Well, today was the big day. I exited the first half of my life and I entered the second half. I went to bed young and woke up old. I am now 35.
Today I also proved my Doctor wrong. After my pregnancy with Jillian, the Doctor sat down with Kevin and I and told us that he believed I would be on an insulin pump by the time I was 35. I am not on a pump, I am not even on insulin. God is good!
Happy Birthday to Me!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Fears
There are not many things that Kevin is scared of. When we were first married it didn't take long before I discovered his fear of spiders. He gets the heebeejeebees from them. When I hear my name being called about an octave higher than normal, I know I will be on a mission to kill a little eight legged creature.
It took a little longer to discover his fear of mice. You can read of his first experience here. Then I will never forget the night we were spending with friends out at the cottage when Kevin started shrieking like I have never heard before. He discovered a dead mouse in a cupboard. He literally ran out of the cottage screaming the whole way.
It was just last year that I discovered his third fear. Kitchitikipi... Big Springs. Kitchitikipi is the largest fresh water spring in Michigan.
You get on a floating deck and then turn a big wheel and it pulls you out over the springs.
You can look all the way to the bottom which is 40-50ft deep.
When looking down you can see all the trees that have fallen into the water.
The deck had an opening in the middle that you could look into.
There was plexi-glass on one side of the opening so little kids could look safely.
So what was Kevin's fear? He was scared one of the kids would fall in and then he could watch them sink all the way to the bottom. I told him if one of them fell in, I would dive in after them. With the water so clear I could see exactly where they were to save them. It didn't matter what I said, he couldn't wait to get his family off the raft.
But regardless of Kev's fear, it was beautiful.
______________________
Tonight I was giving my boys haircuts. It was Tyler's turn. I get to the front of his head and start cutting off his "wings". He has colic's on both sides of his forehead that make his hair stick straight out and up. As I cut off his first wing he says to me.. "Mommy did you just cut off my wings?" I said yes, then he tells me "I wanted to keep them wings. I love my wings, they are 17 yrs old, they know how to drive." I told him I was sorry and his wings would grow back (rather quickly) and then he can see them again. He seemed to be ok with that. Man that child comes up with some crazy stuff.
Then later we were putting the kids to bed. I heard my little girl jumping on her bed. Just the other day I had told her not to jump and here she was doing it again. She knew she was busted, but she tried to tell us that she wasn't jumping. After talking for a little while, she admitted to lying. We talked about how God calls Satan the Father of Lies and when we lie it makes Satan stronger. We finished praying with her and tucking her in. We went downstairs and a short time later we hear little feet coming down the stairs. She comes up to me and tells me that Jesus spoke to her. I ask her what he said and she said "Jesus said, your forgiven." ... well you can't argue with that!
Blessings!!
It took a little longer to discover his fear of mice. You can read of his first experience here. Then I will never forget the night we were spending with friends out at the cottage when Kevin started shrieking like I have never heard before. He discovered a dead mouse in a cupboard. He literally ran out of the cottage screaming the whole way.
It was just last year that I discovered his third fear. Kitchitikipi... Big Springs. Kitchitikipi is the largest fresh water spring in Michigan.
Tonight I was giving my boys haircuts. It was Tyler's turn. I get to the front of his head and start cutting off his "wings". He has colic's on both sides of his forehead that make his hair stick straight out and up. As I cut off his first wing he says to me.. "Mommy did you just cut off my wings?" I said yes, then he tells me "I wanted to keep them wings. I love my wings, they are 17 yrs old, they know how to drive." I told him I was sorry and his wings would grow back (rather quickly) and then he can see them again. He seemed to be ok with that. Man that child comes up with some crazy stuff.
Then later we were putting the kids to bed. I heard my little girl jumping on her bed. Just the other day I had told her not to jump and here she was doing it again. She knew she was busted, but she tried to tell us that she wasn't jumping. After talking for a little while, she admitted to lying. We talked about how God calls Satan the Father of Lies and when we lie it makes Satan stronger. We finished praying with her and tucking her in. We went downstairs and a short time later we hear little feet coming down the stairs. She comes up to me and tells me that Jesus spoke to her. I ask her what he said and she said "Jesus said, your forgiven." ... well you can't argue with that!
Blessings!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Seul Choix
We left early in the morning, we were one of the few that were traveling in the early morning fog. Even the freighters were stopped.
We were on a mission. We had a long day ahead of us and lots of sight seeing to do. We had been given names of places to visit from friends of ours that live in the U.P.
