In so many senses of that phrase.
Including...life at work for P. He's living under many microscopes at the moment with many tests coming his way to see if he will abandon his course, but he's hanging in there and asking for help from the one place he knows it comes from.
Including...our house. It's literally 80 degrees in our house with the A/C working overtime, ceiling fans on high, etc...we think it's coming up through the beautiful 1940s pine floors so we're either going to have to foam the underside of the house to close up the gaps or put carpet back in. I think J would like option 2 better now that he's pretty mobile and on the go most of the time.
Including...our pantry! A mouse chewed through the line that runs water from the water heater to the ice maker in the fridge and the only way we knew was when I decided to deep clean the pantry last night and discovered mold growing on all my cake mix boxes and taco shell boxes! DISGUSTING. We had to remove all the shelves, rip the sheetrock out about halfway up the wall, remove the laminate, linoleum, and sub-flooring, and we're going to have to treat the studs themselves. I'm so glad we found out that there was a problem before the wall caved in! Stupid mice.
Including...the tests and trials in general that are coming against us as a family and as a body. We know that we lose our lives in Christ and entrust ourselves to Him, there will be things that come against us. If we perservere and endure, we grow. The outcome is good when we stick it out and pass our tests. So, that's what we are asking for...strength to endure and wisdom to know how to handle everything that comes our way.
Including...others around us. This ties back into tests and trials, but as the weather heats up, tempers are flaring up left and right! Thankfully, I haven't had to endure a face to face flare up yet, but I'm ready to just step away from Facebook until things cool down. While I'm not on the giving or receiving end of ANYTHING, it's such a discouragement to see people lose their peace over something and then spew all over their friends causing the weaker ones to become inflamed as well. This leads to no good things and rather than continue to observe or end up "un-friending" a LOT of people, I think it's just easier to use Facebook as a place to post pics of J for P's family right now. Too many temptations to get involved in things that are none of my concern and too much opportunity for unnecessary battering of the soul.
Stay cool, be at peace, let not your heart be troubled, and endure as a good soldier of Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Worst Afternoon Ever
Since there is a lesson to be learned in every situation, I'm not going to complain about yesterday...but I am going to say to myself, "For goodness sake, let's get this learned and get over it so we don't have to do THAT again, self!"
1. J did not nap yesterday. At all.
2. He's also teething - two at once.
3. Payday - had to swing by the office to pick up P's check since he was out of town
4. Several errands to run in the 100+ degree weather. J and I were both sweating like a couple of piggies after about 20 min.
5. Sat in line at the bank for 15 min which led to several loud protests from the backseat.
6. Race around the grocery store only to end up spending 10 min in the checkout line because my debit card wouldn't go through.
7. The check out announces (rather loudly) that I don't have any money in the bank to cover it...or that's what she thinks might be the problem.
