There Is A Season

Early morning rambling

2012-02-01T04:53:00.004-05:00

Happy early morning from a balmy Mitten! I love snow but I can honestly say, I am not too sad that my early mornings and after work times aren't spent cleaning off my car, warming it up and trudging through snow & ice.
The Mr. has worked has last afternoon shift and we are all happy to have him home in the evenings, even the kid who doesn't live here anymore! Now he'll have to straighten his internal clock back out again. Yesterday morning he slept until noon after getting home at 5 a.m., fell asleep from 7-9 p.m. and then got up to wait for Mac to get home from work.
I am back on the insomnia train, sorry to report. I tossed and turned until 11 p.m. and then was wide awake at 2:30 this morning. Finally I got out of bed at 4:30. I have early meetings today and tomorrow, tonight I may have to take a few Benadryl and hit the sack extra early or it's going to catch up with me. On the bright side, lots of folks were prayed for while I was laying in bed!
What else shall I share with you? The Mr. bought me a Ninja blender and last night he made smoothies with it. So far (having not actually used it myself and in general having only used it once), I like it! Online reviews indicate it's a workhorse. We drink lots of smoothies and have gone through three cheaper blenders in about a year, burning out the motor with frozen fruit. The Ninja seems to be tough enough to handle it. I'm someone who puts good use to my counter top appliances like my mixer, food processor and blender so buying the less expensive items sometimes results in more long-term investment replacing them. The Mr. got me a Bundt coffee maker a few years back and I love love love it. Well, this has all been fascinating hasn't it?
Let's talk about my fattitude! I have terrrrrrible eating habits which are certainly contributing to my inability to lose this weight. Plus, don't tell anyone, but I may be getting older. Perimenopause anyone? My job is higher stress and less structure than the old days of being a floor nurse and in general, I don't take a lunch at all. This means, if there's junk around (and there usually is), that's what I grab on the run. If not, I literally don't eat all day and then when I get home at 6 in the evening I eat too much of all the wrong stuff. The last few weeks, I've added Slimfast shakes to my grocery list. I know, they are not the most healthful choice. However, realistically, stopping for a Slimfast in the morning and mid day is healthier than my former habit of plowing through the day without eating anything. I've been taking fresh fruit along as well. I don't know what impact this will have on my big ol' backside but I am definitely feeling better at work, less exhausted at the end of the day and less easily frustrated as my blood glucose is surely all over the map from my bad habits. Maybe with my new Ninja I will progress to making more healthy and wholesome smoothies to take to work. For the moment, I'm grateful for an easy "fix."
It's 5:16 so I think I'll have another cup of coffee and start getting ready for work. Now that you have all of the latest information regarding our sleeping habits, counter top appliances and diets you should feel well equipped to face the day :)

Changing to normal

2012-01-30T18:48:00.003-05:00

Here I sit still in my scrubs in the quiet of my little old house. Jay just left, having stopped by to join me for pizza. Mac is at work. And the Mr.? He is on his last afternoon shift! Praise the Lord! As I was sitting here yesterday evening I realized, I like that guy and I miss him. Oh I love being alone in my quiet little old house, don't misunderstand me. And I even don't mind sleeping alone. Still, I like that guy.

He'll be working next weekend but on Sunday he'll be on day shift and getting home late in the evening, Monday official day shift begins.

So this evening will be my last night of solitude. I have three books I'm reading and I think I'll put on my jammies, turn off the television (that won't happen when the Mr. is here) and enjoy myself.

Tomorrow evening, the TV will be on and everything will be back to noisy normalcy.

And that, will be a welcome change.

2012-01-29T09:39:00.002-05:00

Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

Proverbs 29:17

2012-01-28T09:40:00.003-05:00

1. Headache slightly better but a nice sinus pressure is settling in, ahh, Michigan.
2. Going to my parents' later.
3. How did we accumulate approximately 900 loads of laundry since Monday?
4. Pruning my houseplants today.
5. I used the last of my coffee this morning...can you guess what my priority errand is?
6. Good news, the Mr. is going back to day shift the Monday after the Superbowl!
7. Got an LL Bean & an Ulta catalog in the mail. I lurv LL Bean & Ulta.
8. Church tomorrow! (yes, you read correctly!)
9. I've gotten 2 loads of donations for the patients clothing closet this week. Thank you and keep 'em coming!
10. Home, hot coffee, hound dog and gently falling snow.

2012-01-27T08:16:00.003-05:00

Waiting to feel a bit better to go to work this morning. I'm not sick but I had a headache yesterday that progressed to a migraine this morning and I've got a case of the pukes now. That actually gives a little relief so I'm waiting for the Motrin to kick in (if it stays down) and trying to be still in the meantime. Of course, I should probably be still and quiet and not on the computer but my brain is awake and thinks it should be at work.
This has seemed like a very long week. We are finishing performance evaluations which means staying late and coming in early to catch all shifts so I think my internal clock is wondering what in the world is going on. I'm off this weekend and ready for it to come. I plan on sleeping in tomorrow and spending some time with my mom in the afternoon. I had big plans for cooking and baking but at the moment, that is not very appealing.
I think I will indeed get off this computer and close my eyes for a few minutes. The sooner I get this day going, the sooner it'll be done and the weekend can start.
Love & grace~

Rainy Day Monday

2012-01-23T08:48:00.002-05:00

It's a rainy morning here, snow melting away to mud and a gray sky to top it off. My mom should be discharged later today. I have a theory that you really start feeling better once you're back in your own home so I'm expecting she'll be on the fast track to recovery now. She's been doing well day by day and sleeping in her own bed will be just the ticket.

I have the usual day off chores on my list and then I'll head over to help settle her in. My guess is there will be a nap on the schedule. Since I'm actually leaving my house today, I am happy to accept the lack of snow and freezing temperatures! And I imagine it'll make it a bit easier for my mom to navigate her walker. On my own list of errands is TJ Maxx. I buy my coffee beans there and there is usually a little something I didn't even know I needed in the housewares department too!

And that, my friends, is the update from my neighborhood!

Large & small happiness

2012-01-21T08:28:00.004-05:00

1. My mom's knee replacement was a great success, PT starts today!
2. I have to work today, really wishing I could be with my mom at the hospital.
3. Snow! Love the way it looks, thankful I'm not dealing with a true blizzard on a work day.
4. I keep forgetting to make an appointment for new glasses.
5. The Mr. has put in his papers to bump to day shift, thank goodness!
6. I have come to the conclusion that much of the mess of our hearts, minds, homes and families would be fixed if we fixed our minds on whatsoever things are pure, holy and of good report.
7. Dreamed of my gramma and grampa last night. That happens pretty regularly and it is just exactly like a wonderful visit. I always awaken with a happy heart.
8. Also dreamed of the Scarf Sisters! We were having a party outside in a beautiful yard with lights strung in the trees.
9. Full moon? Hormones? Lots of sweet dreams!
10. Everything is beautiful, in its own way!

Friday musings

2012-01-20T08:10:00.003-05:00

My goodness it's cold! 4F in the Mitten this morning! I am waking up thankful for a long list including my warm house, warm clothing and warm car in the garage. My mom is having knee replacement in a few hours and shortly I will be heading to the hospital. I'm so glad this day is here! I know there will be some hard moments of recovery, actually, no I don't! I have asked God to make her recovery quick and easy so why in the world should I claim it will be hard? Silly. I'm happy that the pain and difficulty is behind her and that she'll be able to regain the ability to be physically active.
As for me, I am having a cup of coffee and some quality time with a heating pad and a handful of Excederin. Oy, the joys of being a girl! Migraine and cramps (my apologies to any gentlemen who have happened upon this moment of sharing!) I took Motrin to work yesterday and left it on my desk so Jesus, please give super Motrin powers to this Excederin! Did you know that antihistamines are one of the best things to take for menstrual cramps? Yup! 2 Motrin (or Excederin) with 25 mg Benadryl or any other medication with an antihistamine will work much better than just the pain reliever. At night, I up it to 50 mg Benadryl so I can sleep. One of my nurse friends said I was crazy until she tried it, now she's a believer and realizes that I am a genius. I am one of those lucky ladies who has terrible cramps and I would have to call in sick if I couldn't find something to manage the pain. I won't even mention the rest of the details of my womanly experience other than I also get a migraine that makes me want to hide in a dark corner and cry. It sometimes requires 800 mg Motrin with 50 mg Benadryl but on my worst days, that does help. And yes, I've talked to the doctor and it's just the way God made me. Gynecological update complete.
I know you will be praying for my mom today but please please, take more than a few moments and pray for people who are mentally ill, homeless and under-resourced in this terrible cold. I've turned up my thermostat and turned on the fireplace but there are so very many people who spent the night outside, in vacant houses or without power. It doesn't matter if they arrived in these circumstances due to drug abuse or alcoholism; Jesus loves them and died for exactly "that kind" of person. Hospitals will be flooded with people looking for a warm bed and hot meal, malls and restaurants will have some unseemly folks wandering in looking for shelter and yes, some of those people will have the potential to be dangerous. Pray for them today. And could I be a little pushy? Last night, Jay and I talked about committing ourselves to doing something like finding a charity or donation opportunity to make an impact in a tangible way. Will you do the same? Shoes, warm clothing and the like for our hospital are a tremendous blessing and lately we're running out of coats faster than we can replace them. We had 2 pairs of gloves and 3 hats in the clothing closet yesterday. Can you buy one pair of gloves and get them to a church, a hospital or even the hobo on the on ramp to the freeway on your way to work? Do one something and do it today...please.
Time for another cup of coffee and a bowl of granola. And I promised my mom to come to the hospital and draw eyebrows on her with a sharpie so I've got a busy day ahead of me!
Grace!

Guess what?

2012-01-17T07:06:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful day yesterday in Frankenmuth. We didn't go up and down main street or to Bronners, just hit a few stops we all wanted to visit (Like the Cheese Haus and the Fudge Haus!) We didn't want to get home late and exhausted but to have just a day trip and home early enough to enjoy the evening. We enjoyed the traditional family chicken dinner together and guess what? Guess! Ok, never mind! I downloaded a coupon for 1/2 off of a family chicken dinner with the purchase of one full price (limit one to party of eight.) Well the sweet waiter guy gave us half off of two of our meals which made for quite a savings!
After the fudge and cheese we walked around the shops on the river for just a bit and then headed home, stopping at the Birch Run Outlet Mall. Jay and the Mr. got new Fossil watch faces and guess what? Guess! Ok, never mind! They have a Coleman outlet there! This is significant because Mac wears Coleman watches because they are the only ones that fit around his massive wrist. Unfortunately, Target no longer carries Coleman watches. So we were very happy to find a watch for him.
On an unrelated note, I am watching Night Must Fall on TMC as I write this. One of my favorite things about old movies is that the outdoor scenes. The imperfect grass and dusty roads and big old trees. I consider the outdoors entirely too manicured in the present time. I like lawns with patches of crabgrass and dandelions shooting up here and there. I like big old leaning trees which are almost always mown over when new houses are built. I like patches of flowers or hosta growing up where they don't belong because seeds blew around and took root. I even like dusty walkways and roads. I know, it's weird but there you have it. Surely, you are not surprised. :)
What other mishmash shall I tell you about before I get on with my day? I want a chronological Bible, which is something I'm not sure I was aware of before but now I must have one. A few people online have mentioned theirs and now, I neeeeed one!
As for the Methodist, to whom we refer as the Mitford Methodists (we being my mom and myself), we were unable to attend last Sunday as I was working but guess what? Guess! Ok, never mind! I....I....I missed going to church! Can you imagine? Well, you probably can but for me, this is quite extraordinary. I work this Sunday as well but I will be there the following week and I'm filled with a sweet happiness as I look forward to returning to Good Shepherd.
If you are still hanging around reading, bless your heart. I'm going to have another cup of coffee and listen to the rain fall as I start my morning. If you're wondering what to blog about, I recommend rambling aimlessly. Look how well it works for me.

Today

2012-01-16T08:32:00.008-05:00

First let me say, I am grateful for the work of Martin Luther King Jr. My generation grew up under the shadow of racism that was an iron fist for the generations before. My children are living in a different world. In so many ways, it is not a better world. But in this thing, this ugly and evil thing...they live in a better world. For this, I thank God.
The Mr. and Jay have the day off for MLK and I have the day off as my regular day off. So Mac took the day off and we made an impulsive decision last night to head to Frankenmuth for the day! We're picking Jay up at his house shortly so I'm on the run but I knew you'd want to know!
Whatever your plans today, I challenge you to stop and give time to God and ask him to reveal in your heart any wicked way and to give you the courage to say, "create in me a clean heart, oh God." It was such wisdom that changed this nation a half century ago and if we too are brave enough to continue to seek clean hearts; we can make a better life for the generations yet to come.

Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

2012-01-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21

Stuff I love about Winter

2012-01-14T08:05:00.002-05:00

1. Everybody's house looks pretty covered with snow.

2. It seems entirely reasonable to eat meatloaf and mashed potatoes to keep one's strength up.

3. When there's a blizzard, it's ok to be an introvert.

4. Being inside a warm house and looking out into the cold is an everyday example of God's goodness.

5. Hot tea in the evening is extra wonderful.

6. There's a deeper kind of quiet.

7. If you are very still, you can feel the earth turning back toward Spring.

8. It's harder for someone to sneak up on you and jack you with a sock full of pennies because the snow crunches when you walk.

9. You can cover bad hair with a fabulous hat.

10. Fire in the fireplace.

Longing for Mitford or at least a blizzard

2012-01-12T08:24:00.004-05:00

Finally, it seems, winter may be arriving in the Mitten. Snow storm warnings in the western half promise a half foot of snow. On this side, we have dreary gray rain and still above normal temperatures, currently at 38F. I'm confident we'll see blizzard warnings before all is said and done. You know, I love a good blizzard!
Of course, I should explain that said blizzard must happen during a stretch of a day or two when I'm off of work. Preferably, the menfolk should be home as well so I don't worry about them out driving in it. I am an excellent snow driver, second Mac with the Mr. and Jay being something of a menace to be frank.
Winter (snowy or not) begs for a good book and I'm rereading one of my favorite series of all time, the Father Tim Mitford series. If you've not read them, you must must must! I stumbled across them at the library a few years ago in my endless search for small town, silly characters and innocent stories. The Father Tim books occupy the same place of honor in my mind as the Little House books. They make me laugh out loud and here and there, even cry a little. They are full of the goodness of God and the ideals that make life every wonderful thing it was meant to be. Father Tim is presently making a pork roast with his mother's recipe of orange rind and brandy and a pot of Navy beans. What could be better?
So I long for a blizzard with my books and a pot of soup on the stove. Jay gave me his old Kindle when he got his new one for Christmas so I even have the ability to simply order a book without leaving the house!
Today, however, I am going to have to venture out into the less than ideal world and spend my day with people who don't know God. I'll just have to take the sweetness of my quiet times with Father Tim as the fuel to get through the ugliness of life outside of Mitford. I've been fighting a cold of some sort but feeling marginally better today than yesterday so thanks be to God! That's what Father Tim would say :)
Have a wonderful day!

