Since I read "One Simple Act" by Debbie Macomber earlier this year, I've been focusing on how I can be generous in my life. I want generosity to be an everyday act in my life. This doesn't mean that I'm going to dole out one dollar bills to strangers on the street everyday, or pledge money to cure cancer, it means that I want to exhibit kindness and generosity each day through some (usually small) act.
Yesterday, I heard a man on KLOVE talking about the Season of Service event taking place in Phoenix in March 2011. I don't know the details, they're not what caught my attention. What intrigues me is the term season of service. That describes exactly what I want for the theme of this phase of my life. I want to share. To serve. I want to be generous all the time. I want it to become second nature for me to continually be thinking of how I can help others, friends and strangers alike, every single day.
I'm determined to pursue this within the realm of reality. Meaning I'm not going to set extraordinarily high standards for myself thus dooming myself to failures. I'm going to be real. Some days my act of generosity may be talking to a friend on the phone for 10 minutes. Other days it may be talking to her for one hour. Some days it may be sitting down to jot a quick note to a friend and place it in the mail. Other days it may be sending her a really long email. Some days it may be buying an extra can of food to start a stash for the holiday food drive. Other days it may be collecting flip-flops with my friends to send to Haiti. Hopefully every day it will include praying, not only for the prayer requests I receive, but for God to show me additional, out-of-the-box ways to express His generosity to me by being generous to others.
I'm quite serious about this. I feel convicted about this. God keeps putting this in front of my face this year. Kindness is one of the Fruits of the Spirit. I need to display kindness in my life, along with love, joy, peace, patience (really?!), goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Here I go... wish me success!
7.30.2010
7.28.2010
Christmas Corner Update
Can you believe this is the last Wednesday in July?! Time for the last Christmas Corner update for this month. Check it out...
7.26.2010
A Cute Story and a Not-So-Cute Story
OK, the cute story first. Sunny was over last night and she and I were in the office. I had a lamp on a bookshelf on as the only light in the room. She spotted her shadow and started chasing it around the room trying to step on it. It was just precious!
The not-so-cute is that my refrigerator quit working again yesterday. We just had it repaired on July 10 to the tune of over $300. So, once more, everything came out of the fridge and into ice chests. When I got up this morning I discovered that one of the borrowed ice chests had leaked all over the dining room. What a way to start the day. I sure hope the repair guy is not going to charge us for "fixing" it again when it wasn't really fixed to begin with!
The not-so-cute is that my refrigerator quit working again yesterday. We just had it repaired on July 10 to the tune of over $300. So, once more, everything came out of the fridge and into ice chests. When I got up this morning I discovered that one of the borrowed ice chests had leaked all over the dining room. What a way to start the day. I sure hope the repair guy is not going to charge us for "fixing" it again when it wasn't really fixed to begin with!
7.25.2010
You Just Never Know What You'll Find
Have you ever noticed the little "next blog" tab at the top of your blog page? I have, but I didn't know what it was for. This week I decided to investigate. When you click on it, it takes you to another blog, then another, and so on.
Today I clicked on it from a friend's blog, and lo and behold, I got a series of poker blogs! I mean seriously addicted poker blogs. I didn't read any of them, I was laughing so hard. One day I clicked on "next blog" at the top of another friend's blog and I got a serious of LDS blogs.
So, now I'm curious. If I click on the same friend's "next blog" tab tomorrow will I get the same string of poker blogs? I may have to investigate... I'll let you know what I discover. In the meantime, try it yourself and see what you find. Who knows? You might find something worth reading.
Today I clicked on it from a friend's blog, and lo and behold, I got a series of poker blogs! I mean seriously addicted poker blogs. I didn't read any of them, I was laughing so hard. One day I clicked on "next blog" at the top of another friend's blog and I got a serious of LDS blogs.
So, now I'm curious. If I click on the same friend's "next blog" tab tomorrow will I get the same string of poker blogs? I may have to investigate... I'll let you know what I discover. In the meantime, try it yourself and see what you find. Who knows? You might find something worth reading.
7.24.2010
I'm Disappointed, I'm Just Not Sure Why
When I started this blog last October I wrote a post about the inspiration I received from a discussion on KLOVE, "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?" (10/17/09). Since then I have tried to make that my measuring stick for deciding whether or not to take risks. I took a risk this week that didn't pan out the way I hoped it would and I'm disappointed.
