A thoughtful...thankful Dad...

brightened my nausea filled day! Can't seem to shake this fluish bug or whatever it is!

Out Like A Lion

Goodbye to the month of March...and maybe the rain will stop for an hour or two!

Monday...

has come and gone...and I can't live without the can of Sprite.
I don't know what happened all day on Sunday...but I am thankful for a loving husband and helpful children...and the half glass of Sprite with ice that my daughter brought to my bedside!
***Edit...$1.00 plus tax Sprite at McDs hits the spot during mandatory errand runs...and it is cold and lasts all afternoon!***

Today...Saturday...

is probably the first time in a long time...or only time...that the kids have left me alone...in my own little world for a whole hour...I wonder what they are doing!?
I hope you have a quiet, relaxing, peace-filled hour in your day...so you can enjoy your second cup of coffee!

Another lesson...

"We can't always be the winner. Sometimes we have to be the loser." explained Ted to our second competitive daughter. "But why does it have to be me?!" sniffed Alisa.
We are working on another lesson that all children must learn...how to be a good winner, as well as a good loser! It is not always easy...and no, not always fun! We are thankful for Alisa's desire to do well...we just need to teach her to do it without all the drama...or more literally, without all the selfishness! Growing up this week has been tough on several levels...and being Mom and Dad hasn't been easy either!

Waiting and Watching do "pay off"...

especially at Salvation Army! I have been hunting for a mirror for the girl's room...then broadened the scope to any old frame or picture...TADA! This frame is wood...carved...and someone down at SA knew it was worth something more than a regular fake plastic mold! I saw it and had to wait for a man to get it down for me. No price tag. So he took it to the back to get it marked. He came back with a skeptical look on his face..."$6.00"!? I quietly said, "I'll take it!" I was so excited! Teddy thought I was nuts and rolled his eyes. BOYS!
I found a place that will reasonably cut a mirror for it, even though the girls wanted the "pretty picture". All the pieces are coming together...now for some warm weather...so we can paint the other pieces! The shabby chic look continues to come together!

"Cursive Ps are nasty," spat Teddy.

Son, you are doing a good job! Remember, it takes lots of practice to learn how to do something new! Remember how long it took the girls to learn? (He was not having any of it!)
"I don't like cursive. It is hard and stupid. I am not doing it again." commented Teddy as we looked through his folder one day this week. SOOOO...we have the attitude to work on...as well as the formation of the cursive p. Actually, he is doing quite well for second semester K5 cursive! They have almost "learned" all the letters now, I think...so I am hoping there aren't any more "nasty" outbursts! sigh

When all else fails...take a nap!

Silly boy...wears himself out rolling around and exploring...and cutting teeth!

OOPS! Did you miss an opportunity?

"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." William Penn

What a great quote! I have been on the receiving end and on the giving end this week...both are nice! May I have my eyes fixed on my Savior, so I don't miss opportunities to show love and kindness to others! It is the weekend...lots of opportunities...will I miss them? Will you?

Learning the 10 Commandments

We are thankful for the time that is given to memorizing God's Word in school. What a blessing to have the freedom to learn God's Word and to attend the school of our choice! The First graders are learning the 10 Commandments. Their teacher has taught them hand motions to help them remember the different commands from God. Alisa still has some "practice left to make it perfect". She told us the other night at the supper table..."Thou shalt commit adultrey". (She is unsure of the whole meaning of that word at this time...and we are going to "leave it alone for right now"...if she asks...Ted thought we could tell her to "ask your teacher".) We listened carefully as she shared what she had learned...but weren't able to control our reactions too well, I guess. She was watching our reactions with a puzzled expression..."Why...What is so funny? That's what Mrs. B. taught us and she is the pastor's wife!" We explained that the word not was left out and that is important. "Oh." We expressed "our concern" with our teacher to be sure...and all had a good laugh. Leaving out the NOT changes everything! Alisa missed that little word by mistake...a part of learning...sometimes funny to adults.
But then again...it is not funny! That is what the world has done...they have taken away the 10 Commandments and the nots and we have been left with the consequences of those choices! I think the prince of darkness is mighty pleased with those decisions. We are happily doing our best to "put them in remembrance" and keep them before our children on a daily basis...and we will make sure the "not" is included!

