If you haven't read the post after this, read it first. :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Applesauce
I made applesauce last week. This isn't usually a big deal for me: I love to make a fresh batch of hot applesauce in the crockpot with cinnamon and marshmallows melted in at the end. It is how my mom does it. Last week however I did something differently. We had purchased one bushel of apples (things here in Michigan weren't so hot for apples this year) and I wanted to make some applesauce just like I made as a little girl. My parents would cook down the apples in the basement and then use this great gadget like a colander up on legs with a large cone shaped wooden dowel in the middle. The hot cooked apples: skins, seeds and all would be placed in the cone and then we would spin the wooden dowel around and the applesauce would come through the holes with the skins and seeds left behind. I loved helping my parents do that. So I gave dad a call and asked him if I could borrow it. "It" he replied belonged to my Grandma Koeman. Grandma Koeman wasn't doing well. She just had surgery on her back for a compressed vertebrae. She lives with Aunt Nancy, so I contacted Aunt Nancy and sure enough, Shanda could borrow the applesauce maker. Picking it up was wonderful because my girls and I were able to visit with Grandma for awhile. She is in bed and almost blind. She held each of our faces close and gazed at us. We talked about applesauce. It was good. I made the applesauce that night and LOVED thinking about my young parents and my young grandparents working to make applesauce for their families. Grandpa Koeman grew apples and Grandma spent many hours putting up apples in various forms. Grandpa liked to have one apple pie a week in the winter, so Grandma made a froze over 30 pies every fall. I loved imagining her as a young woman with flushed cheeks trying to put enough up sauce and pies for her eight children. I even took pictures so that I could make a blog post about my Grandma and making applesauce. The pictures are still on the camera.
Last night I got "the call". We are all familiar with these phone calls. My mom called to let me know that Grandma has been put on hospice. It is only a matter of time before she joins Jesus and Grandpa in heaven. Though I'm happy for her in that regard, I'm not so excited about losing my last remaining grandparent. I'm not excited that I may be in Miami and may miss the funeral. Selfishly I'm asking God to keep Grandma alive until at least the week-end. I know. . . selfish. She is ready to go home. Her applesauce maker is sitting in a bag in the garage with a thank-you note attached to it. I'm not sure if I'll have the chance to deliver it to her or not. She is the matriarch of a bunch that numbers over 100. Though I don't know if I'll see her alive again on this side of heaven, I do know that one day we'll make applesauce together.
Last night I got "the call". We are all familiar with these phone calls. My mom called to let me know that Grandma has been put on hospice. It is only a matter of time before she joins Jesus and Grandpa in heaven. Though I'm happy for her in that regard, I'm not so excited about losing my last remaining grandparent. I'm not excited that I may be in Miami and may miss the funeral. Selfishly I'm asking God to keep Grandma alive until at least the week-end. I know. . . selfish. She is ready to go home. Her applesauce maker is sitting in a bag in the garage with a thank-you note attached to it. I'm not sure if I'll have the chance to deliver it to her or not. She is the matriarch of a bunch that numbers over 100. Though I don't know if I'll see her alive again on this side of heaven, I do know that one day we'll make applesauce together.
Monday, October 29, 2012
"Buzz!!! Try again"
Well, I played the mommy guessing game again and I lost. . . again. The whole "do they need to go into the doctor or will a little rest and Tylenol take care of business" guessing game drives me batty! I'm good with the extremes: pink eye is identifiable to me. Fever for four days straight--once again I can make the call. Distended belly and continual pain. . . well I missed that one and went in a little late. (See posts in march for our hospital experience.)
Penny was up screaming many times last night. Gary (bless him!) took most of the shifts. She was so upset and irrational. She complained about her ear hurting and had a very low fever--taken after she was given Tylenol--with a running nose and dark watery eyes. Gary and I debated and decided to go in today rather than chance things at urgent care tonight. We waited for over an hour and a half and learned that Penny is indeed sick: she has a cold. Sweet! I feel like such a tool when I go in for those visits. Just three weeks ago we were there with Penny when I thought she had a urinary tract infection. Nope, she spent too much time in the tub and was irritated. They did offer me some special cream though. Argh!
I kept apologizing to nurse practitioner Amy today. (What do I call her in front of my kids? She isn't nurse Amy nor is she Doctor Amy or Doctor Robins. More confusion!) I wish I had one of those ear looky things and knew what to look for so that I could know when to go in or not. Can I get an Amen?!?
Penny was up screaming many times last night. Gary (bless him!) took most of the shifts. She was so upset and irrational. She complained about her ear hurting and had a very low fever--taken after she was given Tylenol--with a running nose and dark watery eyes. Gary and I debated and decided to go in today rather than chance things at urgent care tonight. We waited for over an hour and a half and learned that Penny is indeed sick: she has a cold. Sweet! I feel like such a tool when I go in for those visits. Just three weeks ago we were there with Penny when I thought she had a urinary tract infection. Nope, she spent too much time in the tub and was irritated. They did offer me some special cream though. Argh!
I kept apologizing to nurse practitioner Amy today. (What do I call her in front of my kids? She isn't nurse Amy nor is she Doctor Amy or Doctor Robins. More confusion!) I wish I had one of those ear looky things and knew what to look for so that I could know when to go in or not. Can I get an Amen?!?
