I went to the Casting Castle and was fingerprinted today. No more inky fingers - a small scanner instantly records each print and sends it off to the FBI. They'll know all about me within 24 to 72 hours. Isn't that amazing? As far as I know, there's nothing to tell. There's no accounting for the time spent in alien abduction, however, and besides; that was all BT's idea.
While walking into the casting castle, I passed some landscapers who were obviously from Africa. I couldn't help but admire the smooth sound of their voices and language. It was so beautiful! When one of the men responded to another in a rich baritone, I wanted to stop, sit in the shade of a tree, and simply listen.
In the lobby were peoples representing diverse countries and cultures. Made me wonder how on earth I was selected for employment? Maybe I'm just the Caucasian. I was given a book that informed me that I was to dress according to "The Look." My hair cannot be purple and neither can my eyeshadow. I violated three parts of the dress code by having two earrings in one ear, open-toed shoes, and denim pants. (Hey! I thought it was dressy with heels and a red blazer!) Good thing it was all right to violate the dress code for the fingerprinting, but I must have "The Look" when I attend the 8 hour orientation known as Traditions!
Work (by attending Traditions) begins on April 17th.
Come on everybody, here we gooooooooo!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
A Scene of Agony
My eyes blink open at 3 am.
I can hear voices in the living room, so I know that Tyler and his friends are still enjoying the celebration of his birthday.
This gladdens my heart. It's been too long since he's had 3a.m. conversations with friends.
I can't get back to sleep, and the torture begins. If I could just read a while, I know I could go back to sleep. Turning on the light would be unfair to Himself, though.
I realize I have to go to the bathroom and I could use something to drink. I don't dare make an appearance outside my room, since that would break up the party!
Blink. Blink.
The most agonizing part, however, is that I can hear their voices, but I can't hear what they're saying! What mom wouldn't want to know what they were talking about so earnestly?
Blink.
Desperately, I turn onto my side. I notice my alarm clock and remember that the display panel is on dim. Maybe . . .
Four a.m. found me huddled around my alarm clock, using it's brighter red light to read. Sleep finally came at 5, then I had to be up at 7 to do the science carpool.
There's no guessing on who will be taking a nap today.
I can hear voices in the living room, so I know that Tyler and his friends are still enjoying the celebration of his birthday.
This gladdens my heart. It's been too long since he's had 3a.m. conversations with friends.
I can't get back to sleep, and the torture begins. If I could just read a while, I know I could go back to sleep. Turning on the light would be unfair to Himself, though.
I realize I have to go to the bathroom and I could use something to drink. I don't dare make an appearance outside my room, since that would break up the party!
Blink. Blink.
The most agonizing part, however, is that I can hear their voices, but I can't hear what they're saying! What mom wouldn't want to know what they were talking about so earnestly?
Blink.
Desperately, I turn onto my side. I notice my alarm clock and remember that the display panel is on dim. Maybe . . .
Four a.m. found me huddled around my alarm clock, using it's brighter red light to read. Sleep finally came at 5, then I had to be up at 7 to do the science carpool.
There's no guessing on who will be taking a nap today.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Twenty-One-derful
All of our hopes and dreams for our firstborn pale in comparison with the reality that is you.
My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice.
My innermost being will cheer when your lips say what is right.
Don't be jealous of sinners; instead, always fear the Lord.
For then you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.
- Proverbs 23:15-18
Happy birthday, Sweetheart. Proud doesn't begin to describe how we feel about you; in fact, we have no words to express how full our hearts are, how much our "innermost beings" are rejoicing, how incredibly blessed we are because you are our son. How did we ever get to become your parents?
I hope it gives glory to God to honor our son, His beloved child, on the day that HIS Son defeated death for all of us, that we all might be called children of God to the praise of His glory!
My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice.
My innermost being will cheer when your lips say what is right.
Don't be jealous of sinners; instead, always fear the Lord.
For then you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.
- Proverbs 23:15-18
Happy birthday, Sweetheart. Proud doesn't begin to describe how we feel about you; in fact, we have no words to express how full our hearts are, how much our "innermost beings" are rejoicing, how incredibly blessed we are because you are our son. How did we ever get to become your parents?
