...The mornings of memorial day would usually begin with everyone meeting at my Grandmas house. I remember walking over to Grandma's from Aunt Marilyn's just a few blocks away. I must of been a rather carefree child because I distinctly remember daydreaming the entire way, skipping along, and singing whatever recent song I'd heard on the radio. We would load up the cars with plastic flowers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandma. Then it was time to head to the big cemetery on the "hill".
Uncle Daris would stay behind - he was busy "foofing" up the picnic food. Potato salad and Coleslaw aren't "finished" until they have been adorned with radish roses and green onion curls. My favorite thing though - was his watermelon basket ! If I could get away with it - I would sit and watch, awestruck as he deftly carved his watermelon creations. Usually they were just a basket shape with scalloped edges and a handle. Once though - to my utter amazement - he carved a watermelon whale ! It was the most glorious thing. I've never been quite brave enough to attempt the whale - but I have been known to carve a basket or two. I can also make strawberry fans, radish roses, cantaloupe flowers, and green onion curls. I hope Uncle Daris looks down on me from heaven and smiles. Aunt Marilyn would be proud too I think.
Well, back to the story...
After decorating, it was time for the "kids" to go reserve a space in the park for our picnic reunion. If we were lucky the "coveted" sheltered picnic area would be available for us. We would take our place - making sure to leave someone behind to sit and "hold" our spot. The other cousins would play nearby until the adults began to arrive. Then we were allowed to wander the park until picnic time. There were always yummy things to eat. Grandma's fried chicken, Uncle's potato salad and coleslaw, Cousin's stuffed olives, Aunt's macaroni and cheese, Aunt's chocolate sheet cake, Mommas jello salads, and many other delicacies to delight us.
I can't say I was ever taught much about the meaning of memorial day. I always noticed the flags and things. No one ever really talked about the family members we had who had served. My dad is Navy veteran but he doesn't speak much about it. I guess as you grow you just begin to understand the meaning as it surrounds you. So to all those who are serving now and who have served before - Thank You. If it was not for you - this little girl would not have the memories she has of carefree childhood days.
5.31.2010
Memorial Day...
It seems so very strange to be sitting here at home on this day. When I was a child Memorial Day meant many things. It meant a long trip from Nebraska to Oklahoma with many stops along the way. It meant a car loaded with plastic flowers - visiting Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents - two family picnics - the first day we got to go to the public pool if the weather cooperated - and long hot treks walking through the graveyard finding long lost relatives.
First we would stop for a treat in McPherson at the McDonald's for hamburgers, french fries, and a soda. That was always a treat for us because we didn't eat out in my family unless we were traveling. It was much too expensive when you had a family of 6 to feed. We ate at home.
The next stop might be in Augusta to visit Grandma Bowman. As a kid we always "dreaded" the "visits". Ugh - it meant sitting quietly on the couch while the adults visited for hours sometimes. Grandma Bowman was OK though - she traveled to other countries and spoiled us with small gifts. Grandma Bowman always let us play outside in her front yard or on the porch too when we started to get fidgety from too much sitting. Sometimes she would even cook us a wonderful chicken and rice dinner. Often times she had some precious treasure from her travels that she would let us hold as she told the story that went along with it. She always made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies with nuts in them when she knew we were coming. "Nuts" were a delicacy - they were costly and mom didn't buy those often. If we wanted them we had to wait for the walnut tree by the steps to offer up its treasure. Then we spent hours cracking and digging out the nut meat for momma. She then whisked away the precious cargo and promptly froze it for later use in her zucchini or banana breads that came later around the holidays. Grandma Bowman - I miss you - you were a wonderful adopted Grandmother and I am proud to have been chosen by you.
The next stop was Attica. A small little blip of a town with just a tiny grocery store and not much else. Ah yes, but Aunt Neoma and Uncle Doc lived there ! Always a welcome stop for the kids. Aunt Neoma and Uncle Doc owned a motel there. One summer I got to stay with them and Aunt Neoma let me help clean motel rooms and earn enough money to go to the pool almost every day ! She even had one of the boy's girl friends give me swimming lessons ! They had a "fancy" house, a big TV, coloring books and crayons to play with, a massively tall swing set outside, and gum ! Aunt Neoma always always had gum ! Not the spearmint 1/2 a stick gum momma gave us. She had bubble gum - all flavors - grape, apple, and regular! She also had the meanest dog I ever met. I can't remember her name but she was a mid sized dog - black, white and gray with a growl that scared the daylights out of me ! I don't think she ever actually bit me but that was a dog we stayed away from.
