When compared to someone with high intelligence, I will not measure up. I'm not overflowing with vast knowledge one might gain from higher education and lots of reading (non-fiction). But I can tell you how to get a cow off a bridge.
Earlier this week an out-of-town (northerner) attorney was in court and we were casually talking. He mentioned that he had been in a county in Illinois and there was a cow 'stuck on a bridge.' The expression on my face had to have been a good one. And he went on to explain that, there was a big cow literally standing on a bridge and no one could figure out how to get it off there. Traffic was at a standstill.
These are the moments when I feel really smart. They don't happen very often, but when they come around, I must admit I love it.
And without being a smart aleck (which I have been known to be a time or two), I said, "Get a bucket of feed." He gave me a puzzled look. "Get a bucket of feed, and I bet that cow would follow you anywhere you want to go."
It's times like these when I appreciate the fact that although I'm not 'book smart,' I have lots of life skills and common sense from being raised on a farm in a small community. Don't ask me about the city or another country's geography - I will be dumbfounded. Ask me how to get a cow off a bridge, and I'll hand you a feed bucket.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Hat's off
to the single parents of the world. I applaud you for your efforts and admire your strength. At times I feel like I can handle just about anything...and then reality hits.
Jay is about to end his turnaround at work, which began roughly Oct 1. He has enjoyed a total of three days off during the past several weeks, but we are all ready for this to come to an end. I do realize that there are people out there who work hours like this all the time, that families function this way on a routine basis...but we do not. Thankfully.
Last night Jay and I were talking and I had myself a pity party. It lasted about three minutes and it was over. No tears or anything extreme, just some whining. "I am done with the single parenting gig. How do people do this?"
And I only have two kids. Good grief.
I know you do what you do when you have to and often don't even think about it. I know there are many situations people go through and later in retrospect, it is a total fog. Looking back, I can't believe Jay has worked 12-hour days nearly every day since October 1. But it does seem like forever since he was around and awake for more than 90 minutes - which I don't fault him for.
I'm not talking about major issues with the single parenting role, I mean the real simple ones...bedtime, running kids here and there, meals, animals, just having an adult at home instead of leaving the kids by themselves for a few hours, hunting partners, someone else to send the kid to who will also say "No." I'm so blessed that I have friends and family always willing to help out. I can't even fathom what it's like for single parents who have no support system!
So this post isn't to draw out a pat on the back or to gather sympathy, I'm just expressing my relief at the work marathon coming to an end. (And a break from the 4:30 a.m. alarm!) It is a blessing in many respects and we are thankful for opportunities like this, but again, I say hat's off to the single parents of the world. You have my admiration.
Jay is about to end his turnaround at work, which began roughly Oct 1. He has enjoyed a total of three days off during the past several weeks, but we are all ready for this to come to an end. I do realize that there are people out there who work hours like this all the time, that families function this way on a routine basis...but we do not. Thankfully.
Last night Jay and I were talking and I had myself a pity party. It lasted about three minutes and it was over. No tears or anything extreme, just some whining. "I am done with the single parenting gig. How do people do this?"
And I only have two kids. Good grief.
I know you do what you do when you have to and often don't even think about it. I know there are many situations people go through and later in retrospect, it is a total fog. Looking back, I can't believe Jay has worked 12-hour days nearly every day since October 1. But it does seem like forever since he was around and awake for more than 90 minutes - which I don't fault him for.
I'm not talking about major issues with the single parenting role, I mean the real simple ones...bedtime, running kids here and there, meals, animals, just having an adult at home instead of leaving the kids by themselves for a few hours, hunting partners, someone else to send the kid to who will also say "No." I'm so blessed that I have friends and family always willing to help out. I can't even fathom what it's like for single parents who have no support system!
So this post isn't to draw out a pat on the back or to gather sympathy, I'm just expressing my relief at the work marathon coming to an end. (And a break from the 4:30 a.m. alarm!) It is a blessing in many respects and we are thankful for opportunities like this, but again, I say hat's off to the single parents of the world. You have my admiration.
Friday, November 15, 2013
First and Last
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 (NIV)
I was thinking about Thanksgiving this year and that this will be the first Thanksgiving for us without Grandma Great, which led me to think about Christmas, then Easter...This year, we will be starting something new: Holidays without Grandma Great.
During the course of our lifetime we go through so many "First's." Too many to count. Things that come to mind are events involving our children: first words, first steps, first tooth, first day of school, first dance, first boyfriend/girlfriend, first day of college, etc. Adults: first day on a job, first day of married life, first home...and you could go on and on.
