I am thinking ahead...but before I go there I think I'll recap some of the big changes in our lives over the last year.
The biggest was our daughter's graduation from our homeschool. I thought that I would never survive it, but I did! She has transitioned herself into a working girl and is looking ahead toward her own dance studio some day. It has been a kick to watch her learn to teach what she loves. To see her bond with her students. For our living room to turn into a dance floor as she prepares her lesson plans and now her recital dances. I just grab my yarn and watch her mind go. Transition for her has been easy although she has said on more than one occasion that she wants to be little again.
We have managed to keep our debt low and have streamlined expenses as much as we can "just in case". But still allowing us to have some fun!
I have and am continuing to manage my home more efficiently. Pretty proud of myself that when I sit down to pay my bills I am finished within 30 minutes...and free to just do whatever comes my way...
My husband passed all of his tests! YIPPEE!
My mom is doing better as far as pain goes for now...
I have learned that there is life after homeschool and the possibilities are endless.
Countless blessings that our Lord has continually laid upon my little family.
Our new church!
So much more...but these are the highlights. Now, as far as looking ahead...
I have decided that this year I would not put off that nudge that I feel when I know that someone may be in need...or maybe even just a kind word. Sometimes I find myself pulling back...afraid to stick my toe in the water and reach out. Afraid that once I dip myself in the water...I may find ice. As the saying goes...the road is paved with good intentions...or something like that. Well, anyway...for me next year isn't going to be about my good intentions. I am going to follow the Lord's leading and reach out and try to make a difference. So many people out there are hurting...so many people are in need in this "Obama nation". My good intentions are going to turn into action. My main goal for 2011 is to be a reflection of my Lord and Savior.
Until next year,
Joyce Marie
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Baubles Galore!
We searched high and low this year to find something different to decorate with for Christmas. Brittany and I love working with scrap book paper, so many pretty colors and patterns to choose from. We created everything this year out of paper...and a few crocheted snowflakes as well.
A pretty basket of baubles!
A close- up view shows how we embellished our baubles with glass beads and ribbon.
This one was super easy...
Many punch out circles for this ornament. We glued pearls at all the intersections. And I almost forgot...we also strung cranberries this year.
This is a star...made similar to the baubles but flattened in the shape of a star with a crystal glued in the center.
A pretty basket of baubles!
A close- up view shows how we embellished our baubles with glass beads and ribbon.
This one was super easy...
Many punch out circles for this ornament. We glued pearls at all the intersections. And I almost forgot...we also strung cranberries this year.
This is a star...made similar to the baubles but flattened in the shape of a star with a crystal glued in the center.These are a Few of my Favorite Things!
Joyce Marie
Joyce Marie
Friday, December 17, 2010
Christmas Tree hunting...2010
Catching up...
Since Christmas is nearly a week away...thought I'd better catch up here in bloggy land. Life is crazy busy right now...not a running around like a chicken with their heads off kind of busy. Just a life is full kind of busy and I simply don't take the time to sit at my computer much these days.
Lets see...the month of December is filled with so many fun things isn't it? My husband has been traveling and we are on the home stretch now. Only two more wake-up(s) and he'll be home for the two weeks of Christmas. I am happy to report that he passed the last of his exams two weeks ago. It is so odd now to realize that THAT stress is over...at least until he has to do it again. Balancing studying, traveling ,teaching and a family is very hard. He has worked so hard and we have all sacrificed. Our bathroom which is still in construction mode can now quite possibly move toward being finished! Oh how exciting that will be. We are so tired of looking at the green, now faded paper on the drywall.
Brittany and I have been working for over a month on paper ornaments...we have made the most beautiful ornaments out of scrapbook paper. I am sure that we have the prettiest Christmas tree ever in the history of our Christmas trees because of them...
Our day spent at the Christmas tree farm was fun filled and freezing cold but we snapped some pictures...spelled the fresh crisp air of the tree farm. Cut down a huge White Pine tree, you know the kind with the long, soft sweeping needles. And then, as usual our Brittany has been nursing a case of winter poison ivy for the last two weeks which is doing much better now btw. Next year...we are taking a blanket for her to lie on as she cuts down the tree.
Christmas shopping with my daughter has been extra fun this year as she is flexing her independence and is spending her own money from her own paycheck. Our girl just beams as she sets her budget and then sticks to it. I have to say my heart soars as I watch her make decisions...I must have done something right! :)
Two snow storms and it isn't even officially winter...I will not complain (even though it is killing me).
I think that about catches me up to what has been going on...oh yeah, a funny thing is happening this weekend...my husband is in San Antonio working this week...attending a great Christmas party Saturday night which I opted out of because Brittany has to work and I was afraid to leave her here in case of a snow storm...by herself. And she has a Christmas party Saturday night...so I am opting out of a get away in the great state of Texas for her to be able to go to one...I guess, I have my two puppies to cuddle up with and watch Christmas movies with. It is just a bit ironic is all. I am sure I'll survive my loneliness as the rest of my family enjoys lovely Christmasy festivities...(sigh)
Christmas blessings!
Lets see...the month of December is filled with so many fun things isn't it? My husband has been traveling and we are on the home stretch now. Only two more wake-up(s) and he'll be home for the two weeks of Christmas. I am happy to report that he passed the last of his exams two weeks ago. It is so odd now to realize that THAT stress is over...at least until he has to do it again. Balancing studying, traveling ,teaching and a family is very hard. He has worked so hard and we have all sacrificed. Our bathroom which is still in construction mode can now quite possibly move toward being finished! Oh how exciting that will be. We are so tired of looking at the green, now faded paper on the drywall.
Brittany and I have been working for over a month on paper ornaments...we have made the most beautiful ornaments out of scrapbook paper. I am sure that we have the prettiest Christmas tree ever in the history of our Christmas trees because of them...
Our day spent at the Christmas tree farm was fun filled and freezing cold but we snapped some pictures...spelled the fresh crisp air of the tree farm. Cut down a huge White Pine tree, you know the kind with the long, soft sweeping needles. And then, as usual our Brittany has been nursing a case of winter poison ivy for the last two weeks which is doing much better now btw. Next year...we are taking a blanket for her to lie on as she cuts down the tree.
Christmas shopping with my daughter has been extra fun this year as she is flexing her independence and is spending her own money from her own paycheck. Our girl just beams as she sets her budget and then sticks to it. I have to say my heart soars as I watch her make decisions...I must have done something right! :)
Two snow storms and it isn't even officially winter...I will not complain (even though it is killing me).
I think that about catches me up to what has been going on...oh yeah, a funny thing is happening this weekend...my husband is in San Antonio working this week...attending a great Christmas party Saturday night which I opted out of because Brittany has to work and I was afraid to leave her here in case of a snow storm...by herself. And she has a Christmas party Saturday night...so I am opting out of a get away in the great state of Texas for her to be able to go to one...I guess, I have my two puppies to cuddle up with and watch Christmas movies with. It is just a bit ironic is all. I am sure I'll survive my loneliness as the rest of my family enjoys lovely Christmasy festivities...(sigh)
Christmas blessings!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
My OOPS makeover...
Every Spring and Winter I buy one of those wash out hair colors...you know the ones that was out within 28 shampoos? I hadn't used one since June so I thought it about time. Sunday we dropped my sweetheart at the airport for his commute to work and Brittany and I decided to have one of our spa days. This one included coloring our hair. I guess I was feeling particularly daring that day because the color I chose was quite daring. We started with my hair first...then Brittany's. She wanted to cover her highlights...hers turned out quite lovely. Mine however, turned out quite, well, dark with lights of copper. It was a lovely color. If you have ever used a hair color you'll remember how all of the stores would have a sample in front of the boxes, btw, they don't do that anymore. Well, my color would have been a perfect swatch. It had depth and light and was quite beautiful except that every time I looked at myself I could hear my mom yelling at me from across town. I was so worried in fact that I had Brittany snap a picture of me and send it to Dennis for his approval. This would be funny except that in my daring attempt to do something "different" I was telling Brittany that I didn't care if anyone didn't like it...that if I liked it...that was all that mattered...yeah right!
I tried it with my make-up...I washed it first thing yesterday morning...styled it again and told Brittany that I would just sit on it a couple of days. But when I put my chocolate brown ear band on yesterday afternoon before driving Brittany through the snow to teach her dance classes I realized that my hair was darker than my ear band...I most definitely had to address this issue. I would not be able to step foot in my mother's house like that...I am laughing, because I am a 48 year old woman, worried about my mom being angry with me...LOL. After dropping Brittany off I headed for Rite Aid to find a solution. Do you know that they actually have a color remover...and it is called OOPS! Yep, they do. I bought it...and figured I would wait until today...but at 11:00 last evening we began. After reading all the dangers of this process my heart was beating in my throat, sure that my hair would fall out in clumps or that I would go blind if it dripped down my forehead too far. My Brittany applied all the solution, we waited the twenty minutes...and then I rinsed. The instructions were to rinse, wash, rinse for 15 to 20 minutes, wash again and rinse for 5 minutes. We set the timer each time and Brittany wasn't saying much...I could feel her analyzing it and well, what was I supposed to do now, I was in it up to my eyeballs.
Not to bore you with all the details I will say that OOPS worked wonders and left my hair soft and manageable. My color is back to being my natural color and I am now happy with my results.
While this product did a great job it smelled rather like rotten eggs...which wasn't exactly pleasing to either of us. I learned a lesson about me. I may say that I don't care what others think...but I guess I do. Oh well, that is just me I guess.
Thought I'd just share my little mishap. Brittany's hair still looks lovely and now, so does mine.
Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
I tried it with my make-up...I washed it first thing yesterday morning...styled it again and told Brittany that I would just sit on it a couple of days. But when I put my chocolate brown ear band on yesterday afternoon before driving Brittany through the snow to teach her dance classes I realized that my hair was darker than my ear band...I most definitely had to address this issue. I would not be able to step foot in my mother's house like that...I am laughing, because I am a 48 year old woman, worried about my mom being angry with me...LOL. After dropping Brittany off I headed for Rite Aid to find a solution. Do you know that they actually have a color remover...and it is called OOPS! Yep, they do. I bought it...and figured I would wait until today...but at 11:00 last evening we began. After reading all the dangers of this process my heart was beating in my throat, sure that my hair would fall out in clumps or that I would go blind if it dripped down my forehead too far. My Brittany applied all the solution, we waited the twenty minutes...and then I rinsed. The instructions were to rinse, wash, rinse for 15 to 20 minutes, wash again and rinse for 5 minutes. We set the timer each time and Brittany wasn't saying much...I could feel her analyzing it and well, what was I supposed to do now, I was in it up to my eyeballs.
