I've Lost My Christmas Spirit

I know. It's only November 30 and here I sit feeling like I wish it was January. I have lost my spirit before it has had a chance to really break out. Here are my reasons. And yea, I realize this is breaking my 30 days of delightful aka positive posts. Sorry. Count me among the humans.

1) I don't feel like buying this year. Seriously. My kids do not need one more single thing that comes packaged in pretty paper and pretty ribbons. (And I seriously do NOT want to be stepping over, around, and ON them for the next 18 years)

2) Shopping for my husband is a nightmare because a)he buys what he wants when he wants it thus leaving me nothing to buy and b)no matter how much I try to wow him I never wow him and he always goes overboard thus making me feel very guilty.

3) I do the tree sans my husband. He wants no part of it. I find that seriously depressing. I opened my big mouth about 5 seconds too late tonight when he was entering "the building" from walking the dog. Just in time to hear me tell the kids, "I HATE doing this because your dad NEVER wants to help." Talk about a foot in the mouth. His response? "I don't do it because it's ALWAYS like this!" Do you think he meant like this?
I honestly think the doing it myself "for the kids" is just a bit overwhelming honey. That's all. Really.

My favorite first born son managed to take a few shots that seemed a bit more festive (thank you good son for lugging up all the boxes from the basement for us)
and though I felt like this must of the time...
I tried really hard not to crank on the kids for refusing to stand up and "spread" the ornaments around a bit.
In spite of it all the tree is up.
and it's over. It has to be all good from here right?

The truth of the matter is that I haven't lost Christmas. Because Christmas isn't about a tree and it's branches being spread just so. It's ornaments adorned perfectly. It isn't even about me and my family doing something together wholly. It's about God sending His Son for me. And for you. And no earthly thing can take the place of what Christmas is all about. So as I stood there and admired the tree I took in the cheerfulness heard in my excited childrens' voices. I paused for a moment and remembered that childlike joy and though I long for it, I know much better presents await me in heaven where perfection and wholeness abound. And then oh praises I will have my joy.

Sunday Beautiful Sunday

Today was a good day. Church in the morning with absolutely NO yelling or fighting between my kids or my kids and I. Woot.

A trip to Walgreens to buy some essentials (b-day card, plastic wrap, tape, etc). No fights!!! Woot woot!

Home again home again jiggity jig. ZERO TV until after 6:30 pm when "the Law" arrived home. I actually found some books that belonged to my favorite first born son that are proving to be enjoyed by my favorite lil girl in the world! If you are trying desperately to keep your children from the ridiculous Goose Bumps and other Vampire, Werewolf, etc. subjects that they don't really need to be feeding on maybe give these authors a try. Fred E. Katz. He has a series called "Spine Chillers". They are suspenseful and maybe a tad spooky but on a spiritual level demonstrate Christian character. Paul McCusker. Adventures in Odyssey series. Sooo happy that I could find these books packed away. Maybe holding onto some things is a good thing.

Here's hoping you had an extra beautiful Sunday.

Saturday Snippets

My day started at 7am. It's when the Advil wore off and left my right shoulder blade feeling like it was wrenched in two and my arm numb. I don't like the discomfort but I fear if not for pain I would lie in bed all day some days being lazy.

We had things to do today. Gifts to get to be delivered tomorrow through our church and grocery shopping. We had a short time line because we had a super cool invite to make Christmas centerpieces in the afternoon.

I was her former babysitter as a teen. She and her husband took turns teaching me to drive and she taught me to parallel park in the parking lot just hours before I took my test. She's been in my life for years. I love her. Every year since I first had a home to call my own she's been making me Christmas centerpieces. She's been making them for a LOT of people. This year she decided to have a party and teach us how to make our own. It was awesome.

She provided the greens, ribbon, oasis, container, and candle. She offered her talent in the form of instruction. She gave us tips and such to make them perfect and personal. It was such an awesome idea. I actually got to spend time in her company and not the hustle and bustle of gift drop off/pick up. I'll cherish it.

I was nervous because "the Law" was working today and my precious mama has prayer meeting on Saturdays. I could not imagine how I'd keep the complaints of the little people to a minimum. Oh how God works things out.


See?

The future pilot was very patient for a couple of hours. Then he found a buddy. All was well.

There were a lot of productive hands working...

And in the end we brought two home.

My favorite little girl in the world is created this one...

And here is mine.


What a fun day.

Chillin'

Black Friday. On this day a lot of folks bolted off to the stores to catch great deals and fight crowds. I'm pooped. I took the day to recover from lack of sleep and a long day of visiting and eating.

It was nice to just spend the day resting. The kids were well behaved--maybe they are exhausted too. It is now 7:44pm and they seem to have gotten a wind. No matter, "the Law" is home from work now so I have an ally if they get out of control.

