Good luck taking a peak into my brain this morning, that is. There is a recurring theme that appears in this blog. It's called 'neglect."
I logged in only to get that pit in my stomach to see that there are 36 posts that I haven't even published on here yet. The reason? I simply don't know.
One honest reason may be that over the course of this last year I have had to make my blog a bit more private. A friend of mine put a tracker on my blog that could tell me exactly who was reading it and from where. I could even tell how long they were on and so forth.
Now before you get worried and quickly log off;)...stay on and continue to read, please.
I've had an issue with a "stalker" of sorts. There is a person that I know, possibly two that would log onto my blog multiple times a day. Sure, it could be normal for this to happen but for me it was not. I'm not in fear of this person(s) but it started to get a little weird. It's someone I've known for quite some time and I felt like the best thing to do to protect myself was to change my name and the name of the blog and keep it a bit more private.
I've been busy. Not just a little busy, but this school year has been ridiculously crazy! We don't go overboard allowing our children (or pushing them in some cases I have seen in others) to be involved in everything under the sun. We have 5 children so letting each one choose just ONE activity still sends in more directions than a trip across the country. We've had home renovations, a private family crisis this last fall, sick family members outside of our home, a business to run, a job for me....a job for me?! Yes, I technically am on the clock from 7:40 each morning until 4pm. It's been an adjustment for me but also something the Lord is using to refine, mold & sanctify me through.
It's been a real year so far. Did that even make sense? Probably not but I typed it and I'm owning it right now. Typing to hear myself type so to speak.
Just a test post. Congrats for making it through.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Friday, August 31, 2012
School Days
As it seems to happen, our summer has come to an end once again. The sound of buses in the morning, the sights of childen walking down the block on their way to school & the empty shelves of school supplies all mean another school year has begun.
We had a great summer. It was so full of activities this year that our summer really flew by! I'm sad it's over. I'm not sad on the other hand that four of my kids are back in school;)
I thought my days would slow down a bit with more time in the day "uninterupted" to get all I need to get done to keep this family of seven going but I was wrong.
Last Friday we began the routine. The kids and I finished off our last day of our "summer chore chart" and after lunch we headed to TCS to the official Meet-the-Teachers day. We loaded up every child's backpack full of supplies and packed into the Tahoe. As we arrived at the school their excitement was hard to contain.
We entered the school and I got a little choked up. I wasnt sad but at the start of every school year when I walk back through the halls of the school I spent 11 years in as a young girl I can rememeber very vididly some of my first days.
Last Friday we made our way to each child's classroom and filled up their new desks. They got a warm welcome from their teachers, new and old, and we left to finish up our day at home.
The kids played in the yard for most of the afternoon and after Daddy got home it was time to head off to our schools Back-to-School party at the waterpark. Our kids can never get enough time at the pool!
We relaxed for most of the weekend and then it came. Monday morning. The first day of school. We layed out clothes and backpacks and made lunches the night before. Shortly after 6:30 a.m. the house was filled with chattering children all excited to start the year, and by 7:45a.m. MK & I were back to our Terrific Twesome.
This week has been filled with soccer practice for 3 different teams and a soccer game. Oh yeah, and it seems I've had the most homework this week. More than all 4 of my kids combined.
One child came home with a page that I needed to fill out about them. What do I want the teacher to know about them, what are my expecations for the year for them, etc. That very same child needs collected dead bugs for studying and a baggie filled w/ certain coins. The next child came home with a form for me to fill out about what I wanted them to write about this year and also a framed family picture and a bag for compiling 5 of their favorite things to shar with the class. Another child brought home forms that needed to be filled out about themselves and o/c I had to scramble and find pictures of them diong their favorite things and family pictures so they could make a class book. Oh, I have a forth child in school? Yep, that one needed a few extra supplies that were NOT on the list, a form for a retreat, a handbook of rules to be read and signed and they then informed me that I needed to go buy some new items for their instrument.
It's been a busy week. I have a feeling it's only going to get busier. Actually, if I am honest with myself right now I KNOW it's going to be. Here's to a great year!
We had a great summer. It was so full of activities this year that our summer really flew by! I'm sad it's over. I'm not sad on the other hand that four of my kids are back in school;)
I thought my days would slow down a bit with more time in the day "uninterupted" to get all I need to get done to keep this family of seven going but I was wrong.
Last Friday we began the routine. The kids and I finished off our last day of our "summer chore chart" and after lunch we headed to TCS to the official Meet-the-Teachers day. We loaded up every child's backpack full of supplies and packed into the Tahoe. As we arrived at the school their excitement was hard to contain.