Not to bore you with all the details I will say that OOPS worked wonders and left my hair soft and manageable. My color is back to being my natural color and I am now happy with my results.
While this product did a great job it smelled rather like rotten eggs...which wasn't exactly pleasing to either of us. I learned a lesson about me. I may say that I don't care what others think...but I guess I do. Oh well, that is just me I guess.
Thought I'd just share my little mishap. Brittany's hair still looks lovely and now, so does mine.
Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Our Thanksgiving...
was one of the best that I can ever remember. There was just something different about it this year...hmm...maybe it is because I wasn't smack dab in the middle of a school year. That could be it...I am a year older? Maybe...or maybe I am just feeling more and more thankful these days.
So...it was an action packed week...my husband has been traveling (but home on the weekends) for about six weeks...so we were ready for him to be home. Brittany had to teach last Monday...so we did all of our shopping for our festivities on Tuesday...brought it all home, put it away and decided to decorate the outside of our house for Christmas while the weather was still fairly mild. White lights now adorn our bushes...do you know that I have never, not even as a child decorated the bushes in front of my home for Christmas? We have decorated our tree and our porch and our door but finally my bushes are big enough to decorate! Can you tell I am excited? A wreath along with picket fence Santa that we made one year ( I think Brittany was 4)when our money was a little tight adorn our front door.
Wednesday came and I was up and ready to do all the work I could in my kitchen so that I could just enjoy Thanksgiving. I even managed to learn a little bit...did you know if you find yourself one pie pan short you can use a cast iron skillet? I have to say...my pumpkin pie looked very pretty in that old skillet too. I figured that in my grandmother's day...she made use of what she had...so that is my new philosophy...another thing...I realized right in the middle of mixing my pumpkin pie that I forgot to buy the evaporated milk...much to my surprise I was pleasantly surprised that others on the internet have forgotten to buy it too...so I used my skim milk and it came out just fine. So, ladies...if your ever in a pinch...you can use regular milk in your pumpkin pie. I think that is pretty handy tip...you just never know.
All in all...I was so organized...that after dealing with the turkey I basically just had to load up the oven as need and everything came out perfect. I was able to sit and enjoy my family. We had a full table of 7 this year...which is a full table for us. My mom, us, my brother and my nephew (5) and niece (2). Have I mentioned just how much I love the sound of children in my home?
We spent the day just being together...playing wii, we watched Robin Hood...and Brittany had lots of play time with her little cousins. At one point we were all together in our living room...and I had to think that my dad just had to be smiling down from heaven at all of us as we have made it 4 years without him...never forgotten my dad. We miss him so.
Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
So...it was an action packed week...my husband has been traveling (but home on the weekends) for about six weeks...so we were ready for him to be home. Brittany had to teach last Monday...so we did all of our shopping for our festivities on Tuesday...brought it all home, put it away and decided to decorate the outside of our house for Christmas while the weather was still fairly mild. White lights now adorn our bushes...do you know that I have never, not even as a child decorated the bushes in front of my home for Christmas? We have decorated our tree and our porch and our door but finally my bushes are big enough to decorate! Can you tell I am excited? A wreath along with picket fence Santa that we made one year ( I think Brittany was 4)when our money was a little tight adorn our front door.
Wednesday came and I was up and ready to do all the work I could in my kitchen so that I could just enjoy Thanksgiving. I even managed to learn a little bit...did you know if you find yourself one pie pan short you can use a cast iron skillet? I have to say...my pumpkin pie looked very pretty in that old skillet too. I figured that in my grandmother's day...she made use of what she had...so that is my new philosophy...another thing...I realized right in the middle of mixing my pumpkin pie that I forgot to buy the evaporated milk...much to my surprise I was pleasantly surprised that others on the internet have forgotten to buy it too...so I used my skim milk and it came out just fine. So, ladies...if your ever in a pinch...you can use regular milk in your pumpkin pie. I think that is pretty handy tip...you just never know.
All in all...I was so organized...that after dealing with the turkey I basically just had to load up the oven as need and everything came out perfect. I was able to sit and enjoy my family. We had a full table of 7 this year...which is a full table for us. My mom, us, my brother and my nephew (5) and niece (2). Have I mentioned just how much I love the sound of children in my home?
We spent the day just being together...playing wii, we watched Robin Hood...and Brittany had lots of play time with her little cousins. At one point we were all together in our living room...and I had to think that my dad just had to be smiling down from heaven at all of us as we have made it 4 years without him...never forgotten my dad. We miss him so.
Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
It's that time of year again...
I just can't believe it...another Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner. Where did this past year go I wonder.
Anyway...my turkey is resting comfortably in my kitchen sink full of cold water. I have a couple of pies to bake, and some bread. A few things to tidy up before the big day...but I am so looking forward to spending it with my family.
So...off I go to get to work and make some "magic" happen in my little kitchen...
From my family to yours...I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Joyce Marie
Anyway...my turkey is resting comfortably in my kitchen sink full of cold water. I have a couple of pies to bake, and some bread. A few things to tidy up before the big day...but I am so looking forward to spending it with my family.
So...off I go to get to work and make some "magic" happen in my little kitchen...
From my family to yours...I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Joyce Marie
Monday, November 22, 2010
Catching up...
I know, I know...I have been gone so long and my entries have been so thready that I fear that my bloggy friends have given up on me...but here I am. The week before Thanksgiving and so excited for that yummy turkey and all that goes with it. I am cooking again this year...my new role since my dad passed. I don't mind...it doesn't feel like such a big task to me and I am really trying to just keep it simple.
Lets see...since the last time I wrote...things have calmed down...my husband has been on the road non stop and Brittany is adjusted to her job and is really beginning to enjoy her classes. As for me? I am just enjoying life as it is. If you had asked me a year ago...what life after homeschooling would be like...I probably would have just looked at you with eyes brimming (just a bit) of tears, melancholy as I was and shrugged my shoulders. Today, I can assure you that for this house anyway...things are pretty much the same except that now I have this new found freedom that I am just beginning to embrace. Brittany has a slight schedule...Monday and Friday evenings and Saturdays until noon...so we have a wide gap of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to fill and I have to say...we are having so much fun! I am enjoying this season of my life immensely. During her graduation period...many asked me...what are you going to do now? Of course then, I was still shrugging my shoulders. Many people live their lives moving from one thing to another. Freeing up one activity only to fill it with something else. That is great for them...but that just isn't me. After being "tied down" with school for so long...I didn't want to jump into anything that would fill my time before I just had a chance to catch my breath, and relax a little. So, I guess this is where I am. I enjoy waking up in the morning just before dawn, taking my fur kids out, making coffee, praying and reading my Bible. Then I pick up the house or put some laundry in...and the rest of the day is mine. It is quite lovely, really.
And...this year, I am actually looking forward to the winter months as I plan on bringing out my sewing machine and maybe sewing a quilt. The possibilities are endless.
Our family began looking for a new church home in September...while we really liked our church there was a gap between high school and being a professional for Brittany. Maybe because the area is pretty affluent and all the kids go away to college? Not sure! We couldn't really figure it out and Brittany is mentally done with high school so we began looking for a church with a college age group that she could attend. We feel it is really important for her to have a place to plug into as she matures these next years. It is scary out in the real world...and she needs a place to be. We settled on the second church on our list and it has been an amazing change for all of us. The congregation is friendly, the teaching is wonderful and Brittany no longer feels like the "new" girl in her group. It has been a great move for us...and this church feels like home.
Today...I'll be making my shopping list and grocery shopping for the week and Thanksgiving...plus we want to put out our Christmas lights as it is a warm day today and we have a promise of cold weather by weeks end. So, I better get to it...
Joyful Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Lets see...since the last time I wrote...things have calmed down...my husband has been on the road non stop and Brittany is adjusted to her job and is really beginning to enjoy her classes. As for me? I am just enjoying life as it is. If you had asked me a year ago...what life after homeschooling would be like...I probably would have just looked at you with eyes brimming (just a bit) of tears, melancholy as I was and shrugged my shoulders. Today, I can assure you that for this house anyway...things are pretty much the same except that now I have this new found freedom that I am just beginning to embrace. Brittany has a slight schedule...Monday and Friday evenings and Saturdays until noon...so we have a wide gap of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to fill and I have to say...we are having so much fun! I am enjoying this season of my life immensely. During her graduation period...many asked me...what are you going to do now? Of course then, I was still shrugging my shoulders. Many people live their lives moving from one thing to another. Freeing up one activity only to fill it with something else. That is great for them...but that just isn't me. After being "tied down" with school for so long...I didn't want to jump into anything that would fill my time before I just had a chance to catch my breath, and relax a little. So, I guess this is where I am. I enjoy waking up in the morning just before dawn, taking my fur kids out, making coffee, praying and reading my Bible. Then I pick up the house or put some laundry in...and the rest of the day is mine. It is quite lovely, really.
And...this year, I am actually looking forward to the winter months as I plan on bringing out my sewing machine and maybe sewing a quilt. The possibilities are endless.
Our family began looking for a new church home in September...while we really liked our church there was a gap between high school and being a professional for Brittany. Maybe because the area is pretty affluent and all the kids go away to college? Not sure! We couldn't really figure it out and Brittany is mentally done with high school so we began looking for a church with a college age group that she could attend. We feel it is really important for her to have a place to plug into as she matures these next years. It is scary out in the real world...and she needs a place to be. We settled on the second church on our list and it has been an amazing change for all of us. The congregation is friendly, the teaching is wonderful and Brittany no longer feels like the "new" girl in her group. It has been a great move for us...and this church feels like home.
Today...I'll be making my shopping list and grocery shopping for the week and Thanksgiving...plus we want to put out our Christmas lights as it is a warm day today and we have a promise of cold weather by weeks end. So, I better get to it...
Joyful Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I'm back...
As I sit here at my computer, I am wondering if I have anything at all worthy to say. I have taken a long break from blogging...and now, I guess I am ready to get back to it. I am missing the fellowship of blogging with my bloggy friends...so I plan to take some time this week and visit each and every one of you.
