Happy birthday...to THe Man

Squished between Thanksgiving and St. Nicholas Day we get to celebrate the delightful Man's birthday!  He brings such joy to our lives.  From the time he was a baby his smile has been infectious and just pulled you in to his heart. 
This year I decided to surprise him with a Ninja (Ninjago Lego) cake.  But that wasn't enough in his words.  Gotta have a cake with all the ninjagos.  Well I told him, "I am not Cake Boss" 
As God does when I most frustrated and trying to think of how to make 5 mini versions of the cake I was planning....God reminds me of cupcakes!!! 
So for our immediate family we had these. ;)  We shared with the wait staff at Olive Garden. His pick and one of his favorite restaurants.   The following Sunday, we had the masterpiece creation.  Unfortunately, the men were so impatient to cut into the cake, not a decent picture is had.  :(  MEN and their stomaches. 

He is definitely cool beyond his years as he rocks the angry birds hat and gloves his big sis got him.

 

 

Counting to 950.....

926. A husband who grants me time
927. Kitten snuggles
928. God is sovereign
929. Compassionate care givers
930. A son passionate about putting up and decorating the Christmas tree
931. A big sis who successfully helps little brother memorize his verses
932. Birthdays
933. A boy delighted by his cupcakes
934. Kittens attacking a bush, learning to hunt and the future promise of maybe a dead mouse
935. Rainbow colored confectionary
936. Warm December days
937. The men tossing the football in the front yard
938. The maturing of a young lady, becoming a young woman.
939. Time and learning more about my oldest son.... Still waters run deep
940. Discovering more of the heart of my littlest princess.
941. Tenacity and perseverance of a daughter working to help without being asked
942. Lessons in frugal-ness being caught
943. Missed calls...someone thinking of me
944. Knowing my Mom is loved by a wonderful Man
945. Motivators provided by God
946. The constancy of God in our home
947. Giving hearts
948. Whispers of possible blessings to give and share
949. Zip ties and kittens
950. The gift of praising God and the transformation it causes in one's heart

Learning experiences in the HARD

I have been quiet for a few weeks.   Been walking through a season and learning and leaning on my Heavenly Father.  Sometimes life is just HARD.  There is no way around it.  Sometimes not only it is HARD, but there comes a tiredness that is HARD to overcome. 

I am grateful to be blessed with a husband who allows me some time to wrestle and cry and work it through.  This year I have faced some overwhelming HARD changes in my life.  What makes it all HARD is I struggle with depression and while some seasons are easier to roll with the punches, others are not so easy. 

Earlier in the year, it became known that my momma has dementia.  She is way too young.  Her memory/mind seems to be declining more rapidly than we would like.  Growing up in a not so idyllic childhood there has been estrangement and stress in all the relationships in my family.  When my mom moved to Kansas, our relationship for the first time improved and we became a bit more like friends.  Guaranteed the first move in Kansas she was a couple of hours away, but then there was another move and she was closer.  Only 30 minutes driving.  Not really sure exactly when things started showing up and realized something was wrong, but it was shortly after the last move.  Just bizarre things.  Things I let annoy me.  Eventually it was things I allowed to hurt me.  Now I look back and I see, I see oh so much clearer.  The energy I wasted being annoyed, the energy I wasted on frustration.  I kept voicing I was concerned.  Never could put a finger on it.  The changes they happen so gradually.  Excuses are made, slip ups laughed off until no longer you can remember life being different.  Then a photo album comes out and as I flip through the pages I remember a different time.  Something is wrong....

This past month though, with a kiddo in the hospital and a call that my Granny was declining and not doing well at all and I should visit as soon as I can.  Estrangement happening again with my Dad and my Mom not being the Mom I remembered, I crumbled.  Sometimes you just want your Mommy and her hugs.  You can't always have what you want.  I had to find what was enough.  So I have been quiet here, but not so quiet with my Heavenly Father.  Remembering to praise Him for who He is and in all the ways He loves me and shows me He is there, even when deep in my heart I just want to have a pity party.  Allowing Him to collect my tears.  Putting one foot in front of the other, although sometimes it is pretty sluggish.  Trying to push through the dark clouds and trust God is with me even in the storms and it is HARD.  Cause that is what it is about TRUST when times are HARD.  During the easy times building a foundation that can whether the storms of life no matter what they bring.  Something my Mom taught me just by living day after day with the Lord for almost as long as I can remember back to.....

