that is the question!!!
I just read a friend's blog about her hopes for the New Year, and she said it perfectly!!!
My hope or "goal" this year is to get healthy. I've not been healthy in almost every area this past year, and I want that to change.
Physical health---I need to lose the 20 pounds I've gained this year and then some, along with dealing with stress in a much different manner.
Mental health---I need to quit worrying and stressing so much.
Emotional health---I need to deal with stress much better.
Spiritual health---I really need to work on this one, I tend to let my eyes wander to "me" and the problems that surround me, rather than keeping my eyes on Him where they are supposed to be.
Family health---I need to be a better wife and mother, more patient, more understanding, and more loving. Home health---My house tends to reflect my mental/emotional state, and it's been suffering. I hope to finish decorating both kids' rooms, unpack/organize untouched boxes, and make our "home" feel like home to us...we've been in "home" limbo long enough.
Financial health---I would love to get on top of our finances and be able to start looking at future possibilites.
Career health---I plan to enroll and start taking classes during the summer session, to finish my Education
degree.
Ministry health---We are getting involved in a new church plant, and I pray that this will be a good, productive year for us in ministry.
Vehicle health---Yeah, this one sounds corny, but it's actually #1 on our priorities right now. We need another car, and then we need a second vehicle that runs well too. (If anyone out there wants to donate one, just let me know!)
I know not all of the above will be perfect this year, and I have no specific goals because I never seem to stick with "losing weight", "exercising", "read the Bible in on year" kinds of resolutions. I find it much easier to have broad goals, then there's not so much room for failure!
Come on 2006, bring it!!! (You gotta be better than 2004 and 2005 were!!! 3's a charm, right?)
Friday, December 30, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
Blog Year In Review...
December 2004---started blogging, had an awesome experience thanks to friends we've never met, Christmas came to our house! Had a great visit with my dad and step-mom, the kids loved having Nana and Papa at our home for Christmas.
January 2005---Jerry took three trips for YM interviews, none of which panned out in the end. Though we did have a fun trip to SC, a mini family vacation at least.
February 2005---Both of my children had semi-monumental birthdays. Nick turned 10 and Elisabeth turned 5. Wow, time does fly!
March 2005---Frustration at waiting to see where God would lead us. Many phone interviews, and a few "in person" interviews. It was also the "anniversary" of Jerry's resignation from our "former" church. Rough times...
April 2005---Jerry was offered, and accepted, a full-time YM position. We were so excited to be going to this new place.
May 2005---Jerry started his new position, I was a single mom for the month, and we packed to get ready for a move, all while working full-time, tutoring and holding a part-time job! Elisabeth graduated from preschool too!
June 2005---Moved to our new town, started getting to know the youth. By the end of the month, I really fell in love with our church and our youth. Nick broke his knee cap during VBS/Youth Week while playing "wall ball" in the gymnasium, and played all afternoon in the wicked waves caused by a lovely summer thunderstorm at the beach.
July 2005---Very stressful month. Once things started going downhill, it just got harder and harder to enjoy life. The plus for this month was our Mission trip to Charleston, WV! My mom got to come and stay with the kids, and we had an awesome trip. So many "Green Tea Moments"!!! Another great thing this month was meeting Chet and Derek---you guys wrok!!!
August 2005---Kids started school, attended for two weeks and we moved! Back to the Tampa side of the state, started jobs and found out how great friends can be once again!
September 2005---The month from hell, from our era from hell! We ended up in homeless limbo, stayed with friends, stayed in a hotel, stayed in an RV....yeah, that wasn't fun. There were some very stressful moments this month! Finally did find a place to live, after Nick ended up with some major allergy/asthma problems from one place! Oh, we did meet Jeff and Heather, that was a good thing!
October 2005---Finally got into our place. It wasn't without flaws, that's for sure! No furntiure for the entire month, everything in storage on the other side of the state. Major vehicle problems, don't even want to rehash them! No A/C, nasty water, leaky faucets and pipes---yeah it wasn't a smoothe move. Cool thing though, Nick was voted VP of Student Council, and he received an invitation to go on a "People to People" trip as an ambassador (though it costs too much for us to swing).
November 2005---Got our "stuff" finally!!! Jerry almost broke his leg (moving said "stuff"). Started really feeling the stress, had a couple of major meltdowns/shutdowns. Got our van back, though far from perfect. Thanksgiving was awesome, church hopping came to an end. Started attending St. James UMC, for the time being at least!
December 2005---I discovered the perfect analogy of our situation..."It’s always winter, but never Christmas. It seems this curse just can’t be lifted. Yet in the midst of all this ice and snow, Our hearts stay warm cause they are filled with hope." I haven't had any more meltdowns, but the stress has definitely gotten to me. We've had a great Christmas together as a family, and I'm hoping that this great holiday is the start of something new for us.
After 22 months of almost constant stress, I'm ready for a new year!!! New opportunites await, new roads to travel. Continuing good jobs, kids in good schools, kids playing soccer, involvement in new ministries, starting work toward finishing my degree, a wonderful family, children who are awesomly flexible and resilient....yup, good things have got to be ahead!
"'Cause when it’s always Winter, but never Christmas, Sometimes it feels like you’re not with us. But deep inside our hearts we know, That you are here and we will not lose hope."
"For I know the plans I have for you,...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord. --Jeremiah 29:11-14a
January 2005---Jerry took three trips for YM interviews, none of which panned out in the end. Though we did have a fun trip to SC, a mini family vacation at least.
February 2005---Both of my children had semi-monumental birthdays. Nick turned 10 and Elisabeth turned 5. Wow, time does fly!
March 2005---Frustration at waiting to see where God would lead us. Many phone interviews, and a few "in person" interviews. It was also the "anniversary" of Jerry's resignation from our "former" church. Rough times...
April 2005---Jerry was offered, and accepted, a full-time YM position. We were so excited to be going to this new place.
May 2005---Jerry started his new position, I was a single mom for the month, and we packed to get ready for a move, all while working full-time, tutoring and holding a part-time job! Elisabeth graduated from preschool too!
June 2005---Moved to our new town, started getting to know the youth. By the end of the month, I really fell in love with our church and our youth. Nick broke his knee cap during VBS/Youth Week while playing "wall ball" in the gymnasium, and played all afternoon in the wicked waves caused by a lovely summer thunderstorm at the beach.
July 2005---Very stressful month. Once things started going downhill, it just got harder and harder to enjoy life. The plus for this month was our Mission trip to Charleston, WV! My mom got to come and stay with the kids, and we had an awesome trip. So many "Green Tea Moments"!!! Another great thing this month was meeting Chet and Derek---you guys wrok!!!
August 2005---Kids started school, attended for two weeks and we moved! Back to the Tampa side of the state, started jobs and found out how great friends can be once again!
September 2005---The month from hell, from our era from hell! We ended up in homeless limbo, stayed with friends, stayed in a hotel, stayed in an RV....yeah, that wasn't fun. There were some very stressful moments this month! Finally did find a place to live, after Nick ended up with some major allergy/asthma problems from one place! Oh, we did meet Jeff and Heather, that was a good thing!
October 2005---Finally got into our place. It wasn't without flaws, that's for sure! No furntiure for the entire month, everything in storage on the other side of the state. Major vehicle problems, don't even want to rehash them! No A/C, nasty water, leaky faucets and pipes---yeah it wasn't a smoothe move. Cool thing though, Nick was voted VP of Student Council, and he received an invitation to go on a "People to People" trip as an ambassador (though it costs too much for us to swing).
November 2005---Got our "stuff" finally!!! Jerry almost broke his leg (moving said "stuff"). Started really feeling the stress, had a couple of major meltdowns/shutdowns. Got our van back, though far from perfect. Thanksgiving was awesome, church hopping came to an end. Started attending St. James UMC, for the time being at least!
December 2005---I discovered the perfect analogy of our situation..."It’s always winter, but never Christmas. It seems this curse just can’t be lifted. Yet in the midst of all this ice and snow, Our hearts stay warm cause they are filled with hope." I haven't had any more meltdowns, but the stress has definitely gotten to me. We've had a great Christmas together as a family, and I'm hoping that this great holiday is the start of something new for us.
After 22 months of almost constant stress, I'm ready for a new year!!! New opportunites await, new roads to travel. Continuing good jobs, kids in good schools, kids playing soccer, involvement in new ministries, starting work toward finishing my degree, a wonderful family, children who are awesomly flexible and resilient....yup, good things have got to be ahead!
"'Cause when it’s always Winter, but never Christmas, Sometimes it feels like you’re not with us. But deep inside our hearts we know, That you are here and we will not lose hope."
"For I know the plans I have for you,...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord. --Jeremiah 29:11-14a
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Christmas Has Been Good...
We went to the 9 p.m. Candlelight service at St. James last night, a wonderful time to reflect on why we celebrate. Yesterday we had our traditional Christmas Eve meal of Norwegian lefse (a potato bread, similar to a tortilla). We also had smoked salmon, potatoes and fruit salad. Yummy! I do have to say that was the best lefse I've ever made, thanks to finding a site that had awesome directions. It had a few tricks and techniques I'd never thought of before. I ended up making 32 of them, took forever to cook, but so worth it to have leftovers!!!
When our meal was over, I called my Grandma Corky (Corrine) and had a nice long talk with her. We used to write to each other a lot, when I was in college and before I had two kids. But I haven't seen her in 3 years, and we haven't really talked or made contact since my last visit there. Boy do I miss my Grandma, she's awesome! It was just so nice to have such a long talk with her and hear her voice. She's usually busy visiting my Great-Grandma Wolford, who will be 94 in March. Yep, that's right, we still have five generations of Norse goddesses living in my family!!! The only down-side of talking with her is that it's really made me home-sick to be near my family and have my kids experience the grandparents and cousins the way I did as a child. But then, I get that way this time of year anyway, when I start looking up stuff about Norwegian information because I'm getting ready to make the yearly batch of lefse.
After a bout of last minute hyperactivity, kids finally were nestled all snug in their beds...while Jerry and I finished wrapping everything. This morning, Nick thought he really needed to wake us up at 5:40 a.m.!!! This, from the kid who usually begs to sleep in and is soooo difficult to get up for school!!! I told him to go away and come back later!!! He waited for an hour and let us sleep a little bit more.
Elisabeth was so delighted with her gifts, I'm enjoying every moment of "Santa" possible, because it won't be many more years that we can enjoy the wonderment of it all with her. Today she told me that Santa did a good job (and Mom and Dad too), and that she thinks she'd like to marry Santa so she can help him, and he's her "sugar cutie"! LOL She got lots of "girlie" stuff, a pretty fairy ballerina doll, a Bella Dancerella ballet mat/video, a ballet outfit for her Cabbage Patch doll, make-up, jewelry, etc. So much fun! We just finished watching the American Girl movie, Samantha.
Nick was happy with his gifts, and his Bionicle set from his Nana and Papa was a good choice too. It took him a couple of hours, but he got them both together, including the one that had 211 pieces!!! I think his favorite gift of all would have to be the guitar that he's been wanting for over a year. Now to get him some learnin'! He also got the latest Tony Hawk video game and a CD, so he's in pre-teen happy world too.
I have to say that the funniest part of the day had to do with Rocky, our lively Basset Hound. (Yes, lively, not droopy!) He attacked the bag of pig ears with a vengeance, and has been tossing around his jumbo rawhide bone this afternoon. If you go near him, he'll growl, wag his tail, and then grab the bone and take off running! Such a trip. So far he hasn't taken off over the back of the sofa today, but that seems to be one of his latest pasttimes. Crazy for a Basset Hound! Silly, silly dog!
Now to fix dinner and just hang out for the rest of the day. Got the spiral cut ham roasting in the oven, and planning to get started on the mashed potatoes, veggies and apple crisp. I think I may even make some Yorkshire Pudding, just to try it once. Later tonight, we'll have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life"!
I hope your day is going well, and you're enjoying celebrating the birth of our Savior also! Merry Christmas!!!
When our meal was over, I called my Grandma Corky (Corrine) and had a nice long talk with her. We used to write to each other a lot, when I was in college and before I had two kids. But I haven't seen her in 3 years, and we haven't really talked or made contact since my last visit there. Boy do I miss my Grandma, she's awesome! It was just so nice to have such a long talk with her and hear her voice. She's usually busy visiting my Great-Grandma Wolford, who will be 94 in March. Yep, that's right, we still have five generations of Norse goddesses living in my family!!! The only down-side of talking with her is that it's really made me home-sick to be near my family and have my kids experience the grandparents and cousins the way I did as a child. But then, I get that way this time of year anyway, when I start looking up stuff about Norwegian information because I'm getting ready to make the yearly batch of lefse.
After a bout of last minute hyperactivity, kids finally were nestled all snug in their beds...while Jerry and I finished wrapping everything. This morning, Nick thought he really needed to wake us up at 5:40 a.m.!!! This, from the kid who usually begs to sleep in and is soooo difficult to get up for school!!! I told him to go away and come back later!!! He waited for an hour and let us sleep a little bit more.
Elisabeth was so delighted with her gifts, I'm enjoying every moment of "Santa" possible, because it won't be many more years that we can enjoy the wonderment of it all with her. Today she told me that Santa did a good job (and Mom and Dad too), and that she thinks she'd like to marry Santa so she can help him, and he's her "sugar cutie"! LOL She got lots of "girlie" stuff, a pretty fairy ballerina doll, a Bella Dancerella ballet mat/video, a ballet outfit for her Cabbage Patch doll, make-up, jewelry, etc. So much fun! We just finished watching the American Girl movie, Samantha.
Nick was happy with his gifts, and his Bionicle set from his Nana and Papa was a good choice too. It took him a couple of hours, but he got them both together, including the one that had 211 pieces!!! I think his favorite gift of all would have to be the guitar that he's been wanting for over a year. Now to get him some learnin'! He also got the latest Tony Hawk video game and a CD, so he's in pre-teen happy world too.
I have to say that the funniest part of the day had to do with Rocky, our lively Basset Hound. (Yes, lively, not droopy!) He attacked the bag of pig ears with a vengeance, and has been tossing around his jumbo rawhide bone this afternoon. If you go near him, he'll growl, wag his tail, and then grab the bone and take off running! Such a trip. So far he hasn't taken off over the back of the sofa today, but that seems to be one of his latest pasttimes. Crazy for a Basset Hound! Silly, silly dog!
Now to fix dinner and just hang out for the rest of the day. Got the spiral cut ham roasting in the oven, and planning to get started on the mashed potatoes, veggies and apple crisp. I think I may even make some Yorkshire Pudding, just to try it once. Later tonight, we'll have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life"!
I hope your day is going well, and you're enjoying celebrating the birth of our Savior also! Merry Christmas!!!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Always Winter, But Never Christmas...
Okay, so it's Christmas at my house, that's not what I mean! But before I go into my little spiel, I had to share this picture I took of Elisabeth yesterday. I was just playing with the camera and told her to sit in front of the tree with my Christmas Holly Hobbie doll. Isn't my little girl looking so grown up these days? It amazes me how much she's grown and matured just this school year! She's reading everything she can and really thriving in her 1st grade class. (She's a Kindergartener, by the way...little smartie pants!)
Okay, on with my post...if you read my last post, you'll be enlightened a little bit about how in awe I was of this...
Lately, Jerry's been putting on RadioU's alternative Christmas stream. It's pretty decent, and I like being able to listen to Christian artists' rendetions of holiday songs. Anyway, one of the first songs on the stream is RelientK's "In Like A Lion" from their newest CD, Apathetic. Anyway, it just hit me when I really listened to the words and how closely they relate to how I've been feeling about my life lately. The song just speaks volumes!!! Check it out...