8. Gather J and groceries, head to car (since the boy bagging my groceries did not offer to help like they usually do)
9. Unlock trunk, load groceries.
10. Attempt to shut trunk but cannot because the latch is stuck in the closed position
11. Realize that the trunk lid is too lightweight to attempt the 5 mile drive home without the possibility of having to stop several times which wasn't an option with a 9 month old in the backseat
12. Call Mom
13. Call sisters A and E
14. Call P
15. Call parents home phone
16. Call brother in law
17. Call Dad - the only one who answered his phone
18. Tell Dad what's going on, he offers to drive the 20 miles into town to pick us up and take us home
19. Call bank to ask about debit card status and get put on hold for 18 min
20. Hang up and call bank back who offers to call me back
21. Put J in front seat and crank a/c all the way to full blast
22. Brother in law calls back, offers to come to rescue
23. Mother and brother show up (Dad sent them)
24. Move all groceries and J over to Mom's car
25. Brother in law arrives with tools and manages to get trunk lock pried open so trunk will close
26. Thank everyone, leave J and groceries with Mom, drive to bank
27. Arrive at bank, wait in line
28. FINALLY get to speak to someone only to determine that all is well, funds are in the account
29. Drive home
30. Mom arrives with J as I am attempting to unlock front door
31. Realize rather belatedly that using the front door key to try to pry the trunk lock open was a bad idea
32. Mom offers to go in through the dog door
33. Trying hard not to laugh
34. Mom realizes that her shoulders won't fit through
35. Mom also realizes that the extra key to my house is in sister A's car and she is at least 20 miles away
36. Realize that J and groceries have been in the heat almost 2 hours at this point
37. Decide to break back door pane and unlock back door
38. Mom insists on doing it
39. Mom comes back about 3 min later and states that the glass is tempered and she can't get it to budge
40. Mom proceeds to search her car AGAIN (4th time) for an extra key
41. Take screwdriver, march to back door, and smash pane for all it's worth
42. Glass shatters
43. Cut index finger and wrist
44. Unlock back door
45. Wrap finger in paper towels
46. Let Mom and J in the house
47. Put away groceries
48. Clean up broken glass
49. Cancel longstanding dinner plans with friends
50. Await husband's return
All is well that ends well. J fell asleep at 8pm (an hour ahead of schedule). I think I'm going to have an awesome scar on my index finger. And P wasn't upset about anything. BUT, what I realized, at each point along the way is that all of my busy-ness is detracting from my job. I'm not giving my job 100% and I really need to focus my energies and attention on making sure all the house related tasks are in good standing before I throw so much of my energy into running around, serving on committees, helping Mom with her projects, etc... so that's what I'm doing. Granted, I'm only one day back into my routine, but it's been a very smooth day and baby J has napped like a champ. I'm willing to trade in some of my busy things if it means things are peaceable "on the job."
1. J did not nap yesterday. At all.
2. He's also teething - two at once.
3. Payday - had to swing by the office to pick up P's check since he was out of town
4. Several errands to run in the 100+ degree weather. J and I were both sweating like a couple of piggies after about 20 min.
5. Sat in line at the bank for 15 min which led to several loud protests from the backseat.
6. Race around the grocery store only to end up spending 10 min in the checkout line because my debit card wouldn't go through.
7. The check out announces (rather loudly) that I don't have any money in the bank to cover it...or that's what she thinks might be the problem.
8. Gather J and groceries, head to car (since the boy bagging my groceries did not offer to help like they usually do)
9. Unlock trunk, load groceries.
10. Attempt to shut trunk but cannot because the latch is stuck in the closed position
11. Realize that the trunk lid is too lightweight to attempt the 5 mile drive home without the possibility of having to stop several times which wasn't an option with a 9 month old in the backseat
12. Call Mom
13. Call sisters A and E
14. Call P
15. Call parents home phone
16. Call brother in law
17. Call Dad - the only one who answered his phone
18. Tell Dad what's going on, he offers to drive the 20 miles into town to pick us up and take us home
19. Call bank to ask about debit card status and get put on hold for 18 min
20. Hang up and call bank back who offers to call me back
21. Put J in front seat and crank a/c all the way to full blast
22. Brother in law calls back, offers to come to rescue
23. Mother and brother show up (Dad sent them)
24. Move all groceries and J over to Mom's car
25. Brother in law arrives with tools and manages to get trunk lock pried open so trunk will close
26. Thank everyone, leave J and groceries with Mom, drive to bank
27. Arrive at bank, wait in line
28. FINALLY get to speak to someone only to determine that all is well, funds are in the account
29. Drive home
30. Mom arrives with J as I am attempting to unlock front door
