Rainy days in Wisconsin

Moving

2011-01-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

I have decided to be more regular on one blog than random on several, so please follow me at my other blog where I actually post things regularly...it is called Story Weaver's Knapsack and I just gave it a face lift!

Rejoice!

My Favorite Things #2

2010-12-31T19:28:00.000-08:00

Lovely table settings

Tables set outside for a lovely meal or tea!

A good cup of tea!

A lovely tea!

Tea with good friends

Then and now...

Girl friend getaways!

Time alone outside...

Stage Plays

The Fireside Theater

The Jersey Boys

Wicked

Fairy Tales!

Modern and Ancient

An occasional best seller

Painting

outside

colors galore

A favorite Movie

with a transformation

and a happy ending....

I dream of dancing

My toes go tapping

Nat sings on the CD

Colbie on the stereo

Let's dance some more!

Sing Jessi!

Peter and the Wolf while I clean

Decorating my small spaces

With color and whimsey

The old and the wordy

Let's make it because I can't find it anywhere...

The bathroom where I soak and fairies adorn the walls

My little Cottage...gotta love home!

My Favorite Things - #1

2010-12-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Bottles, lovely colorful and gorgeous bottles full of wonderful smelling oils and fragrances!

Boots, tall and wonderful boots that fit!

Pink or brown?

Solid black!

Hummers! With a Hummer I would own the road!

Now this one is colorful! I think I like it best!

A Little Wine with some absolutely wonderful cheese!

My Wonderful Fantasy! The Gypsy Wagon of my dreams!

I can feature this one in my back yard...

Willow Trees...I miss mine and have about 35 in a bucket in the house. Alive and ready to plant in the spring!

Flowers

Simple or elaborate. Just wonderful live flowers...

Two of my favorite magazines...

And then when I want to get out of town I might like one of these darling teardrop trailers to travel in....

What's not to like?

The rear view. I could cook for a few other campers with this one...

A few really knockout outfits...

A little dog...

and Bella multiplied... Sigh. This is my fantasy.

However if I never get any of these I am still content to dream and make my life fun and grab the gold ring as I keep on going around...serving and loveing God and then loving both people and hahahaha dogs....

Pam's Wedding Shower

2010-11-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

Pam and Jeff are going to marry on Dec. 11th

The decorations were lovely!

The future Bride with two daughters. One bio (Kari) and one inherited (Sam) with the marriage. Both lovely girls and one is missing (Angel) that was unable to attend,

Sheryl

Kimmie

Margie

Two of Jeff's sisters

Jenna (co-hostess with me)

Niece (Nicole?)

Sharon

Another Niece (Heather?)

Cheryl's daughter

Sue and Lizzy

Cutie

All Boy

Look what's waiting for Pam!

My Trip to Charlotte

2010-11-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Judah Byrrd

I enjoyed his busy antics!

He is very innovative. Talking on a cell?

He loved playing with cars.

He carefully backed up to the "off limits" fireplace and sat down. Just his size!

Round and around he drove his cars...

Diggin for books for gramma to interact with.

He really liked Roscoe and the dog stood for it.

I love his little profile.

I took him to the reception in the stoller.

We tried on hats and he liked the felt tongue on this puppy.

No more hats? We will try the punkin!

The Bride and Groom came around to each table and chatted.

Jamie is ready for the costume ball.

Judah wore his Dino suit!

He is busy!

The cake was not only beautiful but delish!

Later we hung out at Kristen and Tims. It was down time finally for them.

Tim was enjoying the coffee table after we ate guacamole and salsa that Curtis made for us.

Mommy and baby being silly!

A Day in Muscody

2010-10-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

We started off touring Muscody at a shoppe called 'The Pink

Spot' and it was charming!

We had to catch a couple shots out front before going in to be overwhelmed by the scents and sights.

Went to lunch nearby after finding a jolly good rummage where we scored for the grandkids.

After perusing the local St. Vinnies and stopping for Pam's roses for her daughters and daughters in law (future tense) we ran back to her abodie as she calls it for tea!

Jenna was thinking about homework at this point so time to drive back to our homes and get busy! Thanks Pam for the good memories!

Things That Make Me Happy - Part 1

2010-10-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

My Old Puppy: Miss Piggy

My Kids and their Families: Ira and Ash, Beck, Evie and Brit

Mike, Eliana and Mikey (Jessica just woke up)

Jamie and Lance with Judah

Being near the water- This is Door County

My daughter-in-laws with their babies: Jessica with Mikey here

My Pastor and His Wife doing a Church Service. They are more in love each year!

Being silly and a ham...

When my friends find happiness: Pam with fiance Jeff

The idea of a Gypsy Wagon in my back yard...

and me in it of course being the quintessal "Gypsy"

My girls and I being silly

My Daughter in Law Ashley with Baby Brit

My daughter with Judah ...love that love

Going Camping...near or far

Watching Tisha be lost in her world

Finding crazy people like me....Betsy Johnston - Designer

Movies that capture my imagination

Trees, especially when they show color

My little corner of the world.

Christmas

My Pastor's kids all 4. Lizzie and Isaac here

Thinking happy thoughts

My daughter when she loves what she is doing: Jessi Lynn

Planting pots full of growing beauty each spring

Cooking fantastic lovely dishes: Vietnamese Egg Rolls here

Vegetables: Asperagus is YUM

Being surrounded by flowers!

24 hours with Lynda in September

2010-09-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

I went to Mike's to take care of Eliana and Mikey while mom and dad got away to a movie. I really had fun. They were good kids and went to bed when they were supposed to like angels.

Eliana and I made up some fun games. Here she is acting like a tree! When Mike and Jessica got home I drove home and got a full night's sleep.

In the morning I was expecting Jeff and Pam to bring Gizmo for me to care for while they attended the big Warren Cranfest. I still have him as tomorrow they are coming back to church in Reedsburg then running to Madison to pick up the Bridesmaid dresses. Wedding plans are in the air this year!

Gizmo loves me and Piggy tolerates him well. He doesn't bother her much and goes to his crate when he is ready.

I did want to take some pictures of how Fall like the corn is. Some fields are already picked and cleared.

I dressed up to the 9's to go see my honey lamb today. I had a couple errands to run on the way.

Look at that red Sumac!

Trees are turning gold and reddish browns.

I popped in to Slumberland to look at headboards. I love my bed but need a headboard to keep the pillows on.

They had two possible ones. Which one to choose??? Well, I have time to decide as I need to raise the cash!

Jack was glad to see me through his squinty eyes. He has an Opthamologist appnt. on Oct. 6th!

His nurse Ruth gave him his nebulizer treatment to aid him in keeping his airways clear.

We went outside and he sat by the flowers for awhile.

Supper was being served when we got back in. He has two ladies as his tablemates. This one is Jean.

Millie gets right down to business same as Jack does with concentrating on eating. Today was the first time she actually said hello to me. I was glad she is getting used to me now.

I came home after this and was excited to be in my lovely little cottage. I have roses on the dresser. I bought them for myself but I know Jack would if he could.

I had finished several projects this week and I loved walking around admiring them. Wall words are fun!

My beloved bath with a suggested way to Soak!

The new curtains I rigged up this week and the wall of flowers and butterflies.

My place to meet the Lord in the morning or to read late at night. Note my black shelf that Jessi put up for me earlier in the week. My Willow angels are now dug out of the attic and on display. This was a really good 24 hours!

A Visit to Muscoda

2010-09-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

They look pretty happy! Pam and Jeff are gettin hitched in Dec. I went to see their humble abode as Pam called it.

She always did shine in the kitchen. Fridge covered with grandkids pictures and now she has learned to make coffee. Just in time for me to go off coffee and switch to tea. LOL

Here she is in the living room with the chiharrier I gave her. Gizmo the happy dog!

After this photo shoot we went off to spend a day and night together talking and being like we always were. Fun! I will go again and continue to take pictures of her new and wonderful home and life.

A Day on the Farm

2010-09-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

We went to McDonalds for a Coffee and some pancakes for Karah.

Off to Jenna's dollhouse trailer and the Farm!

Old Cat outside by in-laws door. Cats everywhere...

Her Bedroom, note the Doris Weeds on the wall!

Living room with a day bed.

Off we go to find some cows for Karah.

Up the road to an orchard farm where they keep some cows, but nope they were out in the field where we couldn't get them. I have to go back for apples though. We got a sample!

Mmmm. Brown rice is cooking when we get back from the cow search.

Orange chicken to go on top! I am getting hungry now.

Our chef made a salad too!

Jenna is a farmer's wife now and the sign reads Backeberg Farm.

Calves in a shed.

Darn Flies!

With a face like this it looks like a Cover Cow!

We went to find the new Kitties in the barn.

Mutual admiration!

Kitty love!

At last those old cows showed up and thought Karah was the object of interest!

Lunch is ready now!

This lovely chicken mix on the brown rice and we scarfed!

Done eating and resting our tummies! This was a good good day!

One Day in August

2010-08-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

First the coffee...

An Avocado for me

leftover french toast from Denny's for Karah

Let's clean out the car...dog hair begone!

Doggie blanket on the fence!

To Pizza Hut for Lunch!

Yum!

Gizmo came along and we shared

We stopped at the neighbors yard sale and got two folding chairs

which we took to Jack's Room and then the company began to show up!

