In general, I consider myself a thankful person. A grateful person. An appreciative person.
Honestly? I know that I am blessed beyond measure or reason. To the point that I am almost embarrassed by the heaping mound of goodness that has been bestowed upon me.
Because I know that I do not deserve one single drop of it. (Those of you that know me, know this is true).
I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately. And, of course, thinking about it has led me to random blogs, news articles and such, that reiterate the fact that even at my most thankful state of mind, I am not thankful enough.
Thanksgiving should be an intentional part of our life. Something that is celebrated each and every day, not just in November with a heaping plate of turkey and carbs followed up with a nod in the general direction of our blessings.
Here are a few things that I am especially thankful for right now...
-5 healthy children
-my husband
-my husband's job
-the right and ability to homeschool my children so that they are educated in a way that lines
up with our value system
-time at Mark's family farm in Tazewell...the peach that I picked off of a tree in the orchard, the
sweet nectar that ran down my hand and dried into a sticky map of my forearm before I
could make it back to the farm house to rinse it off
-watching my kids do the same thing
-the fact that none of us were stung by the bumble bees that were sharing the orchard with us
-peaceful nights gazing up at the stars while on vacation
-Jesus. Oh, how thankful I am for his grace and his mercy. Seriously, the greatest thing that
ever happened to me was hearing that He loved me, he forgave me and forgives me still. I
remember the first time I walked into an apostolic church, received the Holy Ghost and was
baptized in the name of Jesus just like it was last night. I am so thankful for that experience.
-peace
-air conditioning
-a full fridge...and the ability to refill it when it is empty (like right now)
-hope
Life is so very good.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Loooooooooong time, no blog...
Things that have happened since my last post (in no particular order):
~Cammie-Lou-Who turned 7. I cannot believe my baby is 7. Sad. Scary. Exciting. Sad. Scary.
~Marks Grandma passed away. We went to Morristown for the funeral. I learned how to say the word "You'uns" in a sentence, got fried in a circa 1992 tanning bed, drank an unsweet tea handed to me by a woman with three teeth, read a book and ate at Golden Corral...twice. And I fell in love.
~I am now the mother of a 2nd grader, a 3rd grader, a 4th grader, an 8th grader (*sniff, sniff, tear) and...........an 11th grader (dear Jesus in heaven, how did this happen?!?!?!?!)
~My sister and her lovely husband informed me that I will be an aunt in February. YAY! YAY! YAY!
~I fell in love with a baby named Miles. I want to gobble him up. But his mommy would disapprove. So I will settle with kissing his fat little cheeks raw.
~We took a spur of the moment trip with the kids to Hot-lanta. We toured the Coca~Cola museum...super cool. Forrest made friends with the Polar bear. I fell in love with Ikea.
~Craigslist became my friend. I sold Chloe's Gator, a big screen floor model TV and the Pottery Barn Play kitchen. I am addicted. I am also looking around my house for things to sell. My children are scared that they are next.
~I have made 7 trips to the Goodwill to drop off tons and tons and tons and tons of CRAP!!!
~I have witnessed a miracle. My mother-in-law recovered some of her lost kidney function...which means that she can forgo dialysis for a few more months. THANK YOU JESUS!
~We made some monumental-life changing decisions...that I will disclose later :)
~We are contemplating another monumental-life changing decision...that may or may not be disclosed later.
~I ate sushi with a girlfriend and it was yummy.
~Mark's role at work changed and he is loving it.
~I missed someone terribly.
~My papaw died...and I am still not ready to write about it.
~Someone told me that I was a good friend and I felt like I had won the lottery.
~Two of my girls got glasses.
~My boy is officially 6 inches taller than me.
~I read several books, cleaned out closets, cleaned out drawers, cleaned out the garage, and felt better!
~Hit a rough patch and kept going.
~I was blessed beyond measure.
~Cammie-Lou-Who turned 7. I cannot believe my baby is 7. Sad. Scary. Exciting. Sad. Scary.
~Marks Grandma passed away. We went to Morristown for the funeral. I learned how to say the word "You'uns" in a sentence, got fried in a circa 1992 tanning bed, drank an unsweet tea handed to me by a woman with three teeth, read a book and ate at Golden Corral...twice. And I fell in love.