I hope it gives glory to God to honor our son, His beloved child, on the day that HIS Son defeated death for all of us, that we all might be called children of God to the praise of His glory!
Friday, April 02, 2010
Back Off
In March of 2005, so five years ago, Himself had excruciating back pain. Several agonizing trips to the chiropractor and two weeks flat on his back, and he was able to function.
Every once in a while, his back will go out again. X-rays can only tell so much, so he finally went, this year, and had an MRI. Yesterday, he discussed the results with his doctor.
"Well, I have some bad news."
"Just give it to me doc. What is it?"
"Your back can't be fixed through surgery. It also can't be fixed through cortisone shots. The news is pretty bad."
"It's cancer, isn't it?"
"I'm afraid your back can only be fixed by diet, exercise, and strengthening your core muscles."
"Noooooo!!!!!"
Let's walk through the history of this, shall we?
2005 - the chiropractor:
"I can get you walking again, but these back exercises will make all the difference."
Himself, later that month: "I'm going to a doctor for a second opinion."
The doctor: "I won't be able to know for sure without an MRI, but I can prescribe some non-addictive pain relievers and muscle relaxers. The best thing to do would be back exercises."
Me: "Here! I bought you this book on back exercises like the doctor recommended."
Himself: "That can't be right. He can't know without the MRI."
A visit from Uncle Terry, 2009: "I had to stop running because of my back. Now, every day I do my stretches and exercises and my back has been great!"
Himself: Silence.
Periodically from well-meaning friends and family to me: "How is his back? Is he doing the exercises?"
Me: "Pffft."
And he wonders why I have no sympathy for him.
Oh, and if you want to know how his back is or whether he's "doing the exercises," please ask Him. Thank you.
Every once in a while, his back will go out again. X-rays can only tell so much, so he finally went, this year, and had an MRI. Yesterday, he discussed the results with his doctor.
"Well, I have some bad news."
"Just give it to me doc. What is it?"
"Your back can't be fixed through surgery. It also can't be fixed through cortisone shots. The news is pretty bad."
"It's cancer, isn't it?"
"I'm afraid your back can only be fixed by diet, exercise, and strengthening your core muscles."
"Noooooo!!!!!"
Let's walk through the history of this, shall we?
2005 - the chiropractor:
"I can get you walking again, but these back exercises will make all the difference."
Himself, later that month: "I'm going to a doctor for a second opinion."
The doctor: "I won't be able to know for sure without an MRI, but I can prescribe some non-addictive pain relievers and muscle relaxers. The best thing to do would be back exercises."
Me: "Here! I bought you this book on back exercises like the doctor recommended."
Himself: "That can't be right. He can't know without the MRI."
A visit from Uncle Terry, 2009: "I had to stop running because of my back. Now, every day I do my stretches and exercises and my back has been great!"
Himself: Silence.
Periodically from well-meaning friends and family to me: "How is his back? Is he doing the exercises?"
Me: "Pffft."
And he wonders why I have no sympathy for him.
Oh, and if you want to know how his back is or whether he's "doing the exercises," please ask Him. Thank you.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
It's April!
Details on this photo at the end of the post. Click to make image larger!
I think it may be a good thing that my son is safely 700 miles away.
All his life, I have found a way to trick him on April Fool's Day. The past few years, however, he's gotten me pretty good with things such as, "Mom, I've been in a car accident" or "Mom, I got to ride Ben's motorcycle on the freeway."
I'm sitting at our church as our home school group does their standardized tests. I'm wracking my brain to try to figure out how to get them, because I doubt any of them have realized what today is!
I'll let you know if I figure anything out.
Tomorrow, my Tyler comes home!
There's also an AMAZING benefit concert happening at my church tomorrow night. If you're in the area, please stop by! It's to help a little girl come home to her family from Rwanda.
Hope to see you there!
I think it may be a good thing that my son is safely 700 miles away.
All his life, I have found a way to trick him on April Fool's Day. The past few years, however, he's gotten me pretty good with things such as, "Mom, I've been in a car accident" or "Mom, I got to ride Ben's motorcycle on the freeway."
