As you know, we have had extended company for quite some time. The Roofers.
They have been here since before the cold and wind of winter came and settled in.
To be honest, I do believe it has to be the longest roofing project in roofing project history :)
I truly thank God it has been. It was part of His plan.
A little history:
Our house was built in 1852. We have the original Abstract from when the United States Government gave the property on which our house was built to the very first owner in 1841. That gentleman then sold the property to the next owner, for $50.00, this owner, a Lumber Barron, built our home in 1852.
We have all the paperwork; Abrstracts, Deeds of Sale, Wills, and Titles for our home. Despite its age, it has actually had very few owners. One family owned it for a few generations. Another family lived and raised their family in it for nearly 40 years. It has been loved, well-maintained and cared for.
The house has had updates and renovations, but nothing that has torn up the home; like you often see in the older houses. It has had electricity and plumbing put in :). Has new windows but in the original frames, is amazingly insulated and a good solid house.
The house is 4 levels. It has a full basement, 1st floor, second floor where the bedrooms are and a 4th floor unfinished (except one room that was the maid's quarters). The house is heated with large radiators by a new "mini" boiler/hot water heater combo. (If you have seen some of the old boiler systems you will understand, ours has been updated from that). Our house, despite its age, was built to be and should be very energy efficient.
This brings me to my point.
We received a gas bill for this month of over $900.00. Yes, that is right. That is not electricity, which is what most of our home is run off of. We only use gas for the dryer and to light the boiler when it needs to kick on to heat the water to heat the home. Those of you that know and love me, know I am NOT using $900.00 worth of dryer time. The ignition in the boiler doesn't kick on very often because the house is pretty good about maintaining its temperature, but with the extreme cold weather and the kids being home and in and out of the house it has been doing extra duty, but not something that would justify that amount.
The roofers have nearly finished their job. They sealed up the main roof on Tuesday and packed up their gear to set out the cold spell we are in. They only have the porch to do now. On Tuesday, I had a terrible headache. I was feeling rather dizzy and light-headed. I have felt this way on and off all winter. Last week I had a headache I would have gladly chopped my head off for to get rid of.
Yesterday, when Dave told me about the gas bill, after I picked myself up off the floor, I told him he needed to call the gas company to make sure it was correct. He did. He called me back and told me they had told him we have the highest amount of gas usage for a residential property they have seen. He then told me I needed to turn something off. I don't have anything to turn off!! I explained that this did not make any sense. I mentioned my headaches and told him that people that have come into the house amidst the smell of gingerbread, cinnamon, vanilla and other assorted spices they have told me they smell gas. When my dad was here back in September he told me he smelled gas. He thought it was coming in thru a drain in the basement. Every time I heard this I got a few more air fresheners and candles, put a doily on it and called it good. All old houses have "their" smell. I guess my houses smell is similar to gas.
Well, in light of the bill, headaches, smell of gas, I told Dave we needed to have the gas company come and check for a leak.
When the man arrived, he walked in the front door and his little gas thingy midigy just about exploded from activity. His first words "there is a gas leak in this house and not a small one". By the time he got to the staircase to go down to the basement his gas thingy was rockin and rollin. He went over to the boiler and showed me the thingy's reading was 70%. The boiler was leaking gas big time. He immediately shut the gas off.
He was amazed that the house had not exploded. Asked me how I could be standing this. I told him about the headaches and that I thought they were from the roofers banging on the roof all day. "Roofers?" Yes, we have had roofers here all winter. "They have had the roof opened up?" Yes, bats have been flying in, snow has melted in our hallway, rain has came thru our light fixtures and ceiling, yes, they have had the roof opened up.
"It has saved your life".
He explained to me the process of the gas rising and, because the roof has been open, it has had a way to get out of the house. The boiler hadn't started to "pour" out gas until the weather turned real cold and the boiler needed to kick in more often (about the time the roofers started the roof in November). With the roofers closing the house up on Tuesday and the fridgid temperatures the house would have exploded at anytime. If they had not been working on the roof; it already would have.
God had whispered in my ear to explore everything further. I thank him and praise him that I listened.
Our gas was turned off. The boiler man was called yesterday, and of course, it is the main part of our boiler and the parts had to be ordered and overnighted. We didn't have any heat last night or today, and right now it is 22 below out. We are cold but we are alive. They are working on the boiler as I write this and hopefully will have everything up and running in a few hours.
