I Wish I was More Like Jesus

ADD at it's Its Best

2012-02-16T14:09:00.000-05:00

She got LOADS of craft things for her birthday, and she loves loves loves it!

When people asked what to get her, I said, crafts things and school stuff/workbooks.

It would NEVER occur to me to say ANYthing 'school' for Samuel.

But she loves them. She can never do enough school. When she is done for the day, she has a look on her face like her life is over.

wHoA.

So we pull out a craft, and she comes back to life. lol.

So, Eagle & Giants fans can co-exsist.

Go figure!

We are getting more ready for...

12 - 13 more days until those chicks come.

It is nerving and exciting. And I may or may not be in denial.

Ok fine. I am.

But I am ready.

HA.

I think I will make this for dinner tonight. I have seen the recipe for a long time, but never made it.

Maybe with some pita??

Anyway, I am starting a 2 week meal plan. I am so darn tired of trying to figure out what to make every-glorious-day that morning.

After 27 years of thinking of something everyday, I am tired.

I will only think of it 2x amonth!

Really, it is something I should have done 26 years ago.

Better late than never! :)

Tomorrow, we go to VA Beach to go see this amazingly beautiful baby boy. And I CANNOT WAIT!!!!

It has been too long.

2 months is way.too.long.

And HEY!

I need to declutter our bedroom.

UGH.

It is a little overwhelming, but I have no one to blame but myself.

I married a minimalist neat nut.

Everything is there is my fault.

It really is.

But I will do it when I get back from kissing cheeks and little toes. And maybe that beautiful neck. :)

generations

2012-02-09T23:15:00.001-05:00

It is funny.

I was looking at old pictures, and it was so nostalgic to see the older kids when they were young. Was I REALLY that young mom??!!?

Seriously.

What was the neat part is...just how many pictures there are of my daughter and her best friend from long long ago. Like the picture when they went to the father/daughter dance when they were 5. Or with their American Girl dolls. Or how about when they wore matching clothes like they were twins, even though they look as differnt as night and day. Or their 'awkward' stage with braces and interesting hair. And when they bloomed into the beauitful young women they are today.

And of course Chloe's wedding pictures with Annalicia as her maid of honor.

At the wedding rehearsal. <3

As you may or may not know, these 2 each have a little brother.

Who also happen to be best buds.

How many pictures do I have of them??!!?

I lost count when they were about 5.

And when they even lost their teeth together.

And still at it today.

Life is good. I love it when I can go back and remember these wonderful times.

Were they all wonderful times??

Heck to the no.

But there were enough.

They are my joys. Not that I live in the past, just that I am so very thankful for it.

GOD is good. All the time.

A Weekend to Remember.

2012-02-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

It has been an intense weekend.

I do not wish this kind of weekend on ANYONE.

Staring with:

My husband & my son went skiing on Friday. Last year my son came to me and told me he was a good enough skier that he did not need to wear a helmet anymore. He is right. He is a great skier.

So I made a deal with him

I told him he didn't have to wear a helpmet, unless he wanted to ski. Ski = helmet. No helmet = no skiing.

He was not amused, which worked out ok because it wasn't for his amusement. It was for his life.

He got into a bad accident Friday. I mean so bad, he still doesn't remember what happened. Actually no one knows what happened. His whole right side of his body is bruised, and his brand-spanking new helmet is scratch ALL OVER with no rhyme or reason.

He has a bad concussion. He is getting his short term memory back slowly but surely. Thankfully.

You could tell him something and 1 minute later, he had no idea what you had said anything to him. He only remembers the hospital and the CT scan from OUR memory, from telling him over and over again.

NOW he is starting to remember alsmot everything.

Except that whole day. And the accident. And the hospital. And even the ride home from PA.

And a few pockets here and there he forgets temporarily. Like when he called his sister. Later he asked me if he talked to her. But couldn't remember what they said. He remembered the conversation last night.

Scary-stuff, let me tell you.

Then of course, not as stressful, but nail-biting worhty:

The Super Bowl.

These 2 teams wreck havoc on my heart. The Giants is my 2nd favorite team. The Patriots is my daughter's and husband's team.

Plus when they get together to play, they make sure you are at the edge of your seat freaking out.

They didn not disappoint in that aspect.

Again.

I feel bad for my other 1/2 of the family. Chloe, Samuel & John were all about the Patriots. Lance, Elena & I were all over the Giants.

I guess Audrey will break the tie.

Poor child. Such pressure. :P

Today starts a new week. A thankful my son is alive and no serious damage was done. Thankful everyone is healthy. Thankful GOD is supreme and holy and master and King.

Where would I be without HIM? Without my friends & family who went to HIS throne on our behalf. Not just for the technical healing, but also the peace that passes all understanding.

I would be a mess.

huh

2012-02-02T12:37:00.004-05:00

Well, a few months ago, I started using essential oils for, well, just about as much as I could for anything that came along.

See...every year, Samuel gets a wicked ugly flu, at least once if not 2x during the winter months. I mean, 105 fever, passed out sick as a dog , his muscles feeling like mush, and his bones like jelly, and wishing he wouldn't have to wake up until it was all over, a week or so later.

One year he got the swine flu. Yes he did. It was scary as all get out.

Oh, allow me to mention that Elena also got several colds every winter, and once got her brother's flu.

So this year, I armed myself with oils and started the battle against toxic bacteria.

I infused Thieves when ever someone came over, or when I started to get a cold so no one else would catch it. ( It barely lasted, and I remembered to start using the oils as soon as I got sick.)

To date, no one has gotten sick.

WOO-HOO!!!!!

We have also being using other oils very successfully as well, for a myriad of other things that have come along. The medicine cabinet is looking quite different these days.

On this journey, I also started researching going more natural. Granted we decided to get the chickens back in mid-november, and that was going to be the extent of nature in our home, or so I thought, well, as time has marched on, I now have gotten rid of all the toxic cleaning products in our home.

I can't believe the poisons I was bringing into our home!!

I also can't believe how well my homemade stuff works!! (Can I use the word CHEAP here, too??!!? :D )

I ran over to the library and educated myself with loads of books.

I am slightly stunned at at the ignorance that is rampant in the country. Myself included. All I have to do was barely scratch the surface, and BAM, the amount of information out there is astounding!

We always buy organic eggs and milk. These products are hormonal to begin with, only the give it more than plenty of synthetic and not for human consumption use hormones, but given to cows, to mess up your system. Well, the chickens will take care of the eggs, so now I know exactly how healthy and natural our eggs are.

And now, I found a raw milk place. Right here in Jersey!! Grass fed, free range cows, that we can go visit if we want to. ( I think I will pass, though it might make a fun field trip.) ( maybe) We don't drink alot of milk. And I discovered how store bought milk has stopped being milk at all! Even the organic stuff. It is the cause of so many intestinal problems. People are not lactose intolerant, they are processed milk intolerant, which in turn messes up their digestive system.

I realize that yes, some of this stuff is a little more expensive than their on-the-supermarket-shelves counter part, but in the end I am spending less money on medical bills. And everyone is healthier. Not just physically, but mentally, too. Yes, indeed, so many of these things affect your neuro-system.

Am I going off the deep end?

Nah. I am just trying to take better care of my family. And if that is going off the deep end, then by all means give me a hard push.

How TimeFlies When You are Having Fun.

2012-01-28T09:53:00.001-05:00

Two years ago today was the first time we got to celebrate Elena's birthday!

We had just come back from China 2 weeks before and it was her 3rd birthday!! She didn't know us, the language, culture, reason for us singing to her, and wasn't sure about the whole thing. She didn't even know what to do with presents. She didn't know what they were. John had to teach her how to open them.

She was such a peanut.

When she turned 4, she had had a whole year of watching the wonderful phenomenom happen to all her friends and family members, and couldn't wait to enjoy her turn.

And she did.

Today, she is 5!!

And she is so BIG! Even if she is my baby-for-now. Oh how she has grown. She towers over kids her own age, or older. ( So much for the theory that Chinese people are petite) She will probably be taller than me.

Happy Birthday Peanut.

I just LOVE to see you discover life. You can't seem to get your fill in knowledge or play.

Kind of like your daddy. <3

Who is The REAL Crazy Person????

2012-01-27T12:31:00.001-05:00

It is January, but Spring is on my mind.

Not because of the weather, since it has been a mild winter, one of which I am NOT complaining about at this point in my life.

But because once again, we had to get our paper work in for our community garden plot!!

This year, we are going to start with seeds.

I ordered the seeds yesterday. It will be amazing and exciting for all of us to see GOD's goodness and provision in the most natural way. And YES!! I got different kinds of squash, because a certain Baby Boy loves his squash.

Reason #2 for thinking about Spring.

About 3 or 4 years ago, my husband asked me why we don't have pets that actually give us something back, instead of draining us of our resources.

Mind you, he LOVES LOVES LOVES the dogs and cats. I mean, when I am away for the weekend, he lets the dogs sleep on our bed!!!!

AARRGGHH.

No comment. :P

Anyway, so he has been asking me to look into chickens.

I told him he was crazy.

Seriously.

C.R.A.Z.Y.

The answer was no.

As in capital N and capital O.

Here it is 3 years later, and on Feb. 29, we are expecting these:

That will one day become this:

They were ordered before Thanksgiving.

I have kept it mum to most people (because they all think I am crazy) except I did mention it to a few who's brain I had to pick and gleam information.

And I got an amazing loads of books from the library.

I call the town to make sure it was all cool. ( FYI the permit to have chickens in this town is actually more expensive than the chickens themselves. oookkkkkkaaaayyyyyyy)

I know more about chickens than I ever wanted to, but I suppose that is a good thing.

I haven't told my parents yet.

I may have a cow in my yard after I DO tell them. For chances are pretty good that they will have one.

But hey! Fresh milk!!

PS the real crazy person?? I think it is me for finally agreeing.

I am begging...and 27 things

2012-01-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE go here:

Simple Scents ( click on it)

And for for me...# 10!!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.

PRETTY PLEASE??!!??!!

I know it is a little...whatever, but I really want those oils and I wrote it at 1:30 in the morning and I really should have waited till the next morning, but OH WELL. But go ahead and vote, PLEASE??!!??!

Back to our regularly scheduled program:

27 things that I have learned in the past 27 years:

1. Being young and ignorant, is not always a bad thing.

2. I am so thankful I got married young.

3. And I am thankful I had children young. I had so much energy and they kept me grounded to reality.

4. Your temporary anger should not determine your future.

5. The sun REALLY does come up tomorrow.

6. Never make decisions in the middle of the night, when everything in the drama department of your brain is wide awake and chomping at the bit, and no one is around to tell you how irrational you are being.

7. Pray Pray Pray. And when you feel like your prayers are not being heard, pray some more.

8. Your prayer should not be that the other person changes, but that HE work in your own heart.

9. Smile more.

10. Your spouse doesn't need to hear everything that has happened that day. But certainly he needs to hear some things.

11. It is better to ask how his day went, than to bombard him with yours the moment he walks in.

12. Laugh. Laugh at the funny things, even when you would rather hold a grudge.

13. Watch him sleep.

14. Tell your kids how great their father is, even when you don't believe it yourself at the moment, because deep in your heart, you know it is true.

15. Let him relax.

16. Let him play.

17. Pray for him continually.

18. Do the things he wants to do, even if you think they are dumb.

19. Take his advice.

20. Unless it is unBiblical, trust him, even when his ideas sound like they are whacked in the head.

21. Time heals everything. Don't give up.

22. Never forget who you are. It is who he married.

23. Go to a Bible-believing church. Every Sunday.

24. Life is simple. Stop making it so complicated. We women are not famous for doing that. We are infamous.

25. The expression 'roll with the punches' was meant for marriage. Both sides. It you stand up stiff and ready for battle, you will fall, and it will be painful. For everyone.

26. Love never fails. Just make sure that selfishness, anger, resentment, self-righteousness, jealousy, impatience and the such, don't wrestle it to the ground and try to choke it.

