blast from the past
during my bsu days at utm, i had the privilege of meeting some very talented musicians. one of them even wrote some of the praise & worship songs that were sung at our gatherings. i think i sstill have some of the chord sheets from my brief time on the praise team.
well, i haven't kept in touch with some of my old acquaintances very well, but a while back i found some blogs of people i knew back then, and i occasionally get nosy and see what's going on in their lives... i confess, i have a little bit of a spy in me.
it turns out, daniel doss and his band have signed a record deal! daniel is a worship leader at a church about an hour north of here. his dad was the choir director at the church that became my home away from home those 5 years of college, and his family was well known in the northwest tn for their musical talent.
so, folks, keep your eyes and ears open for the daniel doss band. daniel had such a heart for glorifying God through music. they already have some independent recordings. it will be exciting to see what doors God will open next!
Friday, December 01, 2006
too cute...
so, i went upstairs to rescue bear from her cage. there she stood, pants down (one leg still caught on her foot, the other leg missing her shoe and sock). thankfully, spongy diaper was still in tact. but what a cute sight!
she was apparently bitter upon realizing her video had ended and her mommy still hadn't returned to save her.
there's sometimes a fine line between what belongs on her blog and mine, but this screen was up, so here it's posted.
so, i went upstairs to rescue bear from her cage. there she stood, pants down (one leg still caught on her foot, the other leg missing her shoe and sock). thankfully, spongy diaper was still in tact. but what a cute sight!
she was apparently bitter upon realizing her video had ended and her mommy still hadn't returned to save her.
there's sometimes a fine line between what belongs on her blog and mine, but this screen was up, so here it's posted.
child neglect
baby bear has been watching a blues clues tape (yes, i said tape. it was a hand me down. we have a dvd/vcr combo thingy) from her pack and play for far too long now. the good mom in me knows i should go upstairs, take her out and let her roam a bit.
but she's happy, squealing with delight over something, and i was able to get a shower, grab some campbell's soup (nothing compared to farm wife's concoction), and even blog a bit.
now i must go tend to my little one. her happy squeals of delight have turned to "where are you mom?" pouts... soon to be shrieks of anger.
baby bear has been watching a blues clues tape (yes, i said tape. it was a hand me down. we have a dvd/vcr combo thingy) from her pack and play for far too long now. the good mom in me knows i should go upstairs, take her out and let her roam a bit.
but she's happy, squealing with delight over something, and i was able to get a shower, grab some campbell's soup (nothing compared to farm wife's concoction), and even blog a bit.
now i must go tend to my little one. her happy squeals of delight have turned to "where are you mom?" pouts... soon to be shrieks of anger.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
autumn stroll -part 2
it was warm again today, so baby bear and i walked over to the next street and visited pixie and peanut, who were playing outside with their mommy. pixie is 2 1/2, and peanut is 9 months old. it was nice to see them! the temp is supposed to drop to the 40's tomorrow, serving as a reminder that it really is almost Christmas.
as for the multitude of chores i needed to do? ha. i swept the kitchen. didn't wash it (yet), just swept it. i also took a nap of my own during baby bear's afternoon siesta.
baby bear just finished a banana and a cup of watered-down apple juice. she'll be in heaven when she starts drinking undiluted juices in about 5 years. i'm typing at the kitchen table, and she keeps smiling at me with that adorable single-toothed grin as she munches on some crackers.
it was warm again today, so baby bear and i walked over to the next street and visited pixie and peanut, who were playing outside with their mommy. pixie is 2 1/2, and peanut is 9 months old. it was nice to see them! the temp is supposed to drop to the 40's tomorrow, serving as a reminder that it really is almost Christmas.
as for the multitude of chores i needed to do? ha. i swept the kitchen. didn't wash it (yet), just swept it. i also took a nap of my own during baby bear's afternoon siesta.
baby bear just finished a banana and a cup of watered-down apple juice. she'll be in heaven when she starts drinking undiluted juices in about 5 years. i'm typing at the kitchen table, and she keeps smiling at me with that adorable single-toothed grin as she munches on some crackers.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
more new babies...
our neighbor (well, about 20 houses down, we live in suburbia) delivered her twin boys at 32 weeks. they weighed in at almost 5 lbs. one of them is coming home tomorrow, the other will stay in the hostpital for another week. i don't know all the details, but i did hear through the grapevine that one was delivered naturally (practically fell out?), but they had to do an emergency c-section for the other because he was breached and his heartbeat disappeared from the monitor. pray for beth and jason, their 2 1/2 year old, kate, and of course, the new baby boys, thomas and jacob.
isn't 32 weeks practically considered full term for twins?
our neighbor (well, about 20 houses down, we live in suburbia) delivered her twin boys at 32 weeks. they weighed in at almost 5 lbs. one of them is coming home tomorrow, the other will stay in the hostpital for another week. i don't know all the details, but i did hear through the grapevine that one was delivered naturally (practically fell out?), but they had to do an emergency c-section for the other because he was breached and his heartbeat disappeared from the monitor. pray for beth and jason, their 2 1/2 year old, kate, and of course, the new baby boys, thomas and jacob.
isn't 32 weeks practically considered full term for twins?
