Sunday Scripture

Here are two scripture verses that I have been meditating on recently.

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deut 6: 6-9

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Ps 139: 13-16

*******

And then here is a quote that I found by one of my favorite authors in one of my favorite books, Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss-

“Here is a little mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God, and the body in which it dwells is worth all it will cost, since it is abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mothers heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, to her most tender cares, to her life-long prayers! Oh how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!”

Some Good Advice

Today as I sit here playing the waiting game for Lydia to come, I thought I would give out some advice from a few things I have learned in the past few weeks.
If you are pregnant or know someone who may become pregnant, it might benefit you/them to heed these few simple suggestions.

1. If wearing jeans with a drawstring to church, don't TIE the drawstring just to get a better fit. If you insist on doing this anyway and you have a very sudden urge to visit the little girls room, just make sure you have sissors.

2. Don't yell "my water!" when you are close to your due date, even if it is only because you spilled water. It tends to freak people out and bring them running.

3. No sneezing. At home it's bad, in public it could be worse.

4. Don't wear sweats or pants that tend to slip over your belly. They can come dangerously close to slipping much further past your belly than you like and the people in Kohls probably wouldn't like that. If you must wear an item like this just to "be comfortable" prepare yourself to look a little crazy while you are waddling around holding your pants up.

5. Get yourself a big sheet, make some arms and a neck hole in it, and just wear that.

7. When you look in the mirror and see that your face (and the rest of you) have swollen to proportions that seem a bit horrific, remind yourself that you won't always like like a swollen toad.

8. Don't lay on the floor unless you have someone to help you up that won't "helpfully" insert the fact that you look like a big pregnant beetle that has fallen on her back and can't roll back over. It's okay to smack the person who says this.

9. When you are having moments like this, nothing makes it all better like hubby's arms. Even if he "helpfully" makes certain comments that really don't need to be shared. (See #8)

10. Enjoy every minute of this experince and thank God for the miracle.

Home Sweet Home

Finally...some pictures of our home.
As you can see not all of the pictures are of the completed room. This is either because the room still isn't completed or I took them before they were done.
I know the lighting is bad in a few but I wanted to get them on here so I'm using what I have.

Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Baby Bump Pics

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Ode To New Fathers

Oh What A Tangled Mess

You can't see it from the picture but this is a pretty big box. And it is full to overflowing with hangers. It's really a jumbled mass of wire and plastic. Not really something one has a huge urge to deal with but nevertheless it did need to be done.
So.
Today my mission was to finally stop putting this task off and unjumble them.
That was fun.
I've been putting it off since we moved in but I really needed them so today was the day.
The worst part about it is this. It's my fault.
When we moved I took my clothes off the hangers and folded them so I could just put them in suitcases or small boxes so they wouldn't get dirty in the moving van.
I was in a hurry. And as I took the clothes off each hanger I just sorta threw the hangers in the box.
Yep. It was dumb. But I did it. I needed to get it done as fast as possible and that seemed to be the most expedient at the time. Blame this brillant plan on the pregnancy.
So there I was today undoing my hurried "time-saving" handiwork.
In the pursuit of doing things quickly because I wanted to move on, I actually created more work for myself down the road. I made a real mess of things and I had to sit down and take the time to fix it.
If I would have done it right back then, I wouldn't have been sitting in the floor of my bedroom grumbling at the tangled pile before me as I tried to figure out the puzzle to pry them apart.
Isn't it that way a lot of times? Not just with hangers.
God gives us tasks or commands from His word and we think, "It'll take too long that way" so we find shortcuts to get the job done. And then, later on down the road we find ourselves sitting down and untangling the mess we created by doing it our way and trying to weave around some steps in the plan God has laid out.
God's ways are perfect and there is a reason He wants us to do things the way He spells out for us. He doesn't want us to have to take time later on to fix what could have been avoided if we would have listened.
Do you ever wonder what we could have been doing for Him if we weren't using that time to untangle ourselves?
What do you think would have happened to Noah if he would have taken shortcuts or hadn't followed God's plans to the T? What would have been the result if others in the Bible hadn't listened to God's voice? What do we miss when we do the same?
Okay, I realize that hangers aren't in quite the same category here but....application people!

Take my advice- In hangers and in life, It's better to take the time to do it right the first time than to have to go back and do more work later. And the "more work later" part usually isn't very much fun.

The Air That Bites

The wind has a decided bite to it these days and most people are starting to complain.
Add to that the gloomy sky and drizzle and most Michiganers are starting their annual "it's time to start complaining about the cold" routine.
I have decided to postpone that this year. I promise not to complain until at least December. You can remind me of that.
But actually I'm loving me some fall.
When most people are grumbling at the clouds and wind, I am enjoying the feel in the air, the smell of fresh breeze, the sound of leaves rustling through the trees before they float to the ground, and yes, even the sight of the cloudy, gloomy sky.
Days like this week have produced actually energize me.
They make me smile.
They make me wanna eat some really unhealthy fall food.
I don't have much of anything to write so this post is nothing more than an ode to the last few days and how much I've enjoyed them, even if most people are complaining.
Even if my own body is starting to protest when I get up in the morning because it would much rather stay all warm and cozy.
Even if my hands are starting to get a little cold while typing because they can't be in their normal "cold weather position" when I'm at the computer. (For those of you who are curious, that position happens to be with me sitting on my hands.)
There may be a long list of things one could start complaining about and I'm starting to hear them wherever I go but they don't matter because the moment I walk outside I am in fall paradise and I'm lovin' it!

I WANT THAT ONE!