After stopping at Aunt Neoma's we usually headed out to "decorate". There was a small cemetery there with a few graves we needed to put flowers on. Momma always told us to be respectful and not walk over the top of the graves. We always obeyed. I'm not so much sure we did it out of obedience or respect - I think we feared if we walked over the top of the grave it would cave in. Oh my - how our little imaginations worked. Usually at the cemetery we would meet up with other Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and my Grandma. They were there decorating too. We would all meet later at the park for our first picnic family get together of the holiday. You know, it's strange, but I don't remember anyone being sad while "decorating" except for one time. My Aunt had lost a young child and the one year I remember her "decorating" she cried over the loss of her child. How sad.
After a stay overnight at Aunt Neoma's we were off to Alva, OK. This is where the big family get together was ! The big family reunion picnic at the park ! Swimming !
This also meant a visit to - dun dun dun - Aunt Vanone's house. Oooo the agony ! Sometimes we didn't HAVE to visit but most times we did. There was no playing outside at Aunt Vanone's. No toys. No shenanigans. Just a looong visit that seemed to last all day where we sat on the couch and sat quietly waiting to leave. There was no getting drowsy and falling asleep sitting either - that was rude. I'm sure she was the nicest lady but oh my, I was just a little girl who wanted to do anything but sit on the couch while the adults conversed !
This part of the visit meant I got to stay with Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Daris. I spent much of my time there. Uncle Daris was the grandfather I never had. I was the twinkle in his eye and basked in his love and encouragement often. Aunt Marilyn was more than an Aunt she was another grandmother. Most times I would stay with them rather than my Grandmother. I loved Grandma too and spent lots of time with her but the love for my Aunt and Uncle was strong.
First we would stop for a treat in McPherson at the McDonald's for hamburgers, french fries, and a soda. That was always a treat for us because we didn't eat out in my family unless we were traveling. It was much too expensive when you had a family of 6 to feed. We ate at home.
The next stop might be in Augusta to visit Grandma Bowman. As a kid we always "dreaded" the "visits". Ugh - it meant sitting quietly on the couch while the adults visited for hours sometimes. Grandma Bowman was OK though - she traveled to other countries and spoiled us with small gifts. Grandma Bowman always let us play outside in her front yard or on the porch too when we started to get fidgety from too much sitting. Sometimes she would even cook us a wonderful chicken and rice dinner. Often times she had some precious treasure from her travels that she would let us hold as she told the story that went along with it. She always made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies with nuts in them when she knew we were coming. "Nuts" were a delicacy - they were costly and mom didn't buy those often. If we wanted them we had to wait for the walnut tree by the steps to offer up its treasure. Then we spent hours cracking and digging out the nut meat for momma. She then whisked away the precious cargo and promptly froze it for later use in her zucchini or banana breads that came later around the holidays. Grandma Bowman - I miss you - you were a wonderful adopted Grandmother and I am proud to have been chosen by you.
The next stop was Attica. A small little blip of a town with just a tiny grocery store and not much else. Ah yes, but Aunt Neoma and Uncle Doc lived there ! Always a welcome stop for the kids. Aunt Neoma and Uncle Doc owned a motel there. One summer I got to stay with them and Aunt Neoma let me help clean motel rooms and earn enough money to go to the pool almost every day ! She even had one of the boy's girl friends give me swimming lessons ! They had a "fancy" house, a big TV, coloring books and crayons to play with, a massively tall swing set outside, and gum ! Aunt Neoma always always had gum ! Not the spearmint 1/2 a stick gum momma gave us. She had bubble gum - all flavors - grape, apple, and regular! She also had the meanest dog I ever met. I can't remember her name but she was a mid sized dog - black, white and gray with a growl that scared the daylights out of me ! I don't think she ever actually bit me but that was a dog we stayed away from.
After stopping at Aunt Neoma's we usually headed out to "decorate". There was a small cemetery there with a few graves we needed to put flowers on. Momma always told us to be respectful and not walk over the top of the graves. We always obeyed. I'm not so much sure we did it out of obedience or respect - I think we feared if we walked over the top of the grave it would cave in. Oh my - how our little imaginations worked. Usually at the cemetery we would meet up with other Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and my Grandma. They were there decorating too. We would all meet later at the park for our first picnic family get together of the holiday. You know, it's strange, but I don't remember anyone being sad while "decorating" except for one time. My Aunt had lost a young child and the one year I remember her "decorating" she cried over the loss of her child. How sad.
After a stay overnight at Aunt Neoma's we were off to Alva, OK. This is where the big family get together was ! The big family reunion picnic at the park ! Swimming !
