Where I am not, God is...

Where I am not, God is... I heard this yesterday on my favorite radio station and couldn't help but realize the truth being shared with me. I felt a sense of calm and peace wash over me as I heard those words and applied them to my life.

Many times in my life, including right now, I feel pulled to be in several places at once. Unfortunately (or fortunately for some), there is only one of me. Last night, I wanted to be at Ty's basketball game, but I needed to take Jacob to his basketball practice. I want to spend time at the hospital with my uncle and his family while he recovers from surgery. I want to spend time with my friend as she endures cancer. I want to be at school with my children to protect them from the evils of this world. I want to be home with my family, but have outside commitments. The list could go on, and on, and on.

I want to do it all, but I can't. And I shouldn't. I have to choose where I need to be...and that means being where God wants me to be. God doesn't need me everywhere. He takes care of me and everything else while I focus on what He wants me to do. I need to trust that God will be where, especially when I cannot.

Thought/Question: Do you think God will be at the grocery store for me? For some reasons, I'm able to be everywhere but there...

The Little White Lines

Okay, at the risk of soundy corny, I have to share this comparison. It hit me this morning and I can't get it out of my mind.

The sky was dark and the rain was heavy as I drove to work this morning. The wet road reflected the cars' lights and the streetlights. Staying in my lane was difficult as my eyes strained to see the white line lane markers. I tried following the red tail lights on the car ahead of me, but quickly realized neither one of us was in the correct lane. I tried to maintain the speed of the traffic around me, but then I forgot to follow the white lines. Without warning a huge truck passed me and splashed so much water on my windshield that I was temporarily blinded until my windshield wipers caught up. I wanted to give up and tailgate the car in front of me, but I knew that wasn't safe either. So, I continued my journey searching for and following the safest and surest way...the white lines.

Thankfully, my white-knuckle journey ended and I arrived at work in one piece. But while on my journey, I was graciously reminded how the lane markings on the road are like our Christian journey.

There are times when the future is unclear or something blocks our path. We are tempted to follow those around us or look to worldly "things" to guide us. But if we just look a little closer, God is there. God has set a path for us to follow. He is constant and ever-present. We must choose to seek His will for our life and not turn our eyes away from Him.

Has it really been that long?

Several times over the past month I have felt a nagging, tugging feeling of guilt to update my blog. Today I read all my entries and realized I really need to get back in the habit of writing about and sharing with you my family and my faith. So, here is my first attempt at getting back into the routine of blogging.

So much has happened since I last posted and here is the Reader's Digest version...
*Jeff and Ty have recovered from Influenza (Jacob & I are safe so far).
*Basketball season has officially begun, which means our schedules just got crazy!
*Our church has hired a new Sr. Pastor and we are enjoying the changes in our church.
*My employment continues to challenge me emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Some things never change.
*Ty is in 6th grade and LOVES middle school. He is starting to change - physically, emotionally and spiritually - and it is a joy to watch him grow.
*Jacob is in 3rd grade and still LOVES people. He is as sweet as he is feisty, and is beginning to provide us with new parenting challenges.
*Zoey (our cat) has separation anxiety and has decided that our personal items (blankets, clothes, etc) are a great place to pee! Ugh!
*Several people in my life that I love dearly are going through difficult, life-changing situations and are in desperate need of prayer.
*There were only two seasons in South Dakota this year - spring and winter. We skipped summer (which felt more like spring) and now are skipping fall. Seriously?
*Snow on my birthday (Oct. 9th) is a bit ridiculous.
*I am teaching Jacob's 3rd grade Sunday school class and have enjoyed each of the children.
*I am relearning the books of the Bible. I think I have them memorized...

There, that's enough for now. More to follow (I hope).

By the way, is anyone still checking this site? I may need to send out another link reminder, especially if I'm actually going to post. Have a wonderful day!

