Seven Pin

My husband DID get the pins out today!

Hurray!

The bone showed slightly offset on the repeat x-ray, but the ortho doc says he wasn't worried about it--he will not have "any severe disability" with it. He'll probably always suffer arthritis in that arm and may never full full range of motion back, but he should get close. The Dr. was optimistic. Six weeks of rehab should let us know where we are. No heavy lifting...including milk jugs.

When I had a baby, I could do no heavy lifting, and I still had to care for a 10 pound baby, so I'm just trying to figure this out. Considering all, I think I still have trash duty.

We realized he's had the pins six weeks and we still weren't sure what all had been broken! Seems at least three bones and a "crush line" across the major break.

The Dr. said he'd try to take the most painful ones out first, but as it turned out, the third one hung and was the worst. Ouch. He asked the Dr. if he should hold the bed or my hand or something. (I'm glad the bed was closer! I'm supportive, but no dummy.)

I made an easy audience, fortunately. As it turned out, seeing them come out looked more normal than seeing sticking out of skin all this time.

I'll be honest, I was dreaming of chocolate. There's been an unfortunate shortage in my home.

Okay, I'll even admit, I tried to cheat. I got desperate in the waiting room. Looked around for a while when we got there...couldn't turn up anything without being too obvious. When they called him back for the x-ray, I made my break for it. Thought, there are a lot of women working here, there have got to at least be some M&Ms around closeby. Asked the girl at the desk in the office if there was a candy machine She said, "No, sorry, it's way over in the next building. Is it emergency?"

I hesitated and said, "Well, that all depends on how you define emergency...I just really need some chocolate." She turned and went back to work, unimpressed. Medical professionals, gotta love 'em.

Not even a good magazine. Real Simple, a decent look through. Such a pretty magazine and it appears to have such good ideas...but, there is something missing. You sense it every time. Searching people looking for answers and dancing all around doing the right stuff, as if we can on our own. Hello.

The first article was on forgiveness quotes...good idea, good quotes, right direction, but not going to happen by sheer effort I hate to tell them. They are in for a severe letdown. Kind of makes me sad.

Anyway, saw a good ad in there I tore out. (I'm such a rebel.) I'll post it sometime.
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So, we did the proceedure thing and then....went to a nice restaurant...for chocolate. I was very clear about this goal. He wanted to stop and shop for furniture at a store there first. I told him that was not a good idea until I got the chocolate.

I "treated", which means I sign to take the money out of his paycheck instead of him, basically. He still gets a kick out of it on occassion. Which I think it funny. The best part was, I wouldn't tell him how much it was when he asked.

I suggested we only order appetizers and dessert. (For a meat and potaties kind of guy, this was on the wild side.)

So, I ordered us a huge Mexican platter appetizer, and dessert-- served together.

The waitress understands. No questions asked.

He doesn't get it. "Why do you want them together?"

We've been married thirteen years?

"Because it's really rich, and you'll NEED the salty."

"Oh, right!" He said. Probably just the Lortab slowing him down. I'll let it go.
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He told me today driving home that he really liked going being with me.

Again, possibly the Lortab. But, I liked it.

On a day like today, it's nice to be good company --pretty sleepy on allergy meds, thinking a whole lot about my pillow.

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We stopped by Lowe's on the way home, per his request.
I love having cell phones in there. He's looking at driveway sealer; I'm in home decor. Aah.

But, my problem remains. If anybody in the world knows how to pick out those big room area rugs... it is really beyond me. Seems such a simple thing. You buy it. You lay it on the floor. Yet, still. Harder task than meets the eye.

I know what I like, but they are so heavy that if I ever break down and get one, get it home and don't like it... motivation will be low to take it back. So, fork out a couple hundred for carpet to cover carpet that I may not like after I get it down?

I always end up with the same general statement. "I like this, but I just don't know."

I could pay a decorator to pat me on the back and tell me to buy what I already pretty much know I like. ??? The whole decorating thing just messes with my mind. It means one thing. A lot of money. I know I'll by happy to get it done, but where to start, and where to stop.

This will be an ongoing saga. Let you know if I ever break down.

We've shopped 3-4 times already. "I don't know" still all I've got to show for it.

At some point, my time will be come more valuable than the indecision--I'll bite the bullet.

But hey, we DID buy new gas logs!

So, come golden harvest leaves, nippy chill, sweaters, and fireglow!

I'm ready for ya now!

