weekend wrap up last of 2010

Well, Christmas Eve was spent with the Van Ness' family.  Our arrival there was a little later this year as we attended their Christmas Eve service.  The usual cheese ball, veggie tray & shrimp cocktail kicked off the evening.  Next was the gift exchange and then off to services.  It was a beautiful sight as we walked out of the church afterward...the biggest snow flakes ever were gently falling from the sky!  My son twirled about as he caught the flakes on his nose, tongue and eye lashes.  I love when the "little" kid in him shows up!  The falling snow was short lived as it diminished as we drove back home.  After church we continued the meal with oyster soup and tomato soup (yum), and gathered together to watch a bit of The Christmas story.  Such a nice evening.

Christmas morn brought about the usual ....early wake up call!  Matt played "Santa" and distributed the gifts.  A sign they're growing up...we each took turns opening and reveled in what each received.  Here we are 4 days out and they are both saying it's been "the best Christmas ever!"  Something I've observed this year is the gratitude in their words, actions, hearts.  As a mom that just add to the joy of it all.  I was given a beautiful necklace from my son.  He asked his dad to take him to Moser Jewelers so he could buy for Kathryn & I.  His selections were perfect.  That kid amazes me...daily.  What a joy!
Christmas afternoon was spent at my moms.  And low & behold all were in attendance.  Again a great evening...better than expected.  We enjoyed good food, conversation, and little ones.  Ike has a fascination with "Mac" aka Matt and I enjoyed had to get lap time with Ella singing Deck the Halls.  She chimed in with the "fa la la la la's".  So sweet.  That's the good stuff!

Sunday had me home bound in the am.  I was spent.  Later in the day Kate & I took a road trip to Muncie to get a shirt and few items for EJ,  The boys all gathered at the Van Ness' to watch football. 
Monday = more family time.  Back to the Van Ness' to have time with John, Mandy & kids!   I didn't mention before but Mark was home over Christmas.  It's been 2 years since he's been here so much time has been spent with him.  It's always good to see John & his family.  Such a fun group. 
I made it to the Dr. (finally).  Ugh....many prescriptions later... I'm sure i'll be on the mend in no time.  Sinus infection, ear infection, chest congestion, mouth full of canker sores...(brought out from all the infection), and a cough that is NOT productive.  Per Dr's orders I'm not to go 2 months suffering anymore! lol.  OK! 

Today - Tuesday, I'm feeling better not great but better.  Sure to be back to normal soon.  We're soon to be off to the Grant 4 basketball tournament.  Matt is with a friend today, so needless to say I'm missing him.  But he is having a blast I'm sure. 

I do love this time of year.  Even all the hectic craziness that comes with it.  Christmas is certainly something worth keeping in your hear all year long!

Looking forward to 2011. 
Blessed!

whatta week!  everyone is HOME!  & I love it.  thus the lack of blogging & facebooking on my part.  an early gift to me!  monday we headed to w. lafayette to see the purdue girl play and get another win! the drive over was beautiful!  snow was falling and it was a gorgeous snow at that.  4" total accumulation.  after the game we dined at arnies!  (yum).  andy had made reservations for us to spend the night in lafayette such a nice get-a-way and timing was perfect.  sadly, matt didn't want to go along.  he's "tired of going places" so he hung with his favorite people, grandpa & grandma van ness.  tuesday brought about shopping, lunch at hooters (we flipped for options) and an oak hill basketball game v. marion.  (lost by 6...great effort on our boys part) 

wednesday, wasn't a day i was looking forward to.  it was long.  started and ended well and the middle was completed. 

thursday was my day for doing up treats in the kitchen.  chex mix, hot cocoa mix, cracker snack, peanut butter fudge, blossoms, sugar cookies & toffee bark were all made and distributed.  i look forward to the day when my kitchen is new and spacious and then perhaps i'll up the occurrence of making good stuff. 

today, friday is Christmas eve.  it's one of my favorite days of the year.  it's a day filled with tradition and i do enjoy that!  i've a few treats i'd still like to make, a few last minute presents to wrap and then we're off to the van ness' for our traditional Christmas eve.  food: oyster soup, shrimp cocktail, cheese ball & crackers, ham, tomato soup, blossoms, & veggies.  lighting of the advent candles, reading of scripture, retelling of the Christmas eve when 7 bowls of soup was consumed.  (lol) and my favorite, time together.  this year mark will be home with us.  it's been 2 years since we've seen him.  glad he could make it.  and i almost forgot, Christmas eve service. 

i can't help but feel overly blessed when i think about all that has been given to me, freely given to me.  a Savior, my husband, my children, friends, home, pets, etc, etc, etc....  i'm flawed beyond measure yet daily i'm reminded how much i am loved, in spite of all the ick. 

i'm thankful that this year i've learned (stage 2) how to slow down a bit and enjoy.  how to better keep focus on what really matters.  i'm thankful for the blog option to emote, vent, spew, whatever.  and i'm really thankful for all the people in my life.  so many have come into it over the course of the year and each as been such a blessing.  some have gone from my life but their time in it remains with the memories and i'm sure it's purpose was served. 

well, that's it for me today.  i'm off to get a move on.  Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night!

Sadly tis the season for B$tchen...

Same old song and dance... sang by aerosmith & my momma! 

Let me start by saying I love this time of year.  I love fall/winter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, NYE and having the kids home from school.  I love the foods that get prepared THIS time of year.  I love the music, the gatherings, the time together.  I love that the celebration of Christmas causes some to wonder about, seek out, focus on the meaning of this season.  I love giving gifts.


I don't love the inevitable conversation that takes place...EVERY YEAR...about: having a feeling this is gonna be the last Christmas, not having a man - therefore her traditions get shoved aside for those of others, getting the short end of the stick with regard to time spent with her Christmas day, being the ONLY one who has to alter plans...UGH!!!

MAN has chosen the 25th of December to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.   It's a day.  The focus of that day should be on the gift of the Christ Child.  The day is often, as it should be, celebrated with family and friends.  CELEBRATED, yet many families like mine, find themselves frustrated by the occurrences, nonoccurence's of the day. 

I just don't understand the need for all the frustration!

As for me and my family we will do what we can.  Be where we want and can be and celebrate Jesus and family...those near and dear, those across the miles, and those who are no longer with us.  I'll do all I can to keep their focus of the true gift, to create memories worth sharing and hopefully lite in them a desire to carry on some of the traditions we experience and encourage them to be open to new traditions.  

In the mean time, I'll be talking a lot to my God in heaven above, and myself as I try to reel in all the frustrations I've allowed others to provoke!  And pray to God that I can maintain the true spirit of Christmas within my heart all year long!

just a disappointment

for a week forecasters have been alerting us of a winter storm.  initial snow totals were to be 6-10 inches.  as the weekend drew nearer the arrival of the storm was pushed back and the snow totals were lessened.  ...with measly snow falling from the sky the kids were gifted a 2 hour delay and well, I can still grass poking through.  Epic fail in the winter storm category!   saddened am I.

Today is sure to be busy...i'm assisting with the cheer clinic, kat has an orchestra concert, and matt has a bb game at peru.  good news is andy is home this week so we will have to divide and conquer. 


returning to my love of snow, you must know that 1978 spoiled me.  i've such fond memories of the blizzard of '78 and have had a love love love of the white stuff ever since. 

tis the season for crazy busy stuff...but it's a season i love and am blessed to celebrate. 

somewhere along the line...we did good

I do & then think.  As a result there have been many times I've seconded guessed myself or have allowed others to cause me to doubt my parenting.  There have been times as a parent I've been flustered and annoyed, concerned, and wondered IF/WHEN my kids would get it.  And then...

...my daughter says to me "mom, i miss my best friend".  I ask who she's texting and she tells me and it's the ex-best friend.  When I suggest they make a plan she declines inviting her.  Puzzled I ask why?  and she replies "because I know how I felt when *B set out to make her HER friend and come between us, and I don't want *M to ever feel that way.  She knows I miss her and that will just have to be enough, the text messages that is."


& then this...

..."mom if I don't get asked to the valentine dance is it ok with you if I ask *X to go with me? "  me, "sure, why?"  Kate, "because, I know what it feels like to feel like you're never gonna be wanted or asked out, and it's a terrible feeling and I would hate for him to feel that way, when we could go together as friends"


And then today on the way home from school today my son shared this:  '"some one told me today I smile too much.  I'm always smiling and asked me why?  And it got me thinking....I smile because I'm happy.  You know mom how the *D family seems all together, you know sanded on the edges?  Nice house, clothes, good athletes, organized lockers and all and normal family?  and We're all crazy, frazzled and messed up house and I'm not organized and not the best athlete....well, it dawned on me...I like my life and am happy.  I like that you and dad are nuts and we're crazy and I like being home ....I'm just happy and we're FAR from perfect.  I wouldn't change it.  And I feel bad that my classmates find it odd that I smile when to look at them they would appear to have more of a reason to smile than I do"   "I'm just happy with our life".' 

Aahhhh! somewhere along the line...Andy & I did good!  We didn't do it alone, have to thank our church family, and family...we've all done good!  :)  PTL!

what if....

what if...

• welfare could only be received once every 7 years
• for the next 10 years any income in excess of 1 mil. was distributed to public schools
• kids were allowed to be kids
• "whacks" were reinstated as a form of correction in the schools 
• bullies were called out
• political correctness was thrown out the window
• people stuck w/ one face as opposed to two
• kindness prevailed
• smiles were given freely
• respect was given...from the start
• we agree to disagree
• we didn't judge
• love the sinner & hate the sin
• we spoke words of encouragement
• we return value to relationships
• we return value to people

what if...

Louise KLOVE's caller ...

