its about remembering all these people
Happy Memorial Day
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
joy of LUCK: Green
Happy St. Patty's Day!
growing up, I remember my mom making corned beef & cabbage ... I still don't like cabbage. and of course, you HAVE to wear green or you get pinched ... still don't really understand that one, but ok.
picture-wise, this is as green as I could get today ...
enjoy!
Xmas in Hawaii
we had planned to have a beach day on Christmas, well, because we are in Hawaii and we can ... but wouldn'tcha know it, it was a yucky day. everyone we know on the mainland was having a real winter - cold, rainy, snowy, cold, icy, windy, did I say cold? - and I have to say, it feels good not have to deal with that this year. I do miss it, but then again, not really.
Christmas was definitely strange without all that yuckiness outside. I mean, if you're going to be trapped inside, I'd say Christmas day is THE perfect day for it. presents, family, food, fireplace, cocoa ... who cares what's going on outside!
it was yucky, but not cold, so no cocoa for us. but as a reminder of last year, we had some snow ... sort of. we could still pick it up and throw it, but instead of just leaving it to melt, we got to vacuum it up at the end of the day. :)
Christmas was definitely strange without all that yuckiness outside. I mean, if you're going to be trapped inside, I'd say Christmas day is THE perfect day for it. presents, family, food, fireplace, cocoa ... who cares what's going on outside!
it was yucky, but not cold, so no cocoa for us. but as a reminder of last year, we had some snow ... sort of. we could still pick it up and throw it, but instead of just leaving it to melt, we got to vacuum it up at the end of the day. :)
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| we decorated a bit and this is what the boys woke up to. snow and a parade of cars! |
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| they LOVED it ... and didn't even notice the presents. they played for at least an hour before opening up any other gifts. |
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| don't you love his excitement?! |
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| this is heaven for Eli - BALLS! |
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| I think he loves Christmas :) |
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| happiness |
I'm still allowed to say Merry Christmas, right?
Xmas humor
I know Christmas is over, but I just saw this and wanted to share.
dedicated to those who love design &/or architecture ....
if you can't read the caption, it says:
"damn contemporary, bullsh*t architecture!"
Merry Christmas!
its new years, and ....
my photos are so unorganized
chances are, I'll just skip a Christmas post altogether
eh, I'm out of my element anyway with this blogging stuff
you daily bloggers ... do you just have no one to talk to???
how on earth do you blog so much???
of course, I have no one over 6 to talk to either ... haha!
skipping the long complicated story, we are staying in a condo in downtown Waikiki for the weekend. for free! I love free!
I got to walk down to starbucks this morning. it was lovely.
there really are some great things about living in a city. and now, after living in the country (or what the locals call county ... but actually, its not really country) its nice & refreshing, convenient & easy.
I have forgotten a few things about this city ...
- there are TONS of people, and at starbucks, the line was out the door. but the crew behind the counter must've had their coffee too, and it actually didn't take too long. it was sort of amazing.
- almost everyone in there was in workout clothes. they had all just finished their jog/walk/bike ... but to starbucks?? who drinks coffee after a workout?? I don't get it.
- and apparently its ok to be more or less naked since the beach is directly across the street ... good grief! why wear anything at all?!
- I took another route on the way back and passed by a church. there was a homeless man sleeping on a piece of cardboard on the front steps. I know a lot of people choose to be homeless, especially here, but still, I wonder how people end up where they do. don't you?
then I noticed his cardboard was one big puddle. the man was sleeping in a puddle of piss. whaaaat?! I was upset ... I was so sad, so disappointed, and so angry all at once. I still am not sure what to think of it ... but if I had an extra pair of pants with me, I would've left 'em for him.
- at night, this city is very much a party place. the party-ers I don't like are the tourists. its like watching spring break on mtv, which to me, is disgusting. go get drunk, naked, and stupid at home. you don't need to go on vacation to do that!! right?!
- apparently Hawaii is banning fireworks, so new years will be the last big show. this is why we came. we plan on heading to the beach to watch. should be fun!
have a happy & safe new years!!
ps. I have a resolution list in the making ... rough draft, you know. :)
later tonight -
so wouldn'tcha know it ... I ended up at burger king for dinner. its a glamourous life, you know. but I had to walk past that same homeless guy to get there. I don't think he moved an inch.
still unsure of how I feel about it ... but let me also say, it really doesn't matter what I think in the scheme of things, just to myself I suppose ... but I wanted to do something, so I bought him a couple chicken sandwiches.
