January wrapped up last week and I thought I'd inventory some thoughts that have been rattling through my head:
1. Squirrels make nests.
I learned this just last week by observation and then asked friends for more information. Apparently if a nest is at the very top of a tree and it's messy instead of a nice, structured pile of branches, it's probably a squirrel's nest.
2. I don't have to "get it together" before I show up.
I got this from Anne Lamott's book, Help, Thanks, Wow, which I highly recommend. I also read it in two hours, so I figure most people can read it in a day. She talked about how many people think they have to get their life in order before they start a regular prayer life, but how a regular prayer life actually helps people get their life in order. I've found this concept true in many parts of my life. If I can just show up, I often can "get it together" there. (My eventual hope for this blog is that it will be a place where I "get it together" so I can publish something sometime.)
3. My body doesn't end at my neck.
I often focus on nurturing my brain with books or my spirit with prayer and Bible study. I'm not so good on nurturing my body with anything other than delicious food. Over the Christmas holidays, I threw out my back. This was fixed when a friend pushed certain muscle points on my stomach to put my back muscles in place. Honestly, it had been a long time since I had felt muscles in my stomach. They don't go away just because I don't think about them! So this led me to realize that I should be more intentional about taking care of my physical body. I've been doing yoga with my friendly instructor on the Wii.
4. I am not a garbage disposal.
If others in the house don't enjoy the meal I cook for them, I don't have to eat it all. If others sit and talk to me and tell me their problems, I don't have to take them on as my own. I don't have to keep every scrap of paper that might be informative some day or every invention of recyclables the kids give me.
5. Sometimes my job is to listen.
Our friend, Jason Valendy recently wrote a post about monologues in church (Read it here.) This caused me to do some thinking and Adam and I have been having discussions on monologues verses dialogues. At a fast-increasing rate, I am caught in conversations that become just my job to listen. If you know me, I do often talk a lot, so I when I'm in conversation with someone, I try to continue the dialogue, add comments, whatever. But lately, and at random places and times, I have become aware of the need to just zip my lips and listen. At the park the other day, a man was commenting on my dog. I wanted to tell him the story of Sugar Dot, but it turned out that he needed to talk to someone. He ended up speaking to me for fifteen minutes about his dog that had died, and that led to a conversation about broken marriages, custody battles, and moving back home. When I had to leave, I felt bad for him. He didn't even know my name, and I didn't get a chance to tell him. He needed someone to talk to.
In a world where people are increasing their relationships via social media and decreasing their face to face contact, I am consciously trying to pay attention and listen where needed. I am trying to recognize the places where dialogue isn't needed, but an audience for a monologue is.
Here's a place where Sarah writes what's on her heart and mind for whomever will read it. Sometimes it's hilarious, sometimes it's little pieces of life that I'm grateful for. Enjoy!
Showing posts with label list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label list. Show all posts
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Seasons of Thanksgiving
Since November started, I have been posting one item on Facebook a day that I'm thankful for. This in turn has lead me to be more thankful. I already practice gratitude but now I find myself being even more thankful for every single tiny thing in life. I try not to take anything for granted.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Central heating and air
Fall weather has arrived, and with it, warm afternoons and cool nights. We are so fortunate here to be able to change the weather inside our house with a flip of a switch. Air conditioner off, heater on. Oh, it's a warmer day. Heater off, AC on.
2. Multiple pairs of comfortable pajamas
Some people only have the clothes they wear on their backs. I have an assortment to choose from for day or night.
3. Variety in grocery shopping
I did all my shopping on Sunday. First Trader Joes, for items available only there. Then Costco for my bulk items, then Aldi for generic groceries, then Wal-Mart for price matched groceries. Do you know some people have to do all their shopping in one place? Not me. I travel the city to get the best deals by ounce.
4. Alarm clocks
When I'm distracted (ahem) and haven't gone in to wake up the chillens and Adam, their alarm clocks start the job for me.
5. Stuff
The clutter around the house is both a blessing and an albatross. We've got stuff. But, we've got stuff! We've got multiple blankets on each bed, books in every corner, newspapers, food, toys galore. We've got stuff!
6. My laptop
Today I'll be doing some work from home (after my other job). Tomorrow I'll be doing work at church. Do I need to transfer files or change gears? No! I take my laptop and work with me! It's nice to have a portable computer and a portable job.
7. Opportunities to serve
Some people have hidden talents that are waiting to be used. Not me. I am blessed with knowing what I am good at and being able to find places to use it. Nearly every where I go I am able to help others. It's nice to be able to help in multiple situations. I've even found places for my leftovers! I've discovered that some people at church will eat anything I cook!
8. A break
This weekend Adam took the kids camping and I was left by myself. It was a glorious time. I went shopping. I read an entire book. I watched a movie. I crocheted. But by the end, I was ready for them to come home.
9. Election excitement
The kids both voted at their schools, and when it was election night, Adam turned on the TV to watch the vote tallies coming in. Both Claire and Paul were asking all sorts of questions about who was winning and what those colors meant. It was educational and fun!
10. Security
I do not live my life in fear. I don't worry about bombs destroying my house or my children being injured at school. Terrorism is a far-off word and world for me. For all those who make this country, state, city, and neighborhood safe for my family, I am grateful.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thankful things
Today I am thankful for:
1. Not one but two jobs I look forward to going to!
In this economy, when many are unemployed and looking for any job they can get, I am so extremely blessed to have two jobs that I love. Doing church work doesn't feel like work to me, and reading with groups of five kids is a blast. The students don't even get disappointed that they miss recess to be with me.
2. Clouds
This morning, a wise sage named Paul Boyette said to me, "I want to take a break with you." He wanted to sit on the curb in front of a neighbor's house and watch clouds. We did, for nearly 10 minutes. It was barely 8 a.m., so the sun was still making its way up the horizon and we were able to watch several types of clouds dart in and out of the sunlight in changing directions.
3. Sharing love with neighbors
We've got our Little Free Library up and running. I was so very, very, very excited about this project that I was setting myself up for a little disappointment. (You mean that all the neighbors won't stop what they are doing right now to come get a book from us?) However, we've had several customers and it's a good thing. Another neighborly thing we're doing is "boo-ing" people. You pack a pumpkin or bag with treats and secretly deliver it to your neighbor. Along with the treats is a sign for them to hang up on their door as well as more signs for them to share with other neighbors. By Halloween, our entire street should be "booed." It's a great activity for the kids, although they are terrible at being sneaky.
4. Time at home
Since I've picked up my second job, it seems as if we are rushing more than ever. Tonight we don't have football practice, PTA meetings, or any other obligations, so the kids and I will be enjoying time at home together. We might just bake cookies.
5. Seeing the world through a child's eyes
Claire came home this week and very seriously asked me if double-dipping chips was against the law. A friend told her that a retired policeman told her that. After I stopped laughing, I explained that we don't have laws like that.
6. Administration that listens
Adam and I had an issue at Claire's school this week, so we went to the office to discuss it in person. Within five minutes of walking through the door we were listened to and the problem resolved. We are grateful.
7. The end of football
Paul hates football. He likes his teammates and coaches, and Adam and I can tell this is an excellent program. He just doesn't like being that rough. So this week is homecoming, and the season is drawing to a close. I'm so grateful, because this rushing to practice twice a week is killing us!
8. A place for our things
I cleaned out the coat closet and the next week we had a church coat drive for the homeless. We cleaned out Claire's closet and found a friend who could wear her clothes immediately. It makes me feel so happy to give our things to help others. So good that it makes me want to clean out the house.
9. A home for our leftovers
I love cooking and do it daily. Unfortunately, when I think a meal is fabulous, my family doesn't always concur. I discovered that I could bring my leftovers to the church and serve it to the staff and they would appreciate it. I even got a thank you note for my beans! I would much rather share my leftovers than to put them in the giant deep freeze for who knows how long.
10. Halloween excitement
With boo-ing our neighbors, promoting the church's trunk or treat event, and getting our costumes ready, the entire Boyette family is getting excited about Halloween. Yesterday Adam ironed his work clothes while wearing his Spiderman costume. It was both awesome and really disturbing.
1. Not one but two jobs I look forward to going to!
In this economy, when many are unemployed and looking for any job they can get, I am so extremely blessed to have two jobs that I love. Doing church work doesn't feel like work to me, and reading with groups of five kids is a blast. The students don't even get disappointed that they miss recess to be with me.
2. Clouds
This morning, a wise sage named Paul Boyette said to me, "I want to take a break with you." He wanted to sit on the curb in front of a neighbor's house and watch clouds. We did, for nearly 10 minutes. It was barely 8 a.m., so the sun was still making its way up the horizon and we were able to watch several types of clouds dart in and out of the sunlight in changing directions.
