Sep. 29, 2008 - Monday recess
kids are outside playing happily. I hope
I am thinking about this weekend. Friday night my husband and son went on a bike ride with some others with a group called "Ride Civil." It is to show support of our town having folks learn how to deal with cyclists on the road and share the road. I don't know if folks are getting it though. There's a lot of hollarin' at the cyclists, gunning it, and not moving over. It is somewhat fearful for me to think about b/c it's my 9 yr. son out there. The net reaction to the fear is anger. So I get so angry sometimes at folks who don't scoot over.
Well, that was Friday night.
Saturday morning, we had "soccerfest". This was a fun day for the kids at the soccer field. For my team of under 5s, we had 3 short games spread out over the morning. I think it was a little much. The first scheduled game, a teenager volunteered to ref the game (great!). This was supposed to happen, but the big kids didn't have enough command to say to the coaches, "I got this--step aside." I think I understood the meaning in this, but it caused a little confused for the kids to have another big kid on the field and the parents who might not have know we were to expect a teenager to step up and do this. Between games, jumping things and blow-up slide-y things were around to play. We also played "Beat the Keeper." There was also a dunking booth. Well, on the second scheduled game, our opposing team didn't show and the earlier game was missing an opponent, so they were playing against themselves. Then 5 collegiate players showed up on the field to say "we want to help." So, as coach, I say "come on. Let's all play." That might have been too much. We left after a hot dog lunch in the only shade we could find and went home.
After a long nap, we went to our Torah Club. My husband and I were in charge of leading the children in a study. We got through the Scripture reading and then turned to put on the CD and realized we'd left it in our CD player at home so we could do nothing. We tried the best we could do to retell the story that was used. Thankfully not all the children that are usually there were there. After we were done, it was potluck time. We shared a meal. As we were leaving, we were invited to one of the other family's church. So we decided we do that.
Sunday morning: my husband goes to a men's study that he hasn't been to before. It was a Jewish Code of Ethics meeting. I won't go into his thoughts about that.
Then he gets back and we go to this other church. Now at this other church, I have so many friends here. A lot of friends used to go to the church I go to now. I saw a lot of them. These are very close friends, even now. I miss them. It makes me want to go to this church. However, my husband doesn't feel led to change.
So now my internal tormoil begins... I know I'll stay with him, but it's hard to be happy. I'm having to pretend at church that I'm happy to be there, but I'm not. I like the people that are there. I haven't met a single person that goes there that I just don't like or don't want to talk to. But there's something missing when I go. My husband knows my feelings, but says that God is not leading him to move. So I stay. I try. I hope that things will get better. I do have hope that things will get better. We have just recently been involved with yet another group, from our church, that lets the kids come and be there. I have much hope that this will help with that empty feeling that I can't seem to explain.
So then, that brings me to Sunday night (my next post will be about Sunday afternoon). We had the group from our church that I just mentioned meet at our house. Two of the four regular couples couldn't be there, but another one came and I invited our new children's minister and his family to come and they came.
It was very good and encouraging, but still I have questions and reservations. We'll see.
Sep. 26, 2008 - yesterday
There was no recess yesterday. Children got out of hand, so big mean momma put a stop to all kinds of fun.
So then I didn't get a recess either.
I did manage to deal with the clothes. A friend commented about it saying that if I put up all the summer clothes, we're sure to have a few more weeks of hot weather. Isn't that the truth? I've found that to be the case every single season. Just when I put up the seasonal clothes, that's when I need them again.
Well, here's what I decided to do. We have one straight closet for the girls. On one side I have 4T summer and size 5s for summer and fall. When she goes through the 4T, we will pass them along. The other side was more tricky. I have all 6 and 6x hanging up. She's one of those in between sizes. She can wear 6 pants, 6x dresses and 7 shirts. What I think I'll do is as she wears the summer size6, launder and then put them in the bucket for lit' sis next summer. Once the 6s are gone through one more time, we'll take down the 7s and 8s and add them to her closet. She'll still have the pants in her drawers (no pun intended-npi). The worst thing about all this is that so much effort gets put into what to do with clothes and it might only last 3 months, then we have to start all over figuring out what to do, who likes what, and where does it go.
