Things have been so busy here the last few weeks.
Today is the last day of school.
Over the weekend I will update on everyone.
What we are doing. Where we are going.
How the last few weeks have been (hint. UGH)
All the goodies will be posted on everyone over the weekend along with some pictures I found on my camera from spring break! Can you believe it? I still haven't even downloaded them yet.
I am trying to decide how to download onto the laptop and the most efficient way to store them. To be honest, I am not sure I totally know how to do it yet so the pictures are just sitting on the camera.
Off to Sam's fifth grade graduation, then baseball, then baseball again in the morning, then who knows what???
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
MY SONG
Angel is going to try and come up with a little ditty for me. It seems to always work for her. The minute she posts a song, she gets the news she is waiting for. Bless her heart she is leaving for China in a few short days to pick up Kaiya and yet she is still working on a song for Jake.
But in the meantime, I was singing to the kids tonight and came up with my own, not as good as Angel's but the best I can do.
But in the meantime, I was singing to the kids tonight and came up with my own, not as good as Angel's but the best I can do.
To the tune of "Where O Where Has My Little Dog Gone?"
Oh where oh where
has Jake's birth certificate gone?
Oh who oh who has it now?
I want my baby to come home now
so RENAP let us go soon.
Oh when oh when
will my Jakey come home?
Oh when oh when will it be?
He needs his mommy to rock him to sleep
oh when oh when will it be.
Oh please Oh please
let it be soon.
My mind can't take much more.
The days are long and the nights are too
Oh please end this real soon.
So that is it. The best I can do. Angel, see why I asked for your help?????
In all seriousness, please pray that we hear something soon and this mess can end. We are so close but so far away.
GOING TO THE BACK OF THE BRAIN
What is up with people today? Someone, anyone want to answer that question? Our office biller quit today. She left a note with her key in the office while no one was there she was accepting another job. No notice, no nothing.
Do young people understand the value of a good personal reference? You can work your hardest and be the best you can be at your job and she was BUT if you just walk out without even a day or two notice it makes you look less than desirable.
So anyway the first words out of my mouth to the office manager (my mother) was "I really don't think I am in any shape to help this time. It has been eight years since I have truly done billing and I am sure things have changed more than I am able to catch up with. Sorry. Gotta go. Bye" Phones are great that way. You can just hang up.
Then it happened. GUILT
This is my husband's office. My mother has worked hard for him for several years. We have a receptionist who works well with patients. We have a great dictation team (my two sisters). We all depend on one thing. Someone, anyone, that can bill and get the insurance companies to pay patient charges so we can eat, sleep, be happy and survive.
She has already placed an ad in the paper but we are looking at three weeks out to hire and get someone able to start work.
All this is going through my mind this afternoon.
So I sat back and closed my eyes. I went to the back of my brain. You know the place where you keep all the file cabinets full of junk you don't forget but don't use every day? Sometimes we also use those to store our God given talents but that is another post.
It was dusty and since I am allergic to dust I thought about leaving. But I looked around until I found the January 2000 file drawer and dug around until I found the "don't have a clue but let's start a whole new practice from scratch with your help and the help of your mother who has never even worked in a doctor's office before." Boy did she need to learn fast. Talk about pressure.
It was rather stuffed and all kinds of unnecessary information was in there. Do I really need to remember things how many supplies we go through each week, the name of the first patient I billed in 2000, the name of the patient I couldn't get the insurance to pay for in 2000, the name of the insurance company that drove me almost insane, the name of the patient who constantly flirted with my husband?
This folder is cluttered with so much junk. But after a quick run through I was able to find the billing file. Not much information but when I think through it I am sure it is enough to push me back into the realm of biller until someone else is hired.
So come Monday afternoon when Annie and Jesse get home to watch the Guatlings I will be marching off to the office to see just how pitiful my brain really is.
This could be scary but just like in 2000 there will be a large folder to store away lots of fun memories. Every once in a while my mom and I will walk down memory lane 2000 and laugh until we cry about things we almost cried about in 2000. It is amazing to me how time mellows everything.
Some day I will share our favorites like Sam throwing the trash can out the two story window, Sam and Superman, Sam the counterfeiter, falling asleep during odd times and the ever popular "bun boy" stories. When I think of all those I just can't help but laugh. God was always providing us with Sam's comic relief during a rough time.
It was a stressful time but we sure did have fun.
Once again God will provide the right person for the job.
