I like how it looks cold and icy!
I have always really liked snowmen, but this blue thing is pretty recent.
A dash of red every so often to keep my family happy!
Christmas decorating time is upon us!
Go!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving Day 2010
Happy Thanksgiving blog world!
I have no recollection of ever reading the official "Thanksgiving day proclamation" given so very long ago. I don't remember it being presented in school, or driven home in history class. I bet you remember the same things as I do....Pilgrims and Indians, maize and vegetables, cornucopias and large crowds gathered 'round tables.
Now, I realize those things are all a part of it, going way back into our nations history, but....
Apparently Pilgrim Edward Winslow was present at the first Thanksgiving Festival and had this to say after listing out the sparse bounty that they had in those days of celebration.
"And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE... FAR FROM WANT." December 1621
Here is a little history lesson which gets us from that December to the holiday becoming national.
from the Christian Answers network.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interposition's of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
I have for all these years missed the significance of this day.
I am a grateful person.
I am a thankful person...and by default this thankfulness always goes to my God.
Who else am I gonna thank for all the wonder in my life?
But the default button was not pushed when it came to setting up this day.
It was pure and true acknowledgment of God and being thankful to Him that this day is to be about.
Specifically setting aside time for thanks to God.
I know for me....in the past I have spent my thanksgiving days trying to be thankful, have a thankful spirit, say thankful words etc.
Having a spirit of thankfulness but not directing that thankfulness to God, just being thankful generally...not specifically. There have been times in my life when there was a certain hollowness to my thankful attitude, a shallowness because that thankfulness did not intentionally go to God.
Maybe having that default is a strength and not a weakness, but I want my acknowledgment of God to be more than just one of those things I do because it is what I have always done.
This my 40th year of life is where I raise my Ebenezer.
This is the year when I say with intention and purpose,
God...it is all about you and how you bless my life and my country and my family.
It is you who controls the ebb and flow of my life and in you I wholly trust in all of those times.
This is the year I mark this spot and say "here by thy great help I have come".
Take time today to raise your Ebenezer, your open dedication and thankfulness for God's faithfulness in your life.
I have no recollection of ever reading the official "Thanksgiving day proclamation" given so very long ago. I don't remember it being presented in school, or driven home in history class. I bet you remember the same things as I do....Pilgrims and Indians, maize and vegetables, cornucopias and large crowds gathered 'round tables.
Now, I realize those things are all a part of it, going way back into our nations history, but....
Apparently Pilgrim Edward Winslow was present at the first Thanksgiving Festival and had this to say after listing out the sparse bounty that they had in those days of celebration.
"And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE... FAR FROM WANT." December 1621
Here is a little history lesson which gets us from that December to the holiday becoming national.
from the Christian Answers network.
"Much of the credit for the adoption of a later ANNUAL national Thanksgiving Day may be attributed to Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. For thirty years, she promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting President after President until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln's precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday."
Stick with me just a little while longer I know this is a wordy post.
Please take time to read this short proclamation put forth by Washington in the year 1789. It is so heartfelt and beautiful.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interposition's of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
I have for all these years missed the significance of this day.
I am a grateful person.
I am a thankful person...and by default this thankfulness always goes to my God.
Who else am I gonna thank for all the wonder in my life?
But the default button was not pushed when it came to setting up this day.
It was pure and true acknowledgment of God and being thankful to Him that this day is to be about.
Specifically setting aside time for thanks to God.
I know for me....in the past I have spent my thanksgiving days trying to be thankful, have a thankful spirit, say thankful words etc.
Having a spirit of thankfulness but not directing that thankfulness to God, just being thankful generally...not specifically. There have been times in my life when there was a certain hollowness to my thankful attitude, a shallowness because that thankfulness did not intentionally go to God.
Maybe having that default is a strength and not a weakness, but I want my acknowledgment of God to be more than just one of those things I do because it is what I have always done.
This my 40th year of life is where I raise my Ebenezer.
This is the year when I say with intention and purpose,
God...it is all about you and how you bless my life and my country and my family.
It is you who controls the ebb and flow of my life and in you I wholly trust in all of those times.
This is the year I mark this spot and say "here by thy great help I have come".
Take time today to raise your Ebenezer, your open dedication and thankfulness for God's faithfulness in your life.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The insanity of the bead!
Beads, beads, beads!
Wow, this bead making thing has taken up a huge portion of my days lately.
I am hoping to make lots and lots of earrings and pendants which can be sold to people who will enjoy them...and in the process make some spending money.
