God answers prayer.
Last Night As Family of Five
8 years ago
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Reader Poll: Prayer
When I get my thoughts focused, scriptures found/read/analyzed, I want to write a post about a topic that has been on my mind for over a year. So let's start with one question. I want your candid answer, your first instinct if someone were to ask you this. What does it mean?
God answers prayer.
God answers prayer.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Not sure what to title this one...
I really think I could say, "My roof caved in this morning," and you would respond, "Let me tell you about my trip to the grocery store." Never really show any interest in my thoughts, feelings, life happenings. It's almost like you don't even hear what I say.
Does everyone have people like this in their lives? Do they know they are doing it?
Does everyone have people like this in their lives? Do they know they are doing it?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Use Cash
Why is it that I never have anything to say on Friday and keep coming back to the 5QF? Oh, well. Everyone else is doing it, might as well join in, huh?
1. How many pets do you have? We have one sweet doggie. Her name is Abby, and she is a black mutt - part lab and part beagle. We rescued her from the Springfield (MO) Humane Society in January of 2003. At the time we were renting a duplex in Bolivar, and we weren't supposed to have pets - that's the rebel in me...ha!
2. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be? I'm not sure why, but the first person that popped into my mind was my sister. I would switch with her as long as I could magically have all of her skills in color guard/winter guard along with the capacity to teach it...
I'd need to know all of her lesson plans for the business classes she teaches, too. I have a degree in business, and towards the end of my college days, I almost switched to business education. I'd love to teach her classes, especially in her school district.
I'm not sure if I could walk in all of her stilettos, though.
3. What is your favorite money saving tip? Don't spend money you don't have. Sound simple enough? It's certainly not the American way. That includes cutting up credit cards and not borrowing money for things like cars, furniture, appliances, electronics, etc. I also know that we do better when we use an envelope system - cash only for everything. It's a different feeling when you put cash down to pay for something as apposed to swiping a debit card. I know that when I see how much money is left for the month - in cash form - the visual is more concrete when it's in 10's and 20's!
4. What do you want your kids to be when they grow up? Josh and I joke that Caleb will be a politician when he grows up. He is so outgoing and says hi to EVERYONE he sees. It doesn't matter who is it or what their age is, he is always saying hello. Sarah has a very sweet and independent personality, and I can see her being the type that doesn't want to rely on anyone else to get a job done, she will do it herself! I also pray, though, that if she wants to stay home and raise a family that she will be encouraged by her husband to do so and be surrounded by friends who do the same. Gabriel is still too small to really tell any distinct personality traits, but since he is third born, I bet he'll be tough! He has beautiful, dark features (dark hair, dark eyes, dark completion), so if he's tall, dark, and handsome, maybe he'll do some modeling? ;o)
Ultimately, though, I pray that they will always seek God's will in their lives and become strong in His word. Nothing else really matters when it comes to eternity!
I also want them to be content. I hope I am teaching that to them.
5. What is your favorite quote? Each season of my life seems to bring about a new favorite quote. Recently I read this one, and it was perfect for me. “Educate a man and you educate an individual; educate a woman and you educate a family.” --A. Cripps
1. How many pets do you have? We have one sweet doggie. Her name is Abby, and she is a black mutt - part lab and part beagle. We rescued her from the Springfield (MO) Humane Society in January of 2003. At the time we were renting a duplex in Bolivar, and we weren't supposed to have pets - that's the rebel in me...ha!
2. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be? I'm not sure why, but the first person that popped into my mind was my sister. I would switch with her as long as I could magically have all of her skills in color guard/winter guard along with the capacity to teach it...
I'd need to know all of her lesson plans for the business classes she teaches, too. I have a degree in business, and towards the end of my college days, I almost switched to business education. I'd love to teach her classes, especially in her school district.
I'm not sure if I could walk in all of her stilettos, though.
3. What is your favorite money saving tip? Don't spend money you don't have. Sound simple enough? It's certainly not the American way. That includes cutting up credit cards and not borrowing money for things like cars, furniture, appliances, electronics, etc. I also know that we do better when we use an envelope system - cash only for everything. It's a different feeling when you put cash down to pay for something as apposed to swiping a debit card. I know that when I see how much money is left for the month - in cash form - the visual is more concrete when it's in 10's and 20's!
