tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38779191150320180872024-03-14T09:17:42.146-04:00I'm At HomeLove begins with taking care of the reasons I live...the ones at home.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.comBlogger334125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-73136253903859338952015-01-20T16:17:00.001-05:002015-01-20T16:18:45.107-05:00Subbing for a LivingNow that Caleb is in school as opposed to being home-schooled (which I miss terribly), I am helping bring in the green stuff by doing some substitute teaching. It has been an eye opener, to say the least. Having gone to a small Christian school all of my life, and now sending my own children to the same school, public schools have always been a mystery to me. Until this year. I am subbing in grades 1-6, wherever I am needed. Sometimes its as an Ed Tech, sometimes in the Resource Room. I've taught Gym, Music, and Homerooms. Today I played the part of Art teacher! I taught the same class, six times. It was great fun. The art lesson was called "Alphabet Soup". The kids had to draw all 26 letters on a piece of paper, connecting them, making them big or small, creating shapes, spaces, etc. that they would then color in. After seeing approx 80 kids come through the door today, I was very impressed with some of the art! Hidden letters, names, and themes began to take over. It was really fun. Next week I am going to sub for a music teacher at a 1-3 grade school. That should be lots of fun too! I love kids. I love teaching them, interacting with them, getting to know them. When I left the classroom at the end of the day, I was walking through the hall of many little faces, when a child that I taught last week in a sixth grade homeroom smiled at me, and said "Hi Mrs. Chase!" I was surprised he remembered me, and even more surprised that I remembered him! Each teacher really does only have a short time in a child's life to make a difference. I want to be the substitute teacher that kids say when they are older, "I remember a sub that I LOVED! She was AWESOME, and so fun!" If you are or ever have been, a substitute teacher, what do you like about it? What sticks out as a memorable moment? I hope I have many positive moments in my subbing future!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-79392337824348662862015-01-12T10:15:00.000-05:002015-01-12T10:15:08.404-05:00Thinking of What to SayGood Morning. :) I hope you are having a great morning, wherever you are. Or afternoon, or evening! I am trying. I am alone today, husband working, kids at school. And its a Monday. I have been doing some substitute teaching this year, but it's been really slow. So all last week I was home alone. It's not a bad thing, but I feel bad. I guess because my hubby works so hard. So I make sure that here at home the chores get done, great meals get made, and I don't sit and watch tv all day. :) I like being home. I really do. I want to stay here all of the time, but I need to make money! I'm thinking I'll ask around, and see if anyone is looking for a babysitter. Someone that would bring their child to me. If I just had like two kids everyday, that would be great. So we'll see.<br />
So far this morning I haven't been too productive! I spent probably a half an hour watching the birds. Literally. Its become a hobby of mine and Andy's, and this morning the birds were busy. Our favorites, the red cardinal visited the feeder, and brought his wife along. The chickadees were plentiful, and even a new bird I hadn't seen before. I think it's a grey jay. Very cute! After that, I spent some time going through some boxes in my basement, looking for a book I thought I had. At church, our small group is studying the book of John. I was sure I had a study guide type book that would go along with the study, but I couldn't find it. Meanwhile though, I came across some other books that I want to read or reread! Next on my list is to get the one load of laundry that I need to do going, and then I'm going to try and make homemade granola bars. Hopefully that goes well.<br />
January is almost half over, and I am so glad. I hate January and February. Cold, grey, long, boring months. These are the months I wish I could go live in Florida. I have friends and relatives there that are commenting on how its 82 degrees today. No fair.<br />
This was a boring post. Later I may post again, about the trials of a very stubborn seven-year-old little boy! We'll see. Have a great day!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-45072865996966671572015-01-05T21:24:00.000-05:002015-01-06T10:42:36.238-05:00Getting Into the Groove of ThingsWow! Just spent two hours redesigning my blog page! It'll do for now. :) I also spent some time reading some of my past posts. I cried. Time flies so fast! The little preemie is now 7! His birthday was just before Christmas. He's in first grade, and just loves life! He is a clone of my oldest son which is soo awesome. When we found out we were pregnant again, I just couldn't figure out why!! haha! Then a few years went by, and one day, my oldest went and did the meanest thing ever to a mom...he MOVED OUT. How dare he?! Twenty years old, and decides he'd like to live on his own...a whole three miles across town! Anyway, I hated him moving out, hated him not being here, cried, mourned his absence. Really, I did. I still do, and it's been a year and a half. Well, one day I realized that my youngest son was an almost exact copy of my oldest! Their interests, words, laugh, mannerisms, you name it. And it clicked. This is why Little Man was born! Because God knew that one day, Mr. Smarty Pants would move out, and I would not handle it so well. Now I am lucky enough to have a grown son, who is so smart, making great life decisions, staying focused, and then I have a little guy, who on the days I miss the big one sooo much, does something that reminds me of his big brother. :) Thank you God! And of course, in the middle of all that brother/son drama, is my beautiful beauty, Girly Girl. She just turned 16! Oh man. I don't know what I'll do when she moves three miles across town (!), because there is no little baby girl clone, and there isn't going to be one! Unless...I am a grandma by then, and Mr. Smarty Pants has a GIRL!! Oh my. I think its time to go to bed. Thanks for reading! Hope you come back again!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjtiakaqPnyAQ2Xm1RP21KZYLSVpPcNDuHMTURDaAEy-ZljnXSkgvhyphenhyphen6-J9XXQhdx00yJZKNMtkHM31dUHo1zI6JR8DI4tov7JCI-kj_lRixYJS586GfbVHo2GA2KaPlYIM2dlC51zw/s1600/IMG_20140531_090551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjtiakaqPnyAQ2Xm1RP21KZYLSVpPcNDuHMTURDaAEy-ZljnXSkgvhyphenhyphen6-J9XXQhdx00yJZKNMtkHM31dUHo1zI6JR8DI4tov7JCI-kj_lRixYJS586GfbVHo2GA2KaPlYIM2dlC51zw/s1600/IMG_20140531_090551.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-78283243269956954742014-12-09T16:31:00.001-05:002014-12-09T16:31:16.816-05:00I am Second® - Scott HamiltonSo, like I said earlier, I haven't posted in over 3 years. But I have plans to post regularly! I love blogging. If you're reading this, thank you!<br /><br />
Below is a great video by Scott Hamilton. Its 3 years old, but very inspirational none the less. Please watch it. You won't regret it.<br /><br />
Have a great night wherever you may be!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k9ZcN_6wzp8" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-3389339509274909072014-12-09T08:38:00.002-05:002014-12-09T08:38:30.077-05:00I've Been MIA, for No Darn Good Reason...Guys. You probably don't even remember me. ;( I haven't posted on this blog in over 3 years! This post is simply a "try it out" to see if I even still remember. Blogger has changed a bit! I want to start blogging again. And I have a lot of catching up to do! See you soon...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-56167257404389867182011-11-02T12:59:00.002-04:002011-11-02T12:59:52.468-04:00Monkeying Around...My house is often a zoo, so while browsing new blog background ideas, I came across this one. I don't know how long it will stick...probably until I want a Christmas background. But for now, it fits. I thought about changing the name of my blog, but it's been I'm At Home for 3 years now, so why mess with a good thing?!<br />
<br />
What are you doing today?<br />
<br />
I have listened to The Isaacs and to Laura Story while I clean the kitchen; I played a nice round of Break The Ice with Little Man...we each one two games. I am about to put chicken, 2 cans of creamy chicken soup, carrots and some ranch dressing in the crock pot for supper. I'm not sure if we'll eat it over rice or pasta. And I may go buy some peas to put in there too.<br />
<br />
I need a new camera. Mine does not like any battery that I put into it, saying the batteries have died. I hope I get one for Christmas! I'm a little sick to my stomach, thinking about how I may not have a camera to take pictures of Little Man's birthday, Girly Girl's birthday, and Christmas. They all fall within 5 days of each other! It can't happen. Time to go camera shopping I guess. I don' have money to be picky, so we shall see....any suggestions?<br />
<br />
Happy November!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-7665326926607364142011-10-31T10:28:00.005-04:002011-10-31T10:28:57.949-04:00Face Painting X's 2I thought that for a post today I would simply share one of my reflections from one of my classes that I am taking in Early Childhood Education. I have to spend time after each day spent in the preschool classroom, writing my thoughts into a reflection paper. Following is two different experiences, but on the same day, in the same classroom, with the same materials. Tell me what you think!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Face-painting. Morning Session. Take One.</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Circle ends smoothly with no announcements of what will be happening.
Today is pajama day and the teacher and the assistant fit right in,
in their fun slumber attire. Children are choosing within the
classroom what they want to do for activity time. Some stay at the
block area, some move to Housekeeping. A few decide to do puzzles.
The teacher hands me a bucket filled with paint brushes and face
paint. I go wordlessly to one table, and she to another. We don't
even talk about the process. Within a few minutes, we each have 1-2
students standing near, asking what we are doing. I tell the first
little girl, face-painting! She smiles big and asks if she can go
first. Her friend quickly says, “I'm after her.” I ask the first
girl what she would like me to paint on her face and with what
color/s. She chooses a star, a heart, and a pumpkin. On each cheek, I
paint a pink heart, black star and a blue pumpkin. Her friend says,
“Wow! Cool! Is it my turn?” The second girl sits down and asks to
be a kitty. She chooses colors, and as I paint, I ask her if she has
any cats. The answer is yes, and we talk about what they look like
and what colors they are. I don't worry when she moves her head
around a lot, instead using the “mistakes” as whiskers. The
teacher, at her table, seems to be having the same experiences. We
joke about who can paint spiders better, and the children join in,
judging our attempts. No one is crying, the children are figuring out
all on there own where the “line” is for who's next, and they
talk amongst themselves about what has been painted, and what they
want on their face. One little boy tells the assistant when she asks,
that he doesn't want to do it. She tells him he doesn't have to, but
if he changed his mind, what did he suppose he'd have painted on his
face? She prods him along, asking him if he likes spiders...nope.
What about a dog face? Nope. Then she says, “what do you like?”