~I am now the mother of a 2nd grader, a 3rd grader, a 4th grader, an 8th grader (*sniff, sniff, tear) and...........an 11th grader (dear Jesus in heaven, how did this happen?!?!?!?!)
~My sister and her lovely husband informed me that I will be an aunt in February. YAY! YAY! YAY!
~I fell in love with a baby named Miles. I want to gobble him up. But his mommy would disapprove. So I will settle with kissing his fat little cheeks raw.
~We took a spur of the moment trip with the kids to Hot-lanta. We toured the Coca~Cola museum...super cool. Forrest made friends with the Polar bear. I fell in love with Ikea.
~Craigslist became my friend. I sold Chloe's Gator, a big screen floor model TV and the Pottery Barn Play kitchen. I am addicted. I am also looking around my house for things to sell. My children are scared that they are next.
~I have made 7 trips to the Goodwill to drop off tons and tons and tons and tons of CRAP!!!
~I have witnessed a miracle. My mother-in-law recovered some of her lost kidney function...which means that she can forgo dialysis for a few more months. THANK YOU JESUS!
~We made some monumental-life changing decisions...that I will disclose later :)
~We are contemplating another monumental-life changing decision...that may or may not be disclosed later.
~I ate sushi with a girlfriend and it was yummy.
~Mark's role at work changed and he is loving it.
~I missed someone terribly.
~My papaw died...and I am still not ready to write about it.
~Someone told me that I was a good friend and I felt like I had won the lottery.
~Two of my girls got glasses.
~My boy is officially 6 inches taller than me.
~I read several books, cleaned out closets, cleaned out drawers, cleaned out the garage, and felt better!
~Hit a rough patch and kept going.
~I was blessed beyond measure.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
An open letter to Austrian Airlines ...
Re: flight from Washington-Dulles into Vienna, Austria
First, let me start by saying that while I realize that it is not your fault that United sold the tickets that we purchased from them to you...thereby leaving both you and us (my husband and I) stranded in a relationship neither party had signed up for. These things happen, I understand.
Sometimes, they even turn out really, really well. For instance, United betrayed us last year too. They dumped us onto Lufthansa without a second thought. That turned out just lovely actually! Excellent service, a few more inches of leg room, relatively new plane...yes, we were satisfied with our newly arranged relationship. We had hoped that the same would be true with you.
To be fair, I will start with the positive. I don't want to come across as unduly negative. The meals were better than average for airline cuisine.
Now, with the pleasantries out of the way, I would like to discuss my complaints.
When we boarded our flight from Washington-Dulles to Vienna, we made our way to our window seat and stowed our carry-ons. When we raised the arm rest and it gave an excruciating squeal of complaint, my husband and I gave each other a look and a shoulder shrug and figured we would just keep it in one position for the rest of the flight so as not to scare other travelers into thinking that a wing was falling off of the plane.
Once situated, I tried to turn on the monitor so that I could watch the amusing video that accompanies safety instructions on international flights. My monitor would not turn on. I nudged my husband who then tried to turn on his monitor.
My husband's monitor would not turn on either.
Determined too keep a positive attitude, I plucked a magazine from my carry-on and reached above me to turn on the overhead seat light.
It did not turn on.
Neither would the light above my husband.
An expensive 8hr flight with no on-board movies and no light to read by... my positive attitude had fizzled and something much closer to high-annoyance began simmering . It didn't help when the flight attendant pretended not to speak English.
When the flight attendant passed by the third time, he must have just returned from a quick refresher course because his command of the English language was quite impressive. After some negotiating, he offered to move us to seats that had both lights and monitors...but no window. In the spirit of compromise, we accepted the move.
After collecting our belongings and suffering through the stares as our armrest let out a SKIRRRRRICH of complaint, we were shown to our new seats.
After re-stowing our carry-ons, I caught my first glimpse of my new seat mate. Who just so happened to look exactly like Andre the Giant. Only I don't recall Andre ever having white-blonde hi-lights streaked throughout his mullet or fingernails longer than an eagles talons. Perhaps you don't know who Andre the Giant is, in which case I have taken the liberty to include a photo.
First, let me start by saying that while I realize that it is not your fault that United sold the tickets that we purchased from them to you...thereby leaving both you and us (my husband and I) stranded in a relationship neither party had signed up for. These things happen, I understand.
