Because great-niece number two has arrived.
I sure hope my brother has been saving for Christmas.
Two granddaughters equal lots of girly stuff to buy.
Or in his case, lots of pink tool sets and coveralls.
The news came too late in the evening to bake what is fast becoming my traditional baby cookies. I kinda like the idea myself. Of course, I'm for any idea that includes chocolate and baked goods. Tomorrow will serve the same purpose. Cookies are definitely on the agenda.
I think of my own baby girl and the day she joined us. I was wearing a red t-shirt and maternity overalls... my outfit of choice for most days of the week. That girl of mine arrived exactly thirty-six minutes after the first contraction. Maybe that explains why she's always in a hurry now.
All of my kids were in a hurry, as a matter of fact. I never had to endure long labors or horror stories. Three and a half hours, two hours and forty-four minutes, and the thirty-six minute girl. I remember the nurse who helped me with her telling me that if all of her labors were that easy, she would have had ten kids.
I laughed then. Not so much now. There are times when both my husband and myself wished we would have had more children, but thankfully that feeling has faded as time goes by and the kids we have grow. No sense re-living diapers and bottles when we're in the middle of messy rooms and too much soda.
Besides, now we get to enjoy all the joys of a baby without actually having to take them home. Like I've said before, we're watching a whole new generation emerge into an ever-changing world. And like I said yesterday, Grandma's prayer list just got one name longer. Her name is Payton.
And so tomorrow I will bake cookies in honor of Payton Faith. My own kids will devour them while I rush to stash a few behind for my husband's late night snack. We'll watch for pictures and count the days until we can see and hold her for ourselves. Christmas once again looks a little brighter.
Congratulations, Grandpa.
You better kick in some overtime.
And clear out more space in the garage.
Another race car driver has just been born.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Ignoring September
The first day of what I call back to normal is coming to a close as the sun hides behind a rather gray-looking cloud. The oldest rocks his way through whatever game or techno news that's keeping his attention locked on his laptop; the middle is jamming (softly) to his favorite tunes while he bounces back and forth between facebook and his game of choice; and the youngest is behind a closed bedroom door deep in a book that she just started last night. Supper was enjoyed and appreciated and totally consumed by a full table and dishes have been washed, dried, and put away (and not by me!). The husband is on the lawn mower, the dryer is fluffing some towels, and coffee is next on my list. Yep. Things are pretty much back to normal.
Except things are far from normal. We had yet another job loss in our family last week and considering the fact that my husband has been the one with the job... well, it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out. God is good, though. A strange peace has pretty much enveloped us since last Wednesday with only a few scattered moments of panic sprinkled in-between. Bills are paid, the cupboards are full, and work has been provided for now. It's anybody's guess what the next few months will bring. I'm predicting September will be an interesting month, but I've been off track before. One thing is for certain, the Lord has a way of always reminding me that's He's the one in charge.
Life goes on. My youngest niece is expecting her first baby to make her arrival within the next twenty-four hours. That will make grandbaby number two for my brother and most likely a lifelong friend for Baby Lily, not to mention a good reason for me to bake cookies tomorrow. It's a strange thing to watch a family grow and transform and begin an entirely new generation. I remember holding these girls when they were babies... the fact that they are now the ones having babies is just crazy. No wonder my grandma's prayer list was so long. Each time a baby was born she would have to add a name to her nightly prayer. Trust me. I witnessed it once before. No one was left out.
Yep. Life goes on. I hear the mower out front trying to beat the rain. My youngest just breezed out her of her room and gave me a passing grin complete with a wrinkled nose. The middle's music just got a little bit louder and the oldest just shot me a smile while plugging in his headphones. I don't know what September might bring, but for now all is right with the world. It's time to go fold the towels and make that cup of coffee.
Tomorrow will be here soon enough.
Except things are far from normal. We had yet another job loss in our family last week and considering the fact that my husband has been the one with the job... well, it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out. God is good, though. A strange peace has pretty much enveloped us since last Wednesday with only a few scattered moments of panic sprinkled in-between. Bills are paid, the cupboards are full, and work has been provided for now. It's anybody's guess what the next few months will bring. I'm predicting September will be an interesting month, but I've been off track before. One thing is for certain, the Lord has a way of always reminding me that's He's the one in charge.
Life goes on. My youngest niece is expecting her first baby to make her arrival within the next twenty-four hours. That will make grandbaby number two for my brother and most likely a lifelong friend for Baby Lily, not to mention a good reason for me to bake cookies tomorrow. It's a strange thing to watch a family grow and transform and begin an entirely new generation. I remember holding these girls when they were babies... the fact that they are now the ones having babies is just crazy. No wonder my grandma's prayer list was so long. Each time a baby was born she would have to add a name to her nightly prayer. Trust me. I witnessed it once before. No one was left out.
