Secret Projects

It looks to be a beautiful day...

10 days until my daughter comes home.

Went by the place where SSP #1 is being tackled... and Yeah!  It looks like some progress is being made.  

SSP # 2 is still continuing... and about 85% completed.

Another SSP we will call that #3 is in the works... this one should be super easy... If I can just find the right size.

Right now I have the house to myself... and I am working on a Secret Project but its not a Super Secret Project.

I bought paint and paint supplies and for the next few days I will be repainting.  I have a 3 or 4 room goal... Computer, Kitchen, Master Bathroom and maybe the Guest/Kids Bathroom.  Because there are repairs, the painting may not go as fast as I would like... but if I stay off Facebook, I may accomplish it all...



Right now I am just back from Home Depot and having a cup of tea and thinking about where the ladder is?  Hmmm.   I'm gonna need that.  

Putting a fresh coat of paint on things is like giving your house a facelift.  It is refreshing. Especially for a stay at home mom.  Some of the repairs have been needed for awhile... and unfortunately looking at stuff that is not quite right makes me a little grumpy but my husband is too tired and too busy for me to bother him with some of it (that's because I don't want to increase his burden not because he doesn't want to do it) and if I hired it out he wouldn't like that either... so I am going to try the DIY this week.  I am excited.  

Computer room is going from blue to tan

That is the room I am most excited about... 

The  repairs in the Master Bath are a bigger deal than the paint.  So finishing that room will be a major improvement.

And I think I will be happier lightening the wall above the chair rail in the kitchen...

Nothing major just spruce things up.

Still not sure where I will find the ladder... but I know it is not in this room... I better go look... I'll come back later while waiting for the paint to dry~

Strength

Last night I covered my peony and clematis and the garden as well.... I had actually left the covers on my garden yesterday because the temps never really warmed up... but the peony and clematis I did uncover. They are in the front yard and with their sheets on- they look like Halloween Ghosts..... So before I went to bed I decided to cover them... I didn't think it was going to be necessary but... I did it.


Well, Last night we had a hard frost...

It is kind of pretty on the leaves of the Mums, and Black-Eyed Susans.  They are hardy plants and can take it better than others. 

My peony looks pretty pitiful.... It looks sad and broken.   


And I thought about us, humans- mankind, and how we too can feel lost, lonely, and broken.  While some of us handle it better than others, we all feel that way sometimes.  


Isaiah 41:10 
Fear thou not; for I am with you:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.


Let our strength be in Him and he will renew us... body, mind and spirit...   


As I look out my window I see that my peony is standing tall, reaching for the sky, the sun, and that should be a reminder to me to stand tall, lifted up in praise to the Son. 

Excitement

Today there is a lot of excitement as the boys are packing and getting ready for their mini-terms...  It's funny but they are driving me crazy.... I will relish the quiet and enjoy my vacation from running kids to and from their activities!




My son shaved and now he looks like a really tall 12 year old... LOL  at least to me... Compared to the bearded man he was yesterday.


More exciting news is that the count down for E's return is 12 days!  C-R-A-Z-Y!!  We are all so looking forward to her arrival.  Today I should  check on that Super Secret Project.... Hope it is coming along!!

                                                                                                             
I went to my Secret Sister Luncheon which was wonderful.... There were about 12 of us there.... We revealed who we "had" and then picked SS for next year... It's a fun program.  Such a fun way to show the love of Christ with our church ladies!  I picked up a hanging basket for my SS  at the greenhouse and ended up getting a couple for myself they were so gorgeous!  I know that every time I see mine I will be reminded to pray for Betty and Renee too.  Renee had me and gave me a stepping stone for my garden, but I don't think I want anyone stepping on it... LOL ....  I am so looking forward to the butterflies, birds and hummingbirds and flowers.  I just love looking at driving down the road and looking at everyone's yards, what is blooming and the all the colors and I am sooo glad winter is over!

Now it's raining...  it is supposed to warm up a bit tomorrow and over the next week, so hopefully then I won't have to cover all my plants, in the garden and yard anymore.... and I can plant the rest... I figured I better hold off for a week since the temps were expected to be so low... It is a pain to cover everything at night but it will pay off with beautiful and tasty results.... I hope!

I am feeling very thankful today!

This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

The Last Straw

Today was my Dr. appointment to review my blood work from last week.... It was the last straw... the final nail in the coffin so to speak...