Anyway, I'm sure this has got to be the most boring blog you've ever read. Now you see why I haven't blog much over the summer. I don't think about too many interesting things anymore.
Well, maybe I'll have more to think about after this weekend. Soccerfest is going on tomorrow morning and I (Big Momma) get to play soccer on Sunday, hopefully with other Big Mommas (and after the season is over, we can all be called Little Mommas :)
Sep. 24, 2008 - Wednesday recess
Kids are all outside for a recess.
I've been given a number of clothes for my girls. Right now, I'm working on sorting and hanging up the ones we like. It's a huge ordeal. I don't have an easy system for it. I put them in piles by size, then put up in the closet what they can wear now. But it's about to be fall. So do I put the size they are now in with the others or do I wait until it becomes cooler? If I put away clothes that they can wear now but are definitely summer outfits, then we'll miss those last opportunities to wear some of our favorite outfits. And we know Who only knows when the temps cool for the season. It is no wonder that the closets are a mess.
well, I'd better bring them to finish what we can before AWANA tonight.
Jun. 26, 2008 - One of those kinds of emails
Had a friend send me one of those kinds of emails asking you about your favorite this, that, etc. Since I haven't been posting much, I'll copy paste my answers to her email here. It took some time for me to think about all my answers. If you have a moment and want to leave a comment with what your answers might be, I would like that.
What is your favorite...
>(I hope I don't have to pick just one)
> 1. candy? MMs, Nutrageous
> 2. gum? none
> 3. dessert? banana splits or something with ice cream
> 4. cookie? Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip
> 5. pie? Key Lime, Pecan
> 6. cake? Spice
> 7. bread? Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
> 8. snack? ice cream sundaes
> 9. treat? frozen cherries
> 10. ice cream? Cherry Cordial
> 11. beverage? cherry coke
> 12. tea? white tea or mint unsweet
> 13. coffee? flavored black
> 14. color? green, purple
> 15. hobby? scrapbook, reading
> 16. kind of book you like to read? other than Scripture? Fantasy Fiction
> 17. kind of movie you like to watch? Comedy
> 18. kind of music/band you like to listen to? Stuff like Toby Mac
> 19. flower? Morning Glories
> 20. fragrance? Sunflower/True Love
> 21. thing to collect? teapots
> 22. dip? skinny
> 23. chip? on my shoulder
> DON'T FORGET TO GIVE YOUR BIRTHDAY...
Feb. 20, 2008 - today is my birthday
Today is my birthday and I'm really having a good day.
I went to exercise this morning and mentioned that it was my birthday. There was a lady there who called later in the day to give me a gift--a massage. I've never had a massage before but I'm so thankful that I took her up on her offer. She has a business that she runs--just her--with a room with a table. I got all my muscles worked on. It was a lot better than I imagined.
I also took off the day from doing school. My husband worked from home so we stopped in the middle of the day and had a birthday cake that he and kids had made last night. It was cherry chip cake mix with from-the-can fudge icing; a bit like chocolate-covered cherry cake. It was very good.
I've been working on the newsletter most of the day and got it mostly completed. That's always a relief when I put the last of the newsletter together and send it to the proof-readers.
I've had well-wishers call here and there during the day; some were calling about other matters and didn't know it was my birthday and so it was fun to talk to them.
Tonight, I plan to sent the big kids to AWANA and excuse myself and go to eat with hunny and pumpkin to a restaurant. I'm looking forward to that too.
The other friend who works with PE with me at the co-op has been unable to come for one reason or another, but tomorrow she's got the games planned and called today to tell me. I told her that was one of the better birthday gifts given to me today.
It has been a really nice birthday.
I'm hoping that I can write a post about our cabin trip we took last weekend and post a picture with it. We had a special time.
Jan. 22, 2008 - all done with mopping
Usually the only time I get the chance to blog is after I've mopped myself into the office and need to wait for the floor to dry. So does this mean, I've only mopped 2x this year. Maybe, but sometimes I mop and don't blog--so we'll never know.
I'm supposed to be starting a new Bible Study this week. I'm actually the "leader." Since I came up with the idea, I get to be the "leader" oh, lucky me. In all reality I'm very excited about it and was a little disappointed when the other organizer called and said the ladies who were planning to come (3 of them) all have sick children and won't be able to make it. It wasn't going to be a big group, but the thinking behind starting this study was to get motivated to study Scripture for me/myself. I had hoped this study would be used by the Lord to encourage some other young moms who might not feel that they have the time to do another kind of study. The invitees are MOPS steering team members. You know, very busy and has little children.
