Sunday morning Sunday School and church in our newest Sunday finery. Lunch at Mama Fish's house. Mama Fish is my grandmother, my mom's mom. Mama Fish and Daddy Joe. Mama Fish was supposed to be Mama Louise. Some how when I attempted to say Mama Louise, it came out Mama Fish. When I think of my Mama Fish 2 things come immediately to mind, followed by too many to recount. But the two immediate ones are of her cooking in her kitchen. Holiday meals were always at her house and Easter was no exception. The other memory being of her sitting at her table drinking sweet tea with a paper towel wrapped around the glass. If my sister and I happened to stop by that's where she'd be waiting with listening ears and a big smile. I know she didn't always sit at that table waiting for us; but when we showed up together or alone we could always count on her being at that table with a glass of tea. Daddy Joe? Many memories of him sleeping in his chair. Just as many pictures of it also. I do remember him eating, talking and laughing with us during the meal. And he always led the meal time prayer. But my most immediate memories are of him sleeping in that chair with all the noise and commotion of family going on around him.
So, back to Easter: After lunch we'd have a huge Easter egg hunt in my grand parents back yard. Course, the Easter bunny did visit us for many years at my parents home.
As we grew up the egg hunts and Easter bunny visits faded, but the Sunday morning church and lunches were a main stay. There was a time when my grandmother included the neighbor kids in Sunday dessert and an egg hunt.
Then there was the dress when I was in High School. I absolutely insisted on making it and wearing it. I stayed up most of Saturday night making it and I wore it Easter Sunday morning, by golly! I was so proud of that dress. Course when I see it in pictures, I cringe. It was a bit crooked in places. My mom was none too pleased with me that Easter. It wasn't just the crooked dress, it was the accessory on my neck that pushed her over the edge. I was NOT proud of it, just the dress. I fixed and covered the crooked dress and my neck best I could and off I went.
This next one is my favorite Easter story. It starts before Easter. I've already shared that when I met my husband he told me he was a Christian but he didn't attend church any where. Then on a Thanksgiving my grandfather told Michael that if he was to date me then he need to be going to church. So, Michael started coming to church with me. Some times he'd sit with me, other times he'd sit across the room from me; but he was there. Then one Sunday night he came and sat with me. This Sunday night the preacher didn't have an alter call. A time at the end of the service for people to come forward and announce their decision to be a Christian. At the end of the service Michael dashed to the front of the church. Next thing I knew the preacher was on his feet asking every one to stop and hold on a minute. Michael had chased him down and told him his decision to be a Christian and his desire to be baptized. That Pastor said that he'd never again close a service with out an opportunity for people to come forward.
Michael was baptized the following Sunday; Easter Sunday. I just think that is so neat. To be baptized on Easter Sunday. On the very day that we celebrate the whole burial and resurrection of our Christ. That's what baptism is symbolic of, right?! What Christ did for us. He died on the cross, was buried and rose again. In baptism, we are buried with Christ (under the water), then brought out of the water, raised from the dead and now we are alive in Christ. The baptism is symbolic of all this. Our celebration of Easter or Resurrection Sunday is our worldly way of recognizing just what Christ did for us on that cross. Praise the Lord he didn't stay in the tomb. He Rose.
There have been many Easter Sundays since. Some with my grandmother, some with friends and some with just us 4. Yes, I've done the Easter bunny and egg hunts with my kids. One year we did plastic eggs with scripture verses in the eggs that told the Easter story. One year I actually made dresses to match for Gab and I. They weren't crooked and there were no neck accessories. I was very proud of those dresses. Sewing just isn't my thing; but they turned out really nice.
I don't know what we'll do this Easter, other than go to church. We don't get new clothes any more. There is no bunny or egg hunts. I don't want this Easter to be just another Sunday, but it's hard to make it special. I'm so locked into the Easter basket thing. I've even already bought a toy for my husband. We'll go to church and I'll make us a nice meal. Maybe I'll get Michael to share his story about chasing down the preacher.
This was supposed to be a fun post, but some how it is taking a serious turn. I am so thankful that we don't have to wait for a certain Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. We can worship Him and acknowledge Him in our every day. What harm is there in getting all dressed up and having a party in His honor. We can do that, we'll just leave out the eggs and bunnies. :)
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday
I am actually at a loss for words. It's Monday almost noon. Michael is off and playing Kevin's Wii. I think I should buy him one to take to Okinawa with him. The kids are off to school and I'm here in front of this computer. There is little to no water pressure right now so my plans to clean the kitchen and finish the laundry have been put on hold. My mother-in-law left this morning as well. We had a nice visit. Short and sweet.
Michael and I sat and did some thinking and talking. I truly hesitate to blog the results seeing as how things change so quickly around here. It's one thing to think out loud but quite another to blog out loud. :) We are rethinking the whole Okinawa trip this summer. He wants us to wait until Spring Break next April or next summer. While I certainly understand and agree with his thinking I'm sure having a hard time switching gears. I liked the idea of going over with him. I guess 'cause it sorta helped me stay in denial about the whole leaving thing.
I suppose I should get up and do something productive with my day. Though I do believe that reading blogs is very productive. This morning was really good, I laughed and cried. Gets all that emotion out of the way right off the bat. More to the point it takes the focus off of ME. I get to take a moment and pray for all of you. Have a great Monday.
Michael and I sat and did some thinking and talking. I truly hesitate to blog the results seeing as how things change so quickly around here. It's one thing to think out loud but quite another to blog out loud. :) We are rethinking the whole Okinawa trip this summer. He wants us to wait until Spring Break next April or next summer. While I certainly understand and agree with his thinking I'm sure having a hard time switching gears. I liked the idea of going over with him. I guess 'cause it sorta helped me stay in denial about the whole leaving thing.
