Sunday, August 3, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
2 in 1
I got a new job! I am doing 2 things I love to do: photography and play with babies. Yep, I'm a baby photographer at one of the local hospitals. It couldn't be a better job for me. I've only had 2 days of training, but I can't see me hating this job any time in the near future. Yay! What fun!!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Where have I been?
Gosh. Here I promised you guys nearly daily blogs and I haven't been here for 10 whole days. What is wrong with me? I should be beaten.
Here's what's been happening:
I have a sprained index finger on my right hand. I'm not sure what the technical problem is called, but I call it "mouse-finger". Yes, I got it from mousing on my laptop. It's sad that I spend so much time on my computer to actually sprain my finger, but, 'tis true.
We are having a g'rage sale today. Lots of stuff. Lots of GOOD stuff. No, really. I know everyone would like to believe that their garage sales are full of good stuff when it's usually just junk, but we really do have good stuff. Come buy it so I can go home.
My fave SIL, Jill, , made us some zucchini bread (at least, I was told she made it for us. Maybe she made it for the ILs and they just told me it was for us). Anyway, I got it out the other day when Nathan told me he was "really hungry" (why do they wait until they're really hungry? Why aren't they ever just hungry?) I was a little afraid to tell him what it was since my kids only like vegetables whose names rhyme with "sorn", "marrots" and "freen weans", but when he said it was good I told him it was zucchini bread. He came back a little while later asking for more "bikini bread". Wow. Bikini bread! I have GOT to get the recipe for that!
Here's what's been happening:
I have a sprained index finger on my right hand. I'm not sure what the technical problem is called, but I call it "mouse-finger". Yes, I got it from mousing on my laptop. It's sad that I spend so much time on my computer to actually sprain my finger, but, 'tis true.
We are having a g'rage sale today. Lots of stuff. Lots of GOOD stuff. No, really. I know everyone would like to believe that their garage sales are full of good stuff when it's usually just junk, but we really do have good stuff. Come buy it so I can go home.
My fave SIL, Jill, , made us some zucchini bread (at least, I was told she made it for us. Maybe she made it for the ILs and they just told me it was for us). Anyway, I got it out the other day when Nathan told me he was "really hungry" (why do they wait until they're really hungry? Why aren't they ever just hungry?) I was a little afraid to tell him what it was since my kids only like vegetables whose names rhyme with "sorn", "marrots" and "freen weans", but when he said it was good I told him it was zucchini bread. He came back a little while later asking for more "bikini bread". Wow. Bikini bread! I have GOT to get the recipe for that!
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Little T and A
OK, OK, it isn't what you think, but it's funny!
Skylar gave Nathan a sucker from the bank. The bank suckers have letters on each side of them. Nathan was so excited when he told us, "I got T and A!"
We laughed for an hour.
Skylar gave Nathan a sucker from the bank. The bank suckers have letters on each side of them. Nathan was so excited when he told us, "I got T and A!"
We laughed for an hour.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Off to camp...
I will be gone until Friday. Goin' to Kids' Camp. Oddly enough, none of my own kids are going. How did that happen?
Anyway, I didn't think ahead enough to plan out any blogs so, until I get back, feast your eyes on this cutie picture.
Anyway, I didn't think ahead enough to plan out any blogs so, until I get back, feast your eyes on this cutie picture.
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Declaration of Independence
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Creatification
So the trend these days is to make yourself sound smarter by adding suffixes to simpler words to create multi-syllable words. For example: Conversate, meaning to participate in a dialogue with someone. Or orientate, to become familiar with one's surroundings. Everyone knows that using big words makes you sound more intelligent. My sister and I decided that we're going to start making up our own words to boost our perceived intelligence.
Here are some of our favorites:
Relaxicity: the state of being of rest or at ease
Traversify: to make your way to another location
Surgification: the act of performing an operation on a person
Once you start making up words, you'll find yourself doing it all the time. It's very hard to NOT create a new word when you get into the swing of it.
So, let's hear yours. I need some new smartifying vocabulation.
Here are some of our favorites:
Relaxicity: the state of being of rest or at ease
Traversify: to make your way to another location
Surgification: the act of performing an operation on a person
Once you start making up words, you'll find yourself doing it all the time. It's very hard to NOT create a new word when you get into the swing of it.
So, let's hear yours. I need some new smartifying vocabulation.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
You Are Being Loved
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
God loved you.
God loves you.
God will continue to love you.
Forever.
Right now. No matter what you're doing.
Whether you feel like it or not,
you ARE being loved.
God loved you.
God loves you.
God will continue to love you.
Forever.
Right now. No matter what you're doing.
Whether you feel like it or not,
you ARE being loved.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fishing again
James made me get a fishing license last week when we went camping.
Then he got me my own fishing pole. It's pretty. It's shiny red.
Then we went fishing at the park across the street. I caught a catfish.
It was awesome.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Twilight
So, I've been reading the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers. Good reads, really. If you haven't read them, I recommend them. If you are one of the 3 people in the world who haven't heard of these books yet, well, let me just warn you. They are vampire books.
Now don't go getting all I'm-a-Christian-so-why-would-I-read-vampire-books on me. They do have a redeeming quality which I will expound on in a sec.
I started reading these books mainly because my daughter was reading them and I always like to stay up on what my kids are reading. I also like science fiction, especially fantasy characters, like, well, vampires.
