The other night I walked into my kids' bathroom, and the bathroom any guest would use, and noticed something all over the toilet seat. You know that feeling when you see 'something' all over a toilet seat or around the toilet and think, what in the world happened in here? (And you almost don't want to know what it is that is all over the place.)
So I give a little shout out to my children, WHAT IS ALL OVER THE TOILET SEAT? Lane comes running and he's giggling. "I thought it would be funny if I wiped a rotten banana all over the toilet seat and Sissy sat in it." Nice. I tell him to please clean it up, but try not to make the mess worse. I suggested he use a wet wash cloth.
About 15 minutes later, I hear Jay shout something like "Ugh, what is all over the toilet?" I head that way and look because I was going to have a chat with little Laner if he hadn't done what I had asked him to. No, he had cleaned up the mess on the seat, he just left lots and lots of water all over the place.
I'm just glad I was the one that noticed the banana mess since the water sent Jay in a frenzy...
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
The burial
Thought I would give a little follow-up on the passing of Frankie the hamster. As posted a couple days ago, I discovered Frankie's demise in the morning and there wasn't enough time to do anything with her so we left her until that evening. I told Lane we would have to bury her when I got home.
Fast forward to quitting time. I get a call from Lane that when he and Madolyn got home, the horses were out. Because the grass is greener on the other side, Melody sticks her neck through the panels to reach it and if she pulls just right, she'll unhook the panel thereby creating an escape route. Jay was almost home and I was on my way home. When I got home, Jay and Madolyn were leaving again on the golf cart to go look for them.
I went inside the house and Lane tells me it's time to bury Frankie. He picks her up from inside the cage and turns to me and says with the cutest little face ever, "Mom, I can't do it." (I was thrilled to see a little compassion because sometimes I worry that my kids don't have any.) He didn't shed a tear, but for a moment, I thought it could happen. So I found a brown lunch sack, grabbed Frankie and put her in there. I told Lane to take her outside and bury her somewhere the dogs won't dig her up. He goes outside with the 'casket,' I change my clothes and head out in search of the fleeing horses.
As I stepped off the deck, I noticed the little brown bag in the landscaping. Okay, pal, that's not going to work. He had went in search of a shovel. I suggested he find some softer dirt maybe behind the pond and I took off for the horse hunt. The horses were located (by yours truly, thank you very much) and as we were walking back, we saw that Lane was squatting in the yard with his shovel. It wasn't exactly where I had pictured the burial plot, but whatever. He yells out, "Hey, I found some worms." Hmm, "I thought you were burying the hamster?" "I was, but when I started digging, I found worms." There's my little multi-tasker.
I sent Jay out to lend a hand and the burial was successful. Frankie has been laid to rest on the other side of the pond. And as long as we don't see a brown lunch sack in the yard or in the dog's mouth, all is well.
Fast forward to quitting time. I get a call from Lane that when he and Madolyn got home, the horses were out. Because the grass is greener on the other side, Melody sticks her neck through the panels to reach it and if she pulls just right, she'll unhook the panel thereby creating an escape route. Jay was almost home and I was on my way home. When I got home, Jay and Madolyn were leaving again on the golf cart to go look for them.
I went inside the house and Lane tells me it's time to bury Frankie. He picks her up from inside the cage and turns to me and says with the cutest little face ever, "Mom, I can't do it." (I was thrilled to see a little compassion because sometimes I worry that my kids don't have any.) He didn't shed a tear, but for a moment, I thought it could happen. So I found a brown lunch sack, grabbed Frankie and put her in there. I told Lane to take her outside and bury her somewhere the dogs won't dig her up. He goes outside with the 'casket,' I change my clothes and head out in search of the fleeing horses.
As I stepped off the deck, I noticed the little brown bag in the landscaping. Okay, pal, that's not going to work. He had went in search of a shovel. I suggested he find some softer dirt maybe behind the pond and I took off for the horse hunt. The horses were located (by yours truly, thank you very much) and as we were walking back, we saw that Lane was squatting in the yard with his shovel. It wasn't exactly where I had pictured the burial plot, but whatever. He yells out, "Hey, I found some worms." Hmm, "I thought you were burying the hamster?" "I was, but when I started digging, I found worms." There's my little multi-tasker.
I sent Jay out to lend a hand and the burial was successful. Frankie has been laid to rest on the other side of the pond. And as long as we don't see a brown lunch sack in the yard or in the dog's mouth, all is well.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Grace
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 (NIV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Last night at youth we showed a Skit Guys video called Grace which was so good. If you have time, you should check it out on their website, http://www.skitguys.com/ and click on the "Grace" video. One of our favorite things from that video was at the end where the Jesus character was telling the Peter character, "I make the unforgivable forgivable." And then he follows up with, "It's not about you, it's about me." Ouch. I have trouble with that oneevery now and then always. It's not about me, huh? Shoot, I like it when it's about me.
Anyway, I ran across an illustration that we read to the group on the idea of how grace works and I thought I would share it with you. I had heard it before somewhere, but sometimes I can read something ten times and it takes all ten times for me to finally get it. Here goes.
THE LORD'S BASEBALL GAME
Bob was caught up in the spirit where he and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.
The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass, because Godly Wisdom does not swing at Satan's pitches. Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at Satan's throws.
The Lord looked at Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said he sure did not look like much. Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried. His center fielder, the Prince of the air, let very few get by. The ball slammed into his glove, hit him on the head, and sent him crashing to the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run.
The Lord's team won. The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained: “If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only My grace can get you home. My grace is the one thing Satan cannot stop.”
Isn't that a neat little story? I love things like that that really spell it out for me step-by-step. My question or challenge to you is the same one we gave the youth kids last night: How will you show God's grace to someone else this week?
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Last night at youth we showed a Skit Guys video called Grace which was so good. If you have time, you should check it out on their website, http://www.skitguys.com/ and click on the "Grace" video. One of our favorite things from that video was at the end where the Jesus character was telling the Peter character, "I make the unforgivable forgivable." And then he follows up with, "It's not about you, it's about me." Ouch. I have trouble with that one
Anyway, I ran across an illustration that we read to the group on the idea of how grace works and I thought I would share it with you. I had heard it before somewhere, but sometimes I can read something ten times and it takes all ten times for me to finally get it. Here goes.
THE LORD'S BASEBALL GAME
Bob was caught up in the spirit where he and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.
The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass, because Godly Wisdom does not swing at Satan's pitches. Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at Satan's throws.
The Lord looked at Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said he sure did not look like much. Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried. His center fielder, the Prince of the air, let very few get by. The ball slammed into his glove, hit him on the head, and sent him crashing to the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run.
The Lord's team won. The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained: “If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only My grace can get you home. My grace is the one thing Satan cannot stop.”
Isn't that a neat little story? I love things like that that really spell it out for me step-by-step. My question or challenge to you is the same one we gave the youth kids last night: How will you show God's grace to someone else this week?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
R.I.P. Frankie
Well, we knew it was only temporary. Just a few months ago, a friend of mine had mentioned her son had a hamster that needed a home and I volunteered. Frankie, the hamster, came to live with us. If you recall from my post introducing Frankie, she was "old" when we got her. I had researched a little bit and discovered their average lifespan was only 2-3 years. I explained this to the kiddos and they agreed we would just take care of her until her time came.
Apparently, her time came during the night on Monday. When I went to check on her Tuesday morning, as I always check to see if she's alive in her little cave, I noticed she was face-first in her food dish (which is actually a cleaned-out tuna can). She looked so cute hunched over the edge of the can, so soft and chubby. So I whistled at her, she didn't move. I strummed the cage, she didn't move. Uh-oh. I opened the lid and touched her. Oh, shoot, she's dead.
So I broke it to the kids and in true Wilhoit-all-of-our-pets-die-prematurely-fashion, Lane immediately asked when we could get another one...although I must admit for about three seconds, I thought he might really cry. Come to find out, his real problem is that it's his share week at school and he was planning on taking Frankie for show-and-tell Thursday or Friday.
Someone on Facebook said something along the lines of, "at least she had a good nursing home or retirement home." Yes, that is a good way to look at it. We were just caring for her in her elderly years until her time came. She has been the easiest pet we've ever had. And you know, we've already got the cage, food, exercise ball and stuff, hamsters aren't terribly expensive, so you may want to be watching for a new arrival announcement soon.
Apparently, her time came during the night on Monday. When I went to check on her Tuesday morning, as I always check to see if she's alive in her little cave, I noticed she was face-first in her food dish (which is actually a cleaned-out tuna can). She looked so cute hunched over the edge of the can, so soft and chubby. So I whistled at her, she didn't move. I strummed the cage, she didn't move. Uh-oh. I opened the lid and touched her. Oh, shoot, she's dead.