In Like A Lion (Always Winter)
It’s always nice to look out the window
And see those very first few flakes of snow
Later on we can go outside
And create the impression of an angel
That just fell from the sky
When February rolls around, I’ll roll my eyes
Turn a cold shoulder to these even colder skies
And by the fire, my heart it heaves a sigh
For the green grass waiting on the other side
It’s always Winter, but never Christmas
It seems this curse just can’t be lifted
Yet in the midst of all this ice and snow
Our hearts stay warm cause they are filled with hope
It’d be so nice to look out the window
And see the leaves on the trees begin to show
The birds would congregate and sing
A song of birth, a song of newer things
The wind would calm and the sun would shine
I’d go outside and I’d squint my eyes
But for now I will simply just withdraw
Sit here and wish for this world to thaw
It’s always winter, but never Christmas
It seems this curse just can’t be lifted
Yet in the midst of all this ice and snow
Our hearts stay warm cause they are filled with hope
And everything it changed overnight
This dying world, you brought it back to life
And deep inside I felt things
Shifting, everything was melting away
Oh, away
And you gave us the most beautiful of days
Cause when it’s always Winter, but never Christmas
Sometimes it feels like you’re not with us
But deep inside our hearts we know
That you are here and we will not lose hope
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Hibernation...
Can I find a place to curl up and sleep until "Spring" comes? And when I say "Spring" I'm not meaning the literal season, because of the fact that I live in Florida it's not super cold here even though I have to run the furnace this week (though it's cold for me and I'm freezing my butt off). Except for the snow, what we traditionally think of as "winter" is so dreary and drab. Everything seems dead and lifeless and depressing. Yep, can't wait for SPRING!
Life seasons do come and go just like the Seasons of the year, right? I sure hope so, because this has been an awfully long winter!
Snuffy, I know how you feel!
Life seasons do come and go just like the Seasons of the year, right? I sure hope so, because this has been an awfully long winter!
Snuffy, I know how you feel!
Friday, December 16, 2005
I've been off in la la land I guess...
It's been almost 3 weeks since my last post. Geesh! I guess it's just from being overwhelmed with life and the holidays and all of that good stuff. I am trying to remind myself that what I am learning needs to be remembered because it seems like I have to keep learning the same lessons over and over. (Which gets quite annoying, I might add.) Little things keep coming up (and some not so little) and no definite information is forthcoming into how it will turn out. What do I do? I stress until I'm a nervous wreck, and then lo and behold, it all turns out okay anyway. You'd think I'd learn wouldn't you?
The biggest example was this week with my job. When we moved back in August, I took a position that was being offered as a "mini-contract" until December 22nd. On Wednesday, I was stressing out about the fact that there was a possibilty I could lose my insurance for January and February. Thursday afternoon, just before leaving school I had an email from the principal (yup, had to go to the principal's office) to come and see her. I was freaking out on the inside when I walked into her office, and she told me that my contract was extended until the end of the school year! Woohoo!
There are so many things like that, and I worry and fret and then things turn out fine in the end. Just like our transportation situation, we're down to the one vehicle for now and it has all kinds of potential problems, but it's still getting from point A to point B. I am really trying to keep myself from worrying too much about it. I know that very soon we'll be able to get another vehicle, and I'm praying that through some small miracle we can get two instead of one.
Giving up control (which I think I have, when in reality I have no control over anything), is really hard for me. I like to know what's going on and what will happen. But when you really think about it, you can have really great plans, but there are so many circumstances and scenarios that will keep things from turning out as you planned.
Life has been overwhelming for me lately, but I need to get out of my funk and get on with it!
Now, to just get all of the things accomplished that I need to for the holidays..... (what was that about giving up control and having plans?!?)
The biggest example was this week with my job. When we moved back in August, I took a position that was being offered as a "mini-contract" until December 22nd. On Wednesday, I was stressing out about the fact that there was a possibilty I could lose my insurance for January and February. Thursday afternoon, just before leaving school I had an email from the principal (yup, had to go to the principal's office) to come and see her. I was freaking out on the inside when I walked into her office, and she told me that my contract was extended until the end of the school year! Woohoo!
There are so many things like that, and I worry and fret and then things turn out fine in the end. Just like our transportation situation, we're down to the one vehicle for now and it has all kinds of potential problems, but it's still getting from point A to point B. I am really trying to keep myself from worrying too much about it. I know that very soon we'll be able to get another vehicle, and I'm praying that through some small miracle we can get two instead of one.
Giving up control (which I think I have, when in reality I have no control over anything), is really hard for me. I like to know what's going on and what will happen. But when you really think about it, you can have really great plans, but there are so many circumstances and scenarios that will keep things from turning out as you planned.
Life has been overwhelming for me lately, but I need to get out of my funk and get on with it!
Now, to just get all of the things accomplished that I need to for the holidays..... (what was that about giving up control and having plans?!?)
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Church was awesome this morning...
We finally went back to St. James UMC this morning. We've been wanting to go, but pride kept getting in the way. But it was the best sermon, and timely for us, and it was just awesome. In particular, this song really touched me because it totally sums up the way I've felt a lot in the past several months. Of course it helps that it makes reference to my favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11. It was just so nice to go to church and be blessed, unfortunately that hasn't happened in a lot of churches we've visited lately. It was also really cool that Elisabeth wanted to go to KindeRock too, rather than sit with us in "big" church.
I Will Sing
by Don Moen
Lord You seem so far away
A million miles or more it feels today
And though I haven't lost my faith
I must confess right now
That it's hard for me to pray
But I don't know what to say
And I don't know where to start
But as You give the grace
With all that's in my heart
Chorus:
I will sing I will praise
Even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing I will praise
Lift my hands to honor You
Because Your Word is true
I will sing
Lord it's hard for me to see
All the thoughts and plans You have for me
But I will put my trust in You
Knowing that You died to set me free
But I don't know what to say
And I don't know where to start
But as You give grace
With all that's in my heart
(Chorus)
I Will Sing
by Don Moen
Lord You seem so far away
A million miles or more it feels today
And though I haven't lost my faith
I must confess right now
That it's hard for me to pray
But I don't know what to say
And I don't know where to start
But as You give the grace
With all that's in my heart
Chorus:
I will sing I will praise
Even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing I will praise
Lift my hands to honor You
Because Your Word is true
I will sing
Lord it's hard for me to see
All the thoughts and plans You have for me
But I will put my trust in You
Knowing that You died to set me free
But I don't know what to say
And I don't know where to start
But as You give grace
With all that's in my heart
(Chorus)
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Giving Thanks Always...
Okay, so this year was not a year I'd like to really live through again, but I am definitely thankful for many things and have been richly blessed.
My "Thankfulness" List:
1. A God who loves me and puts up with my whiny-ness and short-comings. He's provided much more than I deserve!
2. A husband who loves me and puts up with my whiny-ness and short-comings, too. He's a truly remarkable man, though I don't let him know I think that enough. His love for God and his passion to reach youth is amazing, and even in trying times he's never lost his love for either one.
3. Two wonderful, healthy children, who have really shown me how awesome they are by surviving all of the changes we've endured as a family, and have proven to be some truly classy and resilent kids!
4. Family who loves us, even though we don't see them as often as we'd like.
5. A home to call our own. An especially big one, considering we were basically homeless for about 6 weeks this Fall.
6. Jobs.
7. Transportation, even though it's been a little testy, we still have some form of it.
8. A wonderful opportunity to be involved in a new church plant, I can't wait to see what 2006 brings with that.
9. The possibility of going back to school in January, to finish my teaching degree.
10. Health. I'm thankful that through all of the stresses and changes, our family has stayed healthy!!!
Today has been a good day. Brined turkey, dressing, taters and gravy, yams, corn, pecan pie, cheesecake....YUM!!!
Now onto a busy holiday season..... "sigh"!
My "Thankfulness" List:
1. A God who loves me and puts up with my whiny-ness and short-comings. He's provided much more than I deserve!
2. A husband who loves me and puts up with my whiny-ness and short-comings, too. He's a truly remarkable man, though I don't let him know I think that enough. His love for God and his passion to reach youth is amazing, and even in trying times he's never lost his love for either one.
3. Two wonderful, healthy children, who have really shown me how awesome they are by surviving all of the changes we've endured as a family, and have proven to be some truly classy and resilent kids!
4. Family who loves us, even though we don't see them as often as we'd like.
5. A home to call our own. An especially big one, considering we were basically homeless for about 6 weeks this Fall.
6. Jobs.
7. Transportation, even though it's been a little testy, we still have some form of it.
8. A wonderful opportunity to be involved in a new church plant, I can't wait to see what 2006 brings with that.
9. The possibility of going back to school in January, to finish my teaching degree.
10. Health. I'm thankful that through all of the stresses and changes, our family has stayed healthy!!!
Today has been a good day. Brined turkey, dressing, taters and gravy, yams, corn, pecan pie, cheesecake....YUM!!!
Now onto a busy holiday season..... "sigh"!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Okay, so here's my test to the question of the previous post....
because my patience is REALLY being tested here!!!
We got the van last night. I had someone drive me to Jerry's work 20 minutes south of my school, picked up the rental car and the cash from his check. Drove 40 minutes, to 20 minutes the opposite direction from my school, paid for the van and they parked it out front. I then drove back to Jerry's work and picked him up. We decided that since they didn't charge us storage fees after all, that we'd use the "extra" (not really extra, but we had more than we'd figured on) money to get Elisabeth's soccer shoes out of layaway at Wal-Mart, and we drove to Shoe Carnival and found some Adidas soccer shoes for Nick (he's a hard size to find for at the "cheap" places these days). Drove 60 minutes back to the van and got it, and decided to drop the rental off at one of the Enterprise places. Drove 15 minutes PAST our house, only to find out they won't let you drop off except during their work hours. On the way BACK to our house, the van stalled at a light, but did start back up. It idles funny, kind of speeds up and slows down, back and forth. And the engine has a ping in it that wasn't there when we dropped it off!
So now I have to call them and tell them it'll be at the school and they need to be prepared to fix it today, or give me my $880 back so I can get another car NOW!!! Ugh ugh ugh!!! They were willing to take the title instead of money....."sigh"!
Okay, so God is big enough to take care of this! I just need to let Him! (and here I thought life was going to get easier and less drama-filled----my bad! LOL)
We got the van last night. I had someone drive me to Jerry's work 20 minutes south of my school, picked up the rental car and the cash from his check. Drove 40 minutes, to 20 minutes the opposite direction from my school, paid for the van and they parked it out front. I then drove back to Jerry's work and picked him up. We decided that since they didn't charge us storage fees after all, that we'd use the "extra" (not really extra, but we had more than we'd figured on) money to get Elisabeth's soccer shoes out of layaway at Wal-Mart, and we drove to Shoe Carnival and found some Adidas soccer shoes for Nick (he's a hard size to find for at the "cheap" places these days). Drove 60 minutes back to the van and got it, and decided to drop the rental off at one of the Enterprise places. Drove 15 minutes PAST our house, only to find out they won't let you drop off except during their work hours. On the way BACK to our house, the van stalled at a light, but did start back up. It idles funny, kind of speeds up and slows down, back and forth. And the engine has a ping in it that wasn't there when we dropped it off!
So now I have to call them and tell them it'll be at the school and they need to be prepared to fix it today, or give me my $880 back so I can get another car NOW!!! Ugh ugh ugh!!! They were willing to take the title instead of money....."sigh"!
Okay, so God is big enough to take care of this! I just need to let Him! (and here I thought life was going to get easier and less drama-filled----my bad! LOL)
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Do we really believe that God is big enough to take care of us?
Hmmm....that's a question asked on a friend's blog, and quite a tough question too! She is usually very good at posing some very thought provoking questions or insights, and this post is no different. I love to read her blog, just to get some inspiration. She's been through a lot this past year, and seems to be handling it very well. I feel I can learn a lot from her insights, and am blessed every time I read her blog. She says, "My sincere hope is that in this moment, your answer is yes."
So, to answer the question....I think my answer has been "no" more than it's been "yes" lately. But I'm realizing that my weakness is to try to handle things myself, and I'm working on giving it over to God. For me, it's hard to do because I'm a control freak and tend to be OCD about things. I like to be in charge, and have a hard time handing things over to someone else. I am realizing lately how much I need to rely on God, and how much I need to let Him have true control. Yes, God is big enough to take care of us....I do believe that. I just need to act on that belief more often and let Him have His way, rather than me always having my way!
I do see where His plan is being worked out in the past 18 months with us. I strongly didn't want to leave our church back in March 2004. Then, I strongly didn't want to leave our "hometown" this past Spring. Things didn't go as planned, and we were able to return to our "hometown" in August. I said then that I believed that He needed me to be willing to give up what I was holding on to most, in order to let me have it. I love our community, and am so thankful that He's led us back here. I love being a Youth Pastor's wife, and love working with the students, and we see Him leading us into a place of service in that area also. I think it's one of those things where if you take it for granted or are too stubborn about it, God will take it away for awhile so you can realize just how blessed you are, and how much you truly appreciate the place He's called you to, and the calling He's given you. (It kind of reminds me of being a parent and putting my kids on restriction from something they love...to get their attention and make them think about their actions... Wow, I'm such a child sometimes!)
Hopefully I can keep my eyes on Him, and not on me. That's the biggest struggle I have most of the time!
So, to answer the question....I think my answer has been "no" more than it's been "yes" lately. But I'm realizing that my weakness is to try to handle things myself, and I'm working on giving it over to God. For me, it's hard to do because I'm a control freak and tend to be OCD about things. I like to be in charge, and have a hard time handing things over to someone else. I am realizing lately how much I need to rely on God, and how much I need to let Him have true control. Yes, God is big enough to take care of us....I do believe that. I just need to act on that belief more often and let Him have His way, rather than me always having my way!
I do see where His plan is being worked out in the past 18 months with us. I strongly didn't want to leave our church back in March 2004. Then, I strongly didn't want to leave our "hometown" this past Spring. Things didn't go as planned, and we were able to return to our "hometown" in August. I said then that I believed that He needed me to be willing to give up what I was holding on to most, in order to let me have it. I love our community, and am so thankful that He's led us back here. I love being a Youth Pastor's wife, and love working with the students, and we see Him leading us into a place of service in that area also. I think it's one of those things where if you take it for granted or are too stubborn about it, God will take it away for awhile so you can realize just how blessed you are, and how much you truly appreciate the place He's called you to, and the calling He's given you. (It kind of reminds me of being a parent and putting my kids on restriction from something they love...to get their attention and make them think about their actions... Wow, I'm such a child sometimes!)
Hopefully I can keep my eyes on Him, and not on me. That's the biggest struggle I have most of the time!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Having a Job Experience?
I just ran into a friend this morning, whom I hadn't seen since February or March. Our daughters used to go to the same preschool, last year were in dance together, and haven't seen each other since. Anyway, she's known of some of our struggles over the previous year, but hadn't really been in touch to hear our latest "junk". LOL I gave her a short update of what's been going on, and she was like "Wow! You have all kinds of 'gremlins' attacking you, don't you? Just remember that your guardian angels are working overtime to keep worse things from happening, and God will bring great blessings out of this 'Job Experience'." I think she said it much more eloquently than that, but that was the jist. I never REALLY thought about this as being a Job Experience....I'm not sure I'm handling it as well as Job would've either. I wonder if God's disappointed in my lack of faith and hope at times, and utter lack of joy altogether. I'm sure He is, so what do I do about it? I'm working on it, and seem to be handling things okay most of the time. But I feel really weak at times and just want to curl up and shrivel into nothingness.
I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, as it looks like things will be making a turn for the better really soon. It's funny, because there are many things that are going to be happening within the next few weeks to help us make that turn!
1.) We'll be getting our van back this week, still down to one vehicle, but no longer renting one! (Talk about throwing money away! UGH!)
2.) Thanksgiving is coming, which is always a highlight of my year---I love cooking the whole meal and all. (I'd love to check into helping serve at a community dinner for the needy this year, just not sure if there's anything in our local town or if we'd have to go into the city for that.)
3.) I am getting a bonus at work just before Christmas, thanks to our school earning "A+" money---we'll have a good Christmas AND maybe we can use part of it to get another vehicle.
4.) See #3, we might be able to get another vehicle soon.
5.) It's looking like we may have found our ministry, in a new church plant in the area! Still praying about this one, and wanting some definite affirmation that this is God's leading. But everything seems to be pointing in this direction right now.