As I got through the 3rd book (there are 4 and the last one comes out in August), I began to realize that these books are a beautiful allegory about life, and choosing between God and the world. I'm sure the author didn't intend for her books about vampires to include a Christian allegory, but they do!
I won't ruin it for you because you need to read them yourself. I just think God is so creative to hide a picture of Himself in a sci-fi book about vampires! I mean, the audience for vampire books is not usually the audience for books like My Utmost For His Highest, right? The fact that He would choose this medium to reveal Himself to those who would otherwise ignore Him is just so like God.
Read the books. Read them. READ THEM.
God is awesome.
Can I get an "amen"?
Now don't go getting all I'm-a-Christian-so-why-would-I-read-vampire-books on me. They do have a redeeming quality which I will expound on in a sec.
I started reading these books mainly because my daughter was reading them and I always like to stay up on what my kids are reading. I also like science fiction, especially fantasy characters, like, well, vampires.
As I got through the 3rd book (there are 4 and the last one comes out in August), I began to realize that these books are a beautiful allegory about life, and choosing between God and the world. I'm sure the author didn't intend for her books about vampires to include a Christian allegory, but they do!
I won't ruin it for you because you need to read them yourself. I just think God is so creative to hide a picture of Himself in a sci-fi book about vampires! I mean, the audience for vampire books is not usually the audience for books like My Utmost For His Highest, right? The fact that He would choose this medium to reveal Himself to those who would otherwise ignore Him is just so like God.
Read the books. Read them. READ THEM.
God is awesome.
Can I get an "amen"?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Kum Ba Yah
We are going camping this weekend. I am psyched. I really wanted to go last weekend, but I'm glad we didn't because it took me literally ALL WEEK to get ready for this little getaway. Do you know how much FOOD and STUFF it takes to go camping with 6 people (Skylar isn't going. Brat.)? Here's a list, but it probably isn't exhaustive. Oh, and you'll see that I don't believe in starving while we're out enjoying nature!
3 pounds of hamburger meat
2 packages of hamburger buns
1 package of cheese slices
3 pounds of brick cheese
2 pounds of baby carrots
1 stalk of celery
1 pound of butter
1 loaf of homemade bread
3 loaves of Iron Kids Bread
3 pounds of lunch meat
1 package of turkey bologna
12 individual cups of applesauce
8 individual cups of fruit
1 LARGE watermelon
1 case of water
2 packages of hot dogs
2 packages of hot dog buns
4 bags of chips
2 packages of Twizzlers
1 jar of pickles
Mustard
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
1.5 dozen eggs
1 pound of bacon
5 pounds of potatoes
An assortment of granola bars and chewy fruit snacks
GORP
1 gallon of milk
Peanut butter (for those who won't eat lunchmeat)
Wow. I don't think I'll go into the *stuff* we have to take to accommodate all of us. Let's just say we have to take 2 cars. Maybe next time we should just camp in our backyard.
Anyway, I don't have anything scheduled to pop up here while we're gone, so you'll just have to miss me!
3 pounds of hamburger meat
2 packages of hamburger buns
1 package of cheese slices
3 pounds of brick cheese
2 pounds of baby carrots
1 stalk of celery
1 pound of butter
1 loaf of homemade bread
3 loaves of Iron Kids Bread
3 pounds of lunch meat
1 package of turkey bologna
12 individual cups of applesauce
8 individual cups of fruit
1 LARGE watermelon
1 case of water
2 packages of hot dogs
2 packages of hot dog buns
4 bags of chips
2 packages of Twizzlers
1 jar of pickles
Mustard
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
1.5 dozen eggs
1 pound of bacon
5 pounds of potatoes
An assortment of granola bars and chewy fruit snacks
GORP
1 gallon of milk
Peanut butter (for those who won't eat lunchmeat)
Wow. I don't think I'll go into the *stuff* we have to take to accommodate all of us. Let's just say we have to take 2 cars. Maybe next time we should just camp in our backyard.
Anyway, I don't have anything scheduled to pop up here while we're gone, so you'll just have to miss me!
Freedom
I am involved in an online forum dedicated to moms in my area. I love this group of women even though we don't always agree. I appreciate the differing opinions and the thoughtful discussions that result. We have Republicans and Democrats; conservatives and liberals; Christians, atheists, and Buddhists; gay, straight and bi-sexual. It's a great mix of women that provides a great way to hear and be heard.
There are a few women on the board who have made it their mission, though, to try to make us all better people. They are the ones who tell people they are mean, or rude or intolerant to hold certain opinions. I know they are not believers and I am not holding them to a standard of righteousness. I just think it's funny how the ones who are accusing the Christians of being judgmental are doing the most judging themselves.
As a Christian, I'm happy to be free of that kind of responsibility. I don't want to be the one telling people they're wrong or right. That is a job solely for God's competant hands. I cannot imagine being the one who feels like it's her job to go around making people better humans. Whew! What a job that would be.
As a Christian, the only person I have to worry about is myself. And let me tell you, that is a big job.
There are a few women on the board who have made it their mission, though, to try to make us all better people. They are the ones who tell people they are mean, or rude or intolerant to hold certain opinions. I know they are not believers and I am not holding them to a standard of righteousness. I just think it's funny how the ones who are accusing the Christians of being judgmental are doing the most judging themselves.