So I broke it to the kids and in true Wilhoit-all-of-our-pets-die-prematurely-fashion, Lane immediately asked when we could get another one...although I must admit for about three seconds, I thought he might really cry. Come to find out, his real problem is that it's his share week at school and he was planning on taking Frankie for show-and-tell Thursday or Friday.
Someone on Facebook said something along the lines of, "at least she had a good nursing home or retirement home." Yes, that is a good way to look at it. We were just caring for her in her elderly years until her time came. She has been the easiest pet we've ever had. And you know, we've already got the cage, food, exercise ball and stuff, hamsters aren't terribly expensive, so you may want to be watching for a new arrival announcement soon.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Black hole take two
I know what you're thinking...seriously, I do. I'm guessing some of those thoughts might be: Are you nuts? I don't understand why you are letting a pet destroy your house? Are you crazy? Why do you still allow your dog inside your house?
All of the above thoughts have gone through my heada time or two constantly. When I awoke on Saturday morning to another fun-filled day of non-stop running, my attention was immediately focused on what I thought might be cat puke. I know, that is disgusting, but it is what it is. Our cat is old (just turned 14 this month, a world record at our house) and he has issues, which sometimes reveal themselves on our carpet. (I know, again, you're thinking you will never set foot in our house because it has to be disgusting). So anyway, I was barely awake and went over to check it out and see whether it was a mess that I needed to clean up. It was located approximately 12-15 inches from the site of the "black hole" (see that blog from last fall, I don't know how to link it).
And now we have the black hole II. I about lost it...which really means I had a few not-so-nice-thoughts going through my mind and I immediately texted Jay who had worked all night and was on his way home. For some reason that always calms me...telling him about it. "Guess what yourstupid, I mean precious dog did last night?" All I could think was: Am I nuts? I don't understand why I am letting a pet destroy my house. Am I crazy? Why am I still allowing this precious dog inside my house?
So for whatever reason, Hank the Tank II, because he's so blankety-blank precious chewed another perfectly round hole in my not-that-bad carpet...and it's a tad bigger than the last one. Fortunately they're not close enough to connect...what am I saying? Anything is possible, right? Tomorrow is another day.
It reminded me of my dad's first cousin, who has passed away, and his complete and total love and devotion to a Lab that totally destroyed his house. I can't remember the name of this dog, although I want to say it was Tucker??? I have visions of walking into their house and seeing all the damage this dog had caused while they were away during the day and I'd think, what in the world are they thinking? His wife, who I always thought was pretty nice and level-headed, must be crazy allowing a dog to chew up the kitchen chairs and everything else in sight. What is wrong with HER? This is their house for cryin' out loud and that is just a stupid dog.
Haha, joke's on me. It was during that time that my cousin, I call her Danielle, told me I had to read the book, Marley and Me, because it reminded her of that situation. I read the book and again thought, who on earth would let their pet cause so much destruction? Are they nuts? Why, yes, they are...and apparently so are we...which I'm going to say makes us normal in the pet world.
I have decided that what Hank the Tank II needs is a little discipline because although he is very precious, he is out of control. Last night before I went to bed, I took a picture of him sleeping. He was so peaceful and innocent looking...of course, his nose was about a foot from the black hole II and he was covering black hole I...I was praying that come morning, there wouldn't be a third hole or even a tunnel connecting the two. (I guess he could sleep outside, huh?)
I was hoping that new carpet could wait until the kids were out of high school. Now I'm hoping it can wait until Hank the Tank II passes this stage...and we hope he sticks around long enough to reach that point because I may never get new carpet if we always have a puppy...
All of the above thoughts have gone through my head
And now we have the black hole II. I about lost it...which really means I had a few not-so-nice-thoughts going through my mind and I immediately texted Jay who had worked all night and was on his way home. For some reason that always calms me...telling him about it. "Guess what your
So for whatever reason, Hank the Tank II, because he's so blankety-blank precious chewed another perfectly round hole in my not-that-bad carpet...and it's a tad bigger than the last one. Fortunately they're not close enough to connect...what am I saying? Anything is possible, right? Tomorrow is another day.
It reminded me of my dad's first cousin, who has passed away, and his complete and total love and devotion to a Lab that totally destroyed his house. I can't remember the name of this dog, although I want to say it was Tucker??? I have visions of walking into their house and seeing all the damage this dog had caused while they were away during the day and I'd think, what in the world are they thinking? His wife, who I always thought was pretty nice and level-headed, must be crazy allowing a dog to chew up the kitchen chairs and everything else in sight. What is wrong with HER? This is their house for cryin' out loud and that is just a stupid dog.
Haha, joke's on me. It was during that time that my cousin, I call her Danielle, told me I had to read the book, Marley and Me, because it reminded her of that situation. I read the book and again thought, who on earth would let their pet cause so much destruction? Are they nuts? Why, yes, they are...and apparently so are we...which I'm going to say makes us normal in the pet world.
I have decided that what Hank the Tank II needs is a little discipline because although he is very precious, he is out of control. Last night before I went to bed, I took a picture of him sleeping. He was so peaceful and innocent looking...of course, his nose was about a foot from the black hole II and he was covering black hole I...I was praying that come morning, there wouldn't be a third hole or even a tunnel connecting the two. (I guess he could sleep outside, huh?)
I was hoping that new carpet could wait until the kids were out of high school. Now I'm hoping it can wait until Hank the Tank II passes this stage...and we hope he sticks around long enough to reach that point because I may never get new carpet if we always have a puppy...
Friday, April 20, 2012
My job duties
More information on my paid-employment...I am paid by the state to take down the official record of court proceedings. Basically, if there is court going on in the main courtroom, I am in there making a record. Making a record means that I'm reporting in machine shorthand on my shorthand machine every single word that is said during a court proceeding.
Yes, I do take every word. If they cuss, I put that down. If they say something unbelievable to ridiculous, I take it down word-for-word. If they say the wrong word, I write down whatever wrong word they said. For instance, I had an elderly man a few months ago in court getting an uncontested dissolution (aka divorce). When asked if he had all of his belongings in his possession, he responded, "Yes, I have my baloney, and she has all of her baloney." It was one of those moments where my poker face was on high alert.
If there are exhibits used in a hearing or trial, then I put the exhibit sticker on it, write the exhibit number, my initials and the date on that sticker. If someone wants to hear an answer again or if there is an objection and the question needs repeated, I will be asked to read back that answer or question. That's when I take a deep breath and go for it. I love doing that though...because it proves to them that I really am getting everything down!
Because we're in a very small county, I also serve as the judge's secretary. I answer our phone, type letters, deal with office supplies and claims, make docket entries and schedule court hearings. The docket entries were new to me when I started in my local county. After court, I bring the court files to my desk and I make the docket entries in the computer system capturing, in summary, what happened during the court hearing. It helps the judge, and others, remember what happened when they look at that file later on. That took some getting used to, but I think, finally, after two years, I'm catching on. I do all kinds of different stuff for the judge, but it's not constant.
There is also an associate judge that holds court in our courthouse, and although I do a few things for him, he doesn't overload me with work either. For the most part, I don't do much in his courtroom. Every now and then there will be a special hearing over there, and I'll go cover it, but only if there isn't court in the main courtroom.
Every courthouse and judge's office runs a little different, but since we're a one-horse town (as I call it), it's the judge and I for the most part. Some courthouses have trial court administrators and the judges have secretaries, so the reporters just do their own thing. Depending on who you talk to, if I mention that I schedule court, another court reporter would think that is unheard of...in fact, I used to, but I kind of like it because I can, to an extent, control what days are heavier than another.
Most of what I report in court is never seen again, but a small fraction of those hearings will be transcribed and put into a booklet form that we sell, for lack of a better word. If an attorney or party calls and requests a transcript, I will put that hearing up and see how many pages it will be and then I'll let them know an approximate cost of the transcript preparation. We get to charge per page, so it can be very lucrative. It is considered self-employmentand I get to keep all of it, although I have to keep track and pay taxes on it. Still, it is a pretty good gig. And I'm fortunate enough that I can usually get all of my transcript work done at work and I do not have to bring it home...although there was a time when it seemed like I was always working on work at home. Not any more...it is not worth it. It gets done when I get it done, and I usually don't have trouble with that.
Stay tuned for more very interesting tidbits about my paid employment...haha...I bet you're on the edge of your seat, aren't ya?
