Birthday Party with Jesus

Each week on my day off, I go and keep two sweet, very imaginative little girls.  A couple of weeks ago when I was at their house, they were anticipating the upcoming birthday/bday party of the (then) 4 year old.

As I was talking to the 4 year old about her upcoming party, the 3 year old was standing by listening intently.  Finally she interjected herself into the conversation and was interested in knowing if there are birthday parties in "heaben."  Now I must tell you, the girls mom has recently been telling them about her father {their grandaddy} who is in heaven.  They never got to meet him and because of some pictures of him around their house they've become inquisitive.  The 3 year old informed me that her grandaddy sits on the clouds and talks to Jesus.  However, for obvious reasons, I couldn't answer her definitively about birthday parties continuing when we get to heaven so I said, "sure there are absolutely celebrations in heaven."

So...this day is my little Mammaws 87th birthday and I can't help but think that since she is now reunited with my Pappaw and is in the presence of Jesus himself, it must truly be a birthday celebration unlike any other.  I'm sure there is a feast of all her favorite foods and {like at the 4 year olds birthday party} all her friends that are there with her are surely celebrating as well.

Secretly I too think my Mammaw, Pappaw, & Pa also sit on the clouds and watch down over me.  I miss them beyond belief but I see them in my dreams and sometimes can almost reach out and touch them.  So you enjoy this birthday Mammaw, it's gonna be the best you ever had!  All my love forever...

Puppy and Playmates

Over the past few days (4 to be exact) our little Steinway has been very sick.  Last Thursday we noticed him not walking well and just being very lethargic.  It would remind you a lot of a drunk dog (and I know all of you have seen those on occasion).  He was just real wobbly and shaky.  He didn't really want to walk period, he spent all day long Thursday on the couch asleep, we even had to physically pick him up to take him outside to potty.  So, we alerted our very accommodating vet tech friend of Steinways symptoms and ask him to please mention it to his vet on Friday morning.  So...at 7:30 Friday morning Josh calls us and says they think we should bring him in for a check.  Well, by Friday he was pretty much not walking at all.  I had to pull him from his crate and carried him into the kitchen where I sat him on the linoleum to eat and he just collapsed.  His little legs just couldn't hold him up.  I was so grateful that we could get him in to see his doctor.  Once she checked him, she determined he'd had a reaction to a vaccine that he'd had 2 weeks prior.  He had a temp of 104 and was having flu like symptoms so he was super achy (thus not able to stand himself up).  Now, I have never seen a dog act like this and I must tell you, it was the most pitiful thing I have ever seen.  He was completely helpless and could no longer jump on & off the couch and couldn't even manage the one step off the porch to go potty.  But after getting on some meds and acquiring lots of rest, Sunday he began to show signs of his usual self.  Yesterday he even got the nerve to jump on and off the couch again.

Also, this past weekend my sister, her husband, and my nieces were in for a couple of days.  I managed to snap a few pics of them and of "Steinways" (as Elizabeth calls him).  Even though Steinways wasn't up to really playing with the girls, he very peacefully sat while Catherine stuck her finger in his nose, played with his eyes & Elizabeth tried to smother him a few times with his blanket.  He loves them as much as they love him and I'm sure he loved every minute of the poking and proding.

 

Catherine enjoying a yummy cupcake & trying to figure out why I'm holding my phone in her face.

 Elizabeth "holding" Steinways, making him feel better.

 This is him resting at our house one day during his down days.

This is Elizabeth making Grandads hair "beautiful" at my shop after we cut Nana's hair.  No matter what he says, he LOVES this.  I used to do the same thing to him when I was Elizabeth's age.

Macho Man vs iMan

"Women grow up expecting all men to do what they saw their dads do, like chop wood and fix the leaky faucet," says Debra Holland PhD.  After having our daddy's at our beck and call whenever something needed repaired, we assume that's what our husbands are going to do as well.

I would like to pose the question is your 'man' a macho man or an iMan (not insisting that one can't also be the other)?  Mine is definitely an iMan.  He can tell you anything you need to know about LCD's, HD's, HDMI's, USB's, DVI's, or any other technical related wire, cable, device, or hardware of your choice.  He knows all the best TV's and computers to be had and he has ear phones that can project sound into your ear that sends you into the world of whatever you are listening to.  He thinks my Compaq laptop from ages ago (still working fine) is completely ludicrous.  However, his robotic iMac computer is absolutely foreign to me except for searching the web.  I have no idea how to download pics, music, or any of the fun stuff that I so quickly can do on my dilapidated laptop.  I guess I am far behind on learning all the updated technology.  But hey, that's what I have him for right?

Now, on the other hand if we were to have a leaky faucet or say need a floor laid, this is what we do...

we call our daddy's.