I had a best friend from 6th grade through to young adulthood that I lost track of somewhere between getting married and having four kids. As with most things that slip out of our lives, I really can't remember what year we lost touch. Since the advent of the Internet I have looked for her occasionally, never finding her. For some reason this week, I decided to try again. I found her! There was even a picture so I knew I had the right person (she looks exactly the same, lucky girl).
I emailed her and then waited on pins and needles to see if she would: a) reply, and b) remember me. She did reply and so I wrote her another email with a little more detail about my life and with questions about her mom and sisters. I ended by asking if she'd like to reconnect and stating that I would.
I guess it never occurred to me that she wouldn't reply. How egotistical of me. But that's exactly what happened. No reply. Now, it could be that she's busy and will reply when she has time. It could be that she accidentally deleted my email and doesn't have my email address. It could be... lots of things.
I'm really not concerned with why she didn't reply. I'm stymied by my disappointment in the fact that she didn't reply. Do I have some agenda I'm not owning up too? I thought I just had a curiosity about what has happened to someone who used to be a dear friend. I thought I just wanted to reconnect and renew a casual friendship. I didn't think I would take this so personally.
I asked myself "what would I do if I weren't afraid?" and I did it. It didn't work, it ended unsatisfactorily, but I guess I grew in the process. Disappointment is not devastating. I can shrug and say "oh well" and move on.
And who knows... someday she may come across me and reach out. If she does, I'll be pleased to get to know her once again.
I had a best friend from 6th grade through to young adulthood that I lost track of somewhere between getting married and having four kids. As with most things that slip out of our lives, I really can't remember what year we lost touch. Since the advent of the Internet I have looked for her occasionally, never finding her. For some reason this week, I decided to try again. I found her! There was even a picture so I knew I had the right person (she looks exactly the same, lucky girl).
I emailed her and then waited on pins and needles to see if she would: a) reply, and b) remember me. She did reply and so I wrote her another email with a little more detail about my life and with questions about her mom and sisters. I ended by asking if she'd like to reconnect and stating that I would.
I guess it never occurred to me that she wouldn't reply. How egotistical of me. But that's exactly what happened. No reply. Now, it could be that she's busy and will reply when she has time. It could be that she accidentally deleted my email and doesn't have my email address. It could be... lots of things.
I'm really not concerned with why she didn't reply. I'm stymied by my disappointment in the fact that she didn't reply. Do I have some agenda I'm not owning up too? I thought I just had a curiosity about what has happened to someone who used to be a dear friend. I thought I just wanted to reconnect and renew a casual friendship. I didn't think I would take this so personally.
I asked myself "what would I do if I weren't afraid?" and I did it. It didn't work, it ended unsatisfactorily, but I guess I grew in the process. Disappointment is not devastating. I can shrug and say "oh well" and move on.
And who knows... someday she may come across me and reach out. If she does, I'll be pleased to get to know her once again.
7.23.2010
Is Everyone on Vacation?
(To the tune of "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?")
Where have all my blog friends gone?
Long time (since) posting.
Where have all my blog friends gone?
Since they last wrote.
Where have all my blog friends gone?
On vacation every one.
When will they return,
When will they return?
I'm having withdrawals with no new posts to read... can't wait til everyone's back and blogging!
Where have all my blog friends gone?
Long time (since) posting.
Where have all my blog friends gone?
Since they last wrote.
Where have all my blog friends gone?
On vacation every one.
When will they return,
When will they return?
I'm having withdrawals with no new posts to read... can't wait til everyone's back and blogging!
7.22.2010
We Survived Grammy Daycare!
Sunny & I survived our first week of Grammy daycare, yea! I don't mind telling you though that I am completely worn out! I told Dan I hope it doesn't take me long to build up my stamina for chasing after a 14-month old.
She is so busy and you can just see her brain soaking up knowledge. I love it when she stops and studies whatever happens to be in her hands; turning it over and over, poking at the ridges carved into the toy, shaking it to see if it makes a noise. It's so cool to watch.
She loves music, so we had a lot of music time this week. She's also into animals. I have a Little People Noah's Ark and a Little People Nativity. She loves to carry around the animals. She brings them to me and says "This?" and I tell her what it is and then try to make the animal sound. She can do the "moooo" of a cow and the "rooaar" of a lion. She laughs at my elephant noise, which pretty much sucks.
I'm looking forward to next week and hope to be better organized with activities for us to do. If it were up to me, I'd just sit and stare at her happy, smiling, lovable face!