I suppose I should get up and do something productive with my day. Though I do believe that reading blogs is very productive. This morning was really good, I laughed and cried. Gets all that emotion out of the way right off the bat. More to the point it takes the focus off of ME. I get to take a moment and pray for all of you. Have a great Monday.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Happy Day
My computer spent the night in the shop last week and got a great tune up. It is moving at remarkable speed. We also discovered the reason why some of your pictures and designs were not coming through. We had a filter on the computer and it was blocking some things; including my ability to comment. I cancelled my subscription today and what fun I had today going to your sites! I didn't make comments because of the nature of the morning, but I can now if I want to! WOOHOO! I'm a bit nervous about not having the filter seeing as how I have 2 teen agers in the house. I also seem to have a knack for typing things in weird that finds me even stranger sites. We'll see how long the filter stays gone.
Well, I have to get the male child out of the shower before the females slaughter him. We're all dressed and ready to leave for the day and he is enjoying the steam of a very long shower. It's Saturday that's what we like to do. Sleep late and shower long. However, we have a grand mother visiting and the day is wasting.
Have a happy Saturday.
Well, I have to get the male child out of the shower before the females slaughter him. We're all dressed and ready to leave for the day and he is enjoying the steam of a very long shower. It's Saturday that's what we like to do. Sleep late and shower long. However, we have a grand mother visiting and the day is wasting.
Have a happy Saturday.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Meaningful songs
For some reason these songs have been playing through my head. You know Beth Moore said that one way to tell you are coming out of the pit is the fact that there will be a song in your heart. It started with making Easter cards. He Lives! Those of you that go to church know this song well.
This song became my favorite when I was in 4th grade Sunday School. I just remember singing it at the top of my lungs.
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I
Know that He is living whatever men may say; I
see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And
just the time I need Him He's always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He
walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He
lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know
He lives? He lives within my heart.
Can you hear the tune?! I just love this song and the truths that are in it.
The next song I remember that impacted me was when I was in the youth group. I think I was a 10th grader. We would tube Econfino Creek down to the church camp grounds. That would be an all day event and then we would eat and camp on the grounds. Our youth director and his help would have two huge tents up, one for the boys and one for the girls. As we settled down for the night he'd sit between the 2 tents and play his guitar and sing this song:
Give Them All To Jesus
Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
Are you tired of spinning round and round?
Wrap up all those shattered dreams of your life
And at the feet of Jesus, lay them down.Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, and broken toys.
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrows into joy. He never said you only see sunshine,
He never said there would be no rain.
He only promised a heart full of singing
About the very thing that once brought pain.
I still find myself singing that one.
Then I remember being in the youth choir. We sang Create in me a Clean Heart willing, create in me a heart that's free. And we did a musical called Bright New Wings. We took it on tour and saw many many people walk the aisle. What an impact that had on me. I sure wish I could find that music director! Bro. Tim Holder. He was music minister at St. Andrews Baptist church in Panama City, Florida. His wife's name was Pat. Many wonderful memories. Some times I wish we could have a Youth Choir Reunion.
On the Old Rugged Cross became a personal favorite when I heard it sung at my Grandfather's funeral.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.
The chorus took on a whole new visual meaning when I heard it sung at his funeral. Because my grandfather was at last laying down his trophies at the cross and receiving his crown---from Jesus. What a visual.
Victory in Jesus my Saviour Forever, who sought me and bought me beneath the cleansing flood.
When ever I hear this song now I want to add a bit faster beat to it and sing it loud! This song was on the program to be sung at my Grandmother's funeral. I was very familiar with the song and waited eagerly for it. I never heard it. When I ask my mom she said it had been sung. Folks, I know when my grandmother planned her funeral and ask for that song she had NO intentions of it being sung like a funeral march. She had VICTORY in her Jesus and she wanted every one to KNOW it.
Then one that has personal meaning to me: How Great though Art. I was stressing in a major way about something one Sunday years ago. I was silently praying about it as we stood in church to sing How Great Though Art. OH. MY. The Lord took a hold of my heart and spoke VERY clearly. Then I found the song on a CD sung by a country singer. If you were on the road while I played that cassette LOOK OUT.
There is just something about singing at top notch volume when you're all by yourself and you know that song is there because the Lord put it there.
Thanks to my mom always having me in a Southern Baptist Church I am familiar with many of the 'old' hymns. I do love the praise songs and think there is a time and place for them, but nothing feels so goods as to sing a familiar hymn. I like to change the tempo from time to time though. Some days the tempo should be up beat and happy, other days the same song should be slowed down some so that you can soak in the meaning of the words and rejoice in the miricle of Jesus. Or should that be the miricle of Salvation because of Jesus?!
I hope you find a song in your heart this week.
This song became my favorite when I was in 4th grade Sunday School. I just remember singing it at the top of my lungs.
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I
Know that He is living whatever men may say; I
see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And
just the time I need Him He's always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He
walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He
lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know
He lives? He lives within my heart.
Can you hear the tune?! I just love this song and the truths that are in it.
The next song I remember that impacted me was when I was in the youth group. I think I was a 10th grader. We would tube Econfino Creek down to the church camp grounds. That would be an all day event and then we would eat and camp on the grounds. Our youth director and his help would have two huge tents up, one for the boys and one for the girls. As we settled down for the night he'd sit between the 2 tents and play his guitar and sing this song:
Give Them All To Jesus
Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
Are you tired of spinning round and round?
Wrap up all those shattered dreams of your life
And at the feet of Jesus, lay them down.Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, and broken toys.
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrows into joy. He never said you only see sunshine,
He never said there would be no rain.
He only promised a heart full of singing
About the very thing that once brought pain.
I still find myself singing that one.
