1132. Someone came up to me at church this evening and said, "I have been thinking about you a lot lately. Are you having a hard time?" Then she told me to let her know if she could help out whenever I needed something. Me thinks God's watching out for me.
1131. Someone prayed for/with me this morning, then hung around after the service to talk more about what is on my mind.
1130. Then, the same person offered to help out with our Sunday school class in whatever way we needed as we try to "rebuild" it.
1129. Lainee was too cute in her kids' choir performance tonight. She got to wear butterfly wings. You'd have thought the kid was in heaven.
1128. When I told our pastor that there is a slight chance that Paul won't be home in time for me to get to the Long Range Planning meeting tomorrow night, he just said "bring the kids." How's that for a family friendly church?
1127. It's raining. I like that.
1126. Got some vegetable seeds planted this past week. Trying cucumbers this year.
1125. And two of the sunflower seeds that Lainee planted are sprouting.
1124. Paul handed Bethany her purple snuggler this evening while she was having a screaming fit in her crib. Within a minute she was asleep. (Have we just hit on the key? Because she HAD the green snuggler with her. Does she just need the purple one? Or does she simply want two snugglers? Why am I trying to figure this out. It will all be different tomorrow!)
1123. When the coffee urn at church was empty this morning, my husband walked across the street to the gas station and bought me a cup of coffee.
1122. And some donuts.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Saturday, April 29, 2006
1121. Hanging out with a neighbor while her child and another neighbor's child played on the front lawn.
1120. Working on a quilt.
1119. Lainee getting to go to her friend's party with another friend so I only had to make the 1/2 hour trip to pick her up.
1118. Watching Jonathan play baseball with Paul while Bethany crawled around happily in the grass.
1117. Being able to have two OTHER neighbor kids play baseball with us, since their dad (or mom for that matter) never seems to do that.
1116. Paul came home earlier than I expected today.
1115. Bethany's nap schedule was all messed up today and she would have none of it when I tried to get her to get some more sleep. So, it was a blessing when she just konked out on the couch. And cute too.
1114. Jonathan shares. Happily.
1113. I forgot to eat dinner tonight. So, when I picked Lainee up from that party, I was happy to see there were some hot dogs left over.
1112. My hair looked nice today. HA!
1120. Working on a quilt.
1119. Lainee getting to go to her friend's party with another friend so I only had to make the 1/2 hour trip to pick her up.
1118. Watching Jonathan play baseball with Paul while Bethany crawled around happily in the grass.
1117. Being able to have two OTHER neighbor kids play baseball with us, since their dad (or mom for that matter) never seems to do that.
1116. Paul came home earlier than I expected today.
1115. Bethany's nap schedule was all messed up today and she would have none of it when I tried to get her to get some more sleep. So, it was a blessing when she just konked out on the couch. And cute too.
1114. Jonathan shares. Happily.
1113. I forgot to eat dinner tonight. So, when I picked Lainee up from that party, I was happy to see there were some hot dogs left over.
1112. My hair looked nice today. HA!
Friday, April 28, 2006
1111. We filed our federal taxes today. This is a blessing because a.) we were only ten days late, which was much better than I had anticipated; b.) we are now able to get our refund, which we need to pay off some adoption debt; c.) I don't feel like a tax evader. (Don't worry, we filed for an extension)
1110. So far, we haven't paid any interest on that debt.
1109. Watching Jonathan run tonight made me want to scoop him up and hug him until he melted into me. I can't even describe to you how cute he was.
1108. Heather's good news: her husband, Steven, does not have to go to Iraq after all.
1107. I'm going to have a pen pal. I'm excited about it.
1106. Some time alone this evening.
1105. Bethany repeatedly says "aaah- VOO!" And when she says the "voo" part, she forces her bottom lip out from her teeth in just the cutest way. Hee HEEEE!
1104. She let me read her two entire books tonight. I have never even been able to get through one with her before tonight.
1103. We can't hardly walk past the Q's house without the kids wanting to go visit. So, on our walk tonight we had to stop in. They are always so pleased to see the kids... and give them snacks.
1102. Eating dinner in silence, without one single interruption.
1110. So far, we haven't paid any interest on that debt.
1109. Watching Jonathan run tonight made me want to scoop him up and hug him until he melted into me. I can't even describe to you how cute he was.
1108. Heather's good news: her husband, Steven, does not have to go to Iraq after all.
1107. I'm going to have a pen pal. I'm excited about it.
1106. Some time alone this evening.
1105. Bethany repeatedly says "aaah- VOO!" And when she says the "voo" part, she forces her bottom lip out from her teeth in just the cutest way. Hee HEEEE!
1104. She let me read her two entire books tonight. I have never even been able to get through one with her before tonight.
1103. We can't hardly walk past the Q's house without the kids wanting to go visit. So, on our walk tonight we had to stop in. They are always so pleased to see the kids... and give them snacks.
1102. Eating dinner in silence, without one single interruption.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
1101. Bethany's social security card HAS ARRIVED! (Let's hear it, y'all - yaHOOO!)
1100. Today while J and B napped, L was across the street at the neighbor's house and I was able to complete my Bible study lesson, uninterrupted.
1099. Tonight in the van we drove past two geese walking along the side of the road with two BABY geese. So, so, so, SOOOO cute. So cute.
1098. Breaking Free is kicking my tail end in an encouraging and exciting kind of way. How is this possible... only with God.
1097. Jonathan got a "ya-yo" (AKA, yo-yo) at the store tonight and promptly broke it just before going to bed. I felt so bad for him. But he didn't. He just said we could get something else some other time. Then, he threw out the broken ya-yo without a second thought. I love this about him. Not one to get upset about such things.
1096. And then there was the episode we had this afternoon, in which Lainee went outside, saw that Jonathan was playing with something of hers, and immediately confiscated it. He followed her in the house, crying. When they came to me, I told Lainee, "you weren't playing with it until you saw that he had it. You need to share your toys." I was thinking, along the lines of give it back to him and leave him alone. But Lainee turned to Jonathan and said, "hey, why don't we go outside and take turns with it." This angered me, on behalf of Jonathan, who, in my "fairness" mode of thinking, shouldn't have had to share something she took from him. But, Jonathan, being - well - Jonathan, immediately perked up and said "Okay!" And off they went to play.
That boy often reminds me of how I operate in selfishness mode!
1095. 8 hours of sleep last night. Straight. No interruptions.
1094. Bethany was in such a good mood this evening. I love seeing my kids happy.
1093. Crock pots.
1092. I often write foods on this list that I have had during the day and really enjoyed. But, really, not having to worry about getting enough food for myself or my family is a huge blessing.
1091. My husband mows the lawn. Always. In my entire married life, I have not mowed the lawn once.
1100. Today while J and B napped, L was across the street at the neighbor's house and I was able to complete my Bible study lesson, uninterrupted.
1099. Tonight in the van we drove past two geese walking along the side of the road with two BABY geese. So, so, so, SOOOO cute. So cute.
1098. Breaking Free is kicking my tail end in an encouraging and exciting kind of way. How is this possible... only with God.
1097. Jonathan got a "ya-yo" (AKA, yo-yo) at the store tonight and promptly broke it just before going to bed. I felt so bad for him. But he didn't. He just said we could get something else some other time. Then, he threw out the broken ya-yo without a second thought. I love this about him. Not one to get upset about such things.
1096. And then there was the episode we had this afternoon, in which Lainee went outside, saw that Jonathan was playing with something of hers, and immediately confiscated it. He followed her in the house, crying. When they came to me, I told Lainee, "you weren't playing with it until you saw that he had it. You need to share your toys." I was thinking, along the lines of give it back to him and leave him alone. But Lainee turned to Jonathan and said, "hey, why don't we go outside and take turns with it." This angered me, on behalf of Jonathan, who, in my "fairness" mode of thinking, shouldn't have had to share something she took from him. But, Jonathan, being - well - Jonathan, immediately perked up and said "Okay!" And off they went to play.
That boy often reminds me of how I operate in selfishness mode!
1095. 8 hours of sleep last night. Straight. No interruptions.
1094. Bethany was in such a good mood this evening. I love seeing my kids happy.
1093. Crock pots.
1092. I often write foods on this list that I have had during the day and really enjoyed. But, really, not having to worry about getting enough food for myself or my family is a huge blessing.