Many things have been happening around here and some of them stink...and I do mean stink. Two weeks before we left for vacation...I began my usual laundry for the week...when I went back to the basement...a huge puddle of water was coming out of our drain...it could mean nothing other than tree roots! So, being that my husband was in Virginia, I had to take matters in my own hands and call someone. I called the company and they came out within a few hours. Thinking that I had all under control...well, when the guy came out...he was asking me things like "where is your clean out?" I replied with..."ummm, I have no idea, whenever we have had it cleaned out...they went through there." as I pointed to the drain hole in the dark corner of our basement. It was quite a balmy day outside...the guy was sweating up a storm and by this time he was causing me to sweat. He kept looking around...I kept insisting that this was the hole that they use...my husband was in the middle of teaching so all I could do was leave him a message...he quoted me a price...and I about lost my lunch...trying not to dig into our vacation fund wasn't going to be easy...and the last thing I wanted to do was tell my family that we couldn't go...so I waited to see if he would get to work. Well, he couldn't get the snake down the drain...he tried everything...then he came to me and told me that he couldn't get to it...he asked me what all of the cement patches in our basement were for (who knows with a 90 plus year old house)...meanwhile, every time I talked to this guy my price went up...another $250 here, $500 there...I was near $1000 dollars and was seeing our little vacation going down the drain. I told him that I could not make a decision like this without talking to my husband...and that my husband was away working. He decided to give the snake another try...he was sweating to beat the band...and my heart was in my throat. I told him..."please don't do anything that would cause damage, that I am not prepared for that expense." He shook his head in understanding...I just wanted the guy out of my house. Oh how I wished that I could have talked to my husband at that moment. Soon, I heard him pulling that large machine back up the basement steps...and $94 dollars later...I still had a clogged drain. (sigh)
So...that night, Brittany and I did what we could between calls to my husband. Oh, and by the way...I did find out that we do have a clean out. I just never realized that it was there...(another sigh), off to the hardware store we went and purchased something to clear the drain...this was a Thursday...the drain cleared with the chemical...and it was clear until Sunday...and then, we were backed up again...this time with sewage. So...we needed to get something to clear it...back to the hardware store we went...another chemical down the drain...our thinking was...if we could just patch it until we got back from vacation...it worked again...like a charm. We got through another couple days...and I began to wash our clothes again...and you guessed it...the wash water backed up. To make a long story short...we were able to baby the drain until we got back...called another plumber and under two hours...we have a clear drain...tree roots were clogging at 30 and 85 feet. We are running clear...
That same weekend, we had our first hard rain in weeks...we have had a summer with hardly a drop this year. Picking my husband up from the airport...wasn't a problem...but on the way home...it was raining so heavy that our van hit high water a couple of times and hydroplaned...I could see the look on my husbands face...we needed new tires. UGH! Was someone trying to tell us something? At that point I was beginning to wonder if our long awaited beach vacation was going to pass us by. My husband spent the next few days...searching for tires...and I reworked my checking account and came up with a budget for the tires which we blew...but what can you do?
So...here we finally were, brand new tires...a patched sewer, dogs in the kennel, bunny at Grammy's house and the car loaded. We hadn't taken the van on the expressway yet...getting up to speed my husband realized that something with the tires wasn't right...they were really bouncy...not something that you want to hear as you are about to head south through the mountains on your way to Florida. We almost turned back...but decided to go ahead anyway...but the tires were not balanced. We made it through and reached our destination just in time for Hurricane Earl to wreak havoc with rip tides and choppy waters...but it didn't stop us from enjoying the view. We had our tires balanced while there and now they ride smooth as glass...due to all the stress awaiting us here...it was a good vacation...got to float around the pool with my girl, got some sun on our very pasty skin...read a wonderful book from Karen Kingsbury. Brittany read 3 from Melody Carlson...and my husband read an over 800 page book. I made it through just one, not very long book. I don't know what my problem is...:)
Back home...our drain held up until payday...and it is great...but our van is having problems...that we are hoping will be covered under our warranty...we'll find out tomorrow...
My husband, doesn't feel like he had a vacation...with all that was going on...his job is killing him! I am feeling weary...and just haven't had a lot to say...but God is good! He takes care of us when we are low...when we are tired and weary.
I have more to write about...and trust me they are on the positive side of things...so I'll save that for tomorrow.
In the meantime...Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
Many things have been happening around here and some of them stink...and I do mean stink. Two weeks before we left for vacation...I began my usual laundry for the week...when I went back to the basement...a huge puddle of water was coming out of our drain...it could mean nothing other than tree roots! So, being that my husband was in Virginia, I had to take matters in my own hands and call someone. I called the company and they came out within a few hours. Thinking that I had all under control...well, when the guy came out...he was asking me things like "where is your clean out?" I replied with..."ummm, I have no idea, whenever we have had it cleaned out...they went through there." as I pointed to the drain hole in the dark corner of our basement. It was quite a balmy day outside...the guy was sweating up a storm and by this time he was causing me to sweat. He kept looking around...I kept insisting that this was the hole that they use...my husband was in the middle of teaching so all I could do was leave him a message...he quoted me a price...and I about lost my lunch...trying not to dig into our vacation fund wasn't going to be easy...and the last thing I wanted to do was tell my family that we couldn't go...so I waited to see if he would get to work. Well, he couldn't get the snake down the drain...he tried everything...then he came to me and told me that he couldn't get to it...he asked me what all of the cement patches in our basement were for (who knows with a 90 plus year old house)...meanwhile, every time I talked to this guy my price went up...another $250 here, $500 there...I was near $1000 dollars and was seeing our little vacation going down the drain. I told him that I could not make a decision like this without talking to my husband...and that my husband was away working. He decided to give the snake another try...he was sweating to beat the band...and my heart was in my throat. I told him..."please don't do anything that would cause damage, that I am not prepared for that expense." He shook his head in understanding...I just wanted the guy out of my house. Oh how I wished that I could have talked to my husband at that moment. Soon, I heard him pulling that large machine back up the basement steps...and $94 dollars later...I still had a clogged drain. (sigh)
So...that night, Brittany and I did what we could between calls to my husband. Oh, and by the way...I did find out that we do have a clean out. I just never realized that it was there...(another sigh), off to the hardware store we went and purchased something to clear the drain...this was a Thursday...the drain cleared with the chemical...and it was clear until Sunday...and then, we were backed up again...this time with sewage. So...we needed to get something to clear it...back to the hardware store we went...another chemical down the drain...our thinking was...if we could just patch it until we got back from vacation...it worked again...like a charm. We got through another couple days...and I began to wash our clothes again...and you guessed it...the wash water backed up. To make a long story short...we were able to baby the drain until we got back...called another plumber and under two hours...we have a clear drain...tree roots were clogging at 30 and 85 feet. We are running clear...
That same weekend, we had our first hard rain in weeks...we have had a summer with hardly a drop this year. Picking my husband up from the airport...wasn't a problem...but on the way home...it was raining so heavy that our van hit high water a couple of times and hydroplaned...I could see the look on my husbands face...we needed new tires. UGH! Was someone trying to tell us something? At that point I was beginning to wonder if our long awaited beach vacation was going to pass us by. My husband spent the next few days...searching for tires...and I reworked my checking account and came up with a budget for the tires which we blew...but what can you do?
So...here we finally were, brand new tires...a patched sewer, dogs in the kennel, bunny at Grammy's house and the car loaded. We hadn't taken the van on the expressway yet...getting up to speed my husband realized that something with the tires wasn't right...they were really bouncy...not something that you want to hear as you are about to head south through the mountains on your way to Florida. We almost turned back...but decided to go ahead anyway...but the tires were not balanced. We made it through and reached our destination just in time for Hurricane Earl to wreak havoc with rip tides and choppy waters...but it didn't stop us from enjoying the view. We had our tires balanced while there and now they ride smooth as glass...due to all the stress awaiting us here...it was a good vacation...got to float around the pool with my girl, got some sun on our very pasty skin...read a wonderful book from Karen Kingsbury. Brittany read 3 from Melody Carlson...and my husband read an over 800 page book. I made it through just one, not very long book. I don't know what my problem is...:)
Back home...our drain held up until payday...and it is great...but our van is having problems...that we are hoping will be covered under our warranty...we'll find out tomorrow...
My husband, doesn't feel like he had a vacation...with all that was going on...his job is killing him! I am feeling weary...and just haven't had a lot to say...but God is good! He takes care of us when we are low...when we are tired and weary.
I have more to write about...and trust me they are on the positive side of things...so I'll save that for tomorrow.
In the meantime...Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
Monday, August 23, 2010
Taking some time to just enjoy summertime here...soon the leaves will be falling (they have already begun) and the nights will chill...so...until then, I plan to enjoy.
Off on a family vacation this Thursday...so excited to get away to the beautiful Florida beaches...with my family.
I know that I have been absent quite a bit this summer...back to normal after vacation...hopefully renewed and refreshed!
Have a great week everyone!
Joyce Marie
Off on a family vacation this Thursday...so excited to get away to the beautiful Florida beaches...with my family.
I know that I have been absent quite a bit this summer...back to normal after vacation...hopefully renewed and refreshed!
Have a great week everyone!
Joyce Marie
Friday, August 13, 2010
it's all in His plan...
I am going to backtrack a bit here...when we (Brittany and I) began middle school I began to feel that pressure like all of us do...as a homeschooler...was I able to give her enough to "make it" in this world. Could I teach her enough to get her into college...would she be ready? All of these thoughts began to cover me and burden me and I ordered a boxed curriculum set and we began our middle school this way. It wasn't long before I realized that all my girl was doing was cramming for tests. Very little learning was going on...so, if I remember correctly...we took a long weekend, had a discussion of where we should go from here and I found Ambleside Online. I loved the fact that it was free as I had already spent a small fortune on a curriculum that I was not going to use. I was able to match up with a time period that we had already started and our school became a different in an amazing way. Fast forward to starting high school...still using the Charlotte Mason method, I was way more confident...and able to find books that worked for us...also, during this time, I began to pray in a different way.
I began to pray that God would lead us down a path that was designed strictly for her. I began to watch her and study her interests...when she developed an new one we explored it...some of them faded...but for the ones the stuck...we added them into our schooling. For the first time...we weren't doing "school at home" we were truly homeschooling...and she was thriving and everyday felt like an adventure. The Lord gave us what we needed each day to nurture her interests and help her mature in them.
These last few months...we have got the now dreaded question in our home..."What college are you going to?" And the looks of disapproval we get from those who ask, their upturned eyebrows when in fact my daughter tells them that she is not going to college. You would think that her plans were to become a couch potato...we try not to cringe...which is what was beginning to happen to us both...and trust in the One who has led us thus far. He holds to the key my dear friends to our children's future...
