal Halloween Bucket!
As a joke for my mom and sisters I thought it would be hilarious to buy them a bucket. I looked on eBay and found a set of 6 of them. At my grandma's birthday party a couple of weeks ago I told my mom and Erica and Megan to come out to the van with me. I gave Josh the camera. Told the girls to turn around, close their eyes and hold out a hand.
Megan was freaking out about what I'd be placing in her hand.
They played along. I placed a handle in each of their hands and told them to open their eyes.
I think they liked 'em. What do you think?
I don't think those were my exact words. But closeastinkinnough.
Before I show you the purchase I have to tell the story first otherwise you'll wonder why the heck I'd buy these things.
Most of you know about my mom, two sisters and me living in a fifth wheel back when I was 12. Or was I 13? Either way...we lived in a fifth wheel. Not a fancy shmancy one that had heat and plumbing and all that. This was basically four dark paneled walls and a roof. There was a bathroom with a mirror, sink and toilet.
The mirror was the only thing that worked.
So, to um, use the facilities, we got pretty creative and used a bucket.
Not just any bucket.
A McDonald's Happy Meal Halloween Bucket!
As a joke for my mom and sisters I thought it would be hilarious to buy them a bucket. I looked on eBay and found a set of 6 of them. At my grandma's birthday party a couple of weeks ago I told my mom and Erica and Megan to come out to the van with me. I gave Josh the camera. Told the girls to turn around, close their eyes and hold out a hand.
Megan was freaking out about what I'd be placing in her hand.
They played along. I placed a handle in each of their hands and told them to open their eyes.
I think they liked 'em. What do you think?
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Color is selling point
I'll soon be in need of a laptop.
I haven't the foggiest idea what to buy or where to buy it. The last time I bought a computer was in 2003. And even then I didn't know what I was doing. I just kept clicking until it said "Thank you for your purchase!"
There wasn't any fine print saying "this will take you 10 years to pay off and we're going to nail you 29 bucks every time you're late with a payment."
So, if any of you have any thoughts/ideas/whathaveyou on the purchase of a new laptop, I'd appreciate it.
I just need to email, upload pictures and play/burn dvd's.
And I'd like it to be orange.
I haven't the foggiest idea what to buy or where to buy it. The last time I bought a computer was in 2003. And even then I didn't know what I was doing. I just kept clicking until it said "Thank you for your purchase!"
There wasn't any fine print saying "this will take you 10 years to pay off and we're going to nail you 29 bucks every time you're late with a payment."
So, if any of you have any thoughts/ideas/whathaveyou on the purchase of a new laptop, I'd appreciate it.
I just need to email, upload pictures and play/burn dvd's.
And I'd like it to be orange.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
The Kitchen Table
After almost 11 years of marriage, we've replaced many of the items we first purchased as newlyweds. Mainly because I've been a discontented girl who wants something bigger, better, different!
Praise the Lord that He's working on me in this area.
One of the few things we still have is our kitchen table. 10 and a half years ago I loved her. She was simple and pretty and at that time, the chairs and base of the table were white. Then I went through an Americana phase (for like 7 years) and decided to paint the chairs blue and the table base maroon. And then sand 'er for a more rustic look.
My sister just gave us her "old" dining table and chairs. It's a beautiful set. We're blessed to have it. Since it doesn't fit in our kitchen, it's in our living room. Our old set is still in the kitchen and the other day I was sitting there.
The table was cleared off. I was alone at the table. And I just started looking at it.
After 10 years, the finish is wearing. The top is yellowing. The chairs are a little more rickety as they've been used to sit on, stand on, and used as saw horses for these last 10 years.
I sat there with my cup of coffee and was overwhelmed with memories of the 10 years I've had sitting at this table.
At age 18 I served my first Christmas Eve dinner on this table. A roast with lumpy gravy and lumpy mashed potatoes. There were three of us. My sweet husband Josh, myself and...my dad. Neither of them complained about the food. Looking back, knowing now that that was the last Christmas Eve I'd have with my dad, I wish I hadn't worried about the food and concerned myself more with showing my dad how glad I was to have him spending the evening with us.
So many meals at this table. So many hands held in prayer, in thanks to God for another meal He provided for us. This table has heard many days of laughter. So many days of tears.
Many evenings with family and friends playing cards, eating snacks. It's had a few drinks knocked over on it. Some pencils flying across it during games (where I'm losing.)
During the days when I didn't keep up my house, this table has been covered in papers, laundry or dirty dishes for days on end. Oh, who am I kidding? I still don't keep up with my house, so there are still days where paper and laundry pile up on 'er.
Many mornings and evenings spent discussing our goals, our plans, our dreams. This table has been here through our best times. Our worst times. The table where I laid my head down and cried...bawled when we got home from vacation after my dad died.
Our friends and family have come over and shared their hopes. Their dreams. Their fears and their tears.
We've listened and loved at this table.
I walked in many times to see our Beagle standing on the table. Sitting on the table. Laying on the table. Man, I miss that girl.
There was the day I came home and found blue papers on the table. Divorce papers. Papers that shook me. The table held them. I never wanted to. They were there for awhile. I chose to ignore them and ignore the fact that my life was spiraling downward. It took me quite some time but with the love and patience of an amazing man and the love and prayers of family and friends, I realized that being married to Josh was the best thing. Ever. Those divorce papers, they were shredded.
This is the table where our girls have sat to eat their first foods of Cheerios and Rice Cereal. They've pounded their chubby little fists on the table and I'm pretty sure there's just permanent greasy little prints where they sit.
Many pictures have been colored with crayons or markers thus marker stains have bled through onto the table. This used to be bother me. It doesn't anymore.
Each month for over 10 years I've sat here to pay bills, some months wondering where in the world will the money come from to pay these bills? and other months in awe that there's an abundance. The Lord...He provides. Always.
I've had scrapbook supplies piled oh so high on top of our table. Josh has had engine parts and grease all over our table.
Josh and I have spent many mornings sharing the silence while we read our Bibles and drink our coffee, him eating breakfast, me not. He always puts one foot on my chair and it drives me up the wall. Our new table makes this impossible for him to do. I'll probably miss it in some weird way.
She's no heirloom. No one will want it when we die. It's nothing special. But I've grown up with this table over the last 10 years and I'm deciding not to part with her.
Praise the Lord that He's working on me in this area.