She is so busy and you can just see her brain soaking up knowledge. I love it when she stops and studies whatever happens to be in her hands; turning it over and over, poking at the ridges carved into the toy, shaking it to see if it makes a noise. It's so cool to watch.
She loves music, so we had a lot of music time this week. She's also into animals. I have a Little People Noah's Ark and a Little People Nativity. She loves to carry around the animals. She brings them to me and says "This?" and I tell her what it is and then try to make the animal sound. She can do the "moooo" of a cow and the "rooaar" of a lion. She laughs at my elephant noise, which pretty much sucks.
I'm looking forward to next week and hope to be better organized with activities for us to do. If it were up to me, I'd just sit and stare at her happy, smiling, lovable face!
7.21.2010
Christmas Corner Update
Retailers want you to shop til you drop at their Christmas in July sales! Check out the Christmas Corner for details.
7.19.2010
Starting this week...
I'm officially "Babysitter Grammy". Katie got a new job (congratulations, Katie!) and I will be watching Sunny three days a week. I'm very excited.
I've been working on a curriculum for Sunny and I. She's used to going to daycare where they work on something new all the time. I don't want her to lose ground just because she's at Grammy's house.
We will be having Math, Science, Vocabulary, Music, Art, and Sensory time. Our first Math lesson will be counting to three. In Science, we're going to study the sounds animals make. In vocabulary, we'll be working on words, their meanings, and the concept of communication. (She already has about 20 verbal words, although some of them are pretty hard to understand unless you're around her all the time). Anyway, you get the idea.
Of course, besides not wanting her to lose ground, I have another reason for this structure... I don't want to get bored. We'll also have plenty of playtime. I asked Katie how they structure the day at KinderCare. She told me they move from activity to activity throughout the day. I asked how long they spend at each activity and she said about 3 minutes because the attention span for a one-year-old is about 1 1/2 minutes. Yikes!
Wish me luck...
I've been working on a curriculum for Sunny and I. She's used to going to daycare where they work on something new all the time. I don't want her to lose ground just because she's at Grammy's house.
We will be having Math, Science, Vocabulary, Music, Art, and Sensory time. Our first Math lesson will be counting to three. In Science, we're going to study the sounds animals make. In vocabulary, we'll be working on words, their meanings, and the concept of communication. (She already has about 20 verbal words, although some of them are pretty hard to understand unless you're around her all the time). Anyway, you get the idea.
Of course, besides not wanting her to lose ground, I have another reason for this structure... I don't want to get bored. We'll also have plenty of playtime. I asked Katie how they structure the day at KinderCare. She told me they move from activity to activity throughout the day. I asked how long they spend at each activity and she said about 3 minutes because the attention span for a one-year-old is about 1 1/2 minutes. Yikes!
Wish me luck...
7.17.2010
113+ Degrees
Late yesterday afternoon I was sitting at my computer when I noticed the temperature on my screen click up to 113 degrees. I ran outside and took a picture so you can see what my front yard looks like at 113 degrees.
I was going to whine and complain about how hot and humid it is here (the humidity is 30% and the dew point is 60 degrees as I write this). But then around 5:30 pm the wind picked up a little. We bought an awning at Big Lots this year to put on our back patio because it's not covered at all. Unfortunately, Dan has not gotten around to fastening it to the concrete. You can see where this is going, can't you?!
I saw one of the legs raise up off the ground. Our little terrier, Duke was out there so I got him in the house and then went back to try to hold the awning down. Just as I opened the door, it raised up again so I grabbed the leg nearest me. The rest of the awning swooped up in the air and wrapped itself backwards on the roof.
I was stunned. I tried to pull it off the roof, but it was way too heavy. The wind kept gusting and I was afraid it was going to come off the roof and go sailing into a neighbors window or car. I called Jessica & Adam for HELP!
They arrived. Adam climbed up on the roof. We managed to pull the awning off the roof and Adam set about dismantling it. Dan arrived home. He says he's going to see if he can repair it, but I doubt it. Some of it was pretty twisted.
I guess if he does repair it, the first thing he will do is attach it to the patio. At least I hope so!
7.16.2010
So Blessed...
I am feeling so blessed today. Even as tears are running down my face as I pray for others facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
You know how it is. You get to feeling sorry for yourself over whatever little thing is bugging you in your life. Over whatever is not satisfying enough. Over whatever is difficult. And then you read, hear, or see someone else's plight. A situation that is so difficult that you just know you couldn't handle it. Then, suddenly, you feel blessed.
