Thursday, May 27, 2010

About My Blog...

I started this blog for several reasons.

First, I love to write. I may not be great at it... I don't have the best grammar, punctuation, or spelling, and I can't always paint the same picture with words that I see in my mind. But I certainly can write better than I speak. I can share what's in my heart and on my mind. And after raising six children, a husband who works two jobs, and a mother who can't hear me... this is the closest I get to adult conversation! Even if I only write for myself... I love it!

Second, I love to learn and I love to share what I've learned. Having a family brings many challenges and when I'm met with one, I like to learn all I can about how to deal with it (or, how I should have dealt with it) correctly. Weather it's how to budget, how to feed a family of nine on a dime, how to parent, how to make my marriage better, how to care for aging parents... the list goes on. I'm sure I've had to deal with issues that most families go through. Sometimes with a good ending and sometimes not. Either way... I always find myself wishing I would have known more earlier on. And if I can help anyone out there, or maybe someone can help me... then it's all worth it!

Third... now let me be painfully honest. As cheesy as it may sound, I would love to make an income from blogging. Not sure if it will ever happen, but God can do miracles. He knows what I need, and when I need it and I trust Him to be in control. I know for sure that nothing will happen if I don't try. I've been a stay-at-home mom for about 15 years. My youngest is now 6 and while things are easier with the kids being older, my mother is older as well and can no longer be left alone. So a home job/income would be a blessing... especially since being a "home executive" doesn't really give you the skills or training for outside employment. (There you go... something else I wish I'd known earlier in life!)

My dad always says "Do what you love, and you won't have to work!" So this is my effort. If nothing else, it is great fun. And that is my blog in a nutshell. A LARGE nutshell... but a nutshell all the same. It may take a while to post all that I would like, but I hope you come back to find out.


Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Caught Up?

It seems like every day I am saying to myself "You need to get caught up!" But is there such a thing? I once read a sign that said:
"God has given me a certain number of things to do. I'm so far behind now... I'll never die!"
Yes, that is how I feel at times. Like it will never happen. Or will it?

As I was thinking this just the other day, I feel God gave me a clear picture of what was going on. He showed me what I was doing to always feel like I was behind. You see, at the beginning of the year, I felt that God was leading me to 'throw off' everything that hinders. Books, music, tv, laziness, whatever it was that was taking the place of spending time with him. I have an easy time reading books of other peoples' relationships with God. But I have a hard time developing one of my own. I really felt led to put God first and above all. To read the Word... not someone else's interpretation of it.

So here is the picture God showed me:

When my kids were younger, quite a bit younger, we walked everywhere we went. We walked to school, to the park, and even to buy groceries. What a time we had carrying things back. Three kids kindergarten and younger, and one in the stroller, and several bags of groceries to navigate through the desert, the traffic and then home.

I can still remember trying to push the stroller through the desert so we could avoid heavy traffic. It was a shorter distance, but it took longer to get home. As we would pass large rocks, small rocks, or even things people had abandoned there, it would catch one of the kids' attention. It was a distraction.

My kids would pick up rocks and run up to me excited to show their new 'treasure'. "Look at this one Mommy! It sparkles!" Or they would call to me so I could see them on top of a large rock. "I'm as tall as you, Mom!" So, while the rest of us were still headed home, one of the kids would stop and be lagging behind. I would have to turn around and tell them to "Catch up!" The weight of the rocks they were collecting, and the energy used to climb on whatever they saw, was wearing them down. Were they being bad? No. Just curious kids... enjoying life. But it was getting harder for them to 'catch up.'

This is what we do in our 'adult' life. Well... maybe we don't pick up rocks anymore. But we pick up plenty of other things. In the same way that walking home was the destination given to my kids by me, our Heavenly Father gives each of us a destination as well. We are called to certain things... but not EVERYTHING.