Tomorrow I will be heading out to a friend's to put together a centerpiece for our Christmas table. She is so very talented and instead of making the many she usually does, has decided to share her gift of know-how with us. It should be a lot of fun.

I have a few more days before I have to go back to work. It's time for more lists and a few good books. Nothing too strenuous or stressful. Nope. Just a little bit of kicking back before the next flurry of holiday activity picks up.

Special note to my unexpected overnight guests: Thank you so much for staying. It was a special treat for all of us. And to my sis-in-law who came over this morning with the happiest little girl on the planet and baby A. Hugs to you. What a heartwarming Friday you made it.

Thankful Thanksgiving

Reminding you to cherish what really matters. It's not the food, or how it's prepared. It's cherishing those you are with and being thankful for the blessings you've been given.

1. My home
2. My family both far and near
   
3. A good and stable job
4. Christian teachers
5. Everyone who is a positive influence to my children
6. Christian women who show me by example how to love my husband
7. For the chance to host Thanksgiving for my extended family. (Even though we will be minus our England crew--if you are reading know that you are missed!!!)
   
8. That my father will eventually have relief from the pain that has plagued him far too long
9. Rest

Thank you heavenly Father for another wonderful year. May You not be forgotten amidst the frenzy of this holiday season.

Can Things Get Any Easier?

I was diligent. I worked hard. I took baby steps. And took them often. I organized and planned and didn't stress. I planned simplicity and it worked! As the night draws to a close my kitchen floor is mopped--and no my mommy didn't do it for me this time. I did it all by myself. On my hands and knees. Every inch as well as the hall and bathroom. It's the only way a floor should be cleaned if you ask me. Mops just tend to push all the clumpy stuff you miss with the broom into the corners to become fossilized "things" to be found later by some teeny toddler.

As I was on my hands and knees scraping something blue off the floor my little brother, the father to baby A and baby B, phoned. He was looking for a turkey. I told him I was taken. I told him mine was defrosting in the fridge. He was stoked. He very cheerily said, "I need it! Can I have it? I want to cook it!" Psssh. Who was I to argue? After all the theme this year is simplicity! So after I finished the floor and fed the family I carted Mr. Turkey Lurkey over to his house. He promises me it will taste just like the turkey legs at Hershey Park. I. Can't. Wait. Yum!

Oh and I got to steal a few baby snuggles while there. Those guys are just too precious. Their big sister played with the future pilot. Those two are becoming great pals. I'm loving it.

So, I get to go to bed early tonight. No turkey to brine. I discovered I have not one but TWO packages of prepared pie crust so the pies will be a cinch tomorrow. I prefer them warm so I really would rather make them tomorrow.

My to do list for the morning? Is delightfully shorter. Oh I have so much to be thankful for.

Winding Down

With the dilemma of whether to use paper plates or china out of the way things are falling into place. I'm anxiously awaiting the cooking frenzy that will begin tomorrow night. Pies, glorious pies. I'm trying a new one this year. A pumpkin rum pie. It will be in addition to traditional pumpkin and cherry pies. I'll give a review. Let you know if I'm left to choke it down myself or sulking because they ate it all.

I'm at a loss for words. Seriously. I'm drained. I took a little down time and actually watched a TV movie while I folded laundry this evening. That wasn't the brightest idea since it was a bit sad and my eyes are burning with that, 'we're gonna be so swollen you can't apply your make-up correctly in the morning' feeling. I'm dreading it to. I tell myself over and over again NOT to do that if I have to be seen in public the next day. Somehow I just keep watching and crying.

Tomorrow's post won't be as lame. I mean I think I can do better. Maybe. If I can see through the pie filling and flour dust.

Oh, and the china dilemma? Mix and match. My wonderful mama is bringing half of her's. They'll match nicely with the same silver rim and slightly different pattern. Did I ever tell you I love my mama?

Counting Down

It is Monday, late, which means I only have two more days to get ready for the Thanksgiving feast at my house. I've hosted before so I'm no newbie. My usual drawback is procrastinating. I feel relatively at peace right now. You see I'm trying a different approach this time--oh and my kids are older and not attached to my chest. That definitely makes things easier--especially when you have things to remove from the oven.

Delight: Aside from vacuuming and maybe pulling down the valances to wash them the house is relatively clean right now. Oh wait, I need to scrub the kitchen floor and lay down the new rugs.

Dilemma: I was certain I had china settings for 16 but discovered only this evening that it's only for 8. That's what happens when you pack china away for 14 years and never use it. You I forget important details like that. What to do what to do?