One of the few things we still have is our kitchen table. 10 and a half years ago I loved her. She was simple and pretty and at that time, the chairs and base of the table were white. Then I went through an Americana phase (for like 7 years) and decided to paint the chairs blue and the table base maroon. And then sand 'er for a more rustic look.
My sister just gave us her "old" dining table and chairs. It's a beautiful set. We're blessed to have it. Since it doesn't fit in our kitchen, it's in our living room. Our old set is still in the kitchen and the other day I was sitting there.
The table was cleared off. I was alone at the table. And I just started looking at it.
After 10 years, the finish is wearing. The top is yellowing. The chairs are a little more rickety as they've been used to sit on, stand on, and used as saw horses for these last 10 years.
I sat there with my cup of coffee and was overwhelmed with memories of the 10 years I've had sitting at this table.
At age 18 I served my first Christmas Eve dinner on this table. A roast with lumpy gravy and lumpy mashed potatoes. There were three of us. My sweet husband Josh, myself and...my dad. Neither of them complained about the food. Looking back, knowing now that that was the last Christmas Eve I'd have with my dad, I wish I hadn't worried about the food and concerned myself more with showing my dad how glad I was to have him spending the evening with us.
So many meals at this table. So many hands held in prayer, in thanks to God for another meal He provided for us. This table has heard many days of laughter. So many days of tears.
Many evenings with family and friends playing cards, eating snacks. It's had a few drinks knocked over on it. Some pencils flying across it during games (where I'm losing.)
During the days when I didn't keep up my house, this table has been covered in papers, laundry or dirty dishes for days on end. Oh, who am I kidding? I still don't keep up with my house, so there are still days where paper and laundry pile up on 'er.
Many mornings and evenings spent discussing our goals, our plans, our dreams. This table has been here through our best times. Our worst times. The table where I laid my head down and cried...bawled when we got home from vacation after my dad died.
Our friends and family have come over and shared their hopes. Their dreams. Their fears and their tears.
We've listened and loved at this table.
I walked in many times to see our Beagle standing on the table. Sitting on the table. Laying on the table. Man, I miss that girl.
There was the day I came home and found blue papers on the table. Divorce papers. Papers that shook me. The table held them. I never wanted to. They were there for awhile. I chose to ignore them and ignore the fact that my life was spiraling downward. It took me quite some time but with the love and patience of an amazing man and the love and prayers of family and friends, I realized that being married to Josh was the best thing. Ever. Those divorce papers, they were shredded.
This is the table where our girls have sat to eat their first foods of Cheerios and Rice Cereal. They've pounded their chubby little fists on the table and I'm pretty sure there's just permanent greasy little prints where they sit.
Many pictures have been colored with crayons or markers thus marker stains have bled through onto the table. This used to be bother me. It doesn't anymore.
Each month for over 10 years I've sat here to pay bills, some months wondering where in the world will the money come from to pay these bills? and other months in awe that there's an abundance. The Lord...He provides. Always.
I've had scrapbook supplies piled oh so high on top of our table. Josh has had engine parts and grease all over our table.
Josh and I have spent many mornings sharing the silence while we read our Bibles and drink our coffee, him eating breakfast, me not. He always puts one foot on my chair and it drives me up the wall. Our new table makes this impossible for him to do. I'll probably miss it in some weird way.
She's no heirloom. No one will want it when we die. It's nothing special. But I've grown up with this table over the last 10 years and I'm deciding not to part with her.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Meeting Outside the Box
One of my favorite things about blogging is the friends I've made. My black box friends as I like to call them. I have more friends in this black box than I do outside of it. Seriously. This weekend one of my black box friends became an in real life friend.
For about a year now I've been reading Emily's blog. Her love for her family, the Lord and that quick wit sucked me in immediately. =)
Yesterday, I got to meet her. In person! Loved her, loved her husband and their children. I don't think I've ever met sweeter and more polite kiddos than theirs. I also thought it was pretty amazing that Jim would hold my baby. Very cool. No wonder she calls him Rockin' Jim.
We got to Seattle early and walked around a bit. We were headed back to our van when their rig turned the corner. I had no idea what they drove but just knew it would be them. They pass us and wave and Josh got a kick out of that. "Um, how did she know it was you?" Maybe because she's seen our picture a bajillion times on here?
Sweet new friends.
Wow, look how much taller she is than me!! (Just kidding, Emily...)
My husband is going to love that he looks like he's the tallest in this picture. Funny that he's actually the shortest. (please ignore the fact that my baby has no socks on.)
Jaylee and her favorite treat. It was her first time having cotton candy (that I can remember) and she raved about how it was her favorite. Silly kid.
We toured the Science Center in Seattle, had some lunch and headed to REI to hang out out of the rain.
Jim and Emily's kids were so patient with Jaylee. She loves kids older than her and followed them all over. Within minutes of meeting them she says, "do you want to take my picture?"
Hello, annoying child. I'm reminding myself that she's three. This passes, right?
Josh loved getting to know Jim. I loved that he had a boy to talk to that he gets along with who has common interests. My husband is amazing but doesn't have many close friends. It was fun to see him getting along so well with another guy.
Six hours was not enough, cannot wait for camping in July!
For about a year now I've been reading Emily's blog. Her love for her family, the Lord and that quick wit sucked me in immediately. =)
Yesterday, I got to meet her. In person! Loved her, loved her husband and their children. I don't think I've ever met sweeter and more polite kiddos than theirs. I also thought it was pretty amazing that Jim would hold my baby. Very cool. No wonder she calls him Rockin' Jim.
We got to Seattle early and walked around a bit. We were headed back to our van when their rig turned the corner. I had no idea what they drove but just knew it would be them. They pass us and wave and Josh got a kick out of that. "Um, how did she know it was you?" Maybe because she's seen our picture a bajillion times on here?
Sweet new friends.
Wow, look how much taller she is than me!! (Just kidding, Emily...)
My husband is going to love that he looks like he's the tallest in this picture. Funny that he's actually the shortest. (please ignore the fact that my baby has no socks on.)
Jaylee and her favorite treat. It was her first time having cotton candy (that I can remember) and she raved about how it was her favorite. Silly kid.
We toured the Science Center in Seattle, had some lunch and headed to REI to hang out out of the rain.Jim and Emily's kids were so patient with Jaylee. She loves kids older than her and followed them all over. Within minutes of meeting them she says, "do you want to take my picture?"
Hello, annoying child. I'm reminding myself that she's three. This passes, right?