The other significant thing about the word first is that we're always trying to be first...first in line, first done with our homework, first in the tournament, first across the finish line. Rarely do we strive to be last. I know I'm always encouraging my kids to win - or be first. No one wants to be the "loser."
Our society revolves around winning, or being first. Isn't it fitting that Jesus wants us not to worry so much about being first, which is what we spend our whole life focusing on, and instead be last?! Be the least of these. We should never think of ourselves above another.
What if our society shifted its focus away from always being first? What if we really did put everyone else's feelings and best interests above our own? Hmm, now there's a first to think about.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 (NIV)
I was thinking about Thanksgiving this year and that this will be the first Thanksgiving for us without Grandma Great, which led me to think about Christmas, then Easter...This year, we will be starting something new: Holidays without Grandma Great.
During the course of our lifetime we go through so many "First's." Too many to count. Things that come to mind are events involving our children: first words, first steps, first tooth, first day of school, first dance, first boyfriend/girlfriend, first day of college, etc. Adults: first day on a job, first day of married life, first home...and you could go on and on.
The other significant thing about the word first is that we're always trying to be first...first in line, first done with our homework, first in the tournament, first across the finish line. Rarely do we strive to be last. I know I'm always encouraging my kids to win - or be first. No one wants to be the "loser."
Our society revolves around winning, or being first. Isn't it fitting that Jesus wants us not to worry so much about being first, which is what we spend our whole life focusing on, and instead be last?! Be the least of these. We should never think of ourselves above another.
What if our society shifted its focus away from always being first? What if we really did put everyone else's feelings and best interests above our own? Hmm, now there's a first to think about.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Rain-out.
I wrote about our visit to Turkey Run...that was a monsoon no doubt, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the rain that fell over Lincoln Trail and our spots in early July. Holy smokes, we needed an ark.
We actually packed up and went home. We felt like even if the rain quit, and we weren't sure it would, the spots we had were low and would hold water. You'll catch my drift in the picture show.
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| The kids trying to make the best of it... |
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| Lake spillage, I think. |
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| Forget it, we're going inside. |
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| Do you think our fire wood is too wet? |
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Grandma always said...
A couple years ago when Grandma Great tricked us for the first time, I started writing down a few one-liner's that I remembered her saying as we were growing up. She pulled through that episode and the next one and the next one, but I kept adding to that list. I knew eventually I would use it.
I was sure there was no way I could speak at Grandma's funeral, no way, but I thought if I could muster up the strength and record it ahead of time, they could play it...so I did.
If you knew Grandma very well, as you read along, you may be able to imagine her saying a few of these things.
When we were growing up, Grandma always said...
Go get yourself a pop and some candy.
We’ll be at the game.
Look in the east closet of the west bedroom.
We will eat right at noon.
Don’t play on the bed.
Deon and I went on a drive today.
Ssshh, let’s listen to the scanner.
Go get the lighter fluid.
I am not going to let you win, now quit crying…Chris!
It’s got a twang to it.
I made fruit salad and wacky cake today.
Hel-Lo
I’ll have to take my banana salad…you know they’ll be asking for it.
I don’t really have a recipe for that.
And then when we got a little older, Grandma always said...
My name is spelled just how it sounds, MAD-O-LYN.
I've got to pass this car, I don't like anyone in front of me.
You know with your grandpa, we got there before we were invited.
Get me 13 bright red geraniums, 2 spikes and 12 marigolds.
Here, I’ll take out my teeth…your grandpa great used to do this all the time.
Oh, SHUT UP!
Come over, I’ll have the coffee on.
Slice up some cheese and let’s have crackers.
You know I like my collar buttoned to the tip-top.
Don’t pound on the piano.
My favorite color is red; bury me in red.
I used to polish Gene and Gale’s shoes.
I hate it when the corn is up, I can’t see Irene’s…is she home?
We never had it because your grandpa wouldn’t eat it.
I will always buy my groceries at Scottie’s.
What time does the Illini play?
Nellie came down today.
What do you want me to do? I’ll take you anywhere you need to go.
How does it taste? Where’s the critic?
I can touch my toes. I touch my toes ten times every morning.
Oh hush!
Don’t forget, my hair appointment is on Thursday morning.
I climb the stairs every day whether I need to or not, just so I can.
Give me a hug, you sweet thang.
What’s it like outside?
Enjoy running with your kids while you can. It all ended when Chris got his truck.