He replies with “alligators”. She then says, “I bet if you ask
Lisa or teacher, they could paint a great alligator.” He smiles
real big, and is soon next to me, quiet. I say, “hi T! Are you
going to have a turn?” He answers quietly with yes. Without putting
him on the spot by looking right at him, I ask while I'm still
painting on a child's face, “did you think about what you would
like?” he then says “alligator.” I pause for a second, and then
get real animated with my face, but not directly at him, as I say,
“an alligator?! I never would have thought of that!” he continues
smiling, now ready for his turn. As I begin painting his red
alligator, I talk about what alligators look like, and ask simple
questions about their teeth, or tail. He gives me one-word answers,
and before we know it, I'm done. I tell him quietly, so as not to
draw unwanted attention to him, to go look in the mirror. He does,
alone. I watch from a distance. His smile grows even bigger. His
friends ask him what he has on his face and he says with pride and
with a strong voice, “A Alligator.” We share a special look, and
I feel my heart filling with a new bond I have begun with T!!</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>
Face-painting. Afternoon Session. Take Two.</b></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are all at circle. The teacher puts on Clifford on a
special-once-in-a-while TV time. The children are told to sit
quietly. She gets up and goes to the table. After arranging her
paints and brushes and also telling 3 children that have followed her
to see what she's doing to go sit back down quietly, she picks one
child to come with her. The only thing you hear in the room is
Clifford jumping in a pile of leaves. What I wouldn't give to jump in
too. The child gets to pick one thing to have painted, and on one
cheek. It takes 3 minutes. He sits back down, and she takes child #2.
One choice, one cheek. 3 minutes. This continues for the next 3
children. There is one little girl, H, that wants her turn so badly.
She is sitting quiet, craning her neck to see the table, see the
teacher, see the painting. She has no desire to watch Clifford who is
now blowing leaves in a pile for Emily Elizabeth to jump into. Even
Clifford is in tune to a child's needs. Finally, after all 9
classmates are done, the teacher picks H, who without a doubt, is the
most into this activity. She is the only girl present today. Duh. She
sits down after 27 minutes of waiting her turn, and she just can't
decide what she wants. The teacher says, “hurry, we need to be
done.” It is then that I realize face-painting and Clifford are
supposed to end at the very same time. Hmm. You can see the pressure
H is feeling, and she finally says, “A princess.” This is not a
surprise, as H always picks out Disney princess books at library
time. The teacher says, “I can't do a princess on your face, but I
can on your hand.” H looks at her hand, not responding. “Quick,”
the teacher says, is that what you would like? H just nods, and
watches as a princess takes form on her hand. She is proud, but
satisfied? I doubt it.
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Same day, same activity. Two completely different experiences. I
loved the chance to see both, but not at the expense of 10 children
who had no opportunity to express creativity!!! I would have loved to
allow the children to paint each others' faces as well. Or even my
face. I bet the morning teacher would have done this, but it was
lunch time, and even then, it was late! </div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-37129840076798759172011-10-20T06:26:00.000-04:002011-10-20T06:26:53.220-04:00Clone Anybody?I think I'm getting old. I keep getting up earlier and earlier. Andy gets up at 4am to get ready for work, and I get up with him to help him make his lunch and just spend a few quiet moments alone with him. I used to go right back to bed when he left, snuggling in on his side, feeling the little bit of warmth left from his body. But lately I have just been staying up! It is dark, and it's easy to forget that it's early morning and not late at night. But I get some quiet time and my first cup of coffee is uninterrupted. Little Man however, woke up this morning at 4:40am, and wasn't so sure about being put back to bed. "Why isn't it sunny?" was his question. He is now cuddled on my pillow in my bed.<br />
I was thinking the other day that I wish there were 4 or 5 of me. I actually pictured myself emptying the dishwasher, another clone folding clothes, clone #3 doing homework, and the original me just spending time with my kids and my husband, not thinking one bit about the other things on the never-ending to-do list. And I'm serious; it's a NEVER ENDING LIST! Do you get frustrated when you start something and people, time, just life in general, don't allow you to finish? Sometimes I just know I won't be finishing what I'm about to start, so I don't start it. Is that a definition of procrastination? I can procrastinate like the best of them. Like now. I should be doing homework. Oh, shouldn't I. I have so so so much due in just 9 weeks, the end of my second-to-last semester. I know what will happen. I will wait until that last week and then go bald with pulling my hair out from being so stressed. My family will want to quietly murder me. I have great intentions, but rarely put them into action. Except for yesterday. You see, I have started my 135 hour practicum in a preschool setting, and it takes me away from home a lot right now. This means that Little Man is bounced around from place to place, and oh, the guilt. You don't even know. Well, maybe some of you do. He is totally fine, spending time with Nanny, or Aunt Kim, or even 2 1/2 hours every Tuesday at preschool at the christian school my older two attend. And on Fridays, he is home all day with Daddy. But I MISS HIM. He is special, his whole "being here" is different from my other two, and I feel so bad leaving him. He's just a little guy, and shouldn't I be with him now, everyday, all day? It's like rubbing salt in the wound too, when I think about the fact that I'm with kids his age all day, but he's missing. I even asked about whether or not he could come with me to my practicum, knowing full well that that wouldn't be allowed. So back to yesterday. After spending 7 hours in my practicum, I booked it the 9 miles to my mom's house to "rescue" my son. When I arrived, he and his cousin (same age) and Nanny were outside playing hide and seek. He saw me and ran with open arms across the yard. Inside I was repeating to myself "don't cry, don't cry...". I still don't know if I was talking to myself or him. He hugged me and then headed for the car. He was ready! The rest of the evening, I did what I had promised myself I would do, and I spent every moment with him. It was 3 blissful hours and I felt energized. I managed to make dinner in there for the family with Andy's help, and Little Man had a very long bath. I know he's fine. Everyone says that, and you may be tempted to comment on this post and tell me that very thing. But he won't be little forever. And I want him to be. One of the hardest things in the world that I am going through right now is the very beginning of "empty nest syndrome" with my oldest. He is still home, but at 17 1/2, he doesn't "need" momma much anymore. And right now, I don't feel so much like he even really likes me! I try and keep my distance, allowing him space to make decisions and also experience the consequences of those decisions. He is a very smart kid, and I am so proud. But it hurts. Like a hurt I have never ever felt. And I hate that I can't stop it, and that I also can't stop it from happening two more times after him. Girly Girl is almost 13. Where has the time gone. And so, I guess if my procrastination is the cause of not getting anything done, then I will embrace it, because getting nothing done seems to be the definition of spending time with my children. The assignments will get done. The laundry won't get up and walk away and leave us naked. The dish washer may stay full or need to be loaded, but what is important, my children, will be fed. And not just food for their bellies, but fed with LOVE from me. I still wouldn't mind those 4 clones though...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-32842467350634924902011-10-11T10:24:00.001-04:002011-10-11T10:24:09.334-04:00This is bad....I haven't posted in so long, and it looks like blogger has made some changes when posting! I like it! Well, Maine is getting cold. Yep. Old Man Winter is threatening a long visit, and I just wanna say NO!! Go away! I want summer back!<br />
It was busy summer...mostly filled with accomplishing my summer class and all of the student-teaching/practicum hours. I am now in my last year of early childhood education, a degree awaits me in May 2012. I am taking a full load and wow, I think about my classes 24/7. The homework isn't hard really, it's just time consuming and really thought-provoking. I'm taking an online sociology class that has me emotionally spent when I'm done answering the questions! I can feel brain cells growing!<br />
Andy is working!!! That is something I have not been able to say in my last two posts...I know, I know, April and July. I'm going to try to do better. But anyway, he's working with a friend that started up his own carpentry business earlier in the summer. They are on CheBeague Island off of Portland, Maine, building a post and beam home. He is gone 14 hours a day, 4 days a week. He is getting back in shape, feeling his own muscles get hard again in his arms. :) I overheard him tell someone that he and his work buddy are having fun. That did my heart so good, to hear that. My prayer this year for him, is to find peace in his life, to find what it is that God has planned for him. We still aren't sure what that is, but that's okay. God knows.<br />
I have begun a new hobby....thanks to some great friends on Facebook that kept sharing! Have you heard of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">PINTEREST</a> ? Check it out. It's awesome. It's like bookmarking, but with better organization and pictures! I've been reading a lot more too, actual books. Right now I am about to finish the book "The Help". I wanted to read it before seeing the movie, but now I may just not go see it. If you've read the book and seen the movie, what do you suggest? I don't want to ruin a good thing. And I love the book.<br />