Added to the "to do" list

We went over to visit Grampy and look what came down while we were in the house!

Dad wanted to get it off the line...but it started pouring rain mid-saw. Looks like we are going to have a hotdog roast some time!

She is on a mission!

I think I finally have a bookworm-in-training! Alisa is on a mission to read for "the most minutes for Book-It" in her class. She mentioned something about a prize in the same breath asking me to time her for "let's see...30 minutes today". She jumped up and down when the timer went off like she had accomplished a huge feat! I haven't taken the time to lay around and read a leisure book for awhile...she made me want to curl up and read too...but alas, there is supper to fix!

Gotta Love The Dollar Stores!

We had our first...major skinned knee and hand...injury of the spring/summer. Teddy and I stopped to restock our bandage supply yesterday. For some reason, the box I had previously bought was gone. I know we used a couple for Injury Day during Spirit Week at school...but 50 plus bandaids...gone!? I do really keep an eye on my children...but for the life of me...I do not know when, where, how, or why we had no bandaids! I find no evidence of their use! And we know how hard it is to get those little static-charged tabs off your fingers! If I can ever get my hands on the little being "NOT ME", I am going to use that special tell-tale dye on his/her hands! I wonder if they sell it at the Dollar Store?!

I will be forever grateful to my Father and Mother...

for many things! The least of which is teaching our children songs that go on and on and on! I hadn't taught them a couple of "the oldies but goodies" because...well, because...and also because I had forgotten about them. Thanks to Dad and Mom...they have stepped up and filled the gap that this mother had left in her children's most memorable childhood experiences. Hits like...On Top Of Spaghetti...There's A Frog On A Log...I Like To Eat Eight Apples And Bananas...Here Comes The Bride...and there will be many more, I am afraid!
I know it will be left up to me now to recite and repeat the words until they are committed to memory...then I will send them over to visit Dad and Mom with instructions to sing...sing loud and sing long! Then we will see who will be chuckling...Dad! "Homemade gifts...that sing!"
These are the times that hug my heart...and I am thankful for each and every minute! Truly...I am!

It is a good day to be a fish!

This is our own private access lake...in our driveway...every time it rains. I thought it would be funny to put the fish out there and see what Teddy's reaction will be. I am guessing that as long as it isn't thundering...he will put his boots and raincoat on and ask for the little tub boats!
I learned some very helpful things this morning...and thought I would pass them on in case you are needing to go out and about...I need puddlejumper boots...I may look like a dork, but my feet would be warm and dry! It is not good timing to go grocery shopping when it is pouring down rain! Keep your umbrella in the van! Squished worms can make sidewalks slippery! Hair dryers are great inventions! Ducks aren't even out today!
Happy Rainy Spring Day! I am off for yet another shower of errands...as soon as I dry my hair...for the second time today!

MMMMMM...

"You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves."

Abraham Lincoln was a very wise man. So is my husband! The kids are to the age where they can do more to help around the house. We have added various duties to their daily life...and they are happily doing them! Right now...it is fun! I also know that they respond differently to Ted...he has the patience of Job when teaching the kids a new skill! He knows that I get frustrated and just find it easier to do it myself...thus being more stressed and grouchy. And to think that I thought all was well...who was I kidding?! Ted said, "It's time for the girls to start doing dishes and I will teach them.." We picked up rubber gloves...size small...and they worked together. I couldn't help snapping pictures of a girl and her Daddy.

Who doesn't like to feel Daddy's arms around them while learning how to do something? They measured out the dishsoap. They washed. They rinsed. And nobody's "feathers got ruffled". It was a lesson in patience for me...AGAIN! I get in the mode of "hurry and get it done so I can do the next thing" and get irritated if a mess is made or it takes too long. I remember doing dishes when I was the girls' ages...but I don't remember Mom's "feathers getting ruffled" by our learning process. I looked up the definition...(and my picture is not next to the word!) Patience n. the quality of being patient or calmly enduring. It involves suffering hardship, pain, affliction, insult with calmness and equanimity; continuance of labor; persevering; waiting with calmness.