Here's what I've got planned even though I won't be able to meet with them until month.
It is a word study. I'll assign a word for everyone to study, such as grace. Then before the next time we meet, each person will need to look up the word in Scripture, find out how it is used, what the original words/words were and how they could be translated. Also, find out things like how many times it was used and in what books. Each person would also pick one of the verses they would like to memorize. They could use the internet (easy way) or look up the word in concordances and dictionaries. They could do as much or as little as they had time for.
Then when we meet, we'll discuss what the word means, where it's found, and talk about other questions we can come up with like "How would you explain "grace" to your preschooler?" We'll also have a prayer time and snack time. I was also toying with the idea of having a sticker chart. Mamas are always making sticker charts for their little ones, and we never get the chance to have an award. I was thinking about giving stickers for attendance, memorizing your Scripture, and having brought with them a page of notes about the word. After a time (maybe 6 months), whoever has the most stickers might get a gift card to McD or something fun like that. I'm not sure about this last part--depends on how much money I have. I guess we'll see.
When you go forward in an idea such as starting a Bible Study or Study Group, how much prayer time is necessary to devote to it? Since it didn't work out to start this month, did that mean I haven't been praying about it enough? I'm not sure. I prayed about, but I just don't know to what extent I should go. I have the church prayer ladies praying about it. How would you pray about it? What would you pray about it? I just prayed that the study would be alright and go ok (be useful) and help me explain what I need to and help the moms with their sick children. I want to know what more is required of me for the study to be successful (and how do you measure success? I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time.)
Just some random thoughts--now that I've let my mind wander about.
Dec. 21, 2007 - Almost Christmas Time
Well, I am at the half way point of one daughter's birthday and the other daughter's birthday.
We had a simple, yet large party here on Sunday for daughter turning 4. It was a "Little People" party. We set up the girls room with the "Little People" barn, house, doctor's office and put out all the Little People to play with. We had cake, apples, and cheese. That was it. Then about 30 people were here at the house. We had homeschooling friends, church friends, and AWANA friends (some crossed over; some didn't). One invitee was a 12 year old that my daughter asked especially for. I had a good time visiting with these friends and hopefully the parents enjoyed their visit too. Instead of "loot" bags or goody bags, I opted for a "treasure chest." There were little whistles, sunglasses, straw candy, etc. and the children could get out as much or as little as they wanted. It was very simple and even though there were lots of people, it was very enjoyable and not too much stress.
Now, my daughter turning 7 understands about even numbers and odd numbers. Our birthday "policy" has been--when you are turning an even number, you can have a friend birthday party and when you are turning an odd number, you'll have a family birthday party. Well, last year when she turned 6, she had a ballet birthday party and had lots of friends, presents, cake left over, games played. This year we'll be traveling to see grandma, cousins, and an uncle who shares the birthday with her. It will be fine. I'm just trying to make it through this season.
I've been thinking about how to make the season special. I'd also like for the girls to have their special day too. Someone told me that it'll be special just b/c it's at this time of year. I don't know. Already, everyone talks about how to slow down during the holidays and "how to de-stress the Christmas season." Now, we've added birthdays to the mix. I guess it will boil down to love--genuine, real love for each of the children and then accepting Christ's love for me. Without love, I'm a clashing gong during Silent Night.
Merry Christmas.
Nov. 22, 2007 - at home
We are celebrating Thanksgiving right now. We had a big breakfast and then listened to the Barbara Rainey Thanksgiving Book on CD and the Thanksgiving music which my grandmother LOVED. The story was great and when you are in school (public) they don't tell you that the people who came over on the Mayflower praised God, even though they went through so many bad things. I don't remember anything about them having gone through 2 or 3 years of famine and sicknesses. I didn't know that they had to have a ration of 5 kernels of corn. This was something I'd never heard before--it's not that I've forgotten; I've just never heard of this. If you don't celebrate traditions and hear the stories, it'll be your kids that forget or your grandkids.
We'll be having a bigger feast here in a little bit. I think I just need to have 5 kernels of corn and be thankful.