This also meant a visit to - dun dun dun - Aunt Vanone's house. Oooo the agony ! Sometimes we didn't HAVE to visit but most times we did. There was no playing outside at Aunt Vanone's. No toys. No shenanigans. Just a looong visit that seemed to last all day where we sat on the couch and sat quietly waiting to leave. There was no getting drowsy and falling asleep sitting either - that was rude. I'm sure she was the nicest lady but oh my, I was just a little girl who wanted to do anything but sit on the couch while the adults conversed !
This part of the visit meant I got to stay with Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Daris. I spent much of my time there. Uncle Daris was the grandfather I never had. I was the twinkle in his eye and basked in his love and encouragement often. Aunt Marilyn was more than an Aunt she was another grandmother. Most times I would stay with them rather than my Grandmother. I loved Grandma too and spent lots of time with her but the love for my Aunt and Uncle was strong.
5.30.2010
Quiet
Today was a quiet one around here.
Did a little housework - well I guess it qualifies - dishes and vacuumed the living room.
Experimented with a new recipe - pineapple fried rice - mmm ! Success !
Baked a wonderful chocolate bundt cake. I'm sure there are about a 1000 calories a slice to this one - lol ! We don't believe in "light" when it comes to chocolate cake around this house.
Researched my next stamping project.
Talked to oldest girly girl on the phone. That was quite the adventure. I think we lost our connection two or three times. Oh my...
Finally - FINALLY - got around to emailing her my recipes she's been asking for. Poor girl - she's been asking for quite some time now. I realize now, I don't write down the recipes I use all the time. Oops !
Giggled at the texts about Sweet Pea and potty training. Yes - he's only 22 months old and potty training. It's pretty much out of necessity. Changing his diaper has become nearly impossible when he has the wiggles !
The worry monster managed to show his face around here a few times but he was overcome by the thankful angel and left for places unknown.
Did a little housework - well I guess it qualifies - dishes and vacuumed the living room.
Experimented with a new recipe - pineapple fried rice - mmm ! Success !
Baked a wonderful chocolate bundt cake. I'm sure there are about a 1000 calories a slice to this one - lol ! We don't believe in "light" when it comes to chocolate cake around this house.
Researched my next stamping project.
Talked to oldest girly girl on the phone. That was quite the adventure. I think we lost our connection two or three times. Oh my...
Finally - FINALLY - got around to emailing her my recipes she's been asking for. Poor girl - she's been asking for quite some time now. I realize now, I don't write down the recipes I use all the time. Oops !
Giggled at the texts about Sweet Pea and potty training. Yes - he's only 22 months old and potty training. It's pretty much out of necessity. Changing his diaper has become nearly impossible when he has the wiggles !
The worry monster managed to show his face around here a few times but he was overcome by the thankful angel and left for places unknown.
5.29.2010
Un-eventful
It's amazing how quickly God can change things in us. Today was a pretty "worry less" day. Of course, there were not any "events" - no doctor visits, no unusual quietness, no illness, etc... Any thing that might set off the worry chain in me.
There aren't many uneventful days around here so it was good to enjoy just resting for a moment.
I figure - I'm practicing. Practicing how to live and breathe without my own strength and rely upon His. Trust me - this is life and it is crazy - there is always some sort of "event" to come because that is how life works. I think these past few years have been so filled with events that unfortunately I'm expecting another - teenager angst, accidents, fires, cancer, illness, job loss. You name it - it's happened in the past few years.
Ah, but there were other "events" that far outweigh any of those that weren't easy. Weddings, graduations, grandchildren, miracles, and way too many others to mention. It's time to quit just surviving and start living again !
There aren't many uneventful days around here so it was good to enjoy just resting for a moment.
I figure - I'm practicing. Practicing how to live and breathe without my own strength and rely upon His. Trust me - this is life and it is crazy - there is always some sort of "event" to come because that is how life works. I think these past few years have been so filled with events that unfortunately I'm expecting another - teenager angst, accidents, fires, cancer, illness, job loss. You name it - it's happened in the past few years.
Ah, but there were other "events" that far outweigh any of those that weren't easy. Weddings, graduations, grandchildren, miracles, and way too many others to mention. It's time to quit just surviving and start living again !
5.28.2010
Ramble on - day three
Day three of my adventure to leave behind the worry and venture into this new life.
Day three has gone well. A worry will pop into my mind but only for a moment. It is more quickly replaced by thoughts and prayers of thankfulness and gratefulness. Perhaps because Bible study has fed my soul ? I think that is one of the keys. It seems I've needed Bible study more than I realized. It's amazing the things God can do when we relinquish our control over to Him. He brings us exactly to what we need even if we don't see the need within.
Youngest girly called today and told me an amazing thing. She's been trying out a new therapy called craniosacral therapy massage. She's only been twice now and she is seeing changes. Her left foot is beginning to work ! Amazing ! It's been 4 years and we've seen small changes - but this change is big ! My fellow TBI mommas - you understand - this is a big deal !
