You will all be happy to know that I found my planner. It was in the car. I LOOKED in the car a few days ago, though, and it wasn't there. I think it's a conspiracy to make me think I've lost my mind.
Homeschooling is going well, other than the occasional battle over math. Yes, you have to do it. I know it's not too hard because you did that same type of problem every day for the past 3 days without any problem. I know you're hiding a toy. Give it to me and get back to your math. No, you cannot go to the bathroom for the 5th time in the last hour. Yes, you have to take it with you when we go to pick up Ruthie. GET BACK IN THAT ROOM AND FINISH YOUR MATH! (not one of my better moments)
Ruthie's last day was Friday. She was slightly sad, but mostly excited. I'm excited, too. I'm enjoying this way more than I thought I would. I started because I felt it was what my children needed, but not necessarily what I wanted. (I enjoy my "me time".) God has truly worked on my heart.
Robert had the Pinewood Derby this morning. He placed 2nd!! Woo hoo!! In case you're wondering, it's all in the wheels and the axles.
My birthday was Wednesday. I turned 39. (I start counting backwards next year.) We went for dinner at Pappadeaux. We had lousy service, but got a free dessert out of it, so I was happy. Griff and the kids got me two Willow Tree figures - "Mother and Daughter" and "Mother and Son". I love them.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Lost and (Not-Yet) Found
Don't you hate it when you can't find something?
I have a planner notebook. It holds 8.5x11 paper, so it's not small. It has my calendar in it, as well as Girl Scout information and various other things. I can't find it. I have looked everywhere and I can't find it. It's been awhile since I've used it. Maybe a few weeks. Where is it?! I'm going to call the school and our church on Tuesday to check lost-and-found, but I don't think I left it there. I'm pretty sure it's in the house somewhere... I think...
This is going to keep me awake at night. I know it will.
Argh!
I have a planner notebook. It holds 8.5x11 paper, so it's not small. It has my calendar in it, as well as Girl Scout information and various other things. I can't find it. I have looked everywhere and I can't find it. It's been awhile since I've used it. Maybe a few weeks. Where is it?! I'm going to call the school and our church on Tuesday to check lost-and-found, but I don't think I left it there. I'm pretty sure it's in the house somewhere... I think...
This is going to keep me awake at night. I know it will.
Argh!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Don't Ever Google "Cheerleader".
My father-in-law (a huge University of Texas fan), sent me this picture. It's funny, but to be honest, it doesn't look real.
I checked out snopes and found nothing, so I decided to google it. My search words were "usc cheerleader picture university texas".
Oh. My. Goodness.
I didn't even look at any of the sites because the short description under the sites listed was bad enough.
Lesson learned.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Scottish Dances and New Year's Resolutions
I'm definitely getting old. I went to bed at 11:00 last night. Our new neighbors had invited us to a New Year's Eve party, but I really wasn't feeling well, so Griff went by himself and I stayed home with the kids. He went at about 9:00 and, while he did come home a few times to check on me, stayed until 12:30. I was shocked! Griff does not like parties. He had a great time at this one, though. Our neighbors (next-door, in fact) are from Scotland. They've only been here a few years, so their accents are still strong. Most of the people at the party were from Scotland. Some of the men were wearing kilts. They played Scottish music and had Scottish ale. They even did some Scottish dances. Griff was fascinated by all of it and really enjoyed it.
As far as the new year goes, I am making a New Year's Resolution. Typically, I don't do those. I believe that if there is something about your life you should change, you should do it anytime, not just January 1st. However, I read a book that influenced me, and I just finished it yesterday, so this whole resolution thing qualifies.
The book I read is Honey For a Child's Heart. It is about finding the best books for your children. While it does this wonderfully (it has a great list for children ages 0-12), she also shares how books have influenced her whole family's life. That's what I want. I want shared memories around reading books. I want to read the Bible as a family. I want to share great (and even not-so-great) literature. I have always felt this has been a weak point for me. My children are great readers, but I don't think I can take the credit for that. I haven't read to them as I should since they were babies.
This is a perfect time to add this to our lives. Homeschooling lends itself to time together, reading. I'm hoping to involve Griff, but even if I can't, I want to share this with my children.
So, that is my New Year's Resolution. Read to and with my children. I'm not going to promise a certain amount of times on certain days, because I know myself, and that will lead to failure. I'm going to choose a book today and start reading it to them.
