Just some quotes I've found that I finally have a place for. Things I've read at some point that I have saved and has made me stop and think, and remember to be thankful for the good and bad, the doors open and shut, and all the people that have come in and out of my life for whatever reason! So to all of the amazing people in my life...this is for you! THANK YOU
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-- Albert Schweitzer
Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes, another always opens.
-- Author Unknown
Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.
-- Ralph Marston
None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy.
-- Fred De Witt Van Amburgh
Monday, December 8, 2008
It's Been A Hot Minute....
It's been a hot minute since I last blogged. I really need to be doing this more. What a great outlet for me, and for others to see what is going on when they feel like looking, reading or taking part in the action.
So much has happened since the last blog I left. I'm not even going to try and look back and catch up. Will just start anew from here.
My babies stayed with their Dad this past weekend for the first time. Not an easy thing for me. However, they did have fun and came home with smiles on their faces. After all, he is their Dad. Just so hard to let go, especially considering the past. But as OUR new best friend says, "Don't look back, there is nothing you can change there." (Sarah Palin) While they were gone I had a weekend away from home. It was heavenly. I was completely spoiled rotten by a good friend, soaked in a bubble bath until it turned cold, had the most delicious seafood I've had in years, laughed like I haven't laughed in a long time (well, since the last time Mom spent the night) and got to relax! So thanks to my dear friend Mr. Buie, as well as, my parents for coming to my house to rescue Cassie (the boxer) so she could eat, go outside and let Mom chase her around the neighborhood.
That about catches up the main points. I'll be sure to keep up more....
....baby let's cruise, away from here. Don't be confused, the way is clear...."
Friday, May 30, 2008
Kick off to Summer!
Well, Lexie started off the summer with a bang, or should I say... TOUCHDOWN! She was playing football with some of the kids from the neighborhood and broke her growth plate in her two middle fingers on her left hand! Fun. She has a soft cast on it until the swelling goes down and then they will put a hard cast on it if they see she needs it. Always something. She had an amazing doctor in the emergency room so she didn't stress or freak out at all, which if you know Lexie- that is a HUGE thing. She is able to take the cast off to shower, but it really hurts her to not have it wrapped, so we end up putting it right back on. It is still swollen (four days later) and all shades of green and blue! She wears it in a sling when we are out and about to keep it elevated but when we are hanging around the house she just keeps it propped on a pillow! Always something interesting in our house! =)
Yay, we finally had our first trip to the beach this year! We had a blast. The sun, sand, shells and clear water were just a few of the highlights. We rode waves, splashed in the water and sat at the edge and collected treasure. We went with my friend Amanda, she is as big a beach lover as we are and hopefully we will get to go together a lot more over the summer. We also got to go see Amanda's house. It's HUGE and has so much character and charm. I love it and I am so happy for her and Tim. They have a lot of work ahead of them, but a cute place to call home.
**Here's to an awesome beginning to our summer**
Friday, May 16, 2008
A brighter tomorrow
I've been asked to blog in bigger writing... ah, my fans and their demands. I guess the least I can do is comply! This is a picture I took of a flower outside of the Foy Fine Arts building at Georgia Southern. I love the color, and it seemed like every detail of the flower was perfect! It made me smile =) I still haven't asked Mom what kind of flower it is, but it would be really pretty in an arrangement. Just a thought.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
This is a picture I took of the right side of the library while they were still working on the left. I love the buildings at Southern- along with the history of the school.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
I guess I will close for the night. I think I am actually tired, plus a busy day tomorrow. YAY!
The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness. ~Honoré de Balzac
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Lexie Pooh, Lyssa Lou and Jaybird, too!
Oh Lyssa Bug! Boy she is keeping my head spinning. I don't know what is going on. Sometimes she is so mature and loving. Sweat and caring and then BAM- this monster. She is so sloppy and doesn't want to do things to help and then other times you can't get her to stop helping and she wants everything in it's place. Is that Bi Polar? Or is that just her personality? She wears me out. Then is so sweet with her apologies, but I am so aggravated I don't want to hear it. I've emailed her teacher back and forth a few times. She told me some "truths" I really needed to hear, to remind me to snap out of my funk and put these girls and there needs as top priority. Not that I wasn't, but I was making a lot of excuses that just didn't wash. I knew it too, I just needed someone to say.... SHAPE UP! So we got things figured out and came to a few understandings and I feel a lot better about it. Now to just get Sissy to listen and understand I am the Mom and she HAS to do AS I SAY, not AS I DO! The grass sure isn't growing under her feet. I'm in awe of her whit and personality. She is so demanding at times and so simple, at others. Last weekend she decided the cats needed a bath. Cats that are a year old that have not had a bath since we first brought them home. She is like the Dog Whisperer, but for all animals. She gave them both baths. Spoke to them, reassured them, lathered, rinsed, kisses, praised.... it was something like I've never seen. She was never intimidated by there meowing or groaning- she just kept saying "It's okay- you want to feel better and smell fresh don't you" where does she get this? So we have two, one year old cats that are clean and fluffy and smell good! Thanks Lyssa!! She even gave Cassie a bath, but that isn't hard except for her size. Cassie LOVES water. Lyssa just talks away to them and sings and reassures them. It's so sweet. Wish she could get along with her sister like that!
