8.09.2009
Being Together
Because we aren't sure what D's schedule will be like with the new company he works for, we chose to take advantage of a beautiful weekend afternoon together as a family. The water was cold, but not freezing, the wind was light, the sun was warm, and we brought all the fixings for a picnic on the beach. We all had fun. Looking forward to doing it again soon!
7.19.2009
Nan's 85th Birthday
We spent yesterday in Sacramento celebrating Nan's 85th birthday with that whole side of the family. Here are a couple of highlights. Everyone took turns posing with the face of Lindsay's husband, who was unable to attend because of work. And SOMEONE found the dessert before everyone else!
7.07.2009
Dear Structure Currently Known As My House,
As my house, you've provided a cozy place for us to make our home and I fully intend to reside in you as long as possible. You've given us a place to make memories, to relax and to gather with friends and family. For those things I thank you.
However, there's an issue I feel needs to be addressed. Actually, it's more of a request. Can you please do a little more to contain the small insects and other crawly-things to the OUTSIDE of yourself? Now, I'm not completely inflexible...letting a few tiny outdoor creatures into the garage occasionally is acceptable. But the large pinchy-type bug I found on my curtains this morning? Don't ever let it happen again. Do we have an understanding?
Good.
I look forward to the rest of my [hopefully] bug-free day here at home.
Thank you.
However, there's an issue I feel needs to be addressed. Actually, it's more of a request. Can you please do a little more to contain the small insects and other crawly-things to the OUTSIDE of yourself? Now, I'm not completely inflexible...letting a few tiny outdoor creatures into the garage occasionally is acceptable. But the large pinchy-type bug I found on my curtains this morning? Don't ever let it happen again. Do we have an understanding?
Good.
I look forward to the rest of my [hopefully] bug-free day here at home.
Thank you.
6.29.2009
No Voice
I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately, and this morning I woke up with NO VOICE! I could muster a whisper, but not a very strong one. It gave me a renewed appreciation for being able to speak when I'm not sick as well as some insight into my youngest's struggles with learning to talk/communicate.
I wasn't able to say the things I really needed to say, like:
"Don't put that rock in your mouth,"
"Please sit before you go down the slide,"
"Watch out for that step!"
and "I love you."
And I learned that if you're not making noise at our house, most of the time no one is paying attention to you! I found myself clapping to get attention when i needed to communicate something important. I even did it at work today! Speaking of work...I think I'm going to whisper every day when I'm there because my students were so quiet and obedient!
I wasn't able to say the things I really needed to say, like:
"Don't put that rock in your mouth,"
"Please sit before you go down the slide,"
"Watch out for that step!"
and "I love you."
And I learned that if you're not making noise at our house, most of the time no one is paying attention to you! I found myself clapping to get attention when i needed to communicate something important. I even did it at work today! Speaking of work...I think I'm going to whisper every day when I'm there because my students were so quiet and obedient!
My Life As A Rock Star
This was written by Melinda Coats in the MomSense July/August 2009 issue (a MOPS publication). I loved it & agreed with it. Thought some of you might enjoy it, too:
I live the life of a rock star. It's true! I have wild hair and make-up with frequent costume changes.
Everywhere I go I have an entourage. People are constantly yelling my name. I look out into the crowd and they're actually crying for me, reaching for me.
I have no privacy. I'm watched when I shower, when I'm cooking, even when I use the restroom...for my own protection, I'm sure.
When I go places I must do so quickly before my fans get out of control and start a riot. Every night I different [person] wants to sleep with me. Each of them seems genuinely hurt when I turn [them] away.
Occasionally I get dirty undergarments whirled at me with a whoop and a smile. It's even hard sometimes to walk through my own home without someone spotting me and trying to grab my legs or my clothing.
Oh, and don't forget about the stalkers! You know those crazed fans that follow you everywhere? Why, I can't even talk on the phone in the pantry without an eye or two peeping in at me.
Yes it's true--I live the life of a rock star. And this goes out to my biggest fans--D., Z. & E.--thanks for making my debut so special!
I live the life of a rock star. It's true! I have wild hair and make-up with frequent costume changes.
Everywhere I go I have an entourage. People are constantly yelling my name. I look out into the crowd and they're actually crying for me, reaching for me.
I have no privacy. I'm watched when I shower, when I'm cooking, even when I use the restroom...for my own protection, I'm sure.
When I go places I must do so quickly before my fans get out of control and start a riot. Every night I different [person] wants to sleep with me. Each of them seems genuinely hurt when I turn [them] away.