Yes, I do take every word. If they cuss, I put that down. If they say something unbelievable to ridiculous, I take it down word-for-word. If they say the wrong word, I write down whatever wrong word they said. For instance, I had an elderly man a few months ago in court getting an uncontested dissolution (aka divorce). When asked if he had all of his belongings in his possession, he responded, "Yes, I have my baloney, and she has all of her baloney." It was one of those moments where my poker face was on high alert.
If there are exhibits used in a hearing or trial, then I put the exhibit sticker on it, write the exhibit number, my initials and the date on that sticker. If someone wants to hear an answer again or if there is an objection and the question needs repeated, I will be asked to read back that answer or question. That's when I take a deep breath and go for it. I love doing that though...because it proves to them that I really am getting everything down!
Because we're in a very small county, I also serve as the judge's secretary. I answer our phone, type letters, deal with office supplies and claims, make docket entries and schedule court hearings. The docket entries were new to me when I started in my local county. After court, I bring the court files to my desk and I make the docket entries in the computer system capturing, in summary, what happened during the court hearing. It helps the judge, and others, remember what happened when they look at that file later on. That took some getting used to, but I think, finally, after two years, I'm catching on. I do all kinds of different stuff for the judge, but it's not constant.
There is also an associate judge that holds court in our courthouse, and although I do a few things for him, he doesn't overload me with work either. For the most part, I don't do much in his courtroom. Every now and then there will be a special hearing over there, and I'll go cover it, but only if there isn't court in the main courtroom.
Every courthouse and judge's office runs a little different, but since we're a one-horse town (as I call it), it's the judge and I for the most part. Some courthouses have trial court administrators and the judges have secretaries, so the reporters just do their own thing. Depending on who you talk to, if I mention that I schedule court, another court reporter would think that is unheard of...in fact, I used to, but I kind of like it because I can, to an extent, control what days are heavier than another.
Most of what I report in court is never seen again, but a small fraction of those hearings will be transcribed and put into a booklet form that we sell, for lack of a better word. If an attorney or party calls and requests a transcript, I will put that hearing up and see how many pages it will be and then I'll let them know an approximate cost of the transcript preparation. We get to charge per page, so it can be very lucrative. It is considered self-employmentand I get to keep all of it, although I have to keep track and pay taxes on it. Still, it is a pretty good gig. And I'm fortunate enough that I can usually get all of my transcript work done at work and I do not have to bring it home...although there was a time when it seemed like I was always working on work at home. Not any more...it is not worth it. It gets done when I get it done, and I usually don't have trouble with that.
Stay tuned for more very interesting tidbits about my paid employment...haha...I bet you're on the edge of your seat, aren't ya?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Godspeed TWA
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
The Lord is my strength and song. Psalm 118:14 (NKJV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Okay, so one of my very good friends is making a huge leap tomorrow and flying in an airplane for the very first time...and honestly, I cannot believe she's actually going but I am so happy for her. So I'm dedicating today's post to TWA.
Tomorrow TWA is taking her first flight with some girlfriends to celebrate their 50th birthdays. I am so proud of her because she has sworn to me over and over and over she would never, ever fly. We have had the discussion a few times about how this really restricts the things she can do. She didn't care, she wasn't doing it. Their family always picked a vacation they could drive to. I respect that. You won't catch me skydiving...ever...and I mean it.
I am not sure she'll read my blog before she heads out to earn her wings, but I am asking that you pray for TWA and her big leap of faith because I believe that she will need the extra comfort. I know she is going to make it, she is going to love it and that she will do it again. She just needs to get there. (And you may want to throw in a prayer for her travel companions too.)
I'm going to send her the above scripture references and hope she tucks them in her pocket or something because I'm tellin' you...it's possible she could have a meltdown (and I hope whoever is sitting next to her is ready). BUT, TWA, you can do this! It can't be any worse than those court reporting tests we have to take, right?! And this can open up many exciting possibilities for future travel!! Wahoo, Godspeed TWA...Have fun, girlfriend. Love ya!!!
The Lord is my strength and song. Psalm 118:14 (NKJV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Okay, so one of my very good friends is making a huge leap tomorrow and flying in an airplane for the very first time...and honestly, I cannot believe she's actually going but I am so happy for her. So I'm dedicating today's post to TWA.
Tomorrow TWA is taking her first flight with some girlfriends to celebrate their 50th birthdays. I am so proud of her because she has sworn to me over and over and over she would never, ever fly. We have had the discussion a few times about how this really restricts the things she can do. She didn't care, she wasn't doing it. Their family always picked a vacation they could drive to. I respect that. You won't catch me skydiving...ever...and I mean it.
I am not sure she'll read my blog before she heads out to earn her wings, but I am asking that you pray for TWA and her big leap of faith because I believe that she will need the extra comfort. I know she is going to make it, she is going to love it and that she will do it again. She just needs to get there. (And you may want to throw in a prayer for her travel companions too.)
I'm going to send her the above scripture references and hope she tucks them in her pocket or something because I'm tellin' you...it's possible she could have a meltdown (and I hope whoever is sitting next to her is ready). BUT, TWA, you can do this! It can't be any worse than those court reporting tests we have to take, right?! And this can open up many exciting possibilities for future travel!! Wahoo, Godspeed TWA...Have fun, girlfriend. Love ya!!!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Birthdays
April is such a busy birthday month for us...but it's all good. I have two nieces, two cousins, Jay's mom and grandma, my grandpa's earthly birthday, Lane's birthday, and of course, the most important one of all...MINE :)
I was thinking about my birthday as a child and something my niece said to my mom reminded me that many, many of my birthday parties were had on the tailgate of my dad's pickup truck in a field. Mom would load up the cake and we'd head to the field, dad would jump up off the tractor and celebrate for a bit and get back to work. I don't remember it bothering me, I was just glad to have the cake!
My most memorable birthday gift as a child was the Dusty Rose. What is that you ask? Although it was the color of my bedroom (along with country blue, you know it), it was also the name of the coolest bike I ever had. I can remember walking out to the old shed and seeing my mom and dad standing there propping up the Dusty Rose. It was rose-colored, of course, and had the good old-fashioned banana-type seat. Remember? The long, skinny seat. The chain guard was white with...drum roll, please...roses on it. What a sweet ride.
Funny, as I write this, I am thinking that I had two bikes growing up, two. Count them...one, two. My son will be getting his third bike in two days when he turns eight. Madolyn wants a new bike (only because she loves the big fat seat on the bike I have now..oh wait, actually she can have my seat because Hank the Tank II, who is so precious, chewed it up) and if we decide to get her one for her birthday in August, it will be her fourth bike. She claims she's too tall for the current one...
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? Ugh, I'm ashamed (I've got to work on this spoiling problem, which I am NOT proud of). Okay, so this is not about how many bikes my kids have...anyway, birthdays, yes, that's what we're talking about.
Some interesting gifts that Jay has given me for my birthday: a goat, a race horse (obviously not for me), a 1993 Chevy Beretta work car (again, for Jay to drive to work), a horse weather vane, a new bicycle, a handicap toilet, and anything on my wishlist from Accents (that great store in Martinsville).
I know, you're stuck on the toilet, right? But I asked for it. I truly wanted one. After my parents replaced the old toilet in their downstairs bathroom and put in the handicap toilet for my grandparents to use when they stayed there for a timebeing, I was sold. I think every household needs one and I think all public restrooms should have the higher toilet. I'm not getting any younger, and I've been watching my grandparents and parents as the years pass, it is not going to get any easier to do a squat. I love my toilet...and really miss it when I have to use a regular 'short' one. In fact, just last week I was at a hotel and had to squat so far down to hit the seat that I was afraid I would not be able to get back up. It is really great when you decide you need to start exercising after a long hiatus and your thighs are so sore, they shake when you start the squatting process...oh yeah.
As you think about your upcoming birthday, if you can't think of something exciting to ask for, give the handicap toilet a thought. You won't regret it!
I was thinking about my birthday as a child and something my niece said to my mom reminded me that many, many of my birthday parties were had on the tailgate of my dad's pickup truck in a field. Mom would load up the cake and we'd head to the field, dad would jump up off the tractor and celebrate for a bit and get back to work. I don't remember it bothering me, I was just glad to have the cake!
My most memorable birthday gift as a child was the Dusty Rose. What is that you ask? Although it was the color of my bedroom (along with country blue, you know it), it was also the name of the coolest bike I ever had. I can remember walking out to the old shed and seeing my mom and dad standing there propping up the Dusty Rose. It was rose-colored, of course, and had the good old-fashioned banana-type seat. Remember? The long, skinny seat. The chain guard was white with...drum roll, please...roses on it. What a sweet ride.