I guess that is why the verses in II Peter 1 keep swimming around in my head..."add to your faith...patience..." I am grateful for a husband who is able to lead us in the areas in which we (our family)...or just me...struggle!

The kids are learning each and every day. They are growing up so quickly. It is our job to teach them...what they can and should do in life...and the spirit in which to do it!

Jumping off the deep end!

I finally found something that I thought might work! Actually...it has to work since material cannot be returned! Talk about making a commitment that you can't change your mind about...well, that is if you refuse to waste money! It was cheaper for me to buy material than buy curtain panels! I hope Old Time Pottery will continue to carry fabric...and have good sales every now and again! I walked all around the store...each pass holding a different pattern...and, finally, took a deep breath and jumped! This material will be used to make new curtains for our livingroom. I had to find something to match the mauve Lazy-Boy recliners...but be new and mod...a drastic change from the traditional look of old. I clothes-pinned the material up and stood back...walked away...came back...yep! It will work! I just have to figure out what color to do the walls...and how to cover up the blue plaid sofa (thinking a dark-brown slipcover!). Now to get to work and make it all happen...a little at a time! Ted is right...I watch too much HGTV...but it has given me some great...cost saving ideas...and the courage to jump off the deep end!

Time With Dad...

is very important to this little guy! He sparkles when he shares a conversation with his Daddy. I peeked around the corner and this is what I saw. I know it is hard for Ted to work so many hours and miss time with the kids. He is so good about taking the chances that he does have...and I know it does his heart good! And I know it is helping this little boy learn how to be a man...not just doing manly things, but how to be a Godly man...even when it is tough! After a long day of dealing with a few unreasonable customers...it is nice to cuddle up and know that you are loved at home! Supper was over, the girls were occupied, and I was doing the dishes. I caught a couple parts of their conversation between the clanking of dishes. "Hey bud, I think I heard a little fishy calling out from the river that it is time for us to go fishing." "Fish can't talk, Dad." "They are talking to me! We have the boat ready...are you ready to go fishing?"
Time...with us...that is what our children desire the most! How quickly the days go by...and we never get that time back! A good reminder to me...how am I using the time God has given to me? I can never go back and "redo" the time I wasted on things that don't matter! regretfully

There is always room for jello!

On the shirt, the fingers, the face, the clean tablecloth....
This is Teddy's new fascination...making jello! He likes to stir it and then add the icecubes and watch it change. Science experiments...K5 style! He is requesting a trip to the store to buy some more! And we will be buying the sugar-free variety!
I am feeling kind of bad now for getting rid of the jello egg mold I had in my single-hoodedness...but then I just had flashes of Teddy and the girls playing with the sticky mess and trying to bounce it like a superball...that guilt of "cranky-throw-away-junk-I-haven't-used-in-years-Mom moment" just vanished! I needed the drawer space...it was a good call! No jello splotches across my floor this season...at least from jello eggs!

An Afternoon Experiment

We decided to try and make our own laundry soap...except for our "helpful W-mart" didn't have "washing soda". Lately, I get aggravated going there. After tripping through google, we will double the baking soda per another source, and see how clean our clothes get! I will keep my eyes open when I visit the next store. Teddy had fun mixing. Tomorrow, we will see how it changed!

"The mixture smells good! But it doesn't taste good! Have you ever eaten soap, Mom?" Ahhh, I think that is another lesson for another day! Let's just say...yellow Dial bar soap and I were friends a couple times.

I had to make a delivery...

to the "hopsital". I just knew that a new mommy was craving M&M peanut candies! It was so fun to be able to take an opportunity and just go...and see the new baby girls. So tiny...so precious...so delicate...so peaceful...so quiet...
I am trying to be better about not hoarding all my "free time" to myself. That is what I usually do! Since my little buddy is sick and with his favorite nurse...mommy...I had the freedom to go for a little while before the K5 run. How precious to hold a new little life and see the answer to prayer!

