I probably spoke on the subject a year ago, but in case I didn't I feel the need to mention I have a love-hate relationship with New Year's Resolutions.
I hate failing, so I hate to resolve to do anything that may fail...which is why you will notice I'm not resolving to lose weight, eat healthy, or exercise more in 2012. Not that I won't do those things, but I've set myself up for failure more times than I can count in that area...and I just can't bear to fail AGAIN after I declared to the world that I was going to try it AGAIN.
The flip side to resolutions, however, is that I really do love setting goals and as much as I resist falling into the the New Year Resolution trap, I'm drawn to it as much as I'm drawn to Caramel Topped New York Style Cheesecake at The Outback. And, I suppose God has been working a bit on my heart about a few things I need to resolve whether it is a new year or not. So here is my list as I was inspired this morning.
1. Give more, save less.
2. Forgive more, condemn less.
3. Get rid of more, hold on to less.
4. Thank more, complain less.
5. Encourage more, degrade less.
6. Love more, hate less.
7. Repent more, disown less.
8. Laugh more, scowl less.
9. Think globally more, think personally less.
10. Surrender to God more, think of self less.
By the grace of God, there will be less of me and more of Him by this time next year. When He is doing the work, I can't fail right?
Showing posts with label Home Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Life. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, August 15, 2011
Happiness
Did you miss me?
Yes, I took an unannounced, unplanned blogging break. I can't even figure out why exactly. I just became unmotivated for a spell. Perhaps the blogs I have rolling in my head wouldn't be appropriate for public viewing.
Whatever the reason, I have been procrastinating, I do want to get to the bottom of it (hey, a new idiom to tell my friend Ping). Nevertheless, I apologize to my loyal readers. And I thank you for encouraging me to "carry on already."
With that, I bring you one of my "Happy Songs" (first notes are produced with a Harp...lovely!) and some "Happy Pictures" of my 9 year old and our dog, Oscar.
This song has the infallible ability to lift my spirits every time I hear it. It prompts me to get my groove on, clap my hands in a double-clap, and sing from the top of my lungs. Sometimes, it brings tears to my eyes as I reflect on the "dog days" and the newfound gumption I feel when I proclaim "the dog days are over, the dog days are all done!"
Beyond the well known Chorus, the verses find common ground with me too. I don't know Florence's meaning behind the words, but I identify with them in my own interpretation.
Maybe it's the Melancholy Me that loves this song. The highs and lows.
I picture myself running, laughing, circling, smiling, riding a horse, then slowly surrounding myself with everything I love.
Does Happiness ever hit you like a bullet in the back? I totally relate!!! I don't know where or how, but sometimes I just feel happy all of a sudden...this songs evokes that in me. My pulse beats a little faster and I feel a rising in my soul. The dog days are over!!
The result? Like the lyrics say, "Leave all your love and your longing behind, you can't carry it with you if want to survive." With the dog days behind me, I feel the ability to leave a trail of Love-for-Others, not keeping it to myself. It presses me to act on my longings so as not to live with regret.
High-five for that!
How about you and your Home-eez?? Have any Happy Songs? Happy Pictures?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Mooncup Diva Cup Review & FAQs
TMI (Too Much Information) ALERT! Male readers take caution.....female topic straight ahead!!!
I have been sooooo excited to get this product review out to all my seestah's out there that have not yet hit menopause. For the ladies who have already crossed over into throws of hot flashes and mood swings, you might find this informative to pass along to all the young gals in your life...so read on!
Today, my friends, I bring you the "Mooncup" aka "Diva Cup"(another brand) aka "Shot Glass for your Vagina" (my friends description...sorry about that). Oh, there's also the Lunette and the Keeper.
Ok, ok, maybe I'm behind the times and you've all been there, done that...regardless, this product deserves a review.
Here's what I'm talking about:
Yes, this little SILICONE object is my new best friend about once a month for about 5 days. Yes, this is what you think it is: A nice little cup that is inserted in your you-know-what and left to catch you-know-what. Or as Glad Rags puts it, they are "reusable internal devices that catch menstrual blood, rather than absorbing, as a tampon does." So you see, it fits snugly against your cervix and stays put until you pull it out, empty, rinse, and re-insert.