RC's Guessimates--Beat Listings

Before I forget, I have a friend who likes to "beat the lists" for Christian music, and he claims to be incredibly accurate at it. Okay, so he's pretty good at it. I listed the recommended listening he gave for August and September in the sidebar for your convenience, being the nice person that I am.

I haven't gotten much into September's yet, but listed my thoughts on August's.

I'm all the time having people tell me they would probably like Christian music, but they don't know what to buy or listen to. Go to iTunes or somewhere you can download legal music (to supports our brothers and sisters for their hard work), and have a big 'ole time.

I tell you, if it weren't for my tunes, my head would not be healthy. (Nobody is allowed to comment on that.)

Get into it. Saves my sanity many days...at least gives me some good rationale moments, anyway. (Again, no comments there.) In a home with five people running rampant, well, you seize whatever you can find!

(CCM magazine is one who publishes countdowns for new Christian music)

Technical Tips: Site Meter, HTML Editing, HTML Code Generators

Two tips just because I feel like being nice today:

1. I found a cool thing yesterday that I feel kind enough to pass on to those millions of Bloggers powered by eBlog. (For those of you with Typepad, I scrapbook, so there's my whole creative budget for the year already right there. I envy you.)

Anyway, help your needy frineds with this tip: When code instructions tell you to look through your code to add stuff, type the word you need to find in the existing code into the google search line above, but don't click "search web" (assuming you use Google, which makes sense to me if you are using Blog). Then, click the highlight key on the Google bar (find it under Google preferences if it's not already on your tool bar), scroll down in your template until you see the word you need to find all lit up! Tell me that isn't ingenious? Thought of that all on my own and everything.

2. For everyone who uses Site Meter. You know those gazillion entries you get that say people are spending "0:00" time on your site? Well, guess what? Site Meter can only clock time when there are moves between pages. So, if you are blogging many days on the front page, that's why you get a lot of zeros. But, you are not a zero! Isn't that GREAT to know! That's why as of the time of this post, I've been listing one blog on the page at a time. I just wanted a better idea of useage for a couple days. Looks ugly for now, but has been a neat experiment you should try sometime.

3. If you know someone struggling with the HTML code with Blog, there are free HTML code producers, some probably better than the free one I downloaded a couple years ago to help you dissect problem areas of code. I still have a couple problems, but it has helped a lot. You type what you want, and it translates it to code. It's not fautless, but it has helped with a few problem spots.

Hope that helps!

Thankful for Little Things

Yesterday it just seemed like nothing worked out. One of those days. Nothing major, just a day of minor catosphrophies and stressed all heaped into a time frame too small for my tear ducts. I actually slept with a stuffed bear my brother got me once last night. Mr. Bear in his Navy sweater. Love it.

Today, I put on a favorite straw hat my husband got me on our first family vacation, and a dress that twirls when I spin (yes, I did), and went to hang out at my husband's office for a while, got some good news, and shopped for more OJ for Red and Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper (like four cases, of which my husband just asked me about. I am so with it today).

I have come upon something rather remarkable today. Just when I was getting insecure that I was writing more than any blogger alive, I read Shlog's blog today. I now have confidence in myself again. Not to take away from the gravity of his message, just an observation.

I have heard much to add to his experiences today. My refugee friend's husband and father went down to inspect their house again. They got in. Not much to safe. The roof collapsed. She is hoping to save her one print she's ever bought, a Thomas Kincade. I'm not sure if they did or not. They got a few pictures out. Said the stench was enough to naseate the men every few feet. I guess you've heard it all on the news. I have kids at home and haven't been able to see or hear much. One friend said, "Can you imagine just the smell of that many freezers going bad?

They were telline me all this during church supper, which I truly appreciated.

My friend and her little ones are coming tomorrow. She said she would have come back already, but she was mainly crying all day. I told her she didn't have to feel like coming, but that I wanted her to come on out anyway. Pray I will find something to say or do to give her some peace, rest, and relief.

I just tucked my own kids into bed. My youngest still thanks God for God. They all say, "And thank you God for Jesus, Amen." at the end of their "thankfuls". My daughter has decided all day to go without her top on. Disconcerting to my nine year old, but the end of summer. They all wanted their own separate books tonight, and acted like "I Love My Mommy" was going to be a complete mushy dud. Until I started.

It was about a Mother Bear and her cub. Soon as a started that one, they all got curious and wanted to see the pics. Nobody came running for LarryBoy, or to see Chicken Soup for the Soul pictures, but they wanted to see why Baby Bear went CRASSSSHHHH! Funny what captivates.

Well, there I go on the Mommy sap stuff.

Just thankful for the routine things now more than ever!