Brother John avoiding camera

Mom and Jack

Pam Jeff and Gizmo came too and John got Izzie out to share a moment. GRRRR!

The next stop was to visit Ruby and her wall deer stared at me!

Ruby is 95 and was taking her curlers out as I snapped this shot.

Her son Curt takes care of her.

Mom and John (still he avoids my camera!)

Karah is a spot of sunshine for us all!

Off to Spring Valley for Seafood buffet!

Curt helps Ruby decide on some fish off the menu.

John helped mom with the buffet. She always gets lots when he fills her plate!

We looked the buffet over and Karah decided to try it too.

After dinner all we could do was go home and sleep. We had food coma!

My day in August starred Karah. She is a joy to spend time with!

Garden Quotes, Gardening Sayings, Quotations for Gardeners

2010-07-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

Garden Quotes, Gardening Sayings, Quotations for Gardeners: "The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. ~Hanna Rion"

A Beautiful Day!

2010-07-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look inviting. Come and sit with me a spell...we can talk of dreams and visions. We can pray and laugh and plan together with some tea and a sweet treat!

Petunias always look so lush and lovely! Mine are doing well.

Atop the willow stump a creative planter sits... and who created thus? Moi!

Beside the steps: a Wandering Jew with Geranium and Coleus. The Willow stump is bearing a quickly sprouting new willow baby. Oh Joy! I miss that tree...

The Shower was Intimate and Fun!

2010-06-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Guess who gave her feather boas? Yup I really did.

Jean gave her luxury in basic black and lace!

Jean, Sue, Pam, Moi, & Amberly are in Jenna's photo frame!

A game of design. Lost but I did love modeling it though.

A Day of Preparation

2010-06-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight is Miss Jenna's personal shower. As she gets closer to the wedding it is so exciting! I am doing my best to be "in the moment" trusting The Lord with my husband. He may be placed in Baraboo for further recovery tomorrow. He was found to have pneumonia in addition to the affects of the fall. I will post pictures for you to see when he is settled in.

Now for the gift wrapping and arrangement of the dessert tray. Love that part!

Jack is Hospitalized

2010-06-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

My sweet and spicy husband has fallen and he didn't get up til we found him and had the ambulance come take him for tests. They found a small subdural hemotoma and he is now in the hospital and will be at a rehab facility soon. He is getting better but perhaps not sweeter in this time of healing. He is very used to me answering his needs quickly or giving a reason why he would have to wait. He is not getting quite that kind of response at the hospital even though they are caring for him well. I am trying to rest and have contracted a sinus infection which is leaving me very tired. I will soon blog again and maybe this week but need a little time to arrange and recover from this event. The picture here is from a better time where he was the center of the party. Hopefully he will soon be as lively as ever and our situation will greatly improve!

I Worked in the Yard too!

2010-05-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

Masterpiece!Petunias I love!Mixtures of beauty

I ran out of potting soil with some plants left and some pots remaining too...so guess that means more fun in the dirt soon! I still have to figure out some kind of covering for the pressboard showing in front. I like flagstone but can I find it and do it is the question? Maybe so!

Waterpark and Silly faces!

2010-05-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

I love to spend relaxed time, no matter how short with my grandkids and their parents. Note the new order that happens when you become a gramma! I loved the visit no matter that the kids attended a funeral with us all for a young man who we cared about who ended his life from prolonged depression that few would have know he had. We were shocked and pained at the loss. The Pastor did a good job of relating the situation and letting us all know there is hope for the troubled and mercy for the Christian. The time with the family was precious and the presence of the kiddies made it all more tolerable. The next day Ira ran to Rockford while I did the shower and he brought back the new baby for Jack to meet and his beautiful wife. We spent time at the waterpark the next day and ate at Cracker Barrel before they began the long drive home.

The Rummage which has not happened yet.

2010-05-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I thought I could do it. However, I did not take into account the kids coming and a funeral to attend and absolutely no help to count on as Jenna is trying to pack and move. Whew! My house looks like Goodwill blew up!
But then I cogged it, I am in charge here and the pace I choose to adopt is the pace I am comfortable with so ...the rummage will be but in the meantime I shall enjoy bubble baths in the midst of marking and cups of tea on the porch when it suits me. Sigh of relief...pressure is now less somehow.

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

2010-05-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

So racing on trying to do it all I realized I have lost my cape. Rats! How do you do it all without your tights and your identifying Bunny suit with insignia and your cape? Well, I still have my Mary Poppins Umbrella around here somewhere...

A Wedding Shower: Jenna Lu is marrying Farmer Mike so we had a wonderful shower
for her! Jean got the cake and decorations, Sue put them up with her kids, her sister played a wonderful trick on Jenna and I handled feeding them nachos and getting them out of their chairs for games!

The waters were quiet and so beautiful!

2010-05-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Mothers Day Weekend was not yet the tourist rush so we saw the Door County the regulars and homeys see. It was delightful and serene. I do love to be by the water!

At Last a Port with a Meal. Or is that a meal with Port?

2010-05-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Our arrival and check in at the motel made us past the usual brunch times and finally we found a lovely and slightly deserted place with a sumptuous array of food!!

My Mother's Day Luncheon was late and lovely!

2010-05-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

Door County Delights

2010-05-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here Jenna and I and a youngish troll sat on a bench together. The troll had a peculiar breath so I leaned into Jenna as to not become faint. They don't like that!

2010-05-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

While Ashley and Brit went to the NaDa Farm Sale Ira and the two eldest kiddos came to see this Gramma! Fun!

Gypsy Caravan Wagon

2010-05-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

This was a most surprising and wild day for me. Actually most of it was frustrating and long but this one moment enlivened my soul and set me to dreaming once again about my future gypsy caravan wagon I desire for my back yard. I want it more than another Willow tree to replace the one I lost. I was in Madison Wisconsin driving down Odana Road when I saw a real and wonderful gypsy caravan wagon behind a truck and parked. I couldn't stop but I slowed way down and squeeled like a baby pig. It was yellow and green and beautiful. I sighed for hours.

2010-05-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Had a couple days away with a friend who was scouting for her honeymoon. I hadn't been to Door County for about 10 years so it was fun. I found a couple treasures and ate too well. It was certainly beautiful and filled up my eyes with beauty...

The Plan for is for the Birds!

2010-05-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

My big find at the antique mall! Jack has a view out the picture window that will now have a focus!

Snap snap snap!

2010-05-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

My best bathroom shot!

Mother's Day Thoughts

2010-05-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

I spoke to my mom today and she warned me about her concerns for my plans to go to Door County over Mother's Day and a couple more! She is very practical and concerned for my welfare even if I am 63 and she is 84. I have to smile and always consider what she has to offer. She is a trouble shooter for potential disasters and has many good points to suggest. I appreciate her willingness to try to steer me clear of trouble. She is my mom! I love her dearly.

I spoke to one of my daughters yesterday. She had hard news for me. Our visit which has been planned for what seemed to me like a very long time is now on hold again because of the ramifications of the flood in Nashville. Well, I must swallow the bitter pill and find what is good and pure and lovely to think of. I am proud of Jamie and her mothering skills and yes, I miss her loads. When we can I want to hang with her and soak up her muchiness!

I have raised 4 independent and self-sufficient children into adulthood and then they went their own way. I tried to show them that they had wings so now why should I lament their flight? My nest isn't even big enough for all to come at once. It unraveled when they got their wings.

My heart is the heart of a mother no matter if I did it wonderfully or missed the mark at times. My heart has unlimited love for my two daughters and my two sons and their mates and offsprings respectively. I pray for them and try not to guilt them with my troubles or druthers. I can get by. God is my witness that I try. Crosby Stills and Nash is playing "Teach Your Children" as I type. I better switch it up so I can make it through this without being sappy.

I do not remember anything as exciting as watching my kids succeed at something they wanted to do. Soccer games, concerts, hostessing parties, marrying the love of their lives, the births and birthdays of their precious kids, a moment of clarity about the Lord, it all adds up to joy for a mom.

Equally nothing is as heart wrenching as when they are sick or hurt deeply or when cross thread with one another. So... I listen but then stand back, pray and wait for resolution and healing. I have learned to hold my kids lightly and let God have His way in their lives.

No one will come on Mother's Day. I am going traveling to see new vistas and think some new thoughts and get a small break from routine so I can have a change in perspective. It is all good!

Cuties: Evie and Beck

2010-04-30T21:19:00.001-07:00

The whole gang at the zoo. Lance taking picture!

2010-04-30T21:15:00.001-07:00

Gramma and Judah rolling on the floor and laughing!

2010-04-30T21:14:00.001-07:00

Ashley reading to Judah , Evie and Beck

2010-04-30T21:13:00.001-07:00

Jamie with Beck, Evie, Judah and Brit

2010-04-30T21:11:00.001-07:00

Evie the Princess

2010-04-30T21:10:00.001-07:00

New Grandson Britt Jackson

2010-04-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

A State of Mind

2010-04-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Since I got back from St. Louis I have been immersed in work and had little time to think. My trip was absolutely lovely in all respects. Gas mileage was good and the books on tape that I listened to were mesmerizing so the road trip went quickly. I am blessed that Cracker Barrel has such good books on tape for rent and that they are everywhere I have traveled. The grandkids were sweet and funny and endearing and I could go on and on. I connected a bit with my son and more with Jamie and Ashley simply as Ira had to work so much. I have pictures of all. I have filled about 6 albums so far. My heart was full with the precious moments. We celebrated birthdays and went to the zoo. Ira and Ash honored me with a lovely brunch at a French Cafe with a bakery. Lovely Lovely Lovely is my only thought! Jack did well at home with Jenna and all was right in my world.