me and baby bear 11/14/06i thought i'd go ahead and "reveal" myself to those of you who i haven't met irl. you can also catch occasional glimpses of me on baby bear's blog. The pics that include me are usually taken by Caslon and her hubby, as my dear hubby rarely uses our camera. I think the last picture he took was in the hospital at baby bear's birth 13 months ago. Thankfully his younger sister and her hubby have a talent for photography. however, they didn't take this picture. robert at sears did. you see, my baby sis is doing seasonal work at sears photo, and we had pics of our girls made together. while we were at it, i went ahead and got one with me and her.
baby bear was in a more somber mood. actually, she had been fussing all that morning, so i was pleased with the results we got.
books, everywhere!
our usborne book order arrived today. one of my friends is a consultant, and i had a show for her a couple of weeks ago.
i have to say, i LOVE the touchy-feely and lift-the-flap books. they will be great vocab builders. baby bear loves them, too. i gave her a preview of her Christmas gifts as well as the ones we are giving to her cousins before naptime. now i have to hide them or she won't wait until Christmas.
i also have to add that usborne's hostess plan is pretty good. i did the show because i wanted to help my friend, who is 15-weeks along with #4. it was nice to reconnect with her and the friends who came, and take care of some shopping without leaving my home! it's easy to get "partied" out, but this one was worth having.
our usborne book order arrived today. one of my friends is a consultant, and i had a show for her a couple of weeks ago.
i have to say, i LOVE the touchy-feely and lift-the-flap books. they will be great vocab builders. baby bear loves them, too. i gave her a preview of her Christmas gifts as well as the ones we are giving to her cousins before naptime. now i have to hide them or she won't wait until Christmas.
i also have to add that usborne's hostess plan is pretty good. i did the show because i wanted to help my friend, who is 15-weeks along with #4. it was nice to reconnect with her and the friends who came, and take care of some shopping without leaving my home! it's easy to get "partied" out, but this one was worth having.
autumn stroll
while the weather has been frightful in the northwest, we've enjoyed a few mild days this week. granted, i would still like to get snowed in at least once this winter. it's been a couple of years since we had enough snow to shut down this ill-equipped southern state. of course, it must be on my terms... it can snow us in when we go to Memphis for Christmas after great-gramma's flight arrives and the rest of us comlete our road trips, especially crt and caslon's entourages.
anyway, i pulled baby bear's big stroller out of the coat closer and took her for a walk yesterday afternoon. it felt good to get some fresh air. the wind was a little too brisk, so it was much shorter than i had hoped, but both of us enjoyed it. i'm sure the number of days that don't require coats is limited, even here.
while the weather has been frightful in the northwest, we've enjoyed a few mild days this week. granted, i would still like to get snowed in at least once this winter. it's been a couple of years since we had enough snow to shut down this ill-equipped southern state. of course, it must be on my terms... it can snow us in when we go to Memphis for Christmas after great-gramma's flight arrives and the rest of us comlete our road trips, especially crt and caslon's entourages.
anyway, i pulled baby bear's big stroller out of the coat closer and took her for a walk yesterday afternoon. it felt good to get some fresh air. the wind was a little too brisk, so it was much shorter than i had hoped, but both of us enjoyed it. i'm sure the number of days that don't require coats is limited, even here.
impulse buy
we went to costco last week. we had our list so we wouldn't go overboard. guess who deviated from the list? if it were me, that would be no surprise. alas, it was dear hubby. you know, the one i not-so-lovingly refer to as receipt nazi when he gets on a roll. also the one who makes it possible for me to stay home with our little girl because he is wise with finances. his last impulse buy in my presence was a little bunny that has "i love daddy" embroidered on its tummy. that was before baby bear was born. this purchase? the "chocolates of the world" canister of yummy chocolates. i hope there are some left when my taste buds return. i'm sure they won't last until the holidays, as he tried to say when he picked them up at the store.
we went to costco last week. we had our list so we wouldn't go overboard. guess who deviated from the list? if it were me, that would be no surprise. alas, it was dear hubby. you know, the one i not-so-lovingly refer to as receipt nazi when he gets on a roll. also the one who makes it possible for me to stay home with our little girl because he is wise with finances. his last impulse buy in my presence was a little bunny that has "i love daddy" embroidered on its tummy. that was before baby bear was born. this purchase? the "chocolates of the world" canister of yummy chocolates. i hope there are some left when my taste buds return. i'm sure they won't last until the holidays, as he tried to say when he picked them up at the store.
Monday, November 27, 2006
update on baby alex
i talked to alex's mom for a while tonight. pray for her... she just went back to work this week , a lot has changed due to the nature of her job (medical insurance related stuff), and of course she would rather be home with her baby instead of jumping head first back into the crazy world of the place that drove me to a couple of panic attacks a couple of years ago.
anyway, as a reminder, alex was due october 29th and was born the last week of july. he was in the nicu at vandy for a while, but came home and was doing well. but one morning he was having trouble breathing without being stimulated. he had meningitis. so he was in vandy again for 21 more days. there are a couple of small spots that show up on his scans that could be brain damage, but so far all signs are that he's healthy. pray that whatever those spots are will not be significant. his mom said when he had fluid on the brain, his soft spot expanded so it was like an egg on his head. but in a way it was a blessing that he still had a soft spot, more flex room.
he is doing well now, and his grandma takes care of him while his mommy works (although i might get to every now and then if his grandma isn't able). he weighs over 10 lbs... considering he weighed less than 3 lbs at birth, that's really cool.