Until next time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf6SirKBMYBTCVeKTaTgkTPJ8uLDtfSWSr9soUgigdbWvv0FnZkuclTQ-GUaBpJicT4Cz6XFmdFBL4-wzLWIWMoq-4tz3kEIGoFs20KhyphenhyphenmC9uCo05u_LrUJJFXn9KRZveV_RowY6QXg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf6SirKBMYBTCVeKTaTgkTPJ8uLDtfSWSr9soUgigdbWvv0FnZkuclTQ-GUaBpJicT4Cz6XFmdFBL4-wzLWIWMoq-4tz3kEIGoFs20KhyphenhyphenmC9uCo05u_LrUJJFXn9KRZveV_RowY6QXg/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXFVMU2JKlG1IQG6eDa2AADtJCrCz6VTAsvE0UeeMXCToCejkfQJC59AY7eWw011xIH4o3rmWg_mvnuNy4Hr-faZb3v_yOepuoDKf9mPQw3YCGmCoMI_wFjrFREz7PpHuYKS3NIt3zg/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXFVMU2JKlG1IQG6eDa2AADtJCrCz6VTAsvE0UeeMXCToCejkfQJC59AY7eWw011xIH4o3rmWg_mvnuNy4Hr-faZb3v_yOepuoDKf9mPQw3YCGmCoMI_wFjrFREz7PpHuYKS3NIt3zg/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MILK MAGIC!</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-82981070144577537112011-07-06T08:53:00.000-04:002011-07-06T08:53:23.469-04:00Not Quite Three Months...Because it's been so long, I feel like I need to do a little "splainin'" about my absence! I will make it short: LIFE!! Haha! If you are a Facebook friend (which I love!) then you may know a little more of what has been going on for the last 2 1/2 months. Birthdays, Anniversarys, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, end of school events, exams, job interviews (Andy...nope, not yet), family gatherings, cheap home renovations, gardens, and everything else in between! I know, it's all blog-worthy stuff, and I do regret when I go back and read past posts, not writing about some of the happenings. But it's not like I disappeared forever! hah! <br />
<br />
So in a nutshell, Mr. Smarty Pants will be 17 in a few weeks, and is now officially a Senior. I don't like talking about it. Not my baby! He is working on a farm up the road, and seems to like it. He and Andy are trying to sell one vehicle to buy another more safe first car for him. He is 8 months into a relationship, and as much as I kinda wish he wasn't so serious at this age, he is happy. And I met his dad when I was 17! So who knows. We are 80% done the basement bedroom, enough so that last week he moved down. We ran out of money for a few things, but things that are on the list and will be completed later. <br />
<br />
Girly Girl is 12 1/2, and even amidst the whining and the sometimes laziness of a "tween", I am really enjoying her. She has taken a real liking to baking, and can now make things from beginning to end with no help. And that's a BIG help! She paints her toes and fingernails a different color everyday, and is a fish in our pool. A girlfriend or two are usually here, or she is gone to their house. Not boy crazy AT ALL, and that's fine with me! If she does have a crush, she hasn't shared it with her mother! She has been baby-sitting Little Man for me a lot, and I love how motherly she is with him. He really loves his Sissah.<br />
<br />
Little Man....not so little anymore! 3 1/2, and full of it. He is riding a big boy bike now, loves the pool, and eats ALL DAY when I let him. His favorite thing to do outside is play in his little "house"...a clearing in the middle of some lilac bushes on the side of our backyard. He and our dog Princess, are best friends. Or so he says. We successfully did something with him a month ago, that I am so glad we rectified. I am ashamed to say he was playing WAY TOO MUCH Playstation games. It just got so easy to just let him sit and play, and not need to be entertained by us, or need something. They weren't bad games at all....racing cars and skateboarding. But I didn't like it. I think God took my side, because the Playstation broke. It sucked in that that's what we used for a blue-ray DVD player too, but I was secretly glad the gaming system was down. We do have a Wii, and just recently, I have let him play a game or two on that, but it takes reading, and he gets bored with it easily. But he's good at the bowling! So now a timer goes on, and when it's done, he does well at turning everything off. We are almost ready to move him into his new room, now that big brother is downstairs. That will be fun.<br />
<br />
I am in the middle of my first practicum in early childhood ed. I like it, but sure do hate leaving my family everyday to go do something I don't even get paid for. I have one more year of school, and I will be a college graduate. That feels good! It will be a busy year, but a good one, I predict. Andy is still out of work since January, but keeping busy here and there with odd jobs. He is on a waiting list to enroll in the massage therapy program at the same college I am at. So we may be college buddies this year. :) That would be different. We shall see. It is something he has wanted to do for a really long time, but not able to because of full time jobs. So maybe now is the time. I am just worried that when he is done, Maine will not be able to give him a job. So maybe moving will be in our future. Only God knows. I pray everyday for strength to continue to let God lead. <br />
<br />
So to end, I'll add some pictures of LIFE, and I promise to do better Jamie, at keeping up with my blog! Later I may even play around and change my theme/background...if I remember how!! ha!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k_2XZP8y2Q_dasF4ENcmW50It5Z05wO_yoEWcCdD7HQLdYgrSN2r7PVg7AQwGjdLPWdaP3SyfZvX14dUzN4b4kP7tT4VLzKxE22AJE5Cy28Zda4V6e0jWbXpxU3d3JQCu6bGOd5k_A/s1600/caleb%2527s+new+bike+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k_2XZP8y2Q_dasF4ENcmW50It5Z05wO_yoEWcCdD7HQLdYgrSN2r7PVg7AQwGjdLPWdaP3SyfZvX14dUzN4b4kP7tT4VLzKxE22AJE5Cy28Zda4V6e0jWbXpxU3d3JQCu6bGOd5k_A/s400/caleb%2527s+new+bike+%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-srQfvk8_QM9lCPWqA9OWizYtTU3j469DhnVUWZfS9-QSNkZkWJePRjm4_mRGS62iyA9adNMhF2klt9A_dXujn-OOtbOAg_c4UnhNy1hzROKRzIAyx2wNMwDATWD4Snc0NnwNRyTbA/s1600/prom+2011+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-srQfvk8_QM9lCPWqA9OWizYtTU3j469DhnVUWZfS9-QSNkZkWJePRjm4_mRGS62iyA9adNMhF2klt9A_dXujn-OOtbOAg_c4UnhNy1hzROKRzIAyx2wNMwDATWD4Snc0NnwNRyTbA/s400/prom+2011+%252814%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOsowGCZAyHlT4Ws-QKC6grLfNSQ77aaQokGeJars2vy-o1WM1Qm7IEwy8qOtWDicCv-vlVpRj0hYJqpUHDLIVwxJOPPUKenk3RhNzenpfGha8UVRUIMbmGUVNePINpSAW-o_fQFC6Q/s1600/prom+2011+%252817%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOsowGCZAyHlT4Ws-QKC6grLfNSQ77aaQokGeJars2vy-o1WM1Qm7IEwy8qOtWDicCv-vlVpRj0hYJqpUHDLIVwxJOPPUKenk3RhNzenpfGha8UVRUIMbmGUVNePINpSAW-o_fQFC6Q/s400/prom+2011+%252817%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqLHcPsmmsj8uLngTBZB00KbEdNOa3RarpcOMMR39FUyRlDXTZuoqLlAz7MGYiTpVOi_u2VkwvkvGKEd5CuBNJmVoJQRngHL5HG96Qr82Wbq3YzckW2CiNe1cDlGl9Fg8g2fLUZMh6g/s1600/RMH+Volunteer+Dinner+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqLHcPsmmsj8uLngTBZB00KbEdNOa3RarpcOMMR39FUyRlDXTZuoqLlAz7MGYiTpVOi_u2VkwvkvGKEd5CuBNJmVoJQRngHL5HG96Qr82Wbq3YzckW2CiNe1cDlGl9Fg8g2fLUZMh6g/s400/RMH+Volunteer+Dinner+%252814%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7rMuvg6_LPhlhER2ndCOT-VQ7fDegInSCtJL2o9jRNUamCPzYc2p2Ax56DmMp6kDsRpMPxi_C8_AseTCdwkuEHMIp42-pkpqq3qQuW8Ba1n4pL9nT_d18LiKQyD2wf-hfBhES2VB-w/s1600/time+at+rms+playground+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7rMuvg6_LPhlhER2ndCOT-VQ7fDegInSCtJL2o9jRNUamCPzYc2p2Ax56DmMp6kDsRpMPxi_C8_AseTCdwkuEHMIp42-pkpqq3qQuW8Ba1n4pL9nT_d18LiKQyD2wf-hfBhES2VB-w/s400/time+at+rms+playground+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DkoZ4erfJRw3Png4NfPQvZEHtzi40eDgxC31Q4vT28oksRpL1YupJTUTahDXjT1h20p8Fig5Z8y63JfDDrrFYrVj1E3_9K4HI_KFFuQSo5ZAtvQpThNXVDTvqi_Q052AQmSs1PAzjQ/s1600/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%25286%2529-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DkoZ4erfJRw3Png4NfPQvZEHtzi40eDgxC31Q4vT28oksRpL1YupJTUTahDXjT1h20p8Fig5Z8y63JfDDrrFYrVj1E3_9K4HI_KFFuQSo5ZAtvQpThNXVDTvqi_Q052AQmSs1PAzjQ/s400/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%25286%2529-1.JPG" width="383" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UlLLQvTmR5pURnBJyx5Klw4c6JSVYZtkOI732qhYnkpOV5rwAB2JQyCRAoYm6IMrpwwyEZYQOD65mwn3TlAMV15ec1eOCaFgYkIuuHB__ZXawpoTa5Mkq_rEfQgAR9b2UDxgmmgMTg/s1600/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%25287%2529-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UlLLQvTmR5pURnBJyx5Klw4c6JSVYZtkOI732qhYnkpOV5rwAB2JQyCRAoYm6IMrpwwyEZYQOD65mwn3TlAMV15ec1eOCaFgYkIuuHB__ZXawpoTa5Mkq_rEfQgAR9b2UDxgmmgMTg/s400/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%25287%2529-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgjg4AKjTJ-qrzf7FJWVfoShyphenhyphenkIxE0LGHwWNwBLIKuH92T7AA06bpytyTe1PTESm3tJtKvXQ-7VtDa3-9W0Cw_G7k86tniM9SVwM1IMccfD0WQaDCnnlkSEsPNmaH_MunbdYz9FILBg/s1600/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgjg4AKjTJ-qrzf7FJWVfoShyphenhyphenkIxE0LGHwWNwBLIKuH92T7AA06bpytyTe1PTESm3tJtKvXQ-7VtDa3-9W0Cw_G7k86tniM9SVwM1IMccfD0WQaDCnnlkSEsPNmaH_MunbdYz9FILBg/s400/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%25288%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqK2tc8WEiMShKOPZGZVOXSuhY-nyh0VAlzFBmJ3Z-RXvez3yvIxqSdnZgJWDq38kACXXTSFW9bUr4oQoFCtEzH5Dj3DjT0ysGGa-vMYkGgTT-JYyDaH2XvKnEHPJdUM44IjpxKgtVJg/s1600/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%252810%2529-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqK2tc8WEiMShKOPZGZVOXSuhY-nyh0VAlzFBmJ3Z-RXvez3yvIxqSdnZgJWDq38kACXXTSFW9bUr4oQoFCtEzH5Dj3DjT0ysGGa-vMYkGgTT-JYyDaH2XvKnEHPJdUM44IjpxKgtVJg/s400/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%252810%2529-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV35pgTGYvkj-raD0g_VWyD1qt-IRTn7OcMUcGzKr5ma_dbpmjAAN78PojYEgZpA_04H4dsa9iDcxPnttBUn_LaMk3-rn9dg_3Fa4ceiXRwut_VL8mEgiZfoHcQ07YSEj1UJGdZzzmA/s1600/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV35pgTGYvkj-raD0g_VWyD1qt-IRTn7OcMUcGzKr5ma_dbpmjAAN78PojYEgZpA_04H4dsa9iDcxPnttBUn_LaMk3-rn9dg_3Fa4ceiXRwut_VL8mEgiZfoHcQ07YSEj1UJGdZzzmA/s400/Caleb+plays+in+the+sprinkler+%252811%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWwRlLGeJ0EVc08AWwRX_SK92IBBBupMexbW9PCU2gZyf2HPpCCVhqJ-JZY_WNs5l7i-CeA-vB0RoV29wFLNHGBjsNE4OPTiMvogr6RUzoAsPrfXOOysKelkxTOYqo9VNsUxdv_nKxw/s1600/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWwRlLGeJ0EVc08AWwRX_SK92IBBBupMexbW9PCU2gZyf2HPpCCVhqJ-JZY_WNs5l7i-CeA-vB0RoV29wFLNHGBjsNE4OPTiMvogr6RUzoAsPrfXOOysKelkxTOYqo9VNsUxdv_nKxw/s400/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%25288%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg-NH3d_acOZaHERN9uGrNIe_xIaCiT4njVIaehwbX_JyB5G54JJXvZ1Y9ZRtN_Q6qsRumZmilCtBdOoKqseV0GppE69YQrJQwo_b2SQAs_s_0c6yfKFEcjMTFSKGxCYBYcV5w7_y1w/s1600/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg-NH3d_acOZaHERN9uGrNIe_xIaCiT4njVIaehwbX_JyB5G54JJXvZ1Y9ZRtN_Q6qsRumZmilCtBdOoKqseV0GppE69YQrJQwo_b2SQAs_s_0c6yfKFEcjMTFSKGxCYBYcV5w7_y1w/s400/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%25289%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZoNXZKj6IVHp5EaJyMFqhyphenhyphenyGO7tXJYf41jd5H8As1Rtg9-L8_qb3-3xee8DMu_0M5r1oXxGgkRsdPL3MX_JQ0J9b8MSIL58ovVqZhnLA2-C9gqEGEaWGoAfhF6H07XEuCc1jRBKl-Q/s1600/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZoNXZKj6IVHp5EaJyMFqhyphenhyphenyGO7tXJYf41jd5H8As1Rtg9-L8_qb3-3xee8DMu_0M5r1oXxGgkRsdPL3MX_JQ0J9b8MSIL58ovVqZhnLA2-C9gqEGEaWGoAfhF6H07XEuCc1jRBKl-Q/s400/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%252812%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Q735yrC74BmLB8N1phEtlwfGXyGcnxxgUwxR-jCYsGZrOxWMvQePO30iGRzU1azLK8ufJrKdkQGNlWHKtchsYFJ1iJGKf1v2ssS77tSfxqcW4L5AQA18wNR5C-vfb5oVY24twvLFg/s1600/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Q735yrC74BmLB8N1phEtlwfGXyGcnxxgUwxR-jCYsGZrOxWMvQePO30iGRzU1azLK8ufJrKdkQGNlWHKtchsYFJ1iJGKf1v2ssS77tSfxqcW4L5AQA18wNR5C-vfb5oVY24twvLFg/s400/Father%2527s+Day+at+the+Train+in+Wiscasset+%252816%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhth71O2b3-3xAVmueAvoaYXZTXHEH_Xo2GUKlCTpwVzZRO1-bvE1PEWk5q6CmHvODfxLtH8Z10jOorFA6NRrPoTyje-k50gz28WaErgAUTT4yL_I-VMgBXnblJNRPk1eiIucktl7ZTfQ/s1600/PTA+2011+graduation+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhth71O2b3-3xAVmueAvoaYXZTXHEH_Xo2GUKlCTpwVzZRO1-bvE1PEWk5q6CmHvODfxLtH8Z10jOorFA6NRrPoTyje-k50gz28WaErgAUTT4yL_I-VMgBXnblJNRPk1eiIucktl7ZTfQ/s400/PTA+2011+graduation+%25288%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DJsg4AabtNn_wWTJDYZcPJ01K3wClAlxhpcKHy_qGbsS8t4c6wYj7H2pTOdwqkzVES1MCGEwFkXUAJpj3hUGAtYkp-b_QDsA4uH2Yqruzu1R8x-RpVM5koi8oZX0ml4inqTxIYtRgQ/s1600/PTA+2011+graduation+%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DJsg4AabtNn_wWTJDYZcPJ01K3wClAlxhpcKHy_qGbsS8t4c6wYj7H2pTOdwqkzVES1MCGEwFkXUAJpj3hUGAtYkp-b_QDsA4uH2Yqruzu1R8x-RpVM5koi8oZX0ml4inqTxIYtRgQ/s400/PTA+2011+graduation+%252816%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Bike, Prom, Swings, Water, Trains, Smiles, Hugs, and a Senior Class!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-30347861906064411392011-04-27T23:09:00.001-04:002011-04-27T23:14:55.275-04:0020 + 20 + 20Tonight as I write, I am flooded with so many thoughts. So much is going on in my life, that if I could draw it here for you, I'd be one little lady in the middle of a big page, with arms extending every which way, holding big responsibilities on big plates. I don't necessarily feel pulled in any one way, but some of those plates are getting mighty heavy. I would like to put some of them down. And some I would simply like others to say "hey, I got that one for ya...let it go."<br />
Last week, April 21, marked 20 years of marriage for me and my husband. I don't remember the last time I was so pumped up about a special date or holiday coming up. Not my own 40th birthday, not any of the kids' birthdays, not Christmases, date nights, or vacations away. The road we've been journeying on together for the last 20 years has been very scenic. It started out very scary, taking twists and turns that we felt were out of our control. I was a very young and naive bride. One time, our power was turned off because someone, ahem, forgot to pay the electric bill. What did I do first? I called my mom. She lived four hours away, and couldn't do anything, but it was my first instinct. I called mom first, too many times in those beginning years. She was the one that had to cut the apron strings and say, "you're married now! Talk to your husband!" We lost a baby 6 months into pregnancy in our first year too. I miss that baby....but I can see God's hand in that loss...it really brought Andy and I together for the first time. No one could understand how I felt except him. And no one could understand how he felt except me. As we held each other, tears streaming down our faces, I finally felt connected to the man I had said "I do" with. Five moves, 4 cats, 2 dogs, countless cars, numerous jobs, and 3 kids later, I am still learning how to keep that connection. It has been broken many times, each one of us falling and not holding on tight enough. It is in those times that I know God was the invisible link that held us together. When April 21, 2011 was on my doorstep, knocking, saying "I'm here!" I was scared to open the door. Was I ready? Was I prepared to share this special time, this moment that in my eyes should be perfect, with Andy? I wanted it to be perfect in every way. No regrets, no secrets, nothing hidden, not one thing to even remotely get in my way of being able to say "You are the BEST thing that has ever happened to me, and I want 20 more years, and 20 more after that with YOU, my best friend in the whole world." Taking a big breath, I swung that door open, and celebrated my anniversary with nothing in my way of sweet perfection with the man of my dreams.<br />
My marriage was sadly not always my first priority. For years, I put my kids before my husband. I thought that was what I was supposed to do. He's an adult, he should understand, right? He should be doing the same thing! I would do things, say things, that without even realizing it, was beating him down, not building him up. And as I watched him turn into himself, I got angry. Grow up man! Those were my thoughts. But then God spoke to me, loud and clear. And for the last five months, I have done my absolute BEST to put Andy back where he belongs...second to God. And guess what? My kids are just fine. What they see now is their mom and dad IN LOVE. We go on more dates now, then we have in a really long time. I giggle. We kiss and hug in front of them and they get grossed out. :) I cook and clean for him happily. I wake up each morning, and ask myself, what can I do for Andy today? I pray for him. ALL.OF.THE.TIME. I wonder sometimes if God would just like to say "yeah, you told me that seven times today already!" Does he irritate me from time to time? Oh sure. Just like I know I must irritate him too. Just ask him about the laundry! But you know what? He has put me right up there where I belong too. He holds me when he sees I need it. He kisses that spot on the back of my neck at just the right times. And he does the laundry himself now. :)<br />
All of those plates that feel so full and heavy? Yeah. They still do. College, homework, kids, church, work, friends, sisters, mom and dad, housework, shopping, bills, and lets not forget, taking care of myself. What would I do with empty plates anyway? My life is full. My life is good. I give God the glory. He has blessed me so much.<br />
So Andy and I will continue to journey down the long road named Life together. We will hold hands tightly, and guess what? I've then gained more hands to help hold all of those full plates. :) I think we can do it for 20 more years and 20 more after that, don't you?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcONJvItbYPoim4p1vulXfyE2Je9ArtqIT1XFju3I9R2w_Gya0-t_BuopMH378aYyQ74z8YLZlkVqhXVMiVtqWbJ-bAxCym5991Zy19frRYn5YkvHK3iQ273bUUQWRglChTLDWH65HA/s1600/066-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcONJvItbYPoim4p1vulXfyE2Je9ArtqIT1XFju3I9R2w_Gya0-t_BuopMH378aYyQ74z8YLZlkVqhXVMiVtqWbJ-bAxCym5991Zy19frRYn5YkvHK3iQ273bUUQWRglChTLDWH65HA/s400/066-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIxBavgw85ZZpl6Nec86LphbaMIi_0XdkzRYoGuWzS_MRFYceYgi6e9W2mDGCwLdxOb7ktEaC5s2-PLhMd8lN34mKXmCO-ZYV_FSKKZG-IrWBZhRYx43VVFU7gcpJ2B1Yz0PwfGkY2Q/s1600/057-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIxBavgw85ZZpl6Nec86LphbaMIi_0XdkzRYoGuWzS_MRFYceYgi6e9W2mDGCwLdxOb7ktEaC5s2-PLhMd8lN34mKXmCO-ZYV_FSKKZG-IrWBZhRYx43VVFU7gcpJ2B1Yz0PwfGkY2Q/s400/057-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVZ3bFbwG9SrYpWRxFxIkBBMIKWK4LP1X-RWZfY614zIfxQjHRmO0rZb8GiouaWiIwpQcjwWq1SPr-BbFFF7NdPDYEcUH6hzTMeNNmJsfT30t1E3kgQYHteQqXd6J_n9XPcMSPj-95w/s1600/046-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVZ3bFbwG9SrYpWRxFxIkBBMIKWK4LP1X-RWZfY614zIfxQjHRmO0rZb8GiouaWiIwpQcjwWq1SPr-BbFFF7NdPDYEcUH6hzTMeNNmJsfT30t1E3kgQYHteQqXd6J_n9XPcMSPj-95w/s320/046-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJBpwRbjGul5u8dtSH0IAB8DTePXCOyCYCc5oen0j4zyUYVBwHL6QRyTbtJKc86lFogysYV-dBvpLuEzqMY-c1GKE7ZLeZeOirUsTDzQTMQ8xuh3_sH2IJK3ikhUHok83JVv_HXtSTg/s1600/087-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJBpwRbjGul5u8dtSH0IAB8DTePXCOyCYCc5oen0j4zyUYVBwHL6QRyTbtJKc86lFogysYV-dBvpLuEzqMY-c1GKE7ZLeZeOirUsTDzQTMQ8xuh3_sH2IJK3ikhUHok83JVv_HXtSTg/s400/087-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-41887695967027674952011-04-18T16:22:00.001-04:002011-04-18T16:49:59.209-04:00Pick-Me-UpI had a really great pick-me-up today. The teacher that I work with each day looked at me when I walked in this morning and said, "Wow! You look great! This fiber thing you're doing is really working!" Yay me. :) Just the boost I needed to keep going! Did you check out the <a href="http://www.fullplatediet.org/">FULL PLATE DIET</a> yet? I bought the <a href="http://www.fullplatediet.org/products-and-services/">book and journal</a> and am enjoying both thoroughly. Thinking I'll go eat some beans for supper!! Cupcakes are gone, and it wasn't ME!! <br />
You should also check out this website: <a href="http://www.myfridgefood.com/index.php">MY FRIDGE FOOD</a>. It takes a few minutes at first, but you can save your work. It's cool....you check off every single thing you have in your fridge and in your cupboards. When you are done, it will generate many many recipes that you can make with exactly what you already have! For those times when I just don't know what to make for supper, thinking I don't have anything, I go here. I am always amazed at what they tell me I can make!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-40768469067520014622011-04-17T16:50:00.000-04:002011-04-17T16:50:13.568-04:00Life As I know It - Part 2Okay, so too long went between Part 1 and Part 2. I know, I know already. Sheesh. :) I am so excited! I think that just in the last 3 weeks, I gained like 11 followers! Awesome! Not sure who you are, but Welcome! I am flattered. <br />
<br />
So....you ready? Take a deep breath...I am!<br />
<br />
Life has been good. I promised birthday pics of my big 4-0, so here we go...<br />