Why is that? Why can't I feel blessed all the time. Because I am. Blessed all the time. Even in the midst of life's little disappointments. Life's little challenges. Life's little road blocks or speed bumps. I am blessed.
I started a Gratitude Journal a few months back after reading "One Simple Act" by Debbie Macomber. That helped some. I start the day by listing 5 things I'm grateful for before proceeding to my Bible reading & prayer time.
But, I need to be more deliberate in acknowledging the blessings in my life. To God, to others, and to myself.
So for today, here it is, in print... I am so blessed.
You know how it is. You get to feeling sorry for yourself over whatever little thing is bugging you in your life. Over whatever is not satisfying enough. Over whatever is difficult. And then you read, hear, or see someone else's plight. A situation that is so difficult that you just know you couldn't handle it. Then, suddenly, you feel blessed.
Why is that? Why can't I feel blessed all the time. Because I am. Blessed all the time. Even in the midst of life's little disappointments. Life's little challenges. Life's little road blocks or speed bumps. I am blessed.
I started a Gratitude Journal a few months back after reading "One Simple Act" by Debbie Macomber. That helped some. I start the day by listing 5 things I'm grateful for before proceeding to my Bible reading & prayer time.
But, I need to be more deliberate in acknowledging the blessings in my life. To God, to others, and to myself.
So for today, here it is, in print... I am so blessed.
7.14.2010
One Hundred Sixty Three Days and Counting...
Today's Christmas Corner update is about Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. To see some of the ornaments I pre-ordered and purchased, and to hear a tale about the dark side of ornament shopping check out today's Christmas Corner update.
7.13.2010
Back to School... Already?!
As I was perusing the ads in the Sunday paper, I saw lots of "Back to School" specials. Are you kidding me?! It's July 11th! Wow, does time fly.
When I see the words "back to school" my stomach still clinches until I remember that I no longer have to buy school supplies. It was one of the most dreaded, and yet most anticipated times of the year for me. I love school supplies. Of course, it stands to reason since I have that paper addiction, pen addiction, marker ad..., well you get the point.
Given my attraction to all things office supply, you'd think I would have loved back to school shopping. The thing that got me down was the cost. Four kids, all needing: pencils, paper, notebooks, backpacks, lunch packs, erasers, scissors, pens, markers, crayons, boxes of Kleenex for the class, colored pencils, folders, spiral theme notebooks (some college lined, some wide lined), calculators (yes, you can buy the off-brand, but it doesn't have all the functions the $200.00 model has). As they got up in years, especially in high school the costs kept mounting. Now they all needed athletic passes, lunch accounts, yearbooks, parking spots, band uniforms, mock trial business suits, sports equipment, dance costumes... sigh.
And I haven't even mentioned the new clothes, shoes, hair accessories...
But, oh the memories. Let's face it, it was fun of the highest order. The anticipation of who would have what teacher. Which friends would be in their classroom. Who would have the same lunch period. What should they wear on the first day of school (once they got past 7th grade, they rarely wore the new outfit on the first day... why is that?!)
So for you still in the middle of the "kids in school" phase, enjoy the excitement of back to school season. For you who have yet to experience this, get ready, it's a dream and a nightmare rolled into one. And for those of you like me who are past it, just think, you'll someday have grandchildren going back to school, and you can buy them all of the frivolous, cool, outrageous stuff you couldn't afford to buy your own kids!
When I see the words "back to school" my stomach still clinches until I remember that I no longer have to buy school supplies. It was one of the most dreaded, and yet most anticipated times of the year for me. I love school supplies. Of course, it stands to reason since I have that paper addiction, pen addiction, marker ad..., well you get the point.
Given my attraction to all things office supply, you'd think I would have loved back to school shopping. The thing that got me down was the cost. Four kids, all needing: pencils, paper, notebooks, backpacks, lunch packs, erasers, scissors, pens, markers, crayons, boxes of Kleenex for the class, colored pencils, folders, spiral theme notebooks (some college lined, some wide lined), calculators (yes, you can buy the off-brand, but it doesn't have all the functions the $200.00 model has). As they got up in years, especially in high school the costs kept mounting. Now they all needed athletic passes, lunch accounts, yearbooks, parking spots, band uniforms, mock trial business suits, sports equipment, dance costumes... sigh.
And I haven't even mentioned the new clothes, shoes, hair accessories...