As a Christian, I'm happy to be free of that kind of responsibility. I don't want to be the one telling people they're wrong or right. That is a job solely for God's competant hands. I cannot imagine being the one who feels like it's her job to go around making people better humans. Whew! What a job that would be.
As a Christian, the only person I have to worry about is myself. And let me tell you, that is a big job.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I can do that?
So, the three of you who actually read my blog may be wondering what is up with the sudden frequent posting. I'll explain!
I just learned a little secret about scheduled posting. I don't have to immediately post. I can set it up to post AT A LATER TIME! So what does this mean? This means that whenever I think of something I want to tell y'all about, I can! If I have 2 items in a day, but I think I might overwhelm you, I can set it to go out the next day. This way I don't have to force myself to figure out something to say every single day! It's so exciting. I feel so free! You can expect to see more from me now that I've finally figured this out. I'm probably the last to know. I'm always so behind.
We now return to our regularly scheduled blog.
I just learned a little secret about scheduled posting. I don't have to immediately post. I can set it up to post AT A LATER TIME! So what does this mean? This means that whenever I think of something I want to tell y'all about, I can! If I have 2 items in a day, but I think I might overwhelm you, I can set it to go out the next day. This way I don't have to force myself to figure out something to say every single day! It's so exciting. I feel so free! You can expect to see more from me now that I've finally figured this out. I'm probably the last to know. I'm always so behind.
We now return to our regularly scheduled blog.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Fun With Friends
Yesterday, the 4 leftover kids and I drove up to Smithville to visit my online friend, Susan. She has kids whose ages are very close to mine, with the BEST match-up being Briar and her daughter, whose birthdays are only 2 days apart.
We had a great time at the playground and hiking in the woods. The kids didn't want to leave! Briar came home and told my mom that "it was awesome!" I guess she had a pretty good time and made a new friend in the process.
Thanks for the invitation, Susan. I'm so glad it didn't rain. It was a perfect day!
Photo caption: Tanner, you go first 'cuz I don't want to get aten.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Earthquake??
Here is the latest blog entry from Skylar-in-Japan.
Of course, all I read was "blah blah blah EARTHQUAKE blah blah". Yikes. What's a Mama to do??
Konichiwa!
Yesterday we split up into our trek groups and went to different parks. Not many people were at our park, so we did a lot of prayer walking. It ended up being a really great day for most groups. This morning we experienced our first earthquake while here. It was so cool!
Love you!
Sky
Of course, all I read was "blah blah blah EARTHQUAKE blah blah". Yikes. What's a Mama to do??
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Skylar's in Japan
For those who may not know, Skylar has gone on a mission trip to Japan. I am so proud of her. They get to write something out to be posted on a blog nearly every day. Of course, every day is not often enough for her mama. Nope. Not at all. But it's what I have to deal with.
This has been an exercise in turnin' stuff over to God. I am actually not as nervous as I thought I would be. Not lying awake at night wondering if she's still alive. I'm sleeping about as well as normal (which really isn't very well with out medicinal aid). I'm going to be thrilled to see her again, of course, but while she's gone, I can't control anything that happens to her, so I just pray.
Yep. Lotsa little prayers in my head like, "Keep her safe, Lord," and "Help her be a light for you, Lord." It's all I've got.
Here's her first post, copied and pasted from the team's blog:
If you think about it, send up some for her, OK? This Mama thanks you.
This has been an exercise in turnin' stuff over to God. I am actually not as nervous as I thought I would be. Not lying awake at night wondering if she's still alive. I'm sleeping about as well as normal (which really isn't very well with out medicinal aid). I'm going to be thrilled to see her again, of course, but while she's gone, I can't control anything that happens to her, so I just pray.
Yep. Lotsa little prayers in my head like, "Keep her safe, Lord," and "Help her be a light for you, Lord." It's all I've got.
Here's her first post, copied and pasted from the team's blog:
Hey ya’ll! The team made it in safely last night and we jumped right in with prayer walking. A little gir last night told me “good evening” with a huge smile; she was so proud! B., T.J, Nate, and Honey Bunches: I love you and will be home soon!
If you think about it, send up some for her, OK? This Mama thanks you.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
I've been tagged!
I found this post in my drafts. Oops. I guess it never posted. I'm not going to tag anyone else because all my friends have probably been tagged by now. Seriously, this is like 3 months old!
I was tagged by Melissé so...here goes...
The Rules -
1. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself
4. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog.
Seven random facts about me:
1. I sleep with 4 pillows: 2 under my head, one ON my head, and a body pillow.
2. I only eat popcorn from Osceola Cheese Factory.
3. I made my first C in school in Clothing class.
4. I hate my feet.
5. I never wanted to have kids.
6. I haven't had a best friend since I was 17.
7. I love to watch movies, but only at home, and only with the subtitles on.
I was tagged by Melissé so...here goes...
The Rules -
1. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself
4. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog.
Seven random facts about me:
1. I sleep with 4 pillows: 2 under my head, one ON my head, and a body pillow.
2. I only eat popcorn from Osceola Cheese Factory.
3. I made my first C in school in Clothing class.
4. I hate my feet.
5. I never wanted to have kids.
6. I haven't had a best friend since I was 17.
7. I love to watch movies, but only at home, and only with the subtitles on.
Fishin'
Today James and I took the kids fishing at a local park. It was fun. It reminded me of fishing with my dad when I was little.