Delight: I got to take care of Baby A and Baby B. Sorry, no pictures. I was too busy kissing their sweet pumpkin heads and staring at their laughing little mouths. (Proof it has been far too long since I'd seen them--laughing was new!)

Dilemma: I'm dog tired and ready for bed but I gotta post. I promised.

Delight: The house is peaceful and the kids and hubby didn't subject me to watching the Star Trek movie with them.

Delight: I'm giddy and happy. Babies, expected company, and a clean house do that for me.

Sunday Snippets

Exhaustion has set in and I'm resting in great hopes that I get my sixth wind. I still have a lot to do around here before Thursday. Bear with me while I throw a few random things out. I hope to be more exciting tomorrow.

---

Future pilot (as he peeing in the upstairs bathroom): "Mommy I coughed and a fart came out!!!"
Me (as I listen to the handyman just steps away giggle): "Who needs the comedy channel when you've got kids."
Handyman (still laughing): "Out of the mouth of babes."

---

Note from my favorite lil girl in the world this morning. JUST because I patiently took her breakfast order and presented her with coffee.
"Thank you Mom, for being nice to me this morning!" (kind of makes me wonder if I'm not real nice the "other" mornings)

---

Newly spackled walls. (Casualties of the new china cabinet which forced the time pieces out of their former location)
---

Thing are coming together around here. Feeling that sixth wind. Off to tackle the three bags of clipped recipes. Stay tuned...

Productivity At It's Finest

Does anyone else ever notice that once you get one sort of mess cleaned up another follows? I got almost all of the dishes that were hogging prime counter real estate last night washed and put away tonight but then this happened.

I DID actually get the shoe boxes prepared for church tomorrow. Hopefully they will MAKE it to church. Unlike in recent years past where they were packed up and forgotten.


And the painters come tomorrow. To paint the bathroom. And this...
I was able to get all of the green crayon off (and yes my children should be WELL past that stage.) So painters + wall to paint =

this counter to empty. Does anyone out there hear me whimpering?

Don't tell my minister mother but I had a shot of cream sherry moments ago. It didn't help. Though I secretly wished it would. In fact can anyone out there confirm the possibility that I could be diabetic? I kid you not one sip and I was already woozy. That didn't stop me so I drank the rest. Seriously. A shot glass. Just half of one. I'm not feeling stable. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the work I've got ahead of me before those painters arrive tomorrow at 9am sharp. I should be living it up but the kids are past out and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to get them upstairs to bed alone. But hey...

I made my post with 6 minutes to spare. G'nite all. ZZZZZZZZZZZ

Everything In It's Place

A simply sagging box of china was one of many things that have made me realize I don't take care of things nearly as much as I should. I poured over online pictures of china cabinets for days. Thinking, "If I get one I can rescue that Fiesta Ware I inherited from Grandpa and free up two boxes worth of china in the coat closet!"

So I unboxed the china.

I washed it.

I sorted it.

And then realized that I don't trust glass shelves.

So I stowed a few pieces of china in the drawer.

And the rest here...


and then I closed it up. And it was good.

and then when I came home from work today and asked my mama how she liked it she said she loved it. And then said, "Where is the rest of it?"

Apparently I didn't remember having MORE of this but she did.

and here is it ...
Now.

Just what.

Am I going to do with it?

Thankful Thursday

Count your blessings one by one,
Listing them is so much fun.

Seriously. I feel like I'm on a high right now and not just because of the upcoming holidays. Some kind of bug has gotten into me and I am feeling motivated. It comes in spurts for me so I gotta roll with it when I can. That bathroom is prepped for painting and I have cleaned and dusted the room that will house the new china cabinet. Exciting no?!

1. T-shirt covered brooms that make dusting high places so much easier
2. Vacuums that really suck--no REALLY
3. Snail mail. That isn't junk mail but actual letters from people you know and love
4. Pre-formed cookie dough that came just in time for my kids' dessert last night(and mine--YUM)
5. Active kids that keep me moving (especially after consuming cookies)
   
6. Laptop computers
7. God's hands--and the pure pleasure of realizing how smoothly things go when I really place him in full control
8. A good pastor with a gentle spirit and genuine concern for God's people
9. Sunshine--especially after so much rain
10. LISTS!!!! I'd be lost without them (well maybe not but they sure seem to keep me focused)

Thank you God for your everyday hand in my life and the life of my family. Your will be done Lord. Your will.

I Want.

I want one of these...

really bad. I've wanted one for several years but am too cheap to buy it. I've never owned a stand mixer in my life because I can't justify it. I just can't. I price them and just feel like I'm being totally materialistic. I have a hand mixer that I never use because it's so weak that it smells like an electrical fire is about the break out when it has to deal with anything other than runny cake batter. So. Instead. I want. And mix by hand.