This is me and Girly Girl. She is growing up so fast. Almost 12 1/2 !!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk13zsyVfSOgPHmF939u8zpecXK8IkmQTk59U_wW6TDcZb21DcNtMPrdjO4TpdIEwzv2URFl_dQbM39nsGTTaTzxXr1pBD1TTIgTp83bzAb3qeq0K-b-pPeuVL4Fe4XrEtZ-3l4kKIQ/s1600/007-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk13zsyVfSOgPHmF939u8zpecXK8IkmQTk59U_wW6TDcZb21DcNtMPrdjO4TpdIEwzv2URFl_dQbM39nsGTTaTzxXr1pBD1TTIgTp83bzAb3qeq0K-b-pPeuVL4Fe4XrEtZ-3l4kKIQ/s320/007-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQAFGfvDT7HYSzUjK83lApPYwKJWPX1J2LqfyFP5zDhxEHrPC42nEsaO462F9BzHZyIe8K5hWGa93W68UwDgdG3ROO6ctqSOcrdBpaHLOfiu37YdSH3hL0cyYPnSNYLIfYNAsz_E65g/s1600/002-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQAFGfvDT7HYSzUjK83lApPYwKJWPX1J2LqfyFP5zDhxEHrPC42nEsaO462F9BzHZyIe8K5hWGa93W68UwDgdG3ROO6ctqSOcrdBpaHLOfiu37YdSH3hL0cyYPnSNYLIfYNAsz_E65g/s320/002-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> It was cheaper to get two cakes, and Andy and I are all about being thrifty. :) Sooo, two cakes it was.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVkKK_hloo9wxWcyqHDEUFRXEWogoKzo5OhSQ_okB1CnTWj2J-C4GviY1_rDUMHlcAi8Glf3_zKoSuCqjtPAV7gFg9uFWvT2nutUbzHdzrFWhE_hljl_90XPQ9Ht3jIS4k56LwpArug/s1600/001-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVkKK_hloo9wxWcyqHDEUFRXEWogoKzo5OhSQ_okB1CnTWj2J-C4GviY1_rDUMHlcAi8Glf3_zKoSuCqjtPAV7gFg9uFWvT2nutUbzHdzrFWhE_hljl_90XPQ9Ht3jIS4k56LwpArug/s320/001-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>He had Happy 20th written on each cake!!! That sure was awesome to see....until he put the candles in. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB9_0jOfZo_Qtalwsj0FFmkSUbX2SZGvOWMSWufD-Y6DOhFtJdrMqkS5NkYQELtQVAjJw3LnLM5k0OmyBX78r9z12IO48NMjwMxN8sORsxtvOz8RXNBmYY3LefVp4PlozdUPiWUQpLA/s1600/003-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB9_0jOfZo_Qtalwsj0FFmkSUbX2SZGvOWMSWufD-Y6DOhFtJdrMqkS5NkYQELtQVAjJw3LnLM5k0OmyBX78r9z12IO48NMjwMxN8sORsxtvOz8RXNBmYY3LefVp4PlozdUPiWUQpLA/s400/003-1.JPG" width="361" /></a></div> And there he is, party-planner guru. hehe. He did good, for having no idea what he was doing. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJgPsA-9dejcAN44xg-iNJH49TlBSnJDV4XvWBo5ucB2BWt0ikSYi7sGIZ5CWdKbTVLdUseInpSLKuU5zkWSehXEAqn80SFxi8zcUVk8GTcAFKhnU4bMwqs35ck0fDYGC7KxVYdXdww/s1600/004-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJgPsA-9dejcAN44xg-iNJH49TlBSnJDV4XvWBo5ucB2BWt0ikSYi7sGIZ5CWdKbTVLdUseInpSLKuU5zkWSehXEAqn80SFxi8zcUVk8GTcAFKhnU4bMwqs35ck0fDYGC7KxVYdXdww/s320/004-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOAhk4IjuKm5zKcaVxjZlCj2OquxLvTOsoQOBwEiJe7BTDAf9mbKIq3350ESshtuDIo5oxn-_cU7VPlOXh2pjgWPr8dvGlYhi7NAT-qDgMB5fYqV-4D9erJ570FCn87l13O9YdPkRAg/s1600/006-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOAhk4IjuKm5zKcaVxjZlCj2OquxLvTOsoQOBwEiJe7BTDAf9mbKIq3350ESshtuDIo5oxn-_cU7VPlOXh2pjgWPr8dvGlYhi7NAT-qDgMB5fYqV-4D9erJ570FCn87l13O9YdPkRAg/s400/006-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The boys were playing somewhere, when this picture was taken. And we were all too busy visiting and partying it up to take any pics of the guests!! It was a fun day!!<br />
<br />
So that's the party stuff. I love my birthday. Andy always does a pretty great job of making me feel special, and that is the reason I love my birthday so much. :)<br />
<br />
For about 26 days now, I have been working on my diet. I'm not ON a diet, just changing the one that already exists. It needed work. And bad. So I am simply working on adding more fiber to my diet. I aim for 40 grams a day. The trick is, to eat fiber first, in each meal. Fiber feels you up, so chances are, that after you eat the veggies, fruit, and whole grains, you won't be hungry for the fats, sweets, and dairy. I eat 1-2 apples a day, at least 1 banana a day, and I really try to get in blueberries and/or blackberries. Blackberries have 8 grams of fiber in 1 cup! I put that on a cup of Fiber One cereal in the morning, and there's 21 grams of fiber alone. Avocados are high in fiber, and a are a great natural "good" fat. Sweet potatoes replace white, brown rice replaces white. I eat only WHOLE wheat bread, mostly pita pockets. I make oatmeal from scratch, adding applesauce, peanut butter, and almonds for a HUGE bowl of fiber. No more instant packets of oatmeal. I haven't eaten too much for sweets, although I have to be really careful, because if it's in the house, Lisa.will.eat. No question. Girly Girl made cupcakes on her own yesterday, and when it was time to make the frosting, I had to step in. I LOVE making frosting with my Kitchen Aid. And I love frosting. So, yesterday and today I a cupcake, and I wish I hadn't. As of last Thursday, I was down 7.8 pounds!!! I have a ways to go, and am so thankful for my sisters and mom. We are doing this together, meeting every 9-10 days to discuss where we are at, what do we eat, and if we want, what do we weigh. My weigh day is Thursday mornings. I hope I am down another 1 1/2 pounds to 2 pounds this week. But I need to stop eating cupcakes!! I sent 5 of them to Mr. Smarty Pants girlfriends' house with him. :) THEY can eat them. The "plan" I am following is from the <a href="http://www.fullplatediet.org/">FULL PLATE DIET</a> if you are interested. It is very easy, and no restrictions. Eat what you want, just focus focus focus on the FIBER first!! And portion control. I am going to try and use flaxseed in recipes this week.<br />
<br />
Mr. Smarty Pants, Girly Girl and Little Man are doing well. Mr. SP is taking his SAT's in a few weeks. I must admit, I do hate all the talk about college. Not yet!! Slow down, please!! It is exciting though. He is doing so well. He is on the lookout for a summer job. GG is just living the life, having fun as a 6th grader, being a great help at home, and just being so easy to raise. She is a daddy's girl, through and through. They bicker, tease, fool around all the time, and then the next minute they are snuggling, watching Sponge Bob together. There's something awesome about watching Daddy and Daughter hang out. :) LM is growing too fast too. He's all potty-trained, YAY. I may have written about that already in a earlier post. Don't remember. He says the funniest things. He doesn't like to go Number 2 by himself, likes me to sit on the tub beside him. He says "it's dangerous by myself!!" He doesn't like the toilet drain. :) He also tells me when he accidentally does something, ie, spilled his juice this morning, "Mama!! I'm sorry! I did it on purpose!!" Um, okay?! Got things mixed up a little there, Buddy. :)<br />
<br />
This week will be busy, but I can't wait for the weekend. Andy and I are taking off for one night to a nice little romantic bed and breakfast in Camden, ME. Google the town. It's so pretty. Kids are going to Andy's brother's. I thought that 20 years deserved something special, so we booked a room that has a two-person jacuzzi tub. :) It comes with a huge gourmet breakfast the next day, so to get the most of the room, we have already decided to just get take-out for supper, so we don't have to leave the room. :) Maybe I'll even eat my take-out IN the hot tub!! Soooo crazy!!!! hehe!<br />
<br />
Andy is still unemployed, but has been able to pick up, here and there, odd jobs for people, building this, fixing that. It's not a full-time job though. We have some good friends that are moving to Arizona, because they just can't do it here anymore. Thoughts of moving are always on our minds. But God just hasn't shown us that open door just yet. We are still waiting. I have about 4 more weeks or so, of school for this semester, then a few off before my summer class. This time next year, I will be a college graduate. :) Wow. Can't wait.<br />
<br />
Well, the kitchen won't clean itself, now will it? And I have lots of Blogs to catch up on!!! Keep reading, I will post pics of the bed and breakfast next week!!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-54221793616048756572011-03-27T09:48:00.000-04:002011-03-27T09:48:54.099-04:00Life As I know It - Part 1Okay. I'll admit it, I've been procrastinating BIG time on posting lately. Well, that and I am soooo busy, I feel like if I try and tackle one more thing, my head will spin off completely. I could easily use at least four more of me. One to go to school for me, one to go to work for me, one to be JUST mom for me, and one to do the sleeping. That would leave ME to just do what I want right now, and that's nurture my marriage. I never would have imagined 20 years ago that right before my 20th wedding anniversary, I would be feeling like I JUST got married. And by that I mean I feel so new at this. For about five months now, Andy and I have really REALLY been taking a long hard look at US. We've stopped taking each other for granted, have taken great strides to put each other on the top of our own priority lists, and have made the promise that no matter what, we will communicate about ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. We go on weekly dates now. And I don't feel like I am taking advantage of my two older kids to babysit when we do that. I actually feel like it was all part of God's plan, us having older kids to watch the little one at this time in our lives, so that we can give our marriage the proper attention it deserves. We usually go see a movie, which I know some might think "how do you visit" but we have sooo much fun. The theater we go to is 25 minutes away. So that's 50 minutes of blissfully uninterrupted talk-time! We pick movies that the kids wouldn't like or that are "grown-up" (aka R-rated) movies. We people watch. And we sit close, feel young, and pig out on popcorn. With no interruptions. I truly do feel like a teenager in love! I have always LOVED Andy, but I know there have been times that I have not felt IN love. And I vow now to always do what I need to do to keep that feeling. Marriage takes 3, that's for sure. We pray together a lot, and have accepted that God needs to be our VERY first priority and then our marriage will be complete. <br />
So....with that said, will it bore you to hear more about what's been going on while "I'm At Home" ?!<br />