6.) A New Year is coming!!! I'm looking forward to what great things are in store for us next year, and will be able to "sigh" a sigh of relief when this one is behind us! LOL
Oh yeah, when we were moving our "stuff", I had to leave after loading the furniture because someone at my school was keeping my kids and I'd thought we'd be able to be back by a time earlier than was reality. Anyway, after I left, it started raining and Jerry was loading all of the boxes into the truck by himself. On one trip up the ramp, his feet slipped out from under him, and a heavy load of boxes on the dolly landed on his leg---with the dolly hitting his leg pretty hard. He didn't think he'd broken it, but it made him lightheaded from the pain for a little while, and was swollen pretty badly for the next couple of days. Well, this week he's had bruising in his foot and swelling in his ankle and two knots/swollen areas on his shin. We took him to the ER last night because he could barely bear weight on it when he got home from work. They x-rayed to make sure it wasn't broken, and said he's got some pretty severe deep tissue damage and that he should stay off of it. Yeah right, not when he's on his feet at work all day! LOL So, the drama never ends around here! LOL
I'm praying this "Job Experience" will soon be over!
I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, as it looks like things will be making a turn for the better really soon. It's funny, because there are many things that are going to be happening within the next few weeks to help us make that turn!
1.) We'll be getting our van back this week, still down to one vehicle, but no longer renting one! (Talk about throwing money away! UGH!)
2.) Thanksgiving is coming, which is always a highlight of my year---I love cooking the whole meal and all. (I'd love to check into helping serve at a community dinner for the needy this year, just not sure if there's anything in our local town or if we'd have to go into the city for that.)
3.) I am getting a bonus at work just before Christmas, thanks to our school earning "A+" money---we'll have a good Christmas AND maybe we can use part of it to get another vehicle.
4.) See #3, we might be able to get another vehicle soon.
5.) It's looking like we may have found our ministry, in a new church plant in the area! Still praying about this one, and wanting some definite affirmation that this is God's leading. But everything seems to be pointing in this direction right now.
6.) A New Year is coming!!! I'm looking forward to what great things are in store for us next year, and will be able to "sigh" a sigh of relief when this one is behind us! LOL
Oh yeah, when we were moving our "stuff", I had to leave after loading the furniture because someone at my school was keeping my kids and I'd thought we'd be able to be back by a time earlier than was reality. Anyway, after I left, it started raining and Jerry was loading all of the boxes into the truck by himself. On one trip up the ramp, his feet slipped out from under him, and a heavy load of boxes on the dolly landed on his leg---with the dolly hitting his leg pretty hard. He didn't think he'd broken it, but it made him lightheaded from the pain for a little while, and was swollen pretty badly for the next couple of days. Well, this week he's had bruising in his foot and swelling in his ankle and two knots/swollen areas on his shin. We took him to the ER last night because he could barely bear weight on it when he got home from work. They x-rayed to make sure it wasn't broken, and said he's got some pretty severe deep tissue damage and that he should stay off of it. Yeah right, not when he's on his feet at work all day! LOL So, the drama never ends around here! LOL
I'm praying this "Job Experience" will soon be over!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Settlin' In...
Our house looks almost normal now! Yay! There's still a ton of boxes to go through, and decide where to store some stuff (sewing/craft stuff, my "teacher" stuff, Jerry's "YP" stuff). But, if you don't look in the room where those boxes are, the rest of it looks pretty normal now. Our landlord came by this evening, then the owners were in town and stopped by too. We're going to get a water treatment system put in, and hopefully all of the rest of the needed repairs will be finished soon. Then I can unpack more and put stuff away better.
Jobs are going well too. Jerry will be made full-time at the end of the month (after a "90 day review"), so that's good, and just in time for Christmas too! Hopefully I'll be getting my bonus before Thanksgiving, but we'll see. (Our school got A+ money and decided to spend it on staff bonuses.....wooooohoooo!!!)
We had a good meeting with a new (to the area) pastor about his church plant. We're praying about how God will lead us in our involvement in this new ministry.
So yeah, things are getting better. Just waiting for God's blessings in the way of transportation.... (TRYING to be patient! LOL)
Jobs are going well too. Jerry will be made full-time at the end of the month (after a "90 day review"), so that's good, and just in time for Christmas too! Hopefully I'll be getting my bonus before Thanksgiving, but we'll see. (Our school got A+ money and decided to spend it on staff bonuses.....wooooohoooo!!!)
We had a good meeting with a new (to the area) pastor about his church plant. We're praying about how God will lead us in our involvement in this new ministry.
So yeah, things are getting better. Just waiting for God's blessings in the way of transportation.... (TRYING to be patient! LOL)
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Nothing Like Being Shocked Out of Your Sleep!!!
Jerry was finishing setting up the computer in it's new location when he heard a loud sound, a thud, and the electricity went out and came back on. A car had wrecked in our yard, snapped the support wire to the electric pole, and ended up on it's side. He came in frantic, looking for a flashlight----thus I awoke! (I'd heard the noise of the wreck, but went back to sleep.) We went out there and there was no one in the car, and no body was flung and lying on the ground anywhere near it. After the deputy came (and sent everyone away), we went inside and were watching/listening out the window, and apparently someone stole the car (a friend of their kids maybe?), so that would explain why they were not around----fled the scene! The electric company made the repairs to the pole. The towing company came out and dragged the car through the rest of our yard, on it's side still, until it righted itself in the shallow ditch. Yeah, yard work is going to be fun this week! So here I am, 2 1/2 hours after waking, and now I'm coughing and can't sleep! Guess the guy mustn't have been hurt too badly! I wish I had a good camera to take night shots, it would've been a great one to post!
On the unpacking front...
We've got the living room almost "done". The dining room and kitchen are getting there too. I haven't started on the kids' rooms at all yet, except for their beds. I guess that will be tomorrow's goal (between church and our meeting with the new pastor). It's so nice to have our things out of storage, it's amazing how much we take our "stuff" for granted until we don't have it. We were fortunate in the fact that we didn't lose our stuff, we just didn't have access to it for awhile. I can't imagine the feeling of the hurricane victims who lose everything, and hopefully I'll never have to experience that!
On the unpacking front...
We've got the living room almost "done". The dining room and kitchen are getting there too. I haven't started on the kids' rooms at all yet, except for their beds. I guess that will be tomorrow's goal (between church and our meeting with the new pastor). It's so nice to have our things out of storage, it's amazing how much we take our "stuff" for granted until we don't have it. We were fortunate in the fact that we didn't lose our stuff, we just didn't have access to it for awhile. I can't imagine the feeling of the hurricane victims who lose everything, and hopefully I'll never have to experience that!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Stressin' and Depressin'...
I got a depression quiz in a health updates newsletter and according to it I have chronic depression (no, really?). So I thought, let me find a stress quiz...over 20 points and you're stressed and need to find some stress management techniques (out of about 35-40 symptoms)...my score was around 120!!! Yikes!!! Then, I found one of those that have the "life changes" in the past 2 years...300 and over is "high susceptibility to stress-related illnesses"....yeah, I got 653!!!
Then, I found this quote on one of the sites I was searching..."Stress was vital to survival once an innate response to danger. Civilization, gives you the opportunity to experience an adrenaline rush at every traffic light. And, since all you're doing is sitting in your car the elaborate preparations your body makes are wasted. Worse than wasted: every heartbeat at elevated blood pressure takes its toll on the arteries. The excess fats and glucose don't get metabolized right away, so they stay in the bloodstream. The fats contribute to the plaques that form inside blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease or strokes; high levels of glucose are a step in the direction of diabetes."
I can't be going down a good path health-wise!!!
Oh yeah, I've gotten 7 hours of sleep in the past two nights, that's good for me, right?!? LOL
Then, I found this quote on one of the sites I was searching..."Stress was vital to survival once an innate response to danger. Civilization, gives you the opportunity to experience an adrenaline rush at every traffic light. And, since all you're doing is sitting in your car the elaborate preparations your body makes are wasted. Worse than wasted: every heartbeat at elevated blood pressure takes its toll on the arteries. The excess fats and glucose don't get metabolized right away, so they stay in the bloodstream. The fats contribute to the plaques that form inside blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease or strokes; high levels of glucose are a step in the direction of diabetes."
I can't be going down a good path health-wise!!!
Oh yeah, I've gotten 7 hours of sleep in the past two nights, that's good for me, right?!? LOL
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Mini Update on "Moving"...
Okay, have "stuff"!!! Ate off of REAL dishes at a REAL table with REAL food and had sweet tea made fresh by me, along with baked salmon, acorn squash, corn and biscuits for dinner with my family in our dining room!!! That was tonight!!!
It's been almost like Christmas around here! Much more unpacking to do, but ALL of our stuff is out of storage for the first time in 18 MONTHS!!!
I've got more to say about our "stuff moving ordeal", but I didn't get to bed until 3 a.m. yesterday, and it's almost midnight now! Soccer season is starting, and life is going to get crazy!
We are meeting with a group of people who are interested in helping the pastor who is starting the church here this weekend. We're excited about the possibilities that might come from this, so we're praying about following God and doing what He wants concerning this church plant.
Things are still stressful financially, but life is getting better. (And my "bonus" from work in a few weeks will definitely be a PLUS!!!)
Tons of errands tomorrow....leaving the house at 6:30 and won't be home until after soccer practice ends, around 8 p.m.!!! "YAWN!!!!!!!!" :o
It's been almost like Christmas around here! Much more unpacking to do, but ALL of our stuff is out of storage for the first time in 18 MONTHS!!!
I've got more to say about our "stuff moving ordeal", but I didn't get to bed until 3 a.m. yesterday, and it's almost midnight now! Soccer season is starting, and life is going to get crazy!
We are meeting with a group of people who are interested in helping the pastor who is starting the church here this weekend. We're excited about the possibilities that might come from this, so we're praying about following God and doing what He wants concerning this church plant.
Things are still stressful financially, but life is getting better. (And my "bonus" from work in a few weeks will definitely be a PLUS!!!)
Tons of errands tomorrow....leaving the house at 6:30 and won't be home until after soccer practice ends, around 8 p.m.!!! "YAWN!!!!!!!!" :o
Monday, October 31, 2005
Halloween '05...
so much fun!!! There was no school today, so I got to hang out with the kiddos and we had a great day!
Here are the jack 0'lanterns...the one on the left is Elisabeth's and the right one is Nick's. Nick drew several options for eyes, noses, and mouths, and then they picked their favs and I carved them out. Tomorrow we'll be roasting pumpkin seeds and making pumpkin butter! YUM!
Miss Elisabeth needed curly hair, so we twirled and twisted it, and it came out like this... isn't it cute?!? lol (That was just until it was "set".) We met Jerry for lunch, and she was so embarassed to be seen at McDonald's like this! It was too funny!
"Red Hat Society" Lady....Nick. (He loves being creative and different with his costumes! Last year he was Santa Claus) "Little Miss Cheerleader"....Elisabeth. She's such a girl. (Well, apparently Nick is too, well, was tonight anyway! hehe)
Yep, it was a fun day, and we brought home WAY too much candy!!!
Here are the jack 0'lanterns...the one on the left is Elisabeth's and the right one is Nick's. Nick drew several options for eyes, noses, and mouths, and then they picked their favs and I carved them out. Tomorrow we'll be roasting pumpkin seeds and making pumpkin butter! YUM!
Miss Elisabeth needed curly hair, so we twirled and twisted it, and it came out like this... isn't it cute?!? lol (That was just until it was "set".) We met Jerry for lunch, and she was so embarassed to be seen at McDonald's like this! It was too funny!
"Red Hat Society" Lady....Nick. (He loves being creative and different with his costumes! Last year he was Santa Claus) "Little Miss Cheerleader"....Elisabeth. She's such a girl. (Well, apparently Nick is too, well, was tonight anyway! hehe)
Yep, it was a fun day, and we brought home WAY too much candy!!!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Wow, I won a blog post about just me!!!
I was guest number 1500 on Snuffy's blog. "Isn't that speshull?!?" (Reminscing the "Church Lady" there, sorry!)
Last night we went to a "Meet the Team" cookout for Elisabeth's soccer team. She had fallen asleep before it was time to leave, so she was cranky when we got there. But once there, she eventually warmed up to everyone and joined in the games. Then, when it was time to leave, of course she didn't want to go! LOL, typical!
Gotta brag on both of my kiddos too....First off, Nick was elected VP of his school's student council. He did it mostly as a joke, and didn't think he'd make it to the final voting, but still it's pretty cool. Secondly, report cards came out...Nick got all A's, except for the B he got in 6th grade math....not bad when you consider he's in 5th grade and only took 4th grade math last year. Elisabeth didn't get "grades" because they don't give them out to Kindergartener's for the first quarter, but her report said she's doing very well with the first grade curriculum that she's doing in her advanced class. That girl is really learning to read quickly, and has really come a long way in maturity and attitude since we moved back here for the 3rd week of school. I've got to say I've got some pretty cool kids!
So I'm just not letting myself stress about stuff (for now anyway)... We've determined to squeeze through financially and get our stuff out of storage next week. The kids are out of school on Monday, but we're not going then. (Busy day at Jerry's work, not a good day to miss.) We're sending the kids to school on Tuesday, driving over, getting the truck, loading it up and hopefully coming back in time to pick the kids up from school. Yeah, that sounds like a fun day! I'm just happy to get my stuff. I know that life's not about "things", but when you live in the US, it's might inconvenient not to have at least the menial stuff you do own! I'm looking forward most to....my bed, dining table, regular sized TV's, DVD player, crockpot, coffee maker (yes, I've been w/o it for over 2 months now!!!), and sewing machine!!! It will be nice to be able to eat off of real dishes (not paper plates or a cheapy picnic set), sit at the table as a family (not at the tiny built-in kitchen table, with the adults sitting in the canvas fold-up chairs), and sleep a couple of feet off of the floor (not in sleeping bags--kids, or on a hide-away bed matress on the floor--us). Also, having proper towels, clothes and electronics will definitely be nice too! It will be nice to be a homemaker again, and decorate my home to make my family and company comfortable. I know we all say we (Americans) have too much emphasis on "things", but hey, I don't strive for big stuff, I just want MY STUFF!!!
Last night we went to a "Meet the Team" cookout for Elisabeth's soccer team. She had fallen asleep before it was time to leave, so she was cranky when we got there. But once there, she eventually warmed up to everyone and joined in the games. Then, when it was time to leave, of course she didn't want to go! LOL, typical!
Gotta brag on both of my kiddos too....First off, Nick was elected VP of his school's student council. He did it mostly as a joke, and didn't think he'd make it to the final voting, but still it's pretty cool. Secondly, report cards came out...Nick got all A's, except for the B he got in 6th grade math....not bad when you consider he's in 5th grade and only took 4th grade math last year. Elisabeth didn't get "grades" because they don't give them out to Kindergartener's for the first quarter, but her report said she's doing very well with the first grade curriculum that she's doing in her advanced class. That girl is really learning to read quickly, and has really come a long way in maturity and attitude since we moved back here for the 3rd week of school. I've got to say I've got some pretty cool kids!
So I'm just not letting myself stress about stuff (for now anyway)... We've determined to squeeze through financially and get our stuff out of storage next week. The kids are out of school on Monday, but we're not going then. (Busy day at Jerry's work, not a good day to miss.) We're sending the kids to school on Tuesday, driving over, getting the truck, loading it up and hopefully coming back in time to pick the kids up from school. Yeah, that sounds like a fun day! I'm just happy to get my stuff. I know that life's not about "things", but when you live in the US, it's might inconvenient not to have at least the menial stuff you do own! I'm looking forward most to....my bed, dining table, regular sized TV's, DVD player, crockpot, coffee maker (yes, I've been w/o it for over 2 months now!!!), and sewing machine!!! It will be nice to be able to eat off of real dishes (not paper plates or a cheapy picnic set), sit at the table as a family (not at the tiny built-in kitchen table, with the adults sitting in the canvas fold-up chairs), and sleep a couple of feet off of the floor (not in sleeping bags--kids, or on a hide-away bed matress on the floor--us). Also, having proper towels, clothes and electronics will definitely be nice too! It will be nice to be a homemaker again, and decorate my home to make my family and company comfortable. I know we all say we (Americans) have too much emphasis on "things", but hey, I don't strive for big stuff, I just want MY STUFF!!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Wow, This Is Cool...