3. Sharing love with neighbors
We've got our Little Free Library up and running. I was so very, very, very excited about this project that I was setting myself up for a little disappointment. (You mean that all the neighbors won't stop what they are doing right now to come get a book from us?) However, we've had several customers and it's a good thing. Another neighborly thing we're doing is "boo-ing" people. You pack a pumpkin or bag with treats and secretly deliver it to your neighbor. Along with the treats is a sign for them to hang up on their door as well as more signs for them to share with other neighbors. By Halloween, our entire street should be "booed." It's a great activity for the kids, although they are terrible at being sneaky.
4. Time at home
Since I've picked up my second job, it seems as if we are rushing more than ever. Tonight we don't have football practice, PTA meetings, or any other obligations, so the kids and I will be enjoying time at home together. We might just bake cookies.
5. Seeing the world through a child's eyes
Claire came home this week and very seriously asked me if double-dipping chips was against the law. A friend told her that a retired policeman told her that. After I stopped laughing, I explained that we don't have laws like that.
6. Administration that listens
Adam and I had an issue at Claire's school this week, so we went to the office to discuss it in person. Within five minutes of walking through the door we were listened to and the problem resolved. We are grateful.
7. The end of football
Paul hates football. He likes his teammates and coaches, and Adam and I can tell this is an excellent program. He just doesn't like being that rough. So this week is homecoming, and the season is drawing to a close. I'm so grateful, because this rushing to practice twice a week is killing us!
8. A place for our things
I cleaned out the coat closet and the next week we had a church coat drive for the homeless. We cleaned out Claire's closet and found a friend who could wear her clothes immediately. It makes me feel so happy to give our things to help others. So good that it makes me want to clean out the house.
9. A home for our leftovers
I love cooking and do it daily. Unfortunately, when I think a meal is fabulous, my family doesn't always concur. I discovered that I could bring my leftovers to the church and serve it to the staff and they would appreciate it. I even got a thank you note for my beans! I would much rather share my leftovers than to put them in the giant deep freeze for who knows how long.
10. Halloween excitement
With boo-ing our neighbors, promoting the church's trunk or treat event, and getting our costumes ready, the entire Boyette family is getting excited about Halloween. Yesterday Adam ironed his work clothes while wearing his Spiderman costume. It was both awesome and really disturbing.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thankful Things
Today I am thankful for:
1. A new job
Yesterday was my first day at Western Hills Elementary School. I didn't tutor any kids yesterday; I worked with one of the assistant principals on identifying the children that need tutoring. I can tell I will like this job, though. Twice a week I will tutor second graders on reading. I have the freedom to invent my own lessons without the constraints of a scripted curriculum. I am so excited about this job! I get to keep my job at the church as well as keep Paul out of day care. We'll both have Fridays off. I'll get to be a teacher but without the grading, staff meetings, and many other parts that make teaching more than a full-time job.
2. Our Little Free Library
I would like to publicly thank Adam for all the hours he worked on creating our Little Free Library. It was a family project, but he really did all the hard work. The kids helped him paint it and swung hammers a couple of times, but Adam was the construction crew. He dug a giant 2' deep hole through dirt and rock. He mixed and poured concrete for the post. He hammered, nailed, sawed, sanded, painted, and many other construction verbs that I don't even know. We have shingles! We have a Plexiglas door! We have awesomeness.
3. My Husband
Did I mention that he built a Little Free Library? Did I mention that he did this during his precious few moments of free time? Did I mention that he is awesome?
4. Preschool
Since I work at the church, Paul attends preschool tuition-free. When I struggled with decisions on how to make more money and searching for a new job, I worried that Paul would have to enter daycare and a new situation. Luckily, my new job lets me set my own hours. I just switched Paul from two days a week to four. He transitioned easily into a new room. He's in a loving environment where everyone knows him. I believe that builds his confidence. I am grateful that I didn't have to look elsewhere and start a whole new program.
5. Claire's school
Claire loves attending Bruce Shulkey Elementary. She has an excellent teacher. As a former (and partially returning) teacher myself, I can recognize the quality of her school. Every teacher treats every child with respect. The entire school is a calm and loving environment. Claire feels loved and appreciated just like at home. She is learning not just book knowledge, but is exposed to many different cultures from around the world. We are blessed.
6. Friends
All of us are blessed with fabulous friends. The first week of kindergarten, Claire came home with two best friends and they are still best friends today. I couldn't have picked better girls for her to buddy up with. They are smart and sweet. Paul has several buddies at preschool that he talks about all the time. He doesn't even know a child who is rude or disrespectful. The kids he favors are the kids I favor myself. I love that our children have the gift of picking good friends. As for Adam and I, we are also blessed. Last weekend we stopped by our long-time friends Matt and Stacy's house to drop off something and ended up staying all day. It was so nice just to sit and talk and catch up. We get so busy in our day to day routines that sometimes I forget how blessed we are with friendships.
7. Chore charts
I am intentional about not chasing the kids around the house, hounding them on what they have left to do. Instead, I get to chase them around the house (not really) and remind them to check on their chore charts. They get to own their own routines and I get to focus on mine.
8. Books that expand my horizons
Last week I finished reading Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerrman. This book was about a middle-class white woman, who, due to some bad choices of friends after college, ended up spending a year in federal prison. It wasn't a happy book, but it was very interesting and informative.
9. Fall weather
We've had some cooler weather this week. I love the change of seasons because it always feel like a fresh start to me. I always feel full of hope and promise during seasonal changes, whether it's fall or spring.
10. Trader Joe's
I have finally figured out what to buy at Trader Joe's and I love it! Cookie dough butter, fresh bread, simmer sauces, coffee, pizza crust, and wine. Some of their prices can't be beat, even with coupons and Wal-Mart price-matching. I love the smallness and compactness of the store and the friendly and helpful staff. I also love the strong paper grocery sacks. I love Trader Joe's!
1. A new job
Yesterday was my first day at Western Hills Elementary School. I didn't tutor any kids yesterday; I worked with one of the assistant principals on identifying the children that need tutoring. I can tell I will like this job, though. Twice a week I will tutor second graders on reading. I have the freedom to invent my own lessons without the constraints of a scripted curriculum. I am so excited about this job! I get to keep my job at the church as well as keep Paul out of day care. We'll both have Fridays off. I'll get to be a teacher but without the grading, staff meetings, and many other parts that make teaching more than a full-time job.
2. Our Little Free Library
I would like to publicly thank Adam for all the hours he worked on creating our Little Free Library. It was a family project, but he really did all the hard work. The kids helped him paint it and swung hammers a couple of times, but Adam was the construction crew. He dug a giant 2' deep hole through dirt and rock. He mixed and poured concrete for the post. He hammered, nailed, sawed, sanded, painted, and many other construction verbs that I don't even know. We have shingles! We have a Plexiglas door! We have awesomeness.
3. My Husband
Did I mention that he built a Little Free Library? Did I mention that he did this during his precious few moments of free time? Did I mention that he is awesome?
4. Preschool
Since I work at the church, Paul attends preschool tuition-free. When I struggled with decisions on how to make more money and searching for a new job, I worried that Paul would have to enter daycare and a new situation. Luckily, my new job lets me set my own hours. I just switched Paul from two days a week to four. He transitioned easily into a new room. He's in a loving environment where everyone knows him. I believe that builds his confidence. I am grateful that I didn't have to look elsewhere and start a whole new program.
5. Claire's school
Claire loves attending Bruce Shulkey Elementary. She has an excellent teacher. As a former (and partially returning) teacher myself, I can recognize the quality of her school. Every teacher treats every child with respect. The entire school is a calm and loving environment. Claire feels loved and appreciated just like at home. She is learning not just book knowledge, but is exposed to many different cultures from around the world. We are blessed.
6. Friends
All of us are blessed with fabulous friends. The first week of kindergarten, Claire came home with two best friends and they are still best friends today. I couldn't have picked better girls for her to buddy up with. They are smart and sweet. Paul has several buddies at preschool that he talks about all the time. He doesn't even know a child who is rude or disrespectful. The kids he favors are the kids I favor myself. I love that our children have the gift of picking good friends. As for Adam and I, we are also blessed. Last weekend we stopped by our long-time friends Matt and Stacy's house to drop off something and ended up staying all day. It was so nice just to sit and talk and catch up. We get so busy in our day to day routines that sometimes I forget how blessed we are with friendships.
7. Chore charts
I am intentional about not chasing the kids around the house, hounding them on what they have left to do. Instead, I get to chase them around the house (not really) and remind them to check on their chore charts. They get to own their own routines and I get to focus on mine.
8. Books that expand my horizons
Last week I finished reading Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerrman. This book was about a middle-class white woman, who, due to some bad choices of friends after college, ended up spending a year in federal prison. It wasn't a happy book, but it was very interesting and informative.
9. Fall weather
We've had some cooler weather this week. I love the change of seasons because it always feel like a fresh start to me. I always feel full of hope and promise during seasonal changes, whether it's fall or spring.