Ok, let me just say, I was COMPLETELY freaked out about the concept at first, but began to warm up to the idea when I thought of all the pro's:
Low and behold, the Mooncup was on sale through our Food Coop and I ordered my cup from Glad Rags for $21.00. I read a few reviews on the Mooncup vs. the Diva Cup and it seemed there were more women satisfied with the Mooncup so I went for it. There are 2 different sizes available and there's a Chart, FAQ's and further explanation available HERE. It's pretty simple.
According to the chart, I am a size A. In all of the testimonials I've read, I've never come across anyone who had a wrong fit so I think the sizing is pretty accurate.
So I got the alien-like object (and yes it comes with it's own little cotton drawstring bag)with my coop order along with the recommended Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Oil Liquid Castile Soap for cleaning and I oddly waited in anticipation for my monthly visitor to arrive.
The day came, and it was time to try out my new little friend. I had read all of the instructions, watched all the videos, and like I had purchased a new camera and was about to take my first picture, I headed to the bathroom to put my knowledge to the test.
No worries, I'm not going to describe step-by-step how I did it, that's what the video below (from Mooncup)is for. Instead, I will continue the review with a question and answer interview with myself using questions I've gotten from friends when I tell them the news and questions I desperately wanted answered before committing to this journey. Another WARNING: I want to answer the best I can for you to understand, so the topics may seem a little icky or weird...sorry.
Here it goes....NEVER BEFORE answers to your questions....
Can you feel it?
Yes and no. If you do not insert it far enough up, I will feel it similar to a tampon. When inserted properly, I barely feel it and sometimes forget it is there. There must be something about laying down because after having it in overnight, it is most comfortable and I cannot feel it at all.
Sidenote: There is a stem to help with insertion and retrieval, this can be cut to a length that is comfortable as it is mainly the cause of any discomfort. I trimmed mine the first month and second month and by the third, cut it completely off. Now it's a perfect fit.
So you have to use your fingers to put it up there?
Yes, similar to an O.B. tampon, there is no applicator. As you will see from the video, you fold the cup and insert using your forefinger and thumb. It's really not that bad.
Can it get put in wrong?
Well, you definitely want the opening facing up! But, yes if the cup unfolds before I have it inserted in far enough, it feels like it is in sideways a bit so I try to hold the fold in place until it almost up as far as feels right and then release. If it still feels too low, I give it a push upward.
Any other tips for getting a good fit?
I have found a good squatting position works best versus just sitting on the toilet. Also my sister-in-law and I have found that general movement with legs and squatting helps at first to get it just right.
Do you still have to wear a pad?
Nope. Not at all. I have never had a leak. Now, my sister-in-law had a VERY heavy day and she overflowed after 6 hours, but she was able to feel it immediately and get to the bathroom without consequence.
How long can you keep it in?*
The company recommends up to 8 hours, I have gone as long as 10 with no problem.
What will happen if you leave it in too long?*
The cups are not harmful in any way. The only concern with leaving the cup in too long is the possibility of overflowing.
What about TSS?*
That is what I LOVE about the Mooncup! A classmate of mine died from TSS caused by tampon usage. There has NEVER been a report of TSS associated with the use of the Mooncup or Diva Cup. Now that is something to get excited about! I even thought of starting a campaign in my classmate's honor to spread the word about the Mooncup alternative to tampons. RIP Christie Senski.
How do you get it out?
Since there is no string attached (haha), you have to make contact. Now, this is where the learning curve occurred. It was a little disturbing to yank on the stem until the seal release, causing a suction sound and a very small amount of pain somewhere up in there. My sis-in-law came up with a technique that worked for both of us. First, push like you are delivering a baby, then squeeze the bottom of the bulb (versus the stem) and pull. Voila'! No pain, no weird noise. Easy release. Works everytime. Relaxation is key.
So it's out, now what?
Gently turn it over into the toilet to empty. Now here's where it gets tricky. You see, in my little bathroom I can reach the sink while sitting on the toilet, so I throw it in the sink and finish my business (wiping and all that) and then I wash the cup thoroughly with hot water and Tea Tree Soap, shake the water off and re-insert.
What if I'm not at home?
For public restrooms, I have taken it out, wrapped in toilet paper, taken it to sink and very discreetly cleaned it, hid it in my hand, and returned to the stall to insert. I have only had to do this once, as for the most part I have a private restroom available every 6-8 hours. What's the worst that could happen? You might just have to inform someone about such a wonderful alternative!