Sometimes, they even turn out really, really well. For instance, United betrayed us last year too. They dumped us onto Lufthansa without a second thought. That turned out just lovely actually! Excellent service, a few more inches of leg room, relatively new plane...yes, we were satisfied with our newly arranged relationship. We had hoped that the same would be true with you.
To be fair, I will start with the positive. I don't want to come across as unduly negative. The meals were better than average for airline cuisine.
Now, with the pleasantries out of the way, I would like to discuss my complaints.
When we boarded our flight from Washington-Dulles to Vienna, we made our way to our window seat and stowed our carry-ons. When we raised the arm rest and it gave an excruciating squeal of complaint, my husband and I gave each other a look and a shoulder shrug and figured we would just keep it in one position for the rest of the flight so as not to scare other travelers into thinking that a wing was falling off of the plane.
Once situated, I tried to turn on the monitor so that I could watch the amusing video that accompanies safety instructions on international flights. My monitor would not turn on. I nudged my husband who then tried to turn on his monitor.
My husband's monitor would not turn on either.
Determined too keep a positive attitude, I plucked a magazine from my carry-on and reached above me to turn on the overhead seat light.
It did not turn on.
Neither would the light above my husband.
An expensive 8hr flight with no on-board movies and no light to read by... my positive attitude had fizzled and something much closer to high-annoyance began simmering . It didn't help when the flight attendant pretended not to speak English.
When the flight attendant passed by the third time, he must have just returned from a quick refresher course because his command of the English language was quite impressive. After some negotiating, he offered to move us to seats that had both lights and monitors...but no window. In the spirit of compromise, we accepted the move.
After collecting our belongings and suffering through the stares as our armrest let out a SKIRRRRRICH of complaint, we were shown to our new seats.
After re-stowing our carry-ons, I caught my first glimpse of my new seat mate. Who just so happened to look exactly like Andre the Giant. Only I don't recall Andre ever having white-blonde hi-lights streaked throughout his mullet or fingernails longer than an eagles talons. Perhaps you don't know who Andre the Giant is, in which case I have taken the liberty to include a photo.
Yes, just like that only with the hi-lights and talons.
AND, a 3 pound economy sized bag of sunflower seeds. Which he gnawed on for the ENTIRE 8 HOUR flight.
Please, picture this...my 5'2 frame sandwiched between my 6'4 husband and 7'2 Andre and his talons and his sunflower seeds. For 8 hours.
Have you ever had the pleasure of having ringside seats to an all out Talon vs. Sunflower seed match? It is quite an event. The crunch of the plastic as the hand rummages for it's next victim. The scrunch as the seed is ejected from the shell. The sound of talon against tooth as said shell is wrenched from the jaws of the giant. The slurping sound as the salt is sucked from the length of the 2 inch yellowed talon. The sigh of satisfaction as the pitted seed is deposited into a cup. A cup that happens to be clear thereby allowing spectators to watch in horror as shell after saliva after shell after saliva is amassed. For 8 hours.
Yes, the crunching, scrunching, slurping, sighing experience could all be heard through the earphones that were firmly lodged into my lobes. Yes. Really.
I am happy to report that I survived relatively unscarred. If only your plane had been in proper working order this could have been the beginning of a lovely new relationship. In fact, we had been prepared to give you a second chance since our return flight was booked through you as well. Instead, after the perils of the return flight (which I will address at a later date), we have vowed to never fly on an Austrian Air flight again. Ever.
Sincerely,
A customer who now has recurring nightmares about talons and sunflower seeds.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wherein Forrest proves once agan that he is a natural blonde...
In an effort to cut down on chronic speeding problems and the not so chronic crime rate, the Hendersonville Police Department parks empty patrol cars along the bypass and at random gas stations.
Last week Forrest, Cammie and I went to Thornton's (our friendly neighborhood gas station / mini-mart) to rent a movie from the Red Box. There just so happened to be a patrol car parked near the Red Box. Taped to the driver's side window was the following picture:
I found it amusing as did Forrest. I said "that is hilarious, a picture of Barney Fife". Forrest grabbed my iphone and hopped out of the car to snap a picture of the picture. When he climbed back in, he said "that is so funny, but that's not Barney Fife, it's Don Knotts".