I began this process with the abject failure of my first bead.
It was supposed to be a bear claw but looked more like some foreign cryptogram word.
I feel okay sharing this image with you again though I do feel shame at the results I know they were made in ignorance! (Please notice also...photo taken with old camera...
I was feeling pretty down about that and sat back down at the computer with some time for reading with my trusty google friend.
There is so much information out there, that we can get within seconds...how amazing is that?
I found a polymer clay cane making professional who was kind enough to photograph her cane making process.
I made another go at it and had mild success, but know I have quite away to go before being truly skilled at this process.
There are few things in my life that I feel pressure to be a perfectionist about, my artwork is one of them.
So, of course I am harder on myself than you would be.
...photo taken with new camera!!!)
My first, 2nd attempt was to try to make a cute little gift box. FAIL!!!
I turned this into what I hope is a mildly successful "plaid."
See all the tiny sideways gift boxes? Ughhh!
Next attempt was a snowflake.
I wish I had taken the time to make this more intricate.
Next time!
Forget that, there will be no next time, only other designs.
I took a huge portion of the FAIL gift boxes and squished them in my hands.
I was frustrated and just wanted them to go away!
They made this fun swirly design which I decided looked a bit like some of that mixed up yarn people work with.
I am not sure what people would wear this with, but I have lots of 'em to work with.
Blue jeans, everyone wears blue jeans, right?
Since I felt a little success with those mittens I decided I would step up my game.
I approached my next project with boldness that can only be born out of ignorance.
Ha!
This is my oldest sons taekwondo school patch.
Each school has their own patch designed especially for their school, so that it is unique.
I asked the school owners if I could pursue the idea of a bead with this design on it and got an enthusiastic go ahead.
I learned from the cane making lady to work on top of a design filling in the pieces with clay as you build the design. I finally broke out my camera to record the action about 2 hours into the process.
Yes, my friends this is 2 hours of work. Cutting every piece to the exact(ish) size and shape needed and placing it with its friends in such a way that they get along.
This is about an inch and a half tall.
Can you tell I am working on a color copy of the jacket patch? I think it looks a bit confusing.
It doesn't get any taller until later, but does get wider and wider as I fill in the design.
There was NO WAY I was even going to attempt those letters, no way no how!!!
At this point I was finally starting to breath a bit, but got immediately nervous again because I knew what had to come eventually!!
Ahhhhh, finally I finished the overall design.
Next up, reducing it.
It is a good idea to run screaming 'round the room waving your arms wildly in the air. This will cause the children to come running and the dog to start barking and chasing you, but it will relieve some of the tension associated with the next painful part of this process.
The part I so totally need more practice on!!!!
You must take the design that you have poured hours into and squish it.
Squish it and squish it and squish it down to a "cane".
There are people who have been doing this process for sometime and can actually keep the ends from going all crazy wonky!
I am not one of those people. YET!!!
This creates a LOT of waste!
I began cutting here, and still didn't come across the intact design.
Oh, see...not there yet. No red square.
I cut and cut and cut until finally I came across the design as it was meant to be!!!
It is a good idea at this point to again run screaming 'round the room waving your arms wildly in the air, this will cause the children to come running and the dog to start barking and chasing you, but it will let everyone know how excited you are that all your effort has paid off!!!
Be careful if you decide to do this...remember I still don't have any furniture in my living room and can do this freely.
The next step is to slice pieces off in the desired thickness.
Next, put them in the oven to bake per the instructions on the package.
And, then there you have it...a days worth of work for a bead.
I supposes I will still put another hour or more into these when I put the wire on and hang them on a necklace for wearing. So, an investment of about 6 hours time total. I think that is kind of insane.
But will I let that insanity stop me???
Of course not.
Right now in my little pea brain is a steaming mug of cocoa begging to be squished into a bead.
A tiny turquoise mug with hot cocoa and marshmallows (homemade of course).
See ya later world, beads I must make!
Wow, this bead making thing has taken up a huge portion of my days lately.
I am hoping to make lots and lots of earrings and pendants which can be sold to people who will enjoy them...and in the process make some spending money.
I began this process with the abject failure of my first bead.
It was supposed to be a bear claw but looked more like some foreign cryptogram word.
I feel okay sharing this image with you again though I do feel shame at the results I know they were made in ignorance! (Please notice also...photo taken with old camera...
I was feeling pretty down about that and sat back down at the computer with some time for reading with my trusty google friend.
There is so much information out there, that we can get within seconds...how amazing is that?