Funny, as I write this, I am thinking that I had two bikes growing up, two. Count them...one, two. My son will be getting his third bike in two days when he turns eight. Madolyn wants a new bike (only because she loves the big fat seat on the bike I have now..oh wait, actually she can have my seat because Hank the Tank II, who is so precious, chewed it up) and if we decide to get her one for her birthday in August, it will be her fourth bike. She claims she's too tall for the current one...
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? Ugh, I'm ashamed (I've got to work on this spoiling problem, which I am NOT proud of). Okay, so this is not about how many bikes my kids have...anyway, birthdays, yes, that's what we're talking about.
Some interesting gifts that Jay has given me for my birthday: a goat, a race horse (obviously not for me), a 1993 Chevy Beretta work car (again, for Jay to drive to work), a horse weather vane, a new bicycle, a handicap toilet, and anything on my wishlist from Accents (that great store in Martinsville).
I know, you're stuck on the toilet, right? But I asked for it. I truly wanted one. After my parents replaced the old toilet in their downstairs bathroom and put in the handicap toilet for my grandparents to use when they stayed there for a timebeing, I was sold. I think every household needs one and I think all public restrooms should have the higher toilet. I'm not getting any younger, and I've been watching my grandparents and parents as the years pass, it is not going to get any easier to do a squat. I love my toilet...and really miss it when I have to use a regular 'short' one. In fact, just last week I was at a hotel and had to squat so far down to hit the seat that I was afraid I would not be able to get back up. It is really great when you decide you need to start exercising after a long hiatus and your thighs are so sore, they shake when you start the squatting process...oh yeah.
As you think about your upcoming birthday, if you can't think of something exciting to ask for, give the handicap toilet a thought. You won't regret it!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
History for dummies aka me
It seems like more and more I am surrounded by history buffs, and here I sit amongst them clueless. I don't know what the deal is...was I not taught the history or did I not listen and/or retain it? I have a feeling it is probably a good combination. I wasn't an overachiever in high school and I went to a business school where we didn't study history but I can type really, really fast.
I'm interested in history, but I guess I haven't been interested enough to learn more about it. The Civil War and Slavery peek my interest, but honestly, I know very little about either of them. How bad is it that when I think of the Civil War, my first image is the re-enactment in Sweet Home Alabama (one of my favorite movies)...and folks, I'm not kidding (but don't tell anyone that because that is shameful).
I read that book I told you about a while back, The Emancipation of Robert Sadler, and got a glimpse into the life of a slave, at least from his point of view. I saw the movie, The Help, and loved it...although I was shocked (and mortified) at the way people were treated. I did visit the home where Abe Lincoln died on our senior trip, which was across the street from the theater he was shot in, and I think we went there too. I know who shot him...so that's good of me, right? But then I also know who shot John Lennon because now that really interested me and I can tell you all kinds of information about the Beatles or Charles Manson's clan. I guess that I've always been intrigued by crime and murder, so those things stick out in my mind. But still, it is pitiful.
I've never been a bucket-list type of person, but lately I've been tossing one about in this head of mine, and I'm thinking I need to gain some knowledge, which would include reading some good history books...but they have to be intense, full of excitement and gripping. I simply have to be interested or I won't last past the first chapter. So if you have any suggestions on some reading material, let me have it.
I feel like a moron when folks around me start in on history and I do the whole "smile and wave" routine...I'm sure they're not buying it. They're probably thinking, she always has something to say about everything and when we start in on history, she just smiles...Yep. Don't you worry though, I have refrained from mentioning the Carmichael's or their beautiful plantation in conversation :)
I'm interested in history, but I guess I haven't been interested enough to learn more about it. The Civil War and Slavery peek my interest, but honestly, I know very little about either of them. How bad is it that when I think of the Civil War, my first image is the re-enactment in Sweet Home Alabama (one of my favorite movies)...and folks, I'm not kidding (but don't tell anyone that because that is shameful).
I read that book I told you about a while back, The Emancipation of Robert Sadler, and got a glimpse into the life of a slave, at least from his point of view. I saw the movie, The Help, and loved it...although I was shocked (and mortified) at the way people were treated. I did visit the home where Abe Lincoln died on our senior trip, which was across the street from the theater he was shot in, and I think we went there too. I know who shot him...so that's good of me, right? But then I also know who shot John Lennon because now that really interested me and I can tell you all kinds of information about the Beatles or Charles Manson's clan. I guess that I've always been intrigued by crime and murder, so those things stick out in my mind. But still, it is pitiful.
I've never been a bucket-list type of person, but lately I've been tossing one about in this head of mine, and I'm thinking I need to gain some knowledge, which would include reading some good history books...but they have to be intense, full of excitement and gripping. I simply have to be interested or I won't last past the first chapter. So if you have any suggestions on some reading material, let me have it.
I feel like a moron when folks around me start in on history and I do the whole "smile and wave" routine...I'm sure they're not buying it. They're probably thinking, she always has something to say about everything and when we start in on history, she just smiles...Yep. Don't you worry though, I have refrained from mentioning the Carmichael's or their beautiful plantation in conversation :)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
City Wide Pride
A few months ago, our community started a movement, and really, I suppose I should say a few years ago, because that is when Martinsville on the Move formed. So let me start that over. Martinsville on the Move (MOM) was formed a few years ago in an effort to improve our city. That group has met monthly since and remains committed to improving the quality of life here in our town.
One of the first things they did was to open a resale shop downtown called Changing Hands. It has been a huge success. Not only is there a place to go to purchase gently-used items at a low cost, the stuff you have in your basement or attic that you no longer want...has a home. You know how it is, you have something that you keep until you might need it and then you decide you may never need it, but it could be exactly what someone else is looking for, so you collect your unwanted items and drop them off at the resale shop. The store is operated through MOM and is manned by volunteers from our community...who, I must say, donate several hours of their free time for this endeavor to succeed. What they can't use in their shop is donated to a local mission so nothing goes to waste.
MOM has hosted various downtown clean-up days, a fun, old-fashioned Hometown Christmas celebration (which was a huge success this year) and helped the bank purchase a clock and LED screen that our town desperately needed. The group has encouraged homeowners to take pride in their property by honoring them for their improvements. I think they also now offer a scholarship to local kids and have a small grant available for new businesses coming to town.
MOM has been a huge asset to our little community and I thank those involved for their commitment. A couple months ago, MOM started having MAPPING meetings, which were held two nights weekly for several weeks. I could not attend because of my daughter's volleyball schedule, but sort of wish I had been able to. It's my understanding these meetings were held to create a vision for the growth and future of Martinsville, and then develop ideas to follow through on those visions. Those that participated seem to have thoroughly enjoyed the process and are continuing with their commitment to improve our community by following through with some of the thoughts and ideas that were brought forth.
This Saturday, April 14 is City Wide Pride Day in Martinsville. The annual city-wide clean-up is approaching where residents of Martinsville can set out their "junk" beyond their ordinary garbage at the curb and the city will pick it up and haul it off. In an effort to support the city with the clean-up, there will be volunteers available to help those that need assistance getting heavy or large objects out for pick-up. If you know of someone in town that could use that extra help, please let me or my mom know. (I better not post her phone number on here.) Volunteers for City Wide Pride Day are also needed. They are to meet at the high school parking lot at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. You will sign in and be given direction on where you need to go. I would suggest bringing a pair of gloves with you.
There is a Town Meeting on April 22, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at our high school. Come see Martinsville's vision for positive change and get excited. Support this movement. There will be a light meal following.
If you have followed my blog long, you know that I absolutely love my community, and that there is no place I would rather be. If we like what we have and want to keep it, we must work together to take care of it. If we want things to be improved, we must work together to improve them. It is a group effort. It takes all of us.
P.S. Having said all of this, I must confess I won't be able to help on Saturday because of Madolyn's 4H Horse Hippology contest in Champaign...thought I better throw that out there so my readers won't wonder where I am after trying to persuade others to help :)
One of the first things they did was to open a resale shop downtown called Changing Hands. It has been a huge success. Not only is there a place to go to purchase gently-used items at a low cost, the stuff you have in your basement or attic that you no longer want...has a home. You know how it is, you have something that you keep until you might need it and then you decide you may never need it, but it could be exactly what someone else is looking for, so you collect your unwanted items and drop them off at the resale shop. The store is operated through MOM and is manned by volunteers from our community...who, I must say, donate several hours of their free time for this endeavor to succeed. What they can't use in their shop is donated to a local mission so nothing goes to waste.
MOM has hosted various downtown clean-up days, a fun, old-fashioned Hometown Christmas celebration (which was a huge success this year) and helped the bank purchase a clock and LED screen that our town desperately needed. The group has encouraged homeowners to take pride in their property by honoring them for their improvements. I think they also now offer a scholarship to local kids and have a small grant available for new businesses coming to town.
