Friday, October 31, 2008

Laughter + Daughter Home Visiting = Music


I picked Megan up from the airport this afternoon.

(Her flight was even 25 minutes EARLY! And! Gas was only $2.11! Will wonders never cease?)

She came home to see the musical at the high school. Right now she is in the family room with a high school friend and catching up on all the drama.

I am so loving listening to the music of her laughter drifting through the house.

Sure have missed that.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Over-Flowing Wednesday

I had lunch yesterday with a friend I don't get to see often enough. Our lunch ended up being 4 hours long. We had a lot to talk about. Barb demonstrated to me such great love. She shared wisdom from her experiences and challenged me. How great to be able to benefit from her experience as someone who has gone before me. I pray I will be able to do the same for others.

On the way home from lunch I got to talk with another of those don't get to see often enough great friends. We caught up on news. (She always has fun news about her grandbabies.) Then as I was able to share some of the struggles I have had (and how her daughters have encouraged me) she spoke truth of encouragement to me. She has told me this list of things to be thankful for despite my frustration many times before, but each time she does, I see the truth and embrace them. Yesterday I thanked God for the reminder.

We ended the day with our small group Bible study. Oh how I love this group of people. We are so diverse. From a 19 year old new Christian, to a newly married couple (she is a new Christian), to a couple we prayed for two years to come to our small group, to a few of us who grew up in the church. Tonight as we spent more than a half an hour sharing prayer requests, I was struck with the bond/love we all have for each other.

I love the body of Christ.

God is good. These two verses came to mind as I reflected on the day:

John 1:16
From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Monday, October 27, 2008

I Have A Pet Peeve

I am not a fan of public bathrooms. I have been known to come home to use my own bathroom even though I am still in the middle of running errands around town. Don't even get me started on the stalls that are so small that I have to about crawl to the other side of the toilet to get the door shut. HATE that! Another thing that bugs me even more is where the toilet paper dispenser is mounted. Like this one:
It is so low that you practically have to kneel on the floor to get anything out.

Same as this one:




Here is an example of a properly mounted toilet paper dispenser:


(And yes, I did get my camera out to take theses in a public restroom, but I made sure there wasn't anyone else in the bathroom. It would be weird to see a flash coming from the stall next to you, wouldn't it?)

This arrangement of toilet paper is what inspired this whole post:
I do believe that is the most ingenious way to have lots of toilet paper dispensed. Hats off to the people at Shakepeare's Pizza. I think I counted 14 rolls. Awesome.



So after all that ranting (and yes, I feel better) I leave you with this:


Friday, October 24, 2008

Details? Ewww

I saw this picture on a website for a discount store. Is it just me, or does this lady's eyebrow need a little grooming? And does no one know how to edit pictures? I'm just saying.
Ewww!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I Do Like These List Things

Got this one from Life at 7000 Feet

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?
Oooo. Good Carole King song. Wait, I don't think that's what this is asking. Uh-em... My favorite season is definitely Spring. I love seeing everything come back to life. After living 80 miles north of the equator for three years and no changes in the seasons, I came to realize that I do like the changes of seasons.

Who is your favorite Disney princess? Belle. My daughter's best friend played her in their high school musical last fall.

What's the last book you read? The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson. I thought this was a stand alone novel, but it turns out to be first of a series of seven. Grr. The rest are already on my Christmas list

What book are you reading right now? I Second That Emotion: Untangling Our Zany Feelings by Patsy Clairmont

Name one "presidential" memory (an election you remember as a child, voting for the first time, etc.) The first presidential election I remember is Nixon vs. Humphrey. I remember talking about it during our Brownies meetings.

What are 3 things that scare you/freak you out?
1. Winding, mountain hugging roads
2. Snakes or any reptiles
3. A spider on the dashboard when I'm driving 70 mph down the interstate

If you were running for office, what would your campaign slogan be? The bigger question is WHY would I run for office. I hate politics.

What is your favorite football team? None. Hate football. But I will cheer for my Alma Mater, Iowa State University. (and for my kids' school Kansas University)

How are they doing this season? Ummm... I'm supposed to know this? Well I do know Iowa State isn't doing too hot. That's all I know.

Do you have anything particular that you're looking forward to this Fall? Yep. We are going to a family reunion over Thanksgiving. It will involve many family members that are rarely seen. There are two cousins on that side of the family that I have never met and I hope to meet one of them. (The other one lives in South America and she's not making the trip.)

Are you craving anything right now? Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies. Darn. I should have made those for Bible study tonight instead of the lemon/zucchini pound cake that's in the oven right now. I should make those cookies for next week.

What's the last thing that really made you laugh out loud? My son. I so love hanging out with him and being goofy. I can be goofy with him like no one else. (Love you buddy!)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Can You Guess Who Was Home?


Check out the stack of piano books on the floor! Can you guess who was home last weekend? Megan! (and Caleb & Amanda) It was great to hear Megan playing the piano again. I have missed that.

