Dear Lord,
Please help me be a person who values relationships above circumstances; one who welcomes friends and family unconditionally and never makes them feel like they are intruding on something more important.
Amen.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Keep praying for Little Joe and his family.
Joseph and his twin brother Joshua are my friend Sandy's nephews. He has been in the hospital since birth over a year ago. The doctors are telling his parents, "it's just a matter of time." Yet he keeps showing his Mommy and Daddy that he has fight left in him. I cannot imagine the difficulty of watching such a little baby fight for his life since before birth... click on the link above to read their story on their Caring Bridge Site.
Joseph and his twin brother Joshua are my friend Sandy's nephews. He has been in the hospital since birth over a year ago. The doctors are telling his parents, "it's just a matter of time." Yet he keeps showing his Mommy and Daddy that he has fight left in him. I cannot imagine the difficulty of watching such a little baby fight for his life since before birth... click on the link above to read their story on their Caring Bridge Site.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
sometimes He uses the little things to remind us...
Do you ever pray for the weather to improve, but not really believe it will make a difference?
When I was in college, I spent about 5 weeks in Western Mexico... Sinaloa, to be exact. That's the state that is parallel to the bottom of the Baja Peninsula/Cabo. Well, Hurricane Rick was forecast to hit that area really hard. So a couple of days ago, Hannah and I prayed that the hurricane would weaken before it hit land. I haven't been in contact with anyone I met there since I left, but I think of them and pray for them fairly often.
Last I checked, it has weakened to a tropical storm. Oh, me of little faith. Just goes to show that God IS faithful, even when our faith is weak. Sometimes just asking is enough. In fact, sometimes we don't have to ask. Jesus intercedes for us. How amazing is that?
Do you ever pray for the weather to improve, but not really believe it will make a difference?
When I was in college, I spent about 5 weeks in Western Mexico... Sinaloa, to be exact. That's the state that is parallel to the bottom of the Baja Peninsula/Cabo. Well, Hurricane Rick was forecast to hit that area really hard. So a couple of days ago, Hannah and I prayed that the hurricane would weaken before it hit land. I haven't been in contact with anyone I met there since I left, but I think of them and pray for them fairly often.
Last I checked, it has weakened to a tropical storm. Oh, me of little faith. Just goes to show that God IS faithful, even when our faith is weak. Sometimes just asking is enough. In fact, sometimes we don't have to ask. Jesus intercedes for us. How amazing is that?
Monday, October 12, 2009
hubby came home this weekend...
...and did not leave until this afternoon thanks to the belated Columbus. It was relaxing, and he even managed to get a little studying done.
A good friend is coming tomorrow and staying until Thursday, and then Thursday my parents are stopping by until late Friday on their way farther South.
...and did not leave until this afternoon thanks to the belated Columbus. It was relaxing, and he even managed to get a little studying done.
A good friend is coming tomorrow and staying until Thursday, and then Thursday my parents are stopping by until late Friday on their way farther South.
Friday, October 09, 2009
sigh
I don't want to be Mrs. Negativity, but I am tired of hubby being away during the week. He's almost completed 1/4 of his training, so it is going by quickly. And I do have the better end of the deal... he got doused in pepper spray yesterday. But still, it's just hard. The kids know he is gone this time. I am making friends here, but last time I was surrounded by support, so literally. Neighbors, my parents within 40 minutes' drive, church family, long-time friends. I AM thankful that I don't have a new baby (or one on the way) to worry about. In fact, I've begun wondering if maybe two is enough. It is for now. We won't close that door permanently, so to speak, but instead of thinking about when we might want to try for a #3, I am zoning in on the two I've been blessed with. Or trying to.
We went to Kroger to buy ground coffee and more filters last night. Bear did not get into the car immediately as I had asked her too before I buckled Buddy in. She scared me half to death when I looked up and she was behind our car, a couple of feet into the aisle, oblivious to the car that had just passed. I yelled at her and tried to explain why it was not safe, and that she needed to obey and get into the car immediately when I open the door. (If you have kids, you can probably relate. Unless you are a super mom who manages to keep their kid on task all the time.) After I told her it would make me really sad if she got hurt badly, she said, "but you could have another baby." Huh? I responded by asking her if she would like another sibling. She thought for a moment and replied, "That would be wild and crazy."
She apparently knows that her Mommy is bordering on insane right now.
