I have been a bit quiet on the blog, so busy with christmas. It has been the best! Lots of family time, lots of time eating (yummy), lots of presents, and time focused on our Savior.
I will hopefully update this in a little while with pics. I did get the present I was really hoping for...A Kitchen Aid Mixer, the artisian model. I know this may sound lame to some, but it is something I really wanted. I got my hubby a blue ray player that he has really wanted. It was a great Christmas. Probably one of the very best I can remember.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Insanity
Here is a bumper sticker that my friend saw in a parking lot while she was shopping.
"I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it."
I love it. I need one for myself. I wonder where they got it. LOL.
Thanks for the laugh my friend.
"I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it."
I love it. I need one for myself. I wonder where they got it. LOL.
Thanks for the laugh my friend.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Shopping
Today I am going shopping all day with hubby. I hope I can get everything that is left on my list. It's possible. Happy shopping!!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Making cookies
I am so excited. I have the morning home and I decided to keep Babygirl home from school as well. We are going to make my cookies for the cookie swap and work on the ever forming mountain of laundry. That will be my morning.
Then I need to get widget from school and run carpool for the half day. Which means I run to the school, 30 minutes away, instead of the bus stop, 6 minutes away. Only the elementary students have a half day, because they have their Christmas program tonight. Another mom will run the carpool for the bus today, with my oldest on it. After getting the kids and taking them to their respective places, I need to get my thoughts together how the cookie swap will go (I have never gone to one or hosted one), get 2 prizes, wrap gifts for the family party later saturday and clean the house. All before 5pm when we need to leave for widget's christmas show and band concert. (I am still amazed at myself that I let my son play the drums. What was I thinking? That is so out of character for me. A weak moment I guess).
Off to make those raspberry oatmeal cookies!!Yum!!
Then I need to get widget from school and run carpool for the half day. Which means I run to the school, 30 minutes away, instead of the bus stop, 6 minutes away. Only the elementary students have a half day, because they have their Christmas program tonight. Another mom will run the carpool for the bus today, with my oldest on it. After getting the kids and taking them to their respective places, I need to get my thoughts together how the cookie swap will go (I have never gone to one or hosted one), get 2 prizes, wrap gifts for the family party later saturday and clean the house. All before 5pm when we need to leave for widget's christmas show and band concert. (I am still amazed at myself that I let my son play the drums. What was I thinking? That is so out of character for me. A weak moment I guess).
Off to make those raspberry oatmeal cookies!!Yum!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A revelation and a blessing
I had a very wonderful thing happen to me yesterday. I was having one of those reflective afternoons. My thoughts were random at best, but did have a conclusion.
I was remembering this summer when God so richly blessed us, how I felt so on fire for God. He was definitely my focus. As the school year started and I started working more hours, my focus was not completely on the Lord. I noticed I didn't see the Lord blessing us in the same way. I am not saying A + B = C, but that when my world completely centers around God, I do feel more blessed. Maybe it is I see more, maybe I don't take blessings for granted, I don't know.
I do know I have had a lack of focus lately. I complain about having to work more than I want. Yet, I told hubby I do not want to put any christmas on the credit cards. I want to pay for christmas entirely with cash. Well I didn't have that much saved up. So is God answering my prayers to pay for Christmas in cash? Yet I am complaining about Him providing that possibility? Round and round I went.
The conclusion..... what matters is that I put my whole being in God's hand to do what He pleases and when. That's it. I will praise God for the extra work to pay for Christmas. I will praise God when the days are long and I have more than I think I can handle. And I will praise God when my paycheck comes.
Not long after my conclusion and resolve to just put God first. A refocus. A friend whom I have been getting to know better this past year, calls me up and asks if I will be home. Yes I will. So she drops by and gives me this enormous gift basket with all kinds of yummy stuff in it. There are 2 very large mugs, 4 plastic holiday cups for the kids, a box of hot chocolate (the good kind with marshmellows in them), a box of tea bags for hot tea, a container of gourmet chocolate chip cookie mix from the gospel shop, 4 pretzel rods with carmel and candy on top from Sweet Serenity(a local gourmet chocolate shop), as well as many truffels from Sweet Serenity, plus a variety of other candy for the kids like kit kats, candy canes, a candy cane tube filled with M & M's. It was amazing!!! It was so beautifully put together. I know it had to cost her a fortune too. She is raising her young kids so I know she is on a budget. The sacrifice she gave for me.
I was really blown away and I still am. I asked her why, and she so humbly said "Just for everything you do".WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!! I guess those things you wonder if it matters, really does matter. I showed hubby the basket and told him of my day. And he says " I wonder if God wants to reinforce your idea to refocus on Him. " I don't know if it is coincidence or a God moment, but yet again when my focus was on Him he blessed me. Praise God for who He is!
I was remembering this summer when God so richly blessed us, how I felt so on fire for God. He was definitely my focus. As the school year started and I started working more hours, my focus was not completely on the Lord. I noticed I didn't see the Lord blessing us in the same way. I am not saying A + B = C, but that when my world completely centers around God, I do feel more blessed. Maybe it is I see more, maybe I don't take blessings for granted, I don't know.