10. Trader Joe's
I have finally figured out what to buy at Trader Joe's and I love it! Cookie dough butter, fresh bread, simmer sauces, coffee, pizza crust, and wine. Some of their prices can't be beat, even with coupons and Wal-Mart price-matching. I love the smallness and compactness of the store and the friendly and helpful staff. I also love the strong paper grocery sacks. I love Trader Joe's!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Back in Action
So much has happened since my last blog. Here's some little news snippets to catch you up on the Boyette family and what we've done the last two months.
1. Claire is now in first grade. She loves her teacher but is disappointed she's not learning much yet. I keep telling her it's the beginning of the year and the curriculum will pick up speed soon. If you don't keep up with her blog, you should. There's a link at the top of the screen. At least once a week, sometimes more, I coax her into answering questions to be recorded. I type exactly what she says and it's pretty funny.
2. Paul plays flag football for the Ridglea Roughnecks. Since he was an infant, our friend MJ Rosas has been asking us to put him in football when he's four. MJ coaches a local team, so Paul is now four and in flag football. When he's had a nap that day he loves practice and games, but when he's sleepy he's not as enthusiastic. He's also not very competitive, which is just fine with us. We focus on brains more than brawn around here. We just want him to have fun.
3. Paul is now attending school mostly full-time. He switched preschool classes today but had a flawless transition. He'll go Monday through Thursday and we'll have a special day together on Fridays.
4. My granddad is doing well in his new retirement home. After removing all the family mementos from the house, my cousin and I sold as much as we could. He donated the rest to Goodwill. My granddad now has renters in his house, which is providing income for his fancy schmancy apartment. I'm still sorting all the stuff I brought home from his house. He enjoys his apartment and is socializing more than I have ever known him to.
5. I've got another job. I haven't started yet because there's a backlog on district background checks for employees, but as soon as my paperwork is through all the red tape, I will be a part-time tutor at Western Hill Elementary School. I'll be focusing on teaching the students (mostly 2nd graders) high frequency words so they can get their reading speed up to grade level. I would like to thank my friend Ardis Freeman for this opportunity. I had been going through a difficult time of discernment where I knew I needed a new job but didn't know if I had to quit the one I already had. This tutoring position is fabulous because I'll work on Mondays and Wednesdays at the school and still work Tuesdays and Thursdays at the church. Hooray!
6. My old oven broke and I'm in love with my new oven. Convection baking! A warmer drawer! Five burners! It preheats in about 10 minutes! (My last one took two hours to preheat to 400 degrees and I'm not even exaggerating.)
7. We've gotten half of our house painted. One day a man came to our door and offered to paint the house for a price we couldn't refuse. Unfortunately this was before I got my second job so due to budgetary restrictions we split the job into two sections. He's done with the front half of the house, but the back still needs painting. We have learned several lessons here, including to only pay for work completed and sometimes you really do get what you pay for. We don't know if the same guy will finish the house or not. We hope he does, but for the price, we just don't know if he'll show. We didn't lose any money, but we are wiser to business deals now.
8. Our Little Free Library will open soon. Adam has been working for a few months on construction and we're down to painting and mounting the miniature house which will hold books for our neighbors to borrow. For more info on this, click on the link at the top of the screen.
1. Claire is now in first grade. She loves her teacher but is disappointed she's not learning much yet. I keep telling her it's the beginning of the year and the curriculum will pick up speed soon. If you don't keep up with her blog, you should. There's a link at the top of the screen. At least once a week, sometimes more, I coax her into answering questions to be recorded. I type exactly what she says and it's pretty funny.
2. Paul plays flag football for the Ridglea Roughnecks. Since he was an infant, our friend MJ Rosas has been asking us to put him in football when he's four. MJ coaches a local team, so Paul is now four and in flag football. When he's had a nap that day he loves practice and games, but when he's sleepy he's not as enthusiastic. He's also not very competitive, which is just fine with us. We focus on brains more than brawn around here. We just want him to have fun.
3. Paul is now attending school mostly full-time. He switched preschool classes today but had a flawless transition. He'll go Monday through Thursday and we'll have a special day together on Fridays.
4. My granddad is doing well in his new retirement home. After removing all the family mementos from the house, my cousin and I sold as much as we could. He donated the rest to Goodwill. My granddad now has renters in his house, which is providing income for his fancy schmancy apartment. I'm still sorting all the stuff I brought home from his house. He enjoys his apartment and is socializing more than I have ever known him to.
5. I've got another job. I haven't started yet because there's a backlog on district background checks for employees, but as soon as my paperwork is through all the red tape, I will be a part-time tutor at Western Hill Elementary School. I'll be focusing on teaching the students (mostly 2nd graders) high frequency words so they can get their reading speed up to grade level. I would like to thank my friend Ardis Freeman for this opportunity. I had been going through a difficult time of discernment where I knew I needed a new job but didn't know if I had to quit the one I already had. This tutoring position is fabulous because I'll work on Mondays and Wednesdays at the school and still work Tuesdays and Thursdays at the church. Hooray!
6. My old oven broke and I'm in love with my new oven. Convection baking! A warmer drawer! Five burners! It preheats in about 10 minutes! (My last one took two hours to preheat to 400 degrees and I'm not even exaggerating.)
7. We've gotten half of our house painted. One day a man came to our door and offered to paint the house for a price we couldn't refuse. Unfortunately this was before I got my second job so due to budgetary restrictions we split the job into two sections. He's done with the front half of the house, but the back still needs painting. We have learned several lessons here, including to only pay for work completed and sometimes you really do get what you pay for. We don't know if the same guy will finish the house or not. We hope he does, but for the price, we just don't know if he'll show. We didn't lose any money, but we are wiser to business deals now.
8. Our Little Free Library will open soon. Adam has been working for a few months on construction and we're down to painting and mounting the miniature house which will hold books for our neighbors to borrow. For more info on this, click on the link at the top of the screen.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thankful Things
Today I am thankful for:
1. Successfully getting up early
Our schedule has been out of whack this summer. We've all been staying up too late and consequently sleeping in too late. Today I successfully hit the ground running at 5:30. It's 6:45 a.m. and I've already accomplished a lot.
2. Kids who can clean
I am often overwhelmed with the amount of housework to do in a home with two children. Yesterday I got smart and enlisted help. I gave each kid one small task at a time, which eventually added up to big clean up. Also, Claire successfully vacuumed all the bedrooms for a mere $2.
3. Automatic-brew coffee
I believe this speaks for itself.
4. Hooks on a door
Adam installed hooks on the kids' bathroom door. Hallelujah! Now they can hang up their own bathroom towel!
5. Husband at home
Adam got to come home at 7 p.m. last night; the first time in several weeks he's been able to be home that early. It was a cause for celebration, or dinner together at least.
6. Mementos
My granddad moved to an assisted living facility, so he told my cousin to get everyone to clean out his house because he has a renter waiting. It's amazing how much family history is accumulated in nearly 60 years of living in the same home. With joy, I've been cataloging all the photos and books in the house.
7. Private tours
Yesterday I took the kids to an archaeological museum at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. I had called ahead, so we had a docent-led tour of the small museum. I was happy to learn that our docent was Methodist. She was extremely kind and patient with the kids, who eventually got anxious. We looked at pots that were 3,000 years old and were surprised to learn they are held together with Elmer's glue.
8. Learning
I hope I never stop learning. Yesterday we learned about the evolution of water pitchers, how adding a spout was "new technology" thousands of years ago. At church, I am always learning, too. If you had asked me a few months ago how to make a podcast, I would have had no idea. But guess whose church is on Itunes now? That's right. (Search ahumc) We're awesome. We also have this fantastic new marketing plan for all our special events. Sometimes I like to take a little pride in myself.
9. Love notes
The kids have been writing me love notes. Claire's attempt at a cursive note said, "I love you more than books." That's a lot of love.
10. Being able to read the "real" Bible to a kid.
We have a few versions of children's Bibles around here, but frankly, I don't think they are that much fun to read. Recently Claire asked for a real Bible like mine. (Her Precious Moments Bible isn't very readable either.) Rev. Nancy happened to have a Common English Bible in her office, so we have been reading real books of the Bible. Last week was Esther and last night was Jonah. It's great to see her so excited about reading the Bible and she is really comprehending it. She was proud to take her Bible to church on Sunday. I was going to have her follow along with the sermon, but it was on David and Bathsheba, so we decided to wait a week for that experience.
11. United Methodist Hymnal # 310
At our church, every month that has five Sundays in it, we do a special Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing. This is where the congregation requests hymns and the choir sings it. Every fifth Sunday for quite a while, Adam has successfully gotten the choir to sing his favorite hymn, "He Lives." Last week he was so excited about the hymn sing that he was singing that song around the house for several days. I am so glad the choir sang it for him because now it's out of his system and I don't have to listen to him singing it.
1. Successfully getting up early
Our schedule has been out of whack this summer. We've all been staying up too late and consequently sleeping in too late. Today I successfully hit the ground running at 5:30. It's 6:45 a.m. and I've already accomplished a lot.
