Function Vs. Fashion

Winter blew in, all at once, a few weeks before Christmas this year. Snowing for 8 days in a row. (I think the weatherman should tell us when it won't be snowing.)

All this snow means lots of shoveling, and walking where people haven't bothered to shovel. Boots are extremely helpful this time of year. Although, I've been able to sneak by without them for the past 4-5 years.

This winter, though, I'm not pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an infant in the house. I am free to help shovel and play with the kids outside. (insert sigh here) Needless to say, the sneakers I've been wearing will not do for long periods in the snow.

I finally broke down and purchased a pair of boots. Tall enough for wading through at least a foot of snow, waterproof, and good for temperatures down to minus 5. (I hope not to be out at temperatures colder than that!) They're not exactly the kind of boots I'd normally wear, but by this time in the continuing snow I did not have much choice.

My husband saw me wearing them to go out to shovel. His response, "Going out to cut down some trees? 'I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay.'" (Insert more sarcastic comments on the "fashion" of my boots.)

That's when it hit me. I had purchased a pair of boots without regard to fashion. When did that start? I started thinking...I prefer my mini-van over my husband's sports car. I wear flannel pj's to bed instead of a negligee. (although not a flannel nightie) I like the electric blanket, so I can crawl into a warm bed. The list goes on.

When did I grew so old that I sacrificed function and comfort for fashion? and Does these mean I now have to buy from the woman's clothing section?

I don't feel old. I still think of myself as being in my mid-twenties. (Although it's been a long time since I was mistaken for a high school-er most people I meet think I'm closer to 25 than 40) Now I need to decide, do I continue the downward slid into fashion-less function or do I fight to remain fashionable?

Only time will tell...

The End of An Era

It's finally happening. The thing I have looked forward to for the past seven years! In a few more weeks I will no longer be dropping off or picking up a child from the nursery at church!

A little less than seven years ago, I started dropping my eldest off in the nursery. An exciting rite of passage. It seemed unreal to me. But now, after dropping off one, sometimes two, babies every Sunday morning and evening, I will be done. Yes!

My youngest turned two recently. The age when they are kicked out of the nursery and dropped into the unstableness that is the toddler room. I'm very excited, but it's bittersweet.

No longer do I have to feel trapped by lugging around an infant, one who needs so much time and attention. The cleaning up, the breastfeeding, the explosive diapers, little sleep, introducing solids. But I no longer have that warm little bundle to snuggle with. No one who looks at me and thinks everything I do is wonderful and perfect. No one who looks at me with completely trusting eyes. No one who needs me so completely and wants me so completely.

I will miss the baby stage, it was fun and frustrating. I'm glad it's over, very glad I don't have to go back, but I will always cherish the memories.

"The Boy Who Changed the World" - Andy Andrews

"The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews

What do Mose Carver, George Washington Carver, Henry Wallace, and Norman Borlaug have in common? They changed the world. Using these men, Andy Andrews teaches children about the Butterfly Effect. Showing them that no matter how small or insignificant they might think they are, they can change the world. Andrews encourages kids to realize God has made them special and has a plan for their lives that will effect countless unseen people. Every choice they make, good or bad, has an effect on the world.

All of my children loved this book. The one yo and three yo enjoyed Philip Hurst's art work. While the five and six yo's enjoyed hearing how each of these men changed the world and influenced each other. A spectacular way to start young children thinking about the choices they make, the plan God has for their lives and the world, and encourage them that they themselves can change the world.

I highly recommend anyone to read this books, whether they have children or not. An important concept for anyone to understand and follow. A spectacular book!


(Copy of "The Boy Who Changed the World" provided by Tommy Nelson publishing. Opinions are my own.)

20 Weeks to a Book - Week 9 (or there abouts)

I am far behind in my weeks for writing. I have been lax and have not written anything for my book. I have been writing, though. I finished a devotional and sent it on to Penned from the Heart. I believe it will be published in the 2011 edition. I have also been organizing myself to work on 2 articles for Moms and their children's health care. I hope to have those done this month to be sent out by the end.

Here's what Maeve has to say in week 9: Visualize Success...Sounds simple, but it's not always. The mind is powerful. It has the power to think some into thinking they are ill, doctor's encourage patients to visualize being well again (which does help), if your mind believes something has happened, your body can have all the sensations that it has happened. It can be scary thinking of all the power your mind has over you! Maeve encourages us to think about what it will be like to be successful...How will you celebrate when you publish that book? Who will you tell? What will you wear? How will you announce it? Detailed dreams of what it will be like to finish your book can spur you complete it during those times when writing is the toughest.

Get out there and visualize your success. I know I am!

"The Witness"

"The Witness" by Josh McDowell

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-3412-7.pdf


Marwan Accad, co-owner of Accad and Associates, an executive security company, finds himself embroiled in a French conspiracy. His current job is to find the wife of a wealthy Egyptian. During a meeting with the man, the unthinkable happens, his client is assassinated and Marwan becomes the only witness, and the only suspect.

Marwan flees for his life, suffering a gun shot wound in the process. Wanting to escape France, he flies to Morocco and to the safety of a friend's house. There he begins his journey towards a new life.

A redemption story, I had mixed feelings about it. Some places McDowell gives great detail, but in others I felt something was lacking. Not much is said about the conspiracy, or the resolution of it. While McDowell does an excellent job of portraying arguments for redemption, Marwan's conversion seemed too easy. His inner struggle was shown, but it seemed very superficial. The ending left me with too many questions to feel satisfied by it's abruptness.


It had so much potential to be a spectacular story, but it was just a good story.

A good read for the beach.


This copy provided by Tyndale house, but the opinions are my own.

20 Weeks to a Book - Week 8

It seems every time I post a new week, it's actually been more than 1 week. I've had a busy couple of weeks. Went to OH and KY with just my husband. It's been awhile since we spent that much time together, just the two of us, so it was a trial at times, but worth it! Then I spent the last week at the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference! What a great time. Saw old friends, made new friends, grew, renewed, and learned a ton! Thanks especially to Bryan Davis and Ginger Kolbaba! Both gave great critiques, gentle yet honest. I have a lot of work to do, but I've made some short term goals that will help me along the way. I also was able to write a ton, not having any kids or responsibilities can help with that. On to week 8!