We do not have to mainstream our children into a system that tells us that we have to have the "college experience". In my daughters case...we have found alternate ways of certification that will not leave her with a huge debt upon her had after graduation. Her education and learning is far from over...it really has just begun. Thist feels good to me. I am not putting down college...not in anyway. For many if not most...this is the solution. For my daughter...we chose the alternative route.
The Lord has proven to us time and time again that His way is the best. She has now had two people take her under their wing in her dance teaching...last night she had an enlightening talk with her new boss...this woman is giving her opportunity to learn the ropes of a dance studio owner without any competitiveness...she knows that Brittany has a dream to own a dance studio someday...she is giving her opportunity to learn. It amazes me...that all of her favorite things that she has worked on these past years will again see her through her first job.
Being quiet...having complete trust that the God who created our children has a plan for each and every one of them...not allowing the pressure of the "world" to confuse us...but to truly listen to our children...more importantly our Lord. It is all in HIS plan!
As many of you are ready to begin your fall classes...I just want to encourage you this year to take the time to trust in Him. Enjoy your children, learn along side of them...find the adventure in your homeschool. Watch what God will do in the life of your kids.
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
I began to pray that God would lead us down a path that was designed strictly for her. I began to watch her and study her interests...when she developed an new one we explored it...some of them faded...but for the ones the stuck...we added them into our schooling. For the first time...we weren't doing "school at home" we were truly homeschooling...and she was thriving and everyday felt like an adventure. The Lord gave us what we needed each day to nurture her interests and help her mature in them.
These last few months...we have got the now dreaded question in our home..."What college are you going to?" And the looks of disapproval we get from those who ask, their upturned eyebrows when in fact my daughter tells them that she is not going to college. You would think that her plans were to become a couch potato...we try not to cringe...which is what was beginning to happen to us both...and trust in the One who has led us thus far. He holds to the key my dear friends to our children's future...
We do not have to mainstream our children into a system that tells us that we have to have the "college experience". In my daughters case...we have found alternate ways of certification that will not leave her with a huge debt upon her had after graduation. Her education and learning is far from over...it really has just begun. Thist feels good to me. I am not putting down college...not in anyway. For many if not most...this is the solution. For my daughter...we chose the alternative route.
The Lord has proven to us time and time again that His way is the best. She has now had two people take her under their wing in her dance teaching...last night she had an enlightening talk with her new boss...this woman is giving her opportunity to learn the ropes of a dance studio owner without any competitiveness...she knows that Brittany has a dream to own a dance studio someday...she is giving her opportunity to learn. It amazes me...that all of her favorite things that she has worked on these past years will again see her through her first job.
Being quiet...having complete trust that the God who created our children has a plan for each and every one of them...not allowing the pressure of the "world" to confuse us...but to truly listen to our children...more importantly our Lord. It is all in HIS plan!
As many of you are ready to begin your fall classes...I just want to encourage you this year to take the time to trust in Him. Enjoy your children, learn along side of them...find the adventure in your homeschool. Watch what God will do in the life of your kids.
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Lazy days of summer...
In fear of boring anyone who happens to stop by here to tears...I apologize.
Not much going on here...our weather has been very hot here this summer...I am not complaining...I would rather have a hot summer than a cool summer. I have been spending my week doing my laundry...and am happy to say that I am all caught up...well, as soon as I put that last load in the dryer, fold them and put them away. I gave myself a manicure and a pedicure today...I decided that I am going to try and do this for myself once a week...I am reading a good book as well...that's about it...
Went to a local farm and bought corn, green beans, squash and zucchini yesterday...trying to figure out what to have for supper tonight.
What have you been doing today?
Joyce Marie
Not much going on here...our weather has been very hot here this summer...I am not complaining...I would rather have a hot summer than a cool summer. I have been spending my week doing my laundry...and am happy to say that I am all caught up...well, as soon as I put that last load in the dryer, fold them and put them away. I gave myself a manicure and a pedicure today...I decided that I am going to try and do this for myself once a week...I am reading a good book as well...that's about it...
Went to a local farm and bought corn, green beans, squash and zucchini yesterday...trying to figure out what to have for supper tonight.
What have you been doing today?
Joyce Marie
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Hey there, I realize that I have been gone for nearly a month...we have had a rough summer here in our house...as you know...it started out with Brittany being sick throughout her entire graduation and beyond...then I caught the bug...let me tell you. I was very sick...it took everything in me to just get better. Six days of fever, followed by what I think was viral pneumonia...which I really believe is what my Brittany had as well...but I can say that I woke up yesterday morning with that feeling that I am back to myself...and I am so very thankful.
I completely missed my darling husbands birthday (which I plan on making up to him)...and then Brittany ended up with a bad ear infection in which she couldn't hear out of her left ear for over two weeks...so...as you can see...it has been a rough summer for us.
Since this is Football Hall of Fame week in our neck of the woods...this past Friday, we went to see the hot air balloon festival which is the kick off to the celebration. The city of Canton is just a stone's throw from us...Brittany took her new camera and was able to take some neat pictures...we had Italian sausage sandwiches and yummy lemonade...and then shared an elephant ear between the three of us. The best part was just getting out of the house and feeling like we were just normal people again. I was able to walk a long way...and up hills which a week before I don't think that I would have been able to. I barely had the strength to walk across my living room.
I know that I am jumping around a bit...but to tell you the truth...when you have been cooped up in the middle of summer being sick...there isn't a lot to say.
Brittany is finishing up her last week of dance camp this week and then she'll have a break until her fall classes begin...she will be teaching about 10 hours this fall which she is thrilled with and should keep her very busy as she has lesson plans to create for all of her classes and dances to choreograph.
Plans this week...my darling husband is in Massachusetts...so Brittany and I have plans to rent a couple of movies...check out a couple of antique stores...have an Hawaiin ice at a place we just discovered...return cd's to the library...and make a visit to our favorite bargain store...most importantly to just enjoy the fact that we are both healthy again...
I'll try to write more interesting posts instead of sickly rambling ones here in the near future...but for now...have a blessed Tuesday!
Joyce Marie
I completely missed my darling husbands birthday (which I plan on making up to him)...and then Brittany ended up with a bad ear infection in which she couldn't hear out of her left ear for over two weeks...so...as you can see...it has been a rough summer for us.
Since this is Football Hall of Fame week in our neck of the woods...this past Friday, we went to see the hot air balloon festival which is the kick off to the celebration. The city of Canton is just a stone's throw from us...Brittany took her new camera and was able to take some neat pictures...we had Italian sausage sandwiches and yummy lemonade...and then shared an elephant ear between the three of us. The best part was just getting out of the house and feeling like we were just normal people again. I was able to walk a long way...and up hills which a week before I don't think that I would have been able to. I barely had the strength to walk across my living room.
I know that I am jumping around a bit...but to tell you the truth...when you have been cooped up in the middle of summer being sick...there isn't a lot to say.
Brittany is finishing up her last week of dance camp this week and then she'll have a break until her fall classes begin...she will be teaching about 10 hours this fall which she is thrilled with and should keep her very busy as she has lesson plans to create for all of her classes and dances to choreograph.
Plans this week...my darling husband is in Massachusetts...so Brittany and I have plans to rent a couple of movies...check out a couple of antique stores...have an Hawaiin ice at a place we just discovered...return cd's to the library...and make a visit to our favorite bargain store...most importantly to just enjoy the fact that we are both healthy again...
I'll try to write more interesting posts instead of sickly rambling ones here in the near future...but for now...have a blessed Tuesday!
Joyce Marie
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
We finally got our girl back up on her feet! Thanks to NyQuil and DayQuil...we have never used either one of them...but she had a dry cough ALL day on Saturday...I actually think that her inhaler was irritating her...so we tossed it to the side, her daddy ran to the drugstore, we gave her a dose and she was out like a light...the next morning...he was back out buying the daytime version. She is still feeling a bit sluggish but, she made it through her teaching night and was still smiling when she came home...it was nice to see that sparkle in her eyes again.
I have to say...that I am afraid that I am in for it now...so...I am now taking the same meds and drinking lots of hot beverages as they feel good on my throat. I guess I'll be taking some forced R&R...
It is hot, hot...hot here...hot and dry which is so not Ohio weather...as a matter of fact, I looked at the weather report this morning...and it had a bright yellow sun and a cactus...in Ohio? I am enjoying it...I love Phoenix hot...and that is what our weather feels like.
Blessings dear friends!
Joyce Marie
I have to say...that I am afraid that I am in for it now...so...I am now taking the same meds and drinking lots of hot beverages as they feel good on my throat. I guess I'll be taking some forced R&R...
It is hot, hot...hot here...hot and dry which is so not Ohio weather...as a matter of fact, I looked at the weather report this morning...and it had a bright yellow sun and a cactus...in Ohio? I am enjoying it...I love Phoenix hot...and that is what our weather feels like.
Blessings dear friends!
Joyce Marie
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
My mom, my hero...
When you were a child...did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? I did. I wanted to be my mom. I can remember when she brought my brother home from the hospital...side by side we each would bathe our babies...mine of course was my baby doll.
My mom is such a lady...she is the most devoted lady I have ever known...one thing I remember about her during my school days was...she never gave up. She would work with me on a school project or whatever needed to be done and never give up until we were finished. She kept our house clean and neat...she was a loving and excellent wife. She is one of seven girls in her family, born right in the middle.
I love laughing with her. I love crafting, and baking with her. I watched her when my dad was diagnosed with cancer...even when her heart was breaking...even when she lost him, the love of her life she handled it with a grace and beauty.
I have been watching her my whole life. She is my mentor, my friend, my hero. I have carefully taken note off all that she does over the years...I have to admit...sometimes, I still don't feel like I am a grown up...but when I do...my answer is always the same. I want to be just like her.
This lovely lady pictured above with my Brittany is my mom, her name is Dora...and today is her birthday. I am so thankful for her...to spend time with her. She is a wonderful mom and grammy. I hope that she has many, many more birthdays ahead.
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
My mom is such a lady...she is the most devoted lady I have ever known...one thing I remember about her during my school days was...she never gave up. She would work with me on a school project or whatever needed to be done and never give up until we were finished. She kept our house clean and neat...she was a loving and excellent wife. She is one of seven girls in her family, born right in the middle.
I love laughing with her. I love crafting, and baking with her. I watched her when my dad was diagnosed with cancer...even when her heart was breaking...even when she lost him, the love of her life she handled it with a grace and beauty.
I have been watching her my whole life. She is my mentor, my friend, my hero. I have carefully taken note off all that she does over the years...I have to admit...sometimes, I still don't feel like I am a grown up...but when I do...my answer is always the same. I want to be just like her.