2. Kids who can clean
I am often overwhelmed with the amount of housework to do in a home with two children. Yesterday I got smart and enlisted help. I gave each kid one small task at a time, which eventually added up to big clean up. Also, Claire successfully vacuumed all the bedrooms for a mere $2.
3. Automatic-brew coffee
I believe this speaks for itself.
4. Hooks on a door
Adam installed hooks on the kids' bathroom door. Hallelujah! Now they can hang up their own bathroom towel!
5. Husband at home
Adam got to come home at 7 p.m. last night; the first time in several weeks he's been able to be home that early. It was a cause for celebration, or dinner together at least.
6. Mementos
My granddad moved to an assisted living facility, so he told my cousin to get everyone to clean out his house because he has a renter waiting. It's amazing how much family history is accumulated in nearly 60 years of living in the same home. With joy, I've been cataloging all the photos and books in the house.
7. Private tours
Yesterday I took the kids to an archaeological museum at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. I had called ahead, so we had a docent-led tour of the small museum. I was happy to learn that our docent was Methodist. She was extremely kind and patient with the kids, who eventually got anxious. We looked at pots that were 3,000 years old and were surprised to learn they are held together with Elmer's glue.
8. Learning
I hope I never stop learning. Yesterday we learned about the evolution of water pitchers, how adding a spout was "new technology" thousands of years ago. At church, I am always learning, too. If you had asked me a few months ago how to make a podcast, I would have had no idea. But guess whose church is on Itunes now? That's right. (Search ahumc) We're awesome. We also have this fantastic new marketing plan for all our special events. Sometimes I like to take a little pride in myself.
9. Love notes
The kids have been writing me love notes. Claire's attempt at a cursive note said, "I love you more than books." That's a lot of love.
10. Being able to read the "real" Bible to a kid.
We have a few versions of children's Bibles around here, but frankly, I don't think they are that much fun to read. Recently Claire asked for a real Bible like mine. (Her Precious Moments Bible isn't very readable either.) Rev. Nancy happened to have a Common English Bible in her office, so we have been reading real books of the Bible. Last week was Esther and last night was Jonah. It's great to see her so excited about reading the Bible and she is really comprehending it. She was proud to take her Bible to church on Sunday. I was going to have her follow along with the sermon, but it was on David and Bathsheba, so we decided to wait a week for that experience.
11. United Methodist Hymnal # 310
At our church, every month that has five Sundays in it, we do a special Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing. This is where the congregation requests hymns and the choir sings it. Every fifth Sunday for quite a while, Adam has successfully gotten the choir to sing his favorite hymn, "He Lives." Last week he was so excited about the hymn sing that he was singing that song around the house for several days. I am so glad the choir sang it for him because now it's out of his system and I don't have to listen to him singing it.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Today I'm thankful for...
Today I'm thankful for...
1. Vacation
Last weekend we went to Galveston. The kids enjoyed seeing and tasting saltwater for the first time and building sandcastles in the surf.
2. Discounts on vacation
We were able to stay at a nice hotel on Seawall Boulevard for 1/3 the normal price because we have a friend that works there.
3. Being home
This was our first vacation that was mostly kid-driven, and that was a big change. No daily naps, hours reading, or just sitting. The kids kept the same hours as the adults and although we all had fun, by the last day, I was itching to be at home.
4. A husband who can
Adam missed church on Sunday because he was single-handedly building a porch at his parents house. Yesterday I mentioned to him that I would love to have a Little Free Library and he told me he could do it; just print off the plans. I am grateful that he is able and willing to do projects like these.
5. Hilarious kids
Yesterday the kids kept asking to play in the cat pool. I had no idea what they were talking about at first, but later realized it was the kiddie/kitty pool they were referring to. Last night Paul wrapped his torso in a sheet of Styrofoam and tried to get in bed. I told him he couldn't sleep with it on and he said, "But it's my shell!"
6. Just rain
Last night I took the kids to the downtown library for Bedtime Storytime. They enjoyed venturing out in their pajamas and we finished the night with fruit smoothies from Jamba Juice. Unfortunately it started pouring down rain before we were done. I had no idea it was about to rain, so we didn't have an umbrella with us and had to walk three blocks to the car completely unprotected. We were drenched. I was grateful for all the rain for the plants, but also hugely grateful there wasn't any hail. I had a hard time convincing Paul that we were going to get soaked no matter what, and if it was hailing, I would have been at a loss.
7. Hot chocolate in July
The kids were much happier when I told them they could sit in front of the space heater and I'd make them hot chocolate when we got home. Glad I had some.
8. Good coffee
After several days of hotel coffee, I was ecstatic to brew my own cup once we were home. Also, yesterday I got to enjoy a cup of French press coffee courtesy of our new associate minister. (He ended up brewing some for the entire office.) It was so good that I didn't even add cream or sugar.
9. Help when we're away
The Carlton family kept Wesley Eugene so we wouldn't have to take two dogs on vacation. Our neighbors took out the trash and watered my garden. We were so grateful for all of these actions.
10. Free childcare
The Hemminger and Perry families help me all the time with the kids. I couldn't keep my job (or sanity) without them. I am so grateful.
1. Vacation
Last weekend we went to Galveston. The kids enjoyed seeing and tasting saltwater for the first time and building sandcastles in the surf.
2. Discounts on vacation
We were able to stay at a nice hotel on Seawall Boulevard for 1/3 the normal price because we have a friend that works there.
3. Being home
This was our first vacation that was mostly kid-driven, and that was a big change. No daily naps, hours reading, or just sitting. The kids kept the same hours as the adults and although we all had fun, by the last day, I was itching to be at home.
4. A husband who can
Adam missed church on Sunday because he was single-handedly building a porch at his parents house. Yesterday I mentioned to him that I would love to have a Little Free Library and he told me he could do it; just print off the plans. I am grateful that he is able and willing to do projects like these.
5. Hilarious kids
Yesterday the kids kept asking to play in the cat pool. I had no idea what they were talking about at first, but later realized it was the kiddie/kitty pool they were referring to. Last night Paul wrapped his torso in a sheet of Styrofoam and tried to get in bed. I told him he couldn't sleep with it on and he said, "But it's my shell!"
6. Just rain
Last night I took the kids to the downtown library for Bedtime Storytime. They enjoyed venturing out in their pajamas and we finished the night with fruit smoothies from Jamba Juice. Unfortunately it started pouring down rain before we were done. I had no idea it was about to rain, so we didn't have an umbrella with us and had to walk three blocks to the car completely unprotected. We were drenched. I was grateful for all the rain for the plants, but also hugely grateful there wasn't any hail. I had a hard time convincing Paul that we were going to get soaked no matter what, and if it was hailing, I would have been at a loss.
7. Hot chocolate in July
The kids were much happier when I told them they could sit in front of the space heater and I'd make them hot chocolate when we got home. Glad I had some.
8. Good coffee
After several days of hotel coffee, I was ecstatic to brew my own cup once we were home. Also, yesterday I got to enjoy a cup of French press coffee courtesy of our new associate minister. (He ended up brewing some for the entire office.) It was so good that I didn't even add cream or sugar.
9. Help when we're away
The Carlton family kept Wesley Eugene so we wouldn't have to take two dogs on vacation. Our neighbors took out the trash and watered my garden. We were so grateful for all of these actions.
10. Free childcare
The Hemminger and Perry families help me all the time with the kids. I couldn't keep my job (or sanity) without them. I am so grateful.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Thankful things
What a week! This was Vacation Bible School week at church and it wiped us all out!
Today I am thankful for:
1. Authentic Middle Eastern wear
Long ago and far away, my sister served in the Army in Iraq. She brought Adam and I back several headscarves. With his bathrobe and headscarf, Adam was sporting the Bible look at VBS this week. I wore mine the first day but you can't take as good of pictures when you've got headgear.
2. Fun for the whole family
Adam tolerated 100+ degree heat every night this week to lead nearly 100 kids in games outdoors. He was awesome. We brought our niece Morgan to VBS and she had a blast helping all the smaller kids. Claire and Paul each enjoyed being on their "tribe" and learning all the cool songs and motions. We had competitive "Our God is an Awesome God" singalong in the car. I had a great time laughing and taking 500+ pictures of the activities. (You can see them here.)
3. A day at home
Yesterday we had "nothing" to do. That meant we were able to stay home the entire day. It was luxurious! I got up, brewed coffee, read my Bible study, and walked the dog before anyone else was functional. The house looks less like a bomb shelter today and Adam was able to get the yard and outdoors looking nice.
4. Side of the road finds
We found Claire a solid wood desk that a neighbor was throwing out. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, so it went straight into her room after a good cleaning. Today on the way home from church we picked up a cool cabinet for the garage, also being thrown out. I love it when people put good stuff on their curb!