1091. My husband mows the lawn. Always. In my entire married life, I have not mowed the lawn once.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
1090. This morning was not so hot. Stunk, really. My mom called. After a few minutes of talking with her, my dad got on the other line so they were both able to talk. The kids were ALL OVER THE PLACE. I kept tending to them and my mom and dad would laugh at something one of them said, or they would say "who's that crying?" Etc.
Occasionally I would throw in a story if it related. They laughed when I was trying to be funny. But there were lots of stretches where none of us said anything. I just went about my day like I normally would, except that I had a phone attached to my head.
And finally I said something like: you know, you can say you have to go whenever you want. I'm sure that listening to me tending to my kids is not the most exciting thing in the world.
They both assured me that they enjoyed hearing it; just listening to me and the kids and what we were doing.
It sure was nice to have someone to "be there" for a while.
Later on this evening I was thinking about how that experience is really a picture of how God is. He is interested in the most mundane details. Even when no one is speaking, it is comforting when you know he is just "there" because he wants to be. And you know you aren't alone.
Now if only I could remember to walk around EVERY day as if I had the "God" phone attached to me, that might make a big difference!
1089. Bethany fell off of Lainee's bed today and she was fine.
1088. And when she fell off, I thought I heard Lainee say "OH! OH!" so sweetly, as if to say "poor baby." That is the first time I really remember her being empathetic like that and it was nice.
1087. Bethany's two FAVORITE nursery workers were in her room tonight at church. After the long day, I really wanted to have some peace during the service and not have to be summoned because she was crying uncontrollably. (This has been happening at church lately. And at home too, for that matter.) Anyway, the faves did a bang up job. She was crying when I left, but quite content when I returned... at the END of the service.
1086. I remembered to do the two things I needed to do at church tonight, and I got one extra thing done too! (That's a big deal for me... I always forget when I need to talk to someone or sign up for something.)
1085. Jonathan decided to use the toilet this evening. All by himself without even telling me. That in itself is a blessing. But then Lainee told me about it and was so excited. She was really trying to encourage him. I enjoyed seeing her kindness toward him.
1084. Watching Jonathan ride his tricycle today was so sweet. Earlier in the day he told me, "when I put my head back I can go fast!" I had no idea what he was talking about. But watching him made me see it right away. His not-quite-long-enough legs have a hard time pedalling, so he scootches up on his seat, pulls back on the handle bars and leans back so he can put all his weight on his feet... and keep them from slipping off the pedals (most of the time.) So cute.
1083. Bethany and Jonathan were content with grilled cheese for dinner. Lainee opted for chicken nuggets.
1082. I had the idea to "ride share" with another mom on Saturday as we transport our kids to/from a birthday party. I can never think of these things. But she was sitting next to me at church and we were talking about what to get for the party, and it just came to me. Talk about making life easier... this party is easily a 1/2 hour away.
1081. Seeing my son this morning, wearing a pillow case on his head, and declaring, "I am the royal king."
Occasionally I would throw in a story if it related. They laughed when I was trying to be funny. But there were lots of stretches where none of us said anything. I just went about my day like I normally would, except that I had a phone attached to my head.
And finally I said something like: you know, you can say you have to go whenever you want. I'm sure that listening to me tending to my kids is not the most exciting thing in the world.
They both assured me that they enjoyed hearing it; just listening to me and the kids and what we were doing.
It sure was nice to have someone to "be there" for a while.
Later on this evening I was thinking about how that experience is really a picture of how God is. He is interested in the most mundane details. Even when no one is speaking, it is comforting when you know he is just "there" because he wants to be. And you know you aren't alone.
Now if only I could remember to walk around EVERY day as if I had the "God" phone attached to me, that might make a big difference!
1089. Bethany fell off of Lainee's bed today and she was fine.
1088. And when she fell off, I thought I heard Lainee say "OH! OH!" so sweetly, as if to say "poor baby." That is the first time I really remember her being empathetic like that and it was nice.
1087. Bethany's two FAVORITE nursery workers were in her room tonight at church. After the long day, I really wanted to have some peace during the service and not have to be summoned because she was crying uncontrollably. (This has been happening at church lately. And at home too, for that matter.) Anyway, the faves did a bang up job. She was crying when I left, but quite content when I returned... at the END of the service.
1086. I remembered to do the two things I needed to do at church tonight, and I got one extra thing done too! (That's a big deal for me... I always forget when I need to talk to someone or sign up for something.)
1085. Jonathan decided to use the toilet this evening. All by himself without even telling me. That in itself is a blessing. But then Lainee told me about it and was so excited. She was really trying to encourage him. I enjoyed seeing her kindness toward him.
1084. Watching Jonathan ride his tricycle today was so sweet. Earlier in the day he told me, "when I put my head back I can go fast!" I had no idea what he was talking about. But watching him made me see it right away. His not-quite-long-enough legs have a hard time pedalling, so he scootches up on his seat, pulls back on the handle bars and leans back so he can put all his weight on his feet... and keep them from slipping off the pedals (most of the time.) So cute.
1083. Bethany and Jonathan were content with grilled cheese for dinner. Lainee opted for chicken nuggets.
1082. I had the idea to "ride share" with another mom on Saturday as we transport our kids to/from a birthday party. I can never think of these things. But she was sitting next to me at church and we were talking about what to get for the party, and it just came to me. Talk about making life easier... this party is easily a 1/2 hour away.
1081. Seeing my son this morning, wearing a pillow case on his head, and declaring, "I am the royal king."
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
1080. After staying up with Bethany from 2:20 am until 5:10 am this morning, I was able to get a nap in this afternoon. (Don't worry, there is nothing wrong with her. She just would not go back to sleep. Would. not. sleep.)
1079. Hot showers. I mean HOT.
1078. Grapes, strawberries, and some cheese for lunch.
1077. Getting the cabinet in the laundry area cleaned out so that I can now close it without having to shove the contents of the cabinet with the door. It makes me feel good now when I open it up and it is clean inside.
1076. Getting Bethany's room picked up. It was trashed.
1075. Cleaning the dusty wreath that was supposed to be in the bathroom but has been sitting on top of the laundry cabinet for... how long? (Hat tip to the Fly Lady for the idea of just putting the thing in the shower to get it clean. Who'd a thunk?)
1074. I got my last newletter article done. It was at 12:30 this morning, but it is done.
1073. Paul's track meet was postponed due to weather. He was home tonight.
1072. So we all took a walk together. And Jonathan wanted to gallop like a horse - and he wanted me to join him. I noticed that I always galloped with my right foot forward. In light of my weirdness, I tried to gallop with my left foot forward and realized that, for some odd reason, it was REALLY hard. I told Paul that I must look silly trying it that way. He told me that actually, I looked silly either way. Seriously, people, this is not a comment I would have laughed at a few months ago. It surprised me how hard I laughed at myself.
1071. Papers for obtaining Bethany's foreign-born birth certificate came today. How hard will I laugh if we are able to get that and then file for her social security card (again) before the first application gets processed. (Yes, we are still waiting.)
Okay, so that last one didn't sound like a blessing, did it. So, here's a bonus blessing - the great internets and their ideas and encouragement about raising kids.
1079. Hot showers. I mean HOT.
1078. Grapes, strawberries, and some cheese for lunch.
1077. Getting the cabinet in the laundry area cleaned out so that I can now close it without having to shove the contents of the cabinet with the door. It makes me feel good now when I open it up and it is clean inside.
1076. Getting Bethany's room picked up. It was trashed.
1075. Cleaning the dusty wreath that was supposed to be in the bathroom but has been sitting on top of the laundry cabinet for... how long? (Hat tip to the Fly Lady for the idea of just putting the thing in the shower to get it clean. Who'd a thunk?)
1074. I got my last newletter article done. It was at 12:30 this morning, but it is done.
1073. Paul's track meet was postponed due to weather. He was home tonight.
1072. So we all took a walk together. And Jonathan wanted to gallop like a horse - and he wanted me to join him. I noticed that I always galloped with my right foot forward. In light of my weirdness, I tried to gallop with my left foot forward and realized that, for some odd reason, it was REALLY hard. I told Paul that I must look silly trying it that way. He told me that actually, I looked silly either way. Seriously, people, this is not a comment I would have laughed at a few months ago. It surprised me how hard I laughed at myself.
