A Lifetime of Love

We do our grocery shopping as a family, although occasionally TJ will take only the boys to allow me to get some things done around the house. We typically go to the grocery store on Friday, but this past Friday TJ and I went to a wedding reception together, so our weekly grocery trip occurred Saturday. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I don't just go by myself or with T.G. , and it's because I spend more when I do that. I have a difficult time remembering what we're out of, and so rather than not have any, I buy it. I have 2 unopened bottles of Ranch dressing in my pantry, along with several boxes of noodles, macaroni. . . you get the picture. I don't know why I have so much trouble, but I do. So, TJ helps me remember what we have and don't have, and we save money because of his memory. Okay, back to Saturday at the grocery store. I have heard stories about those who go to the grocery store and return home and as they're unpacking the bags, find they ...

As I wrote in my last post, Mark’s son C. preached at church this past Sunday evening. He did an awesome job! The subject of his message was about how God allows trials into our lives for various reasons. He presented text from Job 1:6-2:10, 42:1-6, 10-17. The entire time he was preaching I just kept thinking about what a strong young man C. is, his entire family is really, that he could apply the truths of God’s Word to the passing of Mark. God really blessed me through C.’s message. First, I was caught up in the nursery getting Ta and T.G. settled. I entered the sanctuary just as the service was beginning. TJ and Th were already seated, so I found them and slid into the chair next to an older gentleman. I didn’t know who the gentleman was, but he shared his hymnal with me since the congregation was already singing the opening hymn. The service began with C. preaching, followed by 2 other teenage boys preaching. I already stated what C.’s topic was, and as I listened to him, I real...

This weekend was so nice. It all began with a phone call Friday afternoon. . . My friend J. called me and presented me with 2 propositions: we could go shopping for a wedding gift and then have dinner ALONE (as in a “girl’s night out”) OR we could do the same thing as couples (with her oldest girls staying with my children to baby-sit). I called TJ to get his input, and honestly, I was thinking he wouldn’t be up for either of J’s ideas. He had a rough day on Friday and I didn’t think he’d like the idea of being home alone with the kids and it was evident from his mood he didn’t feel like being sociable. But, he surprised me by telling me he and P. (J’s husband) had planned for J and me to get together for a girl’s night out while we were at the Wilds. So, J and I went shopping and then had dinner at the Olive Garden (which, if you know me, is my FAVORITE restaurant)! After dinner, we went to Panera for coffee and sat there 45 minutes after the store had closed drinking coffee, talking,...

It's registration time for next semester (I can't believe it- the semester is flying by!) and as I was going over my degree planning sheet, I came across something that I'm still not sure how to interpret. I found out that ALL Special Education majors also graduate with a certification in Elementary Education. Now, for those who may not know, Special Ed. is a K-12 certification, meaning I can teach any grade level but only in Special Ed. Elementary is specifically for grades 2-5, and I would LOVE to have this additional certification because then I wouldn't be limited to only being able to teach Special Ed. The problem lies in that I have a feeling I need to take some additional methods courses (i.e. how to teach) in science and social studies. I'm not sure, and when I went to ask the degree planning person, she is out-of-town until next Wednesday. The suspense is killing me, especially because I was hoping to complete my student-teaching next year and graduate. Ad...

Of all of the many chores I do as a wife/mother, laundry is probably my most dreaded. Perhaps it is because it seems to be never-ending; there are always clothes to be washed. I have been the type to only do laundry once per week for that very reason: I hate it and couldn’t possibly bear the thought of doing laundry every day. I should clarify that I don’t really hate laundry. I have no problems with sorting clothes, putting clothes into the washer and/or dryer, or even getting them out of the dryer. No, my problem is folding them. I do okay for the first 4-5 loads. After that, it’s all downhill. I fold laundry on my bed, so what usually happens is that any clothes that happen to get washed/dried after load 6 is left in the laundry basket until Wednesday, Thursday, or even Friday. By then, it’s slim pickin’s because we’ve picked through the basket, finding and wearing the necessary item of clothing. I’m usually left with a handful of stray socks, underwear, and a few shirts or shorts....

Above is a video that helps keep the humor in mothering. Remember, perspective is everything! I hope you enjoy it; I certainly did!

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." ~John 9:3 As you are aware, CDH is a little-known birth defect, that, according to Breath of Hope, Inc (2007), occurs almost as frequently as Cystic Fibrosis and Spina Bifida. Several families I know (some in person, some through the Internet ) have been greatly affected by this. Out of compassion for them and my love for children (especially those with disabilities!), I am trying to help spread the word about CDH. With a minimal investment of time, you can help, too. CDH families and friends are trying to get March 31 declared as CDH Awareness day and we are asking for your help! If you would like to participate, please email cdhawareness@breathofhopeinc.com and you will be forwarded a sample letter and the Proclamation to mail to your governor. Please help us to bring this horrible birth defect to the attention of everyone and no...