Of course, he only took me one time because I was SOOOOOOO bored, but still. I was fishin' with my daddy.
I missed him today and wondered if he could see how well I was casting. I actually impressed myself. Of course, without a license, I was only "helping" the kids.
Of course, he only took me one time because I was SOOOOOOO bored, but still. I was fishin' with my daddy.
I missed him today and wondered if he could see how well I was casting. I actually impressed myself. Of course, without a license, I was only "helping" the kids.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Seeing him again
There I was, happily playing in the pool with my kids. When I looked up and saw him. I was so stunned that for a moment all I could do was stare at him. I'm hoping now that he didn't see me staring. What would he think?
When I was a sophomore in high school, I was, shall we say, um, top heavy? I got a lot of comments ranging from "you are so lucky" from girls, to grunting and staring from the boys. Behind my back it was said that I was easy. What is it about big boobs that makes people think a girl is easy? It isn't like sleeping around makes your breasts grow.
One day after practicing for the musical, when the school was virtually empty except for the theater, I wanted to go fix my hair. For some reason, I went to one of the restrooms farther away from the theater. I didn't notice him behind me. I got all the way into the restroom and was startled by hands pulling at me from behind. I was whirled around and slammed up against the mirror, all the while being groped and slobbered on. It felt like he was trying to jam his tongue down my throat. When I finally was able to process what was going on, I managed to push him off me. I yelled something at him, something stupid and totally senseless I'm sure, and ran out of the bathroom.
I don't remember ever telling anyone except one person. His girlfriend was in my biology class. I told her what he had done to me. She called me a liar, said I was just jealous, and for the rest of high school, even after they had broken up, refused to speak to me and talked about me to her friends. I don't know why I never told a teacher, the principal, my mom. I guess I thought that since I was built that way, I was just going to have to get used to that kind of stuff happening.
The summer between my sophomore and junior years, I had a breast reduction. Guess who is the only person to ever notice. Him. Yeah, he denied what happened, but he still managed to be the only one to see that I had changed.
So there I was, at the community center's indoor pool. James had taken Honor to use the restroom. I was watching for her to come back when I saw him. It took the breath right out of me. I know I wasn't raped or beaten or even physically hurt at all, but the site of him, even 22 years later, brought back a feeling in the pit of my stomach that I thought was gone. Does it ever completely go away?
This year is my 20 year high school reunion. Up until that day, I had been trying to decide if I should go or not. Seeing him was a great way to make up my mind.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Something Crazy
I had a God moment this morning in the car.
I was listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's newest album, This Moment and a song came on that I absolutely love and had actually decided that I would get the background track so I could sing it sometime.
Anyway, this time as I was listening to it, I suddenly started to cry. Wait. Cry is not the right word. I was overcome. I don't know how else to describe it. I really believed I would have to pull over so I wouldn't kill someone!
Let me back up a couple of weeks. Wait--a couple of decades. When James was about 21, he funded his own mission trip to Togo, West Africa. His aunt and uncle were missionaries there. He stayed for a month and came back with a strong impression that he was being called to missions. Then he met me.
I am a home-girl. No, no. Not THAT kind of home-girl (yo). I just like being within about 50 miles of where I was born. Kinda like a homing pigeon. Yep, I'm a pigeon. I never wanted to be anywhere but right here in good ol' Kansas. The year we went to New Mexico was one of the worst times in my life.
James told me he wanted to go to Africa someday as a missionary. I said, "OK! I'll go!" But then I did everything I could (intentionally or subconciously) to tie us here. In my head, I wanted to be where God wanted me to be. In my heart, I wanted to be in Kansas. I told God I would do what He wanted, but I wanted Him to want me right here. I even pretended that He said "right here" was fine with Him.
OK, now back (or is it forward) to a couple of weeks ago. I was surfing the web (when am I ever NOT?) and I found myself on the Southern Baptist Convention website. Don't know how. Our church just recently became Southern Baptist, so maybe I was curious. Really, I don't know. Anyhoo, I came across a page for mission openings. My stomach flipped. I switched tabs. I switched back. I clicked the link that said something like "so you think you want to be a missionary, huh?" I read through the list of things to do to make sure that missions is your thang. I think the first one said "pray about it".
So that's what I did. But only in my spare time. Whenever I would think about it I'd send a shout out to God and ask, "so, God. Missions?" Honestly, it was never more than a passing thought. I think, no I'm sure, I was still hoping He would just ignore my stupid little prayers and LET ME BE.
Now, back to today. Driving. Listening. Singing. Crying. And I knew. I KNEW. I got my answer. I don't know where this revelation is going to take me and my family. It probably won't even be soon, but I KNOW that some day, I will be a full-time missionary. And I also know that it probably won't be in this country. Yikes. That scares me almost as much as drawn-on eyebrows.
I will keep you updated. I'm sure we will start the process soon. I don't have a bachelor's degree and I know a lot of mission boards require one.
Please pray for us. Pray that God would direct us to the right board, the right location, and the right time.
Oh, and the song that inspired the title to this blog entry, Something Crazy. It's right after Yours on the CD. It's a happy, upbeat song, but I cried like a baby through it, too. God was taking my stubborn little heart and shakin' the "me" out of it. It was definitely crazy.