5. Adam's ability to fix anything
For the record, I love my husband very much. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would like a clothesline outside. I had one the next day. For my birthday, he installed four can lights in the backroom, and even wired a new lightswitch! Yesterday I mentioned that I wanted a new door handle for a closet and guess what's on that door today? That's right. A door handle. Paul shattered a ceramic doll at my grandfather's house, but no fear; Adam was able to fix it. He is awesome.
6. A home for my grandfather
My granddad is now at home at his assisted living facility. He is thriving there, asking for new clothes and shoes. When we visited him on Friday, he had to leave for a few minutes to go to a PARTY! I have never, in my entire life, heard of my grandfather doing anything social.
7. VACATION!
We're going to Galveston later this week. The kids will get to see a beach for the first time.
8. Saving at Six Flags
This winter, Adam announced he wanted to go to Six Flags this summer. I was trying to do the math and figured we'd have to spend about $250 before we walked in the door. Luckily, I had forgotten that Claire participated in a reading program where she earned a ticket. Her teacher loved us so much that she gave us her teacher ticket, so we were able to go to Six Flags for Adam's birthday for half price.
9. Good books to read
I'm never at a loss for a good book to read and I am grateful. This past week one of my friends stopped by the church office to bring me a sack of paperbacks she was done with. I am grateful that I live in a country where literature is so easy to come by and not regulated.
10. Spirited kids
Some parents have children that are calm and quiet. My children can be calm and quiet, but they are full of spirit and enthusiasm. When Claire and Paul were singing at the front of the church today, they were really rocking out with their voices and hand motions. Right this minute, Claire is yelling, "Boo-yah!" to me. Paul is doing the wave while he eats his snack. They have a zest for life that rivals my own.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Authentic Middle Eastern wear
Long ago and far away, my sister served in the Army in Iraq. She brought Adam and I back several headscarves. With his bathrobe and headscarf, Adam was sporting the Bible look at VBS this week. I wore mine the first day but you can't take as good of pictures when you've got headgear.
2. Fun for the whole family
Adam tolerated 100+ degree heat every night this week to lead nearly 100 kids in games outdoors. He was awesome. We brought our niece Morgan to VBS and she had a blast helping all the smaller kids. Claire and Paul each enjoyed being on their "tribe" and learning all the cool songs and motions. We had competitive "Our God is an Awesome God" singalong in the car. I had a great time laughing and taking 500+ pictures of the activities. (You can see them here.)
3. A day at home
Yesterday we had "nothing" to do. That meant we were able to stay home the entire day. It was luxurious! I got up, brewed coffee, read my Bible study, and walked the dog before anyone else was functional. The house looks less like a bomb shelter today and Adam was able to get the yard and outdoors looking nice.
4. Side of the road finds
We found Claire a solid wood desk that a neighbor was throwing out. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, so it went straight into her room after a good cleaning. Today on the way home from church we picked up a cool cabinet for the garage, also being thrown out. I love it when people put good stuff on their curb!
5. Adam's ability to fix anything
For the record, I love my husband very much. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would like a clothesline outside. I had one the next day. For my birthday, he installed four can lights in the backroom, and even wired a new lightswitch! Yesterday I mentioned that I wanted a new door handle for a closet and guess what's on that door today? That's right. A door handle. Paul shattered a ceramic doll at my grandfather's house, but no fear; Adam was able to fix it. He is awesome.
6. A home for my grandfather
My granddad is now at home at his assisted living facility. He is thriving there, asking for new clothes and shoes. When we visited him on Friday, he had to leave for a few minutes to go to a PARTY! I have never, in my entire life, heard of my grandfather doing anything social.
7. VACATION!
We're going to Galveston later this week. The kids will get to see a beach for the first time.
8. Saving at Six Flags
This winter, Adam announced he wanted to go to Six Flags this summer. I was trying to do the math and figured we'd have to spend about $250 before we walked in the door. Luckily, I had forgotten that Claire participated in a reading program where she earned a ticket. Her teacher loved us so much that she gave us her teacher ticket, so we were able to go to Six Flags for Adam's birthday for half price.
9. Good books to read
I'm never at a loss for a good book to read and I am grateful. This past week one of my friends stopped by the church office to bring me a sack of paperbacks she was done with. I am grateful that I live in a country where literature is so easy to come by and not regulated.
10. Spirited kids
Some parents have children that are calm and quiet. My children can be calm and quiet, but they are full of spirit and enthusiasm. When Claire and Paul were singing at the front of the church today, they were really rocking out with their voices and hand motions. Right this minute, Claire is yelling, "Boo-yah!" to me. Paul is doing the wave while he eats his snack. They have a zest for life that rivals my own.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thankful List
It's been a couple months since I've been able to type out my gratitude list, but I love that I can resume at any time. I'm struggling to find rhythm in the summer, but am enjoying it all the same.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Spiderman Fruit Snacks
During his lunchtime prayer yesterday, Paul said, "Thank you God for the Spiderman Fruit Snacks that Mama bought that were on sale at ALDI." I love both is gratitude for the snacks and the recognition of the money-saving aspect as well.
2. Perfect presents
Claire and Paul both celebrated birthdays recently and several people bought them items that we all cheered for. It was great to hear the kids saying, "Ms. X always picks out the best things for my birthday." Or "I have been wanting this forever! I am so excited!"
3. Friends that make you take care of yourself.
On Saturday, my friend Stacy noticed a bite on my arm and told me I better take care of it or I would get my arm chopped off. I didn't think it was a big deal, but since I was headed to the doctor on Monday anyway, I went ahead and mentioned it. I now think it was a spider bite and I am so glad she made me ask the doctor about it because it got worse before it got better and that's just like me to throw some hydrocortisone on it and forget about it.
4. Friends far away.
Claire's godfather, Chris and his wife, Ashley, live in Kansas, so we don't get to see them very often. Chris had to come to town last week, though, and made sure to have dinner with us. Though we hadn't seen him in nearly a year, all four of us picked right back up where we left off. Next week we are taking a short trip to Galveston where we will meet another friend whom we haven't seen in a while. I am so grateful that we can feel loved all over the USA.
5. Manual sprinklers
We do have a sprinkler system, but tree roots screwed it up and Adam has been unable to repair it yet. We also have this handy dandy tool called a "hose" where we hook on something called a "sprinkler" and it works great. I just turn it on and move the hose occasionally and presto! the yard doesn't look as brown.
6. Internet coupons
I thought I was awesome at cutting coupons from the newspaper, but now I get emails about Internet coupons for even more cutting goodness. I like to call myself a professional grocery shopper.
7. A marketing plan that I made
I am learning so much at my job. This week I created a marketing plan so for every major event we have approaching, I have mapped out a uniform way to promote it instead of trying to remember everything. I am so excited to put this into use!
8. My husband
I just want to note that I believe Adam Boyette kicks ass. He's in charge of games at VBS this week and every night he's outside in a bathrobe and headscarf leading groups of kids in funny games. He's good at it. I'm grateful for that as well as the way he can say one word to me and make me laugh so hard I can't breathe.
9. A place for my grandpa
My grandfather recently moved to an assisted living facility. He loves it and is doing well. So well in fact, that now he needs new clothes, new shoes, and new housewares for the new home. I'm so glad he's got his desire to live and some spark back.
10. A fly killing machine
We have fruit flies in our house, which I have experimented in killing a number of different ways. The most effective way has been a gift that Stacy and Matt gave Adam for his birthday. It's called FlyWeb Fly Light and it combines an attractive light with flypaper so the flies are drawn to it and then stuck. You can buy it here.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Spiderman Fruit Snacks
During his lunchtime prayer yesterday, Paul said, "Thank you God for the Spiderman Fruit Snacks that Mama bought that were on sale at ALDI." I love both is gratitude for the snacks and the recognition of the money-saving aspect as well.
2. Perfect presents
Claire and Paul both celebrated birthdays recently and several people bought them items that we all cheered for. It was great to hear the kids saying, "Ms. X always picks out the best things for my birthday." Or "I have been wanting this forever! I am so excited!"
3. Friends that make you take care of yourself.
On Saturday, my friend Stacy noticed a bite on my arm and told me I better take care of it or I would get my arm chopped off. I didn't think it was a big deal, but since I was headed to the doctor on Monday anyway, I went ahead and mentioned it. I now think it was a spider bite and I am so glad she made me ask the doctor about it because it got worse before it got better and that's just like me to throw some hydrocortisone on it and forget about it.
4. Friends far away.
Claire's godfather, Chris and his wife, Ashley, live in Kansas, so we don't get to see them very often. Chris had to come to town last week, though, and made sure to have dinner with us. Though we hadn't seen him in nearly a year, all four of us picked right back up where we left off. Next week we are taking a short trip to Galveston where we will meet another friend whom we haven't seen in a while. I am so grateful that we can feel loved all over the USA.
5. Manual sprinklers
We do have a sprinkler system, but tree roots screwed it up and Adam has been unable to repair it yet. We also have this handy dandy tool called a "hose" where we hook on something called a "sprinkler" and it works great. I just turn it on and move the hose occasionally and presto! the yard doesn't look as brown.