I'm sitting at our church as our home school group does their standardized tests. I'm wracking my brain to try to figure out how to get them, because I doubt any of them have realized what today is!
I'll let you know if I figure anything out.
Tomorrow, my Tyler comes home!
There's also an AMAZING benefit concert happening at my church tomorrow night. If you're in the area, please stop by! It's to help a little girl come home to her family from Rwanda.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A New Era
After 21 years at home, I will be stepping outside the door for employment.
In the past, when people have asked me if I "work" I have responded with I work very hard, but I am paid very little. My payment was hugs, smiles, thank yous, and more laundry. What's not to love?
Now, I'm afraid I will be working very hard and paid very little outside the home. Still, my goal was to find a job where I could work part time, earn money for college bills and some debt, and still be able to teach Glenna. I think what I have found fits the bill.
Starting Mid-April, I'll be working for the Mouse. In Tomorrowland.
I'm actually looking forward to it! Besides the obvious perks of getting free passes into the parks for my family, I'm looking forward to interacting with people. I've continually done this in my life anyway and it's so much fun. My children have been horribly embarrassed when I'd strike up conversations with strangers in checkout lines or lecture sales people who come to my door.
Mom, wailed Tyler. Can't you just say no thank you?
Guess who now does the same thing?
Still, this is the end of a very good era, and it doesn't pass without some sadness. Himself placed his head on my shoulder and whimpered, "Who's going to take care of me?"
"I'll take care of you, of course. Didn't I come right home from the interview and make dinner?"
"Yes, but it wasn't very good."
"What??? I made salad even!"
The kids are excited for me and eager to start the free park visits. Himself . . . well, let's just say change comes harder to that one. At any rate, we both see this as temporary. His goal of being a kept man will surely still be met.
In the past, when people have asked me if I "work" I have responded with I work very hard, but I am paid very little. My payment was hugs, smiles, thank yous, and more laundry. What's not to love?
Now, I'm afraid I will be working very hard and paid very little outside the home. Still, my goal was to find a job where I could work part time, earn money for college bills and some debt, and still be able to teach Glenna. I think what I have found fits the bill.
Starting Mid-April, I'll be working for the Mouse. In Tomorrowland.
I'm actually looking forward to it! Besides the obvious perks of getting free passes into the parks for my family, I'm looking forward to interacting with people. I've continually done this in my life anyway and it's so much fun. My children have been horribly embarrassed when I'd strike up conversations with strangers in checkout lines or lecture sales people who come to my door.
Mom, wailed Tyler. Can't you just say no thank you?
Guess who now does the same thing?
Still, this is the end of a very good era, and it doesn't pass without some sadness. Himself placed his head on my shoulder and whimpered, "Who's going to take care of me?"
"I'll take care of you, of course. Didn't I come right home from the interview and make dinner?"
"Yes, but it wasn't very good."
"What??? I made salad even!"
The kids are excited for me and eager to start the free park visits. Himself . . . well, let's just say change comes harder to that one. At any rate, we both see this as temporary. His goal of being a kept man will surely still be met.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday is Guest Star Day!
My friend Angela summed up new Mommyhood so perfectly. She had me flashing back (almost) 21 years to my own sweet boy. I'm so thankful she's deciding to treasure every moment! I know I did, without regret.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Off for the Weekend
As I may have said before - one never realizes how weird his pets are until he has to explain them to someone else.
My kind neighbors have agreed to check on the dogs for us while we're gone. These are the same neighbors that Glenna has done pet sitting for, so they're glad to do it. They're also the same neighbors who put up with Jack attacking the fence whenever their dogs are nearby! Both of us beat off our dogs and wonder, "Why can't we all just get along?"
Jack has been nicknamed "The Ice Man." Just now he was sitting here, trying to stare me down. Why? He's been outside. He has food. He has water. I am not here to entertain you, dog.
We're off to the high school camp out! This is the last year we have to farm Glenna off to another family for the weekend. Sob. She can't possibly be entering high school next year.