27. Cling to Jesus. Cling to HIM in the good times, the bad times, the great times, the sad times. HE is the one who is worthy of every effort. Everything else will eventually fall into place.

Happy Anniversary My Love. 27 years seems like the whisper of a breath. May HE bless us with many, many more.

And then, there were 2

2012-01-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

We had 3 cats.

I am not a cat person. In fact, it could be said I am an anti-cat person.

I totally get all those cats jokes, and try not to snicker when I hear them when my beloved is around. He is the cat person.

Anyway, we had 3. The new one, Fiver, then there is Peg ( named because she limps from an injury. She is a rescue and mean-as-all-get-out.)(They told us she was nice. They lied) and Surely. (A nickname for her real name, Surely Goodness and Mercy Will Follow You All the Days of Your Life. Samuel named her that when he was almost 5 and he had just learned that verse.)

See what happens when you let the kids name a pet???

Anyway, Peg, being mean-as-all-get-out, wouldn't let Surely upstairs. She terrorized Surely making her stay in the basement corner somewhere. There were times when I didn't see her for...oh...2 or 3 weeks.

Here she is when Samuel found her and dragged her upstairs and made her stay by putting her in his shirt.

She is never thrilled to be up here, fearing Peg is going to jump her and be mean.

Our oldest asked if he could take Surely to his apartment. I jumped at the chance!! It was a win-win-win situation!! She was going to be in a place where she was going to be the only pet, she loves Lance, and we would be down to 2 cats!!!

It has been reported that she is loving her new home, is very outgoing ( who knew???) , and happy.

Here is the funny part. My husband tried to complain about it. He loves his cats (no comment) and was sad to think of giving one away. WELL, I gave him the update, and he shamefully admitted he didn't even notice she was gone.

I was going to insert a laugh track in here, but I will be nice.

On another note. I really am not crazy about training. Just thought you would like to know. I think if my knees had hands and could reach, they would slap me.

No joke.

The 1/2 is 2 months from today. I hear my daughter talking about personal best times.

WHATEVER.

I just want to cross the finish line.

And that will be my personal best. :P

Where is my soap box??!?

2012-01-10T11:24:00.001-05:00

I need this soap box. But this is not the point of this post.

Someone needs to look around for my soap box. I am about to burst.

I am not the about-to-burst type of person.

Ordinarily, I am the Woe-to-me-I-will-cry-it-out-then-put-on-my-big-girl-pants-and-deal-with-it kind of person.

But then every so often, I need to pull out my soap box out of the garage.

Today is that day.

Soap box issue #1

Ever since the first time we mentioned that we were adopting, people found fault with our decision.

Are you crazy? I can't wait for our kids to grow up and move out, what is wrong with you? Kids are too expensive. It is time to sit back and enjoy your life, ect...

Smile and nod, smile and nod.

Then they found out we were adopting from China.

HOLY MOSES.

There are kids here in the USA who need homes. Why do you have to travel around the world when there are kids in your own neighborhood.

We know. We tried. Only to realize our daughter was not here, she was there.

(And HEY, are you adopting from here?? IS there someone in your home in need of a family and you rose up to the occasion? I found out most did not. Halleluia!! for those who did. But to tell you the truth, those who we know who did adopt domestically, never judged our decision. They just shared our joy. Interesting.)

Now comes the most irritating comment from people.

AFRICA??!!? Why don't you just go back to China?!? Will she be black? Why would you put a black child in your family. They belong to black families.

EXCUSE ME??!!??!

We are adopting from the Congo because that is where our daughter is.

duh.

I pray with all my heart, our children in our home walk away from here delighting in their own heritage/race/color/sex/faith, as well as delighting in other's.

That they may look upon others, not because of what they look like, but who they are. My african daughter may love hispanic food as much as her chinese sister does, and our chinese daughter may excel in irish dancing as her big sister did.

Sometimes my evil heart screams silently " If you are so concerned about kids here, go and adopt one!!" But GOD is so good to me. And HE allows me to just kindly explain HIS will in our lives.

Soap box issue #2.

I was talking to someone this weekend, and he made the comment " If you take a picture of me, it takes away part of my soul."

Well, maybe you need to START giving away parts of your soul instead of holding onto it with both hands. Maybe then you will be less bitter. It is a picture for crying out loud. Get a grip.

Again, GOD is so good to my evil heart. I honored the request, and prayed for him. And myself. :P

Soap box issue #3.

When people tell me "Church is full of hypocrites."

In the words of a wise and joyous woman, Ruth Bell Graham:

Well, there is always room for one more.

Amen.

Okay, I know I need to work out my issues. I know soap boxes are not necessarily graceful and kind. And probably not GODly either.

But every so often people, myself included, need a good smack on the back of the head.

I am the person to do it?

I. WISH.

Pray for me.

GOTCHA!!!

2012-01-05T01:06:00.000-05:00

2 years ago today...

We got her.

I was a mess. A no sleep, rotten hair, emotional mess.

But she was beautiful.

And now, 2 years later, she still is. <3

2 years have done wonders. They have cemented her in our hearts.

I can't remember life without her. She is funny, sweet, Miss Bossy-pants( ask Samuel), particular, hard working, gentle, joyous, stubborn, affectionate, loves to sing, smile, play, cut, color, swing, work in the garden, vacuum, school, be with friends, go to church, watch movies, play with her babies, irish dance, eat her Nana's food, play kitchen, both real & play.

She sticks up for herself, fights and plays with her brother. Surrenders entirely too soon, loves to serve, and be served.

She loves to look pretty. Wants Rapunzel hair, and pretty dresses.

She loves to talk. To anybody.

She loves to sing. It can take her out of a bad mood in seconds.

She is learning to love Jesus. Church is her second favorite. Next to dance class. lol.

I am so very thankful to GOD for this treasure. HE is faithful. And generous.

Happy Gotcha Day Peanut Butter. Life is so good with you here.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-02T09:12:00.003-05:00

We went over my daughter's in-law's house for New Years. No my daughter in not in Jersey anymore. But I love them, they are dear people. Since they do not dress up for halloween, they have a dress up New Year's Party.

I went as a gypsy.

A few years back, I read an interesting book on gypsies. At the same time I read a book about the hassidic people.

I really shouldn't do that because then, I mix up some fact of what belongs to whom. Not all the facts. Like the fact that gypsies have no concept what modesty means. But the hassidic people have the market on it. Yet, they both take purity seriously.

I KNOW!

Anyway, all to say, both groups are some crazy interesting people.

I should reread the books again, by themselves.

And so, the gypsy, angel, and...I still don't know what John was suppose to be:

Hangover Race.

It made me realize that I am a fool for signing up to race.

FINE, not a fool, but why do I torture myself??!?!?

Probably because it is good for me.

me & my boys

Our cheering squad!

Samuel was not as ready for this race as he thought. He is training, but he is a scatterbrain soul. I was hoping this race would show him that HE NEEDS TO LISTEN TO ME when we train.

I believe it worked.

Hoops encouraing Samuel

My friend & I crossing the finish line.

This year's goal is:

Invite Jesus in. In everything.

I know HE is here all the time, but so many times, in my head, I make believe I can decide, ( HE lets me, but then chaos follows. Not HIS fault, but my choices) ) I can do whatever I want and HE won't notice, ( I can, but HE grieves for me), I can be holy 'enough' ( never happens without HIM). And I expect HIM to do my bidding. ( spoiled child syndrome. It lives in all of us)

duh.

Change us O GOD. Change our wicked and selfish hearts.

I was talking to an angry soul the other day. The hatred and anger, that were just below the superficial 'nice' surface, made my heart ache for this person. ( as HE aches for me)

Not judging the soul, just wishing it would surrender and be at peace. Get relief.

It take so.much.more to live without HIM.

I know, I do it all the time. :(

Well...Jesus, please come on in and make Yourself at home. Please excuse the mess, I am working on it...with YOU by my side. <3

GOD with us!!!!

2011-12-31T10:37:00.003-05:00

Christmas has happened.

I don't mean Christmas 2011. I mean 2000+ years ago.

Regardless of the actualy date, HE CAME.

HE CAME to set the captives free.

HE CAME to bring peace inspite of our rebellious, ruthless, proud and selfish hearts.

HE CAME when we couldn't do anything about our lost and broken souls.

CHRISTMAS HAPPENED!!

EMMANUEL!

Let us shout it from the mountain tops.

Let us shout it from the valleys.

And from everywhere in between.

My heart goes out to those who reject HIM. The bitter root that swells. The resentment. The anger.

And the sadness deep in the inside, that is denied on the outside.

EMMANUEL!

HE CAME!!!

HALLELUIAH

We had a good Christmas this year. The VA family came up and man did that little boy melt my heart.

Again.

Christmas morning brought much joy and laughter.

Josiah recorded.

I think the whole underwear conversation was recorded for our *pleasure*in the future.

We had no idea it was being recorded.

Moving on.

Samuel loved this gift. I am still praying for this boy and some of his choices.

The Eagles??!!? REALLY??!!!?

My mom invited Josiah's family over a few days later and we ALL enjoyed the evening.

The brothers playing Just Dance.

My dad opted to just plain old waltz.

The tree died prematurely. WAY prematurely.

And I was slightly shocked since the tree was fresh-cut by us. Usually it lasts longer than that. When we took it down to pitch it outside, I realized why it died so soon. Every year, I turn off the radiator that is right there. I asked John to do it this year while I was doing something else.

He forgot.

Poor tree.

OH! And HELLO...

I have an interesting amount of gray hair growing right in front of my head. So instead of coloring it to my super dark brown hair, I decided to color a gray streak instead. As John calls it...granny chic.

Because I LOVE being a granny. <3

It looks more blonde than gray.

More young than granny. Oh well.

I still like it.

ALOT!

4 days

2011-12-20T11:18:00.000-05:00

So much has happened for the holyday so far.

Except for ... oh... shopping.

But it will get done. Even if I turn into one of those crazy people ( mostly men) who are out shopping like lunatics the days before. I always wondered what causes someone to be that unorganized.

Now I realize that it is not organization. It is just plain old ugh.

Uninspiration.

But Elena had her church show.

She was an angel. And she got to sing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. She was the only one who memorized thewhole song. But let us remember that she watches Charlie Brown Christmas ALL YEAR LONG.

And HEY! Guess who joined the family.

You may remember Marv. He died. John has been needing a real cat. Fat Surely has disappeared in the basement. It takes Samuel 10 minutes to find her. Sometimes I don't see her for weeks. And Peg has to think long and hard to decide if she will give you privilege of letting you pet her. More often than not, the answer is no.

I am not a cat fan.

But he is.

And so is she.

Oh, and did I mention...

The most beautiful baby boy is here?

He is. <3

The Voice of Truth

2011-12-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

This song, though old, stretches me. Like no other has in a long time.

This song pushes me out of my comfort zone.

This song challenges me to stop being afraid. HE is my Master. Why fear?

This song reminds me of a young man I know.

As I was praying today, he came into my thoughts. I figure when people come to mind during prayer, GOD put them there, so just go ahead and pray. So I did.

Anyway, I remembered how he put himself 'out there' recently. He spoke truth. And though it cost him a possible friendship, Truth is all that mattered in the end.

Though he knew there was a chance that he would be rejected, his Master mattered more. And HE always will.

This kid inspires me. He understands that the rat race, as Diane Keaton said, is just going to have to survive with one less rat.

It has been a while since a young person has inspired me like this.

If he can do it at 19 or 20, (I forget how old he really is, lol) HECK I should stand tall and true to HIM, too!!

satan himself will try to squash me like a bug because of it. he usually tries super hard. It is painful and certainly not fun.

So.Be.It

Because in the end, the Voice of Truth is the only thing that matters. For HIS glory.

And who doesn't want to do that??!!??!

Christmas TIme is...almost here.

2011-12-12T18:29:00.001-05:00

We decorated for Christmas this weekend.

It got me thinking of loads of Christmas controversies.

It also got me thinking of The Birth.

And the Miracle.

And the Hope.