Counting to 925.......

901.  Presents wrapped and disguised till their appointed day

Hurts happen, rejection tears at the heart and the pain threatens to overwhelm.
902.  Then I read:
THANK ME THROUGHOUT THIS DAY for My Presence and My Peace.  These are gifts of supernatural proportions.  Ever since the resurrection, I have comforted My followers with these messages: Peace be with you, and I am with you always.Listen as I offer you My Peace and Presence in full measure.  The best way to receive these glorious gifts is to thank Me for them.  It is impossible to spend too much time thanking and praising Me.  I created you first and foremost to glorify Me.  Thanksgiving and praise put you in proper relationship with Me, opening the way for My riches to flow into you.  As you thank Me for My Presence and Peace, you appropiate My richest gifts.  ~ Jesus Calling
A loving gentle reminder for the day and the turbulent seas calm. 
903. Feeling the sun shine on my face and experiencing God's love
904.  Warm sun
905.  Knowing my Creator finds me acceptable and good enough
906.  Knowing my God and Savior knows my heart
907.  In His eyes I am worthy of His love
908.  Feeling His Presence at all times, good and bad
909.  Prayers of a child, acknowledging God's nature
910.  Discipline turned discipleship as behaviors are discussed in the light of God's words.
911. Child like excitement in my husband as he anticipates carmel rolls
912.  Joy of being able to have pecans for the first time in 6 years on carmel rolls
913.  Day of being homemaker, not home educator
914.  Soaking in God's love
915.  Husband sleeping in the other room
916.  Timely hug
917.  Fun Girl's constant enthusiasm for getting in training time in the pool
918.  Sleepy young man sleeping in late
919.  Crack in the heater caught before carbon monoxide was an issue
920.  Funds to cover the repair
921.  Purr of contented and at peace kitten, recognizing it as a reflection of my heart as well
922.  Clean laundry folded and waiting to be put away
923.  Kittens exploring the out of doors
924.  Boy on a swing, just "hanging" out
925.  Anticipating time with family 

Counting to 900...............

876.  New painting sheets to color and gift
877. Ballet skirts and pink tights skipping in the wind
878. Dad's Bud giggles
879. Handwriting
880.  Puzzles and quiet afternoons
881.  Discovering 3 playing cards in a quiet corner
882.  Reconnecting with an aunt at the swim meet and a chance to say thank you.
883.  Coming home and all under the same roof
884.  Breathing easier
885.  Doctors who listen and "get it"
886.  Friends who help with transportation
887.  Older children who know how to get along when life throws a curve ball
888.  Naps
889.  Coupons and deals galore equal a semi stocked pantry
890.  Present shopping with hubby
891.  Date night with hubby
892.  Free gift cards to pay for date night !
893.  Suprising discoveries for Christmas gifts
894.  Unexpected moments to catch up with sister
895.  Time with Little Princess
896.  1-2-3 I love you game with The Man
897.  Kitten love and snuggles
898.  Fun Girl and Hockey Player still wrestle, though it is more evenly matched these days
899.  Leisure Sunday mornings at home while waiting for immune systems to rebuild
900.  Hockey Player's smoothies

Counting to 875......

851.  Compassionate doctors and drug samples
852.  Promotions completed and fulfilled
853.  Another bit of organization done
854.  Quiet afternoons for sick children to rest
855.  Swim meet fun and improvements

856.  A day well spent and quick power naps
857.  nebulizers, antibiotics and steroids
858.  Caring Security guards that let us in.
859.  O2 checks and God's provision in medical care
860.  Awesome nurses
861.  Fun Aunts and Cool gifts
862.  Croupy Coughs clearing the gunk
863.  Caring siblings cleaning and holding the fort down
864.  Flexible bosses
865.  Free wi-fi
866.  Angry Birds Star Wars
867.  Voting early and being able to stay home
868.  Productive evenings
869.  Alone time with Dad's Bud
870.  Hearing Dad's Bud ask for prayers, he knows God listens and heals
871.  Getting a chance to share about my church and Awana
872.  Independent children
873.  Dad's Bud outgoing and dynamic personality
874.  Fun Girl's intuitiveness and knowing
875.  Hospital recliners and cots, a place to sleep and lay down.

 

 

Counting to 850.......