I don't want to be Mrs. Negativity, but I am tired of hubby being away during the week. He's almost completed 1/4 of his training, so it is going by quickly. And I do have the better end of the deal... he got doused in pepper spray yesterday. But still, it's just hard. The kids know he is gone this time. I am making friends here, but last time I was surrounded by support, so literally. Neighbors, my parents within 40 minutes' drive, church family, long-time friends. I AM thankful that I don't have a new baby (or one on the way) to worry about. In fact, I've begun wondering if maybe two is enough. It is for now. We won't close that door permanently, so to speak, but instead of thinking about when we might want to try for a #3, I am zoning in on the two I've been blessed with. Or trying to.
We went to Kroger to buy ground coffee and more filters last night. Bear did not get into the car immediately as I had asked her too before I buckled Buddy in. She scared me half to death when I looked up and she was behind our car, a couple of feet into the aisle, oblivious to the car that had just passed. I yelled at her and tried to explain why it was not safe, and that she needed to obey and get into the car immediately when I open the door. (If you have kids, you can probably relate. Unless you are a super mom who manages to keep their kid on task all the time.) After I told her it would make me really sad if she got hurt badly, she said, "but you could have another baby." Huh? I responded by asking her if she would like another sibling. She thought for a moment and replied, "That would be wild and crazy."
She apparently knows that her Mommy is bordering on insane right now.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Decision made.
My sis got the tutu for Bear. It is SOOO cute! I am one of those people who is full of great ideas but usually lacks the follow through. SO I decided not to make the skirt myself. Well, when we had a notice stating that there was a package waiting Bear in the leasing office, and after the sweet glow of excitement on her face about having a package addressed to her, how could I make her wait over 2 weeks to open it? I was probably more excited to see it because I knew what was inside!
It turns out that the tutu works well with her gymnastics leotard. And a magic clothes hanger. ;)
Here she was, bouncing on the furniture immediately after opening:
Thanks, Bec and crew! Oh, and Miss Priss Tutus!
My sis got the tutu for Bear. It is SOOO cute! I am one of those people who is full of great ideas but usually lacks the follow through. SO I decided not to make the skirt myself. Well, when we had a notice stating that there was a package waiting Bear in the leasing office, and after the sweet glow of excitement on her face about having a package addressed to her, how could I make her wait over 2 weeks to open it? I was probably more excited to see it because I knew what was inside!
It turns out that the tutu works well with her gymnastics leotard. And a magic clothes hanger. ;)
Here she was, bouncing on the furniture immediately after opening:
Thanks, Bec and crew! Oh, and Miss Priss Tutus!
Friday, October 02, 2009
settling in
I am still far from having things unpacked organized,etc.., (and probably always will be). But our new town of residence is beginning to feel a little bit more like home. We've met 2 of the families in our building, as well as a couple of kids at the playground in our neighborhood. I'm learning my way around town, including some shortcuts. It's not exactly a huge town, but still... sometimes country towns are easiest to get lost in and around. Especially Southern country towns, in which there is no such thing as a grid system for streets and there may be multiple streets with practically the same name.
One thing I have always liked about the South is that it is easier to assimilate. People are generally a bit friendlier and less rushed, and things like holding doors open for those entering a place behind you, or waving at neighbors (even if you don't really know them) are not uncommon. Since we chose to live in a less populated area, that holds true. And boy, am I thankful. It's not easy to hear your little girl ask when she gets to see her old friends every day. Part of the reason I don't make phone calls is that they make me miss people more. Counter-intuitive, perhaps, but that's the phase I'm going through right now.
Anyway, while checking out the school of gymnastics, I picked up a brochure for a MOPS group. And decided to give it a try. I sooo miss the fellowship of my neighbors and friends back home.
I'm glad we went. The kids were well cared for, and I got a break.. some time with other Moms. Bear had a huge smile and a new pet rock from her craft time, buddy was good for his teachers if they held him. And I got a break.
Next... we headed to the castle park to meet some friends. This totally made my day. Bear and the 4 year old don't exactly play together all the time, but they get along ok, and my hopes are that they'll become good friends. The older boys watched out for my kids, Buddy tried to keep up with the big boys (and girls), and I am getting to know their Mom better each time we meet.
I'm so thankful.
I am still far from having things unpacked organized,etc.., (and probably always will be). But our new town of residence is beginning to feel a little bit more like home. We've met 2 of the families in our building, as well as a couple of kids at the playground in our neighborhood. I'm learning my way around town, including some shortcuts. It's not exactly a huge town, but still... sometimes country towns are easiest to get lost in and around. Especially Southern country towns, in which there is no such thing as a grid system for streets and there may be multiple streets with practically the same name.