Yep. Life goes on. I hear the mower out front trying to beat the rain. My youngest just breezed out her of her room and gave me a passing grin complete with a wrinkled nose. The middle's music just got a little bit louder and the oldest just shot me a smile while plugging in his headphones. I don't know what September might bring, but for now all is right with the world. It's time to go fold the towels and make that cup of coffee.
Tomorrow will be here soon enough.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Bringing Home The Kids
Well, our four-week journey with no kids in the house is about to come to an end. In just a few short hours, we'll hit the road to bring three teenagers and all their shoes and cords and gadgets home. I'll actually have to plan a trip to the grocery store. While their dad and I can survive on Coca-Cola and cereal and milk and eating out often, our budget will once again be strained at the thought of feeding three bottomless pits. And that's not an insult, young people. It's just a fact. You eat alot.
Today also marks the beginning of an experiment of sort for the husband and myself. At his suggestion, we're going to take forty days and give up what we would call indulgences and focus on our relationship with the Lord. We've actually done this before (although I caved around Day 30 or so). I don't know that what you give up is as important as recognizing that sometimes we can become a little too carried away or obsessive over things in our life. Anyway, we actually prayed together last night before we went to bed and I gotta tell you, that was a powerful thing. Nothing earth-shattering. Just quick and to the point. It's a start.
As for now, I've got some dishes to finish and a husband to wake up. I'm looking forward to seeing my mom and cousin tonight even if it's only for a short time. Remember? I've said it before. Being away from the people you love makes you appreciate any time you're given with them. Today's road trip will either fly by with anticipation or be agonizing long. Either way, as my daughter would say, I get the first hug from Granny.
Oh, and pray for the cat.
His days of peace are about to be over.
Today also marks the beginning of an experiment of sort for the husband and myself. At his suggestion, we're going to take forty days and give up what we would call indulgences and focus on our relationship with the Lord. We've actually done this before (although I caved around Day 30 or so). I don't know that what you give up is as important as recognizing that sometimes we can become a little too carried away or obsessive over things in our life. Anyway, we actually prayed together last night before we went to bed and I gotta tell you, that was a powerful thing. Nothing earth-shattering. Just quick and to the point. It's a start.
As for now, I've got some dishes to finish and a husband to wake up. I'm looking forward to seeing my mom and cousin tonight even if it's only for a short time. Remember? I've said it before. Being away from the people you love makes you appreciate any time you're given with them. Today's road trip will either fly by with anticipation or be agonizing long. Either way, as my daughter would say, I get the first hug from Granny.
Oh, and pray for the cat.
His days of peace are about to be over.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Dear Drama,
I went to bed thinking about you last night and woke up with you still on my mind. My coffee doesn't taste good because you make my stomach sick and my body feels achy from all the agony you bring and my eyes burn from the tears you cause. Why, oh why must you camp out in my backyard?
I mean, I knew you well enough when I was in junior high. You even hung around for most of my high school years (I think you must have hooked up with my old boyfriend or something). Other than that, you pretty much took the hint and left me alone. It was a good run.
Oh, I knew to expect you when my own kids got older. I think you must lurk around every freshman locker and sit at every seventh grade girls' table in the cafeteria. That's part of teaching them to grow up and conquer you and telling you to hit the road.
But seriously. Why are you here? For the last few weeks you've been constantly at my front door. I try to keep you out. I have no problem in not answering the door. I can ignore you until Jesus comes back. The trouble (and your lucky break) is that my husband is too nice. He just hates to see people fight.
He'll get tired of you, though. One day he is going to wake up and decide that you are simply not worth it. There is no amount of Pepto in the world that can sooth the woes you bring. The only thing you understand is a good swift kick in the pants. You'll get yours.
Until then, I will be patient. I'll smile and hold my tongue and speak words of encouragement and chew antacids as needed. The last thing I need is for you to invite your friends over. One of us would definitely have to go then and a word to the wise, it won't be me.
You see, my kids are about to come home. They'll have just a short month before school starts and homework begins and their own battles kick off. I'll not have you burdening them with your adult version of idiot people. They get enough of that in our public school system.
Ahhhh. I feel better already. Maybe not coffee ready, but definitely ready to face what you're gonna dish out today. We're here for a reason. Sooner or later, it'll all come out. Bear with me and wait a little longer, and I will show you, for I have something still to say on God's behalf (Job 36:2).
And one more thing, don't let the back door hit you on the way out. Or on second thought, please do. Be sure to exit by that dog of ours with the big teeth and sharp nails. She loves to tear up stuff. I have just volunteered you. I think even my husband would agree with me on this one. You won't be around for a holiday dinner.