anyway, keep this precious baby boy and his family in your prayers!
i talked to alex's mom for a while tonight. pray for her... she just went back to work this week , a lot has changed due to the nature of her job (medical insurance related stuff), and of course she would rather be home with her baby instead of jumping head first back into the crazy world of the place that drove me to a couple of panic attacks a couple of years ago.
anyway, as a reminder, alex was due october 29th and was born the last week of july. he was in the nicu at vandy for a while, but came home and was doing well. but one morning he was having trouble breathing without being stimulated. he had meningitis. so he was in vandy again for 21 more days. there are a couple of small spots that show up on his scans that could be brain damage, but so far all signs are that he's healthy. pray that whatever those spots are will not be significant. his mom said when he had fluid on the brain, his soft spot expanded so it was like an egg on his head. but in a way it was a blessing that he still had a soft spot, more flex room.
he is doing well now, and his grandma takes care of him while his mommy works (although i might get to every now and then if his grandma isn't able). he weighs over 10 lbs... considering he weighed less than 3 lbs at birth, that's really cool.
anyway, keep this precious baby boy and his family in your prayers!
HALLEYVILLE: A moment ago
I had to share this photo of what they're getting in the northwest. pray for temera and her farm animals to stay warm and for her hubby to get home safely. (click on the link to see the pic)
I had to share this photo of what they're getting in the northwest. pray for temera and her farm animals to stay warm and for her hubby to get home safely. (click on the link to see the pic)
I turned the corner yesterday afternoon. I was working on the ground beef for our tacos (well, hubby's tacos, I did well to eat some mixed vegetables and aout 1/2 of mine, even with the mild seasoning the spices got to me), and a fit of hacking came upon me. Actually, several fits. Poor baby bear stared at me in wonder, and clung to her daddy. He explained to her that mommy gets really sick, and this is part of how her body gets it out of her system.
I was tempted to go back to the doctor on Saturday, but the last time I had this crud, I went in and was told to keep doing what I'm doing, it would just take time. I did call and talk to a nurse. She said that since I was still running a fever, the physicians who were in would run a blood test to make sure my white cell count was ok. But as we talked, I told her that I didn't want to come in for "nothing". She honestly said that if she were I, she would wait it out just a bit longer... so I did, and hubby breathed a sigh of relief at not having to pay another copay. (Though it is little compared to what my friend Inkling shelled out.) Sometime on Saturday, as I hacked, blew my nose, shoved guafinasen horse pills down my throat, drank lots of water and apple juice, and hacked some more, I remembered my inhaler. And I began using it.... and I noticed slow but steady improvement over the weekend. so the next time I start sounding like a horse, will somebody please ask me if I tried my inhaler? It only took a week for me to think of it this time around. The guafinasen (sp?) broke up the congeestion in my chest and helped me drain, the inhaler did whatever it does to help me breathe. And although hubby threatened to sleep in the guest bed last night, I heard his alarm at 6 a.m. and felt him roll over and put his arm around me... so at some point he decided I wasn't coughing as much (or else our bed is just more comfy, even with the distraction of my coughing).
Today has been my best day since early last week. My voice is even starting to return, so I attempted to read to baby bear. She was more interested in patting the pages.
For the 2nd week in a row, we missed church due to one of us being sick. I had to bail out on the nursery, which is not a good thing on a holiday weekend, but as of yesterday morning I was in no shape to play with baby bear and her toddling buddies.
So no "black Friday" shopping for me. Or Saturday. We stayed huddled in our cozy home, avoided the crowds, and scrounged up things to eat around here. Hubby once again proved he is a terrific daddy by taking care of baby bear (although it occured to us that I should change the dirty diapers since I can't smell anyway). He even did dishes... as in washing the pots and pans, not just putting the plates in the dishwasher. I ate soup and ramen noodles and toast with great-gramma's homemade raspberry jelly. After putting Baby Bear to bed on Saturday, we watched Gladiator.
And now, as I hear silence through the monitor indicating that Baby Bear finally gave in to her sleepiness, I think I'll take the advice I was given as a new mommy over a year ago... when baby sleeps, do the same. Chores will always be there.
I was tempted to go back to the doctor on Saturday, but the last time I had this crud, I went in and was told to keep doing what I'm doing, it would just take time. I did call and talk to a nurse. She said that since I was still running a fever, the physicians who were in would run a blood test to make sure my white cell count was ok. But as we talked, I told her that I didn't want to come in for "nothing". She honestly said that if she were I, she would wait it out just a bit longer... so I did, and hubby breathed a sigh of relief at not having to pay another copay. (Though it is little compared to what my friend Inkling shelled out.) Sometime on Saturday, as I hacked, blew my nose, shoved guafinasen horse pills down my throat, drank lots of water and apple juice, and hacked some more, I remembered my inhaler. And I began using it.... and I noticed slow but steady improvement over the weekend. so the next time I start sounding like a horse, will somebody please ask me if I tried my inhaler? It only took a week for me to think of it this time around. The guafinasen (sp?) broke up the congeestion in my chest and helped me drain, the inhaler did whatever it does to help me breathe. And although hubby threatened to sleep in the guest bed last night, I heard his alarm at 6 a.m. and felt him roll over and put his arm around me... so at some point he decided I wasn't coughing as much (or else our bed is just more comfy, even with the distraction of my coughing).