And I realized that Hope is truly...my favorite thing.

EVER.

You have to understand. I am a basketcase. I am a woe-to-me fan. I am a jump off the cliff because there is just no hope left. Also, an 'oh well, it is for everybody else except for me because it is never for me'.

In a word...pathetic.

BUT, in all that, HE always manages to come in, into the pinholes of my life, and explode with hope.

SO, as we decorated this year, I clung to hope, for in the end, that is all I want to hang my hat on.

Hope in Jesus.

Period.

The other thing is, we didn't decorate the tree. We are waiting for my oldest baby girl to come from VA. With her family( read: my beautiful grandson. Oh, and my dear son in law, too. But really HAVE YOU SEEN THIS BABY??!!??!). So I can kiss those cheeks while they do the rest of the work.

Because my job will be to kiss those cheeks.

Our diningroom table centerpiece:

Charlie Brown's Tree & the Jesse Tree.

Daisy-gurl is a worry-wart in the worst way. She and Reilly are the same age. Except Reilly looks so much younger. Because Reilly goes with the flow. As long as he eats and has water...life is good.

Peanut's motto: Have tree, will travel. She loves Charlie Brown Christmas. She watches it all year long. She thinks Peppermint Patty should be a boy.

So 12 days of Christmas left. 13 if you are an American.

And I haven't really started my shopping yet.

I should panic.

I should have a freak out session.

But instead, I am going to hang with Reilly, because it will get done.

As long as can eat and have some water...it's all good.

Random Life, Random Thoughts

2011-12-06T14:35:00.003-05:00

Yes, this will be random.

Like my life.

Everyday.

ANYWAY, I was going through my Targ*t flyer and I happen to notice that Mr. Popper's Penguins dvd was on sale.

On sale??!!??

Seriously? I didn't even know it was out in the theaters!

My daughter loved this book. It was her all time favorite. Like mine was When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. She read it, talked about it, reread it, took it with her to camp, like having a little bit of home when feeling lonely. You get the point.

I had heard they were doing a movie. Evidently someone pressed some fast-forward button on life somewhere, because it is on dvd already. :P

Moving on.

I asked my son today what he wants for Christmas, and again he gave me a short list.

And I quote:

" I want a second bow for my violin."

" Why do you need a second bow??!!??" ( panic sets in, as I think he did something to his first one.)

" Because I want to be good enough to have a second bow like my teacher has. I think it is SO COOL when he opens his case and there are 2 bows in it."

...

words escape me

...

Moving on. Again.

As you may or may not know, I am in training for the 1/2 marathon. Again.

How much do I hate this? Let me count the ways.

But this year, I am doing it for a good cause. It is in memory of our pastor's wife and more so, in honor of her children.

They have this whole thing going on with it. Pretty cool. And it will keep me on my toes with the training. These are crazy trainers/trainees.

All serious and what-not.

Then there is me. Sucking air and trying not to pass out.

Whatever.

I'm doing it.

Okay, one more thing, because I love stand up comedy/comics.

I work really hard to find ones that are not foul. Not an easy task.

So I don't get to watch as much as I would like.

ANYWAY, Samuel & I watch them together.

I almost *powdered my nose* in my pants when I heard this one.

" You know I went to the doctors and he told me I am boderline diabetic. Why did he have to say borderline?? Because I'm a Mexican?"

So, as a fellow hispanic/central american born, and sometimes I wish I was Mexican( according to my mom, they put out some great soap operas, and HAVE YOU TRIED THEIR FOOD??!!??)

H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S!!!!

Okay.

I am now getting off the random train and wish you a good rest of the day.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.

2011-12-04T20:44:00.002-05:00

Ok, it may look like Christmas, but it FEELS wonderful!!!

This is the first year in the past, what?? 20 years I was actualy NOT freezing to death when looking for a Christmas tree. It was fabulous.

Sweater weather!!!

She loved the little trees. And Christmas tree searching. And running in between trees. And posing like a tree.

This is the pickiest man. On the face of the earth. And I love him.

Found it.

Cut it.

Taking it to the car.

The 2 that enjoyed watching.

Pulling it through. We have been going to this tree farm longer then I can remember. I think about 18 or 20 years.

And now, it is time to pull out the Christmas movies, play the songs, decorate the house, read the devotions, advent, The Jesse tree, make cookies, and (im)patiently wait for my grandson to come here for the holidays.

GOD is good. <3

HEY YOU!

2011-11-29T09:16:00.000-05:00

HEY YOU!

You!

The love of my life!

It is your birthday today!!

And allow me to say...I love it when it is your birthday.

I love it that even though when I asked you yesterday, what you wanted for your birthday meal, you JUST realized your birthday was the next day.

I love it that our children have learned your expressions well.

I love it that this one really thinks she is a princess because of you.

I love it that your grandson went to town on your blueprints, while sitting with you way too early in the morning.

Because the 3 of you are morning people. You, your daughter and your grandson.

I love it that you are trying hard to figure out how to live a life worthy of HIS name.

I love it that you make me laugh even when I don't want to.

I love it that you challenge me beyond my comfort zone, even though at the time I am * slightly * irritated.

I love it that you sacrificed for your children's sake. So much more than they will ever know.

I love you

There is just so much to say and be thankful for on this day.

Happy Birthday My Love.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T08:36:00.002-05:00

I was watching this very odd movie last night and I realized, again, it is an ugly, mean, volitale world out there.

Now, mind you I already knew that, but since I daily live in my world, I keep forgetting about out there. And before you say I live a sheltered life, I know I do. Never mind that we often go to the inner cities to serve, and yes, sometimes hang out; and we live in the NYC metropolitan area and we get to see, experience and know, probably more than the average person.

Still, in spite of my sheltered world...

I have talked to people who are strung out on drugs, protitutes, runaways, parents looking for their run away children from all states, alcoholics, dealers, illegals, people who just came out of prison, mafiosos, you name it, I probably came across it.

The difference is, that is their world, and even if I am in the outskirts of it, I will probably not be in their inner circle. The circle of terror, or fear, of desparation, deep sorrow, anger, lack of hope.

Have I ever experienced any of those things? I have experienced ALL of them. But not to the degree of that they live in daily.

And so today, on Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for, my Jesus, my family, my home, my car, my everything. The list could make you sit here for a good hour reading it and I would still not have put everything on it.

BUT I am specially thankful for the privilege of of knowing these people. Not because it makes me happy I am not in their world, but I am thankful they bring so much to mine. For in the midst of their suffering, hopelessness, anger, sorrow, they smile... a genuine smile. They teach me something no one else can. They are happy to see me. So happy to have someone talk to them as equals. So happy to have someone listen. So happy to sit for a while where we both leave our worlds behind and just enjoy this minute, with each other.

I am thankful for the mean, ugly, volitale world out there, because I realize that when Christians leave their own world and walk into this one, Jesus shows up.

Every. Single. Time.

13 Things....

2011-11-18T14:48:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, my youngest son.

In honor of your birthday, I will try to come up with 13 things of who you are today.

1. Inspite of the fact that you never sleep, you have enough energy for 25 people at any given moment.

2. You never really care what others think about the way you dress.

3. It takes you 2 hours to do a 45 minute math lesson. But in between problems, you conquered the Huns, fought in WW2, dreamed of sciences of centuries past, became a time traveler, created solutions to conflicts, figured out good plans for the Sunday Night game or created musical masterpieces. Then would get frustrated at me for bring you back to the next math problem.

4. You heard about the opportunity to play the piano at hospice, and you turned your world around to be able to do it. And though it was emotionally hard, and sometimes you left with tears in your eyes, it never occured to you NOT to go back.

5. Your favorite birthday gifts usually require time, not money.

6. You have a temper that takes about 30 seconds to show up. But at the same time, it can leave just as fast. With no residue to spoil the rest of the time.

7. You love to DO things. Whether it is with your hands like chopping wood or changing the brakes with your father, or physical , like jumping bridges or scaling rocks; sitting down is hard for you. And that is ok.

8. You adore your family. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. A good day to you is a day spent with them.

9. You don't embarrass easily.

10. You are the most musically talented kid in the family. I am always amazed when you sit at the piano or pick up the violin and play a song you just heard for the first time.

11. You like swift justice on people. But are grudgingly learning grace. Because you are now understanding your own faults.

12. Age doesn't matter to you. You enjoy older people, little kids, adults, and your own peers. You can carry a conversation with anyone, and not feel awkward.

13. You know GOD is fighting the battle for your soul, and you really want HIM to win. Usually.

Happy Birthday my son. You are a gift from HIM from whom all good things come.

I Wish I Had an Accent

2011-11-15T10:26:00.003-05:00

Granted, some people may say I have a Jersey accent. Whatever, Jersey doesn't have an accent..

This little girl is coming into her own.

She is a real-live NorthEast American girl.

She is learning sarcasm right along side her English.

I would very much like to blame this kid for that.

But where...pray tell...did he get it from??!!??

FINE.

The hard past about this is that I have gotten so much better then I used to be years ago.

My poor older children.

I would very much like to live a life minus sarcasm.

And how much would I like to blame somebody, anybody for the fact that I am too sarcastic. For example, why did my parents move here??! Why not TX, or CO, or some southern state where people are just naturally kind, not cynical??!? ( I know I know, my daughter tells me that people can pull off 'not kind' in the south just as well as they do here, but we are in your face about it as opposed to walking away from it. Walking away may not always be a bad thing.)

But no. I was raised in Jersey.

It becomes painfully aware to us when we meet someone from another state, just how bad we are. Because in reality, we don't even notice it.

And if need be, we can even point out Scriptures where sarcasm was used to justify that it is ok.

Yeah.

Pray for us here.

We need to be kinder, more gentle spirited.

And HEY!!

Guess what happens in 4 days??!!??!

Go ahead guess.

I will give you some hints.

1. it involves my youngest son

2. it involves the number 13

3. it involves cake

4. and presents

5. and family coming over

6. and probably a couple of friends too

7. and a little sister wanting it to be her turn, because a year is so darn long to wait.

I think those clues may help in guessing.

Maybe not.

But regadless, he is spending the night before and next day doing his very favorite thing.

I won't see him until late afternoon!!

But who can argue with his request to spend his birthday eve & birthday doing this??!!???!!

GOD is good. I am watching HIS hand on my son's life. Not that he is this great holy person, but there is a level of desire for HIM and humility in the midst of the hormones, business, bouncing off the walls of his life.

Well, off to rake the million new leaves on our yard. Thankfully, I raked last week, just in time for it to look worse then before, seeing as how the rest of the leaves just decided to drop all in one shot. :P SHEESH is that sarcasm??!!?

See you on the flip side.

NYC Marathon and:::sigh:::

2011-11-10T12:55:00.001-05:00

SHE DID IT!!

Waking up at 4am, to get ready to leave by 5am to take the shuttle bus into NYC from Giants Stadium.

You can tell who has adrenolin already hard at work and who doesn't. :D

This is it.

The family dressed in red, walked all over NYC in order to cheer for her in several places.

Mile 25+ looking for his baby girl.

THERE SHE GOES!!!!! Less than 1 mile to go!!
She is the one with the blue shirt and cerulean blue socks.

ALL DONE!!!

She got her finisher's medal. She has been dreaming about this since she was 7.

He was super proud of his bride.

And then, she couldn't walk anymore, so he gave her a piggy back ride to the car.

I have been wanting to write a post about how awesome my daughter is.

And how she completed the NYC Marathon this past Sunday.

And how she did it all after having a baby 5 1/2 months ago.

And how she only had 4 months to train.

And how she just didn't do it for herself, but she ran and raised money for Samaritan's Purse, in order to bring a child over here to get surgery.

And how when I saw her after she finished, I just wanted to cry.

It as inspiring. And humbling.

And I wanted this post to be all about that.

Even though there are loads of pictures and Lots of information, there is so much more to say about this day.

But then life happens and now I look at what is hapening in this world.

I love football.

I really do.

Today, I can't turn the radio, read the paper or turn the computer on without seeing something about Joe Paterno, and what is happening.