But, oh the memories. Let's face it, it was fun of the highest order. The anticipation of who would have what teacher. Which friends would be in their classroom. Who would have the same lunch period. What should they wear on the first day of school (once they got past 7th grade, they rarely wore the new outfit on the first day... why is that?!)
So for you still in the middle of the "kids in school" phase, enjoy the excitement of back to school season. For you who have yet to experience this, get ready, it's a dream and a nightmare rolled into one. And for those of you like me who are past it, just think, you'll someday have grandchildren going back to school, and you can buy them all of the frivolous, cool, outrageous stuff you couldn't afford to buy your own kids!
7.09.2010
Four Generations
A few weeks ago, my friend Joanna took "Four Generation" photos for us. We used Downtown Glendale as our site. It's so old-fashioned with lots of trees, picket fences, and quaint bungalows. We love our photos and I wanted to share a few of the best with you. If you live in the Phoenix area and you're looking for professional family photos, I highly recommend Joanna. To see more of her work and for contact information, check out http://www.joannapolling.com/blog/. Be sure to tell her Vicki sent you!
my granddaughter, my daughter, me, my mom
look who's stealing the show!
mother & daughter - Katie & Sunny
mother & daughter - Katie & me
mother & daughter - mom & me
great-grandma & Sunny
grammy & Sunny
isn't this a great photo?!
delighting in each other
she's always happy like this
When Katie was pregnant, Dan & I were both excited at the prospect of four generation photos on both sides of the family. Sadly, his dad died before the baby was born. This is a good three generation shot.
sharing a laugh
still my best friend!
7.08.2010
Be Prepared
As you know, I am a devoted FlyLady fan. FlyLady is Marla Cilley. She felt like she was drowning in C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) in 1999 and set out to make a complete change in her lifestyle. You can learn more about her system here. A couple of times a year she publishes her 11 Points of Preparedness in Case of Evacuation list. I thought I'd share it with you. You never know in this day and age when you may have to evacuate due to any number of reasons: fire, monsoon, hurricane, tornado, ice storm, flood, nuclear power plant melt-down (ok, that last one is mine, not hers!). This is a great list and by taking a few minutes to think about it now, we'll be ready if we ever need it.
The only thing I would add to this list is your CPU. If you have a desktop computer, know how to unplug the CPU to take with you. Also, if you follow Dave Ramsey, he suggests having a Legacy Folder. This folder contains all of the important information your family would need to know in case something happened to you. If you have one, be sure to place it on this list also (see item 4).
1. PEOPLE: Have a plan for getting out of the house and make sure everyone knows it. Have an emergency bag of food and water for your family. Include wholesome snacks and treats for the children: dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers and granola bars.
2. PETS: Keep pet carriers and leashes readily available to lead pets to safety. Also take pet food with you.
3. PICTURES: Keep negatives or CDs of pictures in a lock box or at a family member's home. Have picture albums in one place ready to grab and go at a moments notice. Or keep copies on an Online storage place like Picasa or other photo website. Or a back up drive.
4. PAPERS: Have all your important papers in a lock box at a bank and only keep copies at the house. This keeps you from panicking. If you have them at home then put them in a folder that you can easily grab if you have to move fast. Color code it so you can find it!
5. PRESCRIPTIONS: Take your medications with you. Don't forget the ones that have to be refrigerated like insulin. Have small ice chest and cold packs readily accessible to pack and go. If you have babies; remember their formula or medications.
6. PURSES and PETRO: This is where you keep your identification, credit cards and cash. Keep a stash of cash for emergencies and grab it. You may not be able to use an ATM in the event of a power outage. Make sure your car always has a half a tank of gas.
7. PROPER CLOTHES and COMFORT ITEMS: According to the weather conditions; gather up a change of clothes along with outer clothing: coats, rain gear, boots, gloves and hats. If you have babies remember
diapers. Remember to grab your children's favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy. A game or a deck of cards could keep them occupied and calm too.
8. PLANNER/CALENDAR/CONTROL JOURNAL: These documents have all the information you will need from phone numbers, insurance numbers and important dates. They are small and filled with things you don't have to try to remember.
9. PERSONAL PROTECTION: Many of us still have that time of the month. Be sure and grab a box of your preferred protection. It may be hard to find if you have been evacuated. Stress can cause our bodies to do strange things too. So be prepared. Take medication for cramps too.
