Jesus Loves You Jack-O-Lantern

Thankfully my allergy medicine is kicking in a little bit.  My nose is still running like a sugar tree, but I am seriously dehydrated everywhere else, so I guess that's something. 

Anyway, during the short reprieve of my miserable existence that I got last night for about a half an hour, I finished the 'Jesus Loves You' Jack-O-Lantern that Ty and I wanted to make.  I sat up Friday Night and drew out the pattern (what?, what do you do on your free weekends? ....date?! that's crazy!) , but I hadn't had time or hadn't felt like carving the pumpkin since then.

I think it turned out fairly well.  Well enough anyway.

I think I may take it down to church to use on the Registration table for Trunk or Treat in October. 

I linked up here!



AND I Linked up HERE!



Fortunately..... It Was a Great Day for a Picnic!

Unfortunately ........ I forget my allergy meds. 

Which explains why I've been MIA for a couple of days. Mother nature has kicked my butt. 


Anyway, we had a great Church picnic.  Both the young and old enjoyed this beautiful fall afternoon at Carter Caves State Resort Park, located in Olive Hill, KY. If you've never been there you should check it out sometime.  It is an absolutely gorgeous park. 

Since it's basically in our backyard we tend to take it for granted, but Ty and I love to walk the trails and play in the creek whenever we have an afternoon to spare.

Bragging Rights! Whoo hoo!

I just want to take a quick moment to brag on my boy. I AM SO PROUD!!!

This letter was in Ty's backpack this evening:

Dear Tyler,

As your principal, I would like to take this time to congratulate you on being the student with the highest math score of all the kindergarten grade students on the first Early Skills Assessment.

Again congratulations on this achievement! Yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah, the rest isn't really important.

Sincerely,

Your Principal


I am so proud. I really am.  Yet, I can't help but jokingly wonder who the kindergartner is that scored higher in reading than him.  Ty is reading the first page of each chapter in Harry Potter every evening with little to no help. WE HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED WORKING ON MATH YET!!!

LOL! I guess it just proves once again that he is just about practically perfect!  ;-) In my eyes anyway!


HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE WEEKEND!!

Where's the love?

Over the weekend The Foo Fighters protested back when they were picketed by the Westboro Baptist Church. (Google them if you are not familiar with this church, some of their stunts will curl your hair.)

You can watch clips on YouTube.

I'm glad they did.  I'm not sure who is filling those people with the idea that what they are doing is o.k., but I would like to just grab them by their shoulders and shake the bejeezus out them.

Christians are supposed to love.  We are to 'Love one another'. Not just other Christians, but love everyone BECAUSE GOD LOVES EVERYONE. 

We, as a society, are trained to think that there are 'levels of wrongness'.  Different crimes are met with varying degrees of punishments. Even in prisons, the worst of the worst are those who have committed crimes against children. The biggest, baddest guy in there feels better about himself because at least he didn't do that.  We all want SOMEONE to be worse than we are.

But, God does not see our sins that way.  We are all equal in his eyes. We are all sinners, and no sin is greater than the other. 

That is why it so important to "not cast stones". 

Every time they picket somewhere and choose to use such vile names for God's children, (because we are ALL God's children), how many souls are they preventing from ever being saved? How many people are they pushing further from Jesus Christ? What kind of example are they setting?

Part of being a Christian is to set an example by the way we live.  We are supposed make others want that life too because they can see it is sooo wonderful.

God expects us to love. Even the lost. Especially the Lost.

Besides, who wants to become a part of something that is full of hatred and anger?  There is enough of that crap in the world as it is.

My Weekend in Pictures

I finally found 5 minutes to do a little more decorating.

A Saturday morning Soccer Game.

  

 

A Birthday Party for a 3 year old Pirate!

Arrgh!!

A Ladies Jewelry Bingo night at EL Hasa Shrine Temple in Ashland, KY.

In Loving Memory



A watercolor i did of my Dad in 1994, and a pencil drawing
 of Ty that I completed in 2008.

I'm sad today. Yes, sad.  That's the best word to describe how I feel. 

September 19, 1997 is a day that is engraved in my memory. I can recall almost every minute of that day. 

September 19, 1997.  The day my Dad died.  He was 52 years old. I was 21.

In other posts I have touched on how I not so well coped with his death. (Actually a quick scan of my archives tells me I never published any of those, which is for the best.  They're usually not well articulated or sometimes even rational.  No one needs to try to read that.)

Anywho, It took years to get to just 'sad'.  Today, I'm not going to talk about any of that. Today, I'm going to share a poem I wrote in September 2007, the ten year anniversary of his passing.