I want...
and actually had one of these on order. Thankfully the dealership made me wait just long enough to realize that now isn't the time. So I want.

I want...
but alas again I can not will not justify the cost. I've challenged myself to become debt free. Until then my budget isn't going to be eaten up or ebbed away in buying things that I can do without. So no more things until the things that are already here are put away neatly. No more things until I can pay outright cash for them and know exactly what purpose they will have and for how long. So things need to stay out of my way. Or they are going to be crushed when I step right over top of them and say, "Poo poo to you. I've got a budget to do."

"So, you think you can take me?"

It was a phrase that was part of a harmless skit between my oldest son and I that we'd practice while puffing up our muscles at each other. It seems like only yesterday that we'd go through that. We'd act all tough to each other. Each of us so sure we could "take" the other if we were to try.

Today? I'm pretty sure I would lose. Oh don't get me wrong. I will never have to find out. My oldest, my favorite first born, has the kindest gentlest spirit of anyone I know. But...

He's been working out. He's decided he needs to beef up a bit and he's been lifting and running. Sometimes I get home from work and see him just finishing up. A few times I've longed to run with him. Today I came home and he was running again. I ran upstairs and threw off the work duds and donned the necessary attire. Complete with an Under Armour knock-off shirt, fleece vest, and a cute (not) little head band thingy. I tried to sneak out behind him and join in but I got out there too late. When I acted all crushed and begged him to go a while longer he did. So now I know.

He CAN take me!!! I ran two laps around our property. Eight acres in all. He's never measured the distance so I don't know how far that is but he hung in with me for two jog laps and one walk lap and this was AFTER his already 9 laps! After two I was spewing and now over an hour later I still feel on the brink of an asthma attack, my throat hurts when I breathe in, and I start coughing. He. Can. Take Me.

Accomplished

At the end of the day it sure feels good when your 'to do' list has more checks than 'deferred'. That is how it was for me today.

Here was my 'to do' list.

1. Load of laundry
2. Get kids up and dressed
3. Get kids off to school
   
4. Go to get vehicle inspection (This was waylaid a bit because the kids insisted we take Dora with us to school. How could I object? We are trying to take her fear of car rides away.)
5. Get shoe rack, and "stuff" basket
6. Pick up two Christmas gifts
7. Get the future pilot from pre-school
8. Get paint
9. Call handy-man and schedule some work around the house
10. Order china cabinet (Yea that might not make since considering I spent last night's post talking about being happy with what you have but I discovered a sagging box of heirloom china in the basement this weekend and it's time to put them on display in an appreciative way--because I do cherish them)
11. Upgrade phone (we are at least a year overdue and the back of mine keeps falling off. That battery gets hot)
    
12. Fold laundry
13. Take clothes to consignment
14. Take items to Goodwill
    

So, 14 tasks. Want to guess how many I got completed today? 11. E-L-E-V-E-N! I feel good. I feel VERY good actually. I still have time to fold the laundry--Hey! It could happen. I just know my priorities and right now it's posting!

Hope your day left you feeling accomplished.

Sprucin' Up

The sun shone today. It was magnificent. It has been raining for days here. A day of rain here and there isn't too bad but I think after a while the lack of natural Vitamin D tends to make a body feel run down and tired.

I didn't really spend a lot of time out of doors. From the house to the car. From the car to a building and then to the car again. But not having to dodge rain drops was wonderful--not to mention bliss for my hair, which has been a frizzy mess.

Yesterday, I was in my cleaning mode. I emptied our coat closet. I kid you not I have not done that even once since we moved into this house over eight years ago. I found partial bags of teeny tiny diapers and swimmies. A nightgown sized much too large for me that I meant to return. I placed that order back in the fall of '01. My my.

I didn't feel so much like cleaning today so I didn't. There was church and then a few errands with the kids. I didn't make a list and the haircut visit tapped my energy level so after that was over I picked up a few groceries and we went home. I'm not sure if it's the upcoming holiday or just that there were so many days of rain which left me restless but I have a surge of ideas that has hit and I'm excited. Which is a very good thing.

"The Law" has been wanting to move us eight hours away from where we are now. To another state that neither of us has ever lived in. At the time he mentioned it I had a job I hated. I had this idea that if we moved I wouldn't have to work. I also have gotten pretty close to some of his relatives. They are sweet sweet people. A few bad turns on property deals and the fact that I have transferred to a job that leaves me feeling accomplished pretty much on a daily basis has caused me to think maybe I don't want to go.

When we planned this house and moved in I was certain we'd live her until our children booted us into assisted living facilities. I thought I'd sit on our front porch and rock as traffic rolled by. Then the house started falling apart. Leaks, peeling paint, rotting wood, etc. It kind of left a bad taste in our mouths. Like we needed to start over. So that also made it easier to think moving was a nice viable option.