1071. Papers for obtaining Bethany's foreign-born birth certificate came today. How hard will I laugh if we are able to get that and then file for her social security card (again) before the first application gets processed. (Yes, we are still waiting.)
Okay, so that last one didn't sound like a blessing, did it. So, here's a bonus blessing - the great internets and their ideas and encouragement about raising kids.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Whoa, Whoa, WHOA! I just remembered some more...
1070. We saved $20 on our groceries tonight.
1069. And I needed panty hose. My brand was half off at the store this week... I didn't even realize it until I got to the display. So, I got two pairs instead of one. Thanks, God!
1068. I have no idea why this blessed me, but it did (and sorta scares me that it did.) But Jonathan came up to me this evening and asked me if he could have a brother. It was sweet. I have no other thoughts past that. It was just sweet.
1070. We saved $20 on our groceries tonight.
1069. And I needed panty hose. My brand was half off at the store this week... I didn't even realize it until I got to the display. So, I got two pairs instead of one. Thanks, God!
1068. I have no idea why this blessed me, but it did (and sorta scares me that it did.) But Jonathan came up to me this evening and asked me if he could have a brother. It was sweet. I have no other thoughts past that. It was just sweet.
1067. Picnic dinner at the arboretum...
1066. with the whole family...
1065. and I didn't have to cook it (thanks to some girl named Wendy.)
1064. Remembering to praise the kids and finding concrete things to say when I do.
1063. Remembering not to get exasperated. The whole family came with me to do the grocery shopping tonight (an circumstance which is normally a study in exasperation.) But I just reminded myself that Lainee is a kid when she kept jumping in front of the cart and "helping" me push (which is funny, because most of the time she was really just riding... but I digress.) Anyway, I was reminded that I would rather have her in my way and be close to her, than to get upset about it, tell her to get out of the way, and give her the message that I don't want to be near her.
1062. Bethany hung out with me on a blanket in the front yard today for a quite a while. I was scratching her back (her new favorite thing) and she was completely still. After that, she decided, for the first time in the day, to be happy, and she just started playing around. I was able to leave her in the living room a little while later without her having a fit that I was leaving.
1061. She knows the signs for "more" and is using the sign for "please" all the time. She uses "please" when she wants something, obviously. Too bad for Bethany that I never know what she wants!
1060. We saw a frog at the arboretum. It was sitting right there next to us and it was pretty big. Just sitting there for us to stare at! Lainee found it. I got to praise her for having a good eye. I never would have seen it.
1059. We saw the biggest turtle too. BIG! And it swam right up to the surface to get the little bit of food we threw. The kids got a great look... including Bethany, who acted as if she was ready to jump in the water after it.
1058. And I saw a chipmunk. Those are my absolute favorite.
1057. And when Bethany saw the dog running past, she got so totally excited. She really likes watching animals.
1066. with the whole family...
1065. and I didn't have to cook it (thanks to some girl named Wendy.)
1064. Remembering to praise the kids and finding concrete things to say when I do.
1063. Remembering not to get exasperated. The whole family came with me to do the grocery shopping tonight (an circumstance which is normally a study in exasperation.) But I just reminded myself that Lainee is a kid when she kept jumping in front of the cart and "helping" me push (which is funny, because most of the time she was really just riding... but I digress.) Anyway, I was reminded that I would rather have her in my way and be close to her, than to get upset about it, tell her to get out of the way, and give her the message that I don't want to be near her.
1062. Bethany hung out with me on a blanket in the front yard today for a quite a while. I was scratching her back (her new favorite thing) and she was completely still. After that, she decided, for the first time in the day, to be happy, and she just started playing around. I was able to leave her in the living room a little while later without her having a fit that I was leaving.
1061. She knows the signs for "more" and is using the sign for "please" all the time. She uses "please" when she wants something, obviously. Too bad for Bethany that I never know what she wants!
1060. We saw a frog at the arboretum. It was sitting right there next to us and it was pretty big. Just sitting there for us to stare at! Lainee found it. I got to praise her for having a good eye. I never would have seen it.
1059. We saw the biggest turtle too. BIG! And it swam right up to the surface to get the little bit of food we threw. The kids got a great look... including Bethany, who acted as if she was ready to jump in the water after it.
1058. And I saw a chipmunk. Those are my absolute favorite.
1057. And when Bethany saw the dog running past, she got so totally excited. She really likes watching animals.
1056. Bethany took a late nap today, which means that she wouldn't go to bed tonight. Once I got over my initial exasperation, I enjoyed snuggling with her on the couch. And she fell asleep fast enough. Then I just held her and listened to her snore.
1055. The kids got to pet the neighbor's rabbit today.
1054. I am getting my control journal together. It's a Fly Lady thing.
1053. We finally got some sand for the sandbox. J and L have been enjoying the "new" activity. I have been enjoying the peace.
1052. I caught the last hour of Masterpiece Theater while I was up with Bethany (the first time... before I got exasperated.) I can't even believe I remembered that I wanted to see something. And I got to see the good part, where the guy and the girl get married.
1051. Paul has finished spring break. It was nice having him home during the day.
1050. Bethany looked so cute today in her little dress (that used to be Lainee's) with her white tights and black patent leather shoes.
1049. Lainee wore a "new" dress and her new shoes today too, with pantyhose! She looked so proud of herself :)
1048. Tuna fish.
1047. Pancakes for breakfast on Sunday morning before church.
1055. The kids got to pet the neighbor's rabbit today.
1054. I am getting my control journal together. It's a Fly Lady thing.
1053. We finally got some sand for the sandbox. J and L have been enjoying the "new" activity. I have been enjoying the peace.
1052. I caught the last hour of Masterpiece Theater while I was up with Bethany (the first time... before I got exasperated.) I can't even believe I remembered that I wanted to see something. And I got to see the good part, where the guy and the girl get married.
1051. Paul has finished spring break. It was nice having him home during the day.
1050. Bethany looked so cute today in her little dress (that used to be Lainee's) with her white tights and black patent leather shoes.
1049. Lainee wore a "new" dress and her new shoes today too, with pantyhose! She looked so proud of herself :)
1048. Tuna fish.
1047. Pancakes for breakfast on Sunday morning before church.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
1046. The kids all got to go to a nice birthday party today. They had a good time.
1045. I forgot to mention the hambone. My MIL gave me the hambone from the Easter dinner. I love to have a hambone because it makes split pea w/ ham soup taste much better than the ham you get already diced from the store. Of course I rarely have a hambone. In fact, I've never had one, only received them from her. So I made spilt pea w/ ham soup...
1044. But there was so much ham left on the hambone that we had to cut a bunch off before I could put it in the pot. We made a good lunch of it. (Is anyone else singing "hambone, hambone, where you been?" to themselves?)
1043. Things are getting cleaner around here. I like doing some of the cleaning at night when there are no little children to get in the way.
1042. "Stuff" isn't much of an attraction for me. And less so as I get older.
1041. Seeing Lainee's face when I praised her for how quickly she learns songs.
1040. A grand idea. Something to give Lainee when she is older. I fear that if I write the details, she might read this when she gets older and it will spoil the surprise.
1039. Grape tomatoes
1038. A little time to write.
1037. Reading blogs of Christian ladies and not having any earthly idea what denomination they are.
1036. The two older kids ate their pork chops happily tonight.
1035. Warm days where the kids play outside for so long that when they come in for dinner, they haven't had a snack for a while and they are hungry and they EAT!
1034. Planting some seeds in the flower beds.
1033. Weeding the beds. It feels good to do that, though I have no idea why. And it looks so much better when they are done... especially after coming home w/ Bethany last fall and never cutting back all the old stuff before winter came.
1032. Pain on my hands from the little trowel I was using. Reminds me how easy my life really is.
1031. A clean van. My husband got tired of paying for the fuel to haul the extra 700 lbs of junk that was strewn all over it, so he cleaned it out!
1030. And I love being able to open the rear doors and see the floor in there.
1029. Lainee asked me to wash her stockings for church. Only she asked me this on Tuesday. I forgot all week. But somehow I remembered this evening AND I was able to FIND them and get them into the wash... even though she will probably forget that she wanted them, I am trying to DO what I say I will do.