I watch as students and people in general and rallying and fighting and chanting and crying over his firing.

All I can think is...ReaLLy people?

I think Mack Brown is coolness on 2 feet. And Mike Tomlin? <3

But really, it is JUST football.

People...you should be crying, rallying,fighting over this:

Joe Paterno will be fine.

Football will still be played.

These children, these people of the world, they depend on our rallying, or crying, our fighting for their sake. They depend on our efforts, our hearts, our compassion.

Who else will show them HIS grace?

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. ~ James 1:27

So next time you see another article on Joe, remember... life is just so.much.bigger than that. And you should live it accordingly.

STOP WHINING AND DO IT!

2011-11-02T12:36:00.002-04:00

I think the most exciting this about the NYC Marathon this weekend, is that I get to see Beautiful Boy again.

Ok, FINE. It is wonderful that my daughter has worked so hard for this day. And that she is trying to raise money, because in the end it is not about her.

And I so enjoy her company in general.

And my son is law's too.

BUT have you ever smelled a baby? And watched him laugh?? And hold him close and realize he is just such a GIFT from HIM?

I used to be insulted when people would say all those if I knew grandkids would be so great, I would have had them first jokes. Because quite frankly, I REALLY enjoyed my children. And did it really get better than that?

IT TOTALLY DID!!

And now I get it.

:::sigh::: I can't wait.

But that brings me to another thought. One that I keep forgetting about. Intentionally. On purpose.

Only 137 more days until my 1/2 marathon.

I REALLY need to start training. I really need to go buy a new pair of sneakers.

I really need to stop whining about it and just do it.

I really don't want to. But I need to.

And so, when we go tomorrow to the Javitz Center and get her number, and see all the stuff that is there to excite you about running...it may just be the swift kick in the pants that I need!!

Or not.

Regardless, the days keep coming and this body wil need all the help it can get, come St. Paddy's Day.

SO... of to the races.

November

2011-11-01T14:18:00.000-04:00

November...

~You bring birthdays.

Like this child of mine will become a teenager in 18 days.

And The Love of My Life also has a birthday... at the end of the month.

(notice the running theme , mainly SLEEPING, of the men in my home. :P )

~You let my daughter fulfill her dream of running the NYC marathon.

~You bring my favorite holiday.

~ You prepare the way for the crazy season, which in its own way, is delightful.

~ You show us beauty beyond reason.

~ You dump that beauty for us to clean up, in about 3 days.

~ You allow us to wear our favorite sweater, light our Yankee Candles, have the fireplace going, sip hot cocoa, tea, hot cider, and it is all nostalgically new again, not like when it is Feb./March and we are sick of our sweaters and freezing all the time. And if we have to drink one more cup of tea to warm up...

~ You remind us that the end of the year is right around the corner, and have we wasted away our year, instead of enjoyed the life out of it.

~ You remind us that we are a good nation, regardless of all our faults. And we have many. And many more waiting for their chance to 'shine.'

Black Friday. Enough said.

You are my favorite month.

Good to see you again.

2011-10-27T10:45:00.000-04:00

Elena loves her dance classes.

She, as the Chinese say, Iron dances.

OK, maybe it is just the Chinese person who lives in this house if you needed to get technical.

Everyone else calls it Irish Dancing.

And she loves to practice till she drops.

Reilly comes over to see if he could help her out in anyway.

And it just starts a giggle fest.

You know, John and I are not what one would consider minivan people. We are more truck people. And I rather have a station wagon then a minivan. Nothing agaisnt minivans, it's just not us.

Why am I telling you this??

Because this weekend when we went to a flea market in the city, a minivan with three different 'aisles' sounded like a FANTASTIC idea.

One never has to wonder if they have bonded as siblings.

They have.

Thankfully, we got there and we didn't buy much, but we sure enjoyed the wares offered.

Except for maybe this one. :P

Scattering

2011-10-25T15:20:00.002-04:00

We are painting the dining room.

We have a small house. It is okay; it is what we could afford and are thankful for it. The dining room is the heart beat of living here. It is where we eat, school, do projects, talk, make plans, just about everything.

SO, that being the case, our house is in c.h.a.o.s.

Life is good.

It will look nice when we are done.

I hope.

The color is called Laura Ashley Chambray. A serene blue. A little darker than I would have thought to consider, but I was at my sister's house this summer, and she had a paint chip on her wall with this color and I instantly fell in live with it.

I will post picutres when we are done. :D

Samuel wants a punching bag for his birthday or Christmas.

We only get the kids this age and higher one big present. Sometimes they may get little things on the side, but this is their time to ask for something big.

SO, as we were talking about boxing, karate came up.

And who can talk about karate without this wonderful quote:

Karate is a form of martial arts in which people who have had years and years of training can, using only their hands and feet, make some of the worst movies in the history of the world.

True story.

Anyway, this was one of his options. He gave me a small list. Now it is time to start pricing stuff.

And since I am so scattered today, going back to the previous topic, the kids from our church are coming over this weekend for a wiffle ball tournament/man hunt/ general hanging out this weekend.

I hope we finish painting. :P

If we don't ... well I suppose there are greater tragedies.

I pray you are having a good week.

Or at least you know HIS presence in your life.

Because in the end, that is all that matters.

I Need to Live More Simply.

2011-10-19T09:42:00.002-04:00

I need to live more simply. My husband is a minimalist. I am more of a pack rat. :(

Pray for us.

I started reading the Minimalists essay, and I love them. My place is just way too much maintanace. My life is too much maintanance.

STUFF is killing me.

SO, I got rid of yet more bags full of *stuff*.

I will let you know what happens.

It all started with this page. And this page.

And though I don't think I can go this small, it inpires me!!

And let me tell you, unless it is people living their faith out radically, not much else inspires me. Anyone can live out the 'Christian American Dream', but few live out the Biblical Christian Life. My self included. I am working on that, too.

ANYWAY, on another more beautiful note. We went to VA this past weekend.
And I would like to say I got my fill of kisses, smelling that little neck, holding that little boy, rocking him, walking him, kissing him ( did I say that already?) and generally looking at him...

I didn't.

It was so hard to leave.

But such is life.

Elena with her brother in law. :)

And she is loving hearing her daddy play.

No one, not even my oldest son could get enough kisses.

OH! We all went, I mean both families and even my parents, down there becaue it was his dedication.

The 2 little aunts.

Dedicating him to The Lord.

CHEERS! With soda & water. lol

Oh how this little boy loves that shirt on his aunt. He spent alot of time trying to eat it.

Me thinks maybe he is teething.

And now we are home. And as I look around me, I STILL have loads of stuff I want to get rid of, and I will.

And I will become an almost minimalist.

Slowly but surely.

And maybe then we can live IT out better, because stuff won't get in the way.

wOw! What a week!

2011-10-10T12:41:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen Home Alone 2?

Ok. Confession. I love the Home Alone movies. Well 1 & 2. Just like It's A Wonderful Life, Elf, Charlie Brown Christmas are a few very select movies that are a must watch, so are the Home Alone movies.

True story.

And everytime Marv says " WOW! What a hole!" I still crack up.

The thing is... I am not even a fan of slap stick movies!! In fact, I could be said, I detest them.

I KNOW!

Anyway,

I may be know to say that when something amazes me.

This week, my oldest son turned 26.

How on earth I am old enought to have a 26 year old? Fine. I feel it every morning.

This is his birthday dinner. My 2 boys. One 26, the other will be 13 next month. Hoops was 13 when Samuel was born, so this is their year to be 1/2 their age/twice their age.

Yes, that is the map of the world in the background. Elena is starting 5 in a Row, and it was necesarry to find a spot to put this ginormous map. so it is going up the stairs.

School is in full swing. Samuel's music lessons are also back. Actually he still had piano lessons all summer. It is his first love.

I told him to drag out his violin after not having played it all summer. He did and proceeded to play beautifully.

People like that are annoying.

The love of my life is 2 years older then I am.

I have been wearing reading glasses for years. I totally own that fact that I am getting older, and yes we are grandparent for cying out loud!!

He refused to even give them a try. For years.

This week, he finally tried them on, after years of suggesting it. He was AMAZED!! He had forgotten how clear one can see!! Now he has me on a mission to find cool ones.

Isn't it cool just to be able to see? But lo & behold I am on my mission.

And the other day, this is what I found.

Yes, that is my daughter on his shoulder while he is doing some work on the computer.

Words escape me.

Again.

We went pumpkin picking. We have this rule: You can take it home if you carry it to the stand to pay for it and then to the car. John & Samuel wanted to change that rule this year, so Elena could have ever she wanted.

But since she is part of our family and it is a family rule for...oh...23+ years or when ever we started picking pumkins, the rule still stands.

So she went for the littlest pumpkin.

And for now...she is our littlest pumpkin.

This past week and a half I watched Return of the King. I love that movie. There are so many spiritual truths sprinkled all over. But since it took me all 10+ days to watch it, 20 minutes here, 15 there, 1/2 hour here and 10 minutes there, until I finished watching all four-ish hours, it made me reflect more on what was going on. It went past entertaining me, and made me stop and think.

I am not a fan of stopping a movie like that. I rather sit watch and finish. But who has 4+ hours??!!??!

Still it was good for this time in my life. It was good to see the sacrife, to see the surrender, to see the battle, to see the victory that was never yours to begin with, to see one continue in spite of the turmoil.

And to remember that most battles of this world are fought on a spiritual level.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 NASB

Let's live there. Let's battle on our knees. Let's fast and pray instead of complain.

Let's live it out.

Who Indeed?

2011-10-03T11:20:00.005-04:00

~ from home frontier

I was listening to the radio this morning.

Yes, I love talk radio while I do morning chores.

They were talking about children and how much they cost today. They talked about nannies, schools, after school care, extra curricular activities including all the sports and personal coaching/training, ect.

It got me thinking.

Who is raising the children?

Who indeed?

This morning, I was reading the story of the Samaritan woman. Or also known as the Woman at the well. No, it has nothing to do with raising children. (Or does it? Who raised her?) Anyway, it did get me talking to my son about how a whole lot of people in a town, albiet, small, followed HIM at her excitement and enthusiasm. And her willingness to go and tell to get the ball rolling.

We discussed it along the way.

And then I got to thinking again, about the talk show personality, and how he had people call in about how much they are spendingon all those things. Not once did it occur to him to ask, what is wrong with this picture??!!??! Who is raising our children?

I am not saying that extra curicular activities are wrong, unless of course they over take your life.

But, I know this is not politically correct, how many hours are our children spending with someone else training them? Training their thoughts? Training their worldview? Implementing their moral compass?

Please know that our chidlren are not locked up in our homes. Yes, we find people to help raise and disciple along with us.

And please do not assume that children that are trained by their parents are perfect or make right choices all the time.

They don't.

But how tragic that we so willingly give up our children to others for such a long time, so many hours of the day...and what is the final outcome? What is the goal?

I have heard the financial needs. I get it. There have been many times that we have struggled to put food on the table/ pay our bills because we are a one income family. I have begged my husband to let me help him take some of the burden off of him. He has always stated..."Not at the sacrifice of the children."

We can sacrifice in other areas, and trust me. We do.

But in the end...when we face GOD HIMSELF, we will face our mistakes in raising them. But by HIS grace, we tried to raise them for HIS glory. It was HIS word to us we tried to obey. It was HIS command we sacrificed for; and in our weakness, our prayer is that HE would be strong.

Who is rasing the children?

Who indeed?

I will dance with Cinderelli.

2011-09-28T22:39:00.003-04:00

Elena asked her daddy to dance with her tonight. He was tired, so he told her just one song.

She took it.

Then the song was over and she came to me and started talking about everything. Her favorite pass time. John went to go lie down on our bed.

iTunes was still on, and Cinderella came on.

Yes, the self same song he danced with his other baby girl on her wedding.

No one thought anything of it, until John came out, and said, "Okay Elly-bug, one more song."

He didn't have to say it twice.

