In the Random Dozen on Wednesday I posted my senior picture and mentioned that my boyfriend had purchased the outfit I wore. I was surprised that tidbit of information sparked interest, but I thought today I'd share the "back story." I have a feeling you'll enjoy that even more. It's a little long, but stay with me. I think you'll be glad you did.
As a teenager my parents said that when I turned 16 yrs old I would be allowed to date. I was generally boy crazy most of my life and was looking forward to going out on actual dates.
As a young girl I had given my heart to Jesus and grew in faith and understanding. Although I was excited about dating I truly ONLY wanted to date who the Lord would choose for me so I began praying regularly at the age of fifteen, several months before my 16th birthday, for the Lord to reveal His choice for me. Innocently I probably thought He would reveal someone around the time of my birthday - what a nifty present a "knight" would be, but the Lord began teaching me early to wait for HIS timing. (Remember these are the musings of a self-absorbed teenager!) My March birthday came and went. I prayed a little more fervently. (smile!)
In late July I went to a youth conference several hours away from home. It was a multi-day event sponsored by a Christian college. I did NOT have the dating prayer request on my mind because all the boys from my church who went to the conference had already been brought before the Lord and found wanting. (Oh, this is so revealing-what an attitude I had!)
There was a young man from our home church who had graduated with a undergrad degree and a Master's degree and was working at the college. Kenny had come to our church on a bus route as a young boy and was the only believer in his family. Our senior pastor had taken him under wing and he had flourished. Kenny usually found our high school group each year at the conference and would act as host - giving us good intel on how to beat the long lines, where to get fast food, etc. We all enjoyed his humor and company. This year, however, he did not find us right away.
Late into day two in the middle of a sermon as I was sitting in the balcony I looked down upon the crowd and saw Kenny sitting with another group. Immediately I felt the Lord impress upon me that Kenny was the person I was to date. "What? That didn't make any sense, Lord! He's a MAN!" I tried to dismiss the thought. Nah! That's crazy thinking, girl!
Following the message Kenny found his way up to our group in the balcony and apologized for getting to us so late in the conference. He had been tasked to host another group, but wanted to check in on us. My heart was pounding and I just kept looking at him and thinking, "There is NO WAY this is the answer." Throughout the rest of the conference Kenny did not make it back to our group, but I did see him off and on throughout the building and each time the Lord was telling me, "It's HIM!" By the time I got home, my head was spinning.
After the conference our bus pulled into the church parking lot back home and inside the secretary's office we lined up to use the telephone to call our parents to come pick us up. After my call I had to wait for my parents to arrive. I noticed the light was shining under the door of our senior pastor's office. He was studying for the next day's sermons. I knocked quietly on the door and asked to speak with him. He welcomed me in and I began sobbing and telling him about my prayer request and that I thought the Lord was telling me that Kenny was the guy I was supposed to date. (Poor man!) He settled me down and then assured me that a MAN was probably NOT the answer to my request. I listened quietly, sensing in my heart that this answer, if it was from the Lord, was so unusual that God would have to do it, because it wouldn't make ANY sense on the human level.
I arrived home well past midnight and told my mom all that had transpired. If there was ever a moment of Godly wisdom (and she's had a lot of them, but this one was a biggie) Mom said, "Well, ok then, we need to continue praying about it - just you and I. Let's not tell anyone else because it doesn't make a lot of sense right now." She didn't shoot me down or discount my thoughts; she just said, "Let's keep praying." That's all I needed.
Fast forward...in September my family hosted a Labor Day picnic at my home. We had at least 50 people on our property and Kenny, whose family lived about 6 houses away, had been invited, as usual. I IGNORED him. I was so afraid of my feelings/thoughts that I steered clear away! I think he tried to speak to me once and I answered abruptly, then made a beeline for anywhere else. I was afraid he would somehow sense something and I just didn't know how to deal with the emotions of what the Lord seemed to be saying. I was not polite.
