Ah yes, I am one happy Mama today! First wonderful thing: we got an airconditioner!!!!!! The west coast has been having a heat wave, which, being in the Northwest and never getting much in the way of a summer, we minimized. Until we completed day 2. (Waving hand in front of face and feeling faint...) So now we and the dog are much happier; well we are, the dog is adjusting. I'm not sure if it was the flies that came in when we were installing it, or the fact of a new noise in the room, but dog was wigged out and trying to hide in Small Boy's room for over an hour. Until I dragged him out so Boy could take a nap... But dog seems to have adjusted and has been laying at my feet for an hour.
The second thing is that I found and downloaded a free trial version of Adobe Photoshop Elements; and I am definitely in love! I so happy that the trial lasts for 30 days, that gives me time to fix all of my photos that need fixing. Of course I will probably purchase it at that point...But let me say--my camera (which suddenly died the other day) always left something to be desired in terms of light balance when taking indoor pictures. Outside photos were usually pretty good, but the indoor ones really anoyed me. And believe me, I spent hours studying how to get everything right in Manual mode. But bottom line, it was a $300 camera like 5 years ago, which means in electronics years it was probably wayyyyy behind the times. So I have been happily fixing the lighting on so many cute pics of kiddo, and definitely have my work cut out for me for the next several days... :) :) :) The dishes may get neglected due to this, but it will be a happy neglect! Next I need to research what camera I want to buy...
And now I better eat lunch and get Small Boy up from his nap--if I let him sleep any longer, I'll never get him to bed tonight!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
Judgement...
I'm hungry and trying to decide what to make myself for lunch. As it is pretty hot today, I may just go with cold cereal...Just got finished handwashing some shirts, and need to do a dress. Why I still buy clothes that say "hand wash only" on the label is beyond me. It's not like I enjoy it; but when I find something I like at the right price, I buy it without reading the label :) Because hey, that dress looked really good on me, and who woulda thought Old Navy would make a cute cotton-knit looking dress out of rayon???!!! Also the ironing board is calling my name right now...well not really, but hubby has a lot of shirts that aren't ironed and none that are. So I better get to it because I certainly won't feel like doing it tonight. Oh yes, and I have that dentist appointment at 4pm to recement my crown, and then on my way home I need to stop at the store and buy chicken and cheese.
And now for something that I think is a big issue in many people's lives right now. Judging/criticism. Yes I know, that has nothing to do with what you might first think would be big issues--finances, jobs, the economy, etc. Because all those things are issues that affect everyone differently, but what shouldn't be different is how we respond to those who are in those situations differently than us. There are several different translations, but the basic verse that everyone knows, "judge not that ye be not judged" is one that seems to get overlooked far too often. There are things people do that are obvious sins, and we of course acknowledge them as such. There is never a good excuse to sin; and how to deal with brethren who are sinning is an entirely different discussion. What I am talking about are the little decisions (or big ones) that people make that are different than what I or you might make. Those things that make no sense to us in our little worlds. Here is where we give grace to others; we don't judge them as making decisions that are bad or stupid or unwise (and we definitely don't share any negative opinion in front of our children!). We must recognize that the people, personalities, circumstances, and stressors are different in every family's/individual's life. And we will NEVER, no matter how well we think we know the person, truly understand exactly what they are dealing with that causes them to make those decisions! So next time someone who you or I know makes a decision or does something that we don't understand, let's not start criticizing. Let's move on in love; not hold these things in our private archive of disagreements/differences with others, but instead carry on in our common ground of brothers and sisters in Christ! One of the reasons we are commanded as Christians to fellowship with one another is to lift up and encourage each other in our common goal of sanctification! Not to tear down, the world will do that; but to build up!
