Laugh Lines

Stories

2008-08-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about stories lately. Mostly of the personal kind. I think I heard someone say that this postmodern era is defined by stories and post modern people really identify with things told in a narrative fashion. I really don't think it is something only common with postmodernism. It is common with all humanity across all cultures and all time. That is why there is folk tales in all cultures, bedtime stories we tell our children, libraries full of books, and people watching the 11:00 news. We want to hear stories. We want to know other peoples stories.
My mom died June 30. For the past few years I have been trying to figure out her story. On her death certificate the cause of death was stated as kidney failure. It's never that simple. I would say the cause of death was alcohol, but it is not that simple either. She died a long painful death and a short peaceful one. I think there was a part of her that was dying since she was a teenager. Dying for attention, dying to be a star, dying for meaning to her life. She once told me she started getting drunk when she was 16. I think the last time was a few months ago when she almost got evicted from her assisted living home.
I was reading The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis this past week to my family. In chapter 11 Aslan revealed himself to Shasta and Shasta begins asking questions about himself and things that have happened in his life. Aslan answers him. When Shasta begins asking questions about his travelling companion Aravis, Aslan replies; "Child,..... I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but their own."
This resonated in me about my mom's story. I will never fully know her story. I know some of her story, mostly the parts that have affected my own story. But I will not know her own story. The one God wrote for her.
I believe that she is in Heaven, dying no longer, fully alive and worshiping our King. While she was living I struggled with whether or not she was saved. Conversations before her death lead me to believe that she knew Jesus as her savior. I struggle with answers to questions about her addictions and why she continued in them even though they brought so much pain. Was the pain of sobriety so much worse? I won't ever have that answer because it is not my story.
I have come to realise that loving Jesus and living the story that He is writing for me is all that I can do. I can appreciate, grieve with, laugh with others stories, but I can not know them or live them.
I will miss my mom. I will miss the times we had together and the times we didn't
have because of her drinking. But I have the hope of seeing her again. Fully healed of pain and worshiping Christ forever.

Frugal Summer Entertaining

2007-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

It is always fun to get together with friends and family in the summer. It doesn't have to cost a lot to host a BBQ at your home. Our main menu is pretty simple and usually consists of potato salad (inexpensive if made at home, homemade baked or slow cooked beans, and hot dogs and or hamburgers. I usually make the salad and beans the day before if I can. I let guests bring a dish if they offer, such as fruit or chips. Lemonade is an inexpensive beverage. An even healthier option is just to add lemon or limes to ice water. It looks really pretty in a glass carafe. For dessert my favorite is strawberry shortcake. If you pick your own strawberries and make your own shortcake it isn't too expensive. Popsicles are a fun alternative. Have the kids make their own from juice. For cute and reusable summer dinner ware check JoAnne Fabrics if you have one in your area. They often mark things way down around the 4th of July.
If you don't want to host at home, why not invite other families to a nearby park? Maybe for a dessert potluck instead of a full meal.
There are many ways to show hospitality with out wearing ourselves out or costing a lot. I have been shown the best hospitality by people who don't have a lot of material things but do have a lot of love. The important part is hospitality and fellowship.
Check out more Frugal Friday ideas here.

Some Pictures of Our Garden

2007-06-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

My wonderful sister-in-law let me use her camera to get some beginning of summer pictures of our garden. Hopefully I will take some end of summer pictures with my own digital camera. Anyways... here are some photos

Our vegetable garden (Square Foot method)

Our flower garden in the front of the house. We removed the all the grass in front last year to cut back on mowing. It's strange, but both my husband and I would rather weed by hand than mow the a lawn.

Another Good Reason to Keep Your Home Chemically Free

2007-06-01T07:15:00.001-07:00

I was getting ready yesterday and came very close to actually spraying my hair with Oust! I usually don't keep such strong deodorizers in the home, but when I had "all day sickness" the certain smell of certain things (namely certain shoes and slippers) made me take some radical action. I Ousted it! So then a couple of weeks ago I was in a certain skit that required Aqua Net. I don't think I have used aerosol hairspray since the '80's (for good reason...if you saw the picture I linked to). Well now both cans of household chemicals reside in my bathroom (appropriate place). When I needed a little coif control yesterday I grabbed what I thought was the Aqua Net and thankfully my eyesight hasn't deteriorated anymore than it already has, realized right before applying pressure to said canister that it was the Oust! I guess it wasn't that severe of a problem, my hair would have smelled about the same as with the Aqua Net. I guess really I just thought it would be fun to blog about and give me an excuse to link to my beautiful Vanna-esque picture. Thanks for indulging me here.

