Every now and then I have these 'you know you're old when' thoughts. Now, I really don't think of myself as old. However, the other day I was finishing up the paper work on a patient and realized he was born the same year I graduated from high school. The patient was 24 years old!! No way, you've got to be kidding me.
Julie asked where the kids were going to school now.
Gabrielle is going to the local Jr. college. We enrolled her in the High School completion program. She is taking two college classes that counts as High School and College credit. This has been an incredibly hard thing for her. She is doing a terrific job! What I am so enjoying is seeing her self motivation. She is a procrastinator (self labeled) and she'll let things pile up and then stress herself out. She comes to me and I send her to her school counselor. This lady is a no nonsense lady and she talks very straight to Gab. We had a 3 way conversation several months back when Gab wanted to quit. This is the last stop for a high school diploma. Quitting is not an option. She really wants the diploma she just really stresses out. Once she's over the bump and refocused she's good to go. Yes, it is exhausting!! Right now she's actually talking about taking a summer class. That encourages me. I have had to pull myself back and make her be responsible for herself. I can not tell you how wonderful it is to have another adult verbalize to Gab the same things that I have already told her. Talk about validation. My relationship with Gab is a real challenge. I do love her so much, but we bump heads continuously.
Kevin goes to Calvary Baptist Church School. We did a lot of talking and debating on home schooling next year, as I'm sure you guys remember. However, he will continue next year to Calvary. All of his friends will graduate this year. However, his teacher has decided to stay another year. Now, with me working at least 30 hours a week if not more, he'll need to go to school. Kevin should be a Sr. next year, but he actually has 2 more years left. His dad, teacher and I laid out this plan knowing that he would be in school an extra year. He just needs extra time to finish up and get a good diploma. While, he is handling things much better now, I still fear him quitting after next year whether he's done or not. There are a few options available when we get to that point next year. I was going to go into it now, but that's over a year away. :)
The bus they are riding is the Morongo Transit Authority. The buses run between 29 Palms and Morongo. Kevin has actually run into 2 kids that he remembers from 7th grade. Kind of neat. Gab talked two of her friends into riding the bus with her last week. I think it was a one time thing; made me laugh. The kids riding the bus is actually going to save me a bundle in gas $.
I knew this was going to be a long week when on Monday I told some one to have a good week end. Thank goodness, Kevin and I both have tomorrow off. We both can't wait to sleep in!!!!
We are having a hard time adjusting to getting up so early. We used to leave the house at 0730, now we leave at 0630. That hour makes a huge difference!
I thought I had more to ramble about. Michael is waiting on me to finish proof reading his screen play. He's been working on this for about 2 years now. He found a company that will critique it. He sent it off once and we got back the suggestions, he re wrote it and sent it back again. It was again sent back for some changes, but this time people seemed really interested in it's possibilities. So, if some one actually buys it and we make millions I'll let you guys know---So you can go see the movie of course. It keeps him busy and out of trouble. Think he'll let me be a kept woman if he hits the big time?! I won't hold my breath. :)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Life
Good Morning!
I am actually at work. Our first case cancelled and the next case isn't until 1200. So for the moment I can do some personal things.
I have gone back to work more full time then part time. Supposed to be just part time. My husband really likes for me to work. It has been a bone of contention for many many years! Fortunately I really do enjoy my job. I just always felt that my place was at home with my kids and keeping house. Unfortunately, I never did a real good job at either, which strengthened my husband's desire to have me working. Blah, blah, blah.
Now, that my kids are soon to be 18 and 17, my husband once again started encouraging me strongly to go back to work full time. Then a position actually opened up, so I compromised. I signed for part time with the agreement to work more as needed. That gives me some freedom to take what days I need to keep up with the kids and the house. The kids are riding the public bus back and forth to school. Boy, was that fun. They really balked it at first but have adjusted well. I knew that once they got over the initial fear of the unknown they would be ok. It actually gives them more independence, which is ok. Kevin has no desire at this point to learn to drive, so learning the bus system is a good thing. Gab actually gets herself up and moving now. And she comes home from school when she wants to; she doesn't have to depend on me for transportation.