Occasionally I get dirty undergarments whirled at me with a whoop and a smile. It's even hard sometimes to walk through my own home without someone spotting me and trying to grab my legs or my clothing.
Oh, and don't forget about the stalkers! You know those crazed fans that follow you everywhere? Why, I can't even talk on the phone in the pantry without an eye or two peeping in at me.
Yes it's true--I live the life of a rock star. And this goes out to my biggest fans--D., Z. & E.--thanks for making my debut so special!
6.28.2009
Learning
Words/Phrases the youngest has said for the first time this week:
1. Gabba-Gabba
2. Whoops!
3. Gum
Things we've discovered this week:
1. There's a tomato plant growing in the middle of our back lawn.
2. The youngest had a flea in her diaper (stray cat that visits got sprayed right after this discovery)
3. The cat we thought was a stray actually belongs to one of our neighbors. Her name is Princess (perfect for our kids).
4. The youngest can & will chew gum! I'll try to get a picture of this up soon.
5. The oldest can flip over the bar at gymnastics without assistance! (VERY proud parents here)
Things I've forgotten about this week:
1. The water filling the tub for the youngest's bath (D. found it and turned it off before it was full enough to spill over onto the floor)
2. My grilled cheese cooking on the skillet. (so sad. why do I mess up the easiest things to make?)
3. The water filling the pool in the back yard. D. wasn't home this time, so it DID spill over. Benefit: I didn't have to water that part of the lawn today!
There's more, too, but guess what? I can't remember! My brain is mush lately.
But I DID remember to include some cute pics!
6.01.2009
5.13.2009
A little trip...
The girls and I went on a weekend trip to visit friends and volunteer for a cancer foundation fundraiser. The weather was beautiful. We played on the golf course (the girls also saw some ducks swimming in the pond), swam in the pool and had a nice visit. E. even found her belly button while we were there!
4.02.2009
Why we've been giggling since yesterday morning:
D's sister played an April Fools joke on him that he & I decided to play on most of our friends yesterday. Here's the text message we sent out:
"Do you know a Mr. Behr? He asked me to have you give him a call at 415.753.7080."
(that is the number to the SF Zoo!) Hahahahaha! Get it? Mr. Behr= Mr. Bear (say it out loud)! Oh my goodness--we've been laughing nonstop because EVERYONE fell for it. Tee-hee!
"Do you know a Mr. Behr? He asked me to have you give him a call at 415.753.7080."
(that is the number to the SF Zoo!) Hahahahaha! Get it? Mr. Behr= Mr. Bear (say it out loud)! Oh my goodness--we've been laughing nonstop because EVERYONE fell for it. Tee-hee!
4.01.2009
The children are multi-colored and smell like hard-boiled eggs & vinegar
Because we dyed eggs today! Uncle J & Miss Steffie brought the fun and we all indulged in an early Easter festivity (Miss Steffie's were the prettiest, but I think our youngest had the most fun!). And, yes, we used Christmas cups to dye Easter eggs--it's what we had, okay?
3.16.2009
Grace
Grace: "freely given, unmerited favor or love"
(Read: giving someone something nice when they don't deserve it)
Mercy: "compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender"
(Read: NOT giving someone the punishment they DO deserve)
We recently had an opportunity to extend both grace and mercy to some people we regret ever allowing into our lives. It's not an easy thing to do. We fought every bit of our human nature to make it possible. We are disgusted at the type of people they turned out to be, but even more, we are saddened by their horrific behavior. It's discouraging when people display no regret after intentionally hurting others and even more disappointing when those same people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. The whole ordeal was saddening. It made us want to cry and throw up all in the same moment.
But we realized it was unfair of us to expect them to live up to our standards. We knew from the beginning they were incapable of doing it, but we took the risk with the hope they would try. We've learned our lesson about that now.
During the meeting we had, these people proved, not only to us but to the other people present, how disrespectful and dishonorable they truly are. They were rude and tactless. However, despite their unfortunate choices, we took the opportunity to practice kindness, graciousness and generosity--and extended a kind of love to them that everyone in the room knew they didn't deserve.
We are thankful that God knows the hearts of everyone, and that regardless of what those people took from us, He is a God of justice and peace.
We are thankful to be released from the burden they placed on us and will be sure to seek God's wisdom before entering into similar relationships in the future.
(Read: giving someone something nice when they don't deserve it)
Mercy: "compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender"
(Read: NOT giving someone the punishment they DO deserve)
We recently had an opportunity to extend both grace and mercy to some people we regret ever allowing into our lives. It's not an easy thing to do. We fought every bit of our human nature to make it possible. We are disgusted at the type of people they turned out to be, but even more, we are saddened by their horrific behavior. It's discouraging when people display no regret after intentionally hurting others and even more disappointing when those same people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. The whole ordeal was saddening. It made us want to cry and throw up all in the same moment.