10. PHONES, RADIOS, FUEL FOR THE CAR: Many of us have cell phones now. Always keep them charged up and have a charger in the car or an extra battery. They may not work in the event of power outages, but then they might. Know which local radio station has emergency bulletins. Keep your battery powered radio tuned to that local station and have plenty of batteries for it. Also keep a old type regular phone that does not operate with electricity. GAS PUMPS don't work without power either. You can't leave if your car is on empty. So keep your car fuel tank topped off when it hits a half of tank. This way you will have gas to drive at least a couple of hours. Evacuation routes are usually bumper to bumper traffic. Having a tank filled will keep you less stressed.
11. PATIENCE: This is one of the most important things to pack. Keep it inside of you so that you have a clear calm head. Having your P's to Preparedness list guiding you will keep you patient. In the event of an evacuation there will be lots of displaced people. Being patient will make things less stressful. Your children need to see you calm and collected. This will help keep them calm too.
The only thing I would add to this list is your CPU. If you have a desktop computer, know how to unplug the CPU to take with you. Also, if you follow Dave Ramsey, he suggests having a Legacy Folder. This folder contains all of the important information your family would need to know in case something happened to you. If you have one, be sure to place it on this list also (see item 4).
1. PEOPLE: Have a plan for getting out of the house and make sure everyone knows it. Have an emergency bag of food and water for your family. Include wholesome snacks and treats for the children: dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers and granola bars.
2. PETS: Keep pet carriers and leashes readily available to lead pets to safety. Also take pet food with you.
3. PICTURES: Keep negatives or CDs of pictures in a lock box or at a family member's home. Have picture albums in one place ready to grab and go at a moments notice. Or keep copies on an Online storage place like Picasa or other photo website. Or a back up drive.
4. PAPERS: Have all your important papers in a lock box at a bank and only keep copies at the house. This keeps you from panicking. If you have them at home then put them in a folder that you can easily grab if you have to move fast. Color code it so you can find it!
5. PRESCRIPTIONS: Take your medications with you. Don't forget the ones that have to be refrigerated like insulin. Have small ice chest and cold packs readily accessible to pack and go. If you have babies; remember their formula or medications.
6. PURSES and PETRO: This is where you keep your identification, credit cards and cash. Keep a stash of cash for emergencies and grab it. You may not be able to use an ATM in the event of a power outage. Make sure your car always has a half a tank of gas.
7. PROPER CLOTHES and COMFORT ITEMS: According to the weather conditions; gather up a change of clothes along with outer clothing: coats, rain gear, boots, gloves and hats. If you have babies remember
diapers. Remember to grab your children's favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy. A game or a deck of cards could keep them occupied and calm too.
8. PLANNER/CALENDAR/CONTROL JOURNAL: These documents have all the information you will need from phone numbers, insurance numbers and important dates. They are small and filled with things you don't have to try to remember.
9. PERSONAL PROTECTION: Many of us still have that time of the month. Be sure and grab a box of your preferred protection. It may be hard to find if you have been evacuated. Stress can cause our bodies to do strange things too. So be prepared. Take medication for cramps too.
10. PHONES, RADIOS, FUEL FOR THE CAR: Many of us have cell phones now. Always keep them charged up and have a charger in the car or an extra battery. They may not work in the event of power outages, but then they might. Know which local radio station has emergency bulletins. Keep your battery powered radio tuned to that local station and have plenty of batteries for it. Also keep a old type regular phone that does not operate with electricity. GAS PUMPS don't work without power either. You can't leave if your car is on empty. So keep your car fuel tank topped off when it hits a half of tank. This way you will have gas to drive at least a couple of hours. Evacuation routes are usually bumper to bumper traffic. Having a tank filled will keep you less stressed.
11. PATIENCE: This is one of the most important things to pack. Keep it inside of you so that you have a clear calm head. Having your P's to Preparedness list guiding you will keep you patient. In the event of an evacuation there will be lots of displaced people. Being patient will make things less stressful. Your children need to see you calm and collected. This will help keep them calm too.
7.07.2010
Check out the Christmas Corner
The Christmas Corner page has been updated today. Check it out for tips to take the stress out of the holiday season.
7.06.2010
Food, Fun, Family, Fireworks
Some of the family got together on the 4th of July to celebrate Katie's birthday, to welcome Jess & Adam home, and to celebrate the 4th.
The food was great, we had fun, we enjoyed time with family, and we watched the fireworks display at Surprise Stadium from our front yard!