School is kicking my butt. It's not hard, just extremely time consuming. And it's only the beginning. I have so many projects to do. I have to complete a research paper in a month. I haven't written a paper in over 20 years. Ugh. I have chosen the topic of Household Safety. It's for my Health/Safety/Nutrition class. Remember, my major is Early Childhood Education. The awesome thing is, my teacher is so flexible, and is more about the content of the paper rather than the logistics of how it's written. I have many personal experiences that I can put in my paper, and she said that's fine. I also have to complete lesson plans, menus, whole curriculum's, and a floor plan for a child center. All that along with weekly small assignments, lots of reading, and 6 hours of in class time. And, I'm taking an online math class. I need to register tomorrow, for summer and fall classes. And that's so hard to think about when I have sooo much to do in this semester still!! <br />
And then there's work. It's three very stressful, intense hours, four mornings a week. Working in a multi-grade classroom with the 2nd grade class only, is hard work. The actual teacher is working with the 3rd and 4th graders in the back of hte room. I also have the one first grader with me. It's the social aspect of these little people that is so stressful. I can teach math; I can teach spelling, phonics and reading. But dealing with tattling, bullying, crying, anger, teasing, silliness, defiance, hitting, and the list goes on, is such a pain! I know it's completely normal, and that the social aspect of school-age kids is so crucial, and at most times domineering, but when I have limited time and am expected to do my job in a certain time period, I have to dig deep for patience, patience, and more patience. <br />
I have decided that this post will be Part 1 of two, because guess what? I have a bazillion things I have to do, NOW! :) The kids and I are off to a maple farm in a bit. Here in Maine, today is, statewide, Maine Maple Sunday. We hop from farm to farm, sampling free treats of maple sugar candy, and other goodies. I will take pics. So Part 2 will be about Maple Farm Hopping, anything new with Little Man, life with a teenage boy and his new girlfriend, Girly Girl and how I want to hit her over the head with a hammer to stop her from growing up (had you saying "what?" for a second there, didn't I), and then I'm thinking a Part 3 for my new Fiber Diet!!! Wow. And, I'll throw some pics of me on my 40th birthday in there too. Yeah. I hit the big 4-0 last week. <br />
So stay tuned my faithful followers!! Do know that I HAVE been reading your posts, and keeping up. :) Until next time....! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-19473389361277723112011-03-07T21:40:00.000-05:002011-03-07T21:40:20.124-05:00In the Dark...The lights went out today. I should say the electricity went out. Growing up, my parents always referred to the electricity bill as the light bill. I never really understood why they did that when I was young, because when I finally had to pay my own "light" bill, it definitely wasn't only a bill just for the lights. Anyway, today was a no lights day here in Central Maine. Lots of rain, snow, sleet, and wind took it away from us not once, but twice. It went out at 9am and came back on at 3:30pm. Then went out at 5pm and came back on at 7:15pm. It is on now, but who knows. My two oldest, Mr. Smarty Pants and Girly Girl, went crazy. Mr. SP wrote on Facebook when the electricity came back on, that now he could resume life. Really??! At supper time, my hubby got the wood stove going good, and I put a package of hotdogs in a pan, and we pulled the ketchup and mustard from the dark frig, and ate at the semi-dark table lit with a few candles. I was really enjoying it! No noise except Little Man talking to the dog. Girly Girl was laughing and joking with her daddy, and Mr. SP got his guitar out and played a few songs, including Amazing Grace. The house smelled of slightly charred hotdogs and mandarin scented candles. I sat there at the table, eating my hotdog, while watching out the window, a sliver of the moon peek in and out behind a cloud. I loaded the dishwasher, enjoying not having to see the grimy dishes as I did so. I was getting ready to settle in for a bit, talking, maybe some singing with the guitar, and possibly a game of hide 'n' seek in the dark, when it happened. The lights came on. So did the frig, and soon to follow were the computers and stereos. Little Man played one game of Just Dance on the Wii (his new favorite thing to do with Sissah) and then I took him to bed. I told him a story (The Many Adventures of a Texas Roadhouse Puppy...if you are a FB friend, you know what that's about!) in the dark, and enjoyed the lack of lights for a few minutes more. I'm seriously thinking of making one night a week (okay, maybe one night a month) a no lights night. Cooking on the wood stove was fun! I'd take listening to the guitar, laughter between children and their dad, and watching the moon from the kitchen table any day! <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-44086205815621270082011-02-28T21:41:00.000-05:002011-02-28T21:41:27.881-05:00A Good DaySnowed in today.<br />
Kids home one more day after a week of vacation.<br />
I'm happy.<br />
Our BFF's call.<br />
What are we doing today?<br />
Nothing.<br />
We clean house frantically.<br />
BFF's come over and bring pizza.<br />
Yum.<br />
We play a little Just Dance with the girls.<br />
I make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting.<br />
I also make coffee.<br />
Little boys play.<br />
Hubby goes outside to snow blow so the BFF's can get out of the driveway.<br />
BFF's leave, well wishes said.<br />
Little Man goes to bed.<br />
Now watching TV with the hubby.<br />
A good day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-56366329217171338312011-02-25T21:36:00.000-05:002011-02-25T21:36:31.411-05:00Snip SnipToday was Get Your Hair Cut Day for my boys....Mr. Smarty Pants was long overdue. I don't have a "before " picture of him, but trust me, it was LONGGGGG. He looks so much better! Little Man needed one too, and his was overdue as well, but that is because I just HATE facing anything that makes him grow up! Although I am happy he is potty-trained now, it happened so fast, that I wasn't as happy as most are. All of a sudden, no more diapers, and no more baby curly locks! He said yesterday when his big "sissah" came into the bathroom while we were in there, that she needed to go out, because he needed "pirates". It took a second for me to realize he meant "privacy". So now of course, when I go into the bathroom, I automatically think of Johnny Depp. :) BIG GRIN there. He also says when he sits on the potty and nothing happens right away, "it's not workin'". So I am not surprised if a big person goes in to use the bathroom, and I hear "it's workin'!" Potty-training is so much fun for the WHOLE family. Little Man's favorite phrase with me the last few days has been "Yesssss Motherrrrrr" when I ask him to do something. He grins a little grin, and thinks he is so funny. He is.<br />
<br />
So that's the latest here At Home.....oh, and it freakin' snowed again today. Come on. Really? A snowstorm in February in Maine? Oh yeah. I'm in Maine. Almost forgot. Not. I can't WAIT for spring. March 20. But that's the only reason I want March 20 to come. I will not divulge here and now why I DON'T look forward to that date. Birthdays Smirthdays. Baa Humbug. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnjIazuO0EUXl68d79cxqsL2wkiaWK3gUMQpth4aXVafszpz3iMZDNJv53RoAYD_hw6ZrMAITmiRSGrlP0b0yG5rie_sf5d_jaTnQLCgQgvTJ1ntVWcB9Y4AGauCd7F6gLPNJcfOpJQ/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnjIazuO0EUXl68d79cxqsL2wkiaWK3gUMQpth4aXVafszpz3iMZDNJv53RoAYD_hw6ZrMAITmiRSGrlP0b0yG5rie_sf5d_jaTnQLCgQgvTJ1ntVWcB9Y4AGauCd7F6gLPNJcfOpJQ/s400/010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He doesn't usually pose like this, but his little brother was taking the picture, so you do what you have to do to make the little guy happy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvsYPLVvttULhhuInVDyZAk9IAdOuHh7oXwKtd6fVq-4vOkvSE7JqAyQCc461O9hcPaZ8XUyusCCQw4uBix9hU40iaRNOovAMLA8xVyuTfFsoeX9vqoR3vaJ8jIpJeJUYhR2yBuX0GA/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvsYPLVvttULhhuInVDyZAk9IAdOuHh7oXwKtd6fVq-4vOkvSE7JqAyQCc461O9hcPaZ8XUyusCCQw4uBix9hU40iaRNOovAMLA8xVyuTfFsoeX9vqoR3vaJ8jIpJeJUYhR2yBuX0GA/s400/011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The "before" picture! He was way over due, but I absolutely HATED taking him. I don't want to lose my baby! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7gJGfeB2bz6BIcX0ocjUlhdyVBiNlgrs_wrH4k1Iook6hD3NOncAH-R9vPbvUFRnkLdKnOh5Hxmvhp1d9KlfSlkajGn-n4tvdwxb8w8MDq54MLuTO_cGNb1SFdQmA5nSeSt4qLcGvQ/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7gJGfeB2bz6BIcX0ocjUlhdyVBiNlgrs_wrH4k1Iook6hD3NOncAH-R9vPbvUFRnkLdKnOh5Hxmvhp1d9KlfSlkajGn-n4tvdwxb8w8MDq54MLuTO_cGNb1SFdQmA5nSeSt4qLcGvQ/s400/013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here he is, all eyes!!! Such a precious Little Man. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAvFQQUvdpMAVV0Lcc3y3KUX2kR97usXDpwrEzUfQWp6hU0f_xGE80BjU-nSHyWKi_Zv6FidBRX60Ze7tu43x-SaSPxdeHJJGW4PdJWG11ln0DBG8ekN1_RnF4yHha3zD3HmlXjtdEg/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAvFQQUvdpMAVV0Lcc3y3KUX2kR97usXDpwrEzUfQWp6hU0f_xGE80BjU-nSHyWKi_Zv6FidBRX60Ze7tu43x-SaSPxdeHJJGW4PdJWG11ln0DBG8ekN1_RnF4yHha3zD3HmlXjtdEg/s400/016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Girly Girl. She was making a funny face at me, but all I had to say was "Facebook!" and the big fake smile came out!! She's so silly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a great day!!</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-33634354895870420812011-02-23T14:27:00.001-05:002011-02-24T14:25:50.363-05:00Twix at Home...yum!~~UPDATE~~ After making these, I was going to post my own picture, but they looked exactly like these, and tasted sooooo good!! And yes, they do taste just like a real Twix Bar!! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk7NwCY7mDEF1Y_SO6NA8fTh3AvQ2j18A6gqPxmaZwJuVvCkEunQaXGYkbi39FeC2C8yw8XlxsPXEy5kgDcgpfAreM8GEky_aSKIhJoPztBXeJAr2USdJxCxlWJFFx7QVyPE1nPI5fA/s1600/Twix-Bars.new_.fixed_.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk7NwCY7mDEF1Y_SO6NA8fTh3AvQ2j18A6gqPxmaZwJuVvCkEunQaXGYkbi39FeC2C8yw8XlxsPXEy5kgDcgpfAreM8GEky_aSKIhJoPztBXeJAr2USdJxCxlWJFFx7QVyPE1nPI5fA/s400/Twix-Bars.new_.fixed_.5.