Saturday, October 27, 2012
30
Happy Saturday night to you! The kids are down. Penny has crawled out once and I anticipate that I'll interact with her several more times tonight. Garrison can't sleep because he has images from Star Wars going through his head. Noel is out cold. Noel needed to sleep since 2:00 this afternoon. It took her less than 3 minutes to fall asleep. Simon keeps peeking over the edge of the top bunk trying to tell Garrison good things about Star Wars. I just want them to be done. Sleeping. It will happen--it is one of my favorite times of night. Gary and I wrap up our work and then spend time together. Cuddling on the couch is on the agenda for tonight. We will also do some praying and talking together about some decisions we need to make. I'm looking forward to it.
Permit me to walk down memory lane one more time. If you don't want to hear about my birthday again, then good-night! Thanks for stopping by.
Ten years ago this week I celebrated my 30th birthday. I know--shocker. :) I celebrated it in a very unique way though. See. . . while in my 20's I made some marvelous life long friends at Camp Roger. The place changed my life and I consider it one of my homes. Many of the counselors were in their mid-20's and single--at bit of a shocker at the time in West Michigan. We formed a singles pool and had "pool rules". We each chipped in twenty bucks and the last one to get married would get all of the money. There were over 20 of us. . . so big bucks! One rule was that if you married someone within the poo,l and you hadn't been dating when you entered, then you earned a bonus of $50.00 for knocking out two people. That happened once. When you got married (and we have all married since), you were given a gravy boat as a gift from the members of the pool. Another rule was that if you turned 30 and weren't married, then the folks in the pool would throw you a shower. I received a shower.
I can't tell you how much fun that shower was. Here I was a Christian school teacher living by myself. I still had college debt. I was using pots/pans that I had gleaned over the years. Many folks in Miami had donated apartment wares to my friend Karen and I when we were in Miami, and I was still using them. I was fine. I loved my job. I loved working with high school kids during the year and being at Camp Roger during the summer. I also loved walking through Bed Bath and Beyond with a gun and shooting things that I was interested in. It wan'ts about the stuff, it was about being treasured. I was loved on by my friends. They went out to a store and purchased a present for me to tell me that they loved me and I was worth nice plates. Candles, silverware, towels, sheets, dishes. . . I was given them all. Mostly I was given a huge group hug from some of the most important people in my life.
It was one year later that I began dating Gary. My how my life has changed! As I think back to my last significant birthday, I'm so grateful. Sure I love my life now and am in love with my guy. I can't believe that God chose him for me. I still have wonderful friends from Camp Roger who are an active part of my life. We are friends for life. 30 year old Shanda was hurting though and needed that shower. She needed to feel value as a single person when the world often told her otherwise.
Because I was single much longer than "the average female", I did struggle. There were times I would cry out to God to give me a man who would love me back. I" fell-in-like" with many of my wonderful guy friends, and they never returned my affection. I would give it to God and feel peace, and then my heart would turn all over again. I had come to a point where I thought I would never get married and have children, or I would be a grandmother without ever having been a mother. Surely there would be a widower who would marry me when we were in out 70's?!? I did also enjoyed many of my single times and would cringe would folks would ask "When are you going to get married?" I enjoyed two Biblical tours and was able to live in Jerusalem for a month while studying. I lived in both Miami and Chicago. I could go on spontaneous outings because I was only accountable to God--World Series games, a week-end trip to New York City, thanks for your condo in the Keys, assisting at so many after school activities! God always has surprises for those who adore Him, though they may not always be our choosing at the moment.
As a single adult I loved it when I was invited to be a part of groups where married people were gathering. I didn't cease to exist because I was single. I loved it when the evening didn't revolve around one's children. I loved being asked to dinner. . . and not being asked to babysit. I didn't like it when it was assumed that I was gay. I didn't like it when conversations about sex ceased because I had arrived. (I taught sex ed. I was aware of some of the issues.) This may be a surprise to some of you: every single person is different. Some want to be set up. Others don't want you to mention it. Some want to come to your house for dinner and eat with your family, for others this is the last thing they want to do.
What is the point of all of this? Well. . . love the single people around you. It can be challenging to find a church where you are enveloped. Some vacillate between emotions of "I'm loving this/I'm hating this" all the time. Married folks can feel the same way. Please just don't forget them. Find time to be with them. Don't just connect with them when you want something. I wasn't forgotten by my friend,s and I still have some wonderful gifts as a reminder to me--including a table that was mosaiced (a noun I made into a verb) for me. A group of six girls got together and made it for me. One of kind--special. It will not leave my house. It is a constant reminder to me of how God used my friends to love me.
May God use me and you to bless the single people in our lives.
Permit me to walk down memory lane one more time. If you don't want to hear about my birthday again, then good-night! Thanks for stopping by.
Ten years ago this week I celebrated my 30th birthday. I know--shocker. :) I celebrated it in a very unique way though. See. . . while in my 20's I made some marvelous life long friends at Camp Roger. The place changed my life and I consider it one of my homes. Many of the counselors were in their mid-20's and single--at bit of a shocker at the time in West Michigan. We formed a singles pool and had "pool rules". We each chipped in twenty bucks and the last one to get married would get all of the money. There were over 20 of us. . . so big bucks! One rule was that if you married someone within the poo,l and you hadn't been dating when you entered, then you earned a bonus of $50.00 for knocking out two people. That happened once. When you got married (and we have all married since), you were given a gravy boat as a gift from the members of the pool. Another rule was that if you turned 30 and weren't married, then the folks in the pool would throw you a shower. I received a shower.