With no love or best wishes,
Angela
I mean, I knew you well enough when I was in junior high. You even hung around for most of my high school years (I think you must have hooked up with my old boyfriend or something). Other than that, you pretty much took the hint and left me alone. It was a good run.
Oh, I knew to expect you when my own kids got older. I think you must lurk around every freshman locker and sit at every seventh grade girls' table in the cafeteria. That's part of teaching them to grow up and conquer you and telling you to hit the road.
But seriously. Why are you here? For the last few weeks you've been constantly at my front door. I try to keep you out. I have no problem in not answering the door. I can ignore you until Jesus comes back. The trouble (and your lucky break) is that my husband is too nice. He just hates to see people fight.
He'll get tired of you, though. One day he is going to wake up and decide that you are simply not worth it. There is no amount of Pepto in the world that can sooth the woes you bring. The only thing you understand is a good swift kick in the pants. You'll get yours.
Until then, I will be patient. I'll smile and hold my tongue and speak words of encouragement and chew antacids as needed. The last thing I need is for you to invite your friends over. One of us would definitely have to go then and a word to the wise, it won't be me.
You see, my kids are about to come home. They'll have just a short month before school starts and homework begins and their own battles kick off. I'll not have you burdening them with your adult version of idiot people. They get enough of that in our public school system.
Ahhhh. I feel better already. Maybe not coffee ready, but definitely ready to face what you're gonna dish out today. We're here for a reason. Sooner or later, it'll all come out. Bear with me and wait a little longer, and I will show you, for I have something still to say on God's behalf (Job 36:2).
And one more thing, don't let the back door hit you on the way out. Or on second thought, please do. Be sure to exit by that dog of ours with the big teeth and sharp nails. She loves to tear up stuff. I have just volunteered you. I think even my husband would agree with me on this one. You won't be around for a holiday dinner.
With no love or best wishes,
Angela
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Heavy Burdens And Burnt Cheese
As the husband heads off to work a job he wishes he had finished long ago, I think about the man he is. He really does just want everyone to get along. I guess you could say he's the peacemaker (and no, kids, this does not refer to the same peacemaker you may be thinking of)... anyway, the man must feel like he's in a losing battle most of the time. Needless to say, Parents, be careful of what you burden your children with when they are young. Those same burdens only multiply when they became adults if issues are never dealt with.
Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children
[do not be hard on them or harass them],
lest they become discouraged and sullen
and morose and feel inferior and frustrated.
[Do not break their spirit.]
Colossians 3:21, Amplified
I could practically launch into a three-hour sermon on that one and I don't even preach. Come to think of it, the last time anyone let me hold a microphone was a little over two years ago. Now that was a good one. A group of about thirty teenagers, a sprinkling of adults, my oldest son hearing things come from his mother's mouth that must have shocked him. Good thing I had prepared him the night before. I think one of the worst things we can do (or should I keep this singular as in the worst thing I can do?)... one of the worst things for a kid, I think, is to grow up thinking their parents did no wrong and spent their entire young life polishing the candlesticks on the church altar, if you get my drift. I have no problem acknowledging the error of my ways to my children when it's in God's timing and for His glory. Sin does have consequences. They need to hear that.
Oooh, I love talking with my kids (by the way, the key word in that statement is with... I try to talk with them, not at them). Sure, sometimes we have our awkward moments, but when they look me in the eye and say Thanks and I'm glad I'm not the only one.... well, that's when I know that I'm teaching them more than just how to separate their laundry or clean a pan with burnt cheese.
And with that, I just experienced a subtle reminder that I am and always will be a teacher. I think He just smiled. He's probably thinking it's about time. It's always good when your kids learn something you've known all along.
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Old Guy Had It Right
If I had money to spare and could buy a few things at Hobby Lobby to hang on my living room wall, the choice would be easy: two separate, beautifully framed copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Right above where I am sitting at this very moment is blank wall space that has been reserved for such items... if I ever have the funds to spare or somebody decides to contribute to the cause. I'd also like to have a framed copy of the South Carolina Ordinance of Secession to hang on my left and a copy of an 1806 A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language to adorn my bookshelf.
Yep. Some women dream of handbags and shoes and tropical vacations.
I'm good with copies of originals of things that have historical significance.
No wonder my husband loves me the way he does.
To mark the occasion of the our country's independence, I've spent the better part of the morning re-reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine. He's a name that even late elementary students should recognize, but I doubt few have taken the time to read his work. Yeah, he's got that old English style way of talking and the spelling is definitely old school, but his words ring just as true today as they did when this particular essay was published in January 1776. I thought of including some of my favorite lines (and even did have most of them typed out)... suffice it to say that he was all about God being the king of America, watching out for leaders who might swiftly step in and bully their way to to the top by manipulating the people, and losing the political titles that keep us from referring to one another as "a good citizen; an open and resolute friend; and a virtuous supporter of the rights of mankind."