4. What do you want your kids to be when they grow up? Josh and I joke that Caleb will be a politician when he grows up. He is so outgoing and says hi to EVERYONE he sees. It doesn't matter who is it or what their age is, he is always saying hello. Sarah has a very sweet and independent personality, and I can see her being the type that doesn't want to rely on anyone else to get a job done, she will do it herself! I also pray, though, that if she wants to stay home and raise a family that she will be encouraged by her husband to do so and be surrounded by friends who do the same. Gabriel is still too small to really tell any distinct personality traits, but since he is third born, I bet he'll be tough! He has beautiful, dark features (dark hair, dark eyes, dark completion), so if he's tall, dark, and handsome, maybe he'll do some modeling? ;o)
Ultimately, though, I pray that they will always seek God's will in their lives and become strong in His word. Nothing else really matters when it comes to eternity!
I also want them to be content. I hope I am teaching that to them.
5. What is your favorite quote? Each season of my life seems to bring about a new favorite quote. Recently I read this one, and it was perfect for me. “Educate a man and you educate an individual; educate a woman and you educate a family.” --A. Cripps
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Outcomes
On Sunday, as I traveled to and from St. Louis with my mom for the baseball game, I had some much needed conversation. You know...the kind you don't really have with anyone else. Sometimes there are things you don't even vent to your best friend about. Sometimes there are things that weigh on a heart that only a mom can understand.
It wasn't until we were on our way home, maybe 25 minutes left until we would arrive at our destination, that I just sort of spilled about a regret I had and the guilt that had accumulated over the course of about seven years - that is definitely not traveling light! It's not something I think of all the time, but if it does cross my mind, it's something that I have always let get to me.
She said, "So you feel responsible for that outcome?"
"Yes," I replied in a soft voice. I felt tears begin to blur my vision.
We discussed how God used different circumstances to lead the situation to where it ended up, and my mom eventually said, "You know, Chrissy...God is bigger than you," in a sincere tone.
She didn't mean it harshly. She didn't mean that I somehow thought I was bigger than He was. She just needed to make a point. "There isn't anything you could do that would alter His plan. He is God. He uses what He needs to use for the outcome that is supposed to be."
I realize (as it says in Isaiah 55:8) that His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are His ways my ways. So when I think that something didn't turn out right, I'm assuming that I somehow know better than God does. And that's a pretty haughty attitude for me to have. Still, there are times when a certain outcome (even outcomes besides the one my mom and I discussed) that I just can't comprehend. Especially if I feel like I some how messed up and altered that outcome.
Ultimately, as Christians, we know that God is in control. I have to know that He works it all out in His timing and in His way.
I confess: It is so very hard sometimes.
It wasn't until we were on our way home, maybe 25 minutes left until we would arrive at our destination, that I just sort of spilled about a regret I had and the guilt that had accumulated over the course of about seven years - that is definitely not traveling light! It's not something I think of all the time, but if it does cross my mind, it's something that I have always let get to me.
She said, "So you feel responsible for that outcome?"
"Yes," I replied in a soft voice. I felt tears begin to blur my vision.
We discussed how God used different circumstances to lead the situation to where it ended up, and my mom eventually said, "You know, Chrissy...God is bigger than you," in a sincere tone.
She didn't mean it harshly. She didn't mean that I somehow thought I was bigger than He was. She just needed to make a point. "There isn't anything you could do that would alter His plan. He is God. He uses what He needs to use for the outcome that is supposed to be."
I realize (as it says in Isaiah 55:8) that His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are His ways my ways. So when I think that something didn't turn out right, I'm assuming that I somehow know better than God does. And that's a pretty haughty attitude for me to have. Still, there are times when a certain outcome (even outcomes besides the one my mom and I discussed) that I just can't comprehend. Especially if I feel like I some how messed up and altered that outcome.
Ultimately, as Christians, we know that God is in control. I have to know that He works it all out in His timing and in His way.
I confess: It is so very hard sometimes.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
In My Daughter's Eyes
Today my little girl, my second born, my only daughter...turns four.
She means more to me than words can say.
It's amazing how much she's grown and how much her sweet little looks have changed in four short years.
I think I smile bigger when she's around me.
Her pretty, auburn hair makes her unique. But I know she's unique for many other reasons.
I am so very thankful for her. She brings joy to me, but she also brings joy to others.
Happy birthday, Sarah. You're a precious gift to us!
"In my daughter's eyes I can see the future, a reflection of who I am and what will be. Though she'll grow and someday leave, maybe raise a family, when I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me. For I'll be there in my daughter's eyes."
She means more to me than words can say.
It's amazing how much she's grown and how much her sweet little looks have changed in four short years.
I think I smile bigger when she's around me.
Her pretty, auburn hair makes her unique. But I know she's unique for many other reasons.