The first on our list was an old haunted lighthouse. We were having a hard time finding it, I remember turning to Kevin and saying lets just stop and ask for directions. We pulled into an auto garage with men standing around just hanging out. I get out of the truck and say "I am looking for a lighthouse and I have no idea how to pronounce it's name... would you happen to know where it's located?" The guys all laughed and said "it's called 'sis-shwa'" and then they proceeded to give me directions. (It's spelled Seul Choix, how you get sis-shwa out of that I will never know).
When we got there we were sad to see that we couldn't have a tour, it was closed because it was decorated for the haunted halloween tours and would only opened after dark. But what a beautiful lighthouse. We peeked in the windows to try and get a feel for what it looked like inside and I can't wait until the day comes that I can get into it. Maybe next years trip to the great north.
There is a trail that takes you out to the 'beach'.
You had to be careful while walking around, the rocks were very slippery when wet.
We were on a mission. We had a long day ahead of us and lots of sight seeing to do. We had been given names of places to visit from friends of ours that live in the U.P.
The first on our list was an old haunted lighthouse. We were having a hard time finding it, I remember turning to Kevin and saying lets just stop and ask for directions. We pulled into an auto garage with men standing around just hanging out. I get out of the truck and say "I am looking for a lighthouse and I have no idea how to pronounce it's name... would you happen to know where it's located?" The guys all laughed and said "it's called 'sis-shwa'" and then they proceeded to give me directions. (It's spelled Seul Choix, how you get sis-shwa out of that I will never know).
When we got there we were sad to see that we couldn't have a tour, it was closed because it was decorated for the haunted halloween tours and would only opened after dark. But what a beautiful lighthouse. We peeked in the windows to try and get a feel for what it looked like inside and I can't wait until the day comes that I can get into it. Maybe next years trip to the great north.
On another note, we did something today that we have never done before. We spent the day with our good friends planning out next years camping season... YIKES! We booked our first 'scheduled' trip out for Memorial Day. We even have it penciled on our calendars that we could be starting our season as early as March this year. We will also be hitting some new places that neither of our families have camped at. It's kind of exciting to see our summer shape up even as we are just entering our first months of winter. On the other hand, my summer looks much shorter since we have something scheduled every month.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Slacker
My husband lovingly reminded me last night that I have not blogged in awhile. He actually called me a slacker. It was all in fun though because he knows that I have been just a little busy this past week.
I won't give you a play by play but I have 24 new quarts of applesauce to prove my busyness. Thanks to my parents who volunteered to help me with my crazy insane idea to buy another 2.5 bushels of apples to sauce. With the way my oldest eats the stuff, I will be out of applesauce by the new year.
This past week has also been a week of friends. Friends are such a blessing to me. I even had an unexpected visit with an old friend...it was nice to reconnect with her. Lots of time spent with friends is like a cool breeze on a hot day for me. Keeps me sane :)
Then yesterday we got to spend time with my family. My brother and his wife came into town for the holidays. The kids were so excited to see them. There is always a countdown in our house as to when we get to see Uncle Timmy and Aunt Melissa again. Even though we were with them just yesterday, the countdown has already started again. The next time we see them we (my whole family) will be traveling many hours for a very special occasion. I think everyone is counting down for our next visit. I can't wait!
Family time took place at Uncle Paul's house which is the coolest house ever. Not only is his house cool, he's cool. Why? Because he talks my boys language and he knows everything there is to know about electronics. And as a added bonus he has a huge bounce house that the kids go crazy in. It gets a little loud and crazy over there, but the kids have so much fun you can't help but smile.
And my nephews are the cutest little dutch russians you have ever seen! Donal is so dramatic. His facial expressions are priceless. At one point he burst into song... "Bad boys, bad boys, what ya gonna do. What ya gonna do when Uncle Timmy comes for you." This was sung in English with a Russian accent. I will have to try and video him singing it. Words just cannot describe the cuteness.
Then there is little Aiden Luke. He didn't know whether to laugh...
But Uncle Timmy has learned a few tricks in his (almost) 10 years of being an Uncle.
Then when Aiden has had enough of the high elevation with Uncle Timmy and he starts getting upset again, Uncle Timmy hands him off to Aunt Melissa..
But no matter what they did, he was done and needed his Momma.
It was a fun night. I even got some tutoring on the new program I have been trying to learn thanks to my sister-in-law. If only we lived closer to each other I could pick her brain more often...
Ok, so now you have had a quick update on my week. Hope to start back up blogging about our day trip to some very cool places we went to in the U.P. last year.