Have you ever humbly bowed your head and pleaded with God for something that He said "no" to?
Ya, I'm sure you have.
I was reminded of the times I have done that when I went to wal-mart recently and overheard a "spirited" conversation between a mother and daughter.
The little girl was determinded to get what she wanted and the mom was reasoning with her (in frusterated and somewhat frazzled tones) that the one that she (the mom) had picked out was better because it would stay pretty longer, she wouldn't outgrow it as fast and would be even more fun. But the little girl wanted the one she wanted. It was yellow and she wanted yellow.
Somewhere in the exchange I heard myself from so many other occasions saying, "Lord, I want that one."
And God, being all wise and all loving, said "no" to me because what He had in store was far better than what I had my eye on.
He knows all about the things we want and why or why not they are best for us. He knows what will happen if we do or don't get it. And He loves us enough to hold His ground and say "no".
He doesn't say no just to say no, He does it because He loves us so much that He wants us to have the very best, not to settle for second best. Sometimes I think what we ask for is far worse than second best. Sometimes we ask for trinkets (for whatever reason) and God wants to give us treasure.
There's a song that says "if God says no, there must be an even greater yes". Somewhere down the line, God will give you abundently more than we could ask or think. He has to say no sometimes to get us to yes.
When we ask for less, He's not going to give it to us because He delights in giving us better things. The best things.
That little girl was throwing a fit because she didn't get her way.
I hope we don't throw a fit when we don't get ours.
I wonder what would happen if mom had given in. She would have gotten her yellow whatever it was and she would think "look how much mom loves me, getting me what I wanted".
But soon, it would break or she'd outgrow it and have no use for it. She'd get tired of it and it wouldn't fit her needs any more. Then she would be left with something that she enjoyed for a season but all too quickly the season would come when she would disgard (or want to disgard) what she had. She could have still been enjoying it if she would have listened to mom, or if mom would have stood her ground and gotten what she saw was best for her in the long run and not what she wanted in the moment.
Which requires more love? Giving in or letting us throw a little fit but still saying no so that when the yes comes along, we will be oh so much better off.
In my life, I've been told "no" by God more than a few times. Sometimes it doesn't bother me and sometimes it does. Sometimes it downright hurts.
But looking back, I'm SO thankful for the no.
God took the no and replaced them with amazing yeses.
Looking back, I don't know where I'd be if I'd gotten some of those things that I prayed so hard about but I can tell you one thing. I wouldn't be where I am and there's a good chance I wouldn't like where I was or what I had. But where I am and what I have I do like. Love it actually. And a lot of it took some no to get here.

"When you can't trust His hand, trust His heart."

Sunday Scripture

28 Weeks

Sadly a little more true of me right now than I'd like to believe. But funny anyway.
I really do try to eat healthy. Mostly. But sometimes...well, you know.

FYI:
I added a "Here Comes Lydia" countdown at the bottom of the blog that explains what she's up to right now as well as calculates how many days left before she makes her grand entrance.

It's Here!

Soak it all up and try not to think about what comes after fall. :)

Goodbye To The Summer That Wasn't

According to my countdown banner at the bottom of this blog, summer is almost over and fall will begin in 8 days.
Wow.
Did anyone but me just miss this summer?
I don't even remember it.
Between Michigan's abnormally low temps this year and the fact that it has been one crazy summer for us, I still can't believe it's over when I'm still waiting for it to begin.
So here's to the summer that wasn't.
*Summer fun I didn't get to do this year*
1. Swimming. Not one time did I get to go swimming. It's been too cold. What a shame. And this, the year I would have looked just like a whale in a bathing suit.
2. Picnics. Well, we did go on a few with church family but cookouts weren't nearly as frequent this year as I would have liked.
3. Camping/fishing. Every year I tell myself this is the year we are gonna make that happen. Chalk another year up to that not happening.
4. Festivals/Fairs. I really enjoy going to these. Not to throw my money away on all the vendors and overpriced food stands but to just enjoy the atmosphere, the animals and people watch. Is there any greater entertainment than people watching at a fair/festival?
5. Camp. I didn't get to go to church camp this year. I hate that. I always have enjoyed going to church camp and this year I missed them all.

Yeppers, summer is over and it didn't even really get here.
But on the up side...FALL IS ALMOST HERE!
Last year I wrote a lot about my love of fall so I won't go into all that again this year (you can look them up in my archives, I still feel the same) but I am really looking forward to all fall is and it's just around the corner!
I am determined to take time and enjoy it, to soak it all in because fall was just meant to be enjoyed.
The leaves are already turning here, (yeah, crazy huh?) and fall weather is making appearances occasionally. Well, half our summer was fall-like weather, but I really am looking forward to that special nip in the air. I'd say I was going to get all my sweatshirts, sweaters, flannel pj's and blankets out soon but I never put them away. At least now I can use them and not grumble about the fact that I'm wearing sweaters in July. That was a little strange.
So I bid thee a fond farewell, summer- I'll (hopefully) catch up to you next year.
Hello Fall- I'm so glad you're here!

You Can't Help But Smile

When someone comes to your door bearing this....

and tells you it's because they care about you and just wanted to encourage your day, you can't help but smile whenever you look at them the rest of the day.
Aren't they just the "happiest" looking flowers you ever saw?
You can just tell they were meant to bring an extra dose of happy to the recipient- down to the colors and type of flowers.

Do I have great friends or what?

Thank you, Tammy. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Love Explained By Kids

What is the proper age to get married?
"Eighty-four! Because at that age, you don't have to work anymore and you can spend all your time loving each other." (Judy, 8)

"Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife!" (Tom, 5)

What do most people do on a date?
"On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for the second date." (Mike, 10)

When is it okay to kiss someone?
"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR 'cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." (Jim, 10)

"Never kiss in front of other people. It's a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy but just for a few hours." (Kelly, 9)

The Great Debate: Is it better to be single or married?
"It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them!" (Lynette, 9)

"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble." (Kenny, 7)

Concerning why love happens between two particular people
"No one is sure why it happens but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular." (Jan, 9)

"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." (Harlen, 8)

"One of the people has freckles and so he finds somebody else who has freckles, too." (Andrew, age 6)

Reflections on the nature of love
"Love is the most important thing in the world but baseball is pretty good too." (Greg, age 8)

How do people in love typically behave?
"Mooshy - like puppy dogs - except puppy dogs don't wag their tails nearly as much." (Arnold, age 10)

"All of a sudden, the people get movie fever so they can sit together in the dark." (Sherm, age 8)

On what falling in love is like
"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." (Roger, 9)

"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." (Leo, 7)

On the role of good looks in love
"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful." (Jeanne, 8)

"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet." (Gary, 7)

"Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time." (Christine, 9)

Concerning why lovers often hold hands
"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." (Dave, 8)