Today has been my best day since early last week. My voice is even starting to return, so I attempted to read to baby bear. She was more interested in patting the pages.
For the 2nd week in a row, we missed church due to one of us being sick. I had to bail out on the nursery, which is not a good thing on a holiday weekend, but as of yesterday morning I was in no shape to play with baby bear and her toddling buddies.
So no "black Friday" shopping for me. Or Saturday. We stayed huddled in our cozy home, avoided the crowds, and scrounged up things to eat around here. Hubby once again proved he is a terrific daddy by taking care of baby bear (although it occured to us that I should change the dirty diapers since I can't smell anyway). He even did dishes... as in washing the pots and pans, not just putting the plates in the dishwasher. I ate soup and ramen noodles and toast with great-gramma's homemade raspberry jelly. After putting Baby Bear to bed on Saturday, we watched Gladiator.
And now, as I hear silence through the monitor indicating that Baby Bear finally gave in to her sleepiness, I think I'll take the advice I was given as a new mommy over a year ago... when baby sleeps, do the same. Chores will always be there.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
a recipe so easy, even i can remember it...
(adapted from everyday foods november 2006... no plagiarism here- this time)
cranberry-grape compote
Rinse 1 12 oz. pack fresh cranberries and 3 c seedless red grapes, then dump them into a large saucepan. (3 qt. worked great for me). Add 1 c sugar and 1/2 c water (i actually added closer to 1 c). Bring contents to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until mmost of the cranberries have popped and grapes are falling apart. Remove from heat and add 1/8 tsp salt, stir in. Let cool to room temp before sticking in the fridge. (keeps up to 2 weeks in a sealed container). serve at room temp.
*****************
why i'm thankful
at the moment, i'm most thankful my family didn't shoot me for showing up for thanksgiving when i really should have been home in bed. i justified it by saying i'd been on antibiotics and shouldn't be contagious, but still.
i'm thankful for the delicious meal that my mom so lovingly prepared for us, as she always does. yummy roasted turkey, stuffing with or without mushrooms (your choice, although Eaglet gave her "permission" to no longer make separate stuffing without mushrooms for the first time in 30-something years. not that she needed permission from her son.) italian-style green beans with a yummy onion cream sauce to put over it. rolls, sweet potatoes, mahed potatoes and gravy. nobody's gravy beats my mom's, it's always the best. fruit salad. my contribution: cran-grape compote. for dessert, we had 3 choices: pumkin chiffon pie, cherry cheesecake, or key lime pie. she also had a veggie and cheese, cracker and nut tray for us to munch on while we waited for the meal. she always over-does it when it comes to cooking, but we love her and appreciate it. oh, and i have to add the dressing is not the same as stuffing, and should not ever be considered a substitute, though i often is here in the south.
i'm thankful for my loving hubby who lets me be me and is so good at taking care of baby bear. he even through tonight's supper into the crock pot (with my guidance). otherwise we might be eating eggs and toast for supper. well, he'd be eating eggs and toast. i'd probably eat ramen noodles.
i'm thankful baby bear is napping or playing quietly in her crib while her daddy is at the gym and mommy is in bed, typing on the laptop.
i'm thankful for my family and friends, all of whom God has put into my life for a reason. sometime friends have been around a long time, family is stuck with me no matter what, other friends are new. the seasons we are together my be long or short, but they are all gifts.
i'm thankful for the gift of life and a doctor's office that i trust to help me make good decisions about my family's health.
i'm thankful for grace. not just my new online friend, but God's grace. there was a time i thought it meant God's riches at Christ's expense (thanks to a few trite sermons, no doubt), now i know it is so much more.
i'm thankful it's not 20 below outside, although 70 is still a bit odd for november. i'm with grace; i don't think i'm truly a southern girl, though i've been here for almost half my life. i miss distinct seasons.
i'm thankful for our home and good neighbors, and that our streets are paved after 3 1/2 years in this subdivision. the slalom course around manhole covers was no fun. while it's often easy to get caught up in the chaos of suburban life and not get to know neighbors, we have been blessed by people who have sought us out and become friends.
there's not rhyme or reason to my list, and there are many more things i could add. but that's all for now.
(adapted from everyday foods november 2006... no plagiarism here- this time)
cranberry-grape compote
Rinse 1 12 oz. pack fresh cranberries and 3 c seedless red grapes, then dump them into a large saucepan. (3 qt. worked great for me). Add 1 c sugar and 1/2 c water (i actually added closer to 1 c). Bring contents to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until mmost of the cranberries have popped and grapes are falling apart. Remove from heat and add 1/8 tsp salt, stir in. Let cool to room temp before sticking in the fridge. (keeps up to 2 weeks in a sealed container). serve at room temp.