I abhor going to see the doctor.  Basically I am pretty healthy... I eat well, exercise, and watch what kinds of toxins I put in and on my body... that includes perfumes, medicines and vaccines...

So I brought my crocheting with me... everyone knows that a long wait is associated with going to the doctor... so I prepared and was doing well... until they called my name and asked me to step on the scale.

The scale is not a woman's friend... We tend to judge a good day and/or a bad one by the numbers staring back at us... The Doctor got a new scale... It is digital and the first thing I thought of when I saw it was it looked like the scale at the vets office... Also I know my weight is up... Also it is cold today so I am wearing more clothes than when I weighed in last time.  So the number looked bad on paper.... or actually on computer screen.

Then the nurse was asking me questions...  Now this always annoys me- just take the BP first before you tick me off... I could literally feel my blood pressure rising... Did you have a flu shot?  Did you have a mammogram?   NO, I did not ... No, I do not choose to poison my body.... NO- NO- NO- NO- I do not want to have you draw blood for these stupid visits every 6 months!

Oh my blood pressure which was fine at home is now 126/80

Now I wait for the doctor.... crochet and wait... and wait.....

She finally comes in... My blood work came back fine... She retakes my bp and it is fine.  My cholesterol was borderline but with Easter and stuff and I know I had overindulged with some ice cream a bit the week before my blood work... anyway.... I don't think it's a problem...   But now instead of 6 months she wants to retest in 4 months... GRRRR

So she refilled my prescription and told me she wanted to see me for blood work and a visit  in 4 months and then again in 6 months...

And she says my weight (which is up from last time but still down from 2 years ago) is ok for my height... But she says she is going to put me on a diet...

Are you kidding me!!  I really think it would have been ruled justifiable homicide in a court of law by a jury of my peers!

So finally done with this visit... I left the diet on the chair in the Exam Room and went to make those other appointments.... while I was waiting making the appointments the nurse was nice enough to bring that diet back to me... I was going to leave it on the counter where she set it, but I figured she would bring it to me while I was waiting to pay my co pay.... good grief!

So being the big, bad, fatty that I am-  I'm tossing it into file 13.... I don't need no stinkin' diet!

I just need it to warm up around here so I can go outside and run or get out on the lake in my kayak... oh and you can bet I am looking for a new physician... That was the last straw... Good grief...

Time

Time is valuable... We have only so much in a day... 24 hours... And we need to use that time wisely... Enjoy ourselves and be productive... All at the same time....

In just two weeks my daughter will be home... I am so looking forward to it, but I have so much to do-
In preparation for her arrival.

Time... Wouldn't it be nice if you could bank it and use it when you needed some extra!

There are more projects than time in a day.


And tonight we have a baseball game... My son has tests tomorrow... So I am praying for the weather to force a rain cancellation.    It is possible, but we will see...  If it's not cancelled, I would like to make him stay home and do homework and pack for his school trip.  He won't want to do that, but we will see....

It is such a time drain when there is so much to do....   Grades are more important than the game....  He won't play... He will just cheer for the team.  It is still raining.   So I pray that the rain is falling on the other schools field... greening it up for another day and freeing up some time for our family tonight.... God willing the phone will ring... the text will come in... until then I will pray.... Hopeful for a quiet evening at home warm, dry and rested.

Preparing

Cupcakes for the baseball team... They were fun to make... seems like because the kids are getting older I rarely make fun things anymore... so I enjoyed this... I hope they enjoyed eating them!

Spinach was planted this weekend>
Onions on other side>

I planted some lettuce today >


carrots today... >

Peas were planted awhile ago>





Strawberry Patch

So we are hopeful that we can get the garden in and keep things protected from frost... There is still a threat of snow flurries this weekend... so lots of attention... covering everything... including my peony and clematis... This weather has been nutsy coo-coo... funny but I can not figure out how to spell that...

Super secret projects are still in the works...

and the count down is 15 days!  

My preparations are coming along...

Strawberries Good!

Life is good.

God is good!

Sshhh! It's a secret!

Today was such a wonderful day.

It started with no snow and no frost on the ground.

In fact, the sun was shining!

The kids got off to school.

I worked on some poetry.

Did some cleaning and laundry.


Then worked on a project for our Secret Sisters Luncheon this Saturday.

Met a friend for coffee.