"The Writer's Journey" - A short chapter, but filled with little tidbits of advice. Maeve speaks of writing as a journey, as made obvious by the title. During this journey you discover things about yourself you never knew, solidify ideas and concepts you've had, and actually become different people by the end. She gives a warning: "If you don't [finish] then it's no journey at all, just a series of stops and starts and eventual disappointments." Maeve encourages us to keep going, to finish what we've started. Otherwise, it's just been a waste of time. And just think, someday you'll be able to say to all those people, "Of course I finished it."

Keep on writing, I plan to!

"Storm Warning" A Review

The interest in the coming End of The World has increased dramatically recently. Wars, financial crises, and environmental disasters send fear shooting through our hearts. More and more people are turning to the Bible for answers, specifically Revelations. Here we find God's promises of the end of this age. Filled with odd visions and poetic language, it is a confusing book.

Billy Graham, in "Storm Warning", offers insight and hope for those seeking answers. Mainly detailing the Four Horsemen, he speaks of the urgency for those who profess to be Christians. The main thrust of the book is not what will the Apocalypse look like, but what should our response to these events should be.

Graham tells us that the events we are currently living through are warnings from God. Not warnings to dig a hole and wait for the end of the Earth. But warnings to motivate us to build a stronger personal relationship with God and to obey Jesus's command to proclaim the Gospel to every person on the Earth. Pray, seek God, spread His Message of Hope, and do not fear the coming storm.


Copy of book provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

20 Weeks to a Book - Weeks 6 & 7

Disclaimer - I did indeed read week 6 last week, but completely forgot to blog about it!

I finally finished up the 20 pages and sent it off to be critiqued. Prayed it would get there in time! I've written almost another 10 pages. My goal is to have 340 pages rewritten by the end of the twentieth week. Going to need to write more than 10 pages a week! (but not much more)

Here they are, weeks 6 & 7:

Week 6 - "Sustaining Progress" We've all been there. A great idea inflames our imagination. We sit down and pound out the introduction. Soon - hours, days, weeks, months later - the passion dies. The enthusiasm is gone. Unfortunately you cannot write on passion alone. If you did, nothing would be finished. This has been me. What do you do when the passion is gone?

This is where true authors persevere and wannabes quit. As Maeve says, "It's all a matter of discipline." And when discipline gives out "a series of threats and rewards" may help. Bribe and punish yourself. For example: If I finish my quota for the week, I'll be able to go out with my girlfriends. If I don't, I won't get to go (and miss out on all the fun) and I have to clean the bathroom during that time instead. What rewards/punishments work for you will be different, but set them up and see how much writing you can achieve!


Week 7 - "Finding Your Voice" What is your voice? I can assure you it's not J.R.R. Tolkien's, J.K. Rowlings, Maeve Binchy's, or any of your favorite author's. You won't get far attempting to copy another's voice. Maeve says, "It's finding the method to tell your story that seems natural and unaffected." Continue to study the techniques of other writer's, but don't attempt to write like them. No one will read your story in someone else's voice if they can read the real thing! In writing there is a difference between generic and brand name! Write what you are passionate about and write in your natural voice. You'll go farther and be more apt to have your story published.

Brilliant

At least, that's how I was feeling this morning. Grocery shopping with 4 kids can be a crazy, trying, annoying, frustrating, difficult, loud, embarrassing, draining (you get the picture) experience. With only one contained child, the rest feel they are on an adventure. An adventure to torture Mommy. They seem to instinctively know that they can get away with a lot more in public than at home, and they do it! The stores are giant play places. One can run around, screaming, moving food around, removing price labels, and opening all the freezer doors. I've even had to drag at least one child out of the employees only sections.

The past 9 months I've been shopping with only 2 (occasionally 3) children in tow. Much easier, trust me. School is out and I am back to shopping with all four kids. I spent the past couple of weeks racking my brain for ideas to entertain my children quietly. Then it hit me, letters. My middle two children are busy learning their letters. They hate to sit down and look at flash cards, so I have to be creative with education (something very hard for me!). I decided to have my children look for letters as we wandered the stores.

Before we headed out this morning I printed out 6 letter boards, one for each store. My oldest can read, but she likes to play games and would have felt left out if I did not print her a board. (I can only handle 2 stores at a time with all four of them.) I told them we would be playing a seek and find game at the stores. Excitement abounded. They could not wait to get to the store.

At the first store I handed them each a board and a writing utensil. I explained that they were to look for the letters on their boards. If they had capitals, they needed to find capital letters, and vice-versa. They spent the time searching diligently for letters while I shopped. They only ran out of letters while I was checking out at the last store, and then chaos began. But I had made it through 2 stores without dirty looks, noisy children, or frustration! Brilliant...



...Then I arrived home and realized I had forgotten to purchase vegetables, yet again. Looks like another run to the grocery store.

20 Weeks to A Book - Week 5

This weeks reading was very informative, but I'm not sure if it applies to me. In week 5 Maeve speaks of Agents. She is very clear on the fact that one is needed. Basically she says that agents are more likely to be heard by a publisher and is in your corner. Two very important things. They also know the markets and what sells. They are good resources and can be very encouraging. Searching for an agent? Maeve suggest doing your homework when it comes to choosing agents to contact. Like publishers, not all agents accept all types of work. Check out this website: www.aaronline.org for a list of recommended agents.

I've officially completed the bare bones of my book. Now to fill in the details. I've rewritten the first 20 pages. I will be sending those off to be critiqued for the writer's conference. I will continue to rewrite and edit during the next few weeks. Maybe I'll have a complete book by the end of these 20 weeks!

Finished!

I finally wrote the whole thing! I have the beginning, the climax, and the conclusion. I'm very excited. I went to tell my husband and he was very surprised I finished writing it. His disappointment showed when I told him just the first draft. I guess he thought it would be more "done" than that. Now I start the long process of editing and rewriting. Hopefully I will be able to add all the details and interesting information to make this a truly readable book. Will keep you posted.

20 Weeks to a Book - Week 4

Here we are at week four. I've written some, but not as much as I wanted to! Also need to get to editing 20 pages to send on a head to the Writer's Conference. I need to finish that this week.

This week Maeve speaks to us about writing short stories. In this chapter she goes through her thought process when she writes a short story. While informative, the "8 Steps to a Short Story" by Ivy Bannister gave some great advice for any kind of story. Here are three quotes that struck me...

