Today is DS#1’s birthday. 

Isn’t he precious?  Well, of course he is here because he’s standing still.  That didn’t last long.

Ahhhhhhhh.  I remember it like it was yesterday. 

In the middle of the night my water broke and I sat straight up.  DH did too. That hadn’t happened before and it was a strange sensation – I’m guessing for both of us.  We packed up DD and took her to Uncle Jeff & Aunt Jaime.  (Thanks again guys!)  We took off to the hospital and a mere 14 hrs and 23 minutes later we had a bald baby boy. 

Once we got through the labor, delivery was a piece of cake.  (Hmmmm.  I could make this metaphorical for my life with him, but I’ll spare you - today. Ha Ha Ha Ha laugh in an evil tone)

Life has never been the same.  It never is when you introduce a new life into your family. 

DD was no longer an only child – and she still holds him personally responsible for the travesty of it all.

He adores his sister though.

We were blessed indeed.  He’s bright, funny and respectful to all that don’t live with him.

He’s 9 today. 

I love that when he wants love, he wants me.  Well, as long as he’s not mad at me for some injustice I’ve caused.

I love that he’s not afraid to show affection to others.  I think others like that too. 

I love that he looks up to his Daddy.

He loves his family and family ties are important to him. 

I can’t wait to see the man he’s going to be. 

I fibbed.  I can wait. 

Once, when I was 10, my Daddy told me he wished I could stay that age forever.  At the time I had two thoughts.  One was, “Are you kidding me????  Stay 10 forever????  I’ve got stuff to do and I can’t do it if I don’t progress beyond 10!” The other thought was, “He’s a silly man, but I love him.”  

I understand now.  It all goes too quickly.

Happy Birthday buddy!

Now, all of you get out there and hug a kid you love!

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

Before I begin my story, I want to state that I just don’t know how the weekends get away from me.  I have all the intentions of the world to post, but I don’t make it.  I won’t say sorry because at this point, you wouldn’t believe me.  I will say that I can see things changing for the better as far as time management goes in my house.  I’m being more diligent about the dishes and keeping the living room picked up.  I believe the story I’m about to reveal has encouraged me to be proactive.

I know you’re thrilled to hear the update. 

I know you’re thrilled because I hear the cheers for me as you encourage me on to become a real, bona fide adult that takes care of her house.

So, since having the 4 offspring I call my own, I have learned that Divine Intervention comes in all shapes, sizes and times.  Of course, since the intervention is divine, it’s always the perfect shape, size and time. Thank you God. 

Really, where would we be without our Creator?  Uncreated?  Unthinkable!

Back to the story I have yet to start.  I could not find DS#1’s basketball shorts on the Saturday of a game.  I searched high and low, literally, and asked him if he remembered what he did with them.  He told me he put them in the laundry. 

This could true because our laundry room looks as if the washer and dryer threw up all over the floor.  Clothes start out in assigned baskets, but, well I’m not sure what happens.  I think we try to find specific articles of clothing which leads to dragging all the clothing out of the baskets and then the laundry room has taken on a life of its own and it scares me.  I had already searched the laundry room and did not find the shorts.

It occurred to me that it is possible my son did not put his shorts in the laundry room.  He may have shed them in his room and then, well God only knows where they may be.  No funny intended there – really – God only knows.  I did decide I should take a shot at looking for them though because I couldn’t very well have DS#1 running up and down the basketball court in his underwear.  I really don’t think he’d go for that anyway.  It would lead to an indecent exposure ticket that would stick with him the rest of his life and I cannot in good conscience allow such things.

Have I told you that the three boys share a room?  There is rarely a floor to be seen in it either.  It is covered in toys, blankets, pillows and occasionally some clothes that didn’t find their way to the laundry. 

I searched under beds, in the bottoms of toy bins, in drawers that are meant for sheets and underwear, and shelving that is meant for toys.   All that was left to search was that space between the bed and the wall.  It’s not a very big space, but you’d be surprised what can fit there. 

This was it. This is where the Divine Intervention happened.

