Whew! Got that done...off my mind and off my to-do list. I just finished canning pickled beets and dilled green beans. The vegetables had been waiting for me and I was under pressure that they would spoil before I could get to them. I had big plans yesterday to get the zucchini grated and frozen, the beets pickled, and the beans dilled, but...as it seems to happen...Tessa and Wylie came down with a virus that's going around. I have not been summoned that often since all my kids were little. "Mom...Mama...Mom...Mom...Mama...Mom..." Aaaargh! Anyway, between tending to the two sickies, I only managed to get the zucchini dealt with and baked two loaves of zucchini bread and made supper. Oh, and did two loads of laundry, ran Taylie to work at 10:00, and back into town to pick her up at 2:00.
So it is a big relief today to have the rest of the veggies processed and gleaming green and purple in their jars. Canning is always kind of a high tension thing for me. Aside from the "get 'em done before they rot" thing, I get stressed by kids underfoot when I'm working with boiling liquids and hot jars. I don't even deal with pressure canning; I stick to boiling water bath canning. Probably a carry-over from my childhood when my mother would be canning tomatoes and practically shriek at my sister and me to "GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!! THIS THING COULD BLOW UP!!" Scared the wits out of us as we hid at the far end of the house with visions of our mom dying in an explosion of steaming hot tomatoes. No thank you. I'm perfectly content to buy my tomatoes precanned from the store. My dear friend, Linda, pressure cans tomatoes. I can only assume her mother didn't do any canning when Linda was little. Ignorance is bliss.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Monday, September 12, 2005
MONDAY MORNING
It is Monday morning and I am trying to get back into the routine of a busy school week day. We returned from camping at Lake Gogebic refreshed and renewed, but I'm finding it difficult to make the transition from R&R to "business as usual". Mondays are always full days for me...doubly so when they follow a weekend away.
Our family weekend was wonderful with great weather, beautiful fall colors swirling down in the breeze, ducks and chipmunks to feed, new friends in the campsite next to us, good eating, and a second place in the walleye tournament for Mark.
The Lord ministered to me in a special way as I spent my quiet time with Him early in the mornings on the shore of the lake; the sun an orange ball peeking above the far treeline. I'd been feeling somewhat pummeled and discouraged of late but He restored my joy and renewed my hope. He's pulled me from the mirey clay, He's given me a brand new day; my heart and soul are praising, Halleluia!
Our family weekend was wonderful with great weather, beautiful fall colors swirling down in the breeze, ducks and chipmunks to feed, new friends in the campsite next to us, good eating, and a second place in the walleye tournament for Mark.
The Lord ministered to me in a special way as I spent my quiet time with Him early in the mornings on the shore of the lake; the sun an orange ball peeking above the far treeline. I'd been feeling somewhat pummeled and discouraged of late but He restored my joy and renewed my hope. He's pulled me from the mirey clay, He's given me a brand new day; my heart and soul are praising, Halleluia!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS
Today is our first official day of school. We've been doing a little review over the past couple weeks to get back into the swing of things. We will have a three day school week and then leave Thursday evening to go camping and fish the Gogebic Walleye Tournament. Then, no more breaks until Christmas.
I am praying for a good school year; productive and organized. I am working on our school calendar and weighing activities versus current gas prices. We will continue the art class held at our church with a local artist two days a month. Our piano teacher's son will be participating in the art class this year and she has graciously agreed to give the girls their lessons those same days after a brief break for lunch. That means they will only receive piano lessons twice a month rather than weekly but it saves me driving them all the way to Eagle River with gas at $3.40 a gallon. The homeschool group that meets twice a month at the local library will be studying drama and putting on a play this semester. This is another opportunity worth the gas it takes to get them there. And there's youth group at church. If I had to cut everything but one, this would be the one. I trust God will provide the means for me to drive my kids to the activities He would have us participate in.
New textbooks, new notebooks, and renewed goals. This is the start of school. I am motivated and committed. My prayer is that I will be able to maintain a level of motivation and committment to sustain me through May of next year.