Josh loved getting to know Jim. I loved that he had a boy to talk to that he gets along with who has common interests. My husband is amazing but doesn't have many close friends. It was fun to see him getting along so well with another guy.
Six hours was not enough, cannot wait for camping in July!
Friday, February 27, 2009
First Hair Cut
At 3 and a half I decided maybe just maybe it was time to get this kid's hair trimmed.
And of course you always need "coffee" before gettin' yer hair did.
Not 5 minutes after she sat to get her hair done did she spill the hot cocoa on her clothes and got it all over her face.
Kortnie was so great with her. I can't imagine it's easy to work with kiddos. I told her not to cut much off and if her curl fell out I'd kill her. =)
"Rolling" her hair. She kept asking "Kornie" why she was rolling her hair.
Nice chocolate face, kiddo.
The finished product!
I was getting my hair done at the same time. Barbie, the girl who does my hair took this pic for us. She was so patient with me. Letting me get up every once in awhile to go take Jaylee's pics.
And of course you always need "coffee" before gettin' yer hair did.
Not 5 minutes after she sat to get her hair done did she spill the hot cocoa on her clothes and got it all over her face.
Kortnie was so great with her. I can't imagine it's easy to work with kiddos. I told her not to cut much off and if her curl fell out I'd kill her. =)
"Rolling" her hair. She kept asking "Kornie" why she was rolling her hair.
Nice chocolate face, kiddo.
The finished product!
I was getting my hair done at the same time. Barbie, the girl who does my hair took this pic for us. She was so patient with me. Letting me get up every once in awhile to go take Jaylee's pics. Josh showed up to say hi for a bit and he took a few minutes to hop in the van with us to get his coffee.
We had a hoot. Today's been fun. I always love how my hair looks after Barbie has tamed it down. =)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Savoring these moments
A couple of months after I had Alison, I remember sitting on the couch, nursing her and thinking, "just 10 more months until I don't have to lift my shirt and nurse this baby." (i was a little cranky after Alison was born)
And then last night I thought, "only two more months until I'm done nursing."
It's mind boggling to me that almost a year has passed. Where has the time gone? I know it doesn't slow down or speed up but it sure feels like it's speeding up.
Since we had Jaylee I feel like I blink and bam! six months have gone by and I can't remember what the hey happened in that time.
My life is amazing. I love it. But am I enjoying each minute? Even though I feel like time is flying by, the days can be long and tiring and I find myself thinking, "if only they slept through the night and made their own lunch and bathed themselves and lived somewhere else..." Some days I kick myself for wishing away this time.
With the direction our lives are taking at this point, I'm thinking another baby is out of the question. I'm sad. Heartbroken. Because I've hurried Alison's baby-ness. Thinking I'll have more and it's no biggie to shove her into toddlerhood.
I'm deciding to savor my moments with these girls He's blessed me with. Even when I'm running on a few hours of interrupted sleep and making the 9 millionth PB sandwich and changing that stinky diaper, and answering that question I already answered. 12 times.
Soon enough, they'll be walking out my door to live their own lives.
And I want their memories of home to be filled with love and patience from their mama.
And then last night I thought, "only two more months until I'm done nursing."
It's mind boggling to me that almost a year has passed. Where has the time gone? I know it doesn't slow down or speed up but it sure feels like it's speeding up.
Since we had Jaylee I feel like I blink and bam! six months have gone by and I can't remember what the hey happened in that time.
My life is amazing. I love it. But am I enjoying each minute? Even though I feel like time is flying by, the days can be long and tiring and I find myself thinking, "if only they slept through the night and made their own lunch and bathed themselves and lived somewhere else..." Some days I kick myself for wishing away this time.
With the direction our lives are taking at this point, I'm thinking another baby is out of the question. I'm sad. Heartbroken. Because I've hurried Alison's baby-ness. Thinking I'll have more and it's no biggie to shove her into toddlerhood.
I'm deciding to savor my moments with these girls He's blessed me with. Even when I'm running on a few hours of interrupted sleep and making the 9 millionth PB sandwich and changing that stinky diaper, and answering that question I already answered. 12 times.
Soon enough, they'll be walking out my door to live their own lives.
And I want their memories of home to be filled with love and patience from their mama.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Maybe I shouldn't question her.
Conversation with the three year old this evening...
Her: "We can make popcorn."
Me: "No, we can't."
Her: "God said we can make popcorn."
Me: "No, He didn't."
Her: "Are you sure?"
Her: "We can make popcorn."
Me: "No, we can't."
Her: "God said we can make popcorn."
Me: "No, He didn't."
Her: "Are you sure?"
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Round about
Stuff swirling in my brain.
Wondering what is and isn't okay to post.
Thinking about upcoming events in our family.
Praying for a young (22) girl in our family who had a mammogram and now has to have a biopsy.
Realizing through my Esther bible study who the person is that I'm fixated on, who I have an unhealthy relationship with. Ugly. Just ugly.
Happy to be home today just doing stuff around the house.
Sad to have missed church due to this stinking cold. Bleh.
Thankful for a loving, patient husband.
3 drafts in process. To publish or not to publish...Need husband's opinion/approval.
Dreaming of flip flops like you can't believe! Thinking on payday it's time to do some online summer therapy shopping.
Thinking about how my grandma will be 70 on Saturday.
Thankful for Linda.
Laughing at my husband. He's so corny. But I love it. I pretend to hate it. But I love it.
Thankful that he's not a quick decision maker. He's praying. Praying. And praying some more. We need wisdom and direction.
Still wondering why the Lord would allow a father to be to die before meeting his child. Some things I know I'll never understand this side of heaven.
Amazed at the faith a member of my family has even though he's facing some serious medical junk. Again, I don't understand stuff sometimes.
I can see the mole under my chin. This means I've gained at least 5 lbs recently. Whenever I can see that mole I know I've gained weight. If I can't see it, then that means I only have one chin. Obviously I have more than one at the moment.
Thinking about the days my two sisters and I shared a room. The full sized bed Erica and I used to share. The twin bed with a plastic cover Megan used to sleep in. And the giggles that would erupt over the most ridiculous stuff. With my mom yelling to be quiet already. It's one of the rare times I remember actually liking and getting along with them. I'm sure now she loves knowing how much fun we had together in such close quarters.
Which reminds me of living in the fifth wheel for those few months when I was 12. A junky, run down fifth wheel. And our little family of four never had more fun. Weird to miss it...
Realizing I could live with my small family of four in a small environment and be happy.
Oh the things to come.