31. Realize rather belatedly that using the front door key to try to pry the trunk lock open was a bad idea
32. Mom offers to go in through the dog door
33. Trying hard not to laugh
34. Mom realizes that her shoulders won't fit through
35. Mom also realizes that the extra key to my house is in sister A's car and she is at least 20 miles away
36. Realize that J and groceries have been in the heat almost 2 hours at this point
37. Decide to break back door pane and unlock back door
38. Mom insists on doing it
39. Mom comes back about 3 min later and states that the glass is tempered and she can't get it to budge
40. Mom proceeds to search her car AGAIN (4th time) for an extra key
41. Take screwdriver, march to back door, and smash pane for all it's worth
42. Glass shatters
43. Cut index finger and wrist
44. Unlock back door
45. Wrap finger in paper towels
46. Let Mom and J in the house
47. Put away groceries
48. Clean up broken glass
49. Cancel longstanding dinner plans with friends
50. Await husband's return
All is well that ends well. J fell asleep at 8pm (an hour ahead of schedule). I think I'm going to have an awesome scar on my index finger. And P wasn't upset about anything. BUT, what I realized, at each point along the way is that all of my busy-ness is detracting from my job. I'm not giving my job 100% and I really need to focus my energies and attention on making sure all the house related tasks are in good standing before I throw so much of my energy into running around, serving on committees, helping Mom with her projects, etc... so that's what I'm doing. Granted, I'm only one day back into my routine, but it's been a very smooth day and baby J has napped like a champ. I'm willing to trade in some of my busy things if it means things are peaceable "on the job."
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sweet, Sweet Summertime
It DOES get hot around here in the summertime, but I would rather have this dry Oklahoma heat and all the goodness it brings over the rainy summer in the UK any day of the week! I do miss the Pimms and Lemonade sometimes, though.
Prior to getting pregnant with J, I loathed melons of all sorts and kinds. The thought of eating a melon would make my mouth curl up and the texture? Don't even get me started on the texture of melons. But, at this time last year, when I was waddling around 6.5 months pregnant, I found myself not just wanting a melon. CRAVING a melon. And so, for the last trimester of my pregnancy, P and I had lunch in the hospital cafeteria (yes, I know it's a strang place to actually WANT to eat everyday, but the food is pretty good and it's easy on the old budget) and I got a huge plate of honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, and pineapple thrown in for good measure alongside a huge scoop of cottage cheese. BTW, I used to loathe cottage cheese even more than I loathed melon.
So, now that J is a baby and no longer has any input on what sounds good to eat, I am finding myself craving melons and cottage cheese again! The difference this year will be that we can actually travel out to the little roadside fruit stands and meet up with local farmers selling homegrown melons out of the backs of their old beat up pickup trucks. I personally think it's going to be even better this time around.
I am also looking forward to spending some time outdoors with P once J is in bed. Just the two of us, sitting on the back porch (baby monitor nearby), a glass of wine or iced tea, catching up in the cooler part of the day.
And, the 4th of July is my most favorite holiday. Ever. Hands down. Homemade ice cream, fireworks at Mom and Dad's house in the country, grilling out, loads of fresh veggies (hopefully from Granpa's garden), and J splashing around in his baby swimming pool.
Yes, it's hot...but it's the only time of year that slows down enough to make me feel like I'm 8 years old again and don't have a care in the world. I'm looking forward to introducing J to all the joys of summertime. Next summer, he'll be 18 months old, able to do for himself and most likely, a living example of Newton's 1st Law of Motion. But this year? I can hold him in my lap and talk to him about all the things that only happen this time of year, and watch him taking everything in. And hopefully, summer will become his favorite season as well. I think if I were a little boy, it would be the absolute best time of year to revel in all things dirt, water, and living.
Prior to getting pregnant with J, I loathed melons of all sorts and kinds. The thought of eating a melon would make my mouth curl up and the texture? Don't even get me started on the texture of melons. But, at this time last year, when I was waddling around 6.5 months pregnant, I found myself not just wanting a melon. CRAVING a melon. And so, for the last trimester of my pregnancy, P and I had lunch in the hospital cafeteria (yes, I know it's a strang place to actually WANT to eat everyday, but the food is pretty good and it's easy on the old budget) and I got a huge plate of honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, and pineapple thrown in for good measure alongside a huge scoop of cottage cheese. BTW, I used to loathe cottage cheese even more than I loathed melon.