To all our Florida friends; Glenna was only a year old when we got here. There. Feeling old is my gift to you today. I couldn't bear keeping this gift to myself!
If no one hears from me by Monday, call the rangers at the Ocala National Forrest. Or, just send the Ice Man. He'll come right to me and stare me down.
My kind neighbors have agreed to check on the dogs for us while we're gone. These are the same neighbors that Glenna has done pet sitting for, so they're glad to do it. They're also the same neighbors who put up with Jack attacking the fence whenever their dogs are nearby! Both of us beat off our dogs and wonder, "Why can't we all just get along?"
Jack has been nicknamed "The Ice Man." Just now he was sitting here, trying to stare me down. Why? He's been outside. He has food. He has water. I am not here to entertain you, dog.
We're off to the high school camp out! This is the last year we have to farm Glenna off to another family for the weekend. Sob. She can't possibly be entering high school next year.
To all our Florida friends; Glenna was only a year old when we got here. There. Feeling old is my gift to you today. I couldn't bear keeping this gift to myself!
If no one hears from me by Monday, call the rangers at the Ocala National Forrest. Or, just send the Ice Man. He'll come right to me and stare me down.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Coming Back
I am finally able to breathe a little more clearly and don't have to blow my nose every five minutes (or less). Himself has been concerned enough to take care of dinner and pray for me . . . we do have the high school camp out this weekend, after all!
To those of you who saw me drinking the Frappicino at church on Sunday; yes, it gave me a migraine. Yes, it was worth it. It will probably be another six months before I hear that satisfying POP of the lid and drink that sweet nectar. My apologies to my family who had to put up with my suffering.
Other happenings:
*Logan G. was born, finally! Jess has some pictures on her site.
*I am seeking part-time work. Prayers appreciated! I have an interview on Monday at 4:00.
*I hate/love that I'm seeking part-time work. Himself and I see this as temporary. My heart is at home.
*No, Glenna will NOT go to public school.
*Kelly graduates soon! May 7! Where has the time gone?
*I had my first smoothie of the season. Still a little too chilly outside, but it was good.
Tomorrow, we shop for the camp out. Prayers for a perfect Florida weekend are appreciated.
To those of you who saw me drinking the Frappicino at church on Sunday; yes, it gave me a migraine. Yes, it was worth it. It will probably be another six months before I hear that satisfying POP of the lid and drink that sweet nectar. My apologies to my family who had to put up with my suffering.
Other happenings:
*Logan G. was born, finally! Jess has some pictures on her site.
*I am seeking part-time work. Prayers appreciated! I have an interview on Monday at 4:00.
*I hate/love that I'm seeking part-time work. Himself and I see this as temporary. My heart is at home.
*No, Glenna will NOT go to public school.
*Kelly graduates soon! May 7! Where has the time gone?
*I had my first smoothie of the season. Still a little too chilly outside, but it was good.
Tomorrow, we shop for the camp out. Prayers for a perfect Florida weekend are appreciated.
Monday, March 22, 2010
He
He . . . says every sandwich I bring him is "The best sandwich EVER!" and he eats it. Himself.
He . . . pressure cleaned the entire house and driveway. He did it. Himself.
He . . . went to Publix for the Publix brand oatmeal raisin cookies because I wanted some. And he apologized and truly felt horrible when they didn't have any and he had to buy another brand. He did. Himself.
He . . . watches "The Princess and the Frog" with his daughter and doesn't say a word when I fall asleep during the movie and begin to snore. No he doesn't. Himself.
He . . . tells me when our son calls and shares the highlights of their conversation because he knows it makes me so happy. Yes he does. Himself.
He . . . scuttles back and forth out of the way when I'm trying to make dinner in our small kitchen and he's trying to tell me about a work incident. It's really quite comical. Himself.
He . . . belongs to me.
Myself.
He . . . pressure cleaned the entire house and driveway. He did it. Himself.
He . . . went to Publix for the Publix brand oatmeal raisin cookies because I wanted some. And he apologized and truly felt horrible when they didn't have any and he had to buy another brand. He did. Himself.
He . . . watches "The Princess and the Frog" with his daughter and doesn't say a word when I fall asleep during the movie and begin to snore. No he doesn't. Himself.