Then I remember being in the youth choir. We sang Create in me a Clean Heart willing, create in me a heart that's free. And we did a musical called Bright New Wings. We took it on tour and saw many many people walk the aisle. What an impact that had on me. I sure wish I could find that music director! Bro. Tim Holder. He was music minister at St. Andrews Baptist church in Panama City, Florida. His wife's name was Pat. Many wonderful memories. Some times I wish we could have a Youth Choir Reunion.
On the Old Rugged Cross became a personal favorite when I heard it sung at my Grandfather's funeral.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.
The chorus took on a whole new visual meaning when I heard it sung at his funeral. Because my grandfather was at last laying down his trophies at the cross and receiving his crown---from Jesus. What a visual.
Victory in Jesus my Saviour Forever, who sought me and bought me beneath the cleansing flood.
When ever I hear this song now I want to add a bit faster beat to it and sing it loud! This song was on the program to be sung at my Grandmother's funeral. I was very familiar with the song and waited eagerly for it. I never heard it. When I ask my mom she said it had been sung. Folks, I know when my grandmother planned her funeral and ask for that song she had NO intentions of it being sung like a funeral march. She had VICTORY in her Jesus and she wanted every one to KNOW it.
Then one that has personal meaning to me: How Great though Art. I was stressing in a major way about something one Sunday years ago. I was silently praying about it as we stood in church to sing How Great Though Art. OH. MY. The Lord took a hold of my heart and spoke VERY clearly. Then I found the song on a CD sung by a country singer. If you were on the road while I played that cassette LOOK OUT.
There is just something about singing at top notch volume when you're all by yourself and you know that song is there because the Lord put it there.
Thanks to my mom always having me in a Southern Baptist Church I am familiar with many of the 'old' hymns. I do love the praise songs and think there is a time and place for them, but nothing feels so goods as to sing a familiar hymn. I like to change the tempo from time to time though. Some days the tempo should be up beat and happy, other days the same song should be slowed down some so that you can soak in the meaning of the words and rejoice in the miricle of Jesus. Or should that be the miricle of Salvation because of Jesus?!
I hope you find a song in your heart this week.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Winnie the Pooh and Cast
They are all currently residing with in my person. :)
Winnie the Pooh: I'm just a little black rain cloud, pay no attention to little me
Eeyore: Oh Bother!
Piglet: Dear me, D-D-D-DaDear Me!
Rabbit: not much voice but constant flurry
Oh I forgot Tigger!!! He shows up after PMS on THE day.
What in the world am I talking about? The big monster: PMS. Yes, once again I dare to regale you with the personal subject that we all deal with. I now understand exactly why my mom decided to ingest all those hormones and any thing else that was said to relive the PMS symptoms.
In sharing this with you I did find Tigger! He does arrive like I said. Usually, it is with such relieve because I usually fail to realize why on earth I want to cry and/or snap every time ANY thing happens to me. This time the monster did NOT sneak up on me. I know he's there and trying desperately to take over. The Winnie the Pooh cast did move in before I was aware, but that's OK, because I *love* Tigger. He was my dad's favorite character too.
The wonderful thing about Tigger is HEEEE's the only one! I am the only one. Wonderfully made creatively made, known within my mother's womb. God created me. I am the Daughter of THE King! That makes me a Princess. Not perfect, but covered in the perfect blood of Christ.
On a very serious note ladies. I worked this week and due to what I saw I encourage you all to see your doctor regularly. This patient came in for a hysterectomy. I forget the exact diagnosis but it was not what we found. A healthy ovary is the size of a walnut. I'll never forget the first one in real life I ever saw. I exclaimed: "you mean that little thing causes ALL this trouble!" Back to the point; this patients ovary was the size of a basket ball. I have no idea what her history was or if she had been hurting. It was quite frightening to see. The doctor said that sometimes it can be benign, the other doctor was saying, no doubt it was cancer.
I'm sorry to end on such a serious note. That sight along with my PMS was quite sobering.
Enjoy your Week end.
Winnie the Pooh: I'm just a little black rain cloud, pay no attention to little me
Eeyore: Oh Bother!
Piglet: Dear me, D-D-D-DaDear Me!
Rabbit: not much voice but constant flurry
Oh I forgot Tigger!!! He shows up after PMS on THE day.
What in the world am I talking about? The big monster: PMS. Yes, once again I dare to regale you with the personal subject that we all deal with. I now understand exactly why my mom decided to ingest all those hormones and any thing else that was said to relive the PMS symptoms.
In sharing this with you I did find Tigger! He does arrive like I said. Usually, it is with such relieve because I usually fail to realize why on earth I want to cry and/or snap every time ANY thing happens to me. This time the monster did NOT sneak up on me. I know he's there and trying desperately to take over. The Winnie the Pooh cast did move in before I was aware, but that's OK, because I *love* Tigger. He was my dad's favorite character too.
The wonderful thing about Tigger is HEEEE's the only one! I am the only one. Wonderfully made creatively made, known within my mother's womb. God created me. I am the Daughter of THE King! That makes me a Princess. Not perfect, but covered in the perfect blood of Christ.
On a very serious note ladies. I worked this week and due to what I saw I encourage you all to see your doctor regularly. This patient came in for a hysterectomy. I forget the exact diagnosis but it was not what we found. A healthy ovary is the size of a walnut. I'll never forget the first one in real life I ever saw. I exclaimed: "you mean that little thing causes ALL this trouble!" Back to the point; this patients ovary was the size of a basket ball. I have no idea what her history was or if she had been hurting. It was quite frightening to see. The doctor said that sometimes it can be benign, the other doctor was saying, no doubt it was cancer.
I'm sorry to end on such a serious note. That sight along with my PMS was quite sobering.