We entered the school and I got a little choked up. I wasnt sad but at the start of every school year when I walk back through the halls of the school I spent 11 years in as a young girl I can rememeber very vididly some of my first days.
Last Friday we made our way to each child's classroom and filled up their new desks. They got a warm welcome from their teachers, new and old, and we left to finish up our day at home.
The kids played in the yard for most of the afternoon and after Daddy got home it was time to head off to our schools Back-to-School party at the waterpark. Our kids can never get enough time at the pool!
We relaxed for most of the weekend and then it came. Monday morning. The first day of school. We layed out clothes and backpacks and made lunches the night before. Shortly after 6:30 a.m. the house was filled with chattering children all excited to start the year, and by 7:45a.m. MK & I were back to our Terrific Twesome.
This week has been filled with soccer practice for 3 different teams and a soccer game. Oh yeah, and it seems I've had the most homework this week. More than all 4 of my kids combined.
One child came home with a page that I needed to fill out about them. What do I want the teacher to know about them, what are my expecations for the year for them, etc. That very same child needs collected dead bugs for studying and a baggie filled w/ certain coins. The next child came home with a form for me to fill out about what I wanted them to write about this year and also a framed family picture and a bag for compiling 5 of their favorite things to shar with the class. Another child brought home forms that needed to be filled out about themselves and o/c I had to scramble and find pictures of them diong their favorite things and family pictures so they could make a class book. Oh, I have a forth child in school? Yep, that one needed a few extra supplies that were NOT on the list, a form for a retreat, a handbook of rules to be read and signed and they then informed me that I needed to go buy some new items for their instrument.
It's been a busy week. I have a feeling it's only going to get busier. Actually, if I am honest with myself right now I KNOW it's going to be. Here's to a great year!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
It's August
It's August.
I'm exhausted.
I've spent the whole summer dreading this very week. The week before school starts.
It's hard to enjoy something when there is a shred of dread but I've managed. I've more than managed actually. I have shared much joy with my kids this summer.
A post for another day;) Yes, I realize it has been half a year since my last post. In the kindest way I say to you, in the words of my husband, "deal."
My mind is shot. My body is tired. I'm getting older not younger. Just decided to dust off the laptop and see if I remembered how to post. I do.
It's August.
I'll be back someday.
I'm exhausted.
I've spent the whole summer dreading this very week. The week before school starts.
It's hard to enjoy something when there is a shred of dread but I've managed. I've more than managed actually. I have shared much joy with my kids this summer.
A post for another day;) Yes, I realize it has been half a year since my last post. In the kindest way I say to you, in the words of my husband, "deal."
My mind is shot. My body is tired. I'm getting older not younger. Just decided to dust off the laptop and see if I remembered how to post. I do.
It's August.
I'll be back someday.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Stalling...
I know I promised my newest post to be about my reflections on the year 2011 and all the goodness, grace and love God has shown to me but I feel like stalling. I don't mean to NOT thank the Lord for His goodness because over the course of this year I certainly have but it feels a bit overwhelming to blog about it right now.
This post is a random, unedited version of my thoughts. Procrastinating, stalling...call it what you'd like but ever since last night at our New Year's Eve party (which was fabulous & fun by-the-way) and after talking about what I thought I had all planned for my life I can't stop thinking about it.
Our topic was schools. Where and what we thought our children's paths might lead them down and figuring out how to pay for said plan I was reminded of a time when I thought I had it all figured out.
My goals were high. At the time I didn't quite realized that I was an eternal optimist. I truly believed I could do anything I set my little heart out to do. I wasn't afraid of failing, actually, I'd become pretty good at it. I would simply brush it off and try harder, that is, when it was something I wanted.
I loved the game of soccer. It was one of those things that I had begged to do as a young girl. Our town didn't have any teams or leagues. I was also an artist. I would draw my myself in my jersey, my team and write about my accomplishments. I would literally dream at night of scoring goals and of being carried off the field by teammates while my fans cheered wildly in the stands.
It wasn't until I was in 6th grade that I got to play on my first real team. It was amazing, really. I felt like all my dreams had come true the minute that I put on (quite possibly the worlds ugliest uniform) that was gold and kelly green. I was not a straight 'A' student and honestly I didn't want to be. I was social. I loved just being with people. I didn't need to be the center of attention and I certainly never wanted to be, but nonetheless I loved people. I loved observing them, talking with them, laughing, playing and people watching. I was never praised for my report card but the friends I had and made topped it all and then to be on a team? The best feeling ever.