He . . . tells me when our son calls and shares the highlights of their conversation because he knows it makes me so happy. Yes he does. Himself.
He . . . scuttles back and forth out of the way when I'm trying to make dinner in our small kitchen and he's trying to tell me about a work incident. It's really quite comical. Himself.
He . . . belongs to me.
Myself.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Seriously?
Seriously, Florida? Seriously?
My heater popped on today.
March is supposed to be beautiful!
I hope this all means that summer will be MILD.
Trying to slash my food budget and eat more vegetables. Since my vegetable repertoire is limited, I decided to whip out the red and white checkered cookbook.
The pages tell the tale.
Where there are main dishes, breads, pastries, cookies, etc., the pages are splattered and smeared.
Under the vegetable section, the pages are still pristine.
My heater popped on today.
March is supposed to be beautiful!
I hope this all means that summer will be MILD.
Trying to slash my food budget and eat more vegetables. Since my vegetable repertoire is limited, I decided to whip out the red and white checkered cookbook.
The pages tell the tale.
Where there are main dishes, breads, pastries, cookies, etc., the pages are splattered and smeared.
Under the vegetable section, the pages are still pristine.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tuesday is Guest Star Day!
When a plain ordinary wife spends her day thinking thankful, loving and respectful thoughts about her plain ordinary husband – they can have an extraordinary marriage. -Courtney
Our women's ministry is hosting Apples of Gold, which is a Bible study to encourage wives and mothers. This blog was so fabulous and so true; I hope all Apples of Gold attendees will read it!
Our women's ministry is hosting Apples of Gold, which is a Bible study to encourage wives and mothers. This blog was so fabulous and so true; I hope all Apples of Gold attendees will read it!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Home Again
My heart is so full, I think I'll just stare at this for a while.
Any bets on how quickly my mother snagged this photo?
Any bets on how quickly my mother snagged this photo?
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
The INFCF
Click here for Jessie's take on Tennessee and more photos!
Last night, Ty took us to downtown Nashville to see the sights. Jessie had already been twice, so we didn't feel too badly that she had to miss it (though we missed HER!).
When walking down Broadway in Nashville, there's an entire section that is nothing but music venues. Of course it's all about selling liquor, but one can hear blaring band after band in this one city block.
How cool is THAT?
Wherever there's money or liquor, there's sure to be vagrants and panhandlers. Last night was no exception. There were signs everywhere warning tourists to not give them money as "panhandling is NOT the solution!" I was thankful to have Himself as my bodyguard and blocker, and Ty kept his sisters close.
Some of them simply sat with their guitars and played while their opened guitar cases did the begging for them. Some of them stumbled unsteadily toward us and blatantly asked for money. One gentleman, however, topped them all in his cleverness and approach.
As we crossed a busy intersection amid a small crowd of sight-seers, there was suddenly a middle-aged man loudly joining our group with, Warning! There is a black man now approaching on your port side! Do not make any sudden moves nor panic at his appearance - he is mostly harmless.
Since we naturally laughed and made our own jokes, he fell into step with us and continued what became his most flowery speech.
Because of the jovial nature of your persons, I wonder if I might inquire of you a response. I have been pondering a particular oratory, resounding and resplendent with adjectives of which I have yet to describe. If I could impose upon your person for this pondering of which I'm about to inquire, it is my hope that by with this oratory resounding with adjectives of which I am yet to describe that I would be able to secure further funding for the INFCF which, as I will henceforth enlighten you, is the IndePENdent Negro Fried Chicken Fund. As the current accounts for the, as I mentioned, IndePENdent Negro Fried Chicken Fund is completely depleted, it is my hope to convince you . . .
By this time, we were laughing so hard we couldn't really hear what he was saying. It was HILARIOUS! I seriously wish I had a few dollars to give him. It was worth at least five dollars of entertainment!
Last night, Ty took us to downtown Nashville to see the sights. Jessie had already been twice, so we didn't feel too badly that she had to miss it (though we missed HER!).
When walking down Broadway in Nashville, there's an entire section that is nothing but music venues. Of course it's all about selling liquor, but one can hear blaring band after band in this one city block.
