Prairie Tales

becoming an orphan

2011-05-27T13:29:00.000-06:00

My mother-in-law is quite literally on her death bed.

Strangely enough, I haven’t thought a lot about what it will be like without her. For the last 18 months, I’ve been honing in on what to do for her in the here and now, and simply trying to enjoy every meal, every laugh, every joke she tells, every glimpse of orneriness she exhibits, every praise to the Lord she expresses …

Until this morning, when I woke up with the stark realization that we were facing the end. My mind wandered to what the next Christmas, Thanksgiving, and April 3rd (her birthday) will be like.

For the first time, I understood that when I turn 39 next week, there will be no one to ask me, “Whatchya’ want for your birthday, cutie?” followed by a card with money in it because she couldn’t decide what to get me.

I will never again hear her sing “You are my son, Shaun, my only son, Shaun. You make me happy when skies are gray …” to my husband.

She will never watch Andrew pitch another ball …

I don’t know how much longer she will live, but in so many ways, we’ve already lost her. Just like I lost my Grandma many months before she died. She was there physically. But she was somewhere else. Someone else.

So today, my husband and I begin the process of becoming orphans. A journey where we will no longer have parents, but where we are the parents. Where the younger generation begins looking to us for the same wisdom and knowledge we have sought from our parents.

And while I know that it is “better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all,” I also know that that it hurts like a cactus prick in the bottom of my foot.

It stings.

And only time will heal it.

I love you, Jeanine Coats. And I miss you already.

immovable me

2011-04-13T14:52:00.000-06:00

“Your mother-in-law has terminal brain cancer.”

“Uncle Ted died.”

“Your father-in-law had a heart attack.”

“Honey, I got in a wreck. I’m ok, but the car doesn’t look so good.”

These are all things that have been said to me in the last year and a half or so. Each time I heard these life-altering phrases, anxiety welled within me. I felt panicked. Overwhelmed. Beside myself.

When news came of my mother-in-law, I wondered if it could really be true. Just the day before, we went on a picnic. She seemed fine, if a bit tired …

To read the rest of this post, please join me at Bibledude.net

Two Peas in a Pod

2011-04-01T18:34:00.000-06:00

I have had the privilege of having a little company lately ...

These two peas in a pod are together quite often. In the bright pink jacket (and purple sweater) is Gracelyn, my niece. She's almost two and has the spunk that typically goes along with that number! Or does that come from her mom? Hmm. Maybe her auntie. Well, anyway. Not only does she have spunk, but she also knows the sounds that every animal I can conceivably think of makes.

You say, "Gracie, how do dogs go?" and she will quickly follow with a "Woof! Woof!" etc.

Now Jocelyn, the blondie in the light pink jacket, is Gracie's friend that her mom babysits. She's also two ... and she also has spunk! I'm not sure if she knows her animal sounds or not, but as I was quizzing Gracelyn about how pigs, cows, and ducks go, one of Gracelyn's sisters said, "Ask Gracie how Daddy's go."

So I did.

"Gracie, how does Daddy go?"

Blank stare.

"How does Daddy go?"

Two blank stares.

Then Jocelyn threw her hands palm up and said in a voice that made me feel like I needed to go back to Kindergarten, "Daddy go work!"

Silly me. Of course Daddy goes to work!

We won't reveal what Gracie normally says when you ask her how Daddy goes, because, well ... that's a family secret. But at least one record has been set straight ....

Daddy. Go. Work!

And now that we all have that down pat ... here are a few pics of the two peas.

Gracie wasn't sure how she felt about the snow sprinkles.

After we came in to warm up ...

Eenie Meenie Minie Moe. Which one is the sassy one?

My, what big teeeth you have!

My, what big eyes you have!

Play ball!!

The end.

cast on, cast off

2011-03-18T18:43:00.000-06:00

I bet I lure a lot of knitters in with that title, huh?

Unfortunately, I'm not talking about knitting. I'm talking about arm casts. And Andrew's is about to come off - in a little less than a week.

This is particularly good, because it's beginning to look rather dingy. And I think he's weary of wearing a trash bag in the shower, and not being able to catch a baseball properly. It was nice of the doctor to provide a nice, blue cast that perfectly matches his baseball outfit, but I think we're both tired of it.

My real reason for mentioning any of this, of course, is to keep my word and spill the beans about what I wrote on his cast. None of you were brave enough to guess ... only brave enough to say "Gee, with your sense of humor, there's no tellin' what you wrote!" Ha! That made me laugh. Mostly because I realize you all thought I probably wrote something extremely funny or rude or embarrassing.

**Long pause

Ok, so maybe you were right with the rude part. I dunno what do you think? Is "Smooth move, ExLax!" rude?