"They are just practicing for when they might have to walk down the aisle someday and do the holy matchimony thing." (John, age 9)

Confidential opinions about love
"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five but the girls keep finding me." (Bobby, 8)

"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough."(Regina, 10)

"Love is foolish - but I still might try it sometime." (Floyd, age 9)

The personal qualities necessary to be a good lover
"One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." (Ava, 8)

"Sensitivity doesn't hurt." (Robbie, age 8)

Some surefire ways to make a person fall in love with you
"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." (Del, 6)

"Yell out that you love them at the top of your lungs - and don't worry if their parents are right there." (Manuel, age 8)

"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention but attention ain't the same thing as love." (Alonzo, 9)

"One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me." (Bart, 9)

How can you tell if two adults eating dinner at a restaurant are in love?
"Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love." (John, 9)

"Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food." (Brad, 8)

"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are... on fire." (Christine, 9)

"Romantic adults usually are all dressed up, so if they are just wearing jeans it might mean they used to go out or they just broke up." (Sarah, age 9)

"See if the man has lipstick on his face." (Sandra, age 7)

What most people are thinking when they say, "I love you"
"The person is thinking: Yeah, I really do love him. But I hope he showers at least once a day." (Michelle, 9)

"Some lovers might be real nervous, so they are glad that they finally got it out and said it and now they can go eat." (Dick, age 7)

How was kissing invented?
"I know one reason that kissing was created. It makes you feel warm all over, and they didn't always have electric heat or fireplaces or even stoves in their houses." (Gina, age 8)

How a person learns to kiss
"You learn it right on the spot when the gooshy feelings get the best of you. (Doug, 7)

"It might help to watch soap operas all day." (Carin, age 9)

When is it okay to kiss someone?
"When they're rich." (Pam, age 7)

"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you. (Jean, 10)

"If it's your mother, you can kiss her anytime. But if it's a new person, you have to ask permission." (Roger, age 6)

How to make love endure?
"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." (Tom, 7)

"Don't forget your wife's name... That will mess up the love." (Roger, 8)

"Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash." (Bobby, 9)

"Don't say you love somebody and then change your mind - Love isn't like picking what movie you want to watch." (Natalie, age 9)

Titles of the love ballads you can sing to your beloved
How Do I Love Thee When You're Always Picking Your Nose? (Arnold, age 10)

I Love Hamburgers, I Like You! (Eddie, age 6)

Hey, Baby, I Don't like Girls but I'm Willing to Forget You Are One! (Will, age 7)


From Mark Lowry's Website

Things I Have Learned During The Moving Process

We are all moved in and the work of emptying the boxes and putting the contents of them into an organized, functional and homey order has begun. There is no place I can look where there is not a box and to be honest, it's a little daunting. I get tired just looking at them so sometimes I lay down and take a nap. They're still there when I get up.
If ever I wish I could just wiggle my nose and everything would pop into place it's now. I love decorating and I have a whole house waiting for me but here's the problem(s).
1. My body has recently been sucked of energy by this growing bump and after a matter of hours I'm ready to call it quits. (This is so frustrating as I feel I'm not getting enough done.)
2. I seem to have lost all creative ability at the wrong time. I blame the overwhelming mountain of boxes that has me a little, well, overwhelmed. It has squelched my creativity.
3. I don't know where to start!

So having spent a few days weaving my way around boxes going in circles, seemingly chasing my tail but accomplishing little else, I have learned and pondered on a few things that have helped me out and even put a spring in my step.
1. One box at a time does accomplish something even if it doesn't seem like it.
2. I have time and no one is putting time constraints on me, except me.
3. As it all slowly comes together I am totally loving our new home.
4. The boxes will go away and in a shorter time than I think it will be all done. I just try focus on the end result.
5. I have a tremendous amount of stuff-just stuff- and this is a great opportunity to purge. And don't get me started on clothes. I even apologized to Vince for the amount of clothing I own. It actually made me a little appalled.
6. I have THE MOST wonderful husband. He has worked tirelessly and without complaint to make my work load easier when I get so tired all I can do is slump on the couch and drool. I cannot say enough about all he has done and it almost makes me cry to think of all his efforts and the tender care he has shown for me, our baby girl and our new home.
Seriously ya'll, he has humbled me by his love, hard work and selflessness. Every day I lift up a grateful heart to the One who saw fit to bring us together. I DO NOT deserve such a wonderful man.
7. We have awesome friends who have shown us great love and kindness and who have given of themselves in so many ways I am in awe. They have taught me so much about what it means to love and serve each other in Christ. They make us feel so loved.
8. At the end of each day I don't have to think of what's left to be done but I can focus on what has been done and be thankful for the energy I had to finish the tasks now behind me. Doing that, I can relax and enjoy the evenings. My new favorite thing to do is to sit down on the couch in our very own home curled up next to my hubby and together watch my tummy as baby girl stretches and kicks around. Knowing we are preparing a home not just for us but for her as well is just to amazing for words.
9. I do not deserve any of what I have been given. I sit here humbled with a heart that doesn't quite know how to say "thank you" enough to those around me and especially to my heavenly Father who has poured out rich blessings on my life, undeserving as I am.

Kingsmen Videos

I've been on a Kingsmen kick lately thanks to the radio station I listen to playing a lot of their stuff. I had forgotten how good they were. They used to be one of my favorite groups but it's been a few years since I've played their music. I've really enjoyed getting reacquainted with this quartet.


I don't know how many times this song has helped me out. It has always been one of my favorites.



This song is fun to sing. I can't listen to it without singing along.



I wanna be this kind of mamma! It's my prayer that when my child(ren) are grown they will remember me this way.

What's In A Name?

I ran across this in my devotional time recently-

Have you ever thought of the power behind our words when we say "I am a Christian?"
In this country we tend to throw that word around. Many saying it without any heart attachment.
But to be a Christian is to be an ambassador of Heaven. It is to be the face, hands and heart of God in our world.
The very word "Christian" sets us apart and puts us on the display shelf where the world will be looking on. To weigh us, to examine us, and yes to judge us.