Thank You

2007-05-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

If any one that might come across this blog either serves/has served in the military or has close family that serves/has served, I want to say a deep thank you. Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way.

How to Boil Eggs

2007-05-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Randomness will always prevail (in as much as my blog posts go).

I have the secret to great boiled eggs. You probably do too. But in case you don't, I would like to share this secret. My family and I were blessed when I was given this information by a dear friend. No more green, rubbery centers for our boiled eggs. I think this is definite Titus 2 knowledge.

Put eggs in pot and cover with water. Add a little salt to help keep shells from cracking. Bring to boil. When water boils, turn off burner and cover with lid. Set timer for 20 minutes. When timers goes off, remove eggs from heat and rinse with cold water. Voila! As near as perfect boiled egg as you can get.

Now I shall go and make egg salad sandwiches for all (all of my family that is).

Yummy Blogs

2007-05-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

My husband is out tonight. The kids are tucked in. I haven't been on the computer lately, so I pulled up a chocolate bar and went in search for beautiful blogs. I found some alright and would like to share with anyone who might visit here. This first blog is a beautiful one, if you like flowers, which I do. The author is in England and there is something so romantic about English Gardens. I nannied for a short (shorter than planned) time in England and I like to visit posy to get inspiration and reminisce a little. When I see her photos, it really makes me hope I get a digital camera soon. She is a great photographer.
Watch out if you are on a diet and do not proceed to next blog: cupcakeblog. Y-U-M-M-Y! I think this will be my new summer project. Baking and tasting new cupcake creations. Wow!

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge For Wives

2007-05-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this. I think Nancy Leigh DeMoss is a very wise woman and she has put out a step by step example of how to encourage our husbands (I generally need step by step examples for most things). I originally found the link at Reflections of a Princess blog.

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/pdf/30DayChallenge.pdf

Spring Fever

2007-05-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

A dear friend asked if I decided not to blog anymore because I haven't posted in a while. It may seem that way, especially considering the content of my last post. The truth is in the spring it is harder for me to want to be in front of the computer. Most of my extra energy is in the garden and playing outside with the children. I really wish I had a digital camera because I would like to share some pictures and keep a photo journal of sorts of my growing garden. Anyone heard of any good, cheap digital cameras?
We are also looking at ways to cut our budget back a bit more for a while to catch up in some other financial areas and canceling the Internet may be an option. Anyone blog with free dial-up connection? How's that for you?
So, I may or may not blog very much this summer. We will just have to see how it goes. Now....I am off to go weed the garden.

Old Conversations Of Blogging

2007-05-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

I ran across this post (scroll down to May 3, 2005 "Blogging about Blogging") from two years ago by Spunky Homeschooler (who is no longer blogging). For those of us new to blogging this is new stuff to consider. Those that have been blogging for a while may have already come across this. I like to ponder information and opinions and both her post and comments and this post by R.C. Sproul that she references have important ideas to consider.

Eternal Economy

2007-05-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

All mothers have a peculiar place in the divine economy. Who can tell the far-reaching effects of a godly mother's prayers, counsel, and example? The most hardened men melt when reminded of a good mother, no matter how far they have strayed from her precepts.

-H.A. Ironside

I've Been Tagged

2007-05-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Totally Scrappy at Mudpies to Dragonflies (cute name, huh?) tagged me with a "7 things not universally known about me" meme. I have never been tagged yet for anything. Wow. I hope I don't mess up!

1. Dog hair is the bane of my existence. We have a long haired, big, black dog. I need to vaccuum twice a day if I don't want to see dog hair balled up on the floor. I vacuum once at least so it doesn't end up in our food. My second bane is my son's hermit crab that tries to escape from his cage nightly.

2. These days I get joy from watching my 18 month old little guy wearing snow boots around the house that are about 10 sizes too big. Especially if he is in just his diaper and the snow boots.

3. I have a hard time being crafty/arsty and talking at the same time. So if I go to parties that involve a craft I usually have to choose whether I will be social or do a project.

4. I love drinking ice water out of a Nalgene bottle. It tastes better to me than out of a glass and when I finish a whole bottle I feel that I have accomplished something.