But we realized it was unfair of us to expect them to live up to our standards. We knew from the beginning they were incapable of doing it, but we took the risk with the hope they would try. We've learned our lesson about that now.
During the meeting we had, these people proved, not only to us but to the other people present, how disrespectful and dishonorable they truly are. They were rude and tactless. However, despite their unfortunate choices, we took the opportunity to practice kindness, graciousness and generosity--and extended a kind of love to them that everyone in the room knew they didn't deserve.
We are thankful that God knows the hearts of everyone, and that regardless of what those people took from us, He is a God of justice and peace.
We are thankful to be released from the burden they placed on us and will be sure to seek God's wisdom before entering into similar relationships in the future.
3.07.2009
3.06.2009
Motrin & Tylenol
Yay for childrens fever meds! Our youngest had a fever (about 102) last weekend. Yesterday our oldest came down with one at 102.9! Steady doses of motrin & tylenol eventually brought it down to a non-mommy-freaking-out temp by morning.
Also...I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go in the garage again. Last night I opened the door, turned on the light & a rat scurried past my feet! I always wondered what I'd do in a situation like that. Now I know: I scream "OH MY GOSH THAT'S A RAT!" and do a funny little dance in my (bare) feet to avoid actually touching it. I think I should get points for not swearing. I haven't figured out how to do laundry without going into the garage (where the washing machine & dryer are) yet, though...
Also...I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go in the garage again. Last night I opened the door, turned on the light & a rat scurried past my feet! I always wondered what I'd do in a situation like that. Now I know: I scream "OH MY GOSH THAT'S A RAT!" and do a funny little dance in my (bare) feet to avoid actually touching it. I think I should get points for not swearing. I haven't figured out how to do laundry without going into the garage (where the washing machine & dryer are) yet, though...
3.03.2009
It Never Fails.
Whatever the week's Bible study topic is, that's what I'll be struggling with.
Last week was all about not being anxious about anything. Right. Okay, so after doing the study I know it IS possible. Just challenging for control freaks with trust issues...and during an incredibly difficult business week. (taking a slow, deep breath)
This weeks study? Capturing every thought and, if it's no good, making a conscious effort to think about something better. HOW?! Well, thankfully that's in the study too. Of course, when the week starts with issues which immediately evoke negative thoughts for me, all I learned from the study went right out the window.
I've gone back to repeating Philippians 4 to myself throughout the day. Amazing how much that helps. This Bible study is definitely what I needed this year(even as convicting as it is).
Last week was all about not being anxious about anything. Right. Okay, so after doing the study I know it IS possible. Just challenging for control freaks with trust issues...and during an incredibly difficult business week. (taking a slow, deep breath)
This weeks study? Capturing every thought and, if it's no good, making a conscious effort to think about something better. HOW?! Well, thankfully that's in the study too. Of course, when the week starts with issues which immediately evoke negative thoughts for me, all I learned from the study went right out the window.
I've gone back to repeating Philippians 4 to myself throughout the day. Amazing how much that helps. This Bible study is definitely what I needed this year(even as convicting as it is).
1.22.2009
The New Year So Far
E's bday went off great. It was a double party with Bompa. I started a new job at the beginning of the month. I now tutor students in ESL everyday for a few hours. AND...D got two job offers. He chose the company that will work around his school schedule because...he also got into the fire academy!
12.27.2008
The Next Big Thing
We had the best Christmas EVER! The girls had a fantastic day playing with their new toys (Mamaw & Bompa bought them pretty much everything they wanted!) and we had a blast playing wii! Couldn't have had a better day.
And now our focus shifts to the next big deal event in our family: E's 1st birthday!! Yay!!
And now our focus shifts to the next big deal event in our family: E's 1st birthday!! Yay!!
12.24.2008
K-Designers
A few weeks ago the pastor of care ministries at our church called saying there was a local business wanting to bless a family in our community & he wanted to know if it would be okay to give them our names! He said they would want to know about our needs & would most likely help with things like groceries & things for the girls. We were touched he'd think of us and, not wanting to turn down potential blessing, gave permission. The next day a woman from the company called... She asked about our needs AND our Christmas wish lists! I was caught off-guard. We had decided not to buy presents this year. We made a short wish list at the request of our extended family and bought a few things for the girls' stockings, but, because our focus has totally been on meeting our basic needs month-to-month, hadn't really given thought to what we might want. So I told the lady what the girls are into (princesses, music, etc.) & figured she wanted a longer list so they had more to choose from. I thanked her for even offering to help & felt blessed to know they wanted to do something nice for us. She told me they would be at our house the afternoon of the 23rd. Yesterday.