MOM has been a huge asset to our little community and I thank those involved for their commitment. A couple months ago, MOM started having MAPPING meetings, which were held two nights weekly for several weeks. I could not attend because of my daughter's volleyball schedule, but sort of wish I had been able to. It's my understanding these meetings were held to create a vision for the growth and future of Martinsville, and then develop ideas to follow through on those visions. Those that participated seem to have thoroughly enjoyed the process and are continuing with their commitment to improve our community by following through with some of the thoughts and ideas that were brought forth.
This Saturday, April 14 is City Wide Pride Day in Martinsville. The annual city-wide clean-up is approaching where residents of Martinsville can set out their "junk" beyond their ordinary garbage at the curb and the city will pick it up and haul it off. In an effort to support the city with the clean-up, there will be volunteers available to help those that need assistance getting heavy or large objects out for pick-up. If you know of someone in town that could use that extra help, please let me or my mom know. (I better not post her phone number on here.) Volunteers for City Wide Pride Day are also needed. They are to meet at the high school parking lot at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. You will sign in and be given direction on where you need to go. I would suggest bringing a pair of gloves with you.
There is a Town Meeting on April 22, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at our high school. Come see Martinsville's vision for positive change and get excited. Support this movement. There will be a light meal following.
If you have followed my blog long, you know that I absolutely love my community, and that there is no place I would rather be. If we like what we have and want to keep it, we must work together to take care of it. If we want things to be improved, we must work together to improve them. It is a group effort. It takes all of us.
P.S. Having said all of this, I must confess I won't be able to help on Saturday because of Madolyn's 4H Horse Hippology contest in Champaign...thought I better throw that out there so my readers won't wonder where I am after trying to persuade others to help :)
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
My employment
I haven't spoken specifically about my job much on here because I always think there is a fine line that I don't want to cross on that subject...meaning I don't want to break any confidences or say too much. But boy, do I have some good stories I could tell some day...and maybe I will once a few more years pass.
By the way, I am currently an Official Court Reporter for the State of Illinois (finally) working in my home county (yeah). I have been a court reporter since passing my state test in 1996. (Man, that makes me sound really old.) So yes, I do see and hear a lot of 'stuff,' but I don't see and hear everything, which most people assume. There was a murder (literally a block from the courthouse) a couple years ago and I don't think I knew about it for a day-and-a-half. Just because I'm over here in the courthouse doesn't mean I know what's going on. Usually, unless there is a court case in the courtroom where I work, I don't know about it. There is a whole gob of court going on in the other courtroom weekly that I never hear about, and I don't want to.
I have an office behind the main courtroom by myself. The judge is an office just around the corner from me. I see people coming before he does, but we're not in each other's face or space. This side of the courthouse is pretty quiet except on our busy court days. The chief judge's administrator is on the other side of the courtroom, and although I can hear her sneeze or cough, I can't see when she's picking her nose. (haha, Kathy!) I/we have our 'own' bathroom, which is so nice compared to other places I've worked. Technically it's in the jury room, but since we only have juries about once a year, the remaining 300 days or so, it's our potty.
No one really bothers me up here and I like it that way...if only I could keep people from calling me for random information, such as, "I need to get my birth certificate from Cook County, can you help me?" "Nope, you would need to call Cook County." OR "Yeah, I need a copy of a death certificate." "From Clark County?" "No, Lake County." "Okay, well, this is the judge's office, and second, this is Clark County. You need to call Lake County." I'm not joking, I get these calls all the time.
I have worked with a lot of good people, mostly women, but I must admit that I'm thankful that I work alone. I know that I can be hard to get along with and I'm sure I would have problems getting along with others on a daily basis if we were in each other's face. I guess I work well alone...which is funny because I feel like a very social person. The thermostat is in my office in direct line of site and I watch it like a hawk. Having come from a courthouse that was always cold, I am so thankful for that. And the judge I work with has never once complained to me about the temperature, which is awesome.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will give you a little insight into my job and my duties, and what it's like to be the silent one in the courtroom when you know I have so much to say :)
By the way, I am currently an Official Court Reporter for the State of Illinois (finally) working in my home county (yeah). I have been a court reporter since passing my state test in 1996. (Man, that makes me sound really old.) So yes, I do see and hear a lot of 'stuff,' but I don't see and hear everything, which most people assume. There was a murder (literally a block from the courthouse) a couple years ago and I don't think I knew about it for a day-and-a-half. Just because I'm over here in the courthouse doesn't mean I know what's going on. Usually, unless there is a court case in the courtroom where I work, I don't know about it. There is a whole gob of court going on in the other courtroom weekly that I never hear about, and I don't want to.
I have an office behind the main courtroom by myself. The judge is an office just around the corner from me. I see people coming before he does, but we're not in each other's face or space. This side of the courthouse is pretty quiet except on our busy court days. The chief judge's administrator is on the other side of the courtroom, and although I can hear her sneeze or cough, I can't see when she's picking her nose. (haha, Kathy!) I/we have our 'own' bathroom, which is so nice compared to other places I've worked. Technically it's in the jury room, but since we only have juries about once a year, the remaining 300 days or so, it's our potty.
No one really bothers me up here and I like it that way...if only I could keep people from calling me for random information, such as, "I need to get my birth certificate from Cook County, can you help me?" "Nope, you would need to call Cook County." OR "Yeah, I need a copy of a death certificate." "From Clark County?" "No, Lake County." "Okay, well, this is the judge's office, and second, this is Clark County. You need to call Lake County." I'm not joking, I get these calls all the time.
I have worked with a lot of good people, mostly women, but I must admit that I'm thankful that I work alone. I know that I can be hard to get along with and I'm sure I would have problems getting along with others on a daily basis if we were in each other's face. I guess I work well alone...which is funny because I feel like a very social person. The thermostat is in my office in direct line of site and I watch it like a hawk. Having come from a courthouse that was always cold, I am so thankful for that. And the judge I work with has never once complained to me about the temperature, which is awesome.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will give you a little insight into my job and my duties, and what it's like to be the silent one in the courtroom when you know I have so much to say :)
Monday, April 9, 2012
Glorious Day
The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:16-17 (NIV)
Oh man, it's early April and I am already being attacked viciously by bugs. I was outside a lot this weekend and now I'm paying the price. I have seen several snakes already too, and yuck, how I hate snakes. I suppose we'll have a ton of those slimy things crawling around. Honestly, I can live with mice if that is all snakes are good for. We've found two ticks so far...on Lane. I haven't seen any on the dogs yet, but it will be a matter of time. I know the insects are going to be simply dreadful this year. Lane and I get bit like crazy. Jay and Madolyn get the poison. I suppose we have the better end of the deal on that one, but it's still annoying.
Yesterday was Easter Sunday and you know they say that if it rains on Easter Sunday, it will rain the next six Sundays...it didn't rain. My fear is that it may not rain for a long time. Normally, I'm okay with that, but since the weather this year has already been so out of sorts, it makes me a little nervous. It could be a very dry, hot summer.
Weather is one of those things that controls a large portion of my life, which is crazy, because weather is one of those things that I absolutely have NO control over, not even a smidgen. I suppose I can control the climate in my car, but that's about it...and really, no, I can't even do that because last summer our passenger side air/heat controls went berserk. It will randomly blow hot (like fire) air out even if you have it on A/C set at 60. I normally wouldn't notice, but we were driving through Mississippi last August in the blazing heat and I was sweating profusely at times...which is so unlike me.
I literally get up in the morning and have to see what the weather is going to be like to plan my day. Can I walk outside, will I need a heavy coat, a light jacket, long pants, short pants, long-johns, closed-toed shoes, open-toed shoes, many layers? I could go on and on. I almost always carry a sweatshirt with me because restaurants are always freezing and only a freezing cold Sarah is worse than a hungry Sarah...both cause me to shake and be grouchy. It's not good for those around me.
I need the sunshine to fuel my mood. Seriously. A gloomy day is the worst. I don't suffer from serious depression or anything, but something as simple as the sun, even on the coldest day, is medicine for my soul.
The past couple months I'd give a daily weather report to my kids, which started out something like this: "Heavy coat today." "Okay, a sweatshirt should do it." "You don't need a coat at all." And then finally ended with: "Yes, I know it's March, but you can wear shorts, it is 85 degrees." I fought it for a couple weeks, but caved. Why not? It was HOT and my kids are both fireballs so I was just making them miserable by having them wear their long pants. (Our school has a/c now...boy, are we spoiled these days or what?)