I had Elliott with me. he didn't get it of course, but he saw.
I couldn't give him pants, or a shower, or a comfy bed. he gladly took the food though, and, I'm glad I could help his stomach at least.
chances are, I'll just skip a Christmas post altogether
eh, I'm out of my element anyway with this blogging stuff
you daily bloggers ... do you just have no one to talk to???
how on earth do you blog so much???
of course, I have no one over 6 to talk to either ... haha!
skipping the long complicated story, we are staying in a condo in downtown Waikiki for the weekend. for free! I love free!
I got to walk down to starbucks this morning. it was lovely.
there really are some great things about living in a city. and now, after living in the country (or what the locals call county ... but actually, its not really country) its nice & refreshing, convenient & easy.
I have forgotten a few things about this city ...
- there are TONS of people, and at starbucks, the line was out the door. but the crew behind the counter must've had their coffee too, and it actually didn't take too long. it was sort of amazing.
- almost everyone in there was in workout clothes. they had all just finished their jog/walk/bike ... but to starbucks?? who drinks coffee after a workout?? I don't get it.
- and apparently its ok to be more or less naked since the beach is directly across the street ... good grief! why wear anything at all?!
- I took another route on the way back and passed by a church. there was a homeless man sleeping on a piece of cardboard on the front steps. I know a lot of people choose to be homeless, especially here, but still, I wonder how people end up where they do. don't you?
then I noticed his cardboard was one big puddle. the man was sleeping in a puddle of piss. whaaaat?! I was upset ... I was so sad, so disappointed, and so angry all at once. I still am not sure what to think of it ... but if I had an extra pair of pants with me, I would've left 'em for him.
- at night, this city is very much a party place. the party-ers I don't like are the tourists. its like watching spring break on mtv, which to me, is disgusting. go get drunk, naked, and stupid at home. you don't need to go on vacation to do that!! right?!
- apparently Hawaii is banning fireworks, so new years will be the last big show. this is why we came. we plan on heading to the beach to watch. should be fun!
have a happy & safe new years!!
ps. I have a resolution list in the making ... rough draft, you know. :)
later tonight -
so wouldn'tcha know it ... I ended up at burger king for dinner. its a glamourous life, you know. but I had to walk past that same homeless guy to get there. I don't think he moved an inch.
still unsure of how I feel about it ... but let me also say, it really doesn't matter what I think in the scheme of things, just to myself I suppose ... but I wanted to do something, so I bought him a couple chicken sandwiches.
I had Elliott with me. he didn't get it of course, but he saw.
I couldn't give him pants, or a shower, or a comfy bed. he gladly took the food though, and, I'm glad I could help his stomach at least.
A Special Xmas Cake recipe ... try it!
Christmas Cake
Ingredients:
* 2 cups flour
* 1 stick butter
* 1 cup of water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* Lemon juice
* 4 large eggs
* Nuts
* 1 bottle tequila
* 2 cups of dried fruit
Sample the tequila to check quality.
Take a large bowl, check the tequila again. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat.
Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this point it's best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup... Just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the dang fruit up off floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Check the tequila.
Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or some fink.
Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the tequila and wipe counter with the cat.
Bingle Jells!
Ingredients:
* 2 cups flour
* 1 stick butter
* 1 cup of water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* Lemon juice
* 4 large eggs
* Nuts
* 1 bottle tequila
* 2 cups of dried fruit
Sample the tequila to check quality.
Take a large bowl, check the tequila again. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat.
Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this point it's best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup... Just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the dang fruit up off floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Check the tequila.
Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or some fink.
Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the tequila and wipe counter with the cat.
Bingle Jells!
not the "haha" funny
I think its funny that the most loved holiday is Christmas.
I think its funny how people talk about the Christmas Spirit, and somehow, this Spirit allows people to be more generous and thoughtful of others.
I know you've heard this before ... CHRISTmas. now, how did HIS name get in there?
I know that every family has their own traditions, and yes, its not quite like that of 2000+ years ago .... but at the same time, it is.
families come together to eat, drink, & be merry. we get together and celebrate the day, together.
kind of like when Jesus was born; it was celebrated among many.
we give gifts to people who are important to us, who have a place in our hearts. we give much, because we were given much.
kind of sounds like that CHRISTmas spirit, no? allow me to be the first (or not) but the Spirit IS real. you're not imagining it. there is "something" in the air.
we all have either a star or an angel on top of our tree, right?
and that's just like how the wise men followed a star to find that newborn baby, meanwhile, the angels rejoiced.
its funny.