Got a load of top soil with my sweet husband.  And then split a Footlong Subway Veggie Delight with him.

Picked the boys up from school- Dropped kids at the track meet and came home.

Worked on the Secret Sister project some more.

Went to the track meet... My son had a PR in the Discus..  :)

Came home ate a bowl of Raisin Bran and went to Knit and Chat... The ladies are so wonderful...  I didn't get much crocheting done... we chatted and then sat in the pool area with our feet in the jacuzzi.  That was nice... Thank you Grace!  And I got Natalie's CD! Can't wait to listen to it tomorrow!

I came home and finished the project for Saturday... now have to wait for Saturday.    :(

This was a great day.  And I feel so blessed....

Trials

This has been a trying day... started yesterday and well, just frustrating...  My daughter encouraged and admonished me to do better... She said you need to read James... and I did.  And I am glad I did.

James 1:2  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.....

My exchange student is very much trying my patience.  He is not a Christian.  He has no faith at all.  So I am being stretched out of my comfort zone...   Verses 1:2-4

I do not know how to deal with him... Verse 1:5

How do I show this young man the goodness of God... 1:16-18  3:17-18

He pushes my buttons.... Verse 1:19-21

How do I handle things.... Verse 1:22-25

Do I complain to others...  Verse 1:26-27 and Verse 2:12-13  Verse 3:1-12 Verse 4:11-12

His entertainment is to argue over everything... Verse 3:17

How do I gain strength... 5:13-16

Thank you Erin for rebuking me... Verse 5:19-20

I don't know whether he has or will be called to Christ...  but my desire is to show him the love of Christ and to not be a stumbling block in his path.

black/white

Today began on a good note.  Everyone happy- eating pancakes, going to church and well it kind of went off track from there...


After church the guys did their homework... which was a project due Monday morning... I know that they could possibly have an extra day to work on it before they would be called to present it... but why take a chance so I told them I expected it done tonight.  and it looked like it was going to get finished... I was very proud of them for their progress.


Small altercation over prom with #2...

Then we went to dinner with friends... That was nice until Altercation with #1 over project interview....  then when we were leaving... another small altercation over mini-term with #2... and things kind of went further south or north.

Depending on who you ask.

See #2 enjoys arguing.  He rarely gets upset... he just pushes and pushes.  It is his entertainment.  He talks and talks about wanting to go to NY.  The opportunity comes up and I say you should go to NY it will be fun- he says no, I don't want to go.

I finally sat him down tonight... apologized for getting upset., I said I will not argue anymore... I want you to enjoy this experience and I know that this is very different from being at home... if you don't care to try to fit in and assimilate and enjoy the next month then I am at the point where I don't care.

I have to see the Dr. on Friday and I don't need to have my blood pressure up.  I say up/you say down- so be it... it is what it is.

So to relax tonight,  I put on a show, put my feet up, crocheted, and had 1/2 a glass of vino and thought about what I want to do.... arguing is not on that list.

Rainy Morning

I awoke to the sound of rain... Got up and did some laundry... And now I am waiting and wondering.... Will we still have baseball?   I welcome the rain... It is a soft and gentle continuous rain.  Watering the lawn and the flowers... cleaning everything, making everything look fresh.

I bought some flowers yesterday and wanted to get them planted before the rain came... but the baseball game prevented me from getting them all planted.... maybe tomorrow.  They are so pretty and I love all the different colors....

The call came... That double header--- canceled!


Oh, What a wonderful day.... I made Biscotti, we had a meeting with Cindy, our AYA Local Coordinator and now the boys are working on homework.  A nice, leisurely morning... And if they can accomplish some homework, we may go bowling tonight... That, I guess, will be up to them!

In the mean time.... I am going to do another load of laundry....  Today I am thankful for the rain!  God's blessings raining down on me.  I still need to finish the church bulletin for tomorrow...  Ahhh, so glad to have those 5 hours back.  God is so Good!

Visiting The Vampire

I had fasting blood work done this morning... Not my favorite thing to do. I have postponed this for 2 months and was supposed to do it yesterday morning.... but we had a movie night on Wednesday and watched Star Trek (it was a really good flick) and my hubby offered me pretzels.... And I partook of them.... I knew I shouldn't but I did.... I knew I wouldn't be able to do the blood work but I didn't care... I didn't want to do it anyway. However, the problem is that my doctor won't refill my prescription without it so eventually I have to get it done... Today was the day.