We always offer help and even dress the part, but honestly we would have no clue where to start on most household projects.  G's dad was so nice to come over and complete this small enormous feat that we told him was only going to take a couple of days and ended up taking a week.  Oh well, it got done and it looks great!  Although I have no pics, we called my dad when we had leaks in both the kitchen and the bathroom and both dads returned when a minor repair needed to be made to a window in the back of the house.

Don't get me wrong G isn't completely incapable when it comes to home improvement.  Just this morning an electrical outlet loosened in the bathroom and he & his manly dog were on the scene in a flash.

The issue was fixed without hassle and no need to call a dad.







Now, I am absolutely at terms with G not being a 'construction guy' on demand and I'm even ok with the fact that he may never whittle me a new iPhone case. But he does (I hope he doesn't kill me for this) listen when I talk, cuddles with me on the couch, and isn't ashamed to ask someone for help if he isn't quite sure where to start.  I guess it's all in ones opinion what makes a man manly.  I wouldn't trade my manly man for anything and am so happy that he's so technically savvy.  Also, I'm pretty sure our dads love to come running whenever there is a minor repair that needs attention.  Plus, they always come calling us if they have a technical question so it all balances out in the end. :)

32 And Counting...

Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come. --Lucy Larcom

Birthdays are very special milestones in our lives.  We are all born with one and consistently have one each year, whether  celebrated or completely overlooked. Personally, as a child I always anticipated my birthdays.  Being in January, and back 25 or 30 years ago, it actually snowed and upon occasion it snowed enough to ruin any birthday plans/sleepovers that I may have been looking forward to.  But even so, it meant that I was another year older and usually meant I got to open presents, eat cake, and enjoy time with my friends and family.  However, as I grew in years my birthdays somehow seemed less important.  But that inner child inside me still leaped for joy as January 29th approached.

This birthday, however, was one that I anticipated.  Definitely not because I was turning 32 but because we made plans back in September to have a long weekend with our good friends in a nice secluded spot in the mountains.  Thankfully it didn't snow (even though secretly I was hoping to get snowed in for a day or two) and we were able to go on with our plans as scheduled and had a fabulous time. 

The cabin that we had chosen was conveniently located at the tip top of a windy, stomach churning at times, mountain.  But with it being up so incredibly high it proved to have one of the most amazing views.  This was one of those times that I really wish I had a camera that would actually do the scenery justis.

This was the windy road way down below our cabin

This was looking out across Gatlinburg

We had many games and such right at our fingertips to keep us busy and entertained.  The guys were super excited to know that there would be a pool table and frankly I couldn't have been more happy to see the pac-man game.  However, the pool table ended up being a little less than to be desired.  Shiloh was the only one who came up with a great idea of a use for a 5ft pool table.

You can't see it in this pic, but she is snuggled up watching her "toons".  After all, it's her vacation too.

I still can't believe just how quickly vacations come and go and our little weekend definitely flew by way too fast.  But it's so nice to be able to get away for a little peace and quiet with such great company.  And G was already planning our next road trip on the way home.  Oh...and I thought I would give the husband a little props on such a great birthday gift!  How did he know that I would LOVE a Douney & Bourke Mickey/Minnie purse??

I love him and I love that he supports my need to travel.  Here's to many more years of road trips and celebrating birthdays or any other occasion that calls for "getting away".

Is two a crowd?

"The pretentiously - named ensuite bathroom is a major factor in divorce.  Privacy is paramount in marriage."

 

I hope I'm not breaking any 'blog etiquette' by writing on this subject but it just came to my attention recently and I'm curious to know how many others this topic effects.  I will do my best to write in a tasteful manner.

When I was young and even as I got older but still lived at home my mom, sister, and I treated our bathroom time as equal opportunity.  If I thought my mom was going to be lingering in the bathroom for a bit (if you know what I mean) then I would go in and talk to her, polish my toe nails, do homework or whatever.  I can't tell you how many life problems were solved while one of us was taking care of other business.  It just wasn't a big deal and to be quite honest it passed the time.  I always thought this was just a normal thing.  It didn't bother me for mom or my sister to come in while I occupied the toilet and in turn I knew they were okay with it as well.

But...now I'm married and oh how things have changed.  Usually, when I have to go to the restroom I do so just leaving the door open.  When G moved in and saw what was occuring he decided somethiing was going to have to change.  I finally convinced him that because we only have one bathroom in our house there may be times that I would have to "use" it while he may be, say, taking a shower.  He finally became ok with me using it (if it was going to be quick) only in an emergency.  However, he refused to allow me to do so if I was going to be lingering (if you know what I mean).  He told me, "we don't know each other well enough for that to be okay."  I tried to argue the fact telling him it would make the time pass by faster if he/I had someone to talk to but he just wasn't and still isn't convinced.  From time to time I have tried to go in, leave the door open, and not say anything.  But he senses, (by how long it takes me) no pun intended, what is going on and rushes in to shut the door for me.  Even if he is in another room he still doesn't want to know that I'm in there with the door open.  Now, he always enters into his "bathroom time" armed with his iPad, a toilet reader, or his phone, anything to keep him busy.  I guess that's what passes the time for him because it's definately not my company. 