This lovely lady pictured above with my Brittany is my mom, her name is Dora...and today is her birthday. I am so thankful for her...to spend time with her. She is a wonderful mom and grammy. I hope that she has many, many more birthdays ahead.Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Is it really Wednesday?
My Brittany is doing better. She was having trouble getting her breath by Monday, she just didn't have enough air to talk and breath at the same time...so off to the doctor we went. We left the office with a prescription of Prednisone and an inhaler. No antibiotic because, apparently...you have to be sick now over 12 days for them to write a prescription for an antibiotic. I was quite miffed at the laptop computers that everyone was carrying around with them...I just wanted the person to look at us...and not the computer screen. Our doctor has moved on...not in that practice anymore...hmmm...wonder if that wonderful Obamacare that is promised us has anything to do with it? Brittany was asked every question imaginable...which was entered into that computer...and as I sat there with my sick daughter, who just wanted to be back home in bed I wondered just who was getting this information. A few days of bed rest...and she is getting stronger...she has had the sweats today...so that makes me think she is about through with this nasty virus. I am now searching for a new doctor's office...which hopefully I have found via a good friend.
I have been feeling under the weather myself...nothing like what Brittany has. I just think I am tired...I barely slept all last week...then with her being sick and all of our festivities and then yesterday...my mom had her second injection (so I was with her all day in the surgery center)...I am just beat.
Decided to take the day off and just give myself a rest. Brittany and I watched a movie that we have been craving...it is about John Keats. Called...Bright Star. We liked it very much although it had a very sad ending. It made me want to look up the poetry of Keats...did you know that he died at the age of 25? He died thinking he was a failure. If you like 19th century movies...and pretty dresses and bonnets...you may want to give it a try.
That's about it for now, (my mom is doing really great with these injections, by the way)...I am going to see what else I can get myself into...
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
I have been feeling under the weather myself...nothing like what Brittany has. I just think I am tired...I barely slept all last week...then with her being sick and all of our festivities and then yesterday...my mom had her second injection (so I was with her all day in the surgery center)...I am just beat.
Decided to take the day off and just give myself a rest. Brittany and I watched a movie that we have been craving...it is about John Keats. Called...Bright Star. We liked it very much although it had a very sad ending. It made me want to look up the poetry of Keats...did you know that he died at the age of 25? He died thinking he was a failure. If you like 19th century movies...and pretty dresses and bonnets...you may want to give it a try.
That's about it for now, (my mom is doing really great with these injections, by the way)...I am going to see what else I can get myself into...
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Monday, June 28, 2010
Our Graduate...
Graduation day was lovely. I woke up and did my makeup and and hair...put on some clothes and headed to the grocery store for a few last minute items. Brittany stayed home and rested as long as she could...fighting that fever. Back home...things put away we had plenty of time to just relax and finish getting ready. Outside for pictures...in front of my mommy tree (my first Mother's Day. gift in this house). She looks good doesn't she? Her fever was nearly 102.
At the convention hall...we registered and had to wait for about 45 minutes before we met in a room with the parents and graduates (40 kids in all). They gave us our instructions...told us to get our kids dressed in their cap and gown and for us (parents) to leave. So, Dennis went and picked up my mom...and I followed their request...dressed my daughter, gave her a big kiss on the cheek and went out to the lobby to wait. At 4:30, we were able to go in and find our assigned seats. Parents were to sit at the right side of the stage...I was anxious and by this time just ready to get this job done. My tissue in hand which I didn't use, I am happy to say...the doors opened and the music played and that lump in my throat grew so big I thought I would choke...It was nice to watch the kids walk up the isle. I looked at the other moms...none of them looked like I felt so in my head I gave myself a talking to and swallowed the tears that so desperately wanted to flow. After a prayer and a great speech given by a past homeschooling (a handsome young man with a young family). The graduates were sitting beside the stage...opposite of us...when the child's name was called, we were to go up the stairs, cross the stage and meet her in the middle. At the call of her name...we headed up and there she was...my beautiful daughter smiling directly at me. At that moment...I think I released a sob. With hugs and kisses and I love you's we handed her her diploma...and she handed me a beautiful white and scarlet carnation. One more hug from me...we crossed the stage...met for another hug in the back of the room and then went back to our seats...a final prayer and that was it. A beautiful ending to a beautiful homeschooling life. I managed to get through the whole thing without one tear(I have a fear of sobbing in public)...I was so proud of myself...
Back home, Brittany made it to the couch and couldn't move...the Lord gave her exactly the energy she needed to make it through. It was amazing. One little thing that she told me...that I keep thinking about...they took a series of pictures of the graduating class...we'll have them by October...for one, they went outside...Brittany said she looked up at the sky...and as clear as can be...she saw the face of her Pappy(my dad)...looking at her and smiling. She told me it made her feel better...whether it was the fever...or that she was just thinking of him it doesn't matter...maybe God gave her a little gift...but in her mind...it was her Pap...and I think she'll hold on to that forever.
I wish that I was feeling more poetic, in my heart I have so much to say...but...I am so tired today and thankful for plenty of leftovers so that I don't have to do more than warm food up...at least for today.
Thank you so much for your prayers for her...she told me God gave her the strength to get through(I told her she had many praying for her)...she has been ordered to rest for the next two days by the doctor...except for teaching tonight that is exactly where you can find her...
Blessings dear friends,
Joyce Marie
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Hey everyone...
Thank you for your prayers...Brittany made it through her day fever and all...made it home and collapsed on the couch. Fever still around 102...which is driving me crazy...woke up with a fever again...medicated her up...this is our party day...and tomorrow...I think a doctor visit is in order.
Blessings to all of you this Sunday...thank you for your loving prayers...
Joyce Marie
Blessings to all of you this Sunday...thank you for your loving prayers...
Joyce Marie
Saturday, June 26, 2010
just a note...
My daughter still has a fever...with two Aleve...it is hovering just below 101. I guess this virus or whatever just wants to have a grip on her...I am calm, cool and collected...hair and make up already done...last of my grocery shopping already done...now all we have to do is relax until this afternoon. I told Brittany to just pace herself...but her little eyes look so sick. It makes me sad.
We'll just keep chugging away...
Blessings!
We'll just keep chugging away...
Blessings!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tonight my head and heart are full...tomorrow things are different. All the love and devotion that we have put into our little homeschool will end. A new chapter for us...as my daughter keeps lovingly reminding me...not and end, just a new chapter...with many more books to come. The top two pictures are first day of school pictures that I found this week as I sorted through stacks of memories...the first one cracks us up...that was her favorite skirt...that little turquoise skirt. She wanted to wear it every day...I think she loved it because it was bouncy. When we began our school...I took our third bedroom and painted it that vibrant blue color and cream...I had found a sweet abc boarder that matched it beautiful...we lasted up there a year...and then found it easier to do our school work at the table. The second picture...I am pretty sure she was about 9 or 10. This picture was taken in our office...where we also tried to do school but ended up at the table...LOL. The last picture is our favorite picture taken this spring...we are calling it her "official" graduation picture.
She is still running a low grade fever...as soon as the sun began to set...her fever began to rise. Thank you for your prayers...if you could keep her in your prayers for tomorrow...I have a feeling she will be feeling pretty rough when it comes time to get dressed...we have to be at the center at 2 for rehearsal...and then they'll take a picture of all the graduates...Dennis will go and pick up my mom and bring her...the ceremony is at five. I don't feel excited...I have a rather large lump in my throat. I am hoping that it will go away by morning...
Off I go to get some sleep...an early day for me tomorrow and my fingers are crossed that we have a fever free girl.
Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
UPDATE!!!
At 11:48 we took her temp and she was 98.7. YAY! So I am alternating between Tylenol and Ibuprofen...like when she was little. Hopefully this will stick and she'll be back to her sweet self tomorrow morning. On a lighter note...she is perched on the sofa painting her nails for tomorrow...so maybe things are looking up!
What is keeping me focused today...
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Amen!
Joyce Marie
What is keeping me focused today...
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Amen!
Joyce Marie
A prayer request...
Hi my dear friends,
We need your prayers...Brittany is sick and has a fever hovering around 102. As you know she graduates tomorrow. The Tylenol was lowering it to 101.5...but it isn't breaking, so this morning we are trying Aleve (in the past I know that ibuprofen is much better lowering fevers). After all the planning and things going on this Saturday and Sunday I am really at odds at what to do. My heart breaks for her because as all of our kids she has worked very hard and I hate for her to be sick tomorrow...my hope is that today would be the last of her fever. At first we thought this was just another allergy attack...now we're not so sure.
Sure would appreciate your prayers...
Thanks so much!
We need your prayers...Brittany is sick and has a fever hovering around 102. As you know she graduates tomorrow. The Tylenol was lowering it to 101.5...but it isn't breaking, so this morning we are trying Aleve (in the past I know that ibuprofen is much better lowering fevers). After all the planning and things going on this Saturday and Sunday I am really at odds at what to do. My heart breaks for her because as all of our kids she has worked very hard and I hate for her to be sick tomorrow...my hope is that today would be the last of her fever. At first we thought this was just another allergy attack...now we're not so sure.
Sure would appreciate your prayers...
Thanks so much!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Yummy cookies with a bit of whimsy
The absolute best thing is...we made tons of happy memories making them and...they taste as good as they look!
Be blessed!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
On your mark...
get set...we are less than a week away from our graduation. I still can't believe it...but things are shaping up nicely in the party planning. My mom came over Thursday and stayed all day...we were so busy...well into the night (she also spent the night. We managed to bake 109 large cookies and they turned out just adorable. We also finished all of our paper decorations. We tucked the cookies into individual baggies and they are now nestled in my mom's freezer. Our decorations are in boxes and ready to go.
I went out shopping for something to wear to the graduation on Friday...I just don't like today's styles and I am thinking that I just may have to break out my sewing machine...find a couple of classic patterns...adjust them to me and sew. I don't like the fabric that is available in the clothes that you buy in the store either. I was just very disappointed. I bought a summer skirt 4 years ago for my brother's wedding...it is white with black flowers...one of those cotton skirts that are fitted at the waist but balloon out. I thought it made me look...wide...so I have never worn it. It is feminine and pretty though and I have decided to wear it. I have a brand new white tank top to wear under a pretty coral sweater. The sweater has 3/4 length sleeves and it is very pretty. I did buy that on sale on Friday. I tried it on with my pearls on Saturday and am pretty happy with it. I am not comfortable in a skirt or dress...my style is very casual. I would love to wear them...I just don't. So...maybe wearing this pretty skirt will start something new...who knows? I have been looking at old pictures from when Brittany was little...I did sew back then and I kept admiring my feminine style. I also would make Brittany little summer outfits out of the leftover material...do you know I had completely forgotten about all of that?