Enjoy your Week end.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Ramblings
Once again I can not comment on blogspot blogs. I think I've discovered that it has to do with the site. Sometimes when I log in the screen is different. When it looks one way I can log in and comment. When it looks the other way I can log in but not comment. Frustrating, but at least I won't keep banging my head against a brick wall.
I have worked this week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Michael has been home with the kids, being taxi cab driver and cook. His plan was to go spend some time with Kevin in his classroom. Monday and Tuesday he spent most of his time in front of the TV with Kevin's Wii game. The man is hooked on the Wii Sports Golf game. He has spent both days trying to figure out the wind speed program or some such sort. Kevin won't even play with him any more because he's figured it all out. Then yesterday he dropped Kevin off at school and drove the 45 minutes home, only to receive a phone call from the school to come get Kevin. Why? He was sleeping in class. He does this from time to time. Sometimes he's good at keeping it just on his breaks. What frustrates me the most about his sleeping in class, other than the obvious, is nothing at home has changed. He goes to bed at the same time and gets up at the same time, his activity has been the same. What's the deal with sleeping in class all the time?! So, today Michael is at school with Kevin. I'm anxious to hear how the day goes. Michael was also told that if Kevin gets so many more demerits he won't be allowed back at school ever. Why does he get demerits? At the end of the day what ever work isn't completed is written down on a homework slip and sent home to be signed by a parent. If it isn't turned in or signed it's a demerit. Same thing with detention slips and communication envelops. A demerit for each one not turned in. Also, he gets demerits for incomplete home work. Most of the time his school work is done at home, not at school. I've blogged about this before. Here lately it hasn't been getting done at all, even though the child sits with it all night. The school told Michael that all they were doing was babysitting Kevin. As he's relaying all this to me I'm just nodding my head. Finally I said they're right they're just babysitting. This doesn't surprise me at all. Michael stated he was very shocked. I wanted to ask him where he'd been all year. I held my tongue. I do talk to my husband and tell him whats going on. I mean if I'm going to blog it for the world to see I certainly took time to share it with my husband. So last night I shared with Michael how I had talked with his sister about several different things and Kevin and school came up. She has her Masters in Special Education. She asked lots of questions and made a few suggestions. She reminded me of all the things I was taught in how to help Kevin; I'm not doing them. At this Michael told me to homeschool him. Here comes this old beat up dead horse again. I have a ca zillion mixed thoughts and feelings about that whole idea. I feel the need to research a little closer the public school options for him. WHY? The educational support that Kevin is going to need will need to follow him through college. If I start with these needs being met and documented in High School then they *should* transfer smoothly to college. If I am doing it at home or making sure it is done at a private school, then I am just the over protective mother that needs to back off her kid. In other words, I become the problem, not the child needing certain accommodations to be successful. Do I sound paranoid or what!? However, one of the reasons I hesitate in homeschooling him is because of my own distractibility and lack of discipline. We'd do great for a month or two then we'd both fall back into sloppy habits. At least when he attends school (babysitting service) there is some one that regroups and puts him back on track.
Maybe if I read the Bible everyday or every minute along with The Mom Walk I could 'get it'.
Gab is doing great. Bored silly. She made it to church last night. She called Ashleigh to take her. Yes, I did sit and feel guilty for a few seconds. Being back at work this week has reminded me why I stay home! After next week I'll be home with a renewed attitude and ready to try once again to get a routine going.
Though Michael isn't complaining I know he'll be ready to return to work and routine as well.
I could ramble for a few hundred more pages, but since I was given the gift of an empty house I need to be productive.
Your post this week have been great! I wish I could have commented on all of them.
I have worked this week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Michael has been home with the kids, being taxi cab driver and cook. His plan was to go spend some time with Kevin in his classroom. Monday and Tuesday he spent most of his time in front of the TV with Kevin's Wii game. The man is hooked on the Wii Sports Golf game. He has spent both days trying to figure out the wind speed program or some such sort. Kevin won't even play with him any more because he's figured it all out. Then yesterday he dropped Kevin off at school and drove the 45 minutes home, only to receive a phone call from the school to come get Kevin. Why? He was sleeping in class. He does this from time to time. Sometimes he's good at keeping it just on his breaks. What frustrates me the most about his sleeping in class, other than the obvious, is nothing at home has changed. He goes to bed at the same time and gets up at the same time, his activity has been the same. What's the deal with sleeping in class all the time?! So, today Michael is at school with Kevin. I'm anxious to hear how the day goes. Michael was also told that if Kevin gets so many more demerits he won't be allowed back at school ever. Why does he get demerits? At the end of the day what ever work isn't completed is written down on a homework slip and sent home to be signed by a parent. If it isn't turned in or signed it's a demerit. Same thing with detention slips and communication envelops. A demerit for each one not turned in. Also, he gets demerits for incomplete home work. Most of the time his school work is done at home, not at school. I've blogged about this before. Here lately it hasn't been getting done at all, even though the child sits with it all night. The school told Michael that all they were doing was babysitting Kevin. As he's relaying all this to me I'm just nodding my head. Finally I said they're right they're just babysitting. This doesn't surprise me at all. Michael stated he was very shocked. I wanted to ask him where he'd been all year. I held my tongue. I do talk to my husband and tell him whats going on. I mean if I'm going to blog it for the world to see I certainly took time to share it with my husband. So last night I shared with Michael how I had talked with his sister about several different things and Kevin and school came up. She has her Masters in Special Education. She asked lots of questions and made a few suggestions. She reminded me of all the things I was taught in how to help Kevin; I'm not doing them. At this Michael told me to homeschool him. Here comes this old beat up dead horse again. I have a ca zillion mixed thoughts and feelings about that whole idea. I feel the need to research a little closer the public school options for him. WHY? The educational support that Kevin is going to need will need to follow him through college. If I start with these needs being met and documented in High School then they *should* transfer smoothly to college. If I am doing it at home or making sure it is done at a private school, then I am just the over protective mother that needs to back off her kid. In other words, I become the problem, not the child needing certain accommodations to be successful. Do I sound paranoid or what!? However, one of the reasons I hesitate in homeschooling him is because of my own distractibility and lack of discipline. We'd do great for a month or two then we'd both fall back into sloppy habits. At least when he attends school (babysitting service) there is some one that regroups and puts him back on track.