I crawled across the bottom bunk to peer over the edge, into the abyss of what lies between the bed and wall.  Little boys have a tendency to want to stash things, hide things they don’t want to get caught with red-handed.  Knowing this, I carefully looked and reached down to start pulling out toys, socks and a few other assorted things. 

Then I saw it.

No, not the shorts.  I still haven’t found those. 

I saw what was lurking below.  It was hideous!  It made me scream.  It was attached to the wall.  Yes, attached. 

Ugggghhhhh!  How can I let things like this happen in my house?  Oh the humanity!!!!

I wasn’t sure what I was looking at first.  I did see a glass on its side and then there was all this fuzz stuff covering a video tape.  The fuzz stuff had crawled off the video tape and was creeping up the wall.  The tape was adhered to the wall by of the fuzz stuff.

Excuse me while I turn green and run to the bathroom for a short break. 

Nope, I’m not kidding.  It’s the honest to goodness truth.

I picked up the side of the tape that had yet to be taken over by the growth.  I picked up the glass.  I threw the tape away, but inspected it a bit before to see what the fuzz stuff may have been in a former life. 

This is what I deduced after applying techniques seen on CSI New York.  Under the fuzz stuff were two graham crackers.  The glass had water in it at some point.  The glass spilled onto the graham crackers, both of which had been stashed between the bed and walls as to hide them from Mommy.  The heat has been on periodically in our humble abode and the heat register is at the head of the bed, thus making a perfect environment to grow science experiments of this nature.  I expect the incubation period of said experiment was somewhere between 7-10 days.  The growing period would have been sped up by the heat from the register and moisture from the spilled water. 

I know.  It’s amazing what one can learn from a television show.   

Now, you may be wondering how I consider this Divine Intervention.  I truly believe God led me to look between the bed and wall because within a few more days I think the growth may have been hungry and tried to devour DS#2.  He sleeps in the bottom bunk.  It saved his life and saved us a police investigation.  

How on Earth would we have explained that?  The fuzz stuff ate him?  I don’t think they would have believed us. 

Thank you God for saving us from the fuzz stuff. 

Now, if I could just find those shorts. 

Blessing & Hugs, Elizabeth

Think of how many people say this every Friday.  Do you think they really mean it?  If they do, to you think they’re really thanking God for it?

I say it a lot. 

Some weeks I say, ”Thank God It’s Thursday!” because I know the next day is Friday which means the day after that is Saturday and I can sleep in.

WooHoo! 

I believe it’s a sad commentary on me, because I should be thanking God for every day – not just the one that’s before my weekend. 

So, here I go getting all weird on you again.  With that, take it to heart if you say it.

You know I’ve been remiss in my Flashback Friday’s.

I’ve decided to rebirth it!

Can you do that? 

Rebirth something? 

I don’t think I’d want to rebirth any of my kiddos right now.  They’re way too big. 

I don’t think there’s an epidural for that.

And anyway . . . . . . .

A really good Thanksgiving movie from the 80’s is Trains, Planes & Automobiles.    What is not to love about a movie with Steve Martin & John Candy. 

A moment of reverence for John, please, even though he’s been gone for a while.  What a talent.

(Pause)

Thank you.  (See there’s thanks abounding on this blog-o-mine!)

So, I think mine and my hubby’s favorite clip is the motel room. 

If you haven’t seen this scene, empty your bladder first.

You have been warned. 

Consider it a public service announcement.

OK, so maybe you have to see some before to get the full effect-but it’s definitely one of the top 5 scenes.  The rental car is a goody too!

Go be thankful bloggy friends!

Tell me what your thankful for or if you have a Thanksgiving TV Special memory or movie memory.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

I truly am full of thanks.  Yesterday I got my aloness in the morning and my mama came to help in the afternoon for a bit.  I then had a tad more aloneness before those other people who live with me came home. 

It was a good thing.

Thanks to my mama I got my kitchen seats recovered.  They desperately needed it.  We used fabric samples and they turned out lovely.  I think I need to devote a post to the project.  They just look nifty!

Last night we all ate at the table and I must say it was delightful – after we established yet again there is to be no talking of bodily functions.

