Where to start...
As I said in my last blog, we've been fighting head colds, etc.
Believe it or not, I was actually happy when it hit me before Christmas - thinking it would be gone before the big day... silly me.
It looks like 2007 still held some surprises in store for our family.
Let's take a look at what they could be...
After hacking until I could no longer breath, I decided to go to the doctor on Thursday. Good news! I'm not just sick in the head... It's moved to my chest. I now have bronchitis... again.
(Bronchitis is the gift that keeps on giving as it will keep you hacking for four to six weeks. This is a nontransferable illness and void where prohibited.)
But wait! There's more!
By late Thursday afternoon Ben tells me his ear is bothering him. Nothing bad, and he's a teen so from his description I attribute it to a blemish in the ear canal. Since it's an hour before the doctor closes, we decided we would go the next day also knowing that they were booked, because we were just there for me.
Fast Forward to 10:30ish PM. Ben is now in tears and I feel like the worst mother in the world for trying to put this off until the next day.
Early Friday Benjamin heads into the doc to find out he not only has an ear infection but he has ruptured his eardrum as well.
But wait! There's still more!
Friday morning Brandon is still struggling with what seems to be an allergic reaction under his eye. This is an easy one for a mom, right? Wrong.
My thought is to take Benadryl and place some ice on it. When he gets home from work, it's even bigger. Now once again, we are within one hour of the doctor's office closing. You would think that I have learned my lesson and would call anyway, right? Absolutely... not. Since he works at a place with lots of animals, I think it's something to do with that so I give him more Benadryl and ice and tell him to rest.
I should also note that besides this golf ball size swelling under his eye, he's acting just fine. Any mom will tell you that when your children can still pick on each other, they're on the mend. I'm here to tell you ladies that this is not always true.
Fortunately, I have a wonderful friend who lives down the street and who happens to be a nurse stop by to help us figure out what this mystery mass/bump/lump/looks-like-you-should-see-what-I-did-to-the-other-guy thing is.
It turns out it's nothing less than cellulitis. Lovely. I'm o for two in the mom department this week. So as I type Matthew has taken him to get some emergency care.
I would love to tell you this is the end of the story, but it looks like it may be continued. Alex woke up with a cough that matches mine and a sore throat to boot.
What really stinks is this was a vacation week for Matthew. So instead of enjoying his time off, he's been busy with the Days of our Lives and running Haney Hospital.
Alright, so God wants me to praise Him in all things...
In some ways this ones a thinker. I mean, I could hit the usual, "thanks for my family, thanks for our home, thanks for yadda, yadda, yadda..."
But as I was contemplating this, it was actually a really cool God and me moment.
Even though I failed miserably at being a mom these past few days, He gave me some real gems to hang on to.
The night before I went to the doctor, I remember two things. Coughing and hacking until I couldn't breath and receiving a gift from Brandon.
He went to the store and bought some fun trinkets, a cooshie pillow and a card. The card was funny and wished me well, but it was the thought that struck me. He actually took the time to go read cards and find one he liked for me. Inside he wrote that he loves me and hopes that I feel better soon. Now, that may seem fairly normal to some of you, but I think this is the first real card Brandon has ever bought for me on his own, and not only signed (without me having to hound him to do so) - he did it in his own name no less (not a video game character).
Another precious memory that I will have forever is when I fell asleep watching tv with Ben yesterday. When I woke up, he was turned towards me (also asleep) cuddled in as he did when he was just a little guy. Boy do I miss those days, but thanks to this crazy time, I am able to thank God because He gave me one more of those special moments.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Partridge in a Pear Tree...
I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged.
Yes, it's Christmas and we're all busy, but this is usually my sanity outlet.
Because my head is so full of a nasty cold and I feel as though I'm traveling through a never ending tunnel of snot - I thought it best to make use of my musical talents. What musical talents you may ask? Well... I have none. My gift to you is that you will be reading it as opposed to listening to me sing it.
The Haneys 12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
A head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the second day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the third day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Nine TV specials,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Ten cups of coffee,
Nine TV specials,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Eleven days of planning,
Ten cups of coffee,
Nine TV specials,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Twelve days of varying temperatures,
Eleven days of planning,
Ten cups of coffee,
No wonder I'm so sick,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
I know you're so singing,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
Merry Christmas :)
Yes, it's Christmas and we're all busy, but this is usually my sanity outlet.
Because my head is so full of a nasty cold and I feel as though I'm traveling through a never ending tunnel of snot - I thought it best to make use of my musical talents. What musical talents you may ask? Well... I have none. My gift to you is that you will be reading it as opposed to listening to me sing it.
The Haneys 12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
A head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the second day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the third day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Nine TV specials,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Ten cups of coffee,
Nine TV specials,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Eleven days of planning,
Ten cups of coffee,
Nine TV specials,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
Six(teen) loads of laundry,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Twelve days of varying temperatures,
Eleven days of planning,
Ten cups of coffee,
No wonder I'm so sick,
Eight hours of cleaning,
Seven days of shopping,
I know you're so singing,
Fiiiive Chriiistmas Parties!
Four dozen cookies,
Three teenagers arguing,
Two Tylenol,
And a head cold and sleep by the tv...
Merry Christmas :)
Saturday, December 08, 2007
A Purply Sort of Day...
Well... we did it.
My son now has bright purple hair.
This is more of a follow up to Somewhere Over the Rainbow
It was actually a lot of fun, though I still only imagined coloring hair with my daughter one day, this will have to do.
To begin, he bleached it first, which was actually more startling than the purple. I'm not kidding - you needed sunglasses to look at him!
Then the color went on today.
Unfortunately, the internet is down on my computer so I can't get a real picture for you. So with the aid of Google, I searched high and low to come up with something that would be close.
Here he is (minus the girly dress and green nose).
Honestly, I can't wait to see if he glows in the blacklight tomorrow at church. :D
My son now has bright purple hair.
This is more of a follow up to Somewhere Over the Rainbow
It was actually a lot of fun, though I still only imagined coloring hair with my daughter one day, this will have to do.
To begin, he bleached it first, which was actually more startling than the purple. I'm not kidding - you needed sunglasses to look at him!
Then the color went on today.
Unfortunately, the internet is down on my computer so I can't get a real picture for you. So with the aid of Google, I searched high and low to come up with something that would be close.
Here he is (minus the girly dress and green nose).
Honestly, I can't wait to see if he glows in the blacklight tomorrow at church. :D
Sunday, December 02, 2007
20 Years & Counting...
Matthew and I celebrated our 20th anniversary a few months ago.
I can't even begin to tell you what a special time it was.
He took me on a surprise trip to Fredricksburg to a B&B.
One night we spent the evening playing games and listening to a CD he made of all the top songs from the year we were married.
He found a bunch of fun facts about the year we were married and we laughed through those the next night.
I did, however, find it interesting that on the CD of songs he made, he didn't add the one we considered to be "our song". I found out why, the next day... he put it on a DVD which has to be one of the best gifts I've ever received in my entire life. A DVD of our twenty years together (linked on youtube below).
There are a few pictures that just mark the ministry and transitions we've gone through. One that we are both in (but you would never know it) is the one where the kids are in a Chapel/Clubhouse/Church/whatever-you-wanna-call-it/show sort of picture.
He and one of the other ladies in the ministry are leading the class and I was doing the puppet (so I'm behind the stage).
Anywho, you must also look past the never changing hairdos.
ADDED NOTE:
The "wedding pictures" you see of us (with our children in them) are actually pictures from our tenth anniversary, we were able to do a vow renewal.
It was a really awesome time and came together in weeks.
We were originally married by a Justice of the Peace. I always used to say that for our ten year anniversary we could renew our vows, but honestly, I never believed it would really happen.
Weeks before our tenth anniversary Matthew said he wanted to just check and see if the church was available and it came together practically overnight. Once people heard what we were looking to do, they wanted to help and that's really how we were able to have a "real" wedding. Another gift from God.
Back to the video:
I cry every time I watch this. I realize how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family and that God has enabled me to be here with them every step of the way.
The journey has truly been a gift...
I can't even begin to tell you what a special time it was.