So the kids were dropped off and I tuned in and turned up KLOVE for the drive home.  The DJ's were taking calls from listeners with Christmas confessions.  Next on the line, Louise.  Louise was somewhat difficult to understand and for a bit even difficult to listen to.  Her tone was agitated, angry perhaps.  Her confession:  She had suffered many personal losses this year and this Christmas is missing significant people and she isn't celebrating it without them.  In addition she has a 9 year old who is excited about Christmastime and the excitement is adding to her frustration and sadness. 

As you might imagine the DJ's were somewhat stunned, initially, as was I for her tone didn't seem to match the emotion she seemed to be conveying.  Sadness, is the emotion most would associate with missing loved ones this time of year, yet her voice seemed filled with anger.  Almost immediately the DJ's asked if they could pray with/for her.  Moments later a prayer was being lifted up and I too was praying with them.  All I could think about was how awful she must feel and I personally couldn't imagine.

The next thought that came to mind was 'and the child shall lead them'.  And I thought, if only she could see this time of year through the eyes of her 9 year old.  If only.  Louise didn't go into detail about the who and what of her loss but one would imagine if it was that close of a loved one that her 9 year old also felt the loss.  Yet through the eyes of the child the joy of Christmastime was still being experienced. 

I would assume since KLOVE is a Christian station that Louise is a believer to some extent.  And I would agree with the DJ's prayer was much needed.  I pray in-spite of her loss she'll feel and come to know the Love of Jesus this season.  That she'll be able to know and experience the blessing of the birth of the Christ child.  That she'll experience this Christmas with the eyes of a 9 year old. 

Join in praying for Louise and others who might be struggling with the celebration this season.  Pray that they, with the eyes of a child might enjoy the true gift of this season, and be reminiscent of time with loved ones lost and find joy in those moments that have come to pass. 

With or without those we love and those we've lost Christmastime is here and the joy of the reason for this season is cause to celebrate!  May there be JOY TO THE WORLD.

some favorite things

just thinking about some of my favorite things and new things that have come my way over the course of 2010:

books: Luxe series; Mother Daughter Book Club series; Jen Lancaster memoirs; a few good ones by Hope Bauer; Lock & Key by Sara Denssen (sp?) 

food:  nachos mexicanos @ lachas; Moes - (thanks heather!); pizza huts soup, salad and bread stix - mostly their salad w/ their wonderful italian dressing!  YUM!!  can't get enough; CW salad & wings well done; maggianos!

new & old relationships/friendships & acquaintances:  crauns, powells, halls, nevers', heather, heather, jessica, doretta, randi co-workers, this list can go on & on ...pretty much if you're reading this you're among my fav's!

technology & social sites; blogspot & blogging; Christian radio stations; the resurgence of GOD! my church and church family; our newest addition PJ the amazing mini schnauzer!  my amazing GE crockpot; advocare & it's 24 day challenge.

I'm sure there's more and without a doubt i'll be back with more to add.  Just curious...what are YOUR favorite things?

Good Tuesday morning

Freezing & beyond! It's a whopping 16 degrees out and not expected to get much warmer! I can't say I mind as this is my favorite time of year. But I would really prefer if SNOW were falling as well. (of course it would be warmer if that were to happen) There's a slight promise of a snow storm this weekend! The weather models are a bit up in the air as to what is REALLY going to happen (haha) so according to the weather guy "we'll just have to wait & see". Hummm go figure. I love weather & most weather reporting folk. So much so I've been encouraging Matt to strongly consider that line of employment. I figure with his curly hair, dimples, big brown eyes, and just over all good looks folks will be forgiving when he doesn't get it right! haha! He said if he does it he's gonna use the white board like Jim O'brien does and write random phrases just for fun. ...too funny!

Do you ever have that one thing you wish you were better at? I do. For me I wish I was better at letting others know when I'm thinking about them. There's a lady here in Swayzee whom I became acquainted with at church who is awesome at her card ministry. I so wish I was good at that. Every year I say I'm gonna do it and year after year I don't get it done. Nonetheless I'm still thinking, praying, wishing & rejoicing with so many through out the year. I just wish I was better about letting those who cross my mind know they're thought about. Who knows perhaps 2011 is the year to make it happen.

Took kate to the dr. yesterday, she has pleurisy again. She's taking a round of steroids and is on the mend. Dr. says she's just prone to it. :( not fun. Matt had a game yesterday, they lost, and has an away game tonight. Sure hope he's in a better mood for it. Andy is away this week. He's in the part of Indiana where it's snowing. Wish I was with him. Good news is he'll be off work from 12/21 until the first of the year! Can't wait...but will have too.

My Christmas shopping is done. Now to wrap! Thanks for stopping my. I encourage you to do a little random act of kindness today or tomorrow! :) make someone smile. I certainly hope so as it's become my passion.

quckie

saturday got to watch me great niece ball it up at MGYbL. so cute. you could tell she was having fun. then over to moms to say "hello" and see how her open house was going. it's been a beautiful morning as the ground is covered with snow and it continued to fall all day. mom was interview by the chronicle for her crafting abilities. such an honor for her. perhaps now is a good time to "retire"! lol ...i can only hope. matt went to watch the boilers w/ ed. and kate rested at home as she's not been feeling well. evening brought about dinner @ the chuckwagon with the powells and then boys basketball at oak hill. victory! it was a good game.

sunday has been a lazy day. church, angle tree shopping, watching the lady boilers and later on the colts and the amazing race. :) andy will be gone ALL next week :( that means my parenting duties will be doubled and it's a crazy busy week as it is. 3 ball games (m, t, tr) for matt and kate will be cheering friday night as OH takes on ole miss.

let it be known i'm hoping for snow, and many 2-hour delays this next week.

also just want to say i've really been blessed recently with new friendships that i really enjoy, andy & i both. thank you God for those people in our lives.

boy am i random...

showering it occurred to me that i might've not given the information requested by a friend on FB. so like any reasonable person, i hopped out of the shower, logged back on FB and answered the question a bit more thoroughly. (nuts...i know)

blowing dry my hair i thought to myself, 'i wonder what difference might be made in someones life if i became a prayer warrior for them on a daily biases?' ...now by random i mean so & so who lives at some random address in some random town from some random state. while contemplating that i thought to myself, 'golly, what would the differences be if i prayed for all those who i know & don't know who take the time, purposefully or accidentally to visit/read my blog and/or facebook!' ....so while blowing dry my hair I began my morning conversation with God. asking for His blessing on those who i encounter, cyberly or live in person. praying that something will 1) draw them closer to Him 2) inspire them to seek Him.

i had to chuckle while talking to Him because next thing i knew the door flew open a though someone was walking in on me and i look down to see my dogs. pretty sure they thought someone else was with me in the bathroom as sure enough i was talking aloud. i paused, scratched their heads and explained it was just God i was talking to. instead of continuing to play they both just sat at my feet and stuck around ....for the rest of my conversation.

i don't know how my prayers will affect those will receive them and that's okay, because i do know in someway God will have an effect. that's cool!



today: coffee house took place for matt & all the 7th grade at OHJH. i so love that kid! talk about a blessing. God amazes me with how much He trust me to love, nurture & raise 2 of His blessings. ed & ej were able to attend. as matt read his final poem it was touching to hear how he appreciates the wonder of Gods majesty and his thankfulness for His gifts. may he continue to fall in love with our Lord!

the sun is shinning, there's a promise of snow and God is good! blessings upon you and yours today and always. and know i am thankful for you in my life.

just a matter of time

a little bit of time can make all the difference.

today's technology allows us to communicate with masses in a matter of minutes. facebook, myspace, e-mail, all allow us to post information reaching many at one time, send messages to multiples or individuals in just a matter of seconds. yep seconds depending on how quickly you type. not to mention skyping which is also as quick and easy as a phone call.

i personally have many facebook connections and often feel like...so many people, so little time. i'm guilty of spending time "creep'n" or perusing as i like to call it, my friends' status, photos, etc.... i like being in the know what's going on with new & old acquaintances. and while doing so it dawned on me...why not take the time to say hi. just a little something to let them know i'm "here". i'm interested in what's new in their life.

time is precious as are friends, family, acquaintances so be it via a social network, an e-mail or a phone call take a moment of your time and reconnect. don't just peruse ...say "hi".

Hello December...you are my 2nd favorite month

Ahhh to wake up to SNOW! for me it doesn't get any better. Oh how I do love the white stuff.

Somewhere along the line today was declared national pay it forward day a.k.a random act of kindness day. I'm in. How much more awesome would the walk on this earth be if this were an everyday occurrence. So let the games begin if you will and not just today but let's say for the entire month of December I challenge YOU & myself to do a RAK everyday!

I've also came to the conclusion that SNOW is Gods way of slowing us down. So many of us go through our day (life) in such a hurry we don't slow ourselves down and enjoy the journey. Slow down on your drive and enjoy the majestic views, notice the bird trying to get the worm. Slow down and be thankful for the gift of time. You'll get to where you're going as soon as you arrive. What's the hurry?

Today my boy is off on a field trip & kate has a game tonight. Fun! I get my nails done, meet w/ pastor steve to review our youth Christmas party plans and then grocery shop. I'm planning on enjoying my drive time, take it slow and with any luck i'll put a smile on someones face today.

Today I will REJOICE! Won't you join me?

Happy December!

tis the season...

Well this Thanksgiving break went a bit different than in years past. Different location for the meals. Family members not in attendance and the addition of others. Overall it was enjoyable. Certainly a time to reflect and give thanks for all the many blessing in our lives.

At Ed and Ej's we had our traditional Thanksgiving readings. Poems, scripture and prayers left over from Thanksgivings past at Granny Anderson's. And as tradition dictates most sang and struggled through singing "Be Present at Our Table Lord". Only aunt Peggy & Valarie & girls were able to join us but the food was great & so was the time together! Next stop was to my nieces house for dinner with my side of the family. Again good food & my favorite cream cheese/tortilla roll ups (thanks kim). Once dinner was over we enjoyed several games of Uno attack, scategories and clue. Good times.