Putting into practice what I know...

and have heard all of my life...is allot harder than just agreeing that something is good and right. Case and point: submission! In whatever teaching/preaching setting we are in, we all present the image that we are in agreement with what is being taught from the Bible. It would make us look bad should we disagree! We sit with fixed expressions and nod our heads to show our approval...because that's what good Christians do! But when we are all alone and in our own environment and thoughts...the truth comes out! Women are always "preached to" about their need for submission. If we are honest...it really ticks us off! Hello..."reason for" just given back-up evidence! We hate to admit we aren't perfect. We hate to admit that those feelings are sinful. We hate to admit that we aren't submissive. Which then becomes quite sadly...humorous...everyone around me knows that I am not being submissive! My lack of submission comes out in the things I say, the thought processes involved...reasoning or excusing, the things I do, and the way that I do them. I will be the first one to tell you "Of course, I am...just ask my hus..." while I catch a glimpse of him flinching as he realizes he may be put on the spot in front of "this submissive woman" and have to answer the question...honestly. Whoa...look out...she is going to explode! Another "reason for"... How dare he think otherwise! Well, it is all his fault! And we add the blame game to the mix...
I am taking time to evaluate my unsubmissive heart these days. Yes...I said it out loud for the world to see...responsibility and accountability don't just apply to housework and spending money! I am having to deal with the knowledge that I am getting in my Bible studies...what good is it if I am only a hearer and not a doer? I want to be a wise wife and mother...truly, I do! We are still hearing this from the pulpit and in our Sunday school class...God is keeping it before me on a daily basis! And I still struggle!
God is going to hold me accountable for what I am understanding and reading in His Word. He is putting me to the test in a very personal way. I can say I am "something" (in this case submissive) many different ways...different volumes...to whoever will listen. But if I am not practicing it on a daily basis...I am not obeying God's Word. I am beginning to understand why God very specifically addresses the submission of the wife to her husband...which is ultimately the picture of her submission to God! Yikes...thinking about it like that is convicting! We try to control and manipulate our husbands by "our pious, he is not doing it so I will do it or make sure he does it the way I want it to be done submissive spirit"...What a picture for the world to see...a "Christian woman" trying to control and manipulate God to do what she wants Him to do for her!
Shame on me...I know better! I have heard it for years...sounds good, yes, and amen to that! I look just like those hard, resin bobble-headed figurines with a stupid grin painted on my face. We all think it. What a worthless invention! In my unsubmissive state, I am just as worthless to my husband and my Lord!
Time for me to start practicing what I know to be right...no excuses...

A Word Study

Contemplate v.t. to consider with continued attention; to meditate on; to study

Consider v.t. to fix the mind upon; contemplate: v.i. to deliberate; reflect

Deliberate v.t. to think upon or consider; weigh in the mind; ponder: v.i. to take counsel with one's self or others: adj. (-et or at), circumspect; slow in determining or in action; well-considered

Ponder v.t. to weigh mentally: v.i. to deliberate

Meditate v.i. to muse or ponder; think abstractedly: v.t. to think upon; design; purpose

Muse v.i. to study in silence; meditate; be absent-minded: v.t. to meditate on
synonyms: contemplate, reflect, think, cogitate, ponder

Words are always interesting to me...these words describe "think" with a little more substance! Some issues of life require a little more thought than others...wouldn't you agree?!

It is a happy Monday...

because the birds are singing! What a sweet reminder to me to be joyful as I go about my daily activities! The birds sing as they go about collecting fluff and stuff for their nests...I should sing as I dust the fluff from my stuff! I will also sing at the thought of not having to eat worms...(if they are thawed yet!) and plan a supper appropriate for warm weather...hmmm, should that involve the grill?!
Oh...and to all you that visit from time to time...thank you for your comments! (And for those that don't drop a line...I know you are visiting...glad you did!) I do read and post the comments. I just don't always respond personally online...well, I talk or laugh to the computer screen as I read your comments.
That really makes me sound like a loon...chirp, coo, tweet! Time to fly to the next activity!