I found a polymer clay cane making professional who was kind enough to photograph her cane making process.
I made another go at it and had mild success, but know I have quite away to go before being truly skilled at this process.
There are few things in my life that I feel pressure to be a perfectionist about, my artwork is one of them.
So, of course I am harder on myself than you would be.
...photo taken with new camera!!!)
My first, 2nd attempt was to try to make a cute little gift box. FAIL!!!
I turned this into what I hope is a mildly successful "plaid."
See all the tiny sideways gift boxes? Ughhh!
Next attempt was a snowflake.
I wish I had taken the time to make this more intricate.
Next time!
Forget that, there will be no next time, only other designs.
I took a huge portion of the FAIL gift boxes and squished them in my hands.
I was frustrated and just wanted them to go away!
They made this fun swirly design which I decided looked a bit like some of that mixed up yarn people work with.
I am not sure what people would wear this with, but I have lots of 'em to work with.
Blue jeans, everyone wears blue jeans, right?
Since I felt a little success with those mittens I decided I would step up my game.
I approached my next project with boldness that can only be born out of ignorance.
Ha!
This is my oldest sons taekwondo school patch.
Each school has their own patch designed especially for their school, so that it is unique.
I asked the school owners if I could pursue the idea of a bead with this design on it and got an enthusiastic go ahead.
I learned from the cane making lady to work on top of a design filling in the pieces with clay as you build the design. I finally broke out my camera to record the action about 2 hours into the process.
Yes, my friends this is 2 hours of work. Cutting every piece to the exact(ish) size and shape needed and placing it with its friends in such a way that they get along.
This is about an inch and a half tall.
Can you tell I am working on a color copy of the jacket patch? I think it looks a bit confusing.
It doesn't get any taller until later, but does get wider and wider as I fill in the design.
There was NO WAY I was even going to attempt those letters, no way no how!!!
At this point I was finally starting to breath a bit, but got immediately nervous again because I knew what had to come eventually!!
Ahhhhh, finally I finished the overall design.
Next up, reducing it.
It is a good idea to run screaming 'round the room waving your arms wildly in the air. This will cause the children to come running and the dog to start barking and chasing you, but it will relieve some of the tension associated with the next painful part of this process.
The part I so totally need more practice on!!!!
You must take the design that you have poured hours into and squish it.
Squish it and squish it and squish it down to a "cane".
There are people who have been doing this process for sometime and can actually keep the ends from going all crazy wonky!
I am not one of those people. YET!!!
This creates a LOT of waste!
I began cutting here, and still didn't come across the intact design.
Oh, see...not there yet. No red square.
I cut and cut and cut until finally I came across the design as it was meant to be!!!
It is a good idea at this point to again run screaming 'round the room waving your arms wildly in the air, this will cause the children to come running and the dog to start barking and chasing you, but it will let everyone know how excited you are that all your effort has paid off!!!
Be careful if you decide to do this...remember I still don't have any furniture in my living room and can do this freely.
The next step is to slice pieces off in the desired thickness.
Next, put them in the oven to bake per the instructions on the package.
And, then there you have it...a days worth of work for a bead.
I supposes I will still put another hour or more into these when I put the wire on and hang them on a necklace for wearing. So, an investment of about 6 hours time total. I think that is kind of insane.
But will I let that insanity stop me???
Of course not.
Right now in my little pea brain is a steaming mug of cocoa begging to be squished into a bead.
A tiny turquoise mug with hot cocoa and marshmallows (homemade of course).
See ya later world, beads I must make!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
First photos!
Woo hoo, I had a few moments to take some pictures today!
Man oh man do I have a lot to learn!
But, just for fun I will share some with ya.
In case you haven't noticed...I don't post pictures of my kids on this blog, (just don't want it to be that kind of blog), so pictures of my dog is what you will get!
Oh, and of my fish.
Let's start with this yuck shot this morning when there was no light and I didn't know how to take a picture without the flash. I still don't know how to take a picture without the flash. I have too much else to do right now though to read the manual. Ha!
Look at those awesome tail fins though!!
MMMmmmmm such possibility!
Oh, yes and the hamster, we must have photos of the hamster.
This is storm, he is well loved!
And will be oft photographed, mark my words.
And now on to the puppy pictures.
Shelby loves her green blanket which she snuggles with in her crate starting at like....7 o'clock at night. She really goes to bed early. We call it her nap before bedtime.
From this point on she got very wary of me and that black thing that shines bright lights in her eyes!
She here she is innocently looking out the window....