One thing I have always liked about the South is that it is easier to assimilate. People are generally a bit friendlier and less rushed, and things like holding doors open for those entering a place behind you, or waving at neighbors (even if you don't really know them) are not uncommon. Since we chose to live in a less populated area, that holds true. And boy, am I thankful. It's not easy to hear your little girl ask when she gets to see her old friends every day. Part of the reason I don't make phone calls is that they make me miss people more. Counter-intuitive, perhaps, but that's the phase I'm going through right now.
Anyway, while checking out the school of gymnastics, I picked up a brochure for a MOPS group. And decided to give it a try. I sooo miss the fellowship of my neighbors and friends back home.
I'm glad we went. The kids were well cared for, and I got a break.. some time with other Moms. Bear had a huge smile and a new pet rock from her craft time, buddy was good for his teachers if they held him. And I got a break.
Next... we headed to the castle park to meet some friends. This totally made my day. Bear and the 4 year old don't exactly play together all the time, but they get along ok, and my hopes are that they'll become good friends. The older boys watched out for my kids, Buddy tried to keep up with the big boys (and girls), and I am getting to know their Mom better each time we meet.
I'm so thankful.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
On my way to domestic divaness? I think not.
However, it's been said that necessity is the mother of invention. I didn't take Home Ec/Family and consumer science/whatever the pc term is for the middle school and high school classes where you sew, cook, get organized, take care of eggs (or if you're lucky, dolls) as if they are your babies. However, my mom attempted to teach me the basics of sewing. So when hubby showed me his dress khaki's with a hole in the seam just below the pocket and asked if I thought I could fix them, I said I'd try. And I did. In less than 15 minutes tonight. I can also sew on buttons. Do I do either "properly", as in with correct stitches? Probably not. But who cares if the end result functions and looks decent.
While shopping with the big girls at the outlets in Foley, AL, I came across one last set of fairy wings. It didn't have a price tag on it. They did not have the rest of the costume in Bear's size, which is probably a good thing. Besides, I noticed that the wings were a slightly paler shade of purple than the purple on the costume they had at the store. Anyway, I asked the clerk how much they were, she want back to the stock room, and when she came out told me 9.99. Now, I'm cheap, and 9.99 is about what I would prefer to pay for an entire costume. However, knowing the store I was in (starts with a G), and noticing the quality was superior to some of the other wings in costumes I had seen... I decided to think about it.
We weren't going to shop on the way home from our trip to the beach. The outlets are literally on the route home, not out of the way at all. When hubby said he needed to shop for athletic shoes tha night upon our return, I suggested we swing by the outlet. Sure enough, he found a good deal at Shoe Carnival. And I stopped into that store... those fairy wings were still there. Still untagged. After waiting long enough for hubby to be perturbed when I got to the car, the manager gave up calling other stores (who didn't have any left) and gave them to me for the price I had been told 2 days prior. When I got home, I searched the G site, and the closest set I found was marked down to 14.99. I felt good about my choice.
But what about the rest of the costume? Well, Bear has a wand that Gramma gave her a while back. I thought about some fabric I had come across during our move... a swatch of antique lavender satin matching our bridesmaids dresses from our wedding, and some lilac/lavender lace. I remember thinking "what will I ever do with this?" But tucking it away instead of throwing it out. I found that fabric today....
So, can I do it? Here's what I have:
PLENTY of lilac lace
21" x 32" swatch of satin... I laid out one of Bear's skirts over it, and IF I make a pattern on paper first and very carefully mark out the pattern on the fabric, I might be able to make the skirt liner out of the swatch.
Here's what they look like together:
one set of purple fairy wings & one magic wand
The drawback... I don't have a sewing machine, and stitching in a straight line is difficult for me.
can I do it? OR should I take my sis up on her offer to buy Bear an expensive but gorgeous tutu for her birthday? Then I could try to make something that Bear might use longer... she asked me if I would make a purse for her out of the fabric.
However, it's been said that necessity is the mother of invention. I didn't take Home Ec/Family and consumer science/whatever the pc term is for the middle school and high school classes where you sew, cook, get organized, take care of eggs (or if you're lucky, dolls) as if they are your babies. However, my mom attempted to teach me the basics of sewing. So when hubby showed me his dress khaki's with a hole in the seam just below the pocket and asked if I thought I could fix them, I said I'd try. And I did. In less than 15 minutes tonight. I can also sew on buttons. Do I do either "properly", as in with correct stitches? Probably not. But who cares if the end result functions and looks decent.
