We take just about everything for granted these days. We don't think twice about flipping on a switch and having lights until the power goes out. We get in our car, turn it on and drive off without thinking about it, until the car won't start. We load the dishwasher and hit start, never even thinking about the convenience.
When two people are first married, they notice all the little things the other does for them. The longer a couple is married, the less those little things are noticed. Before I go much further, I do want to say this isn't a matter of the other needing things from the other. Barb Wire Man and I neither on need each other. He has and is perfectly able to take care of himself in every way. I do not need Barb Wire Man - I have, and can take care of myself in every way. But, I suppose this is a little rant.
I'm talking about the little things we do each day to make the other feel special, or to help make their life a little easier.
I work each day. Yes, I stay at home to work, but I do work. During the school year, I babysit. Contrary to what some believe, I do not sit on the couch while they watch TV. I hardly sit down throughout the day! We play, and sing all day. I change diapers constantly (literally about 18 a day!), cook breakfast and lunch for them, make them snacks, and even help potty train. Essentially, I am their mommy from 7:30 in the morning until 5:00 or later in the evening. And I love it! Financially, I could take care of myself and my kids, and I intend to keep it that way. On top of my job, I still have everyday household chores. Barb Wire Man is old fashioned in the sense that he believes it is the woman's job to care for the home, and he got lucky enough to marry a woman who believes the same! I do all the laundry. I do all the cooking. I do all the cleaning. I go to the grocery store alone. I wash his favorite coffee cup every day, and if I don't for some reason, he'd rather skip coffee than wash it himself! I make sure he has plenty of snacks in his semi. I do all the banking and bill paying. I take the trash out when he..."forgets". I take care of the garden. I rub his back. I bathe and take care of the kids. I do these things because I feel like it is my job, but also because I know Barb Wire Man is tired.
Barb Wire Man goes to work everyday, and sometimes, has some pretty funky hours. In fact, today, he left our house at 1:30 in the morning. When he gets home from work, Barb Wire Man's "duties" include taking out the trash (if I haven't already), mowing the lawn (once a week at most), and......and......and....yeah, I have nothing else to add.
I do not mind doing all the things I do around the house. I know my husband is tired after a long day at work, but sometimes, he fails to realize that I am tired from work, too. He sometimes fails to see that we both have jobs, but that on top of my job, I have work! Occasionally, it would be nice to hear a thank you from Barb Wire Man. It would be nice to hear "Let me help you with supper tonight!" Or even "I know you've been working all day, too, let me help you fold the laundry."
He takes for granted all the little things I do for him, like, washing that stupid coffee cup for him. I do it to be nice to him. To do a "little something" to make his day better.
We have to remember to never take the little things for granted.
Tell your spouse thank you for all the little things they do to make your life easier.
Better yet, help your spouse with those things. We are supposed to be a team, right?!
Be blessed today!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Marriage: Attacked By Busy-ness
I always complain that "life" gets in the way of, well, living. I mean it rather tongue in cheek, though. None of us can avoid things like work, caring for the children, laundry, cooking, etc. We have to do those things in order to survive, pay our bills, and be decent members of society. We can, however, allow those things to take over our lives.
Barb Wire Man and I have definitely allowed that to happen recently. I am incredibly blessed that I am able to work at home, but that certainly doesn't mean I don't work hard. I am able to stay at home with my two precious children, like I feel God has called me to do, but I also care for other's children. I've always taken that incredibly seriously. Essentially, I am filling in for their mommy. I truly act as though they are my children when they are with me. If my job is to teach my own child about his numbers, letters, manners, and God, then it is also my duty to teach the other children. I still have to change diapers (literally, about 18 a day!), fix breakfast and lunch for 5-8 kids, get them all down for nap, plan activities, and play. On top of this, I still have my household duties. I cook all our meals; breakfast, lunch and supper. I have mountains of laundry that I have to wash and hang out to dry, then fold. I have toilets to scrub, floors to vacuum and mop, and I try to make sure my house is spotless before Barb Wire Man gets home from work. By 5:00 in the evening, the last thing in the world I want to do is, well, anything basically. I certainly don't try to make sure I look pretty for him, because I'm around kids all day. I darn sure don't feel sexy by the end of the day! He understands this, but I know he would love to come home to a wife who at least looks like she took a shower.
Barb Wire Man drives a semi truck, so his hours are hardly 8-5. Some days, he is out the door by 4:30 in the morning, while other days, he doesn't leave til 7:00. Some days he is home by 5:00, but often it is 7:00 or later. Sometimes, he doesn't get to come home at all, and "gets" to sleep in a little bed in the back of his truck. His job duties include far more than just sitting and driving a truck. I ride with him every chance I get, and I know that his job duties are physically taxing on him. Once he gets home, there are always things I need for him to do. I know how tired he is, so I try to do everything at home by myself (which makes me even more tired!), but there are some things I cannot physically do. When you are short, sometimes, you just need a tall man to help! He trudges through, and does the things I need help with. Because the kids haven't seen him all day, all they want to do is play. I'm pretty sure he uses up the last few ounces of energy he has on our children. I've asked him many times how he has the energy to play with those two the way he does. Once the kids are in bed, all he wants to do is sit on the couch, watch TV and get on his computer. I don't blame him for this at all ,but he knows that I'd give anything for conversation, a little attention, and to simply be acknowledged.