*****************
why i'm thankful
at the moment, i'm most thankful my family didn't shoot me for showing up for thanksgiving when i really should have been home in bed. i justified it by saying i'd been on antibiotics and shouldn't be contagious, but still.
i'm thankful for the delicious meal that my mom so lovingly prepared for us, as she always does. yummy roasted turkey, stuffing with or without mushrooms (your choice, although Eaglet gave her "permission" to no longer make separate stuffing without mushrooms for the first time in 30-something years. not that she needed permission from her son.) italian-style green beans with a yummy onion cream sauce to put over it. rolls, sweet potatoes, mahed potatoes and gravy. nobody's gravy beats my mom's, it's always the best. fruit salad. my contribution: cran-grape compote. for dessert, we had 3 choices: pumkin chiffon pie, cherry cheesecake, or key lime pie. she also had a veggie and cheese, cracker and nut tray for us to munch on while we waited for the meal. she always over-does it when it comes to cooking, but we love her and appreciate it. oh, and i have to add the dressing is not the same as stuffing, and should not ever be considered a substitute, though i often is here in the south.
i'm thankful for my loving hubby who lets me be me and is so good at taking care of baby bear. he even through tonight's supper into the crock pot (with my guidance). otherwise we might be eating eggs and toast for supper. well, he'd be eating eggs and toast. i'd probably eat ramen noodles.
i'm thankful baby bear is napping or playing quietly in her crib while her daddy is at the gym and mommy is in bed, typing on the laptop.
i'm thankful for my family and friends, all of whom God has put into my life for a reason. sometime friends have been around a long time, family is stuck with me no matter what, other friends are new. the seasons we are together my be long or short, but they are all gifts.
i'm thankful for the gift of life and a doctor's office that i trust to help me make good decisions about my family's health.
i'm thankful for grace. not just my new online friend, but God's grace. there was a time i thought it meant God's riches at Christ's expense (thanks to a few trite sermons, no doubt), now i know it is so much more.
i'm thankful it's not 20 below outside, although 70 is still a bit odd for november. i'm with grace; i don't think i'm truly a southern girl, though i've been here for almost half my life. i miss distinct seasons.
i'm thankful for our home and good neighbors, and that our streets are paved after 3 1/2 years in this subdivision. the slalom course around manhole covers was no fun. while it's often easy to get caught up in the chaos of suburban life and not get to know neighbors, we have been blessed by people who have sought us out and become friends.
there's not rhyme or reason to my list, and there are many more things i could add. but that's all for now.
Friday, November 24, 2006
8 years ago...
8 years ago today, my boyfriend and dad drove to a shooting range for some guy time. Little did i know, something else was on the agenda. well, i suspected a conversation might be planned, since boyfriend didn't get to see my parents very often... but since we'd only been dating for 3 months, I figured he'd ask Dad in person, but wait til Christmas or Valentine's to pop the question to me. Apparently boyfriend had a small box hidden in his gun case, a box containing a ring. Now, thankfully my dad apparently liked boyfriend well enough to give his blessing, because if you think about the setting, it was not the wisest one for asking a father for his daughter's hand in marriage.
Anyway, that Thanksgiving Weekend was by far the most memorable one for me. Oh, we've had several special ones since then, but it was that weekend that made some of the other most memorable Thanksgivings possible. That next day, boyfriend asked if I wanted to take the scenic route toward his parents', the Natchez Trace Parkway. It was a sunny "Indian Summer" November-in-Tennessee Saturday, so of course I was game. I still had no clue, though I should have, since boyfriend usually liked to get to destinations as quickly as possible. Then again, we'd only been dating 3 months, so I had no idea what kind of surprises he was capable of.
Even though we had dated a relatively short time, both of us were sure that God had sent the other into our lives. It seemed crazy, I had not had a serious dating relationship, though there were a couple of "friends" who could have become more if I would let them close enough. But God had helped me guard my heart until the day hubby and I met and experienced that thing I'd always been skeptical of and hoped for simultaneously- love at first sight.
So we drove along, pulled off at a couple of overlooks to enjoy the scenic views (I thought). The first had a couple making out; not what we wanted to see. The 2nd had a creepy old guy in a equally scary-looking pickup truck; not a good effect there, either, though they were pretty spots.
Finally, we stopped at the Water Valley Overlook... those of you from this area may even know where Water Valley is. The overlook on the trace was so pretty. we saw the rolling hills and farms below, and boyfriend said the landscape reminded him of where he grew up.
Everyone else who had stopped before us had since pulled away, so only the 2 of us sat on the grass, talking, enjoying God's creation and eachother's company. Boyfriend said he had a passage he wanted to read together, and pulled out a Bible. I noticed he pulled a rubber band off from around the cover, but didn't think much of it. He handed the Bible to me, suggested I turn to a passage, and while I did so, he got onto one knee. There, in the middle of the passage, surrounded by highlighted text, the most beautiful ring I had ever seen was resting in a hole in the Bible. Yep, he actually cut out the pages with a razor and created a spot for the ring. If that appals you, get over it. It was a paperback one that he got for free somewhere. Maybe some day we'll have it bound in leather for kicks.
Of course, I accepted his proposal. We were married the next summer. Boyfriend is now hubby.
His parents and grandparents treat me like a daughter, not a daughter "in-law". I've since been to his old home state abd learned that the farmhouse he lived in is on a ridge remarkably similar to the overlook where we got engaged. I could go on about why I'm thankful for him and his family, but I've typed enough for now. Baby bear is napping, and I need to, also.
8 years ago today, my boyfriend and dad drove to a shooting range for some guy time. Little did i know, something else was on the agenda. well, i suspected a conversation might be planned, since boyfriend didn't get to see my parents very often... but since we'd only been dating for 3 months, I figured he'd ask Dad in person, but wait til Christmas or Valentine's to pop the question to me. Apparently boyfriend had a small box hidden in his gun case, a box containing a ring. Now, thankfully my dad apparently liked boyfriend well enough to give his blessing, because if you think about the setting, it was not the wisest one for asking a father for his daughter's hand in marriage.