My good shepherd

2012-01-08T16:58:00.003-05:00

What a perfectly satisfying weekend I've had!
Yesterday was tailor-made, I did not step one foot outside of this house! I cleaned, laundered and moved in very slow motion. I made waffles for breakfast. I made Mrs. Grass soup for dinner. Jay and his girl came over Saturday evening to watch football play offs with the Mr. and Mac. I, being a nonfootball lover, snuggled up in bed with my Kindle and a book by one of my favorite authors (Jan Karon.) The next thing I knew, Jay was poking his head in the door asking if I was asleep. Surely not, since I don't sleep. And yet, yes indeed! I fell asleep long before 10:00 p.m. and awakened Sunday morning rested and joyful at 6:30 a.m.
I enjoyed a leisurely cup or two of coffee before heading out into the unseasonably mild weather for my first visit to Good Shepherd Methodist Church. My mom came along as she and I are in search of Father Tim (one would need to read the Mitford series to understand, and one certainly should read the Mitford series. ) Father Tim is Episcopalian but nonetheless, it makes sense to us.
Are you waiting anxiously for my review of the Methodists?
It was an absolutely lovely experience. I'd be planning on returning next week if I weren't working. The people had such a sweet spirit from the little ones to the elderly. Without pomp or gimmicks we sang hymns to the accompaniment of a single piano played beautifully. The words to God of Wonders sung by their choir were crisp and clear, each one ringing with the awe of his glory. The sermon was encouraging, Let there be light...the first words of God. And something that a larger church just can't do? Answered prayers shared by the congregation one by one and then requests brought before the church for prayer; offered on the spot. On the back of the bulletin, a list of those needing prayer as well as those in the military and shut in.
I sincerely hope that no one interprets this sharing of my spiritual journey as an attempt to persuade anyone to turn away from one church or toward another. This blog has always been a transparent view into my life and heart and this is another chapter. I've been hesitant to take this step knowing that there are those in the charismatic movement who will be disapproving and possibly pass judgement on my heart. I've spent a good part of the day wondering if it is appropriate to share my experiences.
As always when considering how much of my life to share, I have examined my motives. More than once I've deleted posts that were self-serving or attention-seeking. My motive now is to be unashamed. Leaving church this morning, I had a sense of rightness that I have not felt in church in a long long time. It was not that I had found a right church or that I have been in wrong ones. It was that I have realized that God has created me to be more of some things and less of others than I have been. If there is a value for you in this realization, it is that you were not stamped from a mold any more than I was. If you suspect there is something quite wonderful beneath the surface of you, find and nurture it.
This afternoon I spent a brief time in prayer, again double-checking myself. Can I really be someone who doesn't attend a charismatic church? God, is that...ok? God, what denomination am I? Am I Lutheran? Pentecostal? Methodist?
Do you want to guess the answer?

I am, it seems, simply a sheep.

2012-01-08T06:57:00.003-05:00

Give unto the Lord the glory due his name. Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness.

Psalm 29:2

10 sentences

2012-01-06T23:06:00.003-05:00

1. Jay gave me his old Kindle. Not as good as a for-real book but great for when you want one and don't have one. :)
2. Major insomnia all week. I've taken everything over the counter and it's just not helping. Looking forward to catching up on sleep this weekend.
3. I ordered a set of vintage mid century counter top canisters on E Bay, arrived in a box that reeks of cigarette smoke and believe it or not; even the canisters stink. If I had payed more than $6, I'd be fussing. Gonna run 'em through the dishwasher but I fear they are headed for the garage to become nuts/nails/bolts containers. Blech.
4. We have saved money and are all set to buy new living room furniture; only we can't find any that suits our fancy.
5. I ordered new scrubs on line on December 26 and they still haven't arrived. Good grief!
6. What's with the Spring-like weather?
7. Daboyz got me a Keurig for my office for Christmas, it's groovy.
8. The Mr. got me a horizontal cross necklace for Christmas, I lurv it.
9. Did I mention naps are on my weekend agenda?
10. Have I also mentioned that I am writing this post at 11:17 p.m. on Friday night?

Perfect timing~

2012-01-05T06:48:00.005-05:00

The holidays are official over at the Smith House. The Mr. finally took the tree down on Tuesday and scooted some furniture around in preparation of new family furniture. I went back to work on Monday, Mac on Tuesday afternoon, Jay on Tuesday and the Mr. tomorrow morning. Dean bid on a new job which he got but the shift is screwy. Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.-5a.m., Sunday and Monday 5p.m.-5a.m., off Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Craziest schedule ever! He has high seniority so he will be able to bump almost immediately back to day shift but he'll be there for about a month before that happen. I'm expecting a long month! The good news is that he definitely does not have my sleeping problems, the guy falls asleep in seconds when his head hits the pillow. Nonetheless, we'll be praying for him to return to day shift in the Lord's perfect timing.
Mac did not get the early start to the nursing program he had hoped for. He was told to expect to start in Fall of 2012 or January of 2013 but had his fingers crossed to start this semester. Again, the Lord's perfect timing. In the meantime he would like to move from Kingswood to another Ford facility with more medical focus. Again, prayers are coveted for God to open doors. He is great at his job but wants to work in medicine (as opposed to psychiatry) for the experience and also, fingers crossed, maybe even somewhere closer to home.
I was hoping to be in school this semester too. However-insert frustration here-I am having a terrible time getting my transcripts from the school I graduated from when I got my nursing degree. First they said I had an outstanding $40 fee which was a mystery to me since I had graduated in 2004. Then they said they couldn't send my transcripts because I had moved since graduation. Huh? It seems like that is something that might happen once in a while. So I had to reactivate my student account, go online and update my status. Did so successfully and then when I logged out and back in, it had not updated. I called the school, they said it takes up to a week for that to show up. You can guess where I am at...square one. I'm going to have to take time off of work to go in and assert myself. I cannot take a student copy, official copies can only be transferred from one school to another. Now I'm looking at a Spring start. Since I'm delayed, I'm going to take advantage of the time to check into every program out there. Maybe God is steering me in a different direction, maybe he's just teaching me patience.
Last on the list, we went to order new family room furniture last night and walked away empty handed. After choosing the set we wanted and working out the price we only needed to choose the color. Salesman number one said just choose the swatch and we're all set. Salesman number two says they can't order any other color than the floor model at the sale price AND it will take four months to deliver. So we took a pass to think it out and continue looking for the price that works with our budget.
So the theme of the year so far is Delayed Gratification. I'm so thankful for the Holy Spirit's influence because instead of frustration we can honestly say we are waiting for God's perfect timing and it's all good. Nothing is ever withheld but to make way for the greater blessing and anointing with the Lord. Our faith has matured enough that we don't even need to understand it by and by. We trust that all things are working together for our good and get on with our day. And goodness gracious, none of these examples are earth-shattering!
Time to pour a second cup of coffee and make an official start to the day. I'm training three new nurses today, an aspect of my job that I really enjoy. Have a wonderful Thursday!

Introducing...

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

GINGER!

You know those best friend bloggers you've never met? Well please klick on the link above to meet one of mine!

I am humbled and grateful that Ginger has shared a little piece of my heart through her blog. And let this serve as a reminder...
We still need shoes!
And coats and gloves and hats and scarves and clothes!

Right Side Out

2012-01-01T17:59:00.007-05:00

Oh dear, I fear I am planning on breaking a rule. Yes, planning on it.

If there was a theme in 2011 for me, it was the revelation that being an introvert is not wrong or dysfunctional. It is, in fact, precisely how I was created. Created intentionally.

As I stopped fighting my tendencies and started exploring and understanding myself, I found such a deep peace. Without realizing it, I had been under condemnation for a very long time, believing that the very fiber of who I was was displeasing to God. So much of what I have done and felt has been in an effort to extrovert my introverted spirit. I have been baffled at times as to why I found such simple joy in solitude and quiet and it was wrong. I have been utterly perplexed as I continued to submit myself to the Holy Spirit to change this heart of mine and he simply would not do it.

In 2011 I finally came to understand that I was trying to take off my soul garment and turn it inside out and then put it back on. Of course the Holy Spirit wouldn't oblige, why should I go about my life wearing my self inside out? A silly question indeed but that is what I've been doing for as long as I can remember.

Sometime about midway through 2011, I awoke on a Sunday morning and did not go to church and found there was not knot of guilt in my stomach. Either I had become a reprobate or I had taken a step closer to knowing myself as I am known. In my quiet house on Sunday mornings since, I have watched church services on television, read my Bible, put gospel music on or (more often) simply sat drinking in God.

There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place; and I know that it's the spirit of the Lord.

In my family room with coffee in one hand and the other in the air I have wept before Jesus, tears of relief and release and the long-awaited truth that I am accepted just as I am (without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me.)

About that rule I'm about to break? Well, quite honestly, I do believe that rule may have come from the same source as my feelings of rejection. I am planning on visiting a Methodist church. Raised in the charismatic movement of the 1970s and always involved in pentecostal churches, I have wondered if a quieter and even liturgical service might suit my quiet heart. I really don't know that it will, but it is another chain broken that I feel permitted to seek God under a different steeple.

But that thou biddest me, come to thee, oh Lamb of God I come...I come.

Ragu & you, anyhoo!

2012-01-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

For New Year's Eve dinner, Mac requested lasagna ("The problem with lasagna is, there is never enough." Mac Smith, American male.) Since I was off and it was a sort of holiday dinner, I figured I'd go the extra mile and make my sauce ala Pioneer Woman, recipe HERE.

I added an extra 28 ounce can of tomatoes and additional garlic, salt and basil as well because it didn't look like an adequate amount plus, I'm a lazy cook who does not pre-boil my pasta so I needed plenty of sauce to re-hydrate the lasagna.

ANYHOO.

I usually use Ragu traditional sauce. Yes, I know in the present day of no preservatives (which I completely agree with), more and more people are making their own basic tomato sauce. And no, I had never done so previous to this particular event. And yes, I also realize that canned tomatoes and tomato paste are one step away from truly homemade tomato sauce. And no, I don't care ;)

ANYHOO.

I used my brand spanking new food processor (thank you mom) and happily set about making my sauce mid-morning so it could simmer to deliciousness all afternoon. It did not take long at all to make the sauce, as promised by Food Network and all the homemakers in blogland. It did create more mess with extra cans and food processor parts now needing to be cleaned but still, not a big undertaking. Having completed the sauce and stirred it into the meat mixture and allowing it to simmer, I discovered the following.

1. It tasted fresher than the Ragu but surprisingly, not that much.

2. It took about ten minutes to mix it together in the food processor.

3. I added a half pound of meat more than PW.

4. There are only two differences in the ingredients between the homemade and Ragu.

A. Ragu contains soybean oil, homemade used only the oil remaining after draining the meat.

B. Ragu contains sugar, none added to homemade.

In the interest of keeping it real, I have to say that it's enjoyable and satisfying to make the sauce from scratch. However and ANYHOO, given the similarity in the ingredients and lack of preservatives in the Ragu; I hereby proclaim the use of sauce from a jar is not a felony.

The Mr. found no discernible difference in the two. Mac said he liked the fresher better and the herbs were more distinct.

So there.

God holds 2012, rejoice!

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

I was young and now I am old yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Psalm 37:25

In review~

2011-12-31T09:27:00.004-05:00

1. Dean's dad went home to be with Jesus.

2. Mac got a job with me.

3. Mac got injured at work.

4. The Mr. & Mac built a bee-oooo-teee-fullll patio.

5. The mother-in-law moved back to Alabama.

6. My sweet friend Heather was diagnosed with breast cancer.

7. Our Scarf Baby was born and had surgery.

8. I was moved to a pediatric unit.

9. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with a wonderful Michigan road trip.

10. God has been gracious, faithful and merciful.

Various stuff~

2011-12-30T10:05:00.003-05:00

Behold my kitchen linens drawer! On the left, my "old" dish towels and on the right my new ones! I asked the Mr. and my mom for new dish towels and I hit the jackpot. Aren't they pretty? Take my word for it, they are!
Next on the hit parade, my new clearance Christmas stockings. Over the years we somehow accumulated a hodge podge of stockings and the Mr. picked up new ones for daboyz, which I have never cared for. They are Victorian velvet, just too...Victorian. The T.J. Maxx has the best home goods, did you know that? I picked up a carton of Chai tea and 5 new stockings on clearance. The striped ones are corduroy and were $3 each, the knit ones were $6 each. Just mismatchy but matchy enough to suit

my sensibilities.
I have a set of green Indiana Whitehall tumbles en route from my good friends at E bay to match the gold ones from my mom. I also have a set of 4 vintage coffee cups on the way! I ordered a set of 5 vintage Melmac breakfast plates for Jay and the bidding on my cafeteria trays closes tomorrow.
In my Etsy cart is a set of mid century canisters (for flour, sugar, etc.) that I am thinking about but I do believe I shall order. If you are careful and not impulsive, you can do pretty well on E Bay and Etsy, especially if you watch for the free shipping offers. Pictures of all to follow as they arrive. I know you can't wait.
Finally, for breakfast today, bannock! If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it. Couldn't be easier and soooooo good!

3 cups flour
2 T. baking powder
1 1/5 T. sugar
1/4 t. salt
water

Heat oil in cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Mix dry ingredients thoroughly then add water until dough forms into a ball.
Roll out on floured surface, drop into heated pan.
Fry on both sides for about 5 minutes each. I finish it in a 350 oven for about 10 minutes so it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serve with butter, honey, cinnamon, jam...your favorite toppings. It'll be delicious even plain.

Darling Somethings

2011-12-27T10:38:00.003-05:00

Days off always leave me feeling that I must have missed my calling. Surely, there is some work I could have done that would have allowed me to bask in the things that bring me the most joy, like homemaking. As you know, I've been online shopping for a set of vintage Melmac plates to go with my vintage Indiana Whitehall tumblers. What I've found are hundreds of wonderful little items that aren't expensive that would be absolutely darling (a word I rarely use) in someone's home. The problem is, I already have so many absolutely darling somethings that I can't add more. However, someone somewhere is lacking darling somethings and doesn't even know it. I'm sure of it!

My mom and I have talked about needing to have a warehouse for our stock of stuff, much like people who stage homes. Only instead of cookie cutter neutral items, we have unusual old vintage things that make one think of childhood and grandparents. Naturally, we can't give up our own darling somethings as they have sentimental attachment that goes all the way to our marrow. But I've been to other people's homes and they don't have as many darling somethings and whether they realize it or not, they need them.

Target, Crate & Barrel, Bed, Bath & Beyond...all lovely places that I enjoy. Individuality in one's home, however, is becoming a lost art. Also a lost art, knowing what kind of home you would even enjoy.

So here's my proposal, I could be hired to figure out what kind of home would make you happiest and then set about helping you create it. But we'd create it with unusual items that evolve over time (so this would not be a weekend project) until piece by piece and detail by detail you would find yourself living within four walls that no one else lived within. You'd be surrounded with things that wouldn't necessarily make visitors ooh and ahh but would make your very heart giggle. Like a set of old Indiana Whitehall glass tumblers that just feel perfect in your hand. Or a beat up Melmac plate with a silly rooster on it. Or funky old vintage bed linens from the 1970s. Or softly faded old curtains in your kitchen window. Things that feel permanent and weighty and will not go out of style because they are like your fingerprints on your home. And some day your kids will remember that iced tea pitcher you had and maybe even your grandchildren will ask you if they can have your old cake platter when they get married.

There's my idea. Now if I could just get someone to pay me enough money to live on, we'd be ready to open for business!