**Longer pause

Yeah, you're probably right. But what I really wanted to write was "Roly Poly, Pell Mell, Tumble Bumble!"

Why? Because he looooooved that book when he was little. I'm positive I read it to him at least 3,486 times. And - since he truly did go roly poly, tumble, bumble, pell, mell down the hill, it seemed quite appropriate.

As did strawberry shortcake, rice pudding, and chocolate custard...........

Ahem!

However, when I told him I was going to write a portion of The Poky Little Puppy, he said, "Mom. That's too long. Ya' gotta save room for all my friends."

Psh!! Ok, fine. I see where I rank.

So the ExLax comment is what ya' get if you reject the cute comment. To sweeten things up, I did add "Love, Mom" and "Romans 8:28" to the signature.

See. I'm a great Mom.

Right?

where i've been

2011-03-04T17:48:00.001-07:00

*peeks around corner

Hello! So nice to see you again!!

Yes, I've been away, for a very long time. The good news is that I am not deceased. The bad news is that ... well, there is no bad news! I've been away from home for the last (almost) three weeks, taking care of my mom-in-law while my dad-in-law was out of town on business. And while it's been a little bit crazy, I am home safe and sound, and catching up on rest, laundry, cleaning, and getting to know Jessie again. :-) We plan to reacquaint ourselves this evening, while we watch American Idol and just ... veg.

My refrigerator is chalk full of science projects, but I'm not dealing with that until tomorrow. And yes, I said that yesterday.

Other than that, there isn't a whole lot going on, other than normal everyday life. Baseball season has started for both the Rockies and Andrew. I'm soooo excited!! I can't wait until it gets warm enough to go to a game and get toasty fried in the warm sun! And yes, I know all about skin cancer. I just happen to not care. I'd rather remedy my low vitamin D than worry about something that may never happen. But I am kidding about getting toasty fried. I know that's not a good thing.

I'm also in the midst of starting a blog for the ladies at our church. Unfortunately, it won't be something that non-members will have access to, so I won't be able to point you to it. But I at least had to share, because I'm so excited!!! It's an opportunity to write more, encourage more, and get to know others at my church more. Nothing better than that! I can't wait to see what kind of input and feedback the ladies will give.

Bedee, bedee, that's about it, folks! Oh! Forgot to tell you that Andrew broke him wrist while we were gone. He went on a three day youth retreat, and got into a tubing pile up. Ha! He said all of them were going down the hill, and all of a sudden, the tube flipped and all three of his buddies had landed on his arm while it was twisted behind his back. He said he went face first, with his cheek bouncing up and down on the ground all the way down. And then he said, "And Mom! Michael landed right ON my face. I mean, like, ON IT." Michael weighs about 220, so ... ahem ... I can't imagine that was too pleasant, and it made me wonder how his nose didn't end up getting broken also. ;-)

So, he's in a cast for four weeks, and a splint for two. Baseball practice started the night he got the cast on, of course. Thankfully, it's just the start of the practice season, and he should be good to go as soon as the games start up. And thankfully, it wasn't his pitching arm. Thank you, Lord!

Thanks for stopping in again, assuming I'm not talking to thin air. I'm sure I've lost most of my readers by now. If you did stop in, leave me a little comment and let me know if you have any guesses as to what I said when I signed Andrew's cast (I'll reveal the answer in the next post).

Any guesses?

Anyone?

Anyone???

happy vday and a guest post

2011-02-14T08:15:00.001-07:00

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day!! I hope your day is filled with pink and red candy, kisses, and hugs. I'm personally spending my day at the orthodontist to get braces on (I know ... how hopelessly romantic!).

But don't be too quick to judge. I've already been romanced with a movie and dinner, and a whole weekend of Shaun and me time. So trust me, I'm content. ;)

For those of you celebrating today, I invite you to read my guest post over at Scribing the Journey (click on the link below). It's all about kisses ... both chocolate and real. And, if you've forgotten VDay, it'll give you a few ideas on how to get up from the computer immediately (!!!!!) and begin putting something together for your lover.

Hugs and kisses to you all!!

Okay ... maybe just hugs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guest Post:

Dear men reading this,

Valentine’s Day is today. You’re welcome for the reminder.

Dear women reading this,

Valentine’s Day is today. You really should make your lover something good to eat.

Don’t have a clue what to bake? Fear not! I am here to give you a little hint. Continue Reading

under construction

2011-02-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

*Please excuse my mess. This site is currently under construction - obviously! In the meantime, feel free to browse, as posts should continue to be readable.

Thank you for your patience!

must share photos

2011-02-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, our car was in getting repaired (again!), due to an accident. They rented us a fancy smancy van for a few days, so we decided to take it for a spin. It even had a DVD player in it! :)

These are a few pics that I took along the way. The calf ones are just so sweet. So glad I happened upon them, at what must have been literally three or four minutes after the birth.