I feel renewed today from my time.  I woke up refreshed this morning and I started a Bible study on self control and discipline.  I’m doing it myself because it is what I lack and it keeps my home/life from being what it needs to be.  I hesitate to say this, but I believe once I get started I’m going to share. 

Self Control – It’s a bitter Fruit of the Spirit for me.  I pray that God make it sweet through His word.  I do have a killer sweet tooth and it would like to be satisfied by this particular fruit. 

I’ll let you know how it’s going in a week or so.

So, speaking of sweet tooths, I had me some Pumpkin Pie Crunch Tuesday and yesterday.  Mmmm, mmmm, good sistas and brothas!  If you’ve forgotten what it is, check it out here.

Oh yes!  It wouldn’t be this time of year if weren’t thankful for bountiful harvests and kitchens filled with the wonderful aroma of things baking.

That’s my humble opinion. 

Food is so often a theme in my life.  I’ve said it before and will say it again – I’m afraid it’s my Golden Calf.  I’d slay it, but then I’d eat it too so I’m not sure what good that would do me.  I’m going to have to rely on Self Control. 

Yuk!  Yuk!  Yuk!  It sure is bitter.

God will be working with me on that.

Be thankful for the sunshine today if you’re in this neck of the woods.  Share something you’re thankful for dear people.  It does your heart good!

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

Spoiler – this may be lengthy and more than you care to know, but it’s good, cheap therapy for me.  If you decide to join the ride – thanks.  If not, come back tomorrow for more lighthearted drivel.

13 years ago today my Daddy went home to be with Jesus.  My mom and I werent’ ready for him to go, but as so often is the case, God didn’t consult us first.  It’s OK.  He can do that since He’s God and all.

The whole thing was unexpected and instantaneous.  We should all be so blessed in our own passing. 

It happened in the evening.  I was at a Country Peddler home show with my ex MIL.  My ex-hubby called to tell me my Mama had called and said to meet her at the hospital.  Daddy was very sick.

The details one tends to remember about significant events in their lives are crazy, aren’t they?  I don’t think Country Peddler exists anymore – but I sure liked their stuff.

That morning I had talked to my Dad on the phone.  We had talked about Christmas and a gift he had ordered for my DD.  He was excited about it.  He was always excited about gift giving and 9 times out of 10, very good at it.   He had ordered a hand made rocking elephant for DD.  He was pleased with himself because my ex was a Republican and collected elephants.  DD wasn’t quite two, so she liked anything that rocked.  Really, I don’t think she cared.  Point being, he thought the ex would get a kick out of it too because Daddy and Mama are Democrats.

Well, I over explained that, didn’t I.

I spoke to him that morning as I did almost everyday.  The last thing we ever said to each other was, “I love you.”

I am so thankful for that.  I don’t think anyone can ask for more when they’ve lost a loved one.

I won’t go into the hospital details, but he was gone before he even got there.  He’d had a stroke and within the briefest of seconds, he was no longer with us. 

I know I’m biased, but my Daddy was an incredible man.  I’m not saying he was perfect.  Nobody is that and anyone that remembers a parent that way isn’t dealing in reality or was too young to truly know them. 

I know this because I am an imperfect parent.    Just ask my kiddos – especially the teenager.  LOL

My Mom is an imperfect parent, but don’t tell her.  I think I’m pretty safe saying this here because she does not have a computer.  If you know her, don’t tell on me.  No matter how old I am, I’m still her kid and she reserves the right to punish me for having a smart mouth – even if I got it from her.

I am so thankful my Dad was my Dad. 

I am so thankful that God saw fit to take me and place me in a home with he and my mom.  (I’m adopted if you don’t know or have forgotten.  This makes me chosen and special.  My Mommy and Daddy told me so.)

I am so thankful that my Dad made it a point to take time with me to talk and listen.  He had this gift he gave to whomever he was speaking with.  He made them feel like they were the only one that mattered.  He listened and participated and asked questions.  It’s rare in a person and even more rare in a man – thus giving me unrealistic expectations in life.  Gee Daddy, Thanks! 

OK, I really do think it’s a gift and he really did have it.

He was an honest man and kept his word. 