It was a fun weekend. Complete with a big shopping trip to the Biggest Mall In The Country. We also got to meet our former pastor and his wife (and our dear friends) for supper after the shopping excursion.

LOVED having them all home!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Don't Let My Spirit Sleep

Sometimes I pretty much suck at being able to express myself without hurting whoever I am speaking to. The prayer of my heart is for God to give me the words to speak. Forgive me, God when I don't wait for Your words.

This song by Aaron Shust says it perfectly.



Please forgive me Megan for being hurtful. I love you.
Lord,

When I feel unsatisfied and empty, please satisfy me in the morning with Your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days. (Psalm 90:14)

Thank You that when I cry out You hear me. You deliver me from all my troubles. You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit.(Psalm 34:17-18)

Lord, help me to keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking lies. Help me to turn from evil and do good; to seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:13-14)

AMEN

Friday, October 17, 2008

Immune

I'm pretty sure that's the right word. Immune. It seems to describe my situation. One of the definitions in Webster's Dictionary is: not susceptible or responsive.

Yep that definition works.

See, years ago I became unresponsive to my husband's alarm which goes off five mornings a week at 5am. Good thing, because I really don't think there is oxygen at that hour.

But the flip side of being immune is not so good from my point of view.

Tonight, I snuggled into bed for a good night's sleep about 45 minutes after my sweetie turned out his light. I read my book for a whopping 10 minutes. I kept drifting off and not remembering what I had read. So I turned off my light. Arranged my myriad of pillows (only 3!). Blissfully relaxed thinking about the day tomorrow. Praying for my loved ones. Praising God for the wonderful blessings He has given my kids. Ahhhh. Sleeeep.

**Snort**

**Full Out Snore**

(Hint: It's NOT me.)

Nudge husband with my foot.

Pause in noise. Resume heavy breathing.

Me: Turn Over!

He turned over. Pause in noise. Snort.

Darn.

Several more nudges. No change.

I think he has become immune to my nudges and heavy sighs.

Get up and vent on blog, hoping he'll get through this stage of sleep so I can crawl back into bed and fall asleep.

**SIGH**

Have I mentioned that I dearly love my husband? Just wish he slept more quietly.

Okay. Off to do this again. Wish me luck!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

What A Relief

Love this video. Enjoy!



Friday, October 10, 2008

Friday Fluff (in Fours)


Four jobs I've had:

1. A&W carhop for three years
2. Food Service worker -- some food prep, server and ticket puncher (before cards that swipe)
3. Administrative Assistant for the InterVaristy Christian Fellowship Area Director of Kansas
4. Mom -- The Best Job Ever!

Four movies I've seen more than once:
1. Sleepless in Seattle
2. It's a Wonderful Life
3. While You Were Sleeping
4. Amazing Grace

Four TV shows I watch:
1. The Office
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Jon & Kate Plus 8
4. The Young & The Restless

Four places I've been:
1. Singapore (lived there)
2. Switzerland
3. Australia
4. Darwin, MN (Home of the Largest Ball of Twine)

Four people who email me regularly:
1. My father-in-law (it's to all of us)
2. The Generous Wife (daily tips)
3. My kids somewhat regularly
4. I don't get a lot of personal emails

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Canadian Bacon and Mushroom Pizza
2. Chocolate Ice Cream with Oreos and Chocolate Sauce
3. Guacamole
4. Dark Chocolate

Four things I'm looking forward to in the next year:
1. Thanksgiving family reunion
2. My son graduating from college
3. Drawing closer to God
4. No more political commercials

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Thoughtful Thursday

Isaiah 43:1&2, 4a, 5a

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you... Do not be afraid, for I am with you...

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Friday, October 3, 2008

Random Thoughts

  • I found out that they are discontinuing my favorite sandwich at our local coffee shop. And my favorite bread. Bummer. (The owner told me he'll work on a new favorite sandwich for me.)
  • Megan is doing an awesome job of adjusting to school and being 500 miles away. She even has a great attitude about living in the smallest room in the "Ghetto Dorm." She's getting involved in Navigators and a church and Bible study and making new friends. Yay!
  • I miss her terribly.
  • Caleb is sailing right through college. In Love. So Sweet. Has no hair. Hmmm... Loves playing that guitar we gave him on a "whim" when he was 13. He leads worship for Navigators and is on the worship team for his church. And last Sunday? HE SANG A SOLO IN CHURCH! In front of everybody! I was so amazed I cried. (what a mom, huh?) He sang a song called Pour Out. Go here to listen to Shawn McDonald sing it.
  • I miss him terribly.
  • Caleb's girlfriend, Amanda, got accepted into medical school. She is very excited and we are excited for her.
  • We had a great road-trip to Kansas. The time on the road was sweet.
  • My dear husband says he likes being with me. I like being with him, too. Whew. Good thing.
  • My favorite TV show is Jon & Kate Plus 8. Cannot get enough of those adorable kids. I've watched the same episodes many times.
  • My other favorite TV show is The Office. It makes me happy and make me laugh.
  • I'm loving the cool temps and the fall colors. What I don't like about fall is the fact that winter comes next. And up here it comes cold and long. **Sigh**
  • I am weary of the political commercials. Aren't we all? When I was watching TV the other afternoon I saw a commercial that had a baby eating a bowl of spaghetti. That was it. Across the bottom of the screen was a timer and the words "A break from the political commercials." It lasted for 30 seconds. It made me laugh!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

You Know You're a Minnesotan If...