And now we are in a recession. I look around and we are safe. For now we have jobs. Food is on the table without worry. Our vehicles run and we aren't concerned about being stranded. Oh don't get me wrong I coveted a new van. A shiny new one that didn't have french fry encrusted carpets or the aroma of a 3 year old white mocha. And then it hit me that my van runs fine. That I don't know what the future holds. And that it's time to start taking better care of the things God has blessed me with.

So instead of living like this house isn't going to be our's forever I'm going to live like it is. And maybe just maybe we will.

GDO

"The Law" granted me a blissful day out with my favorite little girl in the world. She didn't get a birthday party this year because my niece got married on her birthday and we were just too busy around that day. My daughter was not in the least upset. SHE was in the wedding and she and her cousins celebrated with root beer floats as they prepared for the wedding.

In lieu of a party she chose a friend to accompany her to Build-A-Bear Workshop and have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. It was a beautiful day. Oh maybe I should mention that I happen to be very good friends with her friend's mother so it was a win win situation for all of us.

9am - Pick up and lecture from friend's mom's mom to "behave ourselves" -- What a downer (just kidding!!)
920am - Dunkin Donuts for coffee. Coffee + cream + sugar - Energy (nevermind what it does to the behind)
930am - THE MALL!!! We walked around and enjoyed the quiet. Something we won't see again now that we've seen our first signs of Christmas (stay tuned)

1015am - The hug test. Is my creation stuffed enough?


1030am - Time to groom our new friends


Who cares what time?am - Laughter, laughter, laughter--it does the body good. I'm blessed to have friends like her


and then this guy showed up...
Yep. Santa!!!! Then we panicked and immediately began shrieking through the mall in a wide-spread panic because we just KNEW we weren't going to have all the shopping done, trimmings hung and Christmas cards sent before December 25th.

Just kidding.

I hope your day was every bit as splenderific as mine.

Sesame Streets 40th Anniversary

This week Sesame Street celebrated their 40th anniversary. Google honored them with several logo's decorated with Sesame Street characters. I for one am pretty happy they are around. Jim Henson was a ingenious with his knack for relating to kids through puppetry. In his honor and that of Sesame Street a few of my all time favorites.

Beaker meets banana...



Swedish Chef a la hot sauce...



Manamana...

Thankful Thursday

Yippeeeee! My favorite posting day! The day reserved for thanking God for specific things he's done for me.

1. A relaxing dinner out with great friends.
2. A mom who threw together a totally new recipe for me so my family could eat without me. Find it here Cheater's Chicken and Dumplings.
3. A productive week at work.
4. The feeling of peace given my decision to wait on purchasing a new vehicle.
5. Another visit from the laundry fairy. She is going to get a big tip this time. Phenomenal service!!
6. Libraries. Hey, I know you can't drink coffee in them or talk on your cell phone but they let you take the books home for FREEE!
7. Encouraging friends who talk you out of car payments. (You know who you are!!!)
8. Re-connections with people far back in your past that turn out positive.
9. My kids. Each of them. For the ways they touch my life.

and lastly for my wonderful husband who didn't so much as frown when I mentioned dinner out today with my peeps.


Thank you God. Big and small YOU do it all.

Day One- Again

I fell off the wagon again. This has got to be like the one thousandth time. Dieting has never come easy to me. Self-control? I'm surprised I know how to spell it. I'm not sure when it happened this time. Maybe it was a party where I had just one more sliver of this or that. Maybe it was a rainy day curled up with a good book. Maybe it was that full-on take of the kids' Halloween candy. No wait, it was quite a while before that. So today I started over--again. I'm grumpy, I'm hungry, my mouth is empty. But it doesn't matter because I get another chance to start over.

I don't really have a solid plan right now. I have set a healthy calorie limit using a calculator found at EatingWell. Right now I'm going to concentrate on journaling what I eat. I found free journal log pages at WebMD. You don't even have to sign up for anything. They just let you in. For free. I'm not going to count fat. Though I AM going to try NOT to live on unhealthy snacks. So that's it. Starting over.

Isn't it good that we can start over when we mess up? My dieting woes are much like my walk with the Savior. It doesn't matter how hard I pray in the morning that I will be a good servant and walk with Him as if He is watching always (and He is) I almost always do one or several things that are not becoming of the Christ I crave to portray.

