So many things to say and most of them are updates that are long overdue. We are still trying to get in the swing of being back in school.
Let's see...last week I went for my 1 month post-Lasik appointment. I am seeing almost 20/15. I'm definitely 20/20. If you have been considering Lasik then check into it NOW. I can highly recommend Loden Vision Centers, but I'm just a huge proponent of Lasik in general. It's been a virtual miracle for me.
Steve's not had one single bite on the resumes he's sent out. But thanks to my good friend from church, Leigh Ann, he has been working a temporary assignment for about 3 weeks now. And starting Monday, he will work a temporary job at the church 20 hours a week and then with Leigh Ann on the other days (for a while at least). So, we do have some money coming in and that is extremely useful! A HUGE shout-out to Leigh Ann for her help in employing my husband!!!!
Chase has graduated from military combat school and is now started his specialty training which diesel mechanics. He will hopefully be visiting in a couple weeks for a few days. MOS is like college, so he can use his phone when he's not in class or on duty, so if you have his number and want to, you can give him a call.
Jenna is doing well in school. 2nd grade is different than 1st and comes with a lot more personal responsibilty which is new for her. But after our fall parent-teacher conference, we find she is doing well. Of course, the one thing that she struggles with is T-A-L-K-I-N-G! Geez...I have no idea where she gets that.
Micah had a birthday yesterday so a huge birthday SHOUT OUT to her. 25 years old. Her comment was that she was 1/2 way to 50. All I know, it that makes me feel REALLY old! I met her when she was only 10, so this is certainly a milestone I'm happy to celebrate with her. My brown-eyed girl is all grown up!
As for me, I'm doing OK. Work is keeping me super busy and I'm always behind. A couple weekends ago, we were coming home from some friends' house and it was wet (big surprise). I had on some flip flops with pretty slick soles (I'd slipped several times before). Anyway, I got out of the truck and when my feet hit the garage floor, I slip and fell. My left knee took the full force of the fall. Of course, it was painful and swelled a little, but some ice and Ibuprofen, I was good. But as the weekend and week wore on, I knew something was wrong. X-rays showed nothing, but there is some popping and the doctor thinks I might have a torn meniscus. He has me doing home exercises, taking more Ibuprofen and icing it at night. Next week I go back and if it hasn't improved, it's off to an MRI I go. I can tell already that it's not getting better. By the end of the day, it is swollen very noticeably. OUCH!
That's really about it. Rach and I are going to Memphis to see Beth Moore next weekend and we are pretty excited about that. I say "we", but I guess I only speak for myself. :) In a few more weeks it will be our scrapbook retreat and I'm practically giddy about it already.
So, until I have more exciting things to share, over and out.
9.30.2009
9.24.2009
Please Vote!
If you have just a minute, could you please go out and vote for my friend Leigh Ann's sister? Her name is Jennie and she has Cystic Fibrosis and would greatly benefit from this scholarship...
If you are willing, please click on this link and vote for Jennie so that she can get a scholarship to help with Belmont University bills. This is a scholarship that was created to honor young adults with Cystic Fibrosis as they pursue goals of post-high school . It's so easy to vote and you can do it all 3 ways. It will take maybe 30 seconds to do all three. I know Leigh Ann and Jennie would love your support.
Click HERE to support Jennie!
Thanks!
If you are willing, please click on this link and vote for Jennie so that she can get a scholarship to help with Belmont University bills. This is a scholarship that was created to honor young adults with Cystic Fibrosis as they pursue goals of post-high school . It's so easy to vote and you can do it all 3 ways. It will take maybe 30 seconds to do all three. I know Leigh Ann and Jennie would love your support.
Click HERE to support Jennie!
Thanks!
9.14.2009
Another Book Review: Stray Affections
It's been a while since I've done a book review, so I figured it was time...
In Stray Affections, the last thing that Cassandra expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. She’s enjoying some shopping time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can’t resist taking the unique globe home—even if means wrestling another shopper for it!