So here's to a good day focused on encouraging and uplifting all those who cross our paths today :)
And now for something that I think is a big issue in many people's lives right now. Judging/criticism. Yes I know, that has nothing to do with what you might first think would be big issues--finances, jobs, the economy, etc. Because all those things are issues that affect everyone differently, but what shouldn't be different is how we respond to those who are in those situations differently than us. There are several different translations, but the basic verse that everyone knows, "judge not that ye be not judged" is one that seems to get overlooked far too often. There are things people do that are obvious sins, and we of course acknowledge them as such. There is never a good excuse to sin; and how to deal with brethren who are sinning is an entirely different discussion. What I am talking about are the little decisions (or big ones) that people make that are different than what I or you might make. Those things that make no sense to us in our little worlds. Here is where we give grace to others; we don't judge them as making decisions that are bad or stupid or unwise (and we definitely don't share any negative opinion in front of our children!). We must recognize that the people, personalities, circumstances, and stressors are different in every family's/individual's life. And we will NEVER, no matter how well we think we know the person, truly understand exactly what they are dealing with that causes them to make those decisions! So next time someone who you or I know makes a decision or does something that we don't understand, let's not start criticizing. Let's move on in love; not hold these things in our private archive of disagreements/differences with others, but instead carry on in our common ground of brothers and sisters in Christ! One of the reasons we are commanded as Christians to fellowship with one another is to lift up and encourage each other in our common goal of sanctification! Not to tear down, the world will do that; but to build up!
So here's to a good day focused on encouraging and uplifting all those who cross our paths today :)
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Chocolate Chips
Ohhhh it's been a day. And it's only 3:30 in the afternoon. First, got called at 9pm last night to work at an office an hour away this morning. So of course I arrived ready for the day only to be told that they did not order a hygienist for today; the person making the order last night thought it was Wednesday (it was only Tuesday) so ordered a hygienist for Thursday (or so she thought) so they got me--a day early :( But as it was their mistake I still got my timecard signed for the 4 hour minimum pay and headed back home. Then Small Boy had a MAJOR meltdown, during which he head-butted me and broke off the crown off my front tooth! (Have an appointment to get that re-cemented on Friday... For $98.00, yep there goes that 4 hour paycheck!). Then I called an office that I have been trying to get a job at, only to be told that they decided on someone else and "mailed out the rejection letters a week ago"! Ha! Ya still no letter in my mailbox.
So I just finished eating two large chocolate chip quesedillas, because how else is a girl supposed to survive a day like this???!!! Kiddo is now up from his nap, a little happier, and watching Kipper. I just don't think he is still feeling back to normal. And he is 2, and is starting to assert his independence. And I am drinking my second cup of tea. And don't even think about trying to correct my grammar in this paragraph; my waistline shouldn't really intake another chocolate chip quesedilla...
And I am still supposed to find something to be happy about today...Well I have an ADORABLE curly-headed blondish Boy, and a hubby who says we will have a "date" tonight after Boy is in bed :) And the best part of that date? I don't have to cook dinner because I made extra last night in preparation for me getting home late from work :) So it's early to bed and watch a movie or something.
And now I shall finish my tea and see if I can get Small Boy to eat something, applesauce, or anything...Appetite still not picked up after being sick, poor baby :(
So I just finished eating two large chocolate chip quesedillas, because how else is a girl supposed to survive a day like this???!!! Kiddo is now up from his nap, a little happier, and watching Kipper. I just don't think he is still feeling back to normal. And he is 2, and is starting to assert his independence. And I am drinking my second cup of tea. And don't even think about trying to correct my grammar in this paragraph; my waistline shouldn't really intake another chocolate chip quesedilla...
And I am still supposed to find something to be happy about today...Well I have an ADORABLE curly-headed blondish Boy, and a hubby who says we will have a "date" tonight after Boy is in bed :) And the best part of that date? I don't have to cook dinner because I made extra last night in preparation for me getting home late from work :) So it's early to bed and watch a movie or something.
And now I shall finish my tea and see if I can get Small Boy to eat something, applesauce, or anything...Appetite still not picked up after being sick, poor baby :(
Monday, June 24, 2013
Random thoughts
Oh boy I am so tired. Got called to work at an office out of town this morning, and as hubby is off most of today, I went to work and he got to be home with sick boy. Who is doing much better fever-wise today! Sunday he got over 102 twice :( He still didn't want to eat much but at least wasn't so feverish...So now he is in bed for the night (hopefully) and hubby and I are relaxing. The dirty dishes will wait till tomorrow. Along the lines of which, I finally gave in a purchased paper plates! I like serving/eating with glass plates, but when we don't have a dishwasher, I spend at least an hour every day washing dishes, more if I do any major cooking. And ya I just can't keep up.
