I can hardly believe that summer is coming to an end, though I'm not too sad to see it go. I was talking to a friend at VBS this week and she summed it up pretty well; "Well...the summer just hasn't been what we thought it was going to be like, it's been the summer of fixing and cleaning up!"
We were more than surprised to see that our electric bill went up (drastically) for June and July; this was a surprise to us because we were expecting some sort of break since we had eight days without power due to the Derecho that we lived through. Found out that since the city had to bring in linemen from Texas, they increased everybody's bill to pay for the overtime the city incurred as a result. And don't even get me started about Comcast...their memorized statement went something like this, "Since you being without power was an act of God and not our fault, we won't be issuing you a credit." Lovely. David's truck is on the fritz and the list goes on. I was starting to feel a little (big) pity party coming on, but then had a chance to talk to some other friends and realized that this summer seemed to be a squeeze for just about everyone. It is nice to have things put in perspective sometimes, it helps me take my eyes of of myself and put them back where they belong!
David is what I am calling the "Lemonade King". So far this summer life has been handing us lemons, but he continues to try and succeeds in finding the positive in some tough situations. I love him for that. We had to cancel our anniversary trip which I had been planning for a while. But, like usual, David came up with some ways to make the time fun even though we can't go away. He suggested that we let the kids to and spend the time with Grammy as planned; then we can do some day trips to places we went when we were dating! Yes folks, my husband can be romantic when he wants to:)
This past week was vacation bible school at our church, and my kids loved it! I went along with the kids to lend a hand and had a great time getting to know some ladies that I had seen at church but didn't really know. There is nothing like laughing with other ladies and swapping kid stories! Summer is coming to an end, but this is only the start of a new chapter! Zach is going into second grade, Julia into first and Brandon is excited to "Do school with Mommy" after the kids get on the bus! Can't wait!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Herbie
Of all reptiles, the turtle is just about the only one I like:) For instance, they just seem more lovable than a snake, then again I guess most animals are more lovable than snakes! And since I like turtles, I am one of those crazy people you see along the side of the road moving turtles (probably in the opposite direction they were wanting to go, but hey, it's a free ride right?) to safety.
Two Sundays ago, the kids and I were on our way home from church and noticed a decent sized box turtle in the road. Despite traffic whizzing by, it had it's head out and was looking around. I stopped the van and picked him up; the kids were ecstatic! That's when the plan came to me, let's take him home:) No, David wasn't with us, which is what made this thought even a possibility!! The kids were on board with the idea in seconds...until I put him in the van.
That turtle wasn't shy at all, and began climbing under seats and making his way all over the van exploring. Julia was of course very excited about taking him home, but as soon as she realized he could crawl around, she tucked her knees up under her chin and commenced to scrying...yes it is a made up word which means to scream and cry simultaneously! She was relieved to find that the turtle couldn't reach her and soon calmed down enough to enjoy his antics in the van! I explained to the children that even though the turtle was a wild animal, and that we would be letting him go when we got home, it would be fun to name him. He was soon crowned Herbie the turtle. Herbie came home with us, was properly shown off to all neighboring friends, given some lettuce and then released to find a new place to live out back.
Two Sundays ago, the kids and I were on our way home from church and noticed a decent sized box turtle in the road. Despite traffic whizzing by, it had it's head out and was looking around. I stopped the van and picked him up; the kids were ecstatic! That's when the plan came to me, let's take him home:) No, David wasn't with us, which is what made this thought even a possibility!! The kids were on board with the idea in seconds...until I put him in the van.
That turtle wasn't shy at all, and began climbing under seats and making his way all over the van exploring. Julia was of course very excited about taking him home, but as soon as she realized he could crawl around, she tucked her knees up under her chin and commenced to scrying...yes it is a made up word which means to scream and cry simultaneously! She was relieved to find that the turtle couldn't reach her and soon calmed down enough to enjoy his antics in the van! I explained to the children that even though the turtle was a wild animal, and that we would be letting him go when we got home, it would be fun to name him. He was soon crowned Herbie the turtle. Herbie came home with us, was properly shown off to all neighboring friends, given some lettuce and then released to find a new place to live out back.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Baby Steps...No More!
For the past eight years, we've been taking baby steps in our house...and I think those days are coming to an end! Brandon (2 1/2) has decided that diapers and pull-ups are not for him. He's been in underwear for two days now (pull up at night, much to his horror!) without any accidents! I told my cousin Jamie this afternoon, when I don't have expectations, life is like one happy incident after another. I pushed Zach to potty train, and it was a disaster; all of you who know Julia will believe me when I say she potty trained herself before she turned 2, and with Brandon I just had no expectations. He is my last, and I'm not pushing him, so what if he goes to college with his monkey pillow pet right? :)
Kim and Rob are forever friends, and you only get so many of those in your life. The lessons I learned while they were here...enjoy each moment, you just don't know how many moments you have left; that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be, both physically and emotionally. That real friends don't judge the person you are, they accept you, love you and help you become the person you always wanted to be. I will be forever grateful for the two months that they stayed with us.
In other news, Zachary has decided that now going into second grade he wanted shoes with laces...no more Velcro for the big man! I'm tellin' ya, it's been exciting around here these days! Zach learned to tie his shoes in a few minutes of teaching and has been proudly sporting his new sneakers ever since. Julia told me she wants shoes that have laces as well, so I'm sure she'll teach herself how to do that soon too!