1028. A blogging friend who has been infertile for years has just reported that she is now pregnant. If you think of it, please pray for her pregnancy. She has had miscarriages before.
1027. I washed that HUGE blanket that was taking up all the space in the laundry sorter and making all the other dirty clothes fall into a huge pile on the floor.
1026. Then I swept the floor. What in the name of all things sacred has come over me? Who sweeps the laundry room floor? It's madness, I'm telling you.
1025. Twice, now, I have posted "too many" blessings because I can't remember what number I ended my last post with. Kinda cool to name some "extras" without even trying.
1045. I forgot to mention the hambone. My MIL gave me the hambone from the Easter dinner. I love to have a hambone because it makes split pea w/ ham soup taste much better than the ham you get already diced from the store. Of course I rarely have a hambone. In fact, I've never had one, only received them from her. So I made spilt pea w/ ham soup...
1044. But there was so much ham left on the hambone that we had to cut a bunch off before I could put it in the pot. We made a good lunch of it. (Is anyone else singing "hambone, hambone, where you been?" to themselves?)
1043. Things are getting cleaner around here. I like doing some of the cleaning at night when there are no little children to get in the way.
1042. "Stuff" isn't much of an attraction for me. And less so as I get older.
1041. Seeing Lainee's face when I praised her for how quickly she learns songs.
1040. A grand idea. Something to give Lainee when she is older. I fear that if I write the details, she might read this when she gets older and it will spoil the surprise.
1039. Grape tomatoes
1038. A little time to write.
1037. Reading blogs of Christian ladies and not having any earthly idea what denomination they are.
1036. The two older kids ate their pork chops happily tonight.
1035. Warm days where the kids play outside for so long that when they come in for dinner, they haven't had a snack for a while and they are hungry and they EAT!
1034. Planting some seeds in the flower beds.
1033. Weeding the beds. It feels good to do that, though I have no idea why. And it looks so much better when they are done... especially after coming home w/ Bethany last fall and never cutting back all the old stuff before winter came.
1032. Pain on my hands from the little trowel I was using. Reminds me how easy my life really is.
1031. A clean van. My husband got tired of paying for the fuel to haul the extra 700 lbs of junk that was strewn all over it, so he cleaned it out!
1030. And I love being able to open the rear doors and see the floor in there.
1029. Lainee asked me to wash her stockings for church. Only she asked me this on Tuesday. I forgot all week. But somehow I remembered this evening AND I was able to FIND them and get them into the wash... even though she will probably forget that she wanted them, I am trying to DO what I say I will do.
1028. A blogging friend who has been infertile for years has just reported that she is now pregnant. If you think of it, please pray for her pregnancy. She has had miscarriages before.
1027. I washed that HUGE blanket that was taking up all the space in the laundry sorter and making all the other dirty clothes fall into a huge pile on the floor.
1026. Then I swept the floor. What in the name of all things sacred has come over me? Who sweeps the laundry room floor? It's madness, I'm telling you.
1025. Twice, now, I have posted "too many" blessings because I can't remember what number I ended my last post with. Kinda cool to name some "extras" without even trying.
Friday, April 21, 2006
1024. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, htere is freedom. (2 Cor 3:17)
1023. In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength (Is 30:15a)
1022. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (Is 30:18)
1021. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, " and will bring you back form captivity." (Jer 29:12-14a)
1020. While Bethany took her nap yesterday, the kids and I introduced Paul to the bee game. I was laughing (hard) because I was having so much fun. That hasn't happened in a while. It felt good.
1019. Being animated when I tell a story. And when the story makes people laugh.
1018. This post by Amanda over at Far More than Rubies.
1017. Hanging out with Helen on Wednesday evening for coffee and catch up.
1016. Helen's news about her job.
1015. Helen's news about the upcoming adoption, that has looked like it was never going to happen, but suddenly looks like it might happen NEXT MONTH!
1014. I got back two containers of Lainee's old clothes that I'd let Helen's daughter borrow. Now they are the right size to fit Bethany. So today I went through a bunch of them and, I know it's cheesy, but seeing those clothes (some of them long forgotten) made me remember those days when Lainee was just a baby. mmmmm MM! Too much.
1013. Going to the track meet with the kids tonight.
1012. Watching Paul teach Jonathan and Lainee use the starting blocks.
1011. Watching Jonathan and Lainee actually try to run from the starting blocks. Coach has a lot of work to do with them... but it sure was funny.
1010. Lainee staying behind with Paul while he finished up and I took the other two home. We aren't great at including our kids in the "stuff" we do. I am convinced we need to do it more. So, I was glad when this happened tonight. I want our kids to know that we want to be with them, even when we aren't doing some fun kid activity.
1009. The other night on the radio I heard "Shout" by Tears for Fears.
1008. Split pea soup with ham.
1007. No conflicting engagements on the date that MOPS is having a scrapbooking night next month.
1006. Figuring out a craft to do for Lainee yesterday, on the fly, thanks to the book "Family Fun Boredom Busters."
1005. And it was a craft that actually didn't ADD to the clutter around here.
1004. Somebody was encouraged by this here blog. (Check out the comment on the previous post.)
Peace out.
1023. In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength (Is 30:15a)
1022. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (Is 30:18)
1021. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, " and will bring you back form captivity." (Jer 29:12-14a)
1020. While Bethany took her nap yesterday, the kids and I introduced Paul to the bee game. I was laughing (hard) because I was having so much fun. That hasn't happened in a while. It felt good.
1019. Being animated when I tell a story. And when the story makes people laugh.
1018. This post by Amanda over at Far More than Rubies.
1017. Hanging out with Helen on Wednesday evening for coffee and catch up.
1016. Helen's news about her job.
1015. Helen's news about the upcoming adoption, that has looked like it was never going to happen, but suddenly looks like it might happen NEXT MONTH!
1014. I got back two containers of Lainee's old clothes that I'd let Helen's daughter borrow. Now they are the right size to fit Bethany. So today I went through a bunch of them and, I know it's cheesy, but seeing those clothes (some of them long forgotten) made me remember those days when Lainee was just a baby. mmmmm MM! Too much.
1013. Going to the track meet with the kids tonight.
1012. Watching Paul teach Jonathan and Lainee use the starting blocks.
1011. Watching Jonathan and Lainee actually try to run from the starting blocks. Coach has a lot of work to do with them... but it sure was funny.
1010. Lainee staying behind with Paul while he finished up and I took the other two home. We aren't great at including our kids in the "stuff" we do. I am convinced we need to do it more. So, I was glad when this happened tonight. I want our kids to know that we want to be with them, even when we aren't doing some fun kid activity.
1009. The other night on the radio I heard "Shout" by Tears for Fears.
1008. Split pea soup with ham.
1007. No conflicting engagements on the date that MOPS is having a scrapbooking night next month.
1006. Figuring out a craft to do for Lainee yesterday, on the fly, thanks to the book "Family Fun Boredom Busters."
1005. And it was a craft that actually didn't ADD to the clutter around here.
1004. Somebody was encouraged by this here blog. (Check out the comment on the previous post.)
Peace out.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
1003. MOPS today without having to wrangle the kids to their rooms was relaxing.
1002. Went to the arboretum with the kids. Nice weather. Nice walk.
1001. God is so into me. How cool is that?
1000. Laughing at the silliness of some online buddies. Fun, fun, fun.
999. The big box of Honey Nut Cheerios, on sale.
998. Emptied the laundry basket full of the kids' clothes.
997. The kids got to go to the park today with their dad and have a picnic lunch while I was at MOPS.
996. My friend Ami. We had some good laughs and some good conversation today.
995. Coming home from MOPS to an empty, quiet house.
994. Being okay with me.
993. After I prepared them for how it was going to go down, it was so nice to hear Lainee and Jonathan say "okay, mom" when I told them it was time for us to leave the arboretum.
992. Drawing with the chalk on the sidewalk today with Lainee.
991. Playing the bee game with Lainee and Jonathan this afternoon. I was REALLY running there for a while!
990. A morning out with Lainee yesterday. We had her pictures done, bought her some new sandals, spent her gift card from Grandma, and ate at Chic-fil-a. She had a good time and so did I.
989. Lainee willingly shared her Easter candy today when I suggested it. At that moment, it made life a bit easier for me.