Black Friday sent us out with the masses. This year however both of the kids went along. Not so sure Andy enjoyed it much this year but overall the day was a success. Lunch was a Houlihans with Anne. Conversation & food were both good! Deep fried pickles for an appetizer and my salad get 2 thumbs up! Amazingly we were able to actually get surprises for the kids. All in all the time together was priceless. I feel very fortunate that at age 12 & 14 my kids still want to "hang" with me. Pretty sure when I was that age I was so over my parents.

Saturday was the annual Oaken Bucket game. Another 1st this year as Matthew came along. The Williams' were unable to attend and the same for Sherri as her mother passed away thanksgiving day. We enjoyed a tailgate at a seed company courtesy of Brian Farley. (thanks) Sadly the Boilers couldn't come up with the W. After the game we headed home to take in the Oak Hill girls & boys games. Both got the W. :)

Sunday...consider us all pooped! Andy went to church alone to fulfill his ushering duties. Kate slept until 12:30, Matt & I just relaxed, put lights on the tree and did a whole lot of nothing. We participated in the Annual Turkey Bowl(adults won!) and returned home to chill for the evening.

The best part about this break was with out a doubt time spent with my kids. This morning as Matt readied himself for school he said "I'm gonna miss you today mom!" I don't think it can get much better than that! I'm taking it easy today. I've made a pot of potato soup for my favorite people. Will receive a massage at 4 and then get to watch my beautiful daughter cheer at her first freshman basketball game.

3 weeks left until the kids are home for break. I can't wait. Tis the season to really enjoy the blessings bestowed on me by my savior.

A season for thanks...

So many on facebook have been listing the things they are thankful for daily as we approach the big holiday for giving thanks. It's been uplifting to read all the blessings in peoples lives and even to share my own. All the while there are those who struggle to find something to be thankful for or to have a spirit of thanks. I myself lift up those people. I can't imagine the emptiness they must suffer from to be alive...today...and struggle to give thanks.

As I've gotten older I've learned to STOP and look for the blessing in every...EVERY situation. That means the good, bad & ugly ones too. I have to remind myself that there is reason behind all that happens and that I am to be faithful in all that takes place. I've learned to give thanks when my kids don't mind...for I've been blessed with them. I've learned to give thanks when doing laundry...because if nothing else I've got a sweet washer & dryer. I've learned to give thanks for my shedding dog and my broken sweeper because one loves me unconditionally and the other...well once repaired will allow me to sweep my rugs that cover the floor in my house that keeps me warm and is full of all that is my family.

During the holidays as a mom most of us want everything 'just right'. The right decorations, the right appearance of our home, the right table setting, the right menu, the right clothes, etc... And the list goes on & on. I have been oh so humbled and through a combination of upbringing and my own domestic challenges have come to realize it's not about appearances, table settings, food, clothing, or gifts for that matter. It's about the family, the time, the laughter, the memories made. It's about the blessings God has so carefully crafted together in our lives. It's about Him and what He has done...for us. It's about giving thanks to a Heavenly Father for ALL the things - Blessings in our lives.

He tells us in scripture we're not to worry yet so many allow themselves to do just that. And over "stuff".

This holiday season I hope you can enjoy your blessings...'as is'. Do what you can and not worry about what doesn't happen. Enjoy those your with and reminisce about those who are not in attendance. Enjoy the moment, the memory being made because odds are it's the time, laughter, activity & conversation that will be most remembered and NOT the appearance of your surroundings or the food rather the time together.

Have a Blessed week before the official kick off of the Holiday season. This year...Chillax & enjoy! And feel blessed because you are!

Oh bother...

Well I've certainly learned to NOT stress! lol. My house is a COMPLETE DISASTER! My sweeper won't suck, my dog should be bald considering the amount he sheds. HELLO ANIMAL PLANET: YOU ARE TELLING LIES WHEN YOU INFORM YOUR VIEWERS THAT THE BASSET HOUND DOES NOT SHED!!! STOP IT! and the holidays are not creeping up on me they're sprinting to the finish! And I feel all I can do is laugh. Although perhaps if I try crying I'll shed some additional water weight poundage. Either way it is what it is and this too shall pass right?!? ....RIGHT?!!
Saturdays Purdue game was a wash! completely. Our offense can't score and it rained the entire game. Not on the way to the game...not walking in to the stadium but from the time our butts hit the bleachers until the final train whistle it rained. Then it was on to the Liberty tenderloin dinner. Yum...and visits with all the Van Ness clan that came in from: Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, Greenwood, Ft. Wayne and Rockville. Good to see them only my time was cut short as I had to take the teen to a friends for "girls night" & cheer stuff. We celebrated Andy's birthday a bit. Good thing because on Sunday, his actual birthday I think I saw him for about 30 min. total. He's spending his birthday, monday & tuesday hunting in a state wide deer reduction hunt down at Shackamack state park. Sure hope he get's a deer or 3 :)

I on the other hand served lunch to the Sweetser UM voluenteers and staff, took the kids for a bit of shoppeing for much needed items, then returned to the church for youth stuff. Arrived home at 8:30 to the wails of my son with stomach pain...sure enough all items consumed that day made a repeat appearence around midnight. Someone needs to teach that boy how to puke, seek out a container or preferably the toilet! He's the worst and moves about while doing it! Really???? His college roommates will NEVER want to party with him!

Today, Monday...he's home b/c of the puking however at the time of this post is feeling much better! Thank God! I'll be taking my Dyson into Sears later for service...it quit sucking. (wish aspects of my life would...jk life is good)

Tuesday & wednesday this week I work....good thing because Thursday I shop! Now I don't really like shopping, but this time of year I tolerate it.

The sun is shining and the skies are blue and temps are mild. They're calling for 60's later in the week. This doesn't excite me. I'm anxiously awaiting the forcast for some snow & bitter cold so that I can fire up my fireplace. Come on colder temps.

Thanks for joining in....enjoy your Monday!

hello thursday...

well...this has been an exceptional November week. Amazingly beautiful, sunny, blue skies, in the upper 60's & mid 70's all in all awesome. Unless you're like me and wishing for and anxiously anticipating the arrival of cooler (or down right cold) temps and my favorite...SNOW!!!! I however must wait and 'suffer' through the beautiful warm fall days.

Today I enjoyed a 3 mile walk with a friend and enjoyed our conversation and laughs. I pray for her as she's a single mom and tired of being alone. I can't imagine what it would be like to try to meet someone NOW, all the while holding a fulltime job and raising 3 kids. I want to lift her up! and ask that you will too. I also got to spend time with my mother-inlaw. Time with my in-laws is just an additional reminder of how fortunate I am. I have truely been blessed.

Again today I'm reflective on relationships. I'm trying to be more real with the ones that have happened to me. I will say they are all unique. And I feel more & more they're a God thing. While on the trail today one of the passers by struck up conversation with us and she mentioned something that she's been doing...asking God to let her be a blessing to others and said since praying that prayer has noticed a difference in her relationships. I chuckeled to myself as I too have been praying that very same thing. Many times I've questioned WHY so & so has been put in my path and of late have concluded, because that's God's plan. So, since His plan isn't always clear I've began to pray that I too am a blessing to those who I encounter. Hopefully I'm have some sort of success at this.

I challenge you to take a look at the relationships in your life, past & present. Are they beneficial, encouraging, healty? I hope so. How's the most important relationship you could ever have? ...the one with Jesus Christ? I guarentee if you allow it to it will fill you up!

Blessings that have me thankful this Thanksgiving season: (11 for the day 11) <3 Andy <3 Kathryn <3 Matthew <3 Ed & Emma Jean <3 my Mom <3 my brother <3 my church <3 my home <3 my home <3 my dogs <3 my friends & aquaintences.

Ahhh the (lack of) Power of the Lunch Detention....

I subbed for 12 years, worked as a full-time Aide for 4 years (or 3...can't remember lol) any way in all those years MAYBE I issued 1 lunch detention. Only 1 you might ask! How only 1? Well you see I went into the lunch room to get my own lunch from time to time and bore witness to the LUNCH DETENTION TABLE where punishments were being served. At this table were kids who appeared to be like all the other kids in the cafe' only just waiting for their turn in line. Oh, and there's the stern looking adult (NOT) hovering nearby. You see when you receive a lunch detention for whatever the reason you are last in line, you are to sit at a designated table and of course it's preferred if your somewhat miserable and not showing signs of enjoyment...afterall a punishment is being served. (ha!) My observation confirmed my suspicion that the punishment was a pointless one. I never observed behaviors being changed. Therefore I chose to not issue the pointless piece of paper.

My son received another (yes not his 1st) lunch detention. His infraction, not having his writing folder and his hand book, which he never uses, with him in class. He informed the teacher they were in his locker and received the lunch detention and was sent to his locker to retrieve the items. Matt's was ok, with this. (he too knows it's "no big deal" to sit at the detention table) What puzzeled my son was what transpired after he returned with the materials he had arrived with out the first time. THE WRITING FOLDER AND HAND BOOK WERE NEVER USED, OR NEEDED!!! REALLY!

Now here's where it gets tricky for me. He asked me to make sense of that situation for him. I was at a loss. And having prior experience in the building he is now in I struggled to come up with a sensable explination. He knows he's to be prepared and he wasn't and he without issue did his 'time'.