We had company at my parent's pool today, the best kind of guests...cousins:) While the kids were swimming and having fun, none of the five adults noticed that Brandon had walked into the shallow end without swimmies on. We don't know how long he was in, but he somehow made it back to the steps and got out all by himself none the worse for the wear. When my mom got in with him later, she asked him to show her what he did when he was in the pool by himself. He told her, "I hold my breath and kick my feet", he hops in the water and showed us how he got back to the steps!! Since he can't touch the bottom yet, he knows that he needs to wear his swimmies, but I think by the end of summer he'll be ready to swim on his own!
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| Uncle Rob and Brandon chillin' |
Aunt Kim and Uncle Rob pulled their camper out of our backyard on Friday morning:( I loved having them here, we all did, but know they couldn't stay forever. I take my hat off to them for reaching out and making their dreams a reality; they know if they come back this way to visit (or even to stay) they have a home here with us. Every morning I look in my backyard and sigh, other than the impressions on our heart, the only thing they left behind is a big bare patch of ground where their rug was! Well that and their big 60 inch TV in our basement...which is my insurance that they will be coming back at some point! We miss them, and just this evening while out driving the kids started yelling, "Aunt Kim's Jeep!!". It wasn't and they were disappointed:( Since we are planning on a Disney Cruise in April of 2013, we made plans to go down a day in advance, spend the night with Aunt Kim and Uncle Rob, and then a few days after the cruise as well. So now Zachary asks me every day how many more days until our cruise. Well son, 239 and counting down...
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| Aunt Kim's Jeep! |
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| Aunt Kim and Lexi...two beautiful ladies:) |
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| Julia's interesting ailment...never a dull moment! |
Some other happenings here would be that Julia has survived yet another interesting ailment (only my Julia!). She came to me one evening saying her finger was hurting, at the time I couldn't see much other than it was red near her cuticle. She has her mommy's bad habit of biting her nails, so I figured she bit down too close to the skin and it would go away. Boy was I wrong! By the next morning the tip of her finger was swollen to three times it's normal size and even more painful; along with this she started with a fever:( Boo, that definitely spelled infection. The pressure in her finger was getting so bad we had to use a needle and drain some of what was in the 'bubble' just above her finger nail...not fun with a dramatic six year old! But she was a trooper and after a week of oral and topical antibiotics I am happy to announce her finger is back to it's normal shape and size!
About a week before Kim and Rob left, our grill bit the dust. Unlike some people, we use our grill all year long, in any kind of weather, so this left us without a very big means of cooking. David started looking at grills online and found one that he liked, it was HUGE! But we love camping and one thing we love about camping is cooking on charcoal. The grill David picked was a good fit for us, propane on one side, charcoal on the other. I decided to surprise David and pick the grill up without him knowing; my Dad graciously took me and all three kids to Lowes and after some debate I picked out this one:
The main part of the grill is propane, and the little side grill is charcoal, which also acts as a smoker for the larger section! We love it, and even got to grill some chicken for everyone before Kim and Rob departed for Virginia. The nice thing is that the charcoal part is portable, it can be detached from the main grill and sits on it's little legs; so it can go eventually go with us camping!
Our latest venture is one we'll be diving into tomorrow. A while back of the men David works with started doing Sunday dinner for the men and women on the platoon; so if the platoon was working over a Sunday, they would at least be able to enjoy a nice meal together. When this officer went to another shift, the dinners stopped, and David mentioned how much he missed it. So I volunteered to take it over! Tomorrow at 7:30 pm I will be serving homemade roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, pasta salad, green salad and rolls to 30 plus officers. I am excited and nervous at the same time; can't wait to see if everyone likes it! I guess all the time I spent in the various commercial kitchens (Dallas Training Center, Papua New Guinea Desitnation Summit, and Family and Friends Tea Shop) will be coming in handy!
Let you know how it goes!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Seize The Day...
It's unusual for us to attend more than one funeral every so many years, and yet this past week I have attended two. The first was for my Aunt Janice; an amazing woman, wife, mother and friend whose life touched so many people. It was a challenge to me to focus on what was important...like Aunt Janice did, and spend my time investing in people. The second funeral was for a man I did not know personally, but because he was a Police Officer I went in support of his family and the other Officers (including David) who were going to pay their respects. It was a stark reminder of the reality that faces each of us who are wives of Officers, or firemen, or anyone who lays their life on the line every single day that they go in to work. Talking with my friend Alicia (her husband works with David) we came to this conclusion. This is not a job so much as a lifestyle, and one that we didn't fully understand until we began living it. There is a bond for other's "in blue" that I never understood before, definitely a brotherhood.
My husband (and Alicia's too!) loves his job, and even the crazy hours that he works (3:30 pm to 2:15 am) and honestly I would rather have a crazy schedule and a happy husband than the other way around. After the big storm we had it was more evident than ever that families of officers are often "on our own" for the sake of the public. David was not home during the storm, and even though my thoughts were for my kids at first, my heart skipped a beat until I could get through to David, when I realized that he was out in the storm. He and I did not have a chance to really talk until several days after the storm and I found that my survival instincts had kicked in; I hadn't allowed my real feelings to kick in until I was sure everyone was safe. As Dave and I sat on the couch I burst into tears; angry that once again I was alone during a time when it would have been more than nice if David was here. Decisions had to be made, and David wasn't available for me to bounce things off of. He was angry too, but for different reasons. He was powerless to keep us safe, forced to guard the safety of others while he had no clue what his family was going through. For a man, that's tough.