Blessings!!
I won't give you a play by play but I have 24 new quarts of applesauce to prove my busyness. Thanks to my parents who volunteered to help me with my crazy insane idea to buy another 2.5 bushels of apples to sauce. With the way my oldest eats the stuff, I will be out of applesauce by the new year.
This past week has also been a week of friends. Friends are such a blessing to me. I even had an unexpected visit with an old friend...it was nice to reconnect with her. Lots of time spent with friends is like a cool breeze on a hot day for me. Keeps me sane :)
Then yesterday we got to spend time with my family. My brother and his wife came into town for the holidays. The kids were so excited to see them. There is always a countdown in our house as to when we get to see Uncle Timmy and Aunt Melissa again. Even though we were with them just yesterday, the countdown has already started again. The next time we see them we (my whole family) will be traveling many hours for a very special occasion. I think everyone is counting down for our next visit. I can't wait!
Family time took place at Uncle Paul's house which is the coolest house ever. Not only is his house cool, he's cool. Why? Because he talks my boys language and he knows everything there is to know about electronics. And as a added bonus he has a huge bounce house that the kids go crazy in. It gets a little loud and crazy over there, but the kids have so much fun you can't help but smile.
And my nephews are the cutest little dutch russians you have ever seen! Donal is so dramatic. His facial expressions are priceless. At one point he burst into song... "Bad boys, bad boys, what ya gonna do. What ya gonna do when Uncle Timmy comes for you." This was sung in English with a Russian accent. I will have to try and video him singing it. Words just cannot describe the cuteness.
...or cry at all of us.
It was a fun night. I even got some tutoring on the new program I have been trying to learn thanks to my sister-in-law. If only we lived closer to each other I could pick her brain more often...
Ok, so now you have had a quick update on my week. Hope to start back up blogging about our day trip to some very cool places we went to in the U.P. last year.
Blessings!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Conversations
Last night Kevin and I had a conversation with a couple (they are are friends) about blogging. It is kind of interesting to hear other peoples opinions about this not-so-little world of blogging. He wasn't a fan of blogging, and for the reasons he stated I completely understand and to some extent agree. When it was my turn to give all the positives, one of the reasons I shared was that this was the easiest vehicle for me to keep my out-of-town family and friends updated to what is happening in our lives (didn't mention that I am blogging from a year ago..hehe). Also, it is a great way for me to share stories and show pictures of my growing family.
In the end, I don't think that I converted him into a blogging believer and that is really OK, but this morning Micah and I had a conversation that I wanted to share and I immediately thought of sharing it on my blog. Why? Because it is the fastest and easiest way to share stories, it chronicles our life, and it sure beats writing in a personal journal because blogger has SPELL CHECK!
Ok, so here is the conversation that Micah and I had while we were doing his Science lesson today.
Out of the blue Micah says "Mom, Cameron says we evolved from monkeys."
I said "many people, who don't know Jesus, believe we came from monkeys and that the world was created with a big explosion. That is called the big bang theory."
Micah - "yeah, Cameron said something about that too. I told him God created the world." Cameron must have made a comment about that and Micah said "I told him that the Bible tells us all about how the world was created. The Bible tells the truth." Micah told me that Cameron responded "You don't know that." Micah told me that he told him then that "God is also going to destroy the earth and make us a new one." To this Cameron responds "by that time we might have the technology to live on the moon and be safe from that."
I kind of laughed at Cameron's answer and asked Micah if he thinks living on the moon would keep unbelievers safe, he emphatically replied "NO."
I asked him when this conversation took place and Micah said "3 days ago."
This is the same boy who we took to VBS this summer (read about it HERE). How amazingly blind his little lost soul is. For him to even question the validity of the Bible. What is he being taught at school/at home? On the flip side of this story, I am amazed at how pure Micah's faith is. He is not afraid to speak the truth, he doesn't cover his words with hidden meanings, he speaks it straight and exactly how it is.
The Bible is True.
God created the Earth.
God created Humans.
God will destroy the Earth and make us a New Earth.
That sums up what Micah said and that he is not ashamed to speak up, it is humbling, because honestly, I don't think I am teaching that through demonstration a whole lot.
Moving on to keep the pictures coming in a valiant attempt to get from being a year behind.
When I blogged Clear View the American Integrity was the freighter in the pictures (I think I mentioned that). Anyhoo, after I fed my family and we cleaned up from dinner, Kev and I decided it would be cool to go to Rock Cut to see the freighter move through it at night. We hopped into the truck and off we went on another adventure.