He took me on a surprise trip to Fredricksburg to a B&B.
One night we spent the evening playing games and listening to a CD he made of all the top songs from the year we were married.
He found a bunch of fun facts about the year we were married and we laughed through those the next night.
I did, however, find it interesting that on the CD of songs he made, he didn't add the one we considered to be "our song". I found out why, the next day... he put it on a DVD which has to be one of the best gifts I've ever received in my entire life. A DVD of our twenty years together (linked on youtube below).
There are a few pictures that just mark the ministry and transitions we've gone through. One that we are both in (but you would never know it) is the one where the kids are in a Chapel/Clubhouse/Church/whatever-you-wanna-call-it/show sort of picture.
He and one of the other ladies in the ministry are leading the class and I was doing the puppet (so I'm behind the stage).
Anywho, you must also look past the never changing hairdos.
ADDED NOTE:
The "wedding pictures" you see of us (with our children in them) are actually pictures from our tenth anniversary, we were able to do a vow renewal.
It was a really awesome time and came together in weeks.
We were originally married by a Justice of the Peace. I always used to say that for our ten year anniversary we could renew our vows, but honestly, I never believed it would really happen.
Weeks before our tenth anniversary Matthew said he wanted to just check and see if the church was available and it came together practically overnight. Once people heard what we were looking to do, they wanted to help and that's really how we were able to have a "real" wedding. Another gift from God.
Back to the video:
I cry every time I watch this. I realize how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family and that God has enabled me to be here with them every step of the way.
The journey has truly been a gift...
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Rewards...
And then sometimes... after a long day of cleaning...
God brings a special reward full of smiles.
I know it's a little blurry, but isn't he just tooooooo cute?!?
God brings a special reward full of smiles.
I know it's a little blurry, but isn't he just tooooooo cute?!?
Ta - Da!
To understand this post, you'll need to start two posts below and read your way up.
Just in case any of you were curious about my progress - I just now finished. It's 4:50 pm.
I took advantage of my breaks, but they did keep me on track and I'm done - can you hear the roaring crowd behind me?
I didn't do breaks every 15 minutes, well sometimes I did, but it was usually a half an hour to 45 minutes.
As much as I absolutely LOVE this floor, I hate cleaning it. It has little crevices in the stone that you have to scrub add to that my obsession for avoiding any and all wet dog hair, makes this a formidable job to do.
Rosie sheds like there's no tomorrow. We love her dearly, but ugh! Living in Texas I've never seen a real tumbleweed, but balls of fur rolling across the floor are a regular sighting in Austin. :P
I don't know why, but wet dog hair totally grosses me out (unless I'm giving the dog a bath - I'm not totally odd). Whenever I mop, I have to sweep each section three to four times and get out the vacuum just to make sure. Then I block everybody from the area (they might drag some in).
Anyway, it's an event.
I guess I should say I did get more done than just the floor in the five hours. I cleaned the walls and doors.
Have you ever tried those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers?
It looks like I painted the walls! Absolutely awesome.
Alrighty, I'm starting to sound like a commercial.
Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.
Just in case any of you were curious about my progress - I just now finished. It's 4:50 pm.
I took advantage of my breaks, but they did keep me on track and I'm done - can you hear the roaring crowd behind me?
I didn't do breaks every 15 minutes, well sometimes I did, but it was usually a half an hour to 45 minutes.
As much as I absolutely LOVE this floor, I hate cleaning it. It has little crevices in the stone that you have to scrub add to that my obsession for avoiding any and all wet dog hair, makes this a formidable job to do.
Rosie sheds like there's no tomorrow. We love her dearly, but ugh! Living in Texas I've never seen a real tumbleweed, but balls of fur rolling across the floor are a regular sighting in Austin. :P
I don't know why, but wet dog hair totally grosses me out (unless I'm giving the dog a bath - I'm not totally odd). Whenever I mop, I have to sweep each section three to four times and get out the vacuum just to make sure. Then I block everybody from the area (they might drag some in).
Anyway, it's an event.
I guess I should say I did get more done than just the floor in the five hours. I cleaned the walls and doors.
Have you ever tried those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers?
It looks like I painted the walls! Absolutely awesome.
Alrighty, I'm starting to sound like a commercial.
Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.
Progress is slow...
Update on my last post...
Evidently, my theory of not wanting to stop cleaning once I started... has flaws.
I am now at 10 minutes of "me" time.
Evidently, my theory of not wanting to stop cleaning once I started... has flaws.
I am now at 10 minutes of "me" time.
Bribery...
I'm not above it. I am, however, embarrased to admit that I'm bribing myself right now. That's right, myself.
We've been cleaning for two days to get ready for Thanksgiving. OK, not all 48 hours, but trying to do it at a pace that won't kill us.
This and the fact that Matthew's on vacation (vacation is synonymous with Spring Cleaning around here), but I digress...
I thought going slowly would make me able to stay interested - you know, slow and steady wins the race? But I'm so not buying it.
It's like I'm the mother and a two year old all rolled into one. I just don't wanna do it, but I know I need to.
So, I've now resorted to bribing myself.
I set the timer for 15 minutes so that I can come on here and just goof off. Then I'll set the timer for 15 minutes to work. If I really want to stop working after that (as if), I'll do ten minutes to myself and still 15 for work. Then I'll go down to 5 minutes for me and 15 for the cleaning. As you can see, I've done this before. The good news is that once I begin my task (whatever it is that I'm avoiding) I don't want to stop - I just want to get done. Here's hoping!
Lovely, the timer just went off. I wonder if I should start over since I was blogging the whole time?
No, time to make the donuts...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Sweetness and Truth, all rolled into one...
Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3 FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
God does have a sense of humor... He gave me boys.
It's been awhile since I've blogged.
Honestly, I've just felt like I have... blogger's block.
Is there such a thing? I don't know, but it sounds appropriate.
I think I'm looking a little too hard for topics.
To find this elusive thing called inspiration, I decided to ask my teen boys for help. Now there's a brilliant idea.
The brief conversation went something like this:
"I need to blog something guys, what should I write about?"
Ben: "Me! You should blog about me."
Ah it's nice to see the modesty we've instilled in our children really shine in moments like this.
Me: "What exactly should I say about you?"
Ben: "I don't know, I broke my arm - you could write about that."
So, here we go...
Ben fractured his wrist and he's a bit of a drama king. (Ben, how'd I do?)
Alright, not really, I just like to tease him. Ben has the beginning stages of osteoporosis (I don't know how it's spelled, so just pretend that's right).
The funny thing is that his breaks/fractures always happen at church. I guess better there than at home. I'd end up with CPS at my door.
This time it happened when he was at a Youth Retreat.
Exactly how did it happen you may ask?
He tried to jump over a tennis net... and missed.
He just got his cast off about two weeks ago and has been wearing a brace. The really gross part... he kept the cast. OK, I totally get that your friends signed it, but yuck!
That thing is... well... yuck... he's such a boy.
There it is. Tell me, does that scream antibacterial cleaner, or what?
Alrighty then.
Broken arm subject - check.
Moving along in my conversation on what to blog about, Alex had a different answer:
Alex: "Write about Brandon and the salsa today!"
This... well... this is almost as gross as the cast.
Today the Dads Group had a breakfast at the church.
I was there getting all of the paperwork together and doing some debriefing/hanging out afterwards (just in case your wondering why I'm at a Dads event).
Long story short, they had breakfast burritos and there was a quart of salsa left.
The next thing I heard were some of the guys saying things like:
"Do it dude!"
"No way! You won't do that!" (That right there clinched the deal.)
The next thing I know, Brandon's standing in the hall drinking the salsa... the whole quart.
Yep! That's my boy. I'm so proud.
Really, he's a great young man.
He'll just have to learn this lesson the hard way... what goes in, must come out.
Honestly, I've just felt like I have... blogger's block.
Is there such a thing? I don't know, but it sounds appropriate.
I think I'm looking a little too hard for topics.
To find this elusive thing called inspiration, I decided to ask my teen boys for help. Now there's a brilliant idea.
The brief conversation went something like this:
"I need to blog something guys, what should I write about?"
Ben: "Me! You should blog about me."
