What in the world have I been up to lately? Well, it would be easy to say that baseball has consumed our life. Honestly though, hubby has been great at making sure that there’s more to his life than baseball – even if his favorite team, the Cardinals, are in the World Series right now. It’s been a quick week although not dramatic, which is good. Here’s the details:
For all of you women considering children, here’s a bit of birth control for you. Small fry is getting his molars. He’s been awake and fussing 5 of 6 nights. Needless to say I’m tired and grumpy which also means my house is a mess and I’m not motivated to work. It’s been a good week though. For a few days now, I’ve tried to remember what I did Monday night. Still can’t recall. Tuesday morning I couldn’t force myself to work and stayed home only to realize mid morning that I had a few afternoon appointments. I went to a new girly doctor. She was fantastic and I loved her – as much as you can love a gyno. I also had my check up at the eye doctor. Yup, I’ll be putting the glasses back on – yes, the ones that sat on my office desk, under a pile of papers, with a broken hinge, the last 18 months! The news ones will be cute I think but they surely came with a price. Darn insurance. I had my typical Wednesday and Thursday schedule. Was super tempted to not go to small group last night but as usual, I was glad to be there and I didn’t even need tooth picks to hold my eyes open. Today the best man in our wedding comes to town. He’s been serving in Iraq for the last year and we’re glad to have him home before he heads back to his duty station in Germany. The only bad part about him coming is that my house is not ready for company.
I know, you guys all think that it’s no big deal and he’s coming to see us not a scrubbed toilet. Honestly though, I really wish I had the house clean. Remember, I’m a neat freak. And the house needs more than “picked up”. Like the kitchen floors that have been swept but not mopped in a few weeks really need some attention. I think they’re choking from the layer of filth on them. The cow hide, even though I vacuumed it on Monday, now needs vacuumed again thanks to small fry and his love for finding dried leaves and crumbling them. And the spare bedroom. We’ve had 3 different sets of visitors in there in 3 weeks, tonight will make four sets. Since the first set, I haven’t swept or swiffered the wood floors. And more recently, there’s a pile of clothes on the floor that our company didn’t take with them AND the sheets need washed. Yeah, I have other clean and awesome sheets but the ones that are on the bed match the best so I wanted to use those. The recycles really need taken out from the back porch and in the mean time there’s a pile of recycle stuff by the back door which looks SUPER tacky. I have scrapbooking stuff on the dining table too. I could survive if those things were done. And I’d be most happy with myself if I had meals planned, snacks put together and other fun stuff like that. But no, I went to work today like a good girl.
Ah yes, work. I felt like crap today, just the achy tired feeling. I have problems with my legs and feet bothering me. So what did I do today at work? I headed to the field to lay out conservation practices. Yup, you know it, this prissy girl can stunt double as a farm girl. Four hours of walking in a rough, cornstalk infested field before I gave my little legs a rest.
Oh, and speaking of farm girl… we stopped on our way home last night at the local college dairy where my buddy L was working. It was super special and she greatly appreciated seeing the 6 of us standing in the window when she looked up after prepping a cow. It was well worth the time! Oh and another random thought to share is about my friend N. She’s one of my closest buds from my CA days. She currently works at the famous coffee shop that is way too expensive. Anyway, I call up the expensive shop yesterday (after a little investigating to get the phone #) and she answers the phone. It was perfect! I asked if I could order a coffee to go. She said yes. I proceeded to ask if she could send it to Iowa. And then it clicked with her, it was me. Her response was worth recording. I quickly told her I missed her and loved her before I once again requested the coffee. She warned me that it would no longer be fresh, we said good bye and I went on with my day. I love little surprises like that.
And one more thought. I'm so sick of people who make committments and don't follow through with them. I've been mean lately and have emailed those folks and basically told them what I think and what I expect. No more Mrs. Nice Gal for me this week. Jerks. Okay, that’s it from me. I so need to get to my small fry and then on home to my company.