Spring...Sunday...Naps...What?

My fashion-conscious girls didn't think they needed a nap today...I just know it is going to affect our Monday morning! Ted's take...they will fall asleep fast...let them play!

Alisa offered to take a nap on the swing..."See, Mom...I can lay down in the sun and swing at the same time!"

While "the guys" took care of "some guy things", we girls ate lunch. Each of them both had candy bars from junior church...and not the "fun size" ones either!!! Alisa asked (in a serious, wondering tone), "Is there a dead finger in this?" I had to laugh...yes, out loud...it can make one wonder when you look at the color and layers and...

She then asked what it was made of...I think that helped! Tell me, what did you think a ButterFinger was made of at six years old? Silly girl.

The Dos and Don'ts according to Teddy

We had Grampy and Grammy over last night to "celebrate" the end of one job and the beginning of...well, we don't know yet! Even in the time of uncertainty, Dad and Mom can laugh and be at peace! Actually, we all are...because we have been down this road in the past...different circumstances...but God was faithful yesterday! So we will trust Him for today...and tomorrow! We had a wonderful time of fellowship around a pan of homemade lasagne, salad, bread, and homemade cheesecake with a "fruit topping choice"! **This is important information to the ladies of our family unit...dictated by the genes!"** The issues of life don't seem so overwhelming when shared with family over a yummy meal and a pot of Tim Horton's coffee! Ted commented about something and referred to Grampy as "Dad"...a normal occurrence. Teddy piped up and said, "He's not your Daddy." The girls commented, "Well, Mommy calls Papa and Grandma Mom and Dad too...but they are not her Mom and Dad." Teddy just shook his head and mumbled, "He was just talking to his self then." Grammy and Grampy tried to deflect the ensuing argument...Heeeeee Haaaaa...to which Teddy continued to stand his ground, "You are not supposed to call him Dad...he is not your Dad." There was no point to four adults arguing with him...he is five! We just chuckled...someday he will understand. Our focus then moved to the girls..."just drop it...leave him alone...uh, that's enough...ok, you are excused from the table...go play...AND LEAVE YOUR BROTHER ALONE!"

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.

It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities." Dr. Seuss

A reminder for me today...laugh! As a mother, you have to deal with nonsense. Laugh. Love. And look for those teachable moments!

***The twins were born today! Healthy! Everyone is doing well...6 weeks early to us...but perfect in God's time!***

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family."

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened!" Dr. Seuss

A fun theme, bright colors, a very pregnant lady, good food, games with prizes, lots of friends and family, a pile of presents, a touching challenge, a funny reading, and lots of laughter...that is the way a baby shower should go! Letting the new mommy and two little girls know that we love her so!

The girls did such a nice job in their planning...and it showed in the little details! A Cat sitting in a bowl of gumballs! A platter of little bags of M&Ms from the girls (baby Macy and Myla) to say "thank you".

I am a people watcher...I try to be discreet...not gawking like my little cherubs. Ha ha ha. But I do notice things and try to remember and learn from different situations.

It was neat to see the many different age groups represented...teenagers, college agers, singles, pregnant mothers, and mothers who have been there (and are still there)...done that(grandmas)...and moved on(great-grandmas). There was much wisdom in the room last night...much of it, I'm sure, learned the hard way! And sometimes...maybe that is the best way...because what worked for some...won't work for others. I think we could have written a book! We could call it...The Baby Book (there's The Foot Book) or Some Are Spotted Some Are Not (one gift was two stuffed little tigers), or How the Socks Fall Off or...

Dr. Seuss sure had a way with words! Several of his sayings can cause a person to stop and think! Most days I don't stop to observe "from here to there and everywhere"! He had much influence as an author on beginning readers...even today.