Sep. 5, 2007 - oops
I go off about AWANA not being said with an "s" at the end, and then realized after reading my son's 3rd grade book that it is NOT "TNT" but T&T--Truth and Training. So noted and corrected. My humiliation has been brought to my cheeks once again. Nowadays, soapboxes are made out of cardboard anyway and should not be stood upon.
Sep. 4, 2007 - AWANA
3 of my children have their second week of AWANA tomorrow. They are all so excited about it. I'm glad. I grew up in AWANA and am such a fan. I went to scholarship camp 3 years and came back while I was in college to be with some 5th & 6th grade girls at AWANA camp. The church I currently go to doesn't have AWANA, but the one I used to go to and my husband's uncle currently attends has AWANA so we take our children over there. My son has been in this program since he was 3 and now he's 8. Just when our youngest gets old enough to go to Cubbies, we had another baby and so we still don't have any nights out for just the two of us. This year, though, I'm helping. I waited until my son was in 3rd grade and I'm helping with the boys in TNT. (Preschoolers and little kids aren't as much fun as the older ones, I feel.) When I was in AWANA, the girls were called the Chums/Guards and the boys were the Pals/Pioneers. I don't know much at all about this new group. My first impression of the starting book was a little confusing about what the boys were supposed to memorize. I haven't seen the "real" book yet. I guess we'll see. I am glad to be helping with them. I feel guilty for waiting so long to help, but I just wasn't very excited to be around little kids after having to be around them at home. You'd think I'd like little kids more than I do since I have 4 of them running around, but then again did I mention my high blood pressure problems :) I would have helped with the older ones sans having any that age, but since I don't go to that church, it has always been difficult for me to keep up with when they start and their plans for the year and what-not, so I hesitated joining. Besides, my husband and I would take the littlest one out for ice cream and we had good talks and walks around town. We were working on our marriage while the children were working on memorizing Scripture.
Well, one note of irritation--I'm not sure where it comes from, but my in-laws' church has AWANA and when we visited there this weekend, I noticed their announcement. It said "Next week AWANAs starts." Do you notice what I noticed? AHHH. How can AWANA be plural? I really need to get over it. Folks say it all the time, and I notice every time, and it really bugs me. I even got on to my daughter who says "AWANAs" b/c she hears the leaders say it at that church. I guess I should just not worry about it--I know I have lots of irritating habits. Did I mention I have blood pressure problems? and run-on sentence problems too.
Now that I've stood on my soapbox, it's time for me to put up the soap I took out.
Have a happy day :)
Aug. 23, 2007 - doctor visit
We have been doing some lightweight school assignments so we don't get too far behind. I had a doctor's appointment today and my daughter (1st grade) came with me. I brought some work for her do--mostly so she'll have something to do while we wait. One lady asked her how she liked school and she replied that it made her nervous being in 1st grade because of flash cards. She's been worried about that b/c her brother was just not getting it last year and it was very frustrating for both of us. The lady didn't even pick up on the fact that we homeschool. She went on about how her granddaughter had started Kindergarten and how she liked it. My daughter didn't even think about mentioning she was homeschooled. It was very interesting.
The doctor said that he hopes my blood pressure will go down in a few weeks. I had an abnormal blood test with TSH low, so he explained that to me. I haven't had trouble with Thyroid before, so he was hopeful it was blood pressure related and that this, too, would level out in a few weeks. My grandmother and mom and aunts have all had trouble with thyroid and BP. They all seem to think that it's just my turn, and all I want is to not have to take medicine. Maybe it'll work out ok and maybe I'll have to take medicine for the rest of my life.
Jun. 6, 2007 - blogs, baby's, and blues
Well, I've gone from writing a blog two or three times a day (that was last year), to writing once a week or more (during the school year), to now about once a month (if I remember).
I've just finished watching a "come-from-behind-to win" Cardinals game. My husband just mopped for me then went on a bike ride. He's about to walk in now. I'm drinking a spot of White Tea--hot--even though it's about 75 degrees outside with high humidity (did I mention it is 10pm?). A bit uncomfortable, even if one isn't still pregnant.