And it's crazy when love gets ahold of you
And it's crazy things that love will make you do
And it's crazy but it's true
You really don't know love at all
'Til it's makin' you do
Something crazy
Crazy. The end.
I was listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's newest album, This Moment and a song came on that I absolutely love and had actually decided that I would get the background track so I could sing it sometime.
Anyway, this time as I was listening to it, I suddenly started to cry. Wait. Cry is not the right word. I was overcome. I don't know how else to describe it. I really believed I would have to pull over so I wouldn't kill someone!
Let me back up a couple of weeks. Wait--a couple of decades. When James was about 21, he funded his own mission trip to Togo, West Africa. His aunt and uncle were missionaries there. He stayed for a month and came back with a strong impression that he was being called to missions. Then he met me.
I am a home-girl. No, no. Not THAT kind of home-girl (yo). I just like being within about 50 miles of where I was born. Kinda like a homing pigeon. Yep, I'm a pigeon. I never wanted to be anywhere but right here in good ol' Kansas. The year we went to New Mexico was one of the worst times in my life.
James told me he wanted to go to Africa someday as a missionary. I said, "OK! I'll go!" But then I did everything I could (intentionally or subconciously) to tie us here. In my head, I wanted to be where God wanted me to be. In my heart, I wanted to be in Kansas. I told God I would do what He wanted, but I wanted Him to want me right here. I even pretended that He said "right here" was fine with Him.
OK, now back (or is it forward) to a couple of weeks ago. I was surfing the web (when am I ever NOT?) and I found myself on the Southern Baptist Convention website. Don't know how. Our church just recently became Southern Baptist, so maybe I was curious. Really, I don't know. Anyhoo, I came across a page for mission openings. My stomach flipped. I switched tabs. I switched back. I clicked the link that said something like "so you think you want to be a missionary, huh?" I read through the list of things to do to make sure that missions is your thang. I think the first one said "pray about it".
So that's what I did. But only in my spare time. Whenever I would think about it I'd send a shout out to God and ask, "so, God. Missions?" Honestly, it was never more than a passing thought. I think, no I'm sure, I was still hoping He would just ignore my stupid little prayers and LET ME BE.
Now, back to today. Driving. Listening. Singing. Crying. And I knew. I KNEW. I got my answer. I don't know where this revelation is going to take me and my family. It probably won't even be soon, but I KNOW that some day, I will be a full-time missionary. And I also know that it probably won't be in this country. Yikes. That scares me almost as much as drawn-on eyebrows.
I will keep you updated. I'm sure we will start the process soon. I don't have a bachelor's degree and I know a lot of mission boards require one.
Please pray for us. Pray that God would direct us to the right board, the right location, and the right time.
Oh, and the song that inspired the title to this blog entry, Something Crazy. It's right after Yours on the CD. It's a happy, upbeat song, but I cried like a baby through it, too. God was taking my stubborn little heart and shakin' the "me" out of it. It was definitely crazy.
And it's crazy when love gets ahold of you
And it's crazy things that love will make you do
And it's crazy but it's true
You really don't know love at all
'Til it's makin' you do
Something crazy
Crazy. The end.
Friday, March 14, 2008
ouch
had surgery on monday for tennis elbow. it hurts. i can't use my shift key excet for a few characters like !@#&*()? and". i'll be back sporadically until i can use both hands again. bye.
Monday, February 25, 2008
A Non-Scale Victory and an Honor Quote
At weigh-in on Saturday, I was down another 3.8 pounds, putting me at (drumroll please) AN EVEN 30 POUNDS gone forever! And the NSV is that I got into my next-smaller-size jeans comfortably yesterday. It was AWESOME!!
Now for the quote. Wait, first, let me set the scene. Briar and Honor were on my bed with me. Honor really doesn't like it when one of the other kids insinuates that I'm his/her mama, too. For some reason this week she's really into Briar.
Me (hugging Honor): My Honor.
Honor (hugging me back): My mama.
Briar (hugging us both): My Honor and my mama.
Honor (sitting up): Ok, she can be both of our mama 'cuz we're twinnies!
Me: But what do I do with the other kids?
Honor (way too happily): Just let 'em DIE!
The way she said "die" was gravelly and drawn out. Really creepy. And she was smiling the whole time, which just added to the creep factor!
Now for the quote. Wait, first, let me set the scene. Briar and Honor were on my bed with me. Honor really doesn't like it when one of the other kids insinuates that I'm his/her mama, too. For some reason this week she's really into Briar.
Me (hugging Honor): My Honor.
Honor (hugging me back): My mama.
Briar (hugging us both): My Honor and my mama.
Honor (sitting up): Ok, she can be both of our mama 'cuz we're twinnies!
Me: But what do I do with the other kids?
Honor (way too happily): Just let 'em DIE!
The way she said "die" was gravelly and drawn out. Really creepy. And she was smiling the whole time, which just added to the creep factor!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
3 year-old Love and Logic
So, we're taking a Love and Logic class. For those of you who may not know what that is, it's basically a class to teach parents how to manipulate their children, strangers, and each other. It's great. No, really. It's great. I highly recommend it.
Anyway, one of the principles we've learned is that we need to give our kids more control over their own lives. We are taught to make everything (within reason) a choice for the kids. Ex: Would you like to get dressed first or eat breakfast first? Would you like to put your jammies on and then brush your teeth or brush your teeth first? So, one of the suggested ways to get a kid to clean his/her room is to say, "Would you like to clean your room yourself or hire someone else to do it for, say, $10 an hour?" Of course, the kid is going to say, "But I don't HAVE that much money!" So they clean their room.