Ah it's nice to see the modesty we've instilled in our children really shine in moments like this.
Me: "What exactly should I say about you?"
Ben: "I don't know, I broke my arm - you could write about that."
So, here we go...
Ben fractured his wrist and he's a bit of a drama king. (Ben, how'd I do?)
Alright, not really, I just like to tease him. Ben has the beginning stages of osteoporosis (I don't know how it's spelled, so just pretend that's right).
The funny thing is that his breaks/fractures always happen at church. I guess better there than at home. I'd end up with CPS at my door.
This time it happened when he was at a Youth Retreat.
Exactly how did it happen you may ask?
He tried to jump over a tennis net... and missed.
He just got his cast off about two weeks ago and has been wearing a brace. The really gross part... he kept the cast. OK, I totally get that your friends signed it, but yuck!
That thing is... well... yuck... he's such a boy.
There it is. Tell me, does that scream antibacterial cleaner, or what?
Alrighty then.
Broken arm subject - check.
Moving along in my conversation on what to blog about, Alex had a different answer:
Alex: "Write about Brandon and the salsa today!"
This... well... this is almost as gross as the cast.
Today the Dads Group had a breakfast at the church.
I was there getting all of the paperwork together and doing some debriefing/hanging out afterwards (just in case your wondering why I'm at a Dads event).
Long story short, they had breakfast burritos and there was a quart of salsa left.
The next thing I heard were some of the guys saying things like:
"Do it dude!"
"No way! You won't do that!" (That right there clinched the deal.)
The next thing I know, Brandon's standing in the hall drinking the salsa... the whole quart.
Yep! That's my boy. I'm so proud.
Really, he's a great young man.
He'll just have to learn this lesson the hard way... what goes in, must come out.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Switching Gears...
Finishing... anything.
Now there's a true task for me. I have learned something about myself over the years... I'm not a great finisher. I love to start things, get them going, and keep them going, but closure for some reason is difficult for me -- especially when speaking of a task.
Maybe that's one reason I enjoy ministry so much. It's never finished. There's always something new and exciting that God is doing, but there are also things that need to be completed.
I've kind of concluded that this is one reason I even have trouble stopping what I'm working on, even if it's just for one day.
My most difficult day for life is Thursday. It shouldn't be.
I guess I should say it's one of my most difficult and most loved days. Why?
Loved:
I get started on my day early and accomplish a lot.
I get out of the house.
I get to work on things I love.
I get to work with people I love.
I come home and work with my kids.
I get to teach them and enjoy life with them.
What's not to like, right?
I have trouble switching gears. Once I've been at the office and have my mind on all of the things I need/want to do... well, it's just hard to stop.
It's like yelling, "CHARGE!" and then someone saying... "PSYCH! I was kidding."
*Psych - now there's an old word. It was an '80's term that means "NOT!" for you youngins out there. ;)
This is something God's had to work on with me most of my life.
I guess it's a bit different from your typical ADD personality who can thrive on switching gears constantly. I can multitask well, but usually in the same subject or mode.
Example: School - I'm usually working on three subjects at once. Ministry - same thing - three or four tasks at a time, switching back and forth as if coming down a ski slope.
Back to Thursday -- as the day progresses, it gets easier. Once I'm resigned to completely change modes, then I can do it. It's my own stubbornness that makes it harder on myself than it needs to be.
So there it is.
Not particularly funny or interesting, just where I am personally.
In many ways, it comes back to patience. Ugh! Patience again? I feel like that's one of those things that never goes away. God's continuing education plan for me. Patience. I am very much a person of convenience. If it's convenient for me to work on something right now, I want to do it.
Alright, as I said at the top of this post, I have trouble finishing things and now I'm finding myself rambling and hitting the backspace button more times than I'm actually completing a sentence.
Now there's a true task for me. I have learned something about myself over the years... I'm not a great finisher. I love to start things, get them going, and keep them going, but closure for some reason is difficult for me -- especially when speaking of a task.
Maybe that's one reason I enjoy ministry so much. It's never finished. There's always something new and exciting that God is doing, but there are also things that need to be completed.
I've kind of concluded that this is one reason I even have trouble stopping what I'm working on, even if it's just for one day.
My most difficult day for life is Thursday. It shouldn't be.
I guess I should say it's one of my most difficult and most loved days. Why?
Loved:
I get started on my day early and accomplish a lot.
I get out of the house.
I get to work on things I love.
I get to work with people I love.
I come home and work with my kids.
I get to teach them and enjoy life with them.
What's not to like, right?
I have trouble switching gears. Once I've been at the office and have my mind on all of the things I need/want to do... well, it's just hard to stop.
It's like yelling, "CHARGE!" and then someone saying... "PSYCH! I was kidding."
*Psych - now there's an old word. It was an '80's term that means "NOT!" for you youngins out there. ;)
This is something God's had to work on with me most of my life.
I guess it's a bit different from your typical ADD personality who can thrive on switching gears constantly. I can multitask well, but usually in the same subject or mode.
Example: School - I'm usually working on three subjects at once. Ministry - same thing - three or four tasks at a time, switching back and forth as if coming down a ski slope.
Back to Thursday -- as the day progresses, it gets easier. Once I'm resigned to completely change modes, then I can do it. It's my own stubbornness that makes it harder on myself than it needs to be.
So there it is.
Not particularly funny or interesting, just where I am personally.
In many ways, it comes back to patience. Ugh! Patience again? I feel like that's one of those things that never goes away. God's continuing education plan for me. Patience. I am very much a person of convenience. If it's convenient for me to work on something right now, I want to do it.
Alright, as I said at the top of this post, I have trouble finishing things and now I'm finding myself rambling and hitting the backspace button more times than I'm actually completing a sentence.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Life is Precious, Life is Sweet...
This has to be one of the most touching articles I've read in a long time.
Totally an amazing miracle!
Twinseperable!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Somewhere Over the Rainbow...
One of my sons, Brandon, likes to wear his hair long. I really don't mind, as long as it stays clean and he takes care of it (which he does). He's a good kid/young man. He looks rough on the edges, but he seriously has a big heart.
OK, so I can deal with the long hair, but what do you do when your son now wants to color it, not brown, not blonde, but like... purple? I used to be really against this and I mean really against this. I think more so because I was afraid of what people might think of him (or us). Yes, that's right. When it came down to it, it had a lot more to do with my own pride than anything else.
Regardless of the reason, we had made the stand - said no - and it was non-negotiable... until about six months ago, when I (yes, I) colored my hair pink.
Pink!?! Me?!? Can you believe it?!? I lived through the 80's and never did that stuff.
Before you need to pull on your Depends trying to picture it, please note that it was not my whole head of hair. Even in a moment of temporary insanity, I don't want to look like a giant Easter egg from the Dollar Store. It was just a small section on the top of my head. Our whole team did it, but that's a whole different blog for another time. Let's just say I blame Sarah for it, or more to the point, I need to thank her for it.
I was really embarrassed that first Sunday, I remember telling literally everyone I passed in the hall why my hair had this odd color in it. I was so afraid of what people would think of me. Looking back now, it was a lot of fun. We took pictures together and laughed... a lot.
Even with the laughter I do want to note that this is not something I'm looking to repeat anytime soon. I will, however, continue to color my hair, because this is a habit that just won't die. The reality is that I've had more product on my hair than L'Oreal, Revlon, and Clairol can make in one year. But, when it comes down to it, the ROY G BIV spectrum just isn't my thing.
Unfortunately now, after all of this, I have a new issue... to my son - hair color is open game.
We told him that since I did it once, he could too. So he bought some purple and put it on a small portion on his hair. It actually looked OK.
The next time, he decides he wants to cover his whole head purple... and he tells Matthew first - big mistake!
Matthew's eyes got wide and suddenly he finds a "look" to give me.
Here is where my own life lesson pays off:
I, for a change, am the one that remains calm. I'm actually able to talk to Brandon without freaking out. Ergo, I could reason with him a bit.
Since I was able to stay calm and not see this as an attack on my parenting we were really able to talk about it. The really awesome part was (because I could stay so calm) he didn't see what I was saying as a defensive strike to rebel against, but rather seasoned advice on hair color. From there we were able to talk about options and finally settled on a few streaks here and there.