Boy am I missing my Monkey! I know where he is and everything that is happening is a GREAT thing, I just didn't think it would be this hard. I can't wait to go visit him again next week. I'll actually have more time to visit too. Plus I get to go back the next day and visit! YAY! I love talking to him. He actually had a full, interactive conversation with us last time. AMAZING. Where he is , is making so many dreams come true for all of us. They are also allowing Jay to become a young man with great direction and helping him with his weaknesses as well as bringing out his strengths. They are an amazing facility and they are surprising me every step of the way! He talked to his Dad this week. I'm not sure how I feel about that. First I felt guilty because I keep falling asleep during the time I can call him- but then I thought, he needs to hear from his Dad. I just hope the call wasn't full of empty promises and BS! Jay knows who is here for him unconditionally and knows no matter what, Momma is always going to be there! The girls are so torn about going to see him. They miss him, but they aren't ready to see him and say good bye yet. That is so sad to me. But, being the one who is HORRIBLE at good bye's and I have been my whole life, I understand. The problem is, I don't know where to have them go- They don't want to go to their Nana's (sad- but they said all she does is ask questions and it makes them feel uncomfortable), they don't want to go to their friends houses (they like being with Mom - or MaaMaa) and they definitely don't want to go to their Dad and Terri's house. But they are scared to see Jay and tell him bye. We'll work on it, maybe it won't be as hard as they think. They know their choices, so maybe they'll make the decision themselves.
Then there is Lexie Pooh! Oh the hormones that are raging in my home. Yesterday she was so sick. I guess I shared whatever I have. She slept all night, all day and then all night again. She did get up this morning ready to go- I hope she had a good day! She has such a hard time in school. Wanting to fit in, getting people to understand her. You name it. Lexie doesn't fake her feelings and although that is a good thing, sometimes it hurts her. She makes no excuses for her feelings or how she thinks. It is what it is. Some people don't know how to be around people like that. Plus, if you upset or burn her- she won't give you a second chance. A learned behavior from her past I guess. We'll get through it. I'm trying so hard to understand her and relate to how she feels, but it baffles me at times! Craziness. She had her 6th grade final concert on Tuesday and I missed it. Talk about guilt. I was so weak, there was no way I could make it. She had to organize rides for her and Lyssa, make sure Lyssa got home, she got to the concert- everything. I just slept. She said if she asked me a question I talked to her about crazy stuff! You have to love what a fever does to your system! I am so proud of her though, and all she has over come. She is wise beyond her years and impresses me every day with her gift of music and history and science! She is going places and is not going to let anyone step in her way!
These kids are my life- I pray I do right by them!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
It's been a minute....
I haven't posted in a few days. It's been kind of crazy. I won't go deep and try to explain how I feel. Something just isn't right. I've been sick and had a few issues, but it's something more then that. I wish I understood it so I could explain it. I've slept almost two days straight now though, and boy I am beat. I just feel so weak and like I have no energy. This bug has kicked my butt!
I missed Lexie's final concert last night of the 6th grade. It really bothered me. She was so excited. But she came home so hurt. She has had a lot of issues with her teacher in band and never seems to get recognized for her efforts. But I know she gets very snappy so if she's been that way with the band teacher, that may be the problem.
Lyssa is acting out at home and school. She is really bothering me. I don't know what her problem is. I got an email from her teacher today and she said she is having a problem with Lyssa being late every day or absent. The absences are because she has been making up all the doctors appointments she has missed over the year so she was going in late a lot but also because she doesn't want to get up and out in the morning. I really need to work on that and see what happens. Hopefully it's not too late to turn things around.
I'm so behind with things. I have no money and it is driving me crazy. But I've also worn my parents out. What a helpless feeling. I hate it. It's all I can think about. There stupid DEAD BEAT DAD makes me so mad. I bet he's not doing with out or having to worry on such a level. Such a loser. He is the most selfish, inhumane person I have ever met in my entire life. Grrrrr.
I just wish I could snap out of whatever is wrong with me. What an awful feeling.
Until next time....
"this too shall pass...."
I missed Lexie's final concert last night of the 6th grade. It really bothered me. She was so excited. But she came home so hurt. She has had a lot of issues with her teacher in band and never seems to get recognized for her efforts. But I know she gets very snappy so if she's been that way with the band teacher, that may be the problem.
Lyssa is acting out at home and school. She is really bothering me. I don't know what her problem is. I got an email from her teacher today and she said she is having a problem with Lyssa being late every day or absent. The absences are because she has been making up all the doctors appointments she has missed over the year so she was going in late a lot but also because she doesn't want to get up and out in the morning. I really need to work on that and see what happens. Hopefully it's not too late to turn things around.