I suppose I could write forever and bore you to death, but since I'm at work I'll stop for now.
I am actually at work. Our first case cancelled and the next case isn't until 1200. So for the moment I can do some personal things.
I have gone back to work more full time then part time. Supposed to be just part time. My husband really likes for me to work. It has been a bone of contention for many many years! Fortunately I really do enjoy my job. I just always felt that my place was at home with my kids and keeping house. Unfortunately, I never did a real good job at either, which strengthened my husband's desire to have me working. Blah, blah, blah.
Now, that my kids are soon to be 18 and 17, my husband once again started encouraging me strongly to go back to work full time. Then a position actually opened up, so I compromised. I signed for part time with the agreement to work more as needed. That gives me some freedom to take what days I need to keep up with the kids and the house. The kids are riding the public bus back and forth to school. Boy, was that fun. They really balked it at first but have adjusted well. I knew that once they got over the initial fear of the unknown they would be ok. It actually gives them more independence, which is ok. Kevin has no desire at this point to learn to drive, so learning the bus system is a good thing. Gab actually gets herself up and moving now. And she comes home from school when she wants to; she doesn't have to depend on me for transportation.
I suppose I could write forever and bore you to death, but since I'm at work I'll stop for now.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A Shopper...
... I am not!
Remember my grandmother, Mama Fish? She was a shopper. I honestly don't really remember doing any real shopping with her. I remember being in a mall once with her and my Daddy Joe and listening to them talk about how to get out. Yes, they were lost inside the mall. :) My most favorite memory of shopping with Mama Fish was the card store. This Lady loved cards. She would stand for what seemed like hours and read the cards. She would laugh and cry. Then we would smell all the little scented candles together. I honestly can't remember how often we did this together, it may have only been once, but it has been a memory that I treasure. She loved to send people cards too. She taught me one day that she gets all her birthday cards together at the beginning of the month, signs them all and addresses the envelops. Then she writes the date on the card where the stamp goes. Then they are all placed in a special place on her table, I can still see it in my mind's eye. She put them there so she would remember to mail them. Back to shopping, apparently, she liked to look at and touch every thing in the store. And she loved shoes. This became apparent to me when Gabrielle was born. Gabrielle was the benefactor of many adorable shoes. Gabrielle inherited the shopping gene!
This became apparent to me very quickly in life. Now I believe Mama Fish shopped that way all the time. Gab only shows the gene when it comes to clothes and shoes. At first I was so very thankful when she learned to shop in thrift stores. Man, she was so creative and could find some great buys! Then I begin to realize that she believed that thrift meant disposable. Only they are never really just disposed of, just shoved to the back on the closet. I do believe the child has enough shoes to wear a different pair for every day of the month for 2 months with out repeating. No, I didn't teach her this, at least not by example. I'm sure it's the Mama Fish gene.
Course, then again after reading blogs I begin to think maybe just maybe she and my Mama Fish are normal and that I'm missing a gene some where. :) Now once Gab has made a purchase she is done. No that's not correct. Once she has spent all her allotted money she is done. Which, if you are the non shopper tagging along is great! If you are a shopper wishing to keep on then you are out of luck.
Me? When I was a teenager I bought brown sandals because they went with every thing. More then one purse? Most of the time I didn't even carry a purse. I also prefer to shop alone. Yikes! That's some thing I probably shouldn't admit to! I just have a really hard time exclaiming over every item on the rack. Oh How cute is this! and so forth. The other thing I can't seem to do is buy just one shirt. Gab is great at that. Not me. When I go shopping, about once every 3 years I buy a whole seasonal wardrobe. You know three outfits and one pair of shoes to match all.
All this comes after a day of shopping with my wonderful daughter. It helped me to love her and trudge after her as I saw the similarities of my Mama Fish come to the surface in her. I don't know if I'll ever learn to be a shopper or if I ever want to learn. However, I can learn to enjoy to share the experience with others.