A lake we passed:

I know. The view is just horrible!!! :)

The calf, gettin' a moppin' from his mama.

She would lick him so hard he couldn't stand up. But he was pretty determined!

She didn't appreciate my presence.

There was a pic before this, but it wouldn't load. He finally got up on all fours. And then fell flat on his face. Poor baby!!

Mama looks a little disappointed. I thought he did great for the first time. ;)

I've named the calf Rupert. A fine name for such a lad, don't you think?

daybook entry

2011-02-02T08:24:00.002-07:00

For Today... Feb. 2, 2011

Outside my window... Sunny skies, but bitterly cold. Rumor has it that the temps will be around -20 today.

I am thinking...of my to do list. It's very long.

I am thankful for... family and friends, and second chances.

I am wearing... my jammies.

I am remembering... my mom-in-law, who is going through a pretty tough time of health issues.

I am going... to get braces on my teeth on Valentines Day. What a way to celebrate! ;)

I am currently reading... City on a Hill, by Philip Graham Ryken

I am hoping... that when I dye my gray hair for the first time, it doesn't turn out purple. Or green. Dark brown with a bit of a red tint would be best!

On my mind... Whether or not Ashlee and Daniel's offer on their house will go through.

Noticing that... Everyone complains about the weather, whether it's hot, cold, in between, wet, or dry. I think we always want what we can't have.

From the kitchen... Not a whole lot going on there. I made chocolate, chocolate chip muffins on Monday though! That's gotta count for something, right?

Around the house... It's a little cluttered, but mostly clean, if that makes sense.

One of my favorite things ~ Just hand me a book, a fireplace, and a cup of hot chocolate. I'll be fine.

From my picture journal... My Christmas gift from Jessie. I can't wait to start reading it. And yes, I am a "Dubya" fan. Did you know that Mr. President is short?! I had no idea! They always make him look so tall and authoritative on tv. But seriously ... I hear he's only about 5'6" tall.

But I still like him .... :)

**** Update! I have been misinformed! Apparently, "Dubya" is a hefty 5'11"! At least according to all of the internet searching I did. And everything on the internet is absolute truth ..... right?

I feel so much better now that I can go back to the mental image of what I thought Mr. President would look like in real life. Maybe one of these days, I'll find out for myself. Sigh ...

Like this post? Hop on over to Simple Woman's Daybook, and write up your own entry!

joy in january

2011-01-19T11:31:00.003-07:00

When I looked out my dining room window to the north this morning, you know what caught my eye?

Brown.

That's it! Brown fences, brown lawns, brown, leafless trees, and mostly brown houses. Even my dog was brown. A droopy, dirty American flag swaying in the wind three houses down seemed to be the only color filling the scenery.

The sky was not brown, but it was gray, and the streets were empty and lifeless ... a mirror reflection of my soul.

For me, it's easy to approach January as "the dead month." Not only does all of creation seem to be dead, but the hype of Christmas has passed, year-end sales are but a memory, and life takes on a routine, mundane feeling. It all leaves me wondering, does Joy in January even exist?

It does, of course. And Ruth Harms Calkins sums up the root of the problem beautifully in her poem simply titled January:

It's January, Lord –

the drab, dreary middle –

and my thoughts

are as drab as the miserable month.

Does everybody hit a January slump,

or am I the only one?...

The first week wasn't too bad;

there were Christmas thank-yous to write...

a few resolutions to store away...

the huddle of year-end sales.

But thank-you notes bring no returns,

and resolutions are quickly broken,

and marked-down trinkets fast lose appeal.

When you said, "Behold, I make all things new,"

did you forget January, Lord?

Or, in January, do I sometimes forget you?

I was seriously diggin' this poem, right up until that last line! You see, nothing has changed since Christmas ... except for my focus.

Jesus is still the light of my salvation ... but I forgot.

He is with me in times of trouble ... but I forgot.

He will hear me in my time of need if I will humble myself and call on Him ... but I forgot.

He has been and continues to be my help ... but I forgot.

Will you come along side me and resolve to remember the Lord's promises through the month of January?

Let's remember that He has always been and always will remain faithful. Let's remember His kindness toward us. Let's refuse to give in to our bleak, midwinter feelings, and simply remember Jesus and all He has accomplished, is accomplishing, and will accomplish for us.

Has His mercy ceased forever?
         Has His promise failed forevermore?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
         Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?  Selah
And I said, “This is my anguish;
         But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
I will remember the works of the LORD;
         Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your work,
         And talk of Your deeds.
Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;
         Who is so great a God as our God?