While shopping with the big girls at the outlets in Foley, AL, I came across one last set of fairy wings. It didn't have a price tag on it. They did not have the rest of the costume in Bear's size, which is probably a good thing. Besides, I noticed that the wings were a slightly paler shade of purple than the purple on the costume they had at the store. Anyway, I asked the clerk how much they were, she want back to the stock room, and when she came out told me 9.99. Now, I'm cheap, and 9.99 is about what I would prefer to pay for an entire costume. However, knowing the store I was in (starts with a G), and noticing the quality was superior to some of the other wings in costumes I had seen... I decided to think about it.
We weren't going to shop on the way home from our trip to the beach. The outlets are literally on the route home, not out of the way at all. When hubby said he needed to shop for athletic shoes tha night upon our return, I suggested we swing by the outlet. Sure enough, he found a good deal at Shoe Carnival. And I stopped into that store... those fairy wings were still there. Still untagged. After waiting long enough for hubby to be perturbed when I got to the car, the manager gave up calling other stores (who didn't have any left) and gave them to me for the price I had been told 2 days prior. When I got home, I searched the G site, and the closest set I found was marked down to 14.99. I felt good about my choice.
But what about the rest of the costume? Well, Bear has a wand that Gramma gave her a while back. I thought about some fabric I had come across during our move... a swatch of antique lavender satin matching our bridesmaids dresses from our wedding, and some lilac/lavender lace. I remember thinking "what will I ever do with this?" But tucking it away instead of throwing it out. I found that fabric today....
So, can I do it? Here's what I have:
PLENTY of lilac lace
21" x 32" swatch of satin... I laid out one of Bear's skirts over it, and IF I make a pattern on paper first and very carefully mark out the pattern on the fabric, I might be able to make the skirt liner out of the swatch.
Here's what they look like together:
one set of purple fairy wings & one magic wand
The drawback... I don't have a sewing machine, and stitching in a straight line is difficult for me.
can I do it? OR should I take my sis up on her offer to buy Bear an expensive but gorgeous tutu for her birthday? Then I could try to make something that Bear might use longer... she asked me if I would make a purse for her out of the fabric.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
vacation!!!!!!!!
We're in Gulf Shores, Alabama for our vacation with hubby's side of the family. I am so glad we are able to all make the effort to come together every couple of years for this week in paradise!
Buddy saw the beach for his first time today. Bear was not AS afraid as last time, but more cautious than her cousins. That didn't stop her (or me and buddy) from frolicking in the gentle, warm rain with the waves washing our feet shortly after our arrival.
I forgot my usb cable. Oops.
We're in Gulf Shores, Alabama for our vacation with hubby's side of the family. I am so glad we are able to all make the effort to come together every couple of years for this week in paradise!
Buddy saw the beach for his first time today. Bear was not AS afraid as last time, but more cautious than her cousins. That didn't stop her (or me and buddy) from frolicking in the gentle, warm rain with the waves washing our feet shortly after our arrival.
I forgot my usb cable. Oops.
Friday, August 28, 2009
mystery of life
We are celebrating Buddy's birthday this week. He's officially a toddler. And a climber.
I can't believe how quickly this year has gone.
In the midst of my joy, I have two friends who are celebrating the mystery of life in a far different way. One whose little girl has been diagnosed with a very serious brain abnormality. Another as far across the country as you can get, well, almost... who just saw her new baby on the ultrasound screen, her 11th pregnancy, Lord willing the 3rd child she will get to raise.
I'm reminded that only the author of life has full knowledge and power. We don't understand His purpose, and we certainly don't get to choose the outcome. But I pray for the best...
God did miracles, I believe He still does.
Is it too much to ask for Him to display his power by healing baby Kara Faith, to defy what science says and restore her parents' hope?
Could my other friend's pregnancy please result in her holding a healthy, perfect, breathing little one this time?
Please, God?
We are celebrating Buddy's birthday this week. He's officially a toddler. And a climber.
I can't believe how quickly this year has gone.
In the midst of my joy, I have two friends who are celebrating the mystery of life in a far different way. One whose little girl has been diagnosed with a very serious brain abnormality. Another as far across the country as you can get, well, almost... who just saw her new baby on the ultrasound screen, her 11th pregnancy, Lord willing the 3rd child she will get to raise.
I'm reminded that only the author of life has full knowledge and power. We don't understand His purpose, and we certainly don't get to choose the outcome. But I pray for the best...
God did miracles, I believe He still does.
Is it too much to ask for Him to display his power by healing baby Kara Faith, to defy what science says and restore her parents' hope?
Could my other friend's pregnancy please result in her holding a healthy, perfect, breathing little one this time?