Fast forward again...a Saturday in mid-October I was traveling with my high school's marching band for a state-wide competition. We left early in the morning and wouldn't be returning until late into the night. Unbeknown to me, Kenny had phoned my parents earlier in the week mentioning that he would be home for the weekend and asked if he could take them to dinner on that night. My mom, sensing the Lord's movement, said that I would be out-of-town and he could come to our home for dinner. She did not reveal the phone call or plan to me. Then it was time for Mom to let Dad in on what had been transpiring. I assume he was a little surprised!
Kenny came for dinner that evening and said that while he was at our picnic in September he felt like the Lord was telling him, "to ask Angie out." He argued with the Lord making note that she was still a MINOR and in high school, but he couldn't get the thought out of his mind. He then mentioned, "It wasn't anything that she did that day. As a matter of fact, she actually seemed to be avoiding me, like she was angry or something." My parents asked a few more questions and then revealed to him my prayer request and answer in July. They were all stunned to see how the Lord had unveiled His plan for a 25 yr old man and a 16 yr old girl to date.
My parents gave Kenny stipulations: he could only come home once a month to date me, I was allowed to date other people and they encouraged him to do so, as well, AND if he touched me he was dead! (or prosecuted or both.) They then agreed that he should ask me to lunch after the Sunday service the next day to tell me how the Lord had moved him to ask me out.
That he did. We went to Long John Silver's for lunch. There were a few nerves, but the peace that passed all understanding was clearly evident in my heart. God had answered in a way that was unmistakeably Him. How I would need this example to rely on later in life!
I'll tell you the story of the outfit in part 2.
Stay tuned...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Random Dozen minus # 4
Today I'm joining Linda at 2nd cup of Coffee for the Random Dozen.
I grew up in the Midwest where my family called a sundae a "sun-duh" and a soda a "sodie." Upon entering college I quickly changed their pronunciations to fit the norm, but my SoCal husband LOVES to tease me about "sun-duh" every so often.
2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.")
I feel gr8! (Got a college kid, remember!)
3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.
I came home from school on the afternoon of my senior picture and decided that my bangs were too long so I went into the bathroom and started hacking away. They were a little short, but not catastrophically so. This whole outfit, including necklace, was given to me by the guy I was dating at the time. Sentimental.
5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.
Our college didn't have homecoming, but we did have formals with banquets and plays/concerts. Those BIG dates were always highlights of the year. Here's a picture of Mark and I looking much younger and thinner than today.
6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?"
That's tough. Generally, I prefer sunsets, but I do enjoy watching the sun come up while I'm having devotions on the couch.
7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"
Sightseeing in London
8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"
A cat...always.
9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.
I had just moved to Northern Virginia where I wasn't sure I wanted to be. I had left a big sprawling ranch-house on the outskirts of Fresno for a very tiny bungalow in suburban Washington DC. We had left our beloved church and dear friends and were just getting settled and trying to figure out how to make friends in this new city. We weren't in "Kansas" anymore!
10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?
Who, me? Maybe. Sometimes.
11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"
Death by Caramel bars. See recipe here.
12. If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?
Pseudo-fictional: Laura Ingalls family on Little House on the Prairie. Michael Landon was a great dad! How badly I wanted to be in that family!
I grew up in the Midwest where my family called a sundae a "sun-duh" and a soda a "sodie." Upon entering college I quickly changed their pronunciations to fit the norm, but my SoCal husband LOVES to tease me about "sun-duh" every so often.
2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.")
I feel gr8! (Got a college kid, remember!)
3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.
I came home from school on the afternoon of my senior picture and decided that my bangs were too long so I went into the bathroom and started hacking away. They were a little short, but not catastrophically so. This whole outfit, including necklace, was given to me by the guy I was dating at the time. Sentimental.5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.
Our college didn't have homecoming, but we did have formals with banquets and plays/concerts. Those BIG dates were always highlights of the year. Here's a picture of Mark and I looking much younger and thinner than today.6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?"
That's tough. Generally, I prefer sunsets, but I do enjoy watching the sun come up while I'm having devotions on the couch.
7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"
Sightseeing in London
8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"
A cat...always.
9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.