He believed Jesus was Lord.

He had a caring concerned heart.

He really liked to spoil me.  Hey, don’t  judge me!

When I was in Jr. High and High School, we would often take Saturday mornings to grocery shop for my mom.  We usually ate breakfast someplace and sometimes lunch too.  We just talked.  I will always miss just talking. 

He was a dreamer.  He was an optimist.  He was a writer and story teller.

He showed great respect and love to all the women in his life – his mom, my mom, my Grandma Nanny, my Grandma Trover, my Aunt Gayle and me. 

I mentioned earlier that he loved giving gifts.  He would have moved in with Santa if it were possible.  He wanted to make sure the gifts meant something.  My mom recently told me a story about a day she and her mother spent together when she was in her twenties.  They had a very special relationship.  They had had a rocky relationship during her teenage years, but were closer than ever after college.  I get the feeling from my mom that she didn’t get to spend nearly as much time with her as she would have liked.  On this particular day, it was special because they were together doing what mother’s and daughter’s do.  It was just one of those days you know is a really good day. My dad met back up with them toward the end of the day and had a gift for both of them.  He had gotten them matching coat pins.  He told them he got the pins so they would remember that particular day. 

Yep.  He could express himself through words and gift giving. 

Now that I’ve given you an ooey gooey story, let me tell you another story that has no oo or goo.  I was in college and needed a new car.  I was blessed that my parents could get a car for me.  It wouldn’t be a new car, but I didn’t care.  My dad wanted to look for me.  I was fine with that.  I’m not a control freak and if I’m not paying for it, how much can I demand or complain?  Not much, so I figured.  I only asked for three things – no vinyl seats, air conditioning and an AM/FM radio.  I didn’t even ask for the radio to have a cassette player.  (That’s what we played, cassettes, before CD’s) 

So one night I come home from work and see foreign car in our driveway.  I think to myself, “I didn’t know they were having company tonight.”  As I walk up to the house, I see my mother walk by in her robe.  I think again, “Hmmm.  They must really know these people well, because mother is never seen unless she’s in full dress and make-up.”  I walk in the house and there are no other people in the living room.  There is just my mother.  I so innocently ask her, “Who’s car is that in the drive?”  She replies, “Go ask your Father.”

This is never a good reply when you’re a child.  It wasn’t, “Go ask Daddy.” or “Go ask your Dad.” or “Oh Honey!  Go talk to your Dad!”  with excitement and anticipation.  Nope.  It was, “Go ask your Father.”  It’s kinda like she used his first and middle name as a mother would to scold her child. 

So I went and asked my Daddy and he told me it was my new car.  OK  We went to look at it.  I immediately understood the tone in my Mama’s voice.  It was a ‘76 Dodge Aspen.  It was metallic blue with vinyl seats, no air and an AM only radio.  I had a bit of a moment.  I cried.  My dad thought I was ungrateful.  My Mom told me she told him I wouldn’t like it.  This only served to make him a bit more irritated because she couldn’t possibly know me as well as he did.  This was usually true, but not in this case. 

I drove that car for about a year.  My college friends enjoyed making fun of me in it.  Were those people really my friends?  About that time Aspen cologne for men came out and I would often find samples in my dear car.  Boy was that thing ugly.  After that car, I had an adorable red hatchback Pontiac.  I totaled it.  Then, though most undeserving, they got me a great Toyota Corolla with a sun roof and the works.  It had been my dad’s secretary’s car.  I totaled it too.  Yep, I was a hazard.  God protected me, but I now believe he was trying to tell me to get out of the relationship I was in.  I’m not always as good a listener as my Dad was. 

So, there’s a small part of my Daddy that I’m thankful for.  I’d go on, but I’d lose you.  I’m even thankful for the Dodge Aspen.  It’s given my mom and me many laughs that send me running to the bathroom.  He was great at connecting with people around him, but don’t give him a wrench or hammer or anything of the like.  It’s bound to get broken. 

 I don’t think I really explained all that I feel, but that’s OK.  Maybe it’s a project for me to take on and share with my kiddos.  That is one thing – my heart is heavy when I think of what DD and my boys are missing by not knowing him.  They will someday.  I imagine Daddy will be at the pearly gates to meet us all. 