I do know I have had a lack of focus lately. I complain about having to work more than I want. Yet, I told hubby I do not want to put any christmas on the credit cards. I want to pay for christmas entirely with cash. Well I didn't have that much saved up. So is God answering my prayers to pay for Christmas in cash? Yet I am complaining about Him providing that possibility? Round and round I went.
The conclusion..... what matters is that I put my whole being in God's hand to do what He pleases and when. That's it. I will praise God for the extra work to pay for Christmas. I will praise God when the days are long and I have more than I think I can handle. And I will praise God when my paycheck comes.
Not long after my conclusion and resolve to just put God first. A refocus. A friend whom I have been getting to know better this past year, calls me up and asks if I will be home. Yes I will. So she drops by and gives me this enormous gift basket with all kinds of yummy stuff in it. There are 2 very large mugs, 4 plastic holiday cups for the kids, a box of hot chocolate (the good kind with marshmellows in them), a box of tea bags for hot tea, a container of gourmet chocolate chip cookie mix from the gospel shop, 4 pretzel rods with carmel and candy on top from Sweet Serenity(a local gourmet chocolate shop), as well as many truffels from Sweet Serenity, plus a variety of other candy for the kids like kit kats, candy canes, a candy cane tube filled with M & M's. It was amazing!!! It was so beautifully put together. I know it had to cost her a fortune too. She is raising her young kids so I know she is on a budget. The sacrifice she gave for me.
I was really blown away and I still am. I asked her why, and she so humbly said "Just for everything you do".WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!! I guess those things you wonder if it matters, really does matter. I showed hubby the basket and told him of my day. And he says " I wonder if God wants to reinforce your idea to refocus on Him. " I don't know if it is coincidence or a God moment, but yet again when my focus was on Him he blessed me. Praise God for who He is!
More to think about
Today has been yet another busy one. I went down to the beach to clean the condo. Whew! It seemed dirtier than normal which meant a lot more elbow grease on my end. After 3 hours of cleaning, I was done. However the towels still were not dry. So I brought those home to finish here and will take them back another day.
When I got home I needed to start on my own laundry, so I threw the towels in the dryer and started the wash. Then to pick up kids from school and the bus stop. Then home to start dinner and check e-mail and facebook. As I was reading another blog "girl talk", she posted the verse Ephesians 5:15-17
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
That really got me thinking. I struggle, especially this last year or two with feeling like I let life happen, rather than being purposeful with my day. I need to keep what the will of the Lord is front and center and then my day would be purposeful. Granted I do get distracted and procrastinate those things I don't want to do. But focusing my eyes on the Lord and His will, will help me make the best use of my time, so that I may walk wisely. It says to "look carefully at how you walk", I need to evaluate
"Am I really doing what I should?"
"Is this the best use of my time?"
"Am I being wise?"
"Do I understand what the will of the Lord is for me?"
Especially in these busy times of exta work and Christmas, I really need to be purposeful, instead of blowing which ever direction the wind blows me.
Hmm. Something more for me to think and pray about. I think I am going to memorize those verses. Happy Hump Day (Wednesday is the hump of the week, after today it is all down hill till the weekend).
When I got home I needed to start on my own laundry, so I threw the towels in the dryer and started the wash. Then to pick up kids from school and the bus stop. Then home to start dinner and check e-mail and facebook. As I was reading another blog "girl talk", she posted the verse Ephesians 5:15-17
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
That really got me thinking. I struggle, especially this last year or two with feeling like I let life happen, rather than being purposeful with my day. I need to keep what the will of the Lord is front and center and then my day would be purposeful. Granted I do get distracted and procrastinate those things I don't want to do. But focusing my eyes on the Lord and His will, will help me make the best use of my time, so that I may walk wisely. It says to "look carefully at how you walk", I need to evaluate
"Am I really doing what I should?"
"Is this the best use of my time?"
"Am I being wise?"
"Do I understand what the will of the Lord is for me?"
Especially in these busy times of exta work and Christmas, I really need to be purposeful, instead of blowing which ever direction the wind blows me.
Hmm. Something more for me to think and pray about. I think I am going to memorize those verses. Happy Hump Day (Wednesday is the hump of the week, after today it is all down hill till the weekend).
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Busyness
Wow. I can't believe it has been a week since I posted last. Life has been traveling at moc speed for me. So fast I had to tell my 2 older kids, we have to cut down on all the soccer. No more 4 times a week, for the month of December. It will be once a week per kid, and so that leaves it at twice a week for mom. We will re-evaluate after the holidays as to how much through January until their tournament. Whew! I never realized what I was getting myself into when we signed them up for indoor soccer. Not again!!!( Never say never, but that would really be the word I would rather be saying).
Work has also been consuming more time than I like. I have been working 3 days a week instead of my 2 days. We are busy and short staffed. We are in the midst of training a girl (she goes to my church) but it will be a while before she is able to be independent on the floor. Training someone is also tiring in itself. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel. It sure does feel like a really LOOOONNNGGGG tunnel.