I am praying for a good school year; productive and organized. I am working on our school calendar and weighing activities versus current gas prices. We will continue the art class held at our church with a local artist two days a month. Our piano teacher's son will be participating in the art class this year and she has graciously agreed to give the girls their lessons those same days after a brief break for lunch. That means they will only receive piano lessons twice a month rather than weekly but it saves me driving them all the way to Eagle River with gas at $3.40 a gallon. The homeschool group that meets twice a month at the local library will be studying drama and putting on a play this semester. This is another opportunity worth the gas it takes to get them there. And there's youth group at church. If I had to cut everything but one, this would be the one. I trust God will provide the means for me to drive my kids to the activities He would have us participate in.
New textbooks, new notebooks, and renewed goals. This is the start of school. I am motivated and committed. My prayer is that I will be able to maintain a level of motivation and committment to sustain me through May of next year.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS
Seems like every year when my family retreats to the cabins in Silver City there is some great, shocking, scandalous, or devastating event going on somewhere in the world being given 24-hour media coverage. In the ten years we've been going, our trip has coincided with such things as Princess Diana's tragic death, Bill Clinton's affair with Monica, the slimy, mud-slinging home stretch of two presidential campaigns, and the Sept. 11th World Trade Center horror...to name a few. This year it is the unbelievable devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Being that there are no phones, TVs, or radios at the cabins we are blissfully ignorant of the graphic details and constant talk of these events. I don't say "unaware" because, with the exception of Princess Diana's death, all the aforementioned were already in motion before we headed north. It is not until we come back to "civilization", and stop for our traditional burgers at Henry's Bar in Rockland, that we are brought slammingly back to reality.
This year, the burgers were hard to swallow while watching the scenes of immense wreckage, loss, and death on the TV screens at either end of Henry's dining room. And then last night, watching the senseless looting and violence that this type of catastrophe seems to bring out in some people. I don't understand it and it makes me want to bury my head, not only in the sand but in my hands and weep.
But our peaceful interlude of rest and relaxation in the UP helps me to lift my head, lift my eyes and prayers up to Him who knows all ... all the details, all the pain, all the horror and shock. The true Good News is that God loved the world so much, He sent His beloved Son to die for each and every person ever born so that, if they would just believe in Him and trust Jesus, they would not perish but have eternal life. And salvation is not just something reserved for after our earthly life is over. Walking with JESUS makes all the pain, sorrow, and hardship bearable.
I am daily convicted of the necessity of being faithful to share my faith in Him with those around me; to share the Good News with the lost and searching. There are people all around me who live in devastation and wreckage that has nothing to do with a hurricane.
Being that there are no phones, TVs, or radios at the cabins we are blissfully ignorant of the graphic details and constant talk of these events. I don't say "unaware" because, with the exception of Princess Diana's death, all the aforementioned were already in motion before we headed north. It is not until we come back to "civilization", and stop for our traditional burgers at Henry's Bar in Rockland, that we are brought slammingly back to reality.
This year, the burgers were hard to swallow while watching the scenes of immense wreckage, loss, and death on the TV screens at either end of Henry's dining room. And then last night, watching the senseless looting and violence that this type of catastrophe seems to bring out in some people. I don't understand it and it makes me want to bury my head, not only in the sand but in my hands and weep.
But our peaceful interlude of rest and relaxation in the UP helps me to lift my head, lift my eyes and prayers up to Him who knows all ... all the details, all the pain, all the horror and shock. The true Good News is that God loved the world so much, He sent His beloved Son to die for each and every person ever born so that, if they would just believe in Him and trust Jesus, they would not perish but have eternal life. And salvation is not just something reserved for after our earthly life is over. Walking with JESUS makes all the pain, sorrow, and hardship bearable.
I am daily convicted of the necessity of being faithful to share my faith in Him with those around me; to share the Good News with the lost and searching. There are people all around me who live in devastation and wreckage that has nothing to do with a hurricane.
Friday, August 26, 2005
SILVER CITY
Summer's end is always marked for me by our annual pilgrimage to Silver City, Mi. We, along with my extended family, stay in rustic cabins nestled right on the shore Lake Superior. It is a time away, looked forward to by all, when we can do whatever we want and eat more than we should. My children and their cousins mark their calendars and count down the days til they can romp and play on the beach, in the water, in whichever cabin has the best snacks.