The beautiful snowglobe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, “Bad Betty” Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange—flurrious, as Cassie deems it—moment happens with the remarkable snowglobe, Cassie and the people she loves are swirled into a tumultuous, yet grace-filled, and life-changing journey.
The author, Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular author and speaker and an award-winning journalist. In addition to her Dearest Dorothy series of novels, she has written seven nonfiction books of humor and inspiration. A bungee-jumping, once motorcycle-owning grandma and unabashed dog lover, Charlene lives with her husband and rescued dog Kornflake in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She loves telling stories, laughing whenever possible, and considers herself a Wild Child of God.
This is a must read! I have a copy to give away. If you are interested, please leave me a comment or send an email to Sandras_junk@charter.net by Friday, 9/18 at 5pm. I'll draw sometime during the weekend.
Also, for your enjoyment, here is a video link of Charlene introducing the book. The video is available on facebook and/or YouTube.
And as always, if you would like to purchase your very own copy of Stray Affections, you can do so here.
In Stray Affections, the last thing that Cassandra expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. She’s enjoying some shopping time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can’t resist taking the unique globe home—even if means wrestling another shopper for it!
The beautiful snowglobe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, “Bad Betty” Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange—flurrious, as Cassie deems it—moment happens with the remarkable snowglobe, Cassie and the people she loves are swirled into a tumultuous, yet grace-filled, and life-changing journey.
The author, Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular author and speaker and an award-winning journalist. In addition to her Dearest Dorothy series of novels, she has written seven nonfiction books of humor and inspiration. A bungee-jumping, once motorcycle-owning grandma and unabashed dog lover, Charlene lives with her husband and rescued dog Kornflake in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She loves telling stories, laughing whenever possible, and considers herself a Wild Child of God.
This is a must read! I have a copy to give away. If you are interested, please leave me a comment or send an email to Sandras_junk@charter.net by Friday, 9/18 at 5pm. I'll draw sometime during the weekend.
Also, for your enjoyment, here is a video link of Charlene introducing the book. The video is available on facebook and/or YouTube.
And as always, if you would like to purchase your very own copy of Stray Affections, you can do so here.
9.11.2009
The Prodigal Returns Home and other happenings...
Just wanted to give you a few quick updates on us...
Steve is working a temporary job right now with our good friend from church (thanks LA!). He's worked all week and he is loving it even though it's just stuffing envelopes. He is definitely not a stay at home dad, though I love that he's been home. I'm sure it won't be long until I will love the money he's making more! He has sent out a bunch of resumes, but I'll tell you, there's not even been the slightest nibble...but that's to be expected I guess. He isn't discouraged because we knew this would be hard going into it. We have definitely made some budget adjustments and are living quite differently from before.
On a separate note for those of you not on Facebook...MITTENS CAME HOME! Yes, friends, you read that right! Let's see...it was Wednesday night and uncharacteristically, Jenna had some math homework and I needed to pay bills. So Jenna and I were both sitting at the kitchen table. Steve decided that even though it was 8:15 and dark, he would take Katie for a walk while we finished up. They were only gone about a minute when I heard the door open again. I was just about to say, "Well, that was quick" when around the corner Steve came smiling from ear to ear and holding Mittens!!! I really don't remember what Steve said other than "Look!" because Jenna and I had jumped up and run to him hollering and screaming etc. Steve was absolutely speechless I think! Mittens was "talking" quite a bit, but he seemed no worse for the wear. Because he is long haired, he had one big hair mat and a couple smaller ones, but other than that, seemed fine. He was starving and I can tell he's thinner when I pick him up but the hair covers up the weight loss. Anyway, he is back to his old self though he's quite a bit more loving these days and does not like to be out of our sight. We are so happy to have him back and feel our family is complete again.