Lately there's a new pebble causing discomfort for me. My pondering of the day touched on it last night. I don't feel like I am there for people. I think I let my human side, my pride, get in the way of so many friendships. I find myself too afraid to invite people over because I feel like my house is never clean enough. I put other things in front of visiting people who's company I crave because there is always just one more load of laundry to be done, one more errand to run, one more task that needs to be accomplished. I've unopened so many doors to great friendships being scared that something else will suffer. Afraid that something won't go right. Afraid that the "real" me will not be the someone they thought I was. I've hermatized myself to the point of real fear. So along with working on my weight I'm going to work on putting other people first. And who knows? Maybe if I spend more time cultivating friendships I'll spend less time wondering what I could be eating.

Wednesday Snippets

Peace is...

• knowing where your children are when you lay down your head at night
• getting through the check-out line knowing you have plenty to cover the bill
• being able to hear a ticking clock when you don't have to care what time it is
  

Conversations to wreck ya:

1. Me to my daughter: Don't kick your brother. Future pilot to me: She ALWAYS does that. I want to call the cops EVERY time.
2. Me to the future pilot: Help me find something that begins with the letter "I". Future pilot: I'm using my nose vision.
3. Future pilot to me: Why do we keep having days and days?
4. Me to the future pilot: You're my little snuggle buddy. Future pilot back to me: Your my big girl.
   

Pondering of the day: Why is it all of my greatest ideas seem to stay in my head or talked out of my mouth but never actually make it to an action? Must work on this one--big time.

Mondays

I think I've said it before. Mondays are the days I stay home and pretend I'm a stay at home mommy. Although I'm not quite sure it's a fair shot at being a stay at home mommy. Here was my schedule today:

630 - Woke up 2 hours later than I do on my work days
700 - Showered and dressed
740 - Gave the almost always up on her own daughter a wake-up call
745 - Woke up the future pilot and dressed him for school
800 - Carried the future pilot downstairs, dosed him with medicine to keep the dribbly nose at bay, offered instant breakfast (he refused), brushed his hair, teeth and ordered him to get his shoes on
810 - Shoe'd daughter back upstairs to change out of her shorts into jeans
812 - Brushed daughter's hair and listened to her snort in disdain for NOT being allowed to wear shorts
815 - Reminded daughter I could not take her to school because I had to take the car to the repair shop
817 - Consoled a disheveled daughter who was dangerously close to missing the bus and promised her that I would be home before her bus came so at least I could see her HOME from school
822 - Hollered up to hubby that he'd have to find a way to take daughter to school because she has now missed the bus
825 - Wiped daughter's tears and gave her an extra kiss
826 - Headed out the door with the future pilot and arrived to school 8 minutes late, without his backpack

and THAT was just my morning. Tell me SAHM's, is it just because I'm an amateur? Or is this par for the course?

Sunday in Pictures

Drive
drive
drive
Or walk.
Rooftop...
with a view.

High Hopes

I awoke today and sneaked away before anyone else was awake. I even slipped out without the a dog to walk on my trail. Even she slept soundly tucked next the "the law".

Yes, I zipped, freshly showered, away to the grocery store. Before bewildered, slow-pokey cart wielders had a chance to fill the aisles. I planned my day--minus the double tall skim caramel latte. I had no time for struggling to push my cart with one hand. I had things to do today.

High hopes. Lists to be made. Lists to be completed.

Once home the urge to have a filling breakfast overtook me and then next thing I knew I was short order cooking for the future pilot. Assisting my favorite little girl with her Easy Bake oven. Crisping bacon in the oven for future use in BLTs over the course of the week. Yes, between laundry cycles, and list making I stopped to read to the future pilot or make drinks for the kids or walk the dog. Load songs on my daughter's i-Pod. Send replies to the family for Thanksgiving preparations.

Did one thing on my list get accomplished? No. Not one. The grocery shopping is done for the week--I hope. But that was completed before I started making my lists therefore I have not one thing to cross off my list.

I could choose to be frustrated or grumpy but you know what? I'm not. Life doesn't have to fit my plan. And even if I tried like heck to plan every detail, or just an outline, my life is never going to go in my direction. Oh the plotted course may at times seem similar but the plan is not mine.

I've been following Gavin Owen's blog for several months. My kids and I have been praying for him and his family. Hoping he would some day be well. That his sister would see him grow up to live and laugh and love. Yesterday his parents made the hard decision to let him go. It has been over 24 hours and he is still hanging on. There is nothing left to be done that his earthly parents can do. They certainly did not choose this to be a slow and heartwrenching process but that is what it is nonetheless. My heart is aching for them--though I've never met them. I'm sure none of this was in their plan.

So, incomplete lists are not going to make me grumpy today. They are going to remind me that life comes at me and when it does I should thank God that I have life. The small interuptions are reminders that the patters of small feet exist completely healthy around me. Lists can wait. The todays with my kids can not.