27 October 2006
18 October 2006
Neat freak?
Have I ever mentioned before that I’m a neat freak? Okay, well I am but lately I’ve learned that I can’t be. Marriage has taught me that I can’t be the neat freak that I’d like to be. Now, I’m not blaming hubby 100% because he lets me do what I want for the most part. I just don’t have the time or energy or help to keep the house in perfect order, I’d also like to do more around the house – cooking fun meals, sewing more, keep up with my scrap booking, etc. Yesterday, M was busy trying to get a few things done and asked me how I’m able to get everything done while maintaining a career and having a child. Easy answer: I DON’T! I’m not able to get everything done. No doubt, my house is in some sort of order when I have guests but on a daily basis, NO WAY. Like right now, I have these little dead asian beetles and dead leaves that are scattered in a corner in the room. Ryan brought my plants in last week and I have yet to clean up around them.
I do, however, make an honest effort to keep things done around my house. I try to do the dishes at least daily which is sometimes difficult when I’m gone 3-4 nights a week. I try to vacuum at least once a week, do laundry throughout the week, etc. But lately, I’ve really wanted to stay home and “play”. And by that I mean that I’d like to work on my quilt I started a LONG time ago with my MIL. I like to work on the new wall hanging I got, scrapbook, cook fun foods and lounge around the house. I’d love to be able to spend a few hours each week stopping by to visit folks. For instance, B had a baby a few months ago and I still haven’t stopped there. Dr. H’s wife had a baby 2 weeks ago and I haven’t stopped there or sent a card. I so don’t have it all planned out, seriously, why do people think I do?
UPDATE
Fantastagirl mentioned me have a calming sense around me. Calming sense... what is that? I so don't have anything calming about me except for the few minutes I spend in the shower. Okay, wait, calming the other day when Ryan twirled my hair in the car for one minute before arriving at our destination. I'm swamped, honestly. But, I enjoy life that way, I don't want to be a couch potato.
Last night for example, I got home in time to feed SCott a quick meal while doing dishes. We then ran downstairs for youth group. That was over and we headed back upstairs. I pawned the kid off on Ryan and made this quick shrimp dip for supper. Sat down for umm, about 2 minutes, didn't like the dip so I crawled down in the floor and played with the kiddo for a few minutes. From there, we headed upstairs, gave the kiddo a bath, put him in bed. Cut my nails quick, washed up the dishes from the dip stuff and headed upstairs to bed. It was 10pm. Yeah, did you read about anything calming??? Maybe while the kiddo was playing in the bath but it didn't take him long to start putting his face in the water and sucking it up his mouth and nose. Next he wanted to stand in the bath and play along the edge. So my "sit back and relax while Scott plays" attitude was quickly changed by "policing" hiim instead.
I do, however, make an honest effort to keep things done around my house. I try to do the dishes at least daily which is sometimes difficult when I’m gone 3-4 nights a week. I try to vacuum at least once a week, do laundry throughout the week, etc. But lately, I’ve really wanted to stay home and “play”. And by that I mean that I’d like to work on my quilt I started a LONG time ago with my MIL. I like to work on the new wall hanging I got, scrapbook, cook fun foods and lounge around the house. I’d love to be able to spend a few hours each week stopping by to visit folks. For instance, B had a baby a few months ago and I still haven’t stopped there. Dr. H’s wife had a baby 2 weeks ago and I haven’t stopped there or sent a card. I so don’t have it all planned out, seriously, why do people think I do?
UPDATE
Fantastagirl mentioned me have a calming sense around me. Calming sense... what is that? I so don't have anything calming about me except for the few minutes I spend in the shower. Okay, wait, calming the other day when Ryan twirled my hair in the car for one minute before arriving at our destination. I'm swamped, honestly. But, I enjoy life that way, I don't want to be a couch potato.
