May 11, 2012

Mom, Dad. . .you're not going to believe this, but:

I am capable of yard work.

It may have taken thirty-six years to bubble to the surface, but I have officially mowed a lawn and gotten my hands dirty.

Yes, me.  Shocking, I know.

All those years I worked casually in the house with air on, and music playing. . .

I was simply trying to avoid working in that horrific back yard of ours.  I wouldn't have enjoyed it then and I didn't really enjoy it now--it was done out of necessity.  I had to put E's mind at ease after a seven day straight work week.  He hated knowing he was letting the yard go. . .

So, Sunday I stepped up to the plate to surprise him.

 I have the sunburn to prove it.

The beautiful part of this story was that the neighbor across the street came over to help me put gas in it and turn it on.  I thought I had to pull that string thing I used to see you guys do.  Apparently mine has a key.  Fancy that.

 

Anyways, because the grass was weighted down (it was so long and a little damp), there was a bit of starting and stopping. . .which my neighbor graciously came across the street to help when needed.  Eventually, I figured it out and was able to get it going and unclog  it on my own.  Halfway through the yard, another neighbor (on the opposite corner) came by in his truck.  He offered to help.  At first I declined, but then when he offered the second time I accepted the offer.

He edged and blew off the front for me.  What a blessing!!!  I probably wouldn't have even bothered with the edger myself.  One garden appliance for me was enough.  E was thrilled and thankful that these gentlemen stepped up to help me out.  He would have done the same for their wives.  I just know it.  It really made me appreciate the neighborhood we live in and the fact that people are still willing to do for others.  Both guys commented on the fact that E keeps our yard in good condition, so they figured he must be bogged down at work.  They are correct.

Nine days straight now with no immediate end in sight.  Poor guy.  I guess my little act of kindness for my man was a winner. . .except now he knows I know how to work that lawn mower.  Ugh.  Not good.  I don't really want to have to do this on any type of a regular basis.

I made it a point yesterday to bake these as a thank you for the guys and their families. (They  doubled as a thank you gift for teachers too--CCD ended). I really appreciated the help and E appreciated his yard looking good again! Apparently, it's a bit of a guy thing--to keep your yard in tip top shape. . .at least in my neighborhood it is, as these guys pointed out as they helped. What started out as a daunting task was replaced by sheer gratitude as people helped me to get it done.  God in action: people acting as His hands and feet.

March 5, 2012

Have a great week!

February 24, 2012

February 5, 2012

Love is in our air. . .

I saw this idea, here.

I love that we are able to come here anytime to write a message of love or affirmation to each other.

This is our family verse that accompanies our mission statement--

it hangs clear as day now we all just need to memorize it.

Again, I saw this idea at the same site. 

I love the simplicity of it.

I love that we can do this for each holiday.

I love that we can use what we have at home.

I'm still waiting on the buttons to be spray painted pink.

I was banned from the garage with spray paint, no idea why...lol.

I've been trying to change out my candles and bring the soft glow of flames to our nights together.

For the longest, I had candles as decorations; however, they lasted forever because they were never used! Now I want the mood of our home to be one that is soft and encouraging, and pretty.

Candles seem to do that for me.

One of my favorite decorations of all times.

My son and I made this together at the Sawdust Factory.

This place is so much fun and allows the kids (or you) to be as creative as you want with all the supplies on hand!

These Valentines are so sweet and pretty, I mean, most things Precious Moments are, right?

These are going to school for Valetine's parties.

The back of a few of them say God's name--that's all right at a public school, isn't it?

Sure hope so, because they are going out soon!

While love is definitely in the air around this happy, little home,

so is my heart filled as I've just returned from a Mom Heart Conference with Sally Clarkson.

I have so much to process and pray about, so much to share.

I will save these for another day as I have a Super Bowl to snack at. . .I mean watch...just kidding: Bubba's fever is back so we stayed home and watched a movie instead.