If you have children, I highly recommend this book. I got it at our library, but will be buying it. She has also written Honey for a Teen's Heart (with Barbara Hampton) and Honey for a Woman's Heart. I will definitely be reading them both, although the former can wait a few years.
As far as the new year goes, I am making a New Year's Resolution. Typically, I don't do those. I believe that if there is something about your life you should change, you should do it anytime, not just January 1st. However, I read a book that influenced me, and I just finished it yesterday, so this whole resolution thing qualifies.
The book I read is Honey For a Child's Heart. It is about finding the best books for your children. While it does this wonderfully (it has a great list for children ages 0-12), she also shares how books have influenced her whole family's life. That's what I want. I want shared memories around reading books. I want to read the Bible as a family. I want to share great (and even not-so-great) literature. I have always felt this has been a weak point for me. My children are great readers, but I don't think I can take the credit for that. I haven't read to them as I should since they were babies.
This is a perfect time to add this to our lives. Homeschooling lends itself to time together, reading. I'm hoping to involve Griff, but even if I can't, I want to share this with my children.
So, that is my New Year's Resolution. Read to and with my children. I'm not going to promise a certain amount of times on certain days, because I know myself, and that will lead to failure. I'm going to choose a book today and start reading it to them.
If you have children, I highly recommend this book. I got it at our library, but will be buying it. She has also written Honey for a Teen's Heart (with Barbara Hampton) and Honey for a Woman's Heart. I will definitely be reading them both, although the former can wait a few years.
Friday, December 30, 2005
A Houston Winter
I just love winter in Houston. Guess what the temperature is right now. Go on, guess.
...
Nah, you'll never guess. It is 74 degrees!! The sun is shining. It has been like this all week. I love it. I absolutely, positively love it. Sure, it's December 29th. Sure, it should be cold. But it's not. And I'm thrilled. We're working in the yard. The kids are playing on the swingset. We are wearing shorts. I love, love, love Houston in the winter.
It may be 30 degrees next week, and I will survive, because I know another warm spell will be just around the corner.
...
Nah, you'll never guess. It is 74 degrees!! The sun is shining. It has been like this all week. I love it. I absolutely, positively love it. Sure, it's December 29th. Sure, it should be cold. But it's not. And I'm thrilled. We're working in the yard. The kids are playing on the swingset. We are wearing shorts. I love, love, love Houston in the winter.
It may be 30 degrees next week, and I will survive, because I know another warm spell will be just around the corner.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
March of the Penguins
Have you seen the movie "March of the Penguins" yet? If you haven't, and you are a parent, you need to see it. Any sacrifices you have made for your children will suddenly seem insignifigant. Goodness! Going four months without food in order to protect your offspring? Walking for a week to get to a food source? I don't even like going to the grocery store that's five minutes from my home. And I get to travel in a cozy car. I'm just pitiful.
After watching the movie Christmas Eve, I told Griff, "You are a great father, but those penguins have you completely beat." His response? "Right back at ya'!" (well, not exactly, but close enough)
After watching the movie Christmas Eve, I told Griff, "You are a great father, but those penguins have you completely beat." His response? "Right back at ya'!" (well, not exactly, but close enough)
Friday, December 23, 2005
It's All About Me
I was tagged by sprittibee months ago, but I'm just now getting around to doing this.
Things I want to do before I die:
1. Go to Europe
2. Live next door to my best friend Linda
3. See my children happily married
4. Get down to a size 8 again and STAY THERE
Things I can do:
1. Sing the bass part of four-part harmony
2. Make great birthday cakes for my kids
Things I cannot do:
1. Cure my sister's MS
2. Keep my house clean (I'm trying!)
3. Figure out what to get my husband for Christmas
Things that attract me to my husband:
1. His beard
2. His cheesy grin
3. His strong work ethic
4. His love for our children
5. His strong feeling of right, wrong, and absolutes
Celebrity crushes I've had in the past:
1. Tom Selleck
2. Sean Cassidy
Thelast thing I was supposed to do was tag others to do this, but there's noone I know well enough in blog-land to call on for that.
Things I want to do before I die:
1. Go to Europe
2. Live next door to my best friend Linda
3. See my children happily married
4. Get down to a size 8 again and STAY THERE
Things I can do:
1. Sing the bass part of four-part harmony
2. Make great birthday cakes for my kids
Things I cannot do:
1. Cure my sister's MS
2. Keep my house clean (I'm trying!)
3. Figure out what to get my husband for Christmas
Things that attract me to my husband:
1. His beard
2. His cheesy grin
3. His strong work ethic
4. His love for our children
5. His strong feeling of right, wrong, and absolutes
Celebrity crushes I've had in the past:
1. Tom Selleck
2. Sean Cassidy
Thelast thing I was supposed to do was tag others to do this, but there's noone I know well enough in blog-land to call on for that.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Okay, I Feel Better.