Day three has gone well. A worry will pop into my mind but only for a moment. It is more quickly replaced by thoughts and prayers of thankfulness and gratefulness. Perhaps because Bible study has fed my soul ? I think that is one of the keys. It seems I've needed Bible study more than I realized. It's amazing the things God can do when we relinquish our control over to Him. He brings us exactly to what we need even if we don't see the need within.
Youngest girly called today and told me an amazing thing. She's been trying out a new therapy called craniosacral therapy massage. She's only been twice now and she is seeing changes. Her left foot is beginning to work ! Amazing ! It's been 4 years and we've seen small changes - but this change is big ! My fellow TBI mommas - you understand - this is a big deal !
Prepare for heart surgery...
Bible study tonight. Late night - meet ya at 11:45 pm - not your average Bible Study. That's what we do !
So now-ow-ow I get it. I see what God has been doing the past few days with me. Well I see a glimpse of it anyway.
Bible study tonight was about the parable of the 4 kinds of soil and the seed. Mark 4: 3-8. Lets say that the soil is actually our heart and the seed is God.
The first type of heart we discussed tonight was the hardened heart. This is the heart that won't receive anything of God at all. Nothing penetrates it - I wonder is it because of hurt, anger, or selfishness? Perhaps it's a mixture of all three...
The second type is the heart that will receive some bits and pieces from God but when life gets difficult those bits and pieces fall away and never seem to take hold. There are too many other things in the way and not enough room for the God "seeds" to actually put down roots.
The third type of heart is the heart that is open and available to this God seed but it doesn't have a whole lot of room for the seed to grow. There are too many other things in the way and God gets lost in the "clutter" of it all. Everyday life is so "full" of other things that God gets lost in the details.
The fourth type of heart is an open heart. A heart that's willing to take this God seed and nurture it. That's willing to clean out all of the clutter and focus on the seed. Seeds that are nurtured grow and eventually become strong and well rooted. God seed eventually produces good "fruit" - translation - good things in me !
Ahhh - OK God. I have heart condition number three - it's called a worry-"full" heart that is cluttered with "my" plans and "my" problem fixers and I haven't left room for You. Ahhh. However, if I take the clutter out then there is room for God to take hold and really work in me. Time to pull those "worry weeds" out by the roots !
So now-ow-ow I get it. I see what God has been doing the past few days with me. Well I see a glimpse of it anyway.
Bible study tonight was about the parable of the 4 kinds of soil and the seed. Mark 4: 3-8. Lets say that the soil is actually our heart and the seed is God.
The first type of heart we discussed tonight was the hardened heart. This is the heart that won't receive anything of God at all. Nothing penetrates it - I wonder is it because of hurt, anger, or selfishness? Perhaps it's a mixture of all three...
The second type is the heart that will receive some bits and pieces from God but when life gets difficult those bits and pieces fall away and never seem to take hold. There are too many other things in the way and not enough room for the God "seeds" to actually put down roots.
The third type of heart is the heart that is open and available to this God seed but it doesn't have a whole lot of room for the seed to grow. There are too many other things in the way and God gets lost in the "clutter" of it all. Everyday life is so "full" of other things that God gets lost in the details.
The fourth type of heart is an open heart. A heart that's willing to take this God seed and nurture it. That's willing to clean out all of the clutter and focus on the seed. Seeds that are nurtured grow and eventually become strong and well rooted. God seed eventually produces good "fruit" - translation - good things in me !
Ahhh - OK God. I have heart condition number three - it's called a worry-"full" heart that is cluttered with "my" plans and "my" problem fixers and I haven't left room for You. Ahhh. However, if I take the clutter out then there is room for God to take hold and really work in me. Time to pull those "worry weeds" out by the roots !
5.27.2010
Only half way through day 2 ?
Yes, really. Only half way through the day and my journey to conquer worry is not going as well as expected. Those worrisome thoughts are not any more than usual, however, they seem to linger a bit more. I'd like to blame it on my lack of sleep the night before. Yeah, that sounds good - rrriiiiight... Maybe not. What I do know is that I won't give up until I've conquered the worry monster that has taken up residence here in my brain !
5.26.2010
Day one ...
Today was day one of my "new outlook" on worry and how to combat it in my life. I think I managed to do alright. I certainly found myself being more aware of my thoughts. It's not that I didn't have any worryfull thoughts - it just didn't seem to linger long. I was too busy thinking about what I was going to offer up in a thankful thought.
It's amazing how such a small change can seem to make a large difference. I found myself not feeling the heaviness in my chest that comes and resides when I'm lost in my worry. I didn't feel as if "I" needed to figure the problem out or solve it. After all, it's not in my hands anyway. I found myself focusing more on gifts God has blessed me with.