Do you just use it on heavy days?
No. I start using it as soon as my visitor arrives and continue until she leaves. My friend always waits until Day 2 for some reason. I have read of others that only use it overnight.
What about swimming and sports?
This is the absolute BEST thing for active women! It will not fall out, it is comfortable, it is discreet. It frees me up to do whatever I want to do without worry!
What else would you like to say?
I had to endure a learning curve, please STICK WITH IT. I read somewhere to give it 2 cycles before giving up. I definitely agree with that! The first cycle was hard adjusting, but I was determined to save money and boast of a healthy alternative. I am sooooo glad I gave it a 2nd cycle. By the end of the second month, I was a believer. I've completed a 3rd cycle and I've never been more excited about something that has to do with hormone imbalance, blood, and cramps. I can honestly say, I don't dread menstruating like I did before. No joke!
End Interview.
*Please read more on these questions on the website.
Those are the questions not quite covered in the FAQ's page on the Glad Rags WEBSITE. I highly encourage you to visit their website and read through EVERYthing.
I would LOVE to hear your comments. Have you heard of the Mooncup/Diva Cup before? Are you a believer? Are you brave enough to give it a try?
I would also LOVE to answer any questions you may have about it. I will do my best to answer with my experienced usage!
If you are a believer or become one, spread the word through great products (postcards, sticker, coupons)...I'm ordering mine right now!
**I'm not being compensated for this review in anyway (but I should be, huh?).
I have been sooooo excited to get this product review out to all my seestah's out there that have not yet hit menopause. For the ladies who have already crossed over into throws of hot flashes and mood swings, you might find this informative to pass along to all the young gals in your life...so read on!
Today, my friends, I bring you the "Mooncup" aka "Diva Cup"(another brand) aka "Shot Glass for your Vagina" (my friends description...sorry about that). Oh, there's also the Lunette and the Keeper.
Ok, ok, maybe I'm behind the times and you've all been there, done that...regardless, this product deserves a review.
Here's what I'm talking about:
Yes, this little SILICONE object is my new best friend about once a month for about 5 days. Yes, this is what you think it is: A nice little cup that is inserted in your you-know-what and left to catch you-know-what. Or as Glad Rags puts it, they are "reusable internal devices that catch menstrual blood, rather than absorbing, as a tampon does." So you see, it fits snugly against your cervix and stays put until you pull it out, empty, rinse, and re-insert.
Ok, let me just say, I was COMPLETELY freaked out about the concept at first, but began to warm up to the idea when I thought of all the pro's:
- No more buying pads(Sanitary Napkins) or tampons
- No worry about Toxic Shock Syndrome
- Less time messing around in the bathroom changing pads/tampons
- No garbage for my dog to get into and string around the house
- No leakage worries (no stained sheets, undies, pants)
- Another move in the right direction to "Go Green."
Low and behold, the Mooncup was on sale through our Food Coop and I ordered my cup from Glad Rags for $21.00. I read a few reviews on the Mooncup vs. the Diva Cup and it seemed there were more women satisfied with the Mooncup so I went for it. There are 2 different sizes available and there's a Chart, FAQ's and further explanation available HERE. It's pretty simple.
According to the chart, I am a size A. In all of the testimonials I've read, I've never come across anyone who had a wrong fit so I think the sizing is pretty accurate.
So I got the alien-like object (and yes it comes with it's own little cotton drawstring bag)with my coop order along with the recommended Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Oil Liquid Castile Soap for cleaning and I oddly waited in anticipation for my monthly visitor to arrive.
The day came, and it was time to try out my new little friend. I had read all of the instructions, watched all the videos, and like I had purchased a new camera and was about to take my first picture, I headed to the bathroom to put my knowledge to the test.
No worries, I'm not going to describe step-by-step how I did it, that's what the video below (from Mooncup)is for. Instead, I will continue the review with a question and answer interview with myself using questions I've gotten from friends when I tell them the news and questions I desperately wanted answered before committing to this journey. Another WARNING: I want to answer the best I can for you to understand, so the topics may seem a little icky or weird...sorry.
Here it goes....NEVER BEFORE answers to your questions....
Can you feel it?
Yes and no. If you do not insert it far enough up, I will feel it similar to a tampon. When inserted properly, I barely feel it and sometimes forget it is there. There must be something about laying down because after having it in overnight, it is most comfortable and I cannot feel it at all.