Maybe if I read the Bible everyday or every minute along with The Mom Walk I could 'get it'.
Gab is doing great. Bored silly. She made it to church last night. She called Ashleigh to take her. Yes, I did sit and feel guilty for a few seconds. Being back at work this week has reminded me why I stay home! After next week I'll be home with a renewed attitude and ready to try once again to get a routine going.
Though Michael isn't complaining I know he'll be ready to return to work and routine as well.
I could ramble for a few hundred more pages, but since I was given the gift of an empty house I need to be productive.
Your post this week have been great! I wish I could have commented on all of them.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Plans
Thank you very much to Mishel, Julie and Grafted Branch for their comments on my Wedding/Vows post. I liked what you had to say and how you said it.
I revisited the subject with my Husband and here is the tentative plan. Going home to the original Chapel will cost more than we want to spend for the plane ride alone. Family most likely won't make the drive for a vow renewal any way. I know that there'd have to be a bit of an incentive for me to make the drive too. So, he would like to renew our vows here in California at our home church; on a Sunday after one of the services. I want to keep it very simple, like Grafted Branch said do-able. I'm excited. Now I just have to talk to Pastor and see what he has to say about it.
The other plans are concerning Michael's going to Okinawa. When we first heard the news we tossed several grand ideas around on how to spend our summer. Kevin had the best idea and for now that's what we're going with. We can ride space A over to Okinawa, so that's what we'll do. We'll all fly over with Michael and get to be with him. Hopefully we'll get to do some touristy things and see the Island. Then the kids and I will fly home Space A. Some times it can take a week to get a flight out, that's why we are only planning to stay a week. If we get on the first plane out then it was meant to be; if it takes a week then we're still OK as far as a nice vacation. The fun part will be the kids and I driving home from Travis Air Force Base together. (San Francisco area) Yikes! There are several things we have to look into regarding this plan but we are comfortable with this for the moment. It seems like I'm planning SO far in advance, but I know from past experience that if I don't start now, then the time will come and go and we'll be wondering where it went!
Hope you guys all had agreat Monday!
I revisited the subject with my Husband and here is the tentative plan. Going home to the original Chapel will cost more than we want to spend for the plane ride alone. Family most likely won't make the drive for a vow renewal any way. I know that there'd have to be a bit of an incentive for me to make the drive too. So, he would like to renew our vows here in California at our home church; on a Sunday after one of the services. I want to keep it very simple, like Grafted Branch said do-able. I'm excited. Now I just have to talk to Pastor and see what he has to say about it.
The other plans are concerning Michael's going to Okinawa. When we first heard the news we tossed several grand ideas around on how to spend our summer. Kevin had the best idea and for now that's what we're going with. We can ride space A over to Okinawa, so that's what we'll do. We'll all fly over with Michael and get to be with him. Hopefully we'll get to do some touristy things and see the Island. Then the kids and I will fly home Space A. Some times it can take a week to get a flight out, that's why we are only planning to stay a week. If we get on the first plane out then it was meant to be; if it takes a week then we're still OK as far as a nice vacation. The fun part will be the kids and I driving home from Travis Air Force Base together. (San Francisco area) Yikes! There are several things we have to look into regarding this plan but we are comfortable with this for the moment. It seems like I'm planning SO far in advance, but I know from past experience that if I don't start now, then the time will come and go and we'll be wondering where it went!
Hope you guys all had agreat Monday!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
I'd Like To Say...
... that I'm sick as a dog and couldn't make it.
... that the kids are ill and I'm tending their needs
... that the car wouldn't start
But I can't. Truth be known I'm lazy. We all stayed up too late last night and ignored the alarm when it went off. BOTH cars are in excellent running condition, though with gas at $3.13 a gallon the cars not starting may become a true reality.
Truth be known I didn't want to race the clock and the hot water heater. I rationalize that it's OK to have a day like this every now and then. That kind of thinking has allowed these kind of days to become the habit rather then the exception.
I guess that's all I can say about that.
... that the kids are ill and I'm tending their needs
... that the car wouldn't start
But I can't. Truth be known I'm lazy. We all stayed up too late last night and ignored the alarm when it went off. BOTH cars are in excellent running condition, though with gas at $3.13 a gallon the cars not starting may become a true reality.
Truth be known I didn't want to race the clock and the hot water heater. I rationalize that it's OK to have a day like this every now and then. That kind of thinking has allowed these kind of days to become the habit rather then the exception.
I guess that's all I can say about that.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Wedding/Vows
I would like your opinions, but first I have a real life story to tell.
Michael and I were married on June 6, 1987. That means that this June we will have been married 20 years! That I believe, in all seriousness is a miracle. The wedding was beautiful. Every thing on that day went great. So why have I wanted to renew my vows since day one?
Bear with me there is a point. Michael was in California at school with the USMC and I was at home in PC enmeshed with family and trying to please and keep all happy. Don't be fooled, I wasn't doing this with a sweet cooperative attitude. Drama and it's about ME would be more to the point. Things that didn't go as planned:
1) Even though I was paying for the flowers I was convinced as to what I could and couldn't afford, as well as what was expected for a bride to carry. What I chose was a compromise and what arrived at the wedding is NOT what I ordered. It was enough of what I ordered that we knew they were my flowers. I was furious, however they looked good in the pictures.