I think He just really has a sense of humor and enjoys seeing my sweat!!!! :) Besides EVERY trip to Guatemala so far has had an office issue attached to it. So.... I am hoping this is the sign Jake is coming home soon.
Have a good weekend.
Do young people understand the value of a good personal reference? You can work your hardest and be the best you can be at your job and she was BUT if you just walk out without even a day or two notice it makes you look less than desirable.
So anyway the first words out of my mouth to the office manager (my mother) was "I really don't think I am in any shape to help this time. It has been eight years since I have truly done billing and I am sure things have changed more than I am able to catch up with. Sorry. Gotta go. Bye" Phones are great that way. You can just hang up.
Then it happened. GUILT
This is my husband's office. My mother has worked hard for him for several years. We have a receptionist who works well with patients. We have a great dictation team (my two sisters). We all depend on one thing. Someone, anyone, that can bill and get the insurance companies to pay patient charges so we can eat, sleep, be happy and survive.
She has already placed an ad in the paper but we are looking at three weeks out to hire and get someone able to start work.
All this is going through my mind this afternoon.
So I sat back and closed my eyes. I went to the back of my brain. You know the place where you keep all the file cabinets full of junk you don't forget but don't use every day? Sometimes we also use those to store our God given talents but that is another post.
It was dusty and since I am allergic to dust I thought about leaving. But I looked around until I found the January 2000 file drawer and dug around until I found the "don't have a clue but let's start a whole new practice from scratch with your help and the help of your mother who has never even worked in a doctor's office before." Boy did she need to learn fast. Talk about pressure.
It was rather stuffed and all kinds of unnecessary information was in there. Do I really need to remember things how many supplies we go through each week, the name of the first patient I billed in 2000, the name of the patient I couldn't get the insurance to pay for in 2000, the name of the insurance company that drove me almost insane, the name of the patient who constantly flirted with my husband?
This folder is cluttered with so much junk. But after a quick run through I was able to find the billing file. Not much information but when I think through it I am sure it is enough to push me back into the realm of biller until someone else is hired.
So come Monday afternoon when Annie and Jesse get home to watch the Guatlings I will be marching off to the office to see just how pitiful my brain really is.
This could be scary but just like in 2000 there will be a large folder to store away lots of fun memories. Every once in a while my mom and I will walk down memory lane 2000 and laugh until we cry about things we almost cried about in 2000. It is amazing to me how time mellows everything.
Some day I will share our favorites like Sam throwing the trash can out the two story window, Sam and Superman, Sam the counterfeiter, falling asleep during odd times and the ever popular "bun boy" stories. When I think of all those I just can't help but laugh. God was always providing us with Sam's comic relief during a rough time.
It was a stressful time but we sure did have fun.
Once again God will provide the right person for the job.
I think He just really has a sense of humor and enjoys seeing my sweat!!!! :) Besides EVERY trip to Guatemala so far has had an office issue attached to it. So.... I am hoping this is the sign Jake is coming home soon.
Have a good weekend.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
WHINY BUTT SYNDROME
I am having a whiny butt day. That is what I tell Anabeli and Marvin when they just whine for nothing. Although in all fairness I feel I have a reason to whine but I am sure they feel they do too.
This RENAP stuff is causing me to want to stomp my foot, scream, drop to the floor roll around and kick, pout, cry. Basically have a two year old fit.
Today the sun in shining and it is pretty. It is cold and windy but pretty. So it is a good day to work around the house and not feel guilty when we don't get outside. I am going to force myself off my whiny butt and get moving.
Someone told me about three years ago that the reason God made your bottom so cushy was so you can sit on it for a long time. (She was having a really bad time in her life. I do mean really bad.) My response to my dearest friend in the whole word was NO. Haven't you noticed you tush goes away when you stand up? It is cushy because it is a pack and carry seat! Now carry it to something worthwhile. She laughed and we both felt much better.
So I am going to pack and carry my seat to the kitchen and clean.
ANGEL---- I need a cute little ditty from you. They seem to always work when you post them while waiting on Zoe and Kaiya. So if something comes to mind while you are packing for CHINA let me know. :) :)
This RENAP stuff is causing me to want to stomp my foot, scream, drop to the floor roll around and kick, pout, cry. Basically have a two year old fit.
Today the sun in shining and it is pretty. It is cold and windy but pretty. So it is a good day to work around the house and not feel guilty when we don't get outside. I am going to force myself off my whiny butt and get moving.