Most of the girls on my team had been playing together for years. They had a bond, a closeness I longed for and soon would posses. The game I loved was finally mine. I excelled in my new found love. The moment I would get on the field I finally felt I found my purpose. I was quicker than anyone in the league. It was finally my chance to shine.
In high school I went through many teams and many coaches and my sophomore year I even gained a nickname. I was called "Flash." It was a name given with many inside jokes but soon parents I didn't know and even my coach would soon be yelling it from the stands. It was an amazing feeling. It pushed me to work harder. I used to believe that I could pick any college I wanted. I didn't understand the costs. I believed that my talent was enough. I had my sights set on University of North Carolina. If it was good enough for Mia Hamm & Michael Jordan it was surely good enough for me.
I had cutouts and clippings of all things related to UNC and all my favorite sports figures. I lived in a fantasy world, really, and would soon get shaken back into reality. My ACT score would tell me exactly where I would be able to attend. While it wasn't a 36 I would have to figure out a new plan. All this college talk made me realize that this was real. College cost money and I was not even close to making it into the professional world of soccer.
So, I had another dream. I was pretty sure that even though I was just an ordinary 17 year old girl I would soon be discovered. Discovered somewhere to show up on the big screen. I would write screenplays I would star in. Somewhere, at sometime, someone would see my talents and scoop me up and put me in a staring role. I had big dreams and they were within my reach...so I thought. I absolutely loved plays and musicals. When The Sound of Music was chosen I picked my part and practiced each day. Then when the day came for try-outs, I opted not to do so. Why? I still don't have that answer.
As I type I realize that I seemed a bit, well...different. I never followed through with any of my passions or dreams. I always wondered but never regretted my decisions. So after sharing with others my dreams and ambitions as a child I started wondering what it was that I really wanted to do now.
This year I would love to get back into music. I played the piano under an instructor for nearly 10 years, the flute for seven and now after 20 years I want to play the violin or cello. They were not one of the choices I was allowed to choose from and ever since then I have always wanted to learn. 2012 is going to be the year I start. I truly think that I would not have appreciated the instrument or the music back in the day. I thank God that He has been growing this desire in my heart and I want to glorify Him through the process.
This post is a random, unedited version of my thoughts. Procrastinating, stalling...call it what you'd like but ever since last night at our New Year's Eve party (which was fabulous & fun by-the-way) and after talking about what I thought I had all planned for my life I can't stop thinking about it.
Our topic was schools. Where and what we thought our children's paths might lead them down and figuring out how to pay for said plan I was reminded of a time when I thought I had it all figured out.
My goals were high. At the time I didn't quite realized that I was an eternal optimist. I truly believed I could do anything I set my little heart out to do. I wasn't afraid of failing, actually, I'd become pretty good at it. I would simply brush it off and try harder, that is, when it was something I wanted.
I loved the game of soccer. It was one of those things that I had begged to do as a young girl. Our town didn't have any teams or leagues. I was also an artist. I would draw my myself in my jersey, my team and write about my accomplishments. I would literally dream at night of scoring goals and of being carried off the field by teammates while my fans cheered wildly in the stands.
It wasn't until I was in 6th grade that I got to play on my first real team. It was amazing, really. I felt like all my dreams had come true the minute that I put on (quite possibly the worlds ugliest uniform) that was gold and kelly green. I was not a straight 'A' student and honestly I didn't want to be. I was social. I loved just being with people. I didn't need to be the center of attention and I certainly never wanted to be, but nonetheless I loved people. I loved observing them, talking with them, laughing, playing and people watching. I was never praised for my report card but the friends I had and made topped it all and then to be on a team? The best feeling ever.
Most of the girls on my team had been playing together for years. They had a bond, a closeness I longed for and soon would posses. The game I loved was finally mine. I excelled in my new found love. The moment I would get on the field I finally felt I found my purpose. I was quicker than anyone in the league. It was finally my chance to shine.
In high school I went through many teams and many coaches and my sophomore year I even gained a nickname. I was called "Flash." It was a name given with many inside jokes but soon parents I didn't know and even my coach would soon be yelling it from the stands. It was an amazing feeling. It pushed me to work harder. I used to believe that I could pick any college I wanted. I didn't understand the costs. I believed that my talent was enough. I had my sights set on University of North Carolina. If it was good enough for Mia Hamm & Michael Jordan it was surely good enough for me.
I had cutouts and clippings of all things related to UNC and all my favorite sports figures. I lived in a fantasy world, really, and would soon get shaken back into reality. My ACT score would tell me exactly where I would be able to attend. While it wasn't a 36 I would have to figure out a new plan. All this college talk made me realize that this was real. College cost money and I was not even close to making it into the professional world of soccer.
