The news out of Haiti is so sad. We have shirt-tail connections to people who have lost loved ones. It is hard to sit in my house, with all my family accounted for, and even grasp what it must be like on the ground in Haiti. I don't think we can fathom the depths of the loss or the need. As the kids and I were getting breakfast and lunches and launching for the day, we had the Today show on. It was a teachable moment. A sad moment to remind my bickering, chaotic kids that we are blessed, and that we are called to help.
I am struggling with pushing the kids to help. We have a local branch of Kids Against Hunger here in town and they are packaging food round the clock right now. The kids suggested going and helping as a family. We will head there after school tomorrow. They are requesting those that come to package also bring some sort of a donation. I REALLY want the kids to think up donating some of their money on their own. I REALLY don't want to push them into doing it, but I also think it is something they will remember for the rest of their lives, and hopefully at this young age, will plant the seeds of our truly global family. Because we truly are a global family. Whether it is someone in our own community that needs help, or an ocean away in Ethiopia or Haiti, we are a global family.
Do what you can, with what you have, to spread God's Word, Share God's Love, and Help your global Sisters and Brothers.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
It's Too Da** Cold!
Okay, yes, I did choose to live in this frozen tundra. Nothing beats a warm summer evening, sitting in the boat at sunset, listening to the loons. Everything beats -50 wind chill, 20+ inches of snow, and ice so thick I want to put skates on the mini van. But I guess I have to deal with one to relish the other.
It really is damn cold here right now. The poor puppy, who still needs some house-training work, looks at me like I have lost my mind as I shove her tush quickly out the door. She is repaying me by leaving little presents all over the house. Poor puppers. (invest in Kids and Pets stock if you are looking for a sure thing...we are buying tons of it right now)
They say it is going to thaw soon. It's going to get to a whopping 30. Might be time to break out the shorts.
I am feeling a little chilly on the job front as well. Church has not posted the application for the job I am hoping to apply for. I have never wanted a job so bad in my life. I want it so bad I almost get a physical reaction when I think about it. I feel so called to this job, and looking back, feel like God has led me to this point. But this is where I struggle. How much of this is me listening to God's call and how much of it is me following my own desires? I really do think this is a calling, but if this doesn't pan out the way I am hoping, I will be at a loss. Preschool teacher's aide is doing me in!!
The kids are all doing fine, albeit a little cagey given the weather. They got out of school early yesterday and started late today, due to the mighty fine weather. I guess it has a few perks! The tween turns 12 next week. That will be a blog post all on it's own. The princess has decided she is cute enough and doesn't need any beauty sleep...it's wrecking havoc on my beauty! Her favoritie place to sleep right now is in between mom and dad, touching both of us. Makes for a long night. I do recall her brothers all doing this about this age...and they all sleep pretty well now, so we are holding out hope!
Well, time to send a princess to the tub, and hope for a little warm sleep later in the evening. As the boys around here say...
Peace out!
It really is damn cold here right now. The poor puppy, who still needs some house-training work, looks at me like I have lost my mind as I shove her tush quickly out the door. She is repaying me by leaving little presents all over the house. Poor puppers. (invest in Kids and Pets stock if you are looking for a sure thing...we are buying tons of it right now)
They say it is going to thaw soon. It's going to get to a whopping 30. Might be time to break out the shorts.
I am feeling a little chilly on the job front as well. Church has not posted the application for the job I am hoping to apply for. I have never wanted a job so bad in my life. I want it so bad I almost get a physical reaction when I think about it. I feel so called to this job, and looking back, feel like God has led me to this point. But this is where I struggle. How much of this is me listening to God's call and how much of it is me following my own desires? I really do think this is a calling, but if this doesn't pan out the way I am hoping, I will be at a loss. Preschool teacher's aide is doing me in!!
The kids are all doing fine, albeit a little cagey given the weather. They got out of school early yesterday and started late today, due to the mighty fine weather. I guess it has a few perks! The tween turns 12 next week. That will be a blog post all on it's own. The princess has decided she is cute enough and doesn't need any beauty sleep...it's wrecking havoc on my beauty! Her favoritie place to sleep right now is in between mom and dad, touching both of us. Makes for a long night. I do recall her brothers all doing this about this age...and they all sleep pretty well now, so we are holding out hope!
Well, time to send a princess to the tub, and hope for a little warm sleep later in the evening. As the boys around here say...
Peace out!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Hello 2010!
Well hello 2010! I am so very glad to see you! You see 2009 was not my friend. In fact, 2009 was one of those years I hope to soon forget! So 2010, I just want to set a few ground rules for ya as you come to play in our sandbox...
