Blogger Blues

I have tried to post a pic for over three hours! I have contacted blogger with the error code I received and now I wait. I might be experiencing difficulties because my blog is on the old blogspot, even though it has supposed to have been "moved" a while back, to the "new" beta. Hah!

It's probably just as well. I am not happy with the pics. They're not the finished product, just peeps, but I wanted to show proof of something. Especially after all my hard work. I have arranged and re-arranged furniture until I am just tired of it. I have faced the reality that I have too much stuff! Did I just say that? Here's another one for you, I don't want to get rid of any of it! Help me! At least something positive has happened during all this. One, I have learned that HGTV is an hour program, but all the remodeling takes place over several days of filming. Do they have a disclaimer concerning this? Two, I have gotten rid of dust as old as my daughter!

Oh, and did I mention that I have changed the curtains again? I am still undecided about this. In the pic I tried to post, the curtain is a lovely "brownstone" but, I can't seem to get "red" out of my mind. I think I want a red curtain. I have a red/burgandy one up there now, but that is apt to change. Where are those guys from HGTV when you need them?

Still Painting

Well, painting resumed again today. I am not finished yet. Once the wall colors started changing, so did my views on what type of light fixture I needed. And of course, new curtains. This meant a trip to Lowes and Wal-Mart. I had picked up a booklet from the lighting area a few weeks ago, but I never thought I would actually purchase one of the featured items. I am partial to the ones with shades that face down instead of up. Curtains were my next stop. I thought Wal-Mart would be the least expensive place to find what I had in mind. I am still debating that one. As a matter of fact, I am peeved a little about this. Have you noticed how manufacturers are taking advantage of us? I started noticing a few years ago how what normally was included with your purchase, is now additional. An example of this is when we purchased our new, electric stove. The cord was a separate purchase! I could not believe this. Printers. Printers use to come with the ink cartridges, now, they are separate also! What is this about?

Okay, back to the curtains. Once upon a time, two panels were included in the package. I found out one panel per package is the norm now, without a reduction in price! Don't you know, the ones I wanted wanted just happened to be the most expensive. I stood in the aisle calculating what I could live without this week and finally decided to make the purchase. The manufacturer had won again! Arrgghhh!

I didn't know when I started this, that I would be making so many changes. I only wanted to paint. I am exhausted! I have been working almost non-stop on this as well as my other "chores." You know, the cleaning, cooking, laundry, and all the other wonderful tasks that eagerly await my attention. It seems as if there is a never ending list. I have popped in and out to check on my fellow bloggers. I haven't gotten around to commenting on most of them, but I hope to soon.

Pass Or Fail

I thought I would share this with those of you that haven't already gotten addicted. It's suppose to be a test to pass the third grade. I found it to be fun and a tad bit emabarrassing.


http://www.pibmug.com/files/map_test.swf


Let me know how many of you pass. *smile*

Pumpkin Butter

Whew! I have had such a long day! I decided to paint my diningroom. I am going to spare you the "before" pics, only because I forgot to take them. *grin* Aren't you glad?

Clearly, I wasn't thinking "clearly" when I made this decision. I stopped by the Home Depot Friday night and picked up the paint. Isn't it amazing how you can have the exact color you want in your mind, but when you get the wall of color, all of them make the one you want fuzzy? I stood there at all the samples and got aggravated. How can there be so many shades of paint? Why are they doing this to me? I know I am burning more brain cells than necessary by having to choose a color. Finally, I narrow it down to two different colors. I mean they are different. One is a Light Cocoa the other is called pumpkin butter. Pumpkin Butter? The Pumpkin Butter was not in the running before I ventured out to make a purchase. I did find out that it is one of the best sellers, according to the young man at the counter. I guess I do have good taste. *blushing* I wanted to start painting as soon as I got home, but I knew I should wait until morning.


