I saw this post over the weekend and thought it was a creative idea. So, I know it's not Friday, but I will attempt the challenge: write for 5 minutes (no more, no less) about what you were doing 5 years ago.
Feb. 28, 2006
It's funny, because I actully know EXACTLY what I was doing on this day 5 years ago. I gave my 8th grade students a quiz over O. Henry and went to the dentist. Now, before you think I am one of those crazy people who can remember every date in detail, I have my school planner out from that year. I'm taking an online class, and I have to use plans from when I was teaching. 2005-2006 was my last year in the classroom. I can't believe it's been that long. I miss it a lot. But I wouldn't trade this time with my children. I don't want to miss this, even the frustrating, mundane days that take me to the brink of insanity. Staying home has changed me, but in a good way. I was not one of those people who had the "motherly" gene. It has not come easy for me. But through the last 5 years I feel like God has really shown me who He is and who I am in Him. He has taught me to rely on Him and not on my own accomplishments. He has shown me what it means to put others ahead of yourself.
So, here's your challenge: For 5 minutes write about what you were doing 5 years ago.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I'm thankful for. . .
81. the fact that spring has GOT to be around the corner!
82. scarves.
83. chapstick.
84. the opportunity to help women and their babies in Kenya.
85. the amazing family who raised me with faith, discipline, and love.
86. watching my kids dance to my old music, especially Arrested Development. (Who doesn't love a little "Tennessee"?)
87. no car payments.
88. chocolate chip bagels.
89. pre-school soccer. The best Saturday morning entertainment ever.
90. forgiveness. every day. forgiveness.
What are you thankful for?
81. the fact that spring has GOT to be around the corner!
82. scarves.
83. chapstick.
84. the opportunity to help women and their babies in Kenya.
85. the amazing family who raised me with faith, discipline, and love.
86. watching my kids dance to my old music, especially Arrested Development. (Who doesn't love a little "Tennessee"?)
87. no car payments.
88. chocolate chip bagels.
89. pre-school soccer. The best Saturday morning entertainment ever.
90. forgiveness. every day. forgiveness.
What are you thankful for?
Although we've come, to the end of the road. . .
Okay, if you read the title to my post and immediately started singing the Boys to Men song, then please know you are in the right place.
10 days.
10 days left of my online class.
I have enjoyed learning and getting to meet other teachers from all over the world. I truly think I will take a lot of this information and use it in my future classrooms.
But I'm ready to be done.
I'm ready to have some extra time in my life, and I'm ready for my house to not look like an episode of some sort of tv show that they broadcast on TLC or A&E.
On a side note, if you have not checked out themercyhousekenya.org you need to do so right now. Right now! Pray for them, support them, learn about them.
The end.
10 days.
10 days left of my online class.
I have enjoyed learning and getting to meet other teachers from all over the world. I truly think I will take a lot of this information and use it in my future classrooms.
But I'm ready to be done.
I'm ready to have some extra time in my life, and I'm ready for my house to not look like an episode of some sort of tv show that they broadcast on TLC or A&E.
On a side note, if you have not checked out themercyhousekenya.org you need to do so right now. Right now! Pray for them, support them, learn about them.
The end.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
71. getting to run outside in the beautiful weather.
72. caffiene free diet anything!
73. date night Saturday night (thanks, Santana for babysitting!)
74. gaining a little more daylight every day.
75. getting to celebrate my nephew Jonathan's 18th birthday!
76. homemade chocolate chip cookies.
77. seeing teenagers make great decisions and grow up before my eyes.
78. great conversations that challenge me and encourage me.
79. roasted red pepper hummus. Darn you, Meijer, for making it half price!
80. my son learning to read. It makes my heart all warm and fuzzy :)
What are you thankful for?
71. getting to run outside in the beautiful weather.
72. caffiene free diet anything!
73. date night Saturday night (thanks, Santana for babysitting!)
74. gaining a little more daylight every day.
75. getting to celebrate my nephew Jonathan's 18th birthday!
76. homemade chocolate chip cookies.
77. seeing teenagers make great decisions and grow up before my eyes.
78. great conversations that challenge me and encourage me.
79. roasted red pepper hummus. Darn you, Meijer, for making it half price!
80. my son learning to read. It makes my heart all warm and fuzzy :)
What are you thankful for?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Dear Valentine's Day,
You are a tricky little thing, aren't you? First, I hated you for years because you reminded me that I didn't have a "special someone" to spend Valentine's Day with. In fact, I remember watching Bill Murray in Groundhog's Day thinking that my personal hell would be to relive Valentine's Day over and over and over and over. Seeing everyone's flowers and chocolates. And that was way before the digital age where people post all of the details. Yikes!
But now, as a married woman, Valentine's Day, you are still a little stinker. I end up with expectations that can't possibly be fulfilled, even by a husband as wonderful as mine. So, instead of enjoying a day and being thankful for the relationships I have in my life, I am disappointed, AND FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER!
And so, Valentine's Day, I refuse to let you win. Today I will celebrate love by looking for it everywhere.