So, now that J is a baby and no longer has any input on what sounds good to eat, I am finding myself craving melons and cottage cheese again! The difference this year will be that we can actually travel out to the little roadside fruit stands and meet up with local farmers selling homegrown melons out of the backs of their old beat up pickup trucks. I personally think it's going to be even better this time around.
I am also looking forward to spending some time outdoors with P once J is in bed. Just the two of us, sitting on the back porch (baby monitor nearby), a glass of wine or iced tea, catching up in the cooler part of the day.
And, the 4th of July is my most favorite holiday. Ever. Hands down. Homemade ice cream, fireworks at Mom and Dad's house in the country, grilling out, loads of fresh veggies (hopefully from Granpa's garden), and J splashing around in his baby swimming pool.
Yes, it's hot...but it's the only time of year that slows down enough to make me feel like I'm 8 years old again and don't have a care in the world. I'm looking forward to introducing J to all the joys of summertime. Next summer, he'll be 18 months old, able to do for himself and most likely, a living example of Newton's 1st Law of Motion. But this year? I can hold him in my lap and talk to him about all the things that only happen this time of year, and watch him taking everything in. And hopefully, summer will become his favorite season as well. I think if I were a little boy, it would be the absolute best time of year to revel in all things dirt, water, and living.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Mama
There is something about hearing that word from my sweet little boy that makes my heart almost burst. He has the sweetest little mouth with the fullest little rose colored lips and when he smiles with his opened mouth smile and all I can see are his little pearly white teeth peeking through followed by a very emphatic "MA-MA"... that almost bursting floods through my veins and rushes from my top of my head to the ends of my toes. If I think about it more than a split second, tears well up in the corners of my eyes and I have to quickly stop myself or I will want to sit in the floor with him and smother his little cheeks with kisses and whisper in his ear how much I love him too.
No matter what our day has held to this point, no matter how crazy things can be, no matter how tired or sick we have been at some points...no matter what, I wake up and can't wait to get him out of his baby bed so I can hug him and kiss him and tell him good morning. I can't wait to see what he learns how to do today. I can't wait to see which word he says next. I can't wait to talk to him about everything and nothing. I can't wait to listen to him babble about the world around him. And, at the end of the day, I can't wait to slowly bring things to a close and start calming him down so he can have a peaceful, dream filled night. Talking to him about our busy day while he's splashing around in the bathtub. Using his nighttime lotion on his soft, sweet baby skin. Singing his favorite songs to him. Watching him finally giving into the sleepytime train as it pulls into the station.
Throughout my day and into my night and right before I go to sleep, the thought that continually runs in the background of my brain is what a privileged woman I am to have been entrusted with this sweet, amazing baby. He has been a blessing from the very beginning. As soon as we found out we were having a baby, he has been a blessing to us. And, I am confident that he will continue to be all the days of my life. And it's a journey I am looking forward to continuing with him.
No matter what our day has held to this point, no matter how crazy things can be, no matter how tired or sick we have been at some points...no matter what, I wake up and can't wait to get him out of his baby bed so I can hug him and kiss him and tell him good morning. I can't wait to see what he learns how to do today. I can't wait to see which word he says next. I can't wait to talk to him about everything and nothing. I can't wait to listen to him babble about the world around him. And, at the end of the day, I can't wait to slowly bring things to a close and start calming him down so he can have a peaceful, dream filled night. Talking to him about our busy day while he's splashing around in the bathtub. Using his nighttime lotion on his soft, sweet baby skin. Singing his favorite songs to him. Watching him finally giving into the sleepytime train as it pulls into the station.