I'm so behind with things. I have no money and it is driving me crazy. But I've also worn my parents out. What a helpless feeling. I hate it. It's all I can think about. There stupid DEAD BEAT DAD makes me so mad. I bet he's not doing with out or having to worry on such a level. Such a loser. He is the most selfish, inhumane person I have ever met in my entire life. Grrrrr.
I just wish I could snap out of whatever is wrong with me. What an awful feeling.
Until next time....
"this too shall pass...."
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Catching Up....
Yesterday Daddy took me to Atlanta to see Jay. It's amazing, we actually talk non-stop, and if I nod off and go to sleep, (because the night before Mom spends the night and we stay up until almost 2 a.m. talking) as soon as he sees me wake back up he just starts talking all over again. It makes me laugh. I was never close to my Dad when I was little. He worked, I did the kid thing. Then when we moved south I just wanted to make him miserable, the sad thing, he already was. Then I thought I fell in love, although warned against it over and over by so many people- again, I disappointed my Dad. Just putting more and more space between us. Now, I have that relationship with me Dad I've always longed for. I can call and even tell him when I mess up. (It takes some encouragement from Mom, but I end up calling) He listens. He talks. He helps. He advices. He laughs. I love it. I love him, and thankfully he forgives. I know he'll never forget the Hell I literally put him through, but I finally KNOW my Daddy loves me! Now, Jay- he was AWESOME, AMAZING, HAPPY, INTERACTIVE, LAUGHING...the list goes on. I couldn't have been happier with his progress. He even learned how to play chess, so he was telling his Granny Bob all about it! Left me speechless. I'll go back later this month for a 'Community Meal' where I'll get to eat with him and visit for a longer period of time. The girls and hopefully my sister will be going too, which is going to be AWESOME!
Well, another day coming to an end. Something doesn't feel right, and it hasn't. I keep talking to my doctors about it, but they insist all is fine. Maybe it's the weight? Have you ever felt guilty about something that you hold the absolute control of? I mean, I am the only one that can change it, yet I still do it. I have my closet and dresser divided into outfits I can wear, and outfits that are too small. But they are all like new, I refuse to part with them, and pray I get back to that size and lower. I pray God gives me the strength to see this commitment through and helps me get on the road to eating healthy and exercising like I should. I have to be here for my kids, my grandkids and all of their milestones through life. I refuse to miss any of it- so that leaves one answer... DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
I was suppose to go help my friend paint today. Have you ever had that feeling that something just isn't right? I don't know if it's still from not feeling good yesterday, I've caught a little bug, or what- but I can't shake it. I just don't feel right. I can't explain it anymore then that, it's just strange. I feel so bad for not going. She was really counting on me too. I have to admit though, I am also worried about money and my car. I've noticed an oil leak again. Worse then before, I just need to stay close to home I think. I should have ridden with her! Shoot-
Well, that's all for now.
"If you fall seven times, stand up eight!" - chinese proverb
*The Daffodil Principle*
The Daffodil Principle
Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, 'Mother, you must come to
see the daffodils before they are over.''
I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead.
'I will come next Tuesday', I promised a little reluctantly on her third
call.
Next Tuesday, dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I
drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house, I was welcomed by
the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my
grandchildren.
'Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and
fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I
want to see badly enough to drive another inch!'
My daughter smiled calmly and said, ' We drive in this all the time,
Mother.'
'Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm
heading for home!' I assured her.
'But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks,'
Carolyn said. 'I'll drive. I'm used to this.'
'Carolyn,' I said sternly, 'Please turn around.'
'It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you
miss this experience.'
After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a
small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with
an arrow that read, 'Daffodil Garden.'
W e got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn
down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me
lay the most glorious sight.
It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over
the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in
majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy
white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron and butter yellow. Each
different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed
like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.
'Who did this?' I asked Carolyn.
'Just one woman,' Carolyn answered. 'She lives on the property. That's her
home.' Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly
sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.
On the patio, we saw a poster. 'Answers to the Questions I Know You Are
Asking', was the headline.
The first answer was a simple one. '50,000 bulbs,' it read.
The second answer was, 'One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet,
and one brain.'
The third answer was, 'Began in 1958.'
For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman
whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb
at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop.
Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever
changed the world in which she lived.
One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence,
beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of
the greatest principles of celebration.
That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time,
often just one baby-step at a time and learning to love the doing, learning
to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with
small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish
magnificent things. We can change the world .
'It makes me sad in a way,' I admitted to Carolyn. ' What might I have
accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty five or forty years ago
and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? 'Just
think what I might have been able to achieve!'
My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way.
'Start tomorrow,' she said.
She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays.
The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for
regret is to only ask, 'How can I put this to use today?'
Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting.....