I have only lived in Minnesota for 7 years, so I don't really consider myself a Minnesotan, but I have observed much of this while living here. This is quite amusing.

You measure distance in minutes.

Weather is 80% of your conversation.

Down south to you means Iowa.

You call highways "freeways."

Snow tires came standard on your car.

You have no concept of public transportation.

75% of your graduating high school class went to the Univ. of Minnesota.

You know more than 1 person that has hit a deer.

People from other states love to hear you say words with "o"s in them.

You know what and where "Dinkytown" is.

"Perkins" was a popular hangout option in high school.

You have no problem saying or spelling "Minneapolis."

You can list all the "Dales."

You hate "Fargo" but realize that a lot of your family has that accent.

You get mad at people who think Fargo is in Minnesota.

Your school classes have been canceled because of snow or cold.

You know what Mille Lacs is and how to spell it.

You assume when you say "The Cities" people know where you are referring to.

You know what the numbers 694, 494, I-94, 394 mean.

You have tried boiled fish in lye at Christmas.

You know the 2 sports-related reasons why we hate Dallas.

Nothing gets you madder than seeing a Green Bay sticker on a MN car.

You know what "uff-da" means and how to use it properly.

You can pinpoint exactly where each scene in "Untamed Heart" was filmed.

You can spot the three-second cameo appearance by "The Artist formerly Known as Prince" in "Fargo."

You're a loyal Target shopper.

You've licked frozen metal.

The only reason you go to Wisconsin is to get fireworks or to fish.

You own an ice house, a snowmobile, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

You wear shorts when it's 50 degrees outside in March, but bundle up and complain in August when it goes below 60.

You know people that have more fishing poles than teeth.

You remember WLOL.

It feels like the Mississippi is everywhere you go.

When you talk about "opener" you are not talking about cans.

You have gone Trick-or-Treating in 3 feet of snow.

You know that when it comes to AM, there is only WCCO, besides, what else do you need?

You know what the word SPAM stands for (in more ways than one)

You carry jumper cables in your car.

You drink "POP," not "SODA"

There was a time when you were SO proud that Soul Asylum is from MN

In a conversation you heard someone say "yah, sure, you betcha" and you didn't laugh.

Everyone you know has a cabin.

You get sick of people asking you where Paisley Park is.

You know that Lake Wobegon isn't real and you know who made it up, where they live, and exactly what to do about it.

You have friends who schedule their wedding in the middle of January without a thought about weather conditions.

You may not have actually eaten it, but you have heard of Lutefisk.

Someone mentions Old Hubie or the Humph, and you know exactly who they mean.

You like the Winter Olympics better than the Summer Olympics.

You beam with pride when some King or Hollywood super star comes to the Mayo Clinic to save their lives.

You have ever worn shorts and a parka at the same time.

You have either a pet or a child named "Kirby."

Your town has an equal number of bars and churches.

You know how to say Wayzata, Mahtomedi, and Shakopee.

You grew up thinking rice was only for dessert.

You never had to rewind any part of "Fargo" because you missed some of the dialogue.

You always believed that vacation meant "going up north."

Your bank has the name of your town included in its name.

The temperature in March is above freezing for three days in a row, and you think it's summer.

You laugh out loud every time you see a news report about a blizzard shutting down the entire east coast.

The first time you saw "Grumpy Old Men" you thought it was a documentary.

Your state's pro football team beats San Francisco, but loses to Tampa Bay.

You've been made fun of for your northern accent.

You've been to an ice hockey game.

You've been snowmobiling.

You know how the wind chill factor works.

You constantly make fun of Iowa.

You keep an ice scraper in your back seat.

You call the childhood game "Duck, duck, gray duck."

You've ever built a snowman.

You consider 50 degrees in March a warm day.

You make fun of Wisconsin people.

You know where yellow snow comes from.

You know at least one person in your imediate family hate the "Packers."

You "go to the cabin" on the weekends during the summer.

You've ever taken a family vacation to either North or South Dakota.

You're still mad at the LA Lakers for not changing their name.

You or your family owns a snow blower.

You, your dad, or a close friend has a snow plow on the front of their pick up truck.

You expect school cancellations and delays to happen at least twice a winter.

You still hear/tell stories about the "Halloween Snow Storm" of 91.

You've been in, on, or near a lake within the past week.

You know the names of the Twin Cities.

You've been to the city of Duluth.