Last night for example, I got home in time to feed SCott a quick meal while doing dishes. We then ran downstairs for youth group. That was over and we headed back upstairs. I pawned the kid off on Ryan and made this quick shrimp dip for supper. Sat down for umm, about 2 minutes, didn't like the dip so I crawled down in the floor and played with the kiddo for a few minutes. From there, we headed upstairs, gave the kiddo a bath, put him in bed. Cut my nails quick, washed up the dishes from the dip stuff and headed upstairs to bed. It was 10pm. Yeah, did you read about anything calming??? Maybe while the kiddo was playing in the bath but it didn't take him long to start putting his face in the water and sucking it up his mouth and nose. Next he wanted to stand in the bath and play along the edge. So my "sit back and relax while Scott plays" attitude was quickly changed by "policing" hiim instead.
16 October 2006
Weekend in the Twin Cities
Dare2Share
Okay, I’m awake this morning. After a long weekend in the twin cities, we’re home and tired. I wish I could say that I was there for some fun – a little shopping, walking in the city, hanging out with friends, maybe even hanging out with the H’s. But, that wasn’t the case this weekend. Friday we took 20 people to the Dare 2 Share conference. As the junior high youth group leader, hubby spear-headed the trip. After lots of planning, D-day (aka drive day) arrived. We met at the church, made a few quick pit stops on the way and finally arrived at the convention center for the conference. I spent Friday evening volunteering for the D2S staff. They needed help and I filled in, which was a blessing for both of us I’m sure – they got their help and I learned some more about the D2S organization. Towards the end of the night, I slipped into the conference to hang out with our group.
Lauren
As I sat in with my group, I heard a bit of the speaker and then caught the drama. It was an amazing presentation of the judgement seat of Christ. It was a great way to let people know that being a part of God’s family is much more than saying “I’m a Christian” or that you’ve done good things. It hit home with Lauren, I suppose. At the end of the night, she gave her life over to Christ. I was so excited – I still am so excited! Giving your life to Christ doesn’t mean that life will be easy or super fun. It is an acknowledgement of the TRUTH that we all so desperately need. Way to go Lauren!
Hotel
We arrived at our hotel right around midnight. Okay, I was beat tired but was still excited and emotional for my little sister. Finally around 1230pm, I hit the sack. I was so tired that I didn’t even brush my teeth or take a potty break or wash my face. After watching the clock throughout the night and not getting much sleep, I got up at 545 to start the day.
Volunteer
Three of us from our group headed back the convention center for the 7am-noon volunteer shift. It was a great time hanging out and doing odd jobs. I made myself available for whatever needed to be done and so I got pulled in multiple directions throughout the morning. Fortunately I was helping out in the leaders meeting – which was where I needed to be as a youth leader. Things rolled pretty smoothly throughout the morning. I was asked to hand out glow sticks right before the lunch break. It was amazing how the JHi kids RAN to the table for something “FREE”.
Post Lunch
We had another session and some more music before heading out. Several hours in the afternoon were spent collecting can foods for the mission which was a great way to also give the kids an opportunity to put into practice what they’d been learning. I had 3 students join me – 2 were in Jhi, one of which had never really heard “BIBLE” stuff before. The other was Lauren. They were scared and nervous to share the GOSPEL with folks. It an interesting experience. Of the many doors we knocked on, they were lots of people gone and/or not answering. Most of those who answered would give a few cans but weren’t willing to let the kids PRACTICE sharing. The final house was perfect. One of my Jhi kids walked her through the GOSPEL acronym and she was good to encourage him afterwards. It was a huge step.
Superchic[k]
Eventually we made it back to the convention center for one more session and the Superchic[k] concert. This was a “different” band than my style but many people like them. I did recognize two of their songs. But, by this point, I was pooping out. I was lacking sleep, tired of sitting and not enjoying the music. After the concert, autographs and planning our drive home, we jumped back in our vehicles. This was not fun – people were not doing things the way I THOUGHT they should be done. None-the-less, we headed home. We got home around 230am on Sunday and headed to bed for a few hours before I got up for church.