So, what is a couple to do? We could eliminate our jobs and daily chores from our lives. Then, we'd be homeless, hungry, and most likely childless! Of course we can't do that. People make time for the things that are important to them. Outside of work, we do have an abundance of free time. I don't know about you and your spouse, but Barb Wire Man and I could make time for each other. We have chosen not to do so. I have always poured my efforts into caring for my children first. Keeping my house in what I deem "perfect" condition was second. Those two things alone consumed me. I had no energy left to be sexy for him. Barb Wire Man's spare energy went to the our kids, sitting at the computer, and watching TV. Noticing me was last on his list.
To put it bluntly, we acknowledged each other when we had to. We have wonderful, amazing conversations during the day on the phone. He sits in a truck, and has time to talk! But at night, we are alone while sitting on the couch together. After the kids are in bed, I busy myself with cleaning the house...even if it is already clean. I sit on the couch with my computer in my lap. Barb Wire Man sits on the couch watching his TV programs and is on his computer at the same time. We know what all our friends are doing, what their kids are doing, and even what their grandkids are doing, and we know what they are all thinking thanks to things like Facebook and Twitter! But we don't know what each other is thinking. We don't know what the other is feeling. Basically, we know more about people we are merely acquainted with than we know about the person we claim to love the most. And we have allowed ourselves to become okay with that fact that the most we say to each other is "Are you ready for bed?".
We both know this is something that must change. We must stop busying ourselves. We don't have to leave our house once a week to go on a date, though that would be awesome! We don't even have to swear off TV and Facebook. But we do have to set aside time every night to really talk with each other.
We don't need to talk about the kids. We don't need to talk about how our days went. We don't need to talk about what we are going to have for supper the next day. We do need to get to know each other better and continually. "Where do you see our family heading in the next five years?" "Am I meeting your needs?"
I know surely we aren't the only ones who go through this type of thing in our marriage. Hopefully sharing part of our story will help you, as well as keep us accountable. What type of questions do you and your spouse ask each other?
Yicarechech Adonai L'Olam Ve'ed
(May God bless you and keep you)
Barb Wire Man and I have definitely allowed that to happen recently. I am incredibly blessed that I am able to work at home, but that certainly doesn't mean I don't work hard. I am able to stay at home with my two precious children, like I feel God has called me to do, but I also care for other's children. I've always taken that incredibly seriously. Essentially, I am filling in for their mommy. I truly act as though they are my children when they are with me. If my job is to teach my own child about his numbers, letters, manners, and God, then it is also my duty to teach the other children. I still have to change diapers (literally, about 18 a day!), fix breakfast and lunch for 5-8 kids, get them all down for nap, plan activities, and play. On top of this, I still have my household duties. I cook all our meals; breakfast, lunch and supper. I have mountains of laundry that I have to wash and hang out to dry, then fold. I have toilets to scrub, floors to vacuum and mop, and I try to make sure my house is spotless before Barb Wire Man gets home from work. By 5:00 in the evening, the last thing in the world I want to do is, well, anything basically. I certainly don't try to make sure I look pretty for him, because I'm around kids all day. I darn sure don't feel sexy by the end of the day! He understands this, but I know he would love to come home to a wife who at least looks like she took a shower.
Barb Wire Man drives a semi truck, so his hours are hardly 8-5. Some days, he is out the door by 4:30 in the morning, while other days, he doesn't leave til 7:00. Some days he is home by 5:00, but often it is 7:00 or later. Sometimes, he doesn't get to come home at all, and "gets" to sleep in a little bed in the back of his truck. His job duties include far more than just sitting and driving a truck. I ride with him every chance I get, and I know that his job duties are physically taxing on him. Once he gets home, there are always things I need for him to do. I know how tired he is, so I try to do everything at home by myself (which makes me even more tired!), but there are some things I cannot physically do. When you are short, sometimes, you just need a tall man to help! He trudges through, and does the things I need help with. Because the kids haven't seen him all day, all they want to do is play. I'm pretty sure he uses up the last few ounces of energy he has on our children. I've asked him many times how he has the energy to play with those two the way he does. Once the kids are in bed, all he wants to do is sit on the couch, watch TV and get on his computer. I don't blame him for this at all ,but he knows that I'd give anything for conversation, a little attention, and to simply be acknowledged.
