Surprise Gift

       I've received many gifts through the years. my surprise 40th was one of the best! we went out for a simple night, just Phil and I - it just so happened our wonderful friends were there too, and had a couple extra seats at their table. I never suspected a thing. I should've known something was up when my sweet hubby arranged the sitter and the place to eat... not that I'm saying he's never done that, lets just say it was a rare occurrence. It was a great time, and lots of laughs.
     This year has been a year of change. Family members are moving to new homes, my boys are so different everyday. As soon as I think I've got them figured out, they change again.
      I started this fall without a job, and in our area, employment is hard to come by.
      I got a phone call one afternoon. They were wondering if I'd like to be a driver for a couple Amish families. A couple years ago, I advertized around our area and had a few answer. Most Amish families still rely on horse & buggy to get around. When they are planning to go more than 15 or 20 miles, they arrange for a driver. Our mini van gets a workout, I get out of the house, meet new people, what a way to spend a day  :)
     My little route to and from school keeps me busy for a couple hours and still leaves time during the day. We've had great fun telling stories, practicing spelling words and times tables on the way to their brand new school. Most days I bring our dog Meemo along for the ride. He's pretty old, kinda slow and loves the front seat. He entertains the kids and they all pet him and say "hello" as soon as they see him. 
      A couple weeks ago, my poor baby couldn't even walk out to the van. The kids asked everyday if he was getting better... The day came when I had to tell them, no he's not getting better. It seemed to happen so fast.  My poor baby was a wonderful co-pilot and buddy. Now he's gone.
      The next day, as I was dropping off Thomas, his little brother came out to meet us and told him its ok, we can choose any of them!  I waited for a minute, they came back from the barn with the cutiest bundles of fuzz I've ever seen!  I tried to say no, they wouldn't have it. We picked out the one with white feet & white tip on his tail.  He doesn't really like rides in the van yet, but we're workin on it. In the meantime Dutch is just what we needed around here!
     Merry Christmas everybody!   
     

    

Veteran's Day

  

11-11-11- Veteran’s Day
   At 11am November 11th , 2011 the ceremony in honor of those who served and those who gave their lives in service of our country will begin in Washington DC.

   War has touched all our lives. Not that I have been in combat or my immediate family. But through the years, we’ve sent care packages and cards to friends and family while they were over seas.
   When I was in about 8th grade President Nixon promised to bring the troops home from Viet-Nam. Our neighbor and a cousin were there. We couldn‘t wait to see them home again, safe & sound. We heard some of the stories about living in a swamp, keeping rats off their bunks, and being so tired…
   I stayed with my cousin one weekend and woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of screaming and things being thrown against the wall. It was Tim, he was having night-mare of being on the battle field and once again couldn’t stop the bullets from hitting his friends.
   I lived in an apartment house for a short while (being young and stupid) where I was told the pictures in odd places around the room were to cover up the bullet holes. They did take away all guns and sharp objects, but I really never slept well after that…
    My father-in-law served in World War ll. Part of that time was spent in a prison camp. He survived, but chose not to tell much details of his fight to stay alive.
    I’m so glad we are showing appreciation to these people who have lived through horrific circumstances.  I see nothing romantic or exciting about war, but at the same time I’m amazed at those who feel the strong need to defend us with their whole life.
   Look around, see how you can help. Whether a true picture of bravery, or a draftee just barely able to clean a gun - we owe our lives to them and their sacrifice.
     May God bless the troops!

1.888.U GO.GIRL!

I’m gonna call    1.800.WOW.LADY
     Or maybe      1.888. U GO.GIRL!  
We’ve heard from the perfect moms. You know the ones - 3 easy steps to a perfect scholar, how to train your super mathematician, and teach your baby to read before he can sit up on his own.
    I need to share with those moms who put all their energy into strong-willed child/children just to have their little darling break another glass, or throw a toy at their sister’s head. 
    We all have difficult days. Raising children is to say the least a challenge!  There are also many rewards - some days we just have to imagine better days are on the way.
    If it was only our nature to encourage rather than judge and point out faults. I try, but many days, I just don’t know when to close my mouth!  
    Our babies are born with diverse personalities - and what that means is - what worked for the 1st child probably won’t work for the 3rd child. And just because Uncle Fred raised perfect kids, following his sage advice might not be best for yours.
    At the end of the day be satisfied that you did the best you can do. Our children will remember the lessons taught to them as they rely on the Lord and his word.   
      Know God never leaves us, always loves us, and is in control.  Memorize verses that speak to you, like
        ….Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
  He’ll never give you more than you can handle… 
        ….Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

