Another Busy Week

Well, we have another busy week ahead of us. Sometimes I wonder if it will ever slow down. Lynn works today, so I am going to try to clean the house and get caught up with laundry. I hear its supposed to start raining rain today. Yesterday our neighbor brought his rototiller over and tilled up a garden spot for me. Ellie thought we were going to plant vegetables that night. We have to wait for a while, until I get the grass and stuff out of the garden spot and let the soil dry out a bit too. I think she is looking forward to having a garden. I am too. I have been wanting to to this for the last three years, and finally get to have a garden!

Tomorrow I have my six month dental cleaning in the morning, and a chiropractor appointment in the afternoon. My back and neck have been bothering me for some time, and I can finally get in and get fixed up. And then Ellie has swimming lessons.

Wednesday is Lynn's turn. He is going to the doctor for a physical in the morning, and then gets to get a root canal in the afternoon. He has been suffering with this tooth for a long time, and it is finally bad enough that he is going to spend the money to get it fixed. He has to go to an endodontist to have it done, so it is going to cost quite a bit, and of course, there are not endodonists in this area that are prefered providers on our insurance, so it will cost more. I've been wanting him to get it done for months now, so am glad he is finally going. Hopefully he will start feeling better now.

Thursday I have a MOPS steering team meeting in the morning and Ellie has swimming lessons in the afternoon. I think that is her last one of the session, so it will be a play day. I have a good friend that is having foot surgery that day too, so will probably be taking her family dinner too.

Friday I think we will stay home. I'm sure the house will need another good cleaning by then, and there will be more laundry to do. Oh, I forgot, Friday we are having a Women's Refresher at church - kind of like a retreat, but we come home and sleep in our own beds. That should be fun. I am going to have Amber come and watch the kids until Lynn comes home, and then have her come on Saturday too, so I can go to the Refresher. I am looking forward to that, because I don't get to go on retreats since Lynn works every weekend.

Then next Sunday is Home Fellowship groups in the evening again. It was really fun last time, and I am looking forward to going again.

Well, those are our plans for the week, just looking at it is making me tired! I think we need a vacation! We are actually planning on a little getaway for Mother's Day week end. I don't feel like being home that week end, and my dear, wonderful husband said we can go somewhere for a couple days just to get away. I am looking forward to that too, but now I have to figure out where we want to go! It isn't very far away.

Well, I'd better close this book and go check on the kids, get dressed, get them dressed, and start cleaning! Hope you all have a great week too!

Question Two

List the variety of blessings that have come your way from the loss you have experienced? ( Things that have opened your eyes and touched your heart - both small and large blessings through people, God, experiences, personal growth, etc.)

I touched on this some in the last post. I think some of the biggest blessings from these last 18 months or so is my renewed appreciation for my family and friends. I have gained deeper relationships with a couple of my sisters, and deeper relationships with some friends. I appreciate my kids and husband more too. The knowledge that life is short and can be snatched away from us at any moment is truly more real to me now than it was a couple of years ago.

A deeper relationship with God has come too. I truly know what it means to rest in Jesus.

Question One

What new (and maybe even unexpected) strengths have you noticed about yourself that have arisen from your loss of a loved one or other difficult challenge in your life?

Really with all that has gone on in the last 18 months or so, I have come to such a deeper dependence on God. I have gained a confidence that all thing will work together for my good. I have become more grateful for just life in general.

Mom's death was so devastating to me, and sometimes it still is, but I know that I know that I know that God was in control the day she died, every day before, and every day since. That enables me to get through each day. I don't know what I would be like if I didn't have that knowledge. I also know that He is with me every step of the way and that I don't have to do it all myself.

To some, it may seem a weakness to say I depend on God more, but I really think it is a strength, because His Word says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens, me." Philippians 4:13 Only by my complete dependence on Him, can I do anything. When I don't think I can get through the day, I will pray and God will come near and give me the strength to do what needs to be done.

I am learning, that to live in the moment is sometimes the only way to make it through. If I think about yesterday too much I am overwhelmed by grief and sadness. If I think about tomorrow too much, I can be overcome with anxiety and worry. But, if I concentrate on today, I can experience all that it has to offer. I can listen to my children giggle and truly be happy and thankful for that moment. I can deal with bad attitudes and reluctance to obey, knowing that this season of life is just that, a season, and I will get through it.

So I guess that my answer to this question, is I don't know if I personally have gotten any stronger, but my dependence on God has become more deep, and He is the only strength I need.

