friday frivolity...

Okay, first of all, there is something wrong with my blog page---blogger is looking into it because it seems to be happening to a lot of blogs!
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The winter weather is on the way...

it has been raining all day...

and soon it will turn into ice...

and then 4 to 6 inches of snow...

Of course... because Michaela has her first dance team competition in Lexington this weekend!
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I had to run around and get the last few items for the competition...

and as I gathered my items at the store I came to the realization that Wal-M*rt seems to be a large classroom for homeschoolers...

who knew that so much teaching could be done as you walk around a store with your children following behind.
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And since W*l-M*rt seems to be a large classroom, there are a few lessons I would like to teach...

**to the woman who just shoved past me in the hair accessory aisle, a simple "Excuse me." does wonders.

*** to the man and women who about knocked me over trying to get to the register before me, I really wasn't in that big of a hurry. If you needed to check out quickly, I would have gladly let you go ahead of me. Just use your words!

*** to the woman who walked around the store coughing all over the place, please cover your mouth. I really do not need your germs sprayed all over me. Cover your cough!

*** to the mother who let her child scream for what seemed like HOURS...
he was not screaming because he was tired... he was screaming because he wanted that toy...which surprise, surprise you let him have to stop his tantrum. ( Not hard to figure out who has who trained in your relationship!)

*** and a lesson to myself... don't shop at W*l-M*art in the middle of the afternoon!
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My late winter term ended...

with much relief from me.

That was an eternal term...

with boring classes...

but I am 3 classes closer to completion!
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Well, since the snow is falling...

and our plans have changed for about the millionth time...

I better get going.

Because Michaela and I are now driving to Lexington tonight rather than in the morning...

I wonder if Steve has finalized his and Emma's plans for the weekend?

Camellia or Gena...Steve, Emma, and Cali are heading down there tonight!!!!
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Have a great weekend and be safe!

offense, not defense...

On January 12, 2010 an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck the Caribbean country of Haiti, leaving catastrophic destruction in it's path. The capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas have been reduced to piles of concrete rubble, with an estimated 100,000 people dead. The estimated 3million people that were affected by the earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks have been left in complete devastation. While they mourn the loss of loved ones, there is the uncertainty of where, or if, the basic needs for survival will be available to them. Their lives are now in the hands of strangers. Their survival lies in the generosity of their 'neighbors'.

And neighbors have stepped up and shown the Haitian people love and generosity. 57 million dollars was raised by the telethon organized by George Clooney. The proceeds from the remake of 'We are the World' will go to help Haiti rebuild. President Obama said the U.S. government would "stand ready to assist the people of Haiti. Former President Clinton, the U.N. special envoy for Haiti, said the world body was ""committed to do whatever we can to assist the people of Haiti in their relief, rebuilding and recovery efforts. Organizations, schools, and businesses throughout the world are gathering supplies and donations to do all that can be done to aid in the support of Haiti.

And while I completely agree with supporting the efforts of recovery in Haiti, my question is why did it take a catastrophe for the world to step up and 'help'? As one of poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has always had needs. Haiti is one of the most densely populated and least developed countries in the Western Hemisphere. 80% of it's residents live in poverty. The need was there before January 12, 2010! The living conditions of the Haitians were substandard before the walls collapsed around them. And now, with the tears of the loved ones of the 100,000 killed spilling onto the rubble, the world has stood up and taken notice. We have reacted.

But why does it take a catastrophe for the hearts of people to feel the hurt of others? Why do we react to a dilemma rather than plan to avoid. If 57 million dollars could be raised to help with the recovery of Haiti after the earthquake, than why couldn't 57 million dollars have been raised to improve the substandard conditions before lives were loss and families were heartbroken? If we can send provisions to defend against further loss after the devastation, then why can't provisions be collected and sent to offset and prevent the devastation? Why is our sense of 'neighborly love' only affected when our neighbor is in need?

As we see the horrific images of the destruction and loss in Haiti, certainly let your hearts be pierced with sadness. But as the news reports about Haiti are replaced by new dilemmas and the outcry for help from celebrities fades away, let us remember that the needs are still there. Let us not wait for a calamity to occur to help. Let our hearts be open to the needs of others in times of calm as well as times of turmoil. Let us help those less fortunate than us to be prepared for life's calamities, rather than only aiding them as they are forced to react after life's calamities.

Let us love our neighbors as ourselves---in times of rejoicing... and in times of sorrow.

Punxsutawney Phil

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sigh of relief....