Sidenote: There is a stem to help with insertion and retrieval, this can be cut to a length that is comfortable as it is mainly the cause of any discomfort. I trimmed mine the first month and second month and by the third, cut it completely off. Now it's a perfect fit.
So you have to use your fingers to put it up there?
Yes, similar to an O.B. tampon, there is no applicator. As you will see from the video, you fold the cup and insert using your forefinger and thumb. It's really not that bad.
Can it get put in wrong?
Well, you definitely want the opening facing up! But, yes if the cup unfolds before I have it inserted in far enough, it feels like it is in sideways a bit so I try to hold the fold in place until it almost up as far as feels right and then release. If it still feels too low, I give it a push upward.
Any other tips for getting a good fit?
I have found a good squatting position works best versus just sitting on the toilet. Also my sister-in-law and I have found that general movement with legs and squatting helps at first to get it just right.
Do you still have to wear a pad?
Nope. Not at all. I have never had a leak. Now, my sister-in-law had a VERY heavy day and she overflowed after 6 hours, but she was able to feel it immediately and get to the bathroom without consequence.
How long can you keep it in?*
The company recommends up to 8 hours, I have gone as long as 10 with no problem.
What will happen if you leave it in too long?*
The cups are not harmful in any way. The only concern with leaving the cup in too long is the possibility of overflowing.
What about TSS?*
That is what I LOVE about the Mooncup! A classmate of mine died from TSS caused by tampon usage. There has NEVER been a report of TSS associated with the use of the Mooncup or Diva Cup. Now that is something to get excited about! I even thought of starting a campaign in my classmate's honor to spread the word about the Mooncup alternative to tampons. RIP Christie Senski.
How do you get it out?
Since there is no string attached (haha), you have to make contact. Now, this is where the learning curve occurred. It was a little disturbing to yank on the stem until the seal release, causing a suction sound and a very small amount of pain somewhere up in there. My sis-in-law came up with a technique that worked for both of us. First, push like you are delivering a baby, then squeeze the bottom of the bulb (versus the stem) and pull. Voila'! No pain, no weird noise. Easy release. Works everytime. Relaxation is key.
So it's out, now what?
Gently turn it over into the toilet to empty. Now here's where it gets tricky. You see, in my little bathroom I can reach the sink while sitting on the toilet, so I throw it in the sink and finish my business (wiping and all that) and then I wash the cup thoroughly with hot water and Tea Tree Soap, shake the water off and re-insert.
What if I'm not at home?
For public restrooms, I have taken it out, wrapped in toilet paper, taken it to sink and very discreetly cleaned it, hid it in my hand, and returned to the stall to insert. I have only had to do this once, as for the most part I have a private restroom available every 6-8 hours. What's the worst that could happen? You might just have to inform someone about such a wonderful alternative!
Do you just use it on heavy days?
No. I start using it as soon as my visitor arrives and continue until she leaves. My friend always waits until Day 2 for some reason. I have read of others that only use it overnight.
What about swimming and sports?
This is the absolute BEST thing for active women! It will not fall out, it is comfortable, it is discreet. It frees me up to do whatever I want to do without worry!
What else would you like to say?
I had to endure a learning curve, please STICK WITH IT. I read somewhere to give it 2 cycles before giving up. I definitely agree with that! The first cycle was hard adjusting, but I was determined to save money and boast of a healthy alternative. I am sooooo glad I gave it a 2nd cycle. By the end of the second month, I was a believer. I've completed a 3rd cycle and I've never been more excited about something that has to do with hormone imbalance, blood, and cramps. I can honestly say, I don't dread menstruating like I did before. No joke!
End Interview.
*Please read more on these questions on the website.
Those are the questions not quite covered in the FAQ's page on the Glad Rags WEBSITE. I highly encourage you to visit their website and read through EVERYthing.
I would LOVE to hear your comments. Have you heard of the Mooncup/Diva Cup before? Are you a believer? Are you brave enough to give it a try?
I would also LOVE to answer any questions you may have about it. I will do my best to answer with my experienced usage!
If you are a believer or become one, spread the word through great products (postcards, sticker, coupons)...I'm ordering mine right now!
**I'm not being compensated for this review in anyway (but I should be, huh?).
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Play-Doh Tools and Trivia
Play-Doh is ageless really. Who doesn't enjoy smooshing a little dough between their fingers once in awhile, shaping it into a pretend anything?