And so he danced with his Cinderella. Because, just like his other baby girl, she will one day be gone, too.

We will blink soon.

Someone grab a tissue for me.

Oh the Joys...

2011-09-19T19:39:00.002-04:00

As you know, we homeschool.

( Notice the vacuum in the background.)

It is a blessing.

And hard.

As well as HILARIOUS.

I have always told Samuel that when he doesn't know a word in his vocabulary, to see if he can remember the latin or greek roots of the word, or if it has a prefix or suffix, maybe you can figure ot out.

Well, as I was making dinner, I heard this convesation he was having with himself.

(He may or may not have gotten talking to himself from me.)

" Melancholy. Well a melon is a fruit, and a collie is a dog. So...maybe it is a fruit dog? Which has got to be better then a fruit cake."

" Wait, there is no fruit-dog option to pick. MOM!"

" Look it up yourself, son," I said as I try decide whether to laugh or cry.

Because, really... is there such a thing as a fruit-dog??!!??!!

:::sigh:::

You just can't teach common sense. :P

82....

2011-09-15T21:35:00.005-04:00

What is the Love of My Life doing, you ask?

Why is he duct taping our front door?

At 1 in the morning?

Shouldn't he be sleeping? Why do that to our front door?

It is not really attractive.

It is an in-the-mean-time situation.

You see...

Somebody tripped.

We ran to the emergency room.

Again.

The cuts were nasty and...can I say...gross.

And there were 26 stitches involved.

3 internal.

I am so very thankful it was not his face.

And I realized that I am certainly not called to be a doctor, nurse, or even a hospital orderly.

As I was with my son, in between trying not to cry seeing him like that, and being held by my Love, I also tried not to gag.

And now excuse me while I go pass out.

It has been a long day.

But GOD is good.

All the time.

OH!!!

And why is this blog post titled 82 you ask??

He is now up to 82 stitches. And he is not yet a teen.

And then when I finished, there were a million other things to do.

2011-09-13T13:29:00.000-04:00

Yes, welcome to my world.

School is in full swing.

Life is good.

We went to our son's work on Friday night. He is an urban missionary. He works with those people who's goal is to become the 'less fortunate'. They are the desparate, forgotten, lonely, lost beyond reason.

We are proud of him. It keeps my prayer life alive and active. I can't even begin to tell you how I panic slightly when he calls to tell me yet another story of how he almost lost his life. Again.

And yet, he loves it.

Well, this was Elena's first time in 'helping' in this ministry. We, as these children's parents, have always tried to take the kids into ministry opportunities at a young age. I think the first time Chloe went to feed the homeless in NYC, she was 8 months. They are used to it, they are not afraid of the people, they see them as GOD's children, and they have seen GOD show up in the mist, in powerful and amazing ways.

Here she is in the middle of the children's Bible study lesson, one of the kids, coloring right along with everybody else.

And speaking of talent. She has appointed herself as artist and decorator. She makes the art pieces and then proceeds to tape them on the walls for us.

Oh.

We went to the eye doctor again.

She has to wear a patch when she watches movies/tv. Thankfully, we don't watch much. Specially now that school started.

But mercy...

We DO watch football!!!

And we LOVE it. Granted the first week was a MAJOR disappointed for my team, but what kind of fan would I be if I just told them off and left them high and dry??

FINE, I did gripe and umph. Still, there is next week!!

She is ready for some football!

And WOO-HOO they scored a touchdown.

One.

That's it.

One measle touchdown. We lost. The other team scored more then one. They scored many. They intercepted. They ran, they threw, the caught, they celebrated. They were super happy.

And so was he. :P ugh.

OH!!!!

I found out that he Maccabeats are in town!! I am not sure if we can go since I just found about an HOUR ago, but Samuel would enjoy it if we can get tickets.

Anyway, back to my finished list of things to do, which miraclulously multiplied while I sat here.

...trials...

2011-09-07T13:18:00.000-04:00

We have trials.

As a people of berathing abilities, it happens to us.

Often.

I am getting nervous about our newest daughter coming soon.

I know it is going to be hard. It took Elena 2+ months, to sit down at a meal and not SCREAM like someone was murdering her for 1/2 hour before she stopped and ate.

It happened at every meal.

Every.Single.Meal.

Now she eats everything.

And she cried, grieving.

And was the most compliant child, to the point of being annoying, because we wanted her to feel at home and be able to have a mind and choice of her own.

We got what we asked for. :P lol. <3

This is going to be interesting. Sisters, a year apart, from different countries, with different skin color, hair, likes, comforts, tempers, one knew her birth mother, one never met her.

And the prayer of my heart is that they bond, and become not just sisters, but best friends.

It will be a hard.

But it will be good.

And most things good, require hard work...

and trials.

Thankfulness

2011-09-05T10:43:00.001-04:00

Our first almost week of school is over!! WOO-HOO!!

I am excited about this year. We aren't doing a co-op, and that is going to have to be okay. Well, he is in some homeschool activities, but not a full day of no-schooling-to-do-a co-op.

He is in 7th grade. We couldn't give up the time.

But he is still playing the piano, still playing the violin. Still involved in some academic classes. Still climbing life.

And speaking of...

Guess what hapened at the play ground.

How thankful am I that this son of mine has never broken a bone??

VERY.

Okay, fine he has had more stitches then I care to admit. I lost count after 56.

Anyway, he has a grade 2 sprain in his knee. The doctor said absolutely NO pressure on his knee. At all. Ever.

Does she KNOW HIM??!!??!?

Well, here he is...NOT resting.

In fact, he is super excited to have machine guns at easy access at all times.

Words shouldn't escape me. But they do.

How was your week?

On the first day of school

2011-09-02T12:22:00.002-04:00

We started school this week.

I love school.

Granted I do not like dealing with Latin, and Algebra 1/2.

I still like it.

Specially the first day.

Look at my 'dreamsicle' kindergartener. She is jumping out of her skin to read. And she was frustrated with me that at the end of the first day, that she couldn't read her books by her self.

She a bit of an over achiever.

Her pink sparkle Vans.

Look out world, here she comes, and she will read you to death.

Then, there is the 7th grader.

The one who thinks he should be able to teach me more then I could possibly teach him. Because he is almost 13. And who has more wisdom then an almost 13 year old??!!??! Sheesh, mom.

Pray for me.

And his filthy, gross, old, smelly Vans. When we went to get his new pair this week, he compared them to a brand spanking new pair. All I could say was..."ew."

And of course, the best thing about school starting is...

FOOTBALL SEASON starts at the same time!!!

<3 <3 <3

Life is good. And GOD is great.

And then....

2011-08-29T16:42:00.001-04:00

So, the funnest part about my birthday, is knowing that my daughter's birthday is just around the corner!!!

Today, my oldest baby girl is a whopping 23 years old.

I wish her a wonderful, happy, crazy, good birthday.

But ask my youngest son, and he will tell you she acts like a 45 year old. Which odd since that is older then I am. :P

But he probably feels that way because she is his older sister, and she practice mothering on him. Both the good and the *bad*.

And she always felt like if he needed a good smack in the back of the head, well, she will rise up to the occasion and provide it like a good sister should.

They have a special bond. :D

Anyway, she is not here. Again. So the gifts were sent, the card mailed, the phone call made, the FB wishes posted.

If only I could hug her, and kiss her forehead.

But I can't.

And I can't do that to her beautiful baby boy either.

The one who, the minute she blinks, will be 23, too. And she will wonder where the time went.

And why, oh, why did she blink.

Happy birthday beautiful girl. You continue to make me proud.

Summer time and the living is BUSY.

2011-08-28T21:24:00.001-04:00

Whoa.

We start school this week. And I am NOT ready.

So what else is new?

Anyway, I had a birthday. I know, I know...when you are my age...big whoop.

But this year it was so great. Because see...my husband bought me this:

How much do I love it??!!??! Let me count the ways. Now, as excited as I am abouthis wonderful bicycle, I have yet to ride it. It is either raining, or we are out for the day. :P TOMORROW is the day. Irene is gone, no big plans for the week, I have to do it.

A few of the things we did this past week:

We went to my friend's parent's lake house. You could fit my house in their great room.

Yeah.

Anyway, the kids loved it.

Elena is canoeing. Now it looks like it is just her & her pal, but one of the older kids is in the back holding on. Yes, I tend to be a responsible parent more often then not.

The older kids coming back from water skiing and tubing. It was Samuel's first time. He fell and 'rode' his face. He thought it was cool until his bathing suit was coming off.

Then there is this girl, who happens to be my daughter, who has more facial expressions then her brother. I KNOW!!! Who woulda thunk? We went shopping for Christmas in August. My mission girls put on a sit down dinner for the church and they did a great job!!!

And we went to the city on Friday. Yes, the Friday before Irene was going to come to town. And can we remember that people from the city left the city that day, and the traffic was a nightmare. I mean more so then the normal nightmare city traffic. It was on a monumental scale of bad traffic. But it was the only day we could go see The Pompeii exhibit. We had tickets for weeks. And it was worth it.

The boys at Times Square.

And, yes, Irene showed up as she said she would. We lost power for over 15 hours. But since it is summer and I had over planned, it was ok. I even did all the laundry and ironed everything so we would not have wrinkled clothes. Because who wants to have wrinkled clothes like we just came back from the woods? When really, it was just a storm...

Our neighbor's tree. On our garage. Great.

But we are all safe. And my daughter and her family are safe. And my parents are safe. And my son, though his place flooded, is also safe.

So, life is good, and GOD is great.

Today, as we started to clean up the yard, I kind of got excited about the fall decorations, buying mums, pulling out the sweaters.

My favorite season.

Yup, GOD is great.

Back from vacation

2011-08-21T23:18:00.001-04:00

We are back...from vacation.

The house we were able to rent this year was pretty cool. It had that cabin feel to it, Seeing as how it was all wood inside.

Someone loved exploring all the rooms that first day.

And...hey, life is just so much more interesting when you put your glasses on.

Those glasses made their rounds on EVERYONE.

I will post more pictures and adventures later. But my son in law thought it would be a cool idea to buy this puzzle of the island and spend the whole week doing it together.

We did it in less then 24 hours. Puzzles are terribly addicting. And when the whole family gets involved...forget it.

It was cool though, we used it for directions and ideas.

I was really not looking forward to the end of this vacation. Not because I didn't want to come home... I missed my puppies and routine of home in general.

But this year, the end of vacation meant that that beautiful baby boy and his parents, also known as my grandson, daughter & son in law, were leaving for VA Beach for his last year of law school. It is hard, having that baby boy for 3 months, and now he is gone. :(

And now it is time to open those boxes. You know...the ones that have your school year. The ones that used to be fun to open, back when the older kids were little. Now it is exhausting to think of planning the next school year.

But no.

Ok, it may be exhausting, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

SO, off to open the boxes, even though they have been sitting here for over a month. :P Off to plan lessons, trips, extra credit, look forward to teaching one peanut to read, and the other one to tackle algebra 1/2.

Its' good to be home.

Kind of.

Hurry Up and Say Something.

2011-08-09T21:41:00.000-04:00

I found this somewhere.

It hit me hard.

And truly, Mom could be substituted quite easily.

I have seen this be the case WAY TO MANY times.

And can someone explain to me how this happens? When did we become so self righteous as Christians, that we can deem who is worthy of our love?? And the moment we start this thinking, we truly become grumpy. Mean. Hateful.

Useless to the kingdon.

Dear readers, I pray this never happens to any of us.

On another note...

Who needs to buy a gun, when your own garden can provide weapons.

REALLY??!!??! Who grows a gun-shaped zuccinni??!!??!

Me. :P

Anyway...

We had a garage sale this past Saturday. I am truly fascinated by people. The vast array of people who stopped and bought, or didn't buy... WOW!!!

Thinking about it...it still cracks me up. My daughter & I were very amused. Like the British lady, who is from Manchester, but doesn't watch soccer. Or the guys who jumped out the car before it had a chance to stop. And how about them Egyptians?? Or the Indian couple who were so delightful, and in whom the husband was wanting to buy this crystal horse, and his wife said no. Only he came back and got it anyway. Who can say no to a dollar? I mean, if you regret the decision...it was a dollar for crying out loud!!!