I am so very thankful for her. She brings joy to me, but she also brings joy to others.
Happy birthday, Sarah. You're a precious gift to us!
"In my daughter's eyes I can see the future, a reflection of who I am and what will be. Though she'll grow and someday leave, maybe raise a family, when I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me. For I'll be there in my daughter's eyes."
Monday, August 23, 2010
Go Blogs, Go! You're Cordially Invited!
Post written by the author of The Fabulous Adventures of Mrs. Haid!
I am so excited to announce the place, time, and date of our Bloggers Meet Up. So excited that I broke into children's book prose and misquoted some P.D.Eastman (arguably the most read author in our home).
Go Blog(gers) go!
Go by car, go by bike.
Go by foot - run, skip or hike.
Go Blog(gers) go... stop at the tree
Climb the ladder to a
BLOG PARTY!
BLOG PARTY!
I am so excited to announce the place, time, and date of our Bloggers Meet Up. So excited that I broke into children's book prose and misquoted some P.D.Eastman (arguably the most read author in our home).
The poll on the sidebar was somewhat successful because it let me know that at least some other bloggers want to get together and meet in real life. Also, a number of people have contacted me via email or on Facebook, so I tried to come up with the best time and place to suit many people and to ensure a good time.
We will be meeting on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 1 PM. This is immediately following the St. James Grape and Fall Festival's downtown parade, which I will attend and sit outside of my cousin's store, and then promptly get in the car and drive to Rolla, Missouri to my all time Favorite Chinese Food Restaurant, Fortune Inn. I am so excited for others to join me and my one confirmed guest, Chrissy, that I am pretty sure I won't even get to eating my Egg Drop Soup before it gets chilled!
After reading so many Five Question Fridays, I feel like I know some of these authors already! I think it will also be fun to see what people sound like since the voice I use to read blogs is pretty much the same for each site.
So here is a blog button for you to have for your site (if you'd like!). My friend Chrissy converted the little poster I made into a blog button, and I confess, I do not know how to do this. I am thankful she does!
You can copy and paste the code to announce your RSVP to our Blog Party!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Where I Was Today
My mom took me out to the ball game.
We sat in section 246, row 8, seats 5 and 6.
I was on the jumbotron between the 7th and 8th innings.
Final score:
St. Louis Cardinals 9
San Fransisco Giants 0
It was the perfect day.
Thanks, Mom.
We sat in section 246, row 8, seats 5 and 6.
I was on the jumbotron between the 7th and 8th innings.
Final score:
St. Louis Cardinals 9
San Fransisco Giants 0
It was the perfect day.
Thanks, Mom.
Friday, August 20, 2010
I heart Zack Morris
This week's Five Question Friday is brought to you by the letters T, M, and R. (No good reason, those are just the letters we worked on this week!)
1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about? (Have we answered this before?) I didn't go by Chrissy until my college days, so when I was younger and went by Christina, there was a neighborhood boy who called me Chris-scream-a. Thankfully, that didn't stick. I guess I screamed at him a lot? As for Chrissy, I just wanted to start over and be someone else I think. But my favorite nickname is Eleven.
2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings? I am the oldest of two. Just me and my sis. I exhibit all of the classic, first-born traits.
3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other? I couldn't decide if this questions meant someone who looked like my significant other or someone who I just wanted to be my significant other in my dream world/movie world? So as I read other bloggers and their answers, I decided to go with my dream world/movie world answer...and since I've had a crush on him since I was a pre-teen...ahem...I would pick Mark Paul Gosselaar.
4. What is currently your favorite song? Usually this would be hard to answer, but there is a song that is ALWAYS in my head these days, and it's If We've Ever Needed You by Casting Crowns
And after finding that video, I now realize how much I'd love to see them in concert.
5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase? Josh and I had to utilize our emergency fund for some unexpected work on both of our vehicles in the last month. We will be putting any extra money we have back into that fund until it's where it's supposed to be! After that's completed, I would like to start saving for a 10-year anniversary trip next summer. Somewhere nice. Maybe a cruise? We'll see!
1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about? (Have we answered this before?) I didn't go by Chrissy until my college days, so when I was younger and went by Christina, there was a neighborhood boy who called me Chris-scream-a. Thankfully, that didn't stick. I guess I screamed at him a lot? As for Chrissy, I just wanted to start over and be someone else I think. But my favorite nickname is Eleven.
2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings? I am the oldest of two. Just me and my sis. I exhibit all of the classic, first-born traits.