~Psalm 77:8-13 (emphasis mine)

my first guest post

2011-01-10T07:46:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to be guest posting for Duane Scott today over at Scribing the Journey!! This is my first guest post everrrrrr, and I had a lot of fun putting it all together.

Hop on over and see for yourself - especially if you're hungry and cold!

repost - cuz i got nothin'

2011-01-09T20:08:00.001-07:00

I'm kidding.

Not kidding that this is a repost, but I am kidding that I got nothin'. While I haven't been posting as lately, it's not because I have nothing to say (that would be a miracle!). In fact, if it's possible to have so much to say that you don't know what to say ... then that's where I'm at.

So, until I figure out how to say it, or at least post a lame but readable post, I'll simply repost. This will, in fact, be my first repost ever - and this blog just had its 4th anniversary on December 21st.

All that to say ... I don't feel guilty for reposting. ;)

I chose this particular post because I'm hungry for baseball to start up. Yep, every year after Christmas and New Years have passed, I'm eager for the cold and snow to fizzle, the sunshine to make its way out, and baseball to reappear on my tv and in my backyard. I want to see Tulowitzky scoop up a grounder and toss it to Helton. And I want to see Andrew pitch the much coveted no hitter!!

Until then .... we'll reflect back on an experience I had in the bleachers last season. Sigh ...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Gift Of Goosebumps

Last night, I sat in my purple, frayed lawn chair as I watched Andrew pitch a seven inning game. The sun was out, the mountains in the background were unbelievably beautiful, and my son was having an awesome game. I didn't think it could get any better.

It was the first warm game of the season. But if you've ever experienced Colorado weather, you know it can change in a flash.

The weather remained calm, the wind kept its distance, and it seemed everyone was having the time of their lives. But then the sun went behind the mountains. It was still pleasant enough, and to most folks, it was a relief from the glaring sunshine.

But I shivered and slipped my fleece jacket on, and wondered if I'd eventually need the other three jackets or the wool blanket that I faithfully bring to each game. If the wind picked up, or clouds began to roll over the top of the mountains, I would eventually don each and every winter good I brought, and wish for more.

I continued watching the game.

"Who would have ever thought I should have brought a jacket?" I heard a shaky voice behind me say.

I turned to see an old lady sitting four bleachers up. I'd never seen her before. Later, I came to realize that she was likely our catcher's grandmother. She was quite thin, with stark white hair. Even though it was warm when she arrived, she wore a long sleeve sweat suit and tennis shoes.

I knew then that we possessed a common trait - the inability to stay warm.

I stole another glance at her. Her body was arched over, arms and legs crossed to keep the warmth in. Her smile was broad, revealing a road map of wrinkles as she watched her grandson catch my son's pitches.

I smiled too. But my smile quickly turned upside down and I felt a pang of guilt. After all, I was sitting comfortably with my jacket butttoned up to my neck, two jackets resting on the back of my chair, and a wool blanket under my toosh. Not to mention my husbands jacket lying on the ground next to me.

I'm too shy, I thought.

Chicken!

I ignored the accusation and went on watching the game. The wind picked up a bit. I shivered, and again I remembered the lady behind me.

I stole another glance at her.

Still hunched over. Still cold. Still smiling.

I couldn't stand it any longer. I hate being cold, and I knew it happened just as easily to her as it does to me. Everyone else seemed warm and comfortable. I was the only one who knew how she felt. And I was the only one who could help her.

I pryed my sorry, shy tooshy off the purple, tattered lawn chair, and grabbed a jacket that I was sure would completely cover her. I slowly made my way up the bleachers, trying to stay out of people's view of the game. I wrapped the jacket around her shoulders, and said, "I can't stand to see you over here shivering when I have all those jackets just sitting there waiting to be used."

I made sure the jacket was snug.

She smiled at me, and the lines in the map grew deeper.

"Thank you so much. I should have thought to bring something for myself."

"Well, you're new here," I assured her. "I've learned to come prepared, even when the weather is beautiful."

She seemed happy with that response, and even happier that she could sit and watch the game, goosebump free.

I, however, was not goosebump free - a gift given to me not by the weather, but by her pricelss look of gratefulness.

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. ~George Washington Carver

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

2010-12-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

'Twas the week after Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse!!

I'm sitting in my living room alone, only the faint sound of music in the background. Shaun's at work, Jessie and Riley are tootling around town, Andrew's at his new job (cleaning horse stables), and Ashlee and Daniel flew back to Florida late last night. Real late last night!

I have a party to go to tonight (as if I haven't partied enough lately!). So I'm also whipping up some cherry cheesecake, chips and dip, and crackers with a fancy cheese dip. Yummy!

I've been able to sneak in a little bit of picture editing this morning, so I thought I'd share what I have so far. I'll commentate as we go along. As usual. Because I can't seem to not talk ....