What is this word- Christian?
an emotional word causing one man joy and another man fury-
one man peace and another man turmoil.
a dividing word unceasingly drawing a line. Either a man
is or he is not, either for or against.
a uniting word. Unlikely pairs drawn together
in work places and neighborhoods over one single bond.
a defining word for which countless people have lived and
countless people have died.

All for the name of Christ!

(from a Beth Moore study)

From The Bottom Of Our Hearts

We have been so blessed by the help we have received in getting our house ready to move in to.
Our church family has heeded the pleas for help and we are almost done painting and the house has been given a good scrubbing.
From giving us boxes and packing materials to getting in there and helping us get r done- we are ever so grateful for it all because we couldn't have done it without them and it was just more fun having them there.
We are very humbled by the sacrifice of their time and energy to help us out.
To all of you who have helped or will be helping soon, THANK YOU! You will never know how much it means to us or how deeply it touches our heart. We love you guys!

Benefical Eavesdropping

My day was spent in a hospital waiting room.
I took a friend to have a medical procedure done. Since she had to stay put for awhile afterward I got acquainted with the waiting room.
There was a lot of traffic in and out but at one point it was only me and two other ladies.
They were having a conversation that caught my attention and I shamelessly admit I stopped what I was doing and just listened.
It is rare, especially in these parts, to hear a conversation about God so I was surprised to hear that these ladies were not only talking about God but having a pretty in depth discussion about their daily walk with God and overall relationship with Him.
One of the ladies mentioned the fact that she did shorter devotions three times a day because her life was so full of outside voices and things desiring to pull her away that she needed those times to stay focused on Him in the midst of her daily distractions at work and home. She had committed to doing this because, and I quote, "you just never know what the day will hold and our only hope of making it is staying close to Him so I've made that a priority every day."
Well then, I guess that puts me in my place.
But the biggest thing to me was that these women were having a real conversation about God in a place where their topic may not have been very well accepted and they didn't care.
Sometimes I think we hesitate to say certain things because we are afraid of what people will think when they hear us. That certainly used to be me.
Thankfully I have gotten over that and have even had the privilege of having Bible studies with friends at places like Panera Bread or the coffee house. These have been wonderful experiences and I've learned not to keep silent about my beliefs. I refuse to be quiet about it even at the risk of "offending" someone. (I say, if they are offended they don't have to listen.)
But where I am going with this is simply, when we talk, whether we realize it or not people around us are listening. Sometimes we can be a witness just by having a conversation with our friends because you can be sure that someone is doing a little eavesdropping of their own and you might just be saying something that they need to hear.
Our conversation and conduct is being observed even when we are unaware. We have a choice in what impact that observation will have.
Today I heard something that encouraged and convicted me. It was also comforting to hear strangers speaking about someone I love and know they share that love. In that moment I felt bonded to them. In all likelihood our paths will never cross again but for that moment, I connected with them. It's a connection all believers have because we are all in His family.
I'm thankful for people like them, who have such a relationship with Him they talk about Him wherever they go. He's so much a part of their lives that they can't help but speak of Him.
I hope that when others eavesdrop on me, no matter where I am or who I'm with, they will hear things that make them realize who I am, what I know and Who I know. I pray that my topic of conversation will be an encouragement or a conviction to people around me and that God will get glory from it.

What I Do When I Don't Wanna Do Anything Else

I haven't been sleeping that well so when I'm up or when I just feel a little run down and don't want to do anything else for awhile I am in the process of creating a new blog.
This blog took longer to create than I wish to share because I haven't spent long spurts of time on it. It's honestly a result of a mind that won't shut down when the body wants to.
Whether it will ever get any further than a few posts is totally up in the air. I have a feeling it will get a lot of time until baby girl comes and then will never get touched again. But for now, if you are interested, check it out here.
What's it about? FOOD!
It has (or will have) lots of recipes and I have plans to add pictures and side notes related to them. I'm giving it a shot and we shall see how far it goes.
I have been thinking of doing a blog like this for almost a year. I like recipe blogs and I thought it would be fun to do one and add little stories and memories associated with certain recipes as a lot of them are from family.
All of them have been taste tested and approved-All by me, most by my hubby.

Lost & Found

When we unpacked our boxes 2 years ago in this apartment we found everything except one important item- our phone.

It was a nice one with all sorts of features and an answering machine.

Since we couldn't find it we made do with a non-cordless phone (I hate being strapped to a phone cord when I'm talking) and a cordless phone with very poor battery performance.

At least a couple of times during the course of our 2 years here I have gone on an all out search for our phone, even pulling out all the boxes that we had shoved in closets and never unpacked, unpacking them and then repacking them when I still couldn't find the thing.

For the past several months I have been on a mission to get a new phone that was cordless and had an answering machine. I have diligently asked (I won't say nag because I would NEVER do that) for what I wanted and my dear man finally agreed even though he was fine with the way things are.

So I went phone shopping but wasn't able to find anything in the price range we agreed on. It was discouraging but resourceful me just started going to garage sales.

I found 2 phones- one cordless but no answering machine and one with an answering machine but not cordless.

I thought I could make that work since I only paid $1 for both of them.

Well, not long after I bought the phones we started packing our things to move.

A few days ago I found this...

Guess what's inside. Never would have guessed the contents of that box now would you?

I won't mention the fact that this particular box was almost in plain sight on the top shelf of our bedroom closet.

Sheesh!

Here A Box, There A Box, Everywhere A Box, Box

Have I ever told you how much I love living out of boxes?
If I told you that it was an all out, huge, big fat, bold faced lie.
I hate looking at these boxes.
But here I find myself living with them.
I can't turn around without being confronted with them. Sometimes it's not a very pretty confrontation. I have bumped into, stubbed toes on and stuck my tongue out at them more times than I can count.
My darling man has almost fallen face first into them and I know he thinks I have strategically placed them so that if he gets up in the middle of the night he has no choice but to walk right into them. I've been woke up to "Ouch, stupid box" quite frequently lately.
I thought I had arranged each box pile to create little pathways to each important area/room of our apartment but apparently my road making skills leave much to be desired.
So how much longer do I get to live like this? Oh PLEASE not much longer!
The house we bought is basically move in ready except for paint and the plan was to be all done and moved in about a week ago but plans have been changed due to unforeseen circumstances.
V is working hard on getting the painting done but it's a slow process since it's all him. There's a lot of wall. I give him credit though, he's doing a great job and it's looking beautiful.
So hopefully soon these boxes will be transported to our new home where I will have to make new box piles and pathways until I can find a place to put all the stuff that's in the boxes.
Sigh.
I guess they'll be around a little longer.
But just to show you that I'm a glass-half-full kind of gal, I am thankful for what these boxes represent- we are moving into our first home!
If I look at it that way, I can live with the boxes-for a little while.