3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other? I couldn't decide if this questions meant someone who looked like my significant other or someone who I just wanted to be my significant other in my dream world/movie world? So as I read other bloggers and their answers, I decided to go with my dream world/movie world answer...and since I've had a crush on him since I was a pre-teen...ahem...I would pick Mark Paul Gosselaar.
4. What is currently your favorite song? Usually this would be hard to answer, but there is a song that is ALWAYS in my head these days, and it's If We've Ever Needed You by Casting Crowns
And after finding that video, I now realize how much I'd love to see them in concert.
5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase? Josh and I had to utilize our emergency fund for some unexpected work on both of our vehicles in the last month. We will be putting any extra money we have back into that fund until it's where it's supposed to be! After that's completed, I would like to start saving for a 10-year anniversary trip next summer. Somewhere nice. Maybe a cruise? We'll see!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Good Milestone, Bad Milestone
My third born child Gabriel is 21 months this week, and of course I enjoy seeing the new things he learns and the new abilities he has. Some abilities, however, are not my favorite.
Good milestone: Eating his food by himself with a fork and/or spoon.
Bad milestone: Being able to reach the forks and spoons in the drawer and throwing them all over the kitchen floor.
Good milestone: Reaching for a toy and being tall enough to grab it without whining for me.
Bad milestone: Reaching for the light switch and being tall enough to turn it on...and off...and on...and off...
Good milestone: The ability to climb on his own up the ladder to the play set.
Bad milestone: The ability to climb on his own to the top of Caleb's bunk bed...and then jumping on that top bunk.
Good milestone: Drinking out of a small cup with help.
Bad milestone: Drinking out of any cup and then spitting it all over the floor...just for fun.
Good milestone: Helping mommy by closing the door behind him when we leave my bedroom.
Bad milestone: Being able to open that door anyway.
I take it all in stride, the good and the bad. Sometimes I just have to stop and smile. I know he's just exploring his world!
Gabriel with my mom and Caleb...having too much fun watching a computer game!
Good milestone: Eating his food by himself with a fork and/or spoon.
Bad milestone: Being able to reach the forks and spoons in the drawer and throwing them all over the kitchen floor.
Good milestone: Reaching for a toy and being tall enough to grab it without whining for me.
Bad milestone: Reaching for the light switch and being tall enough to turn it on...and off...and on...and off...
Good milestone: The ability to climb on his own up the ladder to the play set.
Bad milestone: The ability to climb on his own to the top of Caleb's bunk bed...and then jumping on that top bunk.
Good milestone: Drinking out of a small cup with help.
Bad milestone: Drinking out of any cup and then spitting it all over the floor...just for fun.
Good milestone: Helping mommy by closing the door behind him when we leave my bedroom.
Bad milestone: Being able to open that door anyway.
I take it all in stride, the good and the bad. Sometimes I just have to stop and smile. I know he's just exploring his world!
Gabriel with my mom and Caleb...having too much fun watching a computer game!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Fourteen Years
My mom told me I had to ask my dad to go out on a date with this one particular boy (instead of just giving me the green light on her own). I'm not really sure why, I guess it was because she didn't know the family and was hesitant. Dad, on the other hand, remembered having the boy in question during study hall. Since all judgment was always based on how a student acted during class, my dad said yes. Luckily, this boy was a good student.
We weren't even going to go on our own. His dad was throwing horseshoes at the State Fair in Sedalia, Missouri, and his family said I could go with them. It was exciting for me, I'd known him for about eight months, and our time had finally arrived. We were going to go on our first date.
It was August 17, 1996.
I drove to his house that morning, and I finally got to meet his parents. Over the course of several weeks, I had heard his mom's voice on the phone when she would answer (oh, but I wasn't supposed to call boys...this was always the, "Hey, call me back," trick). She was sweet and quiet. In contrast, his dad was a funny, talkative guy. The ice breaker on the trip was poking his dad on the side so he would jump in fear, it always caught him by surprise.
As we pulled up to the entrance, the person taking money for the tickets looked into the car, saw the four of us, and asked, "So, is that three adults and one child?" Talk about an ego deflater for a young guy. That meant my date looked 12! I pretended not to hear it, it didn't matter to me what someone else thought.
We held hands and walked throughout the fair. We rode the rides. We saw the exhibits. We watched his dad throw horseshoes and receive third place! When it came time to leave, we drove to Pizza Hut for dinner. I knew this family had good taste right from the start.
Fourteen years later, I still go to Pizza Hut with them from time to time. Usually they take our entire family, sometimes they'll just take the kids!