Yesterday, I spent the day baking bread for the week...with all the craziness of late I haven't and actually had to buy a loaf of bread last week. I haven't bought a loaf of bread in months. So I took the time yesterday and read my FLYLADY book as I went. I am loving the concept of it all. As I have been trying to "re train" my brain...I am pretty clutter free...except for my book shelf and upstairs closet...and of course our basement. So for now I have made up my morning routine, afternoon routine and evening routine. It just amazes me how daily touching up can keep my house looking so neat and clean. I love it! I haven't started the zones yet...all major jobs are put on hold until after graduation. I have to force myself because I am the type of lady who would tear down a room and paint the week before Thanksgiving...then stressing myself out because I haven't gotten to everything else. Those days are over for me. I read the chapter on never having to spring clean again...boy, is that a wonderful thought. I'll simply work on a zone each week of every month and my home will maintain that look all year through.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's out there...where would we be with our our dad's...I am especially thinking of mine today. I am so thankful that my husband is a most wonderful dad to our daughter. He works so hard for our family and we truly appreciate everything he does.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday,
Joyce Marie
I went out shopping for something to wear to the graduation on Friday...I just don't like today's styles and I am thinking that I just may have to break out my sewing machine...find a couple of classic patterns...adjust them to me and sew. I don't like the fabric that is available in the clothes that you buy in the store either. I was just very disappointed. I bought a summer skirt 4 years ago for my brother's wedding...it is white with black flowers...one of those cotton skirts that are fitted at the waist but balloon out. I thought it made me look...wide...so I have never worn it. It is feminine and pretty though and I have decided to wear it. I have a brand new white tank top to wear under a pretty coral sweater. The sweater has 3/4 length sleeves and it is very pretty. I did buy that on sale on Friday. I tried it on with my pearls on Saturday and am pretty happy with it. I am not comfortable in a skirt or dress...my style is very casual. I would love to wear them...I just don't. So...maybe wearing this pretty skirt will start something new...who knows? I have been looking at old pictures from when Brittany was little...I did sew back then and I kept admiring my feminine style. I also would make Brittany little summer outfits out of the leftover material...do you know I had completely forgotten about all of that?
Yesterday, I spent the day baking bread for the week...with all the craziness of late I haven't and actually had to buy a loaf of bread last week. I haven't bought a loaf of bread in months. So I took the time yesterday and read my FLYLADY book as I went. I am loving the concept of it all. As I have been trying to "re train" my brain...I am pretty clutter free...except for my book shelf and upstairs closet...and of course our basement. So for now I have made up my morning routine, afternoon routine and evening routine. It just amazes me how daily touching up can keep my house looking so neat and clean. I love it! I haven't started the zones yet...all major jobs are put on hold until after graduation. I have to force myself because I am the type of lady who would tear down a room and paint the week before Thanksgiving...then stressing myself out because I haven't gotten to everything else. Those days are over for me. I read the chapter on never having to spring clean again...boy, is that a wonderful thought. I'll simply work on a zone each week of every month and my home will maintain that look all year through.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's out there...where would we be with our our dad's...I am especially thinking of mine today. I am so thankful that my husband is a most wonderful dad to our daughter. He works so hard for our family and we truly appreciate everything he does.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday,
Joyce Marie
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A praise...
All went well with my mom yesterday. Bless her heart, she looked so tiny in that hospital bed. I just kept praising the Lord that she was there for something minor and not something major. The last time we were all there...my dad had his port put in for his chemo...as soon as we walked through the door the memories of that sad time in our lives flooded us. Brittany and I just hugged as my mom was checking in...then when they called her back she had her moment. I guess it hit her then...but, on the flip side, yesterday was about her and she has such a nice doctor which is such a blessing. Britty and I walked down the hall to get a blackberry lemonade and by the time we finished drinking it she was in recovery. I think that is pretty amazing.
We took her home and she was quite loopy still. I made her some tea and toast and we stayed with her until she was making sense. I certainly didn't want her to fall. When I was sure she was ok...I ran down to the drugstore to pick up a prescription for her and buy her some Ginger Ale...then we left her and she went to lay down and take a nap...she woke up feeling pretty well and already has some relief from her pain. I am about to call her now to see how she is this morning...we do this all over again in 2-3 weeks.
Thank you for praying for my sweet mom...
Blessings!
We took her home and she was quite loopy still. I made her some tea and toast and we stayed with her until she was making sense. I certainly didn't want her to fall. When I was sure she was ok...I ran down to the drugstore to pick up a prescription for her and buy her some Ginger Ale...then we left her and she went to lay down and take a nap...she woke up feeling pretty well and already has some relief from her pain. I am about to call her now to see how she is this morning...we do this all over again in 2-3 weeks.
Thank you for praying for my sweet mom...
Blessings!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Reflections
Much is going around in my head this week as we have been traveling back and forth from dance class to auditorium . Finally, today we get a break and we are happy to have it. This weekend marks the two week mark...in two weeks from tomorrow we'll be handing our daughter her diploma. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I no longer have to plan a school year. Instead, I am helping my daughter do this for her students as she officially begins teaching summer classes in little over a week.
Wednesday night I was blessed to see her in action as one of her little six year old students was standing broken-hearted in the hallway. (Long story here...) As I went out into the hallway, I figured that I would wait there and Brittany would surely see me. As I watched all the parents with their young children pack up their gear. I just waited. Soon enough there she was, dressed in costume and stage makeup right in front of me bent down to eye level with this little girl. Explaining to her that she did such a great job that night and that everything was ok and that recital would be much better. I saw this little girl go from sobbing to reassurance. I watched my daughter in awe...wishing that I had my camera with me...instead I took a mental picture. My heart soared as I knew that this truly is her God given gift. How happy I am...that she has been given such an opportunity.
This weekend is her last dance recital as a student. Our girl began dancing at the age of 6. She has never missed a year and dancing has given her such a discipline. She is finishing up her twelfth year and with it...she now becomes a teacher. I have to say that I am very much looking forward to next year...where we can watch her students perform her choreography. But I can't go there yet. I want to take the time and remember every single moment of this weekend...watching my daughter perform...still as a student.
These next three days are going to be incredibly busy...dance recital both Saturday and Sunday and then on Monday my mom has to go in to same day surgery to get an injection in her back. She is having a lot of pain...she has Spinal Stenosis...(hope I spelled it right) anyway...her pain is in her right calf and foot...very deep and bothering her really bad. We have gone to several doctors these past weeks. Surgery is an option...but it is the last option. (She doesn't want surgery at all) So...she has been going to physical therapy that doesn't seem to be helping...but making it worse. I am hoping and praying that with this procedure she will get some relief. My mom is and always has been so active. It is a scary thing when you see your mom not be able to do as she wants because of pain. The doctor told her that she is a perfect candidate for this...so our fingers are crossed.
So...off I go today for a little bit of R&R with my Brittany before our crazy, busy weekend. Don't mind me for the next couple of weeks if I get a little...well, weepy! I am a Mommy in Transition after all.
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Wednesday night I was blessed to see her in action as one of her little six year old students was standing broken-hearted in the hallway. (Long story here...) As I went out into the hallway, I figured that I would wait there and Brittany would surely see me. As I watched all the parents with their young children pack up their gear. I just waited. Soon enough there she was, dressed in costume and stage makeup right in front of me bent down to eye level with this little girl. Explaining to her that she did such a great job that night and that everything was ok and that recital would be much better. I saw this little girl go from sobbing to reassurance. I watched my daughter in awe...wishing that I had my camera with me...instead I took a mental picture. My heart soared as I knew that this truly is her God given gift. How happy I am...that she has been given such an opportunity.
This weekend is her last dance recital as a student. Our girl began dancing at the age of 6. She has never missed a year and dancing has given her such a discipline. She is finishing up her twelfth year and with it...she now becomes a teacher. I have to say that I am very much looking forward to next year...where we can watch her students perform her choreography. But I can't go there yet. I want to take the time and remember every single moment of this weekend...watching my daughter perform...still as a student.
These next three days are going to be incredibly busy...dance recital both Saturday and Sunday and then on Monday my mom has to go in to same day surgery to get an injection in her back. She is having a lot of pain...she has Spinal Stenosis...(hope I spelled it right) anyway...her pain is in her right calf and foot...very deep and bothering her really bad. We have gone to several doctors these past weeks. Surgery is an option...but it is the last option. (She doesn't want surgery at all) So...she has been going to physical therapy that doesn't seem to be helping...but making it worse. I am hoping and praying that with this procedure she will get some relief. My mom is and always has been so active. It is a scary thing when you see your mom not be able to do as she wants because of pain. The doctor told her that she is a perfect candidate for this...so our fingers are crossed.
So...off I go today for a little bit of R&R with my Brittany before our crazy, busy weekend. Don't mind me for the next couple of weeks if I get a little...well, weepy! I am a Mommy in Transition after all.
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thanks for all your comments on my earlier post. I guess, I was so surprised because we too are far removed from a lot of television. Even movies for that matter. Last summer...we gave up on Hollywood...too much filth and propaganda being shoved down our throats. We subscribe to Netflix...which happens to carry a huge library of BBC classics. Brittany and I love nothing better than to curl up under a quilt and be swept away to the 18th century. Of course, reading is the best way to do this...it is just a sad day where every little step of the way we have to fight for what is good.
On a lighter note...thanks to my friend Debbie, you can visit her blog by clicking here. She has re-introduced me to the FlyLady and today I can proudly say that I am a FlyBaby. Day one for me was shining my sink. I wash out my sink with with bleach but I never shine it...I have to say it looks brand new again. If you have no idea what I am talking about...you can check out the FlyLady here. I am so ready to learn how to better manage my home and life...
I'll fill you in on my FlyBaby journey as I go...
Gotta run...
Joyce Marie
On a lighter note...thanks to my friend Debbie, you can visit her blog by clicking here. She has re-introduced me to the FlyLady and today I can proudly say that I am a FlyBaby. Day one for me was shining my sink. I wash out my sink with with bleach but I never shine it...I have to say it looks brand new again. If you have no idea what I am talking about...you can check out the FlyLady here. I am so ready to learn how to better manage my home and life...
I'll fill you in on my FlyBaby journey as I go...
Gotta run...
Joyce Marie
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Is ABC Family trying to destroy the family?