To All My Buggy Friends

Dear Bugs,
If you are going to insist on continuing this surprise attack you seem to be so bent on pursuing I think it only fair to warn you that I am hereby launching an attack of my own.
Since screaming, dancing around in disgust and throwing things from across the room appear to be pointless and since I'm pretty sure I have heard you all snickering in your annoying little buggy voices at all my failed attempts at bug annihilation- there will be no more Mrs. Nice Woman.
Prepare to die.
I have come up with some particularly evil ways of getting rid of you that I think will be more effective than previous efforts.
If you still insist on calling in buggy reserves and invading my home, replacing each dead bug with five live bug soldiers I will launch a full out attack on all your little buggy bodies until just the sight of this place makes all bug kind shiver with dread.
And if that doesn't work, I'm moving. So there.
You have been warned. Prepare for battle. You will not win!

Sincerely,
Bug hater

Our Little Miracle

I Love This!

I found this picture today and it made me giggle.

That face!

Gotta love a face like that.

A Glorious Gospel

Vince and I have been involved with the witnessing ministry at our church for some time now.
We have been given the amazing opportunity to visit with people from all walks of life and at many different points along the path to God.
When we first started doing this, I must admit that V had to practically drag me to the door of most of the homes. It was way akward for me as I wasn't brought up or trained in this type of ministry.
But over the course of time it went from being something I was almost forced (for lack of a better word) to do to being something I enjoyed doing.
As we began to see fruit from this ministry it became a real joy to me to see the light of understanding and acceptance come to peoples eyes as they understood our words. It was also amazing to see conviction fall on some people as they began to see their sin through the eyes of God and in light of His standards.
Sadly, even when they have "gotten it", most of them don't see it through to a real relationship with God and the salvation of their souls.
But onward we go. The Bible commands us to tell of this gospel and I rejoice that I have become apart of spreading this wonderous Word.
It's not always easy. We have shared this with some who have just tolerated us, those who have shut us out and those who won't even listen.
But there are those who listen and rejoice in what we have to say and that makes it worth it.
The Word will go on and prevail. It won't be bound and it will be heard.
It's exciting to see the seeds planted in hearts and though we may never see the harvest or even know if what we have done has taken root we are making sure that in the lives we reach, the seeds are being sown.
1 Cor 3:5-9
Vince is usually the one who does the actual sharing of the gospel itself and lately as I have listened to him and I view it through the listeners ears or even just take it all in again for myself, I have been in awe all over again of what great news it really is. How awesome His plan of salvation! How wonderous His love for us! How beyond words it all is. It is more wonderful than I can say, more glorious than human heart can imagine.
And every time I hear it, I can't help but lift my heart to Him in awe, reverance and humble gratitude that every word is true. And it's for all of us!

SUCH LOVE

That God should love a sinner such as I

Should yearn to change my sorrow into bliss

Nor rest till He had planned to bring me nigh

How wonderful is love like this?

Chorus

Such love, such wondrous love

Such love, such wondrous love

That God should love a sinner such as I

How wonderful is love like this.

That Christ should join so freely in the scheme

Although it meant His death on Calvary

Did ever human tongue find nobler theme

Than love divine that ransomed me?

That for a wilful outcast such as I

The Father planned, the Saviour bled and died

Redemption for a worthless slave to buy

Who long had law and grace defied.

And now He takes me to His heart a son

He asks me not to fill a servant's place

The far-off country wand'rings all are done

Wide open are His arms of grace.

-Robert Harkness

1880-1961

I am so thankful that God has blessed me with a godly husband who encouraged me to go beyond what I thought I could do for the work of God. God has given me the courage to actually do it and because of this I am a part of God's work.
Some days it seems like such a small thing and it feels like we aren't doing much at all, especailly when people don't receive us well, but my heart rejoices for the place I have in God's kingdom as I follow His command to "go into all the world". That "world" may be my own community but it's reaching my world and it's more of blessing to my heart than I would have ever thought.
And the blessing of having the gospel be fresh and new to me all over again is one of the most exciting parts. Sometimes it's like hearing it all over again for the first time. It thrills my heart and makes my heart leap with joy. Inside I'm saying, "Isn't this wonderful! Let's hear it again! This is amazing! Thank you, Jesus!"
May the glorious gospel of our Lord never stop being fresh and exciting. May it always bring a rejoicing to our soul like the first time we really heard it.

This Laugh Brought To You In Honor Of My Man's Career

Don't know if you will find this as funny as I did or even understand all of it, but I think they are great.

Airline Announcements
A plane took off from John F. Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude the Captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY GOSH!" Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!"

As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"

After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a NW flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as ---- everything has shifted."

From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245 to Tampa. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."

"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."

Overheard on an PSA Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our plane to the gate!"

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"

After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on the horn, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."

Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of Southwest Airlines."

Heard on one of the airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake City: The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."

Heard on a Southwest Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."

On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."



ATC Conversations
ATC: Alitalia 321, continue taxi to the holding position 20R south via tango. Check for workers along taxiway.
Alitalia 321: Roger, 20R via tango. Workers checked, all are working.

ATC: Flight 1234, for noise abatement, turn right 45 degrees. "
Pilot: "But Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?"
ATC: Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"

ATC: NXXXX Say Heading
Plane: Heading
ATC: NXXXX Say Altitude
Plane: Altitude
ATC; NXXXX Say Cancel IFR
Plane: Uhh Our heading is 260 at 6000FT

Northwest 605: "Northwest 605 request taxi to the active MSP."
Ground: "Northwest 605 taxi to runway **, follow the CRJ, you will be number two."
Northwest 605: "Roger, we will follow the Smurf-Jet."
Flagship 5600: "At least my airplane doesn't qualify for an AARP membership.."