I had just moved to Northern Virginia where I wasn't sure I wanted to be. I had left a big sprawling ranch-house on the outskirts of Fresno for a very tiny bungalow in suburban Washington DC. We had left our beloved church and dear friends and were just getting settled and trying to figure out how to make friends in this new city. We weren't in "Kansas" anymore!
10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?
Who, me? Maybe. Sometimes.
11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"
Death by Caramel bars. See recipe here.
12. If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?
Pseudo-fictional: Laura Ingalls family on Little House on the Prairie. Michael Landon was a great dad! How badly I wanted to be in that family!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Project 365: Week 30
I've missed you all!
It's almost been 2 months since I've faithfully blogged. Those two months have been hectic, to say the least. The start of school is crazy for everyone and yet, most of you still continued to blog regularly. Sheesh, how do you do it? :)
When school started I also had two huge projects on my plate - adding to my team and training about 22 volunteers on our computer check-in process at church AND completing registration for about 140 leaders/girls in our American Heritage Girls troop. Every spare moment was spent trying to stay on top of these extra projects and keeping my home up and running.
I was determined to get up at 5:30am every morning for devotions before homeschooling began which made me bleary-eyed by 8:30pm. I was often in bed by 9-9:30pm, my usual time to blog. Sad.
The Lord helped me through both projects and for the most part I was able to keep up with the laundry and schooling. Please, don't ask about the cooking and cleaning. I've got a little triage to do in those areas!
Then the respite came! October 1st we left for our annual vacation to the mountains. How needed and welcome that was! Whew! It was such a blessing to get away and have some refreshing moments with my family and parents. I'm looking forward to telling you all about it.
For now, though, I want to pick up where I left off with my pictures. Only 10 weeks behind! Good grief! I blog for the purpose of journaling my life more than I do for entertaining you with the latest and greatest, so bear with me while I do a little catching up...again.
When we get to the end of 2010, I may have to sum it up as the year of "catching up." Maybe I'll learn a little about myself in the process, you think?
Thanks for hanging with me. I love sharing my life with you!
Sunday, July 25th - no picture
The boys return and bring home some lovely souvenirs. This is a conch shell that Rhett found himself - no purchase necessary!
We have coral, a sand dollar and sea sponge on display. The boys brought the sponge home wet and told the girls that they brought Spongebob home. We got to see it change into it's hardened form.
For days we heard about the beautiful scenery in the Bahamas until the pictures were finally developed and we got to "see" it for ourselves.
Thursday - no picture
Friday
Rhett spent his 17th birthday in Florida and the Bahamas so we celebrated with grandparents when they returned. Happy Birthday, son!
I couldn't be more proud of the man he is or love him more!
Saturday
pictured: Rhett, Uncle David, Mark, Ashley, Angie, Tara (in yellow), Katie (in pink)
Mark's brother, Uncle David, came through town on a school trip. We went downtown to meet him and spend a few hours relaxing with a picnic on the Mall before his 25 school bus ride back to Minnesota.
It's almost been 2 months since I've faithfully blogged. Those two months have been hectic, to say the least. The start of school is crazy for everyone and yet, most of you still continued to blog regularly. Sheesh, how do you do it? :)
When school started I also had two huge projects on my plate - adding to my team and training about 22 volunteers on our computer check-in process at church AND completing registration for about 140 leaders/girls in our American Heritage Girls troop. Every spare moment was spent trying to stay on top of these extra projects and keeping my home up and running.
I was determined to get up at 5:30am every morning for devotions before homeschooling began which made me bleary-eyed by 8:30pm. I was often in bed by 9-9:30pm, my usual time to blog. Sad.
The Lord helped me through both projects and for the most part I was able to keep up with the laundry and schooling. Please, don't ask about the cooking and cleaning. I've got a little triage to do in those areas!
Then the respite came! October 1st we left for our annual vacation to the mountains. How needed and welcome that was! Whew! It was such a blessing to get away and have some refreshing moments with my family and parents. I'm looking forward to telling you all about it.
For now, though, I want to pick up where I left off with my pictures. Only 10 weeks behind! Good grief! I blog for the purpose of journaling my life more than I do for entertaining you with the latest and greatest, so bear with me while I do a little catching up...again.