    Remember to enjoy the time you have with them - trust me, its too short. Try to start each day on a positive note, and remember to hug, kiss and appreciate  your precious little ones.
     Be happy for the mammas who look like they have perfect children, and add them to your prayers, the less than perfect day will come to her and she will need your support.  

Bye Baby

Bye Baby
I don’t know you yet ---
They say I’ll be able to have another when I’m older, and ready to handle the extra stress
I haven’t seen you yet ----
They say you’re just a speck of tissue, you can’t feel, or see, or reason, it’s a safe procedure  - I’ll be home for supper, only a little discomfort, only for a day or two --- then, I’ll go on with my life, like nothing happened.
I haven’t told anyone yet ------
Not Mom n Dad, not even “him” - he’s not ready to deal with this - we aren’t even going steady - not really… I like him, I do, but we can’t bring something this serious to our new relationship - he’d get mad, then, I’d be alone.

… well yes, you can talk to me about it, but don’t expect me to change my mind. I’ve talked with other girls that have gone thru the same thing, they did it on Friday, and were back in school Monday - don’t have to tell parents, don’t have to pay - they’ll help with everything…..

…Ok, I’ll have the ultra-sound - just to make sure everything’s ok for the procedure -
Really? I didn’t know you can hear the heart-beat this early… 
Really? I didn’t know the brain is processing already…
Really?  My baby can move those little fingers and toes?  It isn’t just tissue?
It isn’t just a mistake? It isn’t the only way to deal with this?  I’m NOT alone? 
I’ve needed someone to talk to, someone to help me make choices, give suggestions - I didn’t know where to turn, I’m so glad I came here. I’m ready to go now,  ready to make a fresh start, make some of my 1st life-long decisions -
Oh Baby, I almost ended our relationship - just as it’s beginning. I still don’t have all the answers, I’m not sure where we’ll be in 6 months. I might not be able to stay with your dad, but I’m gonna stay with you!

Where's REAL Mom???

Mar 11, 2011
I’ve got a Mom, Dad, two sisters, tw brothers, dogs, - no cat - sometimes I wonder where my REAL Mom is at.
Does she have blue eyes or green, does she like to wear a hat?
I just want to know stuff like that.
I remember…… least I think I really do, about my first Mom & Dad and a big dog too.
Some days I feel angry, or just left out -
Mom says she understands when I yell or pout.
I love my family, that I’m sure, its just when I was young is all a blur.
I really don’t remember what the house looked like, or my favorite toy, or playin in the yard, or feeling like a little boy.
Mom doesn’t have pictures of me as a baby, so if she doesn’t know, everything is just maybe…
I don’t know if I loved her as much as I should - and if she loved me, was I just not good?
Where did she go when she left me? Did she cry all day? Do I have brothers and sisters that live far away?
Sometimes I just want to know.
Mom told me its ok, maybe I’ll find out when I’m older, but come on, I’m 11 - I’m way past her shoulder!
Kalamazoo, or California, its all the same. I’d look for them if only I knew their name…
For now, I just have to know I’ve got Mom and Dad’s love, and a place to call mine.
They’re family enough, we’ll be just fine J

The Holidays are Over

Well, the holidays are over, gotta put the tree away
It’s great to hang around with friends and family - making preparations for that day

We had great fun - kids were a delight
Being together and laughing - well, maybe one little fight

Christmas came so fast, we hardly had time to shop ----
Then just like that, it was New Year’s Eve - the year too soon will stop!

Take time to remember why CHRISTmas came to be -
With God’s gentle spirit leading, you’ll be blessed, wait n see

And when we make our new year’s resolutions - all those promises declared -
Make knowing God a little more one you’ll keep and share.

So Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, have a sweet Valentine’s too
Start each day with prayer, and may God’s blessings rest on you!!!