Finals are over!

o.V.e.R....OvEr.....OVER!!!

and I could not be happier (insert goofy grin spreading from ear to ear).

It was a rough term.

But I am looking forward to the four (yes count them) entire days I have off before the Winter term begins...

only having to drive into Cincinnati one day a week....

and finally taking my first DMS class!!!

And I am sure you will be thrilled to know that I am not in a class that requires pages and pages of writing...

so I will be able to once again bless you with my wit and insight (insert accolades and cheers of joy:)

But first on my list is to find out why my comment and name are on the top of my posts?

not quite wordless wednesday...

They wiggle...

They wobble...

and we finally got one out!

Hopefully the other one that is flopping around will be out soon!

that's one way to fix it...

So, this morning I went downstairs to let Michaela know that there was a 2 hour delay...

while I was down there I realized the sump pump motor was running non~stop...

of course it was because Steve is in Louisville!

My choices...let it keep running and risk burning up the motor or unplug it and risk the basement flooding.

I opted for a burned up motor...

which would inevitably lead to a flooded basement!

Steve drove up here after work to fix it...

or replace it if it was absolutely necessary...

cuz' those things aren't cheap!

He fixed it!!!!

Steve style!

where have i been????

I would love to tell you that my absence from my blog since last Wednesday has been becasueI was on an exotic trip where I was so busy exploring and having a great time that I did not ever have a moment to write a post.

but that would be a lie!

But the truth is much less glamorous...

my absence has been because of FINAL'S WEEK:(

physics test today....

communication papers due tomorrow and final on Thursday...

A&P lab due Wednesday and final on Friday...

and Physics final on Monday the 1st.

No safari, no exotic retreat, not even a trip to Cleveland...

just F.I.N.A.L.S!!!

But I will do better Vanessa, I promise:)

lullabye...and goodnight.....

I am off to bed...

I have high hopes of being a sleep before 2:00am...

since I have had a few days of no sleep until after 6:00am...

Wish me luck!

I will hopefully be able to think after a good night of sleep...

or at least a consistent sleep of more than 60 minutes...

because do I really need to see my clock every hour????

i'm not, really!!!!...

I seem to be making my family laugh hysterically lately...

first Michaela after my reaction to her kissing text...

and tonight Stephen!

All I told him was that I woke up this morning without peripheral vision in my right eye and that I later developed a migraine...

I then told him that the only other time I had issues with my peripheral vision before I got a migraine was when I was pregnant with the girls...

and that is when the hysterical laughing began!

I am not sure what he found so funny???

i am so not ready for this...

I guess the expression on my face...

when I glanced over at Michaela's phone as she received a text..

and I saw the words "So, when do I get my kiss?"

was 'priceless' and caused my daughter to laugh hysterically the entire drive home!

Of course, I think the shock on her father's face when I told him far surpassed mine:)

***Michaela insists it is a joke between her and L. Uh huh, sure!***

friday frivolity...

Sometimes my children give me the BEST fodder for my blog...

and then they beg and plead with me to NOT use it...

and I agree because I see the torment in their eyes...

but let me just tell you..

Tonight= great blog fodder:):)

I just wish I could tell you about it :(
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Michaela's 3rd school term ended yesterday.

She blew her last Science project...

from a lack of prioritizing!

She was told that if her grade went below the A she has had all term, she would lose teen classes for the entire 4th term.

I hate to take Bible studies away, but she loves them so it has the most impact!

Today she has been convinced that the AWFUL grade she made on that Science project took her down to a B...

She has been upset about her choice all evening!

which she should be...gotta' learn to prioritize

I just checked the Grade Portal...

she still has an A!

In fact she scored 93 and above in all her classes!!!!

But I think I will let her fume about it until report cards come out:)

or until Breanna reads this and tells her:)
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I have 2 more weeks in this term....

and I am sooooooo thankful it is almost over!

Next term I am only taking 2 classes...

one online and one on Thursdays for 4 hours.

Having to drive into Cincinnati once a week makes me happy!!!
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Since I will only be in class one day a week I need to find a job.

Do you know how difficult it is to get a job when you have not worked in 6 years, need to work during school hours because your husband is out of town all week, and you cannot work Sundays.

Yeah, the offers are rolling in!

Maybe if the girls fire me as their mother I can collect unemployment!
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So I guess I have avoided the home visit from the truancy officer.

When I called the school about the letter stating Emma was truant because we had exceeded the 5 days allotted for absences with parental notes, they told me to just bring in a form from the eye doctor and dentist and we would be okay.