I'm still a work in progress. In the time it's taking me to write this I've had at least two worry-full thoughts come to mind. I am thankful that Father God is in control and that His best will come from those things that are not so wonderful in our lives. I am thankful for my wonderful family who loves me just the way I am yet, challenges me to be more ! I am thankful that God is patient and I am not taking this journey alone ! Amen.
It's amazing how such a small change can seem to make a large difference. I found myself not feeling the heaviness in my chest that comes and resides when I'm lost in my worry. I didn't feel as if "I" needed to figure the problem out or solve it. After all, it's not in my hands anyway. I found myself focusing more on gifts God has blessed me with.
I'm still a work in progress. In the time it's taking me to write this I've had at least two worry-full thoughts come to mind. I am thankful that Father God is in control and that His best will come from those things that are not so wonderful in our lives. I am thankful for my wonderful family who loves me just the way I am yet, challenges me to be more ! I am thankful that God is patient and I am not taking this journey alone ! Amen.
5.25.2010
Be patient with me - God's still working on me...
It was a busy day today. I think I slept later than I should have and stayed up too late the night before. I remember the husband telling me - "OK, I'm leaving now." and thinking I should get up. That didn't happen.
When I did manage to roll out of bed I started my day off with a thought - well, to be honest with a worry. Isn't that odd that I did that ? Not really, most days I start off with a worry. What if ? The what if is usually followed with a plan of how "I" can do something about it. Really ? Believe it or not - today is the first time I've ever even noticed that I do that. Today. I've been doing this for quite some time now - maybe even years. Oh my. I'm surprised God has tolerated this from me for this long.
God has been working on worry with me for some time now. I wish I was better with it and I can't imagine what I must of been like in the past.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
I know in my head that worry does nothing. That all of my worry does absolutely nothing to change the outcome of things. My heart just doesn't seem to get it. If it did then my life would reflect that - now wouldn't it ? I go back to this scripture and realize God is telling me - no matter what the circumstances are, what the hurt or pain is that I feel, what the mess is that I have made - that all these things will work out for the best. His best.
My plan for tomorrow is to wake up, roll out of bed, and start my day with a thankful thought. For every worried thought that crosses my gray matter I will replace it with a thought of thankfulness and praise. I have a feeling it's going to be quite the journey - I'll keep you updated on how it turns out !
5.21.2010
Second guessing ?
Sometimes I walk away from a conversation and think to myself - "did I really just say that ?" or "I wonder, how did that sound to everyone else ?". I guess I do that more often than I realized. I think - gosh, God has so much work to do in me. It would be so much easier if conversation just consisted of the written word. I could write it all out - check it for mistakes, read it aloud and hear what I'm saying, change it around or edit it before anyone else saw it. I could explain myself better - well, could I ? I wouldn't have to worry about what my facial expression said to anyone else - wouldn't have to catch myself making a look or rolling my eyes. I could stop myself from conversing all together - just write it out and decide it didn't need to be said and delete it. I suppose then it wouldn't really be a conversation at all now would it ?
5.19.2010
The Question...
The question of the day is - Father God, what can I do ? What can I do to help someone going through the same things I have been through ? What can I do to make a difference ?
I just finished watching a video of a young man with TBI and his family I am privileged to know. We met through carepages - a blog set up for people who have family members in the hospital. I watched the video before but tonight it tugged even more at my heart. It revealed the struggle even more clearly for some reason. I sat with my heart tied up in knots, my throat clenched salty and tight, and tears welling up in my eyes begging to pour out as if they might somehow cleanse my soul as they dropped from my chin. His name is Jared and he is a miracle. Her name is Tracy and she is tireless. Jared doesn't just struggle - he fights with every ounce of his being. He pushes through each step willing himself forward. His mother, Tracy has battled for every single ounce of therapy he's received. She has fought insurance companies, hospitals, even the state of California to provide for Jared. If you truly want to know what is wrong with health care in America - look at Jared's case. It should be against the law for someone who is so deserving of care and willing to participate to have to go through what they have been through. It is unfair and that doesn't even begin to describe it. Father God has stepped in on behalf of Jared. He has provided for his needs. He has led the way. He has opened doors, He has provided finances where there were none, and He still continues to intervene to this day.
I have joined a community of people. We pray for Jared. We Hope for Jared. We rejoice as he overcomes. We cry when he struggles. Yet, I am left with - there must be more I can do.
