Right?

Not really.  I just said that so it would make me feel better.

I have been contemplating the complexity of life lately.  I have many questions, but no answers.  Maybe you can help me.

Why is there no end to the laundry – ever?

Why do my boys think the funniest things that happen in life are all related to bodily functions?

Why does my girl want to use all my make up and all my money?

Why am I drawn to Lifetime and Halmark movies?

Why does DS#2 wait with excited expectation to see if I will cry when watching one of these movies?

Why do Halmark commercials make me cry?

Why do my knees still buckle when my hubby looks at me a certain way?

Why am I 40 and feel like I still need my mommy – especially if I’m sick?

Will my kids still want me when they’re 40?

Will I want them to want me?

And last but certainly not least – Why can’t I eat what I want when I want and still lose weight?

Anyone?  Anyone? 

Well, let me know when you have the answers. 

I’d really like to know.

Really.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

So, how have you all been?  I truly have missed you.  I just didn’t know how much until I started talking to you again just now.

I have been down in the trenches my friends.  I have been battling with my spirit.  I’m afraid it has smelled of soured mild than like a sweet aroma. 

Can you relate?

I have allowed my circumstances to cripple me emotionally. 

For shame on me. 

Why is it so easy for some of us to get caught up on our mind?  Hmmmm.

Let me know when you find the answer. 

So, I guess I am just babbling a bit today.  I’m getting my feet wet.  I will be jumping in tomorrow.  Summer is here and it’s time to go for a swim!

I believe what I’m doing now is called stream of consciousness writing. 

Or, maybe I’ve simply lost my mind.  That’s not too far fetched when you’re a mama to a teenage girl and three boys.  Oh! And I’m married too. LOL

Tomorrow I’m going to tell you about my wonderful 40th birthday. 

Geesh!  40 sounds like I’m supposed to be responsible and have it together.

I don’t. 

Then again, who does?

Have a wonderful day!

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

There will still be much chaos, but there will be purpose in getting ready the night before to get ready in the morning.  I know what I meant by that sentence – did you?

Thought I would share a conversation and an incident.  First the conversation.

Last Sunday I took the boys swimming.  DS#1 took a friend with him.  Much fun was had by all.  On the way home, DS#1 lifted his arms up to stretch and put them behind his head.

DS#3, “I see your armpit hair.”

Me, “He doesn’t have armpit hair.”

Many giggles

The Friend, “I do!”  in an excited tone.

I believe I looked on in horror because these boys are just going into the fourth grade.

DS#3, “Can I see your armpit hair?” said in awe.

Me, “I believe is not at all appropriate to ask to see someone’s armpit hair.”

The entire van erupted into hysterics.

Lord, will you please excuse me from conversations regarding hair anywhere other than heads where my boys friends are concerned.  Thank you. Amen.

Now, to the incident.  I went to iron my shirt this morning and saw something that was not water in the reservoir.  I smelled it, because that’s what mom’s do. Thank goodness it wasn’t an unpleasant odor.

I asked the likely suspects what this was in my iron.  Do you believe nobody knew? 

Amazing!  I know I didn’t put something in there that doesn’t belong and I know my husband doesn’t even use the thing – unless he’s feeling desperate.  That leaves three other possible culprits in the house and they know nothing.

I ignored it, rinsed it out and plugged it in.  All of the sudden it hit me.  This smells like our spray on sun screen.  It’s a pleasant smell, but not at all meant to be in iron water reservoirs. 

Another thought quickly hits.  DS#3 really likes the smell of the spray on sun screen.  He tried to deodorize his room with it a couple of weeks ago. 

I turn to the kitchen table where my three little darlin’s are eating breakfast and say, “DS#3, did you put the spray sun screen in the iron?”

No, do not read an understanding, sweet tone into this.

He had a blanket around his shoulders.  He quickly pulled the blanket over his head and said, “I don’t want to get in trouble.”  (sob, sob)

I said, “Too bad!  You should have thought about that before you did it.  I’ll have to tell you what the punishment is later.”

I still don’t know what the punishment is, but I feel there should be some sort of consequence.  The steam button won’t work.  I love my steam button.  I don’t think I can live with an iron without a steam button.

Any suggestions?

Twenty lashes with a wet noodle? No dinner for a week? Hang him from the ceiling fan by his toe nails?

I just don’t know.

Maybe I should just move away or at the very least give myself a vacation. 

Weigh in on this weighty subject.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

The theme of this VBS has to do with pirates.  What little boy, or big boy, doesn’t like pirates? 

They open and close with fun songs about God.  There are some funny songs that deal with pirates.  From what I’ve heard, there is a part where a pirate picks his nose. 

An overgrown boy most certainly must have come up with this theme.

The song leader improvised the other night and told the kiddos to pick their neighbor’s nose.  He quickly followed it up with, “Just kidding.  Don’t really.”