826. Gold in the greens
827. Brothers and a tire swing
828. Upside down smiles twirling in the air
829.  friends who hear and surprise!!
830.  Yarn and the mysteries it holds...tangling, detangling and yet woven in masterpieces
831.  Stolen moments
832.  77 degree temperatures on Nov. 1
833.  Pretty blooms reminding me of a Happy Birthday
834.  Generous flood of birthday wishes, so overwhleming
835.  Garage sale finds...quarter treasures for a grand neice and a friend
836.  Scents of delicious-ness throughout my home
837.  God's provision and perfect timing
838.  Promise of yet another day
839.  Hubby who helps in the cleaning up of yuck-i-ness!
840.  Un expected lessons from the Bible and in Compassion
841.  New friends
842.  Easy fix when it comes to online shopping and shipping goofs
843.  New shoes and feet that don't hurt

844.  Time with Grandpa
845.  No sight of THE mouse.
846.  Kittens who make up with one another and are best of friends
847.  Birthday roses on my fireplace mantel
848.  Date night
849.  Unexpected birthday wishes
850.  Sweater and cozy socks

A Giving Heart

Commander in Chief hard at work.

I suggested he work on some school.

He countered with "activities"

I have never seen him color this much before.

Every one who visits him in the room seems to get a picture.

Some even get to pick one out for themselves before hand.

I suggested he just keep coloring, instead of using his red phone to summon

the receipents when their picture was done. 

For now, he is content and busy

Much to be grateful for.

Thank you Aunt Sharon for all the colors and books.

 

 

Ready for the Big Bumps!

 Remember this post last month?

 

 

Well now, he is free and clear!

Not much of a smile for the camera.

But he is excited and ready for the Big Bumps.

 

 

And what exactly are Big Bumps?  I don't really want to know.

This past weekend, Daddy O and I worked Bingo. 

Hockey fundraisers to help pay for, well, Hockey.

Couple of dads were talking.

Dad One asked if Hockey Player was back. 

Dad Two said yes, and I responded "sorta."

There was a choked back laughter.

See, DaddyO was otherwise busy elsewhere in the room.

I KNEW something was up.

I explained Daddy O told me there was no contact allowed, so Hockey Player got on the ice for a game on Thursday.

 Some how it came out....not sure how.

Hockey Player took a hit in the corner.

Went down, then knocked the other guy down.

DaddyO returned and I tolded him, he was busted....

His response, Just a little bump!

Hockey Player even jumped up and let DaddyO know all was good.

 

Good Heavens Can't Trust the Two of the Them to Follow Doctor's Orders.

 

Cornered Hockey Player the next day and asked about his hit.

His response, "HUH?? What hit?"

Just a little bump.

Told him he was busted.

Couldn't remember knocking anyone else down.

 

I get told to quit making it a big deal.

 

Doctor laughed and shooked his head.

Said he would see us the next day.

Not funny doc.

Just to prove it, I told him we would be at church and not hockey.

Well then maybe Friday.

 

better NOT!

 

 

 

Bragging rights!

Dad's Bud "enjoyed" the privelege of riding in an ambulance again.

This time he did not net the teddy bears.

That seemed to be okay.

But he did get photos to show Dad.
Race car seatbelts to boot!

Amazing how much he perked up with some Oxygen

 

 

 

TIRED BOY!

 

Way to Go Aunt Tracy and Uncle Charlie!

See this smile.

You put it on Dad's Bud face!

 

 

Paint with Water by Melissa and Doug

 

This is the coolest thing ever.

Water Color pages with paint included on the page.

This isn't the dip your water in brush and paint with water and watch the color appear.

Each individual page has a water color strip to use. 

Trim off the top of the page.

Cup of water with the paint brush included.

Paint away.

So perfect here in the hospital.

No mixing the paint colors and ruining the box.  When done, toss the strip.

I can see myself getting more for:

 athletic trips to keep the youngers occuppied while they wait

gifts for younger cousins

and just to have at home,

cause I so don't like cleaning up the water color boxes!

 

 

 

My website uses affiliate links. Please see this post for more information.

 

 

Counting to 825..............