If you know a serviceman or woman – go thank them today.  They deserve our thanks and honor.

If your parents are still alive, go honor them by giving them a call and telling them how much you love them – even if you think they don’t deserve it.  Nothing is unforgivable in God’s eyes nor should it be in ours. 

OK – if you’re life is in danger from them, stay away, otherwise, buck up little camper.  Make the first move

Really, I feel very strongly about this. 

I hope you all have a great day!  Return tomorrow for thankfulness of toots and the like.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

Today I am thankful because I get the day off tomorrow.  Not only do I get the day off, but my kiddos do not. 

Yes, I realize that sounds heartless and uncaring.

Let us remember I’m an only child and I feel the need to reconnect with onlyness periodically.  It will make me a better mommy and wife. 

Do you know that I haven’t gone to the bathroom by myself, in my house, in the last 364 days? 

Not that I’m counting.

Also, it has been 9 years since I was able to be in charge of the remote control in my humble abode. 

Do I hear an Amen?

And then there’s the fact that I can’t remember the last time I was able to listen to “my” music throughout the house without snide remarks.  ( I like musicals and live with manly men who do not.)  I want to be able to belt out Oklahoma or a Phantom tune and not have those around me look as if I just escaped from the loony bin. 

Yes, people look at me that way every day, but not if there’s no one around to see.

Ha!  I can tell you’re amazed at my clever mind.

I also love Contemporary Christian and Praise & Worship which agree with the people in my home, but the TV does not get turned off simply to listen. “We” might miss something.

Hmmmm.  How much do we miss because the TV is on, not off? 

OK, I’ll steer clear of that question quickly because it could get way too deep fast and I believe in keeping this blog light-hearted and full of fluff. 

Can I have another Amen!

And with that being said, I will forewarn you that tomorrow I’m going to be spilling gooshy feelings of thankfulness.

I want you to appreciate my range of writing.  Also, I would think that you all know by now that I have a tendency to be random. 

So now, I think that will wrap it up for today. 

Go be thankful!  Count your blessings and share them – it will make you feel better.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

Friday we took DS#2 to Shriner’s Childrens’ Hospital in St. Louis for a check up.  I guess it was really a check first.  He’d been experiencing hip pain for several weeks and he was walking with a tilt to one side to compensate for it.  It didn’t look good and since it seemed to be ongoing, we went to the dr. who referred us on to Shriner’s. 

As it turns out, we can rejoice in that there really isn’t anything wrong with our little live wire.  I know there were many prayers and I truly believe that a healing took place between the first tentative diagnosis – which included surgery – and his appointment.  Things seemed to clear up a little over a week ago and the xray didn’t show a thing. 

WooHoo!

God is good all the time and all the time God is GOOD! 

That in and of  itself would be enough for which to be thankful.  I’m thankful for so much more though.  My dear Brother-in-Law took the day off to watch our two boys.  We all got to have dinner with them later and DD came home for the weekend from her dad’s.  My sweet Sister-in-Law prepared to make us dinner, but the situation changed and she took her family with us to pick up DD so we could all eat together. 

I love my husband’s family. 

I will be making up the three days I missed the rest of this week. 

Oh!  Also, I said I would post DS#2’s sweet little book he made for his Daddy and I didn’t.  Well, I couldn’t find it. 

(Please keep your comments to yourself on my lack of organization.  It will hurt my feelings and I know you don’t want to do that.  You’re all much too sweet for that.)

I did find it this morning.

Here it is – - the drumroll please . . . . . .

The G or 6 looking like thing is actually G for Grandma.  I realize it’s a bit hard to decipher sideways, but, Hey!, I like to be different.

I believe this says you are bedder (better) than everything.  

But of course, the most important thing of all is that I tooted in G car.

I’m so glad we could revisit this and bond a little more. 

Be blessed and thankful!

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

Today I will share with you that I am thankful for crude humor in our house.  I know it sounds awful to be thankful for that, but it really does crack me up.  It’s also God’s safeguard for me to keep me from a.) going insane over potty humor and b.) smacking little people. 