I just finished watching a video of a young man with TBI and his family I am privileged to know. We met through carepages - a blog set up for people who have family members in the hospital. I watched the video before but tonight it tugged even more at my heart. It revealed the struggle even more clearly for some reason. I sat with my heart tied up in knots, my throat clenched salty and tight, and tears welling up in my eyes begging to pour out as if they might somehow cleanse my soul as they dropped from my chin. His name is Jared and he is a miracle. Her name is Tracy and she is tireless. Jared doesn't just struggle - he fights with every ounce of his being. He pushes through each step willing himself forward. His mother, Tracy has battled for every single ounce of therapy he's received. She has fought insurance companies, hospitals, even the state of California to provide for Jared. If you truly want to know what is wrong with health care in America - look at Jared's case. It should be against the law for someone who is so deserving of care and willing to participate to have to go through what they have been through. It is unfair and that doesn't even begin to describe it. Father God has stepped in on behalf of Jared. He has provided for his needs. He has led the way. He has opened doors, He has provided finances where there were none, and He still continues to intervene to this day.
I have joined a community of people. We pray for Jared. We Hope for Jared. We rejoice as he overcomes. We cry when he struggles. Yet, I am left with - there must be more I can do.
5.18.2010
Laughter...
Laughter doeth good like a medicine. I'm not one to question God on that. What I do know is that in our household it does seem to come rather easily. Perhaps we're just funny people - or maybe we just find odd things humorous ?
A few months ago we started having a late night Bible study with the family. Oldest girly girl brought it up, youngest girly signed on, the son in law joined in, the son wanted in on the action, and I am the mom - it's a given that I will come. This is no ordinary Bible study. Not your run of the mill, read the newest Christian book out there, pick a verse out of the Bible and lets discuss it. From the very beginning - God has used laughter to open the door to Bible study. It doesn't matter what our day has been like - by the end of Bible study we're all worn out from laughing so hard our cheeks hurt. Even when other people come who aren't our family. I'm not sure if we should be embarrassed - but we're just real people and when God points out something funny - we laugh. Not just a giggle here and there - true blue belly laughter. Red face, stop take a breath, hold your sides, try not to wet yourself, laughter. Every time.
We learn in Bible study. We talk, we discuss God and Jesus, we think, we pray, and by the end of Bible study I always walk away refreshed and filled.
I wonder, will we laugh so much in Heaven ? I think we might. I think the joy will overflow and laughter will follow.
A few months ago we started having a late night Bible study with the family. Oldest girly girl brought it up, youngest girly signed on, the son in law joined in, the son wanted in on the action, and I am the mom - it's a given that I will come. This is no ordinary Bible study. Not your run of the mill, read the newest Christian book out there, pick a verse out of the Bible and lets discuss it. From the very beginning - God has used laughter to open the door to Bible study. It doesn't matter what our day has been like - by the end of Bible study we're all worn out from laughing so hard our cheeks hurt. Even when other people come who aren't our family. I'm not sure if we should be embarrassed - but we're just real people and when God points out something funny - we laugh. Not just a giggle here and there - true blue belly laughter. Red face, stop take a breath, hold your sides, try not to wet yourself, laughter. Every time.
We learn in Bible study. We talk, we discuss God and Jesus, we think, we pray, and by the end of Bible study I always walk away refreshed and filled.
I wonder, will we laugh so much in Heaven ? I think we might. I think the joy will overflow and laughter will follow.
5.17.2010
Try it - you'll like it !
Well, the 41st Birthday Mexican Feast - Red Velvet Cake Fest - is over with. All is well and back in order in the "ramble" house. It was quite a Fest if I do say so myself. I have pictures to prove it ! I even tried out the "Red Cake" and was quite pleased. It turned out to be a bright red airy piece of goodness that surprised my brain and convinced it to take more than just one bite.
The real fun of the evening came when Papa took to opening his cards.
Baby J couldn't resist she had to get in on the card opening action ! If you look closely you'll see a tiny little hand holding on to the yellow card - that would be StinkerBell holding her own in the card business.
This would be Sweet Pea testing this particular Birthday Card out for bend ability and softness ? Maybe he thought it wasn't quite appropriate for Papa to have a card that was lacking in drool ?
At the end of the day - the cards survived all the extra LOVE from the babies. One of them even managed to reappear after a little hand not so quietly placed it in the trash can !
The real fun of the evening came when Papa took to opening his cards.
At the end of the day - the cards survived all the extra LOVE from the babies. One of them even managed to reappear after a little hand not so quietly placed it in the trash can !
5.16.2010
Adventures in Red Velvet...
Today was the day. 16 years of letting the husbands mom make the "Red Cake" are over. Today was the day. Dun dun dun.
This little bottle of food coloring looks innocent enough. Just 1 ounce - that's all, right. Once ounce of red disaster waiting to spot my t-shirt, my counter tops, my dish towels, and any thing else it happens to find in the process of being poured into the mixer ! This is no innocence in a bottle - it's an accident waiting to happen!