I can't tell you how much fun that shower was. Here I was a Christian school teacher living by myself. I still had college debt. I was using pots/pans that I had gleaned over the years. Many folks in Miami had donated apartment wares to my friend Karen and I when we were in Miami, and I was still using them. I was fine. I loved my job. I loved working with high school kids during the year and being at Camp Roger during the summer. I also loved walking through Bed Bath and Beyond with a gun and shooting things that I was interested in. It wan'ts about the stuff, it was about being treasured. I was loved on by my friends. They went out to a store and purchased a present for me to tell me that they loved me and I was worth nice plates. Candles, silverware, towels, sheets, dishes. . . I was given them all. Mostly I was given a huge group hug from some of the most important people in my life.
It was one year later that I began dating Gary. My how my life has changed! As I think back to my last significant birthday, I'm so grateful. Sure I love my life now and am in love with my guy. I can't believe that God chose him for me. I still have wonderful friends from Camp Roger who are an active part of my life. We are friends for life. 30 year old Shanda was hurting though and needed that shower. She needed to feel value as a single person when the world often told her otherwise.
Because I was single much longer than "the average female", I did struggle. There were times I would cry out to God to give me a man who would love me back. I" fell-in-like" with many of my wonderful guy friends, and they never returned my affection. I would give it to God and feel peace, and then my heart would turn all over again. I had come to a point where I thought I would never get married and have children, or I would be a grandmother without ever having been a mother. Surely there would be a widower who would marry me when we were in out 70's?!? I did also enjoyed many of my single times and would cringe would folks would ask "When are you going to get married?" I enjoyed two Biblical tours and was able to live in Jerusalem for a month while studying. I lived in both Miami and Chicago. I could go on spontaneous outings because I was only accountable to God--World Series games, a week-end trip to New York City, thanks for your condo in the Keys, assisting at so many after school activities! God always has surprises for those who adore Him, though they may not always be our choosing at the moment.
As a single adult I loved it when I was invited to be a part of groups where married people were gathering. I didn't cease to exist because I was single. I loved it when the evening didn't revolve around one's children. I loved being asked to dinner. . . and not being asked to babysit. I didn't like it when it was assumed that I was gay. I didn't like it when conversations about sex ceased because I had arrived. (I taught sex ed. I was aware of some of the issues.) This may be a surprise to some of you: every single person is different. Some want to be set up. Others don't want you to mention it. Some want to come to your house for dinner and eat with your family, for others this is the last thing they want to do.
What is the point of all of this? Well. . . love the single people around you. It can be challenging to find a church where you are enveloped. Some vacillate between emotions of "I'm loving this/I'm hating this" all the time. Married folks can feel the same way. Please just don't forget them. Find time to be with them. Don't just connect with them when you want something. I wasn't forgotten by my friend,s and I still have some wonderful gifts as a reminder to me--including a table that was mosaiced (a noun I made into a verb) for me. A group of six girls got together and made it for me. One of kind--special. It will not leave my house. It is a constant reminder to me of how God used my friends to love me.
May God use me and you to bless the single people in our lives.
Monday, October 22, 2012
I'm 40!
So it's been awhile since I've blogged. I've been busy with stuff. . . you know. . . stuff. Stuff like kids at home. Stuff like being tired and taking a nap. Stuff like camping in the rain and 40 degree nights. Stuff like turning 40. Stuff like your husband working 130 hours in two weeks. Stuff like book club and Bible Study. Stuff. Let me write about one piece of stuff.
Happy Birthday to me.
I turned 40 yesterday. Birthdays aren't a big deal for me unless they are big birthdays. I can't tell you what I did for my 25th, 33rd, or 39th birthday. I can tell you what I did for 16, 21, 30 and 40. I've shared before about how I really enjoy celebrating the beginnings and ends of events/milestones. I remember, pause, and reflect. I've been doing that for the past couple of weeks. I'm not sad about leaving my 30's, although I loved them. My life changed so dramatically! It was the year I turned 30 that I decided to change my life. I did and met Gary, got married, moved, had four pregnancies, adopted one child, changed jobs, learned about addiction, found a new church home, lost a father-in-law as well as two grandpas and grandmas. . .lots of wonderful and contemplative things. Lots. My life is so different than it was 10 years ago. My life was dramatically different between 20 and 30 as well. I'm struggling a little because as I look at it, I don't see my life being so very different between 40 and 50. I've discovered that I kind of like those big changes. Sure I'll have some teens in my house which will be different than 7, 6, 5 and 2. I will probably have a paying job.
I don't see moving anywhere different. I don't see changing churches. I don't see adding four more children. I have discovered a new passion for my Bible Study though. I'm curious what God is going to do with that. I've always been passionate about middle school and high school kids and now I find myself loving on the 70 women who meet on Tuesday mornings. I'm still in love with Gary and find myself enjoying my children more and more. I still have that pesky weight to lose and am discovering that it isn't coming off like it did 10 years ago when I lost 88 pounds. I'd be really excited about 20.
I'm trying to be content with the season that I'm in. Although I long for the day when Gary and I can go out for a night without getting a babysitter, I do sit back and celebrate that my kids still give me hugs and kisses. They want to sit on my lap and are so cute. I tuck them in every night and know exactly where they are all night long. Perhaps that comes with maturity--I'd love to live in 20 year old Shanda's shoes and see if she really realized how fun and quick college would fly by. Did she enjoy the moment or was she always looking ahead to the next thing?