I recently discovered this site, and decided to write for this week's weekly challenge on "fragrance". I wrote my piece earlier today and saved it (I'll post it below--let me know what you think). Then, this evening, I was reading My Utmost For His Highest from today's devotional, and here's part of it...
The Proper Perspective
Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ . . .
—2 Corinthians 2:14
The proper perspective to maintain is that we are here for only one purpose— to be captives marching in the procession of Christ’s triumphs. We are not on display in God’s showcase— we are here to exhibit only one thing— the "captivity [of our lives] to the obedience of Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 ). How small all the other perspectives are! For example, the ones that say, "I am standing all alone, battling for Jesus," or, "I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold down this fort for Him." But Paul said, in essence, "I am in the procession of a conqueror, and it doesn’t matter what the difficulties are, for I am always led in triumph." Is this idea being worked out practically in us?... It is a shameful thing for a Christian to talk about getting the victory. We should belong so completely to the Victor that it is always His victory, and "we are more than conquerors through Him . . ." ( Romans 8:37 ).
"We are to God the fragrance of Christ . . ." ( 2 Corinthians 2:15 ). We are encompassed with the sweet aroma of Jesus, and wherever we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God.
Here's what I wrote...
Stinky or Sweet? How do I smell?
Fragrance...
As I was taking the garbage out the other night, a caustic smell hit
me like a ton of bricks. I couldn't wait to get away from the piercing
odor, and back inside where I had a sweet-smelling candle giving off the
delectable, home cooked aroma of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
I started wondering what fragrance does my life exude? Am I giving off
a pleasant aroma of joy, peace and faithfulness? Or does my humanity,
all of my flaws, and how I handle life's challenges give off the pungent
odor of rotting garbage?
I have found that as of late, it's probably the latter, though that is
definitely not my desire. Going through a plethora of life and ministry
changes in the past eighteen months has left me bitter and running on
"empty" in my faith. I've been reading some blogs and wondering "How can
this person be so positive?" and realizing I used to be that way too.
So how does one acquire a restoration of the sweet fragrance that would
make one desirable to those around them? The answer may be different
for you than it is for me. But in my search, I came across 2 Corinthians
2:15-17 (NASB) which says, "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among
those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one
an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life
And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like many, peddling
the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in
Christ in the sight of God."
I don't claim to be a Bible scholar, but what I took from this is the
realization of my need to drop the bitterness and hurt, and to quit
complaining and start being thankful for what I do have. Finding the
positive in bad situations used to be the norm for me. I can either
continue in my stench and live my life full of negativity, or change
my outlook and become a refreshing breath of air to those around me.
Are those around me "being saved" or "perishing" because of me? Is my
aroma causing death, or will my fragrance help give life to someone?
I know from my experience of working with children, they are very honest
in their assessments of things they observe. If you have bad breath or
body odor, you'll hear about it. Most of the time (luckily), I've gotten
the "Wow! You smell good!" especially when wearing my favorite vanilla
body spray. I want the childlike observation to say that about my actions and
attitudes too. Don't you? (And what a great analogy to use on my daughter...
Do your actions smell good or bad to God? That may be a good way to get
her to think about being sweet when she's not!)
So, jump in the shower and clean that stench away! Don't let the defeat
of let-downs cause you to be stinky. Wash yourself in the grace and
forgiveness of Christ's blood, and let His sweet aroma encompass you so
that you may be life to someone who otherwise may be dying on the inside.
It's time for me to take that shower and wash away the stink!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Proper Perspective
Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ . . .
—2 Corinthians 2:14
The proper perspective to maintain is that we are here for only one purpose— to be captives marching in the procession of Christ’s triumphs. We are not on display in God’s showcase— we are here to exhibit only one thing— the "captivity [of our lives] to the obedience of Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 ). How small all the other perspectives are! For example, the ones that say, "I am standing all alone, battling for Jesus," or, "I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold down this fort for Him." But Paul said, in essence, "I am in the procession of a conqueror, and it doesn’t matter what the difficulties are, for I am always led in triumph." Is this idea being worked out practically in us?... It is a shameful thing for a Christian to talk about getting the victory. We should belong so completely to the Victor that it is always His victory, and "we are more than conquerors through Him . . ." ( Romans 8:37 ).
"We are to God the fragrance of Christ . . ." ( 2 Corinthians 2:15 ). We are encompassed with the sweet aroma of Jesus, and wherever we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God.
Here's what I wrote...
Stinky or Sweet? How do I smell?
Fragrance...
As I was taking the garbage out the other night, a caustic smell hit
me like a ton of bricks. I couldn't wait to get away from the piercing
odor, and back inside where I had a sweet-smelling candle giving off the
delectable, home cooked aroma of Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.
I started wondering what fragrance does my life exude? Am I giving off
a pleasant aroma of joy, peace and faithfulness? Or does my humanity,
all of my flaws, and how I handle life's challenges give off the pungent
odor of rotting garbage?
I have found that as of late, it's probably the latter, though that is
definitely not my desire. Going through a plethora of life and ministry
changes in the past eighteen months has left me bitter and running on
"empty" in my faith. I've been reading some blogs and wondering "How can
this person be so positive?" and realizing I used to be that way too.
So how does one acquire a restoration of the sweet fragrance that would
make one desirable to those around them? The answer may be different
for you than it is for me. But in my search, I came across 2 Corinthians
2:15-17 (NASB) which says, "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among
those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one
an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life
And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like many, peddling
the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in
Christ in the sight of God."
I don't claim to be a Bible scholar, but what I took from this is the
realization of my need to drop the bitterness and hurt, and to quit
complaining and start being thankful for what I do have. Finding the
positive in bad situations used to be the norm for me. I can either
continue in my stench and live my life full of negativity, or change
my outlook and become a refreshing breath of air to those around me.
Are those around me "being saved" or "perishing" because of me? Is my
aroma causing death, or will my fragrance help give life to someone?
I know from my experience of working with children, they are very honest
in their assessments of things they observe. If you have bad breath or
body odor, you'll hear about it. Most of the time (luckily), I've gotten
the "Wow! You smell good!" especially when wearing my favorite vanilla
body spray. I want the childlike observation to say that about my actions and
attitudes too. Don't you? (And what a great analogy to use on my daughter...
Do your actions smell good or bad to God? That may be a good way to get
her to think about being sweet when she's not!)
So, jump in the shower and clean that stench away! Don't let the defeat
of let-downs cause you to be stinky. Wash yourself in the grace and
forgiveness of Christ's blood, and let His sweet aroma encompass you so
that you may be life to someone who otherwise may be dying on the inside.
It's time for me to take that shower and wash away the stink!
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Now, to just get myself to do that....that's the challenge! Sometimes things are much easier said than done, aren't they? It is funny how God works sometimes though, to reinforce what He's trying to tell us, because we're too dense to get it the first time. (Just like Jerry with a devo he read this weekend about the shield of faith, and then that being a major part of the sermon at the church we attended Sunday---saying that faith is the first thing you lose when you're in heavy battles, your shield gets dropped.)
Monday, October 24, 2005
The Calm After The Storm (and boy did it get cold all of a sudden!!!)...
Well, Wilma is gone, and what helped push her south of us and across our lovely state so quickly was this big cold front. So this morning, as I took the dog out to do his business, I was freezing my hiney off!!! It dropped from 85 and so humid you felt like you needed gills to breathe, to 60 degrees with 30 mph winds from the north---along with torrential rain. I know, 60 is warm compared to a lot of people "north" of here, but a drop in temp that drastic around here makes you pull the hoodies and jeans out (if all of your clothes like that aren't in storage--"ahem"). So Wilma only brought rain around here, which was good for our area since we were -10" for yearly rainfall as we're getting ready to exit the "rainy season". I know our neighbors to the south didn't fare so well, but it's almost becoming the norm to have to deal with hurricanes around here. (If you live in Florida or any of the Gulf states, that's part of life.)
School was canceled today, so the kids and I had yummy, gooey banana pancakes for breakfast (and Rocky did too, he devoured the one I burnt, so I made him another one!!!). Jerry had to go to work today, he was hoping they'd cancel, but of course they'd rather pay for work done, not people sitting at home. Today's agenda is to finish all of the laundry and do some stuff around the house, and the kiddies are playing outside in the cool weather.
School was canceled today, so the kids and I had yummy, gooey banana pancakes for breakfast (and Rocky did too, he devoured the one I burnt, so I made him another one!!!). Jerry had to go to work today, he was hoping they'd cancel, but of course they'd rather pay for work done, not people sitting at home. Today's agenda is to finish all of the laundry and do some stuff around the house, and the kiddies are playing outside in the cool weather.
The Funk I'm In...
I'm still stuck in my weird funk, but trying to get out. How do you know what is the right path to follow? It's just hard to figure it out sometimes. Was coming back to the Tampa area the right thing? (As in, we're going through all of this because maybe Satan wants us to think we're not in the right place, but we are.) Or was it the wrong decision to come back here? (As in, God's making everything go wrong because this isn't where we're supposed to be, and we should consider different options.)
I don't know, maybe it's not as simple as all of that. I just know that all day yesterday, half the night (being up watching storm info), and most of this morning I kept thinking that God's not finished with us in youth ministry. I don't know if this sounds selfish or vain, but I like the feeling of being a "youth pastor's wife", of feeling that my role as a wife/supporter is important to making ministry happen. I like having my kids immersed in a church, to the extent that can't really happen unless you're on staff.
Thinking about this past summer, one of the coolest things was how quickly my kids took to the youth, and how quickly the youth accepted my kids and loved them. I miss having the contact and relationships, of feeling relevant and needed, and having a great influence on the "kids"...especially the girls.
I feel useless right now, and I feel like I need to be needed in this way. I think it's part of the "curse" of the calling, to feel like this. I know my faith has really been wavering lately, but every time we talk about walking away from YM, this urge to follow the same road (over and over again) comes back stronger and stronger every time. Sometimes I think I get the urge before Jerry does, but maybe not.
Sure, I want to finish my degree so I can teach, but even stronger than that, I want our family to be super-immersed in ministry again. I want to do all of the trips, activities and retreats, and have to opportunity to be used....like I was starting to feel again this summer.
I don't know, maybe it's not as simple as all of that. I just know that all day yesterday, half the night (being up watching storm info), and most of this morning I kept thinking that God's not finished with us in youth ministry. I don't know if this sounds selfish or vain, but I like the feeling of being a "youth pastor's wife", of feeling that my role as a wife/supporter is important to making ministry happen. I like having my kids immersed in a church, to the extent that can't really happen unless you're on staff.
Thinking about this past summer, one of the coolest things was how quickly my kids took to the youth, and how quickly the youth accepted my kids and loved them. I miss having the contact and relationships, of feeling relevant and needed, and having a great influence on the "kids"...especially the girls.
I feel useless right now, and I feel like I need to be needed in this way. I think it's part of the "curse" of the calling, to feel like this. I know my faith has really been wavering lately, but every time we talk about walking away from YM, this urge to follow the same road (over and over again) comes back stronger and stronger every time. Sometimes I think I get the urge before Jerry does, but maybe not.
Sure, I want to finish my degree so I can teach, but even stronger than that, I want our family to be super-immersed in ministry again. I want to do all of the trips, activities and retreats, and have to opportunity to be used....like I was starting to feel again this summer.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Where's God in all of this?
So I decided to download AIM, hoping to reconnect with some people since we haven't had internet access in our home since the first of June. (Isn't that pathetic?) AS SOON AS IT WAS DOWNLOADED I started getting IM's from a youth in our "just like a bad horror movie" summer fiasco! She's such a sweetheart and her parents were really cool. They volunteered a lot and were just so nice, and her mom was a teacher next door to Elisabeth's class (of only 2 weeks of school). So she tells me how they all miss us, asks about Elisabeth and says how they all love her, wants for me to tell Jerry "hi", and how we "rock her world" because we were both band geeks too! (I had told her how Nick's joined the school band, trying to come up with something to say and not say anything negative about the church or how crappy our life is right now.) I KNOW we made connections there, I just still don't understand why things had to be so hard/bad on the "political" level of church while we were there. I know there were a few kids who missed their old YP a lot and didn't want to be open to us being there, but from what I've seen of their blogs, they're really immature spiritually, so what do you expect? With them, there was no one that could ever take ----'s place, and never will. "He" was why they were involved, not God.
Anyway, I just started bawling while we were IMing b/c I don't understand any of this. (Even as I type this, I'm tearing up again.) Experiences like we've had make you not want to do this anymore (YM), but then you get a random IM and your heart breaks for the youth you've reached and you don't want to walk away from it all either. I'm so over church right now, not really wanting to have anything to do with it. I'm not really very thrilled with God right now either, my kids don't even have their freakin' toys because all of our stuff is in storage. I'm really pissed that we were brought over there, but when mutually decided that it wasn't a good fit, nothing was done to help us land on our feet...instead we're drowning with no relief in sight. So how do we go about getting out of this funk? We want to find a church home, but none we've visited seem to feel like home to us. We want to be involved with youth, but how can we focus on that when so much else is going on? I'm just tired of trying to do the right thing and follow God, only to be thrown to the floor and stomped on once again. I'm on the verge of insanity, I obviously can't do this alone, but God's not taking any of it off of me either. When I walk into Target and almost have an emotional break-down because I can't buy all of what we could use/need, let alone anything extra "for fun"....yeah, that's not good. When my daughter asks more and more when she's going to get to have her toys out of storage and her room decorated (with stuff she already has, not even buying new stuff), doesn't that show that this has gone on long enought? I just don't know what else we're supposed to do. God promises not to give us more than we can handle, but does he quit piling it on when we're on the verge of suicide? No, I'm NOT even thinking that, I'm just wondering how far I will actually be pushed. I would never take my own life, because I love my family too much. But will things continue to get worse, because I can handle it and not go "that" far? I can't handle it, I can't sleep, I can't pray, and I can't do this any more.
I want to go to church, I want to see God, feel His presence in my life. But I can't. Where is He in all of this? I surely don't know!
Anyway, I just started bawling while we were IMing b/c I don't understand any of this. (Even as I type this, I'm tearing up again.) Experiences like we've had make you not want to do this anymore (YM), but then you get a random IM and your heart breaks for the youth you've reached and you don't want to walk away from it all either. I'm so over church right now, not really wanting to have anything to do with it. I'm not really very thrilled with God right now either, my kids don't even have their freakin' toys because all of our stuff is in storage. I'm really pissed that we were brought over there, but when mutually decided that it wasn't a good fit, nothing was done to help us land on our feet...instead we're drowning with no relief in sight. So how do we go about getting out of this funk? We want to find a church home, but none we've visited seem to feel like home to us. We want to be involved with youth, but how can we focus on that when so much else is going on? I'm just tired of trying to do the right thing and follow God, only to be thrown to the floor and stomped on once again. I'm on the verge of insanity, I obviously can't do this alone, but God's not taking any of it off of me either. When I walk into Target and almost have an emotional break-down because I can't buy all of what we could use/need, let alone anything extra "for fun"....yeah, that's not good. When my daughter asks more and more when she's going to get to have her toys out of storage and her room decorated (with stuff she already has, not even buying new stuff), doesn't that show that this has gone on long enought? I just don't know what else we're supposed to do. God promises not to give us more than we can handle, but does he quit piling it on when we're on the verge of suicide? No, I'm NOT even thinking that, I'm just wondering how far I will actually be pushed. I would never take my own life, because I love my family too much. But will things continue to get worse, because I can handle it and not go "that" far? I can't handle it, I can't sleep, I can't pray, and I can't do this any more.
I want to go to church, I want to see God, feel His presence in my life. But I can't. Where is He in all of this? I surely don't know!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
We Need Another Hurricane...
like we need a hole in the head!!!