I have slowly learned to deal with my fear of what other people think.
I can't make everyone happy and I don't need to put that pressure on my kids.
The most important point (above all) is that Brandon loves Jesus, his family, and others. He's a hard worker, loves to serve others and (though he may not admit it) is a big hearted guy.
I can't say I'm thrilled in any way, shape, or form that he likes to color his hair, but I totally need to pick my battles and this one is really nothing compared to the things I see other families struggling with.
After all of this, there is one thing I'm left wondering...
Did Sampson's parents have these sort of issues?
I mean, everybody had long hair back then, but his obviously stood out a bit. God had told them never to cut his hair, but I wonder if they felt the need to explain that to everyone they met?
OK, so I can deal with the long hair, but what do you do when your son now wants to color it, not brown, not blonde, but like... purple? I used to be really against this and I mean really against this. I think more so because I was afraid of what people might think of him (or us). Yes, that's right. When it came down to it, it had a lot more to do with my own pride than anything else.
Regardless of the reason, we had made the stand - said no - and it was non-negotiable... until about six months ago, when I (yes, I) colored my hair pink.
Pink!?! Me?!? Can you believe it?!? I lived through the 80's and never did that stuff.
Before you need to pull on your Depends trying to picture it, please note that it was not my whole head of hair. Even in a moment of temporary insanity, I don't want to look like a giant Easter egg from the Dollar Store. It was just a small section on the top of my head. Our whole team did it, but that's a whole different blog for another time. Let's just say I blame Sarah for it, or more to the point, I need to thank her for it.
I was really embarrassed that first Sunday, I remember telling literally everyone I passed in the hall why my hair had this odd color in it. I was so afraid of what people would think of me. Looking back now, it was a lot of fun. We took pictures together and laughed... a lot.
Even with the laughter I do want to note that this is not something I'm looking to repeat anytime soon. I will, however, continue to color my hair, because this is a habit that just won't die. The reality is that I've had more product on my hair than L'Oreal, Revlon, and Clairol can make in one year. But, when it comes down to it, the ROY G BIV spectrum just isn't my thing.
Unfortunately now, after all of this, I have a new issue... to my son - hair color is open game.
We told him that since I did it once, he could too. So he bought some purple and put it on a small portion on his hair. It actually looked OK.
The next time, he decides he wants to cover his whole head purple... and he tells Matthew first - big mistake!
Matthew's eyes got wide and suddenly he finds a "look" to give me.
Here is where my own life lesson pays off:
I, for a change, am the one that remains calm. I'm actually able to talk to Brandon without freaking out. Ergo, I could reason with him a bit.
Since I was able to stay calm and not see this as an attack on my parenting we were really able to talk about it. The really awesome part was (because I could stay so calm) he didn't see what I was saying as a defensive strike to rebel against, but rather seasoned advice on hair color. From there we were able to talk about options and finally settled on a few streaks here and there.
I have slowly learned to deal with my fear of what other people think.
I can't make everyone happy and I don't need to put that pressure on my kids.
The most important point (above all) is that Brandon loves Jesus, his family, and others. He's a hard worker, loves to serve others and (though he may not admit it) is a big hearted guy.
I can't say I'm thrilled in any way, shape, or form that he likes to color his hair, but I totally need to pick my battles and this one is really nothing compared to the things I see other families struggling with.
After all of this, there is one thing I'm left wondering...
Did Sampson's parents have these sort of issues?
I mean, everybody had long hair back then, but his obviously stood out a bit. God had told them never to cut his hair, but I wonder if they felt the need to explain that to everyone they met?
Friday, October 12, 2007
Doctor, Doctor...
hack, hack, cough, cough ---- bronchitis anyone?
Did you know that Bronchitis can last over two weeks? huh... neither did I.
So that means if you share it with someone in the family, that makes about a month of hacking till you turn blue and sleepless nights for all in the house...
Let's see... how about a broken wrist? Yes, let's take a dash of that too.
Would you like anything else with your order? Oh yes, how about a UTI to go.
Lovely, will that be all?
Yes.. No, wait... I almost forgot. Could you please remove my voice just enough so I can't talk on the phone? Hold the easy breathing, and go heavy on the inhaler.
No voice? Uh oh, sounds like the return of "the look" and an intense game of charades for the teens.
So how's October going for you?
Did you know that Bronchitis can last over two weeks? huh... neither did I.
So that means if you share it with someone in the family, that makes about a month of hacking till you turn blue and sleepless nights for all in the house...
Let's see... how about a broken wrist? Yes, let's take a dash of that too.
Would you like anything else with your order? Oh yes, how about a UTI to go.
Lovely, will that be all?
Yes.. No, wait... I almost forgot. Could you please remove my voice just enough so I can't talk on the phone? Hold the easy breathing, and go heavy on the inhaler.
No voice? Uh oh, sounds like the return of "the look" and an intense game of charades for the teens.
So how's October going for you?
Monday, October 01, 2007
Break It Out
Have you ever wondered why socks come in a bag with a "ziploc" type top to them?
Do people actually buy a whole bag just to take one out and put the rest away for later? I mean, if they do, that's fine... wierd, but fine. If that were your need though, do they really need a zipper top? Will they go bad? Nothing worse than when brand new socks get stale, eh?
If that's not what the zippers for then... Do people reuse the bags for chips after they've taken the socks out? I know the socks have never been used, but still - ew.
Can you imagine being at school and pulling out a bag of chips that have Hanes written on the outside? Talk about being bullied, you know that would be in the yearbook when you graduate in ten years. People don't forget stuff like that.
Do people actually buy a whole bag just to take one out and put the rest away for later? I mean, if they do, that's fine... wierd, but fine. If that were your need though, do they really need a zipper top? Will they go bad? Nothing worse than when brand new socks get stale, eh?
If that's not what the zippers for then... Do people reuse the bags for chips after they've taken the socks out? I know the socks have never been used, but still - ew.
Can you imagine being at school and pulling out a bag of chips that have Hanes written on the outside? Talk about being bullied, you know that would be in the yearbook when you graduate in ten years. People don't forget stuff like that.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Operator
If you're lazy (like me) and hate to look up phone numbers, you'll love this.
Not only will it save you a chunk of change from Directory Service, it can help you figure out where you are and how to get where you're going. What is this new amazing service, you may ask...
Watch the video and see.
Goog 411
Sorry, I tried to embed the code and it wouldn't let me for some reason.
You'll have to follow the link this time. C'mon you can do it. It's not that hard, I promise.
FYI: Someone told me that the co-founders of Google are worth 18 BILLION dollars each! Can you even imagine that?
The wierd part... they're not a lot older than my kids.
Not only will it save you a chunk of change from Directory Service, it can help you figure out where you are and how to get where you're going. What is this new amazing service, you may ask...
Watch the video and see.
Goog 411
Sorry, I tried to embed the code and it wouldn't let me for some reason.
You'll have to follow the link this time. C'mon you can do it. It's not that hard, I promise.
FYI: Someone told me that the co-founders of Google are worth 18 BILLION dollars each! Can you even imagine that?
The wierd part... they're not a lot older than my kids.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Morning Has Broken
Alrighty all you mom's of toddlers out there, I know that deep down you can't wait until your child will sleep past 7:00 am. I remember those days.
Notice that I'm writing this at 9:30 in the morning, there is a reason for that. I'm about to give you a taste of the other side.
Yes, my young men do finally sleep past 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00... I think you get the point.
We've actually done a bit of role reversal. I seem to get up earlier and they... well, they do not.
I really miss the times when I could hear one of my little boys early in the morning playing in his bed and I would walk in to pick him up (nevermind that I would stumble into the other room in a half-asleep stooper while stubbing my toe on the door jam - this is my fantasy/daydream of yesteryear - imperfection does not exist). As I picked him up from his bed, I noticed that his diaper was dry, as always, because he is a perfect child and waited to use the potty even at five months old. Next, I would bring him into our bed to wake up daddy, all the while giggling and cuddling. (HA!)