~Me

Family Celebration

The specialist spent two or three minutes saying he didn't like the angle of the first x-ray, but that he wanted to see us tomorrow long distance at his own clinic tomorrow to repeat the x-ray with his super-qualified staff there.

That meant a day of possibly not knowing again! And a day off work, AND another cranky day with us both! Ugggh. Just kill us now!

Then he says....finally (so as to draw it out and torture adequately), "...but, hey, either way, I don't see any reason we can't get this stuff out tomorrow."

Whew. Did he just say that? Huge sighs. Our questions. Still a go.

He'll wear a splint and get started on weeks of therapy as he now has no muscle mobility in that arm and little in his hand.

Apparently the first time, they basically have to manually break the tendons apart that have fused together.

So, I'm the cheaffeur tomorrow, and hopefully, not the naseated one. I've seen a lot, so I think I can handle it all. (I've never seen pins ripped out of bone, but hey, always a check mark to add to that "reasons I'll love you forever" spousal list! He went through labor with me. Surely I can suck it up.)

Praise God on high.

30 Reasons

30 Reasons I LOVE my Sister-In-Law

1. She is ALWAYS helpful and most usually super cheerful
2. She's a great listener
3. She's devoted to family
4. She loved my brother madly
5. She always shines, even when she's down
6. She has a servant's heart
7. She pitches in with my kids without my ever asking for help
8. She is determined
9. She PATIENTLY waited on my brother to decide to have a baby
10. She works out religiously
11. She inspires me
12. She seeks out mentors
13. She loves her students
14. She does a good job with everything she does
15. She survived the first few months of mothering and taught me why I felt so insane during that time
16. She has the sweetest, most gracious things to say to encouage me
17. She hand makes me cards for my birthday and colors on the envelopes
18. She makes me cool stuff to go in my stocking at Christmas
19. She hardly ever complains
20. She offered to go with me house to house to my new (and odd) neighbors to ask if they'd seen my missing cat.
21. She makes great food to take to my Moms
22. She thinks of my kids, but checks with me first to treat them to make sure it's a good time
23. She makes the kids (and me) feel special by bragging on how smart they are
24. She is devoted to the youth at her church
25. She keeps a great house, even though she works.
26. She supports my brother's inklings toward hobbies (a family thing!)
27. She works to defer to her husband's feelings and plans in public, even when she disagrees.
28. She is growing as a believer in faith, service, and as a disciple everytime I see her. Amazing.
29. She doesn't talk about everything she knows about people just for the sake of talking.
30. She is great company. We wish all the time they lived closer because we would do everything possible together.

I LOVE MY SISTER IN LAW! SHE'S ONE THE SISTER'S I NEVER HAD!

I hope she had a super-fantabulous-fantastical birthday!

On Blogging

A friend gave me some much needed advice on the whole blog thing yesterday.

Isn't it neat when people see you struggling with something they know you want to do and offer a word of encouragement at just the right time? God is neat that way in encouraging us in the "I don't know what I'm doing or why" moments.

I'll keep working at the whole blog thing and being myself without feeling like my life is a soap opera for people to tune into...some kind of spectator sport or something.

Yes, I should just have fun with it, and, you know what? I really am! I like sharing weird things, inspirational things, information -- without feeling like I'm filling friends mailboxes with things they don't need or want to read that day. You only come or read if you want to, not because I put it there and expect you to read it.

I like to write and speak what's on my mind -- whether it's a fully developed thought or not, not expecting or even necessarily asking for a response.

It's not a book. I may feel differently tomorrow than I do today! Just where I am in a given moment, on a given day. That's all. May seem petty, could be self-centered, might be too deep, or possibly seen too light, but... it's here, and, to me, it's worth talking about.

I emailed several friends yesterday to catch up and have heard from a few. I liked just being able to say, "How are you? Praying for you!" without feeling the need to catch up. It's here, and that's cool. Sometimes I think when I share here, I forget to share with my spouse, or others, assuming they know, or could if they wanted to...so remembering to keep sharing when I need to in person is taking some getting used to.

My husband finds out if he gets the pins out today--high stress day (see yesterday's post). But, I know God has it under control.

Gotta go get snacks for Red!

Balance

Well, I had a few pep talks today regarding this whole blog thing. I guess it takes a while with anything to be comfortable getting your feet wet? Anyway, I think that a lack of balance is part of my problem right now. I've been holding off on my Fall routine because I've heard MasterLife takes so much time...and that starts tomorrow night. So, I've been waiting somewhat for other things to fall around that priority. Our Sunday School classes are getting ready to "multiply", and I'm in a holding pattern with that. Other Moms are starting back to school and those friendships are on hold. I have a lot of things I want to volunteer and do, but I don't want somebody watching Red every day of the week when my priority this year is to stay home with him...but, I get bored sometimes more quickly than he does and feel like I should be doing something. Also on hold waiting on husband's arm.