Wondering what is and isn't okay to post.
Thinking about upcoming events in our family.
Praying for a young (22) girl in our family who had a mammogram and now has to have a biopsy.
Realizing through my Esther bible study who the person is that I'm fixated on, who I have an unhealthy relationship with. Ugly. Just ugly.
Happy to be home today just doing stuff around the house.
Sad to have missed church due to this stinking cold. Bleh.
Thankful for a loving, patient husband.
3 drafts in process. To publish or not to publish...Need husband's opinion/approval.
Dreaming of flip flops like you can't believe! Thinking on payday it's time to do some online summer therapy shopping.
Thinking about how my grandma will be 70 on Saturday.
Thankful for Linda.
Laughing at my husband. He's so corny. But I love it. I pretend to hate it. But I love it.
Thankful that he's not a quick decision maker. He's praying. Praying. And praying some more. We need wisdom and direction.
Still wondering why the Lord would allow a father to be to die before meeting his child. Some things I know I'll never understand this side of heaven.
Amazed at the faith a member of my family has even though he's facing some serious medical junk. Again, I don't understand stuff sometimes.
I can see the mole under my chin. This means I've gained at least 5 lbs recently. Whenever I can see that mole I know I've gained weight. If I can't see it, then that means I only have one chin. Obviously I have more than one at the moment.
Thinking about the days my two sisters and I shared a room. The full sized bed Erica and I used to share. The twin bed with a plastic cover Megan used to sleep in. And the giggles that would erupt over the most ridiculous stuff. With my mom yelling to be quiet already. It's one of the rare times I remember actually liking and getting along with them. I'm sure now she loves knowing how much fun we had together in such close quarters.
Which reminds me of living in the fifth wheel for those few months when I was 12. A junky, run down fifth wheel. And our little family of four never had more fun. Weird to miss it...
Realizing I could live with my small family of four in a small environment and be happy.
Oh the things to come.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Dear Kentucky
To Whom the Person is that has been enjoying my archives,
Would you like a cup of coffee and some peanut butter bars while you're visiting? I hope you've been enjoying the ramblings of my life.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Would you like a cup of coffee and some peanut butter bars while you're visiting? I hope you've been enjoying the ramblings of my life.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Friday, February 20, 2009
That Valentine's Banquet
Sorry I'm lame and haven't posted about it sooner. We had a hoot. The Newlywed Game was a kick. My sister Erica and her husband Derek (affectionately known as Derica) played also, along with 3 other couples. My sister and Derek were introduced first, then two couples between us. When it got to us to be introduced, we were introduced as, "This is Josh and Sarah, they're related." Long pause...roar of laughter. While everyone is laughing Pastor Tom continues that we're related to Erica and Derek. However, no one heard him because everyone was laughing so loudly.
We ended up being the winners of the game! Crazy huh?! It was a blast. We loved it.
We ended up being the winners of the game! Crazy huh?! It was a blast. We loved it.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Turning off the Time Wasters
So today which is actually last night because I'm writing it tonight but posting it for tomorrow, (just a minute, I'm out of breath with that sentence...)
whew.
Okay, so I'm not going to have any contact with the black box. Or answer my phone. Or anything.
My children and my house and my scrapbook (grrr) are going to have my time.
whew.
Okay, so I'm not going to have any contact with the black box. Or answer my phone. Or anything.
My children and my house and my scrapbook (grrr) are going to have my time.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bad Mom
Growing up all I ever ever ever wanted to be was a Mama.
I love my mother. And even though life growing up with her as my mother was nuts, I love how she raised me. You know, for the most part. =) She doesn't read my blog, no worries.
Raising my two sisters and me on her own...well, I can't imagine how difficult that must have been. I know I have my days where it can be 8 a.m. and I'm watching the clock until 5 p.m. wondering when my relief man will be walking in the door.
She didn't have that luxury.
Anyway.
For a girl who has only ever wanted to be a mama, I'm sure not very good at it. Today especially.
From about 8 this morning until about noon I was on the phone non-stop with one thing or another, trying to get stuff resolved with a couple of different things, talking to family about certain stuff that's coming up in our lives, etc. I was also on the phone and online with eBay customer support. I'm not sure I said or did anything nice with my girls in this time.
I do know that Jaylee completely destroyed my kitchen and living room in the process. I know that she begged to take a bath and I allowed her and that while unsupervised (you can call CPS now, I'll have her bags packed) she made the bathroom just as wet as she was. I shouldn't leave her unsupervised, since it hasn't been ruled out about drowning being hereditary...
She was horrible.
Alison was whiny. Clingy. Fussy. And did I mention whiny?
They were trying to get my attention. They just wanted a minute of my ever-lovin' time for crying in the dark.
I hate days like today. I hate days where I have failed as their mommy. All they want is for me to look at them, love on them, talk to them. And all I've done today is shoo them, shush them, and growl.
My house is a disaster. (Don't ask why I'm not cleaning it at the moment. I'm needing a breather.) We have a friend coming for dinner, so I know I should clean and maybe decide what I'm cooking.
I'm just bummed. I'm bummed that today my girls felt less important than every other thing that came at me. I'm mad at myself for not taking the time with them. ACK!
I love them with all that I am. They are my world. And by the way they've been treated today ya'd never know it. I hate failing. Especially in this area. I want to be the perfect mom. And I'm so not. I know we'll have good days and bad I just feel like I've been having more of the bad.
Something's gotta change.
I love my mother. And even though life growing up with her as my mother was nuts, I love how she raised me. You know, for the most part. =) She doesn't read my blog, no worries.
Raising my two sisters and me on her own...well, I can't imagine how difficult that must have been. I know I have my days where it can be 8 a.m. and I'm watching the clock until 5 p.m. wondering when my relief man will be walking in the door.
She didn't have that luxury.
Anyway.
For a girl who has only ever wanted to be a mama, I'm sure not very good at it. Today especially.
From about 8 this morning until about noon I was on the phone non-stop with one thing or another, trying to get stuff resolved with a couple of different things, talking to family about certain stuff that's coming up in our lives, etc. I was also on the phone and online with eBay customer support. I'm not sure I said or did anything nice with my girls in this time.
I do know that Jaylee completely destroyed my kitchen and living room in the process. I know that she begged to take a bath and I allowed her and that while unsupervised (you can call CPS now, I'll have her bags packed) she made the bathroom just as wet as she was. I shouldn't leave her unsupervised, since it hasn't been ruled out about drowning being hereditary...
