Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with a great friend. She is older than I am (my mother's age) but her and I are kindred spirits....both writers, both knowledgeable, inspiring women. She claims that I inspire her - but to me, SHE is the inspiring one! Although time doesn't permit us to sit and chat very often, I feel blessed every single time I am able to talk with her. Her knowledge and experiences are amazing and she is articulate in describing (the true heart of writer, she is!).
She also has fibromyalgia. It sucks. There is no cure. But she keeps on going, one baby step at time. Yep, SHE'S the inspiring one. She never stops! She reads, she writes, she sells Avon out of her home to help support her family....she is an inspiration to never stop. She is also a cancer survivor.
God bless our friends, for showing us the way, how to be strong, how NOT to give up!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Summer is here
Well, officially, in our household - summer has arrived! The kids are all registered for their summer "stuff" - school, sports, swimming - I am registered for fall semester classes (easy ones, compared to the 8 credits of science I've been taking this semester!) and we lit Father Jerome's fire ring for the first time!
Hubby and I went over to help Father decide what to do about a garden area and we ended up lighting a fire and sitting around talking for a long time. It's nice to be right across the road, because the children were able to go back and forth as they pleased and we were able to have some adult conversation. LOTS of new things going on with the church - Father is all about change, for the good! We were discussing where we go to grocery shop and Father said he gets his chicken from Fest Foods and marinates it himself, with Indian Spices. He asked if we wanted to try and said HE didn't think it was too hot....actually, it wasn't, but the spices are definitely different and do pack a little punch!
The children and I went to pick up our new puppy - a Chorkie - yesterday. It was a four hour drive to get her, but sooo worth it. My mom watched "the baby" (who is almost two, this is totally NOT sinking in - she still FEELS like a baby!) and Daughter #2 wanted to stay there too. We set her in the yard when we got home and she piddled - after coming home from Father's - the girls put her on the yard again and she piddled and poo'd - they LOVE her dearly - I am just hoping that "baby" can be gentle enough not to hurt her - she only weighs a half a pound! A few days ago when we were talking about Molly, my Hubby got out two sticks of butter and had the kids hold it - yep, that's how much she weighs!!
Tanning is going well. I am actually getting some color - and the psoriasis is getting better by far! Not gone, by any means, but most definitely getting better!
The weight is starting to drop off again too, now that I am getting stricter about my food intake. We have another weight-loss meeting tomorrow and I think that my goal will be to log ALL FOOD. I know that I am MUCH stricter when I log my food. I have been meeting my water intake goal - still slacking some on the exercise though. It's a process. It took a long to time to put the weight on, and will take some time to take it off too.
It's raining this morning.....which means I'll be at my cousin's cutting up a cow - yep, another one. It sucks that on a day off with the kids that I can't be home with them, but you NEVER say no to cheap meat, so I can't complain - much! :)
Hubby and I went over to help Father decide what to do about a garden area and we ended up lighting a fire and sitting around talking for a long time. It's nice to be right across the road, because the children were able to go back and forth as they pleased and we were able to have some adult conversation. LOTS of new things going on with the church - Father is all about change, for the good! We were discussing where we go to grocery shop and Father said he gets his chicken from Fest Foods and marinates it himself, with Indian Spices. He asked if we wanted to try and said HE didn't think it was too hot....actually, it wasn't, but the spices are definitely different and do pack a little punch!
The children and I went to pick up our new puppy - a Chorkie - yesterday. It was a four hour drive to get her, but sooo worth it. My mom watched "the baby" (who is almost two, this is totally NOT sinking in - she still FEELS like a baby!) and Daughter #2 wanted to stay there too. We set her in the yard when we got home and she piddled - after coming home from Father's - the girls put her on the yard again and she piddled and poo'd - they LOVE her dearly - I am just hoping that "baby" can be gentle enough not to hurt her - she only weighs a half a pound! A few days ago when we were talking about Molly, my Hubby got out two sticks of butter and had the kids hold it - yep, that's how much she weighs!!
Tanning is going well. I am actually getting some color - and the psoriasis is getting better by far! Not gone, by any means, but most definitely getting better!