Mostly the last couple days just praying for wisdom; you know--yes contentment daily but working that out with our end goals and how to get there in a way that will be a benefit for our home instead of being an extra stress/difficulty on our family. Nothing worth getting is ever easy but there are good ways and injurious ways to get to the same place...big burden on my hubby. I for my part am thankful for God's design for the family---husband leading and providing and wife following and assisting. We are a good team. And I am happy to be the wife---I know I just could not handle having the responsibility of leading a family. I however am excellent at being the household manager! Well at least mostly good, except for the dishes :)
Mostly the last couple days just praying for wisdom; you know--yes contentment daily but working that out with our end goals and how to get there in a way that will be a benefit for our home instead of being an extra stress/difficulty on our family. Nothing worth getting is ever easy but there are good ways and injurious ways to get to the same place...big burden on my hubby. I for my part am thankful for God's design for the family---husband leading and providing and wife following and assisting. We are a good team. And I am happy to be the wife---I know I just could not handle having the responsibility of leading a family. I however am excellent at being the household manager! Well at least mostly good, except for the dishes :)
Life...
Oh my goodness the allergies! :( My nose is driving me absolutely nuts, just completely running away. I'm just glad Small Boy doesn't seem to be affected; well except for the eczema on his poor baby cheeks. But at least that doesn't seem to bother him; it's just pink and bumpy and gets worse when he's outside.
And poor Boy woke up sick this morning. I noticed he was a bit grumpy when I got him up but then Hubby kissed him and commented that he was hot--sure enough, 100.8 fever :( So we spent the morning watching cartoons. He watched the 1940's version of Dumbo and just smiled and laughed the whole way through! I had no idea how much he liked elephants! He didn't want to eat much but did drink a whole sippy cup of milk and 3/4 sippy of "juice" (very watered down juice!) Then he ate only about 3 bites of applesauce at 11, picked up his blanket and teddy and headed for his bedroom. Awww so cute! Poor baby tho, he clearly wasn't feeling well, and fell asleep pretty quickly. So that was our Sunday morning, here's hoping he feels a little better after his nap.
And now something that's got me irritated---weight loss commercials, pinterest pins for "amazing weight loss program" etc! So much pressure to be perfectly thin, that those of us who aren't start feeling like lazy fat slobs :( Not good... There was a discussion on Red Eye Saturday night that I thoroughly enjoyed. They were discussing that the models today are unneccessarily thin which puts undue pressure on women to look a certain way (which IMO makes us all just want to give up entirely); and then Greg G (if i remember correctly) commented that it's only the women that think they should be that thin--the men like a bigger butt--curves and shapes! And my hubby agreed :) And then I finished my beer and made us each a chocolate quesedilla :) Yes it's good to be in decent shape--for your health and energy levels and all. Hubby has lost 60 lbs lately and feels so much better that he is trying to lose a few more! So proud of him!!! And I am trying to get pregnant again--then I won't need to worry about my extra 20 lbs. for a while :p
Well, here's to a great Monday--I raise my cup of coffee with Splenda in it to all the Mommys out there looking for the little happy things in life!
And poor Boy woke up sick this morning. I noticed he was a bit grumpy when I got him up but then Hubby kissed him and commented that he was hot--sure enough, 100.8 fever :( So we spent the morning watching cartoons. He watched the 1940's version of Dumbo and just smiled and laughed the whole way through! I had no idea how much he liked elephants! He didn't want to eat much but did drink a whole sippy cup of milk and 3/4 sippy of "juice" (very watered down juice!) Then he ate only about 3 bites of applesauce at 11, picked up his blanket and teddy and headed for his bedroom. Awww so cute! Poor baby tho, he clearly wasn't feeling well, and fell asleep pretty quickly. So that was our Sunday morning, here's hoping he feels a little better after his nap.
And now something that's got me irritated---weight loss commercials, pinterest pins for "amazing weight loss program" etc! So much pressure to be perfectly thin, that those of us who aren't start feeling like lazy fat slobs :( Not good... There was a discussion on Red Eye Saturday night that I thoroughly enjoyed. They were discussing that the models today are unneccessarily thin which puts undue pressure on women to look a certain way (which IMO makes us all just want to give up entirely); and then Greg G (if i remember correctly) commented that it's only the women that think they should be that thin--the men like a bigger butt--curves and shapes! And my hubby agreed :) And then I finished my beer and made us each a chocolate quesedilla :) Yes it's good to be in decent shape--for your health and energy levels and all. Hubby has lost 60 lbs lately and feels so much better that he is trying to lose a few more! So proud of him!!! And I am trying to get pregnant again--then I won't need to worry about my extra 20 lbs. for a while :p
Well, here's to a great Monday--I raise my cup of coffee with Splenda in it to all the Mommys out there looking for the little happy things in life!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Contentment
I think too often in this world we base the status of our
contentment on our status in life—house/apartment, rich/poor, one car/two cars,
where we live/where we wish we lived, and the list goes on…
But here’s the thing—God knows what we each need and when we
need it. And He will give it at the right time and not before then. The Christian life is one of continuous sanctification;
God is always teaching us lessons whether we like it or not. The biggest lesson
for me and my family so far has been contentment and trusting God. We have been
through many things that tried our faith, relationship, and our worldview. We
have had plenty, and we have had less. But through it all I feel God has
taught us a very big lesson—Contentment! And we are still learning it; it is
something that we must work on daily. To be happy in God and as a family is the
most important thing. Things come and things vanish; but if we enjoy the little
things each day, God gives us the peace and joy to move forward and grow as
Christians each day.