Anyway, that Thanksgiving Weekend was by far the most memorable one for me. Oh, we've had several special ones since then, but it was that weekend that made some of the other most memorable Thanksgivings possible. That next day, boyfriend asked if I wanted to take the scenic route toward his parents', the Natchez Trace Parkway. It was a sunny "Indian Summer" November-in-Tennessee Saturday, so of course I was game. I still had no clue, though I should have, since boyfriend usually liked to get to destinations as quickly as possible. Then again, we'd only been dating 3 months, so I had no idea what kind of surprises he was capable of.
Even though we had dated a relatively short time, both of us were sure that God had sent the other into our lives. It seemed crazy, I had not had a serious dating relationship, though there were a couple of "friends" who could have become more if I would let them close enough. But God had helped me guard my heart until the day hubby and I met and experienced that thing I'd always been skeptical of and hoped for simultaneously- love at first sight.
So we drove along, pulled off at a couple of overlooks to enjoy the scenic views (I thought). The first had a couple making out; not what we wanted to see. The 2nd had a creepy old guy in a equally scary-looking pickup truck; not a good effect there, either, though they were pretty spots.
Finally, we stopped at the Water Valley Overlook... those of you from this area may even know where Water Valley is. The overlook on the trace was so pretty. we saw the rolling hills and farms below, and boyfriend said the landscape reminded him of where he grew up.
Everyone else who had stopped before us had since pulled away, so only the 2 of us sat on the grass, talking, enjoying God's creation and eachother's company. Boyfriend said he had a passage he wanted to read together, and pulled out a Bible. I noticed he pulled a rubber band off from around the cover, but didn't think much of it. He handed the Bible to me, suggested I turn to a passage, and while I did so, he got onto one knee. There, in the middle of the passage, surrounded by highlighted text, the most beautiful ring I had ever seen was resting in a hole in the Bible. Yep, he actually cut out the pages with a razor and created a spot for the ring. If that appals you, get over it. It was a paperback one that he got for free somewhere. Maybe some day we'll have it bound in leather for kicks.
Of course, I accepted his proposal. We were married the next summer. Boyfriend is now hubby.
His parents and grandparents treat me like a daughter, not a daughter "in-law". I've since been to his old home state abd learned that the farmhouse he lived in is on a ridge remarkably similar to the overlook where we got engaged. I could go on about why I'm thankful for him and his family, but I've typed enough for now. Baby bear is napping, and I need to, also.
relapse
even though i'm taking my antibiotics diligently, my fever has returned. my congestion may be clearing up for good this time, but i'll believe it after it's gone. ashley's girl and ian's master may remember times when my annual crud hit in college, and they were unfortunate enough to be my roommates during that time. now, after 7 years of marriage, hubby has the loving "in sickness" part pretty much down pat. for whatever reason, i have a weak immune system.
thankfully, baby bear has been an angel all day. destructive angel, but nevertheless an angel. she can't help it her mommy and daddy leave dvd's a ps2 games within her reach to pull of the shelf!
even though i'm taking my antibiotics diligently, my fever has returned. my congestion may be clearing up for good this time, but i'll believe it after it's gone. ashley's girl and ian's master may remember times when my annual crud hit in college, and they were unfortunate enough to be my roommates during that time. now, after 7 years of marriage, hubby has the loving "in sickness" part pretty much down pat. for whatever reason, i have a weak immune system.
thankfully, baby bear has been an angel all day. destructive angel, but nevertheless an angel. she can't help it her mommy and daddy leave dvd's a ps2 games within her reach to pull of the shelf!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Through the Bible in a Year
I came across this link on the Parish Pres site, and thought I would share....
I came across this link on the Parish Pres site, and thought I would share....
getting over it
the cold, that is. one obvious sign of my feeling better is when i get so sick of a mess that i do something about it. or at least part of it. with a 13 month old, any cleaning feels pointless 10 seconds after a task is complete. oh, i've still got the cough and runny nose, but they aren't as bad as they were, and my hack is surprisingly absent. may it stay that way. anyway, a while back tech mom told me about this magazine called Everyday Food. The timing wasn't right, I sort of shrugged it off. Well, the November issue caught my eye with it's claim of "The Easiest Thanksgiving Ever" spread across the top. I was lured into the marketing trap and threw it into the cart with everything else. When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised. I found recipes for a full Thanksgiving Dinner. Now, don't be deceived into thinking I'm making Thanksgiving Dinner this year. No way. We'll meet Eaglet and his wife and Sbectacular, her hubby, and Baby J at our parents tomorrow afternoon. Lord willing baby bear and I will feel up to it.
Anyway, I do like to offer to bring a dish, and the easy Cranberry-Grape Compote looked just the thing. So tonight, after hubby and I ate another succesful pork chop recipe that the crock-pot cooked for me, I made it. I'm sure it won't have quite the bite that tech-mom's brandied cranberries offer, but it sounded like an interesting combo. If my senses have returned tomorrow and the majority liked it, I'll post the recipe.