Someone told me about three years ago that the reason God made your bottom so cushy was so you can sit on it for a long time. (She was having a really bad time in her life. I do mean really bad.) My response to my dearest friend in the whole word was NO. Haven't you noticed you tush goes away when you stand up? It is cushy because it is a pack and carry seat! Now carry it to something worthwhile. She laughed and we both felt much better.
So I am going to pack and carry my seat to the kitchen and clean.
ANGEL---- I need a cute little ditty from you. They seem to always work when you post them while waiting on Zoe and Kaiya. So if something comes to mind while you are packing for CHINA let me know. :) :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
THINGS TO REMEMBER
My mother sent me this email today.
Lately I have been thinking about what we need to do to really enjoy life. Honestly think this sums it up! What is amazing is the key to a happy life can be summed up in 20 points!!!!
My favorite is number 5. I have always had a good imagination and I can just imagine this one!
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. (Preach it!)
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open-Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
1 5. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are .
Lately I have been thinking about what we need to do to really enjoy life. Honestly think this sums it up! What is amazing is the key to a happy life can be summed up in 20 points!!!!
My favorite is number 5. I have always had a good imagination and I can just imagine this one!
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. (Preach it!)
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open-Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
1 5. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are .
Monday, May 12, 2008
MY MOTHER'S DAY
I can't believe I forgot to tell you about my Mother's Day. It was a wonderful day.
Saturday night Sam went to a friend's house to spend the night but left a hand-made card on my bed. It was so cute. I loved it. He drew a picture of the two of us.
On Sunday I am ashamed to say we did not make it to church. We tried but for some reason everything went against us. Finally when we realized we would be extremely late, we decided to stay home. Blake suggested I take a nap and that is what I did. It was wonderful!
The day was rainy, dreary and cold and made for perfect sleeping weather. I dozed off and on for about an hour. Since we had all had a shower earlier in the morning I then watched cartoons with Sam, Marvin and Anabeli while Blake went to the hospital. Ann was upstairs in her bed with a cold.
We managed to make it to lunch with the family pretty much on time.
As I sat there I couldn't help but think of a time when we were all kids. Now we are the ones with kids. I am a 40-something mom of 6, Sandra a 30-something mom of 3 and Vic a middle 20's mom of Brandon. How time flies.
It is also wonderful to sit at a table with my mother and two sisters and their families and know we are all within three miles of each other. By the way if you ask my mother she will be glad to tell you she is only 39.
Our children have grown up together and know each other well. It is something special to have your family to close. I thank God for this special privilege.
After lunch we went home and hung out for a while before going to get ice cream.
All in all it was a great day but I sure did miss two of my boys, Jake in Guatemala and Jesse in Washington DC for a school trip.
He came back at 5 AM this morning exhausted but he sure did have fun.
God has been good to me and has blessed me with a wonderful husband and six beautiful, healthy children. Thank you God for your blessings and love.
Saturday night Sam went to a friend's house to spend the night but left a hand-made card on my bed. It was so cute. I loved it. He drew a picture of the two of us.
On Sunday I am ashamed to say we did not make it to church. We tried but for some reason everything went against us. Finally when we realized we would be extremely late, we decided to stay home. Blake suggested I take a nap and that is what I did. It was wonderful!
The day was rainy, dreary and cold and made for perfect sleeping weather. I dozed off and on for about an hour. Since we had all had a shower earlier in the morning I then watched cartoons with Sam, Marvin and Anabeli while Blake went to the hospital. Ann was upstairs in her bed with a cold.
We managed to make it to lunch with the family pretty much on time.
As I sat there I couldn't help but think of a time when we were all kids. Now we are the ones with kids. I am a 40-something mom of 6, Sandra a 30-something mom of 3 and Vic a middle 20's mom of Brandon. How time flies.
It is also wonderful to sit at a table with my mother and two sisters and their families and know we are all within three miles of each other. By the way if you ask my mother she will be glad to tell you she is only 39.
Our children have grown up together and know each other well. It is something special to have your family to close. I thank God for this special privilege.
After lunch we went home and hung out for a while before going to get ice cream.
All in all it was a great day but I sure did miss two of my boys, Jake in Guatemala and Jesse in Washington DC for a school trip.
He came back at 5 AM this morning exhausted but he sure did have fun.
God has been good to me and has blessed me with a wonderful husband and six beautiful, healthy children. Thank you God for your blessings and love.
BEBE'S GONE
Bebe is gone.
In a way I am very sad.
He was so pretty and fun to watch but now he is gone.
He went back to his original home.