Throughout my day and into my night and right before I go to sleep, the thought that continually runs in the background of my brain is what a privileged woman I am to have been entrusted with this sweet, amazing baby. He has been a blessing from the very beginning. As soon as we found out we were having a baby, he has been a blessing to us. And, I am confident that he will continue to be all the days of my life. And it's a journey I am looking forward to continuing with him.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Too busy....
But, it's not a bad thing. At all. J is now completely mobile and army crawling all over the place. I thought I was busy before, but my goodness! I have really had to ramp up the vaccuming and keeping everything picked up just to make sure J doesn't get into anything he shouldn't. I still haven't figured out a good way to stay on top of Luke's excessive amount of dog hair. Since the weather has been fluxuating so much these past few weeks, he's shedding like crazy. If anyone ever tries to tell you that beagles "don't shed that much" kick them in the shins and run away because they are being dishonest with you!
It's a busy time of year for the boards that I am currently working with so I've been spending a lot of time in meetings and reviewing paperwork. I am enjoying the challenges and the interactions with people that I don't get to see on a regular basis. It's been nice to do some problem solving / critical thinking that doesn't relate to any of my bedroom closets or kitchen cabinets.
I have also spending a lot of time with my mother which I have loved. We have been going through her house like an organizing whirlwind and I'm so proud of her for parting with some of her beloved books and homeschooling materials from 15 years ago. She has been saving them for us to use if we decided to homeschool and I think she realized that the history and science are pretty outdated. She singlehandedly pared down to her most favorite books from each subject area and tomorrow we will put them away under the stairs so they are easier for her to get to when she needs them again. We are also tackling the under the stairs storage area tomorrow as well as the laundry room and closets.
We are both utilizing some of the new(ish) consignment shops in town as we're sorting through and getting rid of things. New2You Boutique at 9th & Main is currently accepting name brand women and girl's clothing, shoes, and accessories. Ecelctic Echo is accepting home decor, furniture, and other home goods. It's a nice way to make some spending money without having to hassle with eBay. I'm hoping to make enough this summer to pay for my vintage pin up (classy, not trashy) photo shoot that is scheduled for the end of September.
And, I'm making more effort to spend quality time pursuing things that are important and essential to me. My walk with the Lord, my relationship with my husband and son, my time with my family, my time with my friends, and improving my health are taking up most of my day. And I think this is great. In addition to all of the obvious positives, it has really reduced the potential negatives that were always looming in the background, waiting to pull me under.
It's a busy time of year for the boards that I am currently working with so I've been spending a lot of time in meetings and reviewing paperwork. I am enjoying the challenges and the interactions with people that I don't get to see on a regular basis. It's been nice to do some problem solving / critical thinking that doesn't relate to any of my bedroom closets or kitchen cabinets.
I have also spending a lot of time with my mother which I have loved. We have been going through her house like an organizing whirlwind and I'm so proud of her for parting with some of her beloved books and homeschooling materials from 15 years ago. She has been saving them for us to use if we decided to homeschool and I think she realized that the history and science are pretty outdated. She singlehandedly pared down to her most favorite books from each subject area and tomorrow we will put them away under the stairs so they are easier for her to get to when she needs them again. We are also tackling the under the stairs storage area tomorrow as well as the laundry room and closets.
We are both utilizing some of the new(ish) consignment shops in town as we're sorting through and getting rid of things. New2You Boutique at 9th & Main is currently accepting name brand women and girl's clothing, shoes, and accessories. Ecelctic Echo is accepting home decor, furniture, and other home goods. It's a nice way to make some spending money without having to hassle with eBay. I'm hoping to make enough this summer to pay for my vintage pin up (classy, not trashy) photo shoot that is scheduled for the end of September.
And, I'm making more effort to spend quality time pursuing things that are important and essential to me. My walk with the Lord, my relationship with my husband and son, my time with my family, my time with my friends, and improving my health are taking up most of my day. And I think this is great. In addition to all of the obvious positives, it has really reduced the potential negatives that were always looming in the background, waiting to pull me under.
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