White Space

A co-worker of mine recently attended a motivational session and the speaker discussed the importance of reducing stress in our lives by adding in "white space." White space refers to an openness in your life to just "be." For example, white space (or open times) on your daily planner, white space in the number of activities you involved in, and white space in your mind and heart.

If I think about it long enough, I'm not sure what area of my life is the most difficult to include white space. However, I do know that when my calendar is full of all our family's activities, my mind and my heart are even fuller and my stress level reaches it's maximum.

Over time, I've been trying to reduce my stress level and increase my free time, or "white space." I've declined offers to "help", and even removed myself from a volunteer board. We only allow the boys to be in one sports activity at a time, and even though that is still busy, we are able to manage the schedule and still enjoy the events.

Despite any efforts (or futile attempts) to increase the white space in my life, my day will always be full. That's just who I am. I am much more productive when I have things to do and I'm forced to get things done. If I had nothing to do, then nothing would get done. Make sense? Strange, but true.

Do you have enough white space in your life?

It's Rummage Sale Time!

This weekend, we are having a rummage sale. We cleaned out the boys' toy room and closets and we are selling as much as possible. Although it's a great feeling to get rid of things, rummage sales are alot of work for very little financial return.

We've been marking items every chance we get for the past few weeks. I often wonder, "is this too high, too low?" I second guess myself during the first few hours of the sale, "Darn! I should have marked that higher!" It's such a mind game. I'm always amazed at people who want to offer a quarter for something that is 50 cents. Seriously!! It's already almost free. However, I usually give in because I just want the stuff gone - and this might be the only person that expresses interest. Ugh!

Needless to say, we've dug through the closets & rooms, marked our items, swept the garage, set up tables, carried ALL the stuff out to the garage, arranged it, and re-arranged it. Now the waiting game begins. Do you think I'll be able to retire off my earnings?

Middle School Church Camp

Yesterday we brought our oldest to middle school church camp. He was very excited to go and agreeably gathered up all the items to pack his suitcase (this is usually a daunting task for the both of us, but this time, he even made a list in preparation. (A boy after my own heart - I LOVE lists).

This week will be cool, wet, and muddy, but there is plenty of places for the kids to be warm and dry inside. We did pack a rain coat and umbrella, but I highly doubt he'll use them - not because he doesn't want to, but simply because he won't remember he has them in his suitcase. This may be strange, but I'm not concerned about him changing his underwear or showering everyday. Ty is a creature of habit and those items are habit for him. However, wearing a rain coat and using an umbrella are not, so I doubt he'll think to use them. I guess I'll find out on Friday when he comes home with his dirty laundry. Will it be wet or dry?

Besides the daily things, I'm praying for Ty's soul. Ty accepted Jesus into his heart at the age of 6, but as all Christians know, keeping Jesus there and living our life for Him is a daily choice. I'm praying that Ty learns to love the Lord at a deeper level and will experience a passion for Him. So often I've heard testimonies of people that accepted Christ or heard a call to serve Him while they were at church camp. I'm not sure if that is God's will for Ty's life, but if so, I pray that Ty's heart is open to Him.

Above all the rain and mud, the salvation of Ty's soul is my sincere prayer.

Life is Normal

Life is normal for us right now - nothing too serious, nothing too boring, just normal. However, everyone defines normal just a bit differently, so here is "normal" for us.

Summertime is filled with baseball, camping, mowing, weeding the landscaping, sitting outside, playing catch, grilling, visiting with neighbors, playing fetch with the neighbors' black labs, evening walks, windows open, and so it goes.

The boys are enjoying their summer days with Rachel and appear to be getting along quite well. She's baked cookies twice, which is always a treat at our house. Jacob started tennis lessons this week and absolutely loves it! He's still learning the game, but doesn't do too bad considering no one else in the family plays. Both boys are attending a basketball camp this week in the morning and seem to be learning from that as well. Next week, Ty is off to church camp for the week.