Like I said, relevant information and a good reminder for today, no matter how old of a guy he may seem. And with that, I'm gonna close up my books and turn on the radio. I've got a cake to bake, a cat to feed, and our own little celebration to get to later today.
Happy Independence Day.
Yep. Some women dream of handbags and shoes and tropical vacations.
I'm good with copies of originals of things that have historical significance.
No wonder my husband loves me the way he does.
To mark the occasion of the our country's independence, I've spent the better part of the morning re-reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine. He's a name that even late elementary students should recognize, but I doubt few have taken the time to read his work. Yeah, he's got that old English style way of talking and the spelling is definitely old school, but his words ring just as true today as they did when this particular essay was published in January 1776. I thought of including some of my favorite lines (and even did have most of them typed out)... suffice it to say that he was all about God being the king of America, watching out for leaders who might swiftly step in and bully their way to to the top by manipulating the people, and losing the political titles that keep us from referring to one another as "a good citizen; an open and resolute friend; and a virtuous supporter of the rights of mankind."
Like I said, relevant information and a good reminder for today, no matter how old of a guy he may seem. And with that, I'm gonna close up my books and turn on the radio. I've got a cake to bake, a cat to feed, and our own little celebration to get to later today.
Happy Independence Day.
Friday, July 1, 2011
A Disclaimer May Be Necessary: Blame The Coffee If It Helps
If my life were really a book, I think I would have closed it up by now. You can only repeat the same thing so many times before it becomes so predictable that it makes even me weary. The things maybe worth mentioning I don't mention because I've got too many people who really know me and love me that read this. (Okay, technically like maybe TWO people that I know of for sure family-wise, but you get the idea). No need upsetting the fans.
And that was a joke.
A lame one maybe, but I'm running on fumes here.
Even if I wanted to put into words what is in my heart right now, I don't think I could. Defeat is a hard emotion to express. Needless to say, I had one of the worst experiences of my adult life last night and all I could see was a flashback to a naive nineteen-year old girl who didn't know how to just walk away. I still don't know how to do that. I may never learn. My biggest problem has always been digging my nails in too tight and holding on for dear life. I seriously don't know how to let go, and somehow I always end up being the one hurt.
Don't they make a pill for this? Something I could just take to muffle the noise? I don't want to shut down; I just want to step back. I have no problem with being part of the background, but for some reason, I'm always trying to make it to center stage. How's that for making sense? Didn't Paul say something like that? Something along the lines of I know what to do and what I should do but I end up doing everything opposite? I don't know if it's pride or stubborness or just plain bad timing. What I do know is that my stomach feels sick and my eyes won't stop watering and this coffee is too darn weak.
I'm gonna push my re-start button today if I can find it. Hopefully it's still in operating order. One thing is for sure... if you have learned anything about me, my house will be spotless by the end of the day. I may not have a pill to take, but I've got enough furniture polish to see me through yet another crisis. We all have our ways to cope. Mine just happens to include a vacuum and about twenty dust rags.
And coffee.
I definitely need a better cup of coffee.
And that was a joke.
A lame one maybe, but I'm running on fumes here.
Even if I wanted to put into words what is in my heart right now, I don't think I could. Defeat is a hard emotion to express. Needless to say, I had one of the worst experiences of my adult life last night and all I could see was a flashback to a naive nineteen-year old girl who didn't know how to just walk away. I still don't know how to do that. I may never learn. My biggest problem has always been digging my nails in too tight and holding on for dear life. I seriously don't know how to let go, and somehow I always end up being the one hurt.
Don't they make a pill for this? Something I could just take to muffle the noise? I don't want to shut down; I just want to step back. I have no problem with being part of the background, but for some reason, I'm always trying to make it to center stage. How's that for making sense? Didn't Paul say something like that? Something along the lines of I know what to do and what I should do but I end up doing everything opposite? I don't know if it's pride or stubborness or just plain bad timing. What I do know is that my stomach feels sick and my eyes won't stop watering and this coffee is too darn weak.
I'm gonna push my re-start button today if I can find it. Hopefully it's still in operating order. One thing is for sure... if you have learned anything about me, my house will be spotless by the end of the day. I may not have a pill to take, but I've got enough furniture polish to see me through yet another crisis. We all have our ways to cope. Mine just happens to include a vacuum and about twenty dust rags.
And coffee.
I definitely need a better cup of coffee.
For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh.
I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it.
[I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]
For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do,
but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.
Romans 7: 18-19, Amplified
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