Morning came and so did a lot of reasons not to get started painting. I had so much to do, along with "fighting off" the "lazys." It was such a beautiful day, I took Nathan outside to play. That little booger ran away from me and into the neighbor's yard. He thought it was hilarious. Soon after, I tried to take him inside. Needless to say, he pitched a fit!

The paint in the can was still and silent waiting to be stirred. I was afraid to lift the lid and spread such a bold color on my walls. I had put it off long enough. I plunged the roller in the pool of liquid and started rolling. Upon the first stroke, I was not certain this was a color I could eat with. After a few more, there was no turning back. After all, I paid $21 and something for this can of paint and it was going to be used for something! After completing one section I decided I like it.....for now.

I am far from finished, but it's a start. I hope to be engulfed in color by Monday evening. I am not looking forward to the trim work, but it comes with the territory. Pictures may come soon, depending on my skills!

Formative Years

I read the ages we learn the most are between 4 and 7, I think. These are called the formative years. With this in mind, I tried to recall my earliest memories of church. My mom, who was a single mother of three, made sure we attended regularly.

I can remember my sunday school teacher. Her name was Miss Daisey. Every Sunday she would lead her little troop of learners through the doors in the back, through a cold hallway and into the classroom. I don't know why I remember the hall as being cold, but the small room was warm. The little gas heater would hiss as it warmed our little bodies.

I can still smell the crayons and see the lesson leaflets. The pictures on those had so much color. The windows appeared to be saphire blue with cut glass. I just know that if I ran my fingers over them, they would feel like ice cubes. Wood floors. The floors were wood, but I think there was a small red carpet in the center of the room.

My formative years. Hmmm. I don't remember too much about the lessons, other than coloring the leaflet, but I do remember JESUS! There is an image of Him in my mind each time I remember that little classroom. I can't say that I have this image because of a hung portrait of him or if I "saw" him. I prefer the latter.


The bell would ring to signal time over and we would line up to march out, literally. Miss Daisey, on the other hand, would take her seat at the piano and play the appropriate "marching" music. We had a "penny march." This is where all the children would bring their pennies to the front of the church and drop them into a basket. This was so exciting to me! We were allowed to be part of the service with our offerings.

Now this is where my age is really telling on me, we returned to wooden pews! Yes, you read that right. Wooden pews. This is where I would be for the remainder of the service. I had fallen asleep many times on those pews. Not because of the preaching, remember I'm from the south. It was loud and hot and full of truth. It was not watered down or sugared up. It was the un-editied gospel, if you will. The Spirit of God dictated how long the service lasted, not the bulletin. And of course, there was LOVE. It permeated the atmoshphere as soon as you entered the doors. Love. Can't have "church" without it!

Phone Talk

Yesterday evening in our house:

Phone rings:

Caleb: Oh hey grandma. (my MIL)

Silence.......... (this is where grandma is talking, only we can't hear her)

Caleb: Except on the weekends.

Silence......

Caleb: He's asleep.

Silence.....

Caleb: She just got off her laptop.

Silence

Caleb: Her laptop.

Silence

Caleb: She just got off her laptop. ( A little louder) Errrr..... you want to speak to her?

Grandma has no idea what a laptop is!
If I were a liar, and thank God I'm not, this is where I would have said to him "Tell her it's new exercise equipment" this would have made her very happy!

Mama Proud

Alright, just a quick moment of "mama proud" time that I wanted to share.

Caleb came in from school and excitedly asked me "Mom, how much is tithes on $20?" "2$" I replied, "why?"
"Because my teacher said she was gonna give $20 to the student with the most improvement on benchmarks." This is a testing program at his school. And you thought I looked large in my profile picture, you should have seen me at that moment!

Mystery

Something has happened in the past few days that I can't explain. Nathan has become afraid of normal sounds in the house. I noticed a few months ago how he ran into my arms during a thunderstorm, but that seemed to be the only time He had been frightened. Whenever the washer starts up, he stops, looks both ways, and runs. The same response when the furnace cycles on or the vaccum cleaner.