In watching my children play together
In reading about God's love for me
In the friendships I have
In the time I spend with my wonderful gift that is my husband
And I will show love to those around me. Not just in a card or a gift, but in my words and actions. In thinking of others more than myself.
So you're not ALL bad.
But now, as a married woman, Valentine's Day, you are still a little stinker. I end up with expectations that can't possibly be fulfilled, even by a husband as wonderful as mine. So, instead of enjoying a day and being thankful for the relationships I have in my life, I am disappointed, AND FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER!
And so, Valentine's Day, I refuse to let you win. Today I will celebrate love by looking for it everywhere.
In watching my children play together
In reading about God's love for me
In the friendships I have
In the time I spend with my wonderful gift that is my husband
And I will show love to those around me. Not just in a card or a gift, but in my words and actions. In thinking of others more than myself.
So you're not ALL bad.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
61. Getting to listen to Noel and David pray before Noel goes to bed.
62. Chicken Fajitas w/lime and cilantro. Yes, please!
63. Ski trip on Saturday.
64. Legos, toy tractors, markers, and all other inside toys that have made this winter fun.
65. college basketball on tv (except our teams aren't doing very well this year).
66. Every day is a new day, a fresh start, a clean slate.
67. the funny faces my daughter is learning to make.
68. friends I visit with at the nursing home.
69. dilly bars.
70. encouraging words from those around me.
What are you thankful for?
61. Getting to listen to Noel and David pray before Noel goes to bed.
62. Chicken Fajitas w/lime and cilantro. Yes, please!
63. Ski trip on Saturday.
64. Legos, toy tractors, markers, and all other inside toys that have made this winter fun.
65. college basketball on tv (except our teams aren't doing very well this year).
66. Every day is a new day, a fresh start, a clean slate.
67. the funny faces my daughter is learning to make.
68. friends I visit with at the nursing home.
69. dilly bars.
70. encouraging words from those around me.
What are you thankful for?
Random Thoughts
I've been overwhelmed lately with life. Nothing too crazy going on, just every day life is kind of getting to me. David was gone for 5 days, my house is a wreck, I have an online class I'm trying to finish, and I'm trying to put together what I need to drive the kids and myself to David's parents' house on Friday. I feel frazzled, pulled in too many directions. I look around and instead of focusing on the good, I always notice what is lacking. Isn't that our human nature?
So, what better way to get perspective than some random, unimportant thoughts from me? That's what I give you today:
*Yesterday morning, as David was driving to work, he noticed our neighbor taking trash out to the curb in shorts and boots. . .AND NOTHING ELSE! It was about 10 degrees out yesterday! And David said this guy was in no hurry to get back in. He was kicking snow, walking slowly, looking around. I'll say it again, only in Kokomo. . .
*Tonight might be the best night of television I've ever seen (hope I'm not disappointed after a build-up like that!). My 2 favorite shows: Top Chef and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon are on together! The Chefs are cooking for the cast and crew of Jimmy Fallon's show. Oh, I cannot wait!!! Fabio and Richard Blaze along with Jimmy, Steve Higgens, and the Roots?! Bring it!
*Check out this video for a good laugh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm7yAWpX1Mc
*We went to the nursing home last night to hang out with the residents, and our friend Levi was cracking us up. He's 97 years old and has had quite a life. Anyway, we walk in and David says, "Hey, Levi! How are you?" His answer, "Well, I'm still kickin'. . .not very high, but I'm kickin'."
*I'm so glad that I missed Christina Aguilara singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl. I cannot stand to see someone embarass themselves, especially when millions are watching. It gives me a stomach ache. That's why I hate school talent shows as well.
*Tomorrow is the Valentine Party at Noel's pre-school. Parents are invited. The only catch is we are supposed to wear our pajamas. Yikes! Do they know what I sleep in? I wear David's old t-shirts from high school and raggedy pants that have holes in them! Is that really what they want me to wear? I'm half tempted to go to Goodwill and get one of those long fleece nightgowns to wear, just to see if they think it's for real. (or Fa' realz, as I officially say it now) Maybe I'll take some pictures. Maybe I'll just wear sweats.
Happy Wednesday, Everyone!
So, what better way to get perspective than some random, unimportant thoughts from me? That's what I give you today:
*Yesterday morning, as David was driving to work, he noticed our neighbor taking trash out to the curb in shorts and boots. . .AND NOTHING ELSE! It was about 10 degrees out yesterday! And David said this guy was in no hurry to get back in. He was kicking snow, walking slowly, looking around. I'll say it again, only in Kokomo. . .
*Tonight might be the best night of television I've ever seen (hope I'm not disappointed after a build-up like that!). My 2 favorite shows: Top Chef and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon are on together! The Chefs are cooking for the cast and crew of Jimmy Fallon's show. Oh, I cannot wait!!! Fabio and Richard Blaze along with Jimmy, Steve Higgens, and the Roots?! Bring it!
*Check out this video for a good laugh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm7yAWpX1Mc
*We went to the nursing home last night to hang out with the residents, and our friend Levi was cracking us up. He's 97 years old and has had quite a life. Anyway, we walk in and David says, "Hey, Levi! How are you?" His answer, "Well, I'm still kickin'. . .not very high, but I'm kickin'."