I looked around the room and counted how many ladies from our church and other friends were present...and thought "this is what showing love for others is all about!" As Christians, we should be the example of love in word and deed...not sweating the small stuff! The ladies showed their love last night...you could see it in their eyes and hear it in their laughter! These new little girls and their parents are loved and have people who are willing to help them as they begin this new adventure called parenthood.

I was reminded that I have a responsibility to be led by the Spirit each and every day in my home...first to my family and then in reaching out to others...in love...giving as Christ gave...so that others may know Him...and then they too can be reaching out to others.

"I call this game Fun-In-A-Box! said the Cat In The Hat", quoted me as I opened the box of cake mix for all to see!

We are having loads of fun this week! The girls had special Dr. Seuss activities this week...ending with a hot chocolate party for 1st grade and a cake party for 2nd grade. I had to endure the arguments over "which class did funner stuff than your class"! We helped out in the cake decorating department. I was excited when the Cat in the Hat had a decently proportioned head! I now understand why my MBBC art teacher was so disappointed when I had to drop the class! She was right...I really could have used the Drawing 101! I think she was tired of my whining about not being able to get proportion right! But I took one look at the syllabus and knew I couldn't devote the hours to the required drawing and work at the same time! I have used the Lettering 101 and Painting With Oil 101 skills I learned from her on countless projects through the years! Dad taught me the fine art of acrylics, chalk, and shading that made it all make sense! So a fond thank you to Dad and Mrs. Stephens! And thank goodness for the helpfulness of Google with countless coloring pages at the touch of a key!
***Fun times for Me...a baby shower tonight...decorated with Dr. Seuss stuff...and a cake to match! MMMM, can't wait to eat it! I know it is good...cause I made it!***

A Lesson Learned

When you long for spring to come, you must understand that the sun will shine! I have learned that when the sun shines, you can clearly see things that are not visible on the cloudy days. For example...the crumbs on the hardwood floor, the cobwebs up high in the sky-light windows, the scratches on the hood of the van, the dust on top of the knick-knacks sitting on the shelf, and so goes the list. Maybe it was because the sun was shining or maybe it was because I was by myself, as I walked past the van, I saw scratches on the hood of the van...evenly spaced scratches...several sets of scratches. I was instantly ill...I had it figured out...the who, the how, the what, maybe when...but why, oh why the van!
Ted and I learned that when we have the children help us...things are going to happen! When the kids take the initiative to say, clean off the van, things can happen! We had a choice to make as to how we were going to handle this situation...and Ted wisely handled it! There were three of us who learned a good lesson yesterday...two adults and a little boy, who is trying to grow up and be a good helper! The lessons...the scraper side of the brush is for windows only, how you handle a matter is very important, when you make a mistake own it and be a part of the repair, and the sun spreads warmth and light! Indeed...the Son of God also spreads the warmth of His love and the light of His truth...and forgiveness brings sweet blessing and relief!

Ever been in a snit?

I have found myself there (state of agitation or irritation) for several hours yesterday and part of today. My head hurts, I am tired, and I can't find anywhere to go hide...I kept having to take care of things and people and pet. Well, my cherry friend helped me find something to "blame" it on while we struggled to entertain/distract/bribe/etc. two cute little guys in the nursery tonight. It didn't work. We were talking about how tired they both looked...the time change messes kids up...aha! and it messes adults up too! No amount of caffine has worked. Sleep has not been coming easily...too much caffine? sick husband's woeful state? the return of frigid temperatures? the hour difference? The one thing that seems like a logical thing to blame...the time difference! That...or the full moon tonight!?
I feel like my poor plants look right now. I know that underneath the "dried up" stalks and heads, life is still protected by the "insulation" of the ground and extra mulch. The warmth of the sun will soon produce visible shoots as the roots take in water and nutrients from the soil. I am thankful that I can get the rest I need and face a new day tomorrow...knowing that the Holy Spirit is still at work in my heart and life. There were visible signs of life in my actions for others...even when I didn't feel like I was full of life and beautiful! In time...after a season of rest...the plant will produce beautiful flowers and greenery again! Time...the difference is time!