The food was great, we had fun, we enjoyed time with family, and we watched the fireworks display at Surprise Stadium from our front yard!
Yes, I started to cut the cake before I realized we needed to get a picture.
Plus, I already took all the decorations off!
Carl & JoAnne - the Greats
Katie & Sunny
Gabe
Adam & Jessica
Dan (Gramps)
"I don't think I like this pool!"
"Yeah, I really don't like this pool, get me out of here!"
7.05.2010
Fun Friday
Last Friday was a very fun day for me.
My friend Melanie was in town from Omaha, Nebraska. I have not seen her in three years, although we stay close through phone calls, e-mails, blogs, & snail mail cards (not so much). We were able to enjoy a leisurely lunch at which we talked at length about all the things we talk more succinctly about over the phone.
Sunny was at my house that day, so Melanie got to meet her, which was very special for me.
My friend Melanie was in town from Omaha, Nebraska. I have not seen her in three years, although we stay close through phone calls, e-mails, blogs, & snail mail cards (not so much). We were able to enjoy a leisurely lunch at which we talked at length about all the things we talk more succinctly about over the phone.
Sunny was at my house that day, so Melanie got to meet her, which was very special for me.
This next picture comes from Saturday morning... you guessed it, animal pancakes for breakfast! This time Gramps made her an elephant and a rabbit. She devoured them both.
7.04.2010
Happy Birthday, USA!
America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)
Text: Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895
Music: Thesaurus Musicus
1. My country,' tis of thee,
sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;
land where my fathers died,
land of the pilgrims' pride,
from every mountainside let freedom ring!
2. My native country, thee,
land of the noble free, thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
thy woods and templed hills;
my heart with rapture thrills, like that above.
3. Let music swell the breeze,
and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;
let mortal tongues awake;
let all that breathe partake;
let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.
4. Our fathers' God, to thee,
author of liberty, to thee we sing;
long may our land be bright
with freedom's holy light;
protect us by thy might, great God, our King.
Text: Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895
Music: Thesaurus Musicus
1. My country,' tis of thee,
sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;
land where my fathers died,
land of the pilgrims' pride,
from every mountainside let freedom ring!
2. My native country, thee,
land of the noble free, thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
thy woods and templed hills;
my heart with rapture thrills, like that above.
3. Let music swell the breeze,
and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;
let mortal tongues awake;
let all that breathe partake;
let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.
4. Our fathers' God, to thee,
author of liberty, to thee we sing;
long may our land be bright
with freedom's holy light;
protect us by thy might, great God, our King.
7.03.2010
Happy Birthday, Katie! (and Joanna)
Today is Katie's birthday. She is 24 today. When Katie was born JD was only 12 mos, 2 weeks old. Everybody worried that Katie would not get any attention from us (well actually, Dan's mom was the only one that expressed that fear aloud). They obviously did not know Katie. If she needed something she let us know, otherwise she just sat around and smiled. She was the "smilie-iest" of all my kids.
The most surprising thing about Katie is how much she is like me. Or, as she likes to put it, she has all of my good qualities, only better, and none of my bad! I have to admit that she has my good qualities only better. Usually mothers and daughters that are alike are not as close as they could be. Thankfully, that is not the case here. I'm grateful for the closeness between us, and the generosity Katie displays in giving me access to her daughter.
So, Happy Birthday Katie! We are so proud of you, we love you, and we enjoy every moment we get to spend with you.
I also want to say Happy Birthday to my friend Joanna. She is hands-down the sweetest person I know. We met working together at the church, but came to find out that she had worked with some of my kids in the children's ministry when they were little. I always enjoy talking to her, and she is one of the most creative, talented women I know. Now that she's a mom, I enjoy sharing the adventure of motherhood with her through her blog. Plus, I will never forget her birthday! ha ha
All of the kids were friendly and made friends easily, but Katie was definitely the most social of the bunch. She attracted friends like honey attracts bees. She always has a variety of friends, no two are alike. She has a soft heart for those in need, but, thankfully, she also has a really good bulls**t detector and does not let herself be taken advantage of.
In a family of four kids there are constantly shifting alliances. Although she would be closer to one or the other at various times, she's always gotten along with her siblings.
Katie's social life was so busy as a child, that I seriously did not think she would go to college. I used to wonder what in the world she would choose as a career. Her senior year in high school, we let her get a job at the neighborhood child care center. All of my concerns about what her career would be disappeared. She loves kids and did a great job teaching and caring for them. As her job developed, she displayed remarkable administrative skills, especially in one so young. I was very impressed!