I love you, Josh. I remember our first date like it was yesterday. All these years have gone by and you still love me like the giddy, 15-year-old boy you once were. Thank you for being the best husband to me and the best father to our children. Could we have ever imagined what fourteen years into the future would look like?
I think it looks perfect.
We weren't even going to go on our own. His dad was throwing horseshoes at the State Fair in Sedalia, Missouri, and his family said I could go with them. It was exciting for me, I'd known him for about eight months, and our time had finally arrived. We were going to go on our first date.
It was August 17, 1996.
I drove to his house that morning, and I finally got to meet his parents. Over the course of several weeks, I had heard his mom's voice on the phone when she would answer (oh, but I wasn't supposed to call boys...this was always the, "Hey, call me back," trick). She was sweet and quiet. In contrast, his dad was a funny, talkative guy. The ice breaker on the trip was poking his dad on the side so he would jump in fear, it always caught him by surprise.
As we pulled up to the entrance, the person taking money for the tickets looked into the car, saw the four of us, and asked, "So, is that three adults and one child?" Talk about an ego deflater for a young guy. That meant my date looked 12! I pretended not to hear it, it didn't matter to me what someone else thought.
We held hands and walked throughout the fair. We rode the rides. We saw the exhibits. We watched his dad throw horseshoes and receive third place! When it came time to leave, we drove to Pizza Hut for dinner. I knew this family had good taste right from the start.
Fourteen years later, I still go to Pizza Hut with them from time to time. Usually they take our entire family, sometimes they'll just take the kids!
I love you, Josh. I remember our first date like it was yesterday. All these years have gone by and you still love me like the giddy, 15-year-old boy you once were. Thank you for being the best husband to me and the best father to our children. Could we have ever imagined what fourteen years into the future would look like?
I think it looks perfect.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Temporarily Martha Stewart
Yesterday we had a very low-keyed, family-only birthday party for my two August babies.
Even though we weren't having many people over, not even other kids, I still wanted to do something fun for their party. A while back, when I was looking up Super Mario Brothers ideas online, I saw some cupcake toppers that were just too cute.
This is the picture I saw:
When I found the cupcake toppers online at $8.99 for a set of 12, I knew my creative self would have to emerge! That was just too pricey for thischeap frugal mom.
I decided to print out their favorite characters from Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Galaxy which included some girly characters and some macho characters! We had Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina...oh, and a Luma. It took what seemed like forever to cut out 24 characters and then another 24 circles out of construction paper for the back. I then placed them on colorful toothpicks, and after each cupcake was iced and sprinkled, the toppers were ready to go!
They turned out great. The kids loved them. I think the grown-ups did, too.
It was a fun day with our family. I really enjoyed the time we spent together eating BBQ and cupcakes! The kids enjoyed opening some presents and playing with everyone.
Thank you, Steve, Mary, Stevie, Rebecca, Sonja, Mom, and Dad for the perfect day.
Even though we weren't having many people over, not even other kids, I still wanted to do something fun for their party. A while back, when I was looking up Super Mario Brothers ideas online, I saw some cupcake toppers that were just too cute.
This is the picture I saw:
When I found the cupcake toppers online at $8.99 for a set of 12, I knew my creative self would have to emerge! That was just too pricey for this
I decided to print out their favorite characters from Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Galaxy which included some girly characters and some macho characters! We had Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina...oh, and a Luma. It took what seemed like forever to cut out 24 characters and then another 24 circles out of construction paper for the back. I then placed them on colorful toothpicks, and after each cupcake was iced and sprinkled, the toppers were ready to go!
They turned out great. The kids loved them. I think the grown-ups did, too.
It was a fun day with our family. I really enjoyed the time we spent together eating BBQ and cupcakes! The kids enjoyed opening some presents and playing with everyone.
Thank you, Steve, Mary, Stevie, Rebecca, Sonja, Mom, and Dad for the perfect day.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Flashback Friday
Several of my friends from high school have been posting really old pictures on Facebook. They are so funny, and some are so embarrassing! Oh, cruel fate...why did we have to endure the nasty, early 90's fashion?!
But instead of sharing an embarrassing picture of myself (I could share an embarrassing one if I really had to, my ugly stage ranged from about 3rd through 8th grade), I'd like to share one of my favorites instead.
Mellophone solo in the song Jupiter, November 1, 1997. Three days before I turned 18.
It wasn't me or my band in the link I gave, but boy, hearing that song sure brought back memories! The horns in front were playing the part I had as a solo.