Okay, I’m awake this morning. After a long weekend in the twin cities, we’re home and tired. I wish I could say that I was there for some fun – a little shopping, walking in the city, hanging out with friends, maybe even hanging out with the H’s. But, that wasn’t the case this weekend. Friday we took 20 people to the Dare 2 Share conference. As the junior high youth group leader, hubby spear-headed the trip. After lots of planning, D-day (aka drive day) arrived. We met at the church, made a few quick pit stops on the way and finally arrived at the convention center for the conference. I spent Friday evening volunteering for the D2S staff. They needed help and I filled in, which was a blessing for both of us I’m sure – they got their help and I learned some more about the D2S organization. Towards the end of the night, I slipped into the conference to hang out with our group.
Lauren
As I sat in with my group, I heard a bit of the speaker and then caught the drama. It was an amazing presentation of the judgement seat of Christ. It was a great way to let people know that being a part of God’s family is much more than saying “I’m a Christian” or that you’ve done good things. It hit home with Lauren, I suppose. At the end of the night, she gave her life over to Christ. I was so excited – I still am so excited! Giving your life to Christ doesn’t mean that life will be easy or super fun. It is an acknowledgement of the TRUTH that we all so desperately need. Way to go Lauren!
Hotel
We arrived at our hotel right around midnight. Okay, I was beat tired but was still excited and emotional for my little sister. Finally around 1230pm, I hit the sack. I was so tired that I didn’t even brush my teeth or take a potty break or wash my face. After watching the clock throughout the night and not getting much sleep, I got up at 545 to start the day.
Volunteer
Three of us from our group headed back the convention center for the 7am-noon volunteer shift. It was a great time hanging out and doing odd jobs. I made myself available for whatever needed to be done and so I got pulled in multiple directions throughout the morning. Fortunately I was helping out in the leaders meeting – which was where I needed to be as a youth leader. Things rolled pretty smoothly throughout the morning. I was asked to hand out glow sticks right before the lunch break. It was amazing how the JHi kids RAN to the table for something “FREE”.
Post Lunch
We had another session and some more music before heading out. Several hours in the afternoon were spent collecting can foods for the mission which was a great way to also give the kids an opportunity to put into practice what they’d been learning. I had 3 students join me – 2 were in Jhi, one of which had never really heard “BIBLE” stuff before. The other was Lauren. They were scared and nervous to share the GOSPEL with folks. It an interesting experience. Of the many doors we knocked on, they were lots of people gone and/or not answering. Most of those who answered would give a few cans but weren’t willing to let the kids PRACTICE sharing. The final house was perfect. One of my Jhi kids walked her through the GOSPEL acronym and she was good to encourage him afterwards. It was a huge step.
Superchic[k]
Eventually we made it back to the convention center for one more session and the Superchic[k] concert. This was a “different” band than my style but many people like them. I did recognize two of their songs. But, by this point, I was pooping out. I was lacking sleep, tired of sitting and not enjoying the music. After the concert, autographs and planning our drive home, we jumped back in our vehicles. This was not fun – people were not doing things the way I THOUGHT they should be done. None-the-less, we headed home. We got home around 230am on Sunday and headed to bed for a few hours before I got up for church.
Pastor's Business Card
A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10" Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.
Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."
Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked"
More from me later. I do plan to post today. lots going on!
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10" Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.
Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."
Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked"
More from me later. I do plan to post today. lots going on!
04 October 2006
ho hum
Okay, so the sunshine is gone today and it's supposed to get back to our "real" weather around here. I must say that 80+ weather was nice for a few days. I think I even got a little color on my arms yesterday. I went to the field yesterday [gasp] during the morning and "played" in the "dirt". Best thing about it was that I got paid. Yup, it's my job. Tomorrow the HS kids will come out for a soil judging contest. Sounds like fun doesn't it? It is actually very neat to see how the soil is really a community of bugs, etc. Yes, I can be a science nerd sometimes.