When we get to the end of 2010, I may have to sum it up as the year of "catching up." Maybe I'll learn a little about myself in the process, you think?
Thanks for hanging with me. I love sharing my life with you!
Sunday, July 25th - no picture
Monday - no picture
Tuesday
The girls growing zinnias at Grandma's house.
Playdough-scape made at Grandma's. I loved the creativity of children! (esp. the blue guy in the blue chair - reminiscent of Gumby!)
Wednesday
The boys return and bring home some lovely souvenirs. This is a conch shell that Rhett found himself - no purchase necessary!
We have coral, a sand dollar and sea sponge on display. The boys brought the sponge home wet and told the girls that they brought Spongebob home. We got to see it change into it's hardened form.
For days we heard about the beautiful scenery in the Bahamas until the pictures were finally developed and we got to "see" it for ourselves.Thursday - no picture
Friday
Rhett spent his 17th birthday in Florida and the Bahamas so we celebrated with grandparents when they returned. Happy Birthday, son!
I couldn't be more proud of the man he is or love him more!Saturday
pictured: Rhett, Uncle David, Mark, Ashley, Angie, Tara (in yellow), Katie (in pink)Mark's brother, Uncle David, came through town on a school trip. We went downtown to meet him and spend a few hours relaxing with a picnic on the Mall before his 25 school bus ride back to Minnesota.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Just Waaay Too Busy!
I just realized a moment ago that I missed my own post party this past weekend. I had read through some great blogs too so you may get a mid-week party or maybe even a two week party next weekend. Who knows.
I have been waaaay too busy. My sanity is shaky. I think. :) I gave my Saturday to helping my son with his Eagle Project, Sunday was given to church and training of new Awana volunteers. Yesterday we had a full day of school, followed by errands to get done for Boy Scouts before they met last night. Then I endured the onslaught of American Heritage Girls registration in the evening. Can't tell you how many times I've cried on someone's shoulder this weekend and said, "I can't keep up this pace."
Today we went to two art classes and then spent the day running errands which included lunch out, a little time at the playground and 2 hours at the library. I feel better now. I just needed my family time back.
My house still looks like it didn't survive a hurricane and the remaining clothes in the drawers/closets is reminding me of poor Mother Hubbard, but my sanity is less shaky and I'm grateful.
I am reading a book on stress management (which I'm sure my cardiologist would be glad to hear) and it mentioned a simple "tool" to use that I put into practice a little bit today and it helped.
The idea is that even if you ARE rushed, as we all are at times, you should tell yourself in the MOMENT YOU ARE IN that you have all the time that you need. Don't tell yourself you don't have time to load the washer, if you are standing there loading the washer.
Hmmm.
You, actually, do have the time, but the mental load you are carrying by telling yourself that you don't have the time drains you of energy and increases your stress level.
I tried it today while driving to the art classes. I ended up singing summer camp songs with my kids and still making it there peacefully and on time.
I tried it while sitting on the park bench waiting for my girls to explore all the areas of the new playground. I did have time to enjoy them climbing, sliding and running instead of constantly looking at my watch trying to figure out how I was going to get it all done.
I won't get it all done. It's never-ending, but I can get the most important things done today in MOMENTS that I'm completely in...trying to enjoy the task at hand.
The rest I just leave in the Lord's hands.
I have been waaaay too busy. My sanity is shaky. I think. :) I gave my Saturday to helping my son with his Eagle Project, Sunday was given to church and training of new Awana volunteers. Yesterday we had a full day of school, followed by errands to get done for Boy Scouts before they met last night. Then I endured the onslaught of American Heritage Girls registration in the evening. Can't tell you how many times I've cried on someone's shoulder this weekend and said, "I can't keep up this pace."
Today we went to two art classes and then spent the day running errands which included lunch out, a little time at the playground and 2 hours at the library. I feel better now. I just needed my family time back.
My house still looks like it didn't survive a hurricane and the remaining clothes in the drawers/closets is reminding me of poor Mother Hubbard, but my sanity is less shaky and I'm grateful.