So, what is a couple to do? We could eliminate our jobs and daily chores from our lives. Then, we'd be homeless, hungry, and most likely childless! Of course we can't do that. People make time for the things that are important to them. Outside of work, we do have an abundance of free time. I don't know about you and your spouse, but Barb Wire Man and I could make time for each other. We have chosen not to do so. I have always poured my efforts into caring for my children first. Keeping my house in what I deem "perfect" condition was second. Those two things alone consumed me. I had no energy left to be sexy for him. Barb Wire Man's spare energy went to the our kids, sitting at the computer, and watching TV. Noticing me was last on his list.
To put it bluntly, we acknowledged each other when we had to. We have wonderful, amazing conversations during the day on the phone. He sits in a truck, and has time to talk! But at night, we are alone while sitting on the couch together. After the kids are in bed, I busy myself with cleaning the house...even if it is already clean. I sit on the couch with my computer in my lap. Barb Wire Man sits on the couch watching his TV programs and is on his computer at the same time. We know what all our friends are doing, what their kids are doing, and even what their grandkids are doing, and we know what they are all thinking thanks to things like Facebook and Twitter! But we don't know what each other is thinking. We don't know what the other is feeling. Basically, we know more about people we are merely acquainted with than we know about the person we claim to love the most. And we have allowed ourselves to become okay with that fact that the most we say to each other is "Are you ready for bed?".
We both know this is something that must change. We must stop busying ourselves. We don't have to leave our house once a week to go on a date, though that would be awesome! We don't even have to swear off TV and Facebook. But we do have to set aside time every night to really talk with each other.
We don't need to talk about the kids. We don't need to talk about how our days went. We don't need to talk about what we are going to have for supper the next day. We do need to get to know each other better and continually. "Where do you see our family heading in the next five years?" "Am I meeting your needs?"
I know surely we aren't the only ones who go through this type of thing in our marriage. Hopefully sharing part of our story will help you, as well as keep us accountable. What type of questions do you and your spouse ask each other?
Yicarechech Adonai L'Olam Ve'ed
(May God bless you and keep you)
Friday, May 24, 2013
Summer is Getting Closer!
Oh boy, have I been slacking on the blog front. Big time. Anytime I get busy, or overwhelmed, the blog is the first thing to get neglected.
I've also cut back a lot of expressing any type of opinion...mainly because I've just gotten tired of dealing with all the BS that comes along with it, and, because I just don't trust anyone much these days.
But, to get back on track, I thought I would post a few pictures of some of the neat things that have happened recently!
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I've also cut back a lot of expressing any type of opinion...mainly because I've just gotten tired of dealing with all the BS that comes along with it, and, because I just don't trust anyone much these days.
But, to get back on track, I thought I would post a few pictures of some of the neat things that have happened recently!
My little sister got married in May! It was held in a beautiful garden on a gorgeous day! My beautiful mom is on the left, my gorgeous sister and her new husband are next, and I'm standing next to my dashing daddy!
I'm quite proud of this little family here! My handsome husband got dressed up nice just for the wedding! Flower was the flower girl, and Little Man was quite the attention grabber as the ring bearer! (And he knew just how cool he looked!)
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As the Maid of Honor, I threw a lingerie shower for my sister. Here is one of my new favorite pictures of my mom, sister and I.
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Flower got to go on a trip to South Texas with Nana and Papa for her birthday! They visited the state capitol, the Alamo, and lots of other historical places. She had a blast!
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Flower in a field of bluebonnets they found on the trip...I'll never get over how gorgeous she is!
I know it takes an eternity for me to get blog posts up, but hopefully over the summer I will be able to devote a little more time to writing! I have been knitting some, and have quite a few things that I need to show off!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Happy New Year!!
It is 9:21 PM on December 31st, 2012 as I begin to write this.
I've spent virtually this entire day contemplating life as we have come to know it these days, and frankly, it has given me one hell of a headache, because all I have been able to dwell on are the negatives: the government in a state of disarray, joblessness...the list could go on and on.
As I was trying to gather my thoughts to put on paper, so to speak, I struggled with which direction to go with this post. Most would consider me a "clinger"...I'm clinging to my Bible and my guns. I won't deny it, I am. I considered going a political route, after reading a story about a young Austrian girl named Kitty Werthmann. You can read her story HERE. But, I won't.
You see, Ms. Werthmann's story hit me hard. The subtle, between the lines part. The little part of the story that could have been summed up by simply stating that so, so many had turned from their faith. Faith was no longer popular.
Ms. Werthmann's mother sent her to a convent, where she was shielded from the humanistic ideals that were permeating the world around her. She didn't want her daughter to lose sight of God; to become wrapped up in the idea that government held the answer. She didn't want her daughter to be blinded by the ideal that "free" was equivalent to "freedom", or that choosing to stay at home and care for her children and her husband put her on a wrung lower than women who were working. She wanted her daughter to know the joy of having a family, not just of having a baby. And how dare her mother send her somewhere that wasn't "fun", where indoctrination and politics wasn't the curriculum! (Please, sense the sarcasm here!)