801.  Plan B in place
802.  Birthday dinners that provide lunch the next day!
803.  Tired children...means they had a good day of fun
804.  Spontaneous conversations...opportunities to build relationships and love others with the love of Jesus.
805.  Letters written
806.  Lessons in righteousness in place of fairness
807.  New swings to replace the old and smiling children soaring to the sky
808.  The sound of the washer and dryer as I sit and put my feet up.
809. Kitten Paws
810.  Dad's Bud careful building of kitty condos out of boxes
811.  Giggles and joy as my children enjoy the presence of kittens, even if they are older kittens
812.  Quiet late night introductions
813.  Sleeping girls
814.  Breathing treatment to settle down an over done child who was struggling to breath on top of everything else
815.  Big Warrior Husband shows his tender side by loving on kittens when all is quiet
816.  Encouragement from friend that in spite of my child's struggles he is making great strides.
817.  Humor in discipline and correction
818.  Experiencing a gentle answer turns away wrath
819.  Cast is off, brace is on, Hockey Player is skating once again
820.  A dizzy Fun Girl regains her equilibrium
821.  Shopping trip results in 6 new mix and match tops for me!!  Finding something I feel pretty in!
822.  Fun I had with children while shopping
823.  Pumpkin toes courtesy of Fun Girl
824.  Lessons learned, even if it was the hard way
825.  Getting to Vote!

Escape artist

It is said it is safest to contain your pet in the car. 

That is all good and well thought out.

Except for when they figure out how to escape.

Then they escape.

Then they get under the seat.

Then they start to gasp, wheeze, gag and choke.

Then the driver pulls over.

Rescues said cat and puts back in box.

Then said cat sticks head out.

Then daughter no longer gets to work on home work.
Her job...keep the flap closed!

 

My birthday cake

By Fun Girl and Hockey Player!

 

 

 

Counting to 800.............

776. Words of blessing from my son
777. Swimming challenges and coaching from my daughter...inspires and challenges me out of my comfort zone
778.  Tender fingers finding where the soreness is in my foot
779.  Inspiration in my son's eyes and mind
780.  Time to visit with father and son about challenges of the season and what God just might have in store. 
781.  Commitments to pray and seek what we might do in this season of different-ness
782.  Friendly smiles and misdirected packages found
783.  The promise to see friends soon
784.  Experiencing and getting to see God work and evolve my son into the man He created him to be
785.  Soup in the crockpot
786. Beans soaking for the next day
787.  The warmth of the Sun on my face reminding me of the warmth of God's grace on me
788.  Pink horizon as the sun says good night
789.  Friends who stop in as they pass through town
790.  A son who does not erupt when there is injustice
791.  A cheerful helper at the grocery store
792.  Songs of praise in the kitchen as a meal is prepared
793.  Visits with extended family, brief as they may be still too precious to let go of
794.  Pruned bushes
795. Stained fences, a big job completed before winter
796.  Patient husband through the constant plan changes
797.  Fixable errors
798.  A refrigerator and pantry restocked
799.  Days with Grandpa C
800.  Hugs from a too cool almost teenager

 

Favorite Things....Ebates

In my inbox today was one of my favorite emails...
"Your big fat payment from Ebates"
I love rebates and money in my pocket that didn't take more energy from me other than what I expend already. 
Ebates is one of those awesome resources. 
Shopping on line.
Stop first at Ebates.
Sometimes you will find codes for deals for your store...BONUS!
Find your online store/website on their site and click on the link. 
They open the shopping window. 
You shop.  You pay and close the deal.  Ebates takes note and processes your r"Ebate" payment for you. 
They pay out 4 times a year. 
Who doesn't like a BIG FAT PAYMENT, especially one that doesn't require you to copy the receipt, clip the UPC code, fill out the form and pop it all in the mail box. 

Where is the fresh air???

My boys, all 3 of them, were diagnosed with brochitis this morning! ? ! ?
What is going on?
Then this afternoon, The Man started crying.  Panick type of cry.
I tried to get him to settle down.  As he started to quiet for me, I noticed flaring nostrils and lots of retraction! 
Another breathing treatment was needed.
But it had only been a few hours since his last.
The signs of distress were far more severe than I had seen yet.
His breathing evened out and settled down. 
We loaded up. 
His O2 made the nurse question the situation and she consulted the doctor.
We are back on steroids, antibiotics and breathing treatments every 2.5 to 3 hours....around the clock.
AIY!
I am grateful for medical care.  I am grateful for the ability to treat at home.  But I am sooo ready for the creepy crud and viruses  in the area to DIE!
The Man asked me today, "Why do they call it a cold when your head is not cold, it's hot??"
I don't know.

He took a Pounding!

Daddy O came home Friday morning with a Suprise!

He received his official pounding !

Defined~ The guys all got to punch him in the arm where his new stripe will be attached!

 

This past spring he was promoted and received his new job duties.

