Happy anniversary to us!
Last Friday was our 27th wedding anniversary. That sounds like a long time, but it hasn't felt that long. On top of that, in just a few weeks we can say we have known each other for 32 years. Whew! Someone else must be old, 'cuz I'm not that old. Am I? Hee.
Way back in 1983, they didn't use as many fancy color words. Our wedding colors weren't periwinkle and cream, they were baby blue and white. Honey's best friend really HATED his baby blue tux he was asked to wear. We also didn't have digital photos so I don't know how to share my two favorite wedding pictures with you. Maybe some day I will find out.
Honey was 19, had hair, and was just oh so handsome. He is still very handsome in my book.
I was 18, thin, and anticipating the adventure. I am still enjoying that adventure, but all the rest is gone.
We really didn't have that many hopes and dreams yet, because we were too young to see past college graduation and what that could hold. We have had more hopes and dreams fulfilled than we could have ever hoped for.
The secret to 27 years? Trusting in someone bigger than Honey, knowing that Honey isn't going to change because I whine and beg and complain, and trusting in someone bigger than me to bring my peace and my joy.
I am blessed to be married to one of the great guys. Maybe he doesn't fill that in other people, but it doesn't matter. He is MY great guy and I am so thankful to have had him for 27 years. He has brought joy, comfort, and richness to my life. Not always, but plenty enough to make those other moments worthwhile.
Thank you, Honey!! I look forward to lots more years with you!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Raisin'
Kids nowadays have no respect. Kids nowadays don't care about anything. Kids nowadays don't know how to behave.
What a sad state to be hearing these words regularly! I am sure that 40 years ago some of the grandparent generation said some of the same things. Which lead me to an interesting conversation.
On Sunday, I had to quickly remind my son about some behavior. As a friend came by I smiled and said, "Boys!" She responded by asking which is harder to raise, boys or girls. I had to pause for that one.
My answer to her was, "Moms!"
She looked at me quite strangely. Since she has no children and has not spent much time around my children, she would not have understood, but I tried.
Discipline begins with the parents. Literally. If the parents have no self-discipline, how can they teach their children to have any. Even reprimanding a two-year old correctly requires self-discipline. I had to be willing to pay attention to them, their behaviors and what the real situation was that they were in. Then I had to say what I meant and mean what I said, being diligent to make sure they were obedient. Even when they were teeny.
I have to give of myself to teach my children. Not just in homeschooling. We all know (but are we aware) that we are even teaching our children when we least think that we are. How we walk through and conduct ourselves in Walmart teaches them. How we answer the telephone teaches them. How we speak to our spouses teaches them. How we respond to them teaches them.
Now I am not the perfect person to be showing forth an example. However, being aware that they are always learning goes a long way.
How do I teach them today as we run errands and enjoy a summer day? Discipline on my part is the biggest key. Sure, I would love to have a day where I just get away. Who wouldn't? But being aware keeps me on my toes and keeps me vigilant in how I should be conducting my life even if little eyes weren't watching.
There is never a place I can escape from the eye of the Lord. Thankfully. I think He gave me two pairs of little eyes to train me to be watchful under His guiding eyes. He always strives to be raisin' me to a higher level and purpose.
What a sad state to be hearing these words regularly! I am sure that 40 years ago some of the grandparent generation said some of the same things. Which lead me to an interesting conversation.
On Sunday, I had to quickly remind my son about some behavior. As a friend came by I smiled and said, "Boys!" She responded by asking which is harder to raise, boys or girls. I had to pause for that one.
My answer to her was, "Moms!"
She looked at me quite strangely. Since she has no children and has not spent much time around my children, she would not have understood, but I tried.
Discipline begins with the parents. Literally. If the parents have no self-discipline, how can they teach their children to have any. Even reprimanding a two-year old correctly requires self-discipline. I had to be willing to pay attention to them, their behaviors and what the real situation was that they were in. Then I had to say what I meant and mean what I said, being diligent to make sure they were obedient. Even when they were teeny.
I have to give of myself to teach my children. Not just in homeschooling. We all know (but are we aware) that we are even teaching our children when we least think that we are. How we walk through and conduct ourselves in Walmart teaches them. How we answer the telephone teaches them. How we speak to our spouses teaches them. How we respond to them teaches them.