My closet is too small (are they ever big enough?) so I have to rotate clothing...I finally gave in on that one too and brought down the summer totes from the attic. They are still sitting in my bedroom, partially transferred, but I made the first step. Of course, now the judge says it's my fault the temps dipped a little...because I started switching out my closet. Sorry, I, too, was starting to sweat a little in my long-sleeved sweaters and wool or corduroy pants.
So I will continue with my daily weather advisory to my kiddos and I'll try very hard not to worry about the weather that is coming our way. God knows what we need when we need it. He will bring the rain when He sees fit. I will finish sorting through my closet and making the switch. I will deal with the snakes and the mosquitoes...ugh. I will continue to drag along my sweatshirt.
This Easter weekend was beautiful and so is today. It is a tad bit windy out, but the sun is beaming. I think God is too. After all, His Son is alive :) Oh, glorious day.
Oh man, it's early April and I am already being attacked viciously by bugs. I was outside a lot this weekend and now I'm paying the price. I have seen several snakes already too, and yuck, how I hate snakes. I suppose we'll have a ton of those slimy things crawling around. Honestly, I can live with mice if that is all snakes are good for. We've found two ticks so far...on Lane. I haven't seen any on the dogs yet, but it will be a matter of time. I know the insects are going to be simply dreadful this year. Lane and I get bit like crazy. Jay and Madolyn get the poison. I suppose we have the better end of the deal on that one, but it's still annoying.
Yesterday was Easter Sunday and you know they say that if it rains on Easter Sunday, it will rain the next six Sundays...it didn't rain. My fear is that it may not rain for a long time. Normally, I'm okay with that, but since the weather this year has already been so out of sorts, it makes me a little nervous. It could be a very dry, hot summer.
Weather is one of those things that controls a large portion of my life, which is crazy, because weather is one of those things that I absolutely have NO control over, not even a smidgen. I suppose I can control the climate in my car, but that's about it...and really, no, I can't even do that because last summer our passenger side air/heat controls went berserk. It will randomly blow hot (like fire) air out even if you have it on A/C set at 60. I normally wouldn't notice, but we were driving through Mississippi last August in the blazing heat and I was sweating profusely at times...which is so unlike me.
I literally get up in the morning and have to see what the weather is going to be like to plan my day. Can I walk outside, will I need a heavy coat, a light jacket, long pants, short pants, long-johns, closed-toed shoes, open-toed shoes, many layers? I could go on and on. I almost always carry a sweatshirt with me because restaurants are always freezing and only a freezing cold Sarah is worse than a hungry Sarah...both cause me to shake and be grouchy. It's not good for those around me.
I need the sunshine to fuel my mood. Seriously. A gloomy day is the worst. I don't suffer from serious depression or anything, but something as simple as the sun, even on the coldest day, is medicine for my soul.
The past couple months I'd give a daily weather report to my kids, which started out something like this: "Heavy coat today." "Okay, a sweatshirt should do it." "You don't need a coat at all." And then finally ended with: "Yes, I know it's March, but you can wear shorts, it is 85 degrees." I fought it for a couple weeks, but caved. Why not? It was HOT and my kids are both fireballs so I was just making them miserable by having them wear their long pants. (Our school has a/c now...boy, are we spoiled these days or what?)
My closet is too small (are they ever big enough?) so I have to rotate clothing...I finally gave in on that one too and brought down the summer totes from the attic. They are still sitting in my bedroom, partially transferred, but I made the first step. Of course, now the judge says it's my fault the temps dipped a little...because I started switching out my closet. Sorry, I, too, was starting to sweat a little in my long-sleeved sweaters and wool or corduroy pants.
So I will continue with my daily weather advisory to my kiddos and I'll try very hard not to worry about the weather that is coming our way. God knows what we need when we need it. He will bring the rain when He sees fit. I will finish sorting through my closet and making the switch. I will deal with the snakes and the mosquitoes...ugh. I will continue to drag along my sweatshirt.
This Easter weekend was beautiful and so is today. It is a tad bit windy out, but the sun is beaming. I think God is too. After all, His Son is alive :) Oh, glorious day.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Hey, sinner...
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)
Yeah, I'm talking to you...and me. I heard on my way to work this morning on the local Christian radio station that there was some sort controversy over comments made by Kim Kardashian recently. According to an online article I searched, in summary, she said something about how glad she was to go to church and reflect on her week, that it always made her feel better and she would be lost without church.
Well, Amen to that comment. Of course, that was not what was being said about the subject. Instead several have questioned her faith, asked why SHE would be in church, and laughed at the possibility that she does actually go to church.
What's funny is that I am not so different than Ms. Kardashian myself...I know you're laughing, but what I mean is although I look nothing like her, don't have her wealth (or the image of one) or her fame, I am a sinner, plain and simple. I may not be a Hollywood star or anything slightly close to one, but my guess is that some of our sins are probably very similiar. We are all sinners in the eyes of the Lord. And where do sinners need to be? At the foot of the cross. In church. With other believers.
Who am I to judge whether Kim goes to church, has a close relationship with her pastor, believes in Jesus Christ as her personal savior, feels better after being in church? I can't judge her thoughts, beliefs or intentions just like I cannot judge yours. I admit that sometimes I do that very thing though without a second thought. I can be quick to cast judgment on someone else because they're not doing what I would do or they're not handling a situation the way I think it should be handled.
Our human nature is to sin, but that doesn't make it right...unfortunately, there is not one of us that is without it. My hope is that the judgment of others is not keeping you from attending church. Church is important to the growth of a Christian. Jesus pretty well sums it up for us in Mark 2:17 (NIV): On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Sinners need Jesus, plain and simple. I need Jesus and so do you.
My challenge to you today if you aren't attending church somewhere, take that first step. I invite you to go to an Easter service somewhere this Sunday. You are welcome to join us at my church. We would love to have you. Our Sunrise service begins at 6:00 (I know it's so early:), which will be followed by a delicious, traditional Willow Creek CP breakfast, and then Sunday School. If you're not sure where to go, pray about what church God wants you to be at. You may be surprised at what happens...
Yeah, I'm talking to you...and me. I heard on my way to work this morning on the local Christian radio station that there was some sort controversy over comments made by Kim Kardashian recently. According to an online article I searched, in summary, she said something about how glad she was to go to church and reflect on her week, that it always made her feel better and she would be lost without church.
Well, Amen to that comment. Of course, that was not what was being said about the subject. Instead several have questioned her faith, asked why SHE would be in church, and laughed at the possibility that she does actually go to church.
What's funny is that I am not so different than Ms. Kardashian myself...I know you're laughing, but what I mean is although I look nothing like her, don't have her wealth (or the image of one) or her fame, I am a sinner, plain and simple. I may not be a Hollywood star or anything slightly close to one, but my guess is that some of our sins are probably very similiar. We are all sinners in the eyes of the Lord. And where do sinners need to be? At the foot of the cross. In church. With other believers.
Who am I to judge whether Kim goes to church, has a close relationship with her pastor, believes in Jesus Christ as her personal savior, feels better after being in church? I can't judge her thoughts, beliefs or intentions just like I cannot judge yours. I admit that sometimes I do that very thing though without a second thought. I can be quick to cast judgment on someone else because they're not doing what I would do or they're not handling a situation the way I think it should be handled.
Our human nature is to sin, but that doesn't make it right...unfortunately, there is not one of us that is without it. My hope is that the judgment of others is not keeping you from attending church. Church is important to the growth of a Christian. Jesus pretty well sums it up for us in Mark 2:17 (NIV): On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Sinners need Jesus, plain and simple. I need Jesus and so do you.
My challenge to you today if you aren't attending church somewhere, take that first step. I invite you to go to an Easter service somewhere this Sunday. You are welcome to join us at my church. We would love to have you. Our Sunrise service begins at 6:00 (I know it's so early:), which will be followed by a delicious, traditional Willow Creek CP breakfast, and then Sunday School. If you're not sure where to go, pray about what church God wants you to be at. You may be surprised at what happens...
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Just an ordinary family gathering
Easter of 2010 we celebrated with one side of the family at our house. Of course, we all got up early and did the whole Sunrise service with breakfast at church, came home mid-morning and got everything ready for a big family dinner.
My cousin and his wife were here with their then 2 yr old son. The entire family was all around....and I do mean the entire family...as in family members, dogs, cats, goats, horses, etc. It was a lovely day outside. I remember the sun shining and a nice temperature...although nothing like we've been having here lately.
After we had eaten our too-stuffed-to-move meal, my dad was lounging in the living room in front of the picture window when he commented on the fact that there was a horse stretching his neck over the porch railing as if he were trying to look inside the window. Oh, yeah, that's Woody...he's nosey. He won't bother anything.