Gracelyn (my niece) has decided she likes to see the baby in the camera. So now she likes her picture taken, as long as I show her "me" on the screen afterward. :))

Jessie, and the new earrings I bought her for Christmas. Nice of her to wear a matching shirt for the day. Heehee.

Ashlee, doing dishes for me Christmas day. We made her venison (compliments of Andrew) and pancakes for lunch (her fave!), and then we had a large ham, pork roast, and all the fixin's to go with it for supper.

The happy newlyweds, just before they took off last night. Sniff, sniff ....

Family pic. Love that we are a family of six now! Well, seven if you include the dog.

Daniel gave me a little dancing lesson before they left last night. We like to play the part.

Just Jessie ... looking .... pretty. :)

A roughed up Gracelyn!

I love that she comes and asks to sit on my lap these days. Makes me feel all warm and squishy on the inside!

Peek-a-boo!

Sisters ...

Shaun's mom and sister.

Smokin' her candy cane!!

Shaun and Ashlee, lounging around on Christmas.

That's all for now. More will come later, but I wanted to ~~show off a little~~ just stop in and wish my readers a happy post Christmas week.

Are we ready for 2011??????

Didn't think so.

crickets, christmas, and mrs. c

2010-12-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

For all of you just dying to know what Christmas with Mrs. C (that's me) is like .....

*crickets chirping

Ok, so nobody's dying to know such information. But Mrs. C (remember- that's me!) is dying to tell. So here's my 2010 Christmas story thus far, in pictures:

Did anyone here know that Andrew is a juggler? He has a part time job with the circus.

Just kidding.

But he IS pretty good at juggling. Even pine cones!

Here's a few goodies I've made along the way. Chocolate covered popcorn, and a cheese spread to put on some delish crackers. Actually, that popcorn is covered with chocolate and peanut butter chips. I had a lot of fun drizzling. In fact, I may have gotten just a little bit carried away when I flung some clear across the kitchen, and hollered out to Andrew "Hey, this drizzling stuff is pretty cool!"

Those little things that look like deer pellets are capers. I didn't know what capers were until I made this recipe. Wait - I still don't know what capers are.

You don't know what deer pellets are?

Well, I don't feel so bad then.

Shaun and I at a Christmas party. No, we did not match on purpose. We're just hip like that.

*more crickets chirping

Jessie and Riley at the same Christmas party. Funnest night of the season so far, but the season is far from over!

Santa's lil' helper. Cough, cough ...

And yes, those bulbs are actually hanging from her ears. Yikes!

We decorated Mom before we decorated the tree. Just to see which one would be cuter.

The tree won.

*crickets

Once Ashlee and Daniel get here (Five more days!!!), I'll have a ton of things to show and tell. *claps hands in excitement

Until then, I have toilets to clean, laundry to do, presents to make, presents to buy, and one sick boy to take care of. Here's to hoping the rest of us (and you!) stay healthy and robust through the Holiday.

Merry Christmas to all of you!!!!

one little word

2010-12-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

One little word was extremely important in my morning routine this morning:

small

Unfortunately, when I read the directions, I skipped right over the word small. The result? A head full of leave in conditioner. A lot of leave in conditioner.

This resulted in me running my fingers through my hair with water over the bathroom sink, Andrew looking at me like I'd lost my marbles, and well .... one uber conditioned mane.

Moral of the story?

If all else fails, read ALL of the directions.

Jus' sayin' ...

garbage out, goodness in

2010-12-08T23:24:00.002-07:00

The mind is a powerful thing.

What we put into it will always work it's way out. Out of our mouth, out of our eyes, in the way we look at others ... it affects the way we treat others, and the way we respond to the way others treat us.

That's why it's so important to limit the ample supply of garbage that gets into our heads. It's everywhere. TV, internet, books, video games, even something as simple as a restaurant slogan.

I've recognized my own need to declutter, refocus, and renew my mind. So for the last week (ah! the reason I've been rather quiet!), I've been working on laying out in written form a plan to renew my mind. It's nothing but a Word document that lists specific (sinful) thought patterns that I've developed, along with Scripture (always right thinking!) beside it.

I don't have any big plan except to keep the worksheet handy throughout the day, and especially during the times I am more susceptible to spiral downward in my thinking (usually when I'm not feeling well).

I don't expect overnight change, but I do expect it to make a gradual difference in my life. I'm actively replacing bad thoughts with right thoughts - my thoughts with God's thoughts. I'm tossing out the garbage, and pouring His goodness in.

Proverbs 23:7 teaches, "For as [one] thinks in his heart, so is he." The only way for me to become more Christ-like is to think more like Christ thinks. So, this is my attempt to set my mind on the right path, stop giving into every emotion in the book, stop making excuses for the way I am, and let God have control over my mind.