I'm liking the looks of the southern-most track on that picture...missing "most" of everything. Or, like the weather-guy just said, if it goes through the Everglades, it would be better because there's a very low population there.
Can you believe how crazy these storms have been the past two years? Back in 2001 when we first moved to the Tampa area, they were coming out of a bad drought. We used to joke that we brought the rain! This year, we're supposedly about 10 inches below normal in rain as we get ready to go into our "dry" season....I'm thinking that will be remedied by Thursday! Betweeen Wilma coming and a cold front coming down, yup, we'll be getting LOTS of rain!!! They are saying we'll need our jackets by mid-week, and we're sitting here in the mid-80's and soupy/muggy air right now! I guess I need to get a couple of things for the kids in the way of warmer clothes this weekend! (If we had our "stuff"....."sigh"!)
So the agenda today is to finish mowing our monstrosity of a yard (it's an acre or more), get laundry done, plumber is coming, and run a couple of errands. Have fun mowing Jerry!!! "grin"!!!
I'm liking the looks of the southern-most track on that picture...missing "most" of everything. Or, like the weather-guy just said, if it goes through the Everglades, it would be better because there's a very low population there.
Can you believe how crazy these storms have been the past two years? Back in 2001 when we first moved to the Tampa area, they were coming out of a bad drought. We used to joke that we brought the rain! This year, we're supposedly about 10 inches below normal in rain as we get ready to go into our "dry" season....I'm thinking that will be remedied by Thursday! Betweeen Wilma coming and a cold front coming down, yup, we'll be getting LOTS of rain!!! They are saying we'll need our jackets by mid-week, and we're sitting here in the mid-80's and soupy/muggy air right now! I guess I need to get a couple of things for the kids in the way of warmer clothes this weekend! (If we had our "stuff"....."sigh"!)
So the agenda today is to finish mowing our monstrosity of a yard (it's an acre or more), get laundry done, plumber is coming, and run a couple of errands. Have fun mowing Jerry!!! "grin"!!!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
I've decided to fast...
No, I'm not saying it here to tell those who read my blog "hey, look at me!" I'm writing it to keep myself accountable to myself. In the past 18 months or so, I've fasted twice. Both times were just so I could find God again, when it seemed He wasn't around. Yeah, I know He's "around", but sometimes it feels like He's far away. It helped me to regain a spiritual focus those two times (I'd never fasted of my own accord before then, just when doing it as a church or whatever), so I'm hoping to have a similar experience this time too. My spiritual life is so dry right now, and my faith and hope are at all-time lows, so I'm praying this will at least help to restore my hope that things can and will get better, and my faith that God does provide, because it seems that He hasn't been lately. (Okay, yes we have a home, but it's been a nightmare!) So anyway, I'm doing a Daniel fast, starting with a week. Basically for me, that's a vegetarian diet without sweets (no chocolate!) and caffeine, etc. I'm not legalistic about it, so we'll see what happens.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
What Kind of Car Am I?
| Your Summer Ride is a Mustang Convertible |
 You're out to experience the very best of summer. From the best beaches to the best tan, you want it all! |
This is funny, because I put that I like the mountain cabin and off-roading, but also like the smell of beaches best!!! If I could have any of three vehicles, it would be (in no particular order)...a Mustang convertible (used to have a 'stang, but w/ a hard roof), a Jeep Wrangler (still liking the "convertible-ness" of it, taking the top off), or a VW Beetle convertible....are you noticing a theme here? I like the wind in my face, the sun shining down on me, and the fresh air "wafting" around and surrounding me!!! LOL If I could have any of those vehicles and NOT be a convertible (except the Jeep, obviously), I'd take them too!!! Heck, right now I'd take ANY vehicle that doesn't have mechanical failure!!! (Did I post about our car problems yet?!?)
So yeah, car trouble....the SUV was dying and costing too much money to keep up, so we got rid of it. The van (nasty old minivan that it is) had a "water pump" problem, or so we thought....yeah, it ended up being a blown head gasket! So, it's in the shop, the SUV is gone, and we're driving a rental for the week! OY! I'm no longer hoping to "get ahead" any time soon, I just want to "catch up" someday soon and stop trying to tread water and having something pulling my foot to drag me under before I can catch my breath from the last dunk! "Gasp!!!"
On a different note....yeah, not looking forward to Hurricane Wilma at all!!! She needs to just go away!!! I'm not wishing "her" on anyone else, but don't come to Tampa!!!
I forgot to add...
that the AC has been fixed, and the faucets have been replaced. Still have rust in the water (hoping to convince the landlord/realtor to get a treatment system put in), and the electrical stuff hasn't been addressed at all yet. Our stuff is still in storage and will be for a little while longer....that's the worst part I think, not having our "stuff"! Not that I need "stuff", I'm learning to live without as much as I used to like to think I "needed" (yeah, lay-offs, resignations, etc. will do that to you!!!). But, it would be nice to have a cutting board, regular dishes (instead of paper plates or my picnic set), actual metal tableware, a real bed, and a table and chairs to have enough room for the whole family to sit together at a meal! I don't "need" that new sofa I would love to have, or things like that. But the stuff that I do have, it would be nice to actually have access to and use of it!!! I'm sure the kids would love to have just "some" stuff! But hey, a computer, game cube, and a skate board haven't been too bad in dealing with not having the bikes, Barbies and Bionicle sets.
So life's not great, but it could be a lot worse.......and I don't even want to go there in my thoughts!!! Things are going to get better soon, they must!!! ;)
So life's not great, but it could be a lot worse.......and I don't even want to go there in my thoughts!!! Things are going to get better soon, they must!!! ;)
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
OK, OK! I'm updating...
we got into our place on the 3rd. The electric hadn't been turned on in the house, the lawn wasn't mowed, the outside wasn't pressure washed, and the inside hadn't been cleaned.....yeah, are you starting to get a picture of how our week has gone so far? We get inside....the toilets won't fill up with water, and all three sink faucets are leaking....the AC is barely blowing into the vents.... I called the Realtor (we're renting BTW) and told him about the problems. The plumber came out and fixed the kitchen sink and the toilets, but hasn't been back out to replace the bathroom faucets...also he has to "blow" the lines out...we have lovely tons of rust in the water and the lines are clogging up, so water pressure is low. (This place is on a well.) This weekend, we found a leak UNDER the kitchen sink, boards are soaked (yeah, so here we go with the possibility of mold, that should do wonders on Nick's lungs!!!). About the AC, the guy came out Friday evening and looked under the house (double-wide, remember?) and ALL of the duct work has been torn up by "animals" (yeah, that would be the grey and white cat we keep seeing run under there!!! The temperature on Saturday afternoon was 87, and humid, that was LOADS of fun!!! Now we've discovered that the outlets don't work in Elisabeth's room, and the "game" room, along with a light socket in our closet. I washed a load of whites with bleach, and now they look "antiqued"!!! OY, the fun never stops, does it?!?
Our stuff is still in storage (hoping to get it out this weekend, we'll see)...
Our van is still in need of repairs (thinking the water pump, which means about $80)...
The SUV required $220 to repair the brakes because we didn't have the money to spare almost 2 weeks before that to get the pads replaced, so we needed to also get a new rotor!!!
Our dog Rocky, who'd been "staying" at someone's house for the past 6 weeks, came "home" on Wednesday evening...he had a terrible sore on his neck where his collar had rubbed because it worked it's way down too low (and the lovely sagging skin on the Basset Hound body that is his....yup, it kept it there!!!)
Yeah, life is good!!!
Maybe things will settle down eventually!!! (Not getting my hopes up though!!!)
Our stuff is still in storage (hoping to get it out this weekend, we'll see)...
Our van is still in need of repairs (thinking the water pump, which means about $80)...
The SUV required $220 to repair the brakes because we didn't have the money to spare almost 2 weeks before that to get the pads replaced, so we needed to also get a new rotor!!!
Our dog Rocky, who'd been "staying" at someone's house for the past 6 weeks, came "home" on Wednesday evening...he had a terrible sore on his neck where his collar had rubbed because it worked it's way down too low (and the lovely sagging skin on the Basset Hound body that is his....yup, it kept it there!!!)
Yeah, life is good!!!
Maybe things will settle down eventually!!! (Not getting my hopes up though!!!)
Sunday, October 02, 2005
And There Was One In The Bed...
and the little one said "I'm sick"!!!
Yeah, needed that like a hole in my head!!! Elisabeth's sick, puking, running a fever, sleeping on and off all day.... what fun!!! I may call in sick to work for her tomorrow, but then, where will we be?!? And if I do, will I be "hiding something" by not showing up for work?!? Oh the wonderful joys of life!
Oh well, God must think I can really handle a lot, because He keeps piling on more and more! Man, I must be strong! But why don't I feel like I am? I want to curl up in a corner and wait until all of the nastiness and ugliness passes, and everything is good, and we have a nice new house that we own, and cars that run, and no bills to pay....okay, I'll come back out of my fantasy world now...
Yeah, needed that like a hole in my head!!! Elisabeth's sick, puking, running a fever, sleeping on and off all day.... what fun!!! I may call in sick to work for her tomorrow, but then, where will we be?!? And if I do, will I be "hiding something" by not showing up for work?!? Oh the wonderful joys of life!
Oh well, God must think I can really handle a lot, because He keeps piling on more and more! Man, I must be strong! But why don't I feel like I am? I want to curl up in a corner and wait until all of the nastiness and ugliness passes, and everything is good, and we have a nice new house that we own, and cars that run, and no bills to pay....okay, I'll come back out of my fantasy world now...
One more night, give me just one more night....
okay, yeah, I grew up in the 80's! LOL
Jerry decided to go to church this morning, and made it a last minute decision, so the kids and I are here at the hotel. It's okay though, I'd rather not drag the kids in and out of church after church every week. We do need to find where we're supposed to be though, and part of me really would've liked to go this morning too. He went to the 8:15 service because of the soccer coaches meeting at 11:00, and player evals.
Jerry said he saw a new posting for the job he "had" this summer, it is a good church, so hopefully they'll get someone in there who can work with them and fall into their ideal of what they want. I hope for the kids that it works out for the next person to stay much longer! They are in the middle of doing their Pumpkin Patch right now, to raise money for their annual ski trip (not retreat, just trip).
Speaking of pumpkins...when we get our stuff out of storage one of my first "projects" (in the kitchen) will be to make some Pumpkin Butter!!! Yup, love that stuff!!! Another project I plan to start is making ponchos again this year. I sold them last year, and was told that the same people want new ones this year, maybe that could be a few bucks on the side....that would be nice!
I just can't wait to be settled again, and have all of our "stuff" out of storage (that hasn't been the case since June 2004!)...it will be strange in some ways to have our life be "normal", won't it?!? A good strange though!
Jerry decided to go to church this morning, and made it a last minute decision, so the kids and I are here at the hotel. It's okay though, I'd rather not drag the kids in and out of church after church every week. We do need to find where we're supposed to be though, and part of me really would've liked to go this morning too. He went to the 8:15 service because of the soccer coaches meeting at 11:00, and player evals.
Jerry said he saw a new posting for the job he "had" this summer, it is a good church, so hopefully they'll get someone in there who can work with them and fall into their ideal of what they want. I hope for the kids that it works out for the next person to stay much longer! They are in the middle of doing their Pumpkin Patch right now, to raise money for their annual ski trip (not retreat, just trip).
Speaking of pumpkins...when we get our stuff out of storage one of my first "projects" (in the kitchen) will be to make some Pumpkin Butter!!! Yup, love that stuff!!! Another project I plan to start is making ponchos again this year. I sold them last year, and was told that the same people want new ones this year, maybe that could be a few bucks on the side....that would be nice!
I just can't wait to be settled again, and have all of our "stuff" out of storage (that hasn't been the case since June 2004!)...it will be strange in some ways to have our life be "normal", won't it?!? A good strange though!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
2...1...Blasto--...? HUH? 3...2...
Yeah, that's right, back to 2 more nights!!! OY! Life never seems to go easily for us. We packed up all of our stuff from the RV and had the SUV really loaded down on Friday, and since we're still down to one vehicle Jerry took the kids and I to school and headed to work. I got a ride after school to Jerry's job, got the SUV, stopped by the bank....all the while, traffic was a bear. So, I call the realtor, and he was leaving "in 20 minutes"...I got closer and called to see if he was still there and he was just walking out the door and wouldn't wait for me!!! "But the office will be open again Monday morning!!!" Geesh! Keep in mind we have "just enough money" to get in...so yeah, we got a hotel for the weekend...and now we're REALLY scraping until payday on Friday! But we will be in on Monday, we have a pool to hang out in, and the computer has been dragged into the room and hooked up to "play"!!!
On a cooler note...Jerry's going to be co-coaching Elisabeth's soccer team with the pastor we just met this week! Tomorrow (yes, Sunday) is player evaluations, and he can't be there (filling a pulpit for someone somewhere) so Jerry's going to be there for the coach's meeting at 11 a.m. and stay for the evaluations until 2 p.m. I guess he'll probably show up around 1 to help with the evalutations. Both of the kids are really excited about soccer season starting up soon, I'm glad they're feeling "normal" about being involved in the community stuff again and all.
On a cooler note...Jerry's going to be co-coaching Elisabeth's soccer team with the pastor we just met this week! Tomorrow (yes, Sunday) is player evaluations, and he can't be there (filling a pulpit for someone somewhere) so Jerry's going to be there for the coach's meeting at 11 a.m. and stay for the evaluations until 2 p.m. I guess he'll probably show up around 1 to help with the evalutations. Both of the kids are really excited about soccer season starting up soon, I'm glad they're feeling "normal" about being involved in the community stuff again and all.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
7, 6, 5, 4, 3..........
more nights to go, and it won't be over soon enough!!! The RV has fire ants now!!! I've been awakened the past two nights by getting bitten by the nasty little buggers!!! Thing is, out of our whole family, I'm the most tasty I guess....and the one who has the worst reactions to them too!!! They swell up really big on me and itch for weeks! (I had a couple in my pajama pants last night!!! UGH!) I used to get hives from them, or have my whole foot/hand/whatever swell up really bad, so at least it's not like that any more!!!
So yeah, the electricity for our new place should be on by now. They're going to pressure wash the outside, do the yardwork super good, and have someone come in and clean the inside super good too. We'll be in on Friday night with furniture to follow at a later date. LOL (Probably another week for that, but we'll manage....at least there won't be fire ants!!!) We did find out that the sofa they're leaving for us is a sleeper sofa, so that's good. Also, we have the sleeping bags, and they're also leaving a recliner....it shouldn't be too uncomfortable of a week. (Better than Elisabeth and one parent sleeping on the "bed" that is the sofa in the RV.)
We met with a pastor and his family last night for dinner. He just recently moved to the area and is working on a church plant, but doesn't want it to be "cookie cutter contemporary". It sounds pretty good, and we're interested in learning more and getting to know him and his family. His oldest daughter (of 4) is in Kindergarten, and Elisabeth got along really well with her and the second oldest. We haven't figured out what we're going to do "church-wise" yet, so we're looking at all of the options. It will be nice to get settled into our home and be able to have a regular schedule (not driving so far and stuff), and then we can start being better at family time and things like we used to do.
I've got to quit typing so I can go scratch these incessantly itching ant bites!!! UGH!
So yeah, the electricity for our new place should be on by now. They're going to pressure wash the outside, do the yardwork super good, and have someone come in and clean the inside super good too. We'll be in on Friday night with furniture to follow at a later date. LOL (Probably another week for that, but we'll manage....at least there won't be fire ants!!!) We did find out that the sofa they're leaving for us is a sleeper sofa, so that's good. Also, we have the sleeping bags, and they're also leaving a recliner....it shouldn't be too uncomfortable of a week. (Better than Elisabeth and one parent sleeping on the "bed" that is the sofa in the RV.)
We met with a pastor and his family last night for dinner. He just recently moved to the area and is working on a church plant, but doesn't want it to be "cookie cutter contemporary". It sounds pretty good, and we're interested in learning more and getting to know him and his family. His oldest daughter (of 4) is in Kindergarten, and Elisabeth got along really well with her and the second oldest. We haven't figured out what we're going to do "church-wise" yet, so we're looking at all of the options. It will be nice to get settled into our home and be able to have a regular schedule (not driving so far and stuff), and then we can start being better at family time and things like we used to do.