Until your car or home is paid off
Until you get a new car or home
Until your kids leave the house
Until you go back to school
Until you finish school
Until you clean the house
Until you organize the garage
Until you clean off your desk
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married
Until you get a divorce
Until you have kids
Until the kids go to school
Until you retire
Until summer
Until spring
Until winter
Until fall
Until you die...
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey,
not a destination.
Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, 'Mother, you must come to
see the daffodils before they are over.''
I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead.
'I will come next Tuesday', I promised a little reluctantly on her third
call.
Next Tuesday, dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I
drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house, I was welcomed by
the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my
grandchildren.
'Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and
fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I
want to see badly enough to drive another inch!'
My daughter smiled calmly and said, ' We drive in this all the time,
Mother.'
'Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm
heading for home!' I assured her.
'But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks,'
Carolyn said. 'I'll drive. I'm used to this.'
'Carolyn,' I said sternly, 'Please turn around.'
'It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you
miss this experience.'
After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a
small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with
an arrow that read, 'Daffodil Garden.'
W e got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn
down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me
lay the most glorious sight.
It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over
the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in
majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy
white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron and butter yellow. Each
different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed
like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.
'Who did this?' I asked Carolyn.
'Just one woman,' Carolyn answered. 'She lives on the property. That's her
home.' Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly
sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.
On the patio, we saw a poster. 'Answers to the Questions I Know You Are
Asking', was the headline.
The first answer was a simple one. '50,000 bulbs,' it read.
The second answer was, 'One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet,
and one brain.'
The third answer was, 'Began in 1958.'
For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman
whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb
at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop.
Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever
changed the world in which she lived.
One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence,
beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of
the greatest principles of celebration.
That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time,
often just one baby-step at a time and learning to love the doing, learning
to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with
small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish
magnificent things. We can change the world .
'It makes me sad in a way,' I admitted to Carolyn. ' What might I have
accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty five or forty years ago
and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? 'Just
think what I might have been able to achieve!'
My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way.
'Start tomorrow,' she said.
She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays.
The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for
regret is to only ask, 'How can I put this to use today?'
Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting.....
Until your car or home is paid off
Until you get a new car or home
Until your kids leave the house
Until you go back to school
Until you finish school
Until you clean the house
Until you organize the garage
Until you clean off your desk
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married
Until you get a divorce
Until you have kids
Until the kids go to school
Until you retire
Until summer
Until spring
Until winter
Until fall
Until you die...
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey,
not a destination.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Surrounded by my favorite people!! =)
What a day!
My Mom came to spend the day/night with us. I love when she comes. We are always so busy-
The girls were both home "sick" today. I think they just convinced me of that till it was too late to bring them to school and were excited to hang out with MaaMaa, too. We went to Office Max, JCPenney's, Goody's, Starbucks, Dollar Store, Wal-Mart...you name it, we hit it today. Then we went and picked out our preachers daughter and she went to Splash in the Boro with us for Lyssa's last day of swim lessons. They celebrate by having a swim for friends and family. It was so refreshing. My friend Amanda went too. Mom wouldn't get in. She thinks she's too fat. But I think she's adorable. I know for her heart though she does have to lose the weight. And so do I. I got real tonight and got gut level with the weight loss idea too- and it's time. I have to be here. To finish school, to see my kids through the milestones of their life, and to enjoy my life to the fullest. Right now I am so uncomfortable. I feel smothered. It's a horrible, horrible feeling. Anyway- it all starts NOW!
Before I came to this realization (do NOT laugh) we met my Pastor, his wife (who is an awesome friend), and their kids at El Sombrero for dinner. YUM-O! We had such a good time. Mom was telling all my embarrassing childhood stories (THANKS MOM, lol), and had us all in stitches! It was so much fun. We sat there from 7 o'clock until almost 10 and then we stood in the parking lot for a good while telling even more stories. How lucky am I that my Mom, (my best friend in the world) and my favorite people all hung out today. (Travis, Tonya, the kids, and Amanda- and my Mom loves every bit of it and them as much as I do!)
Well, it's after 1 a.m. and I have to get up at 5 a.m. to get the girls ready for school and then off to see my baby boy!
It's been a great day and I am so thankful to have the people I do in my life!
" None of the secrets of success will work unless you do!" - chinese proverb
My Mom came to spend the day/night with us. I love when she comes. We are always so busy-
The girls were both home "sick" today. I think they just convinced me of that till it was too late to bring them to school and were excited to hang out with MaaMaa, too. We went to Office Max, JCPenney's, Goody's, Starbucks, Dollar Store, Wal-Mart...you name it, we hit it today. Then we went and picked out our preachers daughter and she went to Splash in the Boro with us for Lyssa's last day of swim lessons. They celebrate by having a swim for friends and family. It was so refreshing. My friend Amanda went too. Mom wouldn't get in. She thinks she's too fat. But I think she's adorable. I know for her heart though she does have to lose the weight. And so do I. I got real tonight and got gut level with the weight loss idea too- and it's time. I have to be here. To finish school, to see my kids through the milestones of their life, and to enjoy my life to the fullest. Right now I am so uncomfortable. I feel smothered. It's a horrible, horrible feeling. Anyway- it all starts NOW!