5. I love to read. I usually read a book too quick and forget many facts. Lately I have joined with other ladies for book clubs. I alway feel dumb after we get together because I can't remember all the details that they do. I usually just remember the emotional things that happen.

6. I love to garden and see plants and flower produce. It is like giving birth (without the screaming) to see the fruits of my labor. However, when August comes I like things to be on cruise control in the garden because I am usually burned out putting work into it.

7. I love to be able to share my faith with others, but is scares me something fierce. When I want to share about Christ with non-believers I usually get real light headed because I take shallow breaths and and even start to shake a little.

I am going to tag Kristine at MamaArcher's blog. Visit her to see what she posts.

Belly Busters

2007-05-04T07:36:00.001-07:00

I recently was made aware of the idea of pant extenders for those first few months of "not quite big enough for maternity pants....not wearing my normal jeans". Maybe everyone else already new about this. It would save money on buying in between maternity pants. I heard they where at Motherhood but I also found this site. Not quite as frugal as I like....Hey, I bet I could make my own! For more Frugal Friday visit Biblical Womanhood.

Baby Steps

2007-05-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get overwhelmed looking at others blogs. I think "Wow! Could I ever possibly articulate myself as well as that?" Or "How did they get all those awesome links?" or "how did they get those graphics"? (by the way, if you can help me with any of those....feel free to comment) But I enjoy blogging, and I tell myself it isn't for anyone in particular but myself (although I can't deny that I let out a small squeal when I get a comment because it makes me feel slightly a little more loved and because I hope to have conversations on my blog). I am excited about the possible conversations yet to be had by people I would never meet except if it wasn't for blogging. I love the mom blog thing and marvel at the voice we have on the Internet (June Cleaver would have a blog). I think it challenges me to be more real, which is always good.

So I just have to remind myself to take baby steps and not get scared off because we all have to start somewhere, right?

Stepping Heavenward

2007-05-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

I recently finished the book Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. It was so beautiful and greatly effected how I think upon God's Sovereignty. I have been trying to write a post on it, but it would be one of those long ones that I probably wouldn't be able to say what I really meant. I ran onto another ladies post about the book that was excellent. I want to link to it here in hopes that many more will read it. Like I would of said in high school if asked to give an oral report in English class...."ummm....yeah, what she said!".

Works For Me Wednesday Birthday Edition

2007-05-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

This week at Rocks In My Dryer it is WFMW Birthday Edition. So I started to think of any different birthday things I have done in the past.
When my son turned 4 and we started having a few friends at parties, we asked the friends to bring a picture/drawing for a birthday present. I included a photo of my son in the invitation that they could use to incorporate into their artwork, sort of a mix media thing. I took the artwork and put it into a 3 ring binder along with photos of the party. I wrote a letter to my son about the year he just completed and looking forward to the adventures he would have the next year. It became a Birthday Book that he enjoys looking at still. I intended to do this more, but we all know about good intentions.......

Desires Of My Heart

2007-05-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

I love this verse. He has blessed me many times with the desires of my heart. I just want to share what desires He has blessed me with lately. I have had a great deal of spring fever lately. I always feel a little couped up after winter and combine that with the sickness of the early weeks of pregnancy,chasing a busy 18 month old around and trying to keep reign on my 6 and 7 year old's "spring fever", I have had the desire for a little retreat.

A good friend of mine just recently went on a cruise and when I saw
her photos I just wanted to be where she was, on a beach, next to a pool, in the sunshine. A cruise is probably not going to happen anytime soon and logistically I just don't think I could tackle that type of retreat. I have been praying for some fun and refreshment around home though. This past week the Lord has really answered my prayers. I feel as if He has planned a retreat for me with all my needs in mind.

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to attend a fundraiser for the local pro-life pregnancy center because the church I attend was hosting a table. It was at a beautiful hotel with a wonderful luncheon. The best part was to get to listen to the speakers. I love mothering and homemaking, but sometimes my head gets so involved in home life that I miss the opportunity to be challenged about putting my faith into action in other ways as well. It was refreshing to hear what is happening nationally in the pro-life arena and locally in our city as well. I walked away challenged and refreshed.

Friday our homeschool support group planned a field trip at a wildlife refuge. I haven't been hiking in nature for a while. I got to be refreshed in God's creation.