*I'm so glad that I missed Christina Aguilara singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl. I cannot stand to see someone embarass themselves, especially when millions are watching. It gives me a stomach ache. That's why I hate school talent shows as well.
*Tomorrow is the Valentine Party at Noel's pre-school. Parents are invited. The only catch is we are supposed to wear our pajamas. Yikes! Do they know what I sleep in? I wear David's old t-shirts from high school and raggedy pants that have holes in them! Is that really what they want me to wear? I'm half tempted to go to Goodwill and get one of those long fleece nightgowns to wear, just to see if they think it's for real. (or Fa' realz, as I officially say it now) Maybe I'll take some pictures. Maybe I'll just wear sweats.
Happy Wednesday, Everyone!
Friday, February 04, 2011
Conflicted
It's been a hard week to blog for me. I try to write things that are encouraging, funny, insightful, something. But last week a dear woman from our church passed away from cancer at the age of 44. A dear lady who has two daughters (one of whom was in my lifegroup as a high school student) and a husband who are now left wondering "Why?" And I have to admit, I don't have an answer for them.
But I've been reading a book, and it has, in a small way, helped. I don't believe it is a coincidence that I happened to buy this book right when all of this was about to happen. The book is called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, and in it she writes about how important giving thanks is. And not just giving a big ol' "Thanks, God!" at the end of the night. We need to be thanking God for all of the gifts, big and small, so that we see all of the things He has done for us and continues to do for us. Yes, life is hard. Yes, things come that will rock our world and leave us broken. But God is still here.
Here are some quotes from the book so far that have really spoken to me:
*As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible.
*(We need) to learn how to be grateful and happy, whether hands full or hands empty.
*God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life--even hurts in a life. God!
*Some days, ones with laundry and kids and dishes in sink, it is hard to think that the insulting ordinariness of this truly teaches the full mystery of the all most important, eucharisteo (giving thanks). . . But if I miss the infinitesimals, I miss the whole.
*Life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change.
*God gives us time. But who has time for God?
*I cannot think of a single advantage I've ever gained from being in a hurry. Hurry always empties the soul.
*Live fully in the moment.
*I want to slow down and taste life, give thanks, and see God.
*Joy and pain, they are but two arteries of the one heart.
*Only the Word is the answer to rightly reading the world, because the Word has nail-scarred hands that cup our face close, wipe away the tears running down, has eyes to look deep into our brimming ache, and whisper, "I know. I know."
I hope today you take some time to talk to God. Share your thoughts, your fears, and most importantly, your thanks. Tell Him thank you and recognize that, no matter what, He loves you and has a plan for you.
Sorry if this is random. This is how my mind has been running this week.
But I've been reading a book, and it has, in a small way, helped. I don't believe it is a coincidence that I happened to buy this book right when all of this was about to happen. The book is called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, and in it she writes about how important giving thanks is. And not just giving a big ol' "Thanks, God!" at the end of the night. We need to be thanking God for all of the gifts, big and small, so that we see all of the things He has done for us and continues to do for us. Yes, life is hard. Yes, things come that will rock our world and leave us broken. But God is still here.
Here are some quotes from the book so far that have really spoken to me:
*As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible.
*(We need) to learn how to be grateful and happy, whether hands full or hands empty.
*God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life--even hurts in a life. God!
*Some days, ones with laundry and kids and dishes in sink, it is hard to think that the insulting ordinariness of this truly teaches the full mystery of the all most important, eucharisteo (giving thanks). . . But if I miss the infinitesimals, I miss the whole.
*Life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change.
*God gives us time. But who has time for God?
*I cannot think of a single advantage I've ever gained from being in a hurry. Hurry always empties the soul.
*Live fully in the moment.
*I want to slow down and taste life, give thanks, and see God.
*Joy and pain, they are but two arteries of the one heart.
*Only the Word is the answer to rightly reading the world, because the Word has nail-scarred hands that cup our face close, wipe away the tears running down, has eyes to look deep into our brimming ache, and whisper, "I know. I know."
I hope today you take some time to talk to God. Share your thoughts, your fears, and most importantly, your thanks. Tell Him thank you and recognize that, no matter what, He loves you and has a plan for you.
Sorry if this is random. This is how my mind has been running this week.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Thursday Thank-yous
I am thankful for. . .
51. laughter after tears.
52. electricity.
53. Rooibos tea with a little cream on a snowy night.
54. free Edwin McCain song downloads.
55. upcoming ski trip.
56. the halfway mark of my online class! 4 weeks down, 4 to go!
57. my husband's opportunity to go see an old friend for a long weekend.
58. hearing new words come out of my daughter's mouth every day.
59. date nights.
60. eternity.
What are you thankful for?
51. laughter after tears.
52. electricity.
53. Rooibos tea with a little cream on a snowy night.
54. free Edwin McCain song downloads.
55. upcoming ski trip.
56. the halfway mark of my online class! 4 weeks down, 4 to go!
57. my husband's opportunity to go see an old friend for a long weekend.
58. hearing new words come out of my daughter's mouth every day.
59. date nights.
60. eternity.
What are you thankful for?
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