1. Unexpected surprises are allowed and encouraged, IF they are GOOD surprises.
2. Between you and me, we need to figure out what I am going to be when I grow up, and the sooner the better.
3. I learned enough about patience last year and the year before. It has been determined it is a lesson I won't learn, so don't even try.
4. In year's past, my children have gone through 6 month cycles (good behavior/bad behavior) 2010 is a 12 month cycle of great behavior! (just so you know)
5. Financial issues go hand in hand with the surprise rule. Allowed and encouraged only if they are windfalls.
6.The goal this year is to be happy. Please work toward this goal at all times.
7. It looks as though tween-dome, potty training, and puppy training are all on the docket this year. Again, good surprises welcomed and encouraged.
8. If you would like to be a year to be remembered, play nice, follow the rules, don't flex your muscles.
9. An early spring, a warm summer, and long fall, and a snowy Christmas would be appreciated.
10. We can be good friends, if you follow these rules, share the toys in the sandbox, and bring on some of those good surprises!
Sincerely,
me
1. Unexpected surprises are allowed and encouraged, IF they are GOOD surprises.
2. Between you and me, we need to figure out what I am going to be when I grow up, and the sooner the better.
3. I learned enough about patience last year and the year before. It has been determined it is a lesson I won't learn, so don't even try.
4. In year's past, my children have gone through 6 month cycles (good behavior/bad behavior) 2010 is a 12 month cycle of great behavior! (just so you know)
5. Financial issues go hand in hand with the surprise rule. Allowed and encouraged only if they are windfalls.
6.The goal this year is to be happy. Please work toward this goal at all times.
7. It looks as though tween-dome, potty training, and puppy training are all on the docket this year. Again, good surprises welcomed and encouraged.
8. If you would like to be a year to be remembered, play nice, follow the rules, don't flex your muscles.
9. An early spring, a warm summer, and long fall, and a snowy Christmas would be appreciated.
10. We can be good friends, if you follow these rules, share the toys in the sandbox, and bring on some of those good surprises!
Sincerely,
me
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Blessings
The wrapping is gone, the toys strewn about. The tree is still standing, thou a little tousled in appearance. The tins of cookies are down to the crumbs, the left overs are stacked precariously in the fridge. Band Hero and Lego Rockband are suppling the theme music for the day, and I can't believe it's over already!
It was a wonderful Christmas. Miss Sunshine was in her glory. Santa brought her a shopping cart that she is head over heels for, and mom and dad got her a doll that she truly hasn't let out of her sight since opening it. It was wonderful to watch the joy in her eyes at all the magic of the season.
The boys had there expectations met and more. Even the tween seemed happy with his loot. Mother nature blessed us with a fabulous snowstorm. It felt like we were living in a snow globe for much of the holiday! One set of grandparents came and got stranded which was great fun. Unfortunately the other side got stranded at home and didn't make it. That was the only damper on the holiday.
We now have a week of vacation for all of us. I forsee game playing, fort building, a little room cleaning, some re-organizing, and mostly family time together. Can't wait!
Enjoy the pics!
It was a wonderful Christmas. Miss Sunshine was in her glory. Santa brought her a shopping cart that she is head over heels for, and mom and dad got her a doll that she truly hasn't let out of her sight since opening it. It was wonderful to watch the joy in her eyes at all the magic of the season.
The boys had there expectations met and more. Even the tween seemed happy with his loot. Mother nature blessed us with a fabulous snowstorm. It felt like we were living in a snow globe for much of the holiday! One set of grandparents came and got stranded which was great fun. Unfortunately the other side got stranded at home and didn't make it. That was the only damper on the holiday.
We now have a week of vacation for all of us. I forsee game playing, fort building, a little room cleaning, some re-organizing, and mostly family time together. Can't wait!
Enjoy the pics!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The night before the night before the night before Christmas
And all through the house ALL the creatures were stiring...I think I heard a mouse! Oh the ramp up to Christmas is so fun and insane and crazy! I was forced to procrastinate this year (waiting on the Christmas money ship to come in). E and I did all our shopping in 1 day. We are amazing ! I do have a few bits and pieces to finish this am...then we are preparing for a HUGE winter storm that promises to mess with travel plans, but also be a ton of fun. Getting snowed in with a pile of presents, tons of good food, and your favorite people in the world doesn't sound too bad! We are hoping the grandparents will all be able to make it to our house...but is isn't looking too good. That will be a bummer.
Miss Sunshine is all about the lights, jingle bells, and asking "WHat Santa Bring" if you don't answer "presents" is quick fashion, you are in trouble. She is a hoot.
Time to go sneak a Christmas cookie with the last drops of coffee and make one more trip to retail land.