I suppose I should've said something wise like..."they're trying to prepare you for the real world". But that would've, in my opinion been a falsehood. You see, my recent stint in the real world was in the school system. Many times teachers themselves were unprepared. Yet they were still able to eat lunch in a timely manner and at a table with their friends. I know I know they're grown ups. But what about the time when they forget or don't have time to grade the test/paper/project and return it in a timely manner like they said they would? Oh, yeah...grown ups and gownups get busy in the evenings. Therefore often times students are left waiting for the grade. What would it look like if the student happened to be busy the evening that homework was assigned? Would it be acceptable for them to not be ready? NOPE!

Now don't get me wrong...I have many friends who are teachers and I'll be the first to say they are under appreciated and overworked. I just feel there are better methods to getting a point across, or modifying behaviors. Especially at the jr./sr. high level. I think the lunch detention is a joke and doesn't begin to prepare them for the real world.

Just my opinion...and this is where I state them. ;)

a mixed bag for sure....

recap: Our family suffered a loss last week with the passing of Brian Buroker. He was one of the finest men I know. And without a doubt he will be greatly missed. Matthew made his return to school on thursday so that he would have the chance to tryout for the basketball team...only to have his fever return resulting in another day home on friday. Friday afternoon we attended Brians viewing and then headed down to Terre Haute for the night. Andy, again has been selected for the state wide deer reduction hunt at Shackamack state park and had to prepare his site first thing saturday morning. Then it was off to W. Lafayettte where Purdue was taking on Wisconsin. We listened to the 1st half of the game while driving to the stadium and once we arrived ....well, it all went down hill for the boilers. I'm beginning to take it personal. :/ Next it was on to the youth bon fire for some bonding with the kiddos. All in all Saturday was a great day, football, time with lex & haley, my boy finally seemed 100%!!!! and I can't recall any fussing. Sunday was a busy day too as Andy & the deciplship team gave a presentation after church, then there was youth...which I was unable to attend and kat's cheer dinner which I did attend. So that is pretty much the weekend update....matt still has 1 more day of tryouts to get through...we're still praying for a positive outcome!

So now for the things that have me puzzeled...and other ponderings:

Why is it ...the whole must be punished for the sins of some? ...those who break the rules continue to go unpunished? ...parents don't let coaches coach? ...you simile and say hello only when others might be watching? ...people tolerate or are afraid to out the craziess who ultimately have an impact on their life & that of their child? ...why are girls mean? ...why the personal attacks on one another?

Sadly as our kids go through this growing up process they often find themsleves "muted" if you will. Speaking up/out results in 1) risking adults & peers thinking you're a "nark". 2) becoming a social outcast 3) some form of bullying. Instead of the 'talk' taking place with the adults/coaches the conversations are held amongst each other with no solutions being offered, instead irritations are deepened. What's it gonna take for someone to stand up and call out those who need to be called out?

"Hi, Kel!" really?!? I know I know it's a simple greeting but it still take's me by surprise when it comes from someone who made a couple of things clear: 1) we are no longer friends & 2) due to the lack of "friendship" I am no longer liked... So do me a favor and save the "hi, kel". It's unnecessary and pathetic when given only in the presence of others. And furthermore...my friends call me Kel and you withdrew your friendship. I must say...for the 1st time ever I didn't reply to the greeting. It was somewhat awkard in the moment but that soon faded as it's much easier to just not be fake.

Well...here's to a warm November week. Boy is Indina crazy in the weather catagory! Good news is...it's sure to change.

season for loss...or so it seems

Andy called last night from the church to tell me that our family has lost another. Brian Buroker had passed away that day having suffered a massive heart attack. Brian had just beaten cancer and if ever there was a guy full of life it was him. Brian was always smiling, always interested in you & what was going on with your life. I can't remember a time when he didn't ask about my kids or myself. I would love watching him interact with his grand babies at the Matchette reunion. And my heart warmed to see his face light up at the sight of his daughters, grand children and wife. He was full of joy. He will be missed.

As much as fall is my favorite season it has been one that has been full of loss. The passing of my grandma, friend KC Runyan, cousin/uncle Sarah & Sparky Adams, grandpa Anderson. Just to mention a few. Last year alone we had loss after loss during the fall & winter season.

As a Christian we celebrate the homecoming but as humans we know we're gonna miss our loved ones...for the time being.

Today there was frost! woo hoo frost! That means all the ickys are being killed :) yay! Matt is still home. ...Not sure what exactly is going on. Other than he's just not up to par. Hopefully he'll feel well enough sooner rather than later. Not sure how all this will play out with basketball tryouts...hopefully the coaches will work with him. Prayers...please.

So yesterday I put to use a suggestion for supper from my friend Sherri...here's what you do: chicken breast in a crockpot, package of taco seasoning, and jar of salsa, cook on low 6-8; high 4-6. When finished cooking, pull apart chicken, fill flour tortilla with favorite fixings. We chose lettuce, sour cream, cheese and salsa. It was quick, easy & a total hit! Thank Sherri! With out a doubt we'll be enjoying it again. I'm a huge fan of simple cooking...have a recipe you'd like to share...please do! I'm sure I'd love to try it.

Stay warm...temps are dropping. And enjoy your loved ones and don't take a second for granted. You just never know.

RIP Brian Buroker.

11-2

and now the time shall fly...at least that's how is seems to me. it's the end of the year whirl wind. transitioning from one sport to another, the increased amount of homework, the craziness that comes with 4 rather busy holidays. not to mention the number of birthdays, PU football games and youth activities. holy moly! absolute craziness... yet i really enjoy it.

when granny anderson was alive where we would be for the holiday was a given. this was a tradition from andy's side of the family that i truely enjoyed. it reminded me of the big family gatherings we had at my grandparents house. just as those became a memory so have the gatherings on andy's side. tradition always brought everyone home. it was the time when cousins who lived quite a distance away reconnected. the smell of the food, the anticipation of everyones holiday dish and the laughter and reminissing that took place filled your heart.

as a child i always enjoyed one side of my famililies gatherings more so than the other. and as an adult that still holds true. like when i was a child i enjoy seeing those who i can't see on a regular basis. i enjoy reconnecting and catching up. however year after year i feel my kids and i are the only ones who feel this way. as others seem so lax to make the plan.

i have no idea what this year holds. i do know of 1 plan already in place. and rightfully i should be on board with that one....yet my kids are hoping, as am i for another option to add to the day. we've always managed 2 in the past. part of me says "they heck with it...we'll do our own thing".

i've hosted before and have never seen it as a "job" rather an oppertunity to host. i enjoy cooking for a purpose and don't even mind the clean up. but given the state of the house/projects...hosting for me is out of the question. perhaps next year.

this i know...it's the time for thanks, a time for celebrating the birth of the Christ child and time to be out with the old and in with the new. it's a time to be with loved ones and friends celebrating blessings of all kinds.

i've written before about replacements...perhaps this season it's time to call them in.

November 1 wow...

sure doesn't take long for a year to go by! and this one is flying. with that said last week seemed to last for ever and the weekend just flew by.

both of the kids are up & out today. funny how you can feel good about sending off one kid and sick in the stomach to send the other. i just want to keep my boy home. the dread started setting in yesterday. when i came to wake him this morning he just said he felt like crying. he said he didn't know why...but deep down we both knew. for 35 hours a week he is in an environment he just does not enjoy i know it will pass but in the meantime my heart breaks. we've talked a time or two about what has changed as when he was little he didn't mind going to school. it was more like an adventure. he enjoys learning and is smart. but he doesn't enjoy all the other 'stuff' that takes place. i have my theories as to why and pray he'll be strong enough emotionally/mentally to get through it all. at times i swear he's mature beyond his years. i do know he is a good kid. a smart kid. a kind kid. and i do know that i am proud of him. he has room for improvement and i fully believe by the time his brain has matured he'll be a fine citizen. here's to hoping those who educate become more tolerant of the development that needs to take place. i found while working in the system that many times more is expected from students than could be accomplished by those with the expectations. (hypocrisy? perhaps...)

kate was the social butterfly over the weekend. marina's traditional halloween bash, overnight with brooklyn, youth reverse treating at the nursing home, pumpkin carving, trick or treating with kelsy o, regan b, & lauren mc then nate's party. all over the course of 2 days. a ton of candy later and 1 lost cell phone she had a pretty fun weekend. today begins the resuming of cheer practice for basketball season.

matt has basketball tryouts beginning tomorrow. please pray for him in his effort to make the team.

well here's to a great day. hopefully a productive one.

my favorite month is coming to an end....

and so october draws to a close. oh how this saddens me. our saturday was spent running errands early in the day and then finishing up kates costume. adorable. if i do say so myself. matt is feeling somewhat better. still uncomfortable breathing, getting dizzy & coughy. ready for it to pass as he has bb tryouts next week. prayers that he'll make the team are much appreciated. he'll be devastated otherwise. andy & i and some of the youth (not otherwise engaged) sold caramel apple slices at the sweetser pumpkin walk for adam debatise. sadly this 29 year old has terminal cancer. hard enough to deal with alone but can be doubly troubling when you know you'll be leaving behind the wife & kids. we wanted to help in some way. prayers for the family & him are also appreciated.

the day was a beautiful one and the wind kept me reminded of Gods awesomeness. not to mention the warmth of His sun.

tomorrow is halloween...truly and we'll be giving out treats to the folks at the nursing home. and then carving a couple of pumpkins. yay for sundays and yay for family.

i am blessed.

so here's a thought

as i continue to ponder my previous post i've tried to go over in my brain options that would be feasible and perhaps cut back the number of those who become inebriated and would possibly drive drunk and here's what i've come up with...(just some thoughts)

what if....before purchasing a drink you had to agree to blow into a breathalyzer to determine weather or not you were intoxicated. if it was clear then set a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages. .....or what if....upon purchasing you were giving a bracelet and it was 'punched' and after so many punches you're done.