I sure hope he finds a fun loving home.
:( :( :( :(
In a way I am very sad.
He was so pretty and fun to watch but now he is gone.
He went back to his original home.
I sure hope he finds a fun loving home.
:( :( :( :(
HERE COMES FRANKLIN
Today is a resting day for Anabeli and Marvin. Not much is going on. They didn't even want to take their baths until a little before noon.
In the family room they have the TV on Disney Channel. In our room they have the TV on Nick Jr. This way they can wander around and play and watch what they want.
As I was getting them undressed in our bathroom for bath, Franklin came on Nick Jr. and I started to screech along.
"Here comes Franklin. Comin' over to play."
Marvin stopped me right there. "I don't want Franklin to come play at my house."
"Why not?" I asked
"Mom, don't you think it is weird for a turtle to talk? Animals don't talk. Animals don't wear clothes. Animals don't have friends and go to school. He can't come here."
All I could say is "Oh".
This coming from a child who believes Spiderman is real. Go figure.
In the family room they have the TV on Disney Channel. In our room they have the TV on Nick Jr. This way they can wander around and play and watch what they want.
As I was getting them undressed in our bathroom for bath, Franklin came on Nick Jr. and I started to screech along.
"Here comes Franklin. Comin' over to play."
Marvin stopped me right there. "I don't want Franklin to come play at my house."
"Why not?" I asked
"Mom, don't you think it is weird for a turtle to talk? Animals don't talk. Animals don't wear clothes. Animals don't have friends and go to school. He can't come here."
All I could say is "Oh".
This coming from a child who believes Spiderman is real. Go figure.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
BOWS, BOWS, BOWS
I just have to put a shout out to my FAVORITE bow shop.
http://dahollygbow.com
Holly is the mommy to two guat tots- Gia and Nino. She recently opened an internet bow shop. I ordered several for Bell Bell's hair. I received them and LOVE them.
The big thing I like about Holly's site is YOU pick the colors for your bows. You have full control. Nothing about your bow is designed for you unless you want help. She has tons of ribbons to choose from.
When I had a dress with lots of colors I sent her a picture and she designed the absolute perfect bow for the dress. Now I can only hope it warms up in enough in Ohio to wear a sun dress.
If you have little girls or know of little girls, look her up and be amazed. She offers great bows at great prices with great service.
http://dahollygbow.com
Holly is the mommy to two guat tots- Gia and Nino. She recently opened an internet bow shop. I ordered several for Bell Bell's hair. I received them and LOVE them.
The big thing I like about Holly's site is YOU pick the colors for your bows. You have full control. Nothing about your bow is designed for you unless you want help. She has tons of ribbons to choose from.
When I had a dress with lots of colors I sent her a picture and she designed the absolute perfect bow for the dress. Now I can only hope it warms up in enough in Ohio to wear a sun dress.
If you have little girls or know of little girls, look her up and be amazed. She offers great bows at great prices with great service.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
BEBE UPDATE
Bebe left here last night in a tote bag because it was pouring rain.
Unfortunately he was found this AM under Ann's bed.
WHY? "It was too late after we ate for us to take him back?"
They took him in a tote bag to a Chinese restaurant while they ate. "He didn't try to get out or anything."
Blake was supposed to take Bebe and Dumb and Dumber (the girl version better known as Ann and Kierstan) to take him home today but he didn't get around to it.
Famous last words. "Didn't get around to it."
Unfortunately he was found this AM under Ann's bed.
WHY? "It was too late after we ate for us to take him back?"
They took him in a tote bag to a Chinese restaurant while they ate. "He didn't try to get out or anything."
Blake was supposed to take Bebe and Dumb and Dumber (the girl version better known as Ann and Kierstan) to take him home today but he didn't get around to it.
Famous last words. "Didn't get around to it."
ESCAPE
I just finished the greatest book. It is titled Escape by Carolyn Jessop.
The book is non-fiction dealing with Carolyn's ordeal with a polygamist marriage.
I read about the book on a friend's blog page and I am sorry to say I was extremely judgmental before even reading the book. But I was interested.
On Amazon as I read the review on the book, it struck me as odd a young woman would put up with the things a wife caught in polygamy was forced to endure. It was easy to become very proud and haughty before even opening the book.
As I opened the book the first night I found it hard to put down. My opinion changed dramatically in the first 50 pages.
I definitely suggest it as a must read for the summer.
The book also brought to light the sad truth of followers of Christ who are misled by so called prophets who become tyrants and glorify themselves and their own agendas.