Beech Baron: Uh, ATC, verify you want me to taxi in front of that 747.
ATC: Yeah, it’s okay. He’s not hungry.



Pilot Maintence Logs
Problem: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
Solution: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit
S: Something tightened in cockpit

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

Choo Choo

We recently got this very special gift from Vince's nanny for the baby.

The special part is that Nanny picked this out just for us from the blind center she used to go to in Florida. It was made by a blind person there.

Whoever made it did an amazing job and I'm sure our child will love to play with it. It's made of wood with connecting cars and a string to pull the train along. Can you just here the "Choo Choo" now?

We will enjoy watching baby play with it and sharing the story of how we got it. Hopefully it will be a gift we can pass on to the next generation.

In case you don't know, I love things that have a story and a history. I really want this train to have it's own continuing story and long history.

Thanks Nanny.

A New Key On Our Chain and Abundant Blessings

It's official. We are homeowners.
To this I say in humble awareness of what all this means, "Thank you, Lord for your amazing blessing and provision" and in the next breathes, "Feel the Responsibility" and "Okay, let the spending begin."
The day we handed over that check with our down payment and closing costs, the spending had officially started not ended.
Ack! There's so much we DON'T have.
So Vince and I have been on a shopping spree that makes both our heads spin.
Next comes decisions like paint colors, where will everything go, what is a must-do fix or what can wait, what are we gonna do about this, what are we gonna do about that?
And on and on.
But seriously, I am NOT complaining. In reality I'm totally loving this new experience and with every breath I thank God for it all.
I also thank my hubby for helping me stick to a budget that would allow us to be here today.
Because of him and his thriftiness (sometimes appreciated by me and sometimes not) we are holding keys to a new home that is all ours and with just enough left to get a few things/lots of things we need.
God has given so many abundant blessings lately that most times when I think of it I just want to fall on my knees and say, "Lord, who am I that you would bless me so much!"
Never in my life have I been more aware of the fact that EVERYTHING is from HIS hand and it certainly isn't from me. None of it.
There are time you just have to stop and stand in awe of what God is doing for us, in us and through us.

For All The Fathers

I especially want to wish my hubby

a first Happy Father's Day.

You are going to make one awesome daddy!

I love you!

That's Funny Stuff!

I have decided to start adding some humor to my blog (I'm going to aim for once a week) because we all need it.
We live in a world with far too little to make us laugh until our gut hurts. I'm not promising to bust your gut but hopeful I'll help you crack a smile.
Proverbs tells us in 17:22-

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Sadly, some days we have too much that makes our bones dry up and not so much of what makes a merry heart.
So here is my little attempt to serve up to you a good dose of heart medicine. May it do you good.


Disclaimer: I make no claims to this joke or any humor from here on out. I will admit here and now that I have taken it from someone else who also sees the need to bring to others a little moment of the giggles.

Buddy and Edna

Buddy and his wife Edna went to the state fair every year,

And every year Buddy would say,

'Edna,I'd like to ride in that helicopter' Edna always replied,

'I know Buddy, but that helicopter ride is fifty bucks, And fifty bucks is fifty bucks'

One year Buddy and Edna went to the fair, and Buddy said, 'Edna, I'm 85 years old.

If I don't ride that helicopter, I might never get another chance'

To this, Edna replied, "Buddy that helicopter ride is fifty bucks, and fifty bucks is fifty bucks'

The pilot overheard the couple and said, 'Folks I'll make you a deal.

I'll take the both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and don't say a word

I won't charge you a penny! But if you say one word it's fifty dollars.'

Buddy and Edna agreed and up they went.

The pilot did all kinds of fancy maneuvers, but not a word was heard.

He did his daredevil tricks over and over again, But still not a word...

When they landed, the pilot turned to Buddy and said,

'By golly, I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you didn't.

I'm impressed!'

Buddy replied, 'Well, to tell you the truth, I almost said something when Edna fell out,

But you know,

"Fifty bucks is fifty bucks!'

*From Susan @ Forever His

Did The Groundhog See It's Shadow?

Okay, it's a little late for Groundhog's Day but here's a picture of two baby groundhogs that we saw recently.

I have acquired a sort of strange fascination with them. Growing up in Kansas and Oklahoma they weren't an animal I was used to seeing and when we first moved up here we had no idea what they were. Since they are everywhere it didn't take us long to find out about them.

To most people around here they are pests, I just like to chase them with my camera.

Especially the babies. Aren't they cute?

God's Timing Is So Good

V's parents were here for a few days last week. We had a wonderful time with them!
It was nice to have them come to our place since we almost always go out their way.
We took them to our favorite park, Elizabeth Park, where this picture was taken of them.
We spent some time there walking around and playing a quick game of that game I promised not to mention anymore for awhile. There are reasons there are no pictures of that.
It was truly a "God thing" that they came when they did. Because of the timing they were here to help us make some really big decisions and both Vince and I feel more comfortable with things having had their advice, guidance and prayer.
They are such a wonderful blessing and we sooo enjoyed our time with them. We just wish it could have been longer.

No Matter What...

Our God is big enough.


Isn't that good to know?

Baseball & Added Little Blessings

This post is a long time in coming.
The event talked about is weeks old but oh well, better late than never, huh?
Before I start, I must promise that hopefully this will be the last post on baseball for awhile. I’m beginning to see a pattern here.
With that said on we go.
Last month V and I went to a Detroit Tiger’s game. It was my first major league game and I totally enjoyed it. However it was the hottest day of the year so far and we were wayyyyy at the top where the sun could take it’s best shot at us. And it did. My arms and nose began to take on the prettiest red color you ever did see and I decided I didn’t want to be up there. (Someone forgot her sunscreen.)
So my dear, accommodating hubby took me down to the main area where we could stand and watch the game in the shade. Hey it was a better view anyway, right?
Well, right after we got down there and found a nice place to stand for the last 3 innings of the game, two girls came up to us and said, “We have to go, do you want our seats?” Well of course we said "yes" and 'thank you very much" and we found ourselves in nice cushy, shaded and fairly pricey seats. The view was amazing and we spent the rest of the game shaded and comfortable as we continued to munch on our twizzlers and peanuts and cheer for our team from field level.