We realized that we have to give each other and the kids over to the Lord every single day. And when David crawls into bed next to me at 2:30 or whenever, I thank God he made it home safe. I don't know that I'll ever be okay with the public coming first in situations like these, but Dave and I could look back on the situation, compare stories and be proud of each other for the way we handled this one. More than ever I am grateful for the fact that David and I are a team; a team that only God knew would work.
All that to say that I have been looking for ways to seize the day and enjoy David and the children every single day. Some days are easier than others, but it helps when I stop to realize that our time here on earth really is short...only what's done for Christ will last. Seize the day!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
End of School
Tomorrow is the last day of school for the summer, and to tell the truth I am so excited to have the kids home. I know, after a while I'll be ready for them to go back, but I've missed them! I really appreciate the work that their teachers did this year; you know it has to be a passion with all the time and just how much of themselves they pour into my kids. We have been blessed with great teachers all the way!
For a couple weeks now we've had company! Our friends Kim and Rob Scamoffo have moved their camper into our backyard and set up "camp". They are in transition and will be moving to Florida in about a month or so. People always say how hard it can be to live with family/friends, but we have had just the opposite and when they leave it will be a sad day for me. I am excited that they are daring to dream together and pursue those dreams, even if it means leaving their comfort zone:) In the meantime, it's been wonderful having them so close by. Once in a while we have meals together, but mostly I have enjoyed sitting out with them and having other adults to talk to. The company is really great, and I have been begging them to stay...as far as I'm concerned, they can stay forever!
For once I've been able to relax enough to watch our lives start to transition. Instead of worry, I feel excited; strange feeling for me since I've been a worrier most of my life. Two days ago Dave and I had the chance to have an entire day to ourselves! Mom kept the kiddos and David and I went to one of our favorite places to wander around, Longwood Gardens. I think I can safely say it's been over a year since we've had a day dedicated to just the two of us and what we wanted to do! We started by eating at a great place PF Changs, for lunch. For the past six months or so I have discovered the spice curry, and LOVE it! So when I found something on PF Changs menu that was stir fried in a curry sauce, I was in heaven!
We leisurely strolled through the gardens, talking about everything and dreaming about our future together. I think that has to be one of the best parts of marriage, having someone to dream with. We wandered and looked at things that we generally bypass because of little feet getting tired. And we even got to hold hands! This is a big deal, since we have three kids, our hands are always full and busy with bags, books, shoes, diapers and all the things that come with having children. And while we love our children, it was nice to hold a hand that was bigger than mine. A simple gesture, but meant so much!
When Julia found out that we were going out for the day she said, "Is this like a date?" I told her yes to which she replied, "Ooooh I bet you guys are going to kiss!!". I told her I hoped so:) Oh and for the record...we did kiss, I even got a picture of it to show Julia!! Another transition in our lives is that Brandon (2 years old) has started being more and more interested in potty training. I wasn't going to push him, so kind of surprised me. He's doing great, we've still got a ways to go, but at least it's a step in the right direction. Now if I can just stop him from dropping his drawers in the yard we'll be doing something!
We are at a really great place in our life, not perfect, but really great. I am so thankful for these times of relief and rest that God brings our way. I will try and post a few pictures if blogger lets me, signing off blessed and happy.
~Becky~
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| Zach, Brandon and Julia on the front porch swing! |
For once I've been able to relax enough to watch our lives start to transition. Instead of worry, I feel excited; strange feeling for me since I've been a worrier most of my life. Two days ago Dave and I had the chance to have an entire day to ourselves! Mom kept the kiddos and David and I went to one of our favorite places to wander around, Longwood Gardens. I think I can safely say it's been over a year since we've had a day dedicated to just the two of us and what we wanted to do! We started by eating at a great place PF Changs, for lunch. For the past six months or so I have discovered the spice curry, and LOVE it! So when I found something on PF Changs menu that was stir fried in a curry sauce, I was in heaven!
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| Spicy Street Noodles from PF Chang's! |
We leisurely strolled through the gardens, talking about everything and dreaming about our future together. I think that has to be one of the best parts of marriage, having someone to dream with. We wandered and looked at things that we generally bypass because of little feet getting tired. And we even got to hold hands! This is a big deal, since we have three kids, our hands are always full and busy with bags, books, shoes, diapers and all the things that come with having children. And while we love our children, it was nice to hold a hand that was bigger than mine. A simple gesture, but meant so much!
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| Proof that we do kiss:) |
We are at a really great place in our life, not perfect, but really great. I am so thankful for these times of relief and rest that God brings our way. I will try and post a few pictures if blogger lets me, signing off blessed and happy.
~Becky~
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Life Lessons
"Do you ever get tired of learning," I asked my girlfriend Kimmy who was sitting next to me in the white rocking chair on my front porch.
She replied, "I love learning, but I do get tired of life lessons."
This was a great way to put into words how I've been feeling lately...tired of life lessons. It's funny how we don't go through them all the time (and thank goodness!), but it can be a tiring process for a while. It also amuses me to think that just when we think we've got things figured out...wham! Another life lesson is put into place and I have to realize that I didn't have it all together like I thought.
I grew up with a dad that to me seemed controlling in almost every area of my mom's life. All I saw was a big meany who wouldn't let my mom live up to her full potential. Mom has a servant's heart and would give of herself until there was nothing left to give, take people in, feed people, house people...you know, serve. Dad always curbed this, and I seriously thought he was being mean. It's not until now, when I am 32 years old, have three children and a house of my own that I realize he was NOT being mean. He was protecting her. Dad knew that Mom would overextend herself and that people often took advantage of her. He loved her enough not to let that happen, and when she just couldn't say no to someone, he would. You know what? My Dad took a lot of heat for that. Our family teased him about being controlling, not letting mom make her own decisions ect. Now I see it for what it really was; love.