January 27, 2012

January 25, 2012

Only a two-year-old could meticulously stuff  her brother's shoe with her trail mix snack;

and then proceed to dump it. . .for the dog.

Good thing she ate all the M&M's.

Silly girl!

Jan 21, 2012

Currently. . .

Currently loving...my new (and only i-anything) ipod and downloading free music from the library. Three songs a week--it's so fun!!
Currently reading...Mission to Motherhood by Sally Clarkson...it's our first book club pick and I am so excited about it!
Currently waiting for...the school year to end (is that bad?)  I love summer days with my kids and no work to worry about and maybe this summer will be even more awesome because there will be no work to return to daily!!! 
Currently excited about...Valentine's day.  Since my mom's annual party has been postponed--I plan on hand making the placemats and purchasing one sweet little gift for each child. Ernie's favorite lasagna dinner will be served and I can't wait to make it special, just like mom used to do!!
Currently missing...my grandpa.  He would be pretty awesome to talk to about all the changes in our future.

Currently working at...running at least three miles three days a week. . .I did well last week and not so well this week. (That bike ride I took should have counted for something!)
Currently enjoying...the free weekends on our calendar!  Since Lene quit dance and Ernie is finishing school it seems our weekends are open for adventure.  It has been too long. . .
Currently snacking on...cheese, crackers, and salami--without wine!Three pieces and I'm full.
Currently using...Avon's skin regiment for the sixty year olds. . .I won a complete kit and tried it and loved it so I'm being very proactive in my skin care, I guess!!
Currently wearing...my Toms and gray fleece jacket--that's not all--but those are the most consistent, comfortable pieces.
Currently planning...a small trip for the kid's spring break:  Arizona, Nevada, or...camping locally--not sure but excited to finalize things soon!
Currently singing..."I Can Only Imagine. . ." I heart that song!
Currently needing... mascara. A new tube--I think I've had my old one too long and it's clumpy. 
Currently learning... that sometimes you just have to dive head first into faith.
Currently listening to...a very clear message about being home with my kids.
Currently wishing... I could go on a mission trip to Haiti-especially after reading Kisses from Katie
Currently praying for...my husband's final this morning--it's his last day of school and he's months away from journeying out!  I am so proud of all his effort and hard work!
Currently dreaming of...our week away to celebrate our ten year anniversary!  Just kidding, mom and dad, I know it's only three or four--but a girl can dream, right?  No kids thanks to grandparents who have offered to babysit--we haven't been away since before the baby was born so we are excited!!

December 23, 2011

I can NOT believe that Christmas Eve is tomorrow!

Today is the last day of work, last day of the play, the kids last day of school

and then the real fun can begin. . .I think!!

I have a couple things still to accomplish.

What I'm looking forward to most is mass on Christmas Eve and then hanging out with my immediate family.  Movies and snuggles sounds like the perfect ending to such a busy but fun week!! 

A special thank you to all our family and friends who came out to watch the play.

It excited the kids each night to know which special people in their lives would be there!! 

November 22, 2011

I had a unique experience yesterday.

I headed off to do a couple of errands sans kids.

My first stop was church.

I was looking for candles for my advent table display and I wanted to sign my Nana's name in the Book of the Deceased.

As I approached the sidewalk, I crossed paths with a man carrying a missal and a rosary.

Even though I've made great strides since things happened at school, being alone with unfamiliar people is still scary to me. 

But I was at church. . .I had spent the weekend in great debate about the Catholic church community and their welcoming arms or lack thereof according to my husband.

I needed to be different.

I made it a point to smile.

He said, "Como estas?"

I responded, "Muy bien, y tu?

(This is my most basic conversation Spanish.)

In the text books, his response should have been, "Asi, asi."

However, in this real conversation with a real person--I understood "mal" and "triste."

He was bad and sad. . .and he kept talking, FAST.