Fast Forward to today:
8:00 - Sound the wake up call
8:15 - Sound the wake up call
8:30 - Sound the wake up call
8:32 - Sound the wake up call and add emphasis to the "Get up now, or else"
8:33 - Feel sorry for myself because nobody listens to me...
8:36 - Sound the wake up call and finally figure out what the "or else" will be...
8:47 - Go upstairs and physically push them out of bed :) Ahhhhh... Success
OK, if I'm being totally honest, I really liked the quiet of the house this morning. Maybe I wasn't as earnest in my pursuit of waking my children as I might suggest. Calling from the downstairs to three snoring teens with the doors closed and fans on doesn't exactly promote the best way to successfully wake up my kids.
All kidding aside, the term "The grass is always greener" is so true.
Usually it's used when comparing ourselves to others, but I also find myself using it and longing for days gone by. In some ways it's more like a double edged sword when comparing it to ourselves. I long for those days past AND I regret not enjoying them more. So many coulda, shoulda, wouldas...
I'm sure that when my husband began reading this post he wondered whose house I was waking up at.
The conundrum I find myself facing today is how do I enjoy the moment, right now, before it's to late.
One day, I will have the whole house to myself in the morning. Of course, Matthew will be here, but he can get himself up and will of course go to work. At that point, it's just me.
Wow... I actually stopped when I wrote that. It truly hit me.
That's the design of course. This is what I've been training my children for all these years. To become independent successful adults and (I might add) that this is what I want for them more than anything, only adding above that a relationship with the Lord.
I guess it's just so much clearer now that it's closer to reality. Empty nest, boy now there's a stage I never thought would come.
So tomorrow morning, when your little one wakes up before dawn and you stumble out of bed to check on them, enjoy the smile on their face when they see you and the embrace they give you when you pick them up. If they're crying and have full diapers or worse, clean them up and thank God that you're able to do so. Then give them the hug and tickles that they and you so desperately need.
As for me, I'll actually ascend the stairs tomorrow morning to wake the guys and whether they like it or not, they will wake up with the kissy monster they used to know and love.
Notice that I'm writing this at 9:30 in the morning, there is a reason for that. I'm about to give you a taste of the other side.
Yes, my young men do finally sleep past 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00... I think you get the point.
We've actually done a bit of role reversal. I seem to get up earlier and they... well, they do not.
I really miss the times when I could hear one of my little boys early in the morning playing in his bed and I would walk in to pick him up (nevermind that I would stumble into the other room in a half-asleep stooper while stubbing my toe on the door jam - this is my fantasy/daydream of yesteryear - imperfection does not exist). As I picked him up from his bed, I noticed that his diaper was dry, as always, because he is a perfect child and waited to use the potty even at five months old. Next, I would bring him into our bed to wake up daddy, all the while giggling and cuddling. (HA!)
Fast Forward to today:
8:00 - Sound the wake up call
8:15 - Sound the wake up call
8:30 - Sound the wake up call
8:32 - Sound the wake up call and add emphasis to the "Get up now, or else"
8:33 - Feel sorry for myself because nobody listens to me...
8:36 - Sound the wake up call and finally figure out what the "or else" will be...
8:47 - Go upstairs and physically push them out of bed :) Ahhhhh... Success
OK, if I'm being totally honest, I really liked the quiet of the house this morning. Maybe I wasn't as earnest in my pursuit of waking my children as I might suggest. Calling from the downstairs to three snoring teens with the doors closed and fans on doesn't exactly promote the best way to successfully wake up my kids.
All kidding aside, the term "The grass is always greener" is so true.
Usually it's used when comparing ourselves to others, but I also find myself using it and longing for days gone by. In some ways it's more like a double edged sword when comparing it to ourselves. I long for those days past AND I regret not enjoying them more. So many coulda, shoulda, wouldas...
I'm sure that when my husband began reading this post he wondered whose house I was waking up at.
The conundrum I find myself facing today is how do I enjoy the moment, right now, before it's to late.
One day, I will have the whole house to myself in the morning. Of course, Matthew will be here, but he can get himself up and will of course go to work. At that point, it's just me.
Wow... I actually stopped when I wrote that. It truly hit me.
That's the design of course. This is what I've been training my children for all these years. To become independent successful adults and (I might add) that this is what I want for them more than anything, only adding above that a relationship with the Lord.
I guess it's just so much clearer now that it's closer to reality. Empty nest, boy now there's a stage I never thought would come.
So tomorrow morning, when your little one wakes up before dawn and you stumble out of bed to check on them, enjoy the smile on their face when they see you and the embrace they give you when you pick them up. If they're crying and have full diapers or worse, clean them up and thank God that you're able to do so. Then give them the hug and tickles that they and you so desperately need.
As for me, I'll actually ascend the stairs tomorrow morning to wake the guys and whether they like it or not, they will wake up with the kissy monster they used to know and love.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
How Much is that Doggie in the Window?
I was telling Alex that I hadn't posted for a few days because I haven't been in blogging mindset. He proceeded to tell me I have blogeria. Before reaching for the Pepto Bismol, I asked him to please 'splain himself.
Apparently blogeria (I'm not even sure how to spell this one) is when you need to blog and don't know what to blog about. This seems a bit backwards to me, I would think it's when you have way to much to blog about and need to get to a computer... now!
Apparently, with blogeria it's speaks more about the product than the action. Blogeria is when you just type without anything to write about - speaking more in terms of the "quality" of the blog. Now, aren't you glad you've taken the time to come by.
Soooooooooo, mulling over my "problem" with my son, he decided to teach me how to use his web cam to take a picture. With this in mind, I decided to show you why I never became a beautician (or at least a dog groomer).
Apparently blogeria (I'm not even sure how to spell this one) is when you need to blog and don't know what to blog about. This seems a bit backwards to me, I would think it's when you have way to much to blog about and need to get to a computer... now!
Apparently, with blogeria it's speaks more about the product than the action. Blogeria is when you just type without anything to write about - speaking more in terms of the "quality" of the blog. Now, aren't you glad you've taken the time to come by.
Soooooooooo, mulling over my "problem" with my son, he decided to teach me how to use his web cam to take a picture. With this in mind, I decided to show you why I never became a beautician (or at least a dog groomer).
I was clipping our pekepoo a few weeks ago and half way through the clippers stopped clipping... lovely. At this moment I'm faced with three alternatives.
1) Take her to a groomer to finish. ($30 for half of a dog? Forget it.)
2) Leave her like that. (And let all of her friends make fun of her new haircut.)
3) Suck it up and forge onward. (Grab the scissors and go!)
Needless to say, I chose door number three...
Ding, Ding, Ding and tell her what she won Johnny!
Why it's a terrible headache and a dog that looks like it was run through a wood chipper Bob!
It was exhausting. Hinds sight I would have paid $100 to have someone else finish, but nonetheless, it was done.
Unfortunately for you - but fortunately for Pebbles - the hair has grown out from a few weeks ago. You can sort of still see one of the bald spots - that's right I said one of the bald spots -there were quite a few by the time I was finished. It's inside the yellow circle below. Now picture that spot as white as the floor she's standing on... and all over her body.
Poor thing.
Below: Pebbles and yes, before you ask, she always looks like that.
She's smiling, can't you tell?
Rosie (7 year old Blue Heeler - better known as "Mama Rose")
Well, I hope you've enjoyed this blogeria, I know I feel better.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
I Believe I Can Fly...
Yesterday we went to the Red Bull Flugtag here in Austin.
Flugtag is pronounce floogtog. They said it means something like "flying thing" in German. In English it means 85,000 people gathered to watch groups do a dance/drama and push someone off a 30 foot drop as they try to fly in a themed contraption.
To make sense of the whole concept, you have to remember the Red Bull commercials - Red Bull gives you wings.
It's actually fun to see the creativity of these groups.
This brief video is a compilation of another year here in Austin, but it's the best one out there right now that shows what this event is.
The next one below is about 12 seconds long and shows a "flying machine" (or lack thereof) that we actually saw. Though I have to admit, until I saw this on youtube and read it's a vacuum, I really had no clue what it was. From where we were sitting it looked like one of those little ghost guys in Pacman with a feather.