That brings me to the biggest thing in my life right now--a belly the size of a watermelon and a backache to match. Well, I have about one month to go. I should be resting and enjoying the thought of babyness coming back into the house, but no--I'm pushing everyone around, asking for everyone's help, and still trying to let the big kids have some fun while school work is put on hold for a little while. They have been going to Day Camp this week. I went to pick them up and went early so that my 3 year old could have swim time with them. It has been fun, but exhausting for us all.
Next week is our 10th anniversary. I really wanted to do something special, so tomorrow when I visit the OB doctor I'm going to beg and plead if I can make plans to fly (on an airplane :). I'm really hoping to get one of those Last Minute Package deals to somewhere for not very much. I think it would be very adventurous but I'm very afraid that the doctor won't think that it's a good idea. The only hope is that I've had an uncomplicated pregnancy so far. We'll see.... maybe if I don't wait until next month to blog, you'll find out if I get to go or not.
Other little things in my life to keep me from blogging are the monitor I'm looking at right now goes out/black about every 5-10 minutes and I have to unplug it and plug back in (aaarrgg), the newsletter that is due next month right before the baby comes, and making plans for school for next year so we aren't too far behind even though we have a new member of the family we need to welcome. Oh and also, I've started a project with my Grandmother's old pictures to get them out of the magnetic albums she's had them in and put them in photo-safe scrapbooks. I'm hoping to get my GM to write the stories behind the old pictures, but it is emotionally draining for her and so we need to go slow. See, I have lots of good excuses :)
One more thing to mention is that my sister is going to Africa to help a missionary with a video production for their church in California to see and understand the climate this missionary will going into. My little sister has never been out of the country. This is really a huge and exciting thing for her. Join me in prayers of safety and God-sightings for her personally. She really gets to do some neat things.
Mar. 7, 2007 - support groups
Wednesdays after mopping, I usually have a few minutes to sit down and go through email and maybe blog or look at other blogs. I can't say I am as gung-ho about it as I used to be. Now it is when I get the time, which is seldom.
I have been going through some thoughts about support and circles of friends. My husband and I have been looking for a community group (that's what our church calls it anyway). We've not been in one in three years and I've wondered why I've lost so many connections at our church. Recently we've visited one, but it was huge. We were invited to another and every time they met seemed hard for us to work out in our schedules. Other groups have been reluctant to invite us--not because they don't like us, but because their group is established and people feel they can be vulnerable in that group and another couple might throw that off. Trying to find a group that we not only can fit it with, but works with our schedule is very hard.
I thought for awhile that I just wasn't liked or people that used to be my friends have purposely separated themselves from us b/c of our decision to homeschool. Now I don't think this to be the case. It seems more likely that I didn't know what my friends were going through and I don't know how to pray for them, and they don't know what I've been struggling with or how to pray for me. It was the prayer time with friends that tugged at me the most when I visited that group that was so big.
So church life is very different in supportive ways than say our homeschool group.
The nominations for our county's support group are due Saturday, and I can't get a solid answer from anyone that they are interested in serving in some way. I only get "let me think about it". I really want to nominate someone. Let's work the details out later. See, before you can nominate someone, they have to agree to be nominated. I wish it weren't so--just pick some people and vote. Oh well, I'm sure God has a greater plan that I can't see right now and it will all work out later. It's just the whole "March 10th deadline" that I can't seem to get past.
I think a good leadership team is needed to help our support group get going stronger. I need support with homeschooling. It is very important to me. I know many people who have been pioneers in the homeschooling "movement." They seemed to go at it alone, but they also set up some important systems along their way, such as getting support groups started and the whys and what fors. I'm very appreciative of them. I don't think I have that pioneering spirit though. "God will never leave me or forsake me" I may think, but it sure is nice to talk to others about their journey along the way.
Anyway, these are the thoughts that have been going on in my head lately. I could journal or I could blog. Tonight, I've chosen "the blog."
Feb. 26, 2007 - new book
I got a new book for my birthday called Captivating by the wife of the guy who wrote Wild at Heart.
My husband got it for me. I've just read the first chapter tonight and it has really made me think. It has made me think about being a female. Maybe it will help me deal with some of the issues that my daughters and I will face.
Today 6yr old daughter had an emotional breakdown. I surely didn't know why. She couldn't read one word immediately and instead of looking at it carefully, she threw a fit like her 3 yr old sister does (did, one time :).