That same night, as if the return of our missing kitty wasn't exciting enough, Jenna started hollering from the bathroom. Apparently, she saw something that worried her...sparing you all the details, turns out she has a "severe" bladder infection. She's on a very strong antibiotic, but the sad thing is that her infection is so severe that most times she cannot hold her bladder. So there have been several accidents over the past few days. I finally went out tonight and bought her some "GoodNites" so we don't have to worry about it for a while. By Monday, the antibiotics should have gotten into her system and she should be feeling better. She ran a low grade fever last weekend which we were afraid was the flu, but since it stayed so low grade and she'd been having some allergy issues, we figured it was because of those allergies. We now know it was most likely caused by her body fighting this infection. Anyway, she's been pretty devastated and you have no idea how it breaks my heart to hear her say she asked a teacher if she could use the bathroom and they say no causing her to have an accident. This happened at church and several times at school. I've tried to talk to the teachers at school (her teacher is very aware), but sometimes word just doesn't get all the way around.
Speaking of school, we had our parent teacher conference this morning. Jenna is doing very well in school. Her reading level is "very strong" and she's doing pretty well. Her "problem" is that she is a little "mother" so she's more worried about whether everyone else is doing what they should be which in turn means SHE'S not doing what she should be! And of course, the inevitable, "talks too much" which I have NO IDEA where that comes from!!! But her teacher was very careful to put positive spins on each of these things. She said these issues were common, not as bad as say learning disabilities and that this strong willed tendency will make her a very good leader/teacher as long as that stubborness is redirected appropriately.
So that's our story of the last week. Pretty exciting stuff going on. Chase is doing well in combat training (as far as we know). Tomorrow is a hopefully low key Saturday with just a few things to get done.
Right now, I'm off to bed..
Steve is working a temporary job right now with our good friend from church (thanks LA!). He's worked all week and he is loving it even though it's just stuffing envelopes. He is definitely not a stay at home dad, though I love that he's been home. I'm sure it won't be long until I will love the money he's making more! He has sent out a bunch of resumes, but I'll tell you, there's not even been the slightest nibble...but that's to be expected I guess. He isn't discouraged because we knew this would be hard going into it. We have definitely made some budget adjustments and are living quite differently from before.
On a separate note for those of you not on Facebook...MITTENS CAME HOME! Yes, friends, you read that right! Let's see...it was Wednesday night and uncharacteristically, Jenna had some math homework and I needed to pay bills. So Jenna and I were both sitting at the kitchen table. Steve decided that even though it was 8:15 and dark, he would take Katie for a walk while we finished up. They were only gone about a minute when I heard the door open again. I was just about to say, "Well, that was quick" when around the corner Steve came smiling from ear to ear and holding Mittens!!! I really don't remember what Steve said other than "Look!" because Jenna and I had jumped up and run to him hollering and screaming etc. Steve was absolutely speechless I think! Mittens was "talking" quite a bit, but he seemed no worse for the wear. Because he is long haired, he had one big hair mat and a couple smaller ones, but other than that, seemed fine. He was starving and I can tell he's thinner when I pick him up but the hair covers up the weight loss. Anyway, he is back to his old self though he's quite a bit more loving these days and does not like to be out of our sight. We are so happy to have him back and feel our family is complete again.
That same night, as if the return of our missing kitty wasn't exciting enough, Jenna started hollering from the bathroom. Apparently, she saw something that worried her...sparing you all the details, turns out she has a "severe" bladder infection. She's on a very strong antibiotic, but the sad thing is that her infection is so severe that most times she cannot hold her bladder. So there have been several accidents over the past few days. I finally went out tonight and bought her some "GoodNites" so we don't have to worry about it for a while. By Monday, the antibiotics should have gotten into her system and she should be feeling better. She ran a low grade fever last weekend which we were afraid was the flu, but since it stayed so low grade and she'd been having some allergy issues, we figured it was because of those allergies. We now know it was most likely caused by her body fighting this infection. Anyway, she's been pretty devastated and you have no idea how it breaks my heart to hear her say she asked a teacher if she could use the bathroom and they say no causing her to have an accident. This happened at church and several times at school. I've tried to talk to the teachers at school (her teacher is very aware), but sometimes word just doesn't get all the way around.