Gypsy in my Blood!

2010-04-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

I so want one of these lovlies for my back yard! I would go out at twilight and sit drinking my cuppa and gazing at the fireflies or talk with a friend in candlelight. Sigh! I am a gypsy at heart!

Just in case: Imagination is a door you pass through

2010-04-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

To be continued when I am back from St. Louis!

2010-04-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have started a project and have already gathered many precious things to attach to my book but I have pictures to take of my loves from far away and work to do adding nearby loves as well. I have several other pages started and all are painted and streaked with metalic to please me. This book is just for me and I love sharing it with you out there in blogland!

Page 3

2010-04-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Page 2

2010-04-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

Page one

2010-04-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Mixed Media Book

2010-04-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Trying to Pack for my Trip but...

2010-04-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

I get lost in blogland, so many creative women are out there and I just wonder if I can create something besides a great supper and a story to amuse and bring wonder to young eyes...I long to make something tangible! So...I am gonna try and will post the results in a couple hours.
Happy Celebration Tomorrow! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

I found a wonderful giveaway!

2010-04-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Faded Charm Cottage has a wonderful giveaway with all kinds of things you might just love to work with! $25 Starbucks gift card, a clock face, a set of her artsy tile coasters, some great adorable magnets and some french citrus and black tea soap she discovered from France. Sigh and you better hurry!

My Easter Gift 2010

2010-04-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have become a Gramma again recently on March 13th and I get to leave on Tuesday to go visit Ira, Ashley and Family. The extra is that Lance, Jamie and Judah will be there for part of my visit and so I am wowed!

Ira holding Britt Jackson!

above: Jamie with Judah when infant and auntie Ash

Britt asleep and precious! I cannot wait!

Read these!

2010-04-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

I would like for you to read two blogs: my daughter Jamie Willow's named
Always on My Mind and my daughter in law Mrs. B and her blog is named
The Starcrossed Blogger. These links will take you right to their blogs... so enjoy!

April Fool Delight

2010-04-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

A close up!

2010-03-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

My 'Believe' Angel... The words are: Believe on top then below the list goes like this...Trust your intuition...leap fearlessly...Embrace your truth...take flight towards your dreams...feel the abundance of your life...collect moments of kindness...do the thing you never thought you could....celebrate the gift of today...Never give up, Ever

On the back where the ribbon attaches is a pewter oval with the word "Peace" on it.

What a wonder she is!

Believe fits right in!

2010-03-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely? I found the perfect spot. This angel is a hanging one not a stand up one and I am glad for the spot on my wall was calling her! Thanks so much Kelly Rae Roberts for this Giveaway and for your beautiful artwork that heals hearts!

Who Delivers on Saturday? U.S. Postal Service that's Who!

2010-03-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

She has arrived. The big yellow/brown envelope all padded with bubble inside was leaned against the door while I was baking and making. I brought her in carefully and tended the fires, made the supper and found the swagcode. Dish water is run and hot so I cannot open her yet. I am savoring the opening and will do it later when the dishes are done. When Jack is in bed and I am alone with my music and my thoughts. I will show him tomorrow but he doesn't much care for the things I adore. He is polite and nods but soon is engaged about a thought of his own. I think I am a mystery to him, sometimes a painful one and other times quite a character that he loves dearly.

So 'Believe' is waiting for me and I am going to do the dishes now. I made them while enjoying my kitchen creatively. I made cookies from my childhood called "Blame Good Cookies"! Memories can be a wonderful thing and I am still making them! I will take pictures when 'Believe' is placed where she will be happy and I will be satisfied!

A Giveaway to try folks!

2010-03-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Whats for dinner mom at blogspot is giving away a wonderful Le Creuset French Oven and there are many ways to enter. Go and give it a try! I am! Her blog is amazing!

Here is the sweet bee cottage giveaway prize!

2010-03-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

A Giveaway at Sweet bee cottage!

2010-03-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Go visit her and see the cute boxes as a giveaway celebrating her 122nd blog!
sweetbeecottage.blogspot.com/ will get you there! Post for a chance to win and mention in your blog for a 2nd chance! Good Luck!

I am a winner!

2010-03-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

I won the middle big girlie named 'Believe' and she will go perfectly on the pink wall in my studio with several other Kelly Rae Roberts artwork, photos and other artwork! I feel so blessed to win this and cannot wait to see 'Believe' in person. The blog asked, as Kelly is looking at names for her baby she is carrying that we give a girl and a boy name and I listed Ziva for the girl name and Beck for the boy name. Wow!

Thinking of Spring even though it isn't fully here yet.

2010-03-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

I am sitting on the stump left from the Willow Tree thinking of how to change my yard on my current budget of "Now What?"

This is where I lay my head!

2010-03-12T17:25:00.001-08:00

Surrounded by things I LOVE!

2010-03-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a conglamorate corner with Kelly Rae's stuff and a watercolor I love!

My Droll and Wonderful Ladies Adorn My Cottage!

2010-03-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

They are so whimsical and pleasant to live with. I just keep thinking that I must find another wall!

My Little Computer Corner in the Studio

2010-03-11T22:20:00.000-08:00

I love certain artists and collect their work! Kelly Rae Roberts is one! I want one of her stand up dolls!

A gift from a friend! Thanks it looks lovely on my wall!

2010-03-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

One of the Ladies is saying to the other "She is the one that did it!"

Can't you just hear the whisper?

My Kitchen Wall with the New Copper Pot!

2010-03-11T20:34:00.001-08:00

So Today I Will Go Forward!

2010-03-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

I have much to show you and today is work day to do just that. I have waited a year to feel the muse and it is here now!

People get ready!

We look out at Spring Peeking at us!

2010-03-11T08:20:00.001-08:00

My Dining Room Laughs!

2010-03-11T08:19:00.001-08:00

These two lively ladies are at play and mischief just comes their way! I love to laugh it up with the girls...

I Think I May Be Ready

2010-03-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

So I am going to try to share my enthusiasm for my Cottage with whoever is out there. It is a foggy rainy day in WI as it is Spring and that is just the way it goes so no outside stuff is planned. I will instead show you some changes to the inside> Here we go Alice! Down that rabbit hole we go...

Pink Shutters and Eagle on My Cottage

2009-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have not used my new camera yet so ... no pictures yet but oh yeah soon!

Soon there will be big changes!

2009-05-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am going to go in a new direction soon. Just letting you all know to expect these personal blogs to disappear and a new one to rise up from the ashes. I will still have a private one for my pain and frustration release and info for the family but I want to reach out in the direction of my calling soon.
SO WATCH FOR A NEW BLOG!

Baby Baby Baby!

2009-04-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

We love our babies! This one is very special. She came in with a "Failure to Thrive" label and had rickets as well.

I am no Nancy Nurse but with a lot of coaching from S I got onto the feeding tube and the contraption the pump hung on. Tubes and ratchets and syringes and vitamins to insert and whoa...am I really doing this?

Tonight was the worst. I tried and tried to get it all done right. The antibiotic ended up on the wall then I figured that out. I finally got it all figured out or so I thought and she fell asleep. A couple hours later I heard her crying. The machine hadn't made a warning sound but when I got there it was leaking all over her bed. So.......I found a soft towel, changed her clothing, turned the machine off and after retaping the loose connection I got it going again and she is back to sleep. Precious girl will need an extra hour of being on the pump tomorrow morning to regain what leaked out! I will be checking it more often tonight.

We took a few pictures when she came and again today...3 weeks later and what a difference! Yeah Pedia-sure! Yeah Vitamin D. She will be good as new soon and Mom can get her back! She is liking food better and taking bigger bites now. She is crawling and creeping and today she held my fingers and I got her to "walk" 5-6 steps several times.

Oh what a baby she is!

Showered!

2009-02-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time with Jamie Lockhart and Jessica Larson at their shower duet. Both are about to bless me with boy grandbabies in the next few months. Peggy threw a shower at S's home and it was fun! It was attended by a lovely group of ladies and they came armed with lovely gifts. I felt especially loved somehow in the midst of it all. I appreciated the gifts given for the "boys" and the blessings that came with the abundant gifts.
We had many kids at the shower as this home is always full of kids and they are so appreciated and bring joy to all of us even in their most frustrating times.
I was most blessed with being able to see my two daughters for the weekend. Actually I had to share them as others were just as tickled to see them. Jamie with her big baby belly and Jessi Lynn who is skinny as a racing rabbit. Just hugging them felt so good and the time after the shower with Mike and Jessica hanging out eating Pizza with S and Eliana and the girls was just special! Ihovered at the edge because it made my heart happy to just gaze on them all together. Wish I and A had been there with the kids and Lance too. Well, not to go on and on but then a couple days ago I got some lovely pictures to choose from online of Beck and Evie. Sigh what is a gramma to do? Just enjoy them when I can I guess.
The more messy areas of my life fade to the back when I am able to just sink into any moment with my kids and their families and spouses. Jack enjoyed them all too even though it is hard for him to be away from the doll house as it makes him nervous. It was a good time!