I had a little panic this morning.... I was having a cup of coffee, just enjoying everything about my morning elixir of life... And panic... My blood work... Then I heard my hubby reminding me about my appt... Oh, I have to get up.  I was dreaming... I can't believe how real it seemed.  Probably because I went to bed hungry. My son had a track meet and it ran long... But the kids did great.  For such a small team we had a strong showing... scored some points, first in some races, set a new school record, and had many PRs.  So it was worth waiting... But I had only eaten a yogurt at 4:30 so I was hungry- very hungry when I went to bed.... 

Right now I am enjoying a bagel, and a cup of coffee, and some wonderful dark chocolate covered almonds... It only took a few minutes to draw my blood and the ladies in the office are very nice... I wish I liked the Dr. better.... It's not that I don't like her- she is nice but I feel like a piece of meat, a specimen, a number,  I don't know... I just hate going to the Dr.  I hate getting my blood pressure checked... It makes my blood pressure go up... And then she is writing that number on my chart and it is not accurate because that's not my normal number... It is a vicious cycle... Maybe if I didn't dislike it so much it would be better but ... I don't know... I don't like going to the dentist either... but that is for another day.

So next Friday she will see me to tell me my results and refill my prescription and look at me like a accident waiting to happen.  I may have a glass of vino before I go.... No, I won't, but I will think about it and laugh to myself.  Awe, well, there is much to do today.  Laundry, cleaning, and working on Super Secret Surprise #1,  SSS#2 is underway as well.  Accomplishing a few things around here will keep me from thinking too much about my husbands meeting.... Yesterday went ok, but things are still up in the air...  God is in control. So I will not worry, but there will be fall out... 

What the heck- maybe we should sell everything, buy a camper, travel and be at home on the road.... Doesn't sound like a bad idea.  Retirement sounds good... 

My George

Today began like any other and every other this year.  The alarm, make the coffee, get the boys up, get them to school and then we do our morning all over the next day....

But my husband came home to get the truck to run help out a friend.  My husband is the busiest, most productive, most humble person I know.  Hard worker, good thinker, very unselfish.

Later he came home with some trouble- and I have to wonder why people are so greedy and dishonest.  They would sell themselves out for a a couple grand.


Well, we will find out what will transpire shortly- but in the meantime, I was thinking about things and have to look at it this way.  I am a fortunate woman, I have a wonderful husband, we have two beautiful children, and some very wonderful family and  friends.... My thoughts on what is going on today are: George Bailey... I look at how he lived his life and though it is just a movie-  I see my husband.  A good, honest man.  We can not change the world around us-  and when it seems to be spiraling out of control we must trust that something big is about to happen.  To us, for us or in spite of us and try to find some purpose in it.



We serve a loving and powerful God.  But joy is not found in things- it is within us-  and only faith in Jesus can bring us out of despair and give us hope that the future will be bright.  The Light of Him shining on us, in us and through us- in the good and bad times.

But we are still human and these trials are painful.  So I pray that he will triumph over this setback and that whatever happens he is not discouraged.  He has worked hard and done all that he could do to succeed without backstabbing or trampling on others. He is like no other man on this earth.  I am so blessed and I give thanks to God every day to be his wife.

Morning Elixir

The birds outside are singing.

My alarm is loudly ringing.

Out of bed, I should be springing.

But Instead, to my pillow, I lay clinging.

Because the thought of being late is stinging,

Now, the covers, I am flinging.

My loving husband, to me, coffee bringing.

Fog lifting, my mind starts zinging.

Coffee is Amazing.

Shoe Shopping

I went for a much needed hair cut today... and afterwards I went to TJ Maxx looking for sandals.  The latter is of monumental importance to me.

I have not been able to find a pair I like for several years now.... Today I found a pair of white sandals...  So happy am I about it.

See-- I refuse to wear uncomfortable shoes anymore.  and have for about 10 years now.  I want them to look nice and be comfy.  I do not want to go ahhhhhh!  at night when I take them off.

However, I can never find that just right shoe... stylish, not too high (that's the big roadblock lately), or not the right color, price, and comfortable... also toe cleavage must not show.

I am a picky shoe person... but happy today because all the bases were covered!  Homerun!

If only I could find a black pair and a brown pair.
 