"Finally, enjoy! If you don't, your reader won't."

"Dump everything you have to tell onto the page as fast as you can, not bothering at this stage with polished sentences or choosing exactly the right word. Aim for you goal."

"Producing a Polished Draft This is the bit that separates the writers from the scribblers, and it takes a long time...Good stories are not written: they are rewritten."

Goals this week: edit the first 20 pages to send off to the Writer's Conference, write 5 hours, and do so before Thursday of next week!

Sumer Vacation

Summer vacation for the kids started today. They slept in until after 7am, not great, but it's a start! So far all four of them are playing happily together. A few of them need to get dressed, but I'm reluctant to disturb the peace they formed this morning. It won't kill them to be in their pj's for a while longer. I'll hold off getting them dressed until they start getting on each others nerves and need a change of pace. And since they are playing with each other and not bugging me, I'm going to try to fit a few things in - like vacuuming and laundry. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that once I finish vacuuming and doing at least 1 load of laundry they are still happy and I can write. But, don't tell them, because I know they will immediately start causing troubles and nothing will get done...

20 Weeks to a Book - Week 3

Here we are on week 3. I did not fit in 5 hours of writing last week. The inspiration to write seems to come when it is most inconvenient for me - while I'm doing laundry, when I need to go to bed, while at work, etc., etc. I'm working on disciplining myself to write right after the kids are in bed. I'll let you know how successful I am with that. I did find a good friend to set a dead line for me every week and to bug me if I am tardy with sending her the next part of the story.

This week Maeve encourages us to write about interesting people. People who interest us and who grow as the story is told. We need to remember the story is a journey and things change as the journey takes place. She also expects us to know what kind of pace the story should have. We need to decide what kind of story we are telling to determine that pace. The story I am currently working on is a medium speed story, not adventurous nor lyrical, but with a mix of both.

Next week, we will explore week 4 and see if I have stuck to my goals.

20 Weeks to a Book - Week 2

(If you'll note the calendar, this should be week three. I had a brain lapse and forgot to read my chapter last week. We'll just continue on as if nothing happened.)

Writer's Groups

This week Maeve encourages the writer to join a writing group. In a Writer's Group you can learn from others mistakes, sharpen your skills, speak with people who do not think you are crazy, and be kept accountable. Maeve does warn that Writer's Groups can also be discouraging and devolve into gossip sessions. Still, she thinks they are worth the effort to find and be involved in a Writer's Group.

I have tried to be involved in a local Writer's Group, unsuccessfully. I did learn a lot and enjoy the other writings. There were many difficulties with this group. None wrote in the same genre as did I. Which shouldn't be a problem, but they had a difficult time grasping my stories. Fantasies of talking dust bunnies and habitable planets other than Earth eluded them. While their comments on my grammar and word usage were helpful, their overall critiques of the story were mean and nasty. While they were encouraging to the other members, they ripped my stories apart as being unclear and nonsense. I also ran into the fact that none of them were looking to be published. They just wanted to write and meet together with other writers and have their words read and praised.

Maybe I'll find another Writer's Group that will be more helpful, but for now I'll write alone. I still need someone to keep me accountable with my writing though, so if anyone wants to help, let me know!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

My son did not loose out on another week of playing the Wii because of talking back and ignoring his parents when they spoke to him.

My son did not loose out of having his cousin over for the whole day because of harassing his sisters.

My son and his cousin (who came over later) did not loose out on playing together for two weeks because the threw rocks at each other, nor did they try to get into our un-opened pool.

My son did not loose out on spending the night at Grandma's house because he continued to talk back, harass his sisters, nor ignore his parents.

My son did also not loose out on the first day he was supposed to be able to play the Wii again because he ignored Mommy when she told him not to do something.

What did your children/child not do this week!

Kid Quotes

I love the sayings my kids come up with. The Big Princess is very good at sounding very grown up, but being very funny at the same time. Here are some of my favorite sayings from my kids, at least the three that can speak full sentences!

The Big Princess - (Said to me while we were driving home one night in the summer) Mommy, the stars are singing!

Little Dude - His reply to Daddy when Daddy said, "I like your shirt." Little Dude's reply, "It's stripped, like Thunder Ball!" (For those of you who don't know this is from a James Bond theme song which actually says, "...strikes, Black Thunder Ball")

Mini-Me - Her reply when Daddy noticed her hair was getting long "You're looking very shaggy." Mini-Me, "No, I Daphne!"

20 Weeks to a Book

Maeve Binchy's "The Maeve Binchy Writers' Club" takes you through 20 weeks of lessons that once were presented at the National College of Ireland in Dublin. I picked up a copy of this book while at Borders, hoping for motivation to complete the book I started more than a year ago. It continues to haunt my dreams and many of my waking hours. Maybe if I actually finish it, I can have my thoughts to myself again.

Here we are at week 1: "Getting Started" - This week Ms. Binchy discusses making a plan and being disciplined to stick with it for the next 20 weeks. She also offers advice on organizing your space, or lack there of in my case. She recommends writing 5 hours each week. I'm going to do this, for at least the next 20 weeks. I'm off to a good start, I wrote for about an hour last night. I've also decided to include another goal. I need to have 30 pages edited to send out for a professional critique, to be mailed by the beginning of June.

Check back next week to find out the next step to writing a book in 20 weeks and my progress on the book I'm currently writing.

Not Me Monday!

I did not run the washer (with soap and fabric softener), and forget to put the laundry in...

I did not eat 3 ice cream sandwiches in one sitting...

I did not spend Mother's Day afternoon at my Aunt's house, and leave my children with my husband at his mother's house...(I would never feel the need to be away from my wonderful children!)

I did not stay up late trying to finish Little Women...(I've read it dozens of times, why would I need to rush through it!)


Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

The Quiet Game

My children have learned to love to play games, almost any kind, from my husband. About a year ago I was driving in the car with the kids. The Dude and The Big Sister were arguing and being very loud. I suggested a game called "Let's see who can be quiet until we get to..." No prize, just whoever stays the quietest the longest wins. They loved it. Both will often suggest playing it when we drive, no matter the length of the trip. It's a great game for Mommy. I'm not sure how long this "game" will last for them. For now, I enjoy the quiet.