Again. We are cold. We are alive. I couldn't be more grateful.
Angels............they came as Roofers.
Showing posts with label Gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gratitude. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
It's Cold and Cozy
20 below actual temperature. (35 below windchill).
School has been canceled. We're drinking warmness.
Puppies are both cuddled in my work chair with me.
Gregory is wrapped in a fuzzy blanket at my side.
Quite cozy. God is good.
School has been canceled. We're drinking warmness.
Puppies are both cuddled in my work chair with me.
Gregory is wrapped in a fuzzy blanket at my side.
Quite cozy. God is good.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Crock-Pot-Club
I have become somewhat of a Crock-Pot connoisseur (a person of informed and discriminating taste). Some are connoisseurs of wine............me of Crock-Pots.
I own 7 Crock-Pots. Let me explain. This has happened by accident.
When I got married to Jay........we had 4 showers. One was even a kitchen shower. I received what seemed like "everything". What is one thing I didn't receive. You guessed it, a Crock-Pot. For several Christmases one thing I asked for and did not receive.........a Crock-Pot. I felt like I was destined to be without one forever.
I heard all these wonderful stories about Crock-Pots. How people could get up before work, put everything in and like magic...........when they arrived home from work that evening dinner had prepared itself in the Crock-Pot! I had dreams of coming home to roasts, ribs, soups, chili,.....I heard you could even make brownies in one! Oh how I wanted to be part of the Crock-Pot Club.
Finally, after about my 4th year of having it on my "Christmas Wish List" upon opening my gifts I knew this was it. This was the year. I opened what looked like a book from a friend of the family, dear, dear Sally. She was Grandma Teddy's friend. She always got us "a little something" for Christmas. Never big and dramatic, but always something small and from the heart. Upon opening her gift I knew it was a book. As I tore away the wrapping paper I could see the cover. In big GIGANTIC letters on the cover "The Crock-Pot Cookbook".
YEAH, YIPPEE!!!! I have never been so excited. Sally was beside herself. She had really scored that year. She could tell how much I absolutely loved her gift. I danced around holding my book, smiling from ear to ear. Little did she know, not only did I love her book, I loved the Crock-Pot I knew MUST be in one of the other wrapped packages. Why would I get a Crock-Pot cookbook if someone didn't get me a Crock-Pot? I set off anxiously gathering my other wrapped packages. Sizing them all up. Which one could it be? Well, they must have wrapped it in another box because all of these were not the size of a Crock-Pot. Perhaps they have it hidden in the back room. They are going to bring it out as the last gift to really "surprise" me. I opened all my gifts. None were a Crock-Pot. I was not deflated. I knew how people liked to pull pranks on me and my Christmas gifts. I knew they were being sneaky. I sat there holding my book.....waiting......Nancy got up to go to the kitchen to get everyone some snacks. Snacks, right, I know what she is up to. She is going to make a grand entrance with my Crock-Pot. I will play along. "Nancy, do you need any help? Would you like me to help you get those "snacks"? (he-he). "No thank you". O.K., I'll just sit right here then. Right here on the couch waiting for the "snacks".
Out came the snacks.
Hours went by and they didn't make the grand entrance with my Crock-Pot. How could this be? Where was it??
As Sally was getting ready to leave to go home she came up to me to give me my goodbye hug and kiss and said warmly "I hope you enjoy your cookbook dear. With your busy work schedules I thought maybe you could use some new recipes for your Crock-Pot so you have something different to try". What?!? The words came flying out of my mouth, "Sally, I don't have a Crock-Pot". What?!? All heads turned. Grandma Teddy's, Sally's, Aunt Vicki and Nancy. In unison "You don't have a Crock-Pot!". Exactly!!! Did nobody read my list!! For the last 4 years!!! I don't have a Crock-Pot!!!!
I got my first Crock-Pot three months later for my birthday from Nancy. At Christmas I got a small Crock-Pot from Sally. That same Christmas I got a slow-cooker (it's a little different than a Crock-Pot) from Grandma Teddy. That same Christmas at a Christmas party I won a little tiny Crock-Pot.