I also its funny how so many people know and sing our traditional Christmas songs. you are proclaiming so much more than you know. sing it loud!
so many don't claim to be christian, but the traditions of long ago are still very much happening ... which to me, says the same thing as ... you don't have to be a christian for God to be real. you don't have to believe its Christ's birthday, but it is, and its happening anyway.
just my thoughts for tonight ....
I think its funny how people talk about the Christmas Spirit, and somehow, this Spirit allows people to be more generous and thoughtful of others.
I know you've heard this before ... CHRISTmas. now, how did HIS name get in there?
I know that every family has their own traditions, and yes, its not quite like that of 2000+ years ago .... but at the same time, it is.
families come together to eat, drink, & be merry. we get together and celebrate the day, together.
kind of like when Jesus was born; it was celebrated among many.
we give gifts to people who are important to us, who have a place in our hearts. we give much, because we were given much.
kind of sounds like that CHRISTmas spirit, no? allow me to be the first (or not) but the Spirit IS real. you're not imagining it. there is "something" in the air.
we all have either a star or an angel on top of our tree, right?
and that's just like how the wise men followed a star to find that newborn baby, meanwhile, the angels rejoiced.
its funny.
I also its funny how so many people know and sing our traditional Christmas songs. you are proclaiming so much more than you know. sing it loud!
so many don't claim to be christian, but the traditions of long ago are still very much happening ... which to me, says the same thing as ... you don't have to be a christian for God to be real. you don't have to believe its Christ's birthday, but it is, and its happening anyway.
just my thoughts for tonight ....
and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care ...
its great how hobbies, recipes, customs, traditions and the like, get passed on through the generations. I think I was passed a sweet tooth, and that's about it. my big sister, Amanda, was taught how to crochet ... that sounds like she was forced into it, but no, she actually wanted to learn, and, she's actually pretty good at it.
I remember watching my grandmother do it while watching tv. all I remember her making were blankets, so we aaaaaaallllll had blankets. sadly, very sadly, my childhood blanket she made was destroyed by my first baby, Jackson the coonhound. but to my surprise, I received a beautiful afghan that was made for me and set aside until I got married. I've had it for 10 years now. I don't really use it here in Hawaii, but I won't give it up for anything. thanks grandma.
my sister made these for me last year at Christmas -
I trying to talk Amanda into making these throughout the year, then selling them for the next Christmas season. here's what I need to know from you savvy, handmade/crafting, business women -
I remember watching my grandmother do it while watching tv. all I remember her making were blankets, so we aaaaaaallllll had blankets. sadly, very sadly, my childhood blanket she made was destroyed by my first baby, Jackson the coonhound. but to my surprise, I received a beautiful afghan that was made for me and set aside until I got married. I've had it for 10 years now. I don't really use it here in Hawaii, but I won't give it up for anything. thanks grandma.
my sister made these for me last year at Christmas -
everyone that has seen these hanging in my house, has asked me about them.
aren't they cute?!
here's a close up of one. the top is, for lack of a better word, furry, and has bells attached. great for breaking out in song ... Jingle Bells is the only Christmas song my son has memorized, so it works.
here's a real close up. I don't know the correct terminology for crocheting, but I do know that this stitch is tight and strong. these stockings hold a lot of goodies!
- do you use etsy? how do you like it? what does a beginner need to know? as in, give me the secret insider tricks & tips.
- how much would you pay for 1 stocking?
- what other colors would you like to see?
- any/all tips, advice, references are welcome
since I just got out our stockings for this Christmas, the idea just came to light, so there are none to purchase as of now. sorry. I am hoping I can do a give away - Christmas in July maybe? for you early holiday shoppers that make the rest of us look bad. :)
if you like what you see, pleeeeeeeeease leave me a comment so I can show my sister that her crafting can be fun AND can make her some money. help me give her some motivation to take the next step. thank you blogland!!
happy holidays!
For the lost, or lefties,
Please accept, with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Canada great. Not to imply that Canada is necessarily greater than any other country in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.”
for the rest......
Thank you Father God for sending your son Jesus, and happy birthday!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Please accept, with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Canada great. Not to imply that Canada is necessarily greater than any other country in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.”
for the rest......