I am reading a book on stress management (which I'm sure my cardiologist would be glad to hear) and it mentioned a simple "tool" to use that I put into practice a little bit today and it helped.
The idea is that even if you ARE rushed, as we all are at times, you should tell yourself in the MOMENT YOU ARE IN that you have all the time that you need. Don't tell yourself you don't have time to load the washer, if you are standing there loading the washer.
Hmmm.
You, actually, do have the time, but the mental load you are carrying by telling yourself that you don't have the time drains you of energy and increases your stress level.
I tried it today while driving to the art classes. I ended up singing summer camp songs with my kids and still making it there peacefully and on time.
I tried it while sitting on the park bench waiting for my girls to explore all the areas of the new playground. I did have time to enjoy them climbing, sliding and running instead of constantly looking at my watch trying to figure out how I was going to get it all done.
I won't get it all done. It's never-ending, but I can get the most important things done today in MOMENTS that I'm completely in...trying to enjoy the task at hand.
The rest I just leave in the Lord's hands.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Quick Prayer Please!
Update:
The day went well and there were no injuries! Praise the Lord!
I'm looking forward to showing you the day in pictures. Until then... Have a great Sunday!
Tomorrow, Sat the 11th, is my son's Eagle Project Work day. We will have over 30 scouts helping Rhett build portable roll-up boardwalks for local park events. There will be power tools, including two saws (table & hack?) and a drill press. All will be well-supervised, but it will be dangerous. Would you say a quick prayer for safety and success? It would be greatly appreciated. I'll be sure to take pictures and fill you all in when completed.
The day went well and there were no injuries! Praise the Lord!
I'm looking forward to showing you the day in pictures. Until then... Have a great Sunday!
Tomorrow, Sat the 11th, is my son's Eagle Project Work day. We will have over 30 scouts helping Rhett build portable roll-up boardwalks for local park events. There will be power tools, including two saws (table & hack?) and a drill press. All will be well-supervised, but it will be dangerous. Would you say a quick prayer for safety and success? It would be greatly appreciated. I'll be sure to take pictures and fill you all in when completed.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tooth Fairy Inflation
Tara lost a tooth last night and carefully tucked it into the Tooth Fairy pillow at bedtime. The following conversation occurred right after breakfast this morning:
Tara: "Mom, I think the Tooth Fairy left me $10!"
Me: "What?" (looking a little shocked!)
Tara: "I think she left me $10. Probably because I gave her the tooth on the first night."
(Tara usually holds on to teeth in a baggie for months and shows it to everyone. Then loses it; then finds it. Then extorts the tooth fairy with an old tooth.)
Me (thoughts scrambling): "Wow! That would be somethin! I've never heard of the Tooth Fairy giving so much money though. Why do you think she left you $10?"
Tara: "When I got the money out of the pillow I saw a one; maybe I just missed the zero 'cause when I counted all my money I had $12."
Me: "How much did you have before?"
Tara: "I don't know. I thought I paid you for the silly bandz with my $10. I don't think I had one."
Me: "Silly bandz?"
Tara: "Yeah, when we were at Staples!"
Me: (relieved) "Uh-uh! You did NOT pay me for those silly bandz. I think we forgot you owed me. You already had the $10 and the Tooth Fairy gave you $1."
Tara: "Oh, man! I was going to turn my teeth in on time from now on."
Me: (sighing with relief) "I bet you were."
Tara: "Mom, I think the Tooth Fairy left me $10!"
Me: "What?" (looking a little shocked!)
Tara: "I think she left me $10. Probably because I gave her the tooth on the first night."
(Tara usually holds on to teeth in a baggie for months and shows it to everyone. Then loses it; then finds it. Then extorts the tooth fairy with an old tooth.)
Me (thoughts scrambling): "Wow! That would be somethin! I've never heard of the Tooth Fairy giving so much money though. Why do you think she left you $10?"
Tara: "When I got the money out of the pillow I saw a one; maybe I just missed the zero 'cause when I counted all my money I had $12."
Me: "How much did you have before?"
Tara: "I don't know. I thought I paid you for the silly bandz with my $10. I don't think I had one."
Me: "Silly bandz?"