Last night, ABC Family aired a new show...Pretty Little Liars. Brittany and I decided to give it a go and see what it was all about. Within the Pilot (first hour of the show) these are the things that I picked out. Underage drinking, pot smoking, shop lifting ( one girl stole a scarf, another stole a pair of sunglasses). Many "desperate house-wife" looking single women raising girls alone. The only family that had a father, was one whose daughter saw him kissing another woman in his car...so now his daughter is holding his secret. That was just the start.
One of the girls pretended to be older while meeting a handsome young guy in what looked like a bar...but this girl was only sixteen so I didn't get that!...later they were making out in the bathroom of the establishment...only to find out the next day that he was her new high school English Teacher. The young girl who had stolen the sunglasses...was caught on video tape...so, she was arrested...her mother "handled" it behind closed doors at the police station making a deal with the arresting detective who much later was led up the stairs in her house to "guarantee" that her daughter wouldn't be prosecuted. A kiss between two girls that was more than a kiss between friends...
I think that was it(isn't that enough?)...I believe this series is based on a book series...no wonder our youth struggle so. I really tried not to judge the show...during the whole program, my daughter and I kept looking at each other. Getting ready for bed later, all of these scenes kept playing in my head and I just had to post it here. I mentioned it to her and she said..."yeah, it had all the stuff we don't believe in in it." Yes, exactly.
I don't have to tell you...you already know that we now face a society where it has been so easy to take God out of everything. Young, impressionable girls watch this channel all the time. For the first time I was happy that I didn't have yet another show to ban my daughter from watching. How did we get here? How did our society change to be so opposite of what many of us still want. It is hard work keeping a family intact, under God. What happened to good, wholesome entertainment that we can walk away and allow our children to watch without having to worry that they have just been taught to do something that is wrong.
I am just appalled. Our country is in such a sorry state...the family is being attacked from all angles here. I really don't know what else to say...does this bother you too?
Joyce Marie
One of the girls pretended to be older while meeting a handsome young guy in what looked like a bar...but this girl was only sixteen so I didn't get that!...later they were making out in the bathroom of the establishment...only to find out the next day that he was her new high school English Teacher. The young girl who had stolen the sunglasses...was caught on video tape...so, she was arrested...her mother "handled" it behind closed doors at the police station making a deal with the arresting detective who much later was led up the stairs in her house to "guarantee" that her daughter wouldn't be prosecuted. A kiss between two girls that was more than a kiss between friends...
I think that was it(isn't that enough?)...I believe this series is based on a book series...no wonder our youth struggle so. I really tried not to judge the show...during the whole program, my daughter and I kept looking at each other. Getting ready for bed later, all of these scenes kept playing in my head and I just had to post it here. I mentioned it to her and she said..."yeah, it had all the stuff we don't believe in in it." Yes, exactly.
I don't have to tell you...you already know that we now face a society where it has been so easy to take God out of everything. Young, impressionable girls watch this channel all the time. For the first time I was happy that I didn't have yet another show to ban my daughter from watching. How did we get here? How did our society change to be so opposite of what many of us still want. It is hard work keeping a family intact, under God. What happened to good, wholesome entertainment that we can walk away and allow our children to watch without having to worry that they have just been taught to do something that is wrong.
I am just appalled. Our country is in such a sorry state...the family is being attacked from all angles here. I really don't know what else to say...does this bother you too?
Joyce Marie
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday
Not much happening this week for me. I am blaming it on a three day weekend...it has just left me wanting to just play and not get my work done. Perhaps it is because I am resting up for the next couple of weeks that are coming up. Brittany is finishing up all her official dance classes this week. Next week for her is theater week...where they do all the last minute finishing up before the big recital...then the recital will be both Saturday and Sunday...we are attending on Sunday...when she isn't dancing...she will be overseeing the concessions and ticket sales which she is totally excited about.
The following Monday, my mom is having an injection in her back...which is like same day surgery...so I'll be pretty busy with her that day...then...I need to get serious about finishing up and planning this graduation party.
Have you ever just wished for time to pass you by? This isn't me at all but I have so much emotion built up in me...that I just want to kiss June goodbye. Ok...I am taking a deep breath, there I feel much better.
Brittany is beginning to feel better with her nasty poison ivy...boy, can that stuff get ugly. Last night she took some Benadryl...she needed a good nights sleep. Hopefully she got it. Epsom Salts and an anti itch cream from Aveeno really made a difference yesterday. I also read that cool compresses and even an ice cube can help...we did the ice cube and low and behold it did calm the itch yesterday morning...she is getting a rather large patch on the back of her thigh...which we don't understand because she had knee shorts on the day we worked outside...who knows?
That is about it...on my agenda for today...grocery shopping. I am looking for a canner as well as I'll be picking strawberries on Friday...and I plan to make freezer jam for now and jam for winter as well.
Blessings for today!
The following Monday, my mom is having an injection in her back...which is like same day surgery...so I'll be pretty busy with her that day...then...I need to get serious about finishing up and planning this graduation party.
Have you ever just wished for time to pass you by? This isn't me at all but I have so much emotion built up in me...that I just want to kiss June goodbye. Ok...I am taking a deep breath, there I feel much better.
Brittany is beginning to feel better with her nasty poison ivy...boy, can that stuff get ugly. Last night she took some Benadryl...she needed a good nights sleep. Hopefully she got it. Epsom Salts and an anti itch cream from Aveeno really made a difference yesterday. I also read that cool compresses and even an ice cube can help...we did the ice cube and low and behold it did calm the itch yesterday morning...she is getting a rather large patch on the back of her thigh...which we don't understand because she had knee shorts on the day we worked outside...who knows?
That is about it...on my agenda for today...grocery shopping. I am looking for a canner as well as I'll be picking strawberries on Friday...and I plan to make freezer jam for now and jam for winter as well.
Blessings for today!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Happy Tuesday!
We had a great...relaxing weekend! I was all in for that...lets see...Friday, Brittany and I worked outside all day. Trimming trees, cutting up the wood, clearing out areas...that sort of spring clean-up kinda thing only we are late. Later on went to the store and I bought more plants and a couple of vegetable plants for containers. I have tried before but we'll see...when you live in a woodland it is hard to grow even a tomato plant. I am hoping that this year the spot I have chosen will be much better.
Saturday we had a graduation party to attend...our closest friends. Boy did they have the food. I tried to convince them to just throw everything in the freezer for me for the end of the month...but I don't think they bought it...then I tried to hire them to cater our party...in the end they told us that we could borrow whatever we need. So at least there is that. They had the best pulled pork...which is way too pricey for me. So...off to Sam's Club we went. They were featuring pulled pork there this weekend. So luckily we were able to sample it...really good too...and a fraction of what our friends had and my family decided that we wanted to have...all three of us sampled and agreed that it was really good...so we left with four trays of it...where it is frozen in my freezer until the big event. I think I have decided the rest of my menu around it...
cole slaw
potato salad
fruit salad
veggie tray
baked beans
hot dogs
rolls and buns
We thought the kiddies would like the hot dogs! And then of course we will have our large sugar cookies for dessert...our friends had cupcakes, a huge cake and cookies and hardly anyone touched any of it...of course it was 90 degrees that day and not many like sweets when it is that hot outside.
So...I feel really good about my menu...I know it will turn out great. The pulled pork that we bought says you can warm it on the grill...it just so happens that our shelter has three nice grills right there...so we don't have to worry about crock pots or anything like that to keep it warm. Pretty cool!
Monday...I spent the day in my flower garden, planting the last of what I had and planting my veggies in my pots in between thunderstorms.
Brittany has a bad case of poison something on her ankles...it is really ugly and itchy and miserable...but we are using what we can to keep her comfortable....just in time for graduation huh?
That's about it...in a nutshell.
Have a great Tuesday!
Joyce Marie
Saturday we had a graduation party to attend...our closest friends. Boy did they have the food. I tried to convince them to just throw everything in the freezer for me for the end of the month...but I don't think they bought it...then I tried to hire them to cater our party...in the end they told us that we could borrow whatever we need. So at least there is that. They had the best pulled pork...which is way too pricey for me. So...off to Sam's Club we went. They were featuring pulled pork there this weekend. So luckily we were able to sample it...really good too...and a fraction of what our friends had and my family decided that we wanted to have...all three of us sampled and agreed that it was really good...so we left with four trays of it...where it is frozen in my freezer until the big event. I think I have decided the rest of my menu around it...
cole slaw
potato salad
fruit salad
veggie tray
baked beans
hot dogs
rolls and buns
We thought the kiddies would like the hot dogs! And then of course we will have our large sugar cookies for dessert...our friends had cupcakes, a huge cake and cookies and hardly anyone touched any of it...of course it was 90 degrees that day and not many like sweets when it is that hot outside.
So...I feel really good about my menu...I know it will turn out great. The pulled pork that we bought says you can warm it on the grill...it just so happens that our shelter has three nice grills right there...so we don't have to worry about crock pots or anything like that to keep it warm. Pretty cool!
Monday...I spent the day in my flower garden, planting the last of what I had and planting my veggies in my pots in between thunderstorms.
Brittany has a bad case of poison something on her ankles...it is really ugly and itchy and miserable...but we are using what we can to keep her comfortable....just in time for graduation huh?
That's about it...in a nutshell.
Have a great Tuesday!
Joyce Marie
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Progress...
One skein down and six more to go...
It is beginning to take shape ...can you see it?
My mom had a doctor appointment this morning...I was her moral support, while visiting after the appointment I noticed the pretty doilies she had hung above her bed. Gifts from her sister and beautiful they are. They look so pretty I decided to try my hand at it. Found a pattern on the internet for a beginner project. I am just the kinda girl that has her hand in more than one project at a time. I think it is a flaw!Don't mind the coffee stains on my place-mat...it is on my desk for just such a thing...crumb catcher...coffee drips...you know what I mean.
Hope your having a lovely day!
Joyce Marie
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Three posts in one day?
Yes, I can't help myself. I was driving home from dropping off our Brittany (aka Miss Brittany as she is known these days) and it dawned on me. We are officially finished with school. Our Lord gave us such a smooth transition that I hardly noticed. He took my girl from our school room to her first job...He brought me along for the ride and woke me up to see all the possibilities that I have in front of me. For this I am truly grateful.
I know that there are many exciting things still ahead for both of us so I will not fret. I love the verse in Proverbs...Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
You see, I know that our Lord wants us to to live a joy filled life. This verse reminds me to be strong, to keep my wits about me and to just go about my life clinging to the hope I find in Him.