The kids pestered and bugged enough until it was time to hide the Easter eggs and start the hunt. Lane and my niece would've been around six, and like I said, my cousin's boy was about two. The older kids went out and hid the plastic Easter eggs in the front part of the yard for the younger ones to find. Nothing out of the ordinary except that those pesky goats kept trying to eat the eggs. No joke, someone would hide an egg, they would turn around to walk away, and a goat would run up and grab it. (They were plastic, but you know goats...) They even put one in the fork of a tree which was about four feet or so off the ground...wasn't high enough, one of the mama goats, stood right up to the tree and using the trunk of the tree for support, nabbed the egg.
Finally, we decided we had to put the goats up. They always ruin everything. Stupid goats. I bet my cousin's little boy doesn't even remember. I know Lane does because we talked about it the other day. Of course, for us, it was just an ordinary family gathering...
My cousin and his wife were here with their then 2 yr old son. The entire family was all around....and I do mean the entire family...as in family members, dogs, cats, goats, horses, etc. It was a lovely day outside. I remember the sun shining and a nice temperature...although nothing like we've been having here lately.
After we had eaten our too-stuffed-to-move meal, my dad was lounging in the living room in front of the picture window when he commented on the fact that there was a horse stretching his neck over the porch railing as if he were trying to look inside the window. Oh, yeah, that's Woody...he's nosey. He won't bother anything.
The kids pestered and bugged enough until it was time to hide the Easter eggs and start the hunt. Lane and my niece would've been around six, and like I said, my cousin's boy was about two. The older kids went out and hid the plastic Easter eggs in the front part of the yard for the younger ones to find. Nothing out of the ordinary except that those pesky goats kept trying to eat the eggs. No joke, someone would hide an egg, they would turn around to walk away, and a goat would run up and grab it. (They were plastic, but you know goats...) They even put one in the fork of a tree which was about four feet or so off the ground...wasn't high enough, one of the mama goats, stood right up to the tree and using the trunk of the tree for support, nabbed the egg.
Finally, we decided we had to put the goats up. They always ruin everything. Stupid goats. I bet my cousin's little boy doesn't even remember. I know Lane does because we talked about it the other day. Of course, for us, it was just an ordinary family gathering...
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Sorry to disappoint you...
but I'm so lost on Pinterest. I signed up for an account because everyone was doing it and I was told by everyone that I just had to. I did succumb to peer pressure and asked for an invite...I got the invitation about four months ago...maybe even longer. That was the last time I looked at it.
I keep getting these e-mails in my Inbox telling me that so and so is following me on Pinterest. Oh, good heavens, I feel bad because they aren't following much of me, that's for sure. I don't even know what that means. Are they following me as in what I look at? I have seen people put stuff on Facebook from Pinterest, but again, I'm not really sure what they're doing or how or why.
I had a little free time and I popped on over to the Pinterest website today and logged in to my 'account' which, again, consists of nothing more than my name and somehow my Facebook profile picture. (See, I'm telling you I really don't get it.) Am I supposed to be posting clever things that I can do? Am I supposed to be telling everyone else the things that I like by "pinning" it to my "board"? I've seen these terms used in various places in regards to the website so that's why I ask.
I decided I would search out tips for camping. Okay, that was interesting. I found lots of tents that you can hang from trees and suspend in the air to camp. That is a tip I do not need. There is no way that I'm suspending myself in the air inside a tent. I don't even want to sleep in a tent...and I sure don't want to sleep in one that is supposed to be strong enough to hold myself and all my stuff in it way up in the air. There were other tips for extreme camping (which I don't remember putting in my search) that included tents you can attach to the side of a mountain, cliff, rock wall, etc. Again, not something I have any interest in trying...ever.
I continued scrolling and came upon the bare behind of a man...I have no clue what that was about...I just scrolled on past. Again, this was still on the camping subject??? Okay, moving on. There was an idea for a home-made mosquito trap using yeast, but my question here is, will that just attract mosquito's to the location of the trap thereby causing a higher volume...which in turn will mean that Lane and I are bit 2 million times instead of the usual 1 million. I considered trying it, but I think I'll wait for more studies.
I tried a couple different search topics, but didn't come up with anything too exciting from the results. What I have decided is that I already have a head full of ideas that I can't seem to put together and accomplish, why on earth am I seeking out more? The last thing I need is to start collecting supplies for things I will never complete...I'm already a pro at that one (scrapbooking). The scrolling just makes my head spin. My head nearly exploded from overload.
So while I'm not going to think badly of anyone who enjoys a little Pinterest time, it may not be something I put a lot of time into. Here's my plan, why don't you Pinterest followers out there just find really cute stuff, make it and send it to me. That way we both reap the benefits. You see how it comes together and I enjoy the finished product. Perfect. Surely by now, if you follow my blog, you know my interests, so it shouldn't be too tough to find things I'll like. ha.
Again, I apologize if you're following me on Pinterest because I'm not going anywhere. Happy pinning, folks...
I keep getting these e-mails in my Inbox telling me that so and so is following me on Pinterest. Oh, good heavens, I feel bad because they aren't following much of me, that's for sure. I don't even know what that means. Are they following me as in what I look at? I have seen people put stuff on Facebook from Pinterest, but again, I'm not really sure what they're doing or how or why.
I had a little free time and I popped on over to the Pinterest website today and logged in to my 'account' which, again, consists of nothing more than my name and somehow my Facebook profile picture. (See, I'm telling you I really don't get it.) Am I supposed to be posting clever things that I can do? Am I supposed to be telling everyone else the things that I like by "pinning" it to my "board"? I've seen these terms used in various places in regards to the website so that's why I ask.
I decided I would search out tips for camping. Okay, that was interesting. I found lots of tents that you can hang from trees and suspend in the air to camp. That is a tip I do not need. There is no way that I'm suspending myself in the air inside a tent. I don't even want to sleep in a tent...and I sure don't want to sleep in one that is supposed to be strong enough to hold myself and all my stuff in it way up in the air. There were other tips for extreme camping (which I don't remember putting in my search) that included tents you can attach to the side of a mountain, cliff, rock wall, etc. Again, not something I have any interest in trying...ever.
I continued scrolling and came upon the bare behind of a man...I have no clue what that was about...I just scrolled on past. Again, this was still on the camping subject??? Okay, moving on. There was an idea for a home-made mosquito trap using yeast, but my question here is, will that just attract mosquito's to the location of the trap thereby causing a higher volume...which in turn will mean that Lane and I are bit 2 million times instead of the usual 1 million. I considered trying it, but I think I'll wait for more studies.
I tried a couple different search topics, but didn't come up with anything too exciting from the results. What I have decided is that I already have a head full of ideas that I can't seem to put together and accomplish, why on earth am I seeking out more? The last thing I need is to start collecting supplies for things I will never complete...I'm already a pro at that one (scrapbooking). The scrolling just makes my head spin. My head nearly exploded from overload.
So while I'm not going to think badly of anyone who enjoys a little Pinterest time, it may not be something I put a lot of time into. Here's my plan, why don't you Pinterest followers out there just find really cute stuff, make it and send it to me. That way we both reap the benefits. You see how it comes together and I enjoy the finished product. Perfect. Surely by now, if you follow my blog, you know my interests, so it shouldn't be too tough to find things I'll like. ha.
Again, I apologize if you're following me on Pinterest because I'm not going anywhere. Happy pinning, folks...
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Horse Bowl and Hippology
If you're like me, you have no clue what that means...I know I didn't until this past weekend. Madolyn joined our local 4H Horse Bowl & Hippology team just after the first of the year. They have "practices" every Monday night and after the very first one, she came home with a huge stack of books. Eeeeeck.
I thought, yikes, if she enjoys this, that will be the day, this won't last a month. Funny thing, she LOVES it. Of course she does because I would probably hate it. They study everything about horses, and I do mean everything. They have anatomy books and models that they use to practice guessing the parts. They have all kinds of horse tack that they quiz each other on. They use color pages and diagrams. She has notebooks, etc. And I think all of that relates to the Hippology part. I say 'I think' because honestly I'm still somewhat lost on the whole thing. The horse bowl part is just like scholastic bowl....and I had never been to a scholastic bowl meet...so I didn't even understand exactly what that meant either. So I just googled the subject matter and got all kinds of hits in case you're interested in learning all about the horse.
This past weekend was the event of the year...what those kids practice for all year long. It was the Regional Horse Bowl & Hippology at a local junior college. The bad thing...we had to get up and be on the road by 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday...ugh!! But we did it, and we weren't even late, which is awesome for us. I actually dropped the girls off and went shopping for a while, got my oil changed, drove around Mattoon aimlessly and finally decided that gas was a tad high to be wandering about with no reason.