It really is quite an experience. It's quiet during the day out there but at night it is dead silence. And dark. So dark that Kevin parked the truck with it's headlights pointing down the two track that we had to walk so we could find our way. As the ship neared it turned it's spot lights right on us. We were all blinded, but the kids thought it was super cool.
Then as the vessel moved by I took a picture of our shadows (made by the headlights) on the side of the ship. It was really a lot of fun and a great experience. This kids still talk about it.
I think that is about all for today.
Blessings!!
In the end, I don't think that I converted him into a blogging believer and that is really OK, but this morning Micah and I had a conversation that I wanted to share and I immediately thought of sharing it on my blog. Why? Because it is the fastest and easiest way to share stories, it chronicles our life, and it sure beats writing in a personal journal because blogger has SPELL CHECK!
Ok, so here is the conversation that Micah and I had while we were doing his Science lesson today.
Out of the blue Micah says "Mom, Cameron says we evolved from monkeys."
I said "many people, who don't know Jesus, believe we came from monkeys and that the world was created with a big explosion. That is called the big bang theory."
Micah - "yeah, Cameron said something about that too. I told him God created the world." Cameron must have made a comment about that and Micah said "I told him that the Bible tells us all about how the world was created. The Bible tells the truth." Micah told me that Cameron responded "You don't know that." Micah told me that he told him then that "God is also going to destroy the earth and make us a new one." To this Cameron responds "by that time we might have the technology to live on the moon and be safe from that."
I kind of laughed at Cameron's answer and asked Micah if he thinks living on the moon would keep unbelievers safe, he emphatically replied "NO."
I asked him when this conversation took place and Micah said "3 days ago."
This is the same boy who we took to VBS this summer (read about it HERE). How amazingly blind his little lost soul is. For him to even question the validity of the Bible. What is he being taught at school/at home? On the flip side of this story, I am amazed at how pure Micah's faith is. He is not afraid to speak the truth, he doesn't cover his words with hidden meanings, he speaks it straight and exactly how it is.
The Bible is True.
God created the Earth.
God created Humans.
God will destroy the Earth and make us a New Earth.
That sums up what Micah said and that he is not ashamed to speak up, it is humbling, because honestly, I don't think I am teaching that through demonstration a whole lot.
Moving on to keep the pictures coming in a valiant attempt to get from being a year behind.
When I blogged Clear View the American Integrity was the freighter in the pictures (I think I mentioned that). Anyhoo, after I fed my family and we cleaned up from dinner, Kev and I decided it would be cool to go to Rock Cut to see the freighter move through it at night. We hopped into the truck and off we went on another adventure.
It really is quite an experience. It's quiet during the day out there but at night it is dead silence. And dark. So dark that Kevin parked the truck with it's headlights pointing down the two track that we had to walk so we could find our way. As the ship neared it turned it's spot lights right on us. We were all blinded, but the kids thought it was super cool.
Then as the vessel moved by I took a picture of our shadows (made by the headlights) on the side of the ship. It was really a lot of fun and a great experience. This kids still talk about it.
I think that is about all for today.
Blessings!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
New Program
Wednesdays are my busy days. We have a lot going on. Today school started at 7:40am this morning (there are days I wish I was a coffee drinker.. today was one of them), we had lots to get done, we have karate this afternoon, and home church tonight. On top of all that I made it my mission to learn a new computer program.
Why I do this to myself I don't know. I really do enjoy knowing different programs and this one I have had for awhile, but have never opened it up to use it.
I was looking at different websites to give me a start off point and one website said that if you know how to use Photoshop, then this program would be easy to learn. I thought that it should be no problem. I am pretty efficient at photoshop, I have friends who have been in photography a lot longer calling me asking how to do things. So naturally I thought that learning this new program would be a snap.
Well... Illustrator has tested my patients. I was so frustrated last night I could have thrown my beautiful Mac across the kitchen. As Kevin lay sleeping on the couch, I sat muttering to myself about how this was supposed to be easier, not harder. I just about gave up, but instead I turned in for the night and tried my hand again at it this afternoon. I had about 30min window to play with it. And I am proud to say that I accomplished what I had set out to do.
Now that I have had a taste of it, I would love to learn how to do more things on it. But sadly there isn't as many tutorials for Illustrator like there is for Photoshop. So we will see how proficient I get with the program.
Thats all for today, have to quick finish up cleaning the house before we leave for karate.
Have a blessed day!!