After I finished reading the story, I looked over at my dear Barb Wire Man, who was glued to his computer. Indeed, he is an incredibly wise man. He knows many things about many things, and is the first person I go to with a question about anything.
I looked over at my two beautiful, wonderful children. Little Man was glued to the Rocking New Year's Eve bands playing, dancing and playing in his wonderful, innocent 3 year old way. Flower was annoyed at his mere existence, and wanted to know why I wasn't allowing her to stay up until midnight, when "all her friends got to".
Have we been slowly sucked into believe things contrary to the Word of God? Yep. Heck, we are even giving in, slowly, to believing the Word of God is nothing but fairy tales.
Have we been slowly sucked into believing the women who stay at home with their children are rich, lazy women who can't get a job? Yep, many times. At the very least, we hear "Oh, your husband won't let you work? You are so oppressed!"
Have we slowly been led to believe that country comes before all things, including God? Indeed. Need something? Don't ask God, ask Big Brother!
God is in control, whatever the future may hold, but we have to do our best to prevent anything that is contrary to our beliefs. Isn't that what we all want, whether you believe the same as me or not?
So, as I sit here watching my husband and children, writing this post, I consider my New Year's Resolutions.
I will train up my children in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
I will teach my daughter to be noble, to love her future husband, to work hard at whatever she does, to open her arms to the poor, to have no fear for her family, to laugh at the days to come and to be clothed in strength and dignity. I will teach her to speak with wisdom, watch over the affairs of her family, and that a women who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31). I will pray for her every day that she will be a true, Biblical woman of God, and will be blessed with a true, Godly man who loves God more than her, or their future children.
I will teach my son to be slow to anger (James 1:19), and to teach his children about the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). I will teach him to love his wife, just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), and to treat her tenderly (1 Peter 1:37). I will teach him to keep his way pure, by living according to God's word, by seeking God with all his heart, and hiding God's word in his heart. (Proverbs 119-11). I will pray for him daily, that he will be a Godly man, who loves his children, adores his wife, but places nothing above God.
I will focus more on my marriage and my husband, that my husband will continue to love me more than himself, but God more than me,and that I will continue to be submissive and loving towards him (Eph. 5:25-33). I will pray that our marriage will be held in honor (Hebrews 13:4), and that our home will be filled with love (1 Corin. 13). I will pray over myself all the things I pray for my daughter, and I will pray over my husband all the things I pray for my son.
I will continue to store up food, and other things, though I will not store these things up in my heart (Matthew 6:19-20). I will continue to place my faith in God, that He will provide (1 Timothy 6:17, Phillipians 4:19), regardless.
In short, I will continue to guide my family towards God, but with stronger zeal. I won't send my daughter to a convent (yet, unless she continues to grow up and get prettier!), but I will be damned if they grow up not knowing the Lord because I don't teach them. They may not like all the new ideas I have, but I don't care. This is my job, right? And I will do it to the best of my ability!
Happy New Year, everyone! May your new year be blessed!
I've spent virtually this entire day contemplating life as we have come to know it these days, and frankly, it has given me one hell of a headache, because all I have been able to dwell on are the negatives: the government in a state of disarray, joblessness...the list could go on and on.
As I was trying to gather my thoughts to put on paper, so to speak, I struggled with which direction to go with this post. Most would consider me a "clinger"...I'm clinging to my Bible and my guns. I won't deny it, I am. I considered going a political route, after reading a story about a young Austrian girl named Kitty Werthmann. You can read her story HERE. But, I won't.
You see, Ms. Werthmann's story hit me hard. The subtle, between the lines part. The little part of the story that could have been summed up by simply stating that so, so many had turned from their faith. Faith was no longer popular.
Ms. Werthmann's mother sent her to a convent, where she was shielded from the humanistic ideals that were permeating the world around her. She didn't want her daughter to lose sight of God; to become wrapped up in the idea that government held the answer. She didn't want her daughter to be blinded by the ideal that "free" was equivalent to "freedom", or that choosing to stay at home and care for her children and her husband put her on a wrung lower than women who were working. She wanted her daughter to know the joy of having a family, not just of having a baby. And how dare her mother send her somewhere that wasn't "fun", where indoctrination and politics wasn't the curriculum! (Please, sense the sarcasm here!)
After I finished reading the story, I looked over at my dear Barb Wire Man, who was glued to his computer. Indeed, he is an incredibly wise man. He knows many things about many things, and is the first person I go to with a question about anything.
I looked over at my two beautiful, wonderful children. Little Man was glued to the Rocking New Year's Eve bands playing, dancing and playing in his wonderful, innocent 3 year old way. Flower was annoyed at his mere existence, and wanted to know why I wasn't allowing her to stay up until midnight, when "all her friends got to".