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stumbled upon a great website this morning, saw this recipe, called Andy right up because I knew he was going to Walmart after helping a friend, and said to him, "get these ingredients, 'cause when you get home, you are going to make HOMEMADE TWIX BARS!!" So he did, he will, and I will enjoy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go visit <a href="http://hoosierhomemade.com/twix-bars/">HOOSIER HOMEMADE</a> to get the recipe for yourself! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I promise I will try to remember to come tell you how they were...I hope he gets home soon, my mouth is watering!!!!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-34868542421677423372011-02-20T10:03:00.000-05:002011-02-20T10:03:27.000-05:00Talking With His Heart<span style="font-size: large;">How well does your husband express his feelings to you? Are you 100% happy and satisfied with the way he verbalizes his love for you? If you are anything like me, then the answer is a feeble little "no". I will admit, I am not 100% happy with how Andy TELLS me he loves me! I could always be happier. I am a very mushy lovey wordy type, and I get all gushy and happy-weepy when I watch movies and "see" how easy it is for the man to just say how he feels!! Yeah right. Andy could do that too if he memorized a movie script! When I do hear words that I dream of hearing, I melt. And Andy knows it. I'm probably a little pathetic. So I try really hard to pull up my big-girl panties and just smile sweetly and say "thank you" in a soft way that won't make him wish he hadn't said anything at all! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While sifting through my inbox in my email this morning, I realized that Andy expresses his love for me in more ways than I was paying attention to. And then that got me thinking about all the ways he shows his love in our daily life right here in our home. And then THAT got me thinking of the ways he shows his love for me outside of our home too! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever heard of "stumbleupon" on the internet? Andy "stumbled upon" it a few years ago, and when he is just sitting and vegging on the computer, he will "stumble" the web. It's just a website that you start out by hitting a button called "stumble". It takes you to random websites that coincide with a list of your interests that you picked before you began. It is easy to get caught up in, and you read and see all kinds of really interesting stuff! If you want to share something with someone, you hit the "share" button, and then enter an email, and that person will be able to see what you found. Andy sends me about 3-4 stumbles a day. And it is in these stumbles that I stumbled upon yet another way that he expresses his love for me. He sent me the following picture:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSmU-IdFcnE5xgHLBtxFVRwql0c3343lHjqP4USHv_PU-DAxJO-vR7_4XBMyWrG5Rl33FpwMhqPhnbkawnOQ1gpY8992YoHCViuPXhAQidmbix4dzojlbsOehA70v452X2MBMA2COzw/s1600/0801301756331img_2255b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSmU-IdFcnE5xgHLBtxFVRwql0c3343lHjqP4USHv_PU-DAxJO-vR7_4XBMyWrG5Rl33FpwMhqPhnbkawnOQ1gpY8992YoHCViuPXhAQidmbix4dzojlbsOehA70v452X2MBMA2COzw/s400/0801301756331img_2255b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> My favorite flowers are roses. He sends me virtual roses all the time! I save them in my pictures and use them as desktop backgrounds. Everyday I can see the flowers he has sent me. Some may say that's the easy way out from the real thing, but I love these pictures! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And on Valentine's Day, this virtual card was waiting in my inbox: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytwa2teKRUAWREYzQl-Ain1_aYiIp9BVcZPln_ntAkhnvMYycLeOkPFAHnk9IasLHr2nBhgutpGVoWbNuphcoo-YW3r_JIX-x1y9OQAqnPX5tu8aXdL8jjnpt9Hiopkq-7OsI39zsgw/s1600/76199_700b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytwa2teKRUAWREYzQl-Ain1_aYiIp9BVcZPln_ntAkhnvMYycLeOkPFAHnk9IasLHr2nBhgutpGVoWbNuphcoo-YW3r_JIX-x1y9OQAqnPX5tu8aXdL8jjnpt9Hiopkq-7OsI39zsgw/s400/76199_700b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I love how this particular picture and phrase interested him enough to send it to me! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He also stumbles upon a lot of inspirational sites with great stories. When I read these stories and then look for the deeper meaning from Andy, it is never hard to find. Read this story and I bet you'll find the story hidden with the story too:</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;">Don't Hope Friend....Decide</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;">By Michael D. Hargrove</span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;">While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life changing experiences that you hear other people talk about, the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> This one occurred a mere two feet away from me. Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family. </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other's face, I heard the father say, "It's so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!" His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, "Me, too, Dad!" </span></i></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> <i>Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son's face in his hands said, "You're already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!" They too hugged a most loving, tender hug. </i></span></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother's arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, "Hi, baby girl!" as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment. </span></i></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"><i> After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, "I've saved the best for last," and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed</i>, <i>"I love you so much!" They stared at each other's eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands. For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn't possibly be. </i></span></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm's length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, "Wow! How long have you two been married?" </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> "Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those," he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife's face. </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> "Well, then, how long have you been away?" I asked. </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile. </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> "Two whole days!" </span></i></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"><i> Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he'd been gone for at least several weeks, if not months. I</i> <i>know my expression betrayed me, I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), "I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!" </i></span></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> The man suddenly stopped smiling. He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, "Don't hope, friend...decide!" </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, "God bless!" With that, he and his family turned and strode away together. I was still watching that exceptional man and his special family walk just out of sight when my friend came up to me and asked, "What'cha looking at?" </span></i></div><div align="center"><i><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> Without hesitating, and with a curious sense of certainty, I replied, "My future!" </span></i></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Did you like it?! When I read it and just stopped at the story, I thought, "yeah, that was nice". But as I was about to delete it from my inbox, I stopped and thought about why he sent it to me. He knows that I absolutely love it when he takes more than just a second to look into my eyes. He knows that I love it when he gives the kids attention but then turns to me like I'm really what he's been waiting for. He knows I love that kind of tenderness. And so that story made him think about me. When I have those days when I feel like he just doesn't pay attention to me or really hear me, I try and remind myself of the way HE shows me he does, not the ways I WISH he did. I am not wrong, he is not wrong, we are both just DIFFERENT. And that's good!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today Andy went to Portland to meet with a friend of his brother's that wants some misc. carpentry work done on his home. I was soo glad to see him leave...but not because I was sick of him being home since being unemployed! haha! No, not at all. You know how it is when your man is not busy doing something? He helps me out here at home A LOT, but does things differently than me, and I have this horrible way of getting a little grouchy about that. Yep, I admit it. I get grouchy. :) I also hate watching him day by day, not have something to do. A man needs something to do. He goes places in his head that I don't like when he's out of work and has "nothing" to do. We have been here too many times before and I know it doesn't take much for self-esteem and self-worth to plummet. So today, I was very happy to watch him get up, and get ready to go do "man-stuff". But before he left, he did these things while I slumbered in bed for just a minute more: got up with Little Man and got him his much-<strike>needed</strike> wanted milk sippy cup; let the dog out, started up the coffee and got the wood stove up and running to warm up the house; when his shower was done and the coffee was ready, he made his to-go cup and my stay-home cup. He made sure I was all set for the day before leaving. I have been sitting here on the computer ever since he left. :) It is in the little things that he shows and expresses his love for me.