She screamed at everyone and threw herself into her room and "had a terrible day." That was at 8:30 am. If I could put what I've read in my new book into her situation, I guess she was wanting someone to rescue her. If I put her situation in my place, I would have wanted to be left alone, but not her. At the end of it all, I'm torn between "showing kindness" and "not putting up with that kind of behaviour." I guess the next 12 years I'm just in for it. Ahh, the beauty of parenthood. May the Lord be with us all.
Oh and tomorrow I should be able to find out if it's a boy or a girl we will be having. I was leaning toward a girl, but after a day like today, well....
Jan. 26, 2007 - haircut
I got a haircut yesterday. It was long enough to donate the pony tail to Locks of Love. I hope it can be used to help someone. I haven't gotten used to it yet, though. I've had long hair for so long. :)
We also got a camera. I didn't have to wait until Valentines either. We had been looking at the Canon 600 for awhile, but it was the same price everywhere--$249.99. Well, we thought we'd just stop by Office Depot Wednesday night and look again to see and they were have a sale!! So we got it for $199.99. The Christmas money we had designated for the camera was exactly $200, so we just really had to pay the taxes and the extra battery. My mom has a camera similar, the 630, and she also has and extra memory card (2 gig too) she's willing to part with. I just feel really blessed. Right now, until we get the 2 gig card, though, we can only take 10 pictures :)
Well, I've got lots going on this weekend. A pampered chef party. A homeschool meeting, that I called and for which I reserved a library room. I hope things go well at the meeting.
Jan. 24, 2007 - my opinion in politics
I don't usually write about politics. I usually stay away from the subject unless asked. I guess I haven't studied enough to know what I'd be talking about anyway.
However, recently on CNN or some other news channel, the anchors have been asking the question, "Is our country ready for a woman president?" (speaking of H.Clinton)
Well, since they asked and it doesn't seem like I need to do a lot of study on what my feelings are on this question, I want to answer.
No, I'm not. Especially not Hilary. All I've seen from her is a power-hungry drive. It's in her eyes when she looks on with "compassion" at the poor people who surround her and champion her. She wants it so bad. I'm scared of this. Why do you think she didn't seemingly have any issues with Clinton's behavior with those "other" women? B/c it would make her look bad and hurt her chances for being the first woman president. She is so sick. She thinks it is b/c of her that Bill got the presidency. Either way--yuck, yuck.
OH, and I really hope nothing happens to Bush or Cheney (however, the cat fight that would ensue over that might be quite entertaining). I'm not embarrassed to be an American right now, for sure, even though other countries hate us, but I might just become embarrassed if that woman was in the White House and we had to say, "Madame President and First Man" Just doesn't sit right with me. Come to think of it, my waves of nausea started when she was considering a bid for the White House. I think I'm going to go be sick.
in my own opinion--no apologies if it's not yours,
Jan. 3, 2007 - Happy New Year
Well, my Happy New Year came and went while I tried to sleep off a migraine. It started Monday in the afternoon, while we were cleaning out the garage. It went away last night after a walk in the cold night air. Of course, in my present condition, I can't take anything for it. Of course, I only get them this bad when I'm pregnant. This was actually the third one. Back in November when I called for my first visit, I went ahead and asked the doctor for Phenergan (or the generic-oral pill). That's the only thing I can do-- sleep it off until it goes away about 24-32 hours later. They gave me the prescription, and then mailed me a letter explaining how to ward off morning sickness. This isn't NO morning sickness--blaa. Another friend said I need to drink water. That's not it either. I drank myself stupid (well, with iced tea) at a girls' night out with friends the night before. The only side effect was multiple trips to the ladies' room. I don't think dehydration was the problem. Water or other beverages only make me feel sloshy (spell check doesn't like that word) and more nauseated. Ahh, don't we just love being pregnant.
Today I feel great. We had a great day of school. We enjoyed our assignments and worked on them together. We read about the men who were swallowed up in the earth because they were unhappy with Moses' leadership. Moses was sent by God--so there. Accept it.
I wish I had not been sick during the New Year Day. I feel as if I missed an important day of the year. I didn't get any goals written down or made any plans for the year. I didn't make any commitments or promises to God or anyone. I didn't even have a prayer time with my family dedicating the year to the Lord. Oh, I hope this doesn't mean we'll have a bad year. We did kiss after the clock turned 12 midnight; maybe that'll help.