Have we been slowly sucked into believe things contrary to the Word of God? Yep. Heck, we are even giving in, slowly, to believing the Word of God is nothing but fairy tales.
Have we been slowly sucked into believing the women who stay at home with their children are rich, lazy women who can't get a job? Yep, many times. At the very least, we hear "Oh, your husband won't let you work? You are so oppressed!"
Have we slowly been led to believe that country comes before all things, including God? Indeed. Need something? Don't ask God, ask Big Brother!
God is in control, whatever the future may hold, but we have to do our best to prevent anything that is contrary to our beliefs. Isn't that what we all want, whether you believe the same as me or not?
So, as I sit here watching my husband and children, writing this post, I consider my New Year's Resolutions.
I will train up my children in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
I will teach my daughter to be noble, to love her future husband, to work hard at whatever she does, to open her arms to the poor, to have no fear for her family, to laugh at the days to come and to be clothed in strength and dignity. I will teach her to speak with wisdom, watch over the affairs of her family, and that a women who fears the Lord is to be praised (Proverbs 31). I will pray for her every day that she will be a true, Biblical woman of God, and will be blessed with a true, Godly man who loves God more than her, or their future children.
I will teach my son to be slow to anger (James 1:19), and to teach his children about the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). I will teach him to love his wife, just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), and to treat her tenderly (1 Peter 1:37). I will teach him to keep his way pure, by living according to God's word, by seeking God with all his heart, and hiding God's word in his heart. (Proverbs 119-11). I will pray for him daily, that he will be a Godly man, who loves his children, adores his wife, but places nothing above God.
I will focus more on my marriage and my husband, that my husband will continue to love me more than himself, but God more than me,and that I will continue to be submissive and loving towards him (Eph. 5:25-33). I will pray that our marriage will be held in honor (Hebrews 13:4), and that our home will be filled with love (1 Corin. 13). I will pray over myself all the things I pray for my daughter, and I will pray over my husband all the things I pray for my son.
I will continue to store up food, and other things, though I will not store these things up in my heart (Matthew 6:19-20). I will continue to place my faith in God, that He will provide (1 Timothy 6:17, Phillipians 4:19), regardless.
In short, I will continue to guide my family towards God, but with stronger zeal. I won't send my daughter to a convent (yet, unless she continues to grow up and get prettier!), but I will be damned if they grow up not knowing the Lord because I don't teach them. They may not like all the new ideas I have, but I don't care. This is my job, right? And I will do it to the best of my ability!
Happy New Year, everyone! May your new year be blessed!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Happy Birthday from...Israel!?
My parents came to visit my family on Sunday! We live pretty close to each other, only an hour away, so we see each other quite frequently. Still, if I go more than a couple weeks without seeing my Mama, I get a little antsy.
My aunt, who lives about 2 hours away from me, picked a whole bunch of prickly pear fruit for me to make jelly from. She gave it to my mom, who brought it to me.
My mom was also carrying a birthday present for me! Now, my birthday isn't for a little bit more (in October), but she has had this for awhile. She has been dying to give it to me, and has almost given it away a few times. She just could wait no more!
I pulled a padded envelope out of the bag, and she told me to look closely at it. It came from Jerusalem!
Immediately, I was excited! Anyone who has read this blog much knows I have an intense love of Israel and Judaism.
My hands literally started shaking.
Then, I pull out this little piece of paper:
Well, again, if you read this then you know I have always had a deep love for archaeology.
I felt my eyes begin to tear up and though, "Holy moly, this is going to be good!"
Then, I saw this:
When I opened it up, I immediately teared up. I was so touched! My Mama knows me so well! The necklace encompasses almost everything I hold dear to my heart.
I love Yahweh. I love Jesus the Messiah. I love how archaeology and history can line up so beautifully with scripture when one knows what to look for. (Yes, and I also love simple, silver jewelry.)
Now, like I said, it doesn't cover all the things about me that I hold dear to my heart. That is where these two charms come into play (and, both were also given to me by my mother!):
One, well, no one will really understand that one unless you are apart of my family, but it reminds me each day of my mom, dad, and sister. The other I think is quite self explanatory!
I never change my jewelry. I wear the exact same pieces every single day, literally. I don't change my jewelry to match my clothing. I wear the necklaces pictured. I wear my wedding rings on my left hand. I wear a simple pearl ring from my parents and a Harley Davidson ring from Barb Wire Man on the right hand. I wear the earrings that belonged to my great-grandmother. That's all.
I guess jewelry isn't so much a fashion statement for me...it is a wearable reminder of who I am, where I have been, and where I am going.
My new necklace is now apart of my every day ensemble. I also think it is neat that mom gave it to me on Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashanah as most people know it). And it is also pretty cool that, thanks to Facebook, I was actually able to have a conversation with the man from whom my mom got the necklace...in Jerusalem. Very, very cool.