I began this tradition and it has a lot of meaning for me besides the getting away. I came to these same cabins in 1965 and '66 with my parents, younger sister, (youngest sister had not made an appearance yet), and my paternal grandparents. I remember sitting up late at night listening to the adults talking, gathering driftwood for a fire on the beach, and the pet sheep the owners had at the time. Something like that kind of sticks in your mind. Years later, in my mid-thirties, I rediscovered this small resort while on a day-trip to Ontonagon and the Porkies with my grandmother. There was something so familiar about the place and Nana confirmed that it was where we had stayed in the sixties. I promptly went home and booked us two cabins for the following year. How wonderful that was to return there with my kids, their grandparents, and my grandmother! It has now swelled to booking four cabins and both my sisters have joined us. The price has gone up, the beach has shrunk, gas is out of sight but we all agree...this is priceless.
I began this tradition and it has a lot of meaning for me besides the getting away. I came to these same cabins in 1965 and '66 with my parents, younger sister, (youngest sister had not made an appearance yet), and my paternal grandparents. I remember sitting up late at night listening to the adults talking, gathering driftwood for a fire on the beach, and the pet sheep the owners had at the time. Something like that kind of sticks in your mind. Years later, in my mid-thirties, I rediscovered this small resort while on a day-trip to Ontonagon and the Porkies with my grandmother. There was something so familiar about the place and Nana confirmed that it was where we had stayed in the sixties. I promptly went home and booked us two cabins for the following year. How wonderful that was to return there with my kids, their grandparents, and my grandmother! It has now swelled to booking four cabins and both my sisters have joined us. The price has gone up, the beach has shrunk, gas is out of sight but we all agree...this is priceless.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
AUTUMN AWARENESS
The signs of autumn's approach are everywhere. Colored leaves on the ground at the end of our driveway, a completely red-leafed maple on our road, the temptation to turn on the furnace to take off the night's chill. The UPS truck roaring up the drive to deliver boxes of school curriculum. Shotguns, bows, and arrows being checked, adjusted, cleaned, and sighted. The oven giving off delicious aromas...
It was a great summer but it went by so quickly. I am hoping for a beautiful and prolonged fall with warm days and crisp nights...apple crisp, cherry crisp, blueberry crisp. Summer's bounty to enjoy!
It was a great summer but it went by so quickly. I am hoping for a beautiful and prolonged fall with warm days and crisp nights...apple crisp, cherry crisp, blueberry crisp. Summer's bounty to enjoy!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
GAS PAINS
Ouch! $2.79 a gallon and rising. Pulling up to the pump these days is a painful experience. I am having to carefully consider the necessity of every trip to town or church. Then try to consolidate as much business into each trip as possible. I find it ironic that the Driver's Ed. class Taylie is taking, which will free me up from some of the running around next year, requires me to drive 300 miles getting her there and back during the three week duration of the class.
I am very thankful I do not drive a gas-guzzling, nine mpg, full-size van anymore. My old lady Buick LeSabre gets 28 mpg around town. It may be square, but it gets me there...with change to spare.
I am very thankful I do not drive a gas-guzzling, nine mpg, full-size van anymore. My old lady Buick LeSabre gets 28 mpg around town. It may be square, but it gets me there...with change to spare.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
We are heading out for our first camping trip of the year this weekend. It is long overdue. With kids' summer jobs, it is not easy to schedule these things. We will go to one of our favorite campgrounds, Gogebic State Park. The fishermen will pre-fish (whatever that means!) before the Gogebic Walleye Tournament; our next, and annual, camping trip in September.
This is also our maiden voyage with our new camper -- new to us, anyway. After selling our vintage 1971 Holiday Rambler we bought a 1996 Wilderness. She doesn't have quite the character of the old girl's 70's avocado green and harvest gold. More like 90's country blue and mauve. But, I'm sure with time, she'll grow on us; just like the Rambler did.