I just hate you guys waiting on me.
Oh, good, we beat Casey.
The Peppermint Patties – those are for ME.
They aren’t noodles like I make.
Call Harper, the TV isn't working.
So what’s going on in Martinsville?
I need more red lipstick.
I stayed up to watch the Cardinal’s.
I’m so sick of peas, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Look at my nails, aren’t they pretty?
Go on, Sarah, I don’t want you to be late…like the Bennett’s.
No one has been here for days, is something wrong?
I need more cheese.
And dad would say, “Now, Jess…”
Grandma said a lot of things…and we would listen.
Mark reminded me later of a few good one's I forgot:
And the like
So on and so forth
Let's eat, drink and be merry.
I was sure there was no way I could speak at Grandma's funeral, no way, but I thought if I could muster up the strength and record it ahead of time, they could play it...so I did.
If you knew Grandma very well, as you read along, you may be able to imagine her saying a few of these things.
When we were growing up, Grandma always said...
Don’t go near the pond and stay
away from the electric fence.
What are you doing in there,
Petunia?Go get yourself a pop and some candy.
We’ll be at the game.
Look in the east closet of the west bedroom.
We will eat right at noon.
Don’t play on the bed.
Deon and I went on a drive today.
Ssshh, let’s listen to the scanner.
Go get the lighter fluid.
I am not going to let you win, now quit crying…Chris!
It’s got a twang to it.
I made fruit salad and wacky cake today.
Hel-Lo
I’ll have to take my banana salad…you know they’ll be asking for it.
I don’t really have a recipe for that.
And then when we got a little older, Grandma always said...
My name is spelled just how it sounds, MAD-O-LYN.
I've got to pass this car, I don't like anyone in front of me.
You know with your grandpa, we got there before we were invited.
Get me 13 bright red geraniums, 2 spikes and 12 marigolds.
Here, I’ll take out my teeth…your grandpa great used to do this all the time.
Oh, SHUT UP!
Come over, I’ll have the coffee on.
Slice up some cheese and let’s have crackers.
You know I like my collar buttoned to the tip-top.
Don’t pound on the piano.
My favorite color is red; bury me in red.
I used to polish Gene and Gale’s shoes.
I hate it when the corn is up, I can’t see Irene’s…is she home?
We never had it because your grandpa wouldn’t eat it.
I will always buy my groceries at Scottie’s.
What time does the Illini play?
Nellie came down today.
What do you want me to do? I’ll take you anywhere you need to go.
How does it taste? Where’s the critic?
I can touch my toes. I touch my toes ten times every morning.
Oh hush!
Don’t forget, my hair appointment is on Thursday morning.
I climb the stairs every day whether I need to or not, just so I can.
In the past few years, Grandma
always said…
Well, what do you know?
How is my hair in the back?Give me a hug, you sweet thang.
What’s it like outside?
Enjoy running with your kids while you can. It all ended when Chris got his truck.
I just hate you guys waiting on me.
Oh, good, we beat Casey.
The Peppermint Patties – those are for ME.
They aren’t noodles like I make.
Call Harper, the TV isn't working.
So what’s going on in Martinsville?
I need more red lipstick.
I stayed up to watch the Cardinal’s.
I’m so sick of peas, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Look at my nails, aren’t they pretty?
Go on, Sarah, I don’t want you to be late…like the Bennett’s.
No one has been here for days, is something wrong?
I need more cheese.
And dad would say, “Now, Jess…”
Grandma said a lot of things…and we would listen.
Mark reminded me later of a few good one's I forgot:
And the like
So on and so forth
Let's eat, drink and be merry.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
A little perspective
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NKJV)
It was one of those days from the very moment the alarm started buzzing...actually, it began at 3:30 a.m. when I was startled awake from a nice, deep sleep by my sweet son who has a nasty sore throat and was crying. Time for some meds. I'm one of those that has a hard time going back to sleep, but I gave it a shot.
Today was an early departure day for me because of piano lessons and dropping kids off for bible club. Had to get ready and around by 6:45. I was rushed, frazzled. Jay is texting, kids are texting, another parent is texting. Yes, I'm coming.
Next text from Madolyn, who stayed at home to get ready while I went to get someone, "dog made a huge mess..." Fabulous. I'll have to run home at lunch and get that taken care of.
I pick up and drop off children to various locales and decide that I have approximately 40 minutes until I need to be at work...I will return home and clean up dog mess and get it out of the way. More rushing.