Clarity

2009-02-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things are blurry for a long time. You are just not sure of something that others see so clearly. Trying to survive each day is hard enough without figuring out someone else's motives or discerning their tactics. I have never been good at deciding others motives. So I have been around people over the years who have really fooled me. I do not pretend that I am any better at this today than I was in the past. However I do know the scriptural principles better as each year passes and that helps me to choose my behavior carefully and try to go directly to the point when I see that it is time.

When my gifts are assessed for within the church I come out high in "pastoring" others and believe me it is a small group of sheep. I do not pretend that I am ready to take on what others have done and become a real minister of the gospel. However I do lead and guide a few and I try to be real above all else. I hate pretense and artifice and prefer real any day so I try to stay real. Oh that doesn't mean I don't wear make-up or enjoy a time of avoiding my daily grind by taking on a day of being really away. Those type of pretense I can go with. I mean the kind that is acting all religious and pompous and being a flaming hypocrite. I hate that and don't want to be that. I am really not a perfected human. I am 62 years old and still a work in progress. Some might even say "a piece of work" in progress!

My goal for the future is to keep gaining clarity. I want to have more discernment based on scripture and not that ephemeral floating around above your head gift that some claim. I may get involved with some folks that disturb my peace and have not got pure motives but I want to realize it sooner and deal with it clean and with grace.

One thing for sure. The pictures of my grandbabies in St. Louis are beautiful. I still have enough clarity to brag up my babies!

My Life in Scenes

2009-02-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Morning squinted through crunchy eyes, was that sunshine? I rose slipping on socks and taking the dog to the back door listening to her tapdance on the hard floors. As I passed the table Jack smacked his lips appreciating the corn flakes and milk that he was downing. Soon Pam came through the living room arch folding the screen and setting it off to the side. She bore a smile and a loud greeting to Jack so he could hear her. I shut and locked the bathroom door and sat to pee and awaken. When I finished I located a pristine white face cloth and held it to my eyes with steaming hot water. The crunchies were melting and I was able to see my face. My right cheek had fossils imprinted from the pillow case. Aging is for all no matter how you perceive it or receive it. I embrace the changes with wry humor and great anticipation of increased wisdom and insight.
"Coffee" cries my very essence and so I leave the small sanctuary and grind my beans. The french press waits my tending it, and I pour out the old grounds and run hot water through it and the filter over and over til it suits then the ground beans go in. Jenna had turned on the water before she left so I soon had a cup of lovely organic coffee with stevia and creamer. It was just the right strength and taste. This would be a good morning. Pam was talking to Jack and telling him what was on the agenda for the day. I spoke little but hummed a stanza over and over as I enjoyed the headlines of the crumpled paper from yesterday and the coffee. I had recently attempted to cut back on my coffee comsumption and it only made each sip more delectible. Sigh.
I studied my husband's face as he listened to Pam and now and again would look at me. He seemed smaller and less vital than the week before. Soon he was asking questions about the very subject Pam had just covered. "Where are you going and who will be with me?" I located the white board and put it in clear black on the white. First the date and day of the week, then Jenna's schedule, then mine and then Pam's with any highlites of special activities for him. His next question was "When do we go to the chiropractor? Do we go today?" I answer somewhat impatiently but knowing it did not good to expect him to remember."Tomorrow and a shower too. You wash up today okay?"
Later I looked at my calendar to see what day we go for a shot to the clinic. His B-12 shot only took about 20 minutes of time but he liked to go to the treatment room. Not until the 3rd of next month. Okay, Tim should arrive soon and Pam and I then go out for a few errands. She to put in an application and I to a list and a bill to pay. I got dressed and put on my make-up. The fossil lines are less noticeable now. I must have slept really hard. Quickly I threw in a load of towels and took a load of Jenna's stuff out of the dryer and laid them on her bed in the living room. The blinds were open and Price is Right blared on the tv. Pam was watching it with him and running a commentary to try to engage him. I never do that. Detest those game shows usually and that one in particular. This guy was not Bob Barker.
Outside was my dirty Buick waiting for me to clean the floors out. We spend so much time in that car and it shows. I grab a bag and head out to make it less objectionable. I would dump it in the trash but Jenna forgot to take it to the street while I was gone so..I tuck it in amongst the bags overflowing the dumpster. Life gets so complex when we don't do the simple things that make it work better. Things like dishes, wiping the bathroom mirror, folding the clothes as they come out of the dryer and putting them away, taking out the meat from the freezer the night before, dusting, and taking out the trash. I know it is easy to get too busy or make an excuse. I lived that way for years and played catch up. On occasion I still do for things like putting the mail away right when I get it so later I am not searching for a bill I can't find or putting my glasses in the case instead of some wierd off the wall place I will not remember like on top of a stack of magazines where they blend in. Sigh
Off we go. Tim is with Jack and we have 3 hours to accomplish all the list. We do it laughing and with small periods of silence. I try not to think of all the homework I have yet to do and the laundry that is still in the bedroom. The day is well in hand. A day like none other and a day like all days.

What a day!

2009-02-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

I slept less than usual last night due to a toy I left in Tisha's room. About 3 AM she woke up and began playing with a musical electronic toy and S couldn't sleep so she went in and took away the toy. We had a tantrum that lasted over an hour and sleep was elusive til she quit.

Morning came as usual and the schedule was unchanged. Up and off to the chiro I went. Breakfast with Jenna and Jack who had cards and tokens for me. I had some for then as well so it was good. Then raced back to work as more kids were to arrive.

Yeah! Good to see Nary and Metrie. Edward was cute but wayyyyyy spoiled and he and Tish are like oil and water at times. Tish doesn't like competition. So their mom was to get off at 5 PM but here it is 11PM and I just got back from delivering them. Lots of delays for her to get off work then no ride home so eventually I delivered the kids to Wendy's on the South side as she didn't really want to go home herself so took the kids and I made my way home with Tish.

Karah is off at a friends for the night. Well, bad enough I am dead tired and my eyes feel full of glue but on the way home hit traffic from the Alliant Energy Center then a fire at a factory on E. Wash and then the darn gate fell apart again. I had to fix it to let the dog out in the pitch dark. GRRRRR! No, WAAAAAh!

I am so ready to sleep and forget doing homework. I am so done. Dog has been out. The cake is made and frosted with Kool Whip and the house is destroyed and the sink is full of dishes. I just needed to blog before I start cleaning up and getting my sorry self into bed. Tish is down. She actually slept all the way in the car. Oh and did I mention the van hadn't been run since Christmas vacation and no seats were in so I had to install all. Not my cuppa.

So basically tonight was an effort in patience and fortitude. I will live but sometimes I wonder what is up with the stuff that happens to me? Got a clue leave a comment.

Fragile Handle with Care!

2009-02-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Relationships are built. Some are fast projects that seem to form quickly and last for awhile. Others are forged over time. Some are light and airy things that fly in the sky like a kite. Others are sturdy and solid with unspoken terms of loyalty. Some get built and rebuilt as the participants adjust and respond to one another.

But I have learned that when some lines are crossed and some words are spoken then what took a long time to build is destroyed in no time at all. A careless word, a bad day, a selfish motive, an unthinking action can do what a demo crew would do. It can trash what was, demolish the structure and leave a place where sometimes nothing can ever be built again.

So in light of that may I suggest that relationships be handled with care and sensitivity. May apologies be given humbly and accepted with grace. May words be straight and kind with no games or manipulations. I also suggest that you consider your motives as you build relationships.

You might want to consider "what is your intent for that relationship and of what value do you place on the bond you have with that person?" I am not saying that relationships should not come to an end. Some are not worth saving. They are unstable and built for wrong reasons but still...take some time and consider. Count the value and the cost.

Millie Died Today

2009-02-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

Millie was my brother's faithful and unique dog that he had for over 15 years. She recently developed Cushings Disease and began to fail. I was fortunate to say goodbye to her last Saturday and I had tears in my eyes as she was part of our lives for a good long time. My son's dog Hobbz is nearly the same age, maybe 6 months younger and he is slowing down.
Millie was a constant companion to my brother all these years and the thing about dogs is they just love their masters. Millie has been a good companion to my mother as well. She called me to tell me about Millie slipping away this morning. John has kept vigil for a week or more with Millie in a chair a lot of the time. She was not in great pain but just lost energy and vitality. My brother is taking Millie's death like anyone who loved their dog a lot. I am sad for the loss.
She was quite a dog. She wanted to be the leader of the pack and wouldn't let other dogs be in charge. She loved to hunt and be outside but had every chair and sofa in Mom's house full of hair so felt right at home there. I will think of her chasing rabbits and coming for a pat when I arrived to visit. I will think of John's deep love for her and his love of dogs. She will be missed!

How close are you to being homeless?