Now, I don't really care that he doesn't want to come in during my bathroom time and if he truly needs his privacy during his then that's fine too.  I was just curious if this is an issue with every married couple or if this is just something else that will change the longer we're together??

Giving Up...For A Greater Good

…man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

We are currently going through an “Awakening” at my church and seeing how we can be more obedient to God by sharing His love through our community. One way our Pastor has suggested to get into a humble, selfless mindset is through fasting. You see I, more than anyone, love to eat and when I think of having to give up a meal let alone maybe a whole day of indulging is a little more than my mind can grasp. But why? Why is this even something I’m musing? Of all the ways that Jesus has shown selflessness and faithfulness in my life over and over again, this should be something that I labor to do. To give up one day of one of the things I love would be nothing compared to what He had to give up for me. To be so intently praying and listening to God is a charge that we should be striving for each day.

Now, I have not been known to be nor have I ever claimed to be the best cook around. So, fasting in our house may not be as difficult as in one that inhabits say, a Rachel Ray. In fact I can’t help but thinking back over the days that I have cooked and ruined several dishes that maybe God was just trying to pull me closer to Him. And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink…your Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.

This pizza doesn’t look like a masterpiece, but oddly enough it tasted as well as any frozen pizza can taste. So as with us may we not look at someone on the outside and say they aren’t capable of doing the work God has called us to do. The most incapable person may be able to do greater things than the most capable and qualified one.

This beautiful creation was for a very important Thanksgiving meal at church. I cooked the sweet potato casserole very carefully and then topped it with some marshmallows. When I stuck it in the oven for the marshmallows to be roasted toasted, I mistakingly walked out of the room. When I returned only seconds later and opened the oven door, my beautiful casserole was AFLAME!! I don’t mean that it had some smoke coming from it, I mean the entire dish was flaming. I screamed for G to come in there and in his ever calm, docile manner he casually walks into the kitchen only to find that I was not exaggerating. I quickly and carefully removed the burning dish and salvaged what I could. So, just maybe God was saying do not be concerned over this sweet potato casserole. Cook for my glory 'and all these things will be added unto you.'

I challenge you all (even if your not a member of Union Baptist) to ‘fast’ for a day. Give up something that you think you couldn’t live without and replace it with Jesus time. And all these things may be added unto YOU!

Does a comforter, comfort?

About 3 or 4 months ago I went on the hunt for a new comforter for our bed.  this was right after the wedding so I still had some gift cards to Bed Bath & Beyond that were burning holes in  my wallet.  However, before I even started I was faced with a challenge.  My new husband apparently produces and exhumes heat in his sleep and can only have a comforter that will not encourage this.  I, on the other hand, would buy one with an electric heater built in for myself.  So you can understand the predicament I was obviously in.  If only they made two sided bed covers...hmm, sounds like a patent with my name on it.  Anyway, in a store as big and plentiful as BB&B I was fairly certain I would find something that would suffice.  I searched high and low and looked at literally every comforter, spread, quilt, and blanket in the store but to no avail.  Feeling defeated, I was on my way out when the clearance table caught my eye.  If you know anything about me at all, you know I can sniff clearance tables out from miles away.  I stopped for a quick gander and there before my very eyes was just the thing I had come for.  Alas, my efforts were not in vain...or were they?  This thing was the perfect color, texture, and size and because it was missing the shams, it was an amazing deal!  I snatched it up and ran home to see how amazing it looked on our bed.  No surprise, it did in fact, look amazing.  When G got home he even approved.  So that night when we crawled under our fresh sheets and our brand new comforter I just knew it was gonna be a great night.

Now, sometime during the night I woke up an noticed I was lying under a mound of covers.  Oh well, I was comfortable so I drifted back off.  The next morning when I was questioning G about his nights sleep, he informed me, "This thing is not gonna work." "I sweated all night long and finally had to throw my side over on you."  And I thought it was just fine.  Needless to say, I had to remove the comforter and promised to wait until cold weather to put it back on.

This brings us to current day.  I did put the comforter in question back on the bed (against G's best judgment) a couple of nights ago with the promise to take it right off if a repeat of the first time occurred.  This time I have heard nothing from G, but each night that I've been under this cover I have never been so hot.  I even developed a small heat rash on my neck...WHAT, do things like this really happen??  I slept in short sleeves after having on long sleeves the first night...didn't work.  I turned the fan up a notch...nothing.  You must understand, I have never in my life gotten hot during the night.  So I ask you, could this lovely thing have so forcibly turned on me?  It still resides on the bed for now, but I assure you it's going to have to make some serious changes if it plans on staying there.  Maybe it was just a hot flash...there has to be some optimism here somewhere.