Please, God?
Monday, August 24, 2009
all's well that ends well
We received some of our first non-forwarded cards mailed to us at the new address. :) One was a "we'll miss you" card, that really made my day.
The flowers hubby ordered were delivered to the office just as he came home, so HE delivered them to me in person. Nevermind that the bouquet was similar only in shape to the one he had chosen off of 1-800-flowers.... the florist must be colorblind or not carry blues in stock or something. They are still very pretty, and the kids are thrilled that I'm sharing my happy birthday balloon with them.
We went out to supper as a family, stuffed ourselves, came home to hang out, and now the kids are fighting bedtime. Hubby has taken bedtime duty tonight.
We received some of our first non-forwarded cards mailed to us at the new address. :) One was a "we'll miss you" card, that really made my day.
The flowers hubby ordered were delivered to the office just as he came home, so HE delivered them to me in person. Nevermind that the bouquet was similar only in shape to the one he had chosen off of 1-800-flowers.... the florist must be colorblind or not carry blues in stock or something. They are still very pretty, and the kids are thrilled that I'm sharing my happy birthday balloon with them.
We went out to supper as a family, stuffed ourselves, came home to hang out, and now the kids are fighting bedtime. Hubby has taken bedtime duty tonight.
what does my day look like?
clinging and contrary almost 4 year old
baby climbing everything he can... chairs, couch, table, vacuum, but refusing to walk more than 1 step at a time
pmdd... if the meds are helping, i don't want to know how i would feel without them
laundry piles that multiply in my sleep
missing my friends from home
missing our home church
both kids resisting naps when all mommy wants to do is sleep
on the bright side....
cuddly girl "needs" her mama
a/c is working
kids' smiles and giggles at the playground
hubby tried to send me flowers for my birthday, the thought does count for something
clinging and contrary almost 4 year old
baby climbing everything he can... chairs, couch, table, vacuum, but refusing to walk more than 1 step at a time
pmdd... if the meds are helping, i don't want to know how i would feel without them
laundry piles that multiply in my sleep
missing my friends from home
missing our home church
both kids resisting naps when all mommy wants to do is sleep
on the bright side....
cuddly girl "needs" her mama
a/c is working
kids' smiles and giggles at the playground
hubby tried to send me flowers for my birthday, the thought does count for something
Sunday, August 16, 2009
blessed
We were tremendously blessed in our move this weekend. We arrived safely to our new home. On the front end of the trip, my parents provided space for us to live for a month, in spite of our complaints about the inadequate a/c in our dwelling area and my tendency to get distracted from cleaning up after my kiddos in the dining area. We had some good quality time together, plus Dad provided his truck and some manpower. And Mom made a yummy roast-beef dinner with all the sides as a send off last night.
We could not have moved without the help we received. Our former neighbor/overworked friendly police officer friend took the time from his valuable days off to help us. A couple of guys from church joined Officer R et. al. for phase I and II. They also came down to help us move in... a 4+ hour drive. (Officer R offered, but we wanted him to be able to rest a little before hitting the streets again tomorrow morning. I mean this morning.) Hubby's parents drove WAY out of their way for phase I and II and will help us unpack tomorrow before their 6 hour drive home. And Camera Guy left his wife and 4 week old beautiful baby for the day to come help. Like I said, we were blessed. And there's more...
... last week, I got together with some friends I had not seen in a while. One of them asked what area we were moving to. It turns out that she has a good friend in the same town, so she connected is on Facebook. And that friend and her family came by to met us, and her husband and another man from their church helped us unload the truck!!!! Talk about the body of Christ in action. I had hesitated to accept their offer, but when I saw how utterly exhausted hubby and Dad were last night, I decided to accept. Oh, and their kids are VERY close in age to ours! So in addition to my W@H friends who live in this area, we have another family to get to know!
I should be sleeping, but insomnia struck so here I am. :)
We were tremendously blessed in our move this weekend. We arrived safely to our new home. On the front end of the trip, my parents provided space for us to live for a month, in spite of our complaints about the inadequate a/c in our dwelling area and my tendency to get distracted from cleaning up after my kiddos in the dining area. We had some good quality time together, plus Dad provided his truck and some manpower. And Mom made a yummy roast-beef dinner with all the sides as a send off last night.
We could not have moved without the help we received. Our former neighbor/overworked friendly police officer friend took the time from his valuable days off to help us. A couple of guys from church joined Officer R et. al. for phase I and II. They also came down to help us move in... a 4+ hour drive. (Officer R offered, but we wanted him to be able to rest a little before hitting the streets again tomorrow morning. I mean this morning.) Hubby's parents drove WAY out of their way for phase I and II and will help us unpack tomorrow before their 6 hour drive home. And Camera Guy left his wife and 4 week old beautiful baby for the day to come help. Like I said, we were blessed. And there's more...