I was a member of the Crock-Pot Club!! What a member in good standing I was. I was cooking everything in those Crock-Pots. Some days I would have three going! There was nothing like coming home after a long hard day at work. After a day of running and being frazzled; to the warm, welcoming smell of dinner cooking. Crocks of delicious soups, chili, roasts, ribs. Sharing dishes with friends that were kept warm and served out of them. Just like I had dreamed.
Fast forward many years (12). I remember in 2000. I was newly divorced. I had went to the laundromat with Kyle, Justin and Gregory. It was the day after New Years Day. It was about 21 below out. While I was getting the kids settled and transporting my laundry from the car into the laundromat I handed Kyle the soap and asked him to go put it in the car. He came back in "Where's the car Mom". "Right outside the door". "No, it isn't". "Kyle". I walked to the door. The car was not there. It had been stolen. I was at the laundromat with 3 young children (1 a little baby) and piles of laundry. The laundry baskets had been put in the car. This was my only form of transportation. I had no idea what I was going to do. After calling the police and the police officer going to the store to purchase some garbage bags to put my laundry in, helping me put the laundry in the garbage bags and helping me load up the kids and laundry in his police car to drive me home, I arrived home. As I walked into the house, my mind spinning of what just happened and what I was going to do, all I remember was the smell of ribs cooking in the Crock-Pot. Dinner I had put in before we had left for the laundromat. The warm, welcoming smell. The smell of safety, comfort. The Crock-Pot sitting there on the counter. The symbol of those that loved me and cared about me. Things were going to be O.K.
Fast forward 9 years to today. I have all my original Crock-Pots and have acquired some new. When I married Dave, he had one. I have won another (that is shaped like a football) and purchased one last fall. It was a new design. The crock comes out of the heating element (that is how old mine are) to put in the fridge and it also has handles that lock on the sides for easy transport to potlucks, etc. It is also extra-large capacity. It is the new "fancy" model.
I still like how my older ones heat up and cook better, but the new one sure is purtey!
I had a very busy weekend. We had a a wrestling invitational meet here in New Richmond. The Wrestling Club, which we are in, sponsored the event. For those of you not familiar; an invitational is where your school invites many other schools and hosts the event. Your school takes care of getting the mats out, the gym set up, custodial service, programs, providing water to the teams, coaches, refs, and concessions for everyone. The day begins at 7:00 a.m. and goes until about 10:00 p.m.. There were 8 other schools participating. I was part of concessions. We had to make, provide and prepare all concession items, set everything up, work the concessions and tear everything down.
I made 2 gallons of chili, brownies and brought 2 extra large coolers I use for weddings for the pop and ice, and, of course, provided Crock-Pots.
There they were. All of them lined up on the floor in the backseat. For some, this was their first trip to a pot-luck. For others, they have been doing it since 1988. The new fancy model was all loaded up with chili (remember, large capacity). The others, were empty, for now.
We arrived at the school and off they were whisked to the kitchen. Nancy was filled up with cheese for the nachos. Grandma Teddy was filled up with taco meat for the Walking Tacos, Dave was filled up with hot dogs, and Sally was filled with broccoli for the loaded baked potatoes.
Hundreds of adults and children passed by me and my crocks full of fixin's. I was busy, scooping, stirring, refilling........all day long. At the end of day, my back hurt, my hands were sore, my feet ached. We were finished. We had had a very successful day.
The school was cleaned out. Most everyone had gone home. I walked back to the kitchen where everything had been taken to get cleaned up to get my items to put in the car and go home. As I walked in the door, in the quiet of the still school that had been so full of laughter, whistles, activity all day long, I was beyond tired. I looked up and there on the counter. There they sat. Sparkling from being freshly cleaned and ready to go home. Nancy, Dave, Grandma Teddy and Sally. A smile crept across my face and a warmth filled my heart. I gathered them and put them in the car.
Sally has been gone for many, many, years. Grandma Teddy has been in a nursing home for nearly 10 years now with alzheimers. Nancy was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and continues her battle.
As I brought the crocks home and put them on their shelf. Sally's right next to my worn and ever so loved "Crock-Pot Cookbook" I took pause. I smiled and I looked up. I simply said "Thank You".
