This week has been hectic. My husband was home 24 hours and then left again. When he returned I had another suitcase ready for packing!
Mid-morning today we arrived home from four stressless days and three restful nights at my aunt's lake house. We only worried about food, sleep, how much sunscreen to wear and whether the fish were biting. Say it with me, "Ah."
Fishing, napping, reading, relaxing, boating, and swimming were our amusements. I became so mellow tiny little roots started shooting out of my toes. So we had to leave before they sunk too deep.
Now, we're back and ready for a hectic and fun week of Vacation Bible School! (We shall blog more about that later.)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Guys and Grass
What is up with guys and grass? Even though we've lived in our current neighborhood for over three years, I am still baffled by the intimate and often prideful connection between men and their lawns.
Guys on our street gather on our sidewalks to compare lawn care services, techniques and the gossip around the area. They discuss the best deals on bulk mulch and rent as a group this giant contraption that puts holes in the lawn (which, I think, look like stubby worms everywhere).
The benefit of all this effort- beautiful homes and gardens. Grass, shrubs and trees are better manicured than my finger nails. It is a good thing, really.
My husband and and I were asked recently if our neighborhood was 'nice' by a prospective new neighbor. My hubbie laughed and said, "only if you're willing to work on your yard." I have heard the guys discussing which neighbors are not caring for their overgrown shrubs, shaggy grass, and awkward landscapes. Often times they offer to help out this 'slacking neighbor' (which sometimes is another excuse to use a new tool more often) and mostly about making our section of the world beautiful.
With all that said, I gotta go mow the lawn. All this rain has caused it to grown again.
Oh no- I've got it too.
Guys on our street gather on our sidewalks to compare lawn care services, techniques and the gossip around the area. They discuss the best deals on bulk mulch and rent as a group this giant contraption that puts holes in the lawn (which, I think, look like stubby worms everywhere).
The benefit of all this effort- beautiful homes and gardens. Grass, shrubs and trees are better manicured than my finger nails. It is a good thing, really.
My husband and and I were asked recently if our neighborhood was 'nice' by a prospective new neighbor. My hubbie laughed and said, "only if you're willing to work on your yard." I have heard the guys discussing which neighbors are not caring for their overgrown shrubs, shaggy grass, and awkward landscapes. Often times they offer to help out this 'slacking neighbor' (which sometimes is another excuse to use a new tool more often) and mostly about making our section of the world beautiful.
With all that said, I gotta go mow the lawn. All this rain has caused it to grown again.
Oh no- I've got it too.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Kids & Writing
I have been amazed by the variety and amount of new literature that is out there now for kids of all ages. My writing class has sent me to the library on numerous assignments to read emergent reader books, chapter books, YA, and even graphic novels (not what you think). Never really considered this whole genre of literature from this angle before.
What fun it was to re-discover old friends along the way. Like Beverly Cleary and all of her books! What a hoot! Boy- did that bring back a rush of nostalgia from grade school and middle school. Some things I had hoped to forget.
Anyway, I am off to the library for yet another assignment (i.e. considering nonfiction writing for kids). By the way- never go to the library during the first week of summer break when it's raining. Way too loud and crowded.
What fun it was to re-discover old friends along the way. Like Beverly Cleary and all of her books! What a hoot! Boy- did that bring back a rush of nostalgia from grade school and middle school. Some things I had hoped to forget.
Anyway, I am off to the library for yet another assignment (i.e. considering nonfiction writing for kids). By the way- never go to the library during the first week of summer break when it's raining. Way too loud and crowded.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June Blessings
June has brought the heat! WOO HOO! I think we need to get a sprinkler. The squirt guns don't quite cut it anymore.
Spent the morning with my spiritual director today. We meet every other month for what John Wesley might call 'holy conversation.' Talking and listening with an ear towards what God's Spirit is sharing.
Sometimes I take my journal (the one book I have that no one is allowed to read). Other times we process dreams, situations, songs, prayers, and sermons. Mostly it is life stuff. And we try to discern in what ways God is active and busy in my life.