Seems like every time - ok, lots of times - that I feel led in a certain direction, I suddenly fall 'behind'. I seem to pick up lots of little 'rocks' along the way. No... nothing bad. But even good things can be a distraction and weigh us down. I will have a clear direction and I just get looking at the 'sparkles'. You know... doing this is a good thing, reading that book would be helpful, or maybe I should learn how to _____.  All good things. Just not always the main thing.

I wish I could learn to keep my eyes straight ahead, focused on my destination...  instead of wearing myself out trying to carry all the little 'rocks' that God never told me to pick up in the first place.

Just some of my thoughts...
Mary Ann :)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Summer's coming!




School is almost out! How will you celebrate the end of the school year? Good question!

Let me just start by saying I LOVE summer! Not because of the weather, but because I love having my kids around. They are so much fun. I love family time.

In years past, I would take my kids to the local pizza/arcade place on the last day of school. We would rush over as soon as I picked them up. The kids would come out of class giggling and racing each other to the car just knowing where we were going.  It was fun and exciting because if we didn't 'beat the crowd', we couldn't get a seat and the games would be over-crowded as well. It was a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer. Sadly... they have closed down due to the economy and we will opt for a quiet family afternoon with pizza and a movie.

This year, I'm going back to an older tradition. Summer Camp!... at home. We pick a week during the summer, mark the calendar, and schedule activities.

The kids choose a name for the camp, I buy blank t-shirts and fabric paint, and making our camp shirts with our own logo marks the first day. Other activities include; poster painting, making flagstones for the yard, cooking, baking, movie day, swimming in our blow-up pool, crafts, and anything else we can come up with. It's a lot of fun for the kids since they help with all of the planning. And it's great for me because all the activities are budget-friendly. The kids love having a schedule, they aren't bored, and we enjoy our time together. Most of all... it makes a lot of good memories.


Happy Summer! :)


Monday, May 17, 2010

"God's Promises For Girls" by Jack Countryman & Amy Parker

God's Promises for Girlsis a wonderful children's book for young girls. My 6-year-old daughter loves it, and girls ages 5-10 would most likely enjoy it - although my daughter says 3-year-olds would enjoy it too. It is an age appropriate resource with scriptures listed topically by subject. It is a great tool for teaching young children the Word of God and for teaching them to go to God's Word when they have questions.

Each topic is presented clearly with a rhyming verse that makes it fun to read. It is then followed by the Bible verses that relate to the topic. Each topic is presented in a simple and fun format on two pages, along with illustrations. It is put together beautifully, with much thought. The illustrations and colors, along with the poems, make it an appealing book to children. I think it is a great little book and would recommend it for any young girl. My daughter and I enjoyed it very much and I'm sure she will return to it again and again.

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

What is she thinking?

My mom is one of those people who really hates going to the doctor. I'm not much better myself... but I do seem to cave a little sooner than she. I've been trying to get her all caught up on her visits and take care of the loose ends she has with her insurance and social security. So yesterday I thought we'd get the Social Security Office out of the way and go right after I dropped the kids at school. I was still a little drowsy from the cold medicine I took the night before, so I missed my turn and had to go several blocks out of the way.


When we finally arrived I was praying for God's favor and grace to get us through this appointment. (My mom isn't the easiest one to take to places like these... she has NO patience.) When we walked in we took a number and had a seat. I was impressed by how few people there were waiting around. Never seen it like this before. I read while we were waiting for her number to be called, and she chatted with me a bit. (Difficult to do in public since she is very hard of hearing.) Then, as if it was a miracle... they called her number. Wow! We had never been called in so quickly. How nice.


We sat down at the window and gave the nice woman who was helping us all of my mother's information. Then it happens. She asks the reason for our visit. Well... you know how prepared I like to be. I quickly pull out the letter that instructs us to be there in the first place. "This is why we're here. The letter said she may be eligible for more benefits." See how easy that was? "Oh... this is from the Welfare Office," she says. Still smiling in disbelief, I say "Oh... I'm at the wrong place! Ok. Thank you. Do you know if we need an appointment? That's ok... I'll call them. Thanks again." My mom says, "So we're all done? That's it? Wow!" Don't even try to explain until we get to the car.
Errggg....