Thank you Father God for sending your son Jesus, and happy birthday!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
good news
a good news update -by total "coincidence" our neighbors neighbor (people we know in the complex, just on the other side of the complex ... our neighbors, right? it was their next door neighbors.) was cleaning out the kids room and had some stuff to give away.
I'm told the "kid" is 17 and is just now getting around to getting rid of his toys from youth ... kind of like toy story 3, maybe? but we didn't know this guy. he wasn't necessarily giving to give, but maybe he was ... I think it was more like getting rid of junk. either way, its a HUGE blessing for us to receive it.
there are TONS of hotwheels, along with buildings & roads to build for them, various balls, a kite, a big box of legos ... lots of boy stuff.
it was really making me sad that the boys wouldn't have anything to open from us for Christmas. I cried. it was perfect timing.
God gets me.
that's perfect too.
maybe I do need Santa
I am totally missing the Christmas Spirit this year.
- we're in a new place. so no family, no church family.
- no snow on the ground, so no reminders its Christmas time at all ... I'm from WI where we did actually have white Christmas'. not too many people put up lights and such here either.
- new job with no money coming in ... without money, there will be no gifts, no tree, no decor, no lights, nothing. I am sad that its money that could change that. honestly, I miss all the traditional stuff of the season, and not the not having money thing. really.
- and I can't seem to forget I married a man who has always been a Scrooge and who is not "a fan" of traditional things. boo.
its depressing, right?
I am doing my best not to turn into a Scrooge. not something I want to pass onto the children.
I understand having stuff is not what Christmas is about. its about giving and not receiving. its about living in the moment, while you're making memories. how do you do that with the above list?
even with money, we'd do this stuff.
here's our yesterday ... aaaaaaand I'm out of ideas. help.
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| opening his snowflake |
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| makes a cool shadow in the afternoon |
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| looks strange with this background, doesn't it? it does for me. |
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| yes that is a pig, a turkey, and a bunny that you see. don't ask why. |
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| as you can see, I'm not great at rolling even dough. practice makes perfect, I suppose. good thing hubby likes those really crunchy ones! |
AIDS day
do you know someone with AIDS/HIV?
today is AIDS Day. I haven't officially checked into this, but its probably more like AIDS Awareness Day ... everything is so generically PC now.
I have heard stories and read the news over the years about the journey of infected patients. there is nothing fun about it. the (routine) medication process is so completely debilitating on the body; it seems similar to what chemo does to a cancer patient. kills everything but your spirit.
I knew someone who was diagnosed, years ago. his journey was a whole 2 months, so I didn't witness the "traditional" progression of it.
you can read last year's post about that HERE. I just re-read it myself ... I'd probably write it a bit differently today, but for the most part, I still agree with myself.
still, I think of him from time to time. and still, it brings tears to my eyes.
I know that today isn't (necessarily) remember-all-the-people-you-know-who-died-of-AIDS day, in fact my friend died in the summer. still, as AIDS Awareness Day, and him being the only association I have with this disease, it becomes a day of remembrance for me anyway.
today, I'd like to share the poem he wrote. this was on the back page of the program to his memorial service. I wonder if he'd be ok that his family shared this ... working together as much as we did, I didn't know he was a writer at all. it was kind of a nice surprise to see, on such a sad day at his funeral.
Repentance
by Mitch Beasley
The man and wife
together, in love
A child is born
God's gift from above
Love and kindness
meet all of his needs
Faithful attempt
to know where this leads
Choice to be made
his parents know right
But only his
today or tonight
"He chose 'the way'
Good Christians rejoice"
Still, he struggles
to silence that voice
That voice, all pain
but burned with desire
He fights with might
still the flames rise higher
Then the day shows
when fire, too torrid
Consumed his heart
on paths too horrid
"Good Christians come,
suffer his anguish.
The place he stands
is not in his wish."
Jailed by the flame
no exit, no out
Until the choice
he recalls, without doubt
"Call on my soul,
and wherever, to come."
"Father above
your will for mine. Be done."
All fire, doused out
burns, char mark the spot
Remind all the souls
of this evil lot
But tribulation
has come and now gone
Let the spirit
return to his home
"Now come around
good Christians, again.
The boy has learned,
come back to this land."
Congratulate this boy,
facing his soul
For very few
could ever be so bold.
And when pain comes
Instead, don't choose to run
'Call on my soul,
and wherever, to come.'
today is AIDS Day. I haven't officially checked into this, but its probably more like AIDS Awareness Day ... everything is so generically PC now.