Phobic

Earlier this week I mentioned my fear of throwing things away-disposaphobia. I wasn't sure if there was a name for the actual feeling I get when I let certain items fall from my fingers into the abyss of my trashcan but I looked it up. And someone thinks there is. Apparently there are a few other phobias I have. I'm maybe like a superphobe or something.

• Acarophobia- fear of itching. Hmm I'm not too keen on sitting outside for long periods of time at dusk for fear mosquitos will gnaw my skin to red welts. Check on this one.
• Aerophobia- fear of airbourne noxious substances. Well, not too keen of skunk smell or Uncle Fred after he's had a bowl too many of chili. Check here too.
• Agateophobia- fear of insanity. Ugh. I certainly do NOT want to be insane and I feel my kids may drive me that way every day. Dang check another one.
• Aichmophobia- fear of needles or pointed objects. HELLO!!!! Refer to post two days back. NOT FOND OF BEING PRICKED. Check.
• Algophobia- fear of pain. Goodness. I certainly do not CHOOSE pain. "Hey, Jimmy smack me would you? ??? Seriously? Check.
• Amathophobia- fear of dust. Heheh GOTCHA. I think I'm pretty cool with it. Just white glove my house and you will see that. No fear no fear here!
• Barophobia- fear of gravity. Hmm. Well, I'm not exactly crazy about what it has done to my body but I can accept it.
• Botanophobia- fear of plants! HAH! PLANTS fear ME!
• Cleptophobia- fear of stealing. I CERTAINLY have this one. Really. We all should. Stealing=crime which =punishable offense.
  
• Clinophobia- fear of going to bed. Hmmph! NOT I! My kids on the other hand. I think they do.
• Obesophobia- fear of gaining weight. Uh yeah! (And I know I'm not alone here)
• Pediculophobia- fear of lice. Actually I have to say if I ever EVER see one of these again I may just shave the entire family and skip town.

and lastly...

• Polyphobia- really good they invented this one. "fear of many things" pretty much sums me up I think.

For the rest of the list check here.

Thankful Thursday

Falling Leaves
Twirling swiftly to the ground.
Last bursts of color
Bright hues all around.
Drinking in deeply
A Father's love.
All for His children
As He watches, delighted,from above.

Thank you Jesus...

1. for bursting colors of Fall
2. for reminding me that my children are precious and here, and in good health
3. for favor when I need it most
4. for faraway friends who pop into my life at just the right time. Bringing smiles to my face and encouragement to my heart
5. for a warm cuddly dog who keeps my feet warm at night
6. for books, an escape from reality and sometimes a check back into God's type of planning
7. for patience
8. that I've been forgiven. When it mattered. Always. Not just sometimes.
9. for a growing sense that I have much and for a gnawing push that I can give more
10. lists. May I complete mine. On Your time.

Thank You for pressing me in the direction You wish me to go. May I heed Your words. May I find them as delightfully pleasing as I think I will.

I Need An I-Touch

Why? Because...there's an app for that.

Is there any OTHER reason to have one? To me it sounds like the pharmacy of the techno world. I mostly am wondering if it could help me with the biggest phobia I have. Disposaphobia. The fear of throwing things away.

Because I need blog topics I thought maybe I'd go through a memory box or two or seven. I went down to the basement and got this teeny tiny box. Downright small I tell ya. But the contents. Oh my.

Take for instance this guy.
He's what I call a "Harold suspect". When I was about 11 or 12 years old I was entertaining my neighbors. I was goofy kid. I liked to make people laugh. So as I was roaming the neighborhood on my bike I happened upon this smooth round crisp white rock. I picked it up and began to tell the kids around me all about him. His name was Harold. Harold had a life. Yes. Harold was cream of the crop. I was adopting Harold. So I finished an elaborate tale about him and promptly put him into the handkerchief that was tied to the "boy's bar" of my ten-speed bike. Harold was indeed riding in style as I usually reserved the handkerchief for this guy...
(my pet Guinea Pig, Penwick)

But somewhere along the way home I lost Harold. So from that day on I collected Harold suspects. Rocks that MIGHT in fact BE Harold. My long lost rock.

Just a few of the suspects. They are leaving town tonight. In a drove. I am letting go. Goodbye my suspect rock friends.

I'm also getting rid of this thing...
I mean I've only had it since the SIXTH grade!!! Care of Children's Hospital when I was diagnosed with Mastoiditis. It did a fine job of posititioning my arm for IVs but it's time to let it go. I thought maybe I needed a momento but I am still doing a fine job of remembering that event.