Tara: "Yeah, when we were at Staples!"
Me: (relieved) "Uh-uh! You did NOT pay me for those silly bandz. I think we forgot you owed me. You already had the $10 and the Tooth Fairy gave you $1."
Tara: "Oh, man! I was going to turn my teeth in on time from now on."
Me: (sighing with relief) "I bet you were."
Monday, September 6, 2010
Three Wishes...
Recently on Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries blog, Beth asked readers to share three wishes. We were to finish the phrase, "If I could, I would..." Commenters were not to be negative with thoughts of redoing past mistakes, but were to look ahead and dream of doing things without regard to money, energy, time or ability. It was all in good fun, but got me to thinking. I perused some of the 1200 comments and many did not ring true for me, but I was caught off guard when I had emotional responses to some of the entries. Could these be my dreams, as well?
I usually try to keep it lighthearted around here, but if I were truly unlimited to do as I wish, I would love to have one or all three of these dreams come true:
1) Build and run an orphanage in a poor country. (Peru?)
2) Own a restaurant with my husband in the town where my daughter goes to college. After closing hours, open the doors to the college students and feed them snacks while we have Bible study and prayer together.
3) Speak to women about their faith - share my journey and encourage them to trust God fully.
Any one of these would fulfill my longing to minister in the name of Christ.
What are your three wishes?
I usually try to keep it lighthearted around here, but if I were truly unlimited to do as I wish, I would love to have one or all three of these dreams come true:
1) Build and run an orphanage in a poor country. (Peru?)
2) Own a restaurant with my husband in the town where my daughter goes to college. After closing hours, open the doors to the college students and feed them snacks while we have Bible study and prayer together.
3) Speak to women about their faith - share my journey and encourage them to trust God fully.
Any one of these would fulfill my longing to minister in the name of Christ.
What are your three wishes?
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Post Party!
I'm startin' something new around here called the Post Party!
Have you ever read a great post and wished you could share it with your friends, but then spent the next hour meandering through other good-ish posts and forgot all about that one jewel that you thought was worth sharing? me too.
Each weekend I'm going to highlight some posts from the previous week that I think you might be interested in reading. I will categorize these posts so if you want to skip a category that doesn't interest you, feel free.
If you'd like to nominate a post you've written ('cause we all know there are posts we love ourselves) or someone elses, just leave me a comment or send me an email. Maybe it will make the Post Party! The only rule is that it must have been published within the previous six days.
Here's this week's posts I think you'll enjoy:
Too Funny & relatable: http://allthingsaro.blogspot.com/2010/09/too-much-power.html
Books: http://aliteraryodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/09/book-54-on-fenimore-coopers-literary.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ALiteraryOdyssey+%28A+Literary+Odyssey%29
Decorating: http://www.impartinggrace.com/2010/09/arranging-silk-flowers.html
Family: http://lindsaycramp.blogspot.com/2010/09/two-weeks-before-d-day.html
Food: http://familyteamof4.blogspot.com/2010/08/in-case-of-emergency.html
I decided not to share WHY I love these posts; I wanted you to enjoy them without any bias from me. Happy Reading!
Have you ever read a great post and wished you could share it with your friends, but then spent the next hour meandering through other good-ish posts and forgot all about that one jewel that you thought was worth sharing? me too.
Each weekend I'm going to highlight some posts from the previous week that I think you might be interested in reading. I will categorize these posts so if you want to skip a category that doesn't interest you, feel free.
If you'd like to nominate a post you've written ('cause we all know there are posts we love ourselves) or someone elses, just leave me a comment or send me an email. Maybe it will make the Post Party! The only rule is that it must have been published within the previous six days.
Here's this week's posts I think you'll enjoy:
Too Funny & relatable: http://allthingsaro.blogspot.com/2010/09/too-much-power.html
Books: http://aliteraryodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/09/book-54-on-fenimore-coopers-literary.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ALiteraryOdyssey+%28A+Literary+Odyssey%29
Decorating: http://www.impartinggrace.com/2010/09/arranging-silk-flowers.html
Family: http://lindsaycramp.blogspot.com/2010/09/two-weeks-before-d-day.html
Food: http://familyteamof4.blogspot.com/2010/08/in-case-of-emergency.html
I decided not to share WHY I love these posts; I wanted you to enjoy them without any bias from me. Happy Reading!