When I married David, I rejoiced that I was free from the controlling ways of my Dad. In David I found someone who let me go, do and be...whatever I wanted. After nine years of marriage, and thinking things were pretty good, I found myself overextended yet again. My gift is not serving, so I didn't think I had my Mom's tendencies, but it seems that it's more of a mothering thing, and less of a serving thing. I have been trying to save everyone, whether they want it or not. Save the family member who can't get control over their life and needs a place to call home, save friends who are troubled in various parts of their life, take on burdens that are not mine to bear, and basically spread myself so thin I am not doing any one thing effectively or to the best of my ability.
This past week, everything came to a head. Financial stresses, personal stresses, working stresses ect and I watched as my husband became the tyrant I had once accused my dad of being. He began taking back things that I had lost control of, started clearing my slate and taking charge of things I had long since forgotten were not mine to take charge of. He started saying "no" for me when I couldn't do it myself, and slowly I am finding peace in the protection he is offering me. He doesn't make me take it, it's easier on him if I take over everything, leave nothing for him to care about, but he offered and I reluctantly (at first) found myself heaving a sigh of relief.
I had the chance to talk to my Dad yesterday and tell him, "I get it". He said nothing; just smiled and shook his head.
She replied, "I love learning, but I do get tired of life lessons."
This was a great way to put into words how I've been feeling lately...tired of life lessons. It's funny how we don't go through them all the time (and thank goodness!), but it can be a tiring process for a while. It also amuses me to think that just when we think we've got things figured out...wham! Another life lesson is put into place and I have to realize that I didn't have it all together like I thought.
I grew up with a dad that to me seemed controlling in almost every area of my mom's life. All I saw was a big meany who wouldn't let my mom live up to her full potential. Mom has a servant's heart and would give of herself until there was nothing left to give, take people in, feed people, house people...you know, serve. Dad always curbed this, and I seriously thought he was being mean. It's not until now, when I am 32 years old, have three children and a house of my own that I realize he was NOT being mean. He was protecting her. Dad knew that Mom would overextend herself and that people often took advantage of her. He loved her enough not to let that happen, and when she just couldn't say no to someone, he would. You know what? My Dad took a lot of heat for that. Our family teased him about being controlling, not letting mom make her own decisions ect. Now I see it for what it really was; love.
When I married David, I rejoiced that I was free from the controlling ways of my Dad. In David I found someone who let me go, do and be...whatever I wanted. After nine years of marriage, and thinking things were pretty good, I found myself overextended yet again. My gift is not serving, so I didn't think I had my Mom's tendencies, but it seems that it's more of a mothering thing, and less of a serving thing. I have been trying to save everyone, whether they want it or not. Save the family member who can't get control over their life and needs a place to call home, save friends who are troubled in various parts of their life, take on burdens that are not mine to bear, and basically spread myself so thin I am not doing any one thing effectively or to the best of my ability.
This past week, everything came to a head. Financial stresses, personal stresses, working stresses ect and I watched as my husband became the tyrant I had once accused my dad of being. He began taking back things that I had lost control of, started clearing my slate and taking charge of things I had long since forgotten were not mine to take charge of. He started saying "no" for me when I couldn't do it myself, and slowly I am finding peace in the protection he is offering me. He doesn't make me take it, it's easier on him if I take over everything, leave nothing for him to care about, but he offered and I reluctantly (at first) found myself heaving a sigh of relief.
I had the chance to talk to my Dad yesterday and tell him, "I get it". He said nothing; just smiled and shook his head.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Ladies Retreat 2012
Well now that I am catching up on much needed sleep I can finally write about our ladies retreat that took place this past weekend. In my "older" state, it takes me longer to recuperate from the lack of sleep that was a result of an amazing weekend! In fact, I couldn't believe that I needed so much sleep to catch up...guess I'm not a teeny bopper anymore, someone please tell my head that.
I had the privilege of picking up Judy Parmer around 10:00 Friday morning and after packing up my mom's suv (nice and clean, unlike either of our vehicles) we headed to the Hamilton mall. I had to pick up a few things and Judy was game for some shopping. It was great, and gave us time to catch up on everything that we don't usually have time to just chat on the phone about:) After a bit we caught up with Theresa Albani and followed her (who needs a GPS, we had Theresa!!) to a place I had never been before. We went to Whitehouse Sub Shop in Atlantic City!! The three of us got a whole cheese-steak with fried onions and enjoyed the fresh rolls and atmosphere that you can only get at that sub shop!
When we finished up, it was getting cold outside, and so we decided to go to the pier on the boardwalk that has all the shops inside. Every hour on the hour they have a water show that is set to music and has lights ect. It's free for all the shoppers there, so we spent a little time shopping while waiting for the show. It did not disappoint, and the three of us found ourselves tapping our feet to the music. I remembered hearing about something special on the third floor, and so we ventured up to find the rumors were true. There, inside the mall and out of the elements was beach sand and wonderful chairs to sit and relax in! No matter what the weather, you could stick your toes in the sand and enjoy watching the waves below:)
It was time to head over to our hotel after our busy afternoon. The retreat was held at The Flanders Hotel. This hotel is historic, and is beautifully decorated from the Victorian era. The other really cool thing about the hotel is that it is right on the boardwalk which meant great views from our windows:) I completely expected the entire hotel to be overly Victorian, but the rooms were to die for! We had a one bedroom suite. As soon as you walked in the door you felt "beachy", if that's even a word! Light colors, great paintings on the walls, granite counter tops in the kitchenette and light colored furniture. There was absolutely nothing to find fault with in this room. I had two great roomies (Michelle and Janette) and had a great time talking, laughing and crying with them.