As of yesterday, I had bought 2 Christmas gifts. Two! And neither one was for my children. I was actually beginning to get a little panicky about not being able to find what they wanted. So, I decided today would have to be the day.
I went to Wal-mart, Target, and Toys R Us. I found their "big" gift item and a couple of other things on their lists. Even though there are other things I still want to get for them, I feel that even if I don't get any more shopping done, we're okay.
Whew!
...
Oh, wait. I forgot about stocking stuffers. Dang.
I went to Wal-mart, Target, and Toys R Us. I found their "big" gift item and a couple of other things on their lists. Even though there are other things I still want to get for them, I feel that even if I don't get any more shopping done, we're okay.
Whew!
...
Oh, wait. I forgot about stocking stuffers. Dang.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
A New Chapter in Our Lives
Life is ever-changing. Just when you think you are settled, it has a habit of throwing a wrench in the works. We are in the middle of a mjaor "wrenching".
With two children in a private school, we have been falling further and further behind financially. Our heads are above water, but only with the help of the Mastercard, which has a balance higher than it's been in years. Neither of us are comfortable with that, but we have not seen a way to cut many more expenses. We had begun talking of me returning to work, hopefully at the very school our children attend. This is not something I want, but we also do not want to put our children in public school, so it seemd our only option. I did bring up homeschooling, but Griff was opposed.
About a week before Thanksgiving, I decided what I needed was God's input. (I know. I'm a little late to the game.) So, I prayed that God would show us what to do. Should I get a job? If so, help me find one that is family friendly. And, oh, by the way, could you make the answer really obvious? (I do so love obvious answers from God!)
Three days later, I received my answer. Well, okay, it was actually a letter from the school. They were requesting a meeting to discuss Robert's future at the school. I did not have a good feeling about this, but I did try to be optimistic. And what a waste of optimism it was. I figured that with school registration for next year starting in January, we were going to be told that our son would not be allowed to return. THAT was optimistic. They actually, basically, gave us 2 weeks to find a new school because he would not be allowed to return in January. I felt that I had been kicked in the stomach. It was terrible. Words cannot express the feelings we went through during and after that meeting. The one thing that has given me peace is that prayer I prayed a couple of weeks before. I know that leaving this school is God's will for our family.
So, Griff and I started discussing our options:
1) another Christian private school - well, we already know they won't take him
2) a special school for high functioning autistic children - at triple the current tuition rate, we just cannot afford it
3) public school - the mere idea of the bullies that he would encounter is enough to knock this off the list
4) homeschooling - what I've wanted for awhile now
Griff realized our best option at this point is home schooling. I, of course, am thrilled. Well, yes, but also scared to death. What a huge responsibility! But I am ready for the task before me. Then, Griff mentions he wants me to homeschool Ruth, as well.
Wait a minute! Back up the train! Homeschool 2 children at one time? But I've never done this before! How can I possibly...
But, we are a family. We do things together. We stand united. So, that means, if Robert is homeschooled, so is Ruth. So, Robert will be coming home for school after Christmas. I am going to take a month to get him used to it, then bring Ruth home at the end of January.
Please pray for all of us during this time of adjustment. We need all the prayers we can get. Do be careful, though, about asking for obvious answers. God does give them at times, and they are not usually what you are expecting.
With two children in a private school, we have been falling further and further behind financially. Our heads are above water, but only with the help of the Mastercard, which has a balance higher than it's been in years. Neither of us are comfortable with that, but we have not seen a way to cut many more expenses. We had begun talking of me returning to work, hopefully at the very school our children attend. This is not something I want, but we also do not want to put our children in public school, so it seemd our only option. I did bring up homeschooling, but Griff was opposed.
About a week before Thanksgiving, I decided what I needed was God's input. (I know. I'm a little late to the game.) So, I prayed that God would show us what to do. Should I get a job? If so, help me find one that is family friendly. And, oh, by the way, could you make the answer really obvious? (I do so love obvious answers from God!)