What is the most meaningful piece of jewelry do you have?
Be blessed, and have a marvelous day!
My aunt, who lives about 2 hours away from me, picked a whole bunch of prickly pear fruit for me to make jelly from. She gave it to my mom, who brought it to me.
My mom was also carrying a birthday present for me! Now, my birthday isn't for a little bit more (in October), but she has had this for awhile. She has been dying to give it to me, and has almost given it away a few times. She just could wait no more!
I pulled a padded envelope out of the bag, and she told me to look closely at it. It came from Jerusalem!
Immediately, I was excited! Anyone who has read this blog much knows I have an intense love of Israel and Judaism.
Then, I pull out this little piece of paper:
Well, again, if you read this then you know I have always had a deep love for archaeology.
I felt my eyes begin to tear up and though, "Holy moly, this is going to be good!"
Then, I saw this:
When I opened it up, I immediately teared up. I was so touched! My Mama knows me so well! The necklace encompasses almost everything I hold dear to my heart.
I love Yahweh. I love Jesus the Messiah. I love how archaeology and history can line up so beautifully with scripture when one knows what to look for. (Yes, and I also love simple, silver jewelry.)
Now, like I said, it doesn't cover all the things about me that I hold dear to my heart. That is where these two charms come into play (and, both were also given to me by my mother!):
One, well, no one will really understand that one unless you are apart of my family, but it reminds me each day of my mom, dad, and sister. The other I think is quite self explanatory!
I never change my jewelry. I wear the exact same pieces every single day, literally. I don't change my jewelry to match my clothing. I wear the necklaces pictured. I wear my wedding rings on my left hand. I wear a simple pearl ring from my parents and a Harley Davidson ring from Barb Wire Man on the right hand. I wear the earrings that belonged to my great-grandmother. That's all.
I guess jewelry isn't so much a fashion statement for me...it is a wearable reminder of who I am, where I have been, and where I am going.
My new necklace is now apart of my every day ensemble. I also think it is neat that mom gave it to me on Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashanah as most people know it). And it is also pretty cool that, thanks to Facebook, I was actually able to have a conversation with the man from whom my mom got the necklace...in Jerusalem. Very, very cool.
What is the most meaningful piece of jewelry do you have?
Be blessed, and have a marvelous day!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Jesus Loves the Little Children!
A few weekends ago, Barb Wire Man and I packed our bags, loaded up our kiddos, and headed up to Colorado to visit my Aunt and Uncle.
Uncle, my mom's brother, has always been one of my favorite people. I used to do a lot of stuff with him when I was the only little one in the family, and I looked up to him so much! My aunt and I text constantly throughout the day. We have an awful lot in common, and are always sharing ideas and asking each other questions. I truly consider her a friend, not just my aunt. Their children are the same age as mine, and it is just wonderful to see them forming friendships with each other.
These family friendships go back further than just my aunt, uncle and I. My aunt's mom was actually best friends with my maternal great-grandmother! Aunt and I really think God must have some pretty big plans for our family, as there are now three generations of great friendships.
Anyhow, back to the story. We put everyone in the car, and set off for Colorado. It was a 5 hour drive, and surprisingly, went really well! The absolute best part of the whole trip was watching the kids' eyes light up when the mountains began to come into view. The mountains are, by far, my most favorite place in the world. I'd love nothing more than to live in a house way up in the mountains, cut off from the rest of the world. Sounds insane, but really is my dream. It was such a wonderful time to talk to my children about the beauty of creation. We talked on and on about what an amazing God we have, who would create such beauty for us to look at.
The entire purpose of our trip was because Aunt and Uncle asked Barb Wire Man and I to be sponsors for my little cousin's baptism! It was such an honor to be asked! During the church service, Uncle, Aunt, Barb Wire Man and I recited words committing ourselves to teaching the Little Ones about God. They were so much more than words to me.
The world is going to take every chance they have to teach our children that there is no God; to teach our children that they are the author's of their own destiny.
As Christians, we have such a huge responsibility to teach our children about the things we believe. Every moment with our children is a teachable moment. As we drove into the mountains of Colorado, our family was able to discuss creation. We were able to discuss how great God is, for providing us with not only a world full of the things we need, but also beauty everywhere we look. Let's make sure our children know that we serve an amazing, powerful, almighty God.
What are your favorite times to teach your children about God?
 |
| My uncle with my mom. |
Uncle, my mom's brother, has always been one of my favorite people. I used to do a lot of stuff with him when I was the only little one in the family, and I looked up to him so much! My aunt and I text constantly throughout the day. We have an awful lot in common, and are always sharing ideas and asking each other questions. I truly consider her a friend, not just my aunt. Their children are the same age as mine, and it is just wonderful to see them forming friendships with each other.