The speaker was amazing as well (way to go ladies retreat committee!!). Christine Wyrtzen was our speaker and special musician. It was a great weekend learning how to act like daughters of the king...too often we act like orphans, she taught us how to claim our King as our Father. The testimonies from the ladies in our church were tear jerking and heartfelt. It's true, you never really know someone until you've heard the story of how they became the person they are now. And everyone has a story!!
Saturday was rainy and chilly, so I decided not to go up on the boards (jersey speak for boardwalk), but spend some time in my room reading ect. Janette and Michelle had the same idea, and we soon had one of our other friends stop in, Louisa, and we all laughed, cried and hugged all afternoon! We all agreed that had the weather been different, we would have all gone our separate ways; but God knew we needed that time together:)
The food, friends and teaching were great! Sunday the sun came out and allowed all of us to walk the boards before we had to slip away from the shore and back to real life. I feel blessed to have a husband that took over and held things together while I was gone. The kids were happy I was home, but not desperate for me which made me feel better, I know they enjoyed their daddy time as much as he enjoyed his time with them.
Saturday night was our last night there and what started out as the girls in the room next door coming for a movie, turned into almost 20 women, snacks, movie and great fellowship! It was so fun having the party at our place, and at each turn I feel more and more a part of this great family of women I have at Faith. I am learning that sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone, and that's how you'll get to know people, and they get to know you.
They have taught me (just by being the lovely women they are) that you can't form an opinion on someone until you have gotten to know them. And it is really possible to have lots of loving friends who truly care about you.
Easter is now right around the corner, we are getting ready for an egg hunt here on Friday and more fellowship time. Sunday I am playing a duet with my very talented friend Judy, and we are all celebrating the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. I hope you all have the joy of celebrating that with us or wherever you may be. Happy Easter everyone!
I had the privilege of picking up Judy Parmer around 10:00 Friday morning and after packing up my mom's suv (nice and clean, unlike either of our vehicles) we headed to the Hamilton mall. I had to pick up a few things and Judy was game for some shopping. It was great, and gave us time to catch up on everything that we don't usually have time to just chat on the phone about:) After a bit we caught up with Theresa Albani and followed her (who needs a GPS, we had Theresa!!) to a place I had never been before. We went to Whitehouse Sub Shop in Atlantic City!! The three of us got a whole cheese-steak with fried onions and enjoyed the fresh rolls and atmosphere that you can only get at that sub shop!
When we finished up, it was getting cold outside, and so we decided to go to the pier on the boardwalk that has all the shops inside. Every hour on the hour they have a water show that is set to music and has lights ect. It's free for all the shoppers there, so we spent a little time shopping while waiting for the show. It did not disappoint, and the three of us found ourselves tapping our feet to the music. I remembered hearing about something special on the third floor, and so we ventured up to find the rumors were true. There, inside the mall and out of the elements was beach sand and wonderful chairs to sit and relax in! No matter what the weather, you could stick your toes in the sand and enjoy watching the waves below:)
It was time to head over to our hotel after our busy afternoon. The retreat was held at The Flanders Hotel. This hotel is historic, and is beautifully decorated from the Victorian era. The other really cool thing about the hotel is that it is right on the boardwalk which meant great views from our windows:) I completely expected the entire hotel to be overly Victorian, but the rooms were to die for! We had a one bedroom suite. As soon as you walked in the door you felt "beachy", if that's even a word! Light colors, great paintings on the walls, granite counter tops in the kitchenette and light colored furniture. There was absolutely nothing to find fault with in this room. I had two great roomies (Michelle and Janette) and had a great time talking, laughing and crying with them.
The speaker was amazing as well (way to go ladies retreat committee!!). Christine Wyrtzen was our speaker and special musician. It was a great weekend learning how to act like daughters of the king...too often we act like orphans, she taught us how to claim our King as our Father. The testimonies from the ladies in our church were tear jerking and heartfelt. It's true, you never really know someone until you've heard the story of how they became the person they are now. And everyone has a story!!
Saturday was rainy and chilly, so I decided not to go up on the boards (jersey speak for boardwalk), but spend some time in my room reading ect. Janette and Michelle had the same idea, and we soon had one of our other friends stop in, Louisa, and we all laughed, cried and hugged all afternoon! We all agreed that had the weather been different, we would have all gone our separate ways; but God knew we needed that time together:)
The food, friends and teaching were great! Sunday the sun came out and allowed all of us to walk the boards before we had to slip away from the shore and back to real life. I feel blessed to have a husband that took over and held things together while I was gone. The kids were happy I was home, but not desperate for me which made me feel better, I know they enjoyed their daddy time as much as he enjoyed his time with them.
Saturday night was our last night there and what started out as the girls in the room next door coming for a movie, turned into almost 20 women, snacks, movie and great fellowship! It was so fun having the party at our place, and at each turn I feel more and more a part of this great family of women I have at Faith. I am learning that sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone, and that's how you'll get to know people, and they get to know you.