But instead of sharing an embarrassing picture of myself (I could share an embarrassing one if I really had to, my ugly stage ranged from about 3rd through 8th grade), I'd like to share one of my favorites instead.
Mellophone solo in the song Jupiter, November 1, 1997. Three days before I turned 18.
It wasn't me or my band in the link I gave, but boy, hearing that song sure brought back memories! The horns in front were playing the part I had as a solo.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
When She Loved Me
Recently I was talking with someone about friendships. I was praying for her about a situation, and one line in an email from her stood out to me. It had to do with mourning the loss of friendships due to circumstances or because they are not the ones God has for you anymore.
Then today, as I was watching a movie with the kids, this song came on. It gave me tears (I think I'm overly emotional today anyway) and it reminded me of that conversation.
When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
And when she was sad, I was there to dry her tears
And when she was happy, so was I, when she loved me.
Through the summer and the fall, we had each other, that was all
Just she and I together, like it was meant to be
And when she was lonely, I was there to comfort her
And I knew that she loved me.
So the years went by, I stayed the same
And she began to drift away, I was left alone
Still I waited for the day, when she’d say "I will always love you."
Lonely and forgotten, never thought she’d look my way,
She smiled at me and held me close, just like she used to do,
Like she loved me, when she loved me
When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful,
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
When she loved me.
Have you ever mourned over a friendship lost/changed?
Then today, as I was watching a movie with the kids, this song came on. It gave me tears (I think I'm overly emotional today anyway) and it reminded me of that conversation.
When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
And when she was sad, I was there to dry her tears
And when she was happy, so was I, when she loved me.
Through the summer and the fall, we had each other, that was all
Just she and I together, like it was meant to be
And when she was lonely, I was there to comfort her
And I knew that she loved me.
So the years went by, I stayed the same
And she began to drift away, I was left alone
Still I waited for the day, when she’d say "I will always love you."
Lonely and forgotten, never thought she’d look my way,
She smiled at me and held me close, just like she used to do,
Like she loved me, when she loved me
When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful,
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
When she loved me.
Have you ever mourned over a friendship lost/changed?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Vacations
This week's theme for Shutter Love Tuesday over at Trendy Treehouse is Vacations.
We did not take a vacation this summer, nor have we taken one...well...ever. But since I'm the wife of a teacher, I guess I just consider the end of the school year until the beginning of the school year my vacation, and there were plenty of things that filled that time for us. You can read my sappy end-of-summer post here. My favorite picture of my kids is the first one on that post.
There is one evening that stands out to me for some reason, though, and I think it's because it was a girls night out with two wonderful girls. We celebrated a birthday by creating our own ceramic pieces (this is so much more fun than you would think!) and ended the evening at A Slice of Pie, which is heaven on earth.
Really, it is.
You can tell by my expression...
So even though I don't have a "real" vacation picture, that one evening...eating that heavenly dessert...was vacation enough for me!
We did not take a vacation this summer, nor have we taken one...well...ever. But since I'm the wife of a teacher, I guess I just consider the end of the school year until the beginning of the school year my vacation, and there were plenty of things that filled that time for us. You can read my sappy end-of-summer post here. My favorite picture of my kids is the first one on that post.
There is one evening that stands out to me for some reason, though, and I think it's because it was a girls night out with two wonderful girls. We celebrated a birthday by creating our own ceramic pieces (this is so much more fun than you would think!) and ended the evening at A Slice of Pie, which is heaven on earth.
Really, it is.
You can tell by my expression...
So even though I don't have a "real" vacation picture, that one evening...eating that heavenly dessert...was vacation enough for me!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
I Still Have Opinions
Back in January I wrote a post about being a compulsive opinion giver. I am still in recovery so-to-speak, so I do still tend to spout off my opinion when it might not be welcome. I resisted once this week but caved and sent an opinionated email once this week, too. So one out of two is making progress, right? Actually, I resist A LOT when it comes to blog comments...man, I want to say stuff all the time and don't. I'm doing better!
When it comes to my real life friends, I am very prone to do this even more, especially when I start feeling that the friendship has reached that phase. Are all friendships this way, or do most friends just stay in a sort of happy, let's not talk about anything in depth phase? Sure, there are friends who talk about sex or in-laws or irritating spouse habits. But what if your friend is doing something that might not be in his or her best interest? Maybe it's a crazy financial decision. Maybe it's a crazy relationship decision. Maybe it's a crazy parental decision.
Here's the thing. I know it's possible that I could be out of line if I have a concern. I genuinely don't mean to ever seem like a jerk. Remember the post about cussing around your kids? It's possible that some might think I was being harsh.