In Passing...

"It better not snow again! It is almost summer...it is coming after spring. But if it snows, I hope it is the melting kind and not the sticking kind! The sticking kind takes 150 weeks to melt! The melting kind is like...when you catch it on your tongue and it just melts. It is ok if it does that, because it won't stay very long. That is good...because you saw the robins, right, Mom!" rambled Alisa on our ride home. I wonder...from whom does she get that tendency?

They are back!!!

I saw a whole flock of robins be-bopping down the lane today! Actually...I was be-bopping and they were hopping around someone's very large yard among the trees! They came back even though the temps were in the teens and below! Spring is coming!

Kids...

"It is not fair! We don't have to go to school when we are sick!" Their response to why Daddy had to go to work even though he is not feeling well!
"We unplugged them...they went off too early!" Their response to our late (6:50a.m.) wake up call and "get moving or we will be late...Mom and Dad forgot to set our alarm clock...hey, why are your's unplugged?"

This is how a dog "meditates" on God's Word...OR...Don't be like a dog!

We have always been given the definition of meditation with the example of a cow...how it chews the cud...four stomaches...and so on. This is how our dog "digests" the Word of God. One of the girl's New Testaments was is in a purse/Awana bag that at one time contained candy or gum. The Bible was not left in the right place today. That "sweet savor" was still present this morning, evidently, and this pile was on the bedroom floor. I hope I do a better job of "chewing on God's Word" this week than our dog...he just spit it out and walked away...and that response caused a mess for another person to have to deal with! What a good object lesson for me to start my week!

I am thinking this mindset...

doesn't really fit in with the "Love Dares" that we heard about last night. I got a new magazine in the mail today and paged through it during lunch. I laughed at first...Ted has always ironed his shirts since the day we were united in holy matrimony. I can count on two hands...well, maybe a foot now too...how many times I have ironed for him. I sit here now and think about that...I am not laughing now. I had time to sit at the computer and time to look at a magazine...but I didn't spoil him by completing the laundry job I started. Am I over-thinking this? Or have I been over-looking (with a ha, ha, ha...He is capable.) a way to spoil someone who takes good care of me?

A reminder of last night...

a pan of assorted "gourmet" brownies that Mom sent home with us. I am finding that every memorable event we share with others always has something to do with food! Last night was no exception! We enjoyed the fellowship and the movie. I sat in the shelter of Ted's arm and was so grateful for the relationship we have. It takes work! It takes humility! It takes God's power to have a God-pleasing marriage relationship! It is not always easy or fun! God has been working in our home and in our relationship in some specific areas for several weeks. It didn't come from watching a movie. It came from studying God's Word...as individuals and as a couple. If I, as a Christian, wait for the next "thought-provoking production" to do what God wants me to do...I am in a sad state. I shouldn't "be moved to action" because of the latest emotional, spiritual trend! I should be moved each and every day by submitting my will to the Holy Spirit! The marriage in the movie changed when the Holy Spirit gained entrance into the lives of each individual. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, our heart changes! We must guard our hearts diligently..."for out of it, are the issues of life." As I watched the movie, I thought of the song...Were It Not For Grace
"Time measured out my days, life carried me along. In my soul I yearned to follow God, but knew I'd never be so strong. I looked hard at this world to learn how Heaven could be gained. Just to end where I began, where human effort is all in vain.
Were it not for grace, I could tell you where I 'd be, wandering down some pointless road to nowhere with my salvation up to me. I know how that would go, the battles that I would face, forever running but losing the race...were it not for grace.
So here is all my praise, expressed with all my heart. Offered to the One who took my place and ran a course I could not start. When He saw in full, just how much His love would cost. He still went the final mile between me and Heaven so I would not be lost."
**So this afternoon I am listening to a cd with songs reminding me of God's grace...and thanking Him that I am under His grace!

Feeling more like what the dog drags in from the yard than a good mommy...