They have taught me (just by being the lovely women they are) that you can't form an opinion on someone until you have gotten to know them. And it is really possible to have lots of loving friends who truly care about you.
Easter is now right around the corner, we are getting ready for an egg hunt here on Friday and more fellowship time. Sunday I am playing a duet with my very talented friend Judy, and we are all celebrating the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. I hope you all have the joy of celebrating that with us or wherever you may be. Happy Easter everyone!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Feeling Inspired
I was wondering out loud to myself the other day, why would God bring us to a church where there was so much love, so much support; I can actually feel the support lifting me up. I think I know why.
I feel like that brand new spring flower poking it's head up through the soil, you know the one that is so ugly and green; all it wants is the sun to touch it and make it beautiful. I feel my soul reaching up towards the Son, and I can't wait to see what kind of flower I become with His love shining down on me. My church family is like the loving gardener that knows the flower will come - with lots of love, watering and waiting.
I can share my heart with these people, they don't judge me, they love me, pray for me, and that means the world to me. They have hugged me just when I need it, pushed me outside of my comfort zone and loved me in spite of myself.
When doubts come I just tell myself that God has forgiven me, and so I forgive myself - my past will not hold me back. I am capable of so much more than I can even dream, and God is the one that put that potential inside of me. If there was ever a time that I should be depressed, it should be now; but I'm not...I want to shout from the rooftops what God has done for me.
I feel like that brand new spring flower poking it's head up through the soil, you know the one that is so ugly and green; all it wants is the sun to touch it and make it beautiful. I feel my soul reaching up towards the Son, and I can't wait to see what kind of flower I become with His love shining down on me. My church family is like the loving gardener that knows the flower will come - with lots of love, watering and waiting.
I can share my heart with these people, they don't judge me, they love me, pray for me, and that means the world to me. They have hugged me just when I need it, pushed me outside of my comfort zone and loved me in spite of myself.
When doubts come I just tell myself that God has forgiven me, and so I forgive myself - my past will not hold me back. I am capable of so much more than I can even dream, and God is the one that put that potential inside of me. If there was ever a time that I should be depressed, it should be now; but I'm not...I want to shout from the rooftops what God has done for me.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Early Mornings...are they worth it?
I've never been an early morning person; though David would beg to differ. I guess I am a morning person in comparison to him, who loves to roll out of bed as late as possible. But compared to my dad who is up at 5:00 every morning, I'm quite a slacker!
My mom has always told me that whomever is up first in our house will rule the day, and that may be true, but I refuse to get up before the boys. My boys got their early rising genes from my dad apparently because as soon as the sun is up, so are they. We've tried everything to keep them in bed a bit longer, even darkening shades to fake them into thinking the sun isn't up yet! Alas, they have internal time clocks that are unable to be turned off.
Orchestra practice at church begins at 8:30 am. Considering I have three kiddos to get ready and out the door, 8:30 is a pretty daunting time of the morning. Our Worship Pastor was gracious and said that as long as I practiced at home during the week, I could just come and play for the 10:30 service, not worry about 8:30 practice. I tried that for a couple weeks, and was just feeling as though I needed to practice with the group to really be a part of the group. Not to mention Pastor Jason is a creative soul and likes to add bridges between songs; and even with all the help from Judy and Cheri, I was still at best, winging it.
Even more daunting then getting everyone out the door was the idea that the kids would have to sit in the sanctuary while I practiced for 30 minutes. The thought was overwhelming enough to keep me from going. It's one thing when I have David with me and he can keep the kids sitting with him. But on the off month when David works weekends and doesn't come out to church with me it usually frazzles me just to do church on Sunday morning.
I spent some really great time with someone who is quickly becoming a real mentor in my life. Cheri Keeton is one of our pastors wives and someone that I went to for some advice. You see, I have plenty of people that would pat my back and give me sympathy over the things that I pity myself for. But when I want someone to listen and then tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear, I go to Cheri. She is not unsympathetic, but spiritually she gives me the wake up call that I need. When I told her about my orchestra frustrations, she told me what I needed to hear.
Her suggestion was, "Bring the kids and have them sit in the row right next to where you are practicing so you can keep an eye on them. It teaches them how to show respect for God's house, and none of us mind if you have to get up every once in a while and have a talk with one of them." What she said next really stuck out in my mind, she said, "Don't let Satan give you any reason to keep from serving God with your talent."
And there it was...the spiritual slap in the face that I needed for motivation. So this morning I was up at 6:30, showering, dressing and planning on what to make for breakfast. I had laid out everyone's clothes the night before, and we were out the door at 8:00 sharp. There was no rushing around and mommy wasn't acting like a crazy person trying to make it to church on time. I lined the kids up on the front pew without even so much as a spare second to threaten them within an inch of their life, and we began practice.
And you know what? All three of my kids were still, quiet and very well behaved. I thanked the Lord, and the three kids for their good behavior. I was able to not be crazy mommy, rushing in to catch the last five minutes of practice and it turned out to be an amazing day. Just think...our Heavenly Father loves us so much, he's preplaned our future lives with him. Just think how peaceful it's going to be, no rushing, no craziness, just one good day after another; living with the best Father ever.
My mom has always told me that whomever is up first in our house will rule the day, and that may be true, but I refuse to get up before the boys. My boys got their early rising genes from my dad apparently because as soon as the sun is up, so are they. We've tried everything to keep them in bed a bit longer, even darkening shades to fake them into thinking the sun isn't up yet! Alas, they have internal time clocks that are unable to be turned off.