Mint Green Cafeteria Lunch Trays

2011-12-27T10:12:00.003-05:00

Day two of Christmas vacation has me waking up feeling more like "myself" than I have in a few weeks. Yesterday was devoted to wearing my pajamas and spending a shameful amount of time online looking at vintage Melmac. I may develop carpal tunnel from add to cart, remove from cart, add to cart. At the end of the day I told the Mr. that I had wasted an entire precious day off. He, having no particular issue with wasted time (wink); told me that it was a perfectly good way to spend the day and tomorrow I could kick it into gear if I so choose. And I do so choose.
After sleeping in until almost 9:00 this morning I have showered and thrown laundry in as well as running the dishwasher. Yes, I admit that I have visited E Bay and Etsy to check on the Melmac and....hold on to your hats...a bid I made on E bay. I hesitate to tell you about it as you will all be overcome with jealousy and rush to out bid me. I bid on a set of 16 mint green melmac cafeteria trays circa 1970s original used in a junior high in Michigan! That's right! Try to hold yourself back from rushing to outbid me! There was a moment when I showed the Mr. what I was up to and he may or may not have mentioned that perhaps, after all, I could find a less crazy way to spend my day. But I'm telling you, these trays are what I've been lacking and didn't even know it! I think they will be groovy for family dinners. I don't have a large enough dining room to seat the lot of us so we end up spreading out from kitchen table to eating on the sofa. They are perfect! And even if they aren't, I think they are funky fab. I'll keep you updated on the progress of the auction. Surprisingly, so far, there are only two bidders and I am the highest.
I do believe I will finish my cup of Starbucks and start Operation Clean This Gross House. Snow falling, housework calling. There's a song in there somewhere.
Signing off,
A Happy Homemaker in the Mitten aka The Lunch Tray Bandit

Vintage

2011-12-26T10:45:00.003-05:00

This morning I enjoyed my orange juice in my new Indiana Whitehall vintage tumbler! I'm all about the Indiana Glassware Company. I've searched for at least 50 years for drinking glasses but none match the groovy charm of the vintage ones. I'm sure it's a throw-back to childhood but nonetheless, I just absolutely love them. My mom gave me a set of four like the ones in this picture. And they have this wonderful weight in your hand, substantial. When I unpacked them this morning for breakfast, the Mr. said, "Hey! Those are so cool, we had those when I was a kid!"

So my plan is to keep an eye out and add another 4 in the olive green color. And yes, I am using them. I have a few things put away for only very special moments but overall, I like to use what I have. And speaking of use, next on my list is a set of Melmac dishware. You've seen Melmac even if you weren't aware, it's plastic dinnerware that very likely someone in your life was using in the 1960s or 1970s. There are some nice sets on line that are not overly expensive but the shipping is where the money is. I'm going to squirrel away a little money here and there and treat myself. In truth, even with shipping the cost of a complete vintage set is less than a new set would be. I know it's a peculiar decorating taste I have! On the one hand, it's best described as mid-century but it's not the "modern" mid-century that is actually popular! Think of (I know I've said this before!) Lucy in Connecticut. This was very much the feeling of my Gramma's decorating style, probably best described as early American? But farm-housey casual too. Let's be honest, only I truly know what in the world I'm trying to say. And possibly my mom. So! I'm online window shopping and dreaming of these little details that really are so happy-making for me. Probably the only vintage item that I won't use? Coffee cups! Good grief they are small, only 6 ounces! I have a set from my Grandma Trent's house that I claimed out of her basement but they just don't hold enough coffee! They are cute for a scoop of ice cream though.

I'm happily home from work for a whole week with nothing on my mind but homemaking and daydreaming. And of course, a nice tall glass of juice in my Indiana Whitehall amber gold tumbler.

2011-12-25T08:57:00.002-05:00

We have seen and do testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

1 John 4:14

Because of Jesus

2011-12-24T09:21:00.003-05:00

1. I have the opportunity to talk directly to the Creator of the universe about my smallest concerns.
2. Fear is abolished.
3. Joy comes every morning.
4. The impossible is possible.
5. I am prayed for by others who know the Creator as well.
6. My children will spend eternity in heaven.
7. My home is a sanctuary of peace.
8. Walls fall in front of me.
9. My kids know, "I'm praying for you" is the ultimate statement of love.
10. I dance.

Keeping Christmas

2011-12-22T09:01:00.006-05:00

This Christmas season has been a quiet one for me. Extra hours at work have forced me to let the mega baking plans go so our home doesn't have trays of goodies on every surface. I've done all of my shopping online so I've not set foot inside of a mall. I don't like malls and shopping but at Christmas time there is a certain cheeriness to the decorations, piped in music and Santa seeing little kids in a corner somewhere.
Our Christmas decorations went up as usual and I've enjoyed every moment of sitting at the end of the day admiring the lights and sentimental ornaments. I finally found most of the Christmas movies I was hoping for and that has been a great stress-reducer at the end of the day, crawling under a blanket and watching the Bishop's Wife.
Every year we wear pajamas on Christmas and every year I buy a new pair for the occasion. Haven't done that. We'll see if that happens or not.
A quiet holiday season isn't a bad thing. Although the Mr. did mention the other day that, not to rush anyone, but he's pretty much ready for a house full of grandchildren on the holidays. :) But life comes in seasons and we've had holidays of rushing out on Christmas Eve with our last paycheck to shop (awful!) Busy running from house to house. Up early to unwrap gifts and then a big breakfast and nap before going to my parents' home. This year I work the holiday so the slow-paced Christmas morning will commence without me. Mac works Christmas Eve so the Mexican fiesta will commence without him.
We've had to do some persistent planning to keep this quiet season on track because the quietness can make you kind of let it slide by and get a little too watered down. After all, it's the day we celebrate the coming of Messiah! It's not just another day or week or month regardless of lack of little ones or changing work hours. First instincts were too simplify the festivities but then the simplification got dangerously close to making it not special enough. Conversations came and went very quickly such as, should we just eat out on Christmas Eve since Mac isn't going to be here? Should we just skip baking altogether? Do you want to put the stockings away this year? And so on.
So we've made sure that the traditions and memories and once-a-year specialness aren't lost even as we've recalculated to ensure that we aren't sliding into Christmas morning wrapped in tinsel with dark circles under our eyes and angry at everyone we've been shopping for. I'll bake a few somethings for us instead of enough for work and the neighbors. The stocking are indeed hung by the chimney with care because goodness, would the half hour saved by not filling them have contributed to anything useful? Dean will make our traditional Mexican Christmas Eve dinner and Mac will come home at around midnight as usual and eat. If I'm not awake, the Mr. and Jay will be waiting for him. On Christmas morning we'll open a few gifts and as I go off to work, Mac will be with his brother and dad to enjoy breakfast and a lazy morning. Not as we would prefer it but those who can will hold the fort for another season of celebration and wonderfulness.
There will be no frozen dinners in place of Christmas goodies and no "not-this-year" for traditions we've loved forever. No matter your particular situation this year, please don't let your mind take over where your heart should be for Christmas. Mary is said to have kept everything in her heart, cherishing and treasuring the miracle of Emanuel, Christ with us. Make it as loud and bright or quiet and serene as it should be in your home, but do not make it easy. Make it on purpose and simple and lovely. But not easy, there is nothing easy about the salvation of the world.
When my planning slipped from simple enough so that I can truly feel the beauty to easy so I can just get it over with, I had to stop and start over.
I, like Mary, will keep this time in my heart.

The Root People

2011-12-19T17:09:00.002-05:00

I'm sure I've mentioned, haven't I, that I am now working on a new unit at the hospital? I was formerly the manager of the adult schizophrenia unit but now I'm managing the pediatric unit. If there's anything sadder than adult schizophrenics, it would be child schizophrenics. In my prior life (prior to nursing), I was a parapro in an emotional impairment program. So I guess I've got a good foundation.
I bet I've also mentioned that this new position is wearing me out. Wearing. Me. Out. Not only because of the kids I work with but the unit itself has some challenges. So I'm working swing shifts and lots of pushing up my sleeves and trying to get to the root of the problems.
Unfortunately, some of those roots are people.
Those Root People sure don't like to be pruned.
But something kind of wonderful has been happening the last few days. Quiet people who rarely make a peep are coming into my office and telling me I'm doing a great job. Average people who do their jobs and go home are offering to do special projects and groups with the kids. People who work on the adult units and refuse to work with the kids are volunteering to take a turn on pediatrics.
It's almost like rubbing the dirt off of a diamond, it's getting sparklier and sparklier. And it's making me feel like all of my tiredness and frustration is a little less tiring and frustrating.
It also makes me think, those Root People are choking the spirits of the rest of the people. People with creative ideas and energy have hidden in corners trying to get by without rocking the boat. But now that I'm rocking the boat, they are coming out of their corners.
I said all of that to say this, Lord, please don't let me be a Root Person. A root of bitterness that spreads and poisons the ground so that nothing beautiful can grow around it. I don't think the Root People are evil awful people. I don't think they want to be Root People. I don't think they know that they are!
Root people are pessimistic and discouraging and always most excited when there's something awful to say.
If I am ever a Root Person, change me. Let me instead, bring a rain of refreshing to others.

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

...You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

Matthew 16:16

The Good, The Bad & The DVR

2011-12-17T08:35:00.003-05:00

1. This month is not going as planned.
2. At least according to my plan. :)
3. I had to cancel a family day today that I was sooooo looking forward to.
4. I am learning flexibility.
5. I don't like being flexible.
6. However, all of those wonderful movies I was looking for? Yay! They are all on now!
7. I watched The Bishop's Wife with Carey Grant last night.
8. I lurv Carey Grant.
9. I DVR'd Christmas in Connecticut because I fell asleep.
10. If you haven't seen it, search your listing for The Man Who Came To Dinner.

To give is better, or not to give? That is the question.

2011-12-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

Facebook brings lots of thoughts and conversations into a public forum and over the last few days, I've "eavesdropped" on a young lady whom I love to pieces about buying Christmas gifts. She and her husband are expecting their first child and she posted a status that they are not able to buy Christmas gifts this year as they are preparing for their son's arrival and have other financial priorities. It seems she felt she needed to post this information because someone made a comment to her that they were offended that she wasn't buying gifts this year.

That got me thinking, Christmas gift -giving can be kind of like walking through a grenade field. I imagine most of us have had the experience of being presented with a gift from someone for whom we had not gotten one. There are many times in my life that people with significantly more income than I had me on their list and given my limited resources, I had not even considered them. Embarrassing. Of course, always they say that they didn't expect a gift. That's probably very true however, did not ease my unease.

This year at work we are trying to minimize the co-worker gift exchange by stating our request that a new pair of shoes be purchased instead of a gift for us. And I imagine that some sweet someone will buy said shoes and still bring in "just a little something" for others. That happens with the very best of intentions but honestly, I think if an agreement not to exchange gifts is made, you really need to stick to it.

As a mom, I am always uncomfortable with my kids giving me gifts. Always. Mother's Day makes me cringe, birthdays are the same. And of course, Christmas! I would prefer every cent they spend on me be applied to themselves for something they want or need or into the bank. I am in need of nothing and can scarcely make a wish list. I usually try to come up with a favor they can do as a gift to me, plant my flowers, do the housework for me, make me dinner. To me, this minimizes the focus on money and still allows them to properly honor their mom, which they want to do. As they get older and are now working, they very sweetly insist on giving us gifts.

What about the statement that one is not giving gifts to family. Obviously, this would not bother me whatsoever. But, there are people whom it would bother, I'm sure. I am aware that the opportunity to give gifts is not just a materialistic gesture. It's a way to honor those we love, to express what they mean to us. It's proper and right to want to do this, like my boys' desire to bless their dad and me. It feels good to do this. I like giving gifts myself, I get it!

If you cannot afford to or have simply chosen not to participate in the gift exchange part of the season, should you still make some effort to offer a gesture? Should you perhaps make something small like a Christmas ornament or bake something? Should you provide some small service like my aforementioned...making someone dinner or cleaning out their car? Or is it acceptable to abstain altogether.

And what about giving gifts to someone who has requested to not exchange? Do you still feel the need to give them a present? Should you?

I'm very interested in your opinions. Frankly, I don't think there is a right or wrong. I think we all have our varying opinions but maybe if we have a bit of a survey, we can negotiate that mine field with a little insight.

Happy am I

2011-12-12T08:25:00.004-05:00

Good Monday morning from a very tired me. Worked the weekend and the kid's unit was rather a hot mess, as we say in the business. Stressful, busy and difficult. With much prayer and amazing staff, word is this morning that overnight the unit settled down and there were no problems. Thank you Jesus!
So today is my day off and I have much housework to do. Don't cry for me Argentina, I like being home with much housework. I could think of home projects forever and a day. Mac wants to make a gingerbread house. I need to get organized for my baking which I think will officially commence next weekend. Laundry awaits. Mac built Jay book cases for Christmas which are hidden in my bedroom so I think I'll try to wrap those suckers and get them out of there. All of the rest of my gift wrapping is done and I am waiting for only two more packages to be delivered, one of which has shipped from my good friends at LL Bean.
Daboyz spent several hours "rock climbing" on Saturday. They started off with lessons at some place in Pontiac and then spent the rest of the afternoon practicing. These two certainly spend a lot of time together, texting and talking on the phone for two people who can't stand one another. They invited their dad along. He declined. Smart, since it is almost the season when he falls on the exact same spot of ice on the driveway every morning. He needs to save his strength for that. They rock climb, he driveway falls. Similar hobbies.
The Mr. bought an air mattress this weekend at the Sear's outlet. $50 which is quite a good deal considering what they are listed for elsewhere. This is for Jay, who spends the night every Christmas Eve. We only have two bedrooms and despite their closeness, daboyz are not interested in sleeping in the same bed. So it was blown up and given a trial run and declared awesome. Of course, we were informed by both of the kids that eventually, we will need to be prepared for their future wives and children spending Christmas Eve as well. Frankly, I doubt their wives will be interested in the Christmas Eve Smith Family Camp Out but it's nice that daboyz think it's such a grand idea. I guess they plan on marrying orphans who have no families of their own to see on the holidays. You can't have that conversation with them, they cannot imagine being with "strangers" for the holidays. Ahh, how life will change for them!
Do you find a shortage of Christmas movies this year? Unless I'm missing something, other than Hallmark movies, the old classics are no where to be found. We watched A Christmas Carol (the 1980s version) and It's A Wonderful Life as well as Rudolph and Santa Clause is Coming To Town however, I cannot find Christmas In Connecticut, White Christmas, Holiday Inn and the like. If you live in the Mitten and know when these are showing, please let me know! I cannot bear to watch them on DVD. I need the special catching it when it's on experience.
Another cup of coffee is calling my name and the laundry does not fold itself (a fact which the Mr. has not grasped.) Stay warm and get your Christmas on, it only comes once a year!

2011-12-11T18:04:00.000-05:00

Christmas baking!

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

1. Buckeyes

2. Pecan pie

3. Magic cookie bars

4. Espresso cake

5. Gingerbread cookies

6. Chocolate chip walnut cookies

7. Powdered sugar almond balls

8. Lemon squares

9. Mexican wedding cake

10. Coconut pecan cookies

Checkin' it twice

2011-12-09T09:56:00.004-05:00

A bit of a snow morning here in the Mitten. I'm off today and plan on wrapping all of the gifts I have so far. And then making a list of any incidentals yet to be picked up. I'm mostly done with my shopping, how about you? A lovely thing has happened this year, we found ourselves hard pressed to make Christmas wish lists. Isn't that wonderful? We could scarcely think of things we wanted, we are that blessed. So under our tree will be one or two luxury items for each of us. And of course, having boys, I have picked up a few things that they don't realize they need ;)
Another development here in the Smith home, the Mr. is much less concerned with the number of presents under the tree. In the past, he's been one of those people who shops and shops until the last moment of the last dollar of the last closing store before Christmas. This generally means we sit knee deep in wrapping paper admiring lots of stuff we don't' need nor particularly want. It's all with the best intentions and reflects his childhood and the way his mom still feels about Christmas.
Although I don't have the one luxury I want, the holiday off of work, I feel particularly peaceful and I'm enjoying the season.
In order to fully express to you what our wish lists have come to, allow me to share Mac's.

One 5# bag of Dearborn brand hunter's sausage
A trailer hitch (in case Grandpa needs him to tow his trailer.)
Pajama pants

His brother, having drawn his name for the family exchange and hoping to buy him a gift in addition to that, is rather frustrated. In a good way.

The only list I'm working on now is the goodie list: cookies and treats to share and enjoy.

What's on your list?

A few updates and then...give me more stuff!

2011-12-08T06:15:00.003-05:00

Whew, woke up with a doozy of a sinus headache this morning! I've got a busy day ahead so thank you Jesus for Sudafed! Another weekend of work is around the corner so I'm off tomorrow. My major plans are wrapping Christmas gifts and then to pick up a few items to round out my Christmas shopping. One of the items I ordered arrived and was not exactly what I had in mind but the good news is, it is exactly what Jay would like to give his girlfriend so it's all good.