I've got to quit typing so I can go scratch these incessantly itching ant bites!!! UGH!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
8 more nights........and life to go.....
the van died last night on Jerry on the way home from work. We're thinking it might be dead for good this time, but don't know yet. A hose sprung a leak and it severly overheated....lost power....sitting on the "off ramp" during rush hour....yeah, good times, good times!!! It makes a terrible noise in the engine when you try to start it now too. So we'll see. We need this like we need hemmorhoids, ya know?!? LOL
My friend made it to MI and got to see her dad, then he passed away last night. I'm so glad she at least got there "in time" to see him one last time. Keep praying for her though, she's had a rougher year than we have (yes, it IS possible)!
I've started tutoring a student that I tutored last year, so that's good....she's a sweetie, and it's a little bit more cash in the piggy bank.
Well, that's it for now. I have a teacher conference I'm dreading tomorrow afternoon, hopefully my point will be made and the teacher won't be condescending (as she's been so far). So yeah.....life just goes on, but I'm still wondering if it gets better or not!?! But, we will have a home in 8 more days, so that's a good thing!
Pray for the Rita victims...my cousin Krissy lives in Galveston and her parents live in Pearland, a suburb of Houston. Hopefully they evacuated. She's supposed to move to Florida next year, I wonder if she'll rethink it if this one's bad for them.
My friend made it to MI and got to see her dad, then he passed away last night. I'm so glad she at least got there "in time" to see him one last time. Keep praying for her though, she's had a rougher year than we have (yes, it IS possible)!
I've started tutoring a student that I tutored last year, so that's good....she's a sweetie, and it's a little bit more cash in the piggy bank.
Well, that's it for now. I have a teacher conference I'm dreading tomorrow afternoon, hopefully my point will be made and the teacher won't be condescending (as she's been so far). So yeah.....life just goes on, but I'm still wondering if it gets better or not!?! But, we will have a home in 8 more days, so that's a good thing!
Pray for the Rita victims...my cousin Krissy lives in Galveston and her parents live in Pearland, a suburb of Houston. Hopefully they evacuated. She's supposed to move to Florida next year, I wonder if she'll rethink it if this one's bad for them.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
9............more nights....
and it can't come too soon!!! Between the fire ant bite I got on my big toe yesterday morning, and the dead laptop (that Jerry wants to sell to some guy whose ad was in the paper) falling on my foot this morning.....yeah, my right foot is in poor condition today! (Nice bruise from the corner of the laptop hitting on the bone, and my toe is BIG and bright red! Isn't that "special"?!?)
In other news...Nick's getting ready to join the school's band, and play Jerry's old saxophone....which will cost $120 to recondition (not replacing pads either). Practices start tomorrow...I guess the ol' sax will have to do "as is" for now!!!.....Elisabeth is reading rather well now, and doesn't even fight me when reading for homework!!! (Yay for my little kindergartener!!!) She's also starting to talk to some of my "friends" at work, when she'd normally hide her face by burying it in my back! LOL
And on another note...please pray for my friend Kay, she's a single parent and had a rough year already, but now her dad's in the hospital in Michigan and they're afraid he won't be around much longer. She's probably boarding her plane to go up there right now, and is really having a hard time. She was afraid he wouldn't even make it until this evening, in time for her to get to see him again. BOY!!! I can't wait for 2006, it's GOT to be better year than this one's been!
So yeah, 9 more nights...."sigh"!!!
In other news...Nick's getting ready to join the school's band, and play Jerry's old saxophone....which will cost $120 to recondition (not replacing pads either). Practices start tomorrow...I guess the ol' sax will have to do "as is" for now!!!.....Elisabeth is reading rather well now, and doesn't even fight me when reading for homework!!! (Yay for my little kindergartener!!!) She's also starting to talk to some of my "friends" at work, when she'd normally hide her face by burying it in my back! LOL
And on another note...please pray for my friend Kay, she's a single parent and had a rough year already, but now her dad's in the hospital in Michigan and they're afraid he won't be around much longer. She's probably boarding her plane to go up there right now, and is really having a hard time. She was afraid he wouldn't even make it until this evening, in time for her to get to see him again. BOY!!! I can't wait for 2006, it's GOT to be better year than this one's been!
So yeah, 9 more nights...."sigh"!!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Counting down.... 10....
more nights until we can sleep in our own home!
It's been crazy, but we're still happy to be here, that's for sure!!! Just can't wait to get settled so our kids can really be settled and focus on what they need to. (School, friends, being happier and less whiney....)
Okay, not too talkative today, but still counting down!!!
It's been crazy, but we're still happy to be here, that's for sure!!! Just can't wait to get settled so our kids can really be settled and focus on what they need to. (School, friends, being happier and less whiney....)
Okay, not too talkative today, but still counting down!!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Finally...
seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!!!
We will have a place to live in 17 days!!! We looked at the place on Monday evening, and I applied and put a deposit on it yesterday. We could've gotten in this Friday...had we had a little more cashflow, but thanks to no paychecks followed by only 1/2 paychecks...yeah, it'll have to wait until we both get full paychecks to get everything taken care of. (Remember, we still have to rent a moving truck too...)
Anyway, this place is on 1 acre on a quiet street (in a quiet neighborhood). The kids will have their own rooms once again, and the master bedroom closet and pantry are big...so life is good!
Just gotta stay sane for about 2 more weeks and we'll be good to go.
Anyone want to help move "stuff" on October 1st?!?
We will have a place to live in 17 days!!! We looked at the place on Monday evening, and I applied and put a deposit on it yesterday. We could've gotten in this Friday...had we had a little more cashflow, but thanks to no paychecks followed by only 1/2 paychecks...yeah, it'll have to wait until we both get full paychecks to get everything taken care of. (Remember, we still have to rent a moving truck too...)
Anyway, this place is on 1 acre on a quiet street (in a quiet neighborhood). The kids will have their own rooms once again, and the master bedroom closet and pantry are big...so life is good!
Just gotta stay sane for about 2 more weeks and we'll be good to go.
Anyone want to help move "stuff" on October 1st?!?
Monday, September 12, 2005
Shakin' Off the Dust...
thought I had, but by rechecking that LJ, I'm definitely not, am I? LOL (Thanks for the obvious advice Snuffy, I needed it!--BTW, being in the same "town" could be awesome!!!)
We skipped church this morning. We're not quite up to attending our old church yet (pride....ya know), if ever. (We loved it there, but it being big, there were already tons of volunteers...) We've been going to a church that meets at my school for the past 3 weeks. We checked it out one Sunday last Spring, before we "moved away". It's a pretty good church, with lots of potential, just not sure if it's where we're supposed to be. That will be the main focus once we get moved and settled.
Speaking of which...we went and saw the apartment, not too bad, but still not liking the highway off the back yard (or the '70's cabinets in the kitchen---UGH!). The lady REALLY seems to like us, and if we'd said we wanted it, it'd be ours as soon as the tennants get out. But, right in the middle of seeing that place, my cell phone rang and it was the realtor overseeing the rental of the double-wide! LOL I let it ring and then called him back. The DW is in our price range, so we're going to meet him tomorrow (today?--Monday) to take a look at the inside. If we like, we'll apply. It's got some work to make it look good (for example, grass that's grown all summer w/o being cut), but the yard is nice and big. If we put up a little pen for Rocky, we'll be good to go. Hopefully I'll have "news" by the time I put the kiddos to bed.
On another note....HURRICANE KATRINA...
First, it happened on my birthday...I'm just very grateful they didn't name it "Hurricane Kathleen"! I've always wanted my name to be a storm, but I think I'm over that one now! On our little road trip on Saturday, we listened to the latest RelientK CD, and heard the song "High of 75" and I got goosebumps so badly that even my scalp had them. Wanna know why? Last year at Rock the Universe Jerry said they dedicated that song to all of the Florida hurricane victims. (Of which said hurricanes, we sat through three of them...only to be missed by Ivan.) BTW---RTU was this weekend, along with Night of Joy, and it's the first year we haven't participated in it (RTU)...but that won't happen again! (Snuffy, if you end up down here, there's a free YP thing at Universal in March or April, we'll be there with ya man!!!)
So, here are those lyrics...(especially check out the chorus in bold, that's where I got the creepy goosebumps...realizing how lucky so many people are...just to be alive! My life seems very blessed, even with all of the mess...So I'll try to complain a whole lot less--yeah, rhyming, doncha love it?)
HIGH OF 75
We were talking together
I said, “What’s up with this weather?”
Don't know whether or not
How sad I just got
Was on my own volition
Or if I’m just missing the sun
And tomorrow I know
Will be rainy at best
And the forecast I know
Is that I’ll be depressed
But I’ll wait outside
Hoping that I’ll catch sight of the sun
Because on and off
The clouds have fought for control over the sky
And lately the weather has been so bi-polar
And consequently so have I
But now I’m
Sunny with a high of 75
Since you took my heavy heart and made it light
And it's funny how you find you enjoy your life
When you’re happy to be alive
And the temperature is freezing
And then after dark
There’s a cold front
Sweeping in over my heart
And we might break up
If I don’t wake up to the sun
We skipped church this morning. We're not quite up to attending our old church yet (pride....ya know), if ever. (We loved it there, but it being big, there were already tons of volunteers...) We've been going to a church that meets at my school for the past 3 weeks. We checked it out one Sunday last Spring, before we "moved away". It's a pretty good church, with lots of potential, just not sure if it's where we're supposed to be. That will be the main focus once we get moved and settled.
Speaking of which...we went and saw the apartment, not too bad, but still not liking the highway off the back yard (or the '70's cabinets in the kitchen---UGH!). The lady REALLY seems to like us, and if we'd said we wanted it, it'd be ours as soon as the tennants get out. But, right in the middle of seeing that place, my cell phone rang and it was the realtor overseeing the rental of the double-wide! LOL I let it ring and then called him back. The DW is in our price range, so we're going to meet him tomorrow (today?--Monday) to take a look at the inside. If we like, we'll apply. It's got some work to make it look good (for example, grass that's grown all summer w/o being cut), but the yard is nice and big. If we put up a little pen for Rocky, we'll be good to go. Hopefully I'll have "news" by the time I put the kiddos to bed.
On another note....HURRICANE KATRINA...
First, it happened on my birthday...I'm just very grateful they didn't name it "Hurricane Kathleen"! I've always wanted my name to be a storm, but I think I'm over that one now! On our little road trip on Saturday, we listened to the latest RelientK CD, and heard the song "High of 75" and I got goosebumps so badly that even my scalp had them. Wanna know why? Last year at Rock the Universe Jerry said they dedicated that song to all of the Florida hurricane victims. (Of which said hurricanes, we sat through three of them...only to be missed by Ivan.) BTW---RTU was this weekend, along with Night of Joy, and it's the first year we haven't participated in it (RTU)...but that won't happen again! (Snuffy, if you end up down here, there's a free YP thing at Universal in March or April, we'll be there with ya man!!!)
So, here are those lyrics...(especially check out the chorus in bold, that's where I got the creepy goosebumps...realizing how lucky so many people are...just to be alive! My life seems very blessed, even with all of the mess...So I'll try to complain a whole lot less--yeah, rhyming, doncha love it?)
HIGH OF 75
We were talking together
I said, “What’s up with this weather?”
Don't know whether or not
How sad I just got
Was on my own volition
Or if I’m just missing the sun
And tomorrow I know
Will be rainy at best
And the forecast I know
Is that I’ll be depressed
But I’ll wait outside
Hoping that I’ll catch sight of the sun
Because on and off
The clouds have fought for control over the sky
And lately the weather has been so bi-polar
And consequently so have I
But now I’m
Sunny with a high of 75
Since you took my heavy heart and made it light
And it's funny how you find you enjoy your life
When you’re happy to be alive
And the temperature is freezing
And then after dark
There’s a cold front
Sweeping in over my heart
And we might break up
If I don’t wake up to the sun
Sunday, September 11, 2005
But I Still Haven't Found...
what I'm looking for!
We looked at a house on Monday (Labor Day) and it could've worked for us....if it weren't for the $550 annual pet fee and the fact that THE STUPID PLACE WAS INFESTED WITH MOLD!!! Yeah, that's right, mold! Nick ended up having chest pains and was wheezing that night. Took him to the doctor on Tuesday and now he's on an inhaler...would've been on the nebulizer, but yeah, it's in storage in "Dead"Land! Oh snap! We were just there yesterday---dumb me! (Man, I totally wasn't thinking about that! Too many "bad" feelings while I was there, so I wasn't thinking.)
Okay, so why do I keep torturing myself? There's a certain whiney thingy that I keep thinking about, and it just pisses me off, so why do I still think about it? The thing is whacked, and absolutely NOT from the real world... Okay, shutting up now. LOL It's actually quite funny, but hey!
Anyway, there's an apartment we could have if we want it...BUT (isn't there always a "but"?) it's right off a busy highway (meaning our back yard goes to the highway). There's a dinky house we'll find out about on Monday (whether it's even available or not). There's a house WAY out of the way for our jobs...we're talking 45 minute drive for Jerry AT THE LEAST! Then there's a nice, clean double-wide on a nice, quiet street only a couple of miles from our school with a nice, big yard...it'd be perfect for us! I haven't talked to the realtor yet, but we're really hoping this one is affordable for us...it's just down the street from our "dream property"...so the neighborhood would be great for us!!! I don't know if the realtor will check his voicemail over the weekend or not, but pray we can get this one...it's 3 bedrooms AND it has what looks to be a porch that was enclosed to look like part of the house which would be a perfect "family room" for the computer, game system, a sewing corner, etc. I WANT THIS PLACE FOR MY HOME!!! Okay, I'm finished ranting now....maybe.
Oh yes, I MUST share a picture of my kiddos. It was actually taken with my camera phone back in August the day before we left the "Land of the Dead"...some great friends were helping us put some stuff in storage and the kids were playing in the back of their truck. This is my all-time favorite picture of my kids...because they actually LOOK sweet...and LOOK as if they get along (but don't be fooled!)...here ya go!
On another note...I was just taking the time to reflect on my past blogs (since the beginning of my "blogdom") and realized that since this summer was basically a focus of my energy on trying to help with "damage control"...I didn't even post about my son, Nick, acquiring a broken kneecap...and I even took a picture. (It's dark/yellowy, but it's still pretty decent.) During VBS/Youth Week, the youth would volunteer to help with VBS and then stay for YW activities held in the afternoons. Nick and Elisabeth went to most of them, except the canoe trip. One noonish day, while waiting for the "time to leave" for the YW trip to the beach, the kids all decided to play Wall Ball---Nick included. (He actually got along well with most of the youth, even though he was a year younger than "youth group age".) As he went to pick up the ball (coming right toward him)a couple of youth went for it as well... the guys collided with each other, and one of them landed on Nick's back. As this happened, Nick's knee got drilled into the gym floor. He proceded to come tell me that he bruised his knee (but wasn't crying) and then went on his merry way. We went to the beach, waited out a storm, and then went swimming/wave jumping in the wicked waves caused from the storm. (That was actually a great trip, we found a welch shell--kind of like a conch shell--that was pretty big for being washed up.) Nick played in the waves, passed football, etc. Then, when we returned to the church early (thanks to another storm) he showed me his knee... it was swollen up, and purple. We put ice on it, swelling went down.....whew, thought that would be it. Then, he walked to Jerry's office and it ballooned out even bigger than before...so off to the ER we went. He chipped the kneecap, and they gave him a brace and crutches...so goes the summer of being immobile! He was in the brace for about 3 weeks, maybe 4. Anyway, here's a picture for you...