Yes. It was too late.

DS#3 stuck his finger up the nose of DS#2.

No, I’m not kidding.

It scratched the inside of DS#2′s nose and there was a little blood. 

It was a big story at home. 

I stand in awe and amazement of what our God has created.  I’ve seen the ocean, the Cascade Mountain range, raging rivers, waterfalls and rainbows.  I have been rendered speechless at new life coming into the world and how God is able to create all these things and more.

Stop giggling – I can be speechless – for a little bit anyway. Hmmm!

Anyway, I don’t think any of us have to look too far before we can visibly see His work around us. 

His work is visible in my boys too.  I just have to squint to see it sometimes.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

You can rest easy now – two of them did.  Maybe the fact that only two of them did causes unrest in your world.  If it does, take heart my sister because the third one will get his today.

Apparently, although he had all day, he ran out of time before Vacation Bible School.  Crazy enough, it’s the oldest kid that missed out.

Perhaps you remember the post from a mere two weeks ago about this.

Because of this, I must now ask you to be in prayer for my oldest son and his future mate too. 

Aw heck!  Just pray for ‘em all! 

OK?

Thanks a million and their future mates thank you too.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

This morning, as I was ready to walk out the door, I told DH, “I really think the boys need to take baths or shower this morning.”

Please do not be appalled that this is not an everyday thing.

Don’t judge me.

So, anyway, he was holding DS#3.  He looked down at him and said, “Do you need a bath this morning?”

DS#3 replied, “Well, I think just my feet do.”

Will you now bow your head and join me in a silent prayer for his future wife. 

Thank you.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

I haven’t missed anything. I came to a realization 3 days late.

You know I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t procrastinate.

In 6 months, shy the three days, I will be 40. 

Wow!

What would that mean to you if you were turning 40 soon?  What did that mean to you if you’re already there.

I think we all think we should be further along than we are with a career, finances, the house we’re in – if we’re in one, our relationships and whatever else we can dream up.  I know I think of these things.  I try not to dwell on them or else it would become pretty depressing.

It’s just way too easy to look at the negatives in life – Don’t Do It!

So here is where I’m at today.  I’m not going to spend nearly as much time  thinking about what I would like and don’t have.  I’m going to spend much more time thinking about what has been given to me, by grace, and be thankful for it all.  I’m going to start doing more of what I like to do.  I believe God gives all of us gifts to use for His benefit and ours too.  If we use them, He will bless us. I believe it’s really that simple.

You know, most things in life are simple and straight forward.  They become complicated when we involve our human condition that is full of faults.  If we rely on The One that made us, He can ease some of those bumps in the road.

So, I’ve really not said much of anything.  I just wanted to let you know that in six months, shy three days, I’ll be 40.

Blessings and Hugs, Elizabeth

Conversation #1

DS#2,  What’s that smell?

Me, It’s dinner.  We’re having tacos and that’s taco meat.

DS#2, It kinda smells like DS#1′s arm pits.

Me, What are you doing smelling his armpits?

DS#2, Sometimes he makes us smell them in the morning.

Me, DS#1!!!!!! (yelling for him throughout the house)

DS#1, Yes?

Me, Do you make your brothers smell your armpits in the morning?

DS#1, Sometimes I dare them.  (said with a Cheshire Cat grin)

Me, Well, don’t do that anymore!  That’s gross.  I keep telling you to use deodorant too.  Are we clear?

DS#1, Yep.

Continuation of Conversation #1 the next day.

So the very next morning DS#1 want to go to church with his grandma because they’re doing something special.  He has a few friends that go to that church so once in a while we let him experience a different venue.  He dropped his plans on me about 30 minutes before he would need to leave.  I called my mom and she said she’d pick him up.  (She’s a good mommy that way.) I told him he was going to have to jump in the shower and get his hair washed.  He did.  He couldn’t have been in there for more than 1 minute.  I knocked on the bathroom door.

Me, Hey, there’s no way you thoroughly washed your body and hair in that amount of time.

He opens the door and replies wide-eyed.

DS#1, Wash my body? You didn’t tell me I had to wash my body too!!

Yep.  That’s my son and our life.

Conversation #2

DS#3 is taking speech this summer so he doesn’t lose what he gained over the school year.  He goes to a wonderful woman’s house once a week for an hour.  He likes to go and he works well for her.  The only part he doesn’t like is reading.  It’s a bit difficult for him yet, so he doesn’t like the struggle.  The last time he was there, she shared the following with me.

Jesse, “OK, we’re going to read this book and you’re going to use your good “s”

DS#3, “I really don’t like to read.”

Jesse, “I know, but we need to so we can practice your “s”.”

DS#3, “But the books at my school don’t have s’s in them.”

