A hint from my friend.

I was telling my dear friend Marcie that I feel like I don't get enough done in the evenings. She told her secret - Don't sit down. Boy was she right. Before Judo at 4, my husband listened to Miss P while she read him the three homework books. I took my daughter to Judo, did two loads of laundry, made dinner, had it cleaned up and had a pasta sauce cooked for lasagna on Wednesday night. All by 6 PM!!!! Mind you, I didn't start til 3:20. I was quite impressed. While I was at Judo, I flipped through some cookbooks and catalogs I'd taken along with me.

I need to remember this... Don't sit down!

Happy October!

I absolutely love this time of year. It inspires me to cook. Tonight, I'm going to go through a few of my favorite cookbooks while I'm with my daughter at Judo this afternoon. Our family attended a family reunion over the weekend. It was so good to see my family. There were also a lot of mixed emotions involved. I'm so thankful for the times we have together and sad for the time that's slipped away, but overjoyed by all the happy memories. I'm always a little tearful when we leave. Knowing that my grandfather is slipping away with Alzheimer's, seeing the worry on my Grandma's face, knowing some can't be there because they are too far away, or due to illnesses, or because they've gone on to Heaven. I keep them all in my heart and in my prayers.

Prayer

My dear friend Tiny shared this with me. It made me think about how often many do wait until things aren't so great to thank God what he's already done. I am guilty of this.

DEAR GOD: I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not go ing to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I' m thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

My toothless wonder.

Somehow, my baby grew up. She lost her first tooth last Friday, and the second tooth Monday. Tonight her Judo instructor informed her she can now drink from a straw without opening her mouth. She couldn't wait to try that one out.

Our youngest cat is healing nicely from her surgery last week. Today she's in the windows looking at the birds and bugs. I'm so glad she finally got her energy back and is off her favorite dining room chair.

I'm watching a special on Mac & Cheese on Food Network. Who knew there were so many options?!

First Grade

My daughter started First Grade on Monday. She loves the new school and new faces. She's so much more grown up. While we were at Judo class waiting for the instructor, she pulled out a basket of blocks and started building an elaborate house. I asked if she played with blocks in school today. Her reply was... Mama, I'm in a big girl school now, not baby school. (heart tugs)
How is that my 19" long baby is now 4' 1" and wearing size 4 shoes?

July 13

My husband and I recently celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. He got me the greatest gift. A digital picture frame. I loaded my favorite pictures of him and my daughter. Going through all my pictures I realized something - we have very few pictures of the three of us together. I need to work on that.

Have you ever had an event in your life that was so sad, but you took something wonderful from the happenings around it? In November one of my Uncle Jeff passed away. He truly was a wonderful man. During the funeral service I realized many things. I have a wonderful family. While we may be spread across the country, we are there for one another. We aren't one of those families where everyone gets together and argues. We have a great time when we get together! There are no fights or blows up or arguments!

During the service two of my Uncles (yes, it's a BIG family) delivered the message. Both are preachers with their own styles. I took a lot from the service. Mostly, I took peace. I hadn't felt that kind of peace for quite a while.

I ordered a new Bible yesterday. A down to earth, translated version that's easier to understand. I want to find that peace in my heart and soul again.

June 26

Today was a great day! It started with a follow up appt for our daughters blood pressure. It's down to normal!!! Hooray!!! The doctor says she's not going to put Miss P through more blood work for six months. Miss P was VERY happy to hear that. Her term for having blood drawn is " getting a sling shot". Kids do say the funniest things.

Later in the day we went to a local dairy farm to feed the calves. That was so much fun!!! I really, really enjoyed it.

June 19th

A week ago I found out my daughter has some issues with triglycerides and cholesterol. How does this happen at five year old? I know she isn't the picture of perfect health when it comes to her diet. Couldn't we all use a few more fruits and vegetables!?! I've found out how hard it is when you are watching fats, salts, sugars and sodium all at the same time.

I feel so blessed that she somewhat understands that she needs to eat healthier foods and smaller portions.

The other day when I was feeling guilty for all of this my dear friend reminded me of this: It was caught early! You took her the doctor for a follow up on bronchitis and her BP was still a little high so they sent her for the blood work. Now you know what the problem is and you have to address it. I'm so thankful that Marcie is back in my life. She reminds me that God is looking out for all of us.

June 4, 2007

For the past few years I've enjoyed reading the blogs of others. I've decided it's time to do one myself. It may take me a while to get things going, worked out, pictures posted, etc, but I'm excited about it!