This is what happens when you add the whole bottle to a cake mix. I'm sure there is a reason why in traditional red cakes you also use buttermilk and vinegar - but I must say I crinkled up my nose during the whole process. Vinegar is something I avoid unless I'm using it to clean hard water deposits off of the shower. Then it's the best thing since sliced bread ! I don't enjoy the smell or the taste and for the life of me, I cannot figure out who would want to eat it in cake ?
Here we are - nearly completed. Maybe it's just me but doesn't the red make the white frosting seem even more white ?
Here we are - nearly completed. Maybe it's just me but doesn't the red make the white frosting seem even more white ?
Here it is - all frosted and ready to go ! Now if I could just remember how old the husband is ? lol
How old am I ?
Monday will be the husband's Birthday party here at the house. We're planning a Mexican fiesta style meal - tacos with fixin's, enchiladas, quesadilla's, Spanish rice, and chips with cheese sauce. His favorite foods other than pizza.
I have the grocery list made and the plan is to shop tomorrow - oops today because I seem to have a problem falling asleep and here we are - it's already Sunday. I'm not so much an insomniac - I come by it honest. My mother has always been a night owl - the exact opposite of my father. He will be up by at least 8am and that's if he plans on sleeping in. 78 years old and he's still up and around going strong. My mother, however, will be up as late or later than I am tonight and will sleep half the day. When I was a child, she always worked the late shift at the hospital. She's 75 now and this past year has held lots of health issues for her. Hmm... Perhaps it would be wise of me to take up my father's sleeping habits ?
Oh, and this year I'm making Red Velvet Cake. The husband is very grateful to the youngest girly girl - she convinced me I should give it a try. I love to cook but I must say - there is just something inherently wrong with eating food that exits your body in a bright red color. Not to mention - in my childhood (cover your ears for this one) living on a farm, there happened to be a particular malady that children were prescribed a bright red dye tasting medicine for. The look, smell, and taste of which Red Velvet Cake stirs up not so wonderful memories of. Ewww... Yet, I caved. We've been married nearly 17 years now and not once have I even entertained the idea of baking a red cake. I caved to "I like red cake. Mmmm. Your son in law likes red cake. You should make red cake". So - we will see how well this red cake adventure goes.
All of this brings me to the title of this ramble. The husband will be how old this year? 41? Or is it 42? I'm how much older than him - 2 years or 3 years? Now wait, I'm 43 right? I'll be turning 44 this year... Yeah, that's right. Isn't it? How old am I ? Too old to remember how old I am... geez.
I have the grocery list made and the plan is to shop tomorrow - oops today because I seem to have a problem falling asleep and here we are - it's already Sunday. I'm not so much an insomniac - I come by it honest. My mother has always been a night owl - the exact opposite of my father. He will be up by at least 8am and that's if he plans on sleeping in. 78 years old and he's still up and around going strong. My mother, however, will be up as late or later than I am tonight and will sleep half the day. When I was a child, she always worked the late shift at the hospital. She's 75 now and this past year has held lots of health issues for her. Hmm... Perhaps it would be wise of me to take up my father's sleeping habits ?
Oh, and this year I'm making Red Velvet Cake. The husband is very grateful to the youngest girly girl - she convinced me I should give it a try. I love to cook but I must say - there is just something inherently wrong with eating food that exits your body in a bright red color. Not to mention - in my childhood (cover your ears for this one) living on a farm, there happened to be a particular malady that children were prescribed a bright red dye tasting medicine for. The look, smell, and taste of which Red Velvet Cake stirs up not so wonderful memories of. Ewww... Yet, I caved. We've been married nearly 17 years now and not once have I even entertained the idea of baking a red cake. I caved to "I like red cake. Mmmm. Your son in law likes red cake. You should make red cake". So - we will see how well this red cake adventure goes.
All of this brings me to the title of this ramble. The husband will be how old this year? 41? Or is it 42? I'm how much older than him - 2 years or 3 years? Now wait, I'm 43 right? I'll be turning 44 this year... Yeah, that's right. Isn't it? How old am I ? Too old to remember how old I am... geez.
5.15.2010
Stamping and Such...
Spaghetti and Sweet Peas are messy !
Today I get the privilege of taking care of Sweet Pea and StinkerBell.
Sweet Pea is just shy of 22 months old and the most beautiful little boy you'll ever meet. Full of energy, with a huge smile the size of NY city and a dimple to go with it.
StinkerBell is 7 months old. StinkerBell has a huge open mouth smile but she always covers up her gums with her tongue. So as she reached for my hand yesterday, I had no idea she would bite down on my finger and reveal to me a sharp little baby tooth. Surprise ! Ouch !