... last week, I got together with some friends I had not seen in a while. One of them asked what area we were moving to. It turns out that she has a good friend in the same town, so she connected is on Facebook. And that friend and her family came by to met us, and her husband and another man from their church helped us unload the truck!!!! Talk about the body of Christ in action. I had hesitated to accept their offer, but when I saw how utterly exhausted hubby and Dad were last night, I decided to accept. Oh, and their kids are VERY close in age to ours! So in addition to my W@H friends who live in this area, we have another family to get to know!
I should be sleeping, but insomnia struck so here I am. :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
yes, i know I have it easy...
I am home with the kids while hubby, tech mom and dad, my dad, r, and maybe someone else load the 26' moving truck.
Packing with an almost one year old and a 4 year old is not easy. Baby wants to play. He just put an empty wipes container on my card table/deesk... and proceeded to try to grab my pepsi. That's not a fair trade, bud.
Bear complains about me packing certain belongings of hers, but has otherwised occupied herself.
At least it's cooler in here than outside, though the window units in our space upstairs are not really keeping up with the TN summer heat.
I am home with the kids while hubby, tech mom and dad, my dad, r, and maybe someone else load the 26' moving truck.
Packing with an almost one year old and a 4 year old is not easy. Baby wants to play. He just put an empty wipes container on my card table/deesk... and proceeded to try to grab my pepsi. That's not a fair trade, bud.
Bear complains about me packing certain belongings of hers, but has otherwised occupied herself.
At least it's cooler in here than outside, though the window units in our space upstairs are not really keeping up with the TN summer heat.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
almost move day!
I tend to use facebook instead of my blog to share things these days. But for the moment, I've grown weary of using my status update as a blog post, so I'm back.
It's almost time.
We're having lunch with hubby's colleagues today, I'm hoping it's good-bye and not good-riddance. Although the work itself has not been a perfect fit for him, we have met some wonderful people. I know I'll keep on with two families on the blogosphere. :)
It's time to pack up the belongings we've used the past month and prepare to go to our new apartment in Georgia. I took some photos of our living arrangements, but I haven't decided if I will post them or not because they aren't really in house-showing condition at the moment.
We've visited with quite a few people the last few weeks. So far, I've only burst into tears at good-bye once. The hardest part is feeling like I was just really getting to know some people, and wondering if we'll keep in touch like we say we will.
I am most looking forward to having our own rooms again. We've been sharing a room with Bear, and Buddy inevitably joins us in our bed around 2 a.m. In spite of extra padding in the pack n play, he's probably only slept through the night in his room twice a week during our stay here. That might be a generous estimate.
I really need to get packing so we can load up easily tomorrow....
I tend to use facebook instead of my blog to share things these days. But for the moment, I've grown weary of using my status update as a blog post, so I'm back.
It's almost time.
We're having lunch with hubby's colleagues today, I'm hoping it's good-bye and not good-riddance. Although the work itself has not been a perfect fit for him, we have met some wonderful people. I know I'll keep on with two families on the blogosphere. :)
It's time to pack up the belongings we've used the past month and prepare to go to our new apartment in Georgia. I took some photos of our living arrangements, but I haven't decided if I will post them or not because they aren't really in house-showing condition at the moment.
We've visited with quite a few people the last few weeks. So far, I've only burst into tears at good-bye once. The hardest part is feeling like I was just really getting to know some people, and wondering if we'll keep in touch like we say we will.
I am most looking forward to having our own rooms again. We've been sharing a room with Bear, and Buddy inevitably joins us in our bed around 2 a.m. In spite of extra padding in the pack n play, he's probably only slept through the night in his room twice a week during our stay here. That might be a generous estimate.
I really need to get packing so we can load up easily tomorrow....
Monday, August 03, 2009
refocus
I'm learning to cherish certain aspects of this transitional time. My kids are getting quality time with my parents, something that I don't remember having much of with my own grandparents. Usually we get snippets of time with them, since they live close enough that overnight visits are not mandatory. On the other hand, since we have to drive 3+ hours to visit Tech Mom and Dad, overnight visits=more quality time.