The weight is starting to drop off again too, now that I am getting stricter about my food intake. We have another weight-loss meeting tomorrow and I think that my goal will be to log ALL FOOD. I know that I am MUCH stricter when I log my food. I have been meeting my water intake goal - still slacking some on the exercise though. It's a process. It took a long to time to put the weight on, and will take some time to take it off too.
It's raining this morning.....which means I'll be at my cousin's cutting up a cow - yep, another one. It sucks that on a day off with the kids that I can't be home with them, but you NEVER say no to cheap meat, so I can't complain - much! :)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
and.....this week at Lifestyles of the Crazy and Insane......
Ha ha! Crazy and insane it HAS been!
Baby (who is "almost" 2, by the way!) was sick and I ended up having to take her in to see the doctor on Friday. It appears that she has a sinus infection - poor little one! I think that Thursday night was the worst night that I have EVER had with her. She was up all night: crying, coughing, fidgeting, etc. I had to sit in the chair for her to be even semi-comfortable. It certainly made me thank the good Lord for a comfortable chair! She is taking her meds via milk. She saw me do this - one time. The next time that she wanted her sipper refilled, she brought me her sipper AND her medicine - yep, she is a smarty pants! She is doing better already - sleeping through the night again - ahhhh.
Two tests this week - one in Microbiology and one in Advanced A & P - 100% on both of them, thank you very much (yes, I am proud!!).
Helped Hubby prepare for his grandmother's funeral. The trip was over 3 hours (one way) and he decided that I should stay home with the children. A few months ago we received a trumpet from a women on Freecycle and he has been practicing since then. (He loves listening to the girls playing piano and it spurred in him the desire to have a trumpet again.) We bought a few books of sheet music for him and received a few books from family. He practiced and played "How Great Thou Art" at the funeral.
Baby has decided that she likes to pray - Amen is her favorite word while we are in church - right along with "peace" - I think that she shares the peace longer than intended, but she loves it!
Hubby got the roof done. It may have been two weeks, but he did it all by himself (aside from Son helping) and saved us oh, so much money! Next on the agenda: finish the front hall (he just put new floors in) and also some new customized drawer dividers - designed by me! Then, we will be carpeting our bedroom and setting up the new pedestal bed - oh, does that bedroom ever need a good thorough cleaning and re-organizing! And, since my new weight-loss regime is moving along, time to get rid of some clothes too!
Baby (who is "almost" 2, by the way!) was sick and I ended up having to take her in to see the doctor on Friday. It appears that she has a sinus infection - poor little one! I think that Thursday night was the worst night that I have EVER had with her. She was up all night: crying, coughing, fidgeting, etc. I had to sit in the chair for her to be even semi-comfortable. It certainly made me thank the good Lord for a comfortable chair! She is taking her meds via milk. She saw me do this - one time. The next time that she wanted her sipper refilled, she brought me her sipper AND her medicine - yep, she is a smarty pants! She is doing better already - sleeping through the night again - ahhhh.
Two tests this week - one in Microbiology and one in Advanced A & P - 100% on both of them, thank you very much (yes, I am proud!!).
Helped Hubby prepare for his grandmother's funeral. The trip was over 3 hours (one way) and he decided that I should stay home with the children. A few months ago we received a trumpet from a women on Freecycle and he has been practicing since then. (He loves listening to the girls playing piano and it spurred in him the desire to have a trumpet again.) We bought a few books of sheet music for him and received a few books from family. He practiced and played "How Great Thou Art" at the funeral.
Baby has decided that she likes to pray - Amen is her favorite word while we are in church - right along with "peace" - I think that she shares the peace longer than intended, but she loves it!
Hubby got the roof done. It may have been two weeks, but he did it all by himself (aside from Son helping) and saved us oh, so much money! Next on the agenda: finish the front hall (he just put new floors in) and also some new customized drawer dividers - designed by me! Then, we will be carpeting our bedroom and setting up the new pedestal bed - oh, does that bedroom ever need a good thorough cleaning and re-organizing! And, since my new weight-loss regime is moving along, time to get rid of some clothes too!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Prayer for my children
I (like all moms) pray for my children. Frequently this includes discernment for them to follow whatever it is Our Lord wants them to do with their lives. Other times I pray for peace, for a fever to pass, a good night's sleep, etc.