I am looking forward to a quiet, relaxing weekend with nothing to do. It has been a hectic summer and an even crazier week. I will have the luxury of sleeping in if I want to. I will not have to drive anyone anywhere. I will be able to read without feeling like I should be doing something else. I will not have to answer the phone. I will not have to efficiently plan my day.
It'll be good to be the Queen for a day or two. :)
This is also our maiden voyage with our new camper -- new to us, anyway. After selling our vintage 1971 Holiday Rambler we bought a 1996 Wilderness. She doesn't have quite the character of the old girl's 70's avocado green and harvest gold. More like 90's country blue and mauve. But, I'm sure with time, she'll grow on us; just like the Rambler did.
I am looking forward to a quiet, relaxing weekend with nothing to do. It has been a hectic summer and an even crazier week. I will have the luxury of sleeping in if I want to. I will not have to drive anyone anywhere. I will be able to read without feeling like I should be doing something else. I will not have to answer the phone. I will not have to efficiently plan my day.
It'll be good to be the Queen for a day or two. :)
Saturday, August 06, 2005
MARTHA MARY MOMENT
Wednesday, my busy schedule opened up unexpectedly and I had a choice to make: stay home and get caught up on housework and pay bills, or go to Ontonagon to see my grandmother. These things bore equal pressure on me because I was negligent in both. This summer has been so packed I have struggled to keep up, and unfortunately some very important areas have suffered. As I weighed my options, my conscience told me, "Look at what a dump this house is and those two bills are overdue! How could you have let that happen?" My heart quietly pointed out, "It's been a month since you've seen Nana. Housework and bills will always be here, but she won't." It was the classic Martha Mary thing. (Luke 10:41,42) Happily, my Mary heart won out and I threw some snacks in a cooler, the kids grabbed their swimsuits and towels, and we took off for Ontonagon (stopping in town long enough to pay a couple bills). :)
I am so thankful we went. The kids have not seen their great grandmother since before she fell, breaking her hip, last February and ending up in the nursing home. At almost 99 years of age, a person's resiliency isn't what it used to be and Nana has changed in physical appearance and strength considerably. I was a little concerned about how the kids would handle the nursing home, as it can be disconcerting at times. Once when visiting Nana, her roommate had kicked off her blankets, wriggled down in her bed so her nightgown was up around her waist, and was babbling in Finnish. I summoned an aide and wasn't too disturbed but was glad my kids hadn't witnessed it.
God is good. The nursing home was quiet, Nana and her roommate were both asleep (and fully covered) when we arrived. I gave the kids the opportunity to come, one by one, to the bedside and look at her. They were able to process what she looks like now, and their reaction, while she was asleep. They were startled and tears were in their eyes, but it was a good thing. I hugged them and talked with them and when I did wake Nana the kids were able to greet her without being hampered by trying to hide their emotions. They were relieved to find she knew them and still had her great sense of humor. We visited about an hour and I knew it was a blessing to Nana as well as to us.
My dad came to the nursing home while we were there and, when we left, we spent some time with him. Then we we headed for the beach. As I sat on the shore watching my kids swim, play and laugh together in that great lake where their great grandmother had once done the same, my heart swelled with joy and thanksgiving. I had made the right choice.
I am so thankful we went. The kids have not seen their great grandmother since before she fell, breaking her hip, last February and ending up in the nursing home. At almost 99 years of age, a person's resiliency isn't what it used to be and Nana has changed in physical appearance and strength considerably. I was a little concerned about how the kids would handle the nursing home, as it can be disconcerting at times. Once when visiting Nana, her roommate had kicked off her blankets, wriggled down in her bed so her nightgown was up around her waist, and was babbling in Finnish. I summoned an aide and wasn't too disturbed but was glad my kids hadn't witnessed it.
God is good. The nursing home was quiet, Nana and her roommate were both asleep (and fully covered) when we arrived. I gave the kids the opportunity to come, one by one, to the bedside and look at her. They were able to process what she looks like now, and their reaction, while she was asleep. They were startled and tears were in their eyes, but it was a good thing. I hugged them and talked with them and when I did wake Nana the kids were able to greet her without being hampered by trying to hide their emotions. They were relieved to find she knew them and still had her great sense of humor. We visited about an hour and I knew it was a blessing to Nana as well as to us.