I fully expect God to do His part, if I will do my part. So as I study, please pray for me, that I will be willing to change, that God's Word will permeate my heart so thoroughly that my actions begin to radically change, and that my motivations will become more and more pure. And that God will ultimately use my life for His glory.

That's a lot of work.

Only God could do that.

2010-12-04T14:43:00.001-07:00

This is why ......

........ I enjoy making quilts for people I love.

christmas shopping, car wrecks, and a pop quiz

2010-11-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't done one of these entries for quite some time. They're fun, and they let everyone out there know that I'm just a normal, everyday person, with an incredibly exciting life.

*crickets chirping

Ahem. Anyway ... if you'd like to participate also, click here and visit the lady who began The Simple Woman's Daybook. Then link up and viola!, you're in.

Here we go:

Outside my window... It's sunny today, but cold. Yesterday was cold and cloudy. I think I prefer the cloudy.

I am thinking... I should really start to make my Christmas gift list. I can't shop until next week anyway, but I really need to be prepared mentally before I step foot out of the house. We all know what happens when women go shopping without a list. We buy things we don't need (but they're soooo cute!), and things other people don't need.

I am thankful for... being able to see Ashlee and Daniel for Christmas! They'll come in on Christmas morning, and we get four or five days with them. I haven't seen them since the wedding in April. Too long!

From the learning room... Hmm. Not much new going on here. We are learning about light in Science, different religions in History, diagramming sentences in English, and fractions in Math.

From the kitchen... All of the turkey is officially gone. However, there's still a few pieces of pie!

I am wearing... Jammie pants and warm socks. :) Well ... and a long john shirt.

I am creating... Sorry. It's a secret. Christmas gifts, you know.

I am going... to take the car to the body repair shop for an estimate. Shaun got in an accident last week (everyone's ok, and it wasn't his fault). This is the 6th car bash we've experienced in the last five years. Blows my mind.

I am reading... The book of Joshua, Romans, and The Holiness of Grace, by Bryan Chapell. Oh yes ... and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

I am hoping... for a few select things for Christmas. I may very well post my Christmas wish list later on. Just in case you're struggling with what you want for Christmas. Perhaps it'll prime your pump. ;)

I am hearing... The shower running upstairs. Nothing more. Hmm... except for my to-do list running through my head.

Around the house... A two inch think layer of dust. But not for long!

One of my favorite things... Getting a new hairstyle that I love!!! Yeah ... doesn't happen very often.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not a whole lot. Small groups on Wednesday evening, a little grocery shopping on Friday, just normal every week stuff. Next week, let the shopping begin!

Here is picture (or two!) for thought I am sharing... Ok, students. Get out a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. Pop quiz time! Tell me who this is and why she is impersonating an Egyptian princess. Right now! Hop to!

sew dorky

2010-11-23T12:41:00.001-07:00

One of my goals for Thanksgiving break was to get a little sewing done for Christmas. So when I sat down to make a ______ for _______ (Ssshhhh! It's a secret!), I was more than a little disappointed to find out my machine wasn't operating properly. At all.

I had just replaced the needle, made sure it was threaded properly (four times), etc. I couldn't find anything wrong with it. It just wouldn't sew right. So I took it in to the place I bought it. It's under warranty, and I figured I might as well. So I made the trek into town yesterday.

They were closed (grr!).

I went again this morning, walked in, and let Mr. Ed (the repair guy) know what was going on. He took the sewing machine and said, "Alrighty then. Let's take a look at what might be going on."

Mr. Ed's the nicest guy ever. He's old enough to be retired, I'm sure. But he's the repair man for his wife's sewing business. I think that's the cutest thing ever. :)

Anyway - he looked at it for what may have been an entire fraction of a second, and said, "Well ... looks like your needle is in backwards."

I ran away, as far as I could, as fast as I could. Right out the front door.

Just kidding. But I wanted to!!

"I see you've got a Singer needle in there," he continued.

"Is that bad?" I asked.

"Well, typically, you can use Singer in a Viking machine. But they don't really make Singer needles like they used to."

"Ah. Good to know."

He quickly replaced the needle with a good one (and facing the right way!), tested it on some fabric, and viola! It's fixed.

Honestly, I was relieved. I thought something horrible was wrong, because of the way it was performing. But I was a tad embarrassed too. He didn't seem to mind. In fact, he thought it was quite humorous.

I told him thank you, and that I wanted to look around a little bit, and asked him to show me where the needles were for Viking machines. He graciously and kindly helped me. Not only did he show me where they were, but I got a quick lesson on which needles were good for what.

I chose a few packs, browsed through their fabric, checked out their scissors, and got in the check-out line. I was hoping I would get Mrs. Ed, because I wasn't sure how much more teasing my bruised ego could take, but no ... I got Mr. Ed.