But, one thing I pray for EVERY night is for my child's future spouse. Jessica, Say WHAT? Yep. I pray for my children, but also for their future spouse. I pray that they and their future spouse will hold themselves, their thoughts and their bodies in high esteem. I pray that they and their spouse will save themselves for each other. I pray that spiritually both they and their future spouse will grow the way that the Lord needs them to, to be spiritually prepared for each other.
God knows - he knows when you will pray for someone - he knows what a person needs - he knows that these prayers, at this time, are going to help these kids. Someday, I want to be able to look into the eyes of my future daughter-in-law or son-in-law and say "I prayed for you daily, before I even knew you!"
But, one thing I pray for EVERY night is for my child's future spouse. Jessica, Say WHAT? Yep. I pray for my children, but also for their future spouse. I pray that they and their future spouse will hold themselves, their thoughts and their bodies in high esteem. I pray that they and their spouse will save themselves for each other. I pray that spiritually both they and their future spouse will grow the way that the Lord needs them to, to be spiritually prepared for each other.
God knows - he knows when you will pray for someone - he knows what a person needs - he knows that these prayers, at this time, are going to help these kids. Someday, I want to be able to look into the eyes of my future daughter-in-law or son-in-law and say "I prayed for you daily, before I even knew you!"
Monday, April 12, 2010
Baptism
As a former Lutheran and a practicing Catholic, one thing that has always been close to my heart is baptism. My Hubby's family grew up in a church that doesn't baptize infants. This is sooo heartbreaking to me. Why wait to be baptized? Jesus himself said - Bring even the little children to me!
Today's Gospel, though, sums it up well. Should the unthinkable happen and your baby/child should die, wouldn't you want them to be "born through water" so they can "see the kingdom of God?"
These are Jesus' words, not mine....this is why I believe what I believe about baptism.
God Bless you this day!!
Today's Gospel, though, sums it up well. Should the unthinkable happen and your baby/child should die, wouldn't you want them to be "born through water" so they can "see the kingdom of God?"
These are Jesus' words, not mine....this is why I believe what I believe about baptism.
God Bless you this day!!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Can I get an AMEN?
Wow, is the Lord good! (AMEN)
He provides for our every need! (AMEN)
He is there when we ask! (AMEN!!)
This week has been full of many ups and downs.....my car lost BOTH belts (one was for the alternator.....) - that apparently we were supposed to change a year and a half ago when we bought the car (so said our mechanic) - oops! He only charged us $40 for the belts AND labor (AMEN!!).
We took a trip to Wausau today. the kids love to shop around PetSmart (since there isn't one closer) and yes, we came home with a dozen fish - oh, and a frog too!
Hubby and Son went to the Hobby Shoppe and got some new models and paint - they are really into airplanes now. It's pretty surreal to hear them conversing and not being sure WHAT they are talking about!
Our stop at the game store went well. They traded in 2 games for $2 more than the local store was going to give us for THREE!!! (AMEN!) Now, Son can get his new game!
We rounded out our trip with a stop at Kohls (personally, not that impressed) and of course, ate out at Fazoli's. The kids love it there - probably because it's a "treat" - and they also have a book program, so the next time we go, their meals will be free!!
While we were out and about, Hubby said the power steering was out in the van. Usually this means just a fill of fluid, but that didn't really help. We re-checked and the fluid was still there. A phone call to my little bro left us with the impression that it's probably the pump - $50 to $200 repair, depending on the cost of the pump. OUCH.
Fast forward to us getting home and getting the mail: in there is a rebate check from our new washer - can I get an "amen?" God does provide!!
He provides for our every need! (AMEN)
He is there when we ask! (AMEN!!)
This week has been full of many ups and downs.....my car lost BOTH belts (one was for the alternator.....) - that apparently we were supposed to change a year and a half ago when we bought the car (so said our mechanic) - oops! He only charged us $40 for the belts AND labor (AMEN!!).
We took a trip to Wausau today. the kids love to shop around PetSmart (since there isn't one closer) and yes, we came home with a dozen fish - oh, and a frog too!