Notice her ears are back. She is refusing to look at me because she knows I have that "thing".
Come on Shelby, I just want to take your picture over and over and over and over again.
Why does she have such an issue with this??
She is quite patient. But has got a few disgusted looks down pat.
Yes, disgust mixed with disbelief I think.
This is my favorite.
It says...really?
Sigh, really.
Seriously Mom, please put that thing away, sigh!
Sorry Shelbster, we are just getting started!
Man oh man do I have a lot to learn!
But, just for fun I will share some with ya.
In case you haven't noticed...I don't post pictures of my kids on this blog, (just don't want it to be that kind of blog), so pictures of my dog is what you will get!
Oh, and of my fish.
Let's start with this yuck shot this morning when there was no light and I didn't know how to take a picture without the flash. I still don't know how to take a picture without the flash. I have too much else to do right now though to read the manual. Ha!
Look at those awesome tail fins though!!
MMMmmmmm such possibility!
Oh, yes and the hamster, we must have photos of the hamster.
This is storm, he is well loved!
And will be oft photographed, mark my words.
And now on to the puppy pictures.
Shelby loves her green blanket which she snuggles with in her crate starting at like....7 o'clock at night. She really goes to bed early. We call it her nap before bedtime.
From this point on she got very wary of me and that black thing that shines bright lights in her eyes!
She here she is innocently looking out the window....
Notice her ears are back. She is refusing to look at me because she knows I have that "thing".
Come on Shelby, I just want to take your picture over and over and over and over again.
Why does she have such an issue with this??
She is quite patient. But has got a few disgusted looks down pat.
Yes, disgust mixed with disbelief I think.
This is my favorite.
It says...really?
Sigh, really.
Seriously Mom, please put that thing away, sigh!
Sorry Shelbster, we are just getting started!
Checking in
Hello.
Still really crazy busy.
Goodbye!
Okay actually I have a few minutes!
As you know I have been wanting a new camera for some time.
My last camera was a Sony Cybershot which I got on Black Friday some years ago. (I think)
It is a darling little digital camera of which I have outgrown!
By the time it takes a picture the moment is gone, and truly capturing moments is half of what photography is about!
So, the other day my friend over at Frugal Fotography called me up and told me the camera she uses was at a very very hot price. We have chatted cameras a lot in the past so it was very kind of her to point me toward that deal.
And here she is....
Ohhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhh!
I haven't named her yet, but feel confident she is female. Just go with it okay?!?
She came with a telephoto lens as well, something about 75-250. I have no idea what that means.
Yes, my friends I have this amazing camera and have no idea how to use it.
I gotta tell you the book isn't much help either.
I have a feeling I am going to be doing a ton of reading on the subject and might just get lucky taking a few good pictures.
I know you will be patient with me...you always have been before.
At least that is what I choose to think of you, since we don't have much face to face.
Okay, so there is the latest.
I will continue to be busy this week with jewelry making and turkey basting. (I won't actually baste my turkey, but it rhymed) So I may or may not get a chance to visit with you.
Either way, have a blessed holiday!
Still really crazy busy.
Goodbye!
Okay actually I have a few minutes!
As you know I have been wanting a new camera for some time.
My last camera was a Sony Cybershot which I got on Black Friday some years ago. (I think)
It is a darling little digital camera of which I have outgrown!
By the time it takes a picture the moment is gone, and truly capturing moments is half of what photography is about!
So, the other day my friend over at Frugal Fotography called me up and told me the camera she uses was at a very very hot price. We have chatted cameras a lot in the past so it was very kind of her to point me toward that deal.
And here she is....
Ohhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhh!
I haven't named her yet, but feel confident she is female. Just go with it okay?!?
She came with a telephoto lens as well, something about 75-250. I have no idea what that means.
Yes, my friends I have this amazing camera and have no idea how to use it.
I gotta tell you the book isn't much help either.
I have a feeling I am going to be doing a ton of reading on the subject and might just get lucky taking a few good pictures.
I know you will be patient with me...you always have been before.
At least that is what I choose to think of you, since we don't have much face to face.
Okay, so there is the latest.
I will continue to be busy this week with jewelry making and turkey basting. (I won't actually baste my turkey, but it rhymed) So I may or may not get a chance to visit with you.
Either way, have a blessed holiday!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Hey, real quick....
I have been so very busy!!
This is a trend of mine that you are picking up on by now I hope.
I have been busy making holiday earrings and taking bad photos of them.
Wanna see??
Okay!
Holiday lights!
Different Christmas trees.