What a blessing those seats were! It was just what I needed. I will try not to get spoiled and think I need that at every game but it sure was nice. That is totally the way to watch baseball on a hot day.

And the icing on the cake is that the Tigers did end up winning the game after some very tense moments.

Legacy Star

While I was in Oklahoma in April, I had the opportunity to sit down and learn a craft that I had been wanting to learn for some time.
I have lots of memories of my grandmother sitting in her chair crocheting and I wanted to learn that from her. It was something I wanted her to pass on to me so I could always say “she taught me that”.
So this last visit, she taught me that.
This is a picture of my first completed project. She was close by to help as needed and it took me about a week and a half. But I’m sure proud of it. And how cool is it that what she taught me I can now pass on to my kids.
Something I remember my grandma doing, now my kids can remember me doing.
I enjoy doing it but I think mostly I like it because it’s something I can share with her and there’s a part of her in my first piece and in every piece I will make from here on out.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Who would have ever thought the day would come that I would think a good afternoon is setting with my hubby watching a baseball game?
I guess his love for the game has rubbed off and here I am, a fan.
Sigh. I don’t know how it happened but I think it has something to do with the whole trying to be interested in what your spouse loves thing. Somehow it became something I enjoy too. Now I totally enjoy curling up on the couch on a Saturday afternoon, some good snacks to fight over and 3 hours of men trying to hit a little white ball. This is a good example of how our spouses change us.
Somewhere in the love what your spouse loves idea one thing has slipped through the cracks though. V still doesn’t seem too thrilled to spend a day shopping, going to museums or reading. I thought this was supposed to work both ways?
But be that as it may, I am totally getting into the game and am looking forward to going to many games with my man. Still a little nervous about flying balls hitting poor unsuspecting people in the stands (that would probably be me) but I refuse to let that stop me and besides, that would be a story, huh?
I really love having things that V and I can do together and this is just one more thing that we can share. That may be the biggest pull for me but whatever the reason, My name is Sondra and I am a baseball fan.

Now, off to watch the game!

Believe It-Live it

I think it was Beth Moore who said-
“It’s time our reality has a head-on collision with our theology”.

That really struck me.

She said...
Do we really believe what we say we do?
Do we live like we believe what we say we believe?
In day in, day out, good times and bad times life, how much of our theology is in our reality; in what we do, say, think?

Do we believe we are forgiven?
Do we believe we are loved?
Do we believe we are loved personaly just as we are?
Do we believe God is watching over us?
Do we believe in grace without works? and mercy?
Do we believe in His death burial and resurrection and what that means for us?
Do we believe He’s coming back soon?
Do we believe He is near us always?
Do we believe He hears our prayers?
Do we believe He is big enough?
Do we believe He knows us?
Do we believe His word is real and every word in scripture is trustworthy and faithful?
Do we believe He guides us?
Do we believe He protects us?
Do we believe He is sovereign?
Do we believe He is real?
Do we believe He cares?
Do we believe we are victorious?
Do we believe we are free?

If we believed it,truely, would we live our lives just as we do now?
Every day, every second with every breath, with every choice, with every word, with every thought, with every deed, in everything.
Would are lives really be the same?

Do our closest loved ones know what we believe as much by examining our lives as by the words we speak?
Does Satan tremble in the face of our belief system or does he question if we really believe it?


Just something to think about.
It sure made me think.

I believe all that with all my heart and I'd stake my life on each and every claim.
But I pray that I really live it every day in everything. In the heat of the moment as well as in the midst of the daily routine. Laid back moments or high stress situations.
I pray that I always stand on these truths and my actions and attitudes reflect them.
No matter what I'm up against.
No matter what the cost.
Oh that my first and final reaction to any situation in life would be to back it up to these truths and respond immediately in light of them.

He IS

I love this song. Vince and I saw them perform it in Tulsa during a concert and it is really powerful.
Enjoy!

Home Sweet Clean Home

You all know that I like having a clean, homey place to live.
It makes me feel good and makes me feel I’ve accomplished something.
So I was reading this book, I don’t remember the title, and it was listing all the things that you can do to make you house a home.
It talked about candles and opening the windows to let the fresh air in, fresh flowers and so on, yada yada yada. Honestly they had some really fun and easy ideas. Some were creative and sounded very nice and reasonable.
But the thing that just blew my mind was the part where the author said she vacuumed her house IN HEELS every day and spent time making patterns in the carpet with her vacuum. You know those star-like shaped patterns you get with the vacuum? Well that’s not enough for her. She designs her own patterns.
I think this may border on insanity.
Is this the same lady that says if you shine your kitchen sink every morning while wearing your Sunday best you’ll feel better about your daily accomplishments all day?
Um, no, I don’t think that’s true. Haven’t tried it though. It might work. If any of you want to try it, go ahead and you tell me if it makes you feel good about yourself.
I don’t even have the motivation to shine my sink every day let alone dress up to do it. I have no delusions about being June Cleaver.
My house is for the most part clean, organized and relatively free of clutter. That’s enough for me.
I’m actually pretty sure that if I took the time to make little patterns in my carpet and had a kitchen sink so shiny I could see myself it would have the opposite effect on me.
I would wonder if I had spent that extra time wisely.
I am almost 100% sure that anyone coming to my house doesn’t think, “Oh man, she doesn’t have teddy bear patterns in her carpet and her sink looks rather dull, I just can’t feel welcome here”.
And really, that’s my ultimate goal, not to have the cleanest, shiniest house on the block, but to have a place where one feels welcome to come in, kick off their shoes and feel at home. As long as I have a home where my family and friends feel comfortable, laughter abounds and good memories are made, I will feel good about myself and my home, no matter what little details aren’t “perfect” by some “experts” standards.
(Do you honestly think she really does all that every day?)

For All The Mom's Out There

Happy Mother's Day

Capturing The Moment

Here are a few pictures of my time in Oklahoma as promised.


This is a tree in Jo-Allen park in Bartlesville. Someone did a good job of carving that heart.
Vince and I spent a lot of evenings walking around this park while we were there. It's very peaceful, if the geese leave you alone.