The last video below is only six seconds long, but I wanted to show you why it's unwise to drink and design things that are supposed to fly.
Please note that this is a theme of "Rock, Paper, Scissors". Clever in thought, but tell me why would you ever volunteer to be the "paper pilot"? What you see in the video is the back of the costume/flyer. On the front, there is a hole cut out for a face. Keep in mind that they all run to the edge of the platform and jump... face first... into the water. The odd thing was that everyone seemed shocked when the paper smacked face down in the water and had trouble getting up.
The drinking stuff isn't our game, but we went with Kat and her family along with a friend from Germany and that's what really made it such a good time.
Brandon is hoping they will come back to Austin so that he can design his own and pilot it off the top... your prayers are appreciated. ;)
Flugtag is pronounce floogtog. They said it means something like "flying thing" in German. In English it means 85,000 people gathered to watch groups do a dance/drama and push someone off a 30 foot drop as they try to fly in a themed contraption.
To make sense of the whole concept, you have to remember the Red Bull commercials - Red Bull gives you wings.
It's actually fun to see the creativity of these groups.
This brief video is a compilation of another year here in Austin, but it's the best one out there right now that shows what this event is.
The next one below is about 12 seconds long and shows a "flying machine" (or lack thereof) that we actually saw. Though I have to admit, until I saw this on youtube and read it's a vacuum, I really had no clue what it was. From where we were sitting it looked like one of those little ghost guys in Pacman with a feather.
The last video below is only six seconds long, but I wanted to show you why it's unwise to drink and design things that are supposed to fly.
Please note that this is a theme of "Rock, Paper, Scissors". Clever in thought, but tell me why would you ever volunteer to be the "paper pilot"? What you see in the video is the back of the costume/flyer. On the front, there is a hole cut out for a face. Keep in mind that they all run to the edge of the platform and jump... face first... into the water. The odd thing was that everyone seemed shocked when the paper smacked face down in the water and had trouble getting up.
The drinking stuff isn't our game, but we went with Kat and her family along with a friend from Germany and that's what really made it such a good time.
Brandon is hoping they will come back to Austin so that he can design his own and pilot it off the top... your prayers are appreciated. ;)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Homesick
Today is the anniversary of my mom's death. She died at the very young age of 54. I'm a thousand miles away so I can't take flowers to her grave. Nonetheless, I find myself wanting to do something special for her.
The picture above is of black-eyed susans. They were my mom's favorite. When we lived in Pataskala there were fields full of these throughout the neighborhood. I used to bring them home to her all the time. First, she would completely freak out because of the bugs, but then she seemed to enjoy them.
I could have picked a better picture for her today. Maybe one with a close up that shows the intricate beauty of these bright flowers -- but I wanted a picture of what I see in my memory. Big fields full of plants and weeds with these rays of sunshine littered throughout.
Below is a song by Mercy Me that tugs at the heart of anyone who's lost a loved one.
Mom where ever you are, I know that God has made a big front porch for you with comfortable outdoor chairs for sitting and enjoying the cool breeze. I pray that He also blessed you with a field filled with black-eyed susans in your front yard.
Nana and I talk about you all the time, we miss you so.
I love you...
Homesick
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now...
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Everything
A good friend of mine found this and sent it to me.
You've got to watch it, but you have to watch the whole thing.
You will miss the whole point if you quit any earlier.
After testing the video on my blog, I realized it's much better if you go to you tube directly here
and make the video larger (click the silver button to the far right under the video itself). It will be a little blurry, but that's ok. Sit back a little and turn up your speakers.
Sadly,
Over 1,500 youths kill themselves every year...
1 in 4 youth use illegal drugs...
40% have self-inflicted wounds...
1/3 of youth have been drunk in the last month...
1 million are pregnant...
1 in 5 have thought about suicide...
8,000 youth get an STD every day...
You've got to watch it, but you have to watch the whole thing.
You will miss the whole point if you quit any earlier.
After testing the video on my blog, I realized it's much better if you go to you tube directly here
and make the video larger (click the silver button to the far right under the video itself). It will be a little blurry, but that's ok. Sit back a little and turn up your speakers.
Sadly,
Over 1,500 youths kill themselves every year...
1 in 4 youth use illegal drugs...
40% have self-inflicted wounds...
1/3 of youth have been drunk in the last month...
1 million are pregnant...
1 in 5 have thought about suicide...
8,000 youth get an STD every day...
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Rollercoaster - woo - hoo - hoo - hoooo
Tuesday we took a trip to Fiesta Texas compliments of the Coke-a-Cola Company. Finally, drinking copious amounts of Diet Coke has paid off!
I came to the decision that I either needed to invest in their stock, or sign-up for their Rewards Points program. I chose the latter.
Between the points I gathered from home and the points generously given by friends, I've come to the realization that we need a twelve step program for our soda obsession. While this may be true, I guess I have no problem exploiting our addiction as I saved up several thousands of said points to go to Six Flags with the fam.
There's a lot of work that goes into getting the numbers (especially the caps) entered into the website. You get 10 points for 12 packs and 3 points for lids - any lids. It doesn't matter if they're three liters or twenty ounces.
Most moms will longingly look back and recall the days when their kids brought them a precious flower they found. As their child came running through the door, flower in hand, face beaming, you can see the excitement and love in their eyes.
Per usual we are a bit different. I can't tell you how many times Brandon would come to me, smiling from ear to ear, with a red cap that actually kind of looked like a flower because he found it smashed in the middle of the road. Honestly, because of the way I received those lids, they were worth much more then the three points.
The best part about our trip on Tuesday was that we were able to relax and reconnect as a family. It was also a time to remember that we're all sooooo different... and that's ok.
Alex doesn't like to ride rides. He loves the whole scientific part of the rollercoasters. It was a little disappointing at first, but again that's ok, we had an official backpack holder.
Brandon and Ben... their diffences are very apparent all of the time. What was so great about this day is that they rode most of the rides together -- all day AND laughed together! Nobody fought. Well, there were a few minor incidents, to be expected, but that's it.
Matthew and I had a different revelation about ourselves. One that we can no longer deny... we're getting old. We could only take a few of the rollercoasters that we used to love so dearly, because this time instead of running to get back in line we had headaches and needed Tums.
I came to the decision that I either needed to invest in their stock, or sign-up for their Rewards Points program. I chose the latter.
Between the points I gathered from home and the points generously given by friends, I've come to the realization that we need a twelve step program for our soda obsession. While this may be true, I guess I have no problem exploiting our addiction as I saved up several thousands of said points to go to Six Flags with the fam.
There's a lot of work that goes into getting the numbers (especially the caps) entered into the website. You get 10 points for 12 packs and 3 points for lids - any lids. It doesn't matter if they're three liters or twenty ounces.
Most moms will longingly look back and recall the days when their kids brought them a precious flower they found. As their child came running through the door, flower in hand, face beaming, you can see the excitement and love in their eyes.
Per usual we are a bit different. I can't tell you how many times Brandon would come to me, smiling from ear to ear, with a red cap that actually kind of looked like a flower because he found it smashed in the middle of the road. Honestly, because of the way I received those lids, they were worth much more then the three points.
The best part about our trip on Tuesday was that we were able to relax and reconnect as a family. It was also a time to remember that we're all sooooo different... and that's ok.
Alex doesn't like to ride rides. He loves the whole scientific part of the rollercoasters. It was a little disappointing at first, but again that's ok, we had an official backpack holder.
Brandon and Ben... their diffences are very apparent all of the time. What was so great about this day is that they rode most of the rides together -- all day AND laughed together! Nobody fought. Well, there were a few minor incidents, to be expected, but that's it.
Matthew and I had a different revelation about ourselves. One that we can no longer deny... we're getting old. We could only take a few of the rollercoasters that we used to love so dearly, because this time instead of running to get back in line we had headaches and needed Tums.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Jailhouse Rock
I don't usually blog on news, but this just really stood out to me today.
So sad to see the newest trend for teen idols. I pulled up the news this morning and on the front -dead center- was Lindsey Lohan and her most recent DUI.