Our days do not seem to be getting longer, despite the sunrise/sunset times, but summer is slowly drifting away. Time continues to pass, regardless of what we do or who we are with. Needless to say, I wish I had more time, so I guess I'd better use the time I have, wisely.

Summer has arrived!

I know, it's been over two months since my last blog entry. Besides being busy, I just couldn't think of anything to write. Looking back, there have been several things to share, but just didn't take the time to write about them.

Summer is finally here. Well, at least it is from a school perspective. Today is the first day the boys are home with our new nanny, Rachel. She is from SW Minnesota and is a junior at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Rachel became engaged over the weekend, so we are very excited for her and her fiance!

The boys are looking forward to being at home this summer. They have plans to go swimming, watch the Twins on TV, play ball, ride their bikes, hang out with their friends, and so much more. They love the freedom that summer brings and so do we.

This weekend we're going on our annual camping trip with friends from our church. According to the weather man, the temps are going to be incredible, so I'm looking forward to spending time catching up with my girlfriends and just enjoying the outdoors. The boys LOVE camping and spending time with their friends as well.

I'll try to do better with updates, but I'm not promising anything. Have a great day everyone!

The Birthday Weekend is Over!

We survived, but all of us are exhausted. We (or at least me) spent our entire weekend either on the go, entertaining, or household "stuff." It was a wonderful weekend, but I'm thankful it's over and that I was able to sleep last night.

Ty truly enjoyed having some of his friends over for a "sleep over." The boys were extremely good (their parents should be very proud) and their laughter filled the house. On Sunday, we had the family party with aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents and even Great Grandma (aka "Gram"). Gram and Ty both love the Minnesota Twins and always talk about the players and the schedule. It was a very nice day.

The day ended with us caring for our neighbor's 4-month-old baby girl. She is a beautiful girl, but struggles with reflux. It's been awhile since I've been responsible to soothe a crying baby, but we managed. She finally fell asleep in my arms and we spent some quality cuddle time together before her parents came home. Most of you know that I LOVE babies! However, I also love the fact that I don't have one of my own. After last night, we were once again reminded that we are past that stage in my life. So, the next time I am asked to care for a baby, I will welcome the opportunity, and also thank God for the place we are at in life as well.

Happy Birthday!

Today is our oldest son's 11th birthday! 11 years old! I can hardly believe it. 11 years ago today, I was overcome with joy and excitement of being blessed with my firstborn son. (The day before was a very different story)! My dream of being a mother had begun and it's been a dream ever since. I always wanted to be the mother of boys and God graciously blessed me with two!

11 years ago I didn't have any idea what I was getting into. I had no idea my world would spin when he was hurt. I didn't know that I would need an endless supply of milk, spaghetti and Oreo's in the kitchen. I had no idea that I could learn to like and even understand basketball and football. Never did I imagine that another person could push my buttons and frustrate me beyond belief. I never knew that I could love someone more than myself or even my husband. I didn't understand unconditional love until I became a mother. It's probably better I didn't know. However, knowing what I know now, I still would have chosen to be a mother.

There were things I hoped for as a mother, too. I always wanted to raise our children to know and love the Lord. I prayed they would be safe, healthy and happy. I hoped for "good boys," ones with manners who demonstrated respect. I wanted to have a trusting relationship with my kids so that if they were sad, confused, hurt or frustrated, they would have someone to turn to. Only with God's grace and a wonderful husband and father have we seen these things happen. They are still so young and have so much yet to experience. But for now, I am thankful for what God has provided.

So with my oldest, I became a mother. It has been the most wonderful, fulfilling and challenging years of my life. I love that boy. I love everything thing about him - even the bad traits he unfortunately inherited from me. He is a true joy to have in my life. I can only hope that the next 11 years of his life are better than his first 11 years. He will be 22 and finishing college. He may even have a special lady in his life. (I've already started praying for her - wherever she may be). Wherever he is in life, I pray he is still loving the Lord and is safe, healthy and happy.