Happy Birthday Mini-Me

Mini-Me turned three yesterday. So cute, and yet so difficult. I have a love-hate relationship with her. The third child I never wanted, but fell in love with anyway. So sweet, and so un-cooperative. Very snuggly, stubborn, single-minded, frustrating, smart, resourceful, and imaginative. I couldn't imagine my life without her and very grateful she came to me. Here she is, from her first days to now.

"Imaginary Jesus"

Have you ever discovered that the way you imagined Jesus to be wrong? I clearly remember the time it struck me that Jesus did not look anything remotely like the flannel graft Jesus I grew up with. Gone was the vision of light brown, straight hair, blue eyes, glowing white clothes, and perfectly manicured nails.

Matt Mikalatos carries the analogy even farther in his book "Imaginary Jesus". I was hesitant to start reading it. Was he going to poke fun at people who believe Jesus is real? Was he going to push one type of "Jesus" on me? Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down! I finished reading it in one sitting.

Join Matt as he takes you on a fun filled, laugh out loud romp "through time, space and Portland, Oregon". He journeys to discover if his Jesus is the real Jesus. Along the way he meets Magic 8 Ball Jesus, White Supremacist Jesus, Political Jesus, and a host of others. Would one of them be the real Jesus? I'm not going to spoil the book. I promise you one thing, you will enjoy this book. It will make you think, while laughing. What could be better?

copy of "Imaginary Jesus" provided by Tynale House

The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway

The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway

Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”

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With each fan number milestone a new prize will be given away.

Grand Prize

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Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fifth milestone
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Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the third milestone
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4th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD

Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the New Living Translation Fan Page hits the second milestone
Retail Value: $499.00

5th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD

Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestone
Retail Value: $599.00

Prize Eligibility – Recently updated to include more countries

Sweepstakes participants and winner(s) can be U.S. residents of the 50 United States, or residents of any country that is NOT embargoed by the United States, but cannot be residents of Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India. In addition, participants and winner(s) must be at least 18 years old, as determined by the Company.

Sweepstakes Starts

March 17, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)

Sweepstakes Ends

April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)

Wait, there’s more!

Visit http://biblecontest.newlivingtranslation.com/index.php for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii!

Here are the details:

Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider:
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What is God teaching you in this passage?
How does this passage apply to your life?

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Just for signing up: Everybody Wins! Win a Free .mp3 download from the NLT’s new Red Letters Project. It’s the dynamic, new presentation of the sung and narrated words of the Gospel of Matthew. You win the download just for entering! Or choose to download the NLT Philippians Bible Study, complete with the Book of Philippians in the NLT.

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Fire!

God is an All Consuming Fire. Think, consume the whole universe! We are called to be on fire for Christ, to be a spark, and a light in the darkness. So, I ask you, what kind of fire are you?

Let's consider the various types of fire we have and what they do.

Forest Fire - This type of fire is very painful and can be seen as destructive. But, as we've often heard, forest fires can be good. They destroy the old, often dead growth, to make way for the healthy, new growth. Forest Fires can be cleansing. These fires clear the land for those who follow to till and sow the fresh soil. Think Martin Luther.

Bonfires - These bring to mind the outdoors, columns of flames, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Often there are lots of people grouped around these kinds of fires. Many people are touched by bonfires and there is a lot of fellowship going on. Think Billy Graham.

Wood stove - These are the behind the scenes, hard working, keep you warm all winter long kind of fires. Often not noticed until the heat is gone. Think my parents, John Watson, The Froh's. Ok, so you may not know these people specifically, but God does and he knows better than I all the things they do. I'm sure you know someone like this. Pray that God keeps their burners well stocked with wood!

Fire Place - Romantic, cozy, only a few people grouped around it. These fires offer intimate heat to a few people. These people provide comfort and warmth when you need it. They are always ready with a prayer for you, an apt word, a loving hug, or even just a quiet presence. Think of those people you run to when you need comfort or a special word. I think of Diane Watson or Kim Cobb

Candle - The simplest, often smallest, of the fires. Compared to the others, these fires don't seem that great or grand, but they are needed. We need a candle to light our way, to light our book, to produce a spark. These people often work one-on-one with others. They work hard to light the way for others to follow, to provide insights and direction in personal study. Me.

I ask you again. What kind of fire are you?

Ode to The Summer That Wasn't

March roared in like a lion,
and exited like a lamb.
Normal seasonal weather ended - Bam!

April showers
dried in the air.
Sunburns and Global Warming glare.

May flowers
cried thirstily for rain.
Their wish granted, swept down the drain.

Summer choked before appearing.
each grey and dreary dawn,
did bring a lush, green lawn.

April's record highs
driven from our mind
a monotonous chill on the temperature line.

Sunscreen leaking in a drawer
pools, no ripple broke.
We all hoped it was a joke.

To see if they had
Rip Van Winkled May to October,
some checked the calendar.

Summer oozed muddily
into a normal Fall.
Thankfully the Yankees were on the ball.

A memorable Summer,
except,
it wasn't.

(disclaimer: I know this is not written in an Ode form. The is for my husband, who does not understand poetry at all. He believes they all should rhyme. He asked me to write him an "ode" about our last summer. Hope you enjoyed!)

Burried under a Mountain

A mountain of laundry, that is!

I've been busy analyzing my life. Why am I so discontent with everything. I have a great husband who works hard and is a wonderful dad. Four wonderful kids who are very easy to deal with, mostly. A house, a job I can work whenever I want, great friends and family, money for everything we need and a few extra dollars for some small fun stuff. Many people would look at my life and see I have nothing to complain about. No major in-law battles, no health issues, no catastrophes of any kind.

Finally it hit me. Supposedly, Mothering is an Adventure. It's not, at least not for me. I want to do great things, go on quest to save the world, have adventures in far away places, battle the forces of evil, and look darn good doing it. I was always the kid in Sunday School who wanted to be "called" to deepest, darkest Africa (if there is such a place any more). I want to go to far off places and do momentous things to help the people there.

Where am I now? George Lucas says it best, "In a galaxy far, far away." I am the furthest from a quest of my dreams. My world consists of laundry, dishes, runny noses, potty training, diapers, homework, coats, boots, mittens, lost bears, sippy cups, and puking kids. Doing the same things day in and day out. It makes me want to scream! It makes me sad and depressed.