988. Bethany's laugh, when she really gets going, is really fun to hear.
987. Cool nights, windows open, warm blankets.
986. Hot dogs with onions, mustard, and relish. Delicious.
985. Paul didn't have any reaction to the talapia we ate last night. This is good, because we are running out of fish he can eat!
984. When Jonathan gets up in the morning, he is almost always in a good mood, and is often up for cuddling. NICE!
1002. Went to the arboretum with the kids. Nice weather. Nice walk.
1001. God is so into me. How cool is that?
1000. Laughing at the silliness of some online buddies. Fun, fun, fun.
999. The big box of Honey Nut Cheerios, on sale.
998. Emptied the laundry basket full of the kids' clothes.
997. The kids got to go to the park today with their dad and have a picnic lunch while I was at MOPS.
996. My friend Ami. We had some good laughs and some good conversation today.
995. Coming home from MOPS to an empty, quiet house.
994. Being okay with me.
993. After I prepared them for how it was going to go down, it was so nice to hear Lainee and Jonathan say "okay, mom" when I told them it was time for us to leave the arboretum.
992. Drawing with the chalk on the sidewalk today with Lainee.
991. Playing the bee game with Lainee and Jonathan this afternoon. I was REALLY running there for a while!
990. A morning out with Lainee yesterday. We had her pictures done, bought her some new sandals, spent her gift card from Grandma, and ate at Chic-fil-a. She had a good time and so did I.
989. Lainee willingly shared her Easter candy today when I suggested it. At that moment, it made life a bit easier for me.
988. Bethany's laugh, when she really gets going, is really fun to hear.
987. Cool nights, windows open, warm blankets.
986. Hot dogs with onions, mustard, and relish. Delicious.
985. Paul didn't have any reaction to the talapia we ate last night. This is good, because we are running out of fish he can eat!
984. When Jonathan gets up in the morning, he is almost always in a good mood, and is often up for cuddling. NICE!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
983. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such oppostion from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2,3)
982. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:6-11)
981. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-7)
980. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8)
979. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ,] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1:19-22)
978. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the oder of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:8-10)
977. When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant! (Hebrews 9:11-15)
976. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3,4)
975. Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:3-7)
974. Egg salad sandwiches.
982. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:6-11)
981. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-7)
980. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8)
979. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ,] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1:19-22)
978. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the oder of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:8-10)
977. When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant! (Hebrews 9:11-15)
976. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3,4)
975. Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:3-7)
974. Egg salad sandwiches.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
973. Love pats from Bethany, which are more like love "slaps." But they're so cute.
972. Tonight I was snuggling Jonathan at bed time. He reached over me and put his hand on my arm. Then he just gently rubbed my arm.
971. Hearing him say "thank you, mom."
970. A night out with the whole family at a hotel.
969. Swimming in the hotel pool.
968. Who am I kidding? It was fun that we all got to be in the pool area together, but the water was too cold for any sane person to want to swim in. However, since Jonathan and Lainee do not qualify as sane people, someone had to get in the water with them. Paul took it upon himself to be that person. God bless that man.
967. The kids' first movie at a theater (which, by the way, Jonathan can't say.) They had fun.
966. I had to leave the theater with Bethany. But she had me laughing out loud (literally) as I watched her scoot across the floor of the lobby. She can go so fast! And watching her from behind is just hilarious.
965. One heck of a good continental breakfast.
964. How we got up in time to do this, I don't know, but we managed to get up, have breakfast, go swimming again (just Paul and Lainee) and get to the zoo before 11:00. That left us the two hours we'd hoped for before we wanted to leave with kids who'd be ready for their naps.
963. Free parking.
962. The museum membership that Paul bought got us into the zoo for 1/2 price.
961. The free "treat tents" all over the zoo today.
960. Bethany was so incredibly good at the zoo. So, so good.
959. The train ride.
958. Oh, I forgot to mention eating at Max and Erma's last night. The laredo steak is my favorite.
957. And, because the waitress didn't bring our drinks until we were done with our salads, she felt so bad (or was just trying to redeem her chance at a good tip) that she didn't charge us for the cookies or coffee we ordered.
956. And she gave us a coupon for a free order of cookies next time we come in.
955. And Bethany, who was a little feverish from some immunizations the day before, wasn't in such a great mood. But, she settled down after I walked her a bit, then proceded to happily eat all of the food she'd rejected ten minutes earlier... and then some.
954. So, back to the zoo... we decided to eat lunch about ten minutes before the line got HUGE!
953. And we saw the elephants, which Lainee had been asking for all day, just before we left. Jonathan was not even interested in looking until Lainee said, "is that poop?" Either Paul or I answered that it was, indeed elephant poop, at which point Jonathan immediately perked up and asked if I'd hold him up to see over the fence.
952. There were some severe storms here while we were gone (and we weren't but 20 miles from home, so we experienced them) but we were fine. When we got home we saw that our power had gone out... but of course, we didn't have to deal with it because we were at the hotel.
951. My family.
972. Tonight I was snuggling Jonathan at bed time. He reached over me and put his hand on my arm. Then he just gently rubbed my arm.
971. Hearing him say "thank you, mom."
970. A night out with the whole family at a hotel.
969. Swimming in the hotel pool.
968. Who am I kidding? It was fun that we all got to be in the pool area together, but the water was too cold for any sane person to want to swim in. However, since Jonathan and Lainee do not qualify as sane people, someone had to get in the water with them. Paul took it upon himself to be that person. God bless that man.
967. The kids' first movie at a theater (which, by the way, Jonathan can't say.) They had fun.
966. I had to leave the theater with Bethany. But she had me laughing out loud (literally) as I watched her scoot across the floor of the lobby. She can go so fast! And watching her from behind is just hilarious.
965. One heck of a good continental breakfast.
964. How we got up in time to do this, I don't know, but we managed to get up, have breakfast, go swimming again (just Paul and Lainee) and get to the zoo before 11:00. That left us the two hours we'd hoped for before we wanted to leave with kids who'd be ready for their naps.
963. Free parking.
962. The museum membership that Paul bought got us into the zoo for 1/2 price.
961. The free "treat tents" all over the zoo today.
960. Bethany was so incredibly good at the zoo. So, so good.
959. The train ride.
958. Oh, I forgot to mention eating at Max and Erma's last night. The laredo steak is my favorite.
957. And, because the waitress didn't bring our drinks until we were done with our salads, she felt so bad (or was just trying to redeem her chance at a good tip) that she didn't charge us for the cookies or coffee we ordered.
956. And she gave us a coupon for a free order of cookies next time we come in.
955. And Bethany, who was a little feverish from some immunizations the day before, wasn't in such a great mood. But, she settled down after I walked her a bit, then proceded to happily eat all of the food she'd rejected ten minutes earlier... and then some.
954. So, back to the zoo... we decided to eat lunch about ten minutes before the line got HUGE!
953. And we saw the elephants, which Lainee had been asking for all day, just before we left. Jonathan was not even interested in looking until Lainee said, "is that poop?" Either Paul or I answered that it was, indeed elephant poop, at which point Jonathan immediately perked up and asked if I'd hold him up to see over the fence.
952. There were some severe storms here while we were gone (and we weren't but 20 miles from home, so we experienced them) but we were fine. When we got home we saw that our power had gone out... but of course, we didn't have to deal with it because we were at the hotel.
951. My family.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
950. Jonathan came up to me this evening while I was sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch. "Pick your head up," he said. I didn't know what he meant, so I just leaned forward. "Like this?" I asked. "Yes," he said. Then he proceded to put a pillow behind my back. So, I asked him, "is this for me?"
"Yes, mom."
949. Today Bethany tried three or four more times to let go of me while she was standing up. This time she seems to get it that this might be an interesting new trick to try to master. I made a big deal of it, (because I am like that, but also because I knew it would get her to attempt it again.) Every time she tried it, she would let go ever so briefly, then sit back down and clap for herself.
948. The fact that she tries to please me by repeating things that get me excited is a good thing. A sign of attachment. Am I harping? Oh, well.
947. The check-up she had at the doctor today went okay despite her EXTREME dislike of being weighed and measured. I was able to calm her down with grapes, thankfully. And she mostly cooperated with the doctor.