My favorite part is our closing time together. My spiritual director prays over me and for me (i.e. what we have shared and what she senses needs to be addressed before God). And for someone like me who routinely prays for others (out loud and in silence) it is such a gift and blessing to be prayed over!!
Today, I mentioned my joy over my director's prayers for me. She laughed and said, "I know the feeling. It is my favorite part when I see my director too!" I guess those of us who are busy caring for others and making it our business do indeed feel blessed, humbled and deeply appreciative when others pray for us.
So, go pray for someone today. And then if you are brave enough, ask someone to pray for you!
You'll be blessed too.
Spent the morning with my spiritual director today. We meet every other month for what John Wesley might call 'holy conversation.' Talking and listening with an ear towards what God's Spirit is sharing.
Sometimes I take my journal (the one book I have that no one is allowed to read). Other times we process dreams, situations, songs, prayers, and sermons. Mostly it is life stuff. And we try to discern in what ways God is active and busy in my life.
My favorite part is our closing time together. My spiritual director prays over me and for me (i.e. what we have shared and what she senses needs to be addressed before God). And for someone like me who routinely prays for others (out loud and in silence) it is such a gift and blessing to be prayed over!!
Today, I mentioned my joy over my director's prayers for me. She laughed and said, "I know the feeling. It is my favorite part when I see my director too!" I guess those of us who are busy caring for others and making it our business do indeed feel blessed, humbled and deeply appreciative when others pray for us.
So, go pray for someone today. And then if you are brave enough, ask someone to pray for you!
You'll be blessed too.
Friday, May 29, 2009
End of May's Madness
The conclusion of this month approaches us quickly and I am glad.
Our family (my side that is) has 5 five birthdays this month (that also includes our God-Daughter's). Buying cards and gifts, as well as Mother's Day stuff along with graduations, can be a budget buster unless you plan well. We go through stamps and wrapping paper like it's Christmas! So sorry, family, if you got your gift wrapped in used aluminum foil. It's all I had left.
This entire month my husband lived, slept, ate, and we went to visit him occasionally at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track. Except for those rare Monday and Tuesdays off when he moved 11 cubic yards of mulch around our yard. He thanked me so much for this experience because it made him WANT to go back to his paid work gig!
One last item helps me bid a fond farewell to May's madness- my allergies! They go nuts this month. Now that the weather has shifted, things have bloomed and grown into another part of their plant cycle... I can breathe, swallow, and not sneeze a billion times daily. Ahh.
So good bye May- I am always glad to see you because it means summer and sunshine are coming, but I am even more grateful to watch you go.
Hello June- sun burns, humid hot days, VBS, and weddings- I cannot wait! Bring it!!
Our family (my side that is) has 5 five birthdays this month (that also includes our God-Daughter's). Buying cards and gifts, as well as Mother's Day stuff along with graduations, can be a budget buster unless you plan well. We go through stamps and wrapping paper like it's Christmas! So sorry, family, if you got your gift wrapped in used aluminum foil. It's all I had left.
This entire month my husband lived, slept, ate, and we went to visit him occasionally at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track. Except for those rare Monday and Tuesdays off when he moved 11 cubic yards of mulch around our yard. He thanked me so much for this experience because it made him WANT to go back to his paid work gig!
One last item helps me bid a fond farewell to May's madness- my allergies! They go nuts this month. Now that the weather has shifted, things have bloomed and grown into another part of their plant cycle... I can breathe, swallow, and not sneeze a billion times daily. Ahh.
So good bye May- I am always glad to see you because it means summer and sunshine are coming, but I am even more grateful to watch you go.
Hello June- sun burns, humid hot days, VBS, and weddings- I cannot wait! Bring it!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Summer is Here!
Summer is here! That was our chant last Friday before the long Memorial Day/Race weekend. School's out for our little one and I begin my summer schedule (with a lovely vacation this week at home).