"Despacio, por favor. . .mi Espanol es no bueno."

He smiled in spite of his sad eyes.

Our conversation continued and he struggled to find words in English when I couldn't understand.

All that I knew for sure was that he was a man in need.

He was spending his time in the chapel open twenty-four hours a day, praying his devotions, praying the rosary--all by memory. 

His prayers were so constant he had memorized every word.

Besides my listening ear, I could only give him the twenty dollars I had in my wallet.

He asked my name, had me write it down and then he did the one thing he could do in return for me.

He prayed.
 We walked towards the church together.

Here I ran into the priest who had married us.

He has had the most special place in my heart since my grade school years.

He made a comment about the beauty of the gospel in action.

Me.

Me?
Me, in spite of my initial fear.
I smiled and told Father about my time off of work and what had happened.

"You should have called me."

I cry as I write this because he is right.

I should have.  

In my deepest, most fearful place--I didn't turn to my church for help.  

Some days I didn't even turn to God.

I appreciate the time this priest took to listen to me, the wisdom he imparted, and the prayers I know he will say for me.

Our conversation was interrupted by this most grateful man, Geraldo again.

I struggled to understand this new request. 

He wanted me to translate for him in the office to get a change of shoes and pants.
Me.
Yes, me.

 I hugged Father good bye and headed into the church office with him to find someone who could help us. 

As I struggled to relay this man's needs to the secretary. . .he kept talking and pointing to the church and I wasn't sure what he was saying...at all.

Then in walks a God send--The U.P.S. man.

I asked him if he spoke Spanish and HE DID!!!!

He told us Geraldo didn't want to go through the bags of clothes in the back of the church without permission.

Somehow, language barrier and all we were able to get this man what he needed.
Love speaks the same language.

God in action.

Gospel at work.

All it takes sometimes is a listening ear, an open heart.

Might I ask you to pray for Geraldo who has hit some hard times.

22.  Today I am thankful for my church . 

P.S.  Although I forgot about my original mission to sign my Nana's name in the book--I went by at eight pm. and was able to do so then.  
Geraldo wasn't there.
Love speaks the same language. Always...

November 5, 2011

cou·ra·geous

Because this just screams HAPPY to me,

and because I was blessed by Julie and Jeannett's words at Blog Sugar--

I've decided there is no better way to prepare my heart for the upcoming seasons and show my gratitude than by participating in this adventure!

The girls have teamed up to inspire us to complete small acts of kindness on a daily basis.

Here's a sneak-peek of all the happiness you can bring into the lives of others:

This is something the whole family can get involved in as we count our own blessings and joyfully bless others. . .

HAPPY weekend to you!

5.  I am thankful for a date night with my husband--looking forward to it!

September 20, 2011

I LOVE getting mail!!

Even if I had to spend money to get it!!

Lemonade Makin Mama has my favorite little Etsy store.

I bought some items to incorporate into all the new little home improvements we've had done.

Meet my favorite new crate for our library books!!

Waiting on the special sign she is making to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary!!

I can't wait--but it's not until April and I'm not so good at waiting. . .I'll probably need to share it with my husband as soon as it arrives!!!

September 12, 2011

I may be back in the work saddle,

but I've also carved in a bit of me time.

Amidst the chaos of our unclean home, my husband knows the less time I have to spend looking 

at it. . .

the better.

So I went to dinner with a group of moms who met when our first graders were in preschool.  

Even though most of us go to different schools we still get the kids together on Fridays to head to the park.

Saturday night I was able to meet up with two college friends.

They are both single moms and have daughters in middle school.

I love listening to the trials and tribulations of tweens.

I feel like it will help me as a mom and teacher.

It's not often I get photographed. . .so here I am all dressed and ready to go.

Notice the hair cut is nice and fresh after a four month hiatus.  

I do believe I've reached the medium length!

Woo Hoo!!

When mama is happy. . .

Everyone is happy: )