Mom and Dad's place is for sale. 2.5 acres nestled in a field across from an antebellum in middle TN. Minutes from I -65, yet peaceful. Tree-lined driveway and yard, grape arbor with a swing under it, goldfish ponds, and even a volleyball net in the backyard. There are birds, bunnies and bullfrogs galore, along with an occasional woodchuck or deer sighting. Lucy the long-haired calico is typically shy, but if you are on her good side she will leave a mouse, mole, or other delicacy on the stoop for you. Coneflowers are in season, a few cleomi, and most of all, fresh apples. (Pears are on the way.) There are granny smith, and another variety that's sweeter.
I did not grow up here; not really. We moved to TN the middle of my Junior year of High School, and at that point the only thing growing in this yard was the bermuda grass planted by the builder and a left-over wheat stalk or two that made it's way into our yard from the adjoining farm fields. My parents planted and gardened through the years, creating a taste of Eden in Tennessee. Unfortunately, the work it takes to maintain is taking a toll on them, and they want to sell. Some parts of the yard are a bit overgrown, as is the fire pit where my friends and I burned our notes from Chemistry and Algebra II when summer vacation came around.
Anyway, Bear loves running across the yard, feeding the goldfish, chasing bunnies, gathering apples in the skirt of her dress. She asks me what Grandma is doing when my Mom bursts out in random songs that pop into her head based on a conversation or happening. And covers her ears. (She's her Daddy's girl, I guess.)
Buddy has mastered climbing up the stairs and tasted clover from the yard. Grandaddy thinks our little "bam-bam" is going to break the new sliding glass door. Seriously. He crawls to the laundry closet whenever he hears the washing machine running because it reminds him of bathtime.
We do miss our old house a bit, but at least while we are in limbo we have some times to treasure. Memories will be made, it's somewhat up to us whether they will be good or bad.
I'm learning to cherish certain aspects of this transitional time. My kids are getting quality time with my parents, something that I don't remember having much of with my own grandparents. Usually we get snippets of time with them, since they live close enough that overnight visits are not mandatory. On the other hand, since we have to drive 3+ hours to visit Tech Mom and Dad, overnight visits=more quality time.
Mom and Dad's place is for sale. 2.5 acres nestled in a field across from an antebellum in middle TN. Minutes from I -65, yet peaceful. Tree-lined driveway and yard, grape arbor with a swing under it, goldfish ponds, and even a volleyball net in the backyard. There are birds, bunnies and bullfrogs galore, along with an occasional woodchuck or deer sighting. Lucy the long-haired calico is typically shy, but if you are on her good side she will leave a mouse, mole, or other delicacy on the stoop for you. Coneflowers are in season, a few cleomi, and most of all, fresh apples. (Pears are on the way.) There are granny smith, and another variety that's sweeter.
I did not grow up here; not really. We moved to TN the middle of my Junior year of High School, and at that point the only thing growing in this yard was the bermuda grass planted by the builder and a left-over wheat stalk or two that made it's way into our yard from the adjoining farm fields. My parents planted and gardened through the years, creating a taste of Eden in Tennessee. Unfortunately, the work it takes to maintain is taking a toll on them, and they want to sell. Some parts of the yard are a bit overgrown, as is the fire pit where my friends and I burned our notes from Chemistry and Algebra II when summer vacation came around.
Anyway, Bear loves running across the yard, feeding the goldfish, chasing bunnies, gathering apples in the skirt of her dress. She asks me what Grandma is doing when my Mom bursts out in random songs that pop into her head based on a conversation or happening. And covers her ears. (She's her Daddy's girl, I guess.)
Buddy has mastered climbing up the stairs and tasted clover from the yard. Grandaddy thinks our little "bam-bam" is going to break the new sliding glass door. Seriously. He crawls to the laundry closet whenever he hears the washing machine running because it reminds him of bathtime.
We do miss our old house a bit, but at least while we are in limbo we have some times to treasure. Memories will be made, it's somewhat up to us whether they will be good or bad.
Monday, July 27, 2009
in limbo
I am beginning to feel as though I've lived out of a suitcase all summer. Oh, wait, I have, just about. Our house sold, we moved out, and the closing was last week. We're currently settled into our interim home, enjoying my parents' big yard, fresh apples from the trees, and country breezes. I think I've mentioned that I hate that they have this place for sale... but I completely see why it's getting to be too much upkeep for them. In the meantime, the kids are getting to spend quality time with Grandma and Grandpa, and at least we aren't crammed into a hotel room somewhere.
I put Bear back into gymnastics. There is a location from the company we used before 5 minutes away from my parents' home, and she said she wanted to go back. It's a good break for both of us, and I'm sure my parents are glad for a little peace and quiet. I'm thankful that they are letting us go week by week, as our life is so crazy right now. It's amazing how much this town has grown since we moved here 16 years ago, when I was a junior in high school. It's so different.