The Crock-Pots had contributed to yet another fun and laughter filled day. Provided their warmth, comfort and sharing. Just like the women who had provided them to me. Just like the lives they lived and represented. Just like the many other Grandmas, Mothers and women who have lovingly prepared in and served out of crocks just like them.
I couldn't be more honored to be a member of the Crock-Pot Club!
I own 7 Crock-Pots. Let me explain. This has happened by accident.
When I got married to Jay........we had 4 showers. One was even a kitchen shower. I received what seemed like "everything". What is one thing I didn't receive. You guessed it, a Crock-Pot. For several Christmases one thing I asked for and did not receive.........a Crock-Pot. I felt like I was destined to be without one forever.
I heard all these wonderful stories about Crock-Pots. How people could get up before work, put everything in and like magic...........when they arrived home from work that evening dinner had prepared itself in the Crock-Pot! I had dreams of coming home to roasts, ribs, soups, chili,.....I heard you could even make brownies in one! Oh how I wanted to be part of the Crock-Pot Club.
Finally, after about my 4th year of having it on my "Christmas Wish List" upon opening my gifts I knew this was it. This was the year. I opened what looked like a book from a friend of the family, dear, dear Sally. She was Grandma Teddy's friend. She always got us "a little something" for Christmas. Never big and dramatic, but always something small and from the heart. Upon opening her gift I knew it was a book. As I tore away the wrapping paper I could see the cover. In big GIGANTIC letters on the cover "The Crock-Pot Cookbook".
YEAH, YIPPEE!!!! I have never been so excited. Sally was beside herself. She had really scored that year. She could tell how much I absolutely loved her gift. I danced around holding my book, smiling from ear to ear. Little did she know, not only did I love her book, I loved the Crock-Pot I knew MUST be in one of the other wrapped packages. Why would I get a Crock-Pot cookbook if someone didn't get me a Crock-Pot? I set off anxiously gathering my other wrapped packages. Sizing them all up. Which one could it be? Well, they must have wrapped it in another box because all of these were not the size of a Crock-Pot. Perhaps they have it hidden in the back room. They are going to bring it out as the last gift to really "surprise" me. I opened all my gifts. None were a Crock-Pot. I was not deflated. I knew how people liked to pull pranks on me and my Christmas gifts. I knew they were being sneaky. I sat there holding my book.....waiting......Nancy got up to go to the kitchen to get everyone some snacks. Snacks, right, I know what she is up to. She is going to make a grand entrance with my Crock-Pot. I will play along. "Nancy, do you need any help? Would you like me to help you get those "snacks"? (he-he). "No thank you". O.K., I'll just sit right here then. Right here on the couch waiting for the "snacks".
Out came the snacks.
Hours went by and they didn't make the grand entrance with my Crock-Pot. How could this be? Where was it??
As Sally was getting ready to leave to go home she came up to me to give me my goodbye hug and kiss and said warmly "I hope you enjoy your cookbook dear. With your busy work schedules I thought maybe you could use some new recipes for your Crock-Pot so you have something different to try". What?!? The words came flying out of my mouth, "Sally, I don't have a Crock-Pot". What?!? All heads turned. Grandma Teddy's, Sally's, Aunt Vicki and Nancy. In unison "You don't have a Crock-Pot!". Exactly!!! Did nobody read my list!! For the last 4 years!!! I don't have a Crock-Pot!!!!
I got my first Crock-Pot three months later for my birthday from Nancy. At Christmas I got a small Crock-Pot from Sally. That same Christmas I got a slow-cooker (it's a little different than a Crock-Pot) from Grandma Teddy. That same Christmas at a Christmas party I won a little tiny Crock-Pot.
I was a member of the Crock-Pot Club!! What a member in good standing I was. I was cooking everything in those Crock-Pots. Some days I would have three going! There was nothing like coming home after a long hard day at work. After a day of running and being frazzled; to the warm, welcoming smell of dinner cooking. Crocks of delicious soups, chili, roasts, ribs. Sharing dishes with friends that were kept warm and served out of them. Just like I had dreamed.