again, just thoughts. drinking and driving is a lose lose situation. and there's no clear cut answer or solution but i do believe there is more that can be done on the business end to protect not only the establishment and those who work there but also those who choose to drink. alcohol is however a drug so why just because you're of 'age' is the intake of it not better monitored at businesses.

i know drinking at home, parties, events, etc...is a whole other situation but you've got to start somewhere. responsibility.

responsibility...

where does one draw the line on responsibility? i'm just wondering. i just heard a news report about a woman suing the bar and the bartender who served the guy who drove drunk and hit her 12-13 shots. tragic no matter how you look at it but where does the responsibility lie?

i serve up food to chubby folk like myself all the time. does that make me responsible for their obesity? or what if they choke on the bread stick i suggested they order and die? is that on me?

i seldom serve a minor without an adult present as most folks dine as a family. and the chubby adults i serve order what they want more often then what they need. they are responsible enough to do so. food/drink whatever it is we make decisions and i've never known a decision --even a simple one-- to not have a consequence. but how far back does the blame go?

the person that drinks and drives and causes an accident (imo) is the one responsible. the buck stops there.

sadly i feel too many choose to look elsewhere to place blame...and the pessimist in me wonders about the true motive behind most claims.

be responsible.

laughter is the best medicine

Well as predicted Matthew was home today...sick. Although as mom I felt I knew what meds to give him and we did have them "in stock" if you will as both my kids tend to get bronchitis on a somewhat regular basis. (it lays dormant in the lugs and can flare up ...it's our version of the common cold) Sure enough the diagnosis was a cold with the onset of bronchitis (ha!). Yet I allowed the Dr. to tell me this so that he could provided me with the highly coveted RETURN TO SCHOOL/SEEN ON ________ piece of paper and the script for necessary meds.

While visiting with the Dr. he inquired with Matt what was "going on". As Matt gave him the run down of symptoms and a synopsis on how he was feeling I interjected and told him not to forget to mention the burning sensation he complained of earlier today. He shared. At this point the nurse gave Matt "the cup" and sent him to the restroom. While the urine was being evaluated the Dr. did his own evaluation on Matt. Once he finished with the ears, nose, throat & lungs he asked Matt to lay back and took a peek...down below. Good news everything "looked good". The good Dr. went on to say his urinalysis came back clear and the the burning could be caused by something as simple as soap entering the urethra when showering and suggested he not use soap in that area. According to the Dr. "unless it's dragging the ground it shouldn't get too dirty down there" (bahahhahahahahahahaha) Matt & I both cracked up. Me, so much so I had trouble getting control of myself because his comment was not at all what I was expecting. Being me, I looked at my son and inquired..."does it drag the ground?" Before Matt could respond the good Dr. says "I assure you it does not!"
bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Matt said "THANKS!" and then let him know he had made his day. We chuckled all the way home about that one.

ahhh the good 'ole days. haha. I enjoy change. I welcome it 9 out of 10 times. But there's a lot to be said for how things used to be. Movies for instance. I do enjoy the old black and whites. The story lines were simple the acting was somewhat comical and the special effects are a hoot. And the sets, so posh! Those were the days. Every one dressed to the hilt. Every man wearing a suit, every woman wearing pearls or a broach not to mention gloves. It was supposedly a simpler time. But I sure do enjoy the old flicks. And yay for AMC for bringing them to me. They're swell!

It's hump day. The skies are beautiful and beautifully blue. Kids are off to school. Kate is feeling better however Matt is complaining of an ear ache.

Progress is coming slowly but surly on the house. Too bad I don't enjoy keeping house, cleaning & being more "wifely". I guess I'm just too bull headed. I figure folks ought to be able to keep up after themselves. I've never been one to keep up after others. That gene is missing. Therefore we're a mess. And pretty much I'm the only one it bothers...only not enough to put an end to it. I feel like a dog chasing his tail. I work much better with a partner. Alas there isn't one so I'm on my own.

So please lift me up in prayer....I'm totally serious. Because I do know that with God all things are possible. And He's my only partner at this time.

Well, it has come to an end. Fall break that is. And for me it was rather uneventful. Some progress was made though - the pool is down. The kids had a fun/busy weekend. And that's good since it's them the break is for. Kate spent Saturday at Kings Island and Matt had a party he attended Sunday evening. Matt spent Monday with his friend Nick, and Kate & I took my mom shopping for her craft crap. It was a tiring day.

Todays weather is severe. Just the way I like it. We've got a lot of wind and storms are headed our way. I know I'm weird. But that was established early on. I do pray that no one is hurt as a result of the severe weather. I wouldn't mind being in the Rockies though as they're expecting snow accumulation. (my personal favorite)

Listening to the news and weather reports this morning I was reminded how "loud" if you will the negative news reports are. From shootings, robberies, bad weather...etc. How sad is it that it's the 'yuck' stuff we tend to talk so loudly about. Myself included. It's what causes us to pause on a station, stirs up conversations and debates and what tends to resonate with us. Sad. I have to wonder how long a channel would survive if it was nothing but Good News. I do think I would be apt to tune into it. Reports of criminals caught, justice prevailing, families enjoying life, you know the feel good stuff. It's there you know.

My feel good moments from the weekend, laughing with my children, being able to accompany my mom on an outing which is very hard for her to do, even though I grumble about it. And the joy you get when you come home and everyone is all together.

What's your feel good story?

follow me...if you will!

Well, welcome I hope you'll "follow" along in the future. As many of you know I enjoy blogging/ranting/expressing/sharing/journaling/chronicling....etc. And I enjoy the comments and input from YOU the readers. What I've not enjoyed about this blogging that I do is that false assumptions have been made resulting in an 'attempt' at stopping me. And those of you who know me know that I'm not eaisly stopped. Therefore the address, name and location of my blog have been changed. But that's it for the changes. I will continue doing what I do.

So again thanks for reading. I encourage you to follow/subscribe and please feel free to comment at any time. Even it you just let me know you've stopped by.

:) kel

fall break

it's here...fall break that is and the kids are gone :( kate is at kings island and matt is spending the night with nick. ready for them to both be here. miss them when they're gone. but it's good to get a way. last night was our last football game of the high school season and we took a beating from mg. and today...well, my boilers forgot to show up at osu & and also took a beating. tough on this football fan.

hubby & i rang in 15 years of marriage. and did nothing to celebrate it. :( oh well perhaps after the next 15 we'll manage something. weather is actually pretty nice. too bad there's a burn ban, a bon fire would be a nice way to end the day.

i recently changed the name of my blog. not very creative i know...perhaps in time i'll come up with something more catchy. but trying to shake a few unwanted visitors and without setting this venue completely to private it was the only thing to do. we'll see how well it works.

saturday has been lazy...wish we had a plan for something fun.

& the purpose of that tale was?

is it worth it? you know telling your mom you'll be one place all the while knowing the plan is to go elsewhere? planning an evening with friends and then deciding you don't want one of them around. these are some of my daughters observations. obviously since i'm privy to the info she's shared with me some concerns. furthermore she was disappointed and bothered enough by the events she felt she needed to talk about them with me.

as a parent it frustrates me that the kids are making choices that are deceitful. nothing new i'm sure but saddening nonetheless as these are kids who are 'friends' of my child's. it's another example of a 'lesson' to my own children through the action of others that i'd rather not have to give.

i'm almost certain those involved haven't given consideration to how others my perceive their actions. i'm sure they would assume adults would be disappointed yet probably think their peers would think they were "cool". i am disappointed as i stated earlier. my daughter however is too. disappointed that friends find it easy and apparently fun to be deceitful. and annoying that others find it cool.

kat isn't a goody two-shoes, but she has self-respect. PTL!!!! it boils down to this...yes they are teens, but they know better. they are choosing to lie. lies to their parents, peers and self. and sadly so many of their peers just turn the other cheek. in addition kat isn't the type of friend to sit back and allow another friend to be talked about. she is a good friend.

we have had many conversations regarding friends and choices. and sadly few girls have demonstrated character that has given way to her allowing them in. she did that once...only to realize she had ultimately been used. it was a tough lesson but one that taught her how to be the kind of friend she would want to have.

girls, (&boys) your lies don't make you "cool". and if those you surround yourself with lead you to believe they do you have a sad group of "friends".

doubt many if any teen girls will read this, but just had to put it out there.

not just another day... 10/21

So it's been 15 years since I said "I do". I barely remember the day. The attendance was family only and very limited family at that. My father had to cut his vacation short to attend so he could walk me down the isle. My oldest friend was my matron of honor. I'm not sure who stood with Andy. His brother Sam sang, In This Very Room...I didn't get to hear it. I took the walk down the isle unable to look my groom in the eye for too long. When we joined hands I took a look out at those who had came...they were crying. We said our I do's and that was that. That's how I remember my wedding day. I was pregnant, a divorcee and this was not the wedding of choice for Andy.

A month before we were married we attended the wedding of some friends of ours. It was beautiful. That wedding was everything a wedding should be. Full of laughter, joy, celebration and anticipation for the life journey that lay ahead. We were enjoying ourselves at the reception when on of Andy's friends approached me and let me know that the only reason he'd marry me was if I had "something" on him. I didn't know what to think. Andy is a stand up guy and all but also one to do what he wants and for that matter NOT do something he doesn't want to do. However like words do this comment resonated with me for some time.

I don't remember much of our reception but do recall enjoying the car ride to the bed and breakfast for our honeymoon. I enjoyed the conversation that took place. I enjoyed looking over at him and the knowing he was there. And that's how it's been ever since.

I still to this day don't feel deserving of him, his time, or his love but feel blessed that he gives it. I still wonder 'what if'...for him. And I give thanks daily that we have the relationship we do. It's not what movies are made of or romance novels but it works.