Praise You In This Storm

"I was sure by now,
God, You would have reached down,
And wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day.
But once again,
I say amen,
And its still raining.

Well, as the thunder rolls,
I barely hear, You whisper through the rain,
'I'm with you,'
And as Your mercy falls,
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives, and takes away,

And I praise you in this storm,
And I will lift my hands,
For You are who You are,
No matter where I am,
And every tear I cry,
You hold in Your hand,
You never left my side,
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise you in this storm."

This song by Casting Crowns has meant a lot to me in the last year. It reminds me that even, when it seems that circumstances are surrounding me that I can't bear, I can still praise God in this storm.

Yesterday, there were some discussion questions that I thought were really good, and thought provoking and I am going to spend the next few posts addressing those questions, mostly so I can get these things out and realize how far I've come.

Today

Today has been a hard day, and it is only 3:00.

Yesterday was kind of hard too, but good. MOPS was about dealing with loss, and it was a really good meeting, but very emotional for me. After MOPS, my good friend Jamie and her kids, Erin and Joseph came for lunch. Erin is a little older than Ellie, and Joseph is a little younger than Miles, and they play together very well. Ellie was very excited about Erin coming over to play, and wanted her to come again that night. Miles and Joseph had great fun tearing apart the bedroom and climbing on the bookshelves. I am soooooo glad we bolted that bookshelf to the wall!

After our guests went home, we rested, and then we went to Swimming lessons. There is nothing like waking a two year old from a sound sleep so he can go play in the water. Lets just say that Miles was very very tired when bedtime rolled around.

Today has been pretty tough for me, I think I am still dealing with emotions from yesterday, and with Mother's Day looming in a couple of weeks, I am pretty weepy.

Lynn and I were discussing earlier what to do on that week-end. I really don't feel like being around people that week-end. I am thinking a trip somewhere might be nice. I'm not sure if I will even be up to going to church that day. I am so glad it is leap year, so MD isn't on the actual anniversary. The day before is bad enough.

Miles was in top form today too. I don't know if it was just because he is a boy, or just his personality, but he seems to have a lot of initiative for a two year old. This morning he was trying to make toast. I was in the bedroom sewing (my form of therapy, I've been sewing a lot lately) and heard some crashing and banging in the kitchen, so naturally I went in to see what was happening. I found Miles on a little kid chair, up to the counter where the toaster was, trying to put a piece of bread in the toaster. He had moved everything in front of the toaster to the stovetop, and I don't really know how he reached the toaster since it was pushed all the way to the back of the counter. Yesterday he was "washing" a vase in the sink, and turned the water on by himself.

Well, despite our snow last week, it looks like it is a nice day today. I think I'll send them both outside when Miles wakes up. From the weather report, it looks like it will be pretty nice tomorrow too. Then it is supposed to start raining on Sunday. As long as we don't get any more snow. It looks like my tulips and flowers survived our brief reminder of winter though, so I am happy about that.

This is getting to be a book, so I better close and go do something worthwhile.

A busy weekend

Well, we had a busy weekend. The kids and I had a great visit with my cousins Becky and Donna Rae. Becky got down on the floor and played with Ellie, she thought that was great. It was really nice to see them. Lynn was working, so he didn't get to see them though.

We had more snow on Sunday morning, but it was all gone by the time we got home from church. We had our first Home Fellowship Group meeting that evening. It was really fun to get to know the people that came to our group better. The kids had a great time too. They always enjoy playing with their friends.

Lynn worked a short day today, but got home in time for me to go pick up Amber, who babysits for us occasionally. We actually got to go on a date tonight! We went to see Expelled, No Intelligence Allowed, by Ben Stein. It was a documentary about how the science community does not allow any type of discussion on theories other than evolution. It was really interesting, and I reccomend it. Then we went out for dinner, and both of us ate way too much. I actually brought most of my dinner home, because the appetizer, salad, and rolls filled me up!

Tomorrow is another busy day. Lynn goes in for his six month checkup and then I have a chiropractor appointment, then we will probably have to go straight to swimming lessons. It should be fun though.

It's Spring???

Do you remember last week when I posted about our wonderful day, and walk to the store?? It was finally Spring! Or so I thought.

Today I woke up to this:

Yes, that is the pear tree in the back yard, in full bloom, covered with snow!

My bleeding heart from the front yard.

My mini rose bush in the front yard.

And finally, my tulips in the front yard.

I guess we aren't walking anywhere today! It shouldn't stay very long, but still, who wants snow in April??? It's not like we live in Nebraska! I can't remember ever getting snow this late.