I know these days fly by and I won't regret it later...but anyway. Always the struggle of trying to find balance. Today just sort of tired of all the household Mommy stuff I guess. I love it, but the everydayness gets to be monotonous. Today I took somewhat of a break after everybody's been here all weekend and feel guilty about that. "What did you do today?" Uhhhh...maintained. Sounds exciting.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have a better report.

Me

Tuesday Prayer

Ever want to blog and wish no one was around to hear? I think I felt that way today. There are so many people hitting the site now that I am not sure what to say, or what people want to hear, or why they are hear. A few of you are friends, and I know that. The others...why are they here?

I saw where one girl came from "across seas" to the site today from an "after the abortion"site. My goodness. And what did she find, if anything, when she got here? I guess it showed up on the search engine in my Profile where I volunteered at a pregnancy support center.

I want to do something to help. It's so hard to get over there. My Fall life is now in dire need of some honest scheduling. Help me Jesus! But, summer is over. Time to set some goals for Fall.
Most of us feel so tired this week from last week's needs. But, we need to keep walking, now more than ever!

Today, I just fall on my face in my trusty spot in the bathroom floor...(I hope it's fairly clean, but anyway, there is a CD player in there and a step to the tub that looks enough like an altar to me).

Lord, come fill me. Just let me know you are real and living and fresh and new today. Reveal yourself again. I can't see you and live, but if I can just get into the cloud of your glory--that awesome place where your love and mercy and grace are so real and present. I forget who I am and remember who you are. Come into this bathroom/sanctuary not at all suitable for the God of universe, but the quiet, private place and what I have for a minute.

Remind me today what I'm to be about doing.

Fill me fresh for my family and for the ministry you want me to be about. Show me what's next. I am in the winds of change, whether I like it or not. Help me hear. Show the way.

Listened to "Sing Praises" (Third Day), "Open Skies (David Crowder Band),""I Want the Joy" (Rita Springer). Sing them really loud like you don't care who's listening...no escaping.

Tonight, PTO meeting at the school. The kids will cut school to four days a week in their Christian school and be out Fridays. Parents can't afford the gas money. Will be an interesting change of scenery this year. More time in the day, and a day off for family. I'm excited.

I just want to say today for whoever in the world to hear, or nobody at all, that I love my Lord and what He does to heal, repair, restore, and work all things together for the glory of His deserving name. The Hillsong rings often in my heart, "I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, and my heart will follow, wholly after you." Help me truly follow with that whole-hearted love and devotion, Lord.

Time for Work

8AM Tuesday after a weekend holiday. The kids are gone. My dear love is back to work. Red is asleep. All is quiet again. It's been a great holiday. The kids were angels really.

My husband came and sat by me a while ago and asked me to pray for him before he went to work. I know he can't be feeling good. His arm hurts. His stomach hurts (6 wks. of antibiotics), and he feels pretty rough. He's one tough cookie and hasn't missed a day of work. But, we're not sure the x-ray showed enough calciom build-up last week for him to get the pins out Thursday after all...so he's rightfully bummed out and trying to not talk or think about it. We'll know for sure tomorrow. He's tried to take it easy and feels guilty for the knocks and bumps it's taken now. (I made the pic tiny because it's kind of graphic. Click it if you want to see it. Still makes me kind of weak to be honest and I've seen it for almost six weeks.)
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Going to go sit with the Lord for a while...see what He's thinking about for me to do today.

11:10 Took a refreshing jump into the freezing pool with the Lord. He wanted to swim, but the dive was all I could handle. Then, He wanted to fertilize the flowers, so we did that.

I read: Psalm 51 (click here to read): it's all awesome to read...but I loved: "Tune me in to foot tapping songs" The Message--E.P.).

Sounds like a plan...I'll listen to RCs new September edition today, sure to please. (I posted his picks in the sidebar--I hope to get links to iTunes with the songs for easy download).

The Message now available in personal leather size! When did that happen, the day after I bought my hardback cardboard? Man! Anyway...if you buy The Message (which I highly recommend for personal devotional reading), buy a copy with another version you like "parallel", or you will constantly be wondering how other versions read--kept me from enjoying it as much as I could have the first year I tried reading it. Also, the youth version, "Remix", offers verse numbers, which is also helpful.