I have heard stories and read the news over the years about the journey of infected patients. there is nothing fun about it. the (routine) medication process is so completely debilitating on the body; it seems similar to what chemo does to a cancer patient. kills everything but your spirit.
I knew someone who was diagnosed, years ago. his journey was a whole 2 months, so I didn't witness the "traditional" progression of it.
you can read last year's post about that HERE. I just re-read it myself ... I'd probably write it a bit differently today, but for the most part, I still agree with myself.
still, I think of him from time to time. and still, it brings tears to my eyes.
I know that today isn't (necessarily) remember-all-the-people-you-know-who-died-of-AIDS day, in fact my friend died in the summer. still, as AIDS Awareness Day, and him being the only association I have with this disease, it becomes a day of remembrance for me anyway.
today, I'd like to share the poem he wrote. this was on the back page of the program to his memorial service. I wonder if he'd be ok that his family shared this ... working together as much as we did, I didn't know he was a writer at all. it was kind of a nice surprise to see, on such a sad day at his funeral.
Repentance
by Mitch Beasley
The man and wife
together, in love
A child is born
God's gift from above
Love and kindness
meet all of his needs
Faithful attempt
to know where this leads
Choice to be made
his parents know right
But only his
today or tonight
"He chose 'the way'
Good Christians rejoice"
Still, he struggles
to silence that voice
That voice, all pain
but burned with desire
He fights with might
still the flames rise higher
Then the day shows
when fire, too torrid
Consumed his heart
on paths too horrid
"Good Christians come,
suffer his anguish.
The place he stands
is not in his wish."
Jailed by the flame
no exit, no out
Until the choice
he recalls, without doubt
"Call on my soul,
and wherever, to come."
"Father above
your will for mine. Be done."
All fire, doused out
burns, char mark the spot
Remind all the souls
of this evil lot
But tribulation
has come and now gone
Let the spirit
return to his home
"Now come around
good Christians, again.
The boy has learned,
come back to this land."
Congratulate this boy,
facing his soul
For very few
could ever be so bold.
And when pain comes
Instead, don't choose to run
'Call on my soul,
and wherever, to come.'
no more counting
to me, from me -
ok, so blogging everyday is just not happening, BUT I've gotten better ... so no complaints.
to you, from me -
today is Thanksgiving ... maybe you didn't know?
I hope you are surrounded with great company and delicious food today. let the glass be 1/2 full, today and everyday.
<------ this kid here is amazing. I love him, and am so so thankful for him.
here is Samuel in his homemade Indian costume. homemade crafts are the best, don't you agree?!
we did a lesson on pilgrims, indians, and what thanksgiving is all about ... in translation, while he did crafts, I told him a story. but whatever. it got in his head. he kinda, sorta, not really knows ... and I'm ok with that. he's 6. history is a requirement later on in school, not in 1st grade! I think the jist of some things is enough at this stage.
don'tcha wish you had a teacher like me?! ha!
and then there's this kid. ----->
he too is amazing ... in his own strong-willed child sort of way. but I love love love him none-the-less and wouldn't trade him for anything ... maybe for a day, but certainly not forever. :)
Elliott and craft time simply don't go together. he has recently been officially banned from crayons, markers, and the like. I will literally be sitting next to him, and he STILL is a total rebel.
with crayons he no longer eats them; that's the good news. that would be too easy. instead he will take a bite, chew it up, then spit it out. he apparently likes to see all the colors in chunks on the floor.
with markers, he usually starts off good. but then without fail, he will "accidentally" color off the page, onto the furniture, onto his arms & the rest of his body, or even back in his mouth.
needless to say Elliott did not join us in our Thanksgiving craft time this year. here's hoping for next year though!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!
1 of 30
I intend to be thankful everyday, even if its not November, but having Thanksgiving to look forward to helps to motivate ... ya know what?! let's just stop there.I am thankful for Thanksgiving ... the delicious food of course!
I hope that doesn't make me too shallow to be thankful for this first, rather than, say, my God or my family ... I'm going to assume they will both understand.
me shallow? never.
Join us in 30 days of thankfulness!
welcome 2010
what a year 2009 has been. lots of change ... some good, some not so good. the past is the past, no matter what day it is. let's learn from it, and not dwell in it. that said -
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I've made some resolutions, not entirely sure it's because it's now 2010. it's just another day to me now. I don't even think I made it to midnight! the Katie 10+ years ago would be hungover today ... but we don't need to go there.