I finally climbed out of my bathrobe and got moving. It does help to take a shower and put clothes on to feel like a productive being of society...not high society, mind you!
The kids enjoyed a little picnic lunch while watching the Tigger Movie. It really is sad to be stuck inside all Saturday while the rain falls.

But we are finding lots of things to do and messing up each room as we go!

There is an upside to rain...growth! We found this little crocus poking its head up through the winter covering at Grammy and Grampy's yesterday. More promises of spring!

Bowtie Chicken Pasta...

with garlic and bacon and asiago cheese! I can hardly wait! Tonight is Couple's Supper and Film at church. Adults only...that just brings a smile to my face...as I listen to some bickering right now. A big thanks to Grampy and Grammy for taking over for us!
These times of fellowship usually seem to come right when we need them...and I am looking forward to it. Many "old" friends will be there and some "new" friends too!
We are watching the Fireproof film after supper. We have been dealing with Husband and Wife relationships in our Sunday school class. We hear this is a good film! Can I call it a movie when it is being watched at church?

Have a fun weekend!

Oh..she is at it again!

It was still on the curb last night after passing it three times yesterday...each time driving slowly and checking it out...all the legs, all the rungs, sturdy, and heavy! Ted stopped in the middle of the road for me and popped the locks and sat patiently. "What is she doing, Dad?" I laughed..."I am getting more junk for our house!" It is either take it off the curb or go buy a flimsy stool for too many dollars than I want to spend. This will complete the dressing table ensemble in the girl's room. The stool that came with it fell apart years ago...no amount of woodglue could improve the safety of it!
I have a small fear of the saws-all...so I will let Ted whack off the back of the chair. I will need to sand and paint...but am carefully considering Ted's suggestion...let the girls paint it! Shabby Chic lesson #5!

Why can't I just be grateful?

BECAUSE...LITTLE THINGS TEND TO IRRITATE ME WHEN I HAVE TO DO THEM OVER AND OVER AND OVER...

It is a simple rule really...take your shoes off on the green carpet by the door. Why? So we don't track dirt, leaves, dog doo-do, grass particles, and teeny, tiny rocks all over the wood floor and scratch it...well, and make our white socks dirty too. This is one sweeping after the kids got home from school and went out, then in, and out again. It is 64 degrees outside...it is sunny...the birds are singing...we have waited for this kind of a day...go out AND STAY OUT! I ask myself...am I ready for spring? For the warm weather and the continual parade of neighborhood children through the gate...trying to come through the door...only to be greeted by me("the mean lady who lives on our street and locks her door on her kids and never seems totally ok with us just trapsing through her house")

AND DON'T DIG IN THE DIRT PATCHES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YARD! (with a stick or your feet or your hands...and not the snow shovel either!!!) Just because it is dirt...doesn't mean it needs to be messed with! Landscaping...ground maintenance...will have to be on our to do list this year. Each year our grass has not been coming back after winter...maybe it is afraid!

Oh, and I forgot about the muddy puddles in the drive way...till Teddy came in totally soaked...but only his backside. I was too bothered trying to keep the mud off the carpet and wall to stop and take a picture of his sister's bike (the one with the training wheels still on it)...perched over the puddle...excuse me, while I go turn the shower on so he can wash off the "mud freckles"! OH, YEA, HAPPY SPRING!!!

He says I wouldn't know what to do without it...

and he is so right! Do you know how many times each day I have to warm up my coffee? I should put it in my insulated cup to begin with! Four times was the magic number today! Ted told me one night, after the microwave "shut down" for awhile after over-use while re-heating left-overs for supper, "You wouldn't know what do to if your microwave stopped working!" He is right! Poor microwave is old and getting tired...sometimes, it won't "go" after 10 or 15 minutes of work till it has a cool-down break. I am alert to the fact that it is always a potential fire hazard, but why buy a new one if the old one can still work!? My Michigan friends bought it for me when I moved away to Illinois in 1996...that makes it...half-way to an antique! Now that's funny...a microwave...an antique! Thank goodness I live in the era of modern technology!