It is so important for us as Christians to be aware and study what is being preached in our pulpits. Not all sermons are from God. If we are not studying our Bibles on our own and diligently seeking God's will in our lives, how will we know what is truly God's Word?
Most of God's servants are honest men of God but some are out to get rather than give and glorify themselves. If you hear something that makes you uneasy or creates a question in your mind, please take the time to check it out. God has given us a conscious for a reason. He has also given us His Word to use as a daily guide to live by. He will never have us do something that is contradictory.
If you are hearing something from a pulpit that is contradictory, RUN. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will not change.
It was amazing to me as I read this book how many people continued to follow "the prophet" even after he made ridiculous rules that could not be justified in the Bible.
Stay sharp and stay focused.
A very close friend and I were talking about a church near her recently. It is growing so much. Right now there are over 1000 members. But many problems exist. Recently they had to address a big one- divorce among the parishioners and what to do about it. So they opened a divorce recovery class.
No kidding. Rather than deal with why people are getting divorced, they wanted to deal with it after the fact. They also stated it would be a good way for singles to meet.
What? How about a class to help those with marriage difficulties?
This same church also has made some radical changes to appease their members such as keeping sermons "lite". They even list the times in the paper for the "lite" sermons so if the sermons on tithing, hell or true christian living were too much for you to hear, you could go hear a sermon on love or changing the world we live in rather than changing yourself.
A false prophet can also give us the illusion we are all right and it is the world that is wrong. We need to go on the way we are and ignore everyone around us.
What we need to do is read the Bible and make our decisions from the Bible not from the world, our own choices or anyone else. God has shown us how to follow the path. We are now required to follow if we want to be in tune with Him.
Just think of it as a treasure hunt. The Bible is our treasure map and along the way we find little treasures hidden. Each one is a fun surprise to find. We might not even realize how valuable it is right away but one day we wake up and see just how important that treasure is. The biggest treasure comes at the XXXX where we are welcomed into heaven. Get your map out today and start on that path! See you at the end.
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles?" Matthew 7:15-16
The book is non-fiction dealing with Carolyn's ordeal with a polygamist marriage.
I read about the book on a friend's blog page and I am sorry to say I was extremely judgmental before even reading the book. But I was interested.
On Amazon as I read the review on the book, it struck me as odd a young woman would put up with the things a wife caught in polygamy was forced to endure. It was easy to become very proud and haughty before even opening the book.
As I opened the book the first night I found it hard to put down. My opinion changed dramatically in the first 50 pages.
I definitely suggest it as a must read for the summer.
The book also brought to light the sad truth of followers of Christ who are misled by so called prophets who become tyrants and glorify themselves and their own agendas.
It is so important for us as Christians to be aware and study what is being preached in our pulpits. Not all sermons are from God. If we are not studying our Bibles on our own and diligently seeking God's will in our lives, how will we know what is truly God's Word?
Most of God's servants are honest men of God but some are out to get rather than give and glorify themselves. If you hear something that makes you uneasy or creates a question in your mind, please take the time to check it out. God has given us a conscious for a reason. He has also given us His Word to use as a daily guide to live by. He will never have us do something that is contradictory.
If you are hearing something from a pulpit that is contradictory, RUN. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will not change.
It was amazing to me as I read this book how many people continued to follow "the prophet" even after he made ridiculous rules that could not be justified in the Bible.
Stay sharp and stay focused.
A very close friend and I were talking about a church near her recently. It is growing so much. Right now there are over 1000 members. But many problems exist. Recently they had to address a big one- divorce among the parishioners and what to do about it. So they opened a divorce recovery class.
No kidding. Rather than deal with why people are getting divorced, they wanted to deal with it after the fact. They also stated it would be a good way for singles to meet.
What? How about a class to help those with marriage difficulties?
This same church also has made some radical changes to appease their members such as keeping sermons "lite". They even list the times in the paper for the "lite" sermons so if the sermons on tithing, hell or true christian living were too much for you to hear, you could go hear a sermon on love or changing the world we live in rather than changing yourself.
A false prophet can also give us the illusion we are all right and it is the world that is wrong. We need to go on the way we are and ignore everyone around us.
What we need to do is read the Bible and make our decisions from the Bible not from the world, our own choices or anyone else. God has shown us how to follow the path. We are now required to follow if we want to be in tune with Him.