"You ready to check out?"

"I am," I said, as I placed the needles on the counter.

He quickly scanned the items. "That comes to $11.10"

I handed him a twenty dollar bill, and said, "I think I might have the ten cents."

"Oh! I love it when that happens!"

We both laughed.

I said, "Yeah. It's the little things ......"

Long pause ....

"Like knowing which way a needle should face."

He laughed. Hard.

I laughed. A little.

I'm sew dorky.

cheese, quilts, and reading

2010-11-19T08:10:00.001-07:00

As you read in my last post, I wasn't feeling very well in the first part of the week. The second part of the week, my cold got better, but then I ate some cheese, and I've been feeling very sluggish because of it. This is what happens when I crave something that is "legal" on my diet, but still doesn't sit well with me. I take a few bites anyway - and then suffer.

For three days.

The question is: Will I ever learn?

The answer is: Probably not! :))

But in other (good!) news ... Next week is Thanksgiving, and not long after that, it'll be time to start getting things ready for Christmas! Ashlee and Daniel are coming and will be here three or four days. I'm so excited I might just ~~wet my pants~~ stay away from forbidden food that makes me feel awful.

We plan to go see the new Narnia movie, Voyage of the Dawn Treader while they're here. Can you believe I've never read the Narnia series?

Biggest crime for a reader, I know. However - in celebration of the new movie coming out, I'm going to read as much of the series as possible.

How 'bout you? Are you doing anything special to celebrate the Holiday Season? Leave a comment and tell us about it! Or - tell me what you're reading and whether you would recommend it. I'm always on the lookout for great books!

One more bit of good news before I go. I finally finished Jessie's Coca-Cola quilt!! This is the good part about being down with an illness. You tend to get a lot of hand sewing done. :)

I could have wrapped it up and given it to her for Christmas, but since it's been hanging on the stairwell for three years (cough, cough!), I didn't figure it would be much of a surprise.

Next post, I'll show you her reaction to (finally) getting the quilt.

P.S. I chose Coca-Cola because 1.) She likes Coke! And 2.) Her bedroom is decorated in Coca-Cola garb. Her bed cover is red, and her sheets are black. Her curtains are also black, so it goes well with what she's put together. Not sure how we coordinated so well ... I guess we're just awesome like that.

*rolls eyes

oh my stars!

2010-11-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

I can't talk very well today, cuz by dose is plugged up and I'b dot feelid very well. So here are sobe pictures to keep you occupied til I returd.

I fidally fidished by start quilt. I watted to take the pics outside, cuz the colors of the quilt are so earthy. Sorry for the look od by face. It was sdowing.

Aaaaaaachoooooo!!!!!

Oh, excuse be.

I'll be ok ... really. Just a lil' sdiffle.

i confess

2010-11-10T23:18:00.006-07:00

Ever wondered if there's anything I need to 'fess up to?

I didn't think so.

But just in case there is, I'm joining MamaKat's writing workshop this week, and 'fessing up is the prompt I chose.

So! Things I may or may not need to 'fess up to:

I take a nap every day.

Sounds lazy doesn't it? Truth is, if I didn't have to, I wouldn't. Needing one irritates me, and I'd much rather sew or read or get some house cleaning done. Unfortunately, if I skip it, I get sick (usually a migraine). Because of my stomach issues, I can't take pain medication, and it continues to get more complicated from there. I'll spare you the details. But now you know that this blogger is also a napper.

I went to see the King Tut exhibit this last week ...

and I'm totally in love with some of the jewelry that the queens wore back in that era. I'm thinking one of them would completely solve all of my financial problems. If I got away with stealing it, I'd be set financially. If not, I'd still be set. Jailhouses feed and clothe their inmates, right?

Seriously though. I was amazed at the intricate detail of one particular solid gold necklace. It was massive, and oh so dainty, all at the same time. Simply incredible.

When the exhibit is in your area, be sure to go (but leave your camera at home - no pictures allowed). You'll especially love seeing the sarcophagus that held King Tut's stomach!! Eww!

The best article I've read this week is called "Social Media and Digital Discernment."

If you blog, read blogs, Facebook, Tweet, etc., this article is for you. It'll really keep things in perspective ... if you can have an honest opinion about yourself. 'Nuff said about that. You be the judge.

I want a grandbaby.

To love, cherish, kiss on the cheek (over and over and over), make a quilt for, photograph, be his/her Grandma. Or Meemaw. Or Grammy. Or Marmie. Or whatever he/she wants to call me. He/she can call me Frank for all I care. As long as I can love him/her and sing "Jesus Loves Me" to him/her while bouncing on my knee, I'm good.

No pressure, Ashlee and Daniel.