Why I do this to myself I don't know. I really do enjoy knowing different programs and this one I have had for awhile, but have never opened it up to use it.
I was looking at different websites to give me a start off point and one website said that if you know how to use Photoshop, then this program would be easy to learn. I thought that it should be no problem. I am pretty efficient at photoshop, I have friends who have been in photography a lot longer calling me asking how to do things. So naturally I thought that learning this new program would be a snap.
Well... Illustrator has tested my patients. I was so frustrated last night I could have thrown my beautiful Mac across the kitchen. As Kevin lay sleeping on the couch, I sat muttering to myself about how this was supposed to be easier, not harder. I just about gave up, but instead I turned in for the night and tried my hand again at it this afternoon. I had about 30min window to play with it. And I am proud to say that I accomplished what I had set out to do.
Now that I have had a taste of it, I would love to learn how to do more things on it. But sadly there isn't as many tutorials for Illustrator like there is for Photoshop. So we will see how proficient I get with the program.
Thats all for today, have to quick finish up cleaning the house before we leave for karate.
Have a blessed day!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Clear View
1 Praise the LORD, my soul.
These are the words that I was reading yesterday. My heart yearning for truth and this is where I found myself. Such beautiful words, the whole Psalm was so beautiful. I reread the words, to have them soak into my being. The Psalm talks about how God created the world, how everything in the world listens to His voice, how everything works together to bring glory to God.
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you know that nature really speaks to me, I see God in the Creation he has made for us to enjoy. So reading this Psalm touched me deeply.
As I was going through my pictures to find the next group that I was going to share it really didn't surprise me to discover what ones they were.
We had just arrived home from Point Iroquois Lighthouse. It had been a full day of traveling and sightseeing. As we were unwinding and I was getting dinner ready, the American Integrity was moving by. Tyler and Jilli went walking out to the Rivers edge to watch it.
I grabbed my camera and headed out the door.
The sun was very low in the sky, making the black ship look gold. I stopped close to a tree, it was blocking my full view. The kids sat down on the bench. I decided to move closer to capture them and as I moved away from the tree what came into view took my breath away.
For behind the gold shimmering ship was a beautiful rainbow. The clouds themselves were amazing to look at. All was quiet, even the kids, as we watched in amazement at the performance happening before our eyes.
As the ship silently slipped by I stayed, watching the rainbow. God's promise to us that he would never flood the whole earth with water again.
The kids got up and went looking for the supper that I was supposed to be preparing. I sat down, completely forgetting the responsibilities that were mine to carry out and only focused on the beauty that God was displaying for those who stopped to look.
What amazed me, was I didn't see the whole story until I walked into the clear view. How many times do we miss out on the amazing things God has for us just because we didn't take the time or the courage to take a few more steps to see the whole picture.
I know I have missed out, I know my fear often cripples my feet from moving. I also know that many times the busyness of life speeds by... Praying that I take the time to slow down and that my feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, so that I don't miss out on all God has for me.
Blessings!!
LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
2 The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.
4 He makes winds his messengers,[a]
flames of fire his servants. (Psalm 104)
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.
4 He makes winds his messengers,[a]
flames of fire his servants. (Psalm 104)
These are the words that I was reading yesterday. My heart yearning for truth and this is where I found myself. Such beautiful words, the whole Psalm was so beautiful. I reread the words, to have them soak into my being. The Psalm talks about how God created the world, how everything in the world listens to His voice, how everything works together to bring glory to God.
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you know that nature really speaks to me, I see God in the Creation he has made for us to enjoy. So reading this Psalm touched me deeply.
As I was going through my pictures to find the next group that I was going to share it really didn't surprise me to discover what ones they were.
We had just arrived home from Point Iroquois Lighthouse. It had been a full day of traveling and sightseeing. As we were unwinding and I was getting dinner ready, the American Integrity was moving by. Tyler and Jilli went walking out to the Rivers edge to watch it.
I grabbed my camera and headed out the door.
The sun was very low in the sky, making the black ship look gold. I stopped close to a tree, it was blocking my full view. The kids sat down on the bench. I decided to move closer to capture them and as I moved away from the tree what came into view took my breath away.
As the ship silently slipped by I stayed, watching the rainbow. God's promise to us that he would never flood the whole earth with water again.
33 I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.
35 But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.
35 But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.
Praise the LORD, my soul.
Praise the LORD.[b]
What amazed me, was I didn't see the whole story until I walked into the clear view. How many times do we miss out on the amazing things God has for us just because we didn't take the time or the courage to take a few more steps to see the whole picture.