2009-01-31T13:53:00.001-08:00

Have you ever thought about what makes a person get to a position where they are homeless? I have been on a mission trip to New York where we learned a lot about the homeless and then interacted in a positive fashion with those who were by giving them sandwiches and toiletries late at night when they had found a place to bed down. We found them on park benches, church steps, under bridges, in parks and on the sidewalk on cardboard beds. Many had all their possessions with them in a shopping cart or a backpack with a bedroll. Some were unfriendly and untrusting and many were receptive and friendly. I often wanted to hear their stories but it was not the time or the place. Since then I have asked a lot of questions and discovered many things. About one third of the homeless are dealing with some type of mental illness, about one third have a problem with substance abuse and one third just lost their job or got sick and couldn't pay the bills.
I had some time to rethink this recently as a friend of mine lost her job that she had held for over 5 years. She doesn't drive but was a reliable and well thought of employee until the economic downturn took her out. She is presently on unemployment and unable to pay for a place of her own so she found someone with a house that encouraged her to move in and pay a bit to help out. She gave the woman $200 a month and bought her own food and personal stuff. Unfortunately this lady stopped taking her meds that had kept her even keeled emotionally and she began to flip out. My friend had compassion on her and was a stablizer for the household but alas... the flipouts continued and she became aggressive towards my friend.
So the outcome is my friend was out on the street and unprepared to find an apartment she could afford. This friend is now staying in my tiny house on a trundle bed. There are others who could perhaps have helped but it may have crimped their style or their privacy would have been interrupted or maybe they were afraid. I cannot judge them but I have seen what the street looks like at night. "Not on my watch", as my little Metrie used to say when his brother cried. Her tears touched my heart deeply. Is it optimal? No, obviously not but is it right? Yes.

When things seem unbalanced...

2009-01-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

I have noticed that it is easy to be magnamious and helpful to another with a good attitude for a period of time. Then at some point when you may begin to feel taken for granted or for some reason the balance of ability shifts or the situation changes and what was seemingly good becomes a strain or even near impossible. At times you simply get worn down physically or emotionally and are no longer willing to continue giving.

The rethinking of what you thought you could do and what is truly able to be given freely is a good thing to do. The problem comes in how you view yourself and how you are viewed by the recipient when this shift occurs. I believe that I have agreed to do a number of things for others in good faith. I have received help from some others as well. I do not want to hold someone else under a promise that they are no longer able to keep and I want them to be able to be honest about what they can give and what is too much to expect as it changes. I want the same opportunity to rethink what I have agreed to do for others.

I am looking at this not in just one situation but in about 5 of them currently in my life and in the lives of others that I am close to. I am just reflecting on this subject and not planning any major shifts in my choices at the present moment. I am just noticing what happens to us when we give and it is not reciprocated or appreciated by others. The result of this can be resentment.

So all this thought on the subject gives a warning for me and others to be more careful what is agreed to do for others in a surge of compassion and how possibly a person could install checks and balances in their agreements that would keep both parties feeling heard. Contracts are a good idea and may encourage friendly and flexible relationships..

Boxing Day at Mom and John's

2008-12-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

We managed to get here when the turkey was done and the meal nearly on the table. Yeah! S had to go pick up kids and I gave Tisha a bath and got the house cleaned up and Jack ready to go while she was gone. So the freezing rain did not keep us from coming but ... Jenna did text and tell me there is ice in Reedsburg and a possibility of a flash flood tomorrow. Weather keeps us hemmed in on all sides. So I will try to go home in the morning. I have much to do and later tomorrow it seems we are to get 3" of snow. I want to make it back down to spend time with Mike, Jessica and Eliana and have a proper celebration with food and gifts. I love this big computer that mom got because of Macular Degeneration. Mom has trouble now seeing faces and can still read but only with large print books and then a magnifier and good light. What a trial!

We ate and skyped Jamie. Later Ira and Ashley arrived at Jamie's place with Evie and we skyped with them as well. They are on the way to S.C. for a week on the waterfront with family. I hope it is pleasant. Beck was riding with Gramma Honey. I miss family so much and even though I am making the best of being snowbound and kept close by financial concerns it is still my heart's desire to be with my children and enjoy them at holiday time. Jessi, Jamie and Lance, Ira and Ash plus the two babies and then Mike, Jessica and Eliana. Sigh but now that I have said it again I will go forward bravely and with joy. My life connection lesson for Sunday is on Courage. I need to keep on keeping on. Bless you all.

Being strong and mature

2008-12-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

God's aim for us as Christians is that we be unified, that we operate in the Kingdom of God now not just waiting for eternity in Heaven, and that we spread the gospel using all means ....sometimes using words (ha!)
Well this is some hat trick if we haven't let the word of God change us and mature us. Every slight or supposed slight becomes a looming threat if we operate in our own strength. The hardest slights are from family and those closest from us and those are the very ones that need the most grace. Those in the body of Christ end up being targets for criticism. We bulk up and posture to look good and we have high expectations of one another for our favorite characteristics and forms of integrity. We sometimes ignore out own flaws when we are concentrated on whatever we perceive to be another's lack. That scripture about ignoring the beam in our own eye while we tell our brother (sister) to remove the splinter...well I find this true for me and for those around me as well. We lick our wounds until they are raw.

I find that blogging my thoughts on a subject is an effective way for me to bring my random thoughts into order and see what is wrong with the deal. Often what is wrong is my own attitude. I recently blogged about the house growing smaller with 3 adults living in 3 rooms with a large dog and a lot of stuff. This is indeed a subject on my mind daily when I am there and sometimes when I am away as I know that is where I live. My blog set the situation up for viewing...not so much by my beloved fans (all 3) but for myself. As I write I see things about me and the putting it up there to see helps me make sense of my feelings as I organize and ponder the situations that come up. I do not apologise for using this blog system for my own growth. Instead I applaud my right to continue to be a self-reflecting person. I am intensely busy and often side-tracked with needs of others or pressing things to accomplish to keep the ship afloat so to speak. I take extra days to help others or earn a dollar or to just spent the money effectively so as to continue life, liberty and happiness for the ones I am responsible for at present. It is a weight but with God's help and this blog I may make it through without any major breakdowns or gliches. Those of you out in blogland please do not take my ponderings personally or decide major moves by what I write. Give me grace and allow the humor of the human comedy to filter through and bring you a chuckle now and again. Our dilemmas are similar. There is nothing new under the sun but oh my it can be an aha moment when you become aware of a lesson or a new level of maturity.

Romance is in the air!

2008-12-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jenna has a new man in her life and he is super cute and smart. I look forward to his flying in and getting to meet him. I will be pleased if he is all he seems. I want good things for her. Maybe somthing good can come from an internet Christian dating service. Only time will tell.
Life has many twists and turns but oh what an adventure. I remember love at it's beginnings. No small thing that tangled web of emotions. I know more now but that alone does not decrease the intensity of emotions I remember well. Those feelings are private now as I adjust to the stage I am presently in. No less love just new emotions...
Love can never be clinical. It is too good and lovely to be without feeling. God is love. Oh how wonderful that is and how loved I am. I have the word of God telling me how precious I am. That with a trunk full of love filled cards and letters from my husband and kids and some dear friends make my life full and fuller. I do not fear my rocking chair with memories like those.
Jenna I hope that you make some good ones and find a man who will hold your heart dearly.
Jack tells me every day that he loves me and worries for my safety. I am indeed blessed!

Another Winter Storm Watch for our area...

2008-12-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

We have gotton 15 inches this week so far and tomorrow is predicted to bring more and right on the heels of more snow the wind is to pick up and the temperatures to drop so wind-chill could be -25. Wow! I brought my silk long-underwear bottoms with me this weekend and I am glad. Last winter was bad but this one seems to have a possibility of putting last year to shame. Come on I do like a bit of snow but oh my not this incessant cold and snow. Shoveling is in my and Jenna's future I am sure.
Christmas is next week and I am eyeing the projected weather in our area. It affects the dogs and the people at my house. I hope Hobbz will willingly come in and stay in the laundry room at night. He likes to be outside but it is just too cold when it gets below zero. Hobbz is 15 and has seen his share of winters but his shelter is only a plastic dog house now, not a porch as was in La Valle.
I usually look forward to being snowed in once or twice a winter. I always have projects to do and a couple movies I could watch or a good book to read. My tiny house and the sharing of it has dampened my joy at having a snow day. Jenna is a student and she is chronically ill. I could go on and on about the drawbacks of living in a tiny house with those other than in your immediate family but I choose to look at the things which are positive that are coming out of this strange invasive situation. Jack has limited entertainment. A few library books, tv and his cell/housemates to amuse him with only occasional outings and visitors.
Jack gets care on the weekends and I get a change of responsibility coming to be with the kids plus opportunity to earn a bit to help us. That is the main gain for me. Perhaps if I did not have someone living with us we could live on less money and I would not need so much extra but that is not proven only "guestimated". I would have more space.
The benefits are also somewhat favorable for Jenna. She is getting hands on coaching and mentoring plus she is being encouraged to choose positive things for her health and her future. She would not be able to go to school without a situation that allowed her to live without having to pay her own rent/utilities/food/some transportation and other things needed for quality life. Her contribution does not offset the amount that would be needed to provide for her needs so this makes it a "benny" for her in that way. Living in a small area and having to consolidate and lose privacy is indeed a cost but setting any goal and working toward it is always at a cost.
I think about our situation and when drama/tension is high I wonder if it is the best choice at the end of Jack's life and at a time when I have so much stress and responsibility but I am prayerfully trying to listen and go forward to do the right and best thing.
God sometimes asks us to go out of our comfort zone for a time. One benefit of me cooperating in this is growth in my patience level but seems like every front has that opportunity (from Jack and his medical conditions and on to working with Tisha and various kids in their various states.) I am open to being stretched and changed. I am certain Jenna is too. She has her own list of irritations I am certain. Door slamming and pan clanging are some of my favorite normal activities. I love to have lights on and I talk to myself on many occasions. I have a strange sense of humor as well and can be quite candid when the occasion arises for me to air my thoughts.
This winter may be hard as our situation is like living in a log-cabin in the wilderness. The elements and the bears are outside and the smells, sounds, personalities, foibles and tempers are on the inside! Hoopla!
Bring on the snow and cold. Let's make this a winter to remember, huh? Love and Life are messy!