So to my son...
I love you Buddy. Thank you for being a terrific person and son. I love you more than life and I thank God for allowing ME to be your Mom. I am truly blessed.

My little boy...

Just like every morning, today I had the distinct priviledge of waking up our boys for school. As usual, our oldest stumbled through his "good morning" to me, but got out of bed without incident. Our youngest was extremely sleepy and cuddly (which of course is a blessing to any mother). Despite being 8 years old and nearly 65 pounds, he insists on being carried from his bed to the living room couch. I figure it won't be much longer until I physically can't lift him (as with our oldest) and he won't want to be carried.

This morning, I lingered in his room as I held him. He was very sleepy and almost melted into me as his body laid against mine. It was a bit of Heaven on earth as I felt the softness of his hair on my cheek. His arms were draped around my shoulders and neck with his legs barely wrapped around my waist. I could feel him breathe as his chest rested against mine. At that moment, he was completely dependent on me to hold him up and trusted me completely. I fell in love with him all over again.

It's moments like this morning when I thank God for blessing me with two of His children and for trusting me to be their mother. I'm also reminded of God's love for us. I know how much I love my children. I am in awe of how much God must love me. I'm going to try to remember that today.

90 Years Young

This weekend we celebrated my husband's grandmother's 90th birthday! She is a beautiful woman that loves her Lord, family, friends, and life. Grandma was in her element as she visited and reminished with nearly 200 people. As I looked over the sea of gray hair, I realized that everyone in the room knew her from various points in her life. Some were family. Some were neighbors. Some were friends. Some were residents of the assisted living home where she lives. Regardless of why the attended, their lives were touched by her.

At one point, I couldn't resist asking a table of elderly ladies how they knew Grandma. After I explained who I was, they openly shared that at one time or another they were neighbors or went to church with her. Although she isn't my biological grandmother, I couldn't resist the opportunity to get to know more about this part of her life. I was saddened when I realized that as these people pass on, a part of Grandma will go with them. And one day, she too will go to be with her Heavenly Father and join her beloved husband.

Family is very important to me and I value both my current family and my ancestry. I want our children to understand that life as they know it wasn't the case for their great-grandparents. I'm thankful that our boys know two of their great-grandparents, but never really had the chance to know the others. I feel it is our responsibily as parents to ensure that our children understand their heritage and the impact that family can have on one's life.

I'm not able to in words express my true sentiments regarding my interest in family history. However, one of my biggest regrets in life is not learning more about my grandparents before they died. I just didn't have the chance and/or wasn't old enough to appreciate the importance of that information. I still have one grandmother left and I cherish her and the stories she has shared with me.

Things I'll Never Do Again

As I was listening to my favorite radio station this morning, I listened as the announcer described several situations in her life that were life lessons and ones she'll never repeat. It made me think about my own situations. Do you have any to share?