Jesse, “Now DS#3.  There are probably very few books that don’t have an s in them.  (she pulls out a book)  Look. On this page alone there are 5 s’s.”

DS#3, “The library at my school doesn’t have books with s’s.”

Jesse won.  He read. 

Although he’s been a bit behind in school, there must be something pretty OK with him to come up with that reasoning as quickly as he did.  Right?

So I have already shared these stories verbally with most of you, but I wanted to record them here for posterity’s sake.

Thanks for listening.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

On Mother’s Day at church, our pastor’s wife sang God’s Been Good by Legacy Five.  I bawled like a baby.  I was so moved and completely felt the Lord’s presence.

The chorus goes, God’s been good, in my life, I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night, And though I’ve had my share of hard times, I wouldn’t change them if I could, ‘Cause through it all, God’s been good. 

I might cry just talking about it.

I then sang it a couple of weeks ago at my mama’s church.  Well, I attempted to sing it. See, I talked briefly about the things that have happened in my life since I’ve been a “grown up”.  It started out OK, but when I got to the last chorus, I had a very hard time choking it out.  I believe I apologized a couple of times.  I know there were other people teared up – I just hope they were moved by the song and not crying because the experience was so painful.  After church a few people told me that they liked it too.  I even got some hugs.  I told my mom they probably thought I was having a nervous breakdown.   I wasn’t twitching uncontrollably or anything like that.  I just couldn’t get my voice out without tears.  I felt overwhelmed by His mercy and grace that have been ever constant in my life. 

God really has been good.  I was adopted by amazing parents and have a terrific extended family.  I had the kind of relationship with my Dad that all little girls should be able to experience.  I’ve grown in my relationship with my mom (the teenage years could have been better – as is typical) and I see the fierceness with which she loves me. 

Geesh!  I really may need a tissue before I’m through with this.

I have a husband that values his relationship with God above all else.  That makes me love and value him so much more.

I have four healthy children.  Most of the time they’re happy too. They can even be thoughtful.

This morning, DS#1′s alarm went off at 6am.  He wondered into the living room while I was finishing my devotional.  I told him in the summer sleep in.  There’s no reason to be up at 6am. He told me that he was asleep when I left yesterday and he wanted to be up to tell me good-bye.  He’s 9. How precious is that?  On second thought, do you think he wants something?

I have a steady job in a rocky economy.

I have friends who love me no matter what mood I’m in.  I have friends that come to my rescue and lift me up in prayer.  They’re like having my own cheerleading squad.  Thanks girls.

I have had so many people that God has placed in my life to bless me.  I only hope I can bless half the people that have blessed me.  This is an incredibly tall order.  Really, truly.

I don’t mean to be so sappy on my return after a 5 month hiatus.  I just want to share that through the trials I feel I’ve experienced, God has been good.  He has blessed me beyond measure.

Thank you Heavenly Father.

OK – so now I’m going to make you listen to the song.  I promise you’ll be blessed by it.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

Because I have nothing better to do with my time, I started dabbling in jewelry making 6 months ago or so.  I know you can all understand about having too much time.  I mean, all I have going on is a full time job, 4 children, a husband and a few church activities here and there.  I needed something to fill in the blanks for me and this is it.  Can you relate?

I thought so.

 This will most certainly be a work in progress.  I’m sure there bits of info you will want to know, so feel free to leave a comment and I’ll get back to you.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!  Keep in mind I am not a professional photographer.  

I will include pricing if you’re interested.  If you need it sent to you, add $2.50.  If for any reason something happens to your “Simply Elizabeth” Original, send it back, or give it back, and I’ll fix it. 

OK!  Now I’m going to post pictures! WooHoo!

Summer Fresh Dangle - $16.00

Dangle up close - the colors are the seafoam green and brown

16" Compliment to Dangle necklace $12.00

Brown & Green Glass Beads $14.00 Great for T-shirt!

Closer view.

Pendant on Double Gunmetal Black Chain $16.00

Alternate view.

Simple Silver $12.00 Great Everyday Necklace 16"

Wood, Green Bead & Brass $14.00 About 18"

Grape Glass Bead Dangle - $18.00

Closer Look

Brass & Bronze & Green w/Pendant $16.00

Clear Seed Beads with Blue Glass Bead Dangle $12.00

Tiger Eye 16" $14.00

Close Up of Next PictureDainty Silver Bead Long Necklace $14.00

Dainty metal Bead Necklace $14.00

Beachy Bling - $14.00

Kicky Green Stone Double Necklace $14.00Green Stone Up Close

Mauve & Mocha Pearls $16.00

 

Up Close

So, I will add some more later.  I’m also going to add earring.  I LOVE earrings and have been keeping the one I make. I can’t wait for feedback – but please keep it kind.  I’m tender and I know you won’t want to wound me.  Thanks friends!

Blessings & Hug, Elizabeth