I had his hearing tested when he was around 5 months old. I did this because he slept through everything! I know, I know. I should have accepted it as a blessing and went on with it, but neither of my other two slept through ringing phones, doorbells, and vaccuum cleaners like this so, I wanted to make sure there were no hearing problems. And of course, with all the ear infections, he was tested again. The tests concluded his hearing was fine and I was just a worry wart. Thus eradicating the theory of "hearing for the first time."

This is so strange. Now that I have began to think about it, I may have figured it out!
One of Caleb's Christmas presents was a robot. Nathan is not fond of him at all, in fact, if robot man ever comes up missing a head or missing, period, I don't think we'll be calling in Scotland yard.

Bible Reading

Lisa has been doing so well on her bible reading, but I am behind. I thought if I started being accountable, it would help. I read 3 chapters in John last night and I read the book of Jonah again, thanks to Sara. I want to get the desire I once had to read God's word. On the days I had to wait in line to pick my son up from school, I use to sit there and read it. I don't pick him up anymore so that time is lost. I use to take it with me to dr. visits and various other places that kept me waiting, but I slowly got out of that habit too. I am really sad about this. God's word is more important than the newspaper, but I have caught myself reading it over anything else.

I have read through the New Testament several times, but I have never quite finished the Old. Not in order, anyway. But I have always loved the Old Testament writings. To see God in the scriptures and the intensity of His presence is indescribable.

Lisa stated that "It's supposed to take 21 days to make a habit" this doesn't seem too much to ask. There is all types of habits that we need to break, but bible reading isn't one of them.

I haven't forgotten to post about Christmas with my sister and brother-in-law. It has just been postponed until now. One of the reasons I wanted to post about them is he will soon be returning to Iraq and I wanted to make sure I had a few more people praying for his safe return. He was allowed to come home for a couple of weeks on leave. My sister told me that when he goes back, it will be to a more dangerous area than before, thus causing her stress.

They are now gone to Brooklyn, New York to visit his parents. I have met them and love his mother. She is such a sweet and wonderful mother-in-law to my sister. I met her for the first time after she came to visit them a couple of years ago. I had the pleasure of driving her to the airport the day she was scheduled to leave. The others had gone back to work and I was the only one available to take her the hour and half journey. (Yes, we have an airport that is closer, but she got a better rate further away. LOL)

Getting back to my BIL, he is one of the greatest guys you could ever meet. He takes care of his family and his country. I am proud of him. He believes in getting the job done. He has a lot more strength than most and I admire him for the way he carries himself. I am thankful he married my sister. She loves him so much.

Anyway, I wanted to post a picture of my BIL and Sis. and ask for prayer for the both of them. These are two beautiful people that I love very much! I know they would appreciate it.
I don't know if he will ever see this, but I hope he knows how much I care.

I haven't been able to do much of anything this weekend blogwise. I decided to make some changes (what 'cha think?) and because blogger wouldn't let me, it became more of a challenge. I am stubborn like that sometimes. I finally downloaded firefox and that didn't seem to help until the very end.

I think I have gotten around some of the glitches I have been having. Although I am not sure if it is my pc or blogger. Hmmm. I am still spam to wordpress pages. :( and that hurts. I don't know what to do about that.

I spent more time on the pc not getting anything done than being productive in another area. That means I will have to make it up tomorrow. It will be after all housework, napping, and feeding is finished before I can get online. I have to discipline myself as not to let it get the best of me. Well I am off to bed at last.

What If

Last night, after I posted this I went to bed, but I couldn't go to sleep. I kept thinking about the closed door theory. I thought what if we, I, pursued God in the same manner? What if at the slightest movement or distance, I clung a little tighter or followed Him a little closer so that He would be "dragging" me behind Him?