Just think of it as a treasure hunt. The Bible is our treasure map and along the way we find little treasures hidden. Each one is a fun surprise to find. We might not even realize how valuable it is right away but one day we wake up and see just how important that treasure is. The biggest treasure comes at the XXXX where we are welcomed into heaven. Get your map out today and start on that path! See you at the end.
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles?" Matthew 7:15-16
Friday, May 9, 2008
MY MOTHER'S DAY GIFT
There are things that every mother loves to get for Mother's Day.
-a sweet little handprint
-a cute coloring page
-a handmade card
-a flower lovingly grown and cared for by precious hands
-a macaroni necklace
-a cheerio bracelet
-a gorgeous stripped kitten for a highly allergic mommy
WHAT??????
That is what Ann brought me home today.
A pretty little kitten. He was a stripped kitten with predominant black stripes. The tips of his ears and paws were black and he faded into a carmel color stripe. He was very vibrant.
Bebe (as she and Kierstan called him) was sweet. He chased string. Bounced all over the room and was all around joy in the shape of a fur ball.
But the problem is I am terribly allergic to cats. I have had two allergy tests in the last 10 years both times I have had two allergic reactions that have left scars, cats and ragweed.
Ann knows this. She has also been on me for about a month for a cat. So with Mother's Day this weekend she decided to surprise me with Bebe.
Once again I explained that although Bebe was a sweetie he could not live in the house and we had three dogs that prevented him from living outside. Not to mention the fact I now have six children to care for along with the three dogs.
I did make the mistake of petting him and letting him play on the back of my office chair. About 30 minutes later I called Ann down and showed her the huge, ugly welts on my neck and back.
When I told my mother this story I laughed and said if I let her keep the cat it will kill me. "Maybe that is what she is after." she jokingly said.
Hmmm. Maybe she is on to something.
So Bebe was packed up and taken back to his first home. At least that is what they promised me they were doing. I am so hoping he does not come back home with them tonight.
I suggested Kierstan give Bebe to her mother but she didn't think it would go over well.
-a sweet little handprint
-a cute coloring page
-a handmade card
-a flower lovingly grown and cared for by precious hands
-a macaroni necklace
-a cheerio bracelet
-a gorgeous stripped kitten for a highly allergic mommy
WHAT??????
That is what Ann brought me home today.
A pretty little kitten. He was a stripped kitten with predominant black stripes. The tips of his ears and paws were black and he faded into a carmel color stripe. He was very vibrant.
Bebe (as she and Kierstan called him) was sweet. He chased string. Bounced all over the room and was all around joy in the shape of a fur ball.
But the problem is I am terribly allergic to cats. I have had two allergy tests in the last 10 years both times I have had two allergic reactions that have left scars, cats and ragweed.
Ann knows this. She has also been on me for about a month for a cat. So with Mother's Day this weekend she decided to surprise me with Bebe.
Once again I explained that although Bebe was a sweetie he could not live in the house and we had three dogs that prevented him from living outside. Not to mention the fact I now have six children to care for along with the three dogs.
I did make the mistake of petting him and letting him play on the back of my office chair. About 30 minutes later I called Ann down and showed her the huge, ugly welts on my neck and back.
When I told my mother this story I laughed and said if I let her keep the cat it will kill me. "Maybe that is what she is after." she jokingly said.
Hmmm. Maybe she is on to something.
So Bebe was packed up and taken back to his first home. At least that is what they promised me they were doing. I am so hoping he does not come back home with them tonight.
I suggested Kierstan give Bebe to her mother but she didn't think it would go over well.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
SAM GOOFING OFF
Of course Sam had his time riding, or should I say goofing off.
I think for him it was just having fun watching his cousin Maggie running back and forth with the lead rope. The didn't put a rein or something like that on the horse so Maggie had to lead Sam. It was very funny. 
Maggie, I want you to run as fast as you can while I sit up here and enjoy myself. Now get moving.
Maggie, I want you to run as fast as you can while I sit up here and enjoy myself. Now get moving. He was laughing so hard he could hardly stay on the horse.
For some reason Sam thought he was on a raging bull rather than a calm sweet pony.
MARVIN AND THE HORSE
Marvin enjoyed Sunday's horse ride also. He was a little more apprehensive than Anabeli about riding but once he relaxed he was a natural.
Sandra, you just want me to hold on this this thing and relax? I don't know if I can do that.
This is kind of scary but I am starting to get the hang of it.
Hey mom. This is kind of cool. I really like this. I am starting to get the groove.
Just call me Mr. Cowboy.