* I've posted about Avon's Breast Cancer Walk happening next summer. I'm REALLY looking forward to it. I'm also happy to have committed myself to something that will force me to work out and get in a routine. since it's still 5 months away, I'm hoping by then it will be habit.
*read more books
*be more crafty with the boys ... that's the kind of stuff they will remember forever, then pass it on to their kids.
*a big one that has been always sitting in the back of my mind, is to do all those things that are on the to-do list, but never get done.
for example -
the boys have this tractor toy with special keys to make it work and one has been missing forever. well you can only go so far if you have 3 out of the 4 keys, so I've been wanting to contact the company and try and order that 4th key. yea, not fun. you can see why that one always gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list!
I'm sure there are more things I'll think of later, you know how that goes.
what are your resolutions?????
merry chirstmas
Merry CHRISTmas!
Being a christian I've known December 25th is Jesus' birthday, but I've used this day like the rest of the world - this year included. I'm going through the motions of the day, the way our culture has created it to be. traveling to be with family, friends, eating lots of food, dressing up, buying and giving gifts ... which is all great, but if today is a birthday, shouldn't we be honoring Him? I'm going through the motions because I feel an obligation, and I don't feel like I'm honoring Jesus by doing it.
the obligation is from what I was raised in, by worldly people. and kids believe the truth to be whatever their parents do and say. after becoming an adult (whenever that was) it then becomes my fault, my ignorance, my obligation, my distraction from what Christmas is REALLY suppose to be.
a true believer doesn't just believe in Jesus. a true believer doesn't just go to church on Sundays. it's not just about reading the bible, it's about living it. and not just on Christmas, but every single day.
going through the motions of obligation is NOT living it. I don't want to pass onto my children that same obligation. Today we honor the birth of our Lord.
I'm not entirely sure what that will include (I'm thinking volunteering &/or a soup kitchen) but I just know that how we are doing it this year is not right. Give in a way you can; give with faith to people who actually need it ... like Jesus came to heal the sick, to those who needed it and were faithful for it.
Americans consume way too much as it is ... and then to throw Christmas on top of that, then it just become ridiculous! how much stuff does a person need?!
All that said, we've decided to tell Samuel that Santa is a made up story. He's definitely not traumatized, in fact, I'm not convinced he totally believes us. he says "what about all the songs mama?" I guess he'll get it next year!
Happy Birthday Jesus!
volunteer gift wrap
I recently found out that bookstores, like Borders and Barnes & Noble, take volunteers for gift wrapping during the holiday season.
They will also allow you to collect tips, but only for a non-profit organization. Perfect for me since I've registered to walk in Avon's Walk for Breast Cancer. I was there last night and only made $10, which covers my gas to get there since I'm in the sticks, but that's ok! it's fun and it gets the word out about the walk anyway.
Now this would not be for you real creative types. They gave me a folding table with paper, tape, scissors, a few bows, but that's it. it's pretty blah. you may have guessed, everyone that did get the wrapping were men. ha! typical, but hey, at least they got it done!
I called yesterday and got a couple different shifts, but only because someone cancelled. apparently they start scheduling this in July/Aug. I had no idea!
this could be good for churches, moms clubs, or schools. lots of possibilities.
just wanted to spread the word.
AIDS day
first let me say, these are just MY thoughts. if you'd like to have a civil discussion about this subject, I'm all ears. that said, I have mixed feelings about today, which is AIDS day.
I read an article about a gay couple in Argentina that wanted to marry today. the government stopped it, saying it was unconstitutional. it's going up for review, blah, blah, blah, whatever loopholes Argentina has to make them jump through.
there are gay marriage battles all over our country too, since it's not legal in every state ... yet. I believe it will be allowed in the majority of states, sooner than later.
before I was saved, I believed that anyone can love anyone. gay, straight, whatever; "all you need it love." (side note: the Beatles are awesome!)
knowing God now and reading his word, I have come to learn how wrong it is. simply stated, it's a sin. there are lots of scripture about sexual immorality (from a bible-believing perspective will include homosexuality), but here are a couple passages about homosexuality specifically - Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
I have had some experience with AIDS. I had a co-worker/friend die from AIDS. I was his assistant at a furniture store; anyone that works full time knows that you often spend more time with your co-workers than your family and friends. this was my situation. we really got to know each other after 40-60 hours per week. he was a great guy. openly gay (not that he really had to tell you he was!) and was in a monogamous relationship, or so he thought.