Hubby hooked up our tv, dvd player, and Wii tonight... I'm a little apprehensive about what the Fit will reveal. There is a great walking trail nearby, too, but I can't find my new running shoes. I think I left them in WI or Memphis.
I'm tired. Emotionally, physically, you name it. A lot of good things are going on in our life, but I am worn out from all the wondering and waiting. At least I have a wonderful husband and two awesome kids, and we are in the advenure together.
I am beginning to feel as though I've lived out of a suitcase all summer. Oh, wait, I have, just about. Our house sold, we moved out, and the closing was last week. We're currently settled into our interim home, enjoying my parents' big yard, fresh apples from the trees, and country breezes. I think I've mentioned that I hate that they have this place for sale... but I completely see why it's getting to be too much upkeep for them. In the meantime, the kids are getting to spend quality time with Grandma and Grandpa, and at least we aren't crammed into a hotel room somewhere.
I put Bear back into gymnastics. There is a location from the company we used before 5 minutes away from my parents' home, and she said she wanted to go back. It's a good break for both of us, and I'm sure my parents are glad for a little peace and quiet. I'm thankful that they are letting us go week by week, as our life is so crazy right now. It's amazing how much this town has grown since we moved here 16 years ago, when I was a junior in high school. It's so different.
Hubby hooked up our tv, dvd player, and Wii tonight... I'm a little apprehensive about what the Fit will reveal. There is a great walking trail nearby, too, but I can't find my new running shoes. I think I left them in WI or Memphis.
I'm tired. Emotionally, physically, you name it. A lot of good things are going on in our life, but I am worn out from all the wondering and waiting. At least I have a wonderful husband and two awesome kids, and we are in the advenure together.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
less than 5 days until our first house is no longer our home
Our house is in a complete state of disarray right now. The storage unit has been procured and is being utilized little by little. In a nutshell, here are the things we've accomplished so far, with the help of wonderful family and friends who have generously helped in some way:
We still have a lot of unanswered questions, and are praying that the one thing that appears clear stays that way. We feel incredibly blessed to have received an offer on the house so quickly, and pray that the closing process continues to go as smoothly as the rest of the listing/selling process has gone.
The kiddos have been able to spend some time with friends this week, and I so appreciate those who have taken care of them while we've tackled the packing. One of the hardest parts of this process is realizing that there are people I should have reached out to more, and beginning to realize how much I'll miss so many people.
As for the unanswered questions, we pray that God directs our paths. Anyone who thinks they completely determine their own destiny must be greatly misguided; so many things are beyond our control. It's comforting to know that there is a time for everything, a purpose and a plan, and we don't have to know every step. Yes, this whole process has been a lesson in walking by faith. At times, very stressful, and other times very peaceful. Always a tiresome adventure.
Our house is in a complete state of disarray right now. The storage unit has been procured and is being utilized little by little. In a nutshell, here are the things we've accomplished so far, with the help of wonderful family and friends who have generously helped in some way:
- emptied kitchen cabinets, except cleaning supplies under sink
- pantry emptied, except for plasticware and paper plates/bowls
- laundry room/utility cabinet cleaned out
- buddy's dressers emptied/packed
- 4 loads of boxes and totes transported to storage unit
- mini fridge defrosted
- linen closet almost empty, except for a couple of sleeping bags and blankets
- Stereo system disassembled
- walls clear of photos and frames/decorations all packed up
- Empty remaining dressers and closets
- Clean out under bathroom sinks/drawers
- Desk area....
- Miscellaneous boxes
- Returned borrowed items to individuals
- Clean, clean, clean...
We still have a lot of unanswered questions, and are praying that the one thing that appears clear stays that way. We feel incredibly blessed to have received an offer on the house so quickly, and pray that the closing process continues to go as smoothly as the rest of the listing/selling process has gone.
The kiddos have been able to spend some time with friends this week, and I so appreciate those who have taken care of them while we've tackled the packing. One of the hardest parts of this process is realizing that there are people I should have reached out to more, and beginning to realize how much I'll miss so many people.
As for the unanswered questions, we pray that God directs our paths. Anyone who thinks they completely determine their own destiny must be greatly misguided; so many things are beyond our control. It's comforting to know that there is a time for everything, a purpose and a plan, and we don't have to know every step. Yes, this whole process has been a lesson in walking by faith. At times, very stressful, and other times very peaceful. Always a tiresome adventure.
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