We're watching Cheaper By the Dozen on tv tonight It's refreshing to watch something clean and relatively light. We watch so many crime shows around here that it gets old. One of the commercials was for the new Charlotte's Web movie. I loved that book when I was little. We'll probably wait to see it on video, since we only go to the theater once or twice a year, but you can bet it's one I'll rent and baby bear might even watch with us. (She LOVES animals.)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I am thankful to live close enough to family that we can spend it together... and look forward to doing the same with the other half at Christmastime.
the cold, that is. one obvious sign of my feeling better is when i get so sick of a mess that i do something about it. or at least part of it. with a 13 month old, any cleaning feels pointless 10 seconds after a task is complete. oh, i've still got the cough and runny nose, but they aren't as bad as they were, and my hack is surprisingly absent. may it stay that way. anyway, a while back tech mom told me about this magazine called Everyday Food. The timing wasn't right, I sort of shrugged it off. Well, the November issue caught my eye with it's claim of "The Easiest Thanksgiving Ever" spread across the top. I was lured into the marketing trap and threw it into the cart with everything else. When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised. I found recipes for a full Thanksgiving Dinner. Now, don't be deceived into thinking I'm making Thanksgiving Dinner this year. No way. We'll meet Eaglet and his wife and Sbectacular, her hubby, and Baby J at our parents tomorrow afternoon. Lord willing baby bear and I will feel up to it.
Anyway, I do like to offer to bring a dish, and the easy Cranberry-Grape Compote looked just the thing. So tonight, after hubby and I ate another succesful pork chop recipe that the crock-pot cooked for me, I made it. I'm sure it won't have quite the bite that tech-mom's brandied cranberries offer, but it sounded like an interesting combo. If my senses have returned tomorrow and the majority liked it, I'll post the recipe.
We're watching Cheaper By the Dozen on tv tonight It's refreshing to watch something clean and relatively light. We watch so many crime shows around here that it gets old. One of the commercials was for the new Charlotte's Web movie. I loved that book when I was little. We'll probably wait to see it on video, since we only go to the theater once or twice a year, but you can bet it's one I'll rent and baby bear might even watch with us. (She LOVES animals.)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I am thankful to live close enough to family that we can spend it together... and look forward to doing the same with the other half at Christmastime.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
big step
my cold wasn't the only thing i discussed with the doctor today. there comes a point when one must make a choice to continue with the status quo, something that you're used to but don't like, yet can't seem to change by yourself, or try something-anything- to fix it.
i probably shouldn't have waited a year to get up the nerve to deal with it in this way, but hey... maybe it's pride, fear, i don't know. having this conversation with doc a year ago would have made more sense, when i was more obviously tossed between simultaneous waves of circumstantial frustration and hormones and tides of joy. but it was much easier now than it would have been a year ago.
pray for me... it was a big step, a necessary one.
my cold wasn't the only thing i discussed with the doctor today. there comes a point when one must make a choice to continue with the status quo, something that you're used to but don't like, yet can't seem to change by yourself, or try something-anything- to fix it.
i probably shouldn't have waited a year to get up the nerve to deal with it in this way, but hey... maybe it's pride, fear, i don't know. having this conversation with doc a year ago would have made more sense, when i was more obviously tossed between simultaneous waves of circumstantial frustration and hormones and tides of joy. but it was much easier now than it would have been a year ago.
pray for me... it was a big step, a necessary one.
Monday, November 20, 2006
I remember....
Pulling onto their street after an insanely long drive in the backseat with my annoying brother and sister and looking for the cute barn-roofed house with the glass-enclosed front porch where Daddy was raised.
Grandma Helen driving us around Yonkers, teaching us to "blow out" the red stop lights so green ones would come on.
Sitting on the front porch with Grandpa Dante, either reading Our Daily Bread together or listening to him play the harmonica.
The smell as we walked into the entry... a combination of moth balls and Grandma's roast lamb.
Watching Grandpa cut wood in his basement shop.
Thinking it was a miracle that such a beautiful backyard garden could grow in such a dirty city.
Taking walks to and from the Catholic seminary, and feeling the Lord's presence amongst the tall trees that had probably been on the property since before New York was colonized. I could always tell Grandpa loved that place, even when his mind had begun to fail and he no longer remembered me.
Climbing the Statue of Liberty with Grandma and peering out of Lady Liberty's crown. It was hot, musty, and stinky from all the people, but still worth the climb up the steps.
Crawling through the "secret passage" from Grandma and Grandpa's room to the front closet.
Playing Chinese Checkers with Aunt Vivian and listening to her music box.
Over-hearing the neighbors yell at eachother in Italian.
Laundry hanging to dry from the rope...hundreds of feet above the ground, like you see in TV shows.
Visiting Bethany Chapel and Aunt Mildred and Uncle Herb.
Visiting Great Grandma and Great Grandpa at their home in the Bronx and having fresh picked currants.... and hoping Grandma and Grandpa would never forget me, the way my great-Grandparents did.
Running down the steep driveway, hoping I wouldn't fall flat on my face.
Grandpa telling me about how he met Jesus, and reminding me that Jesus promised we will never be plucked out of the Father's hand.
Standing atop the World Trade Center observation deck (With Grandma) and seeing the tiny people and match-box cars far below.
Going to the Bronx Zoo with Grandma and touching an elephant for the first time.