he got a routine check up, and because he was gay, got tested for HIV. not exactly a test you can study for. he was diagnosed in February '98. wow, it's been 10 years already. I still think about him often.
his doctors put him on medication right away so it wouldn't progress to AIDS. he quit his job so he could move and be closer to his family, since he didn't know how long he'd have left in this life; he did this just a couple months after his diagnosis. apparently he had a major allergic reaction to his medication and on the drive to his parents, his eyes got so swollen an ambulance had to be called from the road. he went to the hospital and never left.
can you imagine having just 2 months to process all that? the one you love has not only cheated on you, but gave you HIV?!
it was all very sad. a co-worker and I drove to his funeral. he was raised a christian, which I never knew about him. I was a VERY new christian then, so I didn't ask or really talk about it much. on the program included a poem he wrote. it was about the torture of being a gay man, but having a christian mind/beliefs.
so I believe he knew it was wrong all along. how tragic.
I have a pastor friend who has this perspective on homosexuality -
he believes people are born gay, just like people are born with any disease. it's unfortunate, but it happens. we all have our "issues." sexual immorality is a big one for a lot of people; it could be pornography, prostitutes, adultery, homosexuality, among others. it is sin. we all have sin in one way, shape, or form. sin has had a snowball effect on mankind for so long, that people are literally born that way now. for any of our "issues" the KEY is self control. do we give in to our fleshly desires? we're certainly not supposed to if it causes us to sin; check out the link here.
I like this perspective. it makes sense to me.
what doesn't make sense are gay christian churches. how can they interpret those verses differently and justify their lifestyles?
of course there are other ways to get AIDS. you don't hear about it too much though.
Starbucks (and others) are donating part of your purchase to AIDS awareness. I'm conflicted. I'm all for supporting cancer organizations; cancer comes without warning or any reason at all. but supporting AIDS day seems to be supporting the "right to be gay." yes, I know it's also for raising awareness through education, but ultimately, it supports the gay community. no? this could just be my ignorance ... but that's me being honest. I wouldn't go to the gay pride parade just because I like parades and rainbows. would you?
leave me a comment no matter what you believe. I'm interested.
ps. I saw a bumper sticker a few weeks ago that I really like.
it said - I'm not gay, I just like rainbows
thrift or retail?
I am to a point in my bargain hunting that paying retail is for suckers. really. you can buy just about everything you need at thrift stores. and yes, you can find stuff in good, and even great, condition. clothes, toys, books, home decor of all kinds, and then there is a bunch of stuff you don't need or want
it's truly amazing what you will find. sometimes it's SO ugly you can't believe someone actually wore it, or displayed it in their home. then other times it's amazing people just get rid of something so perfect ... and that's where I like to come in.
now on the other hand, there are some things you just have to go buy and pay retail. a few years ago, I paid $20 for a can opener. a can opener! ridiculous, I know.
3 years ago, I wasn't quite into my thrift stores as I am now, but I am glad I did it. it is THE BEST can opener ever. and after 3 years, I guess I got my money's worth already.
today I went to Bed Bath & Beyond. what an awesome store. but as I'm walking around, and noticing these prices, my jaw drops. it seems insane to pay these prices, all the time, for this kind of stuff. I suppose for someone where money isn't an issue, then who cares. we aren't as broke as last year, but I will not give up my thrift stores no matter how much we make. seriously. it's my therapy, I guess.
but I did buy a veggie steamer for $10 at Bed Bath & Beyond. I had one of those cheap metal ones; it broke, multiple times. I broke down and bought a silicone one. LOVE IT. another item worth every penny.
try your local thrift store first. let me encourage you with my latest discoveries -
I'm finding out that kitchen gadgets are expensive brand new, but thrift stores don't seem to know what they have, or just don't care. I bought a zester, a pastry blender and a pair of tongs, all for .50 each. easily $20+ at any retail store.
books are another great thing to shop for there. they're usually in great condition. kids books on the other hand, usually beat up. but most books are .50 - $1 each.
seasonal items are also a good find. in retail stores, you don't get 50% off until days after the holiday. at thrift stores, it's already 90% off and you will also find a lot of it in it's original box.
also know that you are not only saving tons of money, but you're recycling too. a great lesson for yourself and your kids!
in conclusion, I'm only a sucker when I have to be. :)
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