Good Riddance, Summer!
Anyone who knows me, knows I HATE summer. Anyone who knows me knows I HATE the word "HATE," but there it is. I hate summer. I survive it, get through it, whine and belly-ache about it, and generally, loathe it. But...I do love celebrating it's end, even if it is a bit premature.
So yesterday we celebrated summer's demise by going to the local water park as a family. I wanted to take my camera to share the day with you, but, you know, it is a WATER park. I can tell you, it was a lot of fun! Our local water park has a mining theme so there were mountain slides, raft rides, covered wagon slides, floating barrels to walk across and dumping water buckets along the lazy river. What fun! We were there for a couple of hours when all of sudden the lifeguards blew their whistles and everyone exited the pools. I loved the announcement over the intercom that followed: "Due to circumstances beyond our control The Water Mine will be closed for the next hour and a half. We're sorry for this inconvenience." Yep, someone pooped in the pool. Lovely.
The Martens' gang sat there wondering whether to wait it out and pay the exorbitant pizza prices for a late lunch or call it a day and leave. After much deliberation, we decided we'd grab a cheaper lunch outside of the park and go shopping for soccer gear for the girls. (They begin their first venture into soccer on Wednesday!) The girls, like any children, were disappointed, but were spirited by the suggestion of a carousel ride in the park across the lawn from the water park. It was free; we loved that.
On leaving the water park, we were told that if we wanted to relinquish our armbands (so we couldn't return later in the day), they would give each of us a pass that would be good through the end of next June. That cracked me up, because the water park closes on Monday and they are only open on weekends between Memorial Day and the card's expiration date next summer. How many guests will actually be able to keep, let alone retrieve, their free passes in 10 months? Seemed to me like a pretty safe bet for the water park. Oh well. For us uber-organizers, retrieving those free passes in 10 months won't be a problem! Hopefully, the water temperature will cooperate. Knowing summer around here that won't be a problem either.
Good Riddance, Summer! You've had your fun! Now let's get on to cooler weather!
By the way, it's a high of 79 today and I've got the windows wide open - which hasn't happened for months around here. It's just a two-day teaser, thanks to the crazy weather over the Atlantic, but I'll take it! Is it time to bake a pie yet?
So yesterday we celebrated summer's demise by going to the local water park as a family. I wanted to take my camera to share the day with you, but, you know, it is a WATER park. I can tell you, it was a lot of fun! Our local water park has a mining theme so there were mountain slides, raft rides, covered wagon slides, floating barrels to walk across and dumping water buckets along the lazy river. What fun! We were there for a couple of hours when all of sudden the lifeguards blew their whistles and everyone exited the pools. I loved the announcement over the intercom that followed: "Due to circumstances beyond our control The Water Mine will be closed for the next hour and a half. We're sorry for this inconvenience." Yep, someone pooped in the pool. Lovely.
The Martens' gang sat there wondering whether to wait it out and pay the exorbitant pizza prices for a late lunch or call it a day and leave. After much deliberation, we decided we'd grab a cheaper lunch outside of the park and go shopping for soccer gear for the girls. (They begin their first venture into soccer on Wednesday!) The girls, like any children, were disappointed, but were spirited by the suggestion of a carousel ride in the park across the lawn from the water park. It was free; we loved that.
On leaving the water park, we were told that if we wanted to relinquish our armbands (so we couldn't return later in the day), they would give each of us a pass that would be good through the end of next June. That cracked me up, because the water park closes on Monday and they are only open on weekends between Memorial Day and the card's expiration date next summer. How many guests will actually be able to keep, let alone retrieve, their free passes in 10 months? Seemed to me like a pretty safe bet for the water park. Oh well. For us uber-organizers, retrieving those free passes in 10 months won't be a problem! Hopefully, the water temperature will cooperate. Knowing summer around here that won't be a problem either.