Now I am not the perfect person to be showing forth an example. However, being aware that they are always learning goes a long way.
How do I teach them today as we run errands and enjoy a summer day? Discipline on my part is the biggest key. Sure, I would love to have a day where I just get away. Who wouldn't? But being aware keeps me on my toes and keeps me vigilant in how I should be conducting my life even if little eyes weren't watching.
There is never a place I can escape from the eye of the Lord. Thankfully. I think He gave me two pairs of little eyes to train me to be watchful under His guiding eyes. He always strives to be raisin' me to a higher level and purpose.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Singing in the Rain
My girl has now finished her 5th year of tap dance. What fun she has! We have really be blessed with the dance studio where she takes classes.
Last Friday night was her recital. She was in dance number 32 out of 37. It is a busy studio that does tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, cheerleading and competitive cheerleading.
Taking pictures in that big auditorium is quite a chore as this one shows. And I don't know how to do the red-eye reduction.
Therefore, we took pictures at home of sections of her dance to "Singing in the Rain".
We are proud of our dancer and the work and joy she puts into all that she does.
Last Friday night was her recital. She was in dance number 32 out of 37. It is a busy studio that does tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, cheerleading and competitive cheerleading.
Taking pictures in that big auditorium is quite a chore as this one shows. And I don't know how to do the red-eye reduction.
Therefore, we took pictures at home of sections of her dance to "Singing in the Rain".
We are proud of our dancer and the work and joy she puts into all that she does.
Life in Death
Last week we "lost" a very special lady in our Bible study group. Barbara Miller was such a precious, godly woman. I am so thankful to call her my friend.
This has really been an interesting experience for me. I have not "lost" many people close to me, ever. I am so blessed. We were not expecting for Barbara to go home when she did. Sure, she was 74 and had had a stroke last year, but she wasn't on our list of being prepared for "losing". It was quite a surprise. From what I have heard, she passed quietly at home by herself in the week after her son came down for Mother's Day. So she was happy. She had a confidence in her place in heaven with the Father. What a blessing!
I am so very aware that I miss her, but she isn't missing us. It is like all those old cliches about she is in a better place, she no longer hurts, she is dancing now like she has wanted to dance for several years. All of that is so true and so real for her. I don't have to make that up for her so that I feel better.
This was no tragedy. We did not lose her. We know where she is. We were blessed to share her. Father God is still answering all of her questions, and she may actually wear him out with her dancing. :D
We are already missing her. No one will fill her spot on that front seat at church. No one can do the Louisiana drawl as well as she could.
I wonder if others will be as confident in my second home as I am in Barbara's. Thank you, Lord, for sharing her with me.
This has really been an interesting experience for me. I have not "lost" many people close to me, ever. I am so blessed. We were not expecting for Barbara to go home when she did. Sure, she was 74 and had had a stroke last year, but she wasn't on our list of being prepared for "losing". It was quite a surprise. From what I have heard, she passed quietly at home by herself in the week after her son came down for Mother's Day. So she was happy. She had a confidence in her place in heaven with the Father. What a blessing!
I am so very aware that I miss her, but she isn't missing us. It is like all those old cliches about she is in a better place, she no longer hurts, she is dancing now like she has wanted to dance for several years. All of that is so true and so real for her. I don't have to make that up for her so that I feel better.
This was no tragedy. We did not lose her. We know where she is. We were blessed to share her. Father God is still answering all of her questions, and she may actually wear him out with her dancing. :D
We are already missing her. No one will fill her spot on that front seat at church. No one can do the Louisiana drawl as well as she could.
I wonder if others will be as confident in my second home as I am in Barbara's. Thank you, Lord, for sharing her with me.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Texas Wildflowers
Our hill country area is so pretty!
The bluebonnets have run their course. *sigh*
Enjoy these!
The bluebonnets have run their course. *sigh*
Enjoy these!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Ah! Spring!
I love the spring time! It is my most favorite of all the seasons. Not too hot, not as cold (and I really don't like to be cold.) The flowers! Oh, the flowers! New life springing forth and hiding all the old dead stuff. People moving about more and working outside (so I can watch them.) School winding down and seeing the progress made these past 10 months.