However, with all things government and military.

There is paper work.

Sometimes the paper work gets misplaced.
Sometimes the paperwork needs to be redone.

But, alas, it is done.

Daddy O learned the news the day before when he looked at his future pay stub online.

Friday morning before his shift was over the Boss Man asked if he would like to do this thing?

Daddy O chose to not call us.

Chose not to have the formal ceremony.
So much time had passed.

So he came home with his suprise. 
GOOD MORNING Peeps!

 

 

Suprises, a double take and a double dose in learning about Compassion

We spent the day in the car again. 
A Thursday kind of day.
A late start in the morning, Awana the night before and it takes everyone a while to wind down and share their stories of the night.
Piano lessons and back and forth from home, because not everyone has to go.
In the back and forths, running Fun Girl to work.
Back home for a quick lunch.
Then to Bal-A-Vis-X.
Then to the grocery store to get the latest ad.
My day stops here.
I am lost in my own world as I sit in the car and wait for Hockey Player to run in, grab the ad and come back to me, stopped at the curb.  He comes to the door and says, someone fell. 
I quickly recall the vague thud I heard and start looking around.
A deep intake of my breath.
A "grandpa" is down  in the parking lot and 2 ladies were helping him.
I quickly put my hazard lights on, put the burb in park and tell the kids to stay.
I see the ladies are talking to him and I run inside to tell Customer Service someone has fallen.  They quickly send the managers out.
He is a little disoriented. His face is banged up and he is bleeding quite a bit from his scrapes.
He misjudged the curb/ground and face planted.
My heart was in my throat.
He just wanted to get in his car and drive home to the next block over where he lives in Assisted/Independent Living facility.
But he is so disoriented. 
Rides are offered. A chair is offered. Paper towels.  Someone got ice.
I ask him the name of where he lives.
Blessedness that it is, I am very familiar with his residence. I have family there. I quickly call.  They send over their Director of Nursing and instruct us to call an ambulance. 
The managers do that. 
I see he is being well cared for and try to gracefully exit.
I stop at the care facility to give them a first hand account for when he returns later on...as disoriented as he is he might not be able to tell them much.  Plus to let them know he has 2 bags of refrigerated items. 
All the while grateful he is well cared for and being watched out for. 
As I return my car, I hear one of children ask why I had to get out of the car and  help?
My eye brows shot up.
Because it was the right thing to do I am thinking.
I try to say because he needed help. 
But this kiddo, is grumpy.  Wanted to be at home.  So did I.  Just didn't get it.  Which for this kiddo when this stage of self centeredness has started it is really hard to refocus. 
I ask my children if they knew the story of the Good Samaritan. 
I was shocked when my younger two said no.
NO???
I gasped and did a double take. 
My brain went into over drive. How could that be? 
We read Bible stories.  We talk Bible stuff.  We memorize verses. We go to church.  They watch Bible videos.  How? But....?
I stop the bumbling around in my brain.
I share the story as I drive. 
I ask who was a good neighbor?  why? 
Now they all have heard the story and know.
But now, it is quiet and I can think.
It is just like I share at times with friends and my oldest. Just like I had shared that morning with a friend.  God doesn't always take us down the same path as the person next to us.  He has different lessons for us at different times. We don't learn his ways over night.  Sometimes there are even some slips and falls along the way, just like when a baby learns to walk and become a toddler.  Yes, my oldest were schooled in the story of the Good Samaritan.  Now so were my youngers.  My youngers on the other hand have been learning lessons that my olders are learning just now. 
Different people, different paths, different learning curves and lessons plans created by the Master Educator.  Patience and understanding and compassion for one another, for we don't know where the Lord has taken them, is taking them or will be taking them. 

Counting to 775........

751. Brothers playing quietly w Legos after a morning of bickering.
752. Clear blue skies after a very dirty previous day
753. Help on the kitchen
754. Unexpected head massages and afternoon naps
755. Sparkly splashes of light playing on the walls
756. Glimpses of the young woman she is becoming
757. The perfect fit if a little hand in mine
758. Contented baby willing to rest in my arms whilst momma takes care of a couple of things.
759. Worshipping with my earthly family and my church family for the first time in weeks
760. Snuggles of my children
761. Evaluations and recognizing that much is being accomplished
762. Productive days
763. Gaining strength and stamina in the silence of water
764.  Coaching from Fun Girl
765.  Shared laughter with my daughter
766. The hum of a sewing machine
767.  Smells of a busy kitchen
768.  Finding lost keys...answered prayers
769.  Sleepy prayers
770.  Pictures shared by friends
771.  Imaginative friends
772.  God's reassurance in His love for Me
773.  Caring Siblings
774.  Promise of extended weekends
775.  Unexpected rewards

Growing our Family

Lately, I have had baby longings.