The cold winds and flurries we've been experiencing in the Mitten have me thinking of soup and I think perhaps a big pot simmering on the stove will be the perfect addition to my wrapping day tomorrow. That's neither here nor there, just thought I'd share.

It seems that my Hallmark Christmas cards were delivered and according to the Mr.'s aunt, we look like movie stars. Thank you Kelly! LOL.

Oh! I know what I keep meaning to tell you! The shoe drive we have been working on together is going great! We have been able to give away shoes to every single patient in need and still have some in the clothing closet standing by. Every year at Christmas, leadership at my hospital draws names or has a white elephant gift exchange. This year it was decided that instead of any gift exchange among co-workers, we are requesting shoe donations to the clothing closet or money or gift cards for our petty cash fund to supply shoes & coats throughout the winter. Isn't that exciting!? Well I'm excited! I wish I could have captured on film the first young lady who asked if we had any shoes for her when we handed her a brand new pair of tennis shoes, still in the box that had been lovingly donated by Margie. "Are these new?, Oh my God these are brand new shoes? Oh thank you Jesus." I set out to do a better job of meeting a need but to see the feeling of restored dignity of someone getting a pair of shoes is both heartbreaking and exhilarating. What a privilege to be witness to God's grace through his creation.

Ok, then let's get real. The shoe drive is going great and I know we can keep the momentum going. We continue to need hoodies, sweatshirts and winter coats. But we are completely out of one item. Ahem. Well. We need bras. Yes, we need bras! Especially on our critical schizophrenia unit, most of the female patients do not have a bra. Do you need a bra to keep warm? No. But back to that feeling of restored dignity, it is important. We have patients who come out of their rooms with a blanket around their shoulders not because they are cold but because they are embarrassed. All sizes are needed but obviously, the larger the woman is the more a bra is necessary. I don't mean to be blunt but it is what it is! Actually, I don't mind being blunt. Again, new is nice but used is absolutely fine. I have a theory that most ladies have at least a few bras that don't use. So.....we need bras. And while I'm at it, underwear too.

Time to get a move on and start this day! New residents starting work at Kingswood so I am co-teaching recipient rights this morning, then teaching restraint use to new hires, then have a welcome luncheon with the new residents, then teaching new hires about infection control and in between, being a manager! Manicure this evening and I'm guessing when I finally arrive back home I'll be tired and ready for my Friday off.

Have a blessed day and send me your bras!

Image: Our Christmas lights!

Laugh family!

2011-12-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

OUR STORY WALL WORDS

Here's a site you can visit for the separate pieces in one of the things that makes me smile, this...

The black and white polka dot words (LAUGH in our case) are made of metal and the embellishments are magnets that can be purchased in holiday, seasonal or any other theme you can think of. We've added some Christmas stuff to our base. There are multiple bases you can buy that say everything from Family to Love to Laugh to whatever you can think of. You can use the magnets to hold pictures in place or just to make a statement as I've done here. The Our Story Wall Words line has hundreds of products that I can't even begin to list here. We bought ours at the Mole Hole in Marshall, MI and they have a huge selection.

This is a relatively inexpensive and fun way to express the character of your home and change it up when the mood strikes. They can be hung on a wall or you can purchase a base as we've done. I think it would make a great gift too and the recipient could add to it if they choose.

This might be a sweet gift for someone you are thinking of blessing this Christmas!

Christmas cards~

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

My Christmas cards are currently "shipped." For the second year, I am using the Hallmark online card service. You can find it by clicking HERE.

Last year the delivery was late. I did order late however, according to the site, delivery would still be on time. Eventually everyone got the cards (I think) although a few came after Christmas. But the idea of the Hallmark service is great so I'm giving them another try and ordering early this time. I placed my order on Sunday and got an e mail last night that they were shipped.

I have to say I love Christmas cards and I think it's sad that they are becoming a lost tradition. Although I understand with the increased pace of life and the cost of cards and stamps, sometimes a person just can't do it all. I've mailed cards to a smaller and smaller list over the years and a few years, I've only sent them to immediate family.

The Hallmark site allows you to make an address book that it stores so you can send cards for any occasion year 'round. You have the option of having the card delivered to you or they will sign, address, stamp and mail them to the people you specify on your list. You can upload personal photos for your card or choose a stock card and you can personalize the message on the card as well. The price varies according to which you choose. The postcard style is the least expensive.

The site predicted that my cards ordered on Sunday 11/27 would be shipped on 11/30 so the e mail last night that they were shipped is a good sign. If they don't deliver properly, I'll update you and probably not use the service again. I'm hoping that it works better this year because it just makes it so much easier to re-embrace the old fashioned tradition of Christmas cards.

Finally let me just say, I love getting Christmas cards in the mail. I'm not offended or disappointed if I don't get many, and in recent years the number has significantly decreased (maybe because my sending has decreased!) But if you are trying to decide whether or not to send cards based on wondering if people even care anymore? Send one or send 100 but send cards if you are in the mood. I, for one, love 'em.

What about you? Do you send Christmas cards? Do you think it's just a dying tradition that we should let go?

Lazy Monday

2011-12-05T10:11:00.002-05:00

It's a cloudy Michigan morning here in the Mitten. The temperature is a balmy 38F and the sky is overcast. An excellent napping day, as you can see. Above we have the Mr. and Donny hunkered in for a mid morning catnap. Why not move slowly and do some lazing when you can? There aren't that many moments available. I'm off today and doing some housework and Christmas gift wrapping. The Mr. took the day off (why is unclear, so far nappage is pretty much the main focus.) Actually, the poor guy fell off the ladder when he was hanging lights outside so he's sore. I guess he's earned a little couch time.
I really dislike shopping and this year I've done everything online so far. I just love getting those packages on the front porch! There are a few items I'll still need to go out and get but I am almost done. Now I am being smart and wrapping every day so I don't have to do a marathon all night wrapping frenzy. Plus, why not enjoy those pretty packages under the tree?
Well, it is late morning and I remain in my pajamas so I guess I need to do a little bit more than Donny & the Mr. if I'm going to get my list checked off. Days off are much shorter than work days :)
Whatever is on your list today, try to find a place to relax and enjoy the moment.

Better things~

2011-12-04T17:19:00.001-05:00

Hi guys,
In response to the great need for prayer and my own determination to discipline myself, I have started a prayer journal blog. If you go to my profile you will find the link to my new blog Better Things.
Please don't feel the need to visit or comment, I just wanted to share that it is there for whatever purpose the Lord might have.

Love & grace,
s

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

The wise in heart shall be called prudent; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning

Proverbs 16:21

10 sentences

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

1. Placed my Hallmark Christmas card order last Sunday, I'm hearing that people started receiving their cards yesterday. Yay Hallmark!

2. Mac & I had a fun day decorating my parents' house for Christmas. I'm thankful that he has a servant's heart.

3. The Mr. & Mac surprised me by hanging Christmas lights outside! And the Mr. even went out and got the old fashioned big multi colored ones that I so love!

4. More than half of my Christmas shopping is done and I haven't set foot in a store. I lurv online shopping.

5. I'm in hair hell. I just got a new haircut and haven't had a good hair day since although it's a good cut. I think my perfect hairstyle has yet to be invented.

6. My mom got one of them Shark steamer moppers. I want one of them things too.

7. I'm working this weekend. That's all I've got to say about that.

8. The Henry Ford Health system is changing to standardized scrub colors, ceil blue for nurses. Simplicity is a lovely thing. After Christmas I shall buy 5 sets.

9. I asked the Mr. for a silver horizontal cross necklace for Christmas. Someone is probably going to need to help him with that. I am holding all of you responsible ;)

10. I have a deep sense of peace and joy this Christmas despite being scheduled to work. I know that is Jesus keeping my heart steadfast.

Weirdos

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Well here we are with nothing in particular to talk about and so I bring you...

SUCCULENTS!

Succulents just make me so happy! And you know why? Because succulents are weird. In fact, and please don't repeat this or people might think I'm weird myself, I call them weirdos. Pictured here are my personal weirdos.

In fact, the Mr. was looking at landscaping pictures and there were succulents involved and he says to me he says, "Hey, you'd like this. They used lots of weirdos."

Heh heh. He probably thinks that is the real name for them. He probably says weirdos to other people. Like, "My wife really likes weirdos so I'm going to put them on the berm."

Heh.

You cannot kill weirdos, I mean succulents. Technically you can kill weirdos, although you shouldn't.

I love my weirdos so much I brought them in with my house plants even though they usually survive the winter just because I like lookin' at 'em.

Ahh, weirdos.

They make me happy.

The C.S. Lewis Tree

2011-11-29T12:28:00.000-05:00

This is one of two identical music globes. The first one is put away, it was my Grandma Trent's and used to sit under my parents' Christmas tree when I was a child. This one I found in an antique shop on an anniversary trip. The original has a small crack at the top and the star has broken away and lays on the bottom of the globe now. How like the Lord to provide this replacement so that the original can be safely packed away. As a bonus, each of my boys will receive one for their own homes some day.

Reindeer ornament, bought at Garden Ridge to decorate our second Christmas tree in the C.S. Lewis room.

Purchased on a anniversary trip and on this tree because it matches the bronze and golds of the decorations in this room.

Birds! The Mr. loves these little guys and picks them up whenever he sees them. We have to perch them high though, or Donny goes "hunting" when no one is looking!

Antique ornament that hung on my Grandma Trent's tree in the 1970s

Another bird, doesn't he look like he's smiling?

Do you see a theme here?

Doggy angel tree topper! I must admit, this is my whimsical contribution. The Mr. isn't a big fan. We had a pretty star (from Target) on the tree that was on its last leg so I grabbed my chance to use my dog angel.

Our second Christmas tree is found in the living room which I call the C.S. Lewis room. This room was a formal living room when my grandparents were alive. Since moving in, it has become a quiet place where I like to read or write or just be still. There's no television in here, just a comfy chair, computer and piano. It's the overflow room when the family is all here for those who want to converse without shouting over the television.

This tree was my Grandma Trent's and when she passed away in 2008 it was given to me just in time since we now had two rooms needing trees, having moved here in 2007.

This tree is more intentionally decorated than the sentimental tree in the family room. We didn't have ornaments for it so we purchased most of what you see at Garden Ridge in the blues, golds and bronzes that match the room itself. There are only a few older ornaments, those which came from my Trent grandparents' home. This tree expresses a lot of the Mr.'s preferences, as you can see, he's a fan of the little birds. I have to admit they are pretty cute. The poinsettias I added this year when I ran across a box full of silk ones that I had used elsewhere over the years. I used wire cutters to separate the ones that were potted and tucked them into the tree for some color and added fullness.

Beneath the tree is my replacement music globe and the flag from the Mr.'s dad's memorial service in Alabama over Labor Day. We haven't found a permanent home for the flag yet and I like having it there this year, his first in heaven.

If we live long enough, this tree may become sentimental tree number two, after all, how many more anniversary ornaments will fit on the other one? :)

(I wonder if the C. S. Lewis title has left you hoping for something much more fanciful? Sorry! This room is the place where I read and think and pray and write and that is where the connection ends. )

Family room Christmas tree~

2011-11-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

Mac's high school football number
I believe this is a porcupine, a gift from Lisa

Snow baby reminds me of my babies

Tortoise & hare, from 2009 anniversary trip. This was the year Dean's parents moved here, he was a hare & she is a tortoise. :)

2011 anniversary trip, 2 robins

2011 anniversary trip

2010 anniversary trip. In Autumn 2011 we had a crazy squirrel in our yard who was putting acorns in our yard furniture instead of burying them.

Chapel, gift from my mom.

2008 anniversary trip

2007 anniversary trip. We have Mexican food every Christmas Eve with daboyz.

Traditional Bronner's ornament, we each have one, including Donny.

Our family room tree is decorated with only sentimental ornaments collected since daboyz were born. I've shared just a few here. Some were chosen by them, some were gifts, some are from my grandparent's trees and every year since 2006 we have purchased an ornament on our anniversary trip. There are no ornaments on this tree that are "fillers." Each has a story.

At his home, Jay has my gramma's little Christmas tree with my grampa's angel tree topper. Just yesterday, Mac was looking at our sentimental tree and said that when he has his own home, he is going to start with a very plain tree and add ornaments year by year until he, too, has a tree of memories.

Although it may not be the most sophisticated, this is my very favorite kind of Christmas tree.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-11-27T17:00:00.001-05:00

Dining alcove. C. S. Lewis Room

Dining alcove/C.S. Lewis Room

Kitchen

Family room

Thank the Lord that after almost two weeks of feeling somewhere between crummy and cruddy, I felt pretty good this weekend. Not only was it time for the Christmas decorations to come out but honestly, the old house hadn't been really cleaned for a little while. Keep that a secret please.

One of my favorite types of blogs are those home and garden types. Recipes, decorating and the like. So if you are running short on post ideas, please post some pictures of your home and what you are working on, dreaming of or just cooking for dinner. And if you don't like those blogs, sorry, that's all I got at the moment!

2011-11-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son; that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Weekend wonderland!

2011-11-26T08:32:00.002-05:00

1. Putting away Autumn decorations.
2. Decking the halls, and walls, and windows and corners and table-tops and possibly the dog.
3. A big pot of soup is on the agenda.
4. Some Internet shopping.
5. Walgreen's run.
6. I will I will I will clean this house!
7. Going to make my master Christmas shopping plan.
8. I love old Christmas classics. I have very little interest in anything post 1980.
9. I, therefore, use the Classic Holiday music channel on my TV constantly.
10. We need a new tree topper and I'm very particular. Send me some samples so I don't have to go shopping please. It should light but also be very vintage and by vintage I don't mean Victorian.

Friday

2011-11-25T07:55:00.003-05:00

Are you participating in Black Friday? Me? No. For one thing I'm working and for another thing, no. I just don't want to. It looks like a miserable experience. I think those who don't like to shop in the first place would not be able to find a deal cheap enough to enjoy Black Friday. Now, if it was black & white Friday? I'd be there.
We drew names for our Christmas gift-buying yesterday and I drew my mom. That'll be easy enough. Sometimes a person draws a person for whom shopping is impossible. I will not name names. Ok, I'll name names, my dad, my brother-in-law and daboyz just because we already buy for them in the first place.
The Mr. put up our Christmas tree in the family room and naturally, half of the lights immediately went out. So we sat here last night with half a lit tree. What are ya gonna do? He'll work on it today.
I better get going, off to the hospital where I'm hoping for a good day that goes by quickly, I'm looking forward to the weekend and getting the rest of my Christmas decorations out. Hoping your holiday was wonderful and that your Friday is whatever color makes you happiest!

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Juice! Zest!

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy-maker number two, a citrus juicer. I have one much like this one that we bought at an antique shop while on vacation. It's not often used, but it makes me happy just the same. I like the weight of it in my hand. When I bake anything requiring lemon, orange or lime juice or zest I pull it out and juice away. I've never used it to make a pitcher of fresh juice, that seems like an entirely overwhelming process. Actually, come to think of it, I have used it to make fresh lemonade. Which leads me to another simple happiness...

Do not underestimate the power of freshly zested or juiced citrus in your cooking and baking! It's requires no particular skill and perhaps just a few extra minutes and does truly improve the fresh crisp taste of citrus as opposed to purchased juice or zest.

A citrus juicer is one of those things that is usually only found in "established" homes. You know what I mean, no one particularly remembers where it came from but in some houses if you were to ask for it, someone could find your a citrus juicer and it would probably be a lovely heavy glass one with a little handle on one side and a spout on the other. The citrus juicer might not be used for a decade, but there it will be. The new home of a person furnished entirely with new purchases will not have a juicer. And it certainly needs one, in order to be counted as a real home. It's in the Bible.