Before I came to this realization (do NOT laugh) we met my Pastor, his wife (who is an awesome friend), and their kids at El Sombrero for dinner. YUM-O! We had such a good time. Mom was telling all my embarrassing childhood stories (THANKS MOM, lol), and had us all in stitches! It was so much fun. We sat there from 7 o'clock until almost 10 and then we stood in the parking lot for a good while telling even more stories. How lucky am I that my Mom, (my best friend in the world) and my favorite people all hung out today. (Travis, Tonya, the kids, and Amanda- and my Mom loves every bit of it and them as much as I do!)
Well, it's after 1 a.m. and I have to get up at 5 a.m. to get the girls ready for school and then off to see my baby boy!
It's been a great day and I am so thankful to have the people I do in my life!
" None of the secrets of success will work unless you do!" - chinese proverb
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Give 'em somethin' to believe in.....
Well, another day coming to a close. What a long day it has been. I was up all night last night. There was so much on my mind and so many things I want to get done. For example:
Moving- I want everything organized and ready so whoever helps me move will know exactly where I want things without having to ask. Then it will go so much faster and less moving and toting for me once I am in. Then it is all in a specific place too, and not all strewn everywhere. So worked on that till I ran out of things to fill last night.
Lexie- I just hate what she is going through with this stomach pain and she feels like no one listens. That is not the case, I do listen- I just don't know how to help. There seems to be nothing that sets off the pain, or anything that eases it. It just comes and goes as it wants to. (Plus, she had a dentist appointment today- she hates DOCTORS, but DESPISES DENTISTS! Once I finally got her there today, her appointment was at noon and she had of all people the girl that brushes your teeth that she clashes with. This girl just has no bedside manner, well so Lexie thinks. She is my favorite in there. A few months back she told Lexie she mine as well not be brushing her teeth look awful. Well, I can vouch for Lexie she has been doing it. Well this girl told her she wasn't doing it again, so Lexie went in to shut down mode. No talking, no eye contact, no emotion.... I am lovin' hormonal children! NOT)
Lyssa- Well, my little Buddha baby had a great day. She came to the car saying "her boyfriend" called her honey bunny! Good grief. She was smitten. She is losing so much weight. She looks adorable in all her clothes instead of looking like she is going to bust out of them. I am so proud of her! =)
Church- I am finally seeing my Pastor's vision for things and I am probably almost as excited as he is. I love my church. I love the people and I love the lessons I am learning and the unconditional support I have. It's amazing. Nothing will ever beat or take place of my parents, but knowing now, that there is someone five minutes away if I need something is AWESOME! I worked on the church myspace page for HOURS last night. Travis (pastor) said he wanted a "grunge" look. Never heard grunge and church in the same sentence before. But that is what makes this church so appealing to me. So relatible. I love that it is geared towards the change of the world. Not how people did it 100 years ago and
'we'll still do it that way because we don't know any different and we are scared to step out on a leap of faith!' It's all about what works, not about what is tradition. I love that. That is the same concept I had to take with the kids. We had to do what worked- not tradition or normal expectations. So for me- it's great. Travis was excited about an email blitz going out this morning ( I think ) so he was trying to get our website (www.changetheboro.com) all in tact. As much as possible anyway, we've had a busy few weeks. I was so excited about it all, I just couldn't relax and get to sleep. I kept waking up writing notes, jotting down ideas and then of course.....
Cleaning (and the odds and ends) - My house has been such a mess. What an eye sore. I haven't cleaned right in forever. I've been so 'icky' feeling that I just can't get in the mood to do what I know needs done. So I decided at 3 a.m. that was a wonderful thing to work on. Mind you, by 7 a.m. when it was time to get the girls up, I was absolutely exhausted.
Well, that catches up a little for now- more later I am sure.
"God never gives you more then you can handle, but does he have to trust me so much?"
Moving- I want everything organized and ready so whoever helps me move will know exactly where I want things without having to ask. Then it will go so much faster and less moving and toting for me once I am in. Then it is all in a specific place too, and not all strewn everywhere. So worked on that till I ran out of things to fill last night.