I will never again...
1) back out of the garage with the garage door shut.
2) allow a kitten with diarrhea to use an uncovered litter box.
3) leave the grocery store without my groceries.
4) leave my purse at a restaurant (I've done this more than I care to admit - thank God for honest people).
5) try to do the splits or a cartwheel.
6) congratulate someone on their pregnancy when I'm not 100% sure they are pregnant. (Yes, I did so this and felt miserable, horrible, guilty, etc).
7) put my tongue on frozen metal.
8) light the grill when the propane tank has been open for too long. (I'm okay but my hair wasn't).
9) eat at the Pizza Hut on 26th & Sycamore.
10) use a permanent marker on a dry erase board.
11) YELL at my husband.
12) eat oyster stew.
13) leave food uncovered in the microwave.
14) put bad/old food in the garbage and leave it for the weekend.
15) send a text message to the wrong person!
16) sit down on a toilet without first checking for a dry seat. (You gotta love having boys).
17) use salt instead of sugar.
18) use perfumed lotion on extremely dry skin.
19) go into a bathroom stall without first confirming there is enough toilet paper.
20) pick up broken glass while in a hurry.
21) push down the garbage to make more room without first checking for broken glass or sharp can lids.
22) aimlessly try to find a knife in the draw.
23) walk through a doorway in the dark without putting my hands in front of me first.
24) use the "Slip-n-Slide" without holding onto the top of my swimsuit.
25) do a belly flop in the swimming pool.
26) repeat my 21st birthday (for so many reasons).
27) eat raw hamburger.
28) set up a tent over pine cones and sticks.
29) leave food sitting on a picnic table for insects to attack.
30) go camping without clothes for both warm & cold, wet & dry weather.
31) order food from a drive thru and not have either a debit card or cash.
32) order pizza delivery and not be home when they arrive.
33) play catch with my boys without a glove.
34) miss an opportunity to tell my kids I love them.
35) ignore the renewal date on my driver's license (I didn't get stopped, but was past the date).
36) park in a handicapped parking spot (this is long story, but a good one).
37) wait too long to have a plantar's wart removed.
38) drink milk without first checking the expiration date.
39) drive the wrong way down a one-way street.
40) sit in the front row of a movie theater.
41) ride on a motion ride that goes in circles or promotes "sickness bags".
42) go to an air show without ear plugs.
43) sit in the middle seat in an airplane (unless I'm with my family).
44) not carry tissues in my purse, especially when my kids have a cold.
45) swim in muddy run-off water after a major storm (I was in elementary school).
46) go dancing and shopping with a broken toe.
47) ignore the urge to throw up.
48) ignore my children when they tell me they "might" throw up.
49) not wear socks while wearing bowling shoes.
50) drink pool water or lake water.
51) get into a hot tub or pool with too many bubbles (sign of germs).
52) go into a haunted house.
53) watch a horror or science fiction movie.
54) not clean out the oven after baking a pie that spilled over (my smoke alarms worked).
55) go barefoot on a wooden deck or steps.
56) forget to close the freezer door.
57) not stand up for our children's right for a great educational experience.
58) miss an opportunity to encourage our children to be leaders.
59) call back a telemarketer.
60) criticize a mother for not making her son cut his long, unkept hair. :)
61) wear shoes that don't fit or are uncomfortable.
62) allow a dr. to tell me my sinus infection is viral and not get a prescription.
63) eat spaghetti too fast while wearing light colored clothes.
64) use pot holders that are too thin.
65) not take Dramamine before riding on amusement rides.
66) ride a motorcycle or moped without long pants (the burn marks lasted for years).
67) walk quickly down steppes while wearing heels.
68) try to take off a pair of jeans with a knee injury. I'll let the nurse cut them if it ever happens again.
69) forget to wear my contacts while driving. (I'm getting too old)
70) intentionally scratch a bug bite.
71) lock my keys in my car...in my own garage...and not have a spare key anywhere!!
72) go without sunscreen while on the water.
73) go tubing down the Apple River on the weekend with my children.
74) sit in the back seat of water ride.
75) not send out a Christmas letter or greeting (the guilt is eating me up)!
76) enjoy Mt. Dew as much as I did in college.
77) believe that everything "tastes like chicken."
78) avoid my gut feeling when hiring a new employee.
79) leave my can of pop unattended when insects are around.
80) sit next to a trash container at a parade or concert. (lots of bees and odors).
81) try to jump over a water puddle when wearing a skirt or heels.
82) take a fish off a hook.
83) touch a hot stove.
84) sit too close to a crackling campfire.
85) open the outside door when our cat is nearby.
86) try to think of 100 Things I'll Never Do Again...in just one day.

Zoey

It's probably time to update you on our cat, Zoey. We have all adjusted to the newest member of our family and she has adjusted to us. Zoey is showing signs of routine, including her favorite times, places and people for naps. We are also beginning to recognize the meanings behind her different meows.