So what was I thinking? I had heard my mom tell me so many times that she needed to go to Social Security that I didn't even bother to double check. Did I see the letter? Of course. I even read it... all the questions about SSI, and benefits. Just didn't dawn on me to read who it was from. I think it's hard for me to admit that my mom isn't the mom I remember growing up with.


She can no longer protect me... it is I who protects her. She can no longer provide for me... it is I who provides for her. She can't hear very well, can't see very well, and even when we do talk, I'm not always sure she understands. She doesn't know how to manage her money or her health. She is in pain almost daily, but refuses to stop and rest. She wants to keep her independence. That's all she has left. And so the struggle begins.


What am I supposed to control for her, and when do I begin? This is one of the hardest things I've had to do. How can I? It really scared me a few days ago when she was telling me the horrible things the doctor had said about her foot last week. The thing is... I was there. I was in the room with her. The doctor didn't say any of those things. I had relayed to her what was said because she can't hear the doctor. But she took what I said and magnified it 1000x's. It breaks my heart. For now, I will keep praying that God shows me what to do and when. And that He gives her a sound mind and clear thinking.


Would you keep her in your prayers as well? I would appreciate it.
Thanks and God bless!


Mary Ann :)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

What I Would Tell My Teenage Self



On this weeks BlogHop, the question is: If you could go back in time and tell your teenage self one thing, what would you say? What a tough question! I have been thinking about it all day and I have a whole list! I have 40 something years worth of experience to share. How can I decide what would make a difference? How would I know that I would take my own advice? It's hard for me to do that now! And even though I'm kinda 'messed up' from all that I've been through... my experiences are what God used to make me the person I am today. If I could tell myself anything at all I might be to easy and end up being a big 'ol ball of fluff in my old age. I wouldn't want that. I like who I am. I like being strong... and that only comes from adversity.

While I wouldn't want to shy away from the hard times in life, I guess my advice to myself would be more about how to 'navigate' through them. Here are 5 things that I decided I would tell myself.

1. PUT GOD FIRST!
Above and before anyone else, there is God. He should always hold the #1 spot in your heart and in your life. Guard that place with all your might and never let anyone or anything be in competition for it. If there is competition... that's a sure sign that the person or thing does not belong in your life. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

2. BELIEVE GOD!
Read God's Word, learn it, know it, trust it.... BELIEVE it! And then DO WHAT IT SAYS! We serve an Almighty, Powerful God. If He can create this world from nothing, then He can certainly preserve His Word for His children. Believe God... and obey what He says!

3. IT IS NOT YOUR JOB TO MAKE OTHER PEOPLE HAPPY!
Don't be a people pleaser. Keep your eyes on God and remember that He is the ONLY one you need to make happy. You do that by following Him and obeying His word. Live your life for God and set out to please Him and Him alone.

4. DON'T JUST LET YOUR LIFE HAPPEN - MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Just like driving a car.... you need to be at the steering wheel of your life. Decide where you are going and make every effort to get there. Don't just jump in the backseat and then wonder how you got to where you are. Keep your eyes on the road (God)! The slightest distraction can send you way off course, or even in a ditch. Watch where you are going so you don't have to climb out of any messes you're sure to get yourself into. With God in the #1 place in your life, He will direct your path.

5.  DO IT AFRAID!
If God gives you gift, a talent, or an opportunity.... use it! It can be a scary world when you're first starting out. But God is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you! If He equipped you, if He called you, if He's leading you... He will make a way! It's OK to be scared. He never said we only have to do the easy things. It's alright if you're afraid... DO IT AFRAID! But please.... DO IT!

These are the 5 things I wish I really could have gotten a hold of many years ago. These are the things I would tell my teenage self.