Remember my grandmother, Mama Fish? She was a shopper. I honestly don't really remember doing any real shopping with her. I remember being in a mall once with her and my Daddy Joe and listening to them talk about how to get out. Yes, they were lost inside the mall. :) My most favorite memory of shopping with Mama Fish was the card store. This Lady loved cards. She would stand for what seemed like hours and read the cards. She would laugh and cry. Then we would smell all the little scented candles together. I honestly can't remember how often we did this together, it may have only been once, but it has been a memory that I treasure. She loved to send people cards too. She taught me one day that she gets all her birthday cards together at the beginning of the month, signs them all and addresses the envelops. Then she writes the date on the card where the stamp goes. Then they are all placed in a special place on her table, I can still see it in my mind's eye. She put them there so she would remember to mail them. Back to shopping, apparently, she liked to look at and touch every thing in the store. And she loved shoes. This became apparent to me when Gabrielle was born. Gabrielle was the benefactor of many adorable shoes. Gabrielle inherited the shopping gene!
This became apparent to me very quickly in life. Now I believe Mama Fish shopped that way all the time. Gab only shows the gene when it comes to clothes and shoes. At first I was so very thankful when she learned to shop in thrift stores. Man, she was so creative and could find some great buys! Then I begin to realize that she believed that thrift meant disposable. Only they are never really just disposed of, just shoved to the back on the closet. I do believe the child has enough shoes to wear a different pair for every day of the month for 2 months with out repeating. No, I didn't teach her this, at least not by example. I'm sure it's the Mama Fish gene.
Course, then again after reading blogs I begin to think maybe just maybe she and my Mama Fish are normal and that I'm missing a gene some where. :) Now once Gab has made a purchase she is done. No that's not correct. Once she has spent all her allotted money she is done. Which, if you are the non shopper tagging along is great! If you are a shopper wishing to keep on then you are out of luck.
Me? When I was a teenager I bought brown sandals because they went with every thing. More then one purse? Most of the time I didn't even carry a purse. I also prefer to shop alone. Yikes! That's some thing I probably shouldn't admit to! I just have a really hard time exclaiming over every item on the rack. Oh How cute is this! and so forth. The other thing I can't seem to do is buy just one shirt. Gab is great at that. Not me. When I go shopping, about once every 3 years I buy a whole seasonal wardrobe. You know three outfits and one pair of shoes to match all.
All this comes after a day of shopping with my wonderful daughter. It helped me to love her and trudge after her as I saw the similarities of my Mama Fish come to the surface in her. I don't know if I'll ever learn to be a shopper or if I ever want to learn. However, I can learn to enjoy to share the experience with others.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Praises
1) Kevin went two weeks with NO home work! That my friends is a miracle. His dad spent a week at school with him just observing; then he put an incentive in place to encourage Kevin. At the same time Kevin's teacher put an incentive in place as well. They each did this separately, unaware of what the other was doing, but at the same time. We are so proud of Kevin.
2) My husband is back. Where did he go? No where physically, but he has been struggling spiritually. Couple months ago I noticed him reading his Bible at night. Couple weeks ago I started falling asleep listening to him memorize scripture. After an incident in the house and a huge teary conversation between the two of us he began praying with me again. Is it every night and routine. NO. But praise the Lord it is there! There is so much security in knowing that your husband is having a relationship with God. I know what my role is to be as a wife regardless of what my husband is doing with his relationship with Christ; but can I just say that know he is walking with Christ makes it so much easier to keep my mouth shut and trust!
3) My friend's and I have been praying for a certain young man to join us at church and last Sunday night he did just that. He even stayed for the youth activity afterwards and seemed to have a great time.
God is good!
2) My husband is back. Where did he go? No where physically, but he has been struggling spiritually. Couple months ago I noticed him reading his Bible at night. Couple weeks ago I started falling asleep listening to him memorize scripture. After an incident in the house and a huge teary conversation between the two of us he began praying with me again. Is it every night and routine. NO. But praise the Lord it is there! There is so much security in knowing that your husband is having a relationship with God. I know what my role is to be as a wife regardless of what my husband is doing with his relationship with Christ; but can I just say that know he is walking with Christ makes it so much easier to keep my mouth shut and trust!
3) My friend's and I have been praying for a certain young man to join us at church and last Sunday night he did just that. He even stayed for the youth activity afterwards and seemed to have a great time.
God is good!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Easter Memories
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. :)
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. :)
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.
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