Even though she is mellow, independent and extremely laid back, it is also evident that she is feeling very comfortable in her new home - almost too comfortable. It's only been one month, but that cat has taken over our house (or so she thinks). In fact, I've had both of the boys wake me up in the middle of the night and say, "Zoey is keeping me awake!" She has also found her way onto our kitchen counters, which is a HUGE no-no for me. However, she usually makes her way up there when we're gone or sleeping. She doesn't realize, though, that my hearing is impecable when I'm trying to catch her in the act. Last night, I finally caught her and she ran like the wind.

Even though she has her quirks, she is still a kitten at heart and is trying to find her way and learn her boundries. Zoey is fun to be around (unless she's purring like a motor in my ear at 5 AM) and has been a wonderful way for the boys to learn more responsibility. Overall, Zoey has been a great addition to our family.

Choosing My Battles

If any of you have seen our oldest son lately, you can't help but notice his longer-than-normal locks of wavy brown hair. He is 10 going on 15 and is growing up too fast. I am carefully choosing my battles with him. This is one that just isn't worth fighting. Now, if I had my way, his hair would be neatly combed and parted off to the side or a short buzz cut. If he had his way, he wouldn't own a comb. Honestly, if it wouldn't be for the reminder to "comb your hair and brush your teeth" neither would get done.

He is at a tender age and part of this dilimma is me letting go and him finding himself. In the bigger frame of life, he is a very good boy so this just doesn't matter. He gets excellent grades, is polite and respectful in school and never gets in trouble, listens to his parents, teachers and coaches, loves his brother and has lots of friends, and isn't into bad "stuff." So, if longer-than-normal hair is how he wants to define himself, I accept and support that.

Now, we just need to get him scheduled for a haircut (oops, trim) and figure out how to comb it so it lays flat... (I'm still working on the letting go part).

Inauguration Day

I wrote this yesterday but finished it today. I believe it still applies...

Today is Inauguration Day, the day we swear in a new president. The day this country gets a new start (good or bad), the day political power switches from one party to the other, the day of inauguration for our first black president.

I'm sure some of you reading this never thought the day would come; some have wished and hoped for this day their entire lives. Regardless of your political affilication, this is a day in history. This is a day to remember. It is a day to put aside our political beliefs and embrace history in the making.

I wonder how much of today our children will remember. Probably not much since we won't be home for most of it. Unless they watch the inauguration in school - and I hope the do - this day will pass just like any other day.

To our children, color is irrelevant. The are surrounded by various colors, races, religions, national origins...they see the differences, but they don't feel them - at least not to the extent our grandparents felt the difference. This man is standing in a place that only 40+ men have stood. However, he is standing there as not only our president, but also a man of color. I admire him for that, if for nothing else.

I also will pray for this man and his family. Despite our political differences, I do not want this man to fail...and he is a man. As a man, he is prone to sin and will make mistakes. However, with the support of and prayer from all of us, he will succeed. And in the end, if he succeeds, we all succeed.

The Up Side of Bitter Cold

There aren't many good things about sub-zero temps, but once in a while, the bitter cold blows in some blessings. Tonight was one of them. Due to the frigid weather, all of our evening activities at church were canceled (except for a meeting I was supposed to attend but didn't realize the time had changed). So, all of us were able to stay home and spend time as a family. Zoey even let us play with her a little. It was nice surprise.

Another hidden blessing is the ability to wear jeans to work tomorrow. I work for a company where jeans are only allowed on Fridays. So, being able to wear them on a Thursday AND a Friday is so much fun! It's amazing, but wearing jeans instead of slacks and nylons just puts me in a better mood. And, a better mood makes going to work just a little bit easier.

Finally, a warm car! This year for Christmas, I received a remote start for my car...and I LOVE IT! I know, I shouldn't value a material thing so much, but everytime I get into warm car on cold winter days makes it so worth it!!

Sometimes it the little things in life that produce some of the greatest blessings. May you find warmth on these bitter cold days.

Nothing But Normal

It's been nearly a week and it's been very busy with typical stuff in the life of our family...basketball, church, hanging out at home, work, laundry...all in the midst of lots of snow.