Check out U2/ Bono connection to Eugene Peterson. Cool story.

Best Way to Give Relief Out There

Ragamuffin Soul reminds me of a blog I should have written already.

Not to knock any way you want to give, but if you want to see dollar for dollar, any amount you give go straight to disaster relief with NO administrative costs whatsoever...give through The Southern Baptist Convention. They have trained disaster relief volunteers who wereallowed in as one of the top three setting up a food kitchen, ready and allowed to respond from very early on last week. In order to be allowed down there, you have to be trained in disaster relief ahead of time. If you are willing and able, get that training done and paperwork in so that you can help in times of need.

Anybody feel like Jesus came by and you weren't ready? I have at times, to shelter, clothe, feed, meet practical and urgent needs. Let's give what we can and be prepared to serve.

To Donate CLICK HERE

Biking, Fruit Pizza, and Birthday Gifts

• THE RIDE

Today's bike ride went much better--got sleep, added a carb load, air in my tires, brakes fixed, cold water...ready to roll. We paced much better today. Chained slipped off on a major hill we added, and that was not fun, but got it back on in 7 secs or so. I didn't even need to use Avalon's "Oxygen" remix.

As for drama, we both just about got run over by a truckwho was backing out not EVEN looking. Trowing gravel, otherwise scaring the daylights out of both of us!

All in all, a GREAT ride, few pedestrians on the trail. 18 miles. Wow. We are sad the holiday was over. The wind was cool and sweet today.

Don't you love it when people push you when you'd rather go sit on your tail end?

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• THE FOOD

The fruit pizza was delicioso. My husband didn't get a peice, so I had to make him another tonight. Mmmm. Just look at that and let your mouth water.

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• UNUSUAL GIFT

The gifts just keep rolling in.

This older friend has to be well loved. She bought me wrinkle cream. I mean, like seriously. Not a prank.

I'd told her I'd tried a sample of and liked, for such an occassion as I should ever need one, or felt like battling the effect of UV (not TIME...good grief). But, I told her I'd never buy it for myself. She remembered this little tidbit of information from a casual conversation months ago, and I have to say, I was touched that she remembered.

You've reached a new milestone in life when you are both touched and humored when a friend buys you your favorite eye wrinkle cream for your birthday.

I know it says that on the overpriced bottle: "eye wrinkle cream".
But, it's PREVENTIVE. (I really do like the gold touches and speciality box they put it in. With the cost of the stuff, I think I could black market the gold sealed box alone.)
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• SeNTiMeNTaL GiFts

My Dad lives about an hour and a half away. He dropped by a Willow Tree figurine for my birthday--I found it out on the porch table before I went out to ride. It says on the little card: "Celebrating the bond of love between fathers and daughters."

Hear me now: If you want to make someone in your life all mushy...just buy them one of these little wood carved figurines. Does it every time! There I am in riding gloves, biking helmet and spandex crying --so much for geared up and ready to kick tail today.

Thanks, "Daddy". (Gets 'em every time).

Labor Day--Site Stats (Updated)

Monday update: Well, I was floored with the jump in traffic to the site Friday--but just saw that traffic nearly doubled by Saturday. Good grief. I guess that's just way cool! I'm not sure exactly how that is happening, or if there is eternal benefit to it yet, but the feeling is like watching the speedometer race up on a new car...not that I push it...Not often. Well, I try to fight the urge! Thanks for stopping in. ~Me
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Back to Saturday's post:
Wow--both exciting and terrifying. The site seems to grow by about 20 hits every 3 days over the last couple weeks. According to the data, some of you stay for a while, and some of you even come back.

Sometimes you worry that it's so boring noone would want to read. When you realize people ARE, it's an odd mix of joy and fear. Okay, so after I realized you were, I had to go back and edit some, I have to admit. Wow.

Anyway, I don't know who you are, or where you are, but I'm glad some of you enjoy it--makes it seem worthwhile to journal somewhere other than paper journals, or email where so few can share.

I think of you as friends and hope you have a great Labor Day weekend. This is the last hundred visits, and there are somewhere around 350 visits so far. This map leaves out a few international hits I thought were amazing. I added the translator this week for them.

Well, get off the computer and go find some joy today! Celebrate life and "make a moment." Make some sunshine with your "dot"! Light the world.

Have a great Labor Day!

Sunday after Katrina

Our service at church today was a mix of praise and just harrowing reality. It's always a challenge to know what people need in hard times.