Hmph. Last night I was giving all the choices I could think of to each of the 3 smaller kids. Jammies or clean up first? Snack now or later?, etc. Honor was not cooperating with this method as she was completely distracted by her new school book. She didn't want to clean! So, I finally said, "Do you want to go to bed now or clean now?" She furrowed her little brow and mustered the most adorable I'm-really-considering-my-options look and said, "Hmmmmm....how 'bout YOU clean and I'll give you money?"
Touché. They must have a Love and Logic for 3 year-olds.
Anyway, one of the principles we've learned is that we need to give our kids more control over their own lives. We are taught to make everything (within reason) a choice for the kids. Ex: Would you like to get dressed first or eat breakfast first? Would you like to put your jammies on and then brush your teeth or brush your teeth first? So, one of the suggested ways to get a kid to clean his/her room is to say, "Would you like to clean your room yourself or hire someone else to do it for, say, $10 an hour?" Of course, the kid is going to say, "But I don't HAVE that much money!" So they clean their room.
Hmph. Last night I was giving all the choices I could think of to each of the 3 smaller kids. Jammies or clean up first? Snack now or later?, etc. Honor was not cooperating with this method as she was completely distracted by her new school book. She didn't want to clean! So, I finally said, "Do you want to go to bed now or clean now?" She furrowed her little brow and mustered the most adorable I'm-really-considering-my-options look and said, "Hmmmmm....how 'bout YOU clean and I'll give you money?"
Touché. They must have a Love and Logic for 3 year-olds.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Flatout Pizza
Here is a recipe from my favorite thing to eat this week. Sorry. No picture. I ate it.
Ingredients:
1 Flatout Italian Herb Carbdown or Sundried Tomato
1/4 C. Lite Ragu spaghetti sauce
1/2 C. Low-fat mozzarella cheese
17 slices turkey pepperoni
green peppers, onion, mushrooms, jalapenos
Directions:
Spray both sides of wrap with cooking spray and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. Top wrap with sauce and add your choice of toppings, ending with the cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes.
I have eaten one of these every day for the last 4 days. I would have had them for dinner as well as lunch, but I don't share very well.
According to their website, Flatout Wraps can be found at Dillon's and Super WalMart in the Shawnee Mission area, but I only found them at SWM. The customer service people at Dillon's looked at me like I was crazy. Which I probably am, but they don't KNOW that.
If I make another tomorrow, I'll try to remember to take a picture before I snarf it all down!
Ingredients:
1 Flatout Italian Herb Carbdown or Sundried Tomato
1/4 C. Lite Ragu spaghetti sauce
1/2 C. Low-fat mozzarella cheese
17 slices turkey pepperoni
green peppers, onion, mushrooms, jalapenos
Directions:
Spray both sides of wrap with cooking spray and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. Top wrap with sauce and add your choice of toppings, ending with the cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes.
I have eaten one of these every day for the last 4 days. I would have had them for dinner as well as lunch, but I don't share very well.
According to their website, Flatout Wraps can be found at Dillon's and Super WalMart in the Shawnee Mission area, but I only found them at SWM. The customer service people at Dillon's looked at me like I was crazy. Which I probably am, but they don't KNOW that.
If I make another tomorrow, I'll try to remember to take a picture before I snarf it all down!
Monday, February 11, 2008
What's WRONG With Me?
I'm actually thinking about voting for Obama (don't get so excited, Jill).
I just can't figure out WHY I would do such a thing. It's obviously out of character. I'm SUCH a Republican. I am praying about it and researching and praying some more. There are things I really disagree with him about, but other things...hmmm...could he be right? He is a dirty DEMOCRAT after all.
I'm not thrilled with McCain and he seems to be shaping up to be the Republican candidate. I don't know. I am in a quandary.
Could it be I only want to vote for Obama because I'd rather the country be ruined by a Democrat than a Republican?? I just don't know.
Maybe I just like him.
Please don't tell my mother.
I just can't figure out WHY I would do such a thing. It's obviously out of character. I'm SUCH a Republican. I am praying about it and researching and praying some more. There are things I really disagree with him about, but other things...hmmm...could he be right? He is a dirty DEMOCRAT after all.
I'm not thrilled with McCain and he seems to be shaping up to be the Republican candidate. I don't know. I am in a quandary.
Could it be I only want to vote for Obama because I'd rather the country be ruined by a Democrat than a Republican?? I just don't know.
Maybe I just like him.