In addition to the old fashioned juicer, I recommend a zester and a reamer. Both inexpensive and easily found at Target, K-Mart, etc. At right you see a reamer and a microplane which can be used to zest.

Carry on.

Awww honey honey

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

I have decided as I lay on the couch feeling oh so sorry for myself, to reflect upon happy makers. If you are very lucky, this will be a series. You can use it for insomnia. :)

Item number one which I love and adore and always makes me happy...

Honey!

I luuuuuurv honey! I love it a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. I love it in hot tea, i love it on warm biscuits, I love it drizzled over pretty much anything. I love it with sharp cheddar cheese and apples. I love the way it looks. It's is unimproveable! Simply perfect. The honey I love is the honey my grandparents had in their cabinets is the honey that Laura Ingalls Wilder loved. Is the honey Winnie the Pooh loves!

Is the honey from the Bible!

Oh honey!

I love honey!

I am sure there are people out there who do not love honey. I pray for them.

As for me and my house, we will love the honey.

There is nothing nicer when you are sick or just a little chilly or would like to feel comforted than a cup of tea with honey. Not so long ago, Jay was over and saying he had made himself a cup of hot tea at home but it wasn't as good as mine. Mac answered, "That's because mom puts honey in our tea, it's the secret ingredient to delicious tea."

What a smart boy! P.S., Jay stopped that day to buy honey.

I heard on the radio a few weeks ago that 85% of honey consumed in the United States is not really honey because it doesn't contain enough pollen to be called truly honey. It's more of a honey-like product. Like cheese food.

Jesus help us!

Be careful out there! You must must must buy LOCAL HONEY. You must! It's really not hard to find if one pays attention.

Now, go out there and have some honey.

Little foxes~

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

I seem to be a little left of center the last few days. I am not feeling well, that certainly doesn't help. The not feeling well is interfering with keeping up with the house which creates a vicious circle. I'm the type who usually gets up early and completes my housework front to back, top to bottom in about 2 hours. Not so at the moment. I'm moving slowly, tiring easily and needing lots of sit-downs in between tasks. The laundry is done and folded but not put away. The family room is straightened but not dusted and vacuumed. In the bedrooms the linens are changed and the rooms are free of clutter but there is dust on the surfaces and the hardwood floors are begging for a sweep. The kitchen table holds all of the items I've picked up in my half-hearted efforts and gotten no further in putting away. Heaven knows were it not for the dishwasher there would likely be dishes in the sink. I don't like it one little bit.

Then there is the wonderful Thanksgiving holiday in a few days. I do love Thanksgiving so very much from awakening to the parade and a cup of coffee to making traditional delicious food that brings back the warm memories of those who have gone to heaven and the time together with loved ones. My body is making it hard to head full-throttle into the cooking and baking I want to do and adding insult to injury, I am working on Thanksgiving (and the Friday after.) I'm trying to get Wednesday off to at least allow myself a day to enjoy the cooking process as I am bringing a few dishes to my mom's when I'm off work on Thursday.

And there it is again, another frustration! The Mr. and I absolutely love having the holidays and family gatherings here. Being my grandparent's home, it feels like having everyone back at the family home when we are able to be the hosts. In the 20 years before we moved here we lived in a very small home that was not conducive to comfortably hosting the family. This year with my work schedule we aren't able to have any of the holidays here (I am working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.) My mom will have dinner and it will be fine and I know she and my dad are happy to open their house to us all. It's the little fox inside my heart trying to spoil the pleasures of holidays that aren't going by my plans.

I wanted to do some Christmas decorating over the weekend, more of my ideas lost in the uncooperative circumstances of the moment.

Since I'm in full swing of bearing my frustrations, I may as well complete the list. As you know, I am rather the hermit. Lock me inside my home and I'm happy. My circle of nearest and dearest is small. But on Sunday one of those nearest and dearest was having a baby shower for her daughter whom I've known forever and a day and guess what? This doggone body of mine with sore throat and ears and muscles and head kept me at home for one of the few occasions I wish to actually attend! I consumed gallons of hot tea and honey for 3 days attempting to wash away the bug without success. I couldn't go and make the mama sick (nor the grandmama and great grandmama to be.) Insert stomping foot here.

And and and and. Another dear friend, Kevin, lost his dad this week. The funeral was late Sunday afternoon. Kevin was at the Mr.'s dad's funeral. Kevin would be there for anything happening in my life if he had to walk on broken glass. I should have gone to the baby shower and then to the funeral. As you have guessed by now, I didn't make it to either. The two events I would actually want to attend I missed. And the devil is having a lot to say about letting my friends down, they who would never let me down.

People are so good to you and you are so self-centered.

That's the long and short of it.

And your house is messy and you are making your poor mom host Thanksgiving and you won't even be with your family for the holidays.

Oh dear, it's a melancholy moment for sure.

On the face of it, these are smallish disappointments and yet they are working together to spoil one day after another. Little foxes spoiling the vines. I know the scripture refers to small sins separating us from the Lord but I think little disappointments can add up to make us feel separated when we really aren't.

While my emotions are interpreting the situation I am working to put my spirit in charge. My spirit knows for certain that God ordains my footsteps and there is just as much joy and peace to be found in these days as there might be if things were happening more to my liking. I don't want my emotions to become so prominent that I refuse to recognize the good in things. I'm working on it.

So pray for me, if you will, that this emotion-driven attitude will be covered by Spirit-centered peace. I find myself worrying about the holiday at the hospital, will we have adequate staff? Will it be a terrible day? The enemy loves to use dread against us, doesn't he?

Now I must make it a point to post again when my spirits begin to lift, as they will at any moment. God remains on the throne, and little foxes are easily scattered.

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines...Solomon 2:15

2011-11-20T09:26:00.002-05:00

So we, thy people and the sheep of thy pasture, will give thee thanks forever; and we will show forth thy praise to all generations

Psalm 79:13

I want stuff!

2011-11-19T09:05:00.004-05:00

1. I want a smaller light-weight camera.
2. I want a food processor.
3. I want this house to be clean.
4. I want someone else to clean this house.
5. I want a Kindle.
6. I want new pajamas.
7. I want a different hair cut.
8. I want a double oven.
9. I want new glasses.
10. I want a cup of tea with honey.

Sadness, prayer & caution~

2011-11-18T06:30:00.004-05:00

We had a taste of winter yesterday afternoon as snow flurries blew across Southeastern, Michigan. There was a lot of "Oh no!" heard here and there but I still find the sight of snow so peacefully beautiful I simply sat in my office and stared at the sky for a while.
It has been a difficult week for some of the staff and my heart hurts for them as they deal with loss.
A nurse's elderly mom passed away over the weekend. Not unexpected but still so hard.

A dear friend, Kevin, lost his dad this week. If you could pray for him and his family as they prepare for the funeral on Sunday, that would be appreciated. His dad had a stroke several years ago from which he recovered but had another severe stroke on Saturday and went home to Jesus on Wednesday evening.
Another friend got word on Monday that her 18 year old cousin had passed away in her dorm room over the weekend. It seems that the young lady had a seizure while her room mate was away for the weekend and was discovered when the room mate returned on Sunday afternoon. Of course, that family needs much prayer.
As a footnote to this terrible tragedy, I need to say a word about Facebook and recommend we all use it as a cautionary tale. This young lady passed away at a college two hours away from her mom's home. The college immediately sent a team to the home to inform the mom in person. In the meantime, the room mate began almost immediately facebooking her friend's death. You can imagine what happened. Mom found out her sweet daughter had passed on Facebook. The rest of the family found out the same way. These kids didn't mean any harm, they were communicating their sadness in the method their generation uses. But PLEASE be sure when you post on Facebook that the news you might need to share has already been appropriately shared with the people immediately impacted and PLEASE teach your kids to do the same. Our kids simply lack that internal monitor where communication is concerned, immediate sharing is too easy.
Have a blessed, safe and peaceful day.

Project Mantle Bed

2011-11-14T09:22:00.004-05:00

Projects projects projects around the house! Do they ever end?

Mac, a former basement dweller, moved up stairs to sleep in the spare room (Spare Oom) last winter when it was particularly frigid and has never returned to the nether regions below. This is a little project that really doesn't seem difficult that I'd like to use in his room. In aforementioned basement, is a fireplace mantle that formerly lived on The Farm. It's stained a medium walnut color.

In the ever rotating furniture co-op, when we moved furniture to Amy's, we claimed a black shaker style dresser for Mac's room. So we are all ready to get this room done!

Well, you'd think so, wouldn't you?

I'm taking a little poll. The room has light mocha walls and hardwood floors. The dresser is black. So...

1. What color should the mantle be?

2. What kind of fabric should I use?

3. What accent color/s should I use?

The completion of this project is now in your hands!

Vacation~

2011-11-14T07:12:00.011-05:00

Our 25th anniversary vacation is officially a memory. Goodness, the planning and waiting seemed forever but the week was just a minute long! We decided at last to take a Michigan road trip, something that is becoming our favorite get-away. Not only do we love our beautiful state, but the economy and the opportunity to support local business and restaurant owners is an added benefit. Last Sunday after work we drove to Lansing where we stayed at the Lexington Hotel (lobby at left) We checked in at about 9:00 p.m. and were offered an upgrade! Our suite included a sitting room, bedroom, two full bathrooms, two large flat screen televisions and dessert in our room. What a great way to start our week! The next morning we stopped at Elderly Music in Lansing after breakfast in a local diner. What is Elderly Music you ask? It's a huge vintage instrument store. Fun? Uh, well, for some people! The Mr. is on the hunt for a vintage acoustic bass guitar for his anniversary gift and Elderly is the place to go it seems. After spending 9 days in Elderly music it was onward to...
Beautiful Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm not a city girl but Grand Rapids is so amazing even I love it. We dropped off our luggage and parked and then went to walk the city for a few hours, stopping for a cup of coffee. The weather was on the warm side (for November in Michigan) so we were comfortable strolling around, crossing the river on one bridge, walking down the streets and crossing back on another one. Finally at about 3:00 we headed back to the Amway Grand Hotel to check in but our room still wasn't ready so....upgrade! They had noted in our reservations that we were celebrating our 25th anniversary so we were given a deluxe suite! This room again had a sitting room, bedroom, two bathrooms, two televisions AND the most amazing view. The room was situated on one end of the 19th floor and three walls were wrap-around windows facing the river. Again, not a city girl, but even I could enjoy the beautiful lights at night shining on the river.

On Tuesday morning awoke before sunrise and watched the city come to life. We walked to a local cafe (The Sunrise Cafe) for a wonderful breakfast. I had granola pancakes, yum. Then a short walk to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Over the last several years, the Mr. and I have developed a mutual love of art and spent much of our week in galleries admiring (or not) the work of local artists. The GRAM however, is a for-real museum with pieces from artist such as Picasso and Remington. We took our time wandering the rooms with the luxury of having no where else we needed to go. After a few hours at the museum it was off to a local pub for a light lunch and then more wandering around the city. That evening we had a wonderful dinner at Charlie's Crab as we watched the rain fall on the river.

On Wednesday morning it was time for check out and off to our next Michigan destination; Holland! We had decided to be particularly adventurous and try a new hotel; City Flats. The hotel is built on the most current environmentally friendly theories and the rooms are different than your average hotel room. I'm glad we had the experience, wouldn't go there again. My greatest complaint, the place was loud. The hallway and rooms are not carpeted so you can hear people stomping about down the halls, over your head and in the rooms around you. Every time the heat kicked on it literally sounded like a monsoon was descending on the town. The open concept of the room is attractive but there are moments in one's day when, despite the romance (or in preservation of it), one needs a little privacy. And can you believe it, no coffee maker in the room! Pishaw!

The crazy City Flats aside, the town is a true treasure. We spent hours and hours as the weather turned from a lovely 65 degrees to a frigid windy wet 35 in the course of the afternoon, walking up and down the streets. Antique shops, galleries, boutiques...all lovely. A late lunch in a local restaurant kept us full all day so for dinner we ordered fruit and cheese for our room and slept soundly after the walking walking walking. Well, the Mr. slept soundly, I listened to people walking about and the furnace rumbling through and I'm quite certain the bamboo based building was letting off some kind of chemical smell.

Thursday it was off for a few hours in Saugatuck, MI after again, breakfast in a local diner. Another day of strolling the streets with snow flurries coming down (which of course I loved.) In store after store we were greeted by the owner's dog, or perhaps the dogs own the stores in Saugatuck. Either way, I love that as much as snow. After a few hours in the chilly little village we stopped for hot cocoa and then headed for our final hotel in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph is a wonderful town on Lake Michigan. It's so beautiful, from the little shops to the historic cottage homes to the larger summer homes of the wealthy to the ultimate eye candy...Lake Michigan. Our room here was in our stand by Holiday Inn Express, always a safe choice. We did some shopping and had dinner at Shu's which faces Lake Michigan (and for you Michiganders, is owned by some branch of the Schuler family of Marshall.) After an early dinner we drove down to the beach and sat in the car to watch the sun set. In the car because it is cold on Lake Michigan in November! Shew! Still, so beautiful. It is no more breathtaking in the summertime than in the winter; majestic in all seasons.

After walking, eating and watching the sunset we returned to our room where we had a jacuzzi and soaked away the shivers because on Friday, it was time to head east and home.

Friday morning we headed back toward Dearbon on I-94 which is, in my opinion, a treat in itself, to drive across the farmlands of some of the prettiest town of the state. We stopped in Marshall, MI to do a little window shopping and stopping at the Mole Hole where we buy a Christmas ornament every year on our anniversary. Then it was home sweet home!

We had a wonderful and relaxing time doing just what we wanted each step of the way. We took some meals in fine restaurants enjoying china and formal service and some in mom & pop joints with place mats advertising the local tractor store. We walked and walked and walked and bought loose tea and hot cocoa and Christmas ornaments. Some mornings we slept late and on others (most others), we awoke in time to watch the sun rise in whatever town we happened to be. Cruises, resorts and all the vacation ideas in between settled into what was the perfect week for us, the Michigan tour 2011! :)

2011-11-13T08:28:00.002-05:00

Psalm 103:11
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Mostly spice merchant stuff~

2011-11-12T06:29:00.000-05:00

1. Always change the linens on your bed before you leave for vacation. Makes it soooo nice to come home to your own bed.

2. I bought two bags of loose tea at the Saugatuck Spice Merchant.

3. I could spend many happy hours at the Saugatuck Spice Merchant.

4. The Mr. rushed me at the Saugatuck Spice Merchant.

5. I need to return to the Saugatuck Spice Merchant.

6. I did not visit the store in Holland with the neato cool oils & cooking stuff and I need to go back and do that.

7. I really want to go back to the Saugatuck Spice Merchant.

8. How does one become a spice merchant?

9. We also bought an apple spice cake in St. Joseph but I don't remember the name of the bakery.

10. Where is a spice merchant around here?

PS: I googled it, The Spice Merchant has an online store AND a location in Ann Arbor!! Who's going with me?

Hey, it's good to be back home again~

2011-11-11T17:19:00.005-05:00

It's amazing how fast a week of vacation goes by compared to a weekend of work! We are home from our Michigan road trip; refreshed and relaxed and glad to be back in our little house. We made stops in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Saugatuck, Douglas, St. Joseph and Marshall, MI. I honestly think I could vacation only in Michigan for the rest of my life and be happy. At our first two hotels we were upgraded for our anniversary, how nice is that? In Lansing we were given a two room suite with two bathrooms and in Grand Rapids, again a two room suite with windows on three sides facing the river and again...two bathrooms! As you can tell, the two bathroom thing is exciting to we bungalow dwellers with primitive one bathroom accommodations. :)

We had a great time and I'm busily doing laundry because tomorrow morning it's back to work for the weekend. I will post more pics next week but for now real life is demanding my attention. I don't mind, I kind of like it.