Orchestra practice at church begins at 8:30 am. Considering I have three kiddos to get ready and out the door, 8:30 is a pretty daunting time of the morning. Our Worship Pastor was gracious and said that as long as I practiced at home during the week, I could just come and play for the 10:30 service, not worry about 8:30 practice. I tried that for a couple weeks, and was just feeling as though I needed to practice with the group to really be a part of the group. Not to mention Pastor Jason is a creative soul and likes to add bridges between songs; and even with all the help from Judy and Cheri, I was still at best, winging it.
Even more daunting then getting everyone out the door was the idea that the kids would have to sit in the sanctuary while I practiced for 30 minutes. The thought was overwhelming enough to keep me from going. It's one thing when I have David with me and he can keep the kids sitting with him. But on the off month when David works weekends and doesn't come out to church with me it usually frazzles me just to do church on Sunday morning.
I spent some really great time with someone who is quickly becoming a real mentor in my life. Cheri Keeton is one of our pastors wives and someone that I went to for some advice. You see, I have plenty of people that would pat my back and give me sympathy over the things that I pity myself for. But when I want someone to listen and then tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear, I go to Cheri. She is not unsympathetic, but spiritually she gives me the wake up call that I need. When I told her about my orchestra frustrations, she told me what I needed to hear.
Her suggestion was, "Bring the kids and have them sit in the row right next to where you are practicing so you can keep an eye on them. It teaches them how to show respect for God's house, and none of us mind if you have to get up every once in a while and have a talk with one of them." What she said next really stuck out in my mind, she said, "Don't let Satan give you any reason to keep from serving God with your talent."
And there it was...the spiritual slap in the face that I needed for motivation. So this morning I was up at 6:30, showering, dressing and planning on what to make for breakfast. I had laid out everyone's clothes the night before, and we were out the door at 8:00 sharp. There was no rushing around and mommy wasn't acting like a crazy person trying to make it to church on time. I lined the kids up on the front pew without even so much as a spare second to threaten them within an inch of their life, and we began practice.
And you know what? All three of my kids were still, quiet and very well behaved. I thanked the Lord, and the three kids for their good behavior. I was able to not be crazy mommy, rushing in to catch the last five minutes of practice and it turned out to be an amazing day. Just think...our Heavenly Father loves us so much, he's preplaned our future lives with him. Just think how peaceful it's going to be, no rushing, no craziness, just one good day after another; living with the best Father ever.
Monday, January 16, 2012
It Only Takes One...
In our church services recently we've been discussing what our role as individuals and as a whole church are for service within the community...what is our vision for 2012. The pastoring staff has allowed several people (encouraged and enabled) to take a chance on a burden that they have for the community we live in. An amazing woman named Lynleigh has started up a food pantry...she is busy stocking, planning and organizing so that we can meet some of the needs of those in our community that are struggling. It's pretty amazing that they are helping her fulfill this dream, Lynleigh is a registered dietitian, and an amazing mother of two beautiful girls. God is so good to equip us with just what we need to meet needs right around us.
Our pastors have encouraged us to all think about something we've been burdened to do, and start putting some legs to our burdens. I really felt that starting to play in the orchestra was something I wanted to do to serve, and I have been having a ball! Two weeks ago was my first time, and I was the only violin. When I walked in to service this past week, imagine my surprise when I found another violinist sitting in the orchestra!! I introduced myself right away and I can't wait to spend some more time playing violin with Ashley. This was her first week to play, and Rose, you are going to love her violin!!! Passed down through her family, the entire thing is hand crafted out of wood...right down to the chin rest
Sunday morning was a little stressful for me. The van is broken at this point in time so I used David's truck, but it was so difficult to get the kids boosters in and find the seat belts that were tucked into the cushions that I almost threw my hands up and said forget it. But I couldn't wait to get to church and listen, learn and play with the orchestra again. So I braved the bone chilling wind and the craziness that is me taking all of the kids anywhere by myself and we made it to church. I dropped Brandon off in nursery...thank you Doris for taking him early, and I threatened the other two within an inch of their life and sat them in a row of seats while I went to practice for about the last five minutes of practice time.
I was so excited that the kids behaved fairly well, but I still missed out on most of the practice time and so wasn't entirely sure of how we were transitioning from song to song, but I figured worse comes to worse I'll wing it (hey, I'm a mom, we do that right??). Since the violin doesn't have any microphone, it probably wouldn't matter too much if I even played in the wrong key, so it's giving me a chance to get comfortable before everyone can hear my mistakes:) Judy very kindly offered to walk me through the order right before service, and so I caught up to her with five minutes to spare. She was eating on the run and when she heard that I hadn't had breakfast she split her slice of pumpkin bread with me!
Later that evening my girlfriend Janette called to make sure that I was okay...hooray for friends! Now if we could just get our other friend to come home from being on vacation (yes Louisa, I mean you!) it would be even better.
Lynleigh, Judy, Janette, Louisa and Doris...so blessed to have you in my life. I actually heave a sigh of relief when I think of you guys...cause when I walk through the door at Faith Bible Church, it's like an extension of home. And I have you guys to thank for that!