Today, we just hit the inescapable square in the face, and I was so glad --four refugee families were with us today in worship. Would have been an insult to them to have ignored it or tried to take a break from it, I think.

We sang this song: I love it because it's meant so much to me through some of my own tough days...but, it was meaningful in a new way today.

Blessed Be Your Name (recorded by Tree 63)

Blessed be your name in the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name when I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out, I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say:

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will sayL

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

(Imagine singing this refrain...they left it out intentionally I think...I'm glad)
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Blessed be your name

Following the worship set, the drama team had set up some airplane chairs on stage for a skit about being the one to help when others ignore, have other plans, or are inconvenienced.

A mentally challenged girl came on the flight with her mother. While one family was rude and ugly and wanted them move, another man was tired and needed a nap, but read to the girl, soothed her in the recent loss of her "papa" grandfather, and let her sleep on his shoulder. It was so touching. I was finally able to cry this week, and that release was good.

Well, today, I'll make a fruit pie for a get together tonight, try to keep getting the guest room ready in case the Lord leads someone our way, and hopefully get in a good game of Frisbee tonight.

God bless you and yours. I hope you get out in the sunshine today and soak it up! You need it more than you think.

Labor Day Weekend Fun

The Trail--Beautiful
(Also "Butt-Kick Hill")

Today's early morning bike ride after not getting to sleep until 2AM nearly killed me...My riding partner is lethal, brutal, faithful, spry...a morning person. The weather was perfect, the trail under morning mist, sunlight was splattering through green waving leaves... and there I was about to fall off the bike! Whew. I made it. 12.5 miles (and a near wreck after some weirdo forced me off the trail down a gravel slope and onto a fortunate side road) . Yeah, I got a little cranky. Trail hog. Mercy. Kill a girl. Whew. Did I mention I lost my brakes momentarily? We'll be doing that safety check tomorrow, yes we will.

Finished out, went home, got me a cup of coffee, orange danish rolls, chocolate brownies for the family reunion, which I sampled, and a hot bath with bubbles up to my eyelids and water hot enough to boil potatoes.

Did you know...

...if you close your eyes and sing in the tub while jets are going, you could end up choking out on soap bubbles? It's true.

"I hide myself in Thee...I hide myself in..hkkkh....chlllkk....egggggh". (Hbbie in the shower cracking up listening. He says, "Sorry for ruining your little 'Karma' and all." Like we believe in "Karma".

I'm a Mom, I'm used to my "karma" bath moment being ruined.

Shortly after the choking on bubble episode, my 9 yr. old son runs in and laughingly announced that his and his buddy just fell into the trampoline net and it "fell down". Daddy worked like 8 eight hours lacing that net up, it costs more than the trampoline, took longer to instal, and he currently has seven external pins in his broken wrist (another story, but 1-3 more weeks before I get my "trash man" back. Some guys think it's the car, the hair, the clothes, the sparkle. Maybe for the catch...after that, the love is all about the trash my dear friends. This woman is so sick of carrying, burning, sorting, hauling, and remembering the trash. Not that it's so bad, it's just on top of the laundry and laundry, and dishes, and...well, I won't bore you.) Anyway, his karma was broken with "the net", so there you go! All's fair in...

Nevermind. Just joking.

Today was a "cap day". A day to NOT fix your hair, sweat, admire creation, and have fun. One of my favorite holidays of the year. Memorial Day is the other. Why? Long weekends, cool weather. Outdoor fun. Friends. Family. No need to plan or buy gifts. It's just "all that".

So...today I learned to throw my first Aerobe at a family reunion. Boy, was that FUN! Forget frisbee, and I LOVE frisbee. My little self could fling that thing 300 ft. or so I guess.

Which brings me to a hazhard...we were on this grassy, wooded knoll (poison ivy, an outhouse, and STEEP valleys on BOTH sides.) And, I missed just a couple times. Did I mention snakes? My poor cousin "missed my throw" bless his heart.

We starting worrying when he didn't come back after having run like madman down the hill. Quiet little fellow.

We yelled. No answer. I've got like a gazillion cousins, so I'm like, "What's his name?" So, then, we're yelling, "David?" Sort of not sure that is his name. All I knew was, 5 minutes before, he saw a baby snake, went over, stepped on it, grabbed a stick off the ground behind him, and squished it's head. Picked it up, all curled up, and threw it to the woods. This was no wimp, but we couldn't see him, and he wasn't coming back.

Finally, I went on down below the outhouse (like, nobody goes down below the outhouse if you get my meaning), and I'm seeing movement. "You okay?"