These family friendships go back further than just my aunt, uncle and I. My aunt's mom was actually best friends with my maternal great-grandmother! Aunt and I really think God must have some pretty big plans for our family, as there are now three generations of great friendships.
 |
| Flower, Little Man and me in our hotel room before church. |
Anyhow, back to the story. We put everyone in the car, and set off for Colorado. It was a 5 hour drive, and surprisingly, went really well! The absolute best part of the whole trip was watching the kids' eyes light up when the mountains began to come into view. The mountains are, by far, my most favorite place in the world. I'd love nothing more than to live in a house way up in the mountains, cut off from the rest of the world. Sounds insane, but really is my dream. It was such a wonderful time to talk to my children about the beauty of creation. We talked on and on about what an amazing God we have, who would create such beauty for us to look at.
The entire purpose of our trip was because Aunt and Uncle asked Barb Wire Man and I to be sponsors for my little cousin's baptism! It was such an honor to be asked! During the church service, Uncle, Aunt, Barb Wire Man and I recited words committing ourselves to teaching the Little Ones about God. They were so much more than words to me.
 |
| The banner that hung in the front of the church announcing his baptism |
The world is going to take every chance they have to teach our children that there is no God; to teach our children that they are the author's of their own destiny.
As Christians, we have such a huge responsibility to teach our children about the things we believe. Every moment with our children is a teachable moment. As we drove into the mountains of Colorado, our family was able to discuss creation. We were able to discuss how great God is, for providing us with not only a world full of the things we need, but also beauty everywhere we look. Let's make sure our children know that we serve an amazing, powerful, almighty God.
 |
| The whole family! (Notice my little cousin is still holding her knitting?!) |
What are your favorite times to teach your children about God?
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Past Comes to Life
Most everyone who has read my blog a time or two knows that my family history is incredibly important to me. So when my mom invited the family over to her house to look through several boxes of old, almost forgotten photos, I was elated! Some of these pictures were some I had never even seen, and of people I had only heard stories about. Some were of people I dearly loved that have been gone for many years.
I enjoyed hearing my mom, my aunt, and my great-uncle tell stories about these people that I had never heard before. I learned things about my grandparents, great-grandparents and beyond that I never knew.
This is a photo of my grandparents and my mom, when she was just a tiny little thing! I think my grandmother was just gorgeous. And my Pawpaw? Quite the looker! You can't tell from these pictures, but he had bright red hair, and my grandma always said that red hair is what made her fall in love with him! I love these pictures of them, because it shows that there were very much in love. When I was young, my Pawpaw had a pretty hard shell. He was a tough ol' cowboy, and feelings were not something he expressed..unless he was angry! He didn't come around hugging and loving on you, and he didn't often say "I love you". I always wondered if he was really in love with my Grandma, or if he just kinda hung around. I think these pictures show that they really did love each other. (That and my great-uncle informed me that they were quite in love!)
I love this picture. I don't even think there are any words necessary!
This is a picture of my grandparents more the way I remember them. Grandma's smile never changed!
My great-grandmother, Helen, was a super classy woman. I had never seen this picture of her before, but she totally looks like the kind of woman I would have been had I been her age back then! She and I shared the same middle name, Lorraine. My mom was very close to her. The young boy in the picture is my Pawpaw!
This was my grandmother in her later years, every bit as classy and pretty as she was when she was a young lady!
There were so many, many more pictures I could have shared! But, I will leave it at this for today!
Be blessed!
I enjoyed hearing my mom, my aunt, and my great-uncle tell stories about these people that I had never heard before. I learned things about my grandparents, great-grandparents and beyond that I never knew.
I love this picture. I don't even think there are any words necessary!
My great-grandmother, Helen, was a super classy woman. I had never seen this picture of her before, but she totally looks like the kind of woman I would have been had I been her age back then! She and I shared the same middle name, Lorraine. My mom was very close to her. The young boy in the picture is my Pawpaw!
Be blessed!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Flower, Canyons, and Recovery!
Saturday morning I woke up bright and early. Actually, I woke up so early there was no bright about it...it was still pitch dark outside. I filled up my coffee cup, and set out to the Palo Duro Canyon to meet Flower and her step mom! I was so excited! I had to set my cruise control to keep from speeding to get there.
I had a two hour drive in front of me to get to the Canyon, and I was alone. I turned on some praise music and turned it up pretty loudly. I stopped on the side of the road to take this picture, right before it started to rain.
I left my window rolled down, could smell the wonderful fragrance of the rain, and was admiring the beautiful West Texas sunrise. The beauty of the Canyon was just coming into sight. I was singing along to the worship music, and knew I was about to see the biggest blessing God has ever given me. I was simply overwhelmed by the awesomeness of God.
I reached the starting line of the Palo Duro Hot Dog Race, and was there just a little bit before my sweet girl got there. When she did, we both ran over to each other. That was the best hug I have had in a long time! Honestly, I immediately started crying! I was so excited to see my baby's face I couldn't help it!