Marvin concentrating on the perfect riding technique. 
All smiles at the end of the day.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
LESTER HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Trust me folks this is not overkill either.
I have saved the Lester stories because they are sooooo very dramatic. Really overly dramatic on my part and my poor sweet husband who needs to get up and see really true sick people every day had to deal with this nights on end.
We had a mouse that came into the house over a month. About a week or two ago I named him Lester out of complete frustration. I would see him run through our room at night around 10:30 or so and I would scream and yell and make Blake chase Lester everywhere.
At one time we had over 10 mouse traps set in our room, our bath and our office. And we still didn't catch the little fat guy. I believe he was so fat that his belly actually would drag the ground. He wouldn't go into a mouse trap. He just wouldn't do it.
Now I can stand a lot but a mouse is not something I will handle at all. By the way we live in the country so a mouse will occasionally enter which makes this even crazier.
So Lester had to go. Blake doesn't believe in Decon. He doesn't want mice to die in the walls and smell. We have to use traps. So in a way it is his own fault I scream and cry.
I think the final night we saw him was the horrible night that I refused to get off the edge of the bathtub for about 45 minutes because Lester ran under the bed. In the end Blake felt my screaming ran him off. That was about 10 days ago and we haven't seen him since.
Most of the mouse traps have been moved to the basement.
Last night Lester stumbled into one and met his timely death in the water softener room. Unforntunately I didn't feel any sorrow when I was told. Honestly I just dance a little jig and said,, "YEAH"
No funeral service was performed. He was just wrapped in a plastic bag and thrown into the garbage can.
So long Lester. I have to admit, it wasn't good to know you but you did cause me to pray a whole lot more than I had been so I guess it was a good thing you came around. Now I need to get up and start doing all of those things I promised God I would do when you stepped into that trap!
Trust me folks this is not overkill either.
I have saved the Lester stories because they are sooooo very dramatic. Really overly dramatic on my part and my poor sweet husband who needs to get up and see really true sick people every day had to deal with this nights on end.
We had a mouse that came into the house over a month. About a week or two ago I named him Lester out of complete frustration. I would see him run through our room at night around 10:30 or so and I would scream and yell and make Blake chase Lester everywhere.
At one time we had over 10 mouse traps set in our room, our bath and our office. And we still didn't catch the little fat guy. I believe he was so fat that his belly actually would drag the ground. He wouldn't go into a mouse trap. He just wouldn't do it.
Now I can stand a lot but a mouse is not something I will handle at all. By the way we live in the country so a mouse will occasionally enter which makes this even crazier.
So Lester had to go. Blake doesn't believe in Decon. He doesn't want mice to die in the walls and smell. We have to use traps. So in a way it is his own fault I scream and cry.
I think the final night we saw him was the horrible night that I refused to get off the edge of the bathtub for about 45 minutes because Lester ran under the bed. In the end Blake felt my screaming ran him off. That was about 10 days ago and we haven't seen him since.
Most of the mouse traps have been moved to the basement.
Last night Lester stumbled into one and met his timely death in the water softener room. Unforntunately I didn't feel any sorrow when I was told. Honestly I just dance a little jig and said,, "YEAH"
No funeral service was performed. He was just wrapped in a plastic bag and thrown into the garbage can.
So long Lester. I have to admit, it wasn't good to know you but you did cause me to pray a whole lot more than I had been so I guess it was a good thing you came around. Now I need to get up and start doing all of those things I promised God I would do when you stepped into that trap!
ANABELI AND THE HORSE
Sunday my mother called and asked the kids to come over and ride horses.
Anabeli took quite the interest in horses in the fall but it was getting too late in the year for her to ride outside.
So after rest time we went to grandma's house for a ride. Anabeli and Marvin were both so excited. It was so great. I enjoyed watching both of them ride.
Tonight I am posting Anabeli's pictures and tomorrow I will post Marvin's pictures.
Her first few seconds up on a horse. Her cousins and aunt Sandra were around to make sure she didn't fall off or get too scared. She was such a big girl and immediately fell in love with riding.
She is too busy watching Maggie. After this picture she began sliding off the saddle.
BIG smiles for everyone.
Hey mom. This is fun. I want a horse. Would you tell dad?
What do you mean more practice? I am the best there is.
We are ready for our pictures and then Miss Libbie and Miss Anabeli will ride off into the sunset.
ANOTHER RANT IS NEEDED
I am so upset. We are scheduled to leave on vacation mid June. We scheduled early in the summer because we are working around Ann's tennis schedule, Sam's football schedule and possibly Jesse's football schedule.