Once I told a friend that I thought her husband was being an idiot (I won't go into detail, but I felt justified in feeling that way and saying it...at the time). That didn't go over so well. But you know what meant the world to me? SHE TOLD ME. She was upset that I felt that way about the situation. We talked for a long time. I cried. She cried. But I learned a lot about her character that day. She was willing to call me out on it. She did not keep it to herself and run to another friend and talk about me. She talked TO ME.
So if I feel like giving you my opinion, just know that you were the one that just happened to be the one for the day. I'm still recovering. If you don't feel it's valid, it's best to just tell me.
I'll respect you for that.
For now, I'll suppress a handful of opinions that are bubbling inside of me. You're welcome.
When it comes to my real life friends, I am very prone to do this even more, especially when I start feeling that the friendship has reached that phase. Are all friendships this way, or do most friends just stay in a sort of happy, let's not talk about anything in depth phase? Sure, there are friends who talk about sex or in-laws or irritating spouse habits. But what if your friend is doing something that might not be in his or her best interest? Maybe it's a crazy financial decision. Maybe it's a crazy relationship decision. Maybe it's a crazy parental decision.
Here's the thing. I know it's possible that I could be out of line if I have a concern. I genuinely don't mean to ever seem like a jerk. Remember the post about cussing around your kids? It's possible that some might think I was being harsh.
Once I told a friend that I thought her husband was being an idiot (I won't go into detail, but I felt justified in feeling that way and saying it...at the time). That didn't go over so well. But you know what meant the world to me? SHE TOLD ME. She was upset that I felt that way about the situation. We talked for a long time. I cried. She cried. But I learned a lot about her character that day. She was willing to call me out on it. She did not keep it to herself and run to another friend and talk about me. She talked TO ME.
So if I feel like giving you my opinion, just know that you were the one that just happened to be the one for the day. I'm still recovering. If you don't feel it's valid, it's best to just tell me.
I'll respect you for that.
For now, I'll suppress a handful of opinions that are bubbling inside of me. You're welcome.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
I'm a neat sleeper, uncrafty, frugal, and not hungry
This is all I've got today.
1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper? Very neat. If I'm on my own, sleeping in the bed by myself, the other side is hardly wrinkled! I attribute this to my childhood. I was not allowed to sleep in my parents' bed with them, but if for some reason I really, really wanted to (scared, sick, etc), my mom would tell me that I had to stay close to the edge so we wouldn't bother my dad. I slept very still and very close to the edge. Maybe that's why I'm not really a cuddler?
2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________. Crafty. Or as one of my friends said, skillful. I cannot sew nor am I able to do fun, simple projects. Heck, I can't even cook. If you find that finishing school, Mrs. Haid, sign me up!
3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about? I wish I knew that sometimes when you're part of a group or organization, people are only your friends because you are part of that group or organization...and that when you are no longer a part of it, they are no longer your friends.
4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market? My sister-in-law is the QUEEN of garage sales. I think the sales in her area just must be really good because on occasion she has picked up the cutest clothes for my kiddos or even toys to give as gifts. So I guess it's not me who found anything, but I know who my go-to girl is if I need to be on the look out for anything! I do love a good garage sale deal!
5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be? I am so not hungry right now, so answering this question is tricky. But lately I have been quite fond of the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad from Panera. It is so yummy and so filling and takes me forever to eat it because it's so much. I would have a Pepsi with it. That's what makes the meal complete.
1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper? Very neat. If I'm on my own, sleeping in the bed by myself, the other side is hardly wrinkled! I attribute this to my childhood. I was not allowed to sleep in my parents' bed with them, but if for some reason I really, really wanted to (scared, sick, etc), my mom would tell me that I had to stay close to the edge so we wouldn't bother my dad. I slept very still and very close to the edge. Maybe that's why I'm not really a cuddler?
2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________. Crafty. Or as one of my friends said, skillful. I cannot sew nor am I able to do fun, simple projects. Heck, I can't even cook. If you find that finishing school, Mrs. Haid, sign me up!
3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about? I wish I knew that sometimes when you're part of a group or organization, people are only your friends because you are part of that group or organization...and that when you are no longer a part of it, they are no longer your friends.
4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market? My sister-in-law is the QUEEN of garage sales. I think the sales in her area just must be really good because on occasion she has picked up the cutest clothes for my kiddos or even toys to give as gifts. So I guess it's not me who found anything, but I know who my go-to girl is if I need to be on the look out for anything! I do love a good garage sale deal!