Saturday I took the kids to a local museum where they had a dinosaur exhibit and lots of activities for the kids. This was fun for all of us. While I was there, I saw an old friend. We where talking about how she was involved with a benefit art night for a local community project we had both been involved in. I had made the comment that I had received the invitation but do to budget cut backs (ha,ha) couldn't go. She told me that her mother in law had said that if she new anyone who couldn't afford to attend, that she would love to buy their ticket. I was that person. That night I went to a lovely art night where artists helped the attendees make art. There were wonderful desserts and gourmet snacks. I got to sit for 2 1/2 hours designing gourds, making prints, and refreshing my creative side.

On Sunday at church a friend invited me to go with her (as her guest)
next Monday to a Homeschooling mothers "Oasis" (as the invitation reads). It is hosted by a veteran homeschooling mom. She is an author and has arranged for a one day retreat to talk about homeschool encouragement and a chance to get a little crafty. My in-laws even said they would babysit for the day! I will get a chance to refresh in my job at homeschooling.

Tonight I get to go to coffee with a couple of ladies from my small group at church. We are all reading the book by Sharon James titled Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love To Thee (a great read). I will get a chance to refresh in discussion of spiritual things.

As I write this, I am so teary eyed just to know how well God knows my heart and exactly what I need. It is so perfectly balanced. From spiritual/political battles that I am passionate about,nature, art, friends, and homeschooling. I couldn't have planned a better retreat for myself. Where could I have gone to get all those topics in one place? And the best part is...I don't have to leave my family for an extended amount of time. When we delight in the Lord, He takes care of us in many ways.

Frugal Friday - Homemade Yogurt

2007-04-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

Five years ago I bought a Yogourmet Yogurt Maker to make my own yogurt. I like our family to eat organic yogurt when possible, and to buy a quart container can cost $3.50 or more. It is hard to find on sale as well. To buy a gallon of organic milk costs me $5.00. So If I am doing my math right, (it is early so I am probably messing this up, but I think it is right) a quart of yogurt costs me $1.25 to make from buying my own milk. It actually costs a little more because I add non-instant milk powder to thicken it. It is good, it tastes like Greek Yogurt, nice and thick and creamy.

When I got the Yogourmet maker is costs me $40 new. I think I saved that in the first 8 months or so. Another great feature is that I don't have to worry about how to recycle all those extra containers (we eat a lot of yogurt). For more Frugal Friday visit Biblical Womanhood.

Modesty

2007-04-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

I have tried to be modest since I became a Christian and got married to my husband. (Marriage followed shortly after surrendering my life to Christ.) I can't always say that I have been. The biggest reason that I have not always been modest is that I just don't think like a man. Some things that seem comfortable to me are stumbling blocks for a man trying to keep his way pure. When my husband has pointed such things out, I have to admit of a reluctant attitude because what I was wearing was comfortable or because I felt "cute" in it. But, the truth is, there are so many modest alternatives out there that it just should not be a big deal. Especially because I want to be considerate of others. To give us a better perspective, I think it helps to hear how a man might struggle with these things.
This past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, pastor C.J. Mahaney addressed this issue on Family Life in a series called The Soul of Modesty. It was eye opening. Also, a good friend of mine sent me this link to Rebelution survey about modesty that was also very informing. I encourage ladies to check it out.

One thing I never thought of was that it is a stumbling block for men when women wear straps from their purses across their body and the strap falls between their chest and accentuates their feminine body parts. See, God made men different. (Hallelujah!)

This is one of those things you can look past and get over, but it will, if only for an instant, draw bad attention. It kinda runs along the lines of, 'Light bulb! There's a chest. Alright, get over it, you idiot. She's just wearing a bag with a strap.' At which point you get over it, but often feel a little embarrassed, especially with girls you know because you realise that you've just noticed/thought about their chest. If they, or someone else asked you about it - and you were honest - you'd have to admit that.

-From a participant in the Rebelution Survey

Oh, and if you think modesty can't be fashionable, please check out Rebecca's blog at The Space Between My Peers.