The kids just woke up and are excited about the snow, I think they are probably the only ones! Miles wants to build a snowman. I don't think we will have enough snow, but I guess we will have to try.



We have had a pretty good week. Everyone is finally feeling better, and we are all back to normal. It is nice to be back to normal.



I'm looking forward to today, my cousins, Becky and Donna Rae are coming to visit. They get together every year about this time for a "sisters weekend". Usually they come here, because it is about the half way point between their houses, so they come and visit me too! I always enjoy seeing family.

Well, the kids just woke up and want breakfast, so I should go feed them. Have a great day!

Another Beautiful Day!

It was another beautiful day today. The kids and I walked, well actually, I walked and pushed the the kids in the double stroller, down to Albertson's this morning. It is about a 2 mile round trip. We stopped at the park for a few minutes on the way back, and then at a garage sale that was on our way home. Miles saw an orange dinosaur that roars and opens its mouth when you push a button on its back, and Ellie got a stuffed penguin.

Then we came home and the kids played outside while I have practically every window in the house open, just to get some fresh air. It is so nice out, I am loving seeing all the flowers blooming and hearing the birds. It makes me feel glad to be alive!

Spring!

Today was the first day in a week or so that was sunny. Last week, I went to Wilco, and bought two rosebushes that were on sale. It has rained every day since, and I finally was able to plant them today. I also planted some Glads and a Dahlia that I bought some time ago. I really hope they grow.

The same day I bought the rose bushes, I also bought new gloves for me, and then some for each of the kids along with a kid size trowel and hand rake. Ellie pestered me for several days about going to plant flowers, and was very glad to be able to do that today. Miles liked digging in the dirt. We saw several worms, and I saw two snakes! But, I was brave and stayed outside. :)

Speaking of wildlife, we also had birds come to the bird feeder today. Ellie saw them come while they were eating lunch. She was quite excited. We also saw a hummingbird around the same time.

Well, that was pretty much our day, aside from getting laundry caught up and all the other various things that have to be done every day, of course. I am tired and really just want to go to bed.

Updates

Wow, I knew I haven't posted in a while, but I didn't realize it's been three weeks! I have just been so incredibly tired and busy these last few weeks, that when I do get the time to sit down at the computer, I just don't feel like typing.

Let's see, what have we been up to?? Well, we were all sick for much of that time, and Lynn is still getting over being sick. Ellie had an ear infection, and was taking antibiotics. Miles was down for a couple of days, but it seemed to effect him the least, so while we were all sick, we were chasing him at the same time.

Dad came down for a short visit last week. Lynn was just getting over being sick, so he didn't stay long. Ellie and Miles loved seeing him. We had a late "Easter" dinner when he was here, and it was really nice. He seems to be doing well, but I think he gets lonely.

Lynn has a project that I have been helping him with. I have been making small bags that he puts silica gel dessicant that he gets from work in, and then we dry it out in the oven and sell it online. It is great for things like RV's, electronics, gun safes, etc. He has about 500 or more pounds of it in the garage. It comes with the wafers they use where he works, and they were just throwing it out, and if you know my husband, you know he hates to see stuff thrown away when it can be put to good use elsewhere. So far we have sold 40 pounds or so just in the last few days. It has been kind of fun, and most of our cost is time. He is selling it for about $5.00 a pound, plus shipping, so we get a pretty decent profit. He also has a friend that sells them at varous gun shows too.

I also recieved about 10 garbage bags full of fabric from the Grandma of a friend of mine. There is some great fabric and so I have been sewing a lot these last few days. There was a lot of t-shirt material and Sweatshirt material, so I jokingly told Lynn that I needed a serger. He said "how much to they cost?" and then told me I could get one if I wanted to! I found one at Wal Mart for $169.00 the other day and have been having fun sewing with it. It helps with making the bags too.

I made Miles a T-shirt that had dinosaurs on it Tuesday night, and he didn't want to take it off. He wound up sleeping in it and wearing it for about half of the day yesterday. He wasn't real happy when I forced it off of him so he could put a clean shirt on. I made him a vest and pants out of some really nice black fabric yesterday. I can hardly wait to see him wear it on Sunday!

It is sooooooo hard to find patterns for boy clothes too. I went to the fabric store Tuesday, and looked for patterns, I could only find three for Miles, and I think about 8 for Ellie. I did get a couple for me too!

Well, I'd better go because this is getting really long, and Lynn wanted me to try to make some bags that would hold 1/4 pound of dessicant. I just need to figure out the dimensions and get some made.

I'll try to post more often and then they won't be so long!