It is a struggle every day to find some joy in what I do. I love my children, I love my husband, but I often feel they would be better off with a better mother. Yes, I know how to be a good Mom, but that's not who I want to be. I have no contentment, I have no joy, I have only an endless sorrow of endless mundane days of endless repetitions of endless tasks.

What's my weakness? Everyday, Mommy, tasks.

I try to hide, in books, living vicarious quest through other people. But, when I return to reality, after having ignored my family and house, the excitement gets lost. So, I pick up the next book, and the next, never getting enough of the adventure. Wanting to depart from this world that sucks me dry.

My kids deserve better than what I can give them. My husband deserves a better wife. But right now, I'm all they've got.

This is not suppose to be my life. How did I get here? Why didn't God stop me? Last first, He didn't stop me because this is where He wanted and knew I would be. The place where I would have to turn to Him for help, daily, not just occasionally, but daily and often hourly. I did not plan this, nor did I think this far into the future when I was falling in love with my husband. Blindly, I would say.

What do I do? Well, reading doesn't seem to be helping, so I'm going to cut that out for a bit. At least the questing ones. Like romance novels make me disappointed in my husband, these books make me disappointed in my life. While that's not going to make things magically better. It will help when I don't constantly have examples of adventures others are having that I'm not.

This verse keeps popping up every time I want to wallow in self pity. "God's strength is made perfect in my weakness." So what? I kept asking. Then, it hit me. Duh! My weakness isn't kryptonite, it's everyday life! At least this everyday life I'm living. The world is supposed to see God through me. How can they do that if I'm able to handle things on my own strength, aka questing and adventuring? That's not God working, that's just me.

For many, the life I live isn't hard, difficult, etc. etc. It's easy, my life is what they are good at. For me, this is hard. I'm so weak at doing this. It's a daily struggle I have to wake up to each and every day. And, to top it all off, I've been blocking God from giving me His strength. I never thought of everyday life as a weakness before, just a chore to be done over and over. So, I never asked God for His strength to survive and thrive in my world.

I started doing that, two days ago. Am I a brand new person? Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Not really. But I've noticed a difference. If I talk with God about my weakness and ask Him to be my strength, my day goes so much better. I feel better, that's the difference. I have more love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Things that touch on every area of my life. I'm happier with my children, with other people, with my life.

Are things perfect? Far from it. I'm relatively new at this, so I've slipped often. Sometimes I remember to go back and talk it all out again with God, sometimes I don't. I just cling tight to His promise that He is standing next to me with open arms, just waiting to give me all the strength I need.

Why Today?

It is vacuuming day here at my house. Not just the quick run through, but a thorough cleaning complete with doing the edges and moving easily movable objects. As I finished vacuuming my bedroom it happened. The vacuum broke. It was already party broken. I had changed the brush belt and could not get the lid to stay on. Apparently the holes in the plastic lid where the screws went lost its thread so the screws could not be replaced. I've been holding it together with rubber bands. Some how the lid slipped and part of it came up. I can't get the other half to come off now. It's over 8 years old, so it's time to go. Until I buy one, I get to look at the crumb strewn downstairs and hope no one stops by unexpectedly!

Not My Child, Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

At the grocery store this morning...

My daughter did not walk along the condiments aisle, flipping all the condiments upside down and setting them on their caps.

My daughter did not try to eat through the package of taco seasoning to get to what was inside.

My daughter did not remove at least 3 price tag stickers from the shelves in the dairy aisle, before I caught her.

My daughter did not runaway with a container of mini-M&M's, when I told her she could not have any today.

My daughter did not hide under a table of cookies and try to open said container.

My daughter did not turn on and start pushing buttons on the closed register next to us.

And finally, at home...

My daughter did not poop in her underwear 15 minutes after she peed on the potty.


Does anyone want a Mini-Me? I'm giving her away free. She comes complete with sullen looks, stubbornness, grumpiness, and the ability to disappear in a clear, open area at a moments notice. Will accept first offer.

Media Fast

I've been spending way too much of my time goofing off on the computer. If I was working, I might not feel as bad, but I'm not. So, in light of this, I will be taking a media fast for the next 48 hours. No movies, (we don't have tv), no internet, no fiction books. My only form of entertainment will come through my children, my writing, or studying the Bible.

Will see you in a few days.

-Juli

Snow Blower Brigade

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those men on our street who are kind enough to help out their neighbors when it snows like it did yesterday. Three of them were up early, before 6am, snow blowing the bottoms of our driveways and the sidewalks clean. Our next door neighbor was even kind enough to do most of our driveway! What wonderful neighbors!

Dump Day

My brain started out working fine this morning. But, round about 9:30am it gave up and left for a quieter corner of the world. As I sat, trying to coax it back, my three younger children - Little Dude, Mini-Me, and Surprise! - were playing happily. I finally decided dragged my brainless body out of the chair to fold the laundry that was dry, and wandered into...


...The Dump Zone.


Every now and then, a secret message will be sent to my children, from parties unknown. Sometimes this message comes three days in a row, sometimes there are weeks between them. What are these messages? I'm not sure exactly what they say. I think they basically say, "It's Dump Day, you know what to do."

Dump Day starts out innocently enough, a few toys here, some over there. It quickly escalates into full dump mode. Bins, boxes, shelves, and often the Tupperware cupboards, are dumped. It's easy to do, take a bin full of toys, turn upside down, and you've just started Dump Day. (or, If you're Surprise! and you aren't capable enough to dump all at once, stand there, grab a toy, and chuck as hard as you can. Don't forget to giggle.) The toys can be dumped right next to the place they are kept, in a pile in the middle of the room and covered with a blanket ("We're making a robot, Mommy."), or for more fun, scattered through out the house in a blanket of toys.

So, keep a close eye on your children today. The message has gone out. You've now entered, The Dump Zone.

Do you ever feel weighed down by sin? For some, sin only weighs you down spiritually. No one can see the sin you carry. For others, though, the sin they carry spiritually is also carried physically. In Start Somewhere: Losing What's Weighing You Down from the Inside Out, Calvin Nowell documents his journey of loosing 215lbs, both physically and spiritually.

While Calvin's book is mainly for those who want to loose physical weight, with the strong spiritual aspects of this book anyone who wants to loose any type of spiritual weight can find help inside.

Calvin takes you through eight steps for spiritual weight loss - "Own your own weight, see God as your friend, take up a new perspective, get someone to hold you accountable, start somewhere, eliminate the excuses, accept the need for training wheels, and persevere to the end."