The weather is turning colder

and the trees are mostly bare.

'Nother Yule Tide log will smolder;

'nother year you won't be there.

The holidays are nearing,

and OH how they come so fast.

It seems I've only turned around,

yet nine of them have past.

Traditions have long since faded,

for they were only done in vain.

And time has failed to offer us

any distance from the pain.

'Tho a thousand hurts have plagued me,

and there'll be hundreds more.

One ache still breaks my heart,

and will forever more.

His eyes, blue, like the clearest sky

with dreams that are just as bright.

I try to teach him everything,

and help him choose what's right.

And 'tho he'll never hold your hand,

or hear your chuckling laugh.

I pray that I can guide him

along the footsteps in your path.

Your body is long gone now,

But to me your legacy remains.

And I vow that in the end, my son will know,

More than just your name.

~Lynn M. Henderson September 2007

**Still missing you after all this time, Dad.**

Station Wagon or Hay Wagon?

This is my car AFTER spending ten bucks in quarters vacuuming it out at the car wash.

I think its time for different approach.

Note to Self:   Next year figure out another way to get bales of straw from farm supply to house.

I don't think I will ever get used to not having a truck.

Our Pumpkin Patch

I stayed up late last night to post this, but unfortunately my Verizon wireless internet connection decided to be unconnectable.  Now its working without a hitch. Go figure.

I actually did managed to get a little decorating done this weekend.  Not all of it, but at least a pretty good jump start. 

Here is a pic of what Ty and I have been calling our pumpkin patch.  I guess it should actually be our jack-o-lantern patch, but whatever.

I had a minor accident with my favorite (of course it would be my favorite).  I dropped it and broke the letter "L" out of the word welcome.  So as soon as I figure a way to repair it, I will add it to the display. (Just as soon as I get time. This week isn't going to any less hectic.)

School, Karate, School, Soccer, School, Church, School, etc.........................(insert horror movie scream here)

Remembering 9/11

Today is a day of remembrance.

Nearly every person in this country can tell you where they were and what they were doing the morning that changed this nation forever.

September 11, 2001

Here is my story.

In 2001, my husband (this was pre-divorce era) and I were working around the Washington, D.C. area for a telecommunications company. We installed telephone equipment in Windstream central offices and sometimes in government buildings that have their own switchboards. On this particular morning we had just climbed into bed in our apartment in Manassas, VA after working the night shift.  We were both exhausted because we had worked later than usual, so we didn't bother with turning on the television. We just turned the lights out and crashed.

Before I could even doze off, his cell began to ring. He cursed loudly and hit the ignore button, because we were used to people not caring forgetting we worked nights and slept days. A moment later, my cell began to ring.  I picked it up, looked at the caller ID, saw it was his Mother and tossed him the phone. 

"You might as well answer now," I said "rather than later."

He grabbed the phone and grunted out "hello" into the speaker.

As soon as he answered the phone, I could hear his Mother screaming on the other end.

"We're under attack! They've flown a plane into the World Trade Center! We're being attacked!"

We both shot straight up out of bed, and I grabbed the t.v. remote. 

Sure enough, as soon as I turned it on, there on the screen, was live coverage of one of the towers burning.  As we stood there in shocked silence watching , a second plane came into view and struck the second tower.

I'm sure you are wondering, as I myself have on several occasions, if only one plane had hit the WTC when his mother called, how did she know it was an attack?

It's possible that it was just her pure panicky, pessimistic, dooms-day personality. More likely it was because she already knew, because the government already knew.  (No, I don't want to get into the government knew what- when debate.)

My Father-in-Law was a Job Superintendent for a railroad construction company. They were doing some track work in Fort Bragg, NC at the time.  When the first plane hit the tower, the base was put on lock down. No one could go in and no one could leave.  As the man in charge of the railroad work, I believe that my FIL was told of what the "possible" scenario was, who in turn told his wife. 

I cannot begin to put into words the fear that I was experiencing that day.  As the events unfolded throughout the day, I was sure that it was just going to continue to worsen.  I was desperately pleading with my husband to go home.

I wanted to face whatever was coming (which in my mind was Armageddon) from the safety of my eastern Kentucky hills.  With my family.  I wanted to be home, NOT 30 minutes from the Capital. Not in a town where I knew no one, other than my husband and a few co-workers.

After the attack on the Pentagon, we received a call from our supervisor that all of the buildings that we worked in were under a lockout for the remainder of the week.  All employees would have to be re-screened for security clearance, so that meant we could go home.

It was the longest and quietest 6 1/2 hour drive we ever made together.

Finally, when we made it home, all I wanted to do was to just hug my family and count my blessing that we were all safe. Together.