Please don't tell my mother.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Potpourri
My friend, Karen, told me I should blog every day even if I have nothing to say. I guess today is going to be one of *those* days because I really have nothing! Here are some random thoughts:
I have a massive headache today. I'm talking hangover-sized headache. I cannot get rid of the darn thing. I have taken everything I know to take and it refuses to let go of my head. The last 2 days I was plagued with a terrible bout of vertigo. I get this occasionally, having Meniere's disease, and it just makes me want to crawl into bed until it's over. But then, if I do get to crawl into bed, I just feel like I'm going to fall out. Little hard to relax. I'm thinking today's headache is a leftover of the vertigo. My eyes still aren't right. *insert raspberry here*
Have I told you about my new friends? They are HURRIED, ATM2GRW and "The Silver Bullet". These are cars I see every morning on my trek back from taking Briar and Tanner to school. The first 2 are vanity plates and the last is just a Silver Rendevouz that I have nicknamed in my head. If I'm one minute late or early, I miss them. I wonder if they notice me like I notice them? I have a vanity plate, too, so I'm fairly recognizable. I used to see 1GLORIA, but not so much any more. I wonder if it moved? Oh, and then there's the FOX truck. I get the joy of following him home both before AND after school. He goes about 20mph on a street with no passing. I ALWAYS dread being behind him, but I'm sure, on more than one occasion, that he's saved my butt from a speeding ticket. I shouldn't complain.
It has been raining here all stinkin' day long. (Maybe that's why I have a headache?) It's supposed to turn into snow later this evening. 3-6 inches they're predicting. I hope not. First, I am SO ready for warmer weather and yesterday, with it's balmy 70 degrees really had me hoping; and secondly I DON'T WANT A SNOW DAY! I cannot emphasize that enough. I do not want to have to figure out what to do with 4 kids (Skylar is pretty good at entertaining herself by "reading" in her bed all day).
Here's the song that's been going through my head for the last week or so. Ever have a song that you can't get out of your head but you don't want it out? That's this song for me. I'm sure if I put in the CD and listened to it, oh, 1000 times I'd get it out of my system. I just love this song. It totally speaks to me.
I have a massive headache today. I'm talking hangover-sized headache. I cannot get rid of the darn thing. I have taken everything I know to take and it refuses to let go of my head. The last 2 days I was plagued with a terrible bout of vertigo. I get this occasionally, having Meniere's disease, and it just makes me want to crawl into bed until it's over. But then, if I do get to crawl into bed, I just feel like I'm going to fall out. Little hard to relax. I'm thinking today's headache is a leftover of the vertigo. My eyes still aren't right. *insert raspberry here*
Have I told you about my new friends? They are HURRIED, ATM2GRW and "The Silver Bullet". These are cars I see every morning on my trek back from taking Briar and Tanner to school. The first 2 are vanity plates and the last is just a Silver Rendevouz that I have nicknamed in my head. If I'm one minute late or early, I miss them. I wonder if they notice me like I notice them? I have a vanity plate, too, so I'm fairly recognizable. I used to see 1GLORIA, but not so much any more. I wonder if it moved? Oh, and then there's the FOX truck. I get the joy of following him home both before AND after school. He goes about 20mph on a street with no passing. I ALWAYS dread being behind him, but I'm sure, on more than one occasion, that he's saved my butt from a speeding ticket. I shouldn't complain.
It has been raining here all stinkin' day long. (Maybe that's why I have a headache?) It's supposed to turn into snow later this evening. 3-6 inches they're predicting. I hope not. First, I am SO ready for warmer weather and yesterday, with it's balmy 70 degrees really had me hoping; and secondly I DON'T WANT A SNOW DAY! I cannot emphasize that enough. I do not want to have to figure out what to do with 4 kids (Skylar is pretty good at entertaining herself by "reading" in her bed all day).
Here's the song that's been going through my head for the last week or so. Ever have a song that you can't get out of your head but you don't want it out? That's this song for me. I'm sure if I put in the CD and listened to it, oh, 1000 times I'd get it out of my system. I just love this song. It totally speaks to me.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The "Before" Picture
This was me at the end of last August. Disgusting. And to make it worse, I was trying to stand up straight and I only succeeded in making my "bobs" stick out! I'm going to have James take a picture of me now, 25 pounds lighter, in the same clothes. I plan to keep posting pictures until I become an "after".
I can't wait to be an "after".
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
All Those French Things
Tanner: I'm glad we don't live in France.
Me: Why?
Tanner: Because they have all those French things there.
Me: Umm...like what?
Tanner: Like French kissing. That's gross.
Me: *silently laughing*
Me: Why?
Tanner: Because they have all those French things there.
Me: Umm...like what?
Tanner: Like French kissing. That's gross.
Me: *silently laughing*
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sweatin' to the Oldies
Part of this journey includes a significant loss of weight. Back in November, I decided to (re-)join Weight Watchers. I have been successful with it in the past and since it's all about getting healthy, I decided that was what I needed to do. Losing weight is a bonus that comes with learning how to eat right.
Well, one thing they really stress is activity. Humph. Those of you who know me--really know me--know that I hate to sweat. Did I say "hate"? I mean I DESPISE sweating. Nothing about it makes me feel good. I know that exercise is an important part of being healthy and I really do want to be healthy, I just don't want to sweat. So, to get me motivated to sweat (did I mention I hate to sweat), James and I bought a family membership to our local community center. Now, this is not one of those podunk community centers where all the equipment has been passed down from other gyms that got the "new" stuff. This is not a community center that cost $50/year and is worth what you pay for. This is a "state-of-the-art" Community Center with 4 pools, a weight room, a walking/jogging track, cardio equipment and a circuit. This has 2 full basketball courts, a game room with 2 pool tables and video games for TWENTY-FIVE CENTS!! And (are you sitting down?) they have Ms. PacMan!! It's very cool. And when I say "very", I mean there is NOTHING cooler in the world. Think of the coolest thing you can...got it? It's cooler than that.