Three days later, I received my answer. Well, okay, it was actually a letter from the school. They were requesting a meeting to discuss Robert's future at the school. I did not have a good feeling about this, but I did try to be optimistic. And what a waste of optimism it was. I figured that with school registration for next year starting in January, we were going to be told that our son would not be allowed to return. THAT was optimistic. They actually, basically, gave us 2 weeks to find a new school because he would not be allowed to return in January. I felt that I had been kicked in the stomach. It was terrible. Words cannot express the feelings we went through during and after that meeting. The one thing that has given me peace is that prayer I prayed a couple of weeks before. I know that leaving this school is God's will for our family.
So, Griff and I started discussing our options:
1) another Christian private school - well, we already know they won't take him
2) a special school for high functioning autistic children - at triple the current tuition rate, we just cannot afford it
3) public school - the mere idea of the bullies that he would encounter is enough to knock this off the list
4) homeschooling - what I've wanted for awhile now
Griff realized our best option at this point is home schooling. I, of course, am thrilled. Well, yes, but also scared to death. What a huge responsibility! But I am ready for the task before me. Then, Griff mentions he wants me to homeschool Ruth, as well.
Wait a minute! Back up the train! Homeschool 2 children at one time? But I've never done this before! How can I possibly...
But, we are a family. We do things together. We stand united. So, that means, if Robert is homeschooled, so is Ruth. So, Robert will be coming home for school after Christmas. I am going to take a month to get him used to it, then bring Ruth home at the end of January.
Please pray for all of us during this time of adjustment. We need all the prayers we can get. Do be careful, though, about asking for obvious answers. God does give them at times, and they are not usually what you are expecting.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Blog Block
I've had blog block for awhile now. I have not been able to figure out what in the world to blog about. Actually, I have had a couple of ideas, but they are going to take time to put together and I am not exactly finding myself with excess time lately.
While reading my latest issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine, I came across of list of things to scrapbook about. I haven't had much time for that lately, either, so I thought I would blog some of them.
There are 52 ideas. Some are mundane. Some are thought-provoking. Tonight, I'm going with the mundane.
- What books and magazines are you reading right now?
I'm obviously reading Creating Keepsakes magazine. I just started Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I've been looking forward to it, but I already know a huge spoiler about it. I found it accidentally in two different locations, so I know it's true. Sigh...
- What's the last TV show you watched and why?
I watched Lost tonight. Why? Because it's a fascinating show.
- Who was your second-grade teacher and what did she teach you?
Mrs. Comstock. I'm sure she taught me typical 2nd grade stuff, but I realized after reading this question that she is the one elementary teacher that I remember absolutely nothing about. I have some memories of every other teacher, except her. Isn't that odd?
How many times have you moved in your life?
Let's see... not including college - 6. Only one of those was outside of the Greater Houston area.
What's your favorite sport to participate in or watch?
Well, I'm totally not athletic, so I don't participate. I love to watch high school football. I think it's all of those years in the band.
More fascinatingly mundane questions answered later. I'm going to bed.
While reading my latest issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine, I came across of list of things to scrapbook about. I haven't had much time for that lately, either, so I thought I would blog some of them.
There are 52 ideas. Some are mundane. Some are thought-provoking. Tonight, I'm going with the mundane.
- What books and magazines are you reading right now?
I'm obviously reading Creating Keepsakes magazine. I just started Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I've been looking forward to it, but I already know a huge spoiler about it. I found it accidentally in two different locations, so I know it's true. Sigh...
- What's the last TV show you watched and why?
I watched Lost tonight. Why? Because it's a fascinating show.
- Who was your second-grade teacher and what did she teach you?
Mrs. Comstock. I'm sure she taught me typical 2nd grade stuff, but I realized after reading this question that she is the one elementary teacher that I remember absolutely nothing about. I have some memories of every other teacher, except her. Isn't that odd?
How many times have you moved in your life?
Let's see... not including college - 6. Only one of those was outside of the Greater Houston area.
What's your favorite sport to participate in or watch?
Well, I'm totally not athletic, so I don't participate. I love to watch high school football. I think it's all of those years in the band.
More fascinatingly mundane questions answered later. I'm going to bed.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
I Believe! I Do!
The other day Robert asked if he could have a tennis racket. I told him to put it on his Christmas list. The following conversation then took place.
Robert: I'll ask for it from Santa. ...pause... Of course, Mom, you know who really does that.
Me: Does what?
Robert: You know. Who puts the stuff out at night.
Me: What stuff?
Robert: Mo-om - the presents
Me: Who puts the presents out?
Robert: Mom, you know that you do it.