We looked at a house on Monday (Labor Day) and it could've worked for us....if it weren't for the $550 annual pet fee and the fact that THE STUPID PLACE WAS INFESTED WITH MOLD!!! Yeah, that's right, mold! Nick ended up having chest pains and was wheezing that night. Took him to the doctor on Tuesday and now he's on an inhaler...would've been on the nebulizer, but yeah, it's in storage in "Dead"Land! Oh snap! We were just there yesterday---dumb me! (Man, I totally wasn't thinking about that! Too many "bad" feelings while I was there, so I wasn't thinking.)
Okay, so why do I keep torturing myself? There's a certain whiney thingy that I keep thinking about, and it just pisses me off, so why do I still think about it? The thing is whacked, and absolutely NOT from the real world... Okay, shutting up now. LOL It's actually quite funny, but hey!
Anyway, there's an apartment we could have if we want it...BUT (isn't there always a "but"?) it's right off a busy highway (meaning our back yard goes to the highway). There's a dinky house we'll find out about on Monday (whether it's even available or not). There's a house WAY out of the way for our jobs...we're talking 45 minute drive for Jerry AT THE LEAST! Then there's a nice, clean double-wide on a nice, quiet street only a couple of miles from our school with a nice, big yard...it'd be perfect for us! I haven't talked to the realtor yet, but we're really hoping this one is affordable for us...it's just down the street from our "dream property"...so the neighborhood would be great for us!!! I don't know if the realtor will check his voicemail over the weekend or not, but pray we can get this one...it's 3 bedrooms AND it has what looks to be a porch that was enclosed to look like part of the house which would be a perfect "family room" for the computer, game system, a sewing corner, etc. I WANT THIS PLACE FOR MY HOME!!! Okay, I'm finished ranting now....maybe.
Oh yes, I MUST share a picture of my kiddos. It was actually taken with my camera phone back in August the day before we left the "Land of the Dead"...some great friends were helping us put some stuff in storage and the kids were playing in the back of their truck. This is my all-time favorite picture of my kids...because they actually LOOK sweet...and LOOK as if they get along (but don't be fooled!)...here ya go!
On another note...I was just taking the time to reflect on my past blogs (since the beginning of my "blogdom") and realized that since this summer was basically a focus of my energy on trying to help with "damage control"...I didn't even post about my son, Nick, acquiring a broken kneecap...and I even took a picture. (It's dark/yellowy, but it's still pretty decent.) During VBS/Youth Week, the youth would volunteer to help with VBS and then stay for YW activities held in the afternoons. Nick and Elisabeth went to most of them, except the canoe trip. One noonish day, while waiting for the "time to leave" for the YW trip to the beach, the kids all decided to play Wall Ball---Nick included. (He actually got along well with most of the youth, even though he was a year younger than "youth group age".) As he went to pick up the ball (coming right toward him)a couple of youth went for it as well... the guys collided with each other, and one of them landed on Nick's back. As this happened, Nick's knee got drilled into the gym floor. He proceded to come tell me that he bruised his knee (but wasn't crying) and then went on his merry way. We went to the beach, waited out a storm, and then went swimming/wave jumping in the wicked waves caused from the storm. (That was actually a great trip, we found a welch shell--kind of like a conch shell--that was pretty big for being washed up.) Nick played in the waves, passed football, etc. Then, when we returned to the church early (thanks to another storm) he showed me his knee... it was swollen up, and purple. We put ice on it, swelling went down.....whew, thought that would be it. Then, he walked to Jerry's office and it ballooned out even bigger than before...so off to the ER we went. He chipped the kneecap, and they gave him a brace and crutches...so goes the summer of being immobile! He was in the brace for about 3 weeks, maybe 4. Anyway, here's a picture for you...
Saturday, September 03, 2005
House hunting stinks...
the place was a dump...UGH!!! Basically, to get an affordable place around here, you're going to live in the "ghetto" areas of our suburbia/small town/ruralness---not because of ethnicity, but just the trashy areas, where people don't care what their yards look like, or what their homes look like. UGH!!!
If I could just win $150,000 in the lottery (yeah, right!!!), I'd buy our little dreamplace we found! We were driving around the other day and found a 1 1/4 acre lot with a 3 bedroom mobile home on it. It has some really nice (and big) pine trees on the lot, which is part of the reason I like it. The MH is far enough back on the property that we could still live there and build a home on the front part "someday". There's a little chicken coop in the back corner, and a nice storage shed too. There's plenty of room for a good-sized house and a pool toward the front, and plenty of room to spare. For the price of land in the area, it's not a bad deal at all. Plenty of room for the kids and the dog, and room to expand in the future. (Anyone got an extra wad of cash lying around out there?!? hehe)
So, we're still at square one when it comes to finding a place to live. That's been the only hitch with our re-relocation! Everything else fell right into place...so maybe that winning lotto ticket will just fall into my hand as I'm walking through the parking lot later today....ya think?!? I'm not really stressing over it, and know God's in control, I just hate seeing my family in limbo "still"...as we've kind of been for awhile. It just seems the terms of "Limbo" change every so often, but that's just "life" too, right?
Hopefully I'll have some news to post about an "abode" soon. Then I can start talking about something else!!! LOL
If I could just win $150,000 in the lottery (yeah, right!!!), I'd buy our little dreamplace we found! We were driving around the other day and found a 1 1/4 acre lot with a 3 bedroom mobile home on it. It has some really nice (and big) pine trees on the lot, which is part of the reason I like it. The MH is far enough back on the property that we could still live there and build a home on the front part "someday". There's a little chicken coop in the back corner, and a nice storage shed too. There's plenty of room for a good-sized house and a pool toward the front, and plenty of room to spare. For the price of land in the area, it's not a bad deal at all. Plenty of room for the kids and the dog, and room to expand in the future. (Anyone got an extra wad of cash lying around out there?!? hehe)
So, we're still at square one when it comes to finding a place to live. That's been the only hitch with our re-relocation! Everything else fell right into place...so maybe that winning lotto ticket will just fall into my hand as I'm walking through the parking lot later today....ya think?!? I'm not really stressing over it, and know God's in control, I just hate seeing my family in limbo "still"...as we've kind of been for awhile. It just seems the terms of "Limbo" change every so often, but that's just "life" too, right?
Hopefully I'll have some news to post about an "abode" soon. Then I can start talking about something else!!! LOL
Friday, September 02, 2005
Woohoo 4 day weekend!!
Maybe the blog "problem" is just depending on which computer you're on?!?
So Jerry called on his way to work, and said to get my rearend down to look at a place...so I'm on my way in a little bit. If it's a good one (or even reasonably decent), the rent's a really good rate. (Then I can start thinking about funding my completion of my Bachelor's degree!)
After we go by there (and I call the guy, if it's a decent place), I'm dragging the kids to MOSI for the day.
Things are going really well here. We are totally at peace with everything that's transpired over the past several months. Youth ministry is not "over" for us, there's just not a NEED to do it full-time. Both of us plan to get certified to teach, and then work on a volunteer or part-time basis with "church" youth. Actually, that will be cool because then we'll have the summers off together, and all of the school breaks. (It looks like that dream's a couple of years down the road, but it's a plan anyway.)
Okay, so I'm going to head out with the kids. It's looking like it'll be a fun day. Maybe we'll do pizza for supper tonight, haven't done that in awhile! I need to do some "blog ring surfing", so I can see how everyone's doing. Hopefully our friends in the LA, MS, AL areas are all okay.
So Jerry called on his way to work, and said to get my rearend down to look at a place...so I'm on my way in a little bit. If it's a good one (or even reasonably decent), the rent's a really good rate. (Then I can start thinking about funding my completion of my Bachelor's degree!)
After we go by there (and I call the guy, if it's a decent place), I'm dragging the kids to MOSI for the day.
Things are going really well here. We are totally at peace with everything that's transpired over the past several months. Youth ministry is not "over" for us, there's just not a NEED to do it full-time. Both of us plan to get certified to teach, and then work on a volunteer or part-time basis with "church" youth. Actually, that will be cool because then we'll have the summers off together, and all of the school breaks. (It looks like that dream's a couple of years down the road, but it's a plan anyway.)
Okay, so I'm going to head out with the kids. It's looking like it'll be a fun day. Maybe we'll do pizza for supper tonight, haven't done that in awhile! I need to do some "blog ring surfing", so I can see how everyone's doing. Hopefully our friends in the LA, MS, AL areas are all okay.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
What's up with my blog page?
The last post had the title at the right spot, and the text was waaaaaaaaay down low. Hopefully this will help fix it.
Oh yeah, tomorrow starts a 4 day weekend for the kids and me!!! Jerry will have 3 of those with us too, so we're hoping for some good family time (of not house-hunting). And, maybe we'll have a place to live by the end of the weekend too. We'll see.
I think everyone in our family needs a haircut, so that's probably going to be on the list of "to do's"...along with a long overdue manicure for me (or pedicure? I'm not sure which one yet.). I did splurge and spend some money on make-up (unlike I've done for almost a year now) last night, call it my belated b'day gift to me!!! (It was Monday.)
Oh yeah, tomorrow starts a 4 day weekend for the kids and me!!! Jerry will have 3 of those with us too, so we're hoping for some good family time (of not house-hunting). And, maybe we'll have a place to live by the end of the weekend too. We'll see.
I think everyone in our family needs a haircut, so that's probably going to be on the list of "to do's"...along with a long overdue manicure for me (or pedicure? I'm not sure which one yet.). I did splurge and spend some money on make-up (unlike I've done for almost a year now) last night, call it my belated b'day gift to me!!! (It was Monday.)
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Okay, Updating...
for Snuffy! hehehe
I got the position at my school, and started on Monday, August 22nd. The kids started there that same day. I got a call a few days before we headed back to WC from a friend offering to let us stay with her family until we could find a place to live.
We've been here a week and a half. Everything is pretty much falling into place for us. I got my old position back (basically), and will be getting a raise to boot. Jerry's got his old position back, with a raise, and they have asked him to work overtime for awhile. So job-wise things are going great. We're still looking for a home though, but I'm sure that will come shortly too. We just don't want to get stuck in a lease with rent higher than we can really afford, so we're looking for the "right" place.
The kids are doing really well. Elisabeth has been placed in a K/1 class (high Kindergarten/lower 1st grade), and is doing fine there. Nick is back in his regular Gifted class, with his old buddies, and placed into the 6th grade math class (he's in 5th grade). They both are liking school (especially Nick being "back home"), and even Elisabeth is transitioning pretty well too.
So, we are at peace with this decision. Things were so stressful for so long (all summer basically) that it's nice to have the less stress for a change.
Just keep praying we find a place to live soon, so we can be back to "normal" (whatever THAT means)!!!
I got the position at my school, and started on Monday, August 22nd. The kids started there that same day. I got a call a few days before we headed back to WC from a friend offering to let us stay with her family until we could find a place to live.
We've been here a week and a half. Everything is pretty much falling into place for us. I got my old position back (basically), and will be getting a raise to boot. Jerry's got his old position back, with a raise, and they have asked him to work overtime for awhile. So job-wise things are going great. We're still looking for a home though, but I'm sure that will come shortly too. We just don't want to get stuck in a lease with rent higher than we can really afford, so we're looking for the "right" place.
The kids are doing really well. Elisabeth has been placed in a K/1 class (high Kindergarten/lower 1st grade), and is doing fine there. Nick is back in his regular Gifted class, with his old buddies, and placed into the 6th grade math class (he's in 5th grade). They both are liking school (especially Nick being "back home"), and even Elisabeth is transitioning pretty well too.
So, we are at peace with this decision. Things were so stressful for so long (all summer basically) that it's nice to have the less stress for a change.
Just keep praying we find a place to live soon, so we can be back to "normal" (whatever THAT means)!!!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
"SIGH".....feeling of peace!!!
I drove to WC yesterday and interviewed with the team of teachers, two of them have been previous co-workers---one on a team last year, and the other at the Christian school where I taught for 2 years (she was also Nick's 1st grade teacher, and is a close friend). I just got the call this afternoon from the principal that I'm in!!! I told her I can start on Monday....so now what?!? (We have no home lined up yet!!! OY VEY!) I was so excited to get that news though! Now I have to drive back over there tomorrow to get my fingerprints renewed for the school board...I'll be picking up registration packets for the kids to enroll also. I'm so excited!!!
Then, I get a call from my friend (the one who was Nick's teacher), and she offered to let us stay with her until we get settled and find a place!!! How awesome! I'm pretty sure that we'll take them up on the offer (or we'll be staying in a suite at a hotel), but not sure yet. I'm just stoked that they offered.
Things are going to be good...no matter what happens, our family is going to be at peace, and it's a long time coming, let me tell ya!
Then, I get a call from my friend (the one who was Nick's teacher), and she offered to let us stay with her until we get settled and find a place!!! How awesome! I'm pretty sure that we'll take them up on the offer (or we'll be staying in a suite at a hotel), but not sure yet. I'm just stoked that they offered.
Things are going to be good...no matter what happens, our family is going to be at peace, and it's a long time coming, let me tell ya!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Hope is not lost...
I'm actually amazed at myself for not giving up on everything I know. The past year-and-a-half has been one stress after another. Then, when we think we're doing what God wants, prayerfully making a HUGE decision...it doesn't work out. Cest la vie---that's fine, it's just that I don't get "why" our family had to deal with this last one. Why did the door open, but not be the right one? I had strong ties to WC, and was hesitant in my willingness to leave....maybe that was it? Maybe God needed me to be willing to leave in order to allow me to stay? Who knows. Anyway, we're looking to move back there, and though the next 6 weeks might be stressful (due to income lapses, but hey!), I'm sure it will all be good. I am just hoping for a little time of peace (even a year would be nice) after all of the turmoil our family has endured in the recent past. The first steps have been taken to head back in that direction...Jerry's probably got a job in another week or so, I have an interview at my old school tomorrow afternoon, etc. We drove over there on Sunday, and though the kids weren't thrilled with the prospects of a re-relocation at first, after seeing the "old stomping grounds" I think they're up for the challenges the next few weeks may present. It was really cool when Elisabeth saw the Tastee Freeze and wanted to move back so she could get ice cream there! hehe Nick, I think, will be fine once he's back in school with his buddies, especially since soccer season will be starting in a few weeks too.
Well, if you're reading this, please keep us in your prayers, we truly covet all that we can get on our behalf! Hopefully I will have some great things to report in the next few weeks.
Well, if you're reading this, please keep us in your prayers, we truly covet all that we can get on our behalf! Hopefully I will have some great things to report in the next few weeks.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Ch-ch-ch-changes....
And it's a good thing I'm used to them, isn't it?!? "sigh" hehe
Well, things have not been wonderful most of the summer, so it's not a great surprise...but we'll be moving back over to the Tampa area really soon. Things just weren't meshing for us and our new church, and before the probationary period was over, the decision was made to not continue as we've been. It was a stressful decision because we moved the whole family over and uprooted the kids, but now that it's done I really have peace with it. The kids will go to the same school as before, and I likely will get a job there too. Jerry can get re-employed at his old job too. Basically it's just a matter of finding a place to live and figuring out how to make the transition as smooth as possible. Good thing our stuff is in storage, I didn't have to repack everything this time! That's a huge relief.
I've been a little bitter the past couple of weeks, but now that everything is definite, I'm really at peace with the decision. I almost had a nervous breakdown a couple of nights ago, just because of the stress and wanted to give up on God and the church. Now I'm fine with both, and am excited to see where we'll end up---as volunteer youth workers, so much less stress believe me!!!
At first I was mad because of the relationships we've made and all, but a great friend of mine told me that we did do good while we've been here, and broke through some barriers that might not have been done by someone else. Two students feel called into the ministry, and that was revealed to them over this summer, so maybe we did do some good here. Maybe there will be some positive things for them to take out of knowing us. I just pray that they will continue to grow and know God, and realize that it's not "who" their leader is that's important, but who they are following no matter who is leading the youth group.
In the meantime, the kids started school on Monday, and Elisabeth's really liking Kindergarten. I think they'll both be fine with a transition too though. Check out the picture I took of them on their first day, aren't they cute?!?
Oh yeah, here's a picture of us in July at St. Augustine, FL. If you've never been there, it's definitely a neat town to check out!!!