The little white dog barking on the other side of the fence a couple of houses down... Harry's lot seemed so big to me at the time. His white house was sold and replaced by a big brick duplex with no yard.
Closing all the doors and standing in the dark, tiny hallway.
Wondering how Aunt Ann survived life with 5 brothers.
Playing grandpa's little chicken and the fox game, and the triangle game like the one you play at craker barrel when you're waiting for your food. Except Grandpa made his games by hand from scrap wood, and the pieces were sanded so smooth. He put so much care into his wooden creations, and he loved trying to teach me the strategies. I was a poor student, and to this day I am terrible at the triangle game and don't remember the rules to the chicken and fox game.
Picking peaches from the tree in the back corner (or were they apples?) with the old coffee can attached to the long wooden pole.
Riding the subway to and from the city. One time, the car was completely clean and brand-new on our way into the city. On the way out, the same car (or what I perceived to be the same car) had been tagged with graffiti.
Watching kids double-dutch jumprope on rooftops as we rolled past them on the track.
Going into Macy's with Grandma (so we could see where they have the big parade), and seeing pianos for sale on one floor. I also remember looking at the clothes and thinking only the rich could shop there. It was fun to window shop, though!
Grandpa's duct-tape covered Bible, and his hand-carved toaster tweezers that also served as a pointer to help him keep his spot on the page. I always thought he should get a patent on his toaster tweezers.
These are some of the things that stand out in my mind when I look at the picture of the rose from Grandma and Grandpa's house. The past 5 years have been tough on the family, but the Lord finally took each of them Home and ended our loved ones' pain and suffering. We didn't get to see them often enough, but we knew they loved us. I hope I never forget. I hope my baby girl has many more memories with each of her grandparents and her great-grandma.
Pulling onto their street after an insanely long drive in the backseat with my annoying brother and sister and looking for the cute barn-roofed house with the glass-enclosed front porch where Daddy was raised.
Grandma Helen driving us around Yonkers, teaching us to "blow out" the red stop lights so green ones would come on.
Sitting on the front porch with Grandpa Dante, either reading Our Daily Bread together or listening to him play the harmonica.
The smell as we walked into the entry... a combination of moth balls and Grandma's roast lamb.
Watching Grandpa cut wood in his basement shop.
Thinking it was a miracle that such a beautiful backyard garden could grow in such a dirty city.
Taking walks to and from the Catholic seminary, and feeling the Lord's presence amongst the tall trees that had probably been on the property since before New York was colonized. I could always tell Grandpa loved that place, even when his mind had begun to fail and he no longer remembered me.
Climbing the Statue of Liberty with Grandma and peering out of Lady Liberty's crown. It was hot, musty, and stinky from all the people, but still worth the climb up the steps.
Crawling through the "secret passage" from Grandma and Grandpa's room to the front closet.
Playing Chinese Checkers with Aunt Vivian and listening to her music box.
Over-hearing the neighbors yell at eachother in Italian.
Laundry hanging to dry from the rope...hundreds of feet above the ground, like you see in TV shows.
Visiting Bethany Chapel and Aunt Mildred and Uncle Herb.
Visiting Great Grandma and Great Grandpa at their home in the Bronx and having fresh picked currants.... and hoping Grandma and Grandpa would never forget me, the way my great-Grandparents did.
Running down the steep driveway, hoping I wouldn't fall flat on my face.
Grandpa telling me about how he met Jesus, and reminding me that Jesus promised we will never be plucked out of the Father's hand.
Standing atop the World Trade Center observation deck (With Grandma) and seeing the tiny people and match-box cars far below.
Going to the Bronx Zoo with Grandma and touching an elephant for the first time.
The little white dog barking on the other side of the fence a couple of houses down... Harry's lot seemed so big to me at the time. His white house was sold and replaced by a big brick duplex with no yard.
Closing all the doors and standing in the dark, tiny hallway.
Wondering how Aunt Ann survived life with 5 brothers.
Playing grandpa's little chicken and the fox game, and the triangle game like the one you play at craker barrel when you're waiting for your food. Except Grandpa made his games by hand from scrap wood, and the pieces were sanded so smooth. He put so much care into his wooden creations, and he loved trying to teach me the strategies. I was a poor student, and to this day I am terrible at the triangle game and don't remember the rules to the chicken and fox game.
Picking peaches from the tree in the back corner (or were they apples?) with the old coffee can attached to the long wooden pole.
Riding the subway to and from the city. One time, the car was completely clean and brand-new on our way into the city. On the way out, the same car (or what I perceived to be the same car) had been tagged with graffiti.
Watching kids double-dutch jumprope on rooftops as we rolled past them on the track.
Going into Macy's with Grandma (so we could see where they have the big parade), and seeing pianos for sale on one floor. I also remember looking at the clothes and thinking only the rich could shop there. It was fun to window shop, though!
Grandpa's duct-tape covered Bible, and his hand-carved toaster tweezers that also served as a pointer to help him keep his spot on the page. I always thought he should get a patent on his toaster tweezers.
These are some of the things that stand out in my mind when I look at the picture of the rose from Grandma and Grandpa's house. The past 5 years have been tough on the family, but the Lord finally took each of them Home and ended our loved ones' pain and suffering. We didn't get to see them often enough, but we knew they loved us. I hope I never forget. I hope my baby girl has many more memories with each of her grandparents and her great-grandma.
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