I feel like my face has aged a lot in the past few months. Perhaps I've been looking for it? Gary still thinks I'm beautiful. I hope he always does. I find myself asking friends in my age bracket (How did I end up with so many friends who are younger than me? I have two close friends who just turned 30!) about creams that might help with some wrinkles and spots. Spots! I have spots on my face!! What is up with that?
What is up with that is that I'm 40 and I lived in Miami for 4 years and can't remember putting sunscreen on my face. When I was a teen I would try to burn my face so that it would turn to tan. Oh how I would love to talk with that young girl. I do have some advice for her---one of which is put on a hat! Of course if 16 year old Shanda would have put on a hat, then the sun could not have reached her hair which she had put lemon juice on in an effort to get blonder.
Speaking of Miami (which is when I began to dye my hair blond for reals--no lemon juice involved!) I'm going there in two weeks. About a year ago my best friend Karen and I began to dream together about a vacation with just the two of us. She turns 40 next month and we threw out the possibility of traveling together back to Miami to celebrate our days of living and teaching there. Little did I hope that we would actually do it. Gary is super supportive and is taking vacation days to be a stay-at-home papa. I'm excited to enjoy my friendship, celebrate where God has taken both Karen and I, and just relax at my former home. I love walking down memory lane and I'm going to spend four days doing just that!
As I approached my birthday Gary asked me the same question that I had asked him before his 40th. Let's take a moment to remember that he is much older than me. :) "What do you want for your 40th?" His answer: a super big sweet party. He got it. My answer? "Miami with Karen, out for martini's with my sisters and mama, and one great night out with you." I'm going to get all three. The best part is that none of them have happened yet--oh there are three great things that are going to happen not that I'm 40. I'm excited to see what else God is going to do in the next decade. I'll let you know what I thought in 2022--when I turn 50.
Happy Birthday to me.
I turned 40 yesterday. Birthdays aren't a big deal for me unless they are big birthdays. I can't tell you what I did for my 25th, 33rd, or 39th birthday. I can tell you what I did for 16, 21, 30 and 40. I've shared before about how I really enjoy celebrating the beginnings and ends of events/milestones. I remember, pause, and reflect. I've been doing that for the past couple of weeks. I'm not sad about leaving my 30's, although I loved them. My life changed so dramatically! It was the year I turned 30 that I decided to change my life. I did and met Gary, got married, moved, had four pregnancies, adopted one child, changed jobs, learned about addiction, found a new church home, lost a father-in-law as well as two grandpas and grandmas. . .lots of wonderful and contemplative things. Lots. My life is so different than it was 10 years ago. My life was dramatically different between 20 and 30 as well. I'm struggling a little because as I look at it, I don't see my life being so very different between 40 and 50. I've discovered that I kind of like those big changes. Sure I'll have some teens in my house which will be different than 7, 6, 5 and 2. I will probably have a paying job.
I don't see moving anywhere different. I don't see changing churches. I don't see adding four more children. I have discovered a new passion for my Bible Study though. I'm curious what God is going to do with that. I've always been passionate about middle school and high school kids and now I find myself loving on the 70 women who meet on Tuesday mornings. I'm still in love with Gary and find myself enjoying my children more and more. I still have that pesky weight to lose and am discovering that it isn't coming off like it did 10 years ago when I lost 88 pounds. I'd be really excited about 20.
I'm trying to be content with the season that I'm in. Although I long for the day when Gary and I can go out for a night without getting a babysitter, I do sit back and celebrate that my kids still give me hugs and kisses. They want to sit on my lap and are so cute. I tuck them in every night and know exactly where they are all night long. Perhaps that comes with maturity--I'd love to live in 20 year old Shanda's shoes and see if she really realized how fun and quick college would fly by. Did she enjoy the moment or was she always looking ahead to the next thing?
I feel like my face has aged a lot in the past few months. Perhaps I've been looking for it? Gary still thinks I'm beautiful. I hope he always does. I find myself asking friends in my age bracket (How did I end up with so many friends who are younger than me? I have two close friends who just turned 30!) about creams that might help with some wrinkles and spots. Spots! I have spots on my face!! What is up with that?
What is up with that is that I'm 40 and I lived in Miami for 4 years and can't remember putting sunscreen on my face. When I was a teen I would try to burn my face so that it would turn to tan. Oh how I would love to talk with that young girl. I do have some advice for her---one of which is put on a hat! Of course if 16 year old Shanda would have put on a hat, then the sun could not have reached her hair which she had put lemon juice on in an effort to get blonder.
Speaking of Miami (which is when I began to dye my hair blond for reals--no lemon juice involved!) I'm going there in two weeks. About a year ago my best friend Karen and I began to dream together about a vacation with just the two of us. She turns 40 next month and we threw out the possibility of traveling together back to Miami to celebrate our days of living and teaching there. Little did I hope that we would actually do it. Gary is super supportive and is taking vacation days to be a stay-at-home papa. I'm excited to enjoy my friendship, celebrate where God has taken both Karen and I, and just relax at my former home. I love walking down memory lane and I'm going to spend four days doing just that!
As I approached my birthday Gary asked me the same question that I had asked him before his 40th. Let's take a moment to remember that he is much older than me. :) "What do you want for your 40th?" His answer: a super big sweet party. He got it. My answer? "Miami with Karen, out for martini's with my sisters and mama, and one great night out with you." I'm going to get all three. The best part is that none of them have happened yet--oh there are three great things that are going to happen not that I'm 40. I'm excited to see what else God is going to do in the next decade. I'll let you know what I thought in 2022--when I turn 50.