Cute little snowmen!
This is my attempt at a bear paw (our elementary school mascot) without enough knowledge to do it right.
I am almost too embarrassed to even show you...but will do it because I am determined to get it right!!!
Here is what they are supposed to look like!
Ha, I have learned quite a bit since this debacle and am gonna make another go at it!!
Oh, and guess what????
NO more bad photos for me!!!
I have a new camera on its way right now!!
Tell ya more about it later, gotta run.
This is a trend of mine that you are picking up on by now I hope.
I have been busy making holiday earrings and taking bad photos of them.
Wanna see??
Okay!
Holiday lights!
Different Christmas trees.
Cute little snowmen!
This is my attempt at a bear paw (our elementary school mascot) without enough knowledge to do it right.
I am almost too embarrassed to even show you...but will do it because I am determined to get it right!!!
Here is what they are supposed to look like!
Ha, I have learned quite a bit since this debacle and am gonna make another go at it!!
Oh, and guess what????
NO more bad photos for me!!!
I have a new camera on its way right now!!
Tell ya more about it later, gotta run.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Fun!
I went this morning to open my freezer to make a decision about what to have for supper.
Spaghetti and meatballs is what I decided.
Then I came across this video on the internet.
Western Spaghetti can be viewed here after a short advertisement!
It is quite appropriate and interesting to watch.
Have a lovely Monday friends.
Spaghetti and meatballs is what I decided.
Then I came across this video on the internet.
Western Spaghetti can be viewed here after a short advertisement!
It is quite appropriate and interesting to watch.
Have a lovely Monday friends.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Panic!
I am going to quickly type out this story for you while I have a bit of time. I don't feel like it will come across like I want it to, but need to accomplish it while it is still fresh on my mind and I have a few minutes to write. Disclaimer over!!
Camping!
Roughing it amidst nature!
I truly think the presence of coffee gives me super hero powers useful for camping adventures.
I do have to be able to get to the coffee though for it to be able to work its magic.
There was a time when I was separated from the beloved coffee pot and I will now tell you about this!
For some reason I went to bed at midnight the night before our camping trip and got up at my regular 6 a. m. to get my kids off to school, so I went into the weekend mildly exhausted.
At about 4 o'clock in the afternoon I started having a bit of a panic attack about being exceedingly tired and having to sleep in a tent with the swish swish of sleeping bags, and all the sounds that come from sharing a small space with 5 other people.
I get insomnia every single time I spend the night away from home and did not relish the thought of fighting my own sleep battle along with trying to be patient with my dear family who wouldn't be trying to drive me crazy, but inevitably would.
I tend to wake every hour.
Every hour.
I decided at that point in time that I would have my own private cabin.
It was luxury accommodations perfectly suitable for one, that I had in mind.
Yeah...something like this!
Not exactly like this but very close!
Oh, yeah, that would work just fine.
I imagined how it would be.
Take out a seat, fold down the back set into its pocket and voila, a nice level surface to put my mattress on for sleeping.
Oh yeah, I had a plan and I was sticking to it.
I let my husband and family know that I was in fact ditching them and I would be doing it alone.
My husband let me know that he was just fine with that arrangement as long as I took the dog.
Hey, I could handle that!!
DEAL!
Night seemed to descend quickly and I found myself snuggled down in my sleeping bag, with a blanket and all my clothes on including a jacket and a scarf, inside my Honda van...locked in secure til morning!
Oh, I must have forgotten to mention that it was around 48 when we hit the sack and it sank to around 37 through the night.
It was cold.
Really cold!!
I felt confident in my ability to get up in the morning though because I had confidently set up my coffee pot and set the timer to go off so that I (and any one else who may want it) would have fresh hot coffee to pour upon need.
Coffee is an excellent motivator!
I did indeed wake every hour.
I wake, roll over, check my clock, lay back down, force myself to breathe deeply and eventually fall asleep again only to wake minutes later.
I finally gave up when I checked my cell phone clock and saw that it was 6:30 a. m.
I noticed the battery light was flashing but didn't worry much seeing as how I was with my family and I knew they were snuggled cozily in the tent just a few paces away. I didn't really have much need for my phone on a camping weekend!!
I also knew the coffee was ready and waiting AND I really had a need to hit the little girls room.
I sat there contemplating getting up and out into the cold.
It was then I noticed my youngest boy out walking around the campsite.
He walked over to the window and tapped on it to say hi.
I cheerily waved back, happy to see him up and ready to go exploring in his new blue hooded coat.