Me: Do what?
Robert: (with a big grin) You put the presents under the tree.
Me: Do you think so?
Robert: Yes, I do.
Me: Well, honey, you know...
Robert: I know, I know! If you don't believe in Santa, he doesn't bring anything except coal for your stocking. I believe in Santa! I do!
Funny kid. And smart. If you say you don't believe in Santa, he doesn't come.
Robert: I'll ask for it from Santa. ...pause... Of course, Mom, you know who really does that.
Me: Does what?
Robert: You know. Who puts the stuff out at night.
Me: What stuff?
Robert: Mo-om - the presents
Me: Who puts the presents out?
Robert: Mom, you know that you do it.
Me: Do what?
Robert: (with a big grin) You put the presents under the tree.
Me: Do you think so?
Robert: Yes, I do.
Me: Well, honey, you know...
Robert: I know, I know! If you don't believe in Santa, he doesn't bring anything except coal for your stocking. I believe in Santa! I do!
Funny kid. And smart. If you say you don't believe in Santa, he doesn't come.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Just Life
Minor ramblings...
My dryer died. It was making a thunk, thunk, thunk noise as it tumbled, but now it doesn't tumble at all. Griff, of course, is out of town. I'm going to call a repairman today. I'm hoping that fixing it will be cheaper than a new dryer.
I spent a lot of yesterday cleaning out my "garage sale" closet upstairs. I had said that if I didn't have a garage sale by October, it was all going to be donated. Purple Heart is coming tomorrow and I will make their trip worthwhile.
Ruthie is home sick from school today. It's one of those "should she really be home?" sicknesses. She has a congested cough, stuffy nose, and a sore throat. I can understand why she feels crummy, but, with no fever, I do wonder if I should have sent her.
I went to Memphis last week. My best friend is going through a rough time and I went to lend moral support. Shopping with her and picking out new kitchen tile was just a bonus. :) I had never driven by myself that far, so I was a bit nervous. However, it was no big deal and books on tape make the trip go quickly.
We're starting to get more orders at our online business. It was so odd the first time somebody we didn't know ordered from the web-site. Our first $50 order was a cause for much rejoicing. This thing may support itself yet. At this point, that's all we're hoping for.
My dryer died. It was making a thunk, thunk, thunk noise as it tumbled, but now it doesn't tumble at all. Griff, of course, is out of town. I'm going to call a repairman today. I'm hoping that fixing it will be cheaper than a new dryer.
I spent a lot of yesterday cleaning out my "garage sale" closet upstairs. I had said that if I didn't have a garage sale by October, it was all going to be donated. Purple Heart is coming tomorrow and I will make their trip worthwhile.
Ruthie is home sick from school today. It's one of those "should she really be home?" sicknesses. She has a congested cough, stuffy nose, and a sore throat. I can understand why she feels crummy, but, with no fever, I do wonder if I should have sent her.
I went to Memphis last week. My best friend is going through a rough time and I went to lend moral support. Shopping with her and picking out new kitchen tile was just a bonus. :) I had never driven by myself that far, so I was a bit nervous. However, it was no big deal and books on tape make the trip go quickly.
We're starting to get more orders at our online business. It was so odd the first time somebody we didn't know ordered from the web-site. Our first $50 order was a cause for much rejoicing. This thing may support itself yet. At this point, that's all we're hoping for.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
About My Mom
Friday was my mom's birthday. In honor of her, I thought I would share some things about her.
She was the youngest of 4 children.
She grew up in the country. With siblings that were much older, and other children living so far away, she was often lonely. She did NOT like living in the country.
She married my dad when she was almost 19, after 13 dates.
She graduated from high school a year early. She took college courses over the years, but never got a degree.
Daddy was in the Air Force and she loved all the moving around that included. Her favorite state was Colorado.
She loved working. Her favorite job was as a secretary at NASA when the space program was getting started. Daddy made her quit because the hours were so long and she was away from home so much. It took her years to forgive him for that.
She was incredibly hospitable. She keep a file card index of everybody at church and noted when they were last in our home. We had company over all the time.
Our home was cluttered and often messy. Every time company was coming (and remember, we had company a lot!), we would spend the day crisis cleaning.
She taught 2 year olds at church until she literally could not get down on the floor with them anymore. I think she was in her 60's when she quit teaching.
She was a great seamstress. She sewed a lot of clothes for me and my sisters. She made my oldest sister's wedding dress and mine.