Fast forward many years (12). I remember in 2000. I was newly divorced. I had went to the laundromat with Kyle, Justin and Gregory. It was the day after New Years Day. It was about 21 below out. While I was getting the kids settled and transporting my laundry from the car into the laundromat I handed Kyle the soap and asked him to go put it in the car. He came back in "Where's the car Mom". "Right outside the door". "No, it isn't". "Kyle". I walked to the door. The car was not there. It had been stolen. I was at the laundromat with 3 young children (1 a little baby) and piles of laundry. The laundry baskets had been put in the car. This was my only form of transportation. I had no idea what I was going to do. After calling the police and the police officer going to the store to purchase some garbage bags to put my laundry in, helping me put the laundry in the garbage bags and helping me load up the kids and laundry in his police car to drive me home, I arrived home. As I walked into the house, my mind spinning of what just happened and what I was going to do, all I remember was the smell of ribs cooking in the Crock-Pot. Dinner I had put in before we had left for the laundromat. The warm, welcoming smell. The smell of safety, comfort. The Crock-Pot sitting there on the counter. The symbol of those that loved me and cared about me. Things were going to be O.K.
Fast forward 9 years to today. I have all my original Crock-Pots and have acquired some new. When I married Dave, he had one. I have won another (that is shaped like a football) and purchased one last fall. It was a new design. The crock comes out of the heating element (that is how old mine are) to put in the fridge and it also has handles that lock on the sides for easy transport to potlucks, etc. It is also extra-large capacity. It is the new "fancy" model.
I still like how my older ones heat up and cook better, but the new one sure is purtey!
I had a very busy weekend. We had a a wrestling invitational meet here in New Richmond. The Wrestling Club, which we are in, sponsored the event. For those of you not familiar; an invitational is where your school invites many other schools and hosts the event. Your school takes care of getting the mats out, the gym set up, custodial service, programs, providing water to the teams, coaches, refs, and concessions for everyone. The day begins at 7:00 a.m. and goes until about 10:00 p.m.. There were 8 other schools participating. I was part of concessions. We had to make, provide and prepare all concession items, set everything up, work the concessions and tear everything down.
I made 2 gallons of chili, brownies and brought 2 extra large coolers I use for weddings for the pop and ice, and, of course, provided Crock-Pots.
There they were. All of them lined up on the floor in the backseat. For some, this was their first trip to a pot-luck. For others, they have been doing it since 1988. The new fancy model was all loaded up with chili (remember, large capacity). The others, were empty, for now.
We arrived at the school and off they were whisked to the kitchen. Nancy was filled up with cheese for the nachos. Grandma Teddy was filled up with taco meat for the Walking Tacos, Dave was filled up with hot dogs, and Sally was filled with broccoli for the loaded baked potatoes.
Hundreds of adults and children passed by me and my crocks full of fixin's. I was busy, scooping, stirring, refilling........all day long. At the end of day, my back hurt, my hands were sore, my feet ached. We were finished. We had had a very successful day.
The school was cleaned out. Most everyone had gone home. I walked back to the kitchen where everything had been taken to get cleaned up to get my items to put in the car and go home. As I walked in the door, in the quiet of the still school that had been so full of laughter, whistles, activity all day long, I was beyond tired. I looked up and there on the counter. There they sat. Sparkling from being freshly cleaned and ready to go home. Nancy, Dave, Grandma Teddy and Sally. A smile crept across my face and a warmth filled my heart. I gathered them and put them in the car.
Sally has been gone for many, many, years. Grandma Teddy has been in a nursing home for nearly 10 years now with alzheimers. Nancy was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and continues her battle.
As I brought the crocks home and put them on their shelf. Sally's right next to my worn and ever so loved "Crock-Pot Cookbook" I took pause. I smiled and I looked up. I simply said "Thank You".
The Crock-Pots had contributed to yet another fun and laughter filled day. Provided their warmth, comfort and sharing. Just like the women who had provided them to me. Just like the lives they lived and represented. Just like the many other Grandmas, Mothers and women who have lovingly prepared in and served out of crocks just like them.
I couldn't be more honored to be a member of the Crock-Pot Club!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Not Quite Right
If you have checked in to the blog today at all, you have seen many changes.
There have been polka-dots, checks, stripes, black backgrounds, brown backgrounds, pastel backgrounds, red font, black font, green font, photos of kids, snow, trees on a hill, trees by the river, wiener dogs.
Changes, changes, changes.