Today, my prayers will be with everyone affected by those terrible events 10 years ago. For those who were lost and for those who lost.  For the heroes and those they saved. For the volunteers who went to help and those who make it their job everyday.

I will always remember.

Busy, Busy Weekend Planned

Sleepover/1st Soccer Game/ Fall Decorations/ 2 Weddings (but thankfully no funerals)

I always begin to get excited about outdoor decorating at this time of the year. I suppose it's because all of summer's colorfully vibrant glory is beginning to fade, and I yearn for a little spice in the curb appeal.

This year I have been even more enthusiastic. I get to decorate my Mom's house instead of mine!  Her house is much bigger/nicer and already has a significant amount of curb appeal.  So I'm super pumped!

I patiently waited for Labor Day to pass (because fall decor before labor day is like wearing white after).  Of course, NOW the stupid weather certainly isn't cooperating.

Rain, Rain, RAIN!

And it's cold rain too, YUCK!

Anyway, I have all of my fall decorations waiting patiently on the porch. Just as soon as the rain lets up for an hour, I'll be all over it like maple syrup on hotcakes!

I carve Ty a Funkin each year and now we have a total of 6 for our display. I've already carved this year's addition and I can't wait to see them all arranged.

What?! You don't know what a funkin is?!   Its a faux pumpkin made from foam that you can carve or decorate.  The best part is that after all of that hard work, it doesn't rot in a week! They are a little pricey (anywhere from $10 to $30, depending on size); but I buy mine a year ahead of time when they are on sale. I can usually get them for about 40% off, so thats not too bad.


Unfortunately, I won't be able to do any decorating this evening even if it's not raining because Ty's little brother is staying all night.  (His little brother staying all night isn't unfortunate, only the no decorating part. Just thought I had better clarify.)

We are so excited, this will be Ty's first overnight guest and the first time Toby will stay all night with us.

Atleast we think he is staying all night. It's quite possible that there may be a middle-of-the-night child exchange. He IS only 3. Nonetheless, we're gonna give it an honest effort, hope for the best and be satisfied with however it turns out.

My only reservation/concern/worry, whatever you want to call it, is that Ty has his first Soccer game at 9:30 Saturday morning.  This means I get my first experience of getting TWO boys up, feed, washed, dressed and out the door on a schedule. I am certain that I will have a new found respect for Lilly after that. Or maybe just pity. Either way, I'll be walking in someone else's shoes when I don't do a great job walking in my on when it comes to meeting a schedule.

Then after the game and all little boys have been delivered to Lilly, I have a wedding and reception to go to.  Actually, I have two, but since I haven't figured how I can be in two places at once, I am just attending the one closest to home, which incidently has the guests from farthest away.

Hopefully sometime between Saturday evening and Sunday Evening, I will find time to decorate and sleep.

Wishing you all A Safe Happy Weekend!!

We Can Do Hard Things

Now that I seem to be recooped enough to be back on a regular schedule, I've been catching up on some of the blogs I like to follow.

One of those blogs is called Momastery by Glennon, a writer and "mother of three and wife to one" (as she describes herself). It is a fabulous blog that is open, honest and sincere. Her writing has a softness to it, and it oozes love. Love for her family, her friends, her readers, people she doesn't even know and even life. Its those qualities that draw me to it. While reading one of her posts that was written a few days ago, I had an "Ah Ha! Moment" (as Oprah liked to call them).

The post titled, Dear Chase (click hear to read it in its entirety), is a letter to her son as he starts the third grade.  In the letter she is trying to teach him about compassion. God's compassion and how we can and should show it to others.

I will quote the "Ah Ha!" part here:

"Compassion might lead you to tell a teaser to stop it and then ask the teased kid to play. You might invite a left-out kid to sit next to you at lunch. You might choose a kid for your team first who usually gets chosen last. These things will be hard to do, but you can do hard things."

These things will be hard to do, but you can do hard things.  Wow! It's like a light bulb went off in my head, and not necessarily just about compassion, but about everything.  If something is Right, then it may be hard, but we still have the strength to do the right thing. We Can Do Hard. Wow, what a revelation for me! God has given us this gift. This ability. And we all should use it everyday!

I've noticed that she (Glennon) uses this phrase alot in some of her posts and even has a sign hanging up in her house with the phrase on it. It's like a mantra.  And a dang good one, if I may say so. 

This one sentence puts into words an explanation to the group of comments/questions that irks me to no end. (partially because I haven't been able to think of an answer that doesn't personally degrade the commentor)  That question is the often off-hand remark  from others in regard to the relationship that I maintain with my ex, his wife and thier other two children.  "Your a d***m good woman" or "Your a better woman than I am, because I couldn't do it." or "How on earth do you do that?"