Did you know that in 2000, people voted for their favorite compound Play-Doh colors? The winners were: Rose Red, Blue Lagoon, Purple Paradise, and Garden Green.
I really do love that Play-Doh has branched out into colors besides the Primary Red, Blue, and Yellow.
I have to admit I've never been able to bring myself to buy one of the Play-Doh Playsets with all the bells and whistles. BUT, my daughter gravitates towards the bright, fun sets every time she has some spending money.
A couple of sets she has purchased include "Doctor Drill 'N Fill," (2000 Parent's Choice Award Winner), and more recently the "Birthday Set."
I have to say my daughter really does get a lot of use out of the Playsets, BUT something that has been more of a hit is the various mini kitchen tools I've picked up here and there at various thrift stores and flea markets (pictured below):
I'm always looking for something to add to our Play-Doh/Clay Tub. Other favorites are scissors, butter knives, and pan scrapers.
I keep a Dish Pan Tub in our craft closet stocked with tools, dough, and clay so my kids can just grab the tub and bring it all to the table.
When they're done, it all goes back in the tub and back on the shelf.
When the tub starts getting too full to fit on the shelf, we purge dried up dough or tools that haven't been much of a hit for shaping dough.
We have made our own dough on various occasions and had a lot of fun coloring it and playing with the warm "clay." But I have to say, I REALLY enjoy the colors that Play-Doh has available and it really is pretty inexpensive to buy.
Kabs must have worked on this masterpiece for 45 minutes to an hour. The head is from the Play-dough Dentist set and the body is my Pampered Chef bowl turned upside down. Genius, I say!
Check out more fun activites on the Play-Doh official site.
Fresh Ideas complete with pictoral tutorial. Check out this blueberry pie HERE.
Color Mixing GuideHERE .
Plan a Play-Doh Birthday Party HERE.
Lesson Plans for Preschool through 3rd Grade. Check out this "Home is where your habitat is" Lesson, HERE.
How do you use Play-Doh, Homemade Dough, or Clay in your home?
Did you know that in 2000, people voted for their favorite compound Play-Doh colors? The winners were: Rose Red, Blue Lagoon, Purple Paradise, and Garden Green.
I really do love that Play-Doh has branched out into colors besides the Primary Red, Blue, and Yellow.
I have to admit I've never been able to bring myself to buy one of the Play-Doh Playsets with all the bells and whistles. BUT, my daughter gravitates towards the bright, fun sets every time she has some spending money.
A couple of sets she has purchased include "Doctor Drill 'N Fill," (2000 Parent's Choice Award Winner), and more recently the "Birthday Set."
I have to say my daughter really does get a lot of use out of the Playsets, BUT something that has been more of a hit is the various mini kitchen tools I've picked up here and there at various thrift stores and flea markets (pictured below):
Pizza Cutter, Meat Tenderizer, Spatula, Stippler, Cookie cutter, Rolling Pin
I'm always looking for something to add to our Play-Doh/Clay Tub. Other favorites are scissors, butter knives, and pan scrapers.
I keep a Dish Pan Tub in our craft closet stocked with tools, dough, and clay so my kids can just grab the tub and bring it all to the table.
When they're done, it all goes back in the tub and back on the shelf.
When the tub starts getting too full to fit on the shelf, we purge dried up dough or tools that haven't been much of a hit for shaping dough.
We have made our own dough on various occasions and had a lot of fun coloring it and playing with the warm "clay." But I have to say, I REALLY enjoy the colors that Play-Doh has available and it really is pretty inexpensive to buy.
Kabs must have worked on this masterpiece for 45 minutes to an hour. The head is from the Play-dough Dentist set and the body is my Pampered Chef bowl turned upside down. Genius, I say!
Check out more fun activites on the Play-Doh official site.
Fresh Ideas complete with pictoral tutorial. Check out this blueberry pie HERE.
Color Mixing GuideHERE .
Plan a Play-Doh Birthday Party HERE.
Lesson Plans for Preschool through 3rd Grade. Check out this "Home is where your habitat is" Lesson, HERE.
How do you use Play-Doh, Homemade Dough, or Clay in your home?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
No PhD Needed to Reach Out
An old friend of mine once told me I could have as many if not more opportunities to reach out to people without having a degree as I could if I pursued a degree in say, counseling.