How cool is THAT?
Wherever there's money or liquor, there's sure to be vagrants and panhandlers. Last night was no exception. There were signs everywhere warning tourists to not give them money as "panhandling is NOT the solution!" I was thankful to have Himself as my bodyguard and blocker, and Ty kept his sisters close.
Some of them simply sat with their guitars and played while their opened guitar cases did the begging for them. Some of them stumbled unsteadily toward us and blatantly asked for money. One gentleman, however, topped them all in his cleverness and approach.
As we crossed a busy intersection amid a small crowd of sight-seers, there was suddenly a middle-aged man loudly joining our group with, Warning! There is a black man now approaching on your port side! Do not make any sudden moves nor panic at his appearance - he is mostly harmless.
Since we naturally laughed and made our own jokes, he fell into step with us and continued what became his most flowery speech.
Because of the jovial nature of your persons, I wonder if I might inquire of you a response. I have been pondering a particular oratory, resounding and resplendent with adjectives of which I have yet to describe. If I could impose upon your person for this pondering of which I'm about to inquire, it is my hope that by with this oratory resounding with adjectives of which I am yet to describe that I would be able to secure further funding for the INFCF which, as I will henceforth enlighten you, is the IndePENdent Negro Fried Chicken Fund. As the current accounts for the, as I mentioned, IndePENdent Negro Fried Chicken Fund is completely depleted, it is my hope to convince you . . .
By this time, we were laughing so hard we couldn't really hear what he was saying. It was HILARIOUS! I seriously wish I had a few dollars to give him. It was worth at least five dollars of entertainment!
Monday, March 08, 2010
Some Smiles
Here are just a few things that brought a smile to my face this week. Details to follow! (click on images to make larger)
Monday
Photos coming soon! Having a wonderful time and beautiful weather in Nashville. Soooo good to be with all my babies at the same time!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
What a Wonderful Day!
Today, the journey that started 2 years ago is coming to a close. My sweet niece is having her last chemo today!
You did it, Taylor! Now get out there and be a normal kid, will you? I love you so much! Come see me!
You did it, Taylor! Now get out there and be a normal kid, will you? I love you so much! Come see me!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Tuesday is Guest Star Day!
This time, there's a heartbreaking post. I share it here for further awareness as I have heard of this "child training" method, but thankfully didn't buy it. If you have time to read the comments, there was a tremendous outpouring of grace there.
Monday, March 01, 2010
I'm Late, I'm Late . . .
Sorry that I've posted later today.
I have a cold.
I am sluggish.
However, I did get a lot done today! I'm also counting the days on ONE HAND until I see my son! Hello, Tennessee! We're leaving on Friday. Some friends of ours in Georgia have been gracious and kind enough to let us arrive at their house at midnight, or later, stay the night, then get an early start to Nashville.
I can't wait.
One good thing about having a stuffy nose: I discovered it was a great time to clean out the refrigerator. Now our house-sitter won't have THAT to say about me, at least.
On another note; I have often said that March is the best that Florida has to offer. March 1st did not disappoint. What a GORGEOUS day! It was so hard to stay indoors and do school. I did, however, take Missy for a walk (Jack is not welcome until he gets some better manners). For one month, I live in such a beautiful state.
I hope it's warm while we're in TN.
I have a cold.
I am sluggish.
However, I did get a lot done today! I'm also counting the days on ONE HAND until I see my son! Hello, Tennessee! We're leaving on Friday. Some friends of ours in Georgia have been gracious and kind enough to let us arrive at their house at midnight, or later, stay the night, then get an early start to Nashville.
I can't wait.
One good thing about having a stuffy nose: I discovered it was a great time to clean out the refrigerator. Now our house-sitter won't have THAT to say about me, at least.
On another note; I have often said that March is the best that Florida has to offer. March 1st did not disappoint. What a GORGEOUS day! It was so hard to stay indoors and do school. I did, however, take Missy for a walk (Jack is not welcome until he gets some better manners). For one month, I live in such a beautiful state.
I hope it's warm while we're in TN.
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