She was horrible.
Alison was whiny. Clingy. Fussy. And did I mention whiny?
They were trying to get my attention. They just wanted a minute of my ever-lovin' time for crying in the dark.
I hate days like today. I hate days where I have failed as their mommy. All they want is for me to look at them, love on them, talk to them. And all I've done today is shoo them, shush them, and growl.
My house is a disaster. (Don't ask why I'm not cleaning it at the moment. I'm needing a breather.) We have a friend coming for dinner, so I know I should clean and maybe decide what I'm cooking.
I'm just bummed. I'm bummed that today my girls felt less important than every other thing that came at me. I'm mad at myself for not taking the time with them. ACK!
I love them with all that I am. They are my world. And by the way they've been treated today ya'd never know it. I hate failing. Especially in this area. I want to be the perfect mom. And I'm so not. I know we'll have good days and bad I just feel like I've been having more of the bad.
Something's gotta change.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Too Soon
When I got home from cleaning Linda's on Saturday afternoon, Josh informed me of a tragedy in our church.
One of our friends was in a skiing accident. He hit a tree and was killed.
His sweet wife is seven months pregnant with their first baby.
Please be praying for her and their family.
One of our friends was in a skiing accident. He hit a tree and was killed.
His sweet wife is seven months pregnant with their first baby.
Please be praying for her and their family.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Little bit of this and that
Just a bit o' random stuff around our parts. Not our parts...but...well, where we live. Geesh.
1. Some conversation between the husband and I as we prepare for our thrilling event tonight:
me: "If they ask us the percentage of housework that each of us does, what are you going to put?"
(this was a question from last year)
him: "50/50"
me: raised eyebrows.
him: "that's not the right answer then?"
me: "if they ask us our favorite movie, what's mine?"
him: "Man on the Moon!"
me: "Did I drive 400 miles round trip to see Man on the Moon in theaters for its 20th anniversary?"
him: "oh. nope."
me: "so would yours be Princess Bride?"
him: "yeah, that or Gone in 60 Seconds...ooooh, OR Napoleon Dynamite. It's a classic."
me:
him: "let's go for Gone in 60 Seconds. Yeah, that one."
I'm sure we're going to just sail through this game! (so rolling my eyes)
2. Tomorrow I'm taking my mom out to Red Lobster for Valentine's Day. Next year I won't be her Valentine. I'll have a dad by then.
3. Oh, yes I will!
4. Every day at 3:42 pm a little neighbor boy and girl get off the school bus. He'll proceed to hand her his backpack, pull down his little bitty pants and pee as he walks up the driveway.
Every day. I kid you not.
5. My baby had her 9 month check up today and I got lectured for the bajillionth time about vaccinations. I'm so over going to the doctor.
6. My fat pants were a bit tight this morning. Pffft.
7. My neighbor is a teacher. I don't think she's been at school a full week all year. I want her job. Last week some of her six children were sick. They were outside playing in shorts, t-shirts and no shoes or socks. It was in the 20's. M'kay...
8. My husband is planning to get me something for Valentine's Day. I don't know what it is. This is a first. I always...always guess my gifts from him. I haven't asked because I'm scared to know. I bought him a card. And had a baby 9 months ago, that's gift enough, no?
9. This is my favorite post of the week.
10. My Esther bible study at the Naz on Tuesdays is kicking my butt. I love it. This week I've had to face some amazing fears. I'm actually overcoming some of them. Proof? I let Amber drive on our date last night. Anyone who knows me, knows that's huge. I don't like being a passenger. I have issues. So, yay! I'm getting better!
11. I took cupcakes in to Oxarc this morning for Josh's co-workers. As I walked out the door I said, "Merry Christmas." I always say that. I meant to. But I think the new guy was wondering if I was a weirdo...if he only knew, right?
12. The sun is out for the first time in ages. I was stoked. Until I pull my sunglasses out and find that they are broken beyond my husband's repair. Bugger. (the man can fix pert near everything)
13. I have reservations to go camping 5 months and 4 days from now. I've already started a list of things we'll be taking. Um, I might be a bit excited.
14. My back hurts. I'm sick of my back hurting. The doctor gave me a shot of some B12 awhile ago and it made it feel so much better. So, he sent me home with some syringes and B12 to give to myself...it's not working. (Josh almost passed out watching me shoot myself.)
15. I got out my scrapbook stuff to make Valentine cards for all (2) of my friends. Then remembered why I consider burning all that stuff. I suck.
16. My kids are so tired and totally fighting their naps right now. They are talking and laughing in there and I know that should make me happy but I just want them to sleep already!
17. I need to update my Podunk blog. Bleh.
There you have it. The randomness that is my life. As for #4...do all boys do this?! I mean, I know in the summer my husband always pees outside (he'll love finding out I told you this) but he never just pees up and down the driveway. At least not that I'm aware of....
1. Some conversation between the husband and I as we prepare for our thrilling event tonight:
me: "If they ask us the percentage of housework that each of us does, what are you going to put?"
(this was a question from last year)
him: "50/50"
me: raised eyebrows.
him: "that's not the right answer then?"
me: "if they ask us our favorite movie, what's mine?"
him: "Man on the Moon!"
me: "Did I drive 400 miles round trip to see Man on the Moon in theaters for its 20th anniversary?"
him: "oh. nope."
me: "so would yours be Princess Bride?"
him: "yeah, that or Gone in 60 Seconds...ooooh, OR Napoleon Dynamite. It's a classic."
me:
him: "let's go for Gone in 60 Seconds. Yeah, that one."
I'm sure we're going to just sail through this game! (so rolling my eyes)
2. Tomorrow I'm taking my mom out to Red Lobster for Valentine's Day. Next year I won't be her Valentine. I'll have a dad by then.
3. Oh, yes I will!
4. Every day at 3:42 pm a little neighbor boy and girl get off the school bus. He'll proceed to hand her his backpack, pull down his little bitty pants and pee as he walks up the driveway.
Every day. I kid you not.
5. My baby had her 9 month check up today and I got lectured for the bajillionth time about vaccinations. I'm so over going to the doctor.
6. My fat pants were a bit tight this morning. Pffft.
7. My neighbor is a teacher. I don't think she's been at school a full week all year. I want her job. Last week some of her six children were sick. They were outside playing in shorts, t-shirts and no shoes or socks. It was in the 20's. M'kay...