Well, things have not been wonderful most of the summer, so it's not a great surprise...but we'll be moving back over to the Tampa area really soon. Things just weren't meshing for us and our new church, and before the probationary period was over, the decision was made to not continue as we've been. It was a stressful decision because we moved the whole family over and uprooted the kids, but now that it's done I really have peace with it. The kids will go to the same school as before, and I likely will get a job there too. Jerry can get re-employed at his old job too. Basically it's just a matter of finding a place to live and figuring out how to make the transition as smooth as possible. Good thing our stuff is in storage, I didn't have to repack everything this time! That's a huge relief.
I've been a little bitter the past couple of weeks, but now that everything is definite, I'm really at peace with the decision. I almost had a nervous breakdown a couple of nights ago, just because of the stress and wanted to give up on God and the church. Now I'm fine with both, and am excited to see where we'll end up---as volunteer youth workers, so much less stress believe me!!!
At first I was mad because of the relationships we've made and all, but a great friend of mine told me that we did do good while we've been here, and broke through some barriers that might not have been done by someone else. Two students feel called into the ministry, and that was revealed to them over this summer, so maybe we did do some good here. Maybe there will be some positive things for them to take out of knowing us. I just pray that they will continue to grow and know God, and realize that it's not "who" their leader is that's important, but who they are following no matter who is leading the youth group.
In the meantime, the kids started school on Monday, and Elisabeth's really liking Kindergarten. I think they'll both be fine with a transition too though. Check out the picture I took of them on their first day, aren't they cute?!?
Oh yeah, here's a picture of us in July at St. Augustine, FL. If you've never been there, it's definitely a neat town to check out!!!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Politics...
such a weird "beast" isn't it?!? Things have been stressful, but getting better.
Going to Ohio next week for my MIL's surgery, and then taking her home to WV, and back home to Florida....that should be a "fun" trip!
Didn't get the job (probably), and I need to copy my resume and get a new cover letter and deliver it to a few more schools. Can't enroll the kids for school (and variances) until we get back from OH/WV, so they'll hopefully be enrolled "just in time" to start at the right school and not have to transfer.
It's just been crazy and I keep wondering when life will really slow down..........or will it?!?
Okay, trying to keep it short (surprising for me, huh?) so I'll shut up now. I've got tons to do before we go out of town on Monday (especially laundry). I can't wait until our home computer is back online, I hate trying to think on the spot about what to "blog" in hubby's office...one month and one week until we're in our "home"...that will be nice (kids will have their own rooms once more)!
OK, that's all for now....
Going to Ohio next week for my MIL's surgery, and then taking her home to WV, and back home to Florida....that should be a "fun" trip!
Didn't get the job (probably), and I need to copy my resume and get a new cover letter and deliver it to a few more schools. Can't enroll the kids for school (and variances) until we get back from OH/WV, so they'll hopefully be enrolled "just in time" to start at the right school and not have to transfer.
It's just been crazy and I keep wondering when life will really slow down..........or will it?!?
Okay, trying to keep it short (surprising for me, huh?) so I'll shut up now. I've got tons to do before we go out of town on Monday (especially laundry). I can't wait until our home computer is back online, I hate trying to think on the spot about what to "blog" in hubby's office...one month and one week until we're in our "home"...that will be nice (kids will have their own rooms once more)!
OK, that's all for now....
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Roller Coaster Ride...
is the best way to describe the past few weeks. (I know, I haven't posted anything new lately, sorry!)
Resistance is futile, I have been assimilated! (I heard the BORG recordings for over an hour last week!) LOL Definitely have come into the youth group with a bang now, so disregard that last post! We went to WV on our mission trip and it was a really good experience for our kids, except the part where one girl hurt her knee and needed to go to the ER! We stayed in Casper's church going up (Yay, Casper, you're awesome!) and Derek's church coming back (Derek's awesome too!!!). The kids really were able to see how they could be used by God, even in small things and are excited about getting started on doing more missions at home. It was a really good time, and it was great watching the youth grow right before our eyes. There were lots of great times too (Green Tea moments, Chinese fire drills, etc.) and it was an opportunity for everyone to see who we are by being around us 24/7 for a whole week.
As for the ride, it's been a ride the past few weeks that's for sure. As they say, "if the church weren't filled with people, it'd be a great place to be." LOL Tell me about it! But then if people were perfect and things were too easy, life would be really boring too, right?
I'm still looking for a job, and my MIL is having surgery next week...so keep those things in your prayers please (along with a few "unmentioned" things).
God is good...
All the time!
Resistance is futile, I have been assimilated! (I heard the BORG recordings for over an hour last week!) LOL Definitely have come into the youth group with a bang now, so disregard that last post! We went to WV on our mission trip and it was a really good experience for our kids, except the part where one girl hurt her knee and needed to go to the ER! We stayed in Casper's church going up (Yay, Casper, you're awesome!) and Derek's church coming back (Derek's awesome too!!!). The kids really were able to see how they could be used by God, even in small things and are excited about getting started on doing more missions at home. It was a really good time, and it was great watching the youth grow right before our eyes. There were lots of great times too (Green Tea moments, Chinese fire drills, etc.) and it was an opportunity for everyone to see who we are by being around us 24/7 for a whole week.
As for the ride, it's been a ride the past few weeks that's for sure. As they say, "if the church weren't filled with people, it'd be a great place to be." LOL Tell me about it! But then if people were perfect and things were too easy, life would be really boring too, right?
I'm still looking for a job, and my MIL is having surgery next week...so keep those things in your prayers please (along with a few "unmentioned" things).
God is good...
All the time!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Fitting In...
It seems like me becoming involved in our youth group has been a semi-slow process. I guess it's just because our transition/move took longer than usual too. I've been here a little over a week now (for good). At the beach I felt kind of out of place, and just kind of hung out (the same way I've felt the past few Sunday evenings during The Flow). But this evening, I felt much more "in the loop". Jerry was swamped getting money and permission slips for Youth Week, so I had to be the person in charge for a little while. I didn't exactly step in and take charge of anything major, but did when needed. By the end of the night it seemed like many of the kids were finally responding to me. (Maybe playing "Black Magic"---no, nothing Satanic whatsoever---helped some too.)
With Youth Week this week, along with VBS, I should finally just slip right into my "role"....ahhh, it's good to be "back"! I've missed being involved in ministry this past year.
With Youth Week this week, along with VBS, I should finally just slip right into my "role"....ahhh, it's good to be "back"! I've missed being involved in ministry this past year.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Moved...
but not quite settled...
We are in a temporary abode until our bigger place becomes available (late August at the latest). Most of our stuff is in storage, and it's nice having such a big unit and having everything basically organized for once. Our futon died on the trip over, so we're making do with a daybed---it's actually pretty comfy! We'll start looking for a new sofa eventually.
It's great over here, I really like our new town. Neat little college town with lots of history and local shops---Awesome!!! Haven't ventured in to Daytona or Orlando yet, but just having them nearby is cool.
We went to the beach on Wednesday with our youth group, it was a pretty good day. We're only 20 miles from the Atlantic, so yeah, we'll be beaching it quite often I'm sure! Next week is VBS and Youth Week, that should be fun. It'll get the kids out to meet some kids their ages a bit more.
I had an interview today at a private school. I think they want to hire me, but pay and benefits aren't so great, so I've got to think about it and see what happens. I don't want to take it and then leave for something better mid-school year, so we'll see. So far there are no jobs in the public schools for me yet, but there could be soon, so we'll see. I'm a little stressed over the job thing, but it's still early in the summer too.
Life is getting more normal---FINALLY!!! :) I'm just trying to relax and enjoy the summer as much as possible. The youth group will be going to WV for a mission trip in July, so I'm taking the kids with us and staying with Grandma. That should be a fun week too, maybe get to see some of our old friends up there too.
We are in a temporary abode until our bigger place becomes available (late August at the latest). Most of our stuff is in storage, and it's nice having such a big unit and having everything basically organized for once. Our futon died on the trip over, so we're making do with a daybed---it's actually pretty comfy! We'll start looking for a new sofa eventually.
It's great over here, I really like our new town. Neat little college town with lots of history and local shops---Awesome!!! Haven't ventured in to Daytona or Orlando yet, but just having them nearby is cool.
We went to the beach on Wednesday with our youth group, it was a pretty good day. We're only 20 miles from the Atlantic, so yeah, we'll be beaching it quite often I'm sure! Next week is VBS and Youth Week, that should be fun. It'll get the kids out to meet some kids their ages a bit more.
I had an interview today at a private school. I think they want to hire me, but pay and benefits aren't so great, so I've got to think about it and see what happens. I don't want to take it and then leave for something better mid-school year, so we'll see. So far there are no jobs in the public schools for me yet, but there could be soon, so we'll see. I'm a little stressed over the job thing, but it's still early in the summer too.
Life is getting more normal---FINALLY!!! :) I'm just trying to relax and enjoy the summer as much as possible. The youth group will be going to WV for a mission trip in July, so I'm taking the kids with us and staying with Grandma. That should be a fun week too, maybe get to see some of our old friends up there too.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Lots To Do Today...
Well, since we have to be out of our apartment on Thursday.....I have LOTS of things to do!!!
I guess I'll start with one day at a time, so today (Saturday) my list is:
Clean the kitchen
(I already loaded the dishwasher and scoured the sink clean)
Clean out the van, except for stuff to go to charity
Wash, dry, fold and put away ALL laundry.
Give dog a bath.
Wash dog's bedding.
Clean bathrooms
Dust and Vacuum and Mop all needed areas
Oy, this is just to get prepared to pack stuff up!!! But if I can actually get all of this done, then the packing won't take long at all. (Luckily, in some ways, we have stuff in storage that's already packed, just needs re-taped and stuck in a truck!) I can't wait to be settled...
I guess I'll start with one day at a time, so today (Saturday) my list is:
Clean the kitchen
(I already loaded the dishwasher and scoured the sink clean)
Clean out the van, except for stuff to go to charity
Wash, dry, fold and put away ALL laundry.
Give dog a bath.
Wash dog's bedding.
Clean bathrooms
Dust and Vacuum and Mop all needed areas
Oy, this is just to get prepared to pack stuff up!!! But if I can actually get all of this done, then the packing won't take long at all. (Luckily, in some ways, we have stuff in storage that's already packed, just needs re-taped and stuck in a truck!) I can't wait to be settled...
Friday, May 27, 2005
Saying Goodbye...
Is hard to do!!!
I dropped the kids off at the preschool at lunch time and headed for the BBQ at my principal's house. (HUGE house and HUGE yard, by the way----absolutely gorgeous place!!!) It was fun hanging out with everyone "one last time" in a casual, non-school setting. After the BBQ, I headed over to Christina's house (after picking up the kids too, of course) and we hung out and just had a good time chillin' with each other for part of the evening. Why the heck didn't we do this sooner? Why did we wait until I'm leaving to start hanging out? Oh well, at least we're still in the state, so it's very possible to visit and hang out in the future. Several people said they go to New Smyrna or places like that a lot, so there are definite possibilities for visits then too.
I just loved my job and co-workers. It will be hard to duplicate that one again, but hopefully wherever I end up for employment, there will still be a similar sense of comraderie. I even got a hug from my principal before I left, which really surprised me, but was really cool. (She comes across as being pretty proper and all, but she is a great principal and does her job very well!)
If only I could commute (as Christina keeps suggesting) or move my school to the other coast, that would be perfect!
I dropped the kids off at the preschool at lunch time and headed for the BBQ at my principal's house. (HUGE house and HUGE yard, by the way----absolutely gorgeous place!!!) It was fun hanging out with everyone "one last time" in a casual, non-school setting. After the BBQ, I headed over to Christina's house (after picking up the kids too, of course) and we hung out and just had a good time chillin' with each other for part of the evening. Why the heck didn't we do this sooner? Why did we wait until I'm leaving to start hanging out? Oh well, at least we're still in the state, so it's very possible to visit and hang out in the future. Several people said they go to New Smyrna or places like that a lot, so there are definite possibilities for visits then too.
I just loved my job and co-workers. It will be hard to duplicate that one again, but hopefully wherever I end up for employment, there will still be a similar sense of comraderie. I even got a hug from my principal before I left, which really surprised me, but was really cool. (She comes across as being pretty proper and all, but she is a great principal and does her job very well!)
If only I could commute (as Christina keeps suggesting) or move my school to the other coast, that would be perfect!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Bittersweet...
Okay, if you by chance looked at my previous blog, you'll see why I haven't been online much in the past week!!! Goodness! But now all of that crazy schedule is behind me, and it was kind of hard to let "now" go and allow it to become "then"!
I really loved the school I worked for, and loved the teams of teachers I worked with as well! They are some great ladies, who I've been able to call friends, and I know that even now I can turn to them for support, or an ear to listen if needed. One teacher is a YP wife too, and she's a total trip! I made a "wanted" poster of her with a bunch of info her loving hubby passed on about her, made 50 copies and had them hanging ALL over the school...along with the one I made blown-up and had laminated and had hanging on the main door to the school office!!! hehe Her reaction was classic, but I think even funnier was me running from the window and tripping and rolling across the floor in hysterical laughter!!! I finished up doing stuff for my teachers and I cleaned out my file cabinet and work room, I was surprised to only be carting two boxes of junk home. Not too bad. I got a pretty orchid from one of my teams (along with a gift card for when we move...to restock our pantry), and the other night at Outback the other team gave me a card with a cash gift, of an undisclosed amount inside. I was appreciated, I worked hard, and I am sad to be leaving that "job"---because it wasn't a job, it was fun and I enjoyed every minute of it (except for lunch duty, but you're crazy if you like being a cafeteria monitor for about 300 kids and only having one other grown-up working there at the same time!!!).
This afternoon I finished at my daughter's preschool (worked there to help pay the tuition), and even though I dreaded being there, it was a little hard to realize that this was the last time I'd get to see some of those little cuties!
So now, I am officially unemployed...that feels kind of strange. But I know that the right job will open up and life will go on. Tomorrow is a BBQ at my (former) principal's house, and the kids will go to the preschool while I'm there, and so I might have a harder time realizing it's "totally over" after that!
The new "agenda" is to pack, purge and move...pray our "home" will be nailed down in the next few days, because I think it's going to take a miracle to get it all worked out! (But what's new, right? We've been at our wits' end and then God comes through, so I'm sure He will now too!!!)
I really loved the school I worked for, and loved the teams of teachers I worked with as well! They are some great ladies, who I've been able to call friends, and I know that even now I can turn to them for support, or an ear to listen if needed. One teacher is a YP wife too, and she's a total trip! I made a "wanted" poster of her with a bunch of info her loving hubby passed on about her, made 50 copies and had them hanging ALL over the school...along with the one I made blown-up and had laminated and had hanging on the main door to the school office!!! hehe Her reaction was classic, but I think even funnier was me running from the window and tripping and rolling across the floor in hysterical laughter!!! I finished up doing stuff for my teachers and I cleaned out my file cabinet and work room, I was surprised to only be carting two boxes of junk home. Not too bad. I got a pretty orchid from one of my teams (along with a gift card for when we move...to restock our pantry), and the other night at Outback the other team gave me a card with a cash gift, of an undisclosed amount inside. I was appreciated, I worked hard, and I am sad to be leaving that "job"---because it wasn't a job, it was fun and I enjoyed every minute of it (except for lunch duty, but you're crazy if you like being a cafeteria monitor for about 300 kids and only having one other grown-up working there at the same time!!!).
This afternoon I finished at my daughter's preschool (worked there to help pay the tuition), and even though I dreaded being there, it was a little hard to realize that this was the last time I'd get to see some of those little cuties!
So now, I am officially unemployed...that feels kind of strange. But I know that the right job will open up and life will go on. Tomorrow is a BBQ at my (former) principal's house, and the kids will go to the preschool while I'm there, and so I might have a harder time realizing it's "totally over" after that!
The new "agenda" is to pack, purge and move...pray our "home" will be nailed down in the next few days, because I think it's going to take a miracle to get it all worked out! (But what's new, right? We've been at our wits' end and then God comes through, so I'm sure He will now too!!!)
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