Image: Dean @ the Lexington Hotel in Lansing, MI

2011-11-07T07:00:00.003-05:00

We'll see you good people in about a week, we are off for our anniversary vacation! We are spending the week road tripping across the beautiful Michigan Autumn heading west until we end up on the shore of Lake Michigan. The Mr. has made reservations from Lansing to Grand Rapids to Holland to St. Joseph and back again and we are going to spend every moment relaxing and enjoying one another. Have a wonderful week!

To God be the glory, great things he has done...

Images of Dean & me by Kelly Andrews Turpin

Pixel Pop Photography on Facebook
November 4, 2011, Henry Ford Fairlane Estate, Dearborn, MI

2011-11-06T05:00:00.003-05:00

Because your compassions are before my eyes, I have walked in sweetness.

Psalm 26:3

Aramaic Bible in Plain English

1-10

2011-11-05T08:04:00.001-04:00

1. This year I am working Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Lord, you are truly stretching me.
2. There are few things more lovely than a big old fashioned King James Bible.
3. On Sunday evening we are leaving for our Michigan road trip!
4. Bought a new black wool winter coat at Burlington Coat Factory. LOTS of coats to choose from but what a mess the place is! Made me a little nuts.
5. Did I mention I have a kind of new job? I have been moved from adult psychiatry (schizophrenia/violent adult patients) to pediatric psychiatry (4-17 year olds.)
6. My awesome work partner Natosha is now doing double duty managing 2 adult units (schizophrenia and depression/dementia.) Please pray for her, it's a lot to handle but she is more than able.
7. Daily stretching/yoga is really helping my body aches.
8. I haven't had pop in 9 days. Never really was an addiction so it isn't a big accomplishment however, I can really feel the benefit.
9. Speaking of headaches: I did sneak one chocolate cookie and did have a headache for almost two hours afterward. Apparently, chocolate is also a culprit.
10. 25th anniversary pictures done!

The GACK Attack

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Gack!

Today we are having photographs taken by the best photographer we know, Kelly! That is not what makes me go "Gack!" Well, Kelly doesn't make me go "Gack!" What makes me go "Gack!" is that my body and face and hair look like someone who, well, someone who has been married about twenty five years!

The narrow window of the size ten? Missed it! These will be size 16 photographs. Gack! (Don't you repeat this but if I were to wear my Merona brand jeans from Target, they would be size 18 photographs. GACK!)

I'm here to tell you, I almost didn't do it. I almost didn't schedule those photographs. I almost talked myself into waiting until I was at least down to a 12. And then I almost waited until my hair is somehow better, although I'm not sure what that means. And then I almost waited until I discover the secret of perfect eye make-up, after all, I've only been working on that mystery for slightly longer than I've been married. But I did it, I asked Kelly to do our anniversary pictures. Probably, said I to myself, she is much too busy! And certainly doesn't want to take our fat old pictures! Probably, I said to myself, she will say, "Gack! I have better things to do with my time than take their fat old pictures!" So what did she say? She said "Of course!"

Gack!

Here we are, the day has come. We are having our twenty fifth anniversary photographs done by Kelly Turpin at the Henry Ford Fairlane Estate.

So I'm sitting around yesterday and I says to myself I says, "What you need to do Fatty Fat Fat is go get you some of them there Spanx what sucks in your fattitude!" Did you know them Spanx cost near 'round $85? That's not why I didn't go get them. There is one important reason I am not wearing Spanx under my size 16 (NOT 18 MERONA!) jeans.

1. I didn't want to put on my bra which is required if I am leaving the house.

So there we'll be in all of our glory right out in front of God, Henry and everybody captured for posterity. Gack!

Needless to say, I have had a stressful week of drinking many bottles of water to flush out 40 pounds in 5 days. That doesn't work by the way. I have made several slight variations to my hair and the result has been that no one has noticed.

Finally I went to the Rock of my Salvation with my burdens and asked the Lord, "Lord, should I wear taupe or lavender eye shadow when getting my picture taken?"

And the Lord said, "Good grief woman! Do you look at other people with the same mean, critical eyes that you use on yourself? If so, shame on you and knock it off."

Well! Well. Well? Do I? Do I look at other people and think to myself that they are looking fatter or older or have bad hair? I think maybe that's not so bad to notice but do I, somewhere deep inside, kind of maybe get a little satisfaction from it? Actually, no. No I don't. I used to, I used to look at other people with the same mean, critical eyes I used on myself. But I outgrew that. I may be drawing near to the need for reading glasses but I have much better spiritual vision now. The last few years, just about everybody I see looks downright beautiful.

That's Jesus in me. I'm seeing the world like Jesus sees it. Except the world in the mirror.

If the world has turned prettier, so have I or the Holy Spirit is a liar.

So we are having our pictures taken by Kelly in celebration of our twenty fifth wedding anniversary. And they are going to be beautiful. In twenty five years maybe we'll do it again and surely our eyes will have grown dimmer. Of one thing I am sure, I will see beauty.

Ms. Happily-Ever-After

2011-11-03T09:39:00.004-04:00

If there is a particular difference between the Mr. and me, it would be that he is much nicer to himself than I am to myself. Which I, left to the unspiritual me, often think is really selfishness. In fact, I think many women are vulnerable to this particular spiritual Achilles heel. We push and push ourselves and then look at our men and feel we are doing way more to keep things going then they are. Is it just me? Come on, be honest.
I'll give you an example, our twenty fifth wedding anniversary. Last year while we were away in St. Joseph we started talking about taking a longer trip for this year. Several months ago we started talking about cruises. A few months ago the Mr. mentioned booking a cruise and I said no. Too expensive. Can't take time off of work.
Similarly several months ago I mentioned in passing that I'd like a new wedding ring set. Over fifteen years ago I lost the diamond from my original solitaire engagement ring while building a fort in the back yard with daboyz. The Mr. heard me and in September he announced that he had gone ring shopping and wanted me to choose my new ring. I said no. Too expensive, don't need it.
On the other hand, I asked the Mr. what he wanted for our special anniversary and he quickly came up with a wish list and shortly thereafter had gone as far as Lansing in search of the acoustic bass guitar of his dreams and has narrowed it down to a few. He is now on the look-out for his anniversary gift.
Happily, if you stick it out with the same guy for long enough he figures you out and through some miracle, he learns to balance your craziness.
The Mr. sat me down at the computer and made me ring shop. Then he took me to a jewelry store. Then he put a ring in lay-away and finally at dinner on our anniversary he presented me with me new ring. We didn't book a cruise but we did plan a Michigan road trip that is going to be wonderful, a whole week long! Turns out, maybe we can afford and I can take the time off of work and even though I don't need it I can still open my arms to unnecessary happy things.
Women don't always know how to tend to their souls, we think the only places to seek joy are those that benefit others. Therein lies the resentful woman. The snarky Alice on the Honeymooners, the belittling Debra on Everybody Loves Raymond, the real-life b-word Kate of Jon & Kate + 8 (who became Kate, on her own, with 8.)
We women who secretly within our hearts sing a song, the lyrics of which are: I'm the only one_________, No one else____________, Nobody notices___________, Does anyone even appreciate_____________?
And my personal favorite, It would be nice if once in a while someone took care of me!
Ladies, listen to me, this is a good old-fashioned snare of the devil. We trip face first into this martyrdom and exhaust ourselves spiritually, emotionally and physically. And all of that exhaustion really doesn't make the lives of people around us all that better. They would actually all be better off with a happier wife, partner, sister, daughter, mom, friend. And guess whose job it is to find that happier girl?
You go girl, it's yours.
Now, don't think that I mean that you don't have responsibilities to your home and family. Don't tell me that in order to make others happy you have to be happy and that's the reason you live only for yourself. End of disclaimer.
What I want to know, and I mean I literally want to know the answer to this, is what makes your little heart happy? A quiet day at home (yes please!) or a night out with girlfriends or a romantic date night or a beautiful new pair of earrings or a walk around the neighborhood or a new mattress topper (ha!) or someone else to make dinner plans or or or or or? If you can't make a list of at least five things, that's your homework. If you cannot learn to take gentle care of yourself you are becoming a woman who is going to rob those around you of the blessing of your happiness. And that woman is mean. Women can be very mean, yes we can.
Make your list girls. Post it in comments, put it on your blog or your Facebook. Write it on a piece of paper and hang it on your fridge or your bathroom mirror. I dare you to enjoy.

Teacher

2011-10-31T10:48:00.000-04:00

For a lot of years I wore a lot of hats in the church. Sunday school teacher, youth leader, Director of Education, elder, small group leader. Recently someone asked me when I was going to start teaching again. I think it concerns people that I don't teach at the moment. I'm not sure why it is but today, I feel the Lord is impressing upon me to talk about this.

There was a time when I dreamed of being a Joyce Meyer. I thought the perfect career for me would be a teacher of God's word, a counselor for Christians. I've never felt called to the proverbial Africa but always to teaching other believers. I discovered within myself a surprise, that I loved to speak about Jesus in front of large numbers of people. As a lifelong socially awkward loner, I know this could only be the Lord. But what about now?

I won't pretend to know the why but for about 5 years I have felt no desire to do this teaching that used to so define me. In fact, I pushed myself for a bit to continue and realized that I was forcing something that was my own will being done. The last few times I taught I felt it, not the withdrawal of anointing but something else. The presumption of anointing.

I've worried, within my flesh, that others would see me as distant from God. I'm sure that is what compelled me to take those last few opportunities to teach. This is who I am and what I am expected to be. Around this time, God was making many changes in my life. My gramma passed away. I got a new job. We moved. Nothing I was seeking and yet; one thing after another was shifting. In the shift was the change; no longer was I compelled to teach as I had for so long.

It seems this would be a sadness but it isn't. What has also shifted is that I have discovered within a deep deep peace that I have never known before, even when I believed myself to be peaceful. There is a confidence in Jesus that I have never experienced, even when I thought I had complete confidence in him. The desperate prayers I used to pray have grown into intercessory prayers spoken in faith rather than fear. Even though I thought it had always been so.

My gramma loved Jehovah, God of creation. She loved Jesus and the Holy Spirit and salvation and the words of Paul but above all, she worshipped Jehovah. If you aren't sure what I mean, well, I'm not sure how to better explain it. Except that I love worship Jehovah too. Jesus promised that if we seek him, we will find him. I have a new sense of finding him over the last few years and it reminds me of the way my Gramma related to the Lord. She would hold an apple picked in an orchard and it would be a sacred moment to her. She would always have soup cooking or be anxious to make a cup of tea for me and on the coffee table would be her Bible open to 2nd Chronicles and it was the most church-like church I have ever experienced because she was so completely immersed in Jehovah. This is where I am finding my spirit leading me as well. God is all around me and like David, I feel the trees of the field applauding him.

I wonder, I hope, I pray I might become one of those women who intercede quietly and know deeply the things of the Lord.

And the teaching? I really don't know. This Jehovah peace I have found doesn't require knowing. I once fretted over such things, over tomorrow and in a year and what-if but it seems to have all melted away from me. Sometimes there are still moments to teach and I am always glad when they happen. Usually now it is one to one and never becomes more than that. When I, on occasion, think I should start a Bible study or a group or even sit down and write a spiritual blog post; the Lord gives me a quiet calm to be still. Be still and know.

Maybe all those years I was teaching myself and I have finally applied the lessons.

I feel that the enemy wanted me for a long time and worked very hard to tear me apart. More me than others? I don't know. What I do know is that I have always had a deep sensitivity to spiritual warfare and that my life in God has felt like training and combat and training and combat. Combat that was hard and bloody. Victory always came but was hard-won. I still have that deep sensitivity but the victory no longer feels hard-won, it feels already won. Fear is far from my heart. Worship is the language of my thoughts and the fragrance of the Holy Spirit permeates the air.

I see evidence of Jehovah God everywhere and, it is well with my soul.

Boo!

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-04:00

Jay & Paulina at Greenfield Village Hallowe'en Nights.

Beware, a little boy told me that the Grand Reaper was behind them in the darkness.

Heirlooms

2011-10-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

We're knee-deep in heirlooms over here. Heirlooms for days. Heirlooms as far as the eye can see. Heirlooms as high as an elephant's eeeyeyyyyyyyyyyyyye!

The word heirloom starts to look weird after using it a few times.

We are living in the Smith-Trent-Meszaros-Mezigian-Gerhardsteinsonian.

Naturally, my first question is, do you have any family heirlooms and what are they? I need to know.

As you know, this family has so many heirlooms we rotate them through three houses and a cottage and still store the extras in our basements and garages.

I keep trying to sneak additional items into Jay's house but he insists he doesn't have room. Like I do?

From where I'm sitting, I can see the following heirlooms: china cabinet, all the stuff in the china cabinet (27 items I can see, more in the bottom.) small farm table, low boy, lamp, pie safe, Halloween decorations and that isn't counting the actual chair I'm sitting in and the house itself.

Heirlooms, squarelooms, double bear looms, I got heirlooms.

Occasionally the Mr. and I will run across some something in an antique shop that we have at home and he'll say something like, "Look, we have this exact pitcher and it's worth $200!" To which I will say in a screechy panicked voice, "No, it isn't the exact one because MINE IS PRICELESS BECAUSE IT WAS MY GRAMMA'S AND WHAT ARE YOU SAYING THAT I SHOULD JUST SELL MY GRANDPARENTS BELONGINGS SO YOU CAN BUY A BASS GUITAR???"

I always like to throw in the bass guitar part although he has never actually ever hinted at wanting to buy a bass guitar with my family's heirlooms. I feel it puts him in his place nicely.

I am amazed (and saddened) when people tell me they don't have anything from their parents or grandparents. Maybe they aren't sad but it seems sad to me.

So I wanna know the following:

1. Do you have any heirlooms?

2. What are they?

3. Are they important to you and why or why not?

4. Have you passed heirlooms on to your kids?

5. Are you creating heirlooms within your home for your kids to have someday?

6. Is there something from your parents or grandparents' that you wish you had?

Heirloom Hunt: Steamer trunk (from The Farm), Christmas music box on top of trunk (From my Grandma Trent who gave it to my parents when I was a kid), Blue couch (Gramma), Mirror above couch (Gramma), Christmas tree (Grandma Trent), Antique secretary (Grampa Gerhardstein). Not in photograph but on right wall: piano (Dean's mom.)

2011-10-30T08:14:00.001-04:00

Trivia, this painting is of___________________?

2011-10-29T09:31:00.005-04:00

1. Core head of cabbage, cover with water in a large pot and bring to boil.
2. As leaves soften and loosen, gently detach from head and allow to boil a for a few minutes then remove to cool.
3. After cooling, remove the large center vein from the individual leaves (leafs?) by gently running a knife along the top of the leaf from the top to the base.
4. Mix equal parts veal, pork, and ground beef (meatloaf mix) or any ground meat of your choice with rice, salt, pepper and garlic. I also add a dash of cumin. Add raw egg and mix thoroughly. Edit: One small finely diced onion is included in the meat mixture.
5. Form meat mixture into a roughly egg-shape of the size proportionate to your leaf.
6. Place meat mixture at center of the base of the leaf and begin to roll toward the top.
7. About half way, fold right edge of leaf over and continue rolling to seal the right side of the cabbage roll.
8. At the top of the roll, gently stuff the left edge of the leave into the center of the roll to seal the left edge.
9. Place prepared cabbage rolls into pan. I like a big black speckled roasted although stuffed cabbage can be made stove top, just watch for boil over!
10. I use tomato paste whisked with water or broth to a very loose consistency and pour over the rolls, covering all of them. Remember, the rice will need enough liquid to soak up and still leave "juice!"
11. I also include Dearborn sausage pieces in my pan, flavors the cabbage rolls and is just plain good.
12. I put sauerkraut over all, also optional. If you use sauerkraut, watch the salt used in seasoning your meat mixture.
13. Bake at 350 for about an hour or so depending on how much your making and check to see how done your stuffed cabbage is. I like to reduce to 300 and bake for a few hours longer.
14. Stove top, bring to a boil and simmer for an hour and check.
15. I use leftover meat mixture to make porcupine balls for people who don't love stuffed cabbage.
16. Serve with? Mashed potatoes and veggie. And always a salad around here.