8. My husband is planning to get me something for Valentine's Day. I don't know what it is. This is a first. I always...always guess my gifts from him. I haven't asked because I'm scared to know. I bought him a card. And had a baby 9 months ago, that's gift enough, no?
9. This is my favorite post of the week.
10. My Esther bible study at the Naz on Tuesdays is kicking my butt. I love it. This week I've had to face some amazing fears. I'm actually overcoming some of them. Proof? I let Amber drive on our date last night. Anyone who knows me, knows that's huge. I don't like being a passenger. I have issues. So, yay! I'm getting better!
11. I took cupcakes in to Oxarc this morning for Josh's co-workers. As I walked out the door I said, "Merry Christmas." I always say that. I meant to. But I think the new guy was wondering if I was a weirdo...if he only knew, right?
12. The sun is out for the first time in ages. I was stoked. Until I pull my sunglasses out and find that they are broken beyond my husband's repair. Bugger. (the man can fix pert near everything)
13. I have reservations to go camping 5 months and 4 days from now. I've already started a list of things we'll be taking. Um, I might be a bit excited.
14. My back hurts. I'm sick of my back hurting. The doctor gave me a shot of some B12 awhile ago and it made it feel so much better. So, he sent me home with some syringes and B12 to give to myself...it's not working. (Josh almost passed out watching me shoot myself.)
15. I got out my scrapbook stuff to make Valentine cards for all (2) of my friends. Then remembered why I consider burning all that stuff. I suck.
16. My kids are so tired and totally fighting their naps right now. They are talking and laughing in there and I know that should make me happy but I just want them to sleep already!
17. I need to update my Podunk blog. Bleh.
There you have it. The randomness that is my life. As for #4...do all boys do this?! I mean, I know in the summer my husband always pees outside (he'll love finding out I told you this) but he never just pees up and down the driveway. At least not that I'm aware of....
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
We'll be kicked outta church for these
Oh, Lord. Ever since Josh found out we've been chosen for the Newlywed Game and that we're supposed to bring a wedding picture, he's been conjuring up ideas for our wedding photo.
Yes, we have one of our sweet little selves from 10 years 7 months ago (exactly!) but we've decided to spice it up a bit. I mean, what's a church function without a little spice, right?
So, you're getting a sneak peek. Shhh. Don't call our pastor.
Yes, we have one of our sweet little selves from 10 years 7 months ago (exactly!) but we've decided to spice it up a bit. I mean, what's a church function without a little spice, right?
So, you're getting a sneak peek. Shhh. Don't call our pastor.
So, there we have it. Our normalness for all to see. My MIL brought her wedding dress over and had I seen this thing 10 yrs ago, I would have worn it. I love it. She made it 39 years ago for $20. It's gorgeous. And it fit my pillow quite nicely! =) My FIL brought his shotgun, Josh had me draw a tattoo on him and I put on as much make up as I possibly could. I'm going to have the last one printed and framed for Friday night.
But I'll also take this one too.
A Wild Hair
No, not a nose hair or ear hair or...
Just some crazy ideas that I'm thinkin' sound pretty fun. I have a ton of them that run through my mind on a daily basis.
Here's a list of wild hairs I have:
1. Go see/meet Emily.
2. Go see/meet Gayle.
(thinking I can bust numbers 1 and 2 out in one trip.)
3. Chop off my hair and dye it.
(husband won't go for it.)
4. Drive across the country.
(checking account won't go for it.)
5. Throw away all but two pairs of shoes.
(seriously, I'm considering this.)
6. Take an entire week where I do not at all do any housework, just scrapbook to my heart's content.
(won't happen but it sounds fun!)
7. Go to Safeway, purchase Peanut Butter Cup ice cream, some Jalapeno Poppers, some Dr. Pepper and maybe a rotisserie chicken and eat myself into oblivion.
(I am taking this into SERIOUS consideration, folks. Serious.)
8. Buying my husband a gun for Valentine's Day.
(Yep, I am. That's what he wants. I may just do it!)
9. Get rid of the televsion. Once and For ALL!!
(we don't watch it, what's the point of having it?)(besides it being a convenient babysitter during cartoons?)
10. Sign up and sell Scentsy.
(I've had a party, it was awesome, and I continue to sell it...for other people. So, why not do it myself?!)
Numbers 1 and 2 are must haves for me. Must.have.
like pronto.
Number 3 won't happen til I lose me some toddler weight.
Number 7 may just happen tonight.
Number 8 isn't likely this paycheck.
Number 10 happened about an hour ago!
So, I did it. I signed myself up to sell Scentsy. I love the stuff, I really do. If you've never heard of it, here's a bit o' info. In their words...
A secret combination of ingredients is used to create a pool of melted wax, which is transformed into a wickless candle bar. Only the finest scented oils are hand-picked to give an array of aromas. The melted wax is poured into reusable containers for easy storage.
In my words: There's a bar of wax (over 80 to choose from,) you place it on top of your warmer (dozens to choose from) turn it on, the lightbulb heats and melts the wax. The wax fills your home with an awesome scent of your choice and you don't have to worry about flames, soot, wicks that burn the candle unevenly...and you don't have to worry about your kids, pets, or ahem...husbands burning themselves on the wax, should they happen to get into it. The wax does not get hot.
To sum it up in two words- Scentsy Rocks.
I'm pretty official. I have my own website. Well, at least for the first three months...since it's free! =) Check it out, let me know whatcha think.
Sarah's AwesomeShmawesome New Website
Just some crazy ideas that I'm thinkin' sound pretty fun. I have a ton of them that run through my mind on a daily basis.
Here's a list of wild hairs I have:
1. Go see/meet Emily.
2. Go see/meet Gayle.
(thinking I can bust numbers 1 and 2 out in one trip.)
3. Chop off my hair and dye it.
(husband won't go for it.)
4. Drive across the country.
(checking account won't go for it.)
5. Throw away all but two pairs of shoes.
(seriously, I'm considering this.)
6. Take an entire week where I do not at all do any housework, just scrapbook to my heart's content.
(won't happen but it sounds fun!)
7. Go to Safeway, purchase Peanut Butter Cup ice cream, some Jalapeno Poppers, some Dr. Pepper and maybe a rotisserie chicken and eat myself into oblivion.
(I am taking this into SERIOUS consideration, folks. Serious.)
8. Buying my husband a gun for Valentine's Day.
(Yep, I am. That's what he wants. I may just do it!)