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
I know that there are many exciting things still ahead for both of us so I will not fret. I love the verse in Proverbs...Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
You see, I know that our Lord wants us to to live a joy filled life. This verse reminds me to be strong, to keep my wits about me and to just go about my life clinging to the hope I find in Him.
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
Look what greeted me this morning...
How pretty!...this peony closes up like a fist at night...but in the morning she opens up and turns her face to the sun. A true reminder to me that I can curl up in the shelter of my Lord at night but first thing in the morning...I also need to turn my face toward the Son!
This is the second season for this beautiful flower. Only get one bloom so I wanted to record it here...just too pretty to not take a picture.
Wishing you a beautiful day!
Joyce Marie
Wishing you a beautiful day!
Joyce Marie
Life in Spite of Me Blog Tour
About this bookShe wanted to die. God had other plans.
Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.
Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.
One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.
But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.
In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.
Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.
Includes notes of encouragement Kristen wishes she had received when she was struggling most.
“Life, In Spite of Me is a remarkable story of life beyond despair and hope that triumphs over tragedy.”
—Louie Giglio, pastor, Passion City Church/The Passion Movement
“Suicide is a liar and a thief. It promises peace to those who are escaping but delivers unimaginable pain and rejection to those left behind. Kristen Jane Anderson’s riveting story unmasks the thief and gives hope a face.”
—Dr. Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife Ministries
“When I first met Kristen, I was overwhelmed with her smile, and then I saw her wheelchair. It was a defining moment for me. I had not heard her story or why she’d ended up at Moody. But it was her smile—and it is still her smile—that dismantles me. Kristen has something. It is something otherworldly. She had every reason to die, but now she has every reason to live. I hope you’ll read her story, see her smile, and know why she lives.”
—Michael Easley, former president, Moody Bible Institute
My Review
What a book! What a story! What a testimony! I know that is a lot of exclamation points but I picked this book up on a Saturday morning and could not put it down until I finished. I not only read about her struggles, but this book drew me in to feel her struggles. What an amazing young woman. This book kept me thinking long after I read the final pages. I highly recommend this book. We all go through life struggles, sometimes we feel like giving up. I promise, if you pick up this book it will change your thinking. Life is a gift.
I would especially recommend this book to each and every teen out there. A must read.
You may view a short video of Kristen Jane Anderson here
This book was graciously provided by review by the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Picture of my project...
I chose a paprika color wool and I am hoping that I can finish it over the summer to wear it into the fall...we will see!
Home organizing!
So...I have been doing some thinking and about to put together a plan for myself. After all of these years of homeschooling...I am in such a mindset to get up...get ready, eat our breakfast, hit the books and then do all the other things I need to do after that now that our school has ended...I find myself just wondering around like a boat without a paddle. A week and a half of this and I have had it with myself.
I find myself up and about and just procrastinating at everything. I haven't even baked bread in two weeks...well, I did, finally last night. Sure tasted good this morning. My laundry is beginning to pile up again...what in the world is wrong with me?
Today...I woke up with a plan...my home ran so smoothly when we were schooling...so I have no excuse now and this constant wondering has to stop. I will be dropping Brittany off soon for her evening and then I am off to buy myself a little binder with some tabs and I will then create for myself a home organizer. I am going to organize myself so that I tackle various jobs first thing in the morning...instead of late at night...that way...I can do some of the other things that I have my eye on. Like knitting, quilting, gardening, canning...just to name a few.
So off I go...up to clean up for my day...yeah, I know, it is 3:00...but I have scrubbed my bathroom today...folded and put away my laundry and cleaned my bedroom. I just haven't gotten dressed yet. See, I told you I was wondering...
Have a blessed day!
Joyce Marie
I find myself up and about and just procrastinating at everything. I haven't even baked bread in two weeks...well, I did, finally last night. Sure tasted good this morning. My laundry is beginning to pile up again...what in the world is wrong with me?
Today...I woke up with a plan...my home ran so smoothly when we were schooling...so I have no excuse now and this constant wondering has to stop. I will be dropping Brittany off soon for her evening and then I am off to buy myself a little binder with some tabs and I will then create for myself a home organizer. I am going to organize myself so that I tackle various jobs first thing in the morning...instead of late at night...that way...I can do some of the other things that I have my eye on. Like knitting, quilting, gardening, canning...just to name a few.
So off I go...up to clean up for my day...yeah, I know, it is 3:00...but I have scrubbed my bathroom today...folded and put away my laundry and cleaned my bedroom. I just haven't gotten dressed yet. See, I told you I was wondering...
Have a blessed day!
Joyce Marie
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Graduation announcement...
With praise to God. We are blessed to announce the
Home School Graduation of our daughter
Brittany Lucille Nofsinger
from Hillside Christian Academy
Saturday, June 26, 2010
And don't let anyone put you down because you're
young. Teach believers with your life by word,
by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity
1 Timothy 1:12
Home School Graduation of our daughter
Brittany Lucille Nofsinger
from Hillside Christian Academy
Saturday, June 26, 2010
And don't let anyone put you down because you're
young. Teach believers with your life by word,
by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity
1 Timothy 1:12
Great Graduation announcement sites that we liked...
Pear Tree Greetings (our choice)
Tiny Prints
Kodak Gallery
Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
Pear Tree Greetings (our choice)
Tiny Prints
Kodak Gallery
Be Blessed!
Joyce Marie
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Graduation preparations...
A week ago Saturday we picked up Brittany from dance teaching and there on our back porch was a package with her name on it...several weeks early we weren't expecting it just yet. Opening the package...we all realized that this was truly it...the moment that we have been waiting for. The arrival of her cap and gown. Of course we had to snap a picture...
I promised her that all of you wouldn't mind that she was all sweaty and her hair was frizzy from practicing her little students that morning. And...there it is the official one and only cap and gown that I will ever have to buy. The CHEO (Christian Home Educator's of Ohio) group's colors...how cool is that? I have to admit that I did shed a tear...so did her daddy...well, we have to get it out of our system before the big day...
My husband had to leave on Mother's Day of all things...so I was able to spend some beautiful time with my mama...I visited with my brother and my sweet niece and nephews whom I am crazy about...then they went home and mom and Brittany and I went out for a pizza. We hardly ever do that with her so it was special and fun...my family bought me my most favorite gifts of all...real living plants and last weekend Brittany and I made a new bed and planted them together...I'll post pictures as soon as the rain stops and the sun comes back out.
Then, last Monday, Brittany and I awoke early, got ready and decided that we were going to find the perfect graduation dress...the dress code requirements are..."modest dresses with sleeves and modest neckline, minimum knee length, no slits". I have no problem with following that at all...but, have you ever tried to shop for a new dress in this day and age with those requirements? First we went to a store that a friend of hers told us about...well, nothing in there had even a sleeve on it...and as far as to the knee...maybe five inches above the knee. Off to another store...nothing again...not even a skirt. I was beginning to think that I would have to pull my sewing machine out of storage...and invite my mom over to make her dress. We stopped, got a sandwich and said a prayer before entering the next store.
This particular store is one of our favorites...you have to look really good at everything because they have seconds and overstocks...but right there in front of us was a whole rack of dresses that could work...we loaded up our shopping cart and off we went to the dressing room. We found the perfect dress...so pretty but it is sleeveless so we decided that we could possibly find her a cardigan...so off we went to look for that...into Target we went and there on the shelf was one lone summer weight pink cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves that matched the dress perfectly. We were so thankful...then off to buy shoes...out of her size, but the guy offered to check other stores or ship it to us from their warehouse for free...AMAZING! Cute little flats with a pointed flower on the toe in white...couldn't have fit her dress more perfect. So...as we drove through town on the way back home we truly gave thanks to God who put this whole outfit together so perfectly.
Isn't it pretty...I am afraid that the light isn't very good and we snapped this picture with my cell phone so that her dad could see it last week while he was away...again...excuse the hair and lack of make-up as we hadn't gotten fixed up for that day yet. As you can see the dress fits the code perfectly...the picture doesn't do it justice...but...take my world for it...it is so pretty.
More grad preps to come as next post will be about her announcements!
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
I promised her that all of you wouldn't mind that she was all sweaty and her hair was frizzy from practicing her little students that morning. And...there it is the official one and only cap and gown that I will ever have to buy. The CHEO (Christian Home Educator's of Ohio) group's colors...how cool is that? I have to admit that I did shed a tear...so did her daddy...well, we have to get it out of our system before the big day...My husband had to leave on Mother's Day of all things...so I was able to spend some beautiful time with my mama...I visited with my brother and my sweet niece and nephews whom I am crazy about...then they went home and mom and Brittany and I went out for a pizza. We hardly ever do that with her so it was special and fun...my family bought me my most favorite gifts of all...real living plants and last weekend Brittany and I made a new bed and planted them together...I'll post pictures as soon as the rain stops and the sun comes back out.
Then, last Monday, Brittany and I awoke early, got ready and decided that we were going to find the perfect graduation dress...the dress code requirements are..."modest dresses with sleeves and modest neckline, minimum knee length, no slits". I have no problem with following that at all...but, have you ever tried to shop for a new dress in this day and age with those requirements? First we went to a store that a friend of hers told us about...well, nothing in there had even a sleeve on it...and as far as to the knee...maybe five inches above the knee. Off to another store...nothing again...not even a skirt. I was beginning to think that I would have to pull my sewing machine out of storage...and invite my mom over to make her dress. We stopped, got a sandwich and said a prayer before entering the next store.
This particular store is one of our favorites...you have to look really good at everything because they have seconds and overstocks...but right there in front of us was a whole rack of dresses that could work...we loaded up our shopping cart and off we went to the dressing room. We found the perfect dress...so pretty but it is sleeveless so we decided that we could possibly find her a cardigan...so off we went to look for that...into Target we went and there on the shelf was one lone summer weight pink cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves that matched the dress perfectly. We were so thankful...then off to buy shoes...out of her size, but the guy offered to check other stores or ship it to us from their warehouse for free...AMAZING! Cute little flats with a pointed flower on the toe in white...couldn't have fit her dress more perfect. So...as we drove through town on the way back home we truly gave thanks to God who put this whole outfit together so perfectly.
Isn't it pretty...I am afraid that the light isn't very good and we snapped this picture with my cell phone so that her dad could see it last week while he was away...again...excuse the hair and lack of make-up as we hadn't gotten fixed up for that day yet. As you can see the dress fits the code perfectly...the picture doesn't do it justice...but...take my world for it...it is so pretty.More grad preps to come as next post will be about her announcements!
Blessings!
Joyce Marie
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