So, the girls and I went after James got home from work tonight. He had already gone this morning before work. I could have easily said I was too tired, I needed to help get the kids to bed, I should clean the kitchen, etc. BUT, I didn't. Aren't you proud to know me? I, who hate to sweat, walked 1.78 miles on the treadmill. Woo hoo. Yay me. It has been 45 minutes since I stepped off the darn thing and I'm STILL sweating. Hey, but I'm on my way to being healthier.
I've always said I'm just a skinny person trapped in a fat person's body. I've proven it, too, by getting skinny. The fat person just keeps winning. Well, not this time, Fat Person! This time Skinny Me has the upper hand. I have a MEMBERSHIP to the coolest Community Center on the planet. And I'm not afraid to use it!
Well, one thing they really stress is activity. Humph. Those of you who know me--really know me--know that I hate to sweat. Did I say "hate"? I mean I DESPISE sweating. Nothing about it makes me feel good. I know that exercise is an important part of being healthy and I really do want to be healthy, I just don't want to sweat. So, to get me motivated to sweat (did I mention I hate to sweat), James and I bought a family membership to our local community center. Now, this is not one of those podunk community centers where all the equipment has been passed down from other gyms that got the "new" stuff. This is not a community center that cost $50/year and is worth what you pay for. This is a "state-of-the-art" Community Center with 4 pools, a weight room, a walking/jogging track, cardio equipment and a circuit. This has 2 full basketball courts, a game room with 2 pool tables and video games for TWENTY-FIVE CENTS!! And (are you sitting down?) they have Ms. PacMan!! It's very cool. And when I say "very", I mean there is NOTHING cooler in the world. Think of the coolest thing you can...got it? It's cooler than that.
So, the girls and I went after James got home from work tonight. He had already gone this morning before work. I could have easily said I was too tired, I needed to help get the kids to bed, I should clean the kitchen, etc. BUT, I didn't. Aren't you proud to know me? I, who hate to sweat, walked 1.78 miles on the treadmill. Woo hoo. Yay me. It has been 45 minutes since I stepped off the darn thing and I'm STILL sweating. Hey, but I'm on my way to being healthier.
I've always said I'm just a skinny person trapped in a fat person's body. I've proven it, too, by getting skinny. The fat person just keeps winning. Well, not this time, Fat Person! This time Skinny Me has the upper hand. I have a MEMBERSHIP to the coolest Community Center on the planet. And I'm not afraid to use it!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Hey all. Well this is my third attempt at keeping a blog. I change hosts, names and purposes. Maybe this time will be my last! I think I've finally figured it all out. If I have one specific purpose for blogging, such as my kids or geocaching, I'm going to run out of things to say. Or at the very least, it will become boring quickly.
This time, Where I Belong will be multi-faceted. I know. It's revolutionary! Who would have ever thought of blogging about more than one idea? The title of the blog is a tribute to a Chris Rice song, "Belong". I'll post the lyrics below. However, the meaning of the song is only a small part of my purpose for blogging.
I am 37 1/2 years old. I still feel as if I have not "arrived" at the place God has planned for me. This blog will be about me discovering where I belong spiritually, intellectually, as a mother, as a wife, and as an individual. This will include spiritual ideas, educational pursuits, and ways I relate to my children, my husband and my mother. Also, since I am well on the path to losing at least 75 pounds, I will probably include some pictures and anecdotes from that journey.
I warn you: it won't be pretty. Any of it. I hope you'll stick around. Leave a comment occasionally if you'd like. I'd love to hear from you.
I cower ‘neath the monster trees
I hear a sound I recognize
How did I miss this wondrous song?
This time, Where I Belong will be multi-faceted. I know. It's revolutionary! Who would have ever thought of blogging about more than one idea? The title of the blog is a tribute to a Chris Rice song, "Belong". I'll post the lyrics below. However, the meaning of the song is only a small part of my purpose for blogging.
I am 37 1/2 years old. I still feel as if I have not "arrived" at the place God has planned for me. This blog will be about me discovering where I belong spiritually, intellectually, as a mother, as a wife, and as an individual. This will include spiritual ideas, educational pursuits, and ways I relate to my children, my husband and my mother. Also, since I am well on the path to losing at least 75 pounds, I will probably include some pictures and anecdotes from that journey.
I warn you: it won't be pretty. Any of it. I hope you'll stick around. Leave a comment occasionally if you'd like. I'd love to hear from you.
Belong
Chris Rice
Fading memories ignored
I crawl across the forest floor
Pool reflects an orphan child
Dirty, lost, alone and wild
Fatherless and nameless still
Fallen heart and broken
Will there ever be a place where I belong
I cower ‘neath the monster trees
And try to stand on tired feet
But gravity knocks me to the ground
Where I give up, and tears roll down
I claw the dust and beg the end
Curse the day that I began
To hope there’d be a place where I belong
I hear a sound I recognize
You lift my chin and seek my eyes
Song of love You sing to me
I ache to sing it back to Thee
"Father Love prepares a place
Brother Jesus leads the way
Follow to the place where you belong!"
How did I miss this wondrous song?
The forest sang it all along
"River rinses all your shame
Father offers you His name
Father Love prepares a home
Brother Jesus leads you on
Follow to the place where you belong!"
"Father Love prepares a place
Brother Jesus leads the way
Follow to the place where you belong
Follow to the place where you belong!"
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