2) The night of the rehearsal dinner the woman that I hired to make my cake called. I was rushing out the door and had given her all the info weeks ago. I just assumed she was confirming that what she had written down was what I wanted. NOT. When I described what I wanted on my cake in my rushed state that is exactly what showed up at the wedding. Fortunately, I didn't realize this until I got the pictures back. Talk about a plain ugly cake, My guest probably thought we ran out of money.
3) My sweet husband comes from a divided home. We met with the Pastor and seating arrangements were discussed. I didn't understand any thing and Michael refused to discuss the matter. So his step mother took things into her own hands and I ended up getting a phone call from his real mother stating she wouldn't be at the wedding. I spent 2 hours convincing her that Michael WANTED her at the wedding. I knew that for an absolute fact. So bless her heart she came with every family member on her side of the family that she could find and she came and sat at the back of the church. (We had invited all of her family, she just made sure they arrived with her) This still makes me so mad and sad!!! I was very proud of her.
4) In the rush I had completely forgotten about finding some one to sing. I wasn't stressed about this but my mom was having kittens! So she took it upon herself to resolve the problem with out asking me or Michael. As Michael and I sat in a church service one morning listening to a couple sing we looked at each other and said YUCK!! Not what we like at all. You guessed it, that is who sang at our wedding.
5) Finally, Michael owned a 1966 convertible Mustang that we wanted to leave the wedding in. We chose to stay in our wedding attire so that we could drive over the bridge and out onto the beach for all to see us as newlyweds. I even called my friend and asked her to decorate the car. Asking was probably tacky but Michael didn't want it to get messed up. When it came time to go mom wouldn't let us leave. She made us sit and open gifts as our guest slowly left. My Aunt's wedding gift was a ride in a limousine to our hotel. Nice gift and we were appreciative, but we just about cried as we drove past the Mustang sitting there waiting for us.
So see, I have always wanted to renew my vows so that I could get all the trimmings the way I truly wanted them in the first place. The re newing of the vows, though is not another wedding. Plus, I have grown and changed through the years. The real reason I want to renew my vows is to rededicate my life to my Husband. To say my vows to him before God recognizing and realizing that there is a covenant between the three of us. When I got married the first time it was about me and it was the next thing to do in life. This time I want it to be about us, with God first.
Michael would like to do this at the little chapel where we first got married. He wants to wear his Dress Blues with his new rank on them. He agrees that this is the perfect time to really do this because it is the 20 year mark, he is leaving for a year and the kids are just about grown.
My dilima?
1) I have no idea what would be considered an appropriate ceremony for a vow renewal. I know that a lot of that is personal preference, but I'm also sure there is some sort of unspoken guideline.
2) I agree having the ceremony in the original little chapel would be fun and significant. I pause for these reasons: it's on the East Coast away from friends, I would have to plan from here, and I wouldn't know the Pastor that would perform the ceremony.
On the East Coast family (hopefully) would be able to attend. It would be less formal so people could sit any where and every where. I originally wanted a very small wedding, but when you have 3 sets of parents inviting who they want and think they should it grew considerably very quickly.
If we did the ceremony here I could have my friends present, the ones that have watched us grow and Pastor could do the service. I know him and when I tried to explain what I wanted to accomplish he would get it.
Then I go to the far other extreme of keeping it very intimate and personal. Just Michael, me and the kids. Michael and I have already done all the apologizing to each other and the kids for our mistakes and the effects it has had on our lives. For me the purpose of the ceremony is to start fresh and affirm to each other and the kids our commitment to each other in spite of all the past.
Oh but I would really like people to be there and to have my Gabrielle sing and to have the flowers I wanted and a cake that is beautiful. To leave in the car of our choice. I would beg Michael's father who now has possession of the Mustang to allow us to barrow it for the evening. (if we were on the East Coast)
There is a part of me that wants to ditch this post and start over. The impulsive me says put it out there. I know you guys can't make my decision for me but you can answer some of the questions. After writing the post I'm now leaning very heavily towards going home. There will be obstacles to over come but it may be worth it and that is what my husband's first request was. Maybe I could poll the relatives and see who could actually attend. It would be a drive for all of them.
OK, my bloggy friends, your advise please. :)
Michael and I were married on June 6, 1987. That means that this June we will have been married 20 years! That I believe, in all seriousness is a miracle. The wedding was beautiful. Every thing on that day went great. So why have I wanted to renew my vows since day one?
Bear with me there is a point. Michael was in California at school with the USMC and I was at home in PC enmeshed with family and trying to please and keep all happy. Don't be fooled, I wasn't doing this with a sweet cooperative attitude. Drama and it's about ME would be more to the point. Things that didn't go as planned:
1) Even though I was paying for the flowers I was convinced as to what I could and couldn't afford, as well as what was expected for a bride to carry. What I chose was a compromise and what arrived at the wedding is NOT what I ordered. It was enough of what I ordered that we knew they were my flowers. I was furious, however they looked good in the pictures.
2) The night of the rehearsal dinner the woman that I hired to make my cake called. I was rushing out the door and had given her all the info weeks ago. I just assumed she was confirming that what she had written down was what I wanted. NOT. When I described what I wanted on my cake in my rushed state that is exactly what showed up at the wedding. Fortunately, I didn't realize this until I got the pictures back. Talk about a plain ugly cake, My guest probably thought we ran out of money.