What if everytime I felt like there was a "closed door" that I would press whatever I could into ever crack and crevice trying to be near Him? What if I would offer up to Him all that I had? What if I would sit by the door waiting until it opened?

I know how it warms my heart to know that my children love and want to be near me. What if God feels the same way? I don't have to ask this because I already know the answer. He does! I haven't made any New Year's resolutions and usually don't, but I do want to "cling a little closer" to Him this year.

Funyuns Under The Door

I had a dinner date earlier tonight (thursday) with one of my friends. I haven't been out for a while, so I was looking forward to it. I went to take a shower and this sparked Nathan's interest. I am certain he knew I was going to close a door behind me because he started up the behaviour! He followed me about until he couldn't get in the bathroom. I left his dad in charge, lotta' good that did! Nathan was floundering all around the livingroom crying. He knows this usually gains him complete attention. It didn't work this time. I continued on to the shower. With the door closed. What is it about a closed door between you and you kids that drives them crazy?!!

I have noticed this with all three of my dear ones. Each of them can be occupied with some activity or tv show, but let me slip away to the bedroom or bath and close the door. It's as if an alarm only audible to children has suddenly been tripped. I am immediately sought after. Do they have some type of secret pact that forbids mom to be alone? I am sure if you have toddlers, you know what I am talking about. Bubble bath? Who can enjoy a bubble bath with fingers and toes sticking underneath the door? How about all the whimpering and whining trying to get in? Now that I think about it, my hubs is also guilty of this! Love you babe!

Anyway, I heard Nathan quiet down and I finished my shower. Later, as I was brushing my teeth, I heard some little "scratchie" noise. I am thinking "what can that be?" I am hoping it isn't a mouse. I resumed my teeth brushing and heard it again. I looked down at the bottom of the door and there was a funyun! Or rather half of a maimed funyun. Nathan had taken a piece of his "bribe"and was sliding it under the door! This is a first for me, but it worked. I opened the door. My children, I love 'em!

Caleb

I know I don't post much about my middle child, Caleb, but he is what this post is about. Caleb is my faith filled son. He always has been. I remember while I was pregnant with him that I "knew" there was something different about him. I had problems during the pregnancy and had fears that I would not carry him to term. Thank God for His healing grace. Caleb was not "planned" by his father and I, but he was definitely planned by God. During one of my times of worry, I went to visit a lady that I have great confidence in. She is a mighty woman of God and a great missionary in Egypt. She happened to be at the home of one of ladies from my church at the time. I italicized "happened" because I don't believe things just happen. I am a true believer in the divine appointment of God.

This wonderful lady wanted to pray with me and for me. I was probably about seven or eight months pregnant at the time. She began to prophesy to me about my unborn child. I don't know how many believe in the gifts of the spirit, but I am a believer. One of the things she spoke was of the joy that this child would bring me. I smile as I type this. He has brought me so much joy. He is one to always remind that "all we have to do is pray." There are so many things I could share here, but I don't want to get off topic.

Caleb is compassionate. He wants us to help everyone. He is loving. He will still come to me and give me kiss and hug, just because he loves me. He still holds my hand. That is something I hope he never outgrows. Caleb is a comedienne. He is good at hamming it up! He has such a quick wit. Hmmmm.... I wonder where he got that from? He is a wonderful, big brother. He has taught Nathan so much. He likes school, makes the honor roll in fact. I think he is appropriately named from the bible. He is ready to conquer. He has conquered. I am proud that he is my son. So, Caleb, if you are reading this, you know that your mom loves you very much!

Do You Suppose......

He is feeling better?!!

Okay Ladies.........

I need some advice. I have been having some login issues and pic posting problems for awhile now. Well, after some troubleshooting, I have come to the conclusion that I may need to switch to a new browser. Here is where I need advice. I have used Internet Explorer for all the systems I have ever owned. I now realize that there are options, mozilla/firefox, etc.,(ahem) I told you I was techno savvy. I am just curious as to which browsers you guys are using.