Our love has grown. As has the respect and the friendship. He's my best friend. He loves me 'as is' and for that I am thankful. 15 years in this day is quite a fete. I've enjoyed the ride and look forward to many more years that I can look over and see him driving and know he is there.

Happy Anniversary Andy. I love you.



14 years ago i would've celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary. instead we buried andy's grandpa and mourned the loss of his uncle and cousin. one day - and lives were changed forever. so many things about that day stand out in my memory. but the one that has never left me is the way aunt peggy reacted to the news. she had just laid to rest her father and received word later in the day that her husband, sparky and daughter sarah had been killed in an automobile accident returning home after the funeral dinner. in that moment i witnessed Gods amazing grace. in that very moment my faith was transformed. in that moment life was put in perspective. they are missed. life has gone on but lives have never been the same. RIP Sparky, Sarah, and Grandpa Anderson.

it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...well it was

Neighborhoods are funny little areas. And they vary so greatly. I grew up in a neighborhood what was riddled with family. You couldn't walk a block in any direction for what you didn't run into a cousin, aunt, grand or great. It was kinda cool but I often found myself playing in a neighborhood other than the one i grew up in. After college I lived in an apartment complex. You know the kind where hallways are shared and folks are right on top of one another. I don't remember ever running into the other inhabitants of the building nor do I ever remember having an issue with them. Ironic since the space was shared. Perhaps it was just our age. We were mostly 20 somethings who led busy lives and minded our own business. Once married we moved to a quaint little town, Amboy and joked that we were the "new blood" in town. As we got to know our neighbors and other town folk it was as though they were all related somewhere down the line. However, many towns could take a lesson from that one on what it is to be neighborly, caring, and proud. We were outsiders if you will but were welcomed on Christmas morning to the neighbors for their traditional pancake breakfast. We went. And was pleasantly surprised when upon arrival we saw many other neighbors/town folk in attendance. It was an awesome Christmas morn. After living in Amboy for 8 years we moved into Andy's grandmas house in Swayzee. Ahhh Swayzee.

You ever heard people say "careful what you wish for?". Well, while living in Amboy I wished for a bigger house. I got it when we moved. With it came a ton of fixing up that is not yet finished and has been somewhat costly. And unfortunately gone are the neighbors and town folk of Amboy. My first exposure to the neighbors** came with the passing of Emma Ruth and the fulfillment of her wishes. She wanted neighbors to have something, a dish perhaps. As the family sorted through the many antiques in preparation for the sale the kids set aside some pieces for the neighbors to choose from. They gathered to make their selections and believe it or not some were ticked because they had seen pieces in her home that were not a part of the offering. They put in their request for particular pieces and when they were told they were a part of the sale they left disgruntled and empty handed. Really? This was my first impression.

The events of my first year as a resident in our old family home didn't endear many who live around me to me. Complaints about my children playing out doors and being too loud, opinions about the remodel and it's necessity, complaints about INTERIOR paint colors, questions about just how much new furniture was necessary, issues with the addition of pets, disapproval of the deterioration of the front porch - which is in dire need of repair, complaint regarding the tree planted by my grandfather-in-law which had been growing since it had been planted as a seedling, brought back from a trip out east to visit his son - "it's ugly", complaints that my husband walks around the house without his shirt on, threatening letters in the mail concerning our property. I could go on and on and that is sad.

We are living in a house that is over 100 years old. We are, ourselves redoing electricity, plumbing, bathrooms, kitchen, floors, windows, porch, and have aesthetically redone many rooms that will ultimately have to be redone again once the major remodeling is complete. We have fenced in the yard 1/2 privacy and 1/2 picket to assist with the animal issue. However, one of our animals is Houdini and can find his way out of ANYTHING. It's an ongoing problem we are desperately trying to solve. With that said, poop happens and careful where you walk...even in your own yard because be it my dog or someone else you just might step in it. As far as the "neighbors complaining", well...I don't really care.

"I don't really care" isn't the best of attitudes but it's one that has come about due to my location, situation, and circumstance. I don't really go out of my house except to leave this place. I work in town and enjoy that time. Other than that I keep to myself. I inquired once early on with the town clerk about the "unfriendly" vibe I got from the town and she said it was the neighborhood. Her sentiments were shared a time or two in granny's own accounts in her journals. I don't really care what the neighbors think. Perhaps it would be different if there were more at stake ie: friendships but that's not so much the case thus my attitude.

We are a work in progress, we are a mess, we are busy, we are not busy bodies. We were once good neighbors and now long to just be void of neighbors altogether. Perhaps someday. Until then I'll make due where I am. As I once told my pastor when asked how the neighbors were I said they were drawing me near to my God. I've said many times He has a plan and I am where I am for the time because it's where He needs me to be. So here I am, in the neighborhood, in my house, while my existence and that of my animals reek havoc on those around us.

**not all residing in close proximity of my house fall into this category. You I am grateful for.

weekend wrap up

saturday was the last football game for the freshmen. and consequently the last game for my kat to cheer as a freshman cheerleader. :/ wow does time fly. it was the first time my mom got to see her cheer and i must say it was a fabulous day for it. the sun was shining and the temperatures were perfect! afterward the cheerleaders hosted a cookout for the football team. it was a new concept so the attendance was down but for those who stuck around they were very appreciative. saturday evening andy and i painted the fence. we got through about 1/2 of it and hopefully this week we will be able to finish up. sunday was the purity retreat for our youth group. sadly our numbers were down from what they had been for the entire session but it was still totally awesome for the 15 kids who attended and made the commitment to stay pure until marriage. pray for them as their decision will be tested as they grow and mature.

today is monday. i've decided to take 2 weeks off from walking and get going on my house. it's in dire need of attention and apparently i'm the only one who's going to give it any. this is the aspect of motherhood and marriage i don't care for. and probably the only one. i fail to understand why others can't, won't, don't chip in and contribute to the clean up. especially when much of what i clean up seems to belong to someone else. it's probably an age old question and i'm sure i've done nothing to "help" my situation. (goes back to childhood...no need to lay on the couch and share) regardless, i'm trying, plugging away (when i'm done here) and taking baby steps to get to where ANDY says we need to be so that walls can come down, carpet & floors out,...basically out with the old an in with the new (which is sitting in boxes in my middle room).

so here's to attacking the clutter! please pray, & check in with me to make sure i've not done myself in! (jk)

one last thought, have a sense of humor this week. smile & giggle a little, it's sure to make others wonder what you're up to!

interesting.....you're being tracked! & I didn't even know it until now

so as i was messing around w/ my blog site i noticed for the 1st time the tab 'Stats'. curious i clicked on it and found some interesting information! in the last month alone folks from http://mail.ohusc.k12.in.us/zimbra/ have visited 11 times and from http://mail.ohusc.k12.in.us/ have visited 19 times. I'd like to welcome my former colleagues. oops i almost for got http://mail.ohusc.k12.in.us/zimbra/?client=advanced who've stopped by 4 times.

it's interesting to me where my readers come from. i also found out that just the last month alone these stats:United States 810, Canada 13, Denmark 3, United Kingdom 1. How interesting. pretty sure most just happened upon my page as i don't know anyone in Canada, Denmark or the UK. but cool nonetheless.

considering recent events i find it interesting the number of times(34) that folks from the local schools have been by. i wonder why as i'm guessing it's not because they're a fan as this is not a professional site but whatever. again, welcome.

Used to i was of the philosophy that one should NEVER put anything in writing. however some years ago i reached a point where there was so much going on in my head that i felt as though i needed to get it all out. (poor andy) so many things going through my head that needed to find it's way out just so that i could rest at night. i started journaling. i did this for sometime but once i became exposed to the blog world i put away the pen & paper and choose this as my journaling outlet. my journals have been a collection of my memories, observations, opinions, a recap of the days events and an outlet for venting frustrations. blogspot is the place they're logged/blogged.

this blogging never started as a 'read me' venture but it is out there for the reading. i don't push my blog nor have i forwarded it to anyone for their reading. there is however a link to it on my facebook page, which by the way is set to private so if you're not a 'friend' you're probably not welcome to my thoughts, fb page or opinion. given recent events i was half tempted to set my blog setting to private, but then reconsidered. i know many friends and acquaintances who have commented to me many times that they really enjoy my posts, have encouraged me to continue blogging...the good, the bad & the ugly. i've received many comments about my blogs that were written with pure humor w/o any one person in mind but a culmination of many people who were combined into a blogged about character. it is for myself first and those who have enjoyed reading & tend to find their way back that blog. but honestly mostly for myself. i don't see that changing.

as our children go through school they are encouraged to write. encourage to write within guidelines or about specific topics. recently i presented my children with their own journal. they baulked at the thought of having to write however i told them i wanted to write what they felt. write about what made them happy, made them sad or made them mad. i encouraged them to write what they thought. if they had an opinion that was different and they wanted to state it to do so. like me they journaled for a time but then lost interest. i've since suggested they too blog! they've tinkered a time or two and i think as they grow, mature, and become more expressive they too will find this as a nice outlet. nice for them anyway.

blogging is like your own editorial. and like some of my readers i've read an editorial or 2 that have angered, annoyed and frustrated me. (i no longer take the paper & when i do read it...i don't read the editorials) i mentioned before you can read or not follow or not it doesn't really make a difference to me. i don't see this blog changing to make anyone comfortable. that's not it's purpose. it's purpose is to serve as MY outlet.