6. Internet coupons
I thought I was awesome at cutting coupons from the newspaper, but now I get emails about Internet coupons for even more cutting goodness. I like to call myself a professional grocery shopper.
7. A marketing plan that I made
I am learning so much at my job. This week I created a marketing plan so for every major event we have approaching, I have mapped out a uniform way to promote it instead of trying to remember everything. I am so excited to put this into use!
8. My husband
I just want to note that I believe Adam Boyette kicks ass. He's in charge of games at VBS this week and every night he's outside in a bathrobe and headscarf leading groups of kids in funny games. He's good at it. I'm grateful for that as well as the way he can say one word to me and make me laugh so hard I can't breathe.
9. A place for my grandpa
My grandfather recently moved to an assisted living facility. He loves it and is doing well. So well in fact, that now he needs new clothes, new shoes, and new housewares for the new home. I'm so glad he's got his desire to live and some spark back.
10. A fly killing machine
We have fruit flies in our house, which I have experimented in killing a number of different ways. The most effective way has been a gift that Stacy and Matt gave Adam for his birthday. It's called FlyWeb Fly Light and it combines an attractive light with flypaper so the flies are drawn to it and then stuck. You can buy it here.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
First Week of Summer Recap
We are in full-on summer mode around here. Here's some photos to recap our first week. My last post told everyone what we did last Monday. I am learning that it seems that we will have one day of academic excellence and awesome activities followed by a day that everything moves slower. That's okay, though. It's summer.
Last Tuesday night was the transit of Venus. Apparently the next time Venus will pass in front of the sun where we can see it on Earth will be 100 years from now, so Adam made sure we got to see it.
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| At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, they had many professional telescopes set up on their front lawn. You'll have to ask Adam to explain all this, but this is a picture of the reflection of what was happening in the sky. The white circle is the sun and the dot is Venus. |
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| Here Claire and Paul were looking through a fancy telescope. I have an eyeball phobia (seriously) and everyone kept telling each other not to look directly at the sun because their eyes would burn up and they'd be blind. I couldn't tell you what any one's faces looked like that night, but I can tell you about their ankles. I kept my face to the ground the whole time. |
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| This facial expression is what Paul looks like at the beginning of swim lessons. For some reason, he has a lot of anxiety about it and it takes him several minutes to warm up to it. We're taking lessons at the Benbrook YMCA and both kids teachers are fantastic. |
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| Here's Claire jumping into 7 foot deep water. |
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Here's Claire with Miss Alli, floating on her back in 7 foot water.
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Friday, April 20, 2012
Gratitude List
I am so blessed. Examining any aspect of my life brings forth laundry lists of blessings. For example, the laundry on the couch reminds me that everyone in my family is blessed with nice clothes that fit and look good. The couch is from IKEA and makes me thankful for both sturdy furniture we can afford and a husband with skills to put said furniture together.
Here's my official list, in no particular order:
Today I am thankful for:
1. Kashi cereal
It's healthy, and it doesn't get soggy when I have to stop eating to go turn on a light for Paul or to let a dog out.
2. Wake-up Dog
I was considering sleeping in a little and enjoying the rain, but Sugar Dot heard my alarm and knew it was time to get up. I was forced to sit upright to avoid more licks on the face.
3. My new workout partner
Last week Paul rode his scooter while I biked around the neighborhood. I had to keep my legs moving to keep pace with that boy. It was such a great workout that this week we hit the Trinity Trails. I walked/jogged and he scooted. I think we covered a mile each way. I had to work hard to keep pace with that scooter, which was good for me. He got to keep picking up sticks and bugs, which was good for him.
4. Main Street Arts Festival
The kids and I went with our neighbors yesterday. I was disappointed that there were less free activities for the kids, but I enjoyed pulling the wagon around and showing the kids different types of artwork. Paul's favorite part was standing and watching a man play the guitar. He also loved climbing the 28 ft. tall rock wall. Claire loved getting a free rubber duck and seeing paintings of horses.
5. Lunch with Claire
On Wednesday, we took Claire lunch. It's so fun sitting amongst kindergartners and listening to each child's excitement at the day. Claire's teacher always tells me Paul and I don't have to sit in the middle of the class table, but that's what we love to do. I get to hear the high points of the day from Claire and all her friends. Plus, if she has any tater tots or apples left over, we just pass them down the table. I am blessed that my schedule permits me to do such fun activities.
6. Gardening success (knock on wood)
A few weeks ago, we planted a pallet garden for my birthday. It is thriving. We haven't gotten any vegetables or fruit yet, but the leaves look great and we know it's just a matter of time. We've got rosemary, oregano, strawberries, bell pepper, squash, and watermelon plants growing in a discarded wooden pallet. I love it!
7. Cardboard box giveaway
Last week I was having a day where I wasn't feeling like a very good mother. We'd had some discipline issues that day and I was frustrated. The doorbell ringing changed all that. Our next door neighbor had just bought a new dryer and he offered the empty box to the kids. Claire and Paul were elated. Our neighbor went on to tell me for several minutes what good parents Adam and I are. It changed my entire outlook on the day.
8. Coupon sharing
My mother-in-law is a couponer like myself. For years now, we've cut out the coupons we wanted and then shared the leftovers. We don't buy the same things, so I get excited about double coupons.
9. Surprise visit from a friend
My friend Melody has been visiting occasionally to pray and talk. We'd missed a few weeks due to hectic schedules, and Monday morning when I had a moment of calm, I regretted not calling and inviting her to come over. Just about that time the doorbell rang and she came over. I was so happy.
10. Healthy home
The kids have been fighting illnesses on a rotating basis the last month, but we are currently all healthy and happy.
11. School carnival
The kids got to live out a dream of having rainbow hair at the Bruce Shulkey carnival. Though Claire's only in kindergarten, we've been going to it for several years. The PTA does a great job of putting together a smoothly organized event with tons of people and fun.
12. Birthday love
My birthday fell on Good Friday this year. Claire had a school holiday, so Adam took the day off as well. We planted a garden, hung around the house, went for hamburgers, and then trekked to the Half Price Books headquarters in Dallas. It was a birthday that I savored every minute. The next day we went for an Easter gathering for my side of the family, which turned into a surprise birthday party for my uncle and I. I felt so loved.
13. Organization hope and help
I am constantly striving to keep the house cleaner and more organized. I am so grateful that there are email lists that I can subscribe to that offer tips and tricks on this. Seeing it in my inbox keeps it on the forefront of my mind and has ended up with greater success. I won't say we're organized yet, but we're on the road to it. (Here's the two list that I subscribe to FREE: http://www.simplify101.com/
and http://simplemom.net/)
14. Crochet for Jesus
My friend Lana is teaching me how to crochet as a spiritual discipline. She says the names of the Trinity when she crochets, but I'm a beginner, so I've stuck with "Grace and peace, grace and peace, grace and peace." I only know chain-stitching right now and not very well apparently. After four days of practice, she told me to make it tighter and start over. It's okay. That's just more grace and peace for me. She tells me I will appreciate this when I'm awesome at crocheting. I'll let you know.
15. Sprinklertime
It's already summer weather here, so the kids are loving jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler on top. I'm sure neighbors a block away can hear the giggles; the kids are ecstatic. Even when Paul is home with just me and does it, I have to just sit and observe the sheer happiness that comes from the sprinkler on the trampoline.
16. Apology letters
The other day Claire misbehaved and wrote me a lovely apology note. I made her do that for her teacher once when she was on red, but for her to do it on her own to me was remarkable.
17. Power Rangers fights
I don't know if my readers have ever watched Super Samurai Power Rangers, but I wouldn't recommend it. I feel my brain cells dying when I pass by the TV and it's on. In my defense, I've only let the kids watch it when they are sick, mostly. Despite the dumbness of watching models jump around and fight Moogers (yep, sounds like boogers), I am thankful that it inspires my children to play. Our kitchen has become a battlefield for Moogers and Power Rangers. Claire is one of the girl Power Rangers; she rotates depending on mood. Paul is always the Gold Ranger, Antonio. My legs were sore this week from all the high kicks I had to do as the bad guys.
18. Competitive gratitude from the children
I bought each child a $1 clearance Easter stuffed animal from Wal-Mart last week. They were competing to see who was more thankful. "Mama, thank you so much," one would say. "No, Mama, thank you so so much," the other one would say. By the time I had to stop it, they were saying, "Mama, thank you so so so so so so so so so so much!"
19. Indifference about material items
Time and time again, this has happened. I have finally learned my lesson and stopped interfering. Paul will come up to me and tell me how much he likes a particular small ball or other toy. Then Claire will come in pouting, saying, "I wish I had that same exact item." Then Paul turns to her and gives it to her with a "You can have this, Claire." It breaks my heart to see him giving away items he just professed love to, but isn't that how we're supposed to be with material things? It's just stuff and we've got a lot of it. I've talked to Claire a few times about asking for what's not hers, but sometimes she's not even asking for it, just observing that she would like a toy like that. Those kids teach me life lessons every day.