Friday, October 12, 2012
A little high on. . .
So, I am someone that when I get an idea in my head. . . I just want to do it! I've learned to curtail that to some extent and having a husband certainly helps. Sometimes these things can be good--and other times not so successful.
So an idea has been brewing in my head and today I pulled the trigger. . . literally! I'm having a hard time typing because my trigger finger is all jiggly. Six years ago, my folks took Garrison overnight and Gary and I did some home improvement projects. One of these projects included painting our while stools--orange! Of course they are orange. I love love love orange. Love it. The chairs were fine, but lately I'm seeing the uglier side--I don't think I chose the right kind of paint for this project. They don't ever look clean and I've been falling in love with gray. So Penny and I went off to Menards to find some gray paint. Penny was amazed at the Christmas decorations. I was surprised that there are seven baby Jesus' for sale and they are only $18.99. There seems to be something wrong with that. I digress.
I have no idea how to paint chairs--as evidenced by my orange chairs. I tried to do some research this morning and grew tired of it. Everything seemed too hard! So I just found a can of gray spray paint, sanded things down a bit, and went to town! According to the back of the can, I'm supposed to spray with the temperature above 50. We are a little under. . . but I'm sure it will be fine.
I did discover some tape on the chair as I painted. . . along with some random bits on the seat. Playdough perhaps?
So, I just did it. Testify Gary and Mom! :) I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm supposed to do a second coat in an hour, although I'm almost out of paint. No matter, I'll just repaint the important parts. Now if I could only get rid of my "paint fumes headache".
So an idea has been brewing in my head and today I pulled the trigger. . . literally! I'm having a hard time typing because my trigger finger is all jiggly. Six years ago, my folks took Garrison overnight and Gary and I did some home improvement projects. One of these projects included painting our while stools--orange! Of course they are orange. I love love love orange. Love it. The chairs were fine, but lately I'm seeing the uglier side--I don't think I chose the right kind of paint for this project. They don't ever look clean and I've been falling in love with gray. So Penny and I went off to Menards to find some gray paint. Penny was amazed at the Christmas decorations. I was surprised that there are seven baby Jesus' for sale and they are only $18.99. There seems to be something wrong with that. I digress.
I have no idea how to paint chairs--as evidenced by my orange chairs. I tried to do some research this morning and grew tired of it. Everything seemed too hard! So I just found a can of gray spray paint, sanded things down a bit, and went to town! According to the back of the can, I'm supposed to spray with the temperature above 50. We are a little under. . . but I'm sure it will be fine.
I did discover some tape on the chair as I painted. . . along with some random bits on the seat. Playdough perhaps?
So, I just did it. Testify Gary and Mom! :) I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm supposed to do a second coat in an hour, although I'm almost out of paint. No matter, I'll just repaint the important parts. Now if I could only get rid of my "paint fumes headache".
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thief
I've found myself sitting in doctor's waiting areas a few times in the past two weeks. I really don't mind it. . . truth be told I kinda like it. I don't like the reasons why we have to go to the doctor (possible u.t.i. for Penny, a crown for my oldest, and issues with my big toenail--I know--what is up with that?!?) nor do I like dealing with babysitters. BUT, when I get there I like sitting and reading magazines. I love reading magazines, but have not been subscribing in an effort to save pennies. When I get to go grocery shopping alone, I find a longer line to wait in so that I can read the magazines. Love.
So I'm sitting at the foot doctor--all by myself I might add!--and really enjoying this magazine. I see a recipe that I want to make and with little thought, I'm tearing it out while watching the secretary hoping she doesn't hear the page ripping. I put it in my purse and read on. I found so many things that were intriguing to me that. . . I shoved the whole thing in my purse! Yesterday while Garrison was getting his crown (again, he is seven!) Noel and I were chillin'; she on the ipad and me reading magazines. I repeated my tearing out performance. Yes. I'm confessing.
This morning as I emptied my purse I felt a twinge of remorse. Then I found myself rationalizing. I went back and forth. "Shanda, you'd never allow your children to take something like that. But there were so many magazines! It really is stealing--seriously it is stealing. Will anyone really notice that something is missing from the page? Plus, there were over 20 copies of Cooking Light. Eventually these will get recycled anyway right? You are a thief! Would Jesus tear our a recipe? There isn't a sign saying "please tear out what you can use."
So, I'm blogging about it. I'm confessing. I'm wondering what to do the next time I find a recipe. Is it o.k. to go up to the front and ask to make a copy? I think that is a bit embarrassing. I will not begin carrying recipe cards in my purse. Do I return the magazine to the foot doctor? Hopefully the recipes will turn out great, then again perhaps my punishment should be that they are terrible. :) The worst part is that I just did it knowing that it was wrong--I kept watching the receptionist because I didn't want to get caught. What am I--4? The point is--I won't do it again.
So I'm sitting at the foot doctor--all by myself I might add!--and really enjoying this magazine. I see a recipe that I want to make and with little thought, I'm tearing it out while watching the secretary hoping she doesn't hear the page ripping. I put it in my purse and read on. I found so many things that were intriguing to me that. . . I shoved the whole thing in my purse! Yesterday while Garrison was getting his crown (again, he is seven!) Noel and I were chillin'; she on the ipad and me reading magazines. I repeated my tearing out performance. Yes. I'm confessing.