**the links above were actual links from actual viewers according to the tracker on blogspot. most all my other followers were from my facebook link with the exception of the few who google searched me and aol searched. (2)

well it's thursday and this is the week that my husband is gone for most of the time as he is on his northern route. so thankful for his job...beyond measure, but i so miss him when he is away from all of us. it's a beautiful day today. there is a nice chill in the air and the sun is bright. we actually had some rain last night which lent itself to muddy the paws of my boys. oh well, the ground soaked it up and without a doubt was left wanting more. weather was somewhat severe for a while. but, i like things severe. can't believe that the kids don't have ANY activities tonight. we do however have eye appointments.

i had fun taking a trip down memory lane in my last blog. and while walking i had some other memories creep into existence. like: burger chef, when the outdoor mall became an indoor mall, earth shoes, macrame, funkytown, devlin. I know there are more but unfortunately my mind is taking a break. funny how that happens ALOt!

well, thanks for showing up today. sorry i didn't have a bit more to offer up. i'm looking forward to my night with my kiddos. just with their daddy was here with us.

stuff that make up my memories...

baby alive, buster brown clothes, easy bake oven, light bright, fisher price, dutchmaid underwear, schwinn bikes, red rover red rover, tag, hide & seek, leif garret, shawn cassidy, the bay city rollers, secret clubs, gas city pool, bike-a-thons, parades, twirling, dancing and gymnastics, gatlinburg, covered bridge festival, pickles from the barrel, grant county sectional basketball games (before the class crap), Cadillac that matched our house, swinging, sharing mittens on a walk to school with rhonda, kissing reid in his closet at his birthday, good time, archie bunker, the partridge family, the waltons, my 3 sons, gilligan's island, the brady bunch, john hughes movies, friday the 13th w/ girls, sleepovers, riding horses & andrea & jan, spoon ring from adam, green plastic ring from reid, ghost in the grave yard, spin the bottle, funky town, dances after every football game, charity Christmas auction - kisses were auctioned off in school!(lol), john cougar, bob segar, the walkman, 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, records, 45's, record players, only dialing 4 digits to make a local call, leaving school as i desired, cruising the halls, rick springfield, dukes of hazzard, '78 blizzard, school from sept-may, not having make up days, neon clothes, preppy clothes, jordache jeans, calvin klein jeans, guess jeans, gloria vanderbilt, post 10 baseball, pony league baseball, summitville fireworks, mermaid festival, summers at the lakes, dallas, knots landing, dynasty, the day mtv premiered, mtv!, introduction of: cable, cell phones, cd's, disc players, video players, remote controls, computers, internet, satellite tv, wnba. quaker haven church camp, bobbies marching corp., playhouse studio of dance, amityville horror, jaws, nightmare on elm street, skateboarding, gogo boots, hot pants, earth shoes, bell bottoms aka "elephant ears", 'keep on truckin', peace, terry cloth, leather jackets, class jackets and rings, cruise'n, noble romans silent movies, no love for other county schools, '59 studebaker lark, divorce, grandma singing in the kitchen, grandpa at the shop, eric's z28, running from the cops, jumping rail road tracks, drag racing, homecoming bon fires, swiping dad's cigs, political parties, craft shows, meetings, saturday morning cartoons: merry melodies, bugs bunny, foghorn leghorn, the jetsons, yosimitie sam, speedy gonzalas, flintstones, family affair, mrs, beesley, baby beans, poodle dogs, riding bikes, johnathan livingston seagull, judy blume: are you there God it's me margaret?, dr. seauss, show & tell, western-auto softball, banging pots on ny's eve, herbie the lovebug, bengi, teen beat, tiger beat, highlights, patches sewn onto jeans, being asked to NOT join girl scouts (haha), dancing lessons in nyc, first date, truth or dare!

bring back a few of your own?

words....

'...words will never hurt me', well that's a lie, but i've been thinking a lot about words recently. Why? well, let me explain. The past few months i've been reading adult writings. be it the memoirs of jen lancaster or Good Enough to Eat by stacy ballis my reads have taken a grown up turn. as i've made my way though these reads i've came across some words i really really liked. i liked them because they set the tone, communicated the feel of the situation. i liked them because they were not simple. they were what an english teacher would call 'power words'. and powerful they are.

all throughout school k-12 kids are introduced to new vocabulary. and weather they like it or not they tend to pick up new words to add to their vernacular. fight it as they may new words good & bad find their way into use.

when i arrived at indiana central university (aka u of i) i met a girl named stacy who was valedictorian of her class. she was also an english major. really? i thought, who majors in english. so she explained to me her love of words. and how like paint, crayons, markers etc...they too could create a beautiful picture. a word picture. so to assist me in my desire to increase my vocabulary she took it upon herself to enhance my brick dorm room walls with words. daily she added new words. they were placed randomly around the area where my bed was situated and i would locate the word and proceed to look up the definition and a few synonyms and write the information beside the new word. the words were random and fun and it was a great way to increase my vocabulary. it was 18 at the time.

now at the ripe old age of 44 i'm wishing stacy was around to challenge me. it wasn't until i got into the grown-up books that i realized my vocabulary could use of enhancement. so i've decided starting today i'll begin my own attempt at enhancing my vocab.

today's word:
sardonic - adjective
characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.

Syn: acerbic, arrogant, biting, bitter, carping, caustic, cynical, derisive, disrespectful, evil, irascible, mean, mocking, mordant, nasty, offensive, salty, satirical, scorching, scornful, sharp, smart-alecky, sneering, taunting, wise*
Notes: sarcastic means 'derisive, tauntingly contemptuous,' while sardonic means 'bitterly scornful, cynically disdainful'


with highlighter in hand i'll continue reading and adding to my new words. i'd love love love it if you would play along too! so with that said, please comment and leave me a new word. i can use all the help i can get!

this should be fun & who knows perhaps we'll all learn a thing or three!

sweet October monday!

Beautiful day today...and I guess it's national coming out day...and for the record I've successfully come out of bed, out of the door, out of my car (2x's already) and out of the outdoors. How am I doing? I don't really have an opinion on what this day has been declared, what I do know is that there are folks in this world with different sexual preferences than I and many who are friends. I like them for who they are not how they love. My faith tells me to "hate the sin & love the sinner" seeing as I fall into the sinner category I'm all for that! I too need love and acceptance for who I am. ....that's how I feel about that.

Had an invigorating walk this morning. The sun is taking it's time in shining through the clouds but it's getting there. I'll be having lunch to day with 2 of my favorite college kids. So, I'm looking forward to that. This evening we'll head down to Elwood to watch Kathryn cheer & the freshmen boys get a victory. After today only one more game.

This past weekend was quite a busy one for us. My husband is one of the primary organizers for the mission auction our church puts on. It's quite an undertaking and something he spends all year working on. I must say he does a fine job. Thanks to all that came out & bought it was a success! After the auction had concluded Kate & I took in a movie Easy A and then attended the MHS performance of Hairspray. What an enjoyable day. Sunday proved to be just as enjoyable with church, a quick lunch at home, 1812 and then an evening with the youth of Mt. Olive. Throw in a bon fire and it would have been a perfect day! God is good.

In my previous blog I wrote about character and responsibility. And as I had time this morning I thought some more about it. Being self-righteous is also a character flaw. I want to say in NO WAY do I think I'm better or superior to ANYONE. We were created equal. And I truly believe all people are instinctively good but for whatever reason most will, a time or too, make a poor judgment or choice. It happens to all of us. Sadly it is usually witnessed.

Well, it's a good day I'm sure. Be receptive to the blessing God has in store for you and know you're a blessing to someone. see ya!

I don't need you to runin my character....I can do that on my own....just like YOU ruined yours

So many times we have conversations or state an opinion regarding responsibility. You know how they go...usually there's a complaint about someone not accepting responsibility for their situation. People continually blaming others for their state of being. It's so much easier to put the blame on others than it is to take a good hard look at ourselves and realize....I'VE CREATED QUITE A SITUATION. My grandma used to say "if you point a finger at another be aware of the 3 pointing back at you!". But really in this day & age who does that? It's far easier to put the blame elsewhere, especially when we feel as though someone else has attacked our character.

Here's my take on this...(I'll use myself as an example)

With regard to my character I feel I'm fully responsible for my own. I make the choices in the way I conduct myself, the things I say - in addition the WAY I say them, my actions and interactions and what I do with the things I hear. If you'll notice in that previous sentence there was a reoccurring word...I. Not you, them, she, he, they...rather I/me. You see I am of the opinion that with regard to my character I'm in total control. I call the shots. I do however lose control when I am somewhere where there are people around who might see my actions/interactions, hear my conversations or words spoken. Because you see it is at this point that the things I do and say become open to interpretation. Now it is on YOU. How you perceive ME. This is the point when others get to decide what they think of me. (difficult to accept at times)

It's easy to say someone one has "ruined my character". For placing blame for what is ultimately a direct consequence from ones own behavior is far easier to do and has pretty much become status quo than admitting I, ME, MYSELF made an error in judgment. That is hard to do. That look in the mirror can often reflect someone less than perfect. Someone that's messed up, crossed the line, made a mistake, or just simply put made a bad choice. I know. I've been there and done that and will unfortunately probably find myself there again peering into that mirror once again before my time on this earth is done.

However at about the ripe old age of 40 (I'm a slow learning w/ some things) I came to realize my grandma was right. While I was busy pointing that finger at everyone else and putting the blame on them I did in fact have 3 others pointing back at me. This was a cause for a pause & some self-evaluation.

Here are some of the "light bulb" moments I had during that time. 1) I have opinions and will speak them. 2) Speaking my opinions (solicited or not) will open me up to ridicule and possibly cause others to not care for me much. 3) I often (not always...be glad) say what ever I want. 4) Being outspoken is not a trait that everyone likes. 5) I don't pretend well. 6) I'm not into conforming to make YOU feel comfortable. ...it's not about you. 7) You're gonna think what you want. 8) I'm not gonna like everyone nor is everyone gonna like me...& that's ok. 9) I'm not good at looking the other way when something is amiss. 10) I'm not good with chain of command. 11) I'm not going to apologize for who I am.