And last one ....

My New Year's Resolution is simple: Get a new header!

Mine is sooo outdated. I think Andrew has literally grown 10 inches since that picture of him in the water. Ashlee's married now, Jessie has short hair, and Shaun and I never kiss like that.

I'm kidding!

We basically look the same. Perhaps a little more gray in our hair(s).

If you have any uber cool (should be read as free) sites that you know of that are good for customizing headers, will you let me know? It's been so long since I put the current one together, that I forgot where I got it from.

Pathetic, I know.

That's all the 'fessing up I have for now. Dangerous life I live, eh?

P.S. I realized after writing this that the pic up on the header isn't the one of Shaun and I kissing.

Stop laughing.

This is simply proof that I'm losing my mind and am therefore Grandma material!

blessed be the name of the Lord

2010-11-07T23:11:00.001-07:00

I don't write much about the trials of my life. I'm not trying to hide the fact that I have trials, so that my life seems squeaky clean here on Prairie Tales. But it seems as though it's nearly impossible to share a lot without breaking the confidence of someone I love. So I remain quiet out of respect for them.

The fact is, for the last decade, we've been hit hard with major issues (plural - definitely plural!). Everywhere from health issues to family problems ... and beyond.

Through all of it, my faith has wavered ... from strong to weak, to nearly extinct, and back to vibrant (repeat said cycle at least six times). I haven't been consistent in remaining strong. And yet, no matter how weak I get, no matter how doubtful I get that He is still there, the Lord remains faithful.

He never left. I left.

He never moved away from me. I moved away from Him, because I doubted His love for me. In fact, I doubted His very existence.

Well ... no more.

Never again do I want to be an unfaithful doubter. I want my faith to stabilize. No more flip-flopping, tossing to and fro, like a ship without a sail. I don't want to cry "He loves me!" one day, and the next day "He loves me not!" - like some foolish schoolgirl. I want to be anchored to Him, remaining confident of my Savior's love, faithfulness, and goodness.

And so ... in looking back on the truly horrible week I just experienced, I want to publicly confess that Jesus is still Lord ...

... still loves me ...

... and still sits on His throne above.

And "When the darkness closes in, still I will say ... 'Blessed be the name of the Lord.'"

Though I am prone to wander, I still choose to say "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

I hope you can too.

happy biptiday

2010-11-05T16:14:00.001-06:00

Three years ago, I made Andrew a birthday cake and decorated it - all by myself! Only thing is ... it said "Happy Birtday."

H's are highly overrated anyway, right?

Pathetic little cake, isn't it?

Ahem ... well ... for Jessie's birthday this year, I wasn't sure what to do. She doesn't like cake, so that wasn't an option, but I wanted to make her something. So we decided on cheesecake. Cherry cheesecake, to be exact.

You can't very well ice a cheesecake, so I decided to buy some nifty letter candles that spelled Happy Birthday.

At least I thought that's what they spelled ...

Until I opened the package and saw that two of them were broke. They're wax, so I couldn't do much about it. The only thing left to do was to have one heckuva Biptiday.

The good news?

Jessie did have a Heckuva Biptiday.

See?

I guess she'd rather it be PAYDAY though ...

This is our good friend, Riley. After he ate a ton of turkey and mashed potatoes, he leaned back in his chair and moaned and said, "I'm sooo uncomfortable!! I can't even swallow!"

Snort! I love to feed people.

All in all ... a successful Biptiday!

a total ADD post

2010-11-03T17:44:00.000-06:00

A few observances ...

Squirrel!!!

Vacation is fun, but returning from vacation is not.

I think I'd like to open a photography business. And an Etsy shop. And a quilt shop. And finish writing my book.

Can you say focus?

Oh, and did I mention I'm thinking of taking Violin lessons beginning next year? You know. Just because I don't have enough to do.

It's the pits being a grown up with ADD.

Things I need to do are: Shampoo my carpets .....

Oh, never mind. You don't want to hear about all that.

Squirrel!!

So if you live in my area, and would like some pictures taken of your kids, and are willing to risk dealing with an ADD photographer, email me at the address in my About Me section at the upper right hand corner.

For now, I've got to go make dinner, fold the laundry, go to small group, run to the store ...

Focus ...

Focus ...

Focus ...

Squirrel!!!!

Want to see a few more pics from our vacation?

Andrew got his first buck (and his first snake!) while we were gone, just as every 14 year old should. :-) And yes, those antlers are legal. Barely ... but barely is good enough.

The rest of these were taken in my Grandma's backyard, where we stayed. You'll see at the end that Summer was hanging on for dear life!

And in conclusion of this ADD, politically incorrect post ... I'd like to say ....

Good riddance, Nancy Pelosi!!!

Ritalin, anyone?