Then a terrible thought struck my mind.
I was stuck in my van.
I had no way to get out from the inside.
I could not go to the little girls room.
I could not get coffee.
I could not cross go or collect 200 dollars.
When a Honda Odyssey is locked, if it is then unlocked from the inside, the alarm sounds.
It is a safety feature.
I hurriedly texted my husband on my quickly dying phone.
"r u awake???"
then I texted my sister in law who was also with us and in the tent with my family...
"r u awake??? i need help!"
Little did I know my husbands cell had already died and the texts moved so slow through the network that my sis in law didn't get hers til several hours later when I was sitting there with her. (oh the irony!)
I was really beginning to panic.
Then I saw the flash of blue again signaling my sweet child was still moving about the camp.
I madly waved at him.
He cheerily waved back...as though to say...hey Mom, yes I see you there and I saw you there awhile ago too! It was a wave full of dismissal.
So I sat up very quickly and began banging on the window shouting at him, which sent the dog into fits of barking which in turn got his attention even better. (thanks Shelby!)
He came over and rubbed a circle in the fogged window with his gloved hand.
"What Mom??"
"Is your Dad awake?" I yelled.
My husband confirmed later that he was in fact awake because our dear child had already been in and out of the tent once telling his Daddy that he needed to get up and get a fire going. Hee hee hee.
He responded "Yeah, I think so" and he turned to walk away again.
I screamed "No, come back, come back, come back!!!"
Shelby is still barking and hopping around.
"Go and tell your Daddy that you need the keys to unlock the van" I yelled.
I am needing more and more to make that visit and claim my coffee.
See how the order has switched.
"Why do you need the key, just unlock it from in there!" He responded with a bit of derision.
"I can't...just get the keys already!!!"
He just shook his head like I was crazy and took off across the site to wake his Daddy yet again in order to get those keys because he is a good boy and does what his mommy says.
My hero came back unlocked the van, reached in and gave me the keys and sweetly asked if I would like to go walk down to the water with him.
I assured him I would in fact do that, right after I went to the little girls room.
The sun was rising as we walked down to the beach early that morning. There were a group of deer who flicked their heads up at our presence then darted off as we stepped nearer.
The sky was layered with colors of pink and orange fading into crystal blues. Over the water hoovered a cloud of steam blurring the colors with the mist.
Everything was quiet and still. I was walking with my sweet middle child and soaking in a bit of God's creation and breathing in the joy of being awake and alive and happy.
The only thing that could have made it better would have been if I had grabbed a cup of coffee before taking that walk.
AHHHH ha ha ha ha.
I wish I were joking!
When you have three children it is a rare occasion to spend a few quiet moments with one and this was very sweet and special to me and God made it even more amazing by having the sunrise be so stunning.
So, despite my momentary panic and discomfort I did survive and I did have my coffee.
I must rush off now.
It is haircut weekend around here and it is my turn to do the cutting.
Camping!
Roughing it amidst nature!
I truly think the presence of coffee gives me super hero powers useful for camping adventures.
I do have to be able to get to the coffee though for it to be able to work its magic.
There was a time when I was separated from the beloved coffee pot and I will now tell you about this!
For some reason I went to bed at midnight the night before our camping trip and got up at my regular 6 a. m. to get my kids off to school, so I went into the weekend mildly exhausted.
At about 4 o'clock in the afternoon I started having a bit of a panic attack about being exceedingly tired and having to sleep in a tent with the swish swish of sleeping bags, and all the sounds that come from sharing a small space with 5 other people.
I get insomnia every single time I spend the night away from home and did not relish the thought of fighting my own sleep battle along with trying to be patient with my dear family who wouldn't be trying to drive me crazy, but inevitably would.
I tend to wake every hour.
Every hour.
I decided at that point in time that I would have my own private cabin.
It was luxury accommodations perfectly suitable for one, that I had in mind.
Yeah...something like this!
Not exactly like this but very close!
Oh, yeah, that would work just fine.
I imagined how it would be.
Take out a seat, fold down the back set into its pocket and voila, a nice level surface to put my mattress on for sleeping.
Oh yeah, I had a plan and I was sticking to it.
I let my husband and family know that I was in fact ditching them and I would be doing it alone.
My husband let me know that he was just fine with that arrangement as long as I took the dog.
Hey, I could handle that!!
DEAL!
Night seemed to descend quickly and I found myself snuggled down in my sleeping bag, with a blanket and all my clothes on including a jacket and a scarf, inside my Honda van...locked in secure til morning!