I enjoyed following Calvin as he realized his slavery to food, watching as he struggled with allowing God to remove his bonds, to finally realizing the victory of being released from slavery. He does caution that it is very easy to slip back into old patterns, patterns that are built over a life time. Calvin encourages you to daily lay the weight of your slavery at God's feet and let Him carry it.

"No matter what our weight is, no matter how heavy it is, no matter how hopeless it seems or how long we've been carrying it, God is big enough to handle the job...You can have a life free from slavery to behaviors you can't stop, thoughts you can't silence, and appetites you can't satisfy. Starting somewhere means being willing to let go of your weight in sin and start the journey."


(Copy of Start Somewhere: Losing What's Weighing You Down from the Inside Out provided by Tyndale Publishing.)

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.


I did not punch a friend in the stomach, thinking he was tormenting me since he knew I couldn't eat what he was offering, when he kindly offered me a cinnamon bun with raisins, homemade no less!

I did not give my one year old a piece of Dove chocolate just so she would sit quietly in her highchair while I finished reviewing a book for the newsletter.

I did not procrastinate and miss January's newsletter, then promise myself to do February's on time, and then just finish a Winter Edition yesterday.

I did not ignore the smell emanating from one year old's diaper and try to drop her off in nursery hoping they would change it, and then get caught trying to do it.

I did not yell out at the Valentines Day Banquet at Church "Because she's limited herself to just one man!" in response to the question "Why is a bride unlucky on her wedding day?" (Correct answer was b/c she doesn't get to marry the best man.)

What did you not do this week?

The Bad Apple

Since Mini-Me has been home from the hospital she has wanted to watch "Larry Boy and the Bad Apple" at least twice a day (she gets to watch a little something every time she has to be nebulized, it's the only way I've been able to find to keep her still for 15 minutes!), sometimes more. Thankfully we're down to nebulizing only twice a day now.

Everyone, but Mini-Me, is frustrated by this. It's getting monotonous! (Although, she has started getting away from watching it as much recently.)

Having to listen to the program in total, at least once a day, I've found myself singing the songs and repeating phrases (which I've tried, unsuccessfully to drive out of my mind!). This had lead to dwelling on the theme of the movie - temptation.

Today I got it. Mini-Me wasn't watching this for herself, but for me. That one stung. We're all tempted each day. Some days we successfully avoid the temptation, others not so successfully. If we give in to a temptation even once, with its accompanying rationalizations, it becomes easier to give in the next time. We even have better rationalizations. My biggest temptation recently has been food (any food, it doesn't really matter what it is, I'll eat it and eat a lot of it!). I really even haven't tried to avoid temptation or stop myself.

It's been costing me, not just spiritually, but monetarily. I want to be at a healthy weight. I feel better, have more energy, and can do more things with the kids. Right now I'm aiming for the top of my weight range, and then I'll work on getting down to where I want to be. I need someone to be accountable to. Tried my husband, he's mean when it comes to keeping me accountable, so I don't use him for anything anymore. Tried my sister-in-law, whom I see often. She's so nice, too nice and understanding when it comes to slipping up on eating healthy. So, I joined Weight Watchers. This way I have to be weighed, every week, in front of someone. And, I have to pay. Not too expensive, but something we're just barely squeezing into our budget right now (that's a blog for another day).

I have been within 5lbs of my goal weight, at Thanksgiving. Since then, I've fluctuated about 3lbs up and down, never going bellow that 5lbs mark. I had many excuses, it was the holidays, a birthday party, church dinner, coffee house, out with the girls, need to try out these cookies before I send them over to someone, I've had a stressful day, I did great on working out this week and I need a reward, etc., etc. I'm growing quite good at these excuses. (Give me a buzz and I can share a few tailored to your needs.)

I know I need to reach my goal weight. If I do that, and stay there for 6 weeks, Weight Watchers will be free for life (as long as I don't go over my goal weight that is). Money wise, I need to reach that goal. Unfortunately, that is not a really strong push to get me over that 5lbs hump. Since I've gone back to work a few days a month, I've rationalized that I can just work more to pay for Weight Watchers.

This morning God woke me early. Ok, Ok, my alarm went off at 6am so I could potentially get up to spend some time with Him, but I wanted to sleep a little more this am. As I pushed the snooze button for the second time a word screamed through my mind "GLUTTON!". My eyes flew open and I jetted out of bed. I spent some time reading and praying. What did I learn? I'm a glutton.

My sister and I have often joked about being gluttons. We love to eat. Neither of us is obese, just a few pounds overweight, so it's not so obvious to other people. This morning, I wasn't laughing.

A very serious God sat me down and told me that sin wasn't a laughing matter, not even gluttony. I felt about as big as an ant, but wonderfully loved. He cared enough to give me a wake up call about this temptation and sin in my life. He told me in no uncertain terms was I to continue in this matter. What could I say to Him, but "Ok, but how?"

You see, it's not that I eat bad foods all the time, it's just that when I do eat, I like to eat and eat and eat and eat, even if I'm full. I can't just take one bite or a little of something and be happy about it. I want more, I feel I need it and deserve it. I'm a mom, I work hard. What am I going to do?

Fasting is going to be a new word in my vocabulary. I've found that after I've slipped up with my eating, I tend to just discard portion control out the window. The best thing to do, reset myself by fasting and denying.

There will also be lots of dialogue b/t God and I when I eat. I know that there are things coming up where there will be lots of good food, isn't there always! I can't just go in with a plan, because I'm good at throwing those out as well. If I keep talking with Him, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to get these urges under control. It may be that I'll have to say no to a lot of things until I learn to get myself under control, hopefully soon. If not, I just pray I can give up certain foods for this present life.

Today has been a good day for me. I've eaten healthy food and clenched my teeth not to over do it. Now I just need to see if I can continue in this manor. I know I can't do it alone. And, I know I will fail at times. That path way to temptation is well worn and so easy to slip back into. I'm going to look at it like riding a bike. Some tumbles, false starts, and then I'll be off pedaling furiously. But, always with my Dad watching and waiting to see if I need any help, hopefully not by yelling "GLUTTON!" at me again.