946. Grapes.
945. An epiphany, of sorts, that I had today about Bethany's birth parents. It's a lot to explain, and I might try on my other blog sometime. But suffice to say that I am so thankful for them. And I hope we will instill in Bethany a respect and love for them.
944. Ami watched the two big kids tonight while I took Bethany to the doctor. That room is so much easier to handle with only one child in it!
943. Bible study.
942. The weather today was beautiful.
941. Realizing that I am growing closer to God and feel more willing to trust him.
"Yes, mom."
949. Today Bethany tried three or four more times to let go of me while she was standing up. This time she seems to get it that this might be an interesting new trick to try to master. I made a big deal of it, (because I am like that, but also because I knew it would get her to attempt it again.) Every time she tried it, she would let go ever so briefly, then sit back down and clap for herself.
948. The fact that she tries to please me by repeating things that get me excited is a good thing. A sign of attachment. Am I harping? Oh, well.
947. The check-up she had at the doctor today went okay despite her EXTREME dislike of being weighed and measured. I was able to calm her down with grapes, thankfully. And she mostly cooperated with the doctor.
946. Grapes.
945. An epiphany, of sorts, that I had today about Bethany's birth parents. It's a lot to explain, and I might try on my other blog sometime. But suffice to say that I am so thankful for them. And I hope we will instill in Bethany a respect and love for them.
944. Ami watched the two big kids tonight while I took Bethany to the doctor. That room is so much easier to handle with only one child in it!
943. Bible study.
942. The weather today was beautiful.
941. Realizing that I am growing closer to God and feel more willing to trust him.
940. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momemtary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor 4:16-18)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
939. Since the Easter muscial at church is over, Paul gets a week off from the regular Wednesday night choir practice. That means our whole family went to church this evening IN THE SAME VEHICLE...
938. And we all went home TOGETHER...
937. With a stop at Tim Horton's on the way home.
936. Got some ideas for some things I want to write about.
935. Lainee asked if we could "spend some time together. Just us." Why, certainly. How's Monday sound, kiddo?
934. Kids. Outside.
933. Kids outside all day makes for kids tired at night.
932. Just realized tonight that Paul has Friday off. Duh!
931. That coupon for $3.99 portrait sheets at Penney's.
930. Remembering to make the hard boiled eggs for decorating.
929. Jonathan's haircut. Super cute. Super easy.
928. Bethany "petting" Jonathan's head while he sat on the floor today. That new haircut makes his hair so soft, even she couldn't keep her hands off.
927. Watching Bethany feed Cheerios to Jonathan this evening.
926. Bethany has let go with her hands while standing twice in two days. It's been brief, but she's getting there.
925. Not stressing out.
924. Some hang-out time with the ladies last night.
923. I finally got the rest of Lainee's patches sewn onto her Cubbies vest. While Bethany waited. Mostly patiently. Until the very end, when she just wanted to be held.
922. I remembered that we needed diapers when we stopped at the store tonight to get something else.
921. God is working on my heart to show me a truer picture of who I am in him.
920. Brownies.
938. And we all went home TOGETHER...
937. With a stop at Tim Horton's on the way home.
936. Got some ideas for some things I want to write about.
935. Lainee asked if we could "spend some time together. Just us." Why, certainly. How's Monday sound, kiddo?
934. Kids. Outside.
933. Kids outside all day makes for kids tired at night.
932. Just realized tonight that Paul has Friday off. Duh!
931. That coupon for $3.99 portrait sheets at Penney's.
930. Remembering to make the hard boiled eggs for decorating.
929. Jonathan's haircut. Super cute. Super easy.
928. Bethany "petting" Jonathan's head while he sat on the floor today. That new haircut makes his hair so soft, even she couldn't keep her hands off.
927. Watching Bethany feed Cheerios to Jonathan this evening.
926. Bethany has let go with her hands while standing twice in two days. It's been brief, but she's getting there.
925. Not stressing out.
924. Some hang-out time with the ladies last night.
923. I finally got the rest of Lainee's patches sewn onto her Cubbies vest. While Bethany waited. Mostly patiently. Until the very end, when she just wanted to be held.
922. I remembered that we needed diapers when we stopped at the store tonight to get something else.
921. God is working on my heart to show me a truer picture of who I am in him.
920. Brownies.
Monday, April 10, 2006
A lovely day, all around.
Got up with Bethany and hung out watching some TV with her this morning (902.) The kids got up and had breakfast. I got in a load of laundry (903,) started the crock pot (904,) and got the dishwasher emptied, which I didn't get to last night (905.) Started my Breaking Free lesson somewhere in there... I got it finished later in the morning (906.)
Got a call from a wise Christian lady that used to be my Girl Scout leader. I've only seen her a handful of times since I was in high school, so it was a total surprise to hear from her. She reads these here blogs and she decided to call and encourage me. How sweet is that? (907.)
Sent the kids outside because it was so nice out (908.) Pitched their little "tent" and set up the tunnels on the front lawn. I got a blanket out so Bethany could come out with us and I wouldn't have to hold her the entire time. Lainee ran in to get toys for everyone, and set up a toy area on the blanket for each of the kids (909,) which I thought was cute.
Got the two littler ones down for a nap and had a few minutes to read some scripture (910) before Lainee came in wanting to do a craft. Aye, aye, aye, with the crafts. She wanted to make a "hippopatomus treasure keeper."
?????
She saw it on some craft show. But of course she didn't remember how to make it. She just knew it required styrofoam. I convinced her, after several tries, to decorate the flip flops I'd bought for her (911.) I'd bought them specifically for her next "mom, let's do a craft" moment, and was a little bummed that she didn't want to do it!
But we did, and she liked them (912.)
Then the kids were up. Bethany was strangely cuddly. She sat in a lawn chair outside in the sun and she just laid there with her head on my shoulder and let me rub her back (913.) It was the longest she'd ever let me do that... totally still. I started wondering if she was getting sick.
She did a little more snuggling, but then she played on her own for a while (Alleluia!! 914) while I finished getting dinner ready.
After an uneventful dinner, I went grocery shopping. Paul took the kids out, and when I got home they had not yet returned. So, I put away the groceries (915,) emptied the dishwasher (916,) loaded the dishes that were waiting in the sink (916,) and cleaned out the sink (917) all before they got home.
The kids were tired and went to bed like a dream (918.)
And four-packs of play-do were "buy one get one free" at the store tonight (919.)
Sweet.
Got up with Bethany and hung out watching some TV with her this morning (902.) The kids got up and had breakfast. I got in a load of laundry (903,) started the crock pot (904,) and got the dishwasher emptied, which I didn't get to last night (905.) Started my Breaking Free lesson somewhere in there... I got it finished later in the morning (906.)
Got a call from a wise Christian lady that used to be my Girl Scout leader. I've only seen her a handful of times since I was in high school, so it was a total surprise to hear from her. She reads these here blogs and she decided to call and encourage me. How sweet is that? (907.)
Sent the kids outside because it was so nice out (908.) Pitched their little "tent" and set up the tunnels on the front lawn. I got a blanket out so Bethany could come out with us and I wouldn't have to hold her the entire time. Lainee ran in to get toys for everyone, and set up a toy area on the blanket for each of the kids (909,) which I thought was cute.
Got the two littler ones down for a nap and had a few minutes to read some scripture (910) before Lainee came in wanting to do a craft. Aye, aye, aye, with the crafts. She wanted to make a "hippopatomus treasure keeper."
?????
She saw it on some craft show. But of course she didn't remember how to make it. She just knew it required styrofoam. I convinced her, after several tries, to decorate the flip flops I'd bought for her (911.) I'd bought them specifically for her next "mom, let's do a craft" moment, and was a little bummed that she didn't want to do it!
But we did, and she liked them (912.)
Then the kids were up. Bethany was strangely cuddly. She sat in a lawn chair outside in the sun and she just laid there with her head on my shoulder and let me rub her back (913.) It was the longest she'd ever let me do that... totally still. I started wondering if she was getting sick.
She did a little more snuggling, but then she played on her own for a while (Alleluia!! 914) while I finished getting dinner ready.
After an uneventful dinner, I went grocery shopping. Paul took the kids out, and when I got home they had not yet returned. So, I put away the groceries (915,) emptied the dishwasher (916,) loaded the dishes that were waiting in the sink (916,) and cleaned out the sink (917) all before they got home.