My dad came to the nursing home while we were there and, when we left, we spent some time with him. Then we we headed for the beach. As I sat on the shore watching my kids swim, play and laugh together in that great lake where their great grandmother had once done the same, my heart swelled with joy and thanksgiving. I had made the right choice.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
DEAL WITH IT
The nightshirt reads: Pull up your big-girl panties and deal with it! Cracked me up. I'm thinking of ordering them in bulk.
I have to admit this sleepwear admonishment applies to me as much, if not more, as it does to anyone I might direct it at. Especially lately, I have been doing a lot of whining, complaining, why-meing, resenting, and other such martyr mentality activities. I am ashamed of myself. A good part of the stuff that drives me nuts, I bring on myself. The rest of it...well, who am I to think I should not have trials, tribulations, irritations, insults, and abuse? My Lord Jesus bore much worse and without self-pity, resentment, and complaint. So, excuse me while I pull up my big-girl panties and deal with it...joyfully.
"I remember my afflictions and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him'." Lamentations 3:19-24
I have to admit this sleepwear admonishment applies to me as much, if not more, as it does to anyone I might direct it at. Especially lately, I have been doing a lot of whining, complaining, why-meing, resenting, and other such martyr mentality activities. I am ashamed of myself. A good part of the stuff that drives me nuts, I bring on myself. The rest of it...well, who am I to think I should not have trials, tribulations, irritations, insults, and abuse? My Lord Jesus bore much worse and without self-pity, resentment, and complaint. So, excuse me while I pull up my big-girl panties and deal with it...joyfully.
"I remember my afflictions and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him'." Lamentations 3:19-24
Sunday, July 31, 2005
OLD FAITHFUL
Wow. It has been three months since I last blogged. I did not tell her I posted one yesterday. I never assumed she would still be faithfully checking my blog page. I should have known. I published a post yesterday afternoon; by five-something this morning, Cheri had posted a comment on it. Talk about faithful...I'd have given up on me long ago.
Lest she think the title of this post refers to her, Cheri's faithfulness in all things is the result her desire to follow the example of Old Faithful. Not the geyser but the Lord God, the great I AM. His faithfulness far exceeds any we will ever know. And talk about not giving up on lost causes! It began with Adam and Eve and their deadly decision to disobey and has continued down through history. To me. And you. "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies." (Ps. 36:5) God loves and blesses those who receive Him. "For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." (Ps.100:5) He does not give up easily on the lost. "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) He extends mercy and grace to all who come to Him. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 Jn. 1:9) But those who harden their hearts and continue to turn to their own way, He gives over to their evil desires. "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity...Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Rm. 1:28,29,32)
I praise God for His faithfulness. I thank Him for not giving up on me. And thank you, too, Cheri.
Lest she think the title of this post refers to her, Cheri's faithfulness in all things is the result her desire to follow the example of Old Faithful. Not the geyser but the Lord God, the great I AM. His faithfulness far exceeds any we will ever know. And talk about not giving up on lost causes! It began with Adam and Eve and their deadly decision to disobey and has continued down through history. To me. And you. "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies." (Ps. 36:5) God loves and blesses those who receive Him. "For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." (Ps.100:5) He does not give up easily on the lost. "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) He extends mercy and grace to all who come to Him. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 Jn. 1:9) But those who harden their hearts and continue to turn to their own way, He gives over to their evil desires. "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity...Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Rm. 1:28,29,32)
I praise God for His faithfulness. I thank Him for not giving up on me. And thank you, too, Cheri.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG 2
It has been about 11 months since I first came on the blogging scene. It has been exactly three months since I last blogged (and my posts were pretty sporadic for a while before that). Having said that, I can only plead busyness for my spotty appearances. My good and faithful friend, Cheri, (speaking of both the quality of her friendship and her blogging) has gently and persistently urged me to resume my writing efforts. Her persistence has proved greater than my resistance so...here I am! I am not promising much; except that I will make a greater effort to offer something offhand more regularly.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
SWEET FIFTEEN
Another child's birthday! Today it's Taylie turning fifteen. FIFTEEN!! How did that happen?! I can't believe the cold and windy day in April, when our beautiful baby girl came into our lives, was fifteen years ago. And what an entry it was! She took her sweet time -- eighteen hours of labor with very little progress -- and then, at 8:14 pm, Mama told the midwife, "I have the urge to push!" At 8:15, Taylor Grace was born. A little intense, to say the least. She continues to be intense in all she does...whether silly, serious, interested, or bored. Her likes and dislikes. Her work and play. She still takes us by surprise.