Jake's Birth Certificate still has not been approved by RENAP. Now from what I understand we have had the BC forever but this new group called RENAP is now in charge of approving them.
So it has been there for so long the paper is almost yellowing and it is still not done. RENAP is not releasing things as quickly as they should. Imagine that. A Guatemalan office not working up to speed. That has got to be a first. HA!
I am trying to keep my head on straight but I am about ready to blow. If things don't move soon Jake won't be home for vacation with us. When we get back Blake will have so much work backed up he will work later than usual and bonding will be hard.
This vaction was supposed to help everyone bond. It was supposed to give us all time to hang out together and get to know each other.
I am not sure why we are even in RENAP since we were grandfathered in under the old rules and RENAP is a new rule. Guatemala tends to start these offices and then realizes they didn't provide funding and needs to close them while they gather some money to reopen.
So here I sit really stressing today. The countdown is getting closer. I NEED this to move.
Once again I am stressing and telling God what I need, not accepting what HE knows is best and will happen. Why does this whole acceptance thing have to be so hard? Why can't he just email me a schedule of the dates and times of the rest of the adoption timeframe? I PROMISE I will still trust him. I just need to know who this will turn out.
I remembered this scripture from a long time ago in middle school. It is interesting to me at this moment because it mentions the name of Jacob. Pretty cool right now. But it is still hard to wait.
Isaiah 8:17 " I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him."
Jake's Birth Certificate still has not been approved by RENAP. Now from what I understand we have had the BC forever but this new group called RENAP is now in charge of approving them.
So it has been there for so long the paper is almost yellowing and it is still not done. RENAP is not releasing things as quickly as they should. Imagine that. A Guatemalan office not working up to speed. That has got to be a first. HA!
I am trying to keep my head on straight but I am about ready to blow. If things don't move soon Jake won't be home for vacation with us. When we get back Blake will have so much work backed up he will work later than usual and bonding will be hard.
This vaction was supposed to help everyone bond. It was supposed to give us all time to hang out together and get to know each other.
I am not sure why we are even in RENAP since we were grandfathered in under the old rules and RENAP is a new rule. Guatemala tends to start these offices and then realizes they didn't provide funding and needs to close them while they gather some money to reopen.
So here I sit really stressing today. The countdown is getting closer. I NEED this to move.
Once again I am stressing and telling God what I need, not accepting what HE knows is best and will happen. Why does this whole acceptance thing have to be so hard? Why can't he just email me a schedule of the dates and times of the rest of the adoption timeframe? I PROMISE I will still trust him. I just need to know who this will turn out.
I remembered this scripture from a long time ago in middle school. It is interesting to me at this moment because it mentions the name of Jacob. Pretty cool right now. But it is still hard to wait.
Isaiah 8:17 " I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him."
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
MARVIN AND N-64
My older boys have created a monster!!
Last week they introduced Marvin to the old N-64 and a Mario Brothers game. Marvin absolutely loves it. He begs to play all the time. It is so funny. He is also taking on more responsibility. To get "play minutes" he must dress himself in the morning, pick up his toys and put his dishes from meals in the sink. He also can't whine and must listen. It has been a good trade off. He gets 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes after lunch and another 30 at night. But the 30 minutes is also shared with Jesse. He loves to ask Jesse to help him and Jesse is able to teach him how to play the game.
This little guy is very good at it. He can get further in the game than I can.
Getting instructions from the "master".
"I know I can get Mario to do this. Jesse is a good teacher."
Thursday, May 1, 2008
CRISIS AT HOME
Well we have had a crisis today.
The internet went down about 10:00 AM and it just came up now at 8:22 PM. Talk about frustrating. I felt cut off from the entire world. Oh My.
But it was a good day because today is Labor Day in Guatemala so we didn't have anything going on there.
If it had been a work day there I would have DIED!!!! I do mean DIE.
So I am fixing supper now and then will be time for LOST. So I will be back on tomorrow to post some new pictures.
Stay tuned....
The internet went down about 10:00 AM and it just came up now at 8:22 PM. Talk about frustrating. I felt cut off from the entire world. Oh My.
But it was a good day because today is Labor Day in Guatemala so we didn't have anything going on there.
If it had been a work day there I would have DIED!!!! I do mean DIE.
So I am fixing supper now and then will be time for LOST. So I will be back on tomorrow to post some new pictures.
Stay tuned....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