I was one day away from enrolling as my babe and I listed out the pros and cons (something we always do when being faced with life-changing decisions) of taking classes while he finished his degree in Preaching and Evangelism.
It seemed that every wife on campus was picking up some classes, and it was the perfect time (living on campus and all).
As we listed the pros and cons, it became clear that pursuing a degree was just not at the top of God's priority list for us at that time.
My friend's encouraging words confirmed it in my soul.
Those timely spoken words have proven themselves time and again. Our family has had countless opportunities to "reach out" to many people who may never consider a visit to a counseling office in a conventional way.
We've never pursued adoption or foster parenting. I can't speak for my babe, but I attribute it to a "knowing" that we wouldn't meet the criteria any agency would expect of a family wanting to love a child. Maybe we wouldn't be able to handle the "stress" of home visits and psychological testing.
Don't get the wrong impression. Nothing weird is going on at our house, sometimes things are just a little emotional and chaotic.
I do lose my temper at times, expect my kids to fend for themselves when I'm engrossed in something, demand perfection at times, and just go a little crazy if the house is getting beyond nasty.
My husband gets a little grouchy when he has too much to think about, he expects respect, and is no-nonsense at times. I'm afraid these things might put us out of the running for "Family of the Year."
Regardless of what the rest of the world thinks, God has still found us worthy of helping along a few people here and there. For that I am thankful. Why wait for an agency or degree to dictate whether or not you can reach out? Use your home, talent, passion for each opportunity He brings your way.
We don't have a beautiful or large home, never have. But God has brought many people along who don't seem to care about having their own guestroom or own bathroom for that matter.
This week, we were blessed to have this beautiful girl stay with us while her mom got a little extra care.
post and picture published with permission of her mom
She was happy to sleep in the living room and pick up some chores with our kids. My daughter will always see her as a big sister now. They practiced pitching, played with playdough, and sang karaoke.
God took a worried little girl and put a smile on her face during the storm in her life. And He used an imperfect family to reach out and provide a refuge for her in their home.
Psalm 126:6
The Message (MSG)
...So those who went off with heavy hearts
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
I'm linking up to "A Wise Woman Builds Her Home." Go check it out:
I was one day away from enrolling as my babe and I listed out the pros and cons (something we always do when being faced with life-changing decisions) of taking classes while he finished his degree in Preaching and Evangelism.
It seemed that every wife on campus was picking up some classes, and it was the perfect time (living on campus and all).
As we listed the pros and cons, it became clear that pursuing a degree was just not at the top of God's priority list for us at that time.
My friend's encouraging words confirmed it in my soul.
Those timely spoken words have proven themselves time and again. Our family has had countless opportunities to "reach out" to many people who may never consider a visit to a counseling office in a conventional way.
We've never pursued adoption or foster parenting. I can't speak for my babe, but I attribute it to a "knowing" that we wouldn't meet the criteria any agency would expect of a family wanting to love a child. Maybe we wouldn't be able to handle the "stress" of home visits and psychological testing.
Don't get the wrong impression. Nothing weird is going on at our house, sometimes things are just a little emotional and chaotic.
I do lose my temper at times, expect my kids to fend for themselves when I'm engrossed in something, demand perfection at times, and just go a little crazy if the house is getting beyond nasty.
My husband gets a little grouchy when he has too much to think about, he expects respect, and is no-nonsense at times. I'm afraid these things might put us out of the running for "Family of the Year."
Regardless of what the rest of the world thinks, God has still found us worthy of helping along a few people here and there. For that I am thankful. Why wait for an agency or degree to dictate whether or not you can reach out? Use your home, talent, passion for each opportunity He brings your way.
We don't have a beautiful or large home, never have. But God has brought many people along who don't seem to care about having their own guestroom or own bathroom for that matter.
This week, we were blessed to have this beautiful girl stay with us while her mom got a little extra care.
post and picture published with permission of her mom
She was happy to sleep in the living room and pick up some chores with our kids. My daughter will always see her as a big sister now. They practiced pitching, played with playdough, and sang karaoke.
God took a worried little girl and put a smile on her face during the storm in her life. And He used an imperfect family to reach out and provide a refuge for her in their home.
Psalm 126:6
The Message (MSG)
...So those who went off with heavy hearts
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.