Today I am supposed to be doing a laundry marathon. Instead I have paid the bills, balanced the check book, made a million calls (which I do not like doing), caught up on my e-mail, and even checked my facebook page, and now I am blogging. Anything but that mountain of laundry. Then tomorrow it is off to go clean the beach house. We had renters in it over the thanksgiving holiday and I still have yet to get there to clean it. TOO BUSY.
I also need to make my cookies for my cookie swap I am having at my house on saturday. We were supposed to have 10 people, but last minute people have e-mailed to cancel, stating their schedules are just too busy. So I have had to re-email everyone and adjust the number of dozens they need to bring. Ugh. At least it is a lower number to bring instead of more. I have 5 great friends coming and we will have a blast. Later that night, my husband's side of the family is celebrating their christmas and the birthday of my husbands 96 year old grandmother. Whew! Busy day. I may need a nap after the swap and before I go to the party.
In all of this rush, and hub bub of working, and celebrating the season, along with all the other daily things of life, I need to make sure I don't forget the awesome gift God has given us. The gift of His son. The birth of Jesus and all that He did for us. Dying on the cross so that we may have a personal relationship with God. If I stop and think about it, really think about it, it is more than my mind can wrap around. Why would an all powerful, almighty, all knowing, God want to be in a relationship with me. Me. Who am I? A mere magot. Yet, my loving God wants to fellowship with ME. Wow! It is so powerful when I really stop to ponder it. But yet is so easily taken for granted in the midst of busyness. Stop and think, and know that Our Almighty God wants to have a relationship with you and will meet you wherever you are. What a gift!
Work has also been consuming more time than I like. I have been working 3 days a week instead of my 2 days. We are busy and short staffed. We are in the midst of training a girl (she goes to my church) but it will be a while before she is able to be independent on the floor. Training someone is also tiring in itself. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel. It sure does feel like a really LOOOONNNGGGG tunnel.
Today I am supposed to be doing a laundry marathon. Instead I have paid the bills, balanced the check book, made a million calls (which I do not like doing), caught up on my e-mail, and even checked my facebook page, and now I am blogging. Anything but that mountain of laundry. Then tomorrow it is off to go clean the beach house. We had renters in it over the thanksgiving holiday and I still have yet to get there to clean it. TOO BUSY.
I also need to make my cookies for my cookie swap I am having at my house on saturday. We were supposed to have 10 people, but last minute people have e-mailed to cancel, stating their schedules are just too busy. So I have had to re-email everyone and adjust the number of dozens they need to bring. Ugh. At least it is a lower number to bring instead of more. I have 5 great friends coming and we will have a blast. Later that night, my husband's side of the family is celebrating their christmas and the birthday of my husbands 96 year old grandmother. Whew! Busy day. I may need a nap after the swap and before I go to the party.
In all of this rush, and hub bub of working, and celebrating the season, along with all the other daily things of life, I need to make sure I don't forget the awesome gift God has given us. The gift of His son. The birth of Jesus and all that He did for us. Dying on the cross so that we may have a personal relationship with God. If I stop and think about it, really think about it, it is more than my mind can wrap around. Why would an all powerful, almighty, all knowing, God want to be in a relationship with me. Me. Who am I? A mere magot. Yet, my loving God wants to fellowship with ME. Wow! It is so powerful when I really stop to ponder it. But yet is so easily taken for granted in the midst of busyness. Stop and think, and know that Our Almighty God wants to have a relationship with you and will meet you wherever you are. What a gift!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Lots to do
Whew! This last week has been a whirl wind. Being short staffed at work is just no fun!!! But, I do have extra money now for Christmas that I was not planning on. So that is good. I will be spending all of it thursday when I go shopping all day with my mom.
So today is a day of staying home and getting caught up on everything, laundry, dishes, vaccuming, finding the floor in my bedroom to vaccum (LOL), e-mail, planning the cookie swap, christmas cards (nevermind that one... I will leave that one for another day), menu planning, grocery shopping, maybe bake a batch of cookies, indoor soccer games tonight, and clean my truck out cause I have car pool later today too. And I cannot forget to blog a little too. So much to do and just not enough time to do it.
That's when it is time to prioritize and do the most important things, not the things I want to do. I guess it is more important that my kids have school uniforms than it is to have a batch of cookies. It is just not as fun. LOL.
Here I go, time to reboot that laundry.
So today is a day of staying home and getting caught up on everything, laundry, dishes, vaccuming, finding the floor in my bedroom to vaccum (LOL), e-mail, planning the cookie swap, christmas cards (nevermind that one... I will leave that one for another day), menu planning, grocery shopping, maybe bake a batch of cookies, indoor soccer games tonight, and clean my truck out cause I have car pool later today too. And I cannot forget to blog a little too. So much to do and just not enough time to do it.
That's when it is time to prioritize and do the most important things, not the things I want to do. I guess it is more important that my kids have school uniforms than it is to have a batch of cookies. It is just not as fun. LOL.
Here I go, time to reboot that laundry.
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