Lexie- I just hate what she is going through with this stomach pain and she feels like no one listens. That is not the case, I do listen- I just don't know how to help. There seems to be nothing that sets off the pain, or anything that eases it. It just comes and goes as it wants to. (Plus, she had a dentist appointment today- she hates DOCTORS, but DESPISES DENTISTS! Once I finally got her there today, her appointment was at noon and she had of all people the girl that brushes your teeth that she clashes with. This girl just has no bedside manner, well so Lexie thinks. She is my favorite in there. A few months back she told Lexie she mine as well not be brushing her teeth look awful. Well, I can vouch for Lexie she has been doing it. Well this girl told her she wasn't doing it again, so Lexie went in to shut down mode. No talking, no eye contact, no emotion.... I am lovin' hormonal children! NOT)
Lyssa- Well, my little Buddha baby had a great day. She came to the car saying "her boyfriend" called her honey bunny! Good grief. She was smitten. She is losing so much weight. She looks adorable in all her clothes instead of looking like she is going to bust out of them. I am so proud of her! =)
Church- I am finally seeing my Pastor's vision for things and I am probably almost as excited as he is. I love my church. I love the people and I love the lessons I am learning and the unconditional support I have. It's amazing. Nothing will ever beat or take place of my parents, but knowing now, that there is someone five minutes away if I need something is AWESOME! I worked on the church myspace page for HOURS last night. Travis (pastor) said he wanted a "grunge" look. Never heard grunge and church in the same sentence before. But that is what makes this church so appealing to me. So relatible. I love that it is geared towards the change of the world. Not how people did it 100 years ago and
'we'll still do it that way because we don't know any different and we are scared to step out on a leap of faith!' It's all about what works, not about what is tradition. I love that. That is the same concept I had to take with the kids. We had to do what worked- not tradition or normal expectations. So for me- it's great. Travis was excited about an email blitz going out this morning ( I think ) so he was trying to get our website (www.changetheboro.com) all in tact. As much as possible anyway, we've had a busy few weeks. I was so excited about it all, I just couldn't relax and get to sleep. I kept waking up writing notes, jotting down ideas and then of course.....
Cleaning (and the odds and ends) - My house has been such a mess. What an eye sore. I haven't cleaned right in forever. I've been so 'icky' feeling that I just can't get in the mood to do what I know needs done. So I decided at 3 a.m. that was a wonderful thing to work on. Mind you, by 7 a.m. when it was time to get the girls up, I was absolutely exhausted.
Well, that catches up a little for now- more later I am sure.
"God never gives you more then you can handle, but does he have to trust me so much?"
Family, Friends, Blessings and more.....
Well, what a day. The world is such a brighter place with an amazing family, unbelievable friends, and a church you can fully rely on. I am so thankful! I was told today what a blessing I am to my Pastor and our church and what a great job I do for them and how thankful people are to have me there to help. (para phrasing) Not only did that warm my heart- after I let it sink in, but it made me realize something. I feel the same way about my Pastor, my church family and the role I play within the church. I feel blessed. I feel lucky to have them- so my reply to the people that have made these comments to me is, "it must be answered prayer- because everyone is so thankful to have the other in their life!" That's when you know things are meant to be. I feel so appreciated, even for the little things. I feel like a part of the team- a part of the family. I've never been a 'team player', I never got picked. I was always the odd one out. I was always picked last for teams, or had to beg for the position I got. Or I would get picked because I was a good friend of the good players- not now, it just all fits in to place. I truly believe my church loves me for me. That is such an awesome feeling. I can be me. NESHAMINY! That is huge. (no pun intended) I don't have to put on a front, I don't have to have the best of the best things for them to like me, I don't have to have the punch line for all the jokes, I don't have to know everything about the bible, or computers, I am just expected to be me and bring what my talents are to the table. Who can ask for more?
I've been working on the house today. Cleaning, packing, organizing... you name it! Get rid of what I don't need or use, throwing away what shouldn't even still be here, and packing things for 'The next chapter in my life'! (you can read more about that later!) Of course I did all this with the girls home. Jeez. One with her allergies flaring up and the other with her FRAP (Frequent Recurring Abdominal Pain) flaring up. I took them both to the doctor and all seems to be on the mend.
Lexie is doing good- almost done her year of sixth grade. I can't believe it. Next year a seventh grader. Where has time gone? She has grown two inches in the last three months! She is very close to my height. I am in awe. She is so beautiful. God surely blessed me with gorgeous kids! She has a lot going on with her stomach issues. She takes medicine for it daily but sometimes when it flares up she really has a hard time. She has a concert coming up though that she is really excited about and has invited so many people- and I am happy to say I think they are all coming. She needs that. The feeling of acceptance. The feeling of people being excited to see what she is capable of.