And hey, how about the Haitian lady who almost bought us out. Thankfully.

And yes, how could we forget my nieces stopping by, and Alexis wrestling with the Ab-Master, and never really figuring out how to use it.

It almost eat her.

For lunch.

And to end this long enough post, that beautiful boy who calls himself my grandson...(did I mention he is beautiful? He is.)

Well he & my mom have this long standing relationship. She talks and he cracks up. Everytime. Not smile, not make funny noises. C.r.a.c.k.s-u.p.

It works for both of them.

We are off on vacation back to MV on Saturday. Oh the drama. lol.

There shouldn't be drama for vacation.

Should there??

Faith

2011-08-05T21:31:00.001-04:00

I was talking to this young man I know, and he asked if he gave something up, would GOD give it back to him.

Of course, I couldn't believe that the only way he was willing to give something up was hoping/having some kind of guarantee that he would get it back. I mean...come on.

He told me that GOD gave Abraham his son back, it was just a test.

To which I replied, " Abraham walked up that mountain fully knowing in his mind, heart and soul that he was going to come down by himself. There was no doubt in him, for he was grieved, yet fully obedient."

Someone pat me on the back.

But then I got to thinking about me.

Oh.my.word.

How many times have I walked up the mountain, and have already figured out all the possible ways GOD could change His mind for my will?

How many times have I walked up a mountain, and looked for my goat?

How many times have a walked past the mountain, making believe it was not there, even though it was as big as....a mountain? I thought maybe if I went around it, I could avoid it.

WAY too many times.

Even though I know the Sunday School answer, I need to start walking the everyday walk of what I believe.

Will it be easy?

No.

Will it be painful?

Probably.

Will it be good?

Totally.

So, GOD has put my favorite people in the whole wide world, the youth of our lives, to remind me, I am but a babe, trying to make believe I am a giant.

HE is so good to me.

August 1

2011-08-01T22:01:00.000-04:00

This is my son. Well, one of them. :D

He is 12.

A few weeks ago, I felt compelled to encourage my son to do a fast.

And as I was praying about it, before I went to him with it, I thought maybe, that if agrees to do this, then I would do it along side him.

He agreed and we decided that August 1 was going to be our starting date.

We are both pretty excited about it, and at the same time, we know it will be hard.

What is the fast, you ask?

We are going to not listen to ANY secular music for ONE year.

I KNOW!!!!

I love my country music, my U2, The Killers, well I could make a list that is way too long. He has just discovered his music likes, and is willing to put it on hold for a year.

I just discovered a new favorite song. ( If I Ever Leave This World Alive)

Oh well.

OH!

He did request one day off. And I agree. I told him I would take the same day off.

The day he runs his first 8K, and I do yet another 1/2 marathon.

Our day off. It is next Spring.

On other news, have I mentioned that our gand-baby-boy is just so beautiful in so many ways. He just doesn't stop being beautiful.

He can't help it.

The kids and I wne to Cape Cod for a few days to visit my sister. She lives right near what they call a 'pond' which is bigger then a few lakes.

And here is my son, I don't know why he is so whacky, but he is. I will keep him anyway.

OK, the family is jumping around like maniacs, I should go watch the Mets win.

The Dogs Do Not Wish to Have These Days Named After Them Summer

2011-07-23T09:35:00.001-04:00

It is hot.

In fact, it is so hot, it is insulting to all those hot days we have had, to call this hot.

It is sweltering, disgusting, hot, humid, I-am-melting-before-my-very-eyes 100+ degree weather.

And today is no different. I think we are looking at 103.

Remember that community garden plot we have? I have been enjoying it very much. Except this week. Who wants to go and water that thing, in full sun, in 92 degree by 8am weather??

NOT ME.

The dogs don't even move. They just plop down and give me that look, as though I made this happen.

And have I mentioned I do not have central air? Because I don't.

Never mind that the love of my life is a contractor. We will not talk about that.

Nope. We won't.

ANYWAY.

Today, the son of one of my dear friends is getting married. ( outside) It is odd, to be in that time of your life when your kids' friends are getting married. I know that I should be okay with it seeing as how my daughter got married 2 years ago. And I am a grandmother. <3 But it is still a weird feeling. Like...I am not in my 30s anymore, even though I still feel like it.

I am looking forward to this wedding. The two of them are so perfect for each other. You can't slap the grins off their faces, if you tried. And this started the day they met years ago.

The only bummer thing about today is...that he is marrying a hispanic girl ( woo-hoo!!!) whose parents came here to America for the wedding. I am translating the ceremony ( woo-hoo!!) but I still have this crummy summer head cold. ( not woo-hoo) So hopefully, I can still think fast on my feet even though my head is cottony. :P Pray it goes really well.

And now...off to the garden before the wedding. To water my dying, we surrender under this heat plants. And be back to shower all the sweat ( I better lose some weight because of this) off.

GOD is good. All the time.

Summer in the city/beach/mountainside

2011-07-17T10:33:00.000-04:00

I am always in the illusion that things will slow down in the summer. No more chaotic schedules to be tied down to, and I have come to realize, no schedule means anything goes.

And anything does go.

Being in Jersey gives us many opportunities to do, truly, whatever we want.

Like go into the city just to watch street performers. Granted if we wanted to we could eat food from anywhere in the world, go to museums, see sights that are truly amazing to behold. Or just go watch street performers.

And even though we have seen this lighthouse for about 30 years, I don't think we have ever taken a picture of it. It is the Titanic Memorial Lighthouse.

Or we could go down the shore. I am not a shore fan, but everyone else in my house is, so...

Or go on hikes...

Or jump off bridges.

Do you remember when your mother ( or maybe you say this, too) used to say " Well, if everyone jumped off a bridge would you do it too??" I can never use that on my son. He would be the one to jump first.

Or jump off cliffs.

Jersey has a lot to offer. It is truly an opportunity state. It is an expensive state, but one can kind of see why.

So why have I wanted to leave this great state?

I think I was born for island living. Or country living. Or foreign land living.

But here I am. To GOD be the Glory. Let me bloom where HE planted me.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

We got a picture of Audrey that was taken on Wednesday. And PRAISE GOD, truly, she looks so much better and healthier. And can I say...beautiful. <3

Funny story:

When we got the pictures, I first sat and stared in awe for a few minutes. Then I called Elly over so she could see her little sister. She came running and she was about to say " AAaaWWwwww..." It started as and " Aww..." But finished with, " MOMMY!!! CAN I HAVE MY HAIR LIKE THAT??!!??!!??"

See, Audrey has all sorts of braids and beads weaved in her hair.

And now my little chinese daughter, with hair as straight as a pin...wishes she could do the same.

These 2 will be interesting together. :D

The Pool

2011-07-02T11:03:00.007-04:00

We joined the pool again this year. We didn't last year because Samuel opted to join several camps, and since we couldn't financially do both, Elena missed out, without knowing it.

Well she is loving this place.

And I am loving her face.

Chloe & Josiah went with us, and This Beautiful Grandson of Mine was trying to figure out what he has done in his little life, that would cause his parents to torture him by putting him in cold water while all he really wants to do is eat. Can I interject here and say HE IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

And Samuel? When asked to get out of the pool, this is his response. He loves being in the water. Pool, beach, lake..it is always the same...impossible to drag him out.

Well...since we are talking about pools and such, I am going to put in a plug for all you out there who are still trying to find a modest bathing suit. I had been searching for a long time for a bathing suit that I would feel comfortable with, and actually like enough to wear it. I came up with ...nothing. I have a Land's End suit, that according to the world is pretty modest. But it just didn't do it for me. I wore it, but kept looking for somehting better.

I found it!!

I got it in the mail and I LOVE IT!!

The company was founded by 2 Conservative Jewish women. The suits have been approved by a rabbi before they go into production. They basically cater to to Musilm & Jewish law. I am neither Mulsim or Jewish, but a Christian, who desires to be more modest then the norm. Personal conviction.

Anyway, I bought this skirt!!

It was pricey, but then when I look at the regular well made bathing suits, it was compareable. Next year, I am hoping to buy a top, but for now, this will have to do.

And now I am comfortably ready for the pool. (Or the beach, Or the lake. My husband & children are water nuts.)

And when I am there, I may have to eat this peanut for lunch because she is too cute for her own good.

Just Around the River Bend.

2011-06-28T20:16:00.001-04:00

Can you believe what 16 months has done??

Here is the peanut when she first came home. Watching her Wiggles. She seemed so little girl. She was.

Here she is now, slipping down the chair. Watching her Leapfrog. How could this happen, in just 16 months??!!??!

This weekend we went to Clinton, to enjoy some window shopping and water splashing. Samuel ran to me on the bridge to give me the keys,

so he could join these 2 in the water. I opted not to go, thank you very much.

They got across the river and then started going back, and you will never guess what happened...

Someone came back slightly irritated. Can you tell from this picture who it was??

It was him. And if you look closely, you can see why...he lost one of his crocs on the way back, and he LOVES his crocs. LOVES LOVES LOVES them.

I was trying to hard not to laugh, and he gave me this look. It didn't help. It just made it even HARDER not to laugh. My poor son. But let me tell you, it was f-u-n-n-y.

Then he was trying not to laugh. And the harder he tried not to laugh, the harder it became for him, too.

Pitch the other one too, son. Maybe someone will find both and how fun would that be??!!??!

There it is...I know you can barely see it...but there it goes.

Funny part, this fisherman was on the other side when Samuel lost his croc, and he talked to him about it. The fisherman moved down river, and after Samuel pitched his other croc over, we realized that there is a chance that this fisherman would think it was the one he lost in the first place. He did. He got a little excited when he saw it floating by. He hadn't noticed the surrender. Samuel hid. lol. The fisherman couldn't grab it either.

Just as well.

The other one was long gone.

Life...on planet earth.

2011-06-22T21:28:00.002-04:00

Life is good.

It is the most wonderful having my daughter & her family here, even if it is only temporarily. I will enjoy this summer, kissing that baby's perfect cheeks, doing things with my daughter, good talks with my son-in-law. And watching them become such good parents.

It has been great watching my oldest son bloom, in HIS grace. To hear him laugh. To watch him work hard, be exhausted, and love it. To take his little brother along side him and teach him the ways of our LORD. Watch him continue to become the young man I remember praying for way back when he was about 5.

It has been interesting watching our youngest son, trying to find his role in this family, in the faith and in this world. Trying to be 'old' and yet loving being a kid. Ministering to the old, young, sick, dying, living and family. To watching him be so tender with his little sister ( and tease the day lights out of her, too) ( keeping it real) and fighting with me to hold the baby.

And our little Miss Princess??? Yup, she is a joy. Hilarious, cute, stubborn, has discovered dress up, is about 5 minutes from reading, is so very helpful and yes, smart.

Some pictures of life in NJ. ( click to see bigger)

It is a wonder if this baby gets put down. Who can walk by this beautiful boy and not want to hold him??? He has the most delicious smell. And the softest cheeks. And best expressions.

This is a picture of my son, my other son, and Noah, a young man from Sweden who was here for a few months working along side our son at the Mission. Yes his hair is in a pony tail on top of his head. Yes he pulls his socks up as far as they go. Like I said...he is from Sweden. And yes, our oldest is sleeping.

Birthday bag for Father's Day. :D And a little peanut helping open presents. As like any 4 year old, she thinks everyone needs her help in opening presents.

Our oldest daughter got this for her daddy. It is not even a gag gift. It is for a man who is in complete denial that he needs reading glasses. I need to hold his reading material across the table so he can read it. He needed the magnifying glass to read the directions.

And taking Josiah to our favorite kosher pizzeria. We have been going there for about 17 years, and it hasn't changed a bit.

GOD is good. HE is faithful. HE is true. And because of that, life is good.

Thoughts.

2011-06-11T14:25:00.002-04:00

It has been a busy last few days. They never stop being busy, but they also have been great.