I

Missing

I am enjoying my day.  I went to the gym, had coffee with a friend, picked up paint samples at HD with my husband, and then sat down and looked through some pictures.... Good memories flooding in!








I miss this incredible young lady!  24 more days till her return.

I miss my mom.... She is deserving of the crown for putting up with and raising me, and my two sisters and brother- and now 11 grand kids... and taking care of her own mommy as well!  Amazing Woman!

I miss my sisters and their families-  7 beautiful and bright children!  I also miss my brother and his 2 girls!

I miss summer and all the beauty that the Lord God provided for our enjoyment and appreciation- but not our worship....

I miss my little Bitsy Boo!  She was the best dog ever!  Such a loving and sweet disposition... She had such a good temperament and traveled so well too!

Oh, I am so looking forward to summer days and evenings on the lake in the kayaks.  Just being out enjoying the relaxing easy days of summer vacation! Time spent with family and friends in the warmth of the sun, as it shines brightly- like God smiling down on us.

BBB

Blessed Beyond Belief!  That is what I am....






picture taken last June (2011)







I can not sleep tonight... I have to get up early... why is it if we need to get up early, sleep is elusive.... but so I got up to get a drink of water... and the thought struck me of how fortunate I am, how blessed.

Today was a beautiful day and were able to go to our church of choice... together to worship our Savior, Jesus and visit with our church family.  And then spend the rest of the day doing enjoyable things-  going to the Open House of the Lambs House,  visiting with friends, washing the car, fixing broken things around the house, doing housework, chatting on the phone, crocheting, watering plants, the boys played marbles... haven't seen anyone do that in 30 some years... LOL

Nothing major, nothing outrageous... but free to do what we want to do... I am looking forward to summer.  My kids out of school and the 4 of us spending time doing something... or nothing together.

Change of Plans

Today was a drizzly, wet day.... we had a track meet and then a double header baseball game... Long day of waiting.... The baseball team has been struggling this year... many more L's than W's.  And so After watching Ryan's track meet Lex said he thinks he likes watching track more than baseball.

But the boys played well and everyone got in today. The first game was close but they won.   The second game they were running away with and then the other team came back and was threatening to overtake us... unfortunately for them the ump called the game in the middle of the top of the 7th because it was getting too dark.... 

We ended up putting 2 in the W column today.  

As we left the field, cold and wet, Lex said to me, "I prayed that they would win today."  

I asked him if he actually prayed and he said, "Yes, I did pray." 

So several prayers are being answered... God is so good and I will keep praying too!  

After the games, I brought my guys home- sent them to the showers to warm up and made them some hot soup and tea.

I had planned to go to my friends daughters concert tonight... been planning on it for a month... and missed it because baseball ran so late.... but when Lex told me that I didn't feel so upset about missing out on my plans.... God's plans are best.  I will buy Natalie's CD!  

A good day...

 The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day.

     I had to drop something off at the school.  A letter to excuse Lex from school for a field trip through his exchange program but I wanted to work out... so I put my gear on (that's 1/2 my battle) laced up my running shoes and literally went to town. It was tough... but I am glad I did it....

     Tonight there is another baseball game... My son missed a practice and a game because he had a test to study for in science soooo he probably won't play but we're hoping for a good game and most of all good weather.... or great parking so we can watch from the car.... LOL

     In 28 days, my college freshman will be home and she'll be a college sophomore.  I am so looking forward to her getting back.  Doing some fun things together and listening to her college stories.... hopefully she has taken pictures and I can put names and faces together...

     The best part of summer will be all of us together  
again... We all miss the big sista....

         

   

     In the meantime, I am working on the super secret project and hopefully can finish it...

     But for now... the rest of the day I will be making cookies for a friends daughters concert tomorrow... and I am so hungry right now I could.... well I just looked around but there is nothing in this room I could nibble on... so I better get myself something nutritious.

     Today is a good day.  I am so glad I can be busy and productive and that God blessed me with a loving husband who is supportive and understanding.  I am one very blessed woman!

Frosty Morning

This morning there was a very hard frost and my peony was suffering and bent over itself.... it saddened me because it would have had such beautiful flowers,   I love the colors.... the size... and the shape of them.

and I was hopeful that with the sun that it might perk back up.... maybe.... God willing....

Jay took me on a errand to look at a property for a client and then to breakfast....
on the way home I enjoyed watching a little Yorkie in a pink sweater, chasing
squirrels and birds in it's masters yard...  pretty flowers and flowering trees along
our route home... and the sun shining brightly on everything.