Much to Daddy O's horror.

But I am quick to let him know it is okay.

'Cause I know I am healthier now than I was in the midst of having all my babies.

It has been 6 years since my last baby was born, almost 7 truth be told.

His birthday is in a month.

2 pregnancies literally had me at death's door.

One of which even had the doctor wondering if she would have to suggest the unthinkable.

Through it all, God was at work.

He preserved my life.

He preserved the life of my children. 

Some on earth and a couple in heaven.

Only my first was uneventful.

I loved being pregnant the first time round.

It was amazing.

Then the challenges happened.

With each challenge, a little bit more of my strength and health was lost.

I didn't know it at the time.

Too busy living life.

With each pregnancy came more fatigue and more complications.

Lots of non-stress tests.

Lots of being told to take it easy...

encouraging bed rest and trying to comply.

If I am in bed, can I still fold laundry.

And really what is so difficult about sorting laundry while in a chair.

The words I knew were coming...

I can try to get you through another pregnancy, but I don't know...

I will see you in 6 months and discuss your recovery....

(surgery was hanging over my head for repairs)

God was merciful and over that 6 months, my body healed well

and no surgery was needed.

 

I have been content.

I have been crazy busy raising children.

Relishing each minute and sometimes
impatiently waiting for some of the challenging stages to pass...

(potty training ~ tantrum throwing, you get the picture)

 

I have been content till late this summer.

I see the babies.

They are soo cute.
I just wanna snuggle and take a nap with one.

My time is done for now.

I am in NO HURRY to be a Grandma.

That day will come in its own time.

But as much I wanna hold one of those babies....
I love sleeping at night.

I love getting work done.

I love jumping and running out of the door.

With my last one in a car seat...

I see freedom a coming.

I really just wanna the snuggle and nap.

 

Then we got a mouse.

Not just any ordinary mouse.

The kind that joins you in the kitchen while you cook and runs across your feet.

The kind that thinks late night TV is an invitation to come check out your snacks.

This mouse is clever.

We have every kind of trap, obstacle course and means to make sure he meets his Almighty Creator.

AND yet, he still torments us with his cleverness.

Then he did the unthinkable.

He chewed up some cardboards and tossed it onto our new furniture.

Daddy O received the report.

 

I received the instructions.

Get a cat today!

I kind of missed the article "A" in the command.

But he should have known better to send me alone with 4 children to get

A cat.

Not gonna happen.

Not someone with baby goo goo eyes!

Now all of my children are sleeping, and I find

 

Oreo here

 

 

and Gibbs here with Fun Girl

 

 

It didn't take Oreo long to come find me at the computer.

She laid down on my mouse.

WRONG mouse kitty!

 

Favorite Things....Recycle Bank

Recyclebank is..........
Awesome, great, best thing since sliced bread....well maybe I wouldn't go that far.
But pretty terrific.  And definitely one of my favorite tools these days. 

I wouldn't say I am a tree hugger. 
I don't get all crazy if I see recyclables in the dumpster, BUT I do like to do my part.
When God put Adam and Eve in the garden they were instructed to care for it.
I just see recycling as my part of being a good steward of God's Creation. 

So, after we were married and had child #1 aka Fun Girl, maybe after child #2 aka Hockey Player I started wanting to recycle more.  We did the aluminum cans.  (Hello--Money there!! and the kids were all over the change and so was I).  I started saving newspapers and dropping them off at the local grocery store. 

Hubby wasn't a big fan of having "trash" around. 
I bought trash cans to sort.
Not really buying it.

Child #3 aka Little Princess entered the world.

SHE. DID. NOT. LIKE. sleeping in her bed. 

Forget about napping there.

She liked the sling. 

She liked touching me. 

She liked being near me. 

She was a Momma's girl! 

Ahhhh, how sweet.  How wonderful....
Yeah, but every once in a while it is nice to NOT BE TOUCHED! 
The only other place she was willing to nap was in the car seat in a moving vehicle!

So I started brain storming.  I was all past the first - second child we gonna do this by the book to get her to sleep in her bed.  It was survival.  It was what ever will work for the now planning time.