I find it humorous that :

a). Michaela is allowed 10 days while Emma is allowed only 5.....
it seems that jr high students would be allowed fewer absences because they will miss more by being absent than elementary students!

b). it was the schools stressing the importance of keeping our children home if they were showing signs of sickness during the H1N1 epidemic...
yet no adjustment to the days has been made!

c). dropping Emma off 5 minutes late (which has occurred twice this year) is considered an absence...
I should have just kept her home those two days I guess!

Gotta' love those bureaucrats!
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I guess I am going to run up to Skyline and get a Pepsi for myself...

because if I called Steve and asked him to bring me one, I would have to wait an hour for him to drive here from La Grange...

and I haven't had any caffeine today...

and the effects of that are beginning to manifest themselves...

So I will go myself!

Wow, the sacrifices I am making while we are living in two different cities!

not quite wordless wednesday...

Steve and I were looking at house plans the other night...

I have a floor plan in mind and it looks as if we may have to have plans drawn up because all of the house plans look the same....

entry hall---dining room on one side---study on the other....

We are not looking to build anything large...

simple and efficient is all we need.

As we were looking Michaela came in and joined in the search...

She liked this house....

7900 sq. feet...
4 bedrooms... 5 bathrooms...2 half baths...a theatre room...

I'm thinking this is not the simple and efficient house plan we were looking for!
Oh to be young and oblivious to things like...

mortgage payments!!!!

be still and know that I am God...

Have you ever just looked at your life and wondered...

How in the world did I ever get here?

mac, i need your help....

I have a project due tomorrow for my Interpersonal Communication class...

and yes, I am just now doing it--gasp!!!!

it is about nonverbal communication...

and what nonverbal communication do I see A LOT of?

The eye roll of my teenager, of course.

So I enlisted her help.

But it seems as if the eye roll that she has perfected is not done so well on command...

looks a little too happy here...
a little better...that's it, add a little frustration...that's just plain scary....there it is....the so loved eye roll!!!!It is so much more tolerable when I ask to see it!!!!

emma learns a lesson...

Emma learned...

that playing in the snow...

when it is 40* outside...

is a lot different than playing in the snow...

when it is 16* outside!!!!

BRRRRRR!!!!!

priorities...

Steve is home for his guard duty weekend...

you know the Guard unit that he retired from last month:(

We are having an evening of much needed family time.

See you tomorrow!

not quite wordless wednesday...

Can someone please tell me WHY this picture is mixed in with my recently updated pictures in Picasa??I just I wish I had been prepared with a camera when I asked Michaela who this was.

You would have thought I had three heads!!!!

{It's Joe Jonas with his new haircut}

recipe for a happy new year...

Take twelve fine, full-grown months: see that these are thoroughly free from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealousy, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite: pick off all the specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from the past---have them as fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Don't attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many people spoil the whole lot in this way), but prepare one day at a time as follows:

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving out this is likeleaving the oil out of the salad--don't do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about a teaspoon of good spirits, a dash of fun, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

Pour love into the whole and mix with a vim*. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness.

*lively or energetic spirit; enthusiasm; vitality.


Christian Home Cook book--1974
a cookbook that had belonged to my grandmother.

not my best photos...but they make me HAPPY!!!!

WHY would pictures of Cali on her back, a shutter before we painted it, and our storage shed in England make me smile????....

because it means that the photo folder holding ALL of my photos from 2008...

that I thought was gone forever...

HAS BEEN FOUND--embedded in another folder on the external hard drive.

***sigh :):):)

ah, monday...

Well today life went back to non-holiday normal...

Michaela went back to school skipped her first day back and went skiing at Paoli with a group of homeschoolers. She has been gone since last Sunday (not skiing!)and she just got home a few minutes ago. She is now in her room doing the homework she 'didn't have time to do' over the last 16 days.

Yes, major discussion in the works:(

Emma went back to school today. She was so excited to go she her friends and Mrs. Gire. For someone who used to complain every morning about having to go, she sure couldn't get out of the van at drop off quick enough:)

I also went back to classes today. I was somewhat less excited about seeing my instructor, but it does mean we are one more day closer to the end of this term:)

Steve went back to work after his 2 week holiday--nice to get 2 weeks off {paid} DURING your probationary period! He drove Michaela back home tonight. He is already in bed because the roads are bad so that means he has to leave at 4 AM to make sure he can get to Louisville by 6:30!

It is nice to be back to NORMAL!!!!

new hopes; new prospects; a new year-2010

***I have been sitting here trying to write a post about the prospects of a new year, but my thoughts are jumping everywhere. I went back and read my New Year's post from last year and realized I really could not say it better than I did as 2009 lay before us. So, I have changed a few things, but it is the same for the most part.