Speaking of school, we had our parent teacher conference this morning. Jenna is doing very well in school. Her reading level is "very strong" and she's doing pretty well. Her "problem" is that she is a little "mother" so she's more worried about whether everyone else is doing what they should be which in turn means SHE'S not doing what she should be! And of course, the inevitable, "talks too much" which I have NO IDEA where that comes from!!! But her teacher was very careful to put positive spins on each of these things. She said these issues were common, not as bad as say learning disabilities and that this strong willed tendency will make her a very good leader/teacher as long as that stubborness is redirected appropriately.
So that's our story of the last week. Pretty exciting stuff going on. Chase is doing well in combat training (as far as we know). Tomorrow is a hopefully low key Saturday with just a few things to get done.
Right now, I'm off to bed..
9.03.2009
This is what happens when you send Daddy to the salon with daughter for a "trim".
Yep, it's ALL gone. In the span of 8 short months, we went from hair down the back to chin length. Those who know me, know I am a long hair person, so this was a big shock to me. I think she's cute though. Of course, I would think that no matter what haircut she has. And she LOVES it. And loves the attention she's getting from it.
No more updates on Mittens...3 sightings (supposedly) in one day, but none of them OURS!
Chase is doing well at combat training. For those that are interested, you can drop him a line at:
PFC Taylor, Steven C.
SOI East MCT BN India Co.
PSC Box 20161
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542
No luck for Steve in the job search...
Oh and one last thing, if you think of it, will you pray for my friend Kelly and his family? He is about to lose his mom (if she hasn't already passed) and I know his heart is breaking. He is a Believer and he knows intimately the One who can heal all hurts, but sometimes that sentiment doesn't ease the pain at the moment. So if you think about it, send up a prayer for what they are going through about about to go through.
Yep, it's ALL gone. In the span of 8 short months, we went from hair down the back to chin length. Those who know me, know I am a long hair person, so this was a big shock to me. I think she's cute though. Of course, I would think that no matter what haircut she has. And she LOVES it. And loves the attention she's getting from it.No more updates on Mittens...3 sightings (supposedly) in one day, but none of them OURS!
Chase is doing well at combat training. For those that are interested, you can drop him a line at:
PFC Taylor, Steven C.
SOI East MCT BN India Co.
PSC Box 20161
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542
No luck for Steve in the job search...
Oh and one last thing, if you think of it, will you pray for my friend Kelly and his family? He is about to lose his mom (if she hasn't already passed) and I know his heart is breaking. He is a Believer and he knows intimately the One who can heal all hurts, but sometimes that sentiment doesn't ease the pain at the moment. So if you think about it, send up a prayer for what they are going through about about to go through.
9.01.2009
What Do I Know of Holy?
I heard this song a few days ago and it really spoke to me. I thought I'd share the lyrics here.
What Do I Know of Holy
Addison Road
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
I have been spending more time in the Word and in prayer the last few weeks. I hate to admit that I've beefed up my time with Him simply when my life got rough, but it's true. But in the midst of that, I have heard Him through so many different avenues.
The bottom line is this: Our family needs prayer. We have been beat up this year and over the past 18 months. On the outside, we put on a happy face, but inside we are hurting. Please pray for one thing...that through this time, we would not allow Satan to get a foothold in our lives. That comes in different forms for each of us (even Jenna). Just remember us in your prayers. And remember...
What do we know of Holy?
What Do I Know of Holy
Addison Road
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
I have been spending more time in the Word and in prayer the last few weeks. I hate to admit that I've beefed up my time with Him simply when my life got rough, but it's true. But in the midst of that, I have heard Him through so many different avenues.
The bottom line is this: Our family needs prayer. We have been beat up this year and over the past 18 months. On the outside, we put on a happy face, but inside we are hurting. Please pray for one thing...that through this time, we would not allow Satan to get a foothold in our lives. That comes in different forms for each of us (even Jenna). Just remember us in your prayers. And remember...
What do we know of Holy?
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