I returned to the college and the girls were practicing up for another round of horse bowl. I was told I could go in and watch if I could be quiet...geesh, it's like they know me or something. I sat in the very back and tried to be where Madolyn could NOT see me because she has the habit of looking at me constantly...and honestly, I would be of little help on this one.
Like I said before, I had never even been to a scholastic bowl meet or match or game (what do you call it?) so it's was all foreign to me. (I can't remember, but I'm guessing we didn't have scholastic bowl when I was in school.) Anyway, it was all so formal and rigid, and many times I wanted to say, "Oh, come on that was close," which would've have been a major no-no. No one even had to tell me that, it was understood. Our team did real good the first match I watched. They had already won one earlier and lost the second by just three or four points. The last match was against the hardest team, and phooey, they beat us pretty bad. I think it was the fear factor. I really wanted to give them a little pep talk before going on that it didn't matter how good these kids were normally, etc, etc, but I wasn't their coach...and maybe that's not what you do at Horse Bowl. The overall contest is calculated by accumulative points so that last match killed us. I think we got third in the horse bowl for that age group.
I knew maybe about ten of the 60 questions they asked, which is pitiful. See, I would've been no help. But the ones I did know and they didn't, oh man, it's like watching Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy and shouting at the TV, only I couldn't say a peep, but inside I was screaming, "Come on, you know this." I know it's so much easier to be sitting back and watching, than in the hot seat. My stomach was a ball of knots, I cannot imagine what their's felt like.
It was interesting to me, and I probably should've skipped shopping and watched the whole day (boy, was it a long day) because I need to learn that stuff too, or at least some of it. And I now have a much better idea at what Madolyn needs to practice and study on because I get the idea. I just couldn't grasp it before. Madolyn got third in her division for the Hippology (which her mama was pretty excited about because this is her first year and she just started in January), and she will advance to the state contest here in a couple weeks. A few of the other girls advanced also so it should be fun.
After my weekend education, when I hear someone say "Horse Bowl and Hippology," at least I won't be thinking of horses bowling with a hippopotamus anymore...
I thought, yikes, if she enjoys this, that will be the day, this won't last a month. Funny thing, she LOVES it. Of course she does because I would probably hate it. They study everything about horses, and I do mean everything. They have anatomy books and models that they use to practice guessing the parts. They have all kinds of horse tack that they quiz each other on. They use color pages and diagrams. She has notebooks, etc. And I think all of that relates to the Hippology part. I say 'I think' because honestly I'm still somewhat lost on the whole thing. The horse bowl part is just like scholastic bowl....and I had never been to a scholastic bowl meet...so I didn't even understand exactly what that meant either. So I just googled the subject matter and got all kinds of hits in case you're interested in learning all about the horse.
This past weekend was the event of the year...what those kids practice for all year long. It was the Regional Horse Bowl & Hippology at a local junior college. The bad thing...we had to get up and be on the road by 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday...ugh!! But we did it, and we weren't even late, which is awesome for us. I actually dropped the girls off and went shopping for a while, got my oil changed, drove around Mattoon aimlessly and finally decided that gas was a tad high to be wandering about with no reason.
I returned to the college and the girls were practicing up for another round of horse bowl. I was told I could go in and watch if I could be quiet...geesh, it's like they know me or something. I sat in the very back and tried to be where Madolyn could NOT see me because she has the habit of looking at me constantly...and honestly, I would be of little help on this one.
Like I said before, I had never even been to a scholastic bowl meet or match or game (what do you call it?) so it's was all foreign to me. (I can't remember, but I'm guessing we didn't have scholastic bowl when I was in school.) Anyway, it was all so formal and rigid, and many times I wanted to say, "Oh, come on that was close," which would've have been a major no-no. No one even had to tell me that, it was understood. Our team did real good the first match I watched. They had already won one earlier and lost the second by just three or four points. The last match was against the hardest team, and phooey, they beat us pretty bad. I think it was the fear factor. I really wanted to give them a little pep talk before going on that it didn't matter how good these kids were normally, etc, etc, but I wasn't their coach...and maybe that's not what you do at Horse Bowl. The overall contest is calculated by accumulative points so that last match killed us. I think we got third in the horse bowl for that age group.
I knew maybe about ten of the 60 questions they asked, which is pitiful. See, I would've been no help. But the ones I did know and they didn't, oh man, it's like watching Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy and shouting at the TV, only I couldn't say a peep, but inside I was screaming, "Come on, you know this." I know it's so much easier to be sitting back and watching, than in the hot seat. My stomach was a ball of knots, I cannot imagine what their's felt like.
It was interesting to me, and I probably should've skipped shopping and watched the whole day (boy, was it a long day) because I need to learn that stuff too, or at least some of it. And I now have a much better idea at what Madolyn needs to practice and study on because I get the idea. I just couldn't grasp it before. Madolyn got third in her division for the Hippology (which her mama was pretty excited about because this is her first year and she just started in January), and she will advance to the state contest here in a couple weeks. A few of the other girls advanced also so it should be fun.
After my weekend education, when I hear someone say "Horse Bowl and Hippology," at least I won't be thinking of horses bowling with a hippopotamus anymore...
Monday, April 2, 2012
I want to be a Dandelion
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph. 6:10-11 (NIV)
So as I was walking, all I could think was how it seems like no matter what you do to those stupid Dandelions, they come back. No matter how much potent weed killer you put on them, they find a new place to sprout and grow. I can take my little weed-digging tool out and dig them up from the root...and the very next week, a new plant will appear nearby. I have even been so careful at times to make sure that there is no way the little seeds could have fallen from the dying Dandelion as I carried them off...because I certainly didn't want them to multiply.
I had to laugh...all this work to try and keep one of God's creations from growing. And really it isn't like it's a thistle or thorn bush. It is a flower with vibrant yellow petals beaming from all directions. It doesn't really hurt anything either. In fact, it even provides food to the bees...and if you have goats, they love them!
I considered it a moment and thought how a Dandelion can be a lot like the life of a Christian. Oh, how I hope we are popping up all over the place, not deterred by the pesky weed killers (aka Satan) or the weed-digging tools (aka atheists and non-believers) that are determined to pick us out one-by-one. How I would love it if everywhere you went, you would see Christians standing tall, reflecting the brightness of the Son, crowding out non-believers and those who want to destroy us, Christians strong enough to not let others prevent them from sprouting new growth. We cannot let the world be stronger than we are...even as the lawnmower blades cut the heads from the top of the Dandelion, the roots remain strong and continue to grow.
I want to be a Dandelion Christian...the kind that is persistent and resilient despite all the forces that are out there against us, standing tall and mighty wearing the armor of God. Won't you join me?
The other day as I was taking a walk, I couldn't help but notice those annoying, resilient, everywhere-you-look Dandelions. In the past, Jay has spent all kinds of time, tracking them down in our yard and zapping them with potent weedkiller. If he saw one poke up later, he would go out and attack it and its friends with a vengeance. We did not want those pesky weeds flowers in our yard and we would not stop until we killed every one of them.
So as I was walking, all I could think was how it seems like no matter what you do to those stupid Dandelions, they come back. No matter how much potent weed killer you put on them, they find a new place to sprout and grow. I can take my little weed-digging tool out and dig them up from the root...and the very next week, a new plant will appear nearby. I have even been so careful at times to make sure that there is no way the little seeds could have fallen from the dying Dandelion as I carried them off...because I certainly didn't want them to multiply.I had to laugh...all this work to try and keep one of God's creations from growing. And really it isn't like it's a thistle or thorn bush. It is a flower with vibrant yellow petals beaming from all directions. It doesn't really hurt anything either. In fact, it even provides food to the bees...and if you have goats, they love them!
I considered it a moment and thought how a Dandelion can be a lot like the life of a Christian. Oh, how I hope we are popping up all over the place, not deterred by the pesky weed killers (aka Satan) or the weed-digging tools (aka atheists and non-believers) that are determined to pick us out one-by-one. How I would love it if everywhere you went, you would see Christians standing tall, reflecting the brightness of the Son, crowding out non-believers and those who want to destroy us, Christians strong enough to not let others prevent them from sprouting new growth. We cannot let the world be stronger than we are...even as the lawnmower blades cut the heads from the top of the Dandelion, the roots remain strong and continue to grow.
I want to be a Dandelion Christian...the kind that is persistent and resilient despite all the forces that are out there against us, standing tall and mighty wearing the armor of God. Won't you join me?
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