I am thinking that IE may be the reason I am spam over at Sara's. I think it may also be responsible for not allowing me to post pics. Now, you know this is serious, since I got my new camera and all, right? Alrighty, just let me know about your browsers, okay?

Unseen Arms

I was awakened in the middle of the night by the all too familiar feeling of a two year old's wiggling body. Nathan had stumbled into my room and into my bed. I knew something was wrong. He would fall off to sleep and immediately awake crying out loud. He didn't have a temperature. I had noticed he had a small cough the day before, but it didn't seem like anything to worry about. By the time morning had arrived, so had his temperature and my determination to get him to the doctor.

After calling the office, I loaded him up and off we went. I was informed that they would be closing early for New Year's Eve, so we didn't have time to waste. I dread these office visits. You may remember the frequency of ear infections that plague Nathan and his traumatic experience last year with the series of anitbiotic injections. He hasn't forgotten the pain associated with these visits.

He seemed to be fine until we were called into the examining room. He did not want to stay still. He was so glad to see the nurse leave. It wasn't long before the doctor came in to see him. He would not let him touch him. He had to be held down. He was screaming and flailing and had to be held. This is traumatizing to me. Is he thinking "why is my mama doing this to me?" or "why is she allowing this to happen?"
I know he doesn't realize that in the end it is for his benefit. How could he? He is too young to understand. I just hope his remembrance of these events will fade and he will trust me to know what is best for him.

Sinus infection and red ears. That was the diagnosis. We were off to get the prescriptions filled before the pharmacy closed. One antibiotic and a decongestant. The insurance wouldn't pay for the decongestant, so we had to do out-of-pocket. I hope it works. Either way, please say a little prayer for Nathan.

As I was typing this, I thought about how we "scream and flail" through some of life's painful experiences. We don't understand and may question why He is allowing this to happen. All the while, our precious Lord is holding us in His loving arms. I am so thankful for His grace.

Sara Isn't The Only One

I think it is just wordpress that thinks I am spam. I had gone over to comment on another blog and couldn't. I had the same problem there as I was having over at
Sara's. I can't figure it out. I changed my email address, name, and page to see if that would eliminate the problem, but no. Sara, I am sorry. I guess you will have to fish my comments out of the spam filter, cause you know I have to say something. *smile* I love your blog!

It has been another day filled with sunshine, but I haven't accomplished much. I had planned to clean the car. Oh well, rain is predicted the weekend so I guess I would be defeating the purpose. I thought about taking down the tree, (No I haven't taken down my tree, yet) I wanted to keep it up until we had "Christmas" with my sister and my BIL. He is home from Iraq for two weeks. He has a lot of plans. Taking a trip to NY is one of them. I will post more about them later and with pictures, of course!

Just A Funny

While browsing through some of my pictures that I took with my new camera, (can't tell I like it, huh?) I found this:





This is my neice, daughter, and mother-in-law. She, mil, was not clowning! I kid you not! The camera actually caught her in "transition." Hmmm.... I don't know, maybe it was just funny to me. Oh, and the juice cup belongs to Nathan. Nothing stronger than apple juice. I can affirm this!

Stewardship

While driving down the highway today, I was thinking about the weather. It is sooo nice and sunny here and in the high 60's. Very enjoyable, except that it is December! I fully intended to blog about it when I got home, but Anita beat me to it! She brought up some interesting points. It gave me something to think about. Am I a good steward? Most people associate stewardship with money only. It is more than that. We are to be good stewards over children, time, homes, and many other things that God has entrusted us with. Thanks Anita, for reminding me.

When I started to blog, I thought of it as not ammounting to much. Just something that I would do as a "creative" outlet. Something that no one else would ever read. Boy, was I wrong! I have met a wonderful "family" that I look forward to "visiting" everyday. I am convicted, inspired, and made to smile. You are my sisters in Christ and I am thankful for you.