It has had the feeling like I am at a wedding today. Fussing and flouncing with head tables, guest book tables, chair covers, linens, draping, placecards, flower arrangements. I have been taking a stem of freesia out and readjusting with a rose. Tilting the orchid to left....to the right...to the left again.
I am enough to drive myself crazy!
Dave always tells me I will make changes right up until that first guest walks in the door (and I argue with him; no, no, no). Even then, as I walk to the entrance to greet them, I find myself bending over to straighten that one wick of a candle (you know the one) that is a little crooked so the flame doesn't burn too much to left or the right. Good grief.
As I was sitting here today fussing and flouncing with my fonts, photos, backgrounds........, I just had to laugh, and even tho' Dave wasn't here.........I could hear him......and Kris and Kathy, and Kim and Bobbie and .........
The guests are arriving now, I have to go straighten that one undotted "i" and move along.
But I will back!!
.............and these people have the nerve to call ME a perfectionist!
(Thank you each and every one for putting up with me. I love you for it!)
There have been polka-dots, checks, stripes, black backgrounds, brown backgrounds, pastel backgrounds, red font, black font, green font, photos of kids, snow, trees on a hill, trees by the river, wiener dogs.
Changes, changes, changes.
It has had the feeling like I am at a wedding today. Fussing and flouncing with head tables, guest book tables, chair covers, linens, draping, placecards, flower arrangements. I have been taking a stem of freesia out and readjusting with a rose. Tilting the orchid to left....to the right...to the left again.
I am enough to drive myself crazy!
Dave always tells me I will make changes right up until that first guest walks in the door (and I argue with him; no, no, no). Even then, as I walk to the entrance to greet them, I find myself bending over to straighten that one wick of a candle (you know the one) that is a little crooked so the flame doesn't burn too much to left or the right. Good grief.
As I was sitting here today fussing and flouncing with my fonts, photos, backgrounds........, I just had to laugh, and even tho' Dave wasn't here.........I could hear him......and Kris and Kathy, and Kim and Bobbie and .........
The guests are arriving now, I have to go straighten that one undotted "i" and move along.
But I will back!!
.............and these people have the nerve to call ME a perfectionist!
(Thank you each and every one for putting up with me. I love you for it!)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back On The Wheel..........and Grateful!
Yesterday was a very busy day. It was back to school, back to work, back to sports.....back to life on the wheel!
Up at 5:00 a.m. getting everyone in their showers. Get Gregory his breakfast and ready to catch the bus. In the car before sunrise for the 1 hour one way drive to Fridley to get Kyle and Justin to school. Dropping snowboards off at Jay's and getting everyone where they need to be. Talking to 10 different wedding vendors and 3 brides on my journey back from Fridley to New Richmond. This was all by 8:30 in the morning.
Holiday vacation is officially over. It makes me sad.
I love having the boys home. Enjoying their company, listening to their stories, spending the day with them. I love not having to run everywhere, do everything, please and organize everybody. I love holiday vacation.
It made me sad on Sunday evening knowing it was coming to an end. I even checked all the school calendars (the second time I had done this) just to make sure it was tomorrow they went back. That I hadn't read it wrong and they really didn't have to be back until Tuesday or Wednesday.
I know some parents look forward to the "going back to school". It gives them some "alone" time. Gives them a "break". I have never been like that. I figure when my kids are grown and gone I will have too much alone time and will be wishing for their company. Wishing for all the chaos and disorder we have now. If I miss it now, when I am in the thick of things, I cannot imagine how I will miss it then.
I had a very productive day yesterday. Was planning 4 different weddings and filled each one with lots of fun and creative ideas. I can see a big item this year in our weddings is going to be cupcakes. Two of them I was working on yesterday involve cupcakes. I got invitations ordered, save-the-dates ordered, maps and direction cards designed and ordered. Spent time getting schedules straight with Justin and Kyle for snowboarding and wrestling tournaments this week and weekend. We brought Gregory to wrestling practice last night and watched him learn more new moves that he will attempt to incorporate into his first tournament in a couple of weeks. Planned our time schedules and preparation of food donations for a New Richmond Wrestling Tournament this weekend.
It was a very busy day. It was full and I went to bed tired. As I lay in bed I still felt like something was missing. I missed just "hanging out" with the kids all day. Why do we have schedules, why do they have to go to school, why do we have to work?
(Isn't the pouting and self-pity just plain pitiful?!)