After scanning the latest headlines, I went to take a bath and Matthew had the TV on in the other room. Listening over the filling tub, they were using this piece of news as the big headline of the day. Seriously, during the twenty minutes I was soaking, they repeated it every two to three and then did spotlights on her and the situation with analysts. As they talked they were showing the same pictures of her over and over again. How could I see them you may ask (as I was in the tub)? Because they described the picture... every time.
"Here is a picture of Lohan in happier times with a surfboard and ankle bracelet..."
I don't know about you, but I didn't realize that "happier times" and "ankle bracelet" went together.
Honestly, I feel for these misguided teen idols who seem to escape through a partying atmosphere. I just wonder (as I'm sure many people do) what this does to the girls who look up to them.
Is it better for them to see these celebs and then they just drop out of view (as so many young actors have done before) - OR - to see what all the paryting leads them too (jail, rehab, etc.)?
Either way, it's a sad reality in the world we live in and leaves me to wonder what's next, but also thanking God that He is a constant in such a changing damaging world.
So sad to see the newest trend for teen idols. I pulled up the news this morning and on the front -dead center- was Lindsey Lohan and her most recent DUI.
After scanning the latest headlines, I went to take a bath and Matthew had the TV on in the other room. Listening over the filling tub, they were using this piece of news as the big headline of the day. Seriously, during the twenty minutes I was soaking, they repeated it every two to three and then did spotlights on her and the situation with analysts. As they talked they were showing the same pictures of her over and over again. How could I see them you may ask (as I was in the tub)? Because they described the picture... every time.
"Here is a picture of Lohan in happier times with a surfboard and ankle bracelet..."
I don't know about you, but I didn't realize that "happier times" and "ankle bracelet" went together.
Honestly, I feel for these misguided teen idols who seem to escape through a partying atmosphere. I just wonder (as I'm sure many people do) what this does to the girls who look up to them.
Is it better for them to see these celebs and then they just drop out of view (as so many young actors have done before) - OR - to see what all the paryting leads them too (jail, rehab, etc.)?
Either way, it's a sad reality in the world we live in and leaves me to wonder what's next, but also thanking God that He is a constant in such a changing damaging world.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Retro Blog
I've decided to repost my first blog because... well, I have nothing better to do at the moment.
Blog! Me? When?
I can't believe it. I have a blog account... Will I actually use it?
I guess that remains to be seen.
First Decision in this new adventure... What to name it... ?
Let's face it, there are way to many choices and yet none that seem to work for me. So I did what any other person who's feeling void of any creative vibs at 12:00 on a Sunday night would do... I ran a search on "blog names" - Oh yeah! That should really help... not. Oh, don't get me wrong there were lots of ideas... Lots of freakishly odd, out there ideas-but as easy as it might be to tag myself as the Neon Blazzer, none of these seemed to fit.
So, how does someone who hasn't touched a musical instrument since graduation in 1986 end up with the word "unplugged" in it?
Simple... OK, not totally simple, but try to follow along.
I started thinking about what I would want my blog to be.
It would have to be a place that I can disconnect from life and just process thoughts. *Which brings me to an entirely different question... do I really want to make this public? I'll tackle that another time. For now, I'll stick with the "private/draft" feature.*
Where was I? Oh yeah, disconnect from my life, yadda, yadda, yadda-process thoughts, etc. Got it.
The next step was to figure out what my life feels like and what it might be like to take a step back for a few minutes. That's pretty easy. Most of the time I feel like my mind is going 190 mph. So fast, I can hardly keep up. While I'm working on one thing, I have at least two other thoughts on my mind, something else I'm trying to remember, but getting distracted by something I don't want to forget. (I guess that explains the Ritilan in the cabinet.)
To wrap it all up, I feel like my thoughts/mind need to be unplugged every now and then. I just need to be able to ramble. <- Now if that doesn't leave you screaming for more, I don't know what will.
Seriously, I was inspired by another good friend of ours that we totally respect. He began his first blog session. His is much more spiritual and deeply insightful than mine, but I'm hoping to get there one day. Thanks for the inspiration Hector!
That's enough for now. It's nearing one and I still have to figure out how to save this so I don't have to start over. Well, that and I want to figure out what this "mood selector" does. So if you read this and it sounds "impressed, geeky, or grateful" then I still don't know what I'm doing.
In Him,
Tammy
Blog! Me? When?
I can't believe it. I have a blog account... Will I actually use it?
I guess that remains to be seen.
First Decision in this new adventure... What to name it... ?
Let's face it, there are way to many choices and yet none that seem to work for me. So I did what any other person who's feeling void of any creative vibs at 12:00 on a Sunday night would do... I ran a search on "blog names" - Oh yeah! That should really help... not. Oh, don't get me wrong there were lots of ideas... Lots of freakishly odd, out there ideas-but as easy as it might be to tag myself as the Neon Blazzer, none of these seemed to fit.
So, how does someone who hasn't touched a musical instrument since graduation in 1986 end up with the word "unplugged" in it?
Simple... OK, not totally simple, but try to follow along.
I started thinking about what I would want my blog to be.
It would have to be a place that I can disconnect from life and just process thoughts. *Which brings me to an entirely different question... do I really want to make this public? I'll tackle that another time. For now, I'll stick with the "private/draft" feature.*
Where was I? Oh yeah, disconnect from my life, yadda, yadda, yadda-process thoughts, etc. Got it.
The next step was to figure out what my life feels like and what it might be like to take a step back for a few minutes. That's pretty easy. Most of the time I feel like my mind is going 190 mph. So fast, I can hardly keep up. While I'm working on one thing, I have at least two other thoughts on my mind, something else I'm trying to remember, but getting distracted by something I don't want to forget. (I guess that explains the Ritilan in the cabinet.)
To wrap it all up, I feel like my thoughts/mind need to be unplugged every now and then. I just need to be able to ramble. <- Now if that doesn't leave you screaming for more, I don't know what will.
Seriously, I was inspired by another good friend of ours that we totally respect. He began his first blog session. His is much more spiritual and deeply insightful than mine, but I'm hoping to get there one day. Thanks for the inspiration Hector!
That's enough for now. It's nearing one and I still have to figure out how to save this so I don't have to start over. Well, that and I want to figure out what this "mood selector" does. So if you read this and it sounds "impressed, geeky, or grateful" then I still don't know what I'm doing.
In Him,
Tammy
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Lessons from the animal kingdom...
Dads, this is exactly why moms need a break when you come home...
We cannot run... we cannot hide.... we are followed everywhere!
We cannot run... we cannot hide.... we are followed everywhere!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Sum-sum-summertime...
OK then... It's July and I am soooo ready for a break from school.
This is the difficult part of being a homeschooler (for me anyway). I'm not a very disciplined person - I know, complete shocker, right? But I digress, some parents can stay right on track and are very regimented. They start on a particular day (picked out the year before, no doubt) and finish their school year on a certain day (again, previously planned). My world does not work like that.
Don't get me wrong, we work hard, but not super systematically.
One of the wonderful blessings of homeschooling is that you know your child and what they need. One of the most difficult parts of homeschooling is that you know your child and what they need, ergo -and here's the catch- it's up to you to provide it... all! Even when that means working throughout the summer, when you're completely, totally burnt out, ready for a break and mamaneedsavacation syndrome has firmly set in.
It's times like this that I totally need God to remind me that I really love what I do with the boys (errr... young men). I think I'm also a little overwhelmed at the thought of one graduating next month - yes, that's August. Remember, not disciplined, systematic, blah, blah, blah...
This is where the rubber meets the road. Where I have to trust in God to fix whatever I may have screwed up over the years. According to most polls that are out there today my kids will be in therapy for something... at least I gave them something to talk about.
All right, it hasn't been that bad. The reality is that I'm not naive enough to think I did it perfectly. The only thing I can be sure of is that we followed His calling to educate our kids at home.
Anytime I've read blogs about homeschoolers graduating there's lots of "pomp and circumstance", celebrating and the like.
As with so many things, all I can do is sit and think of all the ways I "could/should" have done things differently.
Take care,
Tammy
This is the difficult part of being a homeschooler (for me anyway). I'm not a very disciplined person - I know, complete shocker, right? But I digress, some parents can stay right on track and are very regimented. They start on a particular day (picked out the year before, no doubt) and finish their school year on a certain day (again, previously planned). My world does not work like that.