I make it and am able to slip some toast in the toaster for my ride to work. I'm already exhausted and the day has barely begun. I grab my toothbrush and toothpaste, toast and my cell rings...
I see who the caller is. Everything is in perspective now. It wasn't the call I was expecting, it was good news, sort of. No funeral to attend just yet. Maybe it's not such a bad morning...
Today I'm thankful for those people, places and things that make me frazzled and rushing.
It was one of those days from the very moment the alarm started buzzing...actually, it began at 3:30 a.m. when I was startled awake from a nice, deep sleep by my sweet son who has a nasty sore throat and was crying. Time for some meds. I'm one of those that has a hard time going back to sleep, but I gave it a shot.
Today was an early departure day for me because of piano lessons and dropping kids off for bible club. Had to get ready and around by 6:45. I was rushed, frazzled. Jay is texting, kids are texting, another parent is texting. Yes, I'm coming.
Next text from Madolyn, who stayed at home to get ready while I went to get someone, "dog made a huge mess..." Fabulous. I'll have to run home at lunch and get that taken care of.
I pick up and drop off children to various locales and decide that I have approximately 40 minutes until I need to be at work...I will return home and clean up dog mess and get it out of the way. More rushing.
I make it and am able to slip some toast in the toaster for my ride to work. I'm already exhausted and the day has barely begun. I grab my toothbrush and toothpaste, toast and my cell rings...
I see who the caller is. Everything is in perspective now. It wasn't the call I was expecting, it was good news, sort of. No funeral to attend just yet. Maybe it's not such a bad morning...
Today I'm thankful for those people, places and things that make me frazzled and rushing.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Silly dogs
I love our dog Hank the Tank II, I really do, but we truly believe that he is the dumbest Labrador we have ever owned. Maybe that is what makes him so doggone lovable, I don't know.
He has no regard for personal space. I believe his motto to be: "The closer, the better." If he can find a way to get on you, he will. He doesn't mind being crowded, but you might have to move over.
He absolutely loves Lane and will do just about anything to be right by his side. Every night when it's time for Lane to go to bed, we tell Hank to "go to bed" and he saunters into Lane's room and gets situated on his bed. His usual MO is to wait until Lane is sound asleep and then sneak out to the living room and get on the couch.
Last week, Lane added an addendum to our bedtime prayer, "Please let Hank stay in bed with me all night." And unlike many adults who pray (myself included), Lane fully believed his prayer would be answered...and it was. The next evening Jay commented on the fact that when he checked on Lane before he left for work, Hank was still in there and that NEVER happens. I then told him about Lane's little plea. How 'bout that?
Fast forward a few nights. Hank had not continued this pattern of behavior and Lane repeated the simple prayer. And just like magic (ha), Hank stayed in bed all night with him. From now on, I expect the phrase "please let Hank stay in bed all night with me" to be attached to our closing words, "in your name we pray, Amen."
The other night I took the golf cart to my parent's house, and Zippy, my parent's dog, decided she wanted to ride back to my house so she hopped on. Hank the Tank didn't like Zip riding with me and there was a ruckus...until Hank solved the problem. He jumped up on the seat next to me and we all rode home together.
He has no regard for personal space. I believe his motto to be: "The closer, the better." If he can find a way to get on you, he will. He doesn't mind being crowded, but you might have to move over.
He absolutely loves Lane and will do just about anything to be right by his side. Every night when it's time for Lane to go to bed, we tell Hank to "go to bed" and he saunters into Lane's room and gets situated on his bed. His usual MO is to wait until Lane is sound asleep and then sneak out to the living room and get on the couch.
Last week, Lane added an addendum to our bedtime prayer, "Please let Hank stay in bed with me all night." And unlike many adults who pray (myself included), Lane fully believed his prayer would be answered...and it was. The next evening Jay commented on the fact that when he checked on Lane before he left for work, Hank was still in there and that NEVER happens. I then told him about Lane's little plea. How 'bout that?
Fast forward a few nights. Hank had not continued this pattern of behavior and Lane repeated the simple prayer. And just like magic (ha), Hank stayed in bed all night with him. From now on, I expect the phrase "please let Hank stay in bed all night with me" to be attached to our closing words, "in your name we pray, Amen."
The other night I took the golf cart to my parent's house, and Zippy, my parent's dog, decided she wanted to ride back to my house so she hopped on. Hank the Tank didn't like Zip riding with me and there was a ruckus...until Hank solved the problem. He jumped up on the seat next to me and we all rode home together.
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| Can you tell they're related? |
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