Our oldest son plays on a basketball team and his Daddy is the assistant coach. They played in a basketball tournament on Satuday and the entire team did an amazing job. They did so great that they won the championship! See the photo. It was fun to be a part of the experience. I was so proud of the boys and the way they worked together to win. This season hasn't included many wins, so the boys deserved this for all of their hard work. The smile on my boys face was priceless and the feeling was unforgettable. I'm hoping this is the first of many to come.

Zoey our cat has finally adopted us. They say people don't adopt cats - cats adopt people. That is so true with Zoey. She is definitely an independent cat and knows what she wants! So far, she has been very good. Although right now she thinks my mouse is real. Sorry if there are typos but she's still learning "no."

Thoughts for Today

Today has been an emotional roller coaster at work. There have been highs and lows, stress and leisure, frustration and elation, fun and dread. To summarize, that has been my work life situation for over a year. Thankfully, things have been slowly improving. I shouldn't be surprised, but once I allowed God control of the situation, my anxiety and stress about work has been reduced. No, it's not perfect and I still struggle from time to time with certain individuals, but I'm just not letting it control me. I'm letting go and letting God...and it's been freeing. Thank you to those of you that have prayed for me and with me.

Zoey, our cat, is being declawed today. I'm sincerely glad I don't know what is all involved with that process because I'm fairly certain my heart would ache much more than it already is. However, our decision to declaw has been confirmed multiple times...most recently when she decided to jump up onto our living room window shades. Then, just last night, she was sharpening her claws on our fairly new living room couch and knocking things off the top of the piano. I've also noticed the damage she has caused to the rugs in the laundry room (which is fine since that's where we keep her when we're gone and asleep). Until that little kitty is declawed and knows the "rules," she will spend lots of time in that lovely little room. Needless to say, she knows she's in trouble when she hears "Zoey, NO!"

Last night we again started up Wed night activities at church. It felt good to be back into a routine and be with those we enjoy so much. (There were a few friendly faces we missed, though). :) I am often reminded how blessed I am to be surrounded by people that truly love our Lord.

I've joined Facebook and it has been so much fun connecting with long-lost friends, classmates, relatives and neighbors. I never thought I had a need for such things, and I really don't, but it has been fun to re-connect. I even learned how to "chat." I know, it's about time I enter the technology world. I'm trying.

I hope your day has been filled with love and laughter and that you are able to find God's blessings in all that you do. Thank you for joining me on my journey.

Back to Work and School

Well, the holidays have passed and it's time to get back into a routine. I'm back at work after an 11 day vacation and the boys went back to school. None of us wanted to get up this morning. That always seems to be the toughest...just making the move to step out of a warm, cozy, soft slumber into a cold and dark reality.

Our kitten/almost cat, Zoey, is adjusting well to living with us. She is mellow and independent, but finally decided that she could hang out with us. As we watched the Vikings lose to the Eagles (which wasn't a surprise), Zoey stretched out in the middle of our living room floor and fell asleep. Then, she moved to the couch and was so relaxed that she didn't even notice that our oldest almost sat on her. Oh, the life of a cat.

For all of you pet lovers out there - you have to try the FURminator. I've brushed/combed Zoey with this several times in the past week and she barely sheds. The FURminator is a deshedding tool that is designed to remove loose hair from the undercoat but still leaves top coat intact. It's amazing how much hair I've actually pulled off that cat...and thinking I'm glad it's in the garbage and not in our house. I literally can scratch and rub her coat backwards and virtually have no hair loss. It's amazing and well worth the $50 or so bucks.

Anyway, I've used up most of my lunch hour to write this post, so I'd better get back to my cold hard reality. By the way, I still have not sent out a Christmas letter...and I'm not going to. I've decided I don't need the added stress or expense. And, I haven't loaded any pictures because I still haven't found the time to figure out my camera/memory card issue. So, text it is...

HAVE A WONDERFUL MONDAY!