Oh, I must have forgotten to mention that it was around 48 when we hit the sack and it sank to around 37 through the night.
It was cold.
Really cold!!
I felt confident in my ability to get up in the morning though because I had confidently set up my coffee pot and set the timer to go off so that I (and any one else who may want it) would have fresh hot coffee to pour upon need.
Coffee is an excellent motivator!
I did indeed wake every hour.
I wake, roll over, check my clock, lay back down, force myself to breathe deeply and eventually fall asleep again only to wake minutes later.
I finally gave up when I checked my cell phone clock and saw that it was 6:30 a. m.
I noticed the battery light was flashing but didn't worry much seeing as how I was with my family and I knew they were snuggled cozily in the tent just a few paces away. I didn't really have much need for my phone on a camping weekend!!
I also knew the coffee was ready and waiting AND I really had a need to hit the little girls room.
I sat there contemplating getting up and out into the cold.
It was then I noticed my youngest boy out walking around the campsite.
He walked over to the window and tapped on it to say hi.
I cheerily waved back, happy to see him up and ready to go exploring in his new blue hooded coat.
Then a terrible thought struck my mind.
I was stuck in my van.
I had no way to get out from the inside.
I could not go to the little girls room.
I could not get coffee.
I could not cross go or collect 200 dollars.
When a Honda Odyssey is locked, if it is then unlocked from the inside, the alarm sounds.
It is a safety feature.
I hurriedly texted my husband on my quickly dying phone.
"r u awake???"
then I texted my sister in law who was also with us and in the tent with my family...
"r u awake??? i need help!"
Little did I know my husbands cell had already died and the texts moved so slow through the network that my sis in law didn't get hers til several hours later when I was sitting there with her. (oh the irony!)
I was really beginning to panic.
Then I saw the flash of blue again signaling my sweet child was still moving about the camp.
I madly waved at him.
He cheerily waved back...as though to say...hey Mom, yes I see you there and I saw you there awhile ago too! It was a wave full of dismissal.
So I sat up very quickly and began banging on the window shouting at him, which sent the dog into fits of barking which in turn got his attention even better. (thanks Shelby!)
He came over and rubbed a circle in the fogged window with his gloved hand.
"What Mom??"
"Is your Dad awake?" I yelled.
My husband confirmed later that he was in fact awake because our dear child had already been in and out of the tent once telling his Daddy that he needed to get up and get a fire going. Hee hee hee.
He responded "Yeah, I think so" and he turned to walk away again.
I screamed "No, come back, come back, come back!!!"
Shelby is still barking and hopping around.
"Go and tell your Daddy that you need the keys to unlock the van" I yelled.
I am needing more and more to make that visit and claim my coffee.
See how the order has switched.
"Why do you need the key, just unlock it from in there!" He responded with a bit of derision.
"I can't...just get the keys already!!!"
He just shook his head like I was crazy and took off across the site to wake his Daddy yet again in order to get those keys because he is a good boy and does what his mommy says.
My hero came back unlocked the van, reached in and gave me the keys and sweetly asked if I would like to go walk down to the water with him.
I assured him I would in fact do that, right after I went to the little girls room.
The sun was rising as we walked down to the beach early that morning. There were a group of deer who flicked their heads up at our presence then darted off as we stepped nearer.
The sky was layered with colors of pink and orange fading into crystal blues. Over the water hoovered a cloud of steam blurring the colors with the mist.
Everything was quiet and still. I was walking with my sweet middle child and soaking in a bit of God's creation and breathing in the joy of being awake and alive and happy.
The only thing that could have made it better would have been if I had grabbed a cup of coffee before taking that walk.
AHHHH ha ha ha ha.
I wish I were joking!
When you have three children it is a rare occasion to spend a few quiet moments with one and this was very sweet and special to me and God made it even more amazing by having the sunrise be so stunning.
So, despite my momentary panic and discomfort I did survive and I did have my coffee.
I must rush off now.
It is haircut weekend around here and it is my turn to do the cutting.
Friday, November 12, 2010
I just can't do it today!
I cannot relay my tales from the campfire for you...I just don't have the mental time or energy.
Wow that makes it sound like I am depressed or something...have no fear!
It is just that my brain is full of other stuff right now and I still have laundry to do and it is Friday already!!!
So, another picture blog it is today.
We have a few categories here to amuse and delight you!
Category 1:
Trees
I came to the crest of a hill and looked down to find this delightful group of trees lounging in the warmth of the sunrise. Mmmmmmm!