Ingredients
Ground meat
Rice

Small onion
Head of cabbage
Egg
Tomato paste
Sauerkraut
Dearborn sausage
Salt, pepper, garlic, cumin

I apologize for the lack of measurements and exact directions! As you may recall, my gramma accused me of cooking like a peasant. It's all instinct! The good news is that stuffed cabbage is a forgiving recipe and personally, I've never met a stuffed cabbage I didn't like. I even like 'em slightly underdone with firm rice and if you are a true Hungarian-cold out of the fridge ain't bad either!

For the whole family (us four, girlfriends, my parents, Amy and Rob), I use roughly the following:
3 pounds meat
2 cups or so of rice (still I eyeball it)
2 eggs
2 large heads of cabbage
2 large tomato paste
1-2 cans sauerkraut
2 packages Dearborn sausage

I always prepare the cabbage leaves on the day prior so they are easy to work with and half of the prep is done. The two heads took an hour to boil, cool and de-vein. I make giant rolls, if you like them daintier, perhaps you are not a peasant, you can simply cut your leaves to the desired size. Mine are not uniform. You can also make unconstructed stuffed cabbage but that is against the law.

If you have any questions, put them in comments and my mom, Trish, Kelly or I can surely answer them. Try it! If your people are like my people (and your God is my God and whither I goest you will go); you will not have left-overs.

Trivia answer: the 1932 gold medal winning Hungarian water polo team.

Groovin~

2011-10-27T20:42:00.004-04:00

This weekend we are finally celebrating Mac's birthday (almost a month late!) My mom and Amy were in Italy so we postponed and then trying to arrange a Saturday when nobody was working...so here we are!
On the menu per the birthday boy's request: stuffed cabbage, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and for desert-banana pudding. Weird. He comes by it naturally. Oh, and I'm throwing in chocolate peanut butter chip cookies for kicks and giggles. Maybe the rain will hold off and we can have a fire on the patio after dinner. It seems like FOREVER since we've had a family get-together although in truth I think it was just before the Italian cruise.
Next Friday Kelly is taking pics of us to celebrate our twenty fifth, I'm working next weekend and then we're off for a week-long Michigan road trip. Lots to look forward to in the coming weeks and before you know it, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving.
God put lots of groovy stuff in life.

25

2011-10-25T07:25:00.004-04:00

Today marks our 25th wedding anniversary! We are celebrating by going to work. :) We'll go out to dinner this evening and on our annual trip in a few weeks.
In 25 years, I have learned that no matter how very right I feel, I could be wrong. I've learned that if I am indeed very right, it might not matter. I've learned that love is expressed more often in quiet evenings watching the local news than in candlelit dinners and roses. I've learned that we make each other better people. That at some point you stop being bothered by getting older and realize that it is the symbol of something wonderful.
I've learned that it is happiness to have someone know what I would want from McDonalds or how I take my coffee from Dunkin' Donuts vs. Starbucks (because it's not the same.) It's a privilege to be important enough for a text just say say I love you. That most of the offenses weren't intentional and even if they are, it's still best to let it go.
I've learned a lot more than that but as I mentioned, I have to go to work!
Anniversaries are marked by romantic cards and declarations of eternal love, which is all quite lovely. But I find my heart full of gratitude to God more than anything, great things He has done.

2011-10-23T09:35:00.001-04:00

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psalm 37:11

10 stuffs that are not all that interesting including some questions that require your response

2011-10-22T08:58:00.003-04:00

1. Sore throat! Argh! The other day as I was walking to my car in the rain I thought, "this is just what gets me sick!"
2. Tickets to Greenfield Village today and I reaaaaallllyyyyy wanna go!
3. Mani this morning. That's apropos of nothing.
4. How much Vitamin C are you supposed to use when you're sick?
5. Planning our anniversary trip. Did you know there's tons of fun road trips on Michigan.org?
6. Are Northface jackets worth the money?
7. Thanking God that the Mr.'s contract was ratified. A strike was looming.
8. Started doing a VERY gentle VERY elementary yoga in the mornings for my aches, working wonders!
9. Have identified lots of things that contribute to my insomnia: soda pop, chocolate/caffeine in hidden sources, artificial sweeteners, reading right before bed (tragic)...
10. Learning a lot about my management of stress and how it contributes to whatever this fibromyalgia-like condition is.

Love in an undusted house~

2011-10-18T05:00:00.001-04:00

Last Friday I was off work and had taken my place on the couch with a heating pad when the Mr. announced that, if it was ok, a buddy of his was stopping by on Sunday evening to watch TV. Oh Lord. I had been laying on the couch with a heating pad all week with what is probably fibromyalgia and my house was the pits. I still wasn't feel well and was working on Saturday and Sunday so I told the Mr. that I didn't mind but, well, the thing is, this house...

Don't worry! says the Mr. He'll do all of the housework this weekend, laundry and groceries too. I need to rest.

Oh Lord. He doesn't really clean the house like I clean the house. And not that long ago, I wouldn't have been able to cope with that. I would have either asked him not to have his friend over or I would've gotten off of the couch and cleaned the house myself. Oh, and been an angry martyr in the process. God is doing a work in me because I thanked Dean and took a nap. So he went along over the weekend doing everything wrong. :) On Saturday evening when I got home from work he was on his way to the bathroom with an armful of cleaning supplies; none of which were the "proper" supplies. I stood in the hallway and told him a fun story about how I clean the bathroom floor by putting bleach and warm water in a bucket and then scrub it on my hands and knees! Isn't that great? Give it a try!

Nope. I don't know what process he used because I just walked away Renee. Whatever the method was, the results were mediocre. The fixtures were spotty. And and and...it was done. And it was ok.

Sunday afternoon he had laundry spread from one end of the house to the other, the kitchen was a mess and the furniture hadn't been dusted (or undusted, if you are Amelia Bedelia.) The floors weren't swept. There weren't fresh Scentsy bricks burning making everything smell pretty.

He did start putting the laundry away. The thing is, he shoves it all in the drawers and then kind closes them with stuff hanging out the tops. He never did undust or sweep. He loaded the dishwasher but didn't wipe down the counters or clear the table off.

So you know what I did? I had a bowl of soup, put on my jammies and climbed into bed to watch old movies.

Because it's ok. It didn't used to be but it is now. Don't get me wrong, I still love a clean and good-smelling house done "right." And I did get up on Monday morning and undust the furniture and sweep the floors. But I did not scrub the bathroom floor or polish the fixtures. I did straighten the dresser drawers but I did not worry about what hadn't been done the night before. I was instead, so thankful for what was done. So thankful for this house. So thankful that I am learning what is worth focusing on. And so thankful that I am finally starting to outgrow the need to do it all and then feel unappreciated and used. After all, that attitude doesn't glorify God and so it's no surprise that I don't feel blessed by my labors.

Grace.

Ramblings

2011-10-17T08:12:00.006-04:00

Good morning from a very happy to report that I am feeling good today me! No, that is not a run-on sentence.

The weekend at work was a good one despite feeling less than wonderful. I thought I was looking rather chipper despite the body aches I've had but the staff saw through it and reacted with much kindness and concern. This was a surprise blessing to me, almost like God telling me, "look, you have more friends than you realize." It was almost worth working the weekend to feel such sweetness from unexpected places.

Today I am enjoying my day off in the crisp cool Michigan morning. I've slept so well the last few nights and awakened feeling...awake! The Mr. went out on Friday and bought a mattress topper in the hopes that it would ease my aches and help with this eternal battle with insomnia. Oh, it's wonderful! First of all, it makes my bed look like an old-fashioned over-stuffed feather bed on The Farm. Secondly, it is, as one of the reviewers online said, like sleeping on a cloud. I usually prefer a firm mattress but this is so heavenly and the proof is in the pudding. I am falling asleep easily and waking up rested. I'm thinking of buying one for everyone I know for Christmas! Thank goodness for those Bed, Bath & Beyond 20% off coupons :) In fact, today my errand list includes picking up another one for Mac's bed. If you're curious, it's the Wamsutta Cool & Fresh Fiber Bed. It's a mattress topper, just lays atop the mattress so there is no worry that the pocket will be deep enough to fit.

The weekend to come includes moving some furniture to my sister's house to make room here for a few changes. My grandparents' furniture was here when we moved in but we can't keep theirs and ours and over the last few years we've found our way to what we love and want to keep and what just doesn't work. My gramma's bedroom set is on the what doesn't work list. Mac would like it someday in his home but in the meantime, it will make a beautiful guest room at Amy's house. Likewise, the camel back sofa will go to her house and that will not come back to the Smiths-not our style. My grandfather's antique secretary (so beautiful but no room here) will go as well for temporary storage. It is actually my uncle's but he hasn't come to Michigan to take it home yet.

The infamous C.S. Lewis room will become a bit of a study/library/reading room and I think I will move my dining table into the nook which currently houses my computer. This is the original dining nook for the house. The computer will move into the C.S. Lewis room itself. An old wooden kitchen work table will move into the kitchen and I will put casters on the legs to raise the height to a more convenient work height and probably add a few small stools underneath.

Once the bedroom furniture is moved to Amy's, I will be working on Mac's room. Which reminds me...Mom, can I have the old farm dresser out of the basement?

As you can see, we just move our furniture around from house to house.

That just about wraps up what may be the most boring blog post you will find on the Internet today! Enjoy your day and go buy a mattress topper.

2011-10-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

How great you are, oh Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.

2 Samuel 7:22

Right now~

2011-10-14T11:16:00.003-04:00

1. I absolutely love Autumn in Michigan.
2. It's rainy in the D.
3. 49 F in the Mitten.
4. Getting ready for work.
5. The Mr. put a Wamsutta mattress topper on our bed. OMGoodness, it's wonderful. Go get one.
6. Moving slowly but less achy this morning, praise the Lord!
7. If I continue to feel better, I might actually get this house clean. It really needs it!
8. Speaking of number 5, I slept through the night and woke up without an alarm feeling rested.
9. Coffee. Happy in a cup.
10. Much need for prayer today, dear old friends lost their 34 year old son this week.

Aching eyebrows and Hungarian mud feet~

2011-10-12T14:19:00.005-04:00

Ah, I'm feeling melancholy. It comes naturally, in case you weren't aware, to Hungarians. It's more or less our default mood. It doesn't mean depressed, although some of us are particularly vulnerable to that as well.
I have the flu, or something. I ache all over, even my skin and my eyebrows hurt. No exaggeration, eye brow ache. It's uncomfortable enough to have me home from work for two days. Usually I love to be home from work but not today. I want to be there doing my job but instead I'm here with aching eyebrows and that is making me melancholy.
My Scarf Sisters are gathering one by one here in Michigan for a long weekend but I'm unable to participate because my work schedule has changed and that makes me melancholy too. I was going to spend a few hours with them but then this doggone flu or something struck and I truly don't feel well enough to haul myself out of the house and certainly don't want to make them sick.
Ah. Melancholy.
Tomorrow I'm praying to be back to work and that will help me feel more in control and less melancholy I'm sure. For me, melancholy feels like I have one foot stuck deep in mud and I can't seem to pull free and do what I want to do. I wanted to be with the Sisters but couldn't because of work. Well, then, I want to work but I can't because my skin hurts. My foot is good and stuck today.
I know my Sisters are having a wonderful time and for that I will smile and be glad. And it's really not as bad as it sounds around here, snuggled up on the couch and watching Cary Grant movies. But it sure will be nice when my foot gets unstuck from this mud.

Black & White

2011-10-10T09:13:00.006-04:00

I remember as a little kid discovering old movies on Saturday morning. Do you remember the time when there were limited television channels and certain programs were only available at specific times? Those old black & whites; love at first sight. Better than cartoons, which were also only on Saturdays. I'd wrap up in an afghan on the couch and watch movie after movie.
What I remember about that time is that I was allowed to watch those old classics, every single one of them. And that's saying something because I wasn't raised in a house where I could watch everything on television. There were shows that were simply too adult for a kid, shows like Starsky & Hutch with drug references and prostitution inferences. And shows that were just unacceptable in our home, the ones that presented immorality as though it was common place.
Because back then, immorality wasn't common place.
We rarely went to the movies because, even though we only saw rated G films, it was difficult to predict what might be shown in previews. My parents took seriously what their daughters were exposed to.
Music was mostly Disney albums with a little bit of pop thrown in, Donny Osmond and Shaun Cassidy. You're probably giggling now about all of the archaic references? That's ok. I'm smiling too.
What I am really thinking of is how wide open we have thrown our arms to, well, to everything.
Desensitization. That's what my parents were actively fighting. How many parents think about densisitization any more?
For instance, how many young kids count themselves fans of singers who dress provocatively? That would've been an opportunity to discuss what we are not, not a source of I Pod tunes, when desensitization mattered.
Frankly, in hindsight, my parents edited things out of our lives that didn't need editing. They err'd on the side of caution. And none of that "stuff" that I missed out on had any negative impact. I'll tell you what that strictly enforced standard did accomplish.
The first boy that asked me on a date was one that I grew up with at church. We were in Sunday school classes since, well, since forever. After service one Sunday evening he invited me out with himself and a bunch of other church kids for pizza. My response? No.
No because my parents had not given me permission to date.
No because even after they did, I did not accept dates with any boy until they said it was ok.
A few months later a boy from my school asked me out. And I said no.
No because my parents did not know him so that made him unacceptable until they did.
No because he used profanity and was not a Christian and I (notice that my parents didn't even need to instruct me?), I would not consider dating a boy who was not a Christian. By dating, I mean going to a football game.
Desensitization. I could be casual friends with nonChristian kids but dating was on the other side of the standards line. I was not desensitized to the implication of dating someone. It means that person has entered into a closer position in life.
Yes it does.
Sex was not commonplace in conversation or television or music so it was certainly not easy for me to offer my body to a boy. I was not desensitized to sex.
That means my first sexual encounter was on my wedding night. PS, that was with the Christian boy from church that my parents approved of before I dated who fathered my children and with whom I will celebrate 25 years of marriage in a few weeks.
Of course, that 25 years of marriage thing has a lot to do with how far divorce was removed from my life. Divorce was not an option which left us with only one other option...staying married. I was not desensitized to divorce.
Has my life been perfect? Nope.
But the stuff that used to be called "the world" was hard to reach from the house I grew up in. It was a big deal, a decision, to cross the line because the line was very very clear.
The line saved me from a lot of pain.
Now it's called self-righteousness, to be separated from "the world." To call something wrong is politically incorrect. Immorality is almost gone, because nothing is immoral.
I think we need a few more Saturday mornings with an afghan on the couch watching old black & white movies. We are living in the gray areas now and movies aren't the only thing that was better in black and white.
Purity. Modesty. Morality.
In the Bible, it's still in black & white.

Interview Tips

2011-10-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

1. Find out what the dress code is in the organization with which you are interviewing and dress accordingly OR dress up a notch.

2. Pay attention to the details of your appearance. No chipped nail polish. Clothing should be neat, clean & pressed.

3. Bring a copy of all of the paperwork we might need: resume, license, references. Preferably a copy we can keep so we don't have to go make the copies.

4. BE ON TIME.

5. If you don't know the answer to a question, tell me how you would find the answer.

6. Don't tell me you're a good candidate because my position is easier than the one you are currently in.

7. Update your resume. I will want to know where you work currently & why you are thinking of leaving.

8. If you have held positions for less than 2 years, I will ask you why you move around so much.

9. Don't criticize the organization you are leaving as a reason you want to join us.

10. If you are truly good at what you do, you should be able to answer technical questions. So be truly good at what you do.