9. Get rid of the televsion. Once and For ALL!!
(we don't watch it, what's the point of having it?)(besides it being a convenient babysitter during cartoons?)
10. Sign up and sell Scentsy.
(I've had a party, it was awesome, and I continue to sell it...for other people. So, why not do it myself?!)
Numbers 1 and 2 are must haves for me. Must.have.
like pronto.
Number 3 won't happen til I lose me some toddler weight.
Number 7 may just happen tonight.
Number 8 isn't likely this paycheck.
Number 10 happened about an hour ago!
So, I did it. I signed myself up to sell Scentsy. I love the stuff, I really do. If you've never heard of it, here's a bit o' info. In their words...
A secret combination of ingredients is used to create a pool of melted wax, which is transformed into a wickless candle bar. Only the finest scented oils are hand-picked to give an array of aromas. The melted wax is poured into reusable containers for easy storage.
In my words: There's a bar of wax (over 80 to choose from,) you place it on top of your warmer (dozens to choose from) turn it on, the lightbulb heats and melts the wax. The wax fills your home with an awesome scent of your choice and you don't have to worry about flames, soot, wicks that burn the candle unevenly...and you don't have to worry about your kids, pets, or ahem...husbands burning themselves on the wax, should they happen to get into it. The wax does not get hot.
To sum it up in two words- Scentsy Rocks.
I'm pretty official. I have my own website. Well, at least for the first three months...since it's free! =) Check it out, let me know whatcha think.
Sarah's AwesomeShmawesome New Website
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
He's Calling in Sick
Our church does an annual Valentine's banquet dealie-o. We don't go. I don't know why, we just haven't gone.
Last year I guess they did this Newlywed Game that was a total riot. Rather, my aunt and uncle were the riot. I believe they ended up winning the game. Rumor has it anyway...not that there are rumors in the church...
Anywho.
Last week I get a call from our associate pastor, Tom. It's always a little scary to me to get a call from the pastor. Not sure why. I think it reminds me of school days and the principal and all of that. Not that I ever had to go see the principal...for skipping class...
Um, again, anywho...
Tom calls to ask if Josh and I would like to be among the couples to play in this year's Newlywed Game. I chuckled.
Then agreed.
I told Josh we were going to the banquet and that we were playing this game. He was fine with it until:
Sunday, our pastor was up front making announcements and was talking about this Friday and the dinner banquet and asked who the particpants were for the Newlywed Game. I didn't say anything. Didn't need to, as Tom's wife Pia, who was sitting in front of us, let everyone know we were part of the game.
Josh leans over and whispers, "you mean, not everyone going to the dinner is playing?"
I shook my head.
And I'm wondering if we were chosen, in part, to play this game because I posted this picture of us on Facebook and Pia saw it and thought we'd be a good laugh for those at the banquet...
We're supposed to bring a wedding picture. More on that later this week...
Last year I guess they did this Newlywed Game that was a total riot. Rather, my aunt and uncle were the riot. I believe they ended up winning the game. Rumor has it anyway...not that there are rumors in the church...
Anywho.
Last week I get a call from our associate pastor, Tom. It's always a little scary to me to get a call from the pastor. Not sure why. I think it reminds me of school days and the principal and all of that. Not that I ever had to go see the principal...for skipping class...
Um, again, anywho...
Tom calls to ask if Josh and I would like to be among the couples to play in this year's Newlywed Game. I chuckled.
Then agreed.
I told Josh we were going to the banquet and that we were playing this game. He was fine with it until:
Sunday, our pastor was up front making announcements and was talking about this Friday and the dinner banquet and asked who the particpants were for the Newlywed Game. I didn't say anything. Didn't need to, as Tom's wife Pia, who was sitting in front of us, let everyone know we were part of the game.
Josh leans over and whispers, "you mean, not everyone going to the dinner is playing?"
I shook my head.
And I'm wondering if we were chosen, in part, to play this game because I posted this picture of us on Facebook and Pia saw it and thought we'd be a good laugh for those at the banquet...
We're supposed to bring a wedding picture. More on that later this week...
Hello, name is Procrastinating Queen
If there were only one thing I could change about myself, it would be this.
I wish I did not procrastinate!!!
I have an entire list of bad qualities. But I think this tops my list. I will do anything to not doing something right now. Did that make sense to anyone else but me?
Right now my Esther bible study is sitting on my dining room table. I cannot tell you how much I am learning and loving this study. It's been so freeing! I never realized before the tactics that Satan can use in our heads! Bleh!
Anyway...so I meet at the church with a bunch of wonderful women on Tuesdays (that's what today is, right?!) and then we have seven days to complete five lessons. Seven days to complete five lessons. So, if I started my lessons on Wednesday, I'd have plenty of time to finish only five lessons right? You know, since I have seven days to do FIVE lessons.
Um, so who has only done one lesson?
Yesterday.
Thinking I should prolly get off here and go do my lessons. And get dressed and brush my teeth. Do my hair, put on some make-up. Bathe my kid. Do her hair. Get her dressed. Nurse the baby. Bathe the baby. Dress the baby. Strap 'em into their seats.
And get some coffee.
Today is going to be glorious. And I'm not going to procrastinate. Until tomorrow.
I wish I did not procrastinate!!!
I have an entire list of bad qualities. But I think this tops my list. I will do anything to not doing something right now. Did that make sense to anyone else but me?
Right now my Esther bible study is sitting on my dining room table. I cannot tell you how much I am learning and loving this study. It's been so freeing! I never realized before the tactics that Satan can use in our heads! Bleh!
Anyway...so I meet at the church with a bunch of wonderful women on Tuesdays (that's what today is, right?!) and then we have seven days to complete five lessons. Seven days to complete five lessons. So, if I started my lessons on Wednesday, I'd have plenty of time to finish only five lessons right? You know, since I have seven days to do FIVE lessons.
Um, so who has only done one lesson?
Yesterday.
Thinking I should prolly get off here and go do my lessons. And get dressed and brush my teeth. Do my hair, put on some make-up. Bathe my kid. Do her hair. Get her dressed. Nurse the baby. Bathe the baby. Dress the baby. Strap 'em into their seats.
And get some coffee.
Today is going to be glorious. And I'm not going to procrastinate. Until tomorrow.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
We didn't leave home without it
Oh my word.
Last night we had a first for our family. One I'm not proud of. One I pray to God, never happens again.
We went out to dinner with Caleb and Denise (my B&SIL) and while we're there, Alison starts pitching a royal fit.