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)


Click here to view other Women of Faith Wednesday entires.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

"The Hole In Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns

I have been reading the book The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns. As the President of World Vision, Richard has a heart for reaching out to the poorest of the poor, to put our Christian faith into action. This book is about how God used him, took him out of his comfort zone living the 'American Dream' as the CEO of Lennox, and sent him to places he could never have imagined.

I found his personal story very fascinating. He is very honest about his 'calling' by God, how he felt and reacted. He became very real and honest which I believe is refreshing. Not everyone answers God's call on their life with astounding joy. He does a great job in telling the events that led to his decision to join World Vision.

I did have a hard time reading parts of this book for a couple of reasons. First of all, I have to say I had an uneasy feeling about several areas. I do believe our faith should be evident in our deeds, our works. We should care for the poor as Christ commanded us, there is no doubt. But I had the sense that he, at times, was considering what we do for others' physical needs here on Earth more important than our seeking to save them for eternity. I'm not sure if that is what was meant to be implied... that is just how I felt. I believe they should go hand in hand. Jesus preached and met needs. I don't believe we can have one without the other.

It was also hard to read the horrible truth of the poverty stricken countries. He brings the people he has met close to home and makes them real for us. It is a picture of what we need to see. Regardless of where we are in life, there is always someone, somewhere that we could be helping. While I struggled with reading, falling into agreement/disagreement with the author, the one point I can not dismiss is that we should all do our part. Jesus commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. And he told us to love others as we love ourselves. If we love God, we will obey His Word. I thought this book was well worth reading and would recommend it if you would like to know how you can be more involved in meeting the needs of others.

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)

*Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.-Thanks Thomas Nelson! :)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Starting my day.

Good Morning Everyone! It looks like it's going to be a great day! I am ready to go out and about pretty soon. Time to get my son a new pair of glasses and then go shopping for my mom for Mother's Day. What to get? I have NO IDEA! Any other year I would have known and shopped at least a week ago. But this is the new me... not as organized as I'd like to be. I'm learning from God how to accomplish what needs to be done on the spur of the moment. Difficult... but God is a wonderful teacher. He is showing me how to let go of my 'to do' list and ask Him to set the order of my day. So... with that said, I'm off! I hope you all have a great weekend and remember to do something special for your mom and show her how loved and appreciated she is. God bless! :)

Thursday, May 6, 2010

"Golden Days" Book Giveaway

If you'd like to win a copy of Mary Connealy's book, "Golden Days," just visit Susan J. Reinhardt's blog, Christian Writer/Reader Connection by clicking on the like above. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment along with your email address and you're entered in the drawing. That simple! Looks like a great book... so check it out! :D

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Today Is The Day



The Women of Faith worship team was so great. Four beautiful women with beautiful voices. They really led a great time of worship. One of my favorite songs is "Today Is The Day". I think it ministered to me the most because no matter how many times I sing it... it's like a new and gentle reminder. Today is the day of our salvation. Today is the day we rejoice because today is the day the Lord has made! It's so easy to get caught up in the daily routine of life and think we will be happy when things get back on track or slow down or even change. But God reminds us... Today Is The Day! Thanks girls!


Click here to view other Women of Faith Wednesday entires.


Just some thoughts.

Life is not so much about 'what' you go through but more about 'how' you go through it. I will sadly admit that I have gone through a lot just kicking and screaming along the way. But, I can also say that I've gone through quite a bit with my eyes on Jesus, resting in His peace. And believe me... what a difference it makes. It's kind of like a tornado. I can get caught up in circumstances and be swirling around frantically, or I can take hold of Jesus and keep Him at the center of my life, and realize that the storm is just 'around' me... and I'm not a part of it. I've had quite the week last week... truth be told it's really been quite a year. I've had so many ups-and-downs, liike all at once and sometimes constantly. Oh, but what a difference it makes when I'm walking with God. The sweet smell of victory is in the air... not the stench of defeat that I get used to dwelling in when I try going my own way. I read somewhere that when you're walking through hell, you don't stop and take a seat. But isn't that what were used to doing? We lose the momentum to save ourselves and would rather sit and grieve over what's going on in our lives. Sit and look around at our 'scenery' - our circumstances. It's when we do that, that we truly become the victim. I've finally realized that the hard stuff in life is just 'scenery'. My circumstances are not happening 'to' me... it's just something I'm going through, or walking through. It's like I'm on a stroll. If I'm smart... I'll walk with Jesus and keep Him by my side. He promises to carry me when I can no longer make it on my own. Isn't that amazing? I'm so thankful that God is faithful... even when I am not. The Bible says that if we falter in times of trouble, how small is our strength. It says the joy of the Lord is my strength. And... it says there is joy in the presence of the Lord. So, if we are spending time is His presence we have his joy - which is our strength - which is what we need in times of trouble. If only I could remember this...