When we got home, my peony was perked back up.
It had a few burnt leaves and buds but was very much alive...

It wasn't focusing on the frost that hurt it... but reaching to welcome the sun, adoring, basking in it's warmth.

If we could do that... Live for the Son each day.... forgetting the about the trials and pains of the past.   Reaching for, seeking Him, living in the Light of His love and focusing on what He wants for us....

If we could remember that all of it (good and bad) is meant to glorify God the Father....

If we could do that... We would live in a world without resentment, anger, hatred, maliciousness, and fear.

It would be a world full of love, hope,
forgiveness, peace, and contentment.

It's Mental

Running

For me it's 99% Mental

Today I went to the gym and hit the treadmill.  Met Carolyn there-  poor thing is nursing a knee injury- I am praying that it improves and she can get back 100%.  She is an amazing encouragement.... inspiration.... She looks great and says that she feels amazing and like me has become addicted to running.

I have a love hate relationship with my treadmill.  It is a nice machine but has a mean streak.... See I think it is out of calibration.  I do not like to run outside when it is cold and so I stay inside on the treadmill.  I like to watch TV... Usually The Biggest Loser on Netflix.... but the speed on the darn thing is killing me... If it says 5.0 that is a 12 min mile... and I am struggling to run one on that darn thing... but when I run outside- boom- I run about an 11.5 min mile.... and today at the gym I was at stinking 6.0  for one song (without feeling like I was going to die).... It makes me crazy... Why does that number bother me so much... I know that it is not quite right... but it messes with my mind... and I focus on it.... and feel unsuccessful during my run.... still feel amazing afterwords though.

So I play this running game.... 

Run for fun.  That really never sounded possible.
I do not like to run.  Never liked to run. 

Running is hard.
Running is painful.
Running is work.
Running is time consuming.
Running is not fun.  

That's what I used to say-

Jay and I started running on the bike path a couple summers ago.... Running was so hard in the beginning... my heart felt like it would beat out of my chest, I couldn't breath, I felt like I was going to cough up a lung after I was done..... it took all the way home to recover..... sad state of health... LOL

Then I noticed that it wasn't taking as long to recover and I was able to increase my duration.... little by little I was making progress.  I absolutely LOVED the way I felt about 40 min after a run... whether is was 1, 2, 3, miles.... 

I lost weight... because here comes more the mental junk.... If I am going to take the time and effort to run for 30 min then there is no way I am going to eat something that will undo that effort.   

I find if I get dressed, find my shoes and headphones and stuff...  that is more than 1/2 the battle.  Then doing it is the easy part... Remember the Nike slogan from the 80's,
"JUST DO IT"

I feel like I accomplished something when my run is over... and now I am ready move forward and to do something else-  

My legs feel super skinny after running... I know that's in my head... but they do feel strong and skinny. 

I also have less back pain and stiffness when I run... so that's worth the effort in itself.  

When I run outside I am so thankful to God for the weather, the ability to run, the beauty around me...When I started I was just thankful to finish and for my husband who encouraged me and gave me tips.  He never teased me about my red faced recovery. 

Today talking to Carolyn I remember encouraging her to start running, now she's encouraging me to get back to it.  So we are both addicted.  It is a good addiction.... Looking around the gym today we looked like the youngsters of the group.... and that made me laugh... I hope my effort pleases, He, who gave me the ability to run- not necessarily to win any races but to share joy with others and be an encouragement to whoever needs it- and an example of  His love.

Maybe I am not supposed to be inside on that treadmill.... 

Louis

This is the cat.... He is a terrorist!

A Christmas present to my daughter from her friend Tyler.  Now that she is away at college, Louis is here with us.  

He is a big guy... and actually quite sweet and very affectionate... but we lovingly refer to him as "The Hair Bomb".  If you visit us... you must not leave your sweater, coat or hat anywhere that Louis can kittify it.  In just a matter of minutes, it will be absolutely covered in hair.  I really don't know how he does it.... but he does.  Truly amazing and aggravating, as well.  

30 days and his Mistress will be home and then maybe he will stop the hair bombing.... or not!  

19

19 years old.  It's hard to believe that is possible and yet it is...
The years have flown by-

I remember:

The day you were born, so sweet, so beautiful.