She loved wine, but stopped drinking it when her children came. She felt that she could not ask us not to drink alcohol if she did.
After retirement, she took tole painting classes. She made dolls and other craft items. She and my dad did lots of craft shows.
She loved puzzle magazines. I remember she was very good at cryptograms and logic problems.
She enjoyed card games. Her favorite was bridge. If she was alone and wanted to play, she would deal 4 hands on the table and take turns playing each hand. I never did understand how she didn't cheat doing that.
She was an adequate cook, but liked strange food combinations. One time at my house, she mixed macaroni & cheese, cornbread, and tomato soup together and ate it like that.
She often refused to have her picture taken, but came to regret that in later years.
She was a great mom.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you and miss you.
She was the youngest of 4 children.
She grew up in the country. With siblings that were much older, and other children living so far away, she was often lonely. She did NOT like living in the country.
She married my dad when she was almost 19, after 13 dates.
She graduated from high school a year early. She took college courses over the years, but never got a degree.
Daddy was in the Air Force and she loved all the moving around that included. Her favorite state was Colorado.
She loved working. Her favorite job was as a secretary at NASA when the space program was getting started. Daddy made her quit because the hours were so long and she was away from home so much. It took her years to forgive him for that.
She was incredibly hospitable. She keep a file card index of everybody at church and noted when they were last in our home. We had company over all the time.
Our home was cluttered and often messy. Every time company was coming (and remember, we had company a lot!), we would spend the day crisis cleaning.
She taught 2 year olds at church until she literally could not get down on the floor with them anymore. I think she was in her 60's when she quit teaching.
She was a great seamstress. She sewed a lot of clothes for me and my sisters. She made my oldest sister's wedding dress and mine.
She loved wine, but stopped drinking it when her children came. She felt that she could not ask us not to drink alcohol if she did.
After retirement, she took tole painting classes. She made dolls and other craft items. She and my dad did lots of craft shows.
She loved puzzle magazines. I remember she was very good at cryptograms and logic problems.
She enjoyed card games. Her favorite was bridge. If she was alone and wanted to play, she would deal 4 hands on the table and take turns playing each hand. I never did understand how she didn't cheat doing that.
She was an adequate cook, but liked strange food combinations. One time at my house, she mixed macaroni & cheese, cornbread, and tomato soup together and ate it like that.
She often refused to have her picture taken, but came to regret that in later years.
She was a great mom.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you and miss you.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Good, Perfect Gifts
I am participating in Bible Study Fellowship again this year. If you are not familiar with BSF, it is a international non-denominational Bible study program. Each week, you have a discussion group and a lecture. You have homework that consists of notes covering the previous week's lesson and 5 days of questions about the next section of scripture. This year, we're studying Genesis. It has only been a few weeks, but it has already been an incredible study.
This past week, we studied the creation of man and woman. During the lecture, our leader said, "Every gift from God is good and perfect." This statement has been swirling through my head ever since.
My beautiful son is on the autism spectrum. He has problems and struggles other children don't have. As a parent, I face problems and struggles others don't have. I have railed against fate. I have railed against God. Why my son? Why me? Why is their child so "perfect"? It's not fair!
I got my answer this week. My son is a gift from God. He is good. He is perfect. I am blessed.
This past week, we studied the creation of man and woman. During the lecture, our leader said, "Every gift from God is good and perfect." This statement has been swirling through my head ever since.
My beautiful son is on the autism spectrum. He has problems and struggles other children don't have. As a parent, I face problems and struggles others don't have. I have railed against fate. I have railed against God. Why my son? Why me? Why is their child so "perfect"? It's not fair!
I got my answer this week. My son is a gift from God. He is good. He is perfect. I am blessed.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Who created 3rd grade projects?
Robert has to do a project on his community. He has to report on the history of our community, restaurants, grocery stores, public service places, recreation, etc. It can either be a scrapbook, power point presentation, or video. Robert has chosen (surprise!) the video option. We started to spend part of our Rita-vacation working on it, but a heat index of 113 is not conducive to a cooperative 9 year old.
Yesterday, though, we got most of the footage done. We will finish up Saturday morning. I will probably spend Sunday afternoon editing it. Oh, wait. Did I say I would be doing it? How silly of me! This is a 3rd grade project. Robert will be doing the editing.
HA!
This project is due October 5th. Pray for all of us as we work to finish it up. Sigh...