Peach cobbler update: sounded good. easy recipe. no cobbler though. yeah, we didn't have enough milk and I really wanted hubby to stay home and hang out instead of going back to town. mom made peach cobbler and I ate some at her house.
Fall leaves are here and it's quite the sight. I love the changing leaves, cool crisp air and hot chocolate. I hope our nearby family and friends can make a trip up here to check things out. We spent a few hours on Saturday up near Decorah. Scott played in the leaves while I searched for acorns and Ryan piddled around in the trees. It was really a good time of fun and relaxing. Of course, Small fry had his first "owie". He did a face plant on the cement from his little rider-thingy and scraped around his eye and on his forehead. Poor guy scared himself so bad and just screamed for a bit. Fortunately the screaming lasted VERY briefly and I held him close for a while and put him back on his rider-thingy for some more fun.
I am not pregnant, however, lots of my friends just had or will be having a baby soon. I guess I'm of that age now. It's really neat to hear about although I'm horrible at remembering who's pregnant and when they're due.
Small group has been good lately. I'm glad to see it more organized. N&R have been great so far at providing something good to start our evenings. Our group has expanded and that's been fun too. Lately we've been sending out prayer requests and I've made cards out of them. It's a great way for me, a visual person, to remember to pray for those in the group. I've had a blast designing cards, finding good picstures and info to go with the actual prayer requests. I know that I'm by no means a graphic designer but they've been a fun task for me.
Unfortunately I don't have enough time in my day to get everything done that I'd like to do. I'm working out again but missed Tuesday - oops. Last night I took small fry to the doc then a quick trip to walmart before heading to K's house. I watched Gilmore Girls for the first time ever. Talked the whole way home to my SIL which was a blessing. Got home, put the kiddo in bed and made wild rice soup for tonights supper. Of course, I had to sample it before I went to bed at 1045 last night. Umm, makes me hungry!!!
Peach cobbler update: sounded good. easy recipe. no cobbler though. yeah, we didn't have enough milk and I really wanted hubby to stay home and hang out instead of going back to town. mom made peach cobbler and I ate some at her house.
Fall leaves are here and it's quite the sight. I love the changing leaves, cool crisp air and hot chocolate. I hope our nearby family and friends can make a trip up here to check things out. We spent a few hours on Saturday up near Decorah. Scott played in the leaves while I searched for acorns and Ryan piddled around in the trees. It was really a good time of fun and relaxing. Of course, Small fry had his first "owie". He did a face plant on the cement from his little rider-thingy and scraped around his eye and on his forehead. Poor guy scared himself so bad and just screamed for a bit. Fortunately the screaming lasted VERY briefly and I held him close for a while and put him back on his rider-thingy for some more fun.
I am not pregnant, however, lots of my friends just had or will be having a baby soon. I guess I'm of that age now. It's really neat to hear about although I'm horrible at remembering who's pregnant and when they're due.
Small group has been good lately. I'm glad to see it more organized. N&R have been great so far at providing something good to start our evenings. Our group has expanded and that's been fun too. Lately we've been sending out prayer requests and I've made cards out of them. It's a great way for me, a visual person, to remember to pray for those in the group. I've had a blast designing cards, finding good picstures and info to go with the actual prayer requests. I know that I'm by no means a graphic designer but they've been a fun task for me.
Unfortunately I don't have enough time in my day to get everything done that I'd like to do. I'm working out again but missed Tuesday - oops. Last night I took small fry to the doc then a quick trip to walmart before heading to K's house. I watched Gilmore Girls for the first time ever. Talked the whole way home to my SIL which was a blessing. Got home, put the kiddo in bed and made wild rice soup for tonights supper. Of course, I had to sample it before I went to bed at 1045 last night. Umm, makes me hungry!!!
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