Today she has earned her A.A. and is finishing her B.A. as well as working full-time as an assistant director at KinderCare, caring for Gabe and Sunny, and running a household. And she does it all so well!
The most surprising thing about Katie is how much she is like me. Or, as she likes to put it, she has all of my good qualities, only better, and none of my bad! I have to admit that she has my good qualities only better. Usually mothers and daughters that are alike are not as close as they could be. Thankfully, that is not the case here. I'm grateful for the closeness between us, and the generosity Katie displays in giving me access to her daughter.
All in all, Katie is the best surprise we ever got. She will always be our "ladybug" and Dan's "Katie-did". She continues to be loving, kind, and of course, who can forget that she provided us with our grandchild!
So, Happy Birthday Katie! We are so proud of you, we love you, and we enjoy every moment we get to spend with you.
I also want to say Happy Birthday to my friend Joanna. She is hands-down the sweetest person I know. We met working together at the church, but came to find out that she had worked with some of my kids in the children's ministry when they were little. I always enjoy talking to her, and she is one of the most creative, talented women I know. Now that she's a mom, I enjoy sharing the adventure of motherhood with her through her blog. Plus, I will never forget her birthday! ha ha
7.02.2010
Two Blogs Worth Reading Today
Two of the blogs I read were especially worthwhile today. Both contain stories that confirm that God can, will, and does work through unimaginable circumstances (for us) to His Glory. If you want to be inspired, encouraged, and blessed, read about this youth worker's experience and this mission trip. God is so awesome!
In other news: we have Sunny with us for a couple of days. I hope to get some cute pictures to post. Have I mentioned that she is the most incredible, brilliant, happiest child ever born?! Plus, my friend Melanie is in town and we are going to spend some time together today. Yippee!
In other news: we have Sunny with us for a couple of days. I hope to get some cute pictures to post. Have I mentioned that she is the most incredible, brilliant, happiest child ever born?! Plus, my friend Melanie is in town and we are going to spend some time together today. Yippee!
7.01.2010
It's July
Wow, the year is flying by. It's July which means we've completed half of 2010. For some reason, I always stop and evaluate the year on the 4th of July. When the kids were still living at home, I would sit in the parking lot at Sweet Tomatoes on Bell Rd waiting for the Peoria Stadium fireworks display to begin and think about what had transpired that year and what was yet to come. When is the first day of school? When does early morning band practice start for JD? Who needs shots for the upcoming school year? How much will I have to spend on school supplies this year?
I also used that time to imagine what will it look like next year when everyone's a year older? Will we still all be together watching fireworks or will some of them be off to other events? What will Dan & I do when they're all grown?
As you've already figured out, I'm usually living in the future. The positive thing about that is that I'm usually prepared for whatever. The negative is that I can (and sometimes do) miss out on the pleasure of the here and now.
This year we're having family over for a BBQ. We can see the fireworks from the Surprise Stadium from our backyard. Some of the kids will be here, some won't. Some extended family members will attend, others are forging their own Independence Day traditions.
No matter what, there will be constants that connect me to the 4th of July(s) of years past. It will be hot, not extremely hot this year, but still plenty warm. I will still sit in the dark awaiting the fireworks and take a few moments to evaluate January - June 2010, and then look ahead to the rest of the year. I will wonder what will it look like next year when everyone's a year older? Then I'll turn my attention to the pleasure of the here and now.
I also used that time to imagine what will it look like next year when everyone's a year older? Will we still all be together watching fireworks or will some of them be off to other events? What will Dan & I do when they're all grown?
As you've already figured out, I'm usually living in the future. The positive thing about that is that I'm usually prepared for whatever. The negative is that I can (and sometimes do) miss out on the pleasure of the here and now.
This year we're having family over for a BBQ. We can see the fireworks from the Surprise Stadium from our backyard. Some of the kids will be here, some won't. Some extended family members will attend, others are forging their own Independence Day traditions.
No matter what, there will be constants that connect me to the 4th of July(s) of years past. It will be hot, not extremely hot this year, but still plenty warm. I will still sit in the dark awaiting the fireworks and take a few moments to evaluate January - June 2010, and then look ahead to the rest of the year. I will wonder what will it look like next year when everyone's a year older? Then I'll turn my attention to the pleasure of the here and now.
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