So, I had another dream. I was pretty sure that even though I was just an ordinary 17 year old girl I would soon be discovered. Discovered somewhere to show up on the big screen. I would write screenplays I would star in. Somewhere, at sometime, someone would see my talents and scoop me up and put me in a staring role. I had big dreams and they were within my reach...so I thought. I absolutely loved plays and musicals. When The Sound of Music was chosen I picked my part and practiced each day. Then when the day came for try-outs, I opted not to do so. Why? I still don't have that answer.
As I type I realize that I seemed a bit, well...different. I never followed through with any of my passions or dreams. I always wondered but never regretted my decisions. So after sharing with others my dreams and ambitions as a child I started wondering what it was that I really wanted to do now.
This year I would love to get back into music. I played the piano under an instructor for nearly 10 years, the flute for seven and now after 20 years I want to play the violin or cello. They were not one of the choices I was allowed to choose from and ever since then I have always wanted to learn. 2012 is going to be the year I start. I truly think that I would not have appreciated the instrument or the music back in the day. I thank God that He has been growing this desire in my heart and I want to glorify Him through the process.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
It's That Time of Year...and More Randomness
It's that time of year. That time where blogging gets neglected, but oh, wait...
That time is pretty much everyday, 365 days a year, isn't it. Hopefully many of you received an update via email a couple times in last few months of all the big, exciting things we've experienced this fall.
I do blog more than you see. I have close to two dozen posts written with heart that I just haven't posted yet. Some days I will blog late into the evening and by the time I'm done or early the next morning I just can't seem to press "PUBLISH."
Most days it's because I've needed to vent or organize all my thoughts and feelings and once I'm done I don't always feel the need to share. While there are some posts that get published months after they are written not all of them make "the cut."
Today I am near finished with a post about the year. I started last night after reading my devotions and couldn't help but share about all the amazing things that God has done for me & those around me. The lessons He's taught, the blessings He's shared and the way He's guided me down the path in this life were bursting out of my heart and mind to be shared. It will be coming in a few short days so be on the look out if you are so inclined.
I've struggled recently with making my blog a bit more private. I often get comments on my blog that I need to erase. I can see where they are coming from but have no idea who may be sending them. I have often even wondered who in the world reads my blog. If you are reading this and stop by once in a while would you let me know? I'm curious also if you do and if I make this blog private would you subscribe? I don't know what the plan is yet but it seems like that may be the best way. I also don't want stop anyone from coming to our blog if they enjoy but don't want to commit;) I will admit there are a few blogs I frequent but haven't followed bc I enjoy being on the DL.
If I don't post before Christmas (haha) I want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas filled with the wonder, joy & awe of our Savior's birth. What a wonderful time to remember and reflect on the greatest gift, God's own Son.
That time is pretty much everyday, 365 days a year, isn't it. Hopefully many of you received an update via email a couple times in last few months of all the big, exciting things we've experienced this fall.
I do blog more than you see. I have close to two dozen posts written with heart that I just haven't posted yet. Some days I will blog late into the evening and by the time I'm done or early the next morning I just can't seem to press "PUBLISH."
Most days it's because I've needed to vent or organize all my thoughts and feelings and once I'm done I don't always feel the need to share. While there are some posts that get published months after they are written not all of them make "the cut."
Today I am near finished with a post about the year. I started last night after reading my devotions and couldn't help but share about all the amazing things that God has done for me & those around me. The lessons He's taught, the blessings He's shared and the way He's guided me down the path in this life were bursting out of my heart and mind to be shared. It will be coming in a few short days so be on the look out if you are so inclined.
I've struggled recently with making my blog a bit more private. I often get comments on my blog that I need to erase. I can see where they are coming from but have no idea who may be sending them. I have often even wondered who in the world reads my blog. If you are reading this and stop by once in a while would you let me know? I'm curious also if you do and if I make this blog private would you subscribe? I don't know what the plan is yet but it seems like that may be the best way. I also don't want stop anyone from coming to our blog if they enjoy but don't want to commit;) I will admit there are a few blogs I frequent but haven't followed bc I enjoy being on the DL.
If I don't post before Christmas (haha) I want to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas filled with the wonder, joy & awe of our Savior's birth. What a wonderful time to remember and reflect on the greatest gift, God's own Son.