I'm linking up to "A Wise Woman Builds Her Home." Go check it out:
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A friend named Myself
I'm trying to take more time for art and creativity this summer. My babe and I just spent three nights and three days in Minneapolis withOUT kids. While he spent each day from 8 to 5 in "Macbook Training," I was left alone with my thoughts. I think my very first thought when he left that first morning as I sat abandoned at the restaurant to finish my breakfast (I really am a slow eater), was "I can't remember the last time I have been alone...outside of my occasional drive from job to home or rare moments I get the bathroom to myself." Some may think I am exaggerating, or thinking, "doesn't she at least have the drive TO her job alone also?" So for all of the skeptics...here's my story:
I have two children, son age 12 and daughter age 9. My husband (aka babe) just recently landed somewhat of a dream job as an IT guy at a nearby college. Like most educational institutions, they pay monthly and it's after 6 weeks of working there. Well, we are those people that do NOT have 6 months salary saved back for such a time as this...sooooo, my babe being the awesome man-of-the-house that he is, decided to continue working his current job in the evenings after he finished at the new 8-5 job at the college....AND did I mention work weekends? So in case it's not adding up, I'll be clear: He has been working 2 FULL-time jobs for the last month up to this point. Impressive? Yes, he is.
So that is the first element of this "no-alone-time saga." Secondly, my sis-in-law (I will refer to as Ang...as in Anj...no her name is not Angie or Angela) moved in with us a couple months ago. Love it, love her. I have absolutely no complaints and wouldn't want it any other way. BUT, it does attribute to the "no-alone-time saga." Of which she would in a heartbeat go away at moments notice, with kids in tow, if I requested it (even if I was rude about it). She is great. I take full responsibility for not spending quality time with ME.
So during my "vacation," I met back up with an old friend name "Myself." I confronted Myself about many areas in her life, I had many enlightening conversations with her, found out things I never knew about her, was reminded of things I once knew about her, and finally remembered how much I really do enjoy my friend named "Myself," especially when we are alone together. And like all good friends, I even found I enjoyed my babe a lot more after spending time with her!
Which brings me back to my opening statement of finding more time for art and creativity this summer. It was during the 3 days of visiting Myself that I was reminded of a part of her I missed. The creative, artistic, little on the weird side artist/designer/photographer/writer in me that has been AWOL for some time now. In my alone time, I found a few books during my 2-3 hour tour at Barnes & Noble to help me bring her back. This blog is a part of that quest. I hope you'll follow along and I hope she will follow through....at the very least, she has come back HOME.
I have two children, son age 12 and daughter age 9. My husband (aka babe) just recently landed somewhat of a dream job as an IT guy at a nearby college. Like most educational institutions, they pay monthly and it's after 6 weeks of working there. Well, we are those people that do NOT have 6 months salary saved back for such a time as this...sooooo, my babe being the awesome man-of-the-house that he is, decided to continue working his current job in the evenings after he finished at the new 8-5 job at the college....AND did I mention work weekends? So in case it's not adding up, I'll be clear: He has been working 2 FULL-time jobs for the last month up to this point. Impressive? Yes, he is.
So that is the first element of this "no-alone-time saga." Secondly, my sis-in-law (I will refer to as Ang...as in Anj...no her name is not Angie or Angela) moved in with us a couple months ago. Love it, love her. I have absolutely no complaints and wouldn't want it any other way. BUT, it does attribute to the "no-alone-time saga." Of which she would in a heartbeat go away at moments notice, with kids in tow, if I requested it (even if I was rude about it). She is great. I take full responsibility for not spending quality time with ME.
So during my "vacation," I met back up with an old friend name "Myself." I confronted Myself about many areas in her life, I had many enlightening conversations with her, found out things I never knew about her, was reminded of things I once knew about her, and finally remembered how much I really do enjoy my friend named "Myself," especially when we are alone together. And like all good friends, I even found I enjoyed my babe a lot more after spending time with her!
Which brings me back to my opening statement of finding more time for art and creativity this summer. It was during the 3 days of visiting Myself that I was reminded of a part of her I missed. The creative, artistic, little on the weird side artist/designer/photographer/writer in me that has been AWOL for some time now. In my alone time, I found a few books during my 2-3 hour tour at Barnes & Noble to help me bring her back. This blog is a part of that quest. I hope you'll follow along and I hope she will follow through....at the very least, she has come back HOME.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)