What I've always WANTED to say but have refrained from is, "Really? You COULDN'T do it? Or is it more like you WOULDN'T do it? Come on, get over yourself. If you loved your child/children enough you could. It's only matter of putting your children first and above your own selfish desire to be a B****! So don't look down your nose like I"M the one in the wrong, because you are! (snap, snap)"

Unfortunately, that response would be a very quick way to alienate people. People who probably only mean to give me a pat on the back to acknowledge my choice, and not the smack on the nose that I take it to be.

But Now! ........... BUT NOW!! I have a better answer.  One that I CAN say!............

"Often times the things that are RIGHT are hard to do. But, with God, I Can Do Hard Things." 

And you know what?  I feel great about that answer. It sums it up pretty well.  Don't you think?

I also find that motto to be very inspiring for future decisions. 

Maybe I need a sign in my house, too.

:-)

Texted Sisters ~ Battle of the Bergere

(not really at battle nor a bergere, but it made a neat title)

ber·gère  /bərˈʒɛər; Fr. bɛrˈʒɛr/ [ber-zhair; Fr. ber-zher]  noun, plural -gères
A bergère is an enclosed upholstered French armchair with an upholstered back and armrests on upholstered frames. The seat frame is over-upholstered, but the rest of the wooden framing is exposed: it may be moulded or carved, and of beech painted or gilded or of fruitwood, walnut or mahogany with a waxed finish. Padded elbowrests may stand upon the armrests.


I came home after work today to these totally awesome chairs.

My sister picked these up at a local thrift shop a couple of years ago and
they DID NOT look like this. My aunt re-did them for her and had just delivered them
before I got home.  I sooo wish I had a before pic to share.

I was so super jealous as soon as I saw them.  So of course I immediately had to mess with my sister.  :-)

Me:  (Along with a pic of chairs) How much profit do you want????

Purple: oh my gosh! they look amazing! i LOVE them!

Me: but I WANT THEM!!! if u could only c my face right now i no u would sooooooo give in........

Purple: not a chance!

Me:    :(

Me: U never were a good sister

Purple:  i didnt have any good modeling
(this is completely untrue and low blow IMO)

Purple: ill let you look at them. no touching though

Me:  (i then sent her a pic of me sitting in one of the chairs and touching the other)

Purple: HEY! GET OFF MY CHAIR!!




Mom and I are currently taking bets on how fast she will come home to get them.  She wasn't planning on coming home again until Thanksgiving. I've got my money on next weekend. lol

Tomorrow, I think I will send her a pic of her chairs arranged in my bedroom, because they will match it perfectly!! HeHeHe!

TGIT! (Thank goodness it's Thursday!)

Only One More Day To Go!

I've tried to return to my regular schedule this week and I'm definitely ready for the weekend.  I know I was barely two weeks out, but hey the Doc gave me my driving privileges back, so that means the same as return to normal right??  :)

No, I didn't ask specifically, but he didn't specifically say I couldn't either.

I admit I may be pushing it just a little bit, but I think I'm fine.  I'm just starting to wear down and I think I'll stay on the down low this weekend.  (because that's so different from most of my other weekends...lol)

So, you ask, what has my schedule been like this week? (Well you didn't really, but I'm going to tell you anyway.)

Sunday - Church AM & PM
Monday - Work 8-5, Ty (Karate) 6-7
Tuesday - Work 8-5, Ty (Soccer) 7-8
Wednesday - Work 8-5, Church 7-8
Thursday- Work 8-5, Ty (Soccer) 7-8
Tomorrow NOTHING :))
Don't forget the homework every night!!

Those of you who may have actually visited here before, are probably thinking "but Tuesday and Thursday your son is at his Dad's, so your off the hook".

Of course not. I must go to the practices because I'm his Mom, and that's what Mom's do. Right?? Right.  OK I realize that I don't have to.  And maybe his Dad and Lilly might prefer I didn't.  (I have nothing to base this theory on, just kinda throwing the possibility out there. I'm pretty sure it's not true. I'm sure they love sharing every Ty moment with me.)

It's probably just another one of my issues.  Me being the helicopter parent again. 

OK, I don't really hover. I'm just there. In case he needs me. Really close.

Ha! Just Kidding!

I just can't imagine something happening and me not being there.  Whether it be an injury or an amazing play. I want to be there.

Even if I am tired.  :)

The super good news though is that I've recovered enough that I'm soooo missing my blog.  So you can quit worrying.

I'm back!