Going to the Shu-box,
Eat-n-Park Smiley cookies,
McDonalds Playland,
The Eagle's Nest, 

Funny face, 

Purple dinosaurs, princesses, 

First day of pre-school, 

The Berkstresser Family,

Visiting Grandma, 

Trips to the beach,
Barbies, American girl dolls,

Aurthur and DW, Magic School Bus, Cyberchase, Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter, Scooby Doo, 

So many Disney movies, 

Barbie roller skates, rollerblades,

Ice skating:  Want to see me do a flip?

Candyland, Uno, Egyptian Corkscrew, Starwars Memory, 

Animals: puppies, kittens, bunnies, calves and lambs,

The first snow day! 

Chicken pox: The tragedy of missing school 

Girl Scouts, Girls State,

Camping:  tether ball and bonfires 

Canoeing: those imagined races.

Reading always reading: her dictionary, Nate the Great, The Magic Tree House, Harry Potter Books, 

Music: piano, choir, clarinet, 

Family  Favorites: Elf, Big Fat Liar, Kicking and Screaming, Napoleon Dynamite, Master of Disguise,
Girl Picks: While You Were Sleeping, 13 Going on 30,  

Sports: t-ball, karate, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, track, soccer,
First Holy Communion: Yes
Confirmation:  No

McMasters Farm/Corn:  Can you eat it this summer?

Scrap booking

Brian Regan

Learning to drive, 

College visitations, graduation,
Packing up the car and watching her and her dad drive off for CA. 

I miss my sweet girl, dear daughter...this is the first birthday spent apart...I hope she has a wonderful day!  and enjoys herself with her friends!  We will celebrate in 31 days with a Birthday Cake and some Handel's Peanut Butter Parfait ice cream.... and the Disney movie of her choice!  I can hardly wait!

Easter Day

     I sit here sipping coffee, alone in the house.  Well, what I mean is- the only one out of bed and I am excited for the family to get up and to explore their Easter Baskets... There is less excitement about this every year as the kids get older.... One is away at college and my son is a H.S. Junior.  Our exchange Student, Lex, is from China and does not know Christ so we are his introduction to Jesus.  That is what excited me to share the message with him.

     Easter is not about bunnies, or baskets or candy... It is about Jesus- His death on the cross- and His Resurrection and then His Ascension into Heaven.

     What a gift.  So how do we celebrate something like that... Hmmm, the giving of gifts, chocolate, decorating eggs,  time with family and friends, feasting, and worship at our churches....



Spring Celebration

Spring,
     Makes me think
           not of flowers red or pink.

But of Christ
     Upon that cross...
          He died for me-   at Calvary!

Condemnation, suffering,
          Death!
Punishment not deserved!
     But ... Obediently endured.
     All to fulfill--  The Father’s will.

Sinless Man, laid to rest.
     But in the tomb, He did not stay.
          Risen--   on the third day.

Risen Lord!
     Life restored!
You conquered sin and also death.

I think of it, and catch my breath.
     Crying,  tears begin to flow
I don't deserve this gift, I know.

No need for works,
      Payment has been made.
Nothing I can do
      but offer- to You,
          my thanks and praise ,
    For your love and for your grace.
       
             Salvation,
                         Elation,
                                Celebration!


Teresa Letarte

Easter fun

God is so good.... He Sent his son Jesus to earth to save us from sin... so that we can be with Him for all eternity.... What a gift of love and sacrifice.

     I made Resurrection muffins... I used a cinnamon struessel muffin mix used 1/2 the milk it called for- put a spoonful of batter in the bottom of the muffin cup and then placed a marshmallow to represent Jesus then filled the muffin cup with batter covering the marshmallow... took the struessel topping and covered the top of the batter.... Baked as directed.... I wasn't sure how it would turn out but it smelled amazing while it was cooking... as you can see the muffin has a void in it where the marshmallow once was... Just like the empty tomb of Jesus!  Oh and they taste amazing too!
                                                                             
     We also decorated Easter eggs.  We dyed the eggs with Paas dye and let them dry really well.  Then decorated them with sharpie markers.

      I am really missing my girls... My guys were not very creative.  I sure wish, Erin, Yujin and Olive were here.  We could have had a lot of fun with this.

      It's fun to have traditions but it is also fun to try something new~    Don't be afraid to have fun.

     Today was a glorious and beautiful day!