Kindergarten Graduation... so happy... sooo sad.

So today was Keri Ann's kindergarten graduation. She's been practicing all week. Knows all the songs backwards and forwards. Hand movements, when to sing loudly, when to sing softly. What to wear. Who to stand next to. 'Don't forget to smile for the camera!'

I'm sitting patiently. Stevie beside me. We let him go in late so he could watch the program. He's so excited... he gets to run the video camera for me. 9:30. Here we go... Oh, I'm so nervous. I see the kids lined up in the hall. They're all ready to come in. Wait. There's Mrs. Saluzzo. She's coming this way. She's looking right at me. 'Mary Ann' she says as she motions for me to follow her. Out in the hall I ask 'Is it bad news?'... silly me. I thought she was crying because she was scared.

'Keri Ann just threw up in the hallway'. 'WHAT!!!', I said calmly. Nurses office, second door on the left. Is she ok? Does she have a fever? Do you feel sick? Are you just nervous? "I don't know." Well... why am I asking Keri Ann? Nurse says I can take her home. I'll go get her things. My thoughts don't immediatey go to my sick daughter - but the fact that she'll miss her program. She'll be so upset. Me too.

Teachers say 'She doesn't have a fever. Probably just nervous.' She could just stand on the end if she feels like it. My call - I'm the mom. 'Ok!' Well... at least she'll still get to participate.

Top row on the end. There stands my little girl. Pale as can be. Waving nervously. I'm right here if you need me. Smile for the camera! How's Stevie doing? Still sitting in our seats. Video taping the songs I showed him on the list. He's such a good helper. Oh look. Keri Ann is starting to follow along with the movements a little. How cute! Smile! She looks around at all the parents. Wow... she looks even whiter now. She's waving. No. She's reaching for me. Not now! Don't barf on the kids below! I run to help her down. Four steps. One with the large flag pole. Go around. Hurry up!

Middle of the program... fun song... kids are having fun. Rushing Keri Ann off the stage. Hope I don't distract too much. No one seems to notice. CRASH!!! Wow! That flag pole must be heavy. What a noise. Oops! Sorry! Thanks for helping to pick up the flag. Sorry again! Run Keri Ann. Where's the bathroom? Run faster. Made it! Are you going to be sick? 'I don't know.' Do you have to throw up? 'I don't know.' Do you want to go back and sing? 'I don't know.' Another shade of pale.

Ok. We're leaving. Let's find Stevie. Program is almost over. We have all of her things. Just need to sign her out. Let's get Stevie. There he is. Still video taping the show. Blissfully unaware of the fiasco... 'Mom! You knocked over the FLAG!!!' Well, at least the parents didn't notice. Ok.... only the ones that I stepped in front of while they were filming their kids. At least it was memorable! :D



(This was taken from my MySpace blog May 21, 2009 - Thursday)

I made it through...

...the rain. Actually it was the week but it makes me want to sing that old Barry Manillow song - "I Made It Through The Rain". You ever feel like that? Like the week is finally over and it just calls for celebration? I sure do. Especially this week.