Hubby and Son went to the Hobby Shoppe and got some new models and paint - they are really into airplanes now. It's pretty surreal to hear them conversing and not being sure WHAT they are talking about!
Our stop at the game store went well. They traded in 2 games for $2 more than the local store was going to give us for THREE!!! (AMEN!) Now, Son can get his new game!
We rounded out our trip with a stop at Kohls (personally, not that impressed) and of course, ate out at Fazoli's. The kids love it there - probably because it's a "treat" - and they also have a book program, so the next time we go, their meals will be free!!
While we were out and about, Hubby said the power steering was out in the van. Usually this means just a fill of fluid, but that didn't really help. We re-checked and the fluid was still there. A phone call to my little bro left us with the impression that it's probably the pump - $50 to $200 repair, depending on the cost of the pump. OUCH.
Fast forward to us getting home and getting the mail: in there is a rebate check from our new washer - can I get an "amen?" God does provide!!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Proud Mommy
It's really fun to watch your kids and see them grow before your very eyes.
It's also very heartbreaking to see their hopes crushed.
Son just LOVES video games - Wii, Playstation - computer - any and all video games. He recently gathered up THREE newer Wii games and had his daddy take him to the used game store. He was hoping to get enough to buy a new game. I pre-warned him that sometimes they offer less than what we think we should get - and if they don't offer enough (if he would rather keep it and play it than sell it for that little) then he should be ready to say "no thank you."
A while later, my hubby gave me a call and said that they had offered $27 for all three games with the excuse that they were scratched. He said that Son said "No Thank-You" and they left. WOW!! By the time I talked to Son, he was just in tears, he had wanted a new game soooo badly! But, I told him how proud I was and that this weekend we would be taking a trip to a larger city and we would make sure that the games were in tip-top condition and see what THEY will offer - I really hope that it will be more and that he will have enough to get his new game!
It's also very heartbreaking to see their hopes crushed.
Son just LOVES video games - Wii, Playstation - computer - any and all video games. He recently gathered up THREE newer Wii games and had his daddy take him to the used game store. He was hoping to get enough to buy a new game. I pre-warned him that sometimes they offer less than what we think we should get - and if they don't offer enough (if he would rather keep it and play it than sell it for that little) then he should be ready to say "no thank you."
A while later, my hubby gave me a call and said that they had offered $27 for all three games with the excuse that they were scratched. He said that Son said "No Thank-You" and they left. WOW!! By the time I talked to Son, he was just in tears, he had wanted a new game soooo badly! But, I told him how proud I was and that this weekend we would be taking a trip to a larger city and we would make sure that the games were in tip-top condition and see what THEY will offer - I really hope that it will be more and that he will have enough to get his new game!
Easter Weekend
Easter weekend went GREAT!!!
The kiddos got up in the morning and were in love with the Dollar Tree items that we got them (the little bit of candy that they get is from the bunny - lol - the small "toys" are from us). By the time I rolled out of bed at 6:30, the girls were already painting their TinkerBell Easter Pictures. The boy was a little disappointed that his plane wasn't flying really well - but he had fun anyway.
We went to Mass at 8:30 - I LOVE Easter Mass. Father was all decked out in some beautiful vestments - the lilies were adorning the alter - it was truly beautiful.
After Mass, we went to my mom and dad's house for lunch. They love to spoil the children with money in the little plastic eggs - this year, they got a dollar just for answering this question: "what is grandma's favorite thing for you to give her?" (a hug and a kiss!!)
The meal was fantastic - turkey, gravy, twice baked potatoes, rolls, carrots, jello....etc. When we were done, we took the "leftovers" into my sister-in-law's work and shared with the 5 people that were working that day.
What could be better?? The savior has risen!!
The kiddos got up in the morning and were in love with the Dollar Tree items that we got them (the little bit of candy that they get is from the bunny - lol - the small "toys" are from us). By the time I rolled out of bed at 6:30, the girls were already painting their TinkerBell Easter Pictures. The boy was a little disappointed that his plane wasn't flying really well - but he had fun anyway.
We went to Mass at 8:30 - I LOVE Easter Mass. Father was all decked out in some beautiful vestments - the lilies were adorning the alter - it was truly beautiful.