2010 has arrived.

It came in quietly--no fanfare, no hoopla. Just a click of the clock that announced the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010.

This is the time of the year that people evaluate their lives; the things that are good, the areas that are in need of work, and the prospects and direction for the future.

As I look back on our past year, a variety of emotions wash over me. I am filled with sadness that the situation warranted us finding a new congregation to worship with, but joy at the friendships and Christian love we have found at the Oldham Woods congregation. My heart is filled with pride at the choices I have seen Michaela make as she grows in her Christianity; I am in awe of the maturity of some of the Biblical principals we have discussed. Emma Shea puts her heart and soul into everything she does and I could not be more proud of the young lady she is maturing into. This past year brought heartache from actions of those that we considered friends, but these heartaches brought growth and maturity as we looked to God for support. It was a year that brought much stress and uncertainty and allowed us to become closer as a family as we worked through the confusion.

As I sit and type this I am surrounded by the disarray of final projects being completed (started) as we prepare to put the house on the market and move to Louisville. While the prospect of moving is exciting, there is also worry for the uncertainty of our futures. Yet that fear is blanketed by the thankfulness we feel for all we have been blessed with. And I know that we are on the path that God has set for us!

2009--in small snippets--was filled with difficulty, frustrations heartbreaks, and stress.

2009--in the 'big picture'--was filled with joy and thanksgiving as we worked through the obstacles!

I do not know what 2010 has in store for us.I know that there will be times of joy and times of uncertainty.I know that there will be change. It is inevitable. Because that is what makes up life.

2010 brings new hopes; new prospects.

2010 is a new year filled with new hopes and new prospects, but the same Almighty God that controls everything.

I have made 'resolutions' for myself and my family for this new year. Changes and achievements that I/we will strive to accomplishment. I know that if our focus remains on living a life that is Christ-centered all things are possible. I know that because our God does not falter in His promises, whatever 2010 brings will not be greater than Him.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Happy New Year!

almost missed...

I am sitting here with Steve and Emma...

watching Deserving Design on the computer...

waiting for the strike of midnight...

to welcome in 2010.

Enjoy your New Year's Eve...

and be safe!
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See you next year:)

not quite wordless wednesday...

RANDOM THOUGHTS....

There are many things in life that I just do not spend too much time thinking about...

Among those things is where vegetables come from.

because don't they all just come from the produce section at Kroger?

One of the vegetables I have NEVER thought about the growth process is {or is it are?}brussel sprouts.

Which is strange because we love them...

and by we I mean Michaela and I...

Steve tolerates them...

and Emma.....
well we all know how Emma feels about them!

Yet, as many times as I have cooked them the question, "How do brussel sprouts grow?" has never once been asked!??!

While we were at the tree farm picking out our Christmas tree, I was enthralled by this 'thing' I saw in the family garden--no NOT the tree I was supposed to be searching for!

I am sure the farm owners were looking out the window wondering what the crazy lady was looking at in their dead garden patch!

As I got closer I realized it was a brussel sprout stalk??? tree???
and of course I had to take a picture...

because who doesn't want a picture of brussel sprouts in a stranger's garden:)

So...

they grow on stalks...

AND...

they can be grown in Kentucky!

who knew:)
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for more wordless wednesday post:
seven clown circus
wordless wedensday
5 minute for mom

we he better get busy.....

major project 1

major project 2

major project 3

major project 4major project 5major project 6more projects than time....

AHHHHHH!!

emma, emma, emma...

Today has been a lazy day...

well lazy for me because I laid around all day with a 'medicine head'...
without having taken any medicine!??!

Steve and Emma have had a great time playing, going to Home Depot, and cooking dinner.

we have lost Michaela to the Morris' ALL WEEK:(--parties, bible studies, and skiing...
I think we should just send all of her stuff down there and visit her on Sundays:)

Emma is THRILLED that her daddy is home ALL WEEK. She keeps saying things like, "I don't want Daddy to ever go back to work."I want Daddy to stay home all of the time!"...

After about the 50th time I heard her say something about her Daddy never going to work, I looked at Steve and asked him if we should be worried.

A. whose prayer is God hearing louder, hers or ours? Hopefully not hers-- 7 months of unemployment has been MORE than enough...and

B. "Is she going to grow up and marry an unemployed bum that never works? Someone who stays home and entertains her all day?"

Oi'... what are we going to do with that girl:)