I think my family has been sick - off and on - passing it around - since about Valentine's Day. We took Stevie to the doctor on Wednesday and I'm so thankful we did. Turns out he had an ear infection and bronchitis. What's sad is that I think he's been sick longer than I realized. So many people had the flu that I just assumed that's what he had. He had a fever that kept coming and going but he didn't have any signs of anything else. The other day I was praying for him to get well and the thought just came to me that Keri Ann didn't have a fever as long as Stevie - maybe there's something else. So... thankfully we took him in. Funny how things can go unnoticed. Just drowning in everything else that's going on.

I wish I had taken more time in prayer for him. It taught me a good lesson. I was so busy trying to make him well myself that I forgot to call on the One who CAN make him well. I might have heard sooner that he needed a doctors care. While I'm not beating myself up over this I do recognize how quick I am to take things into my own hands. You should have seen my house this week. My poor mom helping me wash all the bed clothes. Opening windows to 'air out' the house. Spraying Lysol on absolutely everything. And on and on... over and over... exhausting!

To make a long story a little longer... That's what we do when we try to fix things ourselves... when we try to steer our own lives apart from God. We are like little children who say "I can do this myself". We make a simple task difficult. And at the end - we ask God for relief from our disaster.

I think I'm going to take this weekend to prepare for the week ahead. Prepare to hear God's voice and His leading instead of heading off in my own direction.



(Taken from my MySpace blog... March 27, 2009 - Friday)

It's in there!

Does anyone remember the string of Prego commercials with the slogan "It's in there"? You know when the skeptic would ask the cook if the good flavors are there, the spices, and the good for you stuff? And the cooks answer was always the same; "It's in there!"

Well... What if that was a commercial for the Bible?

We have so many questions about life... daily living. With the economy the way it is people are wondering where to turn for help. Marriages are being destroyed everyday. People are sick, hurting, in need of some kind of help... financial, healing, restored relationships, and the list goes on.

Sometimes I can relate living a Christian life as being on a diet. How many times do we or someone we know say "I tried that diet and it didn't work for me?" Well, if we are sincerely honest, we probably didn't follow the diet to the letter. We might have said "I can do this part, but that is way to much for me" or "I think I could probably do it this way and make it work." Does that sound familiar to anyone? If not to you it sure does to me. Just realize that when you change the 'diet' it's no longer THE 'diet' - it is now your own. And that's how people view God, the Bible, and Christianity in general. As if it's something that needs to 'work' for them. How many times do we hear someone or even ourselves for that matter say "I tried God and it just didn't work for me"? or " I tried being a Christian and nothing happened". Well, if that's you... you're not 'following the diet'. God is not something to 'work' or 'not work'. He is the Almighty Creator of the Universe! You're very breath is in His hands. He created you and yes, He loves you! BUT... He gave us directions for living. And He calls this direction the Bible. If you live the way God intended - following HIS DIRECTIONS and not adding or deleting as we deem this or that 'too hard' or 'too much' - we will see how God's way truly does 'work'.

You see... at the end of this life is Heaven or Hell. Everyone wants to go to Heaven and most people think they will go to Heaven - but they don't have a ticket - and that 'ticket' is the free gift of salvation through Jesus. Think about it... you can't even go to Oprah's house without knowing her and having an invitation. You wouldn't let a stranger in your home for no reason - you would have to invite them or they would need a reason to be there. Yet... so many people believe they will enter God's Heaven when they don't even know Him.

God has left us with an invitation to Heaven and directions for life.

Read the BIBLE.

Want to know how to receive salvation? It's in there!
Need to know how to handle finances? It's in there!
How to treat others? It's in there!
Save a marriage?
Take care of your body?
Raise your children?,
Honor your parents? IT"S IN THERE!!! All this and more... :)

God is good... All the time.

What a week it's been! It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... a lot of stuff going on with my oldest son, sister-in-law planning to leave for France, selling the 4Runner, sick children, and the list goes on.