I know I have missed out, I know my fear often cripples my feet from moving. I also know that many times the busyness of life speeds by... Praying that I take the time to slow down and that my feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, so that I don't miss out on all God has for me.
Blessings!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Wrapping it Up
Today I am going to wrap up our visit to Point Iroquois Lighthouse. On my last post I didn't mention the cement block the kids were standing on. I think it was part of the original tower before they built the new house and tower. But I am not entirely sure. I do remember the keepers telling us about it and how it was the original.... something.... Hate it when my memory fails me, now I will need to go back and get the facts straight.
I wanted to leave you with just a few more pictures of the lighthouse itself. These pictures where taken by Kevin. I think he did a great job with these. I love how at times my camera disappears and then reappears with pictures that my finger didn't take. It's kind of like Christmas to me. Weird I know...
I wanted to leave you with just a few more pictures of the lighthouse itself. These pictures where taken by Kevin. I think he did a great job with these. I love how at times my camera disappears and then reappears with pictures that my finger didn't take. It's kind of like Christmas to me. Weird I know...
Blessings!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Reboot
I had to laugh yesterday. I stopped at my In-Laws to drop something off and the first thing my Father-In-Law says is "Is this an 'on' day?" Well, yesterday was more "on" than the day before (I had make-up on for starters) but for some reason this week has not been working like a well oiled machine. I'm thinking this Momma could use a day/or two of "tune-up" work. You know when your vehicle breaks down and goes in to get fixed, or your computer dies on you and you send it to your brothers for a few days for a reboot. That is what I'm talking... just a day away without kids... school... housecleaning... dinner making... I know all you homeschoolin Momma's (or any Momma) are feelin me.... sometimes we just need a break.
Being honest here, there are days that I wish I could throw in the towel and call it quits. I think all of us have been in this place at some point in our lives. Where we feel very inadequate, like we just aren't living up to our full potential. I have visited this place many times. Especially since becoming a parent and starting the journey of homeschooling. My personality is not geared towards the sunrise bootcamp type homemaking/educating schedule. I am reminded in many different ways how far from perfection I am. I struggle in this area. It is very easy to hear the lies that I am not good enough, that my home isn't clean enough, things aren't picked up enough, dinner isn't good enough, my kids aren't schooled enough. The list goes on.
Yesterday the word 'retard' was spoken, so I looked it up in the dictionary.
verb |riˈtärd| [ trans. ]
delay or hold back in terms of progress, development, or accomplishment : his progress was retarded by his limp.
Yup that is kind how I view myself at times. I feel held back in progress, development, or accomplishment. Of course we all know the noun definition of this word.
noun |ˈrēˌtärd| |ˈritɑrd| |rəˈtɑrd| |riˈtɑrd| |ˈriːtɑːd| offensivea mentally handicapped person (often used as a general term of abuse)
And sadly, I sometimes feel like that. I am not saying this to get accolades. I am saying this because I think we all deal with the lies of Satan at different points in our lives. Some of us more than others, but in a world where you need to look perfect, act perfect, keep a perfect house, cook a perfect dinner (every night), your children need to be perfect... it is hard not to see all the area's that we just can't measure up to that 'perfect' standard.
When I get a little down, it is always good for me to go back and remind myself of who I am in Christ. I did this today, I needed a little pick-me-up-from-my-bootstraps kind of inspiration. So here are a few...
In Christ... I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
I am a branch of the true vine, Jesus, a channel of His life. I have been chosen and appointed by God to bear fruit. I am a temple of God. I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. I am God's workmanship, created for good works.
The last one really hit me. I am God's workmanship... He created me... He made me the way that I am for a purpose... So when I am getting down on myself because I am not 'all that' I am really telling God that he made junk. Some how I really don't think I should be telling my creator that I didn't like what he made. I know he can handle my complaints, but really, I am who I am because that is the way He made me and I should rejoice that I am 'something special'.
Tomorrow when I wake up, it is going to be with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. But just to be clear.... since GOD didn't make my body wake up at the crack of dawn, I am not going to fight it, I will go along with His creation and get up at my normal time.
Being honest here, there are days that I wish I could throw in the towel and call it quits. I think all of us have been in this place at some point in our lives. Where we feel very inadequate, like we just aren't living up to our full potential. I have visited this place many times. Especially since becoming a parent and starting the journey of homeschooling. My personality is not geared towards the sunrise bootcamp type homemaking/educating schedule. I am reminded in many different ways how far from perfection I am. I struggle in this area. It is very easy to hear the lies that I am not good enough, that my home isn't clean enough, things aren't picked up enough, dinner isn't good enough, my kids aren't schooled enough. The list goes on.