Lyssa had her last swimming lesson today for Group #3. Next session she'll be in group #4. They were learning how to dive in to 12' water this week. It was so cute. Took me back to when I was little. You kind of forget how you learn things... you just take for granted doing them. Like learning to ride a bike. I bet everyone who stops to think "How did I learn this" would really smile when they thought about it. Your Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles... someone close to you probably taught you how to ride. Now, you just know you know how to do it. So, watching Lyssa reminded me of when I was little taking swimming lessons at the local town beach. It was really neat. =)
I talked to Jay. He sounded really good. I sent him a package last Friday and he got it on Monday. I sent little things like stickers and a coloring book, a reading book (Sponge Bob of course- I AM the coolest Mom ever) , a little stuffed Webkinz puppy that his MaaMaa (my Mom) got him, and some summer clothes and shoes. He was tickled. Even said, "Thanks Momma- for everything!" WOW Then I spent a little while talking to his counselor, Kevin. He said Jay was doing okay- still a long road ahead, but he was "okay". Jay never came back to the phone, he left to go play with some friends. I was crushed. Kind of like I wanted him to cry and whine and kick his feet to talk to me, but so proud at the same time that he is adjusting so well and really enjoying what he is learning. I asked him if he'd like me to bring some home made cookies for him Friday when I go see him, of course he said yes. (that made me feel very good)
Although it is late, I wanted to write about this- this past weekend was our Reach 2008 Conference at church. It was amazing. Basically it's a workshop for churches to learn how to relate to their congregation, how to think like a big church and be ready amazing, much needed changes and how to be a network for each other. How to be there for our Pastor. How to help out in church depending on what your talents are. It was wonderful. I learned so much. There was an issue however on Saturday with the kids. Nothing big, or unexpected with kids, but none the less an issue that needed addressed. Well, for the first time this past Sunday I got to teach in the Treehouse. Basically like Sunday school for the kids...but like Emeril says- it's 'kicked up a notch'! I was so nervous. I am so new at the "church thing" I was worried I wouldn't do what was right or that I'd have kids respect me, or want to even come back when I am teaching again. Quite the contrary. The night before I prayed and prayed and prayed. They teach the kids when they pray to listen and they will hear God. Well, I was listening and he just wasn't speaking loud enough! I was so worried. What was I going to go in there to do? How was I going to make this work? Especially since we had special guests there with their children from the Conference. Amazingly enough, I woke up Sunday morning completely calm. I knew exactly what I was going to do and how I was going to do it! We were going to work on the issues at hand from the day before. Kids repeating what other kids say and telling adults and it not coming out the same way it was said at all. Plus working together as a team to get the same result, instead of fighting to get the end result individually. I was excited now for my first "class" to take place. I had kids from the age of 3 all the way to 12. You know what, they were all captivated. We had fun. We played "telephone", where the kids had to sit in a circle. One person had to think of a short sentence and whisper it to the next person and that person would whisper what they thought they heard to the next person. This continued around the circle until it got back to the person who said it originally. The kids were SHOCKED to find out how different it got back to the person who started it. It was nothing like it started. For example. I started one which was, "The pink panda wears polka dots." When it went around the circle and came back to me it was, "Marcus hates purple microphones!" I had the kids attention. All of them. They saw how much a simple sentence can change without even meaning any harm. Then I had the girls line up on one side and the boys on the other. They had to throw one piece of popcorn across to their partner on the opposite side. From across the room, naturally the popcorn didn't go far- but when the kids worked together with their partner and started to take steps closer to each other to help out they were able to catch the popcorn. Hence the lesson, working together to get to the same end result! It was such a great feeling knowing the kids understood at the end what I was trying to convey to them. We had about 15 minutes when my activities were over before the church service was over so we all sat down and went around the room and each person had to share one thing about them that they didn't think anyone else knew. The kids were so excited to share. (some a little more then others- don't worry parents, I won't say a thing! haha) Then they interacted in the discussion. Asking each other about there story. When, why, where, how... etc. It was awesome. Little kids having an actual discussion! The most rewarding part of the day, was when the parents came back to pick up their children and Kaden was in the middle of the closing prayer for us (he sounds just like his Daddy- who is the Pastor... too funny) and the kids said "Amen" looked up and saw their parents and didn't want to leave! That is a blessing! So I am excited to keep working with them. I will work in the Treehouse (Sunday school) once a month if scheduling goes right. So hopefully next time will be just as much fun.
Wow- long winded blog, but lots I wanted to share!
I've been working on the house today. Cleaning, packing, organizing... you name it! Get rid of what I don't need or use, throwing away what shouldn't even still be here, and packing things for 'The next chapter in my life'! (you can read more about that later!) Of course I did all this with the girls home. Jeez. One with her allergies flaring up and the other with her FRAP (Frequent Recurring Abdominal Pain) flaring up. I took them both to the doctor and all seems to be on the mend.
Lexie is doing good- almost done her year of sixth grade. I can't believe it. Next year a seventh grader. Where has time gone? She has grown two inches in the last three months! She is very close to my height. I am in awe. She is so beautiful. God surely blessed me with gorgeous kids! She has a lot going on with her stomach issues. She takes medicine for it daily but sometimes when it flares up she really has a hard time. She has a concert coming up though that she is really excited about and has invited so many people- and I am happy to say I think they are all coming. She needs that. The feeling of acceptance. The feeling of people being excited to see what she is capable of.