20. A parenting plan
Adam and I attended a Love and Logic class when Claire was a baby. It was awesome because it gave us a parenting plan. We are nearly always on the same page as far as discipline. We have the same goals and a plan of how to get to them. We never have to argue about disciplining the children because we have a parenting plan. (Note that I didn't say we never argue. We just never argue about discipline. Rather, we consult each other. I wanted to put that in for those who might mistakenly think we are actually perfect. Not so.)
Woohoo! That's a lot of gratitude! Now off to wake the kids!
Here's my official list, in no particular order:
Today I am thankful for:
1. Kashi cereal
It's healthy, and it doesn't get soggy when I have to stop eating to go turn on a light for Paul or to let a dog out.
2. Wake-up Dog
I was considering sleeping in a little and enjoying the rain, but Sugar Dot heard my alarm and knew it was time to get up. I was forced to sit upright to avoid more licks on the face.
3. My new workout partner
Last week Paul rode his scooter while I biked around the neighborhood. I had to keep my legs moving to keep pace with that boy. It was such a great workout that this week we hit the Trinity Trails. I walked/jogged and he scooted. I think we covered a mile each way. I had to work hard to keep pace with that scooter, which was good for me. He got to keep picking up sticks and bugs, which was good for him.
4. Main Street Arts Festival
The kids and I went with our neighbors yesterday. I was disappointed that there were less free activities for the kids, but I enjoyed pulling the wagon around and showing the kids different types of artwork. Paul's favorite part was standing and watching a man play the guitar. He also loved climbing the 28 ft. tall rock wall. Claire loved getting a free rubber duck and seeing paintings of horses.
5. Lunch with Claire
On Wednesday, we took Claire lunch. It's so fun sitting amongst kindergartners and listening to each child's excitement at the day. Claire's teacher always tells me Paul and I don't have to sit in the middle of the class table, but that's what we love to do. I get to hear the high points of the day from Claire and all her friends. Plus, if she has any tater tots or apples left over, we just pass them down the table. I am blessed that my schedule permits me to do such fun activities.
6. Gardening success (knock on wood)
A few weeks ago, we planted a pallet garden for my birthday. It is thriving. We haven't gotten any vegetables or fruit yet, but the leaves look great and we know it's just a matter of time. We've got rosemary, oregano, strawberries, bell pepper, squash, and watermelon plants growing in a discarded wooden pallet. I love it!
7. Cardboard box giveaway
Last week I was having a day where I wasn't feeling like a very good mother. We'd had some discipline issues that day and I was frustrated. The doorbell ringing changed all that. Our next door neighbor had just bought a new dryer and he offered the empty box to the kids. Claire and Paul were elated. Our neighbor went on to tell me for several minutes what good parents Adam and I are. It changed my entire outlook on the day.
8. Coupon sharing
My mother-in-law is a couponer like myself. For years now, we've cut out the coupons we wanted and then shared the leftovers. We don't buy the same things, so I get excited about double coupons.
9. Surprise visit from a friend
My friend Melody has been visiting occasionally to pray and talk. We'd missed a few weeks due to hectic schedules, and Monday morning when I had a moment of calm, I regretted not calling and inviting her to come over. Just about that time the doorbell rang and she came over. I was so happy.
10. Healthy home
The kids have been fighting illnesses on a rotating basis the last month, but we are currently all healthy and happy.
11. School carnival
The kids got to live out a dream of having rainbow hair at the Bruce Shulkey carnival. Though Claire's only in kindergarten, we've been going to it for several years. The PTA does a great job of putting together a smoothly organized event with tons of people and fun.
12. Birthday love
My birthday fell on Good Friday this year. Claire had a school holiday, so Adam took the day off as well. We planted a garden, hung around the house, went for hamburgers, and then trekked to the Half Price Books headquarters in Dallas. It was a birthday that I savored every minute. The next day we went for an Easter gathering for my side of the family, which turned into a surprise birthday party for my uncle and I. I felt so loved.
13. Organization hope and help
I am constantly striving to keep the house cleaner and more organized. I am so grateful that there are email lists that I can subscribe to that offer tips and tricks on this. Seeing it in my inbox keeps it on the forefront of my mind and has ended up with greater success. I won't say we're organized yet, but we're on the road to it. (Here's the two list that I subscribe to FREE: http://www.simplify101.com/
and http://simplemom.net/)
14. Crochet for Jesus
My friend Lana is teaching me how to crochet as a spiritual discipline. She says the names of the Trinity when she crochets, but I'm a beginner, so I've stuck with "Grace and peace, grace and peace, grace and peace." I only know chain-stitching right now and not very well apparently. After four days of practice, she told me to make it tighter and start over. It's okay. That's just more grace and peace for me. She tells me I will appreciate this when I'm awesome at crocheting. I'll let you know.
15. Sprinklertime
It's already summer weather here, so the kids are loving jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler on top. I'm sure neighbors a block away can hear the giggles; the kids are ecstatic. Even when Paul is home with just me and does it, I have to just sit and observe the sheer happiness that comes from the sprinkler on the trampoline.
16. Apology letters
The other day Claire misbehaved and wrote me a lovely apology note. I made her do that for her teacher once when she was on red, but for her to do it on her own to me was remarkable.
17. Power Rangers fights
I don't know if my readers have ever watched Super Samurai Power Rangers, but I wouldn't recommend it. I feel my brain cells dying when I pass by the TV and it's on. In my defense, I've only let the kids watch it when they are sick, mostly. Despite the dumbness of watching models jump around and fight Moogers (yep, sounds like boogers), I am thankful that it inspires my children to play. Our kitchen has become a battlefield for Moogers and Power Rangers. Claire is one of the girl Power Rangers; she rotates depending on mood. Paul is always the Gold Ranger, Antonio. My legs were sore this week from all the high kicks I had to do as the bad guys.
18. Competitive gratitude from the children
I bought each child a $1 clearance Easter stuffed animal from Wal-Mart last week. They were competing to see who was more thankful. "Mama, thank you so much," one would say. "No, Mama, thank you so so much," the other one would say. By the time I had to stop it, they were saying, "Mama, thank you so so so so so so so so so so much!"
19. Indifference about material items
Time and time again, this has happened. I have finally learned my lesson and stopped interfering. Paul will come up to me and tell me how much he likes a particular small ball or other toy. Then Claire will come in pouting, saying, "I wish I had that same exact item." Then Paul turns to her and gives it to her with a "You can have this, Claire." It breaks my heart to see him giving away items he just professed love to, but isn't that how we're supposed to be with material things? It's just stuff and we've got a lot of it. I've talked to Claire a few times about asking for what's not hers, but sometimes she's not even asking for it, just observing that she would like a toy like that. Those kids teach me life lessons every day.
20. A parenting plan
Adam and I attended a Love and Logic class when Claire was a baby. It was awesome because it gave us a parenting plan. We are nearly always on the same page as far as discipline. We have the same goals and a plan of how to get to them. We never have to argue about disciplining the children because we have a parenting plan. (Note that I didn't say we never argue. We just never argue about discipline. Rather, we consult each other. I wanted to put that in for those who might mistakenly think we are actually perfect. Not so.)
Woohoo! That's a lot of gratitude! Now off to wake the kids!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Thankful Tuesday
Today I am thankful for:
1. The Leonards
Bill, Leigh, Blake, and Ross are driving to their new home in Baltimore. Each family member is friends with us and a blessing in a different way, and they will be missed. Today I give thanks both for the family and the new roadtrip destination to go visit the Leonards.
2. Jo
One of my dearest friends is ill. We used to live next door to Jo Throckmorton and though we moved, we kept coming back to see her. She is hands down, the most grateful person I have had the pleasure of knowing. She's also the most gracious at dodging questions about her age. Jo is elderly, blind, and widowed, but thanks God for everything she has daily. Yesterday it was both humbling and eye-opening to me to see her at a rehabilitation hospital, frail in a wheelchair expressing gratitude. I think we often think of elderly people are eternal because they've been around all our lives. They aren't, though, and I'm going to conciously try to soak up all the Jo I can while I can.
3. Cuteness
Today is Paul's first basketball game. I believe that sums it up.
4. Listening friends
Yesterday our friend Alli invited us over for a pool playdate. The kids splashed on one end of the pool and Alli and I talked on the other. Due to schedule, it's been a long time since I've done that with anyone. I was grateful to go blah blah blah blah blah. And she listened!
5. Empathetic readers
My dear friend Stacy, who's put up with me for more than half my life now, is also one I'm thankful for. I can e-mail her a long list of stuff at 5 a.m. and she will read it all and respond. It's nice to have someone to send whatever's on my mind and have her reply in the same fashion, and not through a forward.