Yesterday, though, we got most of the footage done. We will finish up Saturday morning. I will probably spend Sunday afternoon editing it. Oh, wait. Did I say I would be doing it? How silly of me! This is a 3rd grade project. Robert will be doing the editing.
HA!
This project is due October 5th. Pray for all of us as we work to finish it up. Sigh...
Friday, September 23, 2005
Where Will She Hit?
Bobble to the left. Bobble to the right. Stand up. Sit down. Fight! Fight! Fight!
Ha! Sorry about that. Just a little hurricane humor. "Bobble" is apparently a technical hurricane term. Did you know that? When they are trying to explain why this monster storm is changing direction, the correct verbage is, indeed, "bobble". They showed us the radar of the storm and showed us the progression. "See that right there?", says the all-knowing meteorologist (who I believe is guessing about where this thing will land!). "See that bobble to the right, then bobble to the left?" Um, well, no. I believe you, Frank. I really do. However, I see no "bobble". But, the storm has moved east, which is all I care about!
Early Thursday morning, they said Rita would hit Matagorda, which was bad for us. That put us on the dirty side of the hurricane and we could expect winds of over 75 mph. Yikes! Then, later that morning, she shifted to the east some, and now they said she was coming straight over Galveston. Very, very bad for Galveston, but that shift put us on the west side of the hurricane, which is better for us. Still later in the day, Rita's projected path moved farther east to Beaumont. They are now projecting 40+ mph winds for my area, which is much, much better. My windows can withstand that (assuming the wind is not assisted by some piece of a flying tree branch).
As of last night, they would not say for sure where she would land. It's 5 am and my brother's girlfriend, Karen, is asleep on our couch (her choice! we have a bed for her), so I can't watch TV to check what they're saying now. I just hope she keeps bobbling to the right!
Ha! Sorry about that. Just a little hurricane humor. "Bobble" is apparently a technical hurricane term. Did you know that? When they are trying to explain why this monster storm is changing direction, the correct verbage is, indeed, "bobble". They showed us the radar of the storm and showed us the progression. "See that right there?", says the all-knowing meteorologist (who I believe is guessing about where this thing will land!). "See that bobble to the right, then bobble to the left?" Um, well, no. I believe you, Frank. I really do. However, I see no "bobble". But, the storm has moved east, which is all I care about!
Early Thursday morning, they said Rita would hit Matagorda, which was bad for us. That put us on the dirty side of the hurricane and we could expect winds of over 75 mph. Yikes! Then, later that morning, she shifted to the east some, and now they said she was coming straight over Galveston. Very, very bad for Galveston, but that shift put us on the west side of the hurricane, which is better for us. Still later in the day, Rita's projected path moved farther east to Beaumont. They are now projecting 40+ mph winds for my area, which is much, much better. My windows can withstand that (assuming the wind is not assisted by some piece of a flying tree branch).
As of last night, they would not say for sure where she would land. It's 5 am and my brother's girlfriend, Karen, is asleep on our couch (her choice! we have a bed for her), so I can't watch TV to check what they're saying now. I just hope she keeps bobbling to the right!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Riding Out Rita
Hurricane Rita is heading our way. We've made the decision to stay, but it hasn't been an easy one. I've second guessed myself all week until today. What made the difference? Watching the news coverage of the gridlocked traffic on the evacuation routes. If we left, we'd be heading to Griff's family in Dallas, but I-45 is a mess and has been since yesterday. People are running out of gas and there is very little gas available. Cars are overheating. There have actually been fights witnessed between motorists alongside the roads. Tempers are short. All of this adds up to a situation I do not want to expose my family to.
We now have houseguests. My dad, my brother, and his girlfriend arrived from Deer Park this morning. (It took them 3 hours to make what is typically a 45 minute trip.) They were in the storm surge area, so it was absolutely necessary for them to leave. With guests coming, I went to the store this morning and found bottled water, so I bought another 6 cases on top of the 3 we already had. I had not been able to find bread, but they did have some, so I bought a few loaves. Unfortunately, they still didn't have ice, and I doubt they will. I have frozen empty milk jugs full of water, so hopefully that will help keep our refrigerated items cool if/when we lose power. I also bought charcoal so we can grill once the storm is over.
I will update my blog when I can, but I expect we will lose power some time Friday night and may not have it again for awhile.
Keep us and all the people in the path of this hurricane in your prayers. While we don't want this storm to hit Houston, I also would not wish it on anyone else.
Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
We now have houseguests. My dad, my brother, and his girlfriend arrived from Deer Park this morning. (It took them 3 hours to make what is typically a 45 minute trip.) They were in the storm surge area, so it was absolutely necessary for them to leave. With guests coming, I went to the store this morning and found bottled water, so I bought another 6 cases on top of the 3 we already had. I had not been able to find bread, but they did have some, so I bought a few loaves. Unfortunately, they still didn't have ice, and I doubt they will. I have frozen empty milk jugs full of water, so hopefully that will help keep our refrigerated items cool if/when we lose power. I also bought charcoal so we can grill once the storm is over.
I will update my blog when I can, but I expect we will lose power some time Friday night and may not have it again for awhile.
Keep us and all the people in the path of this hurricane in your prayers. While we don't want this storm to hit Houston, I also would not wish it on anyone else.
Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
He's 9!!
My sweet, cuddly, laughing baby turned 9 this week. NINE! Can this really be happening? Wasn't it just yesterday that they rushed me down the hall after 12 hours of labor for an emergency c-section? Didn't I just watch him take his first steps? Didn't I just leave him for his first day of kindergarten?
This isn't right. I should get to hold on to his childhood longer. He's starting to fill out. His shoulders are getting broader. His thighs are getting bigger. This child, who has always had my small-framed, skinny build (well, I was very skinny as a child!), is starting to take on the frame of his father. Griff is a huge guy. It can't be possible that Robert will be that same size.
Sigh... I need to enjoy the fact that he still hugs me. He loves to see me up at school. He still likes to cuddle (occasionally!) on the couch while we watch a movie. The day will come when he will feel too "grown up" for those things. So, I still do have some of his childhood to hold on to. May it last as long as possible!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
I Miss My Mom
Something happened today that reminded me of a story my mom used to tell about when I was a child. I was a very, shall we say, adventurous, child. I was always climbing on things. One day, when I was about 2 years old, I got her Chanel No. 5 off the bathroom counter and poured it down the sink. My mom loved Chanel No. 5. As a working mother of 4 children, it was one of her few luxuries. She bought another bottle and put it on a shelf above her bathroom counter. I climbed on top of the counter, got the bottle, and, you guessed it, poured it down the sink. Mom didn't get any Chanel No. 5 for a long time after that. She told that story many times over the years and we always laughed about it.
I always planned on buying her a bottle of Chanel No. 5. I never did. I can't tell you how much I regret that simple thing. I called my sister and talked to her about it. She said, "Rhonda, Mom got more enjoyment out of telling that story than she would a new bottle of perfume." True. However, I know she would have loved it. We would have laughed about my childhood escapades. It would have been a good thing. It's too late now to do that and all the things I wanted to do with and for her.
I know I will see her again in Heaven someday, but I want her here with me. Now.
If you have something you've always wanted to do for or say to a loved one, don't wait. Do it. Now.
I always planned on buying her a bottle of Chanel No. 5. I never did. I can't tell you how much I regret that simple thing. I called my sister and talked to her about it. She said, "Rhonda, Mom got more enjoyment out of telling that story than she would a new bottle of perfume." True. However, I know she would have loved it. We would have laughed about my childhood escapades. It would have been a good thing. It's too late now to do that and all the things I wanted to do with and for her.
I know I will see her again in Heaven someday, but I want her here with me. Now.
If you have something you've always wanted to do for or say to a loved one, don't wait. Do it. Now.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Such Maturity!
Have you ever watched the show "House Hunters"? It's on HGTV and is about people searching for the "perfect" house. It's interesting seeing what people think is important in a home. It's also interesting to see what passes for a big house in California. :)
One day I was watching "House Hunters" and Ruthie came in the room. She wanted to watch something on our DVR. I'm sure it was something mentally stimulating like "Full House". I told her she could as soon as my show was over. She saw what I was watching, sat down on the couch, and said, "Oooh. This is interesting. You know, when I was 5 or 6 years old, I thought this show was really boring." LOL! Yes, the age of 7 brings such a level of maturity as to enjoy a mindless show such as "House Hunters".
Funny, funny girl.
One day I was watching "House Hunters" and Ruthie came in the room. She wanted to watch something on our DVR. I'm sure it was something mentally stimulating like "Full House". I told her she could as soon as my show was over. She saw what I was watching, sat down on the couch, and said, "Oooh. This is interesting. You know, when I was 5 or 6 years old, I thought this show was really boring." LOL! Yes, the age of 7 brings such a level of maturity as to enjoy a mindless show such as "House Hunters".
Funny, funny girl.
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