After Mass, we went to my mom and dad's house for lunch. They love to spoil the children with money in the little plastic eggs - this year, they got a dollar just for answering this question: "what is grandma's favorite thing for you to give her?" (a hug and a kiss!!)
The meal was fantastic - turkey, gravy, twice baked potatoes, rolls, carrots, jello....etc. When we were done, we took the "leftovers" into my sister-in-law's work and shared with the 5 people that were working that day.
What could be better?? The savior has risen!!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Good Friday
Good Friday to me is always the hardest part of Easter - the alter is bare - the crucifix is down - Jesus has been removed from the tabernacle and is in an alternate location - no genuflecting - no "real" mass. It's depressing. Yes, I know it's supposed to be. But it's hard, it's lonely - going into a Catholic Church is always "different" - because Jesus is there and you can FEEL his presence - but on Good Friday, that feeling is gone.
Yesterday we got a LOT done around the house - 3 loads of laundry hung out, Hubby worked half the day, 3 loads of laundry back in before it rained :)!! - make-ahead potatoes made for Easter dinner tomorrow, a HUGE batch of cinnamon rolls made (with the help of a certain 7-year-old who said to me that she loves to cook and bake!) and just some general cleaning and picking up.
Father called at about 5-ish and said that there was Stations at 7 p.m. and that he would like Son and oldest Daughter to come and read. Of course! I went with, and it was a very nice. There is something super special about following the path of Christ - not just reading about it, but taking the 20 minutes to pray and meditate on each Station. I know that this is truly a "Catholic thing" but it should be something that ALL religions do!! It is definitely one thing to read about it, but it is a whole different thing to DO the Stations....amazing!!
Yesterday we got a LOT done around the house - 3 loads of laundry hung out, Hubby worked half the day, 3 loads of laundry back in before it rained :)!! - make-ahead potatoes made for Easter dinner tomorrow, a HUGE batch of cinnamon rolls made (with the help of a certain 7-year-old who said to me that she loves to cook and bake!) and just some general cleaning and picking up.
Father called at about 5-ish and said that there was Stations at 7 p.m. and that he would like Son and oldest Daughter to come and read. Of course! I went with, and it was a very nice. There is something super special about following the path of Christ - not just reading about it, but taking the 20 minutes to pray and meditate on each Station. I know that this is truly a "Catholic thing" but it should be something that ALL religions do!! It is definitely one thing to read about it, but it is a whole different thing to DO the Stations....amazing!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Holy Thursday
Well, Hubby and Son went to church together last night as the girls and I stayed home....much reasoning for this: Son was asked by Father to participate in the washing of the feet, but we were also to spend an hour with Jesus in adoration (which was actually from after Mass until Midnight -at which time it was actually Good Friday), so mommy would go to church from 10 until midnight to "keep watch" with Our Lord. This was an amazing feeling - know that the apostles had done this so many years before and that the church has been commemorating since.
Funny thing though: Father had specifically requested Son to participate in the foot washing - he had requested a few weeks before for adult male volunteers, but wanted a few "youth" also. When we had read the bulletin (and request) I jokingly said to Hubby that he should volunteer - he said no, he feels like the apostles - that the master should NOT be washing the feet! Well, God is always in control: one of the chairs was empty and Father nodded to Hubby and he participated anyway!! Oh, and they each came home with a loaf of bread that some of the ladies of the church had made!
For right now, I am praying that Hubby gets home from work so I can go to church with the older two children at 1 p.m. today - but in the meantime, I have clothes to hang on the line and children that need breakfast (among many other, boring things to do!)
Funny thing though: Father had specifically requested Son to participate in the foot washing - he had requested a few weeks before for adult male volunteers, but wanted a few "youth" also. When we had read the bulletin (and request) I jokingly said to Hubby that he should volunteer - he said no, he feels like the apostles - that the master should NOT be washing the feet! Well, God is always in control: one of the chairs was empty and Father nodded to Hubby and he participated anyway!! Oh, and they each came home with a loaf of bread that some of the ladies of the church had made!
For right now, I am praying that Hubby gets home from work so I can go to church with the older two children at 1 p.m. today - but in the meantime, I have clothes to hang on the line and children that need breakfast (among many other, boring things to do!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