Let me be clear; contentment does not mean just sit back and
take whatever life throws at you. Goals, ambitions, and plans are good and
necessary!!! But remember to not complain along the way; for there will be a way.
We can be happy on that way or we can be impatient and miserable because we haven’t
reached the destination yet. Now which sounds more fun to you?
I remember first hearing this hymn in church when I was 7 or 8 years old and have loved it ever since:
I remember first hearing this hymn in church when I was 7 or 8 years old and have loved it ever since:
- When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.- Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
- Refrain:
- Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by. - When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. - So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Beginning...
Well, I have thought about starting a blog for a while. I'm not one
to constantly post my thoughts on my Facebook status, that seems to
personal (LOL so intstead I'm doing a blog?!), but sometimes there are
random things I'd like to record that just don't seem like status
material.
Our adorable baby just turned 2 last weekend--where has the time gone??? And in one month my wonderful husby and I will have been married for 9 years!!!
It is a warm summer day and I have the windows open with fans in them to keep our tiny apartment from being an oven. The sunshine is truly lovely though, and I love warm weather so much that you will RARELY find me complaining about heat, unless it's over 90 :). This morning after breakfast I ran out (alone!) to Old Navy--they are having an $8 sale today only on their summer dresses, and hubs said I should get me some. My wardrobe took a serious hit a year ago, not that it didn't already need some help post-baby, and as a result I don't have many cute things. I love wearing dresses and skirts so am working on my supply---got two today that were super cute! Funny how things that look blah on the hanger look really cute when I try them on, and vice versa.
"Small boy" is napping right now (I think!). I spent the last half hour scrubbing crayon off the cupboards, walls, and fridge while he "washed" his dishes in the kitchen sink. I've discovered I don't usually need to scrub it off the kitchen floor, our socks usually buff it off nicely! If my camera weren't broken, I would have gotten some adorable pics. Yes I have a smart phone but it's memory is full... So now while I have some free time I think I may finish washing the dishes and do a bit of hand-wash laundry. And I'm feeling a bit creative and it's too hot to turn the oven on and bake, so I may do some cross-stitching. Or maybe I'll surf the net for coupons for my next grocery shop. We'll see. :)
Our adorable baby just turned 2 last weekend--where has the time gone??? And in one month my wonderful husby and I will have been married for 9 years!!!
It is a warm summer day and I have the windows open with fans in them to keep our tiny apartment from being an oven. The sunshine is truly lovely though, and I love warm weather so much that you will RARELY find me complaining about heat, unless it's over 90 :). This morning after breakfast I ran out (alone!) to Old Navy--they are having an $8 sale today only on their summer dresses, and hubs said I should get me some. My wardrobe took a serious hit a year ago, not that it didn't already need some help post-baby, and as a result I don't have many cute things. I love wearing dresses and skirts so am working on my supply---got two today that were super cute! Funny how things that look blah on the hanger look really cute when I try them on, and vice versa.
"Small boy" is napping right now (I think!). I spent the last half hour scrubbing crayon off the cupboards, walls, and fridge while he "washed" his dishes in the kitchen sink. I've discovered I don't usually need to scrub it off the kitchen floor, our socks usually buff it off nicely! If my camera weren't broken, I would have gotten some adorable pics. Yes I have a smart phone but it's memory is full... So now while I have some free time I think I may finish washing the dishes and do a bit of hand-wash laundry. And I'm feeling a bit creative and it's too hot to turn the oven on and bake, so I may do some cross-stitching. Or maybe I'll surf the net for coupons for my next grocery shop. We'll see. :)
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