I was positive I got Mastoiditis because I let a "cool" high-schooler talk me into taking a puff of her cigarette. God was punishing me I thought. Or maybe somehow the closeness of cigarette smoke was infecting my ear. I'm partially deaf in my left ear now. So if I make it a point to position my left ear to you take the hint and be quiet. JUST KIDDING. Whatever the cause I was there. Hospitalized. And forced to endure way too many IVs. NOT COOL. The last night I was there I threw a terrible tantrum in my hospital bed. I screamed and kicked and pounded because they were going to draw yet another line. I had had enough and told them so. I was not a happy camper. Honestly looking back? Somebody should have spanked my bratty behind. Especially since I also remember visiting a little boy in the next room, a few years younger, who was having far worse issues than me.

I remember my dad taking me to the grocery store after we left the hospital. He told me to pick out anything I wanted. I picked a pack of spearmint Freshen Up gum and a coconut. Unlike a few of my other hospital stays I was NOT happy to return home to a full house of siblings. I had come to enjoy my parental visits where they belonged ONLY to ME for an hour or two a night. I cried like a spoiled brat more than once. Sorry sis, bro, sis and bro. I do love you. But it was "me" time. My inner middle child relishing in parental attention. Even if it did mean enduring needle weilding nurses.

The Library

We have a lot of books at my house. Each kid has their own bookcase. No less than one hundred on each. I love the smell of books, the feel of books, the taste--no no I haven't really tasted a book. Really I haven't. I do love to read though.

As I sit here I am typing and retyping my lines because I promised to post ONLY delightful posts this month. Oh my but how I'd like to spin this tale the other way. My favorite little girl and I spent over an hour in the library this evening while she asked me if they had books on this or that. I'd show her said books on this or that and she'd say, "Oh." or "Mmm." As I said this post could go a different way so instead I'm going to keep my promise and ask for suggestions.

Does anyone have reading suggestions for an eight year old girl? Not Junie B. Jones. Not American Girl. That won't cut it for her. She did end up with a few books but we have many more trips to make and I want her to experience the joy of reading.

I did get to pick some fabulous books for the future pilot. Click Clack Moo among them. Oh and I put this one on order. I had the delightful opportunity of being dragged into the library after a field trip last year by my daughter where I was invited to finish out the day with her. We arrived back to school just in time for story time and let me tell you I LOVED this book. I can't wait to hold it in my hands. Heh heh. La cucharachita es muy inteligente.

Cut Me With a some...

Does this happen to other people? I was cleaning out the pantry my all time favorite past time and found these. TWO bags of JUST knives! Plastic cutlery. I didn't buy them in bulk. These are leftovers. Doesn't anyone ever use plastic knives anymore? I'm guessing not since this is probably 8 years worth of leftover knives (and no I do NOT rewash them after each use). Odd. Hmm. Anyone having a bagel party? I can bring the spreaders!!!

I walked into the house earlier today, after picking up the future pilot from pre-school, and smelled something that didn't smell too good. For the past hour I have been trying to figure out what in the heck my beloved husband cooked in the mere 20 minutes I was gone.

Then I discovered these.

Maybe I should add that "I" am responsible for the pungent smell. Chicken breasts simmering in a vinegar/rub concoction for pulled chicken sandwiches later this evening. Yea, yea, I know. I'm a bonehead. (Really glad I didn't grumble to "the Law" about the "smell")


My counters today. Not even one week after they were clear and pristine for overnight company. Nice huh? Oh but get this. I asked "the Law" if we could have Thanksgiving at our house this year and he said "Sure YOU can".

My goodness what a nice man he is. I wonder if it's because he'll be working all day. What do you think?

And We Begin...Again

It's the first day of November and I haven't yet seen a NoBloPoMoFoGoEvDa challenge. Instead I'm just going to try it. All on my own. NovemberBlogPostMonthForGoodEveryDay. Whatcha think? Can I do it? I'm going to try. Not because someone told me to but because I need a goal. And sugar is ruining my thinner me race.

My rules? Uplifting. Delights. No dilemmas. For one month. Seriously. Who wants bad news? Certainly not me. So here goes my first uplifting post of the month.

Fall.
Leaves in bright color. Rich and breathtaking. I pass just about every time I return home. Every time I drive a little slower and remark to myself, "I have GOT to capture this moment." Today I did. I DID! With my lookouts (the kids) cheering me on. You see I had to stop in the middle of the road to take these pictures. I even, very illegally backed up to try and take it (before I put the kids on "lookout patrol").

I turned around to see two cars passing me going in the opposite direction wondering what in the heck I was doing. Sheesh. If they had JUST looked around them they would have known instantly right? Am I right? Please say I'm right. I don't look good in white and my arms don't need to be locked in front of me. I have way too much laundry to fold.

So then. With the kids on patrol I went to the end of the road and did a U-ee and turned around.
I love Fall. I love the Creator of Fall. God is amazing.