6. Captain Midnight Sugar Dot Express
We still haven't found his original owner after a week of actively looking for them. However, he's fun to play with and tolerates the kids quite well. Adam's not really grateful for getting bitten the other night, but I'm pretty sure they've made up. We'll put up new flyers this week, but we might just have a new family member.
7. Costco coffee
You can get a 32 oz bag for $10, and it's just as good as Starbucks beans. I love Costco!
8. Easy-going kids
Paul is currently asleep on the floor. Since we put him to bed last night, he's slept in his bed for a few hours, our bed for a few hours, the couch for a while, and now the floor. He's sleeping soundly. I love that the kids aren't picky.
9. Mama Joy and Papa Charles
They'll be over here soon to watch the kids while I go to church to work for a few hours. This young couple is our babysitters on call. We don't have family members that are able to babysit like that, so we are blessed with wonderful friends. Mama Joy always brings crafts to make with Claire and Papa Charles plays with Paul's trainset. We are all grateful for their friendship.
10. A Crystal-Clear Pool
I know I've mentioned the pool before, but today I am thankful for Adam's engineering of the perfect balance of chemicals. Our water is beautiful and crystal clear. From where I am sitting indoors, I can look out the window and see the bottom of the deep end. It is gorgeous. Besides being an ace at balancing a checkbook, my husband is awesome at balancing chemicals in the pool. He puts the ph in phool. (My apologies for the bad joke.)
1. The Leonards
Bill, Leigh, Blake, and Ross are driving to their new home in Baltimore. Each family member is friends with us and a blessing in a different way, and they will be missed. Today I give thanks both for the family and the new roadtrip destination to go visit the Leonards.
2. Jo
One of my dearest friends is ill. We used to live next door to Jo Throckmorton and though we moved, we kept coming back to see her. She is hands down, the most grateful person I have had the pleasure of knowing. She's also the most gracious at dodging questions about her age. Jo is elderly, blind, and widowed, but thanks God for everything she has daily. Yesterday it was both humbling and eye-opening to me to see her at a rehabilitation hospital, frail in a wheelchair expressing gratitude. I think we often think of elderly people are eternal because they've been around all our lives. They aren't, though, and I'm going to conciously try to soak up all the Jo I can while I can.
3. Cuteness
Today is Paul's first basketball game. I believe that sums it up.
4. Listening friends
Yesterday our friend Alli invited us over for a pool playdate. The kids splashed on one end of the pool and Alli and I talked on the other. Due to schedule, it's been a long time since I've done that with anyone. I was grateful to go blah blah blah blah blah. And she listened!
5. Empathetic readers
My dear friend Stacy, who's put up with me for more than half my life now, is also one I'm thankful for. I can e-mail her a long list of stuff at 5 a.m. and she will read it all and respond. It's nice to have someone to send whatever's on my mind and have her reply in the same fashion, and not through a forward.
6. Captain Midnight Sugar Dot Express
We still haven't found his original owner after a week of actively looking for them. However, he's fun to play with and tolerates the kids quite well. Adam's not really grateful for getting bitten the other night, but I'm pretty sure they've made up. We'll put up new flyers this week, but we might just have a new family member.
7. Costco coffee
You can get a 32 oz bag for $10, and it's just as good as Starbucks beans. I love Costco!
8. Easy-going kids
Paul is currently asleep on the floor. Since we put him to bed last night, he's slept in his bed for a few hours, our bed for a few hours, the couch for a while, and now the floor. He's sleeping soundly. I love that the kids aren't picky.
9. Mama Joy and Papa Charles
They'll be over here soon to watch the kids while I go to church to work for a few hours. This young couple is our babysitters on call. We don't have family members that are able to babysit like that, so we are blessed with wonderful friends. Mama Joy always brings crafts to make with Claire and Papa Charles plays with Paul's trainset. We are all grateful for their friendship.
10. A Crystal-Clear Pool
I know I've mentioned the pool before, but today I am thankful for Adam's engineering of the perfect balance of chemicals. Our water is beautiful and crystal clear. From where I am sitting indoors, I can look out the window and see the bottom of the deep end. It is gorgeous. Besides being an ace at balancing a checkbook, my husband is awesome at balancing chemicals in the pool. He puts the ph in phool. (My apologies for the bad joke.)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thankful Tuesday May 31, 2011
I've lost count of my Thankful Tuesdays, so I'll just go with the date.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Pool parties -- the mess stays outside. We served kids ice cream on Saturday with the option of jumping in the pool to get off the sticky afterward.
2. Claire Bear-- She's five now! She's a big help around here and a good example for her little brother Paul.
3. Kaa and Big Paul -- Adam's godparents are here visiting. They bring their own RV, lots of food and wine, and they clean our house! They are amazing and I am grateful. Yesterday Paul spent hours scrubbing my stove. The only time I've seen it that clean was the last time he did it.
4. Grocery stores-- Yesterday I ran some errands with Kaa and we ended up stopping at two different grocery stores, both within four miles of my house. I kept whining that I didn't know where anything is in those stores and they didn't have my brand of wine, blah blah blah. I prefer to go to a different store, whine, whine, whine. But really, we are quite blessed to have so many grocery stores that we can actually be picky about it! There are people all over the world, even some in our area, who would love to be picky about grocery stores and have both the money and the opportunity to do so!
5. Inside jokes -- Yesterday my friend Stacy's stepmom asked me if Claire would eat a "nanner." She knew the silly joke Stacy and I have shared since high school. I love cheesy humor that just won't die.
6. Books -- Our entire family is blessed with a plethora of books overflowing every bookshelf we own. Any time Paul wants to learn about Tamarins or Claire wants to know about moos Mr. Brown can do, they can just grab a book off their shelf. Adam has books on history, evolution, and religious debates, so he can always educate himself. I have a mixture of everything, so whatever my mood is, I have a book to accomodate. Literature is important over here.
7. Personalized prayers -- A month ago, we started veering away from the "God is Great" rote prayers and started letting the kids come up with their own. It is so sweet to hear Claire thanking God for the beautiful flowers, her food, and the wonderful world. I love to hear Paul say, "Dear God, I love you so much!" I love that neither Adam nor I have ever given direction on what to say during blessings, but they come up with their own appropriate messages.
8. Spinach -- Everyone around here loves it, including the kids! If I ever overhear someone telling the kids that most people don't care for spinach, that person better brace themself for a whooping.
9. Wildlife out our window -- We live in the city, but our backyard is still teeming with wildlife. I love to watch the courtship rituals of squirrels and blue jays.
10. My brain -- To me, being smart is more important than being beautiful. I am so glad that I am blessed with intelligence and a love of learning. Without that, I just wouldn't be me.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Pool parties -- the mess stays outside. We served kids ice cream on Saturday with the option of jumping in the pool to get off the sticky afterward.
2. Claire Bear-- She's five now! She's a big help around here and a good example for her little brother Paul.
3. Kaa and Big Paul -- Adam's godparents are here visiting. They bring their own RV, lots of food and wine, and they clean our house! They are amazing and I am grateful. Yesterday Paul spent hours scrubbing my stove. The only time I've seen it that clean was the last time he did it.
4. Grocery stores-- Yesterday I ran some errands with Kaa and we ended up stopping at two different grocery stores, both within four miles of my house. I kept whining that I didn't know where anything is in those stores and they didn't have my brand of wine, blah blah blah. I prefer to go to a different store, whine, whine, whine. But really, we are quite blessed to have so many grocery stores that we can actually be picky about it! There are people all over the world, even some in our area, who would love to be picky about grocery stores and have both the money and the opportunity to do so!
5. Inside jokes -- Yesterday my friend Stacy's stepmom asked me if Claire would eat a "nanner." She knew the silly joke Stacy and I have shared since high school. I love cheesy humor that just won't die.
6. Books -- Our entire family is blessed with a plethora of books overflowing every bookshelf we own. Any time Paul wants to learn about Tamarins or Claire wants to know about moos Mr. Brown can do, they can just grab a book off their shelf. Adam has books on history, evolution, and religious debates, so he can always educate himself. I have a mixture of everything, so whatever my mood is, I have a book to accomodate. Literature is important over here.
7. Personalized prayers -- A month ago, we started veering away from the "God is Great" rote prayers and started letting the kids come up with their own. It is so sweet to hear Claire thanking God for the beautiful flowers, her food, and the wonderful world. I love to hear Paul say, "Dear God, I love you so much!" I love that neither Adam nor I have ever given direction on what to say during blessings, but they come up with their own appropriate messages.
8. Spinach -- Everyone around here loves it, including the kids! If I ever overhear someone telling the kids that most people don't care for spinach, that person better brace themself for a whooping.
9. Wildlife out our window -- We live in the city, but our backyard is still teeming with wildlife. I love to watch the courtship rituals of squirrels and blue jays.
10. My brain -- To me, being smart is more important than being beautiful. I am so glad that I am blessed with intelligence and a love of learning. Without that, I just wouldn't be me.
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