God is so good. As you can see from choice b., He keeps me from getting in trouble with the law.

This was the conversation this morning.  DS#1 is going to school for the first day this week because he has had the dreaded flu. 

DS#1, “That nap Grandma made me take really made me feel better.”

DS#2, “I know what you mean.” giggle giggle

DS#1, “What?”

DS#2, “You toot when you sleep and that probably made your tummy feel better.” louder giggles

DS#1, “I don’t do that.” said whilst laughing in a near uncontrollable state

DS#2, “Yes you do.” raucous laughter and all hope of containing the situation is gone.

DS#2 had another discussion about toots last week.  He was home with me last week because had a sinus infection. 

Before I knew he had a sinus infection, I took him to the dr. in the big city. 

My momma happened to be in the big city.  We met up at Baskin Robbins to get some ice cream to make DS#2’s throat feel better.  It made us feel better too.  We sat in the car together and ate our ice cream.

I must divulge what happened there.  I passed gas.  DS#2 thought it was gross, but cool – because he’s a boy.  There’s a point to this.  Really. 

Later, he told me he missed his daddy and was going to write him.  I said, “Awwwww.  I think that is so thoughtful.”

DS#2 brought me three pages he’d written and stapled together to make a book for his Daddy. 

Isn’t that adorable?

I read the following:  Daddy i missed you today.  We ate ice cream in Grandma’s car and mommy tooted.  (page 1)

You are the best. (page 2)

I like you the most. (page 3)

And that was the end of the story.  I’ll have to take pictures of it and post them on here tomorrow so you too can share in the glow of honesty and love that children possess. 

It just touched my heart that he would want to share the day with his dad like that. 

These are what real family momments are made of people!

And for this, I’m thankful.

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

OK.  So yesterday after I posted about the pigs I live with, I went to a bloggy friend’s blog and found out it is National Blog Posting Month.  She said if you live on planet Earth you probably already know that about November.  

You know, our heavenly father says we’re not of this world, so I’m going to go with that since I was not aware of this national event.

Every day, if you choose to participate, you’re supposed to post about something you’re thankful for. 

Well, to make sure, I momentarily left here to look it up and it just says you post every day for a month, but I like the thankful twist so I’m going to go  with it.  

Would you like to take bets on if I can do it? 

Shame on me!  I don’t gamble and I sure don’t want to encourage you to do so. 

Just take guesses.

Maybe I’ll surprise us all.

Today I am thankful for just being here.  I really do feel blessed by the life that God has allowed me to lead.  It has not been one without any trouble or strife, but then again, what kind of life would that be?  You know, it’s the bumps and bruises that make us appreciate everything else.  They also contribute to my somewhat twisted sense of humor that I enjoy.  I think some of you enjoy it too. 

Today, DS#1 is not so well, but my mama is helping me out by taking care of him. 

Another “Thankful”!

Thank you Mommy!

Wow!  I think I could really get on a roll here, but then what would I do for the next 26 days? 

Would you like to join me and respond to things you’re thankful for during NaBloPoMo? 

NaBloPoMo is what those who are in the know call National Blog Posting Month.  

Do you think I’m cool now? 

I think I’m cool now.  Does that count? 

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth

I realize that Halloween was four days ago, but in remaining true to form, I’m late.   

I thought I would share the costumes that were worn by the boys.  We started out thinking they would be the Three Musketeers, but the closer it came, the more it seemed like a ton of work.  Since I’m a procrastinater, it became overwhelming. 

Maybe if I start on it now for next year . . . . . . .

Then, as DS#1 was discussing my lack of initiation on the project, he said his friend suggested the boys be The Three Little Pigs.

Brilliant!

I could picture it all in my mind.  I knew exactly what I would us for the ears, nose, tail, and everything in between. 

Here they are.

They look a little pitiful, don’t they?

Well anyway, it occurred to me later that night that I really do live with three little piggies.  I’d show you the living room floor or their room, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.  It would pain me.  It would pain you too.

Have a great one!

Blessings & Hugs, Elizabeth