So I created a schedule. 
A schedule of activities that needed/could be needed to be done every week. 
Each activity was assigned a day.

Do you see where I am going with this??
We went for a daily drive every day during nap time.  Oh yeah!!
Once a week we went to the library that had a drive through and on the way was the local recycling facility.  Oh yeah!!
How could Hubby complain about recycling that was dumped every week? ! ?
Hockey Player and Fun Girl would help to dump the containers, that is if they hadn't fallen asleep. 

If they were still awake, then we might stop at the park before going home.   It was amazing during that time period, how many errands I could come up with that required me to be out every day.  Of course, that was before the gas prices went up.  We won't discuss how un-ecological I was to be out driving every day of the week.  Because the choice was to save gas or sanity. 

Sanity won out!

Then Little Princess grew a bit more and the daily napping trips were no more.
By then I was recycling and Hubby was not impressed. 
Somewhere in there I had to give up my weekly trip to the library with a drive thru.  That is such an amazing perk for a library to have if you have nappers in the car.  With this trip gone, I had no where to drop off my recycling.  I couldn't justify the gas anymore.
Sad sigh!

The recycling stopped. 
Couple more kids added... #4 and #5 and I am thinking we are going to have to get a second dumpster.  A notice comes in the paper.  A new trial service is being offered through our trash company. 
RECYCLEBANK !
The best part, they supply the container.
No wait, the really BEST Part:
NO SORTING
Yep you read that right. 
NO SORTING!
You just toss all your recycling in the bin. 
Amazing.
No bins, no pile up.
How could Hubby refuse?
He humored me.
I signed up. 
Initially it was like $4 a month.
Points are earned based on weight.
Points are cashed in for rewards...coupons, gift cards, ecards
That first year, I pulled in rewards worth more than we spent!
Hubby was sold.
Of course, the first year on deals like that are pretty awesome. 
But honestly, I still pull out some pretty good rewards each year. 
Now, I accumulate gift cards to use for just that gifts. 
Hello Christmas shopping without the shopping.

As time has passed, they have, also, opened up their site to those who don't use them for curb side recycling.  You can download apps and track your own recycling and earn points.  There are educational opportunities, videos and activities that may be completed to earn additional points.  This has been helpful when trying to teach my children about the various environmental actions they can take to be more Eco-minded.  I want my kids to recycle.  But I, also, want them to take note that turning off the water and lights when not in use are important actions as well.  They enjoy the games, activities, as do I, and they definitely enjoy the benefits of the rewards it brings home.   For Dad's Bud last year, he needed to complete some environmental tasks for his Cub Scouts awards. It was great to sit down with him at the computer and take him through various videos and tutorials about Recycle Bank itself and ways we could care for our planet and environment and all from the comfort of our home.  No running the car across town to ask questions. 

Being able to see and more.........

Hmmm, driving home from Jenks, Oklahoma, I discovered home much of a MidWest girl I am.

 

 I like the wide open spaces. I love seeing the horizon that includes land and sky.

 

Not much for a landscape that includes lots of brick buildings, sidewalks and being underground. I have visited those places and was struck by how obstructed my view of God's creation was by all that man made.

 Some call me a city girl, because I am not much of a fan of dust and dirt and I am allergic to most things that pollinate.

In my fairy tail world missing dirt, dust and spiders, I am a Country Girl.

I like the views.

I enjoy gazing upon God's nightly paintings I the sky.

 

  But

I realized on the same drive I am the girl that likes daylight.

I don't like to drive in the dark.

 I don't like not being able to see the horizon.

  I like to know what is ahead.

I can say the same thing about Life.

I don't like the feeling that I am driving off into oblivion.

I don't like suprises. I want to know what is going to happen.

It is hard to trust the road is going to be there especially when speeding down the road at highway speeds or that nothing will jump out in front me.

Sometimes it is hard to trust that God really knows what He is doing.

Sometimes it is hard to know what it is God would have me to do.

 I fret and worry and pray God will get me home in one piece.

 It has gotten a little easier over the years, but not much. I just don't like it.

I don't like not being able to see what it is ahead.

And Each and Every Time 

I arrive, it is with a sigh of relief and a readiness to rest.

And a gladness that I am Home

I think Heaven is going to be at least a little bit, just like that.  

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time flies

 

I was looking for something on my computer and came across this picture of my two oldest. 