We are working towards the tail end of our schooling, going longer then I would like, but doing well.

Next year we will start Kolbe Academy Homeschool, which is what my oldest son graduated from and we were quite pleased with the outcome. We go the Classical Trivium route of education. Why? I don't know. And though we are not Catholic by faith, their program is excellent, and they accepted us. ( They accept anybody. :D )lol.

While my youngest son is so ridiculously smart, he is a disciplined mess. :P So I am opting to start him with Kolbe early so he gets used to the program by the time he hits high school.

And another issue we have been dealing with in this home, is having a 12 year old boy. Going to be 13 this year. To anyone who has one, I need not say more.

To those who don't have one, or have forgotten, pray for survival in this home. He goes from delightful, to terrorist, to ridiculous, to angry, to funny, to embarrassed, to being a hug monster, to making believe that his life began the day he crawled out from under a rock. This, all in the span of about 1/2 hour.

Yeah.

OH, and another thing we are working through is...

missions.

I love missions. I have always believe a church without a missions mind set, is a dying church. That may sound a little harsh, but I am okay with that. Proclaiming HIS name is our heart beat. It is our lives lived out to HIS glory. As Steve Green reapeated what Jesus said...across the street or around the world.

And let me tell you something, across the street is sometimes as hard as across the world.

But both are oh so important.

And so, we are starting the thought process of how to start our 12 year old boy thinking about missions. Let me rephrase that. How to live out what he has been taught since he could grasp any kind of knowledge. What will be his options? GOD's desire for him? When, where, and yes, even why?

It is a good process and I am excited about it.

Until then, we will survive the middle school years.

They are the stone to sharpen his father and I for our future. As well as his.

If you can't beat 'em...

2011-06-04T16:11:00.002-04:00

I usually don't follow the 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" philosophy. It is very unChrist-like. But sometimes you just make the best of a situation, and move on.

According to my ticker on top of this blog, we have been married 26 years, 4 months, 1 week and 5 days as of today.

Well, for the past 26 years, 4 months, 1 week and 4 days, I have been hoping, praying, begging, dreaming, going to realtor.com, and right out demanding we move out of Jersey. ( I know, I know...pray for me)

Yup. One day after we got married, I started lobbying.

As you can see, I never did succeed.

(God must really need us here something awful.)

PLUS, I married a Jersey guy, born and bred. And Irish. Pretty much the most stubborn combination on the face of the earth.

So since we are going to stay here, we may as well enjoy what 'here' has to offer.

So, I told the Love of My Life that since I am surrendering my dreams of #1 Texas, #2 Colorado, and #3 anywhere but Jersey, I am going to go ahead and get a couple more museum memberships in NYC, reserve a weekend down the shore for the 2 of us more often, drive my suburban around more instead of my station wagon, and blast my country music while doing it.

So if you don't mind, allow me my delusions for a minute or 2.

And try to understand in order for me survive, i will follow the philosophy: if you can't beat 'em...join 'em.

crazy like a...good grief...i can't think of anything that crazy

2011-06-01T22:38:00.001-04:00

So... I married this guy 26 years ago.

He has made life interesting. To put it mildy.

Just like his son, I wonder why I am still shocked by his statements.

Like this morning. Do you know what he told me this morning.

He is becoming a vegetarian.

Which is interesting because he loves his steak and his lobster. OK, he is not a chicken fan. At all. So much so that he had threatened in the past to be come vegetarian so as not to eat chicken anymore. But he didn't do it because he loves his steak. And hamburgers. And bacon. And hot dogs. And lobster. And shrimp. And pork chops. You get the point.

But today, he made up his mind.

SoOOOOoooOooo... I am on the internet finding recipes for vegetarians.

NOT fun.

My daughter went on a vegan fast for a few weeks. It was a prayer and fasting fast, not a life style or conviction for the poor animals fast. She couldn't wait for her time frame to be over.

It was the pits cooking for her during that time period.

:::sigh:::

Why am I so surprised?

( I am still hoping he changes his mind soon..I'll keep you posted.)

Life, as She Knows It Now...

2011-05-31T10:53:00.002-04:00

What makes a little girl super happy??

When we get home and her daddy is outside...then she jumps on her swing and gives him that face that will make any daddy do whatever she wants. Even if he is trimming the bushes.

And he does.

And off she goes, being swung harder and higher then her mommy can do for her.

And she laughs so hard you could hear her down the street.

And she holds on tight for dear life.

And her second favorite thing is friends. See Gwenny, here? She is from the same province in China that Elly was from!! They are practically related!! LOL :)

New mindset.

2011-05-26T12:22:00.002-04:00

My husband is not what anyone would call a world traveler. By ANY stretch of anyone's imagination.

In fact, if you stretch that imagination to the limit, he barely survived China. His idea of a vacation is the Watchung Mountains. They are 10 minutes from our house. This way we could come home to sleep, and the drive is just the right amount of time.

We can't even move out of Jersey because the newness of anything is not his cup of tea.

Which is one of the reasons, when we found out that we were not going to have to travel to Africa to get our daughter, it made him super happy. He is more then willing to pay a chaperone to bring her to us.

This morning, I got the email.

The law changed.
At least one of us has to go to DRCongo.

Other then the extra financial hardship, I am good to go. He is not.

I told him I could go by myself. Or take a friend.

We will see.

Until then, Beautiful Jesus, keep our daughter safe until I get there.

Welcome to My World

2011-05-25T14:49:00.003-04:00

See this kid?

He cracks me up.

Most of the time.

See this other kid with him?

That is his best friend.

They have been best friend since they were born. In the womb, even. True story.

So needless to say Frick and Frack spend a lot of time together.

As you can see in the picture, one seems semi-normal, while the other is looking for the next mischievious thing to do. You can figure out the roles. :P

Yesterday, I picked up Samuel from Joe's house, and on the way home he told me to try something.

"Mom, you should try this, next time you open a seltzer bottle, you should breath in the air that comes out."

Now mind you, he is always giving suggestions like this, so I half heartedly acknowledge the statement.

Then comes Part 2, which I don't understand why Part 2s still manages to shock me.

" It gives you a stomachache."

" Why would you tell me to do this, then??!!??!!??!"

" What do you mean, don't you want to try it?"

" SON! Did you know this when you tried it?"

" Yeah, Joe told me. It happened to him first."

Welcome to my world.

Pray for us.

Teach Me Your Ways.

2011-05-23T23:19:00.001-04:00

I like to go to this catholic chapel to pray. Often. I am not a catholic, but since protestant churches are locke during the week, prayer chapels make a real nice option.

I have been going for years.

I know that I can pray at home, but going someplace, away from all the distractions like another load of laundry, dishes, vacuuming, any chore, that though important and not terrible, definite distractions.

ANYWAY, today, when I went, I had this book to meditate on that my friend gave me. I read all of almost 5 pages in over an hour. Yes, I know how to read quite proficiently. But it was one of those meaty books, that you constantly have to stop and think about, meditate, pray for, be challenged by, and reread because you just didn't like the teaching the first time, you reread it to make sure you can't find loop holes to crawl through, though it is Truth. Painful, but good.

It has been a long tough almost 6 years in my life. I am tired, and sometimes I think I am done.

And then I RUN, don't walk to prayer.

GOD is good, all the time. In Psalm 23, David talks about the journey of pain and deep struggle as he speaks of the Valley of the shadow of death. And he makes it a point to say ... 'for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.' It is not a pie in the sky, no troubles, no heartaches life he talks about...it is " MAN this stinks, but I know you are walking with me, though no one else is, or wants to."

I love my time alone with HIM. I crave it. I seek to learn HIS ways. Even when I don't like them.

And tough I fail HIM time and time again, He has never failed me. Not during the times of tears, heartache, or anger. Not during the high life of selfishness on my part, not during the valley years.

Teach me your ways my Precious Jesus, and help me to not just hear, but do.

...going home...

2011-05-20T10:49:00.001-04:00

We are going home tomorrow.

We have been here almost a month. It would have been a month on Monday. I am ready to go home.

We are staying at a lovely home with a kitchen to die for, but I can't wait to go home.

The weather here is amazing, as opposed to Jersey, in which it has been raining for days on end, but I can't wait to go home.

We are attending a fantastic church with great worship & preaching, holy people, and they serve breakfast!!!... but I can't wait to go home.

I miss home. Not necesarily Jersey, but home. I miss my husband, I miss my puppies, I miss dinner time, I miss my bed.

I have to admit, I haven't even thought about the cats until this very minute...

But I have to say, I would not have missed being here for the world. My grandson is so beautiful, sometimes I cry for the sheer joy & amazement.

And I don't care who sees it.

On Monday, my daughter, son in law and grandson will be coming up to Jersey for the summer.

I hope I can make it. Those are going to be hard 2 days of not seeing that beautiful face and kissing those soft perfect cheeks.

But I can't wait to go home.

The only thing is...I have a feeling is it going to be a royal and awful mess. After all, it has been my husband and the dogs for a month. And I don't think he knows how to work the vacuum.

Enough said.

But I can't wait to see them.

I Had a Dream

2011-05-13T22:20:00.000-04:00

I had this dream that my grandbaby was born. But it ended up being, that the dream... was a reality!!! And after much work on her part, and his, they gave birth to this amazingly beautiful baby boy named Gideon Beckett C.....

And all I can say is...Thank you Jesus for such a beautiful blessing. I thought I got the whole grandmother thing, now I really get it...

and I love it more then I thought possible.

still waiting

2011-05-03T12:14:00.000-04:00

Yes, we are still waiting. But that is okay.

Because whenever this baby comes will be the perfect time.

And here are my daughters showing off their ´bellies´. lol

Today, I found out that our case had been heard last week, and we should get a ruling this week. And everything is going well!! Then we wait a month to get our certificates, and then any time after that we will have our daughter!!

I don´t know if we have to go to Congo yet or not, but I sure am ready for that baby girl. And Elly is starting to think I am making stuff up. lol

See, she knows she is getting a new little sister. And she knows that her big sister has a baby in her belly.

But I don´t. And even though she knows she is from China, and has seen pictures of her little sister...she is slightly confused.

And I have been talking about her little sister for a long time, and she has't shown up yet.

Poor baby girl, hopefully it will come together in her little mind. Once everyone is here.

Okay, off to do some school, because just because we are in VA Beach doesn't mean school is out. :D

Easter, and southern bound.

2011-04-25T08:23:00.000-04:00

Easter was fun. Inspite of the fact that it was one of the smallest Easter celebrations EVER. We decided not to plan much because we may have gotten the call to take off to VA Beach.

Our youngens before church. Yes, he is wearing shorts & Vans. He is his fathers son. I just need to move on.

She danced the afternoon away. I made her stop for a second and this is her thought on that. lol.

Lilly LOVED popping bubbles too! She leaped so high, trying to get them before the kids popped them.

Samuel being taught how to dance by Elena.

Well, since we DIDN'T get the call...the children and I are now packing up to go down south and wait for the grandbaby. <3 So, very soon... I will be a grandmother. <3

And I can't wait to hold that baby in my arms.

Hopefully we won't be there for a month. lol.

Whoa. Time is Flying WAY TOO FAST

2011-04-20T10:02:00.001-04:00

I need to be in here more often. I will forget what happened in life if I don't.

And I want to remember and rejoice in the life HE has given to us. The good, the bad and everything in between. Thanks be to HIM who is worthy of all praise. Always.

We returned my daughter to her husband in DC after the shower. And here are the sisters saying 'till next time.'

And giving the baby a kiss.

And since it was DC, we had to just get out and walk around a bit before going home.

Capitol Building.

As Elena was going up the Supreme Court steps, she lost her shoe. Just like Cinderella. <3 lol.

And for some reason, lately I have been thinking about my father in law alot. Maybe because my daughter is having a baby, and I know he would have been excited to see this great-grandchild.

Maybe because I see how much my husband still needs him sometimes.

Maybe because he was such a great guy. Not perfect, but pretty great.