Friday, October 21, 2011
A Funny Thing Happens in the Fall
I can still remember one late spring afternoon, driving with the windows down and a commercial came on the radio. I generally don't listen to commercials. I'm a station switcher. I switch from one radio station to another to find a song I can sing my heart out to, but on this particular day when a commercial began it had my undivided attention.
It started like this...
"Every summer something breezes off the water...it slows things down around here. It's called the 'Lake Effect.' We can experience it anywhere along the 200 mile stretch of sandy shore of Michigan's beach towns. It boasts amazing water views and sandy front porches & knows what it takes to make every day a day at the beach."
The voice was calming and familiar and as it spoke I could feel myself hanging on it's every word. I was suddenly transported to a place where the world seemed to stand still. That place...pure Michigan.
In the ad campaigns from Michigan's official Travel & Tourism bureau, the voice of Tim Allen coupled with the gentle notes of a melody that warms my soul have been a constant reminder that I live in Chicago. I do not get to experience all the magic & wonder that is Michigan nearly enough.
If you've ever been to one of Michigan's beach towns you know exactly what I am talking about. The sounds, sights and smells of the lake in mid summer are something spectacular. I spend almost 11 months out the year dreaming about that 2 week stretch when I can experience first hand God's amazing sliver of creation we call Crystal Lake. The sounds of children squealing with delight as they spray and splash in the clear blue water, the gentle rolling waves that serenade you as you dose off in your bed, the sunsets that never disappoint, the way the sand so softly cradles your every move or looking outside before bed and seeing more stars that you knew existed simply because we live in the "city."
Well, I'm in Michigan as I type. My husband and I had an amazing day. We walked down the streets of historic Traverse City to do a little window shopping, watched the salmon in the river as they tried to make it upstream, dined in a little cafe near the beach and even now while I watch him fish for trout from the comfort of the front porch as the sun is setting I almost can't believe I'm taking in a little bit of pure Michigan.
It's bittersweet coming up here in the fall. The excitement and busyness of summer with five children around in the fall isn't quite the same. I miss them and know just how much this beautiful place means to each of them but I know it's also okay to be selfish. This trip is one that James and I have been taking just the two of us, for years now. It's our time to get away and reconnect. Rarely do we get even 24 hours to just "be" with each other.
Tim Allen once said "A funny thing happens in the fall on the shores of Lake Michigan. The water warms up and the vacationers go home. The beaches of Michigan become a low key, grown up place to eat great, stay up late and otherwise exercise the long lost privilege of adulthood. A place where we can walk hand in hand, run our toes through the sand & soak up a sunset our kids wouldn't have time for. "
Michigan's has one of the most serene and stunning coast lines in America.
Tomorrow I will walk hand in hand with the love of my life. We will hike trails covered with the colors of fall and take a nap in front of the fire if we please.
The kids got to play all summer here. Now it's our turn and it's all in Pure Michigan.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Finished!
It's finished!
It took me a couple hours over the course of the last five days to finish these fire hydrants. The goal of the Adopt-a-Hydrant program in our town was to raise money for the Fire Department. The idea came from a young man who wanted to repay the Fire Department for the work that they do so he came up with this neat idea.
I started this adventure thinking it would be a nice outlet for me to release some of my extra creativity and also a time for me to relax & unwind away from my busy, action packed family. The actual time I spent painting was far from relaxation. At one corner where I spent a couple days I was hoot & hollar'd at and stopped every five minutes by inquisitive neighbors and passerby's wanting to know if what I was doing was legal and simply wondered what in the world I was doing. I have never been honked at more times in one day that I was last week!
Here is the second hydrant. At the last minute it seemed to be missing something...so I decided on bumble bees. You need to look very close for them. I think I added about eight of them.
I really just love sunflowers. They were our main wedding flower & to this day I can't get enough of this beautiful creation.
It took me a couple hours over the course of the last five days to finish these fire hydrants. The goal of the Adopt-a-Hydrant program in our town was to raise money for the Fire Department. The idea came from a young man who wanted to repay the Fire Department for the work that they do so he came up with this neat idea.
I started this adventure thinking it would be a nice outlet for me to release some of my extra creativity and also a time for me to relax & unwind away from my busy, action packed family. The actual time I spent painting was far from relaxation. At one corner where I spent a couple days I was hoot & hollar'd at and stopped every five minutes by inquisitive neighbors and passerby's wanting to know if what I was doing was legal and simply wondered what in the world I was doing. I have never been honked at more times in one day that I was last week!
Here is the second hydrant. At the last minute it seemed to be missing something...so I decided on bumble bees. You need to look very close for them. I think I added about eight of them.
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| Here she is from the front. |
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| Semi side view. |
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| Her backside. |
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