He yells, "Yeah, like a million spider webs down here and I don't see it." He's stumbling around in the poison ivy which he claims he's NOT allergic to (and I'm already broken out in for the FIFTH time this summer, staying "in the stands" for moral support.) But, IS he okay?

I think so, but he's losing patience.

Finally, he yells, "Found it!" He uses it as a machete now to get back up the hill for the vines and spider webs...it's too steep and he's tired, so he goes the long way back around and up the valley.

I lost my partner after that. Wimp.

My son humored me for a while. His goal was "ringing" the Amercian flag pole with the Aerobie. I'm glad he missed...getting it back off would have really worn my cousin David out.


Well, I'm going to bed. I got to sleep good tonight friends. My bike riding buddy wants another weekend warrior ride --even Avalon's "Oxygen" remix didn't bail me out today.

I Am A Refugee (revised 9-4)

Refugee.

Sounds like a third world thing.

"Over there...far away".

Shanties, poverty, the ill-prepared, unwarned.

Here?

I call my new friends, "refugees"?

It hurts to say the word...desperate.

Here in America...refugees. Walking right here among us, in my house. Hurting. Broken. Lost.

She says to me today, "I'm still in shock I guess, it doesn't seem real...it's just all gone...no jobs, no home. It's just gone."

Mother of three--no baby pictures? No home. No jobs. Nothing.

They've "left" many times before. False alarms -- two night stay in a hotel; home again.

Not this time.

Fourteen people in one house now. No room to play. Babies cranky. Mommies desperate. Daddies trying to hold on, trying to rescue, needing rescue.

"Refugee".

Oh, self...remember faith...the truth. Trust.

"And under His wings, you will find refuge."
"Let those who love the Lord take refuge in Him."
"He gives and He takes away...blessed be the name of the Lord."
"Does the Lord not bring both the sunshine and the rain? Will we love him for the one and distain him for the other?"
"The Lord works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His good purposes."

I believe.

Somehow.

By the grace of God...

I know His lovingkindness to well to doubt his heart for people.

And so does she--refugee. She says so, by grace, she believes.

"She?" Who am I kidding? I am as much a "refugee" as she. Not equating my position, but equally needing His refuge. His strength. His life. His breath. His heart.
Needing His refuge...I am "a refugee".

Lord Jesus, be refuge.

Be refuge!

Picture after four "homeless children" came to visit us and play yesterday. Humbling day. Have not slept well all week. "God grants sleep to those He loves." Grant sleep and rest to all these weary, Lord! Amen.

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To A New Year! (Refugees, My Chain, Words)

Well, I started out with a list of chores this morning. To be honest, the chores took so dang long I deleted the whole post. I just got mad about it and decided to dissapate it. Healthy venting.

Dissapate...there's a 25 cent word.

Speaking of good words, this interview-ee on TV a few minutes ago used the word "clairvoyant" (of which I was impressed, "none of us had the clairvoyance to prepare for Katrina adequately last week). But, he followed that with "Uh... Uh... Uh... Uh..."

I said to my husband, "Can you use a great word like "clairvoyant" and follow it with, "Uh..., uh..., uh..., uh...?" Just sort of ruins the whole effect of the word somehow.
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Anyway, so on my birthday -- I was going to be superwoman today, defying the effects of time.

However, I remembered throughout the long day that THIS superwoman has 5 people in her home with dirty underwear, socks, and everything else that goes on top of that! AND, in my desire to relieve my friends with 9 refugees in her home with possibly no home, I needed to get my laundry room looking all "organized and inviting".

I always have that desire...and it always kills me. I mean, I want the nickle plated wall hooks, and little seat with storage underneath, and the custom curtains you see in the magazines (where nobody does laundry...I know). I just want people to pass by that room and go, "Whoa, this woman has it together. Look at those neat stacks and all that organization."

Right. On top of that, I really hate to iron. I mean, no joke, I'm ironing stuff today I've had in a basket for a year! Why I allow clothing into my home that EVER needs ironing is beyond me. (Beyond, of course, my own Khakies and the occassional need for an ironed cotton white shirt. Aaa--. You just feel so relaxed in khakis and a crisp white shirt. Anything with me?)

So, only three more items and I'm done ironing (for the year). I even ironed that cantankerous collar on my husband's polo shirt he always complains about sticking up. Don't tell him, he'll make me do it again.