Yesterday the word 'retard' was spoken, so I looked it up in the dictionary.
verb |riˈtärd| [ trans. ]
delay or hold back in terms of progress, development, or accomplishment : his progress was retarded by his limp.
Yup that is kind how I view myself at times. I feel held back in progress, development, or accomplishment. Of course we all know the noun definition of this word.
noun |ˈrēˌtärd| |ˈritɑrd| |rəˈtɑrd| |riˈtɑrd| |ˈriːtɑːd| offensivea mentally handicapped person (often used as a general term of abuse)
And sadly, I sometimes feel like that. I am not saying this to get accolades. I am saying this because I think we all deal with the lies of Satan at different points in our lives. Some of us more than others, but in a world where you need to look perfect, act perfect, keep a perfect house, cook a perfect dinner (every night), your children need to be perfect... it is hard not to see all the area's that we just can't measure up to that 'perfect' standard.
When I get a little down, it is always good for me to go back and remind myself of who I am in Christ. I did this today, I needed a little pick-me-up-from-my-bootstraps kind of inspiration. So here are a few...
In Christ... I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
I am a branch of the true vine, Jesus, a channel of His life. I have been chosen and appointed by God to bear fruit. I am a temple of God. I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. I am God's workmanship, created for good works.
The last one really hit me. I am God's workmanship... He created me... He made me the way that I am for a purpose... So when I am getting down on myself because I am not 'all that' I am really telling God that he made junk. Some how I really don't think I should be telling my creator that I didn't like what he made. I know he can handle my complaints, but really, I am who I am because that is the way He made me and I should rejoice that I am 'something special'.
Tomorrow when I wake up, it is going to be with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. But just to be clear.... since GOD didn't make my body wake up at the crack of dawn, I am not going to fight it, I will go along with His creation and get up at my normal time.
Even though I have been in a funk these past few days, these three beautiful blessings are my life's calling and I am so thankful for them.
And now I must go, my husband just came home and surprised me with a night out (I still have to make dinner though) but we are going to the Reba Concert tonight.... Yippy!!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Off
You ever have an off day? Well, yesterday was definitely an off day for me and today was kind of a continuation of it.
Just to let you know how off yesterday was... I never even put on my make-up... YIKES! So those of you who know me well, know that this is pretty major and I even considered going out of the house like that to get milk!! But thankfully, my husband had to run an errand after dinner which saved me from that most embarrassing situation.
We had been out of milk all day, I made the kids use powdered milk for cereal, almost had vomit on the floor when Jilli tried to eat her cereal with it. I gave a long speech on how that was the way I ate my cereal growing up. Powdered milk was less expensive than regular milk, so that is how we saved money. Deer-in-the-headlights look is all I can say about that talk.
There was a bunch of other little things that happened yesterday that added to my difficult day. Then today started off with a crash.
When choosing the flooring I wanted in my kitchen, I wanted something the could handle heavy use. I loved the look and warmth of wood, but when you are dealing with a high-traffic area(3 kids & a dog) you want something that is going to handle the wear and tear. Also, anytime you are dealing with an area that has water, you want to stay away from wood/laminate flooring. So... we chose tile. My only concern was when something (glass) gets dropped on it, it shatters and I mean shatters...
I was on the phone with my Dad, Jilli and Tyler were having a Lemonade party on the kitchen table when crash. A glass cup hit the floor and shattered. E.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e It took me 45 minutes and a glass cut on my finger to make sure that it was all vacuumed up. It was in so many pieces I couldn't tell what glass cup had shattered. When I asked, Tyler said "It was my (his) favorite one, the one with all the little flowers on it." I just stopped, tears filled my eyes. That was the last little juice cup I had from my Grandma. It was the glass that I used for breakfast when we went to visit her in NJ every year as a little girl. It took me a little while to compose myself. After I had it all cleaned up and the kids were allowed to move about the house again, Tyler walks up to me puts his arms around me and tells me how sorry he is that I lost my favorite cup. It was so sweet... it made me smile and helped me get over my selfish funk I was in.
Moving on...
I promised that the next post would be more from Point Iroquois and I hate to break a promise. So here are some pictures of rock throwing. Jilli and Tyler were looking for the perfect rock.
I love how the rest of us were picking little rocks to try and skip. Not Tyler... that boy picks up the biggest rocks he could find.