I tell Josh to give her the pacifer. It's a cure-all, dontchaknow? But he can't find it. I can't find it. He walks through the restaurant, goes outside and traces the steps back to our van, it's nowhere.
NO WHERE!
So, we get our food. Josh is holding Alison, trying to get her to calm down. People are starting to stare and I've now become the mom that honestly, I've talked badly about. I have seen people with those horrendous children and been like, "lady, why can you NOT control that kid of yours?!"
Of course I've never had the balls to say that, but I've thought it. (yes, I just said balls) Considered hitting backspace.
Changed my mind.
Anyway, Josh leaves the restaurant. His food arrives shortly after.
Caleb eats his dinner. And then he relieves Josh of his brat holding duties. Do I have the coolest brother in law ever, or what? Love ya, Caleb. Josh comes in to eat, then I took my turn with the beast when I was done eating.
I come back in with her after I know everyone is done. We have our checks, it's time to go, and my three year old niece says she's found something.
Uh huh. The pacifier.
Grrrr.
Last night we had a first for our family. One I'm not proud of. One I pray to God, never happens again.
We went out to dinner with Caleb and Denise (my B&SIL) and while we're there, Alison starts pitching a royal fit.
I tell Josh to give her the pacifer. It's a cure-all, dontchaknow? But he can't find it. I can't find it. He walks through the restaurant, goes outside and traces the steps back to our van, it's nowhere.
NO WHERE!
So, we get our food. Josh is holding Alison, trying to get her to calm down. People are starting to stare and I've now become the mom that honestly, I've talked badly about. I have seen people with those horrendous children and been like, "lady, why can you NOT control that kid of yours?!"
Of course I've never had the balls to say that, but I've thought it. (yes, I just said balls) Considered hitting backspace.
Changed my mind.
Anyway, Josh leaves the restaurant. His food arrives shortly after.
Caleb eats his dinner. And then he relieves Josh of his brat holding duties. Do I have the coolest brother in law ever, or what? Love ya, Caleb. Josh comes in to eat, then I took my turn with the beast when I was done eating.
I come back in with her after I know everyone is done. We have our checks, it's time to go, and my three year old niece says she's found something.
Uh huh. The pacifier.
Grrrr.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Things that make me a happy happy girl
By nature, I'm a pretty pessimisstic chick. I mean, not always. Okay, always. But if you lived where I lived you wouldn't be all happy go lucky all da time.
And yesterday as I was driving through this town that I loathe, I had to start praising the Lord for good stuff so that I wouldn't ram the vehicle in front of me that was doing 17 in a 35.
(Hellooooo, Border Patrol!!! Over here!!!!)
Anywho...
So, here's a list of stuff that makes me happy.
And yesterday as I was driving through this town that I loathe, I had to start praising the Lord for good stuff so that I wouldn't ram the vehicle in front of me that was doing 17 in a 35.
(Hellooooo, Border Patrol!!! Over here!!!!)
Anywho...
So, here's a list of stuff that makes me happy.
- a full tank of gas
- my baby crinkling her nose
- my baby sleeping through the night for two nights IN A ROW!! Praise the Lord!
- sunshine
- Coffee
- friends
- Esther bible study, man I'm learning A LOT from this
- forgiveness
- Coffee
- my new camera, she doesn't have a name yet and that's so not like me.
- emails from friends
- my husband taking the girls for a couple hours so I could rest
- my 3 yo praying over me when I wasn't feeling well
- late night chats on FB with Denise
- Coffee
- a full pantry
- a new razor
- heated leather seats, greatest invention ever, Lord bless that person
- an empty laundry basket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- have I mentioned coffee yet?
- plans for Valentine's Day
Short list. But it's amazing how focusing on stuff that makes you happy really can turn your mood around.
What's yer list?
Monday, February 02, 2009
Some Bloggy Lovin'
In the last coupla days I've received two awards. TWO! AWARDS!
Smokes.
The last time I won an award was in High School. And I'm not sure "Most Likely to be seen on Jerry Springer" really counts as an award...but a girl's gotta be known for something I suppose.
Liz gave me this:
Smokes.
The last time I won an award was in High School. And I'm not sure "Most Likely to be seen on Jerry Springer" really counts as an award...but a girl's gotta be known for something I suppose.
Liz gave me this:
"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."
I had to ask Webster what "aggrandizement" meant. He said it's about seeking power. Nice to know that I'm not considered one who seeks this! Thank you, Liz. I do aim to find friends and to be a friend. I was just talking with one of my greatest friends tonight about how it's sad that we don't really have more of them. Being a girl is tough. And for some reason, it's tough for girls to have and be friends. (More on this another time.)
And so, I pass this award on to my friend, Emily. I haven't met her in real life, yet. We're still separated by this black box. But after reading her blog for the last year, I can say, that fer shizzle, we'll be great friends. She's wonderful and definitely deserving of an award about a girl who aims to be a friend. Love you, Emily!
Just this evening I received a message alerting me that I'd been given another award! It must be because tomorrow is 4 months until my birthday and I'm receiving gifts for being 28 and 3/4!
Linda made her own awards to give out and I got this one!!!
Wow. I don't even know what to say. Me, without words?! I know!
Saying it like it is, is definitely how I hope to roll. I don't want to be someone who beats around the bush. Just beat the bush, already! I want to know where I stand with someone. Mainly, I'm that way 'cause I'm a lil slow. =) I need things to be black and white so that I get it. I'm not good at reading between lines. I always want to have honesty in every relationship I have. Including you guys, here.
Thank you, Linda. I'm honored. Truly.
So, I pass this awesome award on to two tell-it-like-it-is girls. Two girls who tell it like it is in different ways.
Gayle, married with children. Telling it like it is as a wife and mama. The good days, the not so good days. She's real and I love it. Love her. Can't wait to hang out someday.
Amy Beth, single girl, running an amazing ministry for young girls. Telling it like it is last week in the life of a single girl committed to purity. Her posts last week, I'll be printing off to read, verbatim to my girls when they are old enough. If you have teens, pre-teens, toddlers, read up! Heck, if you're a girl, read Amy Beth's blog.
Thank you Liz and Linda. I'm totally stoked to have received awards from you girlies. And stoked to pass them on to three deserving chicks.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
My Thoughts on the Super Bowl
The Cardinals were robbed. It was a total flashback of three years ago when the Seahawks played the Steelers.
Ridiculous.
I'm done now.
Ridiculous.
I'm done now.
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