D+S

2011-10-07T18:52:00.001-04:00

Ah yes, it's time for the hokey anniversary month back ground change! On October 25, we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. So bear with me and my corny background for a bit please!

Feet shod with the preparation of peace

2011-10-05T18:19:00.004-04:00

I am so excited, blessed, humbled and proud.
Last week, I mentioned my hospital's need for shoes and you took me seriously. People brought shoes to my house, the Mr. did some pick ups, wonderful people sent money and lovely people ordered shoes to be delivered.
Oh. My. Goodness.
I'm still hearing from people who are cleaning their closets and making plans to buy socks to go with those beautiful shoes.
Oh. My. Gracious.
Every morning our leadership team huddles to discuss the current hospital concerns. Yesterday I shared our progress.
Oh.My.Goodness. Gracious.
They couldn't believe it. People you've never met? Yup! Bags full of wonderful shoes (and clothes?) A box of brand new shoes? Yup and yup!
Your generous response and allowing the Holy Spirit to use you to touch lives has had a profound impact. In fact, it's started a revolution! I started with the hopes we could stock up, meet a few more needs. But now? Now, I think we can go bigger. I'm going to make a promise to our patients...NO ONE will leave Kingswood Hospital without shoes. NO ONE. I want to build an entire room of shoes. And a cash supply so that if we need a certain size, we can go buy it.
The Kingswood Hospital leaders are on board, they are amazed at the response so far and suddenly, the sky is the limit!
We are even changing the way we process our patient's needs. Our doctors have agreed to check the patient's property sheet for shoes and if they have none, they will write an order to obtain shoes for the patient. They are that sure we can do this, guaranteed everyone will leave with a pair of shoes.
Does this rock your world like it does mine? I'm crying at the moment, happy happy tears.
Guys, YOU have changed the way an entire system looks at what we can do for people. YOU have made them believe in miracles. And I think this is just the beginning. I will promise shoes but I think we can stretch that and provide socks and clothes and coats. Someday people will leave Kingswood Hospital with shoes on their feet and soft warm socks and maybe even a winter coat when it's cold out. Every patient, every time.
Forget mustard seeds, I'm sowing shoes.

Happy birthday Mac!

2011-10-02T08:53:00.000-04:00

2011-10-01T08:40:00.004-04:00

1. Brrrrrr!
2. I am going to have a little shopping day, picking up some this and that.
3. Some of this and that is at Ulta. I lurv Ulta.
4. I'm getting my hairs did on Tuesday and think I will go shorter, lower maintenance. Free your hair and the rest will follow.
5. Exhausted last night after a long week and at 10 p.m. I felt there was no other choice than...to give myself a pedi.
6. My pedi is surprisingly nice considering I was half asleep and doing it to the light from the television while in bed.
7. My mom and sister are ending their first week in the Mediterranean. I spent the week at 8 Mile & Woodward. Life is fair. :)
8. I am going to attempt to make giant cookies this week.
9. Mac's birthday is tomorrow. He's going to be 7. No? It sure seems like he should be 7.
10. To all of you who have contributed, will contribute and have prayed for support and help with my request for shoes (and clothing) for my patients; words cannot really express my gratitude. The staff are excited at the prospect that we may be able to actually meet all of the patients' needs. In fact, they are re organizing the clothing closet and method by which we identify needs this weekend.

If the shoe fits~

2011-09-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

I have a favor to ask. Can I have your shoes?

Our patients at Kingswood Hospital are often indigent and homeless. Believe it or not, several times a month we admit people without a pair of shoes. A single pair of shoes. While they are in the hospital, they are often comfortable wearing hospital issue socks with the treads on the bottom. In fact, this is sometimes all they can tolerate if they have been walking bare footed for a long time. Yes, sometimes they have been walking barefoot for days on end and show up at our doors with blisters, wounds and callouses.

If you can't imagine it, this is the time when you stop reading for a minute to tell God thank you.

When it is time for discharge, the plan is often a bus ticket to a shelter. Sometimes they don't actually go to the shelter because their homeless lifestyle is all that they are familiar with. Plus, shelters put you out every morning and you line back up in the evening hoping to get a bed...no guarantees. Think about that and then think about it without a pair of shoes. And think about it during the Michigan winter.

So when they are ready to leave the hospital, we need to give these guys a pair of shoes. Our staff donates a lot of shoes and clothing for our patients but there never seem to be enough shoes. High heels and dress shoes make up a good portion of the stock in our clothing closet. This is great for people who are trying to get a job interview and gain control of their lives. But not all that helpful if you are going to walk the streets of Detroit and sleep in a door way.

Do you have any shoes that are in decent shape that your family doesn't wear? If you could consider giving these shoes to our patients, you will make an incredible impact on a simple human need.

I have seen staff take the shoes off of their own feet and go home in stocking feet because there were no appropriate shoes in the right size for their patient.

I have seen staff go home to get their kid's shoes to bring back to a patient.

I have seen staff take up a collection to buy a pair of shoes because all of our ideas ran out.

I have seen a patient cry as he laced up a pair of used tennis shoes. I've also seen a man who had to wear women's shoes for discharge, it was all we could find.

I'll come get your shoes. You can mail them to me. You can drop them at the hospital. You can even send me a check to buy shoes if it suits your fancy. While you are going through your closet, cold weather clothing and jackets are appreciated too.

Please.

Thanks.

2011-09-25T05:00:00.001-04:00

^{Luke 12:7}
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I loooove~

2011-09-24T08:54:00.003-04:00

1. I loooooove Autumn.
2. I looooove my new LL Bean clogs.
3. I looooove old movies.
4. I looooove coffee.
5. I looooove a clean house.
6. I looooove laughter.
7. I looooove Scentsy.
8. I looooove flannel pajamas.
9. I looooove my anniversary gift (that remains in lay-away.)
10.I loooooove you!

I (and my elbows)

2011-09-22T06:19:00.004-04:00

Thanking the Lord this morning that I awoke an hour before my alarm went off feeling well-rested. What a difference that makes to my outlook on the day. I had a hard time falling asleep but as in all things, God is teaching me. What I'm learning is that I have to turn my brain off. You'd think with all the thinking I do I'd be accomplishing some remarkable things! It's astounding to me how hard it is for me to lay my head down and put my brain into neutral. Also astounding, once I do so I fall asleep within minutes instead of the average of 2 hours (seriously) it usually takes me.
I am experiencing what was once guessed tobe an ulcer; stomach upset and burning. Also suspecting I have fibromyalgia. Argh! I've teased about fibro because its existence is often doubted in the medical community. But having 16 of the known 18 pressure points is hard to ignore. I know I know I know, everything I am talking about is stress-related. And after several days of begging God to get me out of it I am sensing that this season is one where I will learn to be victorious in it.
My Gramma loved her family and that love was usually expressed in what was an overprotective attitude. We were coddled, never go to school or work with the sniffles. Being told, with love, that we were not strong enough to endure this or that challenge. That influence stays with me. What was love mis-expressed has a tendency to be a lack of my own confidence in my ability to deal with life today. That's not a good feeling. And since she is gone I will also say, it is not a good message to children. I still want to over-protect my own kids but the Holy Spirit helped me see the error in the good intentions a long time ago so I bite my tongue and encourage them to take a deep breath and face the hard things in life. Face them because we can. And what a gift it is to look back with pride and forward with confidence when you feel strong and able.
I would suspect that some of that influence could explain why my stress responses are so visceral...poor sleep, head aches, depression, body aches...Hmmm. The good news is that Jesus is not just savior but redeemer. He fills the cracks in our walls so that we can stand. So yes, this morning my elbows (how ridiculous) and neck hurt. My stomach is a bit burny. But I won't turn around and crawl back into bed. I'll go out with praise on my lips for the restful night I had and send the message to the enemy that I (and my elbows) will go to work and one day at a time, I (and my elbows) will gain victory.
Inside of this mortal skin I know I will always experience aches, pains and stress. That doesn't mean that I can't cope, Christ will strengthen me.
I can do all things.

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head~

2011-09-19T10:32:00.004-04:00

Ahhh, the long awaited day off! Of course, lately the day off is just a work-at-home day to catch up and prepare for the week ahead. No, I'm not complaining. On the to do list: cookies for a friend's son's birthday (M & M mini cookies in the oven.) A pan of lasagna by request of the men folk will be made shortly for dinner tonight. A pot of Italian chicken soup ala the Pioneer Woman also to be made for tomorrow's dinner with a big loaf of crusty bread and shaved Parmesan cheese. Changing the bed linens, dusting, laundry, etc.
It's cloudy and rainy in the Mitten this morning. No complaints about that either. I'm still in my jammies and taking the day slowly. Whatever doesn't get done won't get done. I need to make a grocery store run later but even that can wait if I don't want to venture out.
Due to work demands, I've had to pull out of the Scarf Sisters reunion. That caused a tear fest when I found out and another one when I e mailed my mom and a third one when she e mailed me back. You'd think I'd be dehydrated! I'm not all that much of a cryer usually.
Anyway!
I ordered my L L Bean clogs and picked up two cute new sweaters, so it's not all gloom, despair and agony on me. I've commissioned Kelly to be our 25th anniversary photographer. I'm considering a shorter hair cut. And my cookies smell really good!
Have a great Monday!

2011-09-18T06:47:00.000-04:00

Esther 8:16
The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

Wonderfulnesses

2011-09-17T08:48:00.000-04:00

1. My partner at work, Natosha (pictured at left demonstrating proper use of a papoose restraint.) I seriously could not face the daily grind without her.

2. My anniversary present! Don't got it yet but when I do, you will be the first (or third or fourth) to know.

3. My dog.

4. My home my home my sweet sweet home!

5. Good hair days.

6. OK, this is a crazy one, but I have gained lots of weight but not all of it back. I don't like the extra weight but I still know there's a different me inside of here than the one who weighed 260 pounds. That's wonderful.

7. Autumn is my favorite.

8. Greenfield Village is right around the corner.

9. Daboyz. I like 'em.

10. The Mr.

Notes from a woman who is boring and tired but has a great husband who makes her smile and who gets better at making her happy every year~

2011-09-16T08:21:00.004-04:00

Friday Friday Friday...
Off this morning, working this afternoon and then working the weekend. Good grief!
I feel like I don't have a whole lot to blog about because lately it would only consist of me whining about work overload. Frankly, even I don't find that interesting!
So what else can I tell you about?
I got a mani last night.
The Mr. surprised me with tickets to Haunted Weekends at Greenfield Village. Love that guy.
We are planning our anniversary trip. Our plans to go on a cruise are on hold for a bit, finances only go so far. That's ok. I think we'll head back to the Lake Michigan Coast for a few days. No complaints!
Donny is going to the groomer today because he smells like a farm dog.
It's cold in the Mitten! I kinda like it. Used the fireplace last night, I think we'll build an outside fire this evening and snuggle up for a bit.
On Monday I am changing my bathroom to Autumn accessories, and yes, I find that very exciting. I am also making cookies for a friend at work whose son's birthday is Tuesday.
I am making my LL Bean's order today! Stand by for updates.
And that pretty much catches you up on Sara's Life. Happy Friday :)

Good evening~

2011-09-12T19:53:00.003-04:00

How quickly my days off seem to pass, this one already drawing to a close. I did all of my chores today including two batches of cookies. The oatmeal scotchies are in a gift bag to take to work, a birthday treat for a friend. Milk chocolate & peanut butter chip for the men folk to enjoy with tall glasses of milk as they watch football this evening.
I did a little rearranging of furniture, can't say I improved on matters but a new view is nice for a change. I also brought out a few of my Autumn knick knacks. Fresh sheets wait on all of the beds. The coffee pot is ready for the morning and scrubs are pressed and waiting.
I am a happy football widow because this time of year I scramble into bed with a book or to watch old movies while daboyz and the Mr. watch sports. As you know, I don't mind a little alone time.
As I walk through my home, evening breezes in the windows and pumpkin spice candles on the tables, I'm happy and sad. Happy for this wonderful place and sad that I have to spend so much time away from it. Allow me a melancholy moment, a little envy for those women who did not rush out the doors with travel cups of coffee in the mornings. I'm sure they weren't perfect but there was a lot of good in those old days.
So off I go through the little rooms of this old old bungalow and enjoy the final hours of this day off. How quickly they go by!
And how lovely tomorrow morning will be, when I wake up to this wonderful place. Even if it is for just long enough to grab my travel cup and head out the door.

Image: http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.231763957.jpg

At home~

2011-09-12T08:42:00.003-04:00

Oh what a beautiful morning! Cool & crisp, a specialty in the Mitten. Sunshiney. And the cherry on top-I am off today. I do hereby declare this "rest my mind day!"
I have housework to do today and then I am going to make oatmeal scotchies for a friend's birthday. I'm very likely to end up at some point laying on my hammock with a book.
I find myself today filled with thankfulness for my quiet little house. I realize that not everyone has a refuge, not everyone even realizes they need one. So many people are continually frazzled and art of homemaking has almost become extinct. People have become so over-scheduled that the care and nurturing of the rooms we live in has become another chore on the list instead of the pleasure it should be.
I'm thankful to have been descended from women who loved home and family. I'm blessed that I was taught by example to build a place for soul renewal. I believe with all of my heart that this is also part of what holds our family together, we all gravitate here because it's the best place we know.
So off I go with a silly smile to change my sheets, do my laundry and dust the furniture.
What a great day is in store!

Deliver us from evil

2011-09-11T05:05:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV0BVZG1j7E

You don't have to watch the whole video, just give it a few moments.Do you hear the crickets? The whistles?Those aren't crickets or whistles. They are PASS alarms, they sound when a firefighter stops moving for 30 seconds.

Psalm31
¹ In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. ² Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. ³ Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. ⁴ Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. ⁵ Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.⁶ I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the LORD.⁷ I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. ⁸ You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.⁹ Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. ¹⁰ My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. ¹¹ Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me. ¹² I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. ¹³ For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. ¹⁴ But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” ¹⁵ My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. ¹⁶ Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. ¹⁷ Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. ¹⁸ Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. ¹⁹ How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. ²⁰ In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.²¹ Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. ²² In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.²³ Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. ²⁴ Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

A time for pumpkins and a time for hoodies~

2011-09-07T06:00:00.002-04:00

About this time every year as summer rolls away and Fall rolls in, there are a few things that I need to do.

Neeeed.

First I clean and straighten the house, for this is always step one.

Then I go into the basement and pull out my Autumn decorations. I don't have a lot. I have just a few items that I inherited when my Grandma Trent passed, a little ceramic ghost and pumpkin. A door wreath. I start changing my home scent items from summery crisp florals to Autumny (yes, I know the word is Autumnal.) Cinnamon, clove and apple scents. Mmmm. Pretty soon I go looking for just one or two new items to add to my Fall collection and these must be inexpensive. Don't ask me why, it's just a rule. Garden Ridge or Hobby Lobby or Big Lots. Target is out of the budget range.

Slowly slowly my flowers are cleaned away and my house plants come indoors. The lawn furniture piece by piece is covered and stored leaving just a few chairs around the fire pit that will last us until it's just too doggone cold and then we'll move inside for fireplace fires.

I usually stock my pantry with decaf hot drinks for the evenings after dinner...orange spice tea, chamomile, hot cider...

I nest nest nest until my house is the coziest place in town and happily await cold crisp days and bright sunshine and jeans and sweatshirts. I usually receive an LL Bean catalog around this time and here, I break my Autumn budge. I treat myself to $100 worth of LL Bean stuffs. Last year I got a red barn coat and duck shoes. This year? Well, I don't know. I haven't looked at the catalog yet. But the LL Bean portion of the tradition might explain the Big Lot requirement!

It's a slow process, usually taking a few weeks because I want to draw it out, I enjoy every moment. The initial cool days that trigger the instinct are always temporary and Indian Summer shines down on a house filled with pumpkins and Indian corn. That's ok. It's how I do what I do. When I do it.

Does Autumn bring any changes to your perspective?