As I observe this tall (for our family), slender, blonde beauty, I can't help but marvel at God's creation; His gift to us. And at how He has gifted this young woman. It is with great anticipation and thankfulness, we await the unfolding of His good and perfect plan for our lovely daughter. Happy birthday, Taylie-girl; may you always be a woman after God's own heart.
As I observe this tall (for our family), slender, blonde beauty, I can't help but marvel at God's creation; His gift to us. And at how He has gifted this young woman. It is with great anticipation and thankfulness, we await the unfolding of His good and perfect plan for our lovely daughter. Happy birthday, Taylie-girl; may you always be a woman after God's own heart.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAMSEY!
Nineteen years ago today my first child was born and I began this journey known as motherhood. I've come to realize motherhood is one of God's most powerful tools for shaping and refining...not the child, but the mother.
Last year, when he turned 18, Ramsey was gone from us to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, for basic and advanced training. This year, as he turns 19, he is gone again for advanced training at Fort McCoy in southwestern Wisconsin. It's very strange to have a child absent for their birthday...but I guess I better get used to it!
Ramsey was a beautiful baby and a sweet little boy. He has grown to be a fine young man. I have much to be proud of him for and thankful to God for. I am very proud of Ramsey's willingness and commitment to serve our country in the armed forces. I am thankful that God has kept His Hand upon Ramsey, guiding him and protecting him. As I, once again, place my son in God's Hands, my prayer is that He would continue the good work that He began in Ramsey and that his life would bear fruit for God's glory and the furthering of His Kingdom.
Happy Birthday, Rams, and may God keep you, bless you, and guide you always. We love you.
Last year, when he turned 18, Ramsey was gone from us to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, for basic and advanced training. This year, as he turns 19, he is gone again for advanced training at Fort McCoy in southwestern Wisconsin. It's very strange to have a child absent for their birthday...but I guess I better get used to it!
Ramsey was a beautiful baby and a sweet little boy. He has grown to be a fine young man. I have much to be proud of him for and thankful to God for. I am very proud of Ramsey's willingness and commitment to serve our country in the armed forces. I am thankful that God has kept His Hand upon Ramsey, guiding him and protecting him. As I, once again, place my son in God's Hands, my prayer is that He would continue the good work that He began in Ramsey and that his life would bear fruit for God's glory and the furthering of His Kingdom.
Happy Birthday, Rams, and may God keep you, bless you, and guide you always. We love you.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
WINDY CITY ADVENTURES
I'm back to full-force reality since arriving home from a week in Chicago. Had a great time of fun, relaxation, culture, fine dining, shopping, sight-seeing, and silliness. No responsibilities, except for myself, took a little getting used to but I soon adjusted! Some of the highlights of my trip include: Second City comedy club, a William Morris art exhibit at Northwestern University, tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio in Oak Park, and a day spent at the Art Institute of Chicago. All wonderful experiences for me.
Meaningful on a different level was our visit to the neonatal intensive care unit at Rush Medical Center where Mindy works. It's kind of difficult to describe, as it leaves you at a loss for words. I was hit with so many things as I walked through the unit, stopping by each baby's isolette. The first thing is how beautiful or cute the babies are and then it hits you what their circumstances are: the challenges of being born too early or born with physical anomalies, the sorrow of not being cherished, the horror of a mother's attempt to abort herself. At the same time, you are absorbing the surroundings of monitors, alarms going off warning of imminent death; lights, wires, and tubes; staff busy working on babies so tiny and frail; young parents looking unsure and uncomfortable. It is all pretty overwhelming. But even in the midst of all that, there were glimpses of God's Presence: scripture passages taped to the walls of isolettes (including the card we attach to the knitted hats we send with Ps. 139:13-14), a mother's Bible on top of her child's isolette, and the evidence of His creation in these precious children. I have always had an appreciation of life but this experience certainly deepened it.