I fully intended to write this post three weeks ago when the Texas wildflowers were at their most awesome. Bluebonnets were AMAZING this year since we had so much rain over the fall and winter. Flowers we haven't seen in years are seen once again. However, I forgot my camera when we went out to the ranch two weeks ago, and we didn't go last weekend. The flowers just aren't as spectacular in town. I have really missed that this year. Maybe sometime over the next weekend I will remember my camera and will post some wildflowers for you to enjoy.
There is just nothing like walking outside and getting that unforgettable whiff of roses or honeysuckle.
Our homeschool Co-op has ended. Orchestra has ended. Tap class ends next week. Our weekly park gatherings are withering away because others have things to do. That is the sad part about springtime. I love that we are moving into the slower season of the year (at my house), but I miss all the people and friends.
Springtime. Taking time to see the flowers. Slowing down. Times of refreshing.
I fully intended to write this post three weeks ago when the Texas wildflowers were at their most awesome. Bluebonnets were AMAZING this year since we had so much rain over the fall and winter. Flowers we haven't seen in years are seen once again. However, I forgot my camera when we went out to the ranch two weeks ago, and we didn't go last weekend. The flowers just aren't as spectacular in town. I have really missed that this year. Maybe sometime over the next weekend I will remember my camera and will post some wildflowers for you to enjoy.
There is just nothing like walking outside and getting that unforgettable whiff of roses or honeysuckle.
Our homeschool Co-op has ended. Orchestra has ended. Tap class ends next week. Our weekly park gatherings are withering away because others have things to do. That is the sad part about springtime. I love that we are moving into the slower season of the year (at my house), but I miss all the people and friends.
Springtime. Taking time to see the flowers. Slowing down. Times of refreshing.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Life Song
I love to sing. I enjoy good music. Of course, my definition of good music is different from other people. I guess everyone has their own opinion of good music.
Music is not something I have spend a lot of time and effort on. I don't play music except on a CD player, so I am quite limited. My daughter plays music. My husband plays music. I just sing along.
I wish I could sing like some of the people I know. But I am what I am. I do have the privilege singing with my husband on Sunday mornings, but that is the only way I am allowed to sing. Oh, I do get to sing with my kids at home, too. They smile and I am happy.
One of the ways I meditate on the Word of God is through lyrics of good songs. I prefer songs that contain scripture or the truth of scripture. There are whole sections of "Christian" music to which I have a hard time listening. If I can't understand most of the lyrics the first time through, it doesn't go on my list of good music.
One that we recently found (that isn't new on the market) is Lifesong by Casting Crowns. "Let my life song sing to you," is the repeating phrase. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQHM3sxSxzE
Wow! It was another reminder to me that we all wish to be important somewhere in time. Everyone's life sings some type of song. Wow! I really don't want a soap opera or country-western, down-in-the-dumps-again kind of life. I don't even what the high strung, floozy kind of life.
My life song sings. I want my life song to sing to the King of all Kings. Wow!
Music is not something I have spend a lot of time and effort on. I don't play music except on a CD player, so I am quite limited. My daughter plays music. My husband plays music. I just sing along.
I wish I could sing like some of the people I know. But I am what I am. I do have the privilege singing with my husband on Sunday mornings, but that is the only way I am allowed to sing. Oh, I do get to sing with my kids at home, too. They smile and I am happy.
One of the ways I meditate on the Word of God is through lyrics of good songs. I prefer songs that contain scripture or the truth of scripture. There are whole sections of "Christian" music to which I have a hard time listening. If I can't understand most of the lyrics the first time through, it doesn't go on my list of good music.
One that we recently found (that isn't new on the market) is Lifesong by Casting Crowns. "Let my life song sing to you," is the repeating phrase. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQHM3sxSxzE
Wow! It was another reminder to me that we all wish to be important somewhere in time. Everyone's life sings some type of song. Wow! I really don't want a soap opera or country-western, down-in-the-dumps-again kind of life. I don't even what the high strung, floozy kind of life.
My life song sings. I want my life song to sing to the King of all Kings. Wow!
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