May you find peace and the reason for the season in the days to come.
Miss Sunshine is all about the lights, jingle bells, and asking "WHat Santa Bring" if you don't answer "presents" is quick fashion, you are in trouble. She is a hoot.
Time to go sneak a Christmas cookie with the last drops of coffee and make one more trip to retail land.
May you find peace and the reason for the season in the days to come.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
National Lampoons Christmas vacation...our style
Oyi what a week. It has been a doozie. After our picture perfect tree trip, a fun Christmas program at church on Sunday...the fun really began. Monday morning started with the tween complaining of a sore throat. Yay, buck up little camper...you can make it, take a tylenol and soldier on. Said tween returns from school, still feeling crummy. Take said tween to the MD on Tuesday afternoon. Is it strep again? Could it be mono? (oh nooo) Low and behold, it is strep again. Huge dose of antibiotics and he is repaired. Wed, middle man complains of sore throat...another one bites the dust...more antibiotics for him, more days of children home when they belong in school, more days of mom not getting anything done because said children needing mommy. I need me in triplicate!
This week, Toddler enters full toddler-hood. OH.MY. GOODNESS. Girl toddlers are way different than boy toddlers...they have this whole diva thing going on. Said toddler has decided her attention grabbing action of choice is to melt, lay herself down on the floor and refuse any request mom might make. It is lovely. We have tried out the floor at the Y, the aisles of Target, the parquet on in the sanctuary at church, the kitchen floor, and the snowy parking lot at work. Oh lovely! She also isn't sleeping, unless she is twirling her toddler-diva-self in mom and dad's bed. It is making for a sleep deprived, rescoures tapped out mama.
The other silly of the week...11:30 at night, mom hears a crash in the living room. All living beings are accounted for. Gravity struck the Christmas tree and it was laying on the couch, water all over the floor, along with ornament bits and pieces. Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...
On the up side, I only have one day left of work, then have 2 weeks off. Stinks for the pay check, but great for the sanity! (The new job I am going after still doesn't have an official application...keep praying) So I can finally START Christmas shopping. Yes, I know, Christmas is coming very soon!
So Dear Santa,
Please bring me some sanity, wrapped up in a little sleep, with a lovely new job and salaried paycheck on top...oh and if there is any room left, a wand that will turn the diva back into a sweet princess and eradicate all germs from the house. Please Santa, I have been a really, really good girl!
This week, Toddler enters full toddler-hood. OH.MY. GOODNESS. Girl toddlers are way different than boy toddlers...they have this whole diva thing going on. Said toddler has decided her attention grabbing action of choice is to melt, lay herself down on the floor and refuse any request mom might make. It is lovely. We have tried out the floor at the Y, the aisles of Target, the parquet on in the sanctuary at church, the kitchen floor, and the snowy parking lot at work. Oh lovely! She also isn't sleeping, unless she is twirling her toddler-diva-self in mom and dad's bed. It is making for a sleep deprived, rescoures tapped out mama.
The other silly of the week...11:30 at night, mom hears a crash in the living room. All living beings are accounted for. Gravity struck the Christmas tree and it was laying on the couch, water all over the floor, along with ornament bits and pieces. Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...
On the up side, I only have one day left of work, then have 2 weeks off. Stinks for the pay check, but great for the sanity! (The new job I am going after still doesn't have an official application...keep praying) So I can finally START Christmas shopping. Yes, I know, Christmas is coming very soon!
So Dear Santa,
Please bring me some sanity, wrapped up in a little sleep, with a lovely new job and salaried paycheck on top...oh and if there is any room left, a wand that will turn the diva back into a sweet princess and eradicate all germs from the house. Please Santa, I have been a really, really good girl!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Picture Perfect
It was a Hallmark movie kind of day. We had a blast cutting the Christmas tree this year. There was the perfect layer of snow...it was a balmy 25 degrees, the sun was shining, and we found the perfect tree. It was just right.
I am having a bit of a panic attack that Christmas will be here so soon. I know it comes the same time every year, but this year it is really sneaking up on me. I have a ton to do...but the next week and 1/2 will be great fun with lots of merry making, gift buying, and cookie baking! It is my fav time of year. I have to remember to slow down and savor it all.
May you find a few Hallmark moments in your week to come!
I am having a bit of a panic attack that Christmas will be here so soon. I know it comes the same time every year, but this year it is really sneaking up on me. I have a ton to do...but the next week and 1/2 will be great fun with lots of merry making, gift buying, and cookie baking! It is my fav time of year. I have to remember to slow down and savor it all.
May you find a few Hallmark moments in your week to come!
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