Our pastors have encouraged us to all think about something we've been burdened to do, and start putting some legs to our burdens. I really felt that starting to play in the orchestra was something I wanted to do to serve, and I have been having a ball! Two weeks ago was my first time, and I was the only violin. When I walked in to service this past week, imagine my surprise when I found another violinist sitting in the orchestra!! I introduced myself right away and I can't wait to spend some more time playing violin with Ashley. This was her first week to play, and Rose, you are going to love her violin!!! Passed down through her family, the entire thing is hand crafted out of wood...right down to the chin rest
Sunday morning was a little stressful for me. The van is broken at this point in time so I used David's truck, but it was so difficult to get the kids boosters in and find the seat belts that were tucked into the cushions that I almost threw my hands up and said forget it. But I couldn't wait to get to church and listen, learn and play with the orchestra again. So I braved the bone chilling wind and the craziness that is me taking all of the kids anywhere by myself and we made it to church. I dropped Brandon off in nursery...thank you Doris for taking him early, and I threatened the other two within an inch of their life and sat them in a row of seats while I went to practice for about the last five minutes of practice time.
I was so excited that the kids behaved fairly well, but I still missed out on most of the practice time and so wasn't entirely sure of how we were transitioning from song to song, but I figured worse comes to worse I'll wing it (hey, I'm a mom, we do that right??). Since the violin doesn't have any microphone, it probably wouldn't matter too much if I even played in the wrong key, so it's giving me a chance to get comfortable before everyone can hear my mistakes:) Judy very kindly offered to walk me through the order right before service, and so I caught up to her with five minutes to spare. She was eating on the run and when she heard that I hadn't had breakfast she split her slice of pumpkin bread with me!
Later that evening my girlfriend Janette called to make sure that I was okay...hooray for friends! Now if we could just get our other friend to come home from being on vacation (yes Louisa, I mean you!) it would be even better.
Lynleigh, Judy, Janette, Louisa and Doris...so blessed to have you in my life. I actually heave a sigh of relief when I think of you guys...cause when I walk through the door at Faith Bible Church, it's like an extension of home. And I have you guys to thank for that!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A New Year
Just yesterday I took the tree down. This is the first year I can remember that I left it up past the new year, and the first year that I hated to see it go back in it's large, square, cardboard box. I have so enjoyed the season that I decided to keep my ceramic houses and some other "winter" type decorations up. I am glad though, that the mess in the house is going away; I won't miss that part of the holiday! I am also thoroughly Christmas songed out...
I didn't make any resolutions, at least none that I thought were good enough to put on paper! I guess I feel like I should be making good resolutions all year long, and not just on a specific day. We haven't had the weather we are used to for this time of year, in fact it just now got cold enough to qualify as a NJ winter in my book...21 degrees outside for most of the day! I was in the basement yesterday and saw a passing snow shower; now, I'm not gunning for snow, but it was so pretty to watch the first snow fall. It reminded me how we are washed clean in the blood of Jesus, and how my sins are as white as that snow falling softly to the ground yesterday.
We have been praying for David's work schedule to change this year (move from nights to days) so that we could have a more normal type of routine with the kids. God chose to let us remain on the night shift for another year, and to tell you the truth I am not one bit upset. I feel that this is where He wants us to be, and He'll give us the strength to make it through this year. So grateful that David has a job, and I still have prayer warriors praying on behalf of our desire.
I am so excited to say that my parents are attending church with me and my family! I love having them there, it feels like we are back together as a spiritual family as well as a physical family:) I don't know if they'll choose to stay, but it's been fun having us all together again, worshipping together.
I can truly say that I've come into a new year a person, who through the grace of God, has become very comfortable with herself, excited to use my piano and violin talents for Him and loves her new church family. Did you ever feel like you just won the biggest prize ever and no one person understands how precious that prize is to you? I've waited so long, sat spiritually stagnant and now I have room to grow, desire to serve and love for my Savior that I didn't think was possible to have again.
This Sunday I will be playing my violin in the orchestra, next to my new friends, lifting the name of Jesus higher as we play for Him. Happy New Year everyone! I believe that God knows the plans He has for me...plans to prosper me, and I thank Him for that!
I didn't make any resolutions, at least none that I thought were good enough to put on paper! I guess I feel like I should be making good resolutions all year long, and not just on a specific day. We haven't had the weather we are used to for this time of year, in fact it just now got cold enough to qualify as a NJ winter in my book...21 degrees outside for most of the day! I was in the basement yesterday and saw a passing snow shower; now, I'm not gunning for snow, but it was so pretty to watch the first snow fall. It reminded me how we are washed clean in the blood of Jesus, and how my sins are as white as that snow falling softly to the ground yesterday.
We have been praying for David's work schedule to change this year (move from nights to days) so that we could have a more normal type of routine with the kids. God chose to let us remain on the night shift for another year, and to tell you the truth I am not one bit upset. I feel that this is where He wants us to be, and He'll give us the strength to make it through this year. So grateful that David has a job, and I still have prayer warriors praying on behalf of our desire.
I am so excited to say that my parents are attending church with me and my family! I love having them there, it feels like we are back together as a spiritual family as well as a physical family:) I don't know if they'll choose to stay, but it's been fun having us all together again, worshipping together.
I can truly say that I've come into a new year a person, who through the grace of God, has become very comfortable with herself, excited to use my piano and violin talents for Him and loves her new church family. Did you ever feel like you just won the biggest prize ever and no one person understands how precious that prize is to you? I've waited so long, sat spiritually stagnant and now I have room to grow, desire to serve and love for my Savior that I didn't think was possible to have again.
This Sunday I will be playing my violin in the orchestra, next to my new friends, lifting the name of Jesus higher as we play for Him. Happy New Year everyone! I believe that God knows the plans He has for me...plans to prosper me, and I thank Him for that!
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