Lyssa had her last swimming lesson today for Group #3. Next session she'll be in group #4. They were learning how to dive in to 12' water this week. It was so cute. Took me back to when I was little. You kind of forget how you learn things... you just take for granted doing them. Like learning to ride a bike. I bet everyone who stops to think "How did I learn this" would really smile when they thought about it. Your Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles... someone close to you probably taught you how to ride. Now, you just know you know how to do it. So, watching Lyssa reminded me of when I was little taking swimming lessons at the local town beach. It was really neat. =)
I talked to Jay. He sounded really good. I sent him a package last Friday and he got it on Monday. I sent little things like stickers and a coloring book, a reading book (Sponge Bob of course- I AM the coolest Mom ever) , a little stuffed Webkinz puppy that his MaaMaa (my Mom) got him, and some summer clothes and shoes. He was tickled. Even said, "Thanks Momma- for everything!" WOW Then I spent a little while talking to his counselor, Kevin. He said Jay was doing okay- still a long road ahead, but he was "okay". Jay never came back to the phone, he left to go play with some friends. I was crushed. Kind of like I wanted him to cry and whine and kick his feet to talk to me, but so proud at the same time that he is adjusting so well and really enjoying what he is learning. I asked him if he'd like me to bring some home made cookies for him Friday when I go see him, of course he said yes. (that made me feel very good)
Although it is late, I wanted to write about this- this past weekend was our Reach 2008 Conference at church. It was amazing. Basically it's a workshop for churches to learn how to relate to their congregation, how to think like a big church and be ready amazing, much needed changes and how to be a network for each other. How to be there for our Pastor. How to help out in church depending on what your talents are. It was wonderful. I learned so much. There was an issue however on Saturday with the kids. Nothing big, or unexpected with kids, but none the less an issue that needed addressed. Well, for the first time this past Sunday I got to teach in the Treehouse. Basically like Sunday school for the kids...but like Emeril says- it's 'kicked up a notch'! I was so nervous. I am so new at the "church thing" I was worried I wouldn't do what was right or that I'd have kids respect me, or want to even come back when I am teaching again. Quite the contrary. The night before I prayed and prayed and prayed. They teach the kids when they pray to listen and they will hear God. Well, I was listening and he just wasn't speaking loud enough! I was so worried. What was I going to go in there to do? How was I going to make this work? Especially since we had special guests there with their children from the Conference. Amazingly enough, I woke up Sunday morning completely calm. I knew exactly what I was going to do and how I was going to do it! We were going to work on the issues at hand from the day before. Kids repeating what other kids say and telling adults and it not coming out the same way it was said at all. Plus working together as a team to get the same result, instead of fighting to get the end result individually. I was excited now for my first "class" to take place. I had kids from the age of 3 all the way to 12. You know what, they were all captivated. We had fun. We played "telephone", where the kids had to sit in a circle. One person had to think of a short sentence and whisper it to the next person and that person would whisper what they thought they heard to the next person. This continued around the circle until it got back to the person who said it originally. The kids were SHOCKED to find out how different it got back to the person who started it. It was nothing like it started. For example. I started one which was, "The pink panda wears polka dots." When it went around the circle and came back to me it was, "Marcus hates purple microphones!" I had the kids attention. All of them. They saw how much a simple sentence can change without even meaning any harm. Then I had the girls line up on one side and the boys on the other. They had to throw one piece of popcorn across to their partner on the opposite side. From across the room, naturally the popcorn didn't go far- but when the kids worked together with their partner and started to take steps closer to each other to help out they were able to catch the popcorn. Hence the lesson, working together to get to the same end result! It was such a great feeling knowing the kids understood at the end what I was trying to convey to them. We had about 15 minutes when my activities were over before the church service was over so we all sat down and went around the room and each person had to share one thing about them that they didn't think anyone else knew. The kids were so excited to share. (some a little more then others- don't worry parents, I won't say a thing! haha) Then they interacted in the discussion. Asking each other about there story. When, why, where, how... etc. It was awesome. Little kids having an actual discussion! The most rewarding part of the day, was when the parents came back to pick up their children and Kaden was in the middle of the closing prayer for us (he sounds just like his Daddy- who is the Pastor... too funny) and the kids said "Amen" looked up and saw their parents and didn't want to leave! That is a blessing! So I am excited to keep working with them. I will work in the Treehouse (Sunday school) once a month if scheduling goes right. So hopefully next time will be just as much fun.
Wow- long winded blog, but lots I wanted to share!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
First time for everything...
Well, never have I had an 'official' blog before but here I go! I usually blog on myspace, or just vent through emails. This is a great tool to help me share my thoughts, dreams, concerns and the ups and downs of my amazing life as a Mom to three beautiful, yet challenging children! It's the best title in the world, MOM! It is also the hardest job I have ever had the privileged of holding. (and for some reason- no matter how hard I may try, I can't get fired- these kids must love me as much as I love them) I am not going to do a beginning blog and try to catch everyone up on 30 years of my life. I'm sure through each blog you will be able to figure out where I've been, what I've been through, as well as where I am going and what I am going through right now! I love and encourage comments.
Have a great day =)
*Remember to enjoy the journey of your life, not just the events!
Have a great day =)
*Remember to enjoy the journey of your life, not just the events!
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