This is my grandparents dog, Gabby. She is the most spoiled dog you can find. She loves to find the nearest willing lap and sleep just like this. She really likes Vince because he pays a lot of attention to her.

An Oklahoma sunset.

Grandma and Grandpa- aren't they just the cutest couple?

Like A Fitted Sheet

I found a video on one of the blogs I like to read and the whole video is on how to fold a fitted sheet. Now this might seem silly to you but I watched it and actually got some good tips. I am ashamed to admit that folding a fitted sheet is a skill that I have not mastered very well. I try and it always looks passable but it’s not an A+ job.
Now my mom, no one folds a fitted sheet like her. She’s amazing and if there were an award for folding fitted sheets she’d get it. But that particular domestic trick she did not pass on.
I guess I always think, “It’s a sheet, it goes in the linen closet until ready to use and who cares if it’s a little wrinkly.” Apparently my mom cares because when I told her that very thing she just shook her head at me. She deems me a sheet folding failure I’m sure.
I remember one particular time, right before I got married I went to her and begged her to re-teach me how to do this, thinking I would be a domestic failure if I didn’t have the perfectly folded fitted sheets. (Um, I had a lot of stupid thoughts like that, they make me laugh now and I’m totally thankful that my wifely/homemaking grade doesn’t take into consideration fitted sheets and other trivial things.)
Back to the story, she patiently showed me how she does it and then gave it me. Then I tried. It was a mess. I tried a few (dozen) times and finally decided that not everything had to be perfect and as long as I could get it into some resemblance of a folded thing, that was all that mattered. I gave up, handed the thing to mom and said, “do your own sheets, I’ll work on these towels.” They are my specialty. I can fold towels and washcloths like nobody’s business.
How many times do we try and try with the obstacles in our lives. We try to get them folded into nice flat squares that look just right but we can’t seem to get it right, no matter how many times we try. We wrestle with it (especially if it’s King size) and tackle it from every angle but when we’re done we still have something that resembles a blob with loose ends hanging out in places they shouldn’t.
We should hand over the whole mess to Someone who knows just how to shape and fold our circumstances until they are perfectly done, the way they are supposed to be.
I’m glad He is always there to take care of them. He gladly takes them from us once we are done trying on our own. I wonder if He watches us and just shakes His head, wondering why it’s taking us so long to say, “I can’t do it! Will you handle this for me?” I like to think of Him smiling as we hand it over. He really likes doing those things for us. Why do we have such a hard time letting Him?
I can tell you one thing, I wouldn’t have a hard time letting someone fold my fitted sheets if they asked.

To Explain My Absence

Surprise! I’m back.
It has come to my attention that my many fans are going through withdrawal and must have more of me.
So, here I am, promising to get back in the swing of things and start fresh.

Since I’ve been away from blogging I have been around the world and back. Mostly emotionally.
Part of the reason I haven’t put much energy into this beloved blog is that my energies have been spent elsewhere.
I guess I could have mustered the energy if I really wanted to but honestly, March and April were rather hard months for me and I just couldn’t seem to put all my emotions together. Some of it was too personal or real to put down. God got most of my feelings during this time. You can send your thank you cards. I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have wanted them.

I won’t try to do my normal re-cap of the time either. I’ll just say that I got through it by God’s help, lots of prayer, and amazing friends. THANK YOU, ALL OF YOU! Now that I'm able to see things from (mostly) the other side I am just thankful that God's promises are trustworthy and He really does stick beside us always.

But I will share with you my favorite picture(s) of my time in Oklahoma, during the month of April. It wasn’t always an easy time but so many precious memories were made. I wouldn’t trade that for anything!

Note: Okay, scratch the pictures for now. For some reason it's not working.
I'll post the pics later.

Spring Action

Ah, Spring!

The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, the grass is greening, the sun is shining and all the happy people throughout the land are joyfully throwing their coats and other winter garb in the nearest box, sealing them up tight and hiding them away for another year. This is all done with great joy.

Well, all that is happening somewhere I'm sure.

Here, not so much.

But it is officially the first day of Spring so I have to think that it will arrive here at some point.

Michigan just seems to have it's own seasonal calendar and it doesn't want to follow the one everyone else does.

But ya'll enjoy your Spring- flowers, sun and green grass. And think of me when you sniff your favorite flower or sneeze from all that budding and new life going on.

I'll just be sitting here waiting patiently for it to be my turn.

But anyway- WELCOME SPRING!

It sure feels like you've been a long time coming and we are so glad you're here!

Maybe I'm not in Narnia after all- always winter.

Snuggled In My Snuggy

You know those snuggies on TV? The blankets with sleeves.

Well I so bought in to that and decided that this Michigan girl just needed one of those.

So my mother, being the kind soul that she is, had pity on her poor cold daughter and bought me one.

It arrived today all safe and snuggly.

I have been anticipating this package for quite some time. There have been many a cold evening when I've been fighting with my blankets while taking a sip of the nightly hot beverage of choice or reading a book wondering how to keep my fingers from freezing off while holding it, thinking all the while, "there has to be a way to stay warm and still use my hands." Problem solved.

I now have a snuggy!

Thanks Mom. I love you and the snuggy!

Aren't mom's great? They know just what to get you.
It sure made my day!

Buggin'

This morning I got out of bed and walked to the kitchen.
On my way I noticed, through blurry, no contacts vision that there seemed to be little black dots sprinkled all over the carpet in pretty much every room.
Now, considering I had just vacuumed yesterday and that I am fairly certain I haven't been sprinkling black dots all over the place I was a little perplexed.
Not thinking too much about it I grabbed my breakfast and went to get ready for the day.
Once my contacts were in place and I could see the world more clearly I began to inspect these mysterious spots and found them to be bugs.
Now the good news was they were all dead. The strange thing is, I'm not sure why overnight all these bugs have decided to come into our place, crawl out to the middle of our carpet and die.
One or two I can see but this was certainly more than that. No, I didn't count them.
So apparently we have become a graveyard for rollie pollies.
Oh and yes I do know to be thankful they are rollie pollies and not something much more horrendous. Rollie pollies I can deal with.
But do they have to be trying to redecorate my carpot in black dots?