This morning as I emptied my purse I felt a twinge of remorse. Then I found myself rationalizing. I went back and forth. "Shanda, you'd never allow your children to take something like that. But there were so many magazines! It really is stealing--seriously it is stealing. Will anyone really notice that something is missing from the page? Plus, there were over 20 copies of Cooking Light. Eventually these will get recycled anyway right? You are a thief! Would Jesus tear our a recipe? There isn't a sign saying "please tear out what you can use."
So, I'm blogging about it. I'm confessing. I'm wondering what to do the next time I find a recipe. Is it o.k. to go up to the front and ask to make a copy? I think that is a bit embarrassing. I will not begin carrying recipe cards in my purse. Do I return the magazine to the foot doctor? Hopefully the recipes will turn out great, then again perhaps my punishment should be that they are terrible. :) The worst part is that I just did it knowing that it was wrong--I kept watching the receptionist because I didn't want to get caught. What am I--4? The point is--I won't do it again.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Pushed and done
I joined the book club at our church. I know--different for me. I used to love reading books. Every Sunday I'd grab a book and spend the rest of the day enthralled. I'd often stay up very late just to finish. I haven't read much since I became a mom. There are many reasons for this, but the whole "finish it" thing is a huge part. I know I'd be a bad mom and wife if I picked up a great book. My friend Betsy though was interested, so I said "hey, I'll join you."
So on Wednesday nights I meet with a group from church. We are reading Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. Perhaps that means something to you: it didn't to me. I don't know authors (Laura Ingalls and Janette Oake I know!) very well. Our church is reaching out this fall to help the poor/oppressed/destitute/etc. through a campaign called Jubilee. It is very exciting! Ask me if you'd like to know more. The church leadership encouraged the reading of this book.
So, I like the book. I like it. I'm thinking about it. I like carving time out of my Wednesday afternoons to sit and read. I like sitting in a group and talking about what we think. It has been good for me.
This past week Shane challenged us to be a Christ follower. . . to see where there is a need. . .to go and see Christ living in someone else. He wanted so much to see Christ in others that he traveled to Calcutta and worked with Mother Teresa. He helped people to die and saw Christ in them.
I wanted to do that. I don't want to help people die, but I felt convicted that I needed to do something. DO SOMETHING SHANDA! Do something. So as I read chapter 3 and listened to the group, I began to think about nursing homes. When I was little, I would go with my friend Kerri and we would sing at a nursing home by our house. I have no idea why we did this: if our moms thought of it or if our church had volunteered time. . .I just know we'd practice in Kerri's basement and then we'd go and sing a couple of hymns. I had gone before; I could go again. I was going to do i,t and I wasn't going to let doubt or distractions stand in my way.
On the way home from school at noon I discussed the plan with Noel. " Did you know that there are older people who live a home all together? I think that some of them may be lonely. Don't you think that we could do something for them? Maybe you could draw some pictures for them. Perhaps we could pick some of our flowers and bring them too. We could show them the love of God." She was excited. Penny was excited--she usually is as long as she can pick out her shoes. So while Penny napped, Noel drew her pictures. I worked on supper and prayed. I was nervous. I wasn't sure where to go. I decided to go to a place in Zeeland where I've never been: Providence. That felt good to me--- perhaps God was giving me a little nudge. Noel drew four pictures and picked five flowers. Penny was awake and we were off.
As we walked in Noel's enthusiasm waned. I think mine did too although I didn't let it show. Where was I going to go? How would I know which people to visit? I probably spoke with a little too much excitement to cover up my nervousness. I know I held back tears as I entered.
There was a large group listening to music and playing games (?) as we entered. I didn't feel like that was the way. We looked at the birds to calm our nerves a little bit. I steered the girls toward a desk in hopes that I'd find some direction. I did. Her name was Dana. (Thanks so much God!) I explained why we were there and asked if there was anyone in particular that she thought might appreciate some flowers. She led us to a hall and we entered into the first room. Irene would love a visitor she announced and then told us to just continue on and visit anyone who was awake and in a chair. I breathed a prayer of thanks for this piece of advice. Irene loved the flower and even had an empty vase in her room. Penny had given her the flower and Noel had offered her picture. We stayed maybe three minutes and then moved on. Whew! That felt good. With one under our belt our confidence grew. Noel and I had a little processing session in the hallway. Then. . . oh then we met Alina (?).
She was a few doors down from Irene. Penny saw her and ran into her room and straight into her arms for a huge hug. Alina was surprised. I was too. The smile I saw on both of their faces was straight from our Father. It was the only time Penny did it on our visit. I decided that there must be something special about Alina. I really believe that kids can often sense things that we adults can't. Alina was so wonderful and kind. She loved her flower (Penny tried to give them all to her). It was hard to understand her because most of her teeth were gone, but we didn't need to chat much. Smiles communicate tons and tons!
We were on a roll now. We visited very quickly with three other women, one of whom had just gotten out of therapy and was very proud of how she had done. I fell in love with her and promisedmyself that I'd be back to visit with her. Penny tried to take Gladys' banana. Gladys was not going to give it up. In the end the girls were leading the way and Noel was looking into the rooms for folks who were awake and sitting up. We said good-bye to the birds and left.