They knocked on our door at 2pm. The woman who contacted me walked in with arms full of wrapped presents! We were delighted. Then a man walked in with huge bags full of MORE wrapped presents! We were shocked! THEN, he says, "oh wait--there's one more thing," goes out to the porch & wheels in a brand new mountain bike for D! We were astonished! THENNN they handed me & D each an envelope & asked us to open them right away. Mine was a beautiful card signed by each person at the company...with more-than-sizeable gift cards to Safeway & Target! I started to cry. Those gift cards ensure we can now buy meat & fresh vegetables, groceries for the month. What a tremendous blessing. It was D's turn to open his envelope. Inside was a letter & invoice: they bought new tires for our car!! I was already crying, but D. started to cry too. We couldn't say "thank you" enough. We were more than thankful. Our car's tires are bald. We've been concerned about the issue of safety for some time but just didn't have the funds to do anything about it. Now all we have to do is call the tire company one day ahead to make an appointment & we'll get new tires! We hugged them and repeated how thankful we were and how much we appreciate everything they've done for our family. We were not expecting so much & would have been pleased with even just one gift. We were completely blown away by their generosity. We are also excited about having gifts to open at our house Christmas morning! Even today, the day after, we are still looking under our tree & saying, "wow" & "oh my gosh" because we're still in disbelief that just happened. We will be forever grateful to K-Designers for what they've given to us.
We truly believe God sent them to us & it strengthens our faith in His provision to have experienced such an outpouring of generosity.
They knocked on our door at 2pm. The woman who contacted me walked in with arms full of wrapped presents! We were delighted. Then a man walked in with huge bags full of MORE wrapped presents! We were shocked! THEN, he says, "oh wait--there's one more thing," goes out to the porch & wheels in a brand new mountain bike for D! We were astonished! THENNN they handed me & D each an envelope & asked us to open them right away. Mine was a beautiful card signed by each person at the company...with more-than-sizeable gift cards to Safeway & Target! I started to cry. Those gift cards ensure we can now buy meat & fresh vegetables, groceries for the month. What a tremendous blessing. It was D's turn to open his envelope. Inside was a letter & invoice: they bought new tires for our car!! I was already crying, but D. started to cry too. We couldn't say "thank you" enough. We were more than thankful. Our car's tires are bald. We've been concerned about the issue of safety for some time but just didn't have the funds to do anything about it. Now all we have to do is call the tire company one day ahead to make an appointment & we'll get new tires! We hugged them and repeated how thankful we were and how much we appreciate everything they've done for our family. We were not expecting so much & would have been pleased with even just one gift. We were completely blown away by their generosity. We are also excited about having gifts to open at our house Christmas morning! Even today, the day after, we are still looking under our tree & saying, "wow" & "oh my gosh" because we're still in disbelief that just happened. We will be forever grateful to K-Designers for what they've given to us.
We truly believe God sent them to us & it strengthens our faith in His provision to have experienced such an outpouring of generosity.
12.22.2008
End of the Year
Holy schmoly it's been a long time since I updated this thing! Ooops. Sorry about that. Well...
D. completed his emt class, passed all the tests & as soon as he takes the national registry test (next monday) he can begin applying for emt positions!
We have Christmas cards ordered...probably will mail them in a few days.
Got state medical coverage for Z, still waiting on approval for E.
Our renters gave us 30 days notice. They move out Jan 15th (they bought the house next door!).
We've spoken to our mortgage lender and are staring foreclosure in the face.
D. completed his emt class, passed all the tests & as soon as he takes the national registry test (next monday) he can begin applying for emt positions!
We have Christmas cards ordered...probably will mail them in a few days.
Got state medical coverage for Z, still waiting on approval for E.
Our renters gave us 30 days notice. They move out Jan 15th (they bought the house next door!).
We've spoken to our mortgage lender and are staring foreclosure in the face.
10.21.2008
Ouch!
Sunday night we went to some friends' house for dinner. Just after we all sat down to dig in, our oldest fell out of her chair while holding a heavy-bottom glass. The glass landed on her pinky finger & shattered, cutting her a little but also popping the base of her fingernail (where the cuticle is) out of the skin! We took her to the doctor yesterday and he removed the rest of her fingernail--an ordeal I never wish to repeat. I'll spare you the horrible details...just know it was traumatizing for all of us.
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