5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be? I am so not hungry right now, so answering this question is tricky. But lately I have been quite fond of the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad from Panera. It is so yummy and so filling and takes me forever to eat it because it's so much. I would have a Pepsi with it. That's what makes the meal complete.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Our Little Town Needs Prayer
I barely have words today.
Our community is going through so much.
Usually I try to be vague as to what town I live in.
But you saw us on the news yesterday.
Yes, we know everyone interviewed on this video from The Today Show.
It is my husband's school district.
Please pray.
I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior
Lyrics from My Savior My God by Aaron Shust
Our community is going through so much.
Usually I try to be vague as to what town I live in.
But you saw us on the news yesterday.
Yes, we know everyone interviewed on this video from The Today Show.
It is my husband's school district.
Please pray.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior
Lyrics from My Savior My God by Aaron Shust
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Sappy Birthday Post
When you were young, and if you saw yourself as being a mommy someday (or daddy for my 3 male readers), did you envision what your child(ren) would look like?
And then when you met who you were to marry, did it give you another vision? Like, "Oh, look at that little, curly-haired girl. I bet that's what our daughter will look like!" Or, "See that little red-headed boy? That's what our son will look like!"
I did sometimes.
And as our children have grown, I see a little of us in each of them. Out of the three of them, though, Caleb is the one who is the most perfect blend of both of us. It's uncanny.
I used to try and convince everyone that he looks like me. Well, he does. But he also looks like Josh! I jokingly said to my mother-in-law one day, "People say he looks like Josh. People say he looks like me. Maybe Josh and I look alike?!" The truth is, God gave him a little of each of us. And it's perfect.
Today my sweet boy turns six.
Six.
How is that possible? How did I blink and find that my sweet little baby...
...is not a baby anymore.
When did my needy toddler become one who can make his own breakfast and lunch? The one who used to be unable to share...now finds joy in helping his sister in finding whatever she's looking for (even if it actually belongs to him).
He still needs correction. He still can push my buttons. His personality is more like Josh's you know! But I love him so very much. More than words can even say.
He has this compassionate side that I didn't know could exist in a little boy. When I have tears, he askes me what he can do to help. If his sister or brother are hurt, he wants to find their favorite toy to make it better. He has a gift of encouragement. Like when we were watching America's Got Talent, and as one of the singing competitors finished, I said, "She sounded nice," to which he replied, "Not as nice as you, Mommy!"
He still sits on my lap in the evenings as we watch a show together.
He still holds my hand where ever we go.
He still hugs me in front of anyone.
Those days may not be around for much longer. So as long as they are, I will hold him tight. I will keep his hand in mine. I will hug him as often as I can.
I love you so much, Caleb. You bring joy to my life, and I'm so thankful I'm your mom. Happy birthday sweet boy.
And then when you met who you were to marry, did it give you another vision? Like, "Oh, look at that little, curly-haired girl. I bet that's what our daughter will look like!" Or, "See that little red-headed boy? That's what our son will look like!"
I did sometimes.
And as our children have grown, I see a little of us in each of them. Out of the three of them, though, Caleb is the one who is the most perfect blend of both of us. It's uncanny.
I used to try and convince everyone that he looks like me. Well, he does. But he also looks like Josh! I jokingly said to my mother-in-law one day, "People say he looks like Josh. People say he looks like me. Maybe Josh and I look alike?!" The truth is, God gave him a little of each of us. And it's perfect.
Today my sweet boy turns six.
Six.
How is that possible? How did I blink and find that my sweet little baby...
...is not a baby anymore.
When did my needy toddler become one who can make his own breakfast and lunch? The one who used to be unable to share...now finds joy in helping his sister in finding whatever she's looking for (even if it actually belongs to him).
He still needs correction. He still can push my buttons. His personality is more like Josh's you know! But I love him so very much. More than words can even say.
He has this compassionate side that I didn't know could exist in a little boy. When I have tears, he askes me what he can do to help. If his sister or brother are hurt, he wants to find their favorite toy to make it better. He has a gift of encouragement. Like when we were watching America's Got Talent, and as one of the singing competitors finished, I said, "She sounded nice," to which he replied, "Not as nice as you, Mommy!"
He still sits on my lap in the evenings as we watch a show together.
He still holds my hand where ever we go.
He still hugs me in front of anyone.
Those days may not be around for much longer. So as long as they are, I will hold him tight. I will keep his hand in mine. I will hug him as often as I can.
I love you so much, Caleb. You bring joy to my life, and I'm so thankful I'm your mom. Happy birthday sweet boy.
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