3) My sweet husband comes from a divided home. We met with the Pastor and seating arrangements were discussed. I didn't understand any thing and Michael refused to discuss the matter. So his step mother took things into her own hands and I ended up getting a phone call from his real mother stating she wouldn't be at the wedding. I spent 2 hours convincing her that Michael WANTED her at the wedding. I knew that for an absolute fact. So bless her heart she came with every family member on her side of the family that she could find and she came and sat at the back of the church. (We had invited all of her family, she just made sure they arrived with her) This still makes me so mad and sad!!! I was very proud of her.
4) In the rush I had completely forgotten about finding some one to sing. I wasn't stressed about this but my mom was having kittens! So she took it upon herself to resolve the problem with out asking me or Michael. As Michael and I sat in a church service one morning listening to a couple sing we looked at each other and said YUCK!! Not what we like at all. You guessed it, that is who sang at our wedding.
5) Finally, Michael owned a 1966 convertible Mustang that we wanted to leave the wedding in. We chose to stay in our wedding attire so that we could drive over the bridge and out onto the beach for all to see us as newlyweds. I even called my friend and asked her to decorate the car. Asking was probably tacky but Michael didn't want it to get messed up. When it came time to go mom wouldn't let us leave. She made us sit and open gifts as our guest slowly left. My Aunt's wedding gift was a ride in a limousine to our hotel. Nice gift and we were appreciative, but we just about cried as we drove past the Mustang sitting there waiting for us.
So see, I have always wanted to renew my vows so that I could get all the trimmings the way I truly wanted them in the first place. The re newing of the vows, though is not another wedding. Plus, I have grown and changed through the years. The real reason I want to renew my vows is to rededicate my life to my Husband. To say my vows to him before God recognizing and realizing that there is a covenant between the three of us. When I got married the first time it was about me and it was the next thing to do in life. This time I want it to be about us, with God first.
Michael would like to do this at the little chapel where we first got married. He wants to wear his Dress Blues with his new rank on them. He agrees that this is the perfect time to really do this because it is the 20 year mark, he is leaving for a year and the kids are just about grown.
My dilima?
1) I have no idea what would be considered an appropriate ceremony for a vow renewal. I know that a lot of that is personal preference, but I'm also sure there is some sort of unspoken guideline.
2) I agree having the ceremony in the original little chapel would be fun and significant. I pause for these reasons: it's on the East Coast away from friends, I would have to plan from here, and I wouldn't know the Pastor that would perform the ceremony.
On the East Coast family (hopefully) would be able to attend. It would be less formal so people could sit any where and every where. I originally wanted a very small wedding, but when you have 3 sets of parents inviting who they want and think they should it grew considerably very quickly.
If we did the ceremony here I could have my friends present, the ones that have watched us grow and Pastor could do the service. I know him and when I tried to explain what I wanted to accomplish he would get it.
Then I go to the far other extreme of keeping it very intimate and personal. Just Michael, me and the kids. Michael and I have already done all the apologizing to each other and the kids for our mistakes and the effects it has had on our lives. For me the purpose of the ceremony is to start fresh and affirm to each other and the kids our commitment to each other in spite of all the past.
Oh but I would really like people to be there and to have my Gabrielle sing and to have the flowers I wanted and a cake that is beautiful. To leave in the car of our choice. I would beg Michael's father who now has possession of the Mustang to allow us to barrow it for the evening. (if we were on the East Coast)
There is a part of me that wants to ditch this post and start over. The impulsive me says put it out there. I know you guys can't make my decision for me but you can answer some of the questions. After writing the post I'm now leaning very heavily towards going home. There will be obstacles to over come but it may be worth it and that is what my husband's first request was. Maybe I could poll the relatives and see who could actually attend. It would be a drive for all of them.
OK, my bloggy friends, your advise please. :)
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Good Morning!
Ya know, when God wants you to hear something He speaks it very clearly.
As you know I have been listening to Beth Moore's book Get Out of that Pit and have almost finished reading Sally Clarkson's The Mom Walk. Total different messages, but dove tailed by God in a message to me. Then yesterday I had breakfast with a dear friend who rightfully decided it was time to talk straight to me. God had me ready to hear what she had to say, so my defenses didn't go into over drive. This morning another friend called me to invite me some where and we got to talking about our girls and this is what she said to me: God has just been showing me that sometimes I have to change before any other changes can take place. That's the message in a nut shell.
I have been avoiding and fighting the changes that need to take place in me. However, God didn't let up this time. It took two books, two friends, prayer and my husband who has been role modeling for me unbeknownst to him, for God to finally get me to hear! I can not stop tending to my responsibilities as wife and mother, but I can stop trying to make sure every one else is 'doing it right' and tend to myself and my walk with God so that I can come back into a tight relationship with Him. This is what I am choosing to do. Too bad I can't do it while I'm blogging and/or having lunch with my friends. :) I can still feel my flesh resisting this step, even though I know Jesus is waiting on me and He isn't going to punish me or even scold me. He is waiting to take my hand and walk with me in grace. Please as you think of me over the next few weeks will you please whisper my name to my Savior. He'll know what the words need to be.
Thanks.
As you know I have been listening to Beth Moore's book Get Out of that Pit and have almost finished reading Sally Clarkson's The Mom Walk. Total different messages, but dove tailed by God in a message to me. Then yesterday I had breakfast with a dear friend who rightfully decided it was time to talk straight to me. God had me ready to hear what she had to say, so my defenses didn't go into over drive. This morning another friend called me to invite me some where and we got to talking about our girls and this is what she said to me: God has just been showing me that sometimes I have to change before any other changes can take place. That's the message in a nut shell.