Here is a picture of 3 generations. There was a lot of respect and admiration amongst them. And love.

SO, any minute now, I am expecting a phone call to run down to VA Beach because someone went into labor. If she doesn't go into labor before Easter, we ( my mom, the kids & I ) are going to down Monday to wait it out. John will come down when she goes into labor.

First grandchild. I am so excited I can't sleep.

If I don't make it here before Good Friday and/or Easter, May HIS presence be supreme in your hearts, in your life, in who you are. Surrender that which is not yours anyway. And if it has been a while since you left HIS grace...come back Home dear one, come Home.

Some stop the train.

2011-04-11T11:02:00.001-04:00

It has been busy.

We were able to bring our daughter here for 2 days, and so, within a 2 week span, we planned a baby shower for her.

And everyone came.

Which is great, until you have to have room for 60+ people in a house. lol. But it sure was fun and she got loads of good stuff.

But first, let me share a picture of my son; who came by my parents house, and while talking fell asleep. With Mindy. Who really likes him. Playing on the floor:

Fell asleep soon after.

Here are my 2 daughters and my 2 nieces. Behind all the presents. Elizzi kept track of what she got ON HER COMPUTER. Brilliant!!! I am so old school, I would have just written everything down.

So, the women at church gave her her beloved jogging stroller. This was the first thing she registered for, because she is already signed up for a 1/2 marathon.

I did suggest she may need other things. :P

She is so not my child sometimes.

She was so happy, that she MADE herself keep opening other gifts and not play with this one.

My dear friend MADE these!! Are the cool or what??!!? And she also got her books books books. I love her.

Um...TOTALLY.

Her hat. <3

Josiah took a picture of her belly every week, and put it on facebook so we can see her, since she is a million miles away. We took the pictures and put them in order so everyone could see the progress. :)

Elena was the Hostess. I don't think she knew it. lol. Here she is with her little friends.

The next day, we dropped her off at Washington DC, where Josiah had a conference and they went home. Which made it all possible. Because I could not drive a 14 hour round trip to VA Beach. Twice. But we can totally do a 7 hour round trip!!

So, later I will post the day in DC pictures, or you would fall out of your chair from boredom from all the pictures in one post.

OH!

Thought.

What are your feeling on 1Corinthians 11:5 - 6?

2011-04-01T19:00:00.001-04:00

From our home to yours...

Happy Opening Day!

Let's Go Mets. :D

Elena decided she does NOT want to be a Mets Fan.

She is opting to follow the Skankees.

I mean Yankees.

Her sister will have a fit. Not sure how well that will go in this home. In fact, it won't go well at all.

I promise you I will not spend one dime on ANYTHING Yankees. Gross me out the door.

Oh and by the way, you have to know I am kidding on this crazy day. Elena is well outfitted with her Mets stuff,too.

April Fools

2011-03-30T13:43:00.001-04:00

We really are not not sports fanatics. We enjoy good games.

OK. FINE. I love football.

We watch football all the time. Baseball is my husband's love. He is not as lunatic as he used to be, but he enjoys a good game when he has time, too.

He is a Mets fan. So, needless to say, all our children followed his footsteps and are die hard Mets fans.

Because you have to be a die hard to be a Mets fan; they stink.

And I say that lovingly, for they have become my team too.

ANYWAY, their first day is April 1. I think it is a cruel joke. And I think it is doubly mean that we have snow forecasted here on that day.

Here is a picture of Samuel when his older brother took him to CitiField last year.

Everyone loved his poster. It said " If you promise to win the World Series, I promise to do my math homework."

Every Mets fan is slightly delusional. It helps us survive. In our weak moments, we shake our fist, but then we remember...and we cheer them on till the end.

And then end comes pretty quickly.

BUT this is their year!!!

Why?? I don't know, we say that every year.

On another note, our oldest son told me last week he was almost killed at work. Again.

Sometimes I grow relaxed in my prayers, and then I reminded to stay faithful in going to the THRONE in humility and thankfulness.

Not to say it would even occur to him to leave the job, he loves it. But sometimes I wonder 'what on earth??"

And I remember the fact that I have always told and continue to tell my children if they are going to have to die and yes, everybody does, die doing HIS work!!

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST.

ALWAYS.

HURRY UP!!!

2011-03-27T23:07:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard or experienced the expression 'Hurry up and wait?'

I WISH.

We are now on hurry up and hurry up mode, and when the children are sick...it causes slight panic.

This is my daughter. She is going to have my very first grandbaby soon, and I am 50% sure it is a boy!!!

She & our son-in-law live in VA Beach.

Which is a bummer and a blessing on so many levels.

WELL, we, and when I say we, I mean me, my mom, and the other family members of the female persuasion, had wanted to give her a baby shower before the baby was born, but alas, she lives 7 hours away.

Well, as it turns out, there is a small window of opportunity that presented itself, and now, in less then 2 weeks, she will be here for about 48 hours and we will shower her with gifts.

Hence we need to hurry up and hurry up.

And have you seen what new and exciting stuff is out there for a baby??!!?? With all those wonderful things to want, what is her #1 desire??

Guess...

Go ahead and guess.

Let me give you a hint.

She has already signed up for a marathon.

Yeah.

She inspires me.

And that doesn't even touch her heart for GOD.

Sickos in the house

2011-03-24T16:12:00.000-04:00

You know how you know time stands still? When you can't gauge it. For example, you look at the time and it is 3pm. And you think IT'S 3 PM ALREADY??!! How can that be, I just woke up?And the next second you think, IT'S ONLY 3 PM??!!? I am ready for bed!!

Yeah. Both my children are sick. The kind of sick that even though Tylen@l helps keep their fever down, it never goes down enough. The kind that makes your knees weak and your head feel like a cottonball full of rocks. The kind of sick that doesn't let you eat. Mostly because you are sleeping; but even when you wake up you still don't want to eat. The kind of sick that makes this momma stare at them while they sleep because there is not too much I can do. Well, I pray, and pray, and then pray some more.

The kind of sick that makes time stand still.

Of course, today is their pediatrician's day off. So I did the next best thing.

I called my mom.

And she promptly went about making her best jewish-grandmother chicken soup. My dad just dropped it off and I am not kidding, BOTH kids got up and ate it!!

But why am I surprised?

Granted, they both went back to sleep after they finished it, but at least they ate something. Something good for sick babies.

So, as time stands still, I pray that I don't get as sick as they feel, though I am definitely battling something.

The Good Earth

2011-03-21T19:36:00.001-04:00

We had a community garden meeting the weekend. It was something to behold because these people are nazi-crazy-organic maniacs. The WHOLE board was full of New Englanders, as well as most gardeners. They were that hardy stock you hear about and you can tell just by looking at them. They were super cool. The wealth of information and knowledge that they have about the earth and the soil that I don't know is astounding.

I thought I was a semi-decent gardener; now I realized I am barely a beginner.

But I love it.

So we visited our plot after the meeting. It had been abandoned last year, and when I saw it, it was just so sad.

We had only planned to visit it, but instead, we rolled up our sleeves, and got started on cleaning it up.

She wasn't prepared to work, she had her nice shoes on. But that didn't stop her from *helping*. :D

It was a nippy day, but after a little while, the sweaters came off. Even John who has no body fat took his off.

This is probably the funniest picture. Our oldest son was carting the mulch to our walkway, which we are required to keep nice and neat and weed free. It's in the rules. ( yes there is a garden police ) They provided the mulch for free, we provide the man power.

Anyway, if you click on the picture, you can see in the background that Elena didn't want to go where she was told, and so she was *inspired* by her other brother to do it anyway. LOL.

So, we worked for about an hour and a half, and it started to look decent.

We were going to go after school today, but alas, there was snow on the ground.

Even though Spring is officially here.

Happy St Paddy's Day!!

2011-03-17T13:10:00.001-04:00

I married an irishman.

I stole this from my daughter's blog :D

It has been an adventure. When we were getting married, a few people said " You are marrying an irishman? Are you sure you want to do it? "

I didn't understand what they meant.

Now I do.

And though sometimes it is hard, I wouldn't change it for the world. Most of the time. ( keeping it real, lol)

I've been cooking for St Paddy's Day meal since this morning. I should be done around 6pm.

See, it is his favorite holiday and he is worth the work and effort. I don't get it, but I don't have to.

So, not to take anything away from the love of my life, and going into some facts like his grandma smoked a pipe, and clan mentality is inbred...

The reality is that St. Patrick's Day has become a day to drink and party. That is a shame. It should be a day to honor self sacrifice and joy that passes understanding. To follow the example and surrender the norm. Live to the glory of GOD.

So, off to continue making the meal, and change his children into green leperchauns. (Yikes, I hope the peanut has something green!! )

Go celebrate! Go bless! Go play some music with bagpipes ( or come over to the house and borrow some, we have plenty :P )

And have yerself a Happy St. Paddy's Day.

Mrs Bossy Pants

2011-03-15T21:11:00.001-04:00

At dinner tonight, Elena was being Miss Bossy Pants.

Again.

She really is a delightful child.

And she is a joy. Her laughter can pull anyone's bad mood out of the rain.

She is helpful and hard working. And yes, she even asks for MORE school work because she enjoys it.

But when she wants something done, or she thinks someone is in the wrong... she will let you know loud and clear.

I am trying to make believe that it is in her DNA, so that I can have no responsibility over it. She gets it from ...well. you know...her biological DNA.

But I can't.

Because since I have accused her, albeit lovingly, of being a Miss Bossy Pants, I have been listening to myself to see if she * might * get it from me.

She does.

Now before you think I am this wonderful person who reflects often on my own faults, let me tell you WHY I had to reflect on the fact that maybe, just maybe, she got it from me.

Because, see, she is also very polite and encouraging, she says things EXACTLY like I say them, and I take full credit ( in my head :D )for teaching such wonderful things to my child.

So, Mrs. Bossy Pants needs to rethink how her life is going to change and be lived out, because Miss Bossy Pants just needs to stop being so bossy.

Just like her momma.

End Times?

2011-03-11T16:32:00.004-05:00

I can't tell you how many articles, posts, blogs, FB statuses and radio commentaries I have heard that we should WAKE UP because this is the END TIMES!!!

Look around you! Look at the signs! It is obvious and we are reading the signs.

Which got me thinking.

Dangerous past time, I know.

It got me thinking how many Christians will change because it is THE END TIMES!!

How many Christians are going to start praying.

How many Christians are going to start telling others that IT IS THE END TIMES and they need to repent!!

How many Christians will change how they live, hoping to rack up some *brownie points* in case it is indeed the END TIMES!! and they could use all the help they can get when standing before The King.

How many Christians are going to... dare I say it???...start reading their Bibles, again.

But wait...

Aren't we suppose to be living holy and true? Regardless of when the end times come?

Aren't we suppose to walk in HIS light, and spreading it is desperation because lost souls are dying every single day?

Aren't we suppose to be hoping and living, clinging to HIS hand in the decisions we make, in the way we live, in the Light we spread?

Shouldn't we be living our lives like the end is near, because really, have you seen, do you know how many people die in car accidents? How many people die in wars? How many people die of a heart attack with no prior signs? How many people die of drug overdose, physical abuse, cancer, an accidental fall, a swung bat landing in the wrong place on your head.

Not to minimize the pain and heartache happening in Japan, and around the world. I remember 9/11, watching the towers fall from the mountainside near our house.

I remember when my brother in law died at the young age of 33, leaving behind my sister and their 3 small children. I remember that pain, that emptiness, that heartache that won't go away. For a long time.

And with Japan & New Zealand, times that a million.

But...

The END TIMES!!! have been happening for a long time to everyday people.

Live like it, regardless of what is going on in the world. Live like it because HE told us to live for HIM.

And our lives should not change because of the temperature of the World, they should change because of our love for HIM, who loves us to distraction and deserves every part of our lives.

Is it the END TIMES??!!? I don't know. Not even Jesus knew.

But I know how I am suppose to be living.

Today.

And tomorrow.

And next week.

Do you?