Don't get me wrong, we work hard, but not super systematically.
One of the wonderful blessings of homeschooling is that you know your child and what they need. One of the most difficult parts of homeschooling is that you know your child and what they need, ergo -and here's the catch- it's up to you to provide it... all! Even when that means working throughout the summer, when you're completely, totally burnt out, ready for a break and mamaneedsavacation syndrome has firmly set in.
It's times like this that I totally need God to remind me that I really love what I do with the boys (errr... young men). I think I'm also a little overwhelmed at the thought of one graduating next month - yes, that's August. Remember, not disciplined, systematic, blah, blah, blah...
This is where the rubber meets the road. Where I have to trust in God to fix whatever I may have screwed up over the years. According to most polls that are out there today my kids will be in therapy for something... at least I gave them something to talk about.
All right, it hasn't been that bad. The reality is that I'm not naive enough to think I did it perfectly. The only thing I can be sure of is that we followed His calling to educate our kids at home.
Anytime I've read blogs about homeschoolers graduating there's lots of "pomp and circumstance", celebrating and the like.
As with so many things, all I can do is sit and think of all the ways I "could/should" have done things differently.
Take care,
Tammy
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
So Long Chatter...
Recently, we had a death in our family.
Chatter the guinea pig died.
She really was a sweet little thing (as far as guinea pigs go anyway).
If you would call her she would come. She would talk to you (in little squeaks of course). Chatter even picked up bird sounds from a clock we have - that was really wierd, but very cool.
We'll miss her, not the smell of her cage, but we'll miss her.
As with the passing of any pet, this brings up the age old question of whether there are animals in heaven. To be honest, I think I lay on the minority side of it (theologically speaking).
I just can't imagine being in heaven and not hearing the birds singing, and if there are birds...
Friday, May 04, 2007
The Adventure Begins
Since the time my son (Ben) heard there was going to be a Spiderman 3, he has been tracking its progress and release date.
As the date crept closer, it was time to find the best theater for such a momentous event. After many, many phone calls the Alamo Drafthouse was chosen as his top pick.
This is a very important decision. As a mom of a movie lover I have come to truly appreciate a theater that will entertain you for three to six hours before the start time of an opening picture.
For you non-Austinites, the Alamo is a restaurant/movie theater that is known for its pre-movie shorts. Most of them I wouldn't even think of taking my kids to, but for this they were showing the old Spiderman cartoon and - my kids loved this - in the opening credits it boasted the fact that it was IN COLOR!
Another fun element to the theater is that if you would like to order food, you write what you want on a paper and stand it up on the table in front of you for the waitress to pick up. (This is an important fact as you read on.)
Over the past week:
At least several times a day Ben would give us the countdown for the start time, including what he would like to order to eat, and when in the movie he wanted to write it on the paper for the waitress to pick up. It's a science really. We're holding out that there is a scholarship fund somewhere for students with this talent.
The Big Day:
Ben called the theater at six to find out the best time to line up. They said it shouldn't be bad since we already bought our tickets and an hour or so is all we should need. This seemed very daring to the boys, who wanted to be there around nine. Despite their overzealous excitement, we decided to throw caution to the wind and leave at ten for the midnight showing.
We carefully chose our seats. Wrote out our food order and held on to it until just the perfect time (which we figured to be about five minutes before the movie started).
It was a lot of fun. We watched shorts on spider specialists giving us the low down on the creepy crawlies. They showed international versions of spidey, and those old cartoons - which were to fun to remember! I sat bouncing in my seat and singing the song, "Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can. Can he swing on a thread? Take a look over head..." as my son tried to hide behind his menu and pretend he didn't know me.
OH, c'mon I know you're singing it now too!
Anyway, it's now five minutes before. We place our order up on the table and take our last run to the bathroom - so as not to be interrupted.
Finally, the lights go down, the previews start.... and stop.
Yes, that's right, the projectors busted... or something.
The managers came out about every fifteen minutes to tell us that it would be another five minutes or so and they've figured out the problem.
Some people left after a half an hour, but not us. I drank caffeine after nine, I was in for the long haul.
I told my boys that if we don't get home until four, there would be no school the next day. Suddenly, it didn't matter how long the wait was.
Finally, six free sodas and an hour later, the movie begins.
We didn't ask for freebies, they just started giving them out. Now, I'm really awake.
The movie was actually pretty good. Not a lot of bad language or awkward scenes. Lots of fighting, but these were pretty bad guys, right?
Several good points to the evening:
Lots of laughs
Smiles
Good memories
Free soda
We now know what the Japanese Spiderman looks like - Spiderman, who knew?
We pulled in at 3:50, but that's close enough - no school!
Another plus:
They gave us free movie passes and the third edition of Pirates comes out in two weeks! Guess where we'll be?
As the date crept closer, it was time to find the best theater for such a momentous event. After many, many phone calls the Alamo Drafthouse was chosen as his top pick.
This is a very important decision. As a mom of a movie lover I have come to truly appreciate a theater that will entertain you for three to six hours before the start time of an opening picture.
For you non-Austinites, the Alamo is a restaurant/movie theater that is known for its pre-movie shorts. Most of them I wouldn't even think of taking my kids to, but for this they were showing the old Spiderman cartoon and - my kids loved this - in the opening credits it boasted the fact that it was IN COLOR!
Another fun element to the theater is that if you would like to order food, you write what you want on a paper and stand it up on the table in front of you for the waitress to pick up. (This is an important fact as you read on.)
Over the past week:
At least several times a day Ben would give us the countdown for the start time, including what he would like to order to eat, and when in the movie he wanted to write it on the paper for the waitress to pick up. It's a science really. We're holding out that there is a scholarship fund somewhere for students with this talent.
The Big Day:
Ben called the theater at six to find out the best time to line up. They said it shouldn't be bad since we already bought our tickets and an hour or so is all we should need. This seemed very daring to the boys, who wanted to be there around nine. Despite their overzealous excitement, we decided to throw caution to the wind and leave at ten for the midnight showing.
We carefully chose our seats. Wrote out our food order and held on to it until just the perfect time (which we figured to be about five minutes before the movie started).
It was a lot of fun. We watched shorts on spider specialists giving us the low down on the creepy crawlies. They showed international versions of spidey, and those old cartoons - which were to fun to remember! I sat bouncing in my seat and singing the song, "Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can. Can he swing on a thread? Take a look over head..." as my son tried to hide behind his menu and pretend he didn't know me.
OH, c'mon I know you're singing it now too!
Anyway, it's now five minutes before. We place our order up on the table and take our last run to the bathroom - so as not to be interrupted.
Finally, the lights go down, the previews start.... and stop.
Yes, that's right, the projectors busted... or something.
The managers came out about every fifteen minutes to tell us that it would be another five minutes or so and they've figured out the problem.
Some people left after a half an hour, but not us. I drank caffeine after nine, I was in for the long haul.
I told my boys that if we don't get home until four, there would be no school the next day. Suddenly, it didn't matter how long the wait was.
Finally, six free sodas and an hour later, the movie begins.
We didn't ask for freebies, they just started giving them out. Now, I'm really awake.
The movie was actually pretty good. Not a lot of bad language or awkward scenes. Lots of fighting, but these were pretty bad guys, right?
Several good points to the evening:
Lots of laughs
Smiles
Good memories
Free soda
We now know what the Japanese Spiderman looks like - Spiderman, who knew?
We pulled in at 3:50, but that's close enough - no school!
Another plus:
They gave us free movie passes and the third edition of Pirates comes out in two weeks! Guess where we'll be?
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
My favorite Stupid Video
I was telling a friend about this video last weekend. Sadly, this brings me to tears from lauging so hard. Watch the window on the right side.
A little note (before you think I'm not a compassionate person), I've done this myself before, so it's ok to laugh. Go ahead... you know you want to...
It's the little things in life that amuse me.
A little note (before you think I'm not a compassionate person), I've done this myself before, so it's ok to laugh. Go ahead... you know you want to...
It's the little things in life that amuse me.
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