Look at Kevin's rock skipping form.. I actually have a still frame video of him skipping rocks, but I will spare you...
That's it for tonight... Praying that tomorrow will be an "on day"..... :)
Just to let you know how off yesterday was... I never even put on my make-up... YIKES! So those of you who know me well, know that this is pretty major and I even considered going out of the house like that to get milk!! But thankfully, my husband had to run an errand after dinner which saved me from that most embarrassing situation.
We had been out of milk all day, I made the kids use powdered milk for cereal, almost had vomit on the floor when Jilli tried to eat her cereal with it. I gave a long speech on how that was the way I ate my cereal growing up. Powdered milk was less expensive than regular milk, so that is how we saved money. Deer-in-the-headlights look is all I can say about that talk.
There was a bunch of other little things that happened yesterday that added to my difficult day. Then today started off with a crash.
When choosing the flooring I wanted in my kitchen, I wanted something the could handle heavy use. I loved the look and warmth of wood, but when you are dealing with a high-traffic area(3 kids & a dog) you want something that is going to handle the wear and tear. Also, anytime you are dealing with an area that has water, you want to stay away from wood/laminate flooring. So... we chose tile. My only concern was when something (glass) gets dropped on it, it shatters and I mean shatters...
I was on the phone with my Dad, Jilli and Tyler were having a Lemonade party on the kitchen table when crash. A glass cup hit the floor and shattered. E.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e It took me 45 minutes and a glass cut on my finger to make sure that it was all vacuumed up. It was in so many pieces I couldn't tell what glass cup had shattered. When I asked, Tyler said "It was my (his) favorite one, the one with all the little flowers on it." I just stopped, tears filled my eyes. That was the last little juice cup I had from my Grandma. It was the glass that I used for breakfast when we went to visit her in NJ every year as a little girl. It took me a little while to compose myself. After I had it all cleaned up and the kids were allowed to move about the house again, Tyler walks up to me puts his arms around me and tells me how sorry he is that I lost my favorite cup. It was so sweet... it made me smile and helped me get over my selfish funk I was in.
Moving on...
I promised that the next post would be more from Point Iroquois and I hate to break a promise. So here are some pictures of rock throwing. Jilli and Tyler were looking for the perfect rock.
That's it for tonight... Praying that tomorrow will be an "on day"..... :)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Update on Applesauce
I made 8 quarts, 3 of which have been consumed already, which means it must be good! I have more apples to cook down and can, so we will see how many quarts total I do this year. But I am expecting to do lots more next year!
Here is a picture of my Great Grandma. This was taken in 1914, she was 22yrs old.
Here is a picture of my Great Grandma. This was taken in 1914, she was 22yrs old.
 |
| Johanna Apolonia Vlaardingerbroek |
I would love to know the history behind this picture. It was taken at a studio, but for what reason?? She looks kind of lost, almost sad. But I know people didn't really smile for pictures back then, so maybe this was just "the look"... I think it is safe to assume however, that she had no idea that 97 yrs after this picture was taken, her great-granddaughter would be putting her picture on the internet and blogging about it. What will my great-grandchildren be doing with my pictures??
Alright, next post I will be back at Point Iroquois lighthouse. Have a blessed day!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Applesauce
I am attempting something that is a little old fashioned today. I am canning applesauce. I remember my Mom doing it when I was a kid, I even remember helping grind the apples in the food mill. I picked up that food mill this morning, funny, it's a lot smaller than I remember it... and now we are well on our way to some good old fashioned applesauce.
And since it's kind of an old fashioned theme today, I will add a picture of some relatives of mine. This is my Great-Great Grandparents taken in 1911... Wow, how is that for old!
This is Teuntje Van Haaren & Lucas Vlaardingerbroek. No I am not Dutch... Aren't they handsome though??!! I bet she made applesauce.
And since it's kind of an old fashioned theme today, I will add a picture of some relatives of mine. This is my Great-Great Grandparents taken in 1911... Wow, how is that for old!
This is Teuntje Van Haaren & Lucas Vlaardingerbroek. No I am not Dutch... Aren't they handsome though??!! I bet she made applesauce.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Happy Running
This is really short, I took a bunch of still pictures of Kevin having fun running down the boardwalk at Point Iroquois Lighthouse, I put them together into this little "movie-clip"... hopefully this works...
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Working
I am working on a little project. It is testing my programming skills, so we will see how it turns out. Hopefully well enough to share it with you all later. It has something to do with a boardwalk at Point Iroquois. Until then, enjoy this picture of my two handsome guys.
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