Oooocheeewawa!

2008-12-06T18:12:00.001-08:00

The kids are wild tonight. Lewcie is here while her sister and Melissa go to a "Go Fish" concert. Demetrius and Lewcie built a fort out of pillows and blankets and a minute ago he busted his lip doing somersaults so now he has a fat bloody lip and wants ice-cream to soothe it. Heck I do not care these kids get a suger dose every few hours so it can't hurt.
Paula Dean is on and has Christmas cookies on with people coming on to volunteer their best recipes. Edward is in bed. Tisha is bathed and down for the night. Karah took a shower looking forward to church in the morning and I am fixin' to shorten their chains and put some down to bed if the rowdy stuff doesn't go down a level or two. The dog is barking and the giggle level just increased with the ice cream. Sigh. Kids having way too much fun is either a kick or a pain. Depends on who and what day huh?
Eliana was here today and it went very well. She cooperated and played well, took a tiny nap and ate as well as she ever does. She did lick her lips a lot and is chapped but oh my if that is the worst of it we are doing good. She was so good with the baby! She will make a good sister/helper.
I just lined up all Tisha's shoes and my oh my has she got a fine line-up. Most are high tops as those are the only ones that stay on. She is used to shoes now and likes them. Who was the shoe lady? Well for a 5 year old she is doing well in the shoe dept. Of course there is little that she needs or wants so if a few extra colors of shoes makes her dressed up and smiling then I am all for the excess!

Decisions with Lasting Results

2008-11-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

I chose to stay home with my children. I chose to be the one who influenced and cared for them. Yes, I was okay with sending them out to a pre-school when they were 3 or 4 but really I wanted to help them learn and laugh and love each other. Was it successful? The proof is in the pudding. I have diverse but intelligent and vibrant adult kids. They have each found a direction for their lives. We did day care instead of me going out to work when they were younger. I did work part-time for a long time when they were older and that worked out so I still got plenty of input. I even became the youth director at our church in order to make certain my youngest and his buddy got the right influence.

I encourage folks to do what will be best for their kids even if it seems a hardship for a time. I am still paying for the choice I made but it is a small price for turning out good, responsible adults who know who Jesus is and want to serve Him. If I had made more money my social security would be bigger now and my life would be a bit smoother but golly gee whiz I think I did the right thing over all.

So the decisions we make have lasting results. I encourage you to think carefully about what you are choosing. Every day we make decisions that have effects for a long time. After I am dead some of my choices may still be showing good results. That rocks!

Of course struggling financially is a real concern but I serve a big God and things will turn around soon. At the very least I know I chose the better part.

I have posted pictures of these results. Enjoy!

Ok, today I smell winter in the air

2008-11-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

...and on the ground as it snowed this morning. We had a marvie day with a total of 10 kids here today. In and out of the various rooms with fort building, wrestling, bustin a move to Jessi Lynn's CD's and even a nap for one and early to bed for the 5 I now have remaining. Whew. After last night of little sleep I am ready for a toasty warm and pleasant night of more sleep. I pray the baby and the puppy sleep well and long. I want to go to church with some of the kids in the morning but Karah is coughing incessantly. Not a pleasant sound for the birthday girl. Today we got some cakes and I believe a trip to Cracker Barrel is in the offing for the family celebration.

I won't stay for that Monday night event as I have Girl's Night In to attend at my own house. Jenna is off to get special tests in the morning. I have a very overdue chiropractor appointment and snacks to prepare. A gentleman from the church is coming by to sit with Jack while we are indisposed or is it predisposed?? I am whipped so a day of rest is planned for tomorrow after church however with many kids that may fall by the wayside.

I may have to take my Sabbath rest on Tuesday this week. I love to take it slow but still I hate to really stop everything. My favorite days start at 8ish with coffee and my Bible and end with tea and my Bible late at night say 11ish. In between I enjoy cooking, writing letters, organizing, planning meals, making lists, cleaning various spots, reading and perusing magazines, walking outside sometimes with a dog and even taking a run to the local used store to spot a bargain. That is a day I would really enjoy once a week but the other days are good too filled to the brim with work and errands, big jobs and small piled high. What kind of day is your favorite around the house? Do you like cooking or blogging or puttering or being outside or curled up in a chair with your journal. I like it all!

Next week is to be 40 degrees in the daytime and I have much to plan in order to go to Nashville for Thanksgiving. The little gifts to wrap and some special birthday boxes to get ready. Oh how fun a trip is and then how wonderful is the coming home. I love home but adore leaving and coming back. That is just who I am. A lady on the move with home in her heart always.

I can smell fall in the air.

2008-09-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

I love fall. Autumn brings crisp apples and pumpkins, harvest bottles of canned goods and preserves. Kids playing in the leaves. Older folks out every day raking their lawns faithfully. The Chrysanthiums are for sale at the farmers market and the supermarket...many colors that honor fall. Wood smoke in the air at twilight and a cup of hot chocolate sounds good for the first time since last winter.
I noticed the yellow and orange starting weeks back bringing the promise of a freeze and chilly nights coming. The garden began to get brown all the while delivering those aubergines and peppers along with the ripening tomatoes. Squash replaced the sweet corn in bins and oh so appealing to my memories of stuffed butternut.
The sweaters come out of the attic and the tanks get layered with blouses and tops for the changing weather. Shorts are worn only part of the day and good old jeans are now the favored ones. The fall catalogs are lying in the baskets waiting for you to peruse and perhaps order one or two new items even though the budget screams "No!" You get excited when you go on someones blog and find fall pictures and decorations abounding. Yard work calls for a bit extra time to make it all happen before the snow will fall. The last lawn mowing seems fun because you know it won't need it again til spring. Anyway lawn mowing is more fun than snow shoveling.
Time to cook and bake and preserve the bounty from the garden or the market.
"Let's invite someone for soup and biscuits tonight honey... Get out a log or two and we will sit around the fire in the fire pit with our sweatshirts and a stadium blanket or two. Later let's go for a drive and see if we find any Elderberries to make syrup for flu season. Did you get enough chicory ground for some coffee tonight? Hey is the mint dried for my favorite infusion?"

Oh how I love the autumn season!

Hello Goodbye Hello

2008-09-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

David is leaving tomorrow to go to a new foster home. The lady has 3 challenged kids like David and does day-care in the daytime. Suzanne wanted to fight this move at first but David requires so much energy and time that she now sees that perhaps it is in the best interest of Karah and Tisha for David to have another care-giver. David may need respite and they may call Suzanne for this from time to time. If so then we will be seeing David again.

I really enjoy him at times. Like this morning early when I let him curl up with me on the day bed and we giggled and cuddled. It was a pleasant time. If I were not totally practical about the amount of energy it takes to do a good job here it would really pull at my heart strings to see him go but he is very difficult and takes a lot of my energy and of Suzannes. We must police him carefully as he can escape in a moment. Those escapes can put the fear of God into anyone. The new Foster mom does not have a fenced yard and is on a busy street, so it will be her renouned skill that keeps him in line and safe. That and a few prayers from our direction I think. He is slick and waits til you get distracted or busy with others to pull his disappearing act!

Well, hope his mama gets her act together and gets him back soon. That would be the best solution I guess. So many children with so many needs and so few caretakers! Sigh.

Summer is ending and Autumn is peeking at me.

2008-08-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

It has been swooping past me. I enjoyed the trip to St. Louis very much and wished for days and days more. My routine is just that a slightly varied routine that includes doing what needs to be done as best I can.
I am finding less and less help from my helper. It just seems to work that way. Jenna is starting school, working and feeling more and more constricted by the confines of lawn-mowing and giving showers and tending Jack to make sure he stays safe when I am gone. She still helps me a lot and tries to please but I sense it is wearing on her.
She is getting more and more "touchy" about Jack's tone and gruffness. I grasp that she has had some abuse and also that now she seems part of the family that Jack will treat her more like he treats me. But I am a tiger and she is a panda bear. I tell Jack when my feelings are hurt and when to quit being a bully. He may or may not listen but at least I have expressed my upset. Then I can release the anger. I think that Jenna tries but often has to go away to regroup and she does take it personal. I think itt tends to make her shy away from wanting to be around him and be able to just ignore the frustrating behaviors It will be happening more and more as the dementia slips in and confuses him.
I do try to just forget about it and go on, remembering to protect my heart from the words and tones but hang on to who he is under the veil covering his mind. Yes, he always was ornery but he was Jack my husband and only man I ever could stay with and somewhere he still is that man.
So I have to last, to hang in and keep on for his sake and for my own. I have to face God for my decisions and attitudes. They are not always good but I am going to hang on and do all I can to make Jack's last years pleasant or at least more pleasant than they would be in some institution. It will be more possible if I can enjoy some times doing what makes me strong and full of joy, and the things that cure the hopelessness that tries to come and instead cause the bubbling up of my spirit inside.
So, I pray for Jenna and am wanting for her to go on with her life as best she can. I do want the best for her. But at the same time I have to have help and Jenna is currently my helper and so I want the situation to be equitable for her living and helping and eating and staying warm and clean. I have no idea what she really feels about what she contributes to the household. I can hear it if she wants to state it but I have to keep the whole thing going so my focus is there.
Every man who earns the money for his family knows what I know. You must keep the stability and do what you have to do within the confines of integrity. I am grateful for all the wonderful things that go on. I keep a gratitude journal to keep my focus steady. I am not asking for pity or charity though I wouldn't turn down the gifts that God would provide. I just want a little understanding that my situation is totally different than it has ever been. I am descending into a vortex and I must keep my wits and my relationship with the Lord must be intimate and transcending so I can make it through. So I blog to put it down in words, to make sense of my life as it spills out of me. I know that this is not all about me. I am just a small part of the picture. I love that. Praise God it is not all about me. Something bigger is going on. Lord help me do your will!