Yes Forrest, it is.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Today I..
*had the strangest thought upon waking. I was praying for Mark to have a safe trip and a safe return...when it occurred to me that if he ever died we would be without health insurance. Of course I woke him right up and asked him what I should do in that event. "Buy a personal plan" he answered. "But who will help me pick one out" I whined. "Google" he replied.
*stayed home while Mark drove the girls to school...a special treat that only happens when he is leaving to go out of town.
*had brunch with Mark at Cracker Barrel. I half listened as two older women across the aisle from us complained bitterly about another woman and then I prayed that God would help me to be more compassionate and merciful.
*drove Mark to the airport and kissed him goodbye. Poland is a loooooooong ways away. I definitely get a little whiney when he has to leave the country for a week. Then, I thanked the Lord for Mark's job and the opportunities and the lifestyle that it affords us. And, I also thanked God for a husband that works hard. Being thankful changes my perspective. It's hard to whine while giving thanks.
*went to Rivergate Mall. I removed my handgun from the console of the car and placed it in my purse. Rivergate Mall weirds me out.
*bought a cleanse from GNC. While checking out, the guy in line behind me noticed the box in my hand. He helpfully told me that it was a great cleanse. In fact, he had just come off of the same cleanse himself. I told him that I had never tried this particular cleanse and I hoped that I would notice a change in my energy level and sugar cravings. He assured me that I would. He also shared "that there will be a distinct difference in your stool. You'll be amazed". Greeaaaaaaat! Good to know! I adore talking about stool with strange men in vitamin stores. Have I mentioned that Rivergate Mall is a weirdo magnet?
*might have stopped in Journey...which may or may not have resulted in three pairs of shoes. (If it did result in three pair of shoes, they would have all been on sale and two pair would have been marked down to 9.99....).
*finally went grocery shopping. Without coupons. Which meant Super-Walmart. Yuck.
*had an encouraging conversation with my bestie...if only she were moving back to Nashvegas...
*let Forrest drive the BMW home from school. It was only a tiny bit scary...and not one single bad word escaped my lips when he hit the brakes too hard, turned too wide or almost swiped the Yukon while parking in the driveway.
*broke a nail trying to grab Winston's collar as he lunged past me and out the door...followed by Marley. Good times.
*hope that I sleep well tonight.
*stayed home while Mark drove the girls to school...a special treat that only happens when he is leaving to go out of town.
*had brunch with Mark at Cracker Barrel. I half listened as two older women across the aisle from us complained bitterly about another woman and then I prayed that God would help me to be more compassionate and merciful.
*drove Mark to the airport and kissed him goodbye. Poland is a loooooooong ways away. I definitely get a little whiney when he has to leave the country for a week. Then, I thanked the Lord for Mark's job and the opportunities and the lifestyle that it affords us. And, I also thanked God for a husband that works hard. Being thankful changes my perspective. It's hard to whine while giving thanks.
*went to Rivergate Mall. I removed my handgun from the console of the car and placed it in my purse. Rivergate Mall weirds me out.
*bought a cleanse from GNC. While checking out, the guy in line behind me noticed the box in my hand. He helpfully told me that it was a great cleanse. In fact, he had just come off of the same cleanse himself. I told him that I had never tried this particular cleanse and I hoped that I would notice a change in my energy level and sugar cravings. He assured me that I would. He also shared "that there will be a distinct difference in your stool. You'll be amazed". Greeaaaaaaat! Good to know! I adore talking about stool with strange men in vitamin stores. Have I mentioned that Rivergate Mall is a weirdo magnet?
*might have stopped in Journey...which may or may not have resulted in three pairs of shoes. (If it did result in three pair of shoes, they would have all been on sale and two pair would have been marked down to 9.99....).
*finally went grocery shopping. Without coupons. Which meant Super-Walmart. Yuck.
*had an encouraging conversation with my bestie...if only she were moving back to Nashvegas...
*let Forrest drive the BMW home from school. It was only a tiny bit scary...and not one single bad word escaped my lips when he hit the brakes too hard, turned too wide or almost swiped the Yukon while parking in the driveway.