Two years ago.

Where has the time gone?

They are growing up way too fast.

One is a Junior this year, the other a seventh grader...

They will be looking at starting college and high school the same year.

Not sure if I am going to be ready for the new season that is coming.

 

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Dusty days

I was suprised last week by the sky.
I have to admit it was very unsettling to witness the dirtiness and dinginess of the skyline.
Used to clean, clear blue skies occassionally filled with fluffy clouds.

When storms are brewing, the skies are shades of gray and dark and sometimes, yellow.
It is okay because much needed moisture is on the way.

The sky this day promised nothing of the kind.

It was shades of browns and only promised dryness, dirt and thirstyness.

I caught myself wondering if this is what the Great Plains looked like during the Dust Bowl.
Gritty eyes, and the feel of dust on my skin after just a short time outside.  A short time meaning, the short distance between my vehicle and the door a couple of times because I ran a few errands.
I looked out back and saw our poor Gus.  A beautiful black fur coat was now coated in brown.  Even he was unable to escape the air and wind around us.  I didn't have the energy to let him in.  He would only shake and roll and create more cleaning.  So out he stayed, though I think a child or two may have rescued him and put him in the garage for a while. 

Yet in my sleepless nights of late, I can't help but think how much our spiritual lives can be illustrated in this one day.  My life.  In my sheltered, 25 square mile, little circle of the world I get covered by the dust of this world and bring it home.  The every day sameness, busyness and sometimes monotonous life gets to me and before long my life seems dusty, brown and dirty.  I long for something more and my focus is no longer on what is before me, I neglect the housekeeping of my heart and it gets dusty.

The dust

It gets in my eyes and affects how I see everything around me.  Instead of gratitude for my home and I see chores that just won't take of themselves.. Instead of a home filled with God's blessings, I see messes and monotony.

It makes me sneeze.  It is uncomfortable and my body tries to get rid of it.  My mind tries to reject the negative attitudes, but there is just enough lingering to..... 

Stir up my allergies. I become sick and weak in my attempts with the Lord and the simple act of breathing becomes difficult and it is work to get my focus back. 

Sometimes I need the help of medicine, a good dose of Divine intervention, to get me back on track.
 
In the meantime, my life just looks dingy and dry and thirsty. 

It is missing the crisp colors of freshness and renewal. 

Even in the dark days of adversity, a dusty spiritual life misses the promise of renewal and a thirst that is quenched.

Oh, don't let it be so...........

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Counting to 750.....

726.  Health insurance and flexible spending accounts that last as long as they do.
727.  Smiles and laughter in the midst of runny noses and coughs.
728.  Sunsets and drives with my daughters
729.  Hanging out with Little Princess...just sitting and being  side by side
730.  Watching Fun Girl reach new goals and achievements and her smiles to go with them.
731.  Colors of fall, God's creativity beats anything man can create.
732.  Strawberry filled, covered and topped cupcakes
733.  Meeting some of Fun Girl's friends and team mates
734.  God inspired remembrances and quick purse search for needed inhaler
735.  My husband stops by home just because I asked for a hug, never mind he was tired and wanted to go on to his sleep castle.
736.  Suprised sightings of Papa Mac in town and getting coffee
737.  Getting to get hugs from Papa and Grandmama Mac unexpectedly.
738.  Watching the hearts of my children for their grandparents.
739.  Children laying on the floor working on math coloring sheets quietly and cooperatively.
740.  Friends helping with phonics for fun and learning in the process as well.
741.  Snatches of time to say hi and connect with friends
742.  Warm cozies for soothing ear congestion
743.  Discovering new skills, talents and interests... So much in this life to learn
744.  Praying friends
745.  Welcoming wag of a dog's tail.
746.  Postcards in the mail from Sunday School teachers
747-749.  Snuggly blankets, warm homes and smells of things a cooking
750.  Passions shared to teach and bless those who seek.

What happened? ? ?

So I haven't been posting too much.  So what happened? 
I went out of town for the weekend.  I have yet to figure out how to go out of town and be able to handle the return and get back into a routine.  Maybe it is because I have to stay in my house on Monday.  I dunno.  But the laundry and weekend jobs that went undone become my undoing.  A week later, I am finally feeling like I can resume life. 
Hello ? ! ? I was only gone 48 hours!
That pretty much sums it up. 
My routine went out the window and therefore I have been floundering for a week as a result.  Pretty pathetic in my book. 

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