Then I cried. I cried and cried. I cried in gladness to God for blessing me in this way. I cried because I felt I had done something with my girls that had Kingdom work written all over it. I cried because I realized how nervous I had been and now it was over. I cried with joy. We clapped for God when we were in the van and about to leave.
I wish I could have sat with some of these women and listened to them. It just isn't possible when there is a Penny in the room. :) BUT for now, we will try and listen to the nudge of the Holy Spirit again. I plan to go back. I also know that God may ask me to do something else that might make me nervous. I hope I'm quick to listen. I saw Christ today.
So on Wednesday nights I meet with a group from church. We are reading Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. Perhaps that means something to you: it didn't to me. I don't know authors (Laura Ingalls and Janette Oake I know!) very well. Our church is reaching out this fall to help the poor/oppressed/destitute/etc. through a campaign called Jubilee. It is very exciting! Ask me if you'd like to know more. The church leadership encouraged the reading of this book.
So, I like the book. I like it. I'm thinking about it. I like carving time out of my Wednesday afternoons to sit and read. I like sitting in a group and talking about what we think. It has been good for me.
This past week Shane challenged us to be a Christ follower. . . to see where there is a need. . .to go and see Christ living in someone else. He wanted so much to see Christ in others that he traveled to Calcutta and worked with Mother Teresa. He helped people to die and saw Christ in them.
I wanted to do that. I don't want to help people die, but I felt convicted that I needed to do something. DO SOMETHING SHANDA! Do something. So as I read chapter 3 and listened to the group, I began to think about nursing homes. When I was little, I would go with my friend Kerri and we would sing at a nursing home by our house. I have no idea why we did this: if our moms thought of it or if our church had volunteered time. . .I just know we'd practice in Kerri's basement and then we'd go and sing a couple of hymns. I had gone before; I could go again. I was going to do i,t and I wasn't going to let doubt or distractions stand in my way.
On the way home from school at noon I discussed the plan with Noel. " Did you know that there are older people who live a home all together? I think that some of them may be lonely. Don't you think that we could do something for them? Maybe you could draw some pictures for them. Perhaps we could pick some of our flowers and bring them too. We could show them the love of God." She was excited. Penny was excited--she usually is as long as she can pick out her shoes. So while Penny napped, Noel drew her pictures. I worked on supper and prayed. I was nervous. I wasn't sure where to go. I decided to go to a place in Zeeland where I've never been: Providence. That felt good to me--- perhaps God was giving me a little nudge. Noel drew four pictures and picked five flowers. Penny was awake and we were off.
As we walked in Noel's enthusiasm waned. I think mine did too although I didn't let it show. Where was I going to go? How would I know which people to visit? I probably spoke with a little too much excitement to cover up my nervousness. I know I held back tears as I entered.
There was a large group listening to music and playing games (?) as we entered. I didn't feel like that was the way. We looked at the birds to calm our nerves a little bit. I steered the girls toward a desk in hopes that I'd find some direction. I did. Her name was Dana. (Thanks so much God!) I explained why we were there and asked if there was anyone in particular that she thought might appreciate some flowers. She led us to a hall and we entered into the first room. Irene would love a visitor she announced and then told us to just continue on and visit anyone who was awake and in a chair. I breathed a prayer of thanks for this piece of advice. Irene loved the flower and even had an empty vase in her room. Penny had given her the flower and Noel had offered her picture. We stayed maybe three minutes and then moved on. Whew! That felt good. With one under our belt our confidence grew. Noel and I had a little processing session in the hallway. Then. . . oh then we met Alina (?).
She was a few doors down from Irene. Penny saw her and ran into her room and straight into her arms for a huge hug. Alina was surprised. I was too. The smile I saw on both of their faces was straight from our Father. It was the only time Penny did it on our visit. I decided that there must be something special about Alina. I really believe that kids can often sense things that we adults can't. Alina was so wonderful and kind. She loved her flower (Penny tried to give them all to her). It was hard to understand her because most of her teeth were gone, but we didn't need to chat much. Smiles communicate tons and tons!
We were on a roll now. We visited very quickly with three other women, one of whom had just gotten out of therapy and was very proud of how she had done. I fell in love with her and promisedmyself that I'd be back to visit with her. Penny tried to take Gladys' banana. Gladys was not going to give it up. In the end the girls were leading the way and Noel was looking into the rooms for folks who were awake and sitting up. We said good-bye to the birds and left.
Then I cried. I cried and cried. I cried in gladness to God for blessing me in this way. I cried because I felt I had done something with my girls that had Kingdom work written all over it. I cried because I realized how nervous I had been and now it was over. I cried with joy. We clapped for God when we were in the van and about to leave.
I wish I could have sat with some of these women and listened to them. It just isn't possible when there is a Penny in the room. :) BUT for now, we will try and listen to the nudge of the Holy Spirit again. I plan to go back. I also know that God may ask me to do something else that might make me nervous. I hope I'm quick to listen. I saw Christ today.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Critique Expectations
So here is the deal. Garrison has eight cavities. Yes, I did type that correctly. Eight. He'll get two crowns and might even need a root canal: he is seven. No we do not let him drink pop. No I do not feed him sugar by the tablespoon. Yes he does brush his teeth twice a day and either Gary or I follow-up with brushing at night. It is.
Our dentist wouldn't take on such a task and referred us to a pediatric dentist.
Here is the deal. I'm a big fan of customer service. I'm a big fan of being greeted with a smile. I'm a big fan of employees being polite to me. I don't know. . . it is just what I like. I'll stop going to a business if I'm treated poorly.