*broke a nail trying to grab Winston's collar as he lunged past me and out the door...followed by Marley. Good times.
*hope that I sleep well tonight.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Random...
-The online class that I registered for is going really well. I have created more layouts in the last three weeks than I completed in all of last year combined. There was one little snafu with some online photo ordering that put me behind a week (which was quite frustrating as I was determined to NOT fall behind). One of the scrapbook blogs that I read recommended an HP-B8550 for large format home printing. I found it online for 50% off and my ever indulgent husband told me to order it. This printer makes me a happy girl.
-Speaking of my little husband...he leaves for Poland on Tuesday. I don't love that his job is requiring so much travel lately...but I do love that he has a job, so I will not complain. Okay, I may complain, but only a little.
-Parenting a teenager is difficult.
-Growth Groups begin on Wednesday and I am super excited! I love Growth Groups, I love what they do for people and for our church. I love that I have a pastor who was willing to take the risk and invest in relationships in the church.
-Sunshine and warm weather cannot get here fast enough. Spring is my fave.
-Someone needs to go to the gym, yes she does.
-Forrest will be 16 in 6 weeks. Eeek!
Hmmm.....that's all I've got.
-Speaking of my little husband...he leaves for Poland on Tuesday. I don't love that his job is requiring so much travel lately...but I do love that he has a job, so I will not complain. Okay, I may complain, but only a little.
-Parenting a teenager is difficult.
-Growth Groups begin on Wednesday and I am super excited! I love Growth Groups, I love what they do for people and for our church. I love that I have a pastor who was willing to take the risk and invest in relationships in the church.
-Sunshine and warm weather cannot get here fast enough. Spring is my fave.
-Someone needs to go to the gym, yes she does.
-Forrest will be 16 in 6 weeks. Eeek!
Hmmm.....that's all I've got.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Dear Al Gore,
I know that you have a home located less than 20 minutes away from my home. This means there is a distinct possibility that you have already caught the local news. On the off chance that you are aboard your private jet en route to some remote destination on a reforestation project in an effort to offset your massive carbon footprint, I thought I would help you out by posting the following link:
http://www.wsmv.com/news/22117066/detail.html
Now, I realize that near record lows may be an inconvenient truth for you, but look on the bright side...you can relocate some of those poor polar bears to Belle Meade Boulevard if necessary!
Sincerely,
A fellow Tennessean that happens to be freezing!
http://www.wsmv.com/news/22117066/detail.html
Now, I realize that near record lows may be an inconvenient truth for you, but look on the bright side...you can relocate some of those poor polar bears to Belle Meade Boulevard if necessary!
Sincerely,
A fellow Tennessean that happens to be freezing!
Monday, January 4, 2010
"Let go..."
Last year I chose "better" as my word of the year. How did it go you ask? Hmmm... let's see...I'd say it went about as well as my word of the previous year which was "discipline" (please, hold your laughter).
For the last few weeks I have been mulling over my word of 2010. Today I had an epiphany of sorts. I was on the phone with a friend, describing a step that I have taken in an effort to let go of some of my perfectionist tendencies. When I said the words "let go", I swear the sun shone a bit brighter.
Here are somethings I'm working on letting go:
-toxic relationships
-past hurts
-past failures
-worrying about what other people think
-perfectionism that paralyzes
-clutter
-bad habits
-negative thoughts
-worry and anxiety over people and situations that I can't change
-fear of failure
-pounds (of course you knew that would be on the list)
-worry about falling off of all of the wagons I'd like to stay on
For the first time in a really long time I feel hopeful and excited about the days ahead.
For the last few weeks I have been mulling over my word of 2010. Today I had an epiphany of sorts. I was on the phone with a friend, describing a step that I have taken in an effort to let go of some of my perfectionist tendencies. When I said the words "let go", I swear the sun shone a bit brighter.
Here are somethings I'm working on letting go:
-toxic relationships
-past hurts
-past failures
-worrying about what other people think
-perfectionism that paralyzes
-clutter
-bad habits
-negative thoughts
-worry and anxiety over people and situations that I can't change
-fear of failure
-pounds (of course you knew that would be on the list)
-worry about falling off of all of the wagons I'd like to stay on
For the first time in a really long time I feel hopeful and excited about the days ahead.
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