I hit the ground running, back in the Northwoods, with a to-do list a mile long and a lot of catching up to do...but it was worth it!
Meaningful on a different level was our visit to the neonatal intensive care unit at Rush Medical Center where Mindy works. It's kind of difficult to describe, as it leaves you at a loss for words. I was hit with so many things as I walked through the unit, stopping by each baby's isolette. The first thing is how beautiful or cute the babies are and then it hits you what their circumstances are: the challenges of being born too early or born with physical anomalies, the sorrow of not being cherished, the horror of a mother's attempt to abort herself. At the same time, you are absorbing the surroundings of monitors, alarms going off warning of imminent death; lights, wires, and tubes; staff busy working on babies so tiny and frail; young parents looking unsure and uncomfortable. It is all pretty overwhelming. But even in the midst of all that, there were glimpses of God's Presence: scripture passages taped to the walls of isolettes (including the card we attach to the knitted hats we send with Ps. 139:13-14), a mother's Bible on top of her child's isolette, and the evidence of His creation in these precious children. I have always had an appreciation of life but this experience certainly deepened it.
I hit the ground running, back in the Northwoods, with a to-do list a mile long and a lot of catching up to do...but it was worth it!
Friday, February 18, 2005
COUNTRY MOUSE, CITY BOUND
On Monday, this backwoods girl is heading to the Windy City for five days. Going down with Cindy to stay with daughter, Mindy. She will take us on a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit at Rush where she works. I will see, firsthand, the precious babies we're knitting hats for. I know it will be an overwhelming experience. Also, I will be spending a day and night with my friend, Karen, who is taking me to Second City, the comedy club downtown Chicago, and on a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio in Oak Park. We'll find time to go to the Art Institute, do some big city shopping, and eat at a couple authentic Italian restaurants, as well.
I have much to do in preparation to go. I have never left my family for more than a weekend. It should be interesting how things go around here that week! Along with my travel preparations I also have the usual, and unusual, demands on my time in the next few days: school, kids' art class, grocery shopping, pay bills, laundry, work at Klondike Days, work at a house I clean (besides mine). To quote Calvin & Hobbes, "The days are just packed!"
Blogging probably won't be on my to-do list until after I return from Chicago, and I'll have much to write about then. So, to quote another beloved character, "T.T.F.N.!"
I have much to do in preparation to go. I have never left my family for more than a weekend. It should be interesting how things go around here that week! Along with my travel preparations I also have the usual, and unusual, demands on my time in the next few days: school, kids' art class, grocery shopping, pay bills, laundry, work at Klondike Days, work at a house I clean (besides mine). To quote Calvin & Hobbes, "The days are just packed!"
Blogging probably won't be on my to-do list until after I return from Chicago, and I'll have much to write about then. So, to quote another beloved character, "T.T.F.N.!"
Thursday, February 17, 2005
WYLER AUSTIN, THOUGHT WE'D LOST 'IM
Today is our youngest child's 11th birthday. Wyler Austin, aka Wylie. The unplanned, unexpected surprise fourth child, arriving 13 months after his sister. Discovering I was pregnant with him blew me away. I had a tiny infant, was exhausted, and had not yet recovered psychologically from her birth. I didn't tell Mark the news for two weeks. He flipped.
Looking back on that time, I don't know what our life would be without this little goof-ball God bestowed on us. From the moment he arrived in our world, with his huge eyes wide open, he has cracked us up. The Lord must have known we would be needing some comic relief through the years.
Wylie has also given us more heart-stopping moments than the other three put together: eating a glass Christmas ornament (helpfully thrown into his playpen by his sister), tumbling all the way down the basement stairs (after the baby gate was helpfully opened by the same sister), choking on a little square of film from a View Finder reel (sis wasn't involved in that one), swallowing his brother's off-limits Legos, nearly drowning in Lake Superior, and (worst of all by far) wandering off at the age of three at a crowded State Park. The first few years were a real rollercoaster! And now you get the title of this blog.