(ps - Mini-Me is still asking to watch "Larry Boy and the Bad Apple")

Tranquil Tuesday

Today I resolve to have at least 5 minutes of tranquility. A difficult feat with four kids, as some of you know. Sometimes it's even difficult if you don't have any kids. I have found that, if I take even 5 minutes out of my day to do something for me, I can pass that tranquility on to my children and create a calmer day for everyone. From just locking the bathroom door while I'm in there to heading out with a friend, 5 minutes or 5 hours, I need some tranquility in my life. [This 5 minutes does not include the time I spend praying or reading the Bible, which also leads to a more tranquil day.]

This Tuesday, I resolve to drink 1 cup of hot tea. Not warm or rewarmed, but hot and fresh out of the pot.

What are doing to make your Tuesday more tranquil?

"Mommy, I want to sit on your lap!"

I really do not like to hear those words, sometimes. Other times, those words are wonderful. Most of my children are still young enough to sit comfortably on my lap. Lately, though, it has only been said when I least want them to sit in my lap. It goes hand in hand with the "Mommy, I'm bored." phrase I've also been hearing.

For example: I needed to take the Little dude to preschool this morning. Mini-me was in top form, fighting me every step of the way. Yelling that she didn't "want to!" and "I want to stay here and play!" and "I don't love you any more, Mommy!" I dragged her out the door. She did not want to get out of the car once we were there, nor did she want to go into the building, down the stairs, and down the hallway. She fought me until I was ready to walk back out the door. Then, she found some fun things to do and did not want to leave. Leaving preschool was just another repeat of getting there.

Once home she didn't want to get out of the car, walk down the driveway, go up the steps, go in the door, etc., etc. I finally managed to get her in the house and close the door.

She proceeded to play happily on her own while I folded laundry, until I decided to do a short 15 minute workout. Then she was all over me, spreading videos over the floor, spinning around me, and being a nuisance. When I was done, and asked to do something with her, she didn't want anything to do with me. "Go away, Mommy. I'm playing."

Thus the day has gone, as have the past too many days to count. Very frustrating. I can play computer games all day long, and never be bothered. Actually sit down to write or blog, and Mommy becomes the new monkey bars.

My older two children sometimes do this, but we've seem to have worked out a compromise between Mommy doing things with them and on her own. Mini-me, doesn't want to work out a compromise. It's her way, or the highway.




Help! They're back...

Where have I been

My resolution to post every day, or almost every day, has fallen by the wayside. Not by my own desire, or lack of ideas (I do have 4 kids!), but because those little 4 kids have been sick, for about a month and a half! It's not been fun. At one point in time they were all sick at the same time. You may think, 'Great! Get it over with all at once!' Not so fast. It's hard to keep track of all 4 kids with their medications, nebulizing, sleeping, potty, coughs, etc., etc. when their sick. I ended up charting on my own kids. (I am a nurse.)

What really threw me over the edge was Mini-Me. She has always had difficulty when she catches a cold. She wheezes, coughs, and gurgles the whole time. Every time she has a cold I need (or should) nebulize her. She's been this way from cold number one, at 1 month old. (Got to love older sibs bringing home nasty bugs)

All four of the kids caught the strange coughing virus that was spreading. Inconsistent fevers (up and down all day, even without medication), wheezing periodically, laying around occasionally then jumping up and running around like nothings wrong, horrible coughs every few hours or so.

After about a week everyone was starting to come around. Fevers going away, coughs becoming fewer, energy back in full force. I breathed a sigh of relief and headed off to work. I slept most of Saturday. When I got up, Hope was acting strange. She still had the cough and wheezing. They were worse than when I had left for work the night before. Her fever was up to 104. Contacted the pediatrician on call and then headed over to the ER.

There she was tested for RSV and H1N1 and had a chest x-ray. RSV and H1N1 test were negative! Yeah! But, chest x-ray came back with lots of gunk in one of her lungs - pneumonia. We spent the next day and a half in the hospital, on the floor I work on, while they pumped her full of antibiotics and she breathed pure oxygen.

Mini-Me grumped the whole time. She can be very miserable when she wants to be. Finally they said we could go home. She responded to the antibiotics and oxygen therapy well.

Despite being a nurse, it is very stressful for me to have my children in the hospital, even for minor things. Guess I have an over active imagination and know too many things that can go wrong.

Finally, finally things are back to normal, which for us means illness free. Maybe now I can get back to all of the other things I should be getting done.

Not so Many Hats Week

My creativity has abandoned me this week, as have the majority of my Hats. This week I have worn only 2 hats, though I attempted to wear many others. This week I have been "Mommy" and "Nurse". All my children were sick this week, a first I never hope to repeat.

I have bemoaned, in the past, when each child fell sick at different times. "If only they were all sick at the same time, I could get through this much faster." After THIS week, I've changed my tune. Trying to track all the medications given, to whom, when, and how much, and who was nebulized has been a challenge. I am a registered nurse, you'd think I would do better at this. I finally broke down and started charting, yes charting, on my own children. (Although, I never wrote progress notes nor set up a care plan for them.)

The upside, I spent a week at home with all my children. No one wanted to see or be around hacking children. While I'm starting to feel a bit trapped, I've enjoyed spending the time playing and caring for my children.

I am looking forward to getting out of the house later this week for work...taking care of sick people.

Mini-Me

Mini-Me is often difficult when you want her to do something, about anything really, especially pictures. If she has it in her mind that she does or does not want to do something, it is very difficult to change her mind. She does not distract easily. Thankfully, she seems to be getting better about somethings. Here is my favorite, current, picture of her.

No Rest for the Weary

It shall be a long night. Three of the four kids are sick, and it sounds like the 4th is on their way to joining their siblings. Thankfully it's not a throwing up sickness. There is a lot of wheezing and coughing going on. We thought a few of them had gotten over this, but apparently not. After my long night tonight, since I don't sleep well with sick kids in the house, I will cart them all out into the cold and visit the pediatrician to see what is going on. I am not enjoying being a part tonight.

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not make a new cookie recipe (aka-homemade Oreos) and eat more than half.

I did not let my children watch and hour and half of Looney Toons this afternoon so I could have a cup of tea and do a crossword puzzle in peace.

I did not let my children stay up really late, in the hopes that they would sleep in, and then have them wake up at the same time they always do.

I did not leave the three girls - 1 sick, and 2 whiny - with Daddy, while I grocery shopped with the boy - healthy and happy.