The Pond is Back!

2008-07-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

I heard the sound of rain, Miss Piggy nudged me again and again but I was so tired. Then came hail and more thunder, nudge nudge, and then when I finally was able to wake up I found a lake in back and a pond in front. Evidently we got another nearly 10 inches of rain. Oh my!
Earlier the straight line winds had knocked a huge section of fencing down and it fell on my lilac bush and broke it off at the base. Jenna with her back out and me with my back ailments had to lift it up off the lilac and other plants it landed on and brace it up. Then the next day Jenna wired it up until we can manage to screw in new heavy screws in new places to hold it. The back gate is only held on by the dirt it digs into. It got put on backwards when Ira and Jessi did it and then I think has been removed several times since but needs a lift and adjustments. Well, the dogs are still with me. I thought surely Hobbz had gotton out but with all the thunder accompanying the wind he hid behind the shed under some boards and did just fine. A soccer ball was 20 feet from the fence section that was blown out and it never even moved. Go figure...
So rain rain go away from Reedsburg please!

In Search of the Lake that Once Was...

2008-07-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

So how does a flood make a lake disappear? This is a good question in retrospect but we all saw the lake water rushing out of the lake and taking houses with it so we know it did and can happen somehow when there is too much water. The 100+ inches of snow and then the rains that seemingly would not stop created conditions that hinted of disaster and then suddenly was one. FEMA is here and the houses that were affected are either sitting empty or being reconstructed by workers trying to regain a place for families to live again.
Jamie and I went in search of pictures of the lake that was and we did find a large expanse of mud and cracks that once was a resort and playground to many. Standing on the sandy beach looking out was just mind boggling. Look and see for yourselves. What will be twice as interesting is the process they will begin to fill that expanse back up with water to satisfy the community and the businesses who want their lake back! We will be there with camera's rolling.

Tasha Tudor has Passed from this Life.

2008-06-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

I did not know until today when I was catching up with fellow bloggers. Wednesday last she passed away and I know the world has lost a creative and idependent artist. Tasha wrote books, made marionettes, loved Welsh Corgis and lived independently in her old age.

She has a lasting place in my list of older people that I revere and strive to be like. I do not know what she believed but do know she lived a life of creativity and joy. For that I will try to emulate in my declining years. She went barefoot and lived among her dogs and relics enjoying her family to the last.

She passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2008 and would have been 93 in August on the 28th. If you want to see her work please look her up on Amazon. She wrote various children's books which she illustrated and I own her pictoral book of her home and life in Vermont.

2008-06-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

We are still WET! I speak from the midwest (Land of Tornados and Floods that is). I have much to say about the past week or so. We got 14.5 inches of rain in one day after already being saturated and then more rain the next few days, steady downpours of rain, the kind that you do not want to step outside for any reason as you are soaked in a second.
I was in Madison working with the kids and we got a workout running up and down the stairs at S's place as the t.v. would announce a funnel cloud had been sighted and we were in the possible path. Straight line winds were also a problem and were from 60 to 90 MPH. So I wrestled the kids up and down during naptime for Tisha and to David's complete irritation. He simply becomes dead weight and fights you when you want him to cooperate with anything he does not grasp like an emergency for example. To his 5 year old downs-syndrom mind I was asking for something over the top to have him go up and down to be safe. So my back was tired and my temper frayed but we made it with a little help from the 6 and 7 year old girls.
Karah (my God child and little blessing) cooperates nicely in an emergency although she is terrified of storms; she trusted me and we made it fun. She had a friend over, Jonathan's (He was a foster from S) little sister Keesiah who is 6. The giggle contest was on. These girls knew how to be silly together so that helped when things got tense from the storms.
I was getting cell phone calls continually from Jenna and others in Reedsburg telling me what was underwater and how bad things were. My front yard is now renamed "Willow Run" as the water ran and made a pond with my house floating in the middle. The dogs had to pee on the back steps for if they stepped down they were swimming I am told. What a grand adventure for us and what a nightmare for many others.
We now have FEMA setting up shop in town with National Red Cross next door at Pineview and RAFT (Reedsburg Area Flood Team) sharing the space with a divider they borrowed from our church to delineate the areas. We went to get bottled water and they gave us Miller Water canned in Milwaukee where Miller High Life took a half day off from bottling beer and did water just like they did for Katrina. I admit it has a taste I do not prefer compared with the spring water bottled in plastic but oh well it is wet and safe where our sewer treatment plant got flooded out and the water was questionable. So we are still boiling it for use with cooking and drinking only bottled water.
Well, the water went down at my place after Jenna and her sister and boyfriend moved all the pots and yard things up onto the deck. They tell me the water came up near the door. I am so glad it did not go higher. I do not have a basement and for that I am grateful! All over town people were flooded badly. We watched the fire department use boats to help people at the end of our street and for blocks back from there all houses were in danger.
A few places will not be able to ever be inhabited and the city will demolish them as they are dangerous. LaValle was underwater and the roads were closed so many places that getting anywhere was a real big problem and time consuming. I 90-94 was closed and the traffic rerouted to Highway 12. What a trip I had with Eliana coming up from Madison to Reedsburg last Saturday. It took 4 hours with a couple quick stops to potty. We were plenty sick of the car and the slow speed we had to go over the Baraboo bluffs with all those big trucks changing gears and impatient drivers butting in after racing ahead on the shoulders. But all in all people have been so good to one another.
I teared up when I saw all the possessions our on the curb for blocks and blocks waiting to be picked up by the disposal service who offered to help. IT was horrendous to say the least. Most of that trash is still waiting as it just is megatrucks full. What they are to do with it all is a huge question. We are requested to not use much electricity and water as it is too much of a load. So just like in a drought we must conserve. This flood is all over the midwest. Homes are lost and lives are lost. The devestation is just mind boggling. Many will be financially ruined by this disaster. I covet prayers for all those who have been hit so hard in this area of southern WI. I know Iowa and Indiana and parts of Illinois are affected too.
I hope that it makes some stop and realize that life is what is really important and that God wants us to look to Him. It is a sobering time which I hope God gets people's attention. I have never regretted giving my life to Christ. He goes with me through every hard thing and joyful moment. He is always with me and heaven seems a wonderful end to this life I have lived. I look forward to the time where there is no crying or dying.

Amazing things do happen.

2008-05-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

I went to visit mom and it was a wonderful visit. She does not feel well enough to go to the wedding but she was so sweet and well, like I always want my mom to be. I did tell her by phone and then reiterated it later that when she has her surgery that I want to be there and stay all night with her so she will feel safe and cared for. She liked that as she is concerned about having surgery. I do want to be there too. I am just ready to let go of the whole past thing and just move forward with grace, to go forward with God in the lead! In this process I am giving myself grace as well. Forgiveness takes time to be thorough but the beginning is just a prayer of being willing to forgive.

Wishin' and a Hopin' for a Truce.

2008-05-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today if I could affect a change in the world it would be one that could mend what is broken in our family and help other families to do the same. But if Jesus Christ's death on the cross was not enough to make this happen then my piddly wishes and hopes would be a puff of smoke in a windstorm and nothing would last or stay fixed. So I suffer on with hopes and prayers for a healing in our knarly situation, for denial to lessen and fantasy to stay only in our storytelling times, for kindness to be the method of delivery when we deal with one another and forgiveness to be the balm that ends the bitter taste of gall when it rises like heartburn and heartache seems to rise.
Today I thank my mother for not being determined enough to abort me, for caring for me when I was sick and trying to help me meet my needs through many years. I thank her for teaching me to write better and that practice is how you learn anything worthwhile. I apologize for the times I was a burden. I apologize for the times I could not handle the pain of our secret any longer and sought for something to ease my tortured mind. I am glad she tried to find a better way for herself but I would love to remind her today that money is good but security is only found in a relationship with the living God. She may not read my blogs as the computer seems to offend her sensibilities.
Mom I love you and I do not mind that you love John most and put him above me. It is okay, he has many good things to offer and varied talents and charms. I do mind that you think he is perfect however. No one is but Jesus Christ and He is God. I only mind that you refuse to forgive. Not for me as I have forgiven you and John and Dad and many many others for abuse and unfair treatment for both me and for others...I am releasing the resentments regularly through prayer and the retraining of my thoughts. I appreciate what you have given me and do not begrudge you your foibles. But for your sake I mind your bitterness. Vitriol spoils the container and I want you to know peace by putting to rest your grievances and lists of failures for others. I know I am on that list for all you see perfect in John the glasses turn to me and mine and the tint is dark and out of focus. Today I would want you to drop the bag of discontent and run free, lighter and more able to love. I only wish that my expression of this would make a tiny crack that would begin the healing. I don't want to go on as it is if it can change. Do I think I am better or even really good? No. I know I fail and fall short. I admit my lacks and ask you to admit yours. I am a sinner saved by grace and I am working out my salvation by relationship with the living God day by day. There is no achievement that supercedes this process.