Flower and I helped transport the racers to and from where they needed to be, and cheered her step-mom on as she ran the second leg of the relay (you can run the whole race, but they also have relay teams). Then, we went up to the top of the hill known as "The Lookout" and waited at the finished line with Flower's step-mom and step-sister. I was so amazed at how quickly some of the runners were able to finish the race. They made it look so easy!
The hardest part of the race is the final hill to the finish point. In that picture, we are at the finish line....don't the runner look small? It is a pretty big hill!
Flower and I left, and went to visit my parents. Flower is incredibly close to them, and she wanted to go see them. We went to lunch, then killed time. I had a surprise party planned for Flower, so we couldn't be home until 6:30!
I'm so thankful for Barb Wire Man, our bestest of friends, and my parents. While we were out wasting time, they were at my house decorating, and setting out food for the party. When we pulled into the driveway of our house, and she saw the "welcome home" sign, she was shocked! She had no idea, and could hardly believe it!
Once she saw Barb Wire Man, we could hardly pry her off of him! Then, she saw Little Man, and her best friend. Little Man wouldn't let her out of his sight! I think he was happier than anyone that she was home!
We had a great party, but that day was so...incredibly....long. I ended up being awake for 21 hours. On Sunday, Little Man woke us up around 7AM. We came into the living room, and Flower and I fell back asleep on the couch! Barb Wire Man came into the living room at some point, and fell back asleep on the floor! Little Man was the only one who did not fall back asleep, so the kids ate a quick bite for lunch and he went to take a nap. Flower and I went into my room to watch Mirror Mirror and guess what? I fell back asleep, and so did Flower. Barb Wire Man fell back asleep on the couch while watching Nascar! (I'm telling you, we were all exhausted! We woke up around 5PM, and ate supper. By 9:00, both of the kids were already in bed, and fell asleep within minutes. We weren't too far behind! Our bodies apparently needed the rest!
I thank God that my baby girl is home, and my family is all together. The sweetest thing was waking up, and being able to snuggle with both of my children on Sunday morning. I have been blessed beyond belief. I have an amazing family. Nothing compares to that. Period.
Be blessed today!
I left my window rolled down, could smell the wonderful fragrance of the rain, and was admiring the beautiful West Texas sunrise. The beauty of the Canyon was just coming into sight. I was singing along to the worship music, and knew I was about to see the biggest blessing God has ever given me. I was simply overwhelmed by the awesomeness of God.
I reached the starting line of the Palo Duro Hot Dog Race, and was there just a little bit before my sweet girl got there. When she did, we both ran over to each other. That was the best hug I have had in a long time! Honestly, I immediately started crying! I was so excited to see my baby's face I couldn't help it!
Flower and I helped transport the racers to and from where they needed to be, and cheered her step-mom on as she ran the second leg of the relay (you can run the whole race, but they also have relay teams). Then, we went up to the top of the hill known as "The Lookout" and waited at the finished line with Flower's step-mom and step-sister. I was so amazed at how quickly some of the runners were able to finish the race. They made it look so easy!
The hardest part of the race is the final hill to the finish point. In that picture, we are at the finish line....don't the runner look small? It is a pretty big hill!
Flower and I left, and went to visit my parents. Flower is incredibly close to them, and she wanted to go see them. We went to lunch, then killed time. I had a surprise party planned for Flower, so we couldn't be home until 6:30!
I'm so thankful for Barb Wire Man, our bestest of friends, and my parents. While we were out wasting time, they were at my house decorating, and setting out food for the party. When we pulled into the driveway of our house, and she saw the "welcome home" sign, she was shocked! She had no idea, and could hardly believe it!
Once she saw Barb Wire Man, we could hardly pry her off of him! Then, she saw Little Man, and her best friend. Little Man wouldn't let her out of his sight! I think he was happier than anyone that she was home!
We had a great party, but that day was so...incredibly....long. I ended up being awake for 21 hours. On Sunday, Little Man woke us up around 7AM. We came into the living room, and Flower and I fell back asleep on the couch! Barb Wire Man came into the living room at some point, and fell back asleep on the floor! Little Man was the only one who did not fall back asleep, so the kids ate a quick bite for lunch and he went to take a nap. Flower and I went into my room to watch Mirror Mirror and guess what? I fell back asleep, and so did Flower. Barb Wire Man fell back asleep on the couch while watching Nascar! (I'm telling you, we were all exhausted! We woke up around 5PM, and ate supper. By 9:00, both of the kids were already in bed, and fell asleep within minutes. We weren't too far behind! Our bodies apparently needed the rest!
I thank God that my baby girl is home, and my family is all together. The sweetest thing was waking up, and being able to snuggle with both of my children on Sunday morning. I have been blessed beyond belief. I have an amazing family. Nothing compares to that. Period.
Be blessed today!
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