I did not eat a whole bag of Weight Watchers candy in one sitting.

I did not ignore my 2 yo when she said she had to go potty, 3 times.

Elizabeth quote of the Day!

"I'm borning a baby!"

Barn Sleding

I grew up on a farm. The main barn was large and round. While it was only 1 story, the roof peaked at least 40 feet up. On one side, the roof sloped to within 6 feet of the ground. It was here that the snow from the driveways was often plowed, making that 6 foot lip very accessible.

No sled required, no snow for that matter either, just a pair of snow pants and the willingness to climb on up the roof.

The roofing material contained a flat middle, about a foot wide, with a ridge running along the long edge. With 2 of the tiles together, there was a perfect indent for boots to fit into and use for climbing.

Up we would climb, some of us to the very top. Down we would zoom. We slide down as many times as we could, before someone caught us. Then, our fun would be done and we'd be sent inside for the rest of the day.

See, sliding down the roof was not allowed. My Mom was always afraid we would fall off. There was a good sized gap at the peak, where the two sides of the roof met. An adult could easily fit through, so nothing kept us from falling through, into the barn, and down to the concrete bellow. Also spaced out on the roof were plastic, opaque tiles. There were meant to let in some light to the cows bellow. These would not support our weight, so we ran the risk of falling through if we picked the wrong spot to slide.

It was lots of fun, until we were caught.

Inside out, Rightside out!

I decided my two older children were old enough to learn to turn certain pieces of clothing inside out for me to wash. (I've also been trying to get my husband to do this, unsuccessfully!) I carefully explained that clothes that had pictures on them needed to be turned inside out.

My son is hit or miss. I doubt he is turning his clothes inside out to help me, but because that is the way he takes them off.

My daughter is great about this. So great in fact that she turns every piece of clothing inside out, underwear and socks included!

I guess it's time for a review with them.

A Cold, Wet Butt

(What a title! But it's true)

Before Christmas I was able to attend a Ladies Christmas Tea, hosted by Grace Fellowship Church, held at Tinelli's Hathaway house. (Our wedding reception was held there. Very beautiful and excellent service and food) The speaker, who happens to be my mother's cousin, Kathy ended up with an extra ticket. She kindly thought of me.

On the night of the tea I met my Grandmother, and her sisters Sidney and Joyce, and we headed off to Tinelli's, which is out in the middle of nowhere, think one or two houses in sight and a 20 minute drive to the nearest "town". As always with my Grandmother's family, we spent a lot of time laughing and making sure Aunt Sidney knew where she was going in the dark.

The evening was wonderful. The music beautiful, skit funny, speaker excellent as always, and the food decadent - chocolate fondant, bread pudding with black berries and oranges, and a carrot cake with pears! It was a nice evening out with family.

The end came, as all endings will - too soon. We gathered out coats and gloves, this is Christmas in Central NY after all. It had been raining the whole time we were at the tea. Aunt Sidney went to get her car and we waited, talking with other family members who were there and friends.

I helped Grandma and Aunt Joyce down the stairs and then got in the car myself. The seat was a little cold, but I figured it would warm up quickly. In only a few moments I noticed that my pants were a little wet. I thought it was b/c I had kept the door open for a few seconds before getting in. My pants proceeded to become wetter and wetter, and my underwear was also starting to feel a bit damp.

I reached my hand under my butt and low and behold the seat was not just damp, but sopping wet! My Grandmother's seat, on the passenger side of the car, was also damp, so was the middle. After trying to figure out where I could sit that would save me from becoming wetter, which there was none, and discussing how the seat could have gotten so wet with the door "closed", I finally decided to sit in the wet seat and have a very wet, very cold, butt.

My Grandmother and her sisters had a great time on the way home about me and my wet butt. I made it home and quickly went upstairs to change. Where upon my husband thought I had had a terrible time, since I rushed upstairs and didn't say anything to him.

Not Me Monday

I know I already blogged today, but couldn't resists posting this. (I really need to get Kristina to come over and have her show me how to add all the stuff she does. I'm bribing you with the new nutella shortbread recipe I have!)



Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not pretend to be asleep while my husband changed a very messy, screaming baby.

I did not tell my 2 yo that her hand would freeze and fall off if she didn't wear her mittens.

I did not tell my 6 yo that the tooth fairy recycles her teeth. (She doesn't believe in Santa, but does believe in the tooth fairy!)

I did not leave the upstairs gate open and find that the baby had climbed down to the landing and was heading down the rest of the stairs.

I did not become flustered at Calling Hours and forget where I was and whisper "Congratulations!" to one of the deceased's family members.

I did not laugh during said funeral, with my sister, when we realized the funeral service was written out in the back of the hymnal and that the pastor had gone out of order.

I did not pick up two of the same item in the store so that the girls each had one to carry.

Why so slow!

It never ceases to amaze me how slow the kids often are getting out of the car and into a warm building in the winter. It's cold, snowy, windy, etc., etc. and they insist upon moving their slowest. Meandering hither and yon, while never growing any closer to their destination. Trying to hurry them is like using a spoon to shovel. And once you've herded them inside they say, "I'm really cold Mommy. Can I have some hot chocolate?"

Remembering Aunt Joyce

This afternoon I attended the funeral of one of my Grandmother's older sisters. I enjoyed seeing family I haven't seen in a very long time, some of whom I did not recognize! I also enjoyed listening to everyone speak of their memories of Aunt Joyce. I did not see my mother's extended family very often. I enjoyed the times we did see each other. One of my most prominent memories of getting together with my Grandmother's family was laughter. She and her sisters loved to laugh. It was fun to make them laugh as well.

Growing up they did not have an easy life. 5 girls - Audrey, Gloria, Joyce, Sidney, Janice (my grandmother), 1 boy - Reginald. Their Mom died of cancer at age 33, leaving three young children and a husband who was in the military. Their Grandmother raised them. They all spoke very highly of her. Life was still difficult for them. Reginald died in his early teens from a seizure. Despite not always being together, the 5 girls kept in touch. Audrey died when I was very young. Gloria when I was a teenager. Now Joyce.

Their lives were not always easy. But, they kept on laughing. That is what I will always remember about Aunt Joyce.

(I last saw Aunt Joyce at the Ladies Tea hosted by Grace Fellowship Church. That's a story for another day.)