Summer has a new destination this year. The land of hammock. Finally, after hiding in our attic for three years we have replaced our hammock stand. We can enjoy the wonders of relaxation swinging in the breeze. Ah- already I feel the gray hairs retreating into my scalp and the deep breaths of stillness returning. 20 hammock minutes a day keeps the stress away!
You should see the silliness of three Knight's in the hammock with the dog attempting to jump on in mid swing. Tickles have a new location in the hammock with the dare of falling off into the grass. We've already found all sorts of animals in the clouds and are enjoying the new flight patterns for the Indianapolis International Airport.
Peas and carrots have sprouted and are growing like mad in the garden. Planted the sweet corn and remaining sunflower seeds yesterday evening. Summer is here! Woo hoo!
Time to buy more sunscreen because I have my first inaugural burn of the season! Summer has arrived.
Summer has a new destination this year. The land of hammock. Finally, after hiding in our attic for three years we have replaced our hammock stand. We can enjoy the wonders of relaxation swinging in the breeze. Ah- already I feel the gray hairs retreating into my scalp and the deep breaths of stillness returning. 20 hammock minutes a day keeps the stress away!
You should see the silliness of three Knight's in the hammock with the dog attempting to jump on in mid swing. Tickles have a new location in the hammock with the dare of falling off into the grass. We've already found all sorts of animals in the clouds and are enjoying the new flight patterns for the Indianapolis International Airport.
Peas and carrots have sprouted and are growing like mad in the garden. Planted the sweet corn and remaining sunflower seeds yesterday evening. Summer is here! Woo hoo!
Time to buy more sunscreen because I have my first inaugural burn of the season! Summer has arrived.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Victory in the Garden
Whoopee! Our little family explored our garden area last night. My husband decided the garden needed mulch. I was worried the mulch would inhibit our little plants from shooting up. So there we were, with our tail ends in the air, digging through mulch. And oh- the delight- the glee the sheer happiness when we discovered little bits of green attempting to burst through the mulch!
Our daughter jumped up and down with her fists and arms in the air (she looked like a runner who just finished the New York marathon in record time) chanting over and over again, " Food, Mama! We've got food!"
She shouted it with such enthusiasm, zest and volume that I am sure Child Protection Services will be called because our neighbors now think we are not feeding our daughter- but making her grow her own vegetables! It was a very exciting moment! The dog wagged his entire back end with excitement. I caught a glimpse of a little grin on my husband's face.
To witness something small that you planted in a dark deep place finally break through to light! Wow- a very cool moment that I shall not forget because I laughed so hard (at my daughter's joy) I cried with happiness. "Food, Mama, we're going to have food."
She then proceeded to tell us all about how the plants will grow and what we will eat and how good they will taste. (She never mentioned our contining jobs of weeding and watering and worrying.) Our preschooler did give better play-by-play action about our garden's growth and production than most sportscasters do with an athletic event. I'd love to hear her rendition of God's creation account...now that would be a great garden story-telling.
"and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."
C. Austin Miles, 1913 from In the Garden
Our daughter jumped up and down with her fists and arms in the air (she looked like a runner who just finished the New York marathon in record time) chanting over and over again, " Food, Mama! We've got food!"
She shouted it with such enthusiasm, zest and volume that I am sure Child Protection Services will be called because our neighbors now think we are not feeding our daughter- but making her grow her own vegetables! It was a very exciting moment! The dog wagged his entire back end with excitement. I caught a glimpse of a little grin on my husband's face.
To witness something small that you planted in a dark deep place finally break through to light! Wow- a very cool moment that I shall not forget because I laughed so hard (at my daughter's joy) I cried with happiness. "Food, Mama, we're going to have food."
She then proceeded to tell us all about how the plants will grow and what we will eat and how good they will taste. (She never mentioned our contining jobs of weeding and watering and worrying.) Our preschooler did give better play-by-play action about our garden's growth and production than most sportscasters do with an athletic event. I'd love to hear her rendition of God's creation account...now that would be a great garden story-telling.
"and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."
C. Austin Miles, 1913 from In the Garden
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