Well, it was very difficult to get in to see this dentist. This is frustrating, but I get it. It may say bunches about their practice. I'll wait and tell my boys (Simon has five!) as they complain about their tooth pain that soon we'll go to the dentist.
BUT--here is the situation. I went yesterday with Garrison and as we were seated at the check-out---Ms. Thing didn't smile. Not once. I tried to smile at her. . . to make conversation with her. She didn't offer much eye contact and "did her business". Listen lady--I'm sorry too that I need to make four appointments to take care of Garrison's teeth. I'm not excited about it or the bill. Still--SMILE AT ME. This morning I received a survey and though I was happy with my other experiences, I did say what had happened to me at check-out. About an hour later I received a phone call FROM THE LADY!
Doesn't that seem a bit awkward? Don'tcha think that a manager should call if they are going to call? "Hello, this is Amy and I'd like to talk to you about your experience yesterday. What is it that I did that made you upset?" I wasn't prepared for this. If I had wanted to talk with her about it, I would have talked with her about it at the office. I'm not thinking it is my job to critique her work to her. Am I wrong on this one? It was strange and awkward, so I told her to smile. She may not like her job or she may not be feeling well or she may have just had a bad experience with a client, but I deserve a smile.
I called my dentist office today and asked if they recommend any other office. They haven't called me back. Here we go again. :)
Our dentist wouldn't take on such a task and referred us to a pediatric dentist.
Here is the deal. I'm a big fan of customer service. I'm a big fan of being greeted with a smile. I'm a big fan of employees being polite to me. I don't know. . . it is just what I like. I'll stop going to a business if I'm treated poorly.
Well, it was very difficult to get in to see this dentist. This is frustrating, but I get it. It may say bunches about their practice. I'll wait and tell my boys (Simon has five!) as they complain about their tooth pain that soon we'll go to the dentist.
BUT--here is the situation. I went yesterday with Garrison and as we were seated at the check-out---Ms. Thing didn't smile. Not once. I tried to smile at her. . . to make conversation with her. She didn't offer much eye contact and "did her business". Listen lady--I'm sorry too that I need to make four appointments to take care of Garrison's teeth. I'm not excited about it or the bill. Still--SMILE AT ME. This morning I received a survey and though I was happy with my other experiences, I did say what had happened to me at check-out. About an hour later I received a phone call FROM THE LADY!
Doesn't that seem a bit awkward? Don'tcha think that a manager should call if they are going to call? "Hello, this is Amy and I'd like to talk to you about your experience yesterday. What is it that I did that made you upset?" I wasn't prepared for this. If I had wanted to talk with her about it, I would have talked with her about it at the office. I'm not thinking it is my job to critique her work to her. Am I wrong on this one? It was strange and awkward, so I told her to smile. She may not like her job or she may not be feeling well or she may have just had a bad experience with a client, but I deserve a smile.
I called my dentist office today and asked if they recommend any other office. They haven't called me back. Here we go again. :)
Monday, October 1, 2012
I did it!
It is October 1 and I made it through September without consuming any artificial sugar (that I am aware of). Whew! Gary and I both gave it up, and though it was very challenging at first--especially when I had such terrible headaches following my loss of caffeine!--it got a little easier as the month went on. 30 days of doing something different, of making a small change. I don't feel much different than when I began, but it feels so good to say that I accomplished a goal.
Today is October 1 and a Monday. It is a great time to set a goal. . . something that you are going to try for 31 days. Just 31 days. It is long enough to be a sacrifice of some sort, but short enough that the end is already in sight.
Will you floss every day? Will you read the Bible every day? Will you give up sweets for the month? Will you purge your house of one thing every day? Will you decide to say two positive things to your spouse every day? Five minutes in prayer daily? A note card to a friend every day? Check facebook only twice a day? Exercise for 10 minutes daily? Go to be by 11:00? Wipe down your counters every night before bed? Engage in 5 minutes of kissing with your honey daily?
I've decided that I need to write down my eating every day. I'm really good in the morning and then. . . . things peter out and I find myself snacking at night and not documenting it. If I want to reach my weight loss goals (are you sick of reading this already? I'm sick of writing about it!) then I need to be faithful about writing it all down. When my points are gone, then I need to be done eating.
Are you reading this on October 2? October 11? November 5? Think about it and set a beginning and ending date. Feel free to let me know if you'd like.
Today is October 1 and a Monday. It is a great time to set a goal. . . something that you are going to try for 31 days. Just 31 days. It is long enough to be a sacrifice of some sort, but short enough that the end is already in sight.
Will you floss every day? Will you read the Bible every day? Will you give up sweets for the month? Will you purge your house of one thing every day? Will you decide to say two positive things to your spouse every day? Five minutes in prayer daily? A note card to a friend every day? Check facebook only twice a day? Exercise for 10 minutes daily? Go to be by 11:00? Wipe down your counters every night before bed? Engage in 5 minutes of kissing with your honey daily?
I've decided that I need to write down my eating every day. I'm really good in the morning and then. . . . things peter out and I find myself snacking at night and not documenting it. If I want to reach my weight loss goals (are you sick of reading this already? I'm sick of writing about it!) then I need to be faithful about writing it all down. When my points are gone, then I need to be done eating.
Are you reading this on October 2? October 11? November 5? Think about it and set a beginning and ending date. Feel free to let me know if you'd like.
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