It's hard to believe that some of God's greatest works come from the middle of adversity. He is always by my side. He will never leave me or forsake me. AND... If I seek Him and trust Him... He will make my paths straight. I have spent too many times wondering why things are happening TO me. But, once again God reminds me that these are the very things that make me stronger.

These are the spiritual 'weights' that He uses to make me the person He wants me to be. When I'm saying 'OK Lord, that's enough!', He is right by my side - my spiritual 'trainer' that says 'I think you can handle a little more weight'. So, as I look back at the week and all that it holds I can now look at each lesson and see... it was to help me grow my spiritual 'muscles'. And for that I will always be thankful.

All the time... God is good. :)



(This was taken from my MySpace blog dated From March 8, 2009 - Sunday)

Reflection.

It's almost ten o'clock. I'm sitting here on the computer doing my Facebook and Myspace thing... listening to the wind. Can't really hear much else. The kids are all asleep, mom too. Steve is at work, Jen at school. The last load of laundry - at least for the day - is in the dryer. I worked hard today. All day. I finally accomplished something. What a great feeling!

Last week I was determined to enjoy Spring Break and really celebrate Easter... I mean the 'real' Easter. I had it all planned out. What I would read with the kids - the lessons I would teach them - and hopefully give them a true understanding of what we were celebrating. I was so excited. So motivated. I was off to a great start. Palm Sunday, Good Friday. Great lessons to share and the kids were so interested. We had a great time together. Talking, sharing, asking questions.

But... you know how it always happens. Can I even remember... oh yes. Sunday. Washer breaks down. Seven people. No washer. No more towels - better hide the one you have hanging on your bedroom door. Repair man can't make it 'til Wednesday. What? Can't get the part 'til next Tuesday? That's OK! We're going to have a great week! A great lesson on patience and making do.

Then all the rest of the days just run together. Shopping. On Easter weekend. Am I crazy? Well of course. (But that's not the point) Three stores... Target, K-Mart, Wallgreens. Does anyone have what I want? Doesn't matter. Mom had the best time I've seen her have in a long time. No getting upset or angry. Let her have fun... enjoy life. I had a great day out with my Mom - a rare treat.

Still shopping... Hubby calls. Wants to invite kids' friends over to play, watch movies, play video games, and dinner. Oh... can you make spaghetti for dinner? What? The house is a mess. A BIG mess! Well... you should have cleaned it! Gee... why didn't I think of that? Oh well. The kids will have fun. Even if they have to step over things. Dinner was great. (If I do say so myself) Everyone had fun. And their friends' Mom made us chocolate chip banana bread. Doesn't get much better than that.

Endless cleaning, de-cluttering. Tabu throwing up on the carpet. Personal issues. Bill paying. Budgeting. Errands. Cooking. Waking up early even when there's no school. A busy, busy week.

Add to that coloring eggs, egg hunts, church, Saturday breakfast, Sunday dinner, reading books, playing games, kids running all through the house and staying up late. How sad it's over...

It was the best week I've had in a very long time.



(This was taken from my MySpace blog dated April 14, 2009 - Tuesday)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Busy, busy, busy.

This has been such a long day. Non-stop from beginning to end. I wish I had more energy so I could write. Really write.

Finally went to the doctor this morning after three weeks or more of not feeling well. I have bronchitis. So happy that I went because now I have medicine and can start feeling better soon. I feel like a kid... hate the thought of the medicine going down... but oh how nice it is when it starts working. Thank God for doctors. And for medicine.

Also did shopping, lunch with hubby, helped my mom with her bank account, went to the park, made dinner... and on and on. I'm sure it's pretty similar to your day. Busy, busy, busy. Just busy with different things. And finally... it's ending.

Kids are sleeping after having a late bath and shower. Still have bills to pay before going to bed. All in all, it was a great day. Time with family is what counts. No matter what we do... work or play. It's all good. Why? Because God is good! "So good to me... na, na, na, na... so good to me!" (Sorry, just heard that song and it's stuck in my head.)

On that note... I'll say goodnight! :D

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