The menu for lunch for Sweet Peas today was spaghetti and meatballs. I wasn't sure how it was going to go over. It seems he has an aversion to things with red tomato sauce. Not so today - yum yum yummy ! Of course, along with feeding our mouth - our shirt, our pants, and the chair needed to share in the festivities. After a successful meal for the toddler and a quick wipe down it was time for dessert. Raisins ? Hmmm... Wonder how this will fly ? Well, I think they are the new favorite ! Maybe I'll become Grandma raisin instead of Grandma cookie ? Just a thought...
Sweet Pea is just shy of 22 months old and the most beautiful little boy you'll ever meet. Full of energy, with a huge smile the size of NY city and a dimple to go with it.
StinkerBell is 7 months old. StinkerBell has a huge open mouth smile but she always covers up her gums with her tongue. So as she reached for my hand yesterday, I had no idea she would bite down on my finger and reveal to me a sharp little baby tooth. Surprise ! Ouch !
The menu for lunch for Sweet Peas today was spaghetti and meatballs. I wasn't sure how it was going to go over. It seems he has an aversion to things with red tomato sauce. Not so today - yum yum yummy ! Of course, along with feeding our mouth - our shirt, our pants, and the chair needed to share in the festivities. After a successful meal for the toddler and a quick wipe down it was time for dessert. Raisins ? Hmmm... Wonder how this will fly ? Well, I think they are the new favorite ! Maybe I'll become Grandma raisin instead of Grandma cookie ? Just a thought...
Looking back to see forward ?
4 years ago today youngest girly girl was in a rehabilitation hospital 5 1/2 hours away from our home. She was just a few days away from getting to take her first steps since the accident.
By this time, her family and I were well versed in TBI (traumatic brain injury) language. We knew what Glasgo coma scale meant, what level on the Rancho Scale meant, what OT PT ST and RecT meant. We had learned to take the smallest things and celebrate them because every small thing meant a step in the right direction.
We were just begining to hope that she might have a life without a wheelchair. We hadn't even entertained the thought that maybe, just maybe, she might even have a life without a cane.
4 years ago - we were watching a miracle happen right before our very own eyes.
Recovery from TBI is a "forever" thing. Everyday is a day of healing. It's not like a broken bone or an illness that you "get over". It's a moment by moment thing. It's a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs that is unpredictable.
It's survivors are among the bravest and strongest people you will ever meet - not by choice, no one would choose this path. To survive - it takes everything they have within them and more. It takes faith - the Biblical kind that moves mountains. It takes incredible strength.
By this time, her family and I were well versed in TBI (traumatic brain injury) language. We knew what Glasgo coma scale meant, what level on the Rancho Scale meant, what OT PT ST and RecT meant. We had learned to take the smallest things and celebrate them because every small thing meant a step in the right direction.
We were just begining to hope that she might have a life without a wheelchair. We hadn't even entertained the thought that maybe, just maybe, she might even have a life without a cane.
4 years ago - we were watching a miracle happen right before our very own eyes.
Recovery from TBI is a "forever" thing. Everyday is a day of healing. It's not like a broken bone or an illness that you "get over". It's a moment by moment thing. It's a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs that is unpredictable.
It's survivors are among the bravest and strongest people you will ever meet - not by choice, no one would choose this path. To survive - it takes everything they have within them and more. It takes faith - the Biblical kind that moves mountains. It takes incredible strength.
5.14.2010
It's been a while...
Things are busy, as always. Grandchildren and children keep things busy it seems. No graduation's this year - Oldest girly graduated from college last year. The son won't be graduating for another 2 years. No proms this year - that kind of makes me sad. Choosing dresses, shoes, and jewelry was always fun. Maybe I can adopt a prom girl just to go dress shopping ? lol !
No cancer - at least that is what my 3rd scan says. Another one to come in August. Every six months comes that knawing in the pit of my stomach that hopes for a clean scan. Every six months someone pokes me and can't find a vein. Then someone else pokes me and it's adventures from there on out. If you've never had a CT scan with contrast dye - well, you are lucky. I have had 3 and that's 3 too many. Drinking barium is no barrel of fun - it just adds to the insult of being poked.
No cancer - at least that is what my 3rd scan says. Another one to come in August. Every six months comes that knawing in the pit of my stomach that hopes for a clean scan. Every six months someone pokes me and can't find a vein. Then someone else pokes me and it's adventures from there on out. If you've never had a CT scan with contrast dye - well, you are lucky. I have had 3 and that's 3 too many. Drinking barium is no barrel of fun - it just adds to the insult of being poked.
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