Mother's Day Thoughts

2008-05-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have loved being a mother and mothering other people's kids too. I am not certainly any kind of expert. All I learned was from reading, watching, doing, failing and feeling the conviction of the Lord. I am not the Proverbs 31 woman but I enjoy working at being better. I am unable to affect my own kids and the"extra's" lives very much now. That is as it should be. Kids grow up and you release them to be who they are.
I see that it takes time to disengage from "the mother" if she is critical or hangs on too tightly. Both of those styles of mothering have put unfair stress on the adults that want to go forth and live the life they dream of. I bless my children often in my prayers and I talk myself out of interfering very much. I am proud of the married partners my kids have chosen. Troubles come and go in all their lives. The inevitable fights occur and opinions diverge even within loving relationships. I pray for peace and the fruits of the spirit to grow in them all.
I think the kids that have come from these unions are precious gifts of God and I will and do pray for them with fervor and spend time with them as it is allowed. I had the best of grammas and want to be a lasting memory of love to my grandkids. I just want to be a fun gramma with love that is eternal.
My kids have usually have lived far away as adults and that is a heart crusher at times but I raised them to be independent and to follow their dreams with God in charge. So I must release them graciously to do just that.
I admit that I love hearing from them. I crave those text messages and e-mails and the phone calls or notes in the mail. I sometimes get sad that they are so far off. My arms ache to hug them. That is just the mother's heart in me. When I fear for a child I give them to God. This is right to do and I do it when I feel the worry and concerns come. I do it often at times.
Mother's Day? A day to honor the mother who gave you life or gave you wings. I like the theory but it just is not the whole answer. I want my kids to rise up and call me blessed of course but not just with a hallmark card or a gift. Those are lovely and they touch my heart deeply however a true blessing may come after I die when they speak of me. Then no one will stop the truth from bubbling out from one to another. I will not hear it, I will not be there but it would be nice to hear the blessing words and not just the stories of the crazy things I have done in my life. And I do admit those wild and funny stories will surround me when I am a mere shell in a casket. Our lives follow us even to the grave.
My deepest longing is to have the Father God say "Well done my good and faithful servant!" For that I strive..........

I am beginning a project!

2008-04-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

I love to do projects and I am lining them up right now! I bought material at JoAnne Fabrics for 5 aprons! But that aside, I have begun a new project and CSI will just have to take 2nd place for awhile. Ever since the job at the church has become passe I have been frozen. Add to that the actual diagnosis of Dementia for my husband and I am just in a zone. I don't really have any friends to do anything with that is unrelated to my 'daily grind' life. I love coming to Madison and working for S, it takes me out of the smallness of my life but it still has some fierce limitations. I was made to travel and pop in on folks and investigate little shops and do projects alone and with others. I miss scrapbooking at Judy's. The delight I used to take in packing up and driving there over hill and dale, unloading and immersion began. The day passed, I may have gotton stiff from concentrated efforts but no matter. Lunch was always special and the limited social ambiance was perfect for me. Touches to and from others but no one absorbing me. Sigh!
I have need of diversion and of expression of my talents. Church calls for some of my talents and living with others calls on others, serving and teaching are indeed wonderful things to do. I do not regret this time spent but oh how I want to dance in the creativity of my soul. So...I have said all this to tell you that I purchased a huge funny looking scrapbook album with a frivolous picture of a thin woman in a car on the front and it is to put my desires and likes and tastes in with some poetry and prose in between. Dogs to Dishrags it will be me! So I challenge any readers who get to a place of unrest to do this very thing. You do not need a special format just follow your heart and collect many magazines to peruse and cut to smithers. My advice is to do two at once. The kitchen and the heart if they are somewhat seperated. I am gathering all the recipes that sound like they would taste wonderful or benefit my friends and putting them in a 2nd album. Joy is creating this. I wish I could teach this as a class for boosting creativity and finding out what direction to go next. It helped me in the past when I was frozen or discontented and I am awaiting the curtain to rise this time also! Happy creating to us all, God made us in His image and He is the best at creation! Aprons and books or potroasts and curtains, it is all the same...just begin and flow in the direction it takes you! Yeah!

I love to read blogs!

2008-04-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I spent awhile chasing rainbows as it seems finding blogs that spoke to my heart so I thought I should post a few for you to check out and see if you like them too.

Blogging is fun and it is a way to touch people when you just cannot take the time, effort or find a way to reach people outside your sphere. It is also a way to stretch your limits and jostle your views and opinions, experience new things and find like folks who stimulate you.

Good hunting!

What a week of work and exploring!

2008-04-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

In my search for money to pay the bills I have had an interesting week. Suzanne and I have kicked around the idea of doing a family home day care but with all the drawbacks I have decided not to do this and told her today to go forward with her plans and I would continue to look for a position that met my needs.
I cleaned for Peggy in her trailer home. It is starting to look better and shape up. She bought Jenna's Whirlpool washer and dryer as theirs died a sudden death. They both work and so laundry is in the process...I did 12 loads last week at my house and then delivered them folded to Peggy. The kitchen is now taking shape. Not the best shape but there is now a table and they can eat or sit and coffee there instead of eating in the living room. We rearranged the living room and made it more attractive. Dave is dead set against getting new carpet but the stuff they have is wrinkled and bunched, smells like dog and mold and basically will never let them feel good about the house. Peggy wants to just save money and surprise Dave while he is at work someday but I am encouraging letting him change his stubborn decision and let him think it was his idea. We start with prayer...
We shopped and with $169 we bought food and supplies for making meals for 2 weeks. A day of chopping and sauteing and stirring and voila -freezer and fridge are now full and they are enjoying the meals. Their vacuume broke so Jenna is going to try to fix it. I am always overjoyed that someone likes to take things apart and fix them. I hate it and really never remember how they go back together. So viva la difference! We are making a silk purse out of a sows ear!
Then it was T. Stamman meeting week so Peggy and I made taco salad for many with volunteer donations as was on the list of needs. It turned out well as usual but Tom left early due to a sudden snow storm in Minnesota. I sat in the office during the service and did my resume for a job in Reedsburg that may be the one for me - Church Secretary at the Methodist church is needed and so I feel qualified. Now they not want me but it is in and I looked mighty good to the ladies in the office. I also put an app in on line for Kwik Trip and went in to meet the manager at the store nearest me. She is willing to work with my schedule in Madtown. Yeah! The money is not the best at these jobs but maybe staying near home would benefit me. I want to help Peggy get her home in order and start to develop self esteem. I also want to help her kid Nick to learn to read so he will not follow in the path of n'ear do wells that have gone before. He has potential and why not invest???
So I have ideas and a direction. I want to try to keep Jack at home for now and see if he can get stronger and keep his thinking skills at the level he is at now. I think the chiro and vitamins and Jenna keeping on him to exercise a bit have kept him alive this long now maybe we can do it awhile longer!
My main goal is to get the credit card habit licked and off my back and my credit record and to be able to enjoy the work I do and the time I have. I want to build a few bonfires, have a party, plant a small garden, paint the bathroom and scrapbook again. Is that so bad? No. I can do it!
Lord help me do it please!

2008-04-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

What if I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments...what is it?
1. Produce: Sweet Potatoes
2. Bakery: Scones or healthy bread
3. Meat: Turkey or Fish
4. Frozen: frozen veggies like for whatever I wanted to cook that day
5. Dairy: Organic plain Yogurt
If I was to listen in on your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. I love you too.
2. Oh Yeah!
3. Use your Walker and stand up straight!
4. It is what it is so Get Over It!
5. What's up with that?
Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 sets of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?
1. Comfy jammies you could be seen in with Crocks to match.
2. Bra and Panties from V.S.
3. Pink lounge suit with jacket
So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?
1. Wash face and apply moisturizer, brush teeth
2. drink my English Tea with milk and stevia
3. think and read my bible and pray
We are going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Aviary
2. Monkey house
3. Random
You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?
1. Animal Cops New York
2. Rachel Ray (any)
3. CSI Miami
4. L.A. Ink
You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. Vanilla Bean
2. Buttered Pecan
3. Vanilla
We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?
1. Organizing my scrap closet oops that would take longer!
2. reading blogs
3. yard work...it is bad
4. blogging
5. exercising, shower and do nails
So, someone stole your purse...in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. What's in there?
1. Keys to church with purple light on them
2. Keys to my car and a remote (with a pink metalic flip flop on them)
3. Brown leather wallet with checkbook/Drivers License etc. inside
4. Stevia green and white bottle/migraine pills/ibuproferin
5. Kleenex pack
You are at a fantasy job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?
1. Missionary who works with abused women
2. Owner/manager of small tea/coffee house
3. Animal cop
4. artist/writer
If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?
1.) Journal your feelings
2.) Put men and marriage off 'til you finish school...college that is
3.) Find out who you really are and settle for no less that that
4.) Find a way to go to and finish college no matter what
Stole this from another blog but the answers are all mine!