This tree in the midst of the tall grass was a wonderful solitary image until my two youngest stepped in close. I was so happy I turned when I did with the camera in hand.
It is one of my favorite photos of the weekend.
My kids, walking through the tall grass...sunshine warming their cold little bodies!
The root structure of this tree was so intricate and interesting! Neat-o!
So, maybe these are only sticks....or wanna be trees. I am not sure.
They were just so stark and bare.
Just caught my eye.
Category 2:
Shelters
This is the screened shelter which was a part of our campsite.
It housed a table and electricity!
You may read the word electricity and understand the word coffee in its place if you want to.
Each shelter had large hooks on each corner. We found this useful for making a tether for Shelby so she had a "run" of sorts.
The rule is animals on a leash at all times, period. This creation made it very helpful to not have to babysit her constantly!
Category 3:
Bugs
This little green fellow landed after we finished our sliced apples.
I suppose he is enjoying the leftovers!
This large fellow was hanging out on our tent. He was stunning in a buggy sort of way.
He bore a very strong resemblance to the tree close by.
He also told me to tell his cousin Mantis hello for him. I didn't have the heart to tell him Mantis hadn't been seen in quite some time.
I feel as though this little crab fits roughly into the bug category.
Well, he is closer to a bug than a tree or a shelter, right??
There were lots of these tiny little crabs all along the "beach" area of the lake we were visiting.
They could be found hiding under rocks, burrowed down beneath them.
So, there you have it, a few things from my trip which caught my eye or made me happy while I was away from home.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Exhibit A, B, C, D, Etc...
I know you can't possibly be coming here to read about my dog.
However, I know I can write quickly about her and give you something fresh to look at.
Like I said previously...she got a lot of camera time.
I will now take a few moments to share the best of the best with you from our dinky digital camera!!
Exhibit A
Shelby looking at something.
Riveting, right??
B.
Shelby up close.
Real close, see how she was really giving herself to this shot!
No physical coercion at all.
C.
Shelby fussing at something, and me there calming her down.
D.
The oh so loved Pink Parka.
Yes, friends I bought this for my dog.
Can I just say it was $2.50 at Target and I couldn't resist seeing as how I knew it would be such a contrast to so much of her life, and it made us all laugh.
I also love the looks I get from people driving by as though I have lost my mind.
Maybe I have.
NO, I haven't.
Now if I had paid like...$17.00 or more for a pink parka for my dog then you should surely send out the signal to pick up the crazy lady.
E.
Ahhhh yes, a rather poor angle for Shelby who has in fact put on a few pounds since her arrival at our place.
She seems to have gained all the weight in her neck!
I did ask her if it was okay to post ALL of these pictures.
She merely pretended to be sleeping and ignored me.
In that shot above she is totally focused on the fact that I have disappeared into that building in the distance.
She was all about not letting me out of her sight and fussing profusely when I was.
F.
The yawn.
I know, now you are so torn as to which is your favorite, right??
G.
The Stegosaurus
I told you...
...did I not tell you???
You are welcome.
You may now get back to your regularly scheduled life!
However, I know I can write quickly about her and give you something fresh to look at.
Like I said previously...she got a lot of camera time.
I will now take a few moments to share the best of the best with you from our dinky digital camera!!
Exhibit A
Shelby looking at something.
Riveting, right??
B.
Shelby up close.
Real close, see how she was really giving herself to this shot!
No physical coercion at all.
C.
Shelby fussing at something, and me there calming her down.
D.
The oh so loved Pink Parka.
Yes, friends I bought this for my dog.
Can I just say it was $2.50 at Target and I couldn't resist seeing as how I knew it would be such a contrast to so much of her life, and it made us all laugh.
I also love the looks I get from people driving by as though I have lost my mind.
Maybe I have.
NO, I haven't.
Now if I had paid like...$17.00 or more for a pink parka for my dog then you should surely send out the signal to pick up the crazy lady.
E.
Ahhhh yes, a rather poor angle for Shelby who has in fact put on a few pounds since her arrival at our place.
She seems to have gained all the weight in her neck!
I did ask her if it was okay to post ALL of these pictures.
She merely pretended to be sleeping and ignored me.
In that shot above she is totally focused on the fact that I have disappeared into that building in the distance.
She was all about not letting me out of her sight and fussing profusely when I was.
F.
The yawn.
I know, now you are so torn as to which is your favorite, right??
G.
The Stegosaurus
I told you...
...did I not tell you???
You are welcome.
You may now get back to your regularly scheduled life!
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