Good Riddance, Summer! You've had your fun! Now let's get on to cooler weather!
By the way, it's a high of 79 today and I've got the windows wide open - which hasn't happened for months around here. It's just a two-day teaser, thanks to the crazy weather over the Atlantic, but I'll take it! Is it time to bake a pie yet?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Contemplating, but think not!
It's been half a month since I last blogged. In my blog world, that's an eternity! Honestly, I've thought about quitting. Hopefully, someone gasps, "No!" Or do I hear crickets?
Never fear, I think I'll stick it out.
Around our house we casually call August "Hell Month!"
It is usually the only month in the year that I do not homeschool, but spend an inordinate amount of time preparing for the next school year. (I took two months off this year, but did I get ahead...NO!)
I've also added the American Heritage Girls Troop registration drive the last two Augusts (which has been known to include some all-nighters.) The task of putting together the paperwork for 100 people is monumental.
Then we add the drama of sending Ashley off to college. It makes me sad.
Of course, this year we added two car accidents, a trip to the ER, purchasing a well-used car (oh, the pains of that!), and the acknowledgement that my husband will be out of work soon.
Wouldn't that be enough for anyone?
But on top, we've added work deadlines that I'm struggling with.
My son's Eagle Project Work Day is in 10 days.
Day 11...I lead Awana Greeter Training. sigh.
Rhett also began a new job that includes my chauffeuring back and forth.
Next week begins our homeschooling year, Children's Choir, Art Classes, Soccer, and CoOp classes.
Just putting this all into words makes me want to check my sanity! Hence, the need to blog!
I write posts in my head as I go through each day. I have moments where I think, "Oh, this would make a great post," but have nothing with me to jot down the idea.
I ENJOY blogging. I enjoy sharing my life with others. I love the quirky ways we look at life. I enjoy reading about what's happening in YOUR families, whether we're old friends or new. I think it would be so neat to meet a fellow-blogger someday (whenever you come to DC, just let me know!)
It fills a need. Don't know what it is, but I'm teaching Psychology this year so if I run across it, I'll let you know.
Until then...whether I'm ON or OFF, my heart is still with you. My brain...sometimes.
Today I will spend preparing for school, choosing music for choir and yoga tonight with a friend. That doesn't sound too bad.
And tomorrow...
Well, you'll just have to come back to find out!
Never fear, I think I'll stick it out.
Around our house we casually call August "Hell Month!"
It is usually the only month in the year that I do not homeschool, but spend an inordinate amount of time preparing for the next school year. (I took two months off this year, but did I get ahead...NO!)
I've also added the American Heritage Girls Troop registration drive the last two Augusts (which has been known to include some all-nighters.) The task of putting together the paperwork for 100 people is monumental.
Then we add the drama of sending Ashley off to college. It makes me sad.
Of course, this year we added two car accidents, a trip to the ER, purchasing a well-used car (oh, the pains of that!), and the acknowledgement that my husband will be out of work soon.
Wouldn't that be enough for anyone?
But on top, we've added work deadlines that I'm struggling with.
My son's Eagle Project Work Day is in 10 days.
Day 11...I lead Awana Greeter Training. sigh.
Rhett also began a new job that includes my chauffeuring back and forth.
Next week begins our homeschooling year, Children's Choir, Art Classes, Soccer, and CoOp classes.
Just putting this all into words makes me want to check my sanity! Hence, the need to blog!
I write posts in my head as I go through each day. I have moments where I think, "Oh, this would make a great post," but have nothing with me to jot down the idea.
I ENJOY blogging. I enjoy sharing my life with others. I love the quirky ways we look at life. I enjoy reading about what's happening in YOUR families, whether we're old friends or new. I think it would be so neat to meet a fellow-blogger someday (whenever you come to DC, just let me know!)
It fills a need. Don't know what it is, but I'm teaching Psychology this year so if I run across it, I'll let you know.
Until then...whether I'm ON or OFF, my heart is still with you. My brain...sometimes.
Today I will spend preparing for school, choosing music for choir and yoga tonight with a friend. That doesn't sound too bad.
And tomorrow...
Well, you'll just have to come back to find out!
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