The kids were tired and went to bed like a dream (918.)
And four-packs of play-do were "buy one get one free" at the store tonight (919.)
Sweet.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
901. Paul and I have been talking off and on about when we were going to replace our too-small kitchen table. We have always just let the idea die. Money's tight and we were managing just fine with the old one. So, this "new" table and chairs that you see here are a blessing for two reasons: 1) they are in MY kitchen, and 2) they were free.900. I normally don't like to stay home from church. I had to tonight because Jonathan has been sick. But, the silver lining on this cloud is that I got to see Phil win the Masters.
899. Somehow this afternoon, despite the fact that he slept ALL morning, Jonathan took a nap. He did it right when Bethany had RETURNED to bed after being awoken from her nap. At the same time, Lainee asked if she could take a bath. So, for about a 1/2 hour, there was utter peace in my house.... while I watched the Masters. Glorious.
898. I am excited about cleaning out a closet. This is odd, but if I am excited about it I figure it must be a blessing. Wasn't I just excited about mopping the floor a while back? Strange.
897. I think my son is over his illness.
896. So far, no signs that anyone else is getting sick.
895. Nice weather today. The kids played outside, which was a major blessing because they had WAY TOO MUCH energy for me to deal with them inside.
894. Our church's Easter "musical" wraps up tonight. Not that I don't like the musical. It's just nice to have my choir-boy husband home on Sundays instead of at practices. We'll be musical-free until Christmas rolls around.
893. The smell of fresh air.
892. Staying in my jammies all day. Only they look enough like regular clothing that no one but my family really knows the difference. Hee Hee!
Saturday, April 08, 2006
891. Playing with Bethany today. She is initiating peek-a-boo a lot. And she has a cute laugh.
890. Bethany is learning to climb up and down from stairs and low-lying objects.
889. Going for a walk with Lainee today while she rode her bike. We had a fun little game going.
888. A walk later in the day with J and B in the wagon. They'd been inside all day and it was nice to get out with them. And, I could walk as fast as I wanted b/c I didn't have anyone dawdling along on foot.
887. A trip to the craft store with Lainee to pick up some stickers. We just gotta have stickers!
886. Making chalk with the kids.
885. A nap.
884. Kids who all went to bed without a fuss. Yee HAAAAA!
883. Seeing Bethany's face after she eats blueberries.
882. Buds on the trees. (Did I already list this one?)
881. Being with Bethany today during some serious whining and not being bothered by it at all. I realized I wasn't annoyed and thought about how, just a few months ago, that situation would have had me at the end of my rope. Things are changing. God is good.
880. Two kids, one mom, not enough lap space... and neither of them liked it.
879. The plants I transplanted last fall have survived and are making their way out of the soil in the back yard.
890. Bethany is learning to climb up and down from stairs and low-lying objects.
889. Going for a walk with Lainee today while she rode her bike. We had a fun little game going.
888. A walk later in the day with J and B in the wagon. They'd been inside all day and it was nice to get out with them. And, I could walk as fast as I wanted b/c I didn't have anyone dawdling along on foot.
887. A trip to the craft store with Lainee to pick up some stickers. We just gotta have stickers!
886. Making chalk with the kids.
885. A nap.
884. Kids who all went to bed without a fuss. Yee HAAAAA!
883. Seeing Bethany's face after she eats blueberries.
882. Buds on the trees. (Did I already list this one?)
881. Being with Bethany today during some serious whining and not being bothered by it at all. I realized I wasn't annoyed and thought about how, just a few months ago, that situation would have had me at the end of my rope. Things are changing. God is good.
880. Two kids, one mom, not enough lap space... and neither of them liked it.
879. The plants I transplanted last fall have survived and are making their way out of the soil in the back yard.
Friday, April 07, 2006
878. Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Nut granola bars.
877. Bethany's cute little legs sticking out from her "shorts" today. My mom and I were just talking about her legs today. How skinny they were when we first brought her home. Definitely not like she was malnourished. She was very well cared for. But, as my mom put it, "she just didn't have any extra meat on her bones." She has a little extra now. I could just squoosh her they're so cute.
876. The boy is doing well, despite a high fever.
875. Children's ibuprofen.
874. Lainee was not injured by the glass she shattered this evening.
873. Paul came home early. Yippee!
872. And he brought home my favorite ice cream too.
871. Five years ago today I was resting up in a hospital room, having just delivered my first baby. It's a blessing to see her getting bigger, but it's also a blessing that I am no longer in a hospital room recovering from delivery!
870. I found my engagement ring. In the bottom of the dishwasher. After I had already run a load of dishes. I about jumped out of my pants when I saw it laying there.
869. Rain.
868. So warm today. So, so warm. We wore short sleeves. Windows were opened all day long.
867. Masters highlights tonight. I can't wait.
866. Brandy came over right after I put Bethany down for her nap. She took Lainee to play with her daughter. Jonathan was hanging out on the couch all day, so naturally, I took a nap!
877. Bethany's cute little legs sticking out from her "shorts" today. My mom and I were just talking about her legs today. How skinny they were when we first brought her home. Definitely not like she was malnourished. She was very well cared for. But, as my mom put it, "she just didn't have any extra meat on her bones." She has a little extra now. I could just squoosh her they're so cute.
876. The boy is doing well, despite a high fever.
875. Children's ibuprofen.
874. Lainee was not injured by the glass she shattered this evening.
873. Paul came home early. Yippee!
872. And he brought home my favorite ice cream too.
871. Five years ago today I was resting up in a hospital room, having just delivered my first baby. It's a blessing to see her getting bigger, but it's also a blessing that I am no longer in a hospital room recovering from delivery!
870. I found my engagement ring. In the bottom of the dishwasher. After I had already run a load of dishes. I about jumped out of my pants when I saw it laying there.
869. Rain.
868. So warm today. So, so warm. We wore short sleeves. Windows were opened all day long.
867. Masters highlights tonight. I can't wait.
866. Brandy came over right after I put Bethany down for her nap. She took Lainee to play with her daughter. Jonathan was hanging out on the couch all day, so naturally, I took a nap!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
865. IMing with my sister last night. Haven't talked to her in a while.
864. Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies.
863. A new pair of sneakers.
862. Masters, Masters, Masters. (As in, golf.) On CBS too. Sweet.
861. Hearing Bethany say, "Ma ma."
860. I wore pony tails today. Yup. Right up on top of my head. HA! Who says 32 year old women can't wear pony tails?
859. Dreaming about the future.
858. Bethany and Jonathan are both capable of sleeping through Lainee's tantrums.
857. Laughing with the ladies.
856. My church.
864. Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies.
863. A new pair of sneakers.
862. Masters, Masters, Masters. (As in, golf.) On CBS too. Sweet.
861. Hearing Bethany say, "Ma ma."
860. I wore pony tails today. Yup. Right up on top of my head. HA! Who says 32 year old women can't wear pony tails?
859. Dreaming about the future.
858. Bethany and Jonathan are both capable of sleeping through Lainee's tantrums.
857. Laughing with the ladies.
856. My church.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
855. A walk with the kids this morning, in the cool air...
854. ...under a beautiful blue sky without a cloud in sight...
853. Another walk this evening with Bethany. She didn't fall asleep this time, but it was fun talking with her and singing to her while we walked our "loop" at night.
852. My refrigerator is clean. I took it apart today and cleaned the whole, nasty, thing. I think I have only cleaned the shelves twice or MAYBE three times in the nearly 7 years we have lived here. Anyway, I like how it looks when I open it now.
851. Bethany is giving us the "sign" for "more" when she wants more food.
850. Lainee read a book to me today, all by herself. Yay! Yay! Yay!
849. I wasn't thinking when I let the kids nap long today. When I realized what I'd done, I thought "they'll never go to bed tonight." Then Paul told me that it would be a late night at church tonight, so I felt a little better about them sleeping since they will be up late.
848. Dinner was yummy.
847. Oh, and I mopped the floor today. I know, I am like some crazed cleaning lady.... NOT. But it is nice to have the floor mopped.
846. Sitting at the table this morning with all three of my children, playing with play-do.
854. ...under a beautiful blue sky without a cloud in sight...