I have been avoiding and fighting the changes that need to take place in me. However, God didn't let up this time. It took two books, two friends, prayer and my husband who has been role modeling for me unbeknownst to him, for God to finally get me to hear! I can not stop tending to my responsibilities as wife and mother, but I can stop trying to make sure every one else is 'doing it right' and tend to myself and my walk with God so that I can come back into a tight relationship with Him. This is what I am choosing to do. Too bad I can't do it while I'm blogging and/or having lunch with my friends. :) I can still feel my flesh resisting this step, even though I know Jesus is waiting on me and He isn't going to punish me or even scold me. He is waiting to take my hand and walk with me in grace. Please as you think of me over the next few weeks will you please whisper my name to my Savior. He'll know what the words need to be.
Thanks.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Not 16 Nor is it a Four Wheel Drive
The day started neutral enough. As usual I went to bed with grand plans of all that I would get accomplished. None of these things were even thought about much less done. But that's OK.
I got Gab to the Theater and then went to town to run a few errands. Then I went to a karate tournament. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Gab's boyfriend and his brother were competing and we were invited. Gab couldn't be there and Kevin and Michael had other things to do. The whole karate thing has always been interesting to me so I went. Then I went back and spent some time watching the acting class. I kind of wish I had signed up to take the classes. shhh...don't tell. They just look kind of fun. Course it's easy to sit back and think you'd know just how to do what is being asked of every one to do. Then I took Gab over to Quincy's so she could help his mom with a few things. This is where the day took a sever turn.
Quincy lives off the highway on dirt roads. I dropped Gab off and visited for a few minutes and headed home down the dirt road. I was in my husband's Honda Civic and feeling a little cheeky, so I opened it up. As it started to fish tail I thought OK time to slow down, took my foot off the gas and continued to fish tail. It's OK just go with it and keep it in the middle of the road. Over the berm I went. Now I'm shaking and realizing I'm not 16 nor am I in a 4 wheel drive. In a bit of a panic I turned the car to get back on the road. HUGE mistake. Now I'm stuck; I can't even open my car door. Here's the fun part. I call Quincy. "Quincy, I have gotten the car stuck, please get your dad and come help." He finds out where I am reassures me that all is fine and he'll be right there. So here he and Gab come. There is no where to hide. I have to stand there and listen to the flabbergasted: "What were you doing?!" Don't ask just help me out. Your dad is going to kill me! Quincy I really don't think we can just pull that car off there, please call your dad. He calls his dad; bring the other car and a shovel. Mr. Kennedy (Quincy's dad) shows up and HE wants to know what I was doing. At this point it's pretty obvious to me what I was doing! Being stupid! Fortunately he returns the Honda to the road, pops the front bumper back in place and declares it drivable. Really once it was off the berm it didn't look so bad. After a few more words, head shakes and giggles we went our separate ways. Of course I'm praying all the way home. Do I tell Michael? Well, of course, what are you thinking! When? So I drive it to the car wash and wash all the sand off of it. You should have heard it on the drive home. All the sand vibrating lose from the under carriage.
After I'd been home a few minutes I told Michael that he had a most remarkable car! I can't believe what I did to it and how well it survived. He took the news quite well. It was too dark to inspect the damage. I drug him out with the flash light any way.
I wish I could tell a story like this with BooMama's flare. I am so praising the Lord that I didn't flip that little car.
I did get supper cooked and served. Now I'm doing the blogging thing. This isn't exactly what I planned to blog today but I think it's about all I can handle for now. :)
I got Gab to the Theater and then went to town to run a few errands. Then I went to a karate tournament. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Gab's boyfriend and his brother were competing and we were invited. Gab couldn't be there and Kevin and Michael had other things to do. The whole karate thing has always been interesting to me so I went. Then I went back and spent some time watching the acting class. I kind of wish I had signed up to take the classes. shhh...don't tell. They just look kind of fun. Course it's easy to sit back and think you'd know just how to do what is being asked of every one to do. Then I took Gab over to Quincy's so she could help his mom with a few things. This is where the day took a sever turn.
Quincy lives off the highway on dirt roads. I dropped Gab off and visited for a few minutes and headed home down the dirt road. I was in my husband's Honda Civic and feeling a little cheeky, so I opened it up. As it started to fish tail I thought OK time to slow down, took my foot off the gas and continued to fish tail. It's OK just go with it and keep it in the middle of the road. Over the berm I went. Now I'm shaking and realizing I'm not 16 nor am I in a 4 wheel drive. In a bit of a panic I turned the car to get back on the road. HUGE mistake. Now I'm stuck; I can't even open my car door. Here's the fun part. I call Quincy. "Quincy, I have gotten the car stuck, please get your dad and come help." He finds out where I am reassures me that all is fine and he'll be right there. So here he and Gab come. There is no where to hide. I have to stand there and listen to the flabbergasted: "What were you doing?!" Don't ask just help me out. Your dad is going to kill me! Quincy I really don't think we can just pull that car off there, please call your dad. He calls his dad; bring the other car and a shovel. Mr. Kennedy (Quincy's dad) shows up and HE wants to know what I was doing. At this point it's pretty obvious to me what I was doing! Being stupid! Fortunately he returns the Honda to the road, pops the front bumper back in place and declares it drivable. Really once it was off the berm it didn't look so bad. After a few more words, head shakes and giggles we went our separate ways. Of course I'm praying all the way home. Do I tell Michael? Well, of course, what are you thinking! When? So I drive it to the car wash and wash all the sand off of it. You should have heard it on the drive home. All the sand vibrating lose from the under carriage.
After I'd been home a few minutes I told Michael that he had a most remarkable car! I can't believe what I did to it and how well it survived. He took the news quite well. It was too dark to inspect the damage. I drug him out with the flash light any way.
I wish I could tell a story like this with BooMama's flare. I am so praising the Lord that I didn't flip that little car.
I did get supper cooked and served. Now I'm doing the blogging thing. This isn't exactly what I planned to blog today but I think it's about all I can handle for now. :)
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