Dec. 30, 2006 - Christmas travel
Well, we declined the New Year's family trip to Mississippi since it only seems like a month since we've been there. Oh, it has only been a month.
We came home from the happy holiday time with both our sets of parents. As usual, we spend part of one day with my folks and part of the day with his family, part of the next day with mine. It usually depends on who is doing something or has something planned to do (hopefully something fun, but usually just eating.) And so we spend our holidays, hopping back and forth between family. I'm glad our parents only live 17 blocks from each other (and a walking trail that runs close nearby both houses). I wonder if it sounds like my husband and I are related, but since we live in Arkansas, we shouldn't even joke about such matters. Truly, we are only related b/c of marriage, and also our in-laws are now semi-friends b/c of our relationship and their commonality, i.e. grandchildren. I say semi-friends b/c they don't "hang-out" together, rarely see each other, but are nice to each other, visit each other if someone goes to the hospital. My husband's brother and his wife go to my parents' church. So catch-up among family has that connection. It is really very strange and yet it seems like such a blessing--for us and for the kids. I'm glad we don't have to agonize over who's parents we go see to the exclusion of the others. We see both, frequently. However, Texarkana is the only town in which we can have a child-free evening, a.k.a "date."
Well, after a week of being with family, we are now home. It is after mid-night, and I'll wait to unpack until tomorrow. We brought home more Christmas presents that we took with us. There were a few I had to leave behind b/c of packing issues. I'm also going to have to figure out how to best organize all the toys that were so generously given with the toys that have been generously given in Christmases past. I also have to figure out what to do about baby stuff. I only have half a year. It's not enough time. I think I'm going to panic. I'll have to wait until tomorrow; it's late. Good night.
Oct. 8, 2006 - Forgot to mention what else
I forgot to mention what else cool happened to me yesterday.
I got an email from a friend who went to my church last year and suddenly left and goes somewhere else here in town. We had once talked about trying to get a "for-fun, for-exercise" group of people together who would like to play soccer. She was emailing me letting me know of an opportunity. So I got more info about it and yesterday morning I brought my son with me to the field to see if I could play. Here I am, an out-of-shape mother-of-three, 30-something female . What was I kidding myself? There were 4 other guys, some college age, one was a 40ish father, some international students. Let me think: I was way out of my league. They were all very good and I could hardly keep up. I was out after 45 minutes. But the thing was they let me play and didn't discourage me. They not only let me play, they wanted my 7 year old to play. They were so nice. I got some good runnng in as far as exercise goes, but I was beat. They turned the field so that they were playing the space of the goal box (not the little penalty box in front of the goal, but the bigger box around that one) with stuff markers about 5 feet apart for goal posts.
I'm so glad I went and played. When I got done, I was sore but a good sore. When I thought about even asking about playing, I thought I was being brave. It was a lot of fun and I hope I can get to do it again.
Sep. 27, 2006 - number of children
Why does the number of children couples have bother other people? Why is it anyone's business? This morning I was in a conversation about a family from my state that has 16 children (there was a little bit of question whether is was 15 or 16). In this varied-age group of all women, most were apalled, some disgusted, some just overwhelmed. The lady next to me said that she wouldn't want to cook for that many. Another lady said that silly comment about she must not know what causes that. Another one mentioned getting a psychiatrist. One lady did come out with "I'm sure she's got the older children to help."
I kept my mouth shut b/c it wasn't the time for me to say what I thought. I am happy for her. I think it is wonderful she's got a big family. I would love to be in a big family. But this isn't the point--whether I think it's good or not. Why is this my business? Why do people have something to say about me having so many (3) or so little (only 3)? I've got the children God's given me. If He blesses me with more, yeah! If He doesn't, should I not be content? Then again, why should I have to explain to this others and be on the defensive?
When God tells Adam and Eve "Be fruitful and multiply," what number does this mean? 4, I guess. Did anyone ever find out how many children they actually ended up having? I don't know; I just don't know.
I know this is a heartfelt deep emotion in so many people's lives and I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I was just thinking about it and thought I put my thoughts down. How do I really feel about it? It's not my business to say for you.
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