You see I live with my family, self and God is the center of all that. I have chosen to do my best to live my life pleasing to Him. I often fall short but continually try. I am not perfect nor do I think I've ever claimed to be. I don't answer to YOU and you're probably not in my chain of command.

It's unfortunate and trying when I encounter someone who is a frustration. For my God has called me to LOVE others. Even my enemies. And yes...I have them. There are few people I don't like but nonetheless they do exist. I've observed behaviors that I have found troubling, I've witnessed actions less than appropriate or "professional" (the buzz word) which I have found concerning and I've been privy to information that can be down right damning. What I have found, personally speaking, is it's difficult to LIKE those people and when asked "why? the dislike" I share my reasons. The good/bad & ugly.

As I sit here blogging some of these people are popping in and out of my head. Each possess good qualities ie: excellent speaker/preacher, love of arts, creative artistic talent, willingness to be involved. And I thank God for revealing those to me for initially I was blinded by my dislike for them and had trouble seeing the good that exist in each of us. However each have in some manner have managed to personally cause me to call into question their character. What I do know is we all have character flaws, myself included. But when I continually choose to spotlight my flaw, act out on it I stand the risk of damaging my character...permanently. YOU don't do the damage, I do. You're talking about me, recounting the fall, the poor choice...well, that isn't on you because as I see it, I did the deed. You have simply chosen to talk about it once, twice, or over & over...regardless, I put myself, my actions, my words, my 'me' out there...for interpretation. It's a risk perhaps, especially if I'm a bold person.

I'm an "at risk" individual. I don't often play it safe. I often challenge people and things. I usually say what others are thinking thus absolving them from any ownership of the thought. I figure it's a 2 way street, as well as a double edge sword. I am at times called out on my thoughts, statements, opinions. I have been told and a time or two strongly suggested to NOT say anything and certainly NOT to anyone...for it wouldn't be in my best interest. And when strongly advised about what is or isn't in my best interest I usually consider the source offering up the warning. What I've found out is my interest and what's best for me isn't what they're ultimately looking out for. I have found that self-proclaimed "professionals" can be bullies.

Here's another thing I've realized about myself ...I look for the good and straight up, God has helped me with that one. And when I have a negative opinion of someone I pray not only for my attitude/opinion but for the other person too. I do! I have to just so I can be more pleasing to The One who truly matters.

You don't need me to ruin your character, nor do I need you to ruin mine. We both have the ability to get that done on our own. So take some ownership and be responsible for who you are...the good, bad & ugly. For everyone else isn't to blame.

Good Friday morning to you! welcome back. Coming off of a beautiful Thursday, today looks to be a fine day overall and the weekend a very busy one. Thursday night my son played football...& I mean played!!! So exciting for him. It was his best game yet. He played Offense, Defense and was on the kickoff. He recovered a fumble his second series on D! I was so excited and proud of him. I'm not surprised by his ability but something did seem amiss that he was getting so much playing time. (we were missing 1 coach) Regardless for what ever the reason he did awesome and as always I was proud.

Just so we're clear I was blogging in that 1st paragraph about my son. :)

Moving on...Andy is home today. He's busy preparing for the Mission Auction & Hog roast he's in charge of at our church. It's becoming a big event (kinda) and no shocker to those who know him, he's been working very hard on it. The forecast for the weekend is perfect! I hope it all goes well for him. My challenge today will be working WITH him. The love, respect & friendship is totally there but my oh my we do not work well together! :/ I hope I can keep my head! ....Please pause and say a prayer! THANKS!

Again, the above paragraph was about myself & my husband. (didn't want any confusion)

Spoke to my lawyer friend yesterday, she shared with me that she too knows how to write mean letters. And introduced me to new possibilities for toilet paper. Ahhh....now that I get. Oh, and encouraged me to stay AS IS! She did however suggest using full names in the future to clear up the confusion that some readers of my blog suffer from. lmao. I'll pass on that one, it's a relatively small community I live. Perhaps when the kiddo's are grown & we've all moved on I'll be more specific. ...should prove interesting if I do.

The aforementioned paragraph referenced my friend who is a Lawyer, random readers and me :) ....questions?

I can't wait for the 5 o'clock hour. Kinda ready for some friday night football & another CIC victory. Oh, I must toot the horn of our varsity soccer team!! they defeated Eastern and will play Marion tomorrow in the sectional championship! Go gett'em D$. So proud of you & your team mates!

Now that paragraph should've been pretty clear I'm discussing teams! I'll leave it up to you to figure out which school I might be referencing...see how you do! :)

Well, not too much inspiration today. I'm feeling ornery and could do so much more blogging but have too much to do. Thanks for reading, just stopping by and rest assured I like most of you. Have a great weekend!

C
E
N
S
o
R
E
D




NOT!

So welcome I have more readers than I thought! :) Gorgeous day today! It's suppose to be unseasonably warm...not sure how I feel about that fact as I do enjoy the cooler temps. Totally got excited earlier this week when I saw reports of snow in California! I so cannot wait for some snow! Have I mentioned this is my favorite month! Well it is. Tonight I'll be attending my sons football game. I hope he gets some more than usual playing time. So hard to believe that the end of the season is so near. He & Kate both only have 2 more games to play! And then we transition into basketball season! Fun Fun!

I've not walked the past 2 days due to the pain in my left foot. I so need to go get that look at. Plan on walking tomorrow morning though! Andy & I both started another 24 day challenge and I'm hoping to step up the progress with exercise! I so want to feel better & be healthier! I'm sure we'll get there! Andy is looking great! Not so sure about my appearance but it's not all about that!

Curious about some recent posts? Well, let me just say that sadly some readers have visited my blog, read some of my angrier post and ASSumed the postings were about them. Needless to say I've been advised by some reps of the ISTA to not blog about their client. Ok, Done & Done since I didn't do it be fore it really shouldn't be hard to not do now. :) ...this is some funny stuff.

Oh & Let me remind you all reading this at no point shall I hope to be considered professional. I've been there, done that and feel it's overrated and restricting and I'm not a fan of restrictions. I'd rather conduct myself in a manner that I can live with. My eyes see, my ears hear, my mind thinks and my mouth speaks....not always in that order but without a doubt all my senses are in tact and I do put them to use. I'll probably be one of the first ones to mention there's an elephant in the room no matter how well others are attempting to hide it. That's just me.

I seldom send invites to my blog but do publish to Facebook occasionally when I think there's something interesting others might want to read. It's a simple notification and not at all a mandatory link. I highly advise if you don't like me or my thoughts, rants, opinion, etc...don't click it. It's in both of our best interest.

So yeah....interesting stuff going on. My call is in to my lawyer, and I think it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out. Have questions re: the matter...hit me up, you know how to get a hold of me and if you know me well you know I'm not one to skirt the subject.

I'll certainly keep you posted! Those reading who are involved....I'm sure your sources will keep you posted.

hello public....

Welcome to all the public defenders & union reps. Hope you enjoy your reading. I suggest you do your homework a bit more thoroughly as most of my blogs you've recently sent me copies of were not in regard to your client.

However thanks for reading. Don't forget to click the "follow" link.

Sincerely,

Kelly

Good morning Fall! You've finally showed up!

It's been since Thursday so here's a quicky recap.....Matthew didn't get to go into the game until the 4th qtr. Thursday as a part of his punishment from the coaches for late homework. The team came away with a victory & dad said he did a pretty good job. I wouldn't know because I was working. Supposedly the coach had his conversation with the kids who were bullying, but never talked to matt and never e-mailed me re: the situation. go figure. To my knowledge he didn't speak to andy either. Friday brought about a beautiful day for the Homecoming activities. OH had a victory over Alexandria, Zach was crowned King, and Kate had a blast at the dance. Saturday was girlfriend day at PU. Once again PU lost the game :/ I think it's Robin as the rest of us have attended and witnessed a PU victory. I'll have to reconsider her ticket next year (jk). We had a newcomer this year, my friend Heather. So glad she was able to go! We ate at the Route 66 diner for breakfast & Bruno's for dinner. Kate had her 1st high school party & she had a blast. Andy & I attended a MG alumni event and really enjoyed seeing old friends. Funny how time takes you away...... Sunday I awoke with a migraine (had one thursday too) so didn't go to church or youth. Neither did the kids as they both had projects to work on. That was our weekend.

Today is Beautiful....however they sounds of sirens this morning brought news of a tragic semi/combine traffic accident. A young man from our community has been life-lined to Ft. wayne and many prayers are going up for him and his family. I just can't imagine. Life as you know it can change in a second.

We overslept this morning. I hate it when that happens. Sure wish I had an original thought today. I feel like a part of me is missing. Oh well...perhaps tomorrow.

Bullying. An act committed by weak in an attempt to weaken another. Sad that anyone would ever have to suffer it. Heartbreaking when it happens to your own child. 2010 and kids who have yet to study the Holocaust know just enough to use phrases like "dirty Jew" to attack. Mass text messages sent out accusing my son of sexually inappropriate actions. All committed by classmates, teammates, and "friends". Why is not a question that I feel will every truly be answered. What to do with it, what to learn from it all is what I've asked God to make clear.

When I had to leave Matt last night to finish up things with Kate I had no answers for him. I had made the phone call to the Coach as all the boys involved are on the football team and the bulling took place after weights. I simply told him that for some reason God has him going through this. And to ask Him to help him see what he needs to see and learn from it what he needs to learn. I reminded him that God has a purpose for him and all that happens in this life. When I returned home I noticed his Bible was out. After Kate went to bed he told me he had a long talk with God. He didn't tell me details of the conversation but he seemed to feel a little stronger. ALL THINGS!

This parenting is tough. But the bullying is 1000x's tougher. Unnecessary and hurtful, prayers are needed for ALL boys involved.