853. Another walk this evening with Bethany. She didn't fall asleep this time, but it was fun talking with her and singing to her while we walked our "loop" at night.
852. My refrigerator is clean. I took it apart today and cleaned the whole, nasty, thing. I think I have only cleaned the shelves twice or MAYBE three times in the nearly 7 years we have lived here. Anyway, I like how it looks when I open it now.
851. Bethany is giving us the "sign" for "more" when she wants more food.
850. Lainee read a book to me today, all by herself. Yay! Yay! Yay!
849. I wasn't thinking when I let the kids nap long today. When I realized what I'd done, I thought "they'll never go to bed tonight." Then Paul told me that it would be a late night at church tonight, so I felt a little better about them sleeping since they will be up late.
848. Dinner was yummy.
847. Oh, and I mopped the floor today. I know, I am like some crazed cleaning lady.... NOT. But it is nice to have the floor mopped.
846. Sitting at the table this morning with all three of my children, playing with play-do.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
845. I got my Breaking Free lesson done this afternoon instead of having to do it tonight.
844. Playing in the park with the family after dinner.
843. Somehow managing to let Bethany "cry it out" today at nap time. Usually I can console her, but not today. So I just let her go, and she finally went to sleep... it took a LONG time, but she did it. (I think that is why I was able to get my lesson done... I needed a distraction!)
842. Getting rid of some clutter.
841. Beautiful weather today. Cool, but beautiful.
840. I am going to be in bed before midnight.
839. Remembering that we had six library books due today... and finding them all in time to return them.
838. Jonathan apologized to me tonight.
837. Little Debbie Fudge Brownies.
836. A nap on the couch today with Lainee on top of me!
844. Playing in the park with the family after dinner.
843. Somehow managing to let Bethany "cry it out" today at nap time. Usually I can console her, but not today. So I just let her go, and she finally went to sleep... it took a LONG time, but she did it. (I think that is why I was able to get my lesson done... I needed a distraction!)
842. Getting rid of some clutter.
841. Beautiful weather today. Cool, but beautiful.
840. I am going to be in bed before midnight.
839. Remembering that we had six library books due today... and finding them all in time to return them.
838. Jonathan apologized to me tonight.
837. Little Debbie Fudge Brownies.
836. A nap on the couch today with Lainee on top of me!
Monday, April 03, 2006
835. After waking up what seemed like every hour to tend to my son, who oddly, isn't all that sick, I walked into the kitchen this morning a little bit after 4 am. I looked at my husband, who was getting ready to leave for work, and said, "it would really help me out if you would stay home today. You don't have to, I'm just asking." Having spent the night on the couch, I left the room, and got into my bed. I heard my husband on the phone. Then, I woke up at 10 am. I cannot even begin to tell you all of the things that kept me awake last night. So, thank you, Paul. I am not sure I would have made it through this day without you around.
834. Pizza delivered for dinner.
833. Took the boy with me grocery shopping. He was SOOOO good.
832. Watched the final game of the NCAA tournament tonight. That is always fun.
831. Getting excited about the Masters. Did y'all see Phil's win this weekend? Capped off his 28 under win with an eagle on the eighteenth. Sweet. Of course, his hair is a different story, but I guess we can let that slide.
830. Had our 6 month post-placement meeting with the social worker today. Went just fine. Why do people gripe about these things?
829. I took a nap today too.
828. Not one, but TWO coupons from the register receipt at Meijer. Each was worth $3 off of a gas purchase. So, you know what I did before I went home? YUP!
827. Every time I got Jonathan settled down from one of his crying fits last night, I would lay the blanket on top of him and he would say, "Thank you, mommy" as he quickly fell back asleep.
826. So far, so good with him sleeping tonight. I gotta get to bed before he wakes me up again!
834. Pizza delivered for dinner.
833. Took the boy with me grocery shopping. He was SOOOO good.
832. Watched the final game of the NCAA tournament tonight. That is always fun.
831. Getting excited about the Masters. Did y'all see Phil's win this weekend? Capped off his 28 under win with an eagle on the eighteenth. Sweet. Of course, his hair is a different story, but I guess we can let that slide.
830. Had our 6 month post-placement meeting with the social worker today. Went just fine. Why do people gripe about these things?
829. I took a nap today too.
828. Not one, but TWO coupons from the register receipt at Meijer. Each was worth $3 off of a gas purchase. So, you know what I did before I went home? YUP!
827. Every time I got Jonathan settled down from one of his crying fits last night, I would lay the blanket on top of him and he would say, "Thank you, mommy" as he quickly fell back asleep.
826. So far, so good with him sleeping tonight. I gotta get to bed before he wakes me up again!
Sunday, April 02, 2006
825. Learning how to defragment the computer.
824. Learning how to clean up unwanted files.
823. Ami's willingness to let me come over and do our photo page (for our post placement report) on her computer. I tried to email the page that I made on my computer and it wasn't done attaching the file after 2 hours. Aye, aye, aye!
822. Digital cameras
821. After complaining throughout the night and most of today that his "tummy doesn't feel bery well," Jonathan has yet to throw up. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
820. The boy who didn't feel well didn't get to go to church today either. He was not happy about that, and I think that is a blessing.
819. But he did enjoy getting online and playing the games on the Barney website. It kept him occupied for a good long time.
818. Flip flops.
817. We got a chair from the lady down the street.
816. Weather alert systems.
811. (Missing from my last post) Stephanie S.
824. Learning how to clean up unwanted files.
823. Ami's willingness to let me come over and do our photo page (for our post placement report) on her computer. I tried to email the page that I made on my computer and it wasn't done attaching the file after 2 hours. Aye, aye, aye!
822. Digital cameras
821. After complaining throughout the night and most of today that his "tummy doesn't feel bery well," Jonathan has yet to throw up. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
820. The boy who didn't feel well didn't get to go to church today either. He was not happy about that, and I think that is a blessing.
819. But he did enjoy getting online and playing the games on the Barney website. It kept him occupied for a good long time.
818. Flip flops.
817. We got a chair from the lady down the street.
816. Weather alert systems.
811. (Missing from my last post) Stephanie S.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
815. Lainee had a great birthday party today.
814. After the birthday party, she said to me, totally out of the blue, "Mom, thank you for the baby stroller."
813. Then she thanked Paul for the baby stroller.
812. Then she thanked me for the party. Sweet girl!
810. Ami was here for the party and it was nice to have another woman around to chat with. And she HELPED too, which was nice.
809. Good meeting this morning for the long range planning team at church. My excitement about where God is taking our church is beginning to rise.
808. Good breakfast served at the meeting!
807. Getting out of the meeting earlier than expected... so I wasn't rushed to get ready for the party, and I didn't have to pay the babysitter as much!
806. We have to submit photos with captions for our next post-placement report. Our social worker will be here Monday for that. I am trying to get photos to insert into a WordPerfect document so I can have the photo requirement all finished. But for whatever reason, my computer does not want to do this. Ami has graciously invited me over to do it on her computer tomorrow.
805. Chocolate covered strawberries.
804. We all went for a walk tonight, with Bethany in the wagon. She kept holding her hand out to me and wouldn't leave me alone until I held her hand and walked along next to her.
803. She fell asleep in my arms tonight.
814. After the birthday party, she said to me, totally out of the blue, "Mom, thank you for the baby stroller."
813. Then she thanked Paul for the baby stroller.
812. Then she thanked me for the party. Sweet girl!
810. Ami was here for the party and it was nice to have another woman around to chat with. And she HELPED too, which was nice.
809. Good meeting this morning for the long range planning team at church. My excitement about where God is taking our church is beginning to rise.
808. Good breakfast served at the meeting!
807. Getting out of the meeting earlier than expected... so I wasn't rushed to get ready for the party, and I didn't have to pay the babysitter as much!
806. We have to submit photos with captions for our next post-placement report. Our social worker will be here Monday for that. I am trying to get photos to insert into a WordPerfect document so I can have the photo requirement all finished. But for whatever reason, my computer does not want to do this. Ami has graciously invited me over to do it on her computer tomorrow.
805. Chocolate covered strawberries.
804. We all went for a walk tonight, with Bethany in the wagon. She kept holding her hand out to me and wouldn't leave me alone until I held her hand and walked along next to her.
803. She fell asleep in my arms tonight.
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