I don't mind ironing really...it's just he whole setup. It's a pain. It's in the way. It's heavy. Bulking and annoying to store. BUT...last week, as part of my "back to school shopping", I bought one of those hook over the door and drop down ironing boards. Now, we're talking. It fits IN my laundry room. Nobody trips over it in there. So, we'll see how my ironing percentage goes up with this addition. When in doubt, blame your tools! (Yes, James, blame the tools).

One year I "superstarched" all my khakis on "heavy" at the drycleaners to try to keep from having to iron all season...a riot...I rattled when I walked. We'd try to sneak up to the stage during the invitation to play...to be quiet was impossible! It was like, "Swish, Closh, Crunch. Swish, Closh, Crunch." In slides for shoes, add the "Plick" when the shoe hits the foot. "Swish, Closh, Cruch...Plick". To get up there quiet, I'd walk straight legged and take off my shoes!

I don't know, that whole crispy thing just did something very BAD to the whole concept of "khakis". So, we're back to relaxed and somewhat wrinkled on occassion...unless I'm really "into the day" and happen to have extra energy for ironing. Like, once every couple months.
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Well, I had a good birthday. My kids got me a gold chain to replace the one I lost on the field trip this year at the amusement park.

It was so sweet! Trouble was, I lost this one, too...in the first hour! No joke. I couldn't figure it out... had not even taken it out of the jewelry case yet and I lost it! How is that possible?

We looked everywhere. They had made a special late night trip to Wal Mart last night at like 8:30 (hubbie and ALL THREE) to buy me the thing...we WOULD find that gift before they got home. I was like Quincy, calling Grandma's to interrogate a four year old red-head...hear him saying in the background to Grandma, "I don't have time to talk to her." (cartoons blaring in the background, probably a Debbie cake in hand.)

She cajoled him.

Finally he comes on and answers, "Mom, I did NOT see it. I did NOT have it. You lost your NEW necklace? I don't know anything about your necklace, Mom."

I got so worried by lunch, I even called both other kids at the school, going through the principal...talk about drama. Nada. Nothing.

So, tonight we're all at my Mom's eating Dairy Queen ice cream cake...I'm started to feel pretty depressed about the sofa I wanted already being bought, gas prices keeping me home out of fear, looting in the Katrina Zone, etc. etc.

In between bites and conversation, I hear this little voice in the back of it all saying, "We might want to try looking under the couch when we get home." It shot out of the dark like a beam of light. I was like, "Everybody hold. Quiet. What did you just say, Red? I thought you didn't touch it."

He said, "Well, I didn't remember that I did." I think he was being honest, but ..."I don't recall..."

Ring a bell? Starts at 4 years old. He did apologize later for "lying". I think he did forget, so we took it easy on the culprit.
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I'LL never forget getting the necklace from three excited kids, or "The Great Interrogation." I'll never forget all this other stuff that makes life "life" for us while we're looking for something else.
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Hubbie remembered my Mother's Charm that could go on it-- the perfect match. What a man! Can he shop or what?
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I hope the refugees bring their little ones to come swim tomorrow!

I finally got all the leaves out of the pool from the storm winds (finally). Supersanitized it for six children under the age of 5. (You figure that out).

I need to work on my gift of hospitality. For example, right now, I'm thinking, "Dadblame it, you'd better come, I spent all day getting leaves out of that pool. We are going to get away from CNN and have FUN and RELAX whether you WANT to our not! EAT MY ICECREAM...ENJOY YOURSELF"

I'll wake up with a smile ready to greet the world and woo the refugees to a strangers house... I hope!

To a new year!!!

Zonked

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm just emotionally zonked with all the tragedy. I trust the Lord, and I know He is faithful, helper, true...but today, just the sheer enormity of it all is hitting me as I'm sure it has many of you. I can't celebrate...can't do anything but prepare to help. I'm tired.

Keep walking-- keep praying.

Look for my birthday photo commemoration for 2005. A spectacular year.

Me

Satellite Photo Post-Katrina/People Locator

Water or Grass? (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov) Best Satellite Image I've Found to Help Friends ID House

Just hang in there, everybody. My heart and prayers goes out for you.

So burdened today we are doing less else but just preparing to help however we can.

Take Special Care,
Me

Call Texas Department of Health to receive up to $700 in food stamps immediately.

Any family who is housing and helping people who evacuated can receive financial help from FEMA by calling 800-621-3362.

WalMart update. Anyone who was working for WalMart can be hired at another store immediately and receive up-front money to buy food, etc. Call 800-236-2875 for information.

Go to Walmart.com and search for information and publish requests for information on victims.
Go to samsclub.com and search for information and publish requests for information on victims.
Go to nowpublic.com and search for information and publish requests for information on victims.