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then there are the times he shows me how much he loves me when he's not even in my sight. The other day when I went to work at the small christian school my kids attend, I slipped and fell in the driveway. I was fine, just a bruised up knee. But I was really worried about my back. It has been one year since my surgery, and a simple fall could really mess me up. So I tried to fall "rag-doll" style, all relaxed. It worked, because my back is fine. After work, I came home and told Andy about it. Within the hour, he was putting on his boots and told me he would be back soon. After almost 2 hours, he returned, looking like he had been doing some manual labor. I asked him where he had been and what had he been doing? He had gone to the town gravel garage, filled his truckbed with sand, and then spent the rest of that time over at the school, throwing sand with a shovel on the whole driveway! It is a huge driveway, and he did the whole thing. The school relies a lot on parent and family volunteers, and our friend/principal was very thankful! Andy had "recruited" Mr. Smarty Pants and another 11th grader to come help. That act of kindness was just like Andy to do. He is so thoughtful and generous all of the time. When he told me about it, he said, "now my baby won't slip and fall when she goes to work anymore." For me! All for me. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Bernhard Modern Roman; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">So today I am thankful. Thankful for a man that doesn't always know how to tell me with words, how much he loves me. That would get boring after a while!! It has been said that when we feel down, feel lost, afraid, and sad, that we should then Serve Others. Helping others when we are feeling so bad, can only help you feel better! Andy does this everyday for me, and doesn't even realize it. Thank you LORD, for the man of my dreams. </span></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-82481987397392146152011-02-16T22:34:00.000-05:002011-02-16T22:34:01.039-05:00Simply SimplifyingOne month and two days have passed since Andy lost his job. A lot has happened, each day something new, sometimes bad, sometimes good, other days were a little of both. One of, if not THE best thing that has happened is how strong our faith has become, and how close we have grown to each other. We talk a lot, there is lots of time for it. :) Andy and Little Man have been spending lots of time together too. In the last week, Little Man has become completely 100% daytime potty trained. No accidents, not even one! He has had such confidence about it, and I just know it is because he has both mommy and daddy working equally with him. Oh, and his big sister. :) It takes a village, right? We are learning to live simpler than we ever have before, which I didn't think was possible. I am so thankful that we own both vehicles outright, do not use credit cards, and only pay about $700 total for heat in the winter, and that is always taken care of the summer before. We are one week into our one month shopping trip. Although we did go yesterday for coffee and a gallon of OJ. When the month is up, I am thinking that we will have spent a total of $350 on groceries, for a family of five...one being a 16 year old boy. :) Andy bakes bread, and it is so yummy! <br />
We took a trip to VT 2 weeks ago, to help sponsor a bunch of school kids to an Art Clinic. It was fun. We figured out that we are flatlanders though, because the mountains made us feel claustrophobic! But wow, the White Mountains were beautiful. It was nice to get away, leave our troubles at home for a few days. <br />
Valentines Day was nice. I love having two older kids who are so great with Little Man. He had no problem being left with big brother and big sister, even going to bed good for them. Andy and I went to a great Mexican restaurant and then shopped around a bit, in the PEACE and QUIET. We then went home and watched a Redbox movie. My flowers came the next day, and that was okay. :) I love them.<br />
Next week is school vacation and I can't wait. I just want to do nothing but scrapbooking which I haven't done in over 2 years. I have everything, just need to sit down and do it. I think that Little Man is finally at the age where he'll leave me alone long enough to do a page or two while he plays Play Dough or something! <br />
<br />
So life is good. We are praying everyday that the job for Andy will come along real soon. I used to say God knows the plan He has for us, and soon we will find out. I focused too much on the second part of that thought. Now I am trying everyday to stop at the first part. He knows the plan He has for us. Period. He will take care of us. He always has. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-7819635010563459312011-01-29T19:19:00.001-05:002011-01-29T19:19:10.776-05:00Caleb's Valentine<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AYt2Lhi4atmPg/0AYt2Lhi4atmPuSg/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1296346704000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Triple Love Valentine's Day Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Create personalized <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">greeting cards and invitations</a> by Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-20162560764940521622011-01-25T22:58:00.000-05:002011-01-25T22:58:39.126-05:00Is It February Yet??If I haven't mentioned it before, I will now: I.Hate.January. We have only had a few good moments this month, and I had to really dig deep to find it within myself to enjoy those times. Andy was laid off on the 13th. Just like that. We are back to square one, and seriously, at the moment, we are income-less. We are part of that statistic. Unemployed. Scared. Panicking. Grasping at straws. <br />
<br />
I am still in school, and my classes are on Wednesdays. I am in school for eight hours after spending three with second graders in the morning. It is a long day. I am also taking a math class online. I am enjoying it all, but right now it seems like I will be in school forever, when where I really need to be is done, with a degree, so I can get a job. <br />
<br />
The kids are all good, which I am very thankful for. The week before Christmas, I got sick, and it stuck with me for over three weeks. Thankfully, Little Man and Girly Girl did not get sick, and Mr. Smarty Pants got over his sick days fast. Andy did not get sick either. I am thinking that for me, it was the fact that I was done my semester, and the relief of the stress let my immune system down. It is very cold here in Central Maine, bitter cold. <br />
<br />
Only a few more days left of this wretched month. <br />
<br />
I know that God has a plan. I've said that a lot before, haven't I? I am reading the book The Power of a Praying Wife, and it is really helping me with my own prayer life as well. I talk to God all day long, sometimes just asking Him "please God...hold my hand right now." <br />
<br />
We had a Realtor come in and look at our house last Friday, and now we are waiting for his appraisal. We just want to be completely aware of our options, and selling before foreclosure would be our preference! I don't know, it's all a blur, and I some days I feel like I am barely above water. <br />
<br />
Lucky for me, time with Andy is something I absolutely love. We are together a lot right now, as he is looking for another job. We pray together daily, and are making sure that we put each other at the top of our priority lists' each and every day. He makes me so happy. Just three more months, and we we will be Mr. and Mrs. for 20 years! He is my life. <br />
<br />
So that's it for now, sorry I sound so depressing! Keep my family in your prayers! <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-63376184607715474302011-01-05T16:23:00.000-05:002011-01-05T16:23:45.560-05:00Out.Don't feel like cooking.<br />
Husband is home.<br />
Wednesday nights kids eat for free at one of our favorite family restaurants. <br />
Good food.<br />
Sister with three kids willing to meet us for some good food and fun.<br />
Yeah.<br />
We're going out to supper now.<br />
Yum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-13196921323485723352011-01-02T19:48:00.000-05:002011-01-02T19:48:42.940-05:00Fun in the Snow with BuzzLittle Man and I had fun outside the other day....building his first ever Snowman. :) He watched me roll the three big snowballs, and the whole time reminded me we needed a carrot for the nose. When I finally went inside to retrieve the carrot, I remembered we had none! So, I grabbed a red gumdrop, stuck a stick into it, and wala, Mr. Snowman had a nose. :) After adding a hat and scarf, two arms, two eyes, and a twig mouth, he was done!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXNVAv9WUneSJU_GSYowwrNlw6A3IT6rhLgrH_12yDaUlT6KIuhBiJ3bDrilqKkx5jnpgAZJb-T683ryOf4WcueFFiLlbV7cmmY8G6CjVOrZ6FxKp2B5ijoGxuMtGCAfjXhsPRwFTrw/s1600/100_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXNVAv9WUneSJU_GSYowwrNlw6A3IT6rhLgrH_12yDaUlT6KIuhBiJ3bDrilqKkx5jnpgAZJb-T683ryOf4WcueFFiLlbV7cmmY8G6CjVOrZ6FxKp2B5ijoGxuMtGCAfjXhsPRwFTrw/s400/100_0852.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Man took a break for a while and Buzz Lightyear came to the Rescue!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaMIrmaV_74LCS_yIq2wRHDil6l94dopSCSqJgUQfO5AiC1zlzKWZ8vRUrrMkiZUSja6XVZ0D5RpWR-W40yM1x8cgv-sCRDrzPhIOwEidojzoIpqMLV28i2EjWIWvdNnLOfBnYwxCLg/s1600/100_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaMIrmaV_74LCS_yIq2wRHDil6l94dopSCSqJgUQfO5AiC1zlzKWZ8vRUrrMkiZUSja6XVZ0D5RpWR-W40yM1x8cgv-sCRDrzPhIOwEidojzoIpqMLV28i2EjWIWvdNnLOfBnYwxCLg/s320/100_0851.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It was a fun afternoon, and a memory I will forever have!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7XFc7tm3iyj7D52IZ4SqRPbExZe_0DUBmcQ0Mnqp6avVOYPBxe1hVZQ03sgzAr9-mQclU4AWVYtnDVurKdKheFtuaAXVgbRUK_g9YxVvasfHliV8fhFyZ5oulBYXBaihvFuCLqj_6A/s1600/100_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7XFc7tm3iyj7D52IZ4SqRPbExZe_0DUBmcQ0Mnqp6avVOYPBxe1hVZQ03sgzAr9-mQclU4AWVYtnDVurKdKheFtuaAXVgbRUK_g9YxVvasfHliV8fhFyZ5oulBYXBaihvFuCLqj_6A/s320/100_0846.JPG" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877919115032018087.post-4238587623853745522011-01-01T10:57:00.000-05:002011-01-01T10:57:04.328-05:001/1/11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3igopWIiYxmYDhELYCRXbagoyTUO9w0W90QUYef6TIoRBOKG6t-5axx_Qtgmjv5ourtGDJURhrtUnGNlhD3AFOqwAhdpXKaBRG37D_alccsMWWSEdkVZpaKTmLJVCD6D0DFdLmXh8A/s1600/happy-new-year-images.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3igopWIiYxmYDhELYCRXbagoyTUO9w0W90QUYef6TIoRBOKG6t-5axx_Qtgmjv5ourtGDJURhrtUnGNlhD3AFOqwAhdpXKaBRG37D_alccsMWWSEdkVZpaKTmLJVCD6D0DFdLmXh8A/s400/happy-new-year-images.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/235/A3AA38BEB70F58C976A8C0E608F0A6AB.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01236181240024456757noreply@blogger.com1