Diligence Dollars

2007-04-25T07:52:00.001-07:00

I created a system for rewards around our house. I use it mostly for homeschooling, but incorporate at other times when I see fit. We call it "diligence dollars". I printed out a small business card size of paper with the title "diligence dollars" and under that included the verse of Proverbs 12:27 "diligence is man's precious possession". When they have showed diligence in completing their schoolwork, they receive one. When they have saved five, they get to "buy" something from a goody basket. It is usually filled with sugar free gum, juice boxes, granola bars, stickers and other small items. They usually have a chance to earn five a day.
We were having some whining issues about doing some things they were not to eager to do (ie: math worksheets and handwriting). This helped to give them incentive to not whine and show a positive character quality. It worked for me! For more Works For Me Wednesday go to Rocks In My Dryer.

Underground History of American Education

2007-04-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to read John Taylor Gatto's book titled The Underground History of American Education. I just finished the prologue. You can read it free, online, here.

All I can think of right now are how some of the thoughts and questions he poses might relate to school/social violence such that we have just witnessed recently as well of others in the past.
Any thought from anyone else who has read it?

I will try to get my thoughts in some what working order and attempt to post them later. Not to victimize criminals, but namely does the institution of education bind people into such a labeled box that they act out in horrific ways?

Frugal Homeschooling

2007-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

If you are a homeschooler and have issues with spending money on curriculum (and I say "issues" because this covers it all). I have "issues". I want too much, and have too little budget. I have to confess one of the reasons I always wanted to homeschool is that I wanted an excuse to buy books. I was blessed this past year when a friend loaned me all of her first grade curriculum that corresponded with A Well Trained Mind. I just purchased some math curriculum and a few odds and ends. However, I always like to remind myself that homeschooling doesn't have to cost a lot. Here is a great series from Lindsey at Finding Contentment In The Suburbs about frugal homeschooling. Check it out.

"I Miss My Husband Monday"

2007-04-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

I always miss my husband when he goes to work on Monday. I miss him most other days too, but sometimes Mondays can almost be unbearable. It is wonderful to be able to all be together for so much of the weekend, but then when Mondays come, his absence seems so much greater. I use to be able to get up with him when he got up to get ready for work. We would not talk too much as it was rather early. The hugs and smiles where enough. We would read our Bibles and sometimes comment on something we were reading. Now since I have been pregnant, I have slept in a bit to get some extra sleep, since naps rarely happen. Now I wake up in time to tell him that I love him and I hope that he has a good day,give him a quick hug, and then say good bye. I get up and the house seems so empty without him. I like to sit in his seat to read my Bible just to seem closer to him. I pray for him and pray that the Lord fills my day so it will go by quick until he gets home.

When I really think about it though, I am glad I miss my husband. I am glad something seems like it is missing when he is not home. I am glad that after 10 years, 8 hours away from him can seem like forever. I am glad that when he pulls up to the house after work, whatever difficulties that happened today will seem miles away. Thank you Lord for my husband.

Frugal Friday...Wait till it is free

2007-04-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

My Frugal Friday post is similar to Crystal's at Biblical Womanhood.

For approximately 9 years I have wanted to have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Every time my husband says "Why don't you go buy one" (Which has happened about three times, because only about three times have we had the extra money to even think about it in the past nine years), I have gone to the store, looked again at the price, and thought "I just can't do it. That is a lotta dough to spend for mixing dough."
Well yesterday my husband came home from work carrying a white KitchenAid Stand Mixer. I was shocked. It turns out that a woman who lives where he works wanted to get rid of it because it was too heavy for her to use. She said he could have it, so he brought it home to me, in perfect condition. God is good. Some people don't think He is in the details such as these, but I know He is. I know in times of trouble and pain He answers even greater desires of our hearts, but I think He worthy to be praised for the small ones too. Nine years is definitely worth the wait to see Him provide a gift like that.

So my frugal tip is, if you can wait, you might end up getting it free! For more tips you don't have to wait for, go to Biblical Womanhood.

Excuse me? A zen mom?

2007-04-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

The results are in. Drum roll please.......I am a zen mom!

I took an online quiz that now I am sure was only to get me to release my e-mail so they can send me major junk mail. I answered all the questions and waited patiently for the results to be in. I checked it this morning and it announced that I was a zen mom. The type that when chaos ensues I keep my cool and let the waves of confusion pass by. HA, HA! Could you here me laugh in Minnesota? I am so not a zen mom. Sometimes during moments of chaos I do go to my "happy place" but only out of pure survival instinct.

Where do they get this stuff? Maybe because I checked that the only full hour of TV I watch is the News Hour with Jim Lehrer. That is only because one way I like to release stress is by having arguments with the TV when the subjects have a liberal slant. That is not zen!