                                                       

Tears

Tears of joy,
     Tears of pain,
Tears of sorrow,
     and those of shame.
Frustrations build.
     I begin to weep.
I cry a river,
     and fall to sleep.

I want to trust You.
     You know what’s best.
Life’s difficulties,
     My mettle test.
My Lord and Savior,
     these trials I bear
They’re hard to deal with,
    And some days, I feel despair.

It's only through prayer,
     God’s love and his grace-
On these tough days,
     You’ll find a smile upon my face.
These little issues,
     Such minor things,
Each separately,
     Do not cause my hands to wring.
But piling up,
     They chip away
At my happiness,
     My joy each day-
Causing my blue skies
     to appear quite grey.

 It’s like the waves,
     that pound against the shore.
One after another,
     never ending,
          always one more.
Through the pounding-
    The crashing of the surf on the sand.
The powerful tide
     making it’s demand.
As the water recedes,
     A treasure’s left behind.
A seashell, so smooth,
     It’s been refined!
          All the sharp edges- now removed.

If I could see every day
     through God’s own eye,
I would understand
     all the reasons why!
but I can’t and I don’t-
     So place a label on me,
“Under construction“
     is what it should read.

God through the Holy Spirit
     is shaping- molding me,
So I can be with Him
     in Heaven for all eternity.
Lord, Please, give  me  courage
     to rise above
And share with others
     This message of hope- Jesus’ love.

Seasons

     I met friends for coffee this morning.... I jogged to the coffee shop so that was a good way to justify the time since I really need to do some housework.  My life revolves around the seasons, Sports Seasons.  Seems that with Baseball games and Track meets the house work is getting "swept under the rug"  so to speak.  But though it is going to be a busy month... It will go quickly... I think how quickly the last 12 1/2 years have flown since we moved to Ohio.  I can do a month... I just hope that no one looks too closely at the house during this month.  I do have a few projects up my sleeve but that is super secret and I will tackle them the end of April.

     This photo was taken the other day and is the swing that brought about a beauty of a line drive in which he got a base hit,  stole a base, and then scored on a teammates RBI.  It was great to see Ryan get a hit... I think it was his 5th or 6th at bat (so far this year and last) He doesn't get much playing time.  But he is my hero.... he has such a good heart and never complains about playing time... He likes all the kids on the team, and the coaches and is so glad for everyone when they have a good game or make a good play.  I don't think he has a mean bone in his body.  I pray after every game to be more like that.... and I think I am making a little progress.  You probably know a kid like that... there aren't too many out there.  I wonder how many would quit the team if they didn't play.... Everyone cheers for the kids in the field but the kids on the bench-- those kids make me proud.... their dedication to the team.... Well, that's me bragging on my son.  Can't wait for the game tonight... and then a short break in games for Easter!  Yeah for that too!

     Well, God uses everything to mold and change us and it is usually not fun.  We do hate change... My foreign exchange student says it best.... He says, "I am uncomfortable".   He doesn't ever like to be uncomfortable and really none of us do... whether we are too cold, too hot, or in a difficult situation... we want to be comfortable all the time.   But, how do we learn patience without trials and waiting.... or humility without being humbled.... Living for Christ is taking yourself, your selfish desires and feelings, out of the equation for a bit... It's always there, we will always struggle with it- "The Me Monster"  but if we look for His will in everything, we can be more satisfied with life and have more joy.  This lesson being taught to me this Baseball Season by my son! 

Running = Joy

     Again I'm dressed for running, but will I find my running shoes and get out the door.  I know I can't do the treadmill... and it is a beautiful day.  It will help my stress and Blood Pressure.... and I think today I will do it... coffee first and conversation with my wonderful husband...

     The Boys, my son and an exchange student from China, are still sleeping.  It is Easter Break this week.   My daughter is away at college.... and I look forward to her arrival home for the summer in 36 days.  

     It is a gorgeous day and regardless of all the stress and turmoil of the past weekend I will enjoy it and move forward.  It is almost Easter and we will be celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and how he died for us, for our sins.  God's loving grace and we need to give others that same grace...... I am trying....but I am not perfection like Christ was and is.... 

    I'm going for my run... for my health and my sanity.  I know it's going to hurt today because it has been too long since I ran... but I will feel accomplished afterwards.   God created this world for us to live in and enjoy.  So today I choose to find joy and be happy.... the best I can.