I offer a prayer of heartfelt gratitude for this son of laughter, our "Isaac", for God's protection of him, and ask for wisdom as we guide him on the path to becoming a godly young man. Happy Birthday "Wyler, Wyler, manure piler"...that's another story.
Looking back on that time, I don't know what our life would be without this little goof-ball God bestowed on us. From the moment he arrived in our world, with his huge eyes wide open, he has cracked us up. The Lord must have known we would be needing some comic relief through the years.
Wylie has also given us more heart-stopping moments than the other three put together: eating a glass Christmas ornament (helpfully thrown into his playpen by his sister), tumbling all the way down the basement stairs (after the baby gate was helpfully opened by the same sister), choking on a little square of film from a View Finder reel (sis wasn't involved in that one), swallowing his brother's off-limits Legos, nearly drowning in Lake Superior, and (worst of all by far) wandering off at the age of three at a crowded State Park. The first few years were a real rollercoaster! And now you get the title of this blog.
I offer a prayer of heartfelt gratitude for this son of laughter, our "Isaac", for God's protection of him, and ask for wisdom as we guide him on the path to becoming a godly young man. Happy Birthday "Wyler, Wyler, manure piler"...that's another story.
Monday, February 14, 2005
I'M A KNIT-WIT
I have just spent over an hour on-line looking at patterns for knitting and felting tote bags. It's astounding what's out there! There are tons of knitting websites, blogs completely devoted to knitting, yarn shops, and chat rooms filled with knitters chatting about their knitting.
I, myself, have five knitting projects in process (besides continuously cranking out newborn hats for the NICU at Rush Medical): felted clogs, two dish cloths, a sweater, and a pair of socks. And here I am looking for another project! I admit it; I'm a knit-wit. But at least I'm not a misfit --
there are too many of us out there! We are a force to be reckoned with!
I, myself, have five knitting projects in process (besides continuously cranking out newborn hats for the NICU at Rush Medical): felted clogs, two dish cloths, a sweater, and a pair of socks. And here I am looking for another project! I admit it; I'm a knit-wit. But at least I'm not a misfit --
there are too many of us out there! We are a force to be reckoned with!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Today was one of those days that kind of rubbed my face in the fact that I am getting older...
Started off top of the morning with my yearly mamogram, picked up my new bifocals at the eyewear center, ran into a high school chum and her granddaughter at the grocery store, and found out my younger sister's former husband suffered a massive heart attack (thankfully, he survived). Finished out the day with our usual Thursday night card game with two other couples, where every hand someone's asking, "What was trump?" or "What was led?" or "Whose deal is it?" You know it's getting pretty bad when your husband is cupping his hand behind his ear to help him hear what someone is saying.
Started off top of the morning with my yearly mamogram, picked up my new bifocals at the eyewear center, ran into a high school chum and her granddaughter at the grocery store, and found out my younger sister's former husband suffered a massive heart attack (thankfully, he survived). Finished out the day with our usual Thursday night card game with two other couples, where every hand someone's asking, "What was trump?" or "What was led?" or "Whose deal is it?" You know it's getting pretty bad when your husband is cupping his hand behind his ear to help him hear what someone is saying.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
RESTING ON MY LAURELS
Here I have been contentedly resting on my laurels in the blogging department, but that has caused certain parties a minor amount of discontent. If I am to be completely honest, I'd have to admit I've just been too lazy to write. Sorry 'bout that!
I got to thinking about the idiom "resting on my laurels". This means we're satisfied with what we've done and we don't try to improve or make things better. Well, that notion clashed with my desire for contentment. There is always room for improvement in my character and output. But I can be very content resting on Jesus' laurels. He has done it all and there is no room for improvement!
I got to thinking about the idiom "resting on my laurels". This means we're satisfied with what we've done and we don't try to improve or make things better. Well, that notion clashed with my desire for contentment. There is always room for improvement in my character and output. But I can be very content resting on Jesus' laurels. He has done it all and there is no room for improvement!
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