This morning as I got on the computer to check emails, send emails, and post about the busy day yesterday and my "pouting" of having to be "back on the wheel", thru a series of different channels I ended up on someone's blog. I had never been there before, and not exactly sure how I found myself there this morning. It contained the most heart-wrenching words I have ever read. It is a story about a couple that have 3 daughters and they were pregnant with their 4th. 20 weeks into the pregnancy they found out the daughter she was carrying, Audrey Caroline, was not going to live. The mother's words take you thru their story, the pregnancy, the birth of Audrey, the death of Audrey. The strength, courage, and above all ~faith and love of God that is displayed is earth-moving.
Before I could even get to my blog to Post about my "saddness" for not being able to spend every waking minute with my kids "hanging out" and my complaints about all the other "stuff" we have to do.........God stopped me in my tracks. He soon had me on my knees repenting, praying and giving thanks for any and all time I have with my children. Thanking Him for the time spent getting them ready in the morning, the time spent with them in the car going to Fridley, the time spent figuring out schedules, watching new wrestling moves. Every single moment. Thanking Him for their ability to participate in activities, for my ability to work, for the priviledge of them going to school and ability to learn. Thanking Him for each and every moment I have with them, however that is spent and however short it may seem.
God has a way of speaking to us and this morning he was very loud and clear to me.
As I lay in bed tonight feeling tired from the days busy activities instead of feeling cheated by the busyness of the day, I will be thanking Him for it. Instead of complaining about the lack of one on one time with the kids, I will be thanking Him for any and all time with the kids or about the kids.
I am back on the wheel and happy and grateful to be so. This is His plan for us.
(If you care to check out the blog it is: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/11/seven-prayers-day.html)
Up at 5:00 a.m. getting everyone in their showers. Get Gregory his breakfast and ready to catch the bus. In the car before sunrise for the 1 hour one way drive to Fridley to get Kyle and Justin to school. Dropping snowboards off at Jay's and getting everyone where they need to be. Talking to 10 different wedding vendors and 3 brides on my journey back from Fridley to New Richmond. This was all by 8:30 in the morning.
Holiday vacation is officially over. It makes me sad.
I love having the boys home. Enjoying their company, listening to their stories, spending the day with them. I love not having to run everywhere, do everything, please and organize everybody. I love holiday vacation.
It made me sad on Sunday evening knowing it was coming to an end. I even checked all the school calendars (the second time I had done this) just to make sure it was tomorrow they went back. That I hadn't read it wrong and they really didn't have to be back until Tuesday or Wednesday.
I know some parents look forward to the "going back to school". It gives them some "alone" time. Gives them a "break". I have never been like that. I figure when my kids are grown and gone I will have too much alone time and will be wishing for their company. Wishing for all the chaos and disorder we have now. If I miss it now, when I am in the thick of things, I cannot imagine how I will miss it then.
I had a very productive day yesterday. Was planning 4 different weddings and filled each one with lots of fun and creative ideas. I can see a big item this year in our weddings is going to be cupcakes. Two of them I was working on yesterday involve cupcakes. I got invitations ordered, save-the-dates ordered, maps and direction cards designed and ordered. Spent time getting schedules straight with Justin and Kyle for snowboarding and wrestling tournaments this week and weekend. We brought Gregory to wrestling practice last night and watched him learn more new moves that he will attempt to incorporate into his first tournament in a couple of weeks. Planned our time schedules and preparation of food donations for a New Richmond Wrestling Tournament this weekend.
It was a very busy day. It was full and I went to bed tired. As I lay in bed I still felt like something was missing. I missed just "hanging out" with the kids all day. Why do we have schedules, why do they have to go to school, why do we have to work?
(Isn't the pouting and self-pity just plain pitiful?!)
This morning as I got on the computer to check emails, send emails, and post about the busy day yesterday and my "pouting" of having to be "back on the wheel", thru a series of different channels I ended up on someone's blog. I had never been there before, and not exactly sure how I found myself there this morning. It contained the most heart-wrenching words I have ever read. It is a story about a couple that have 3 daughters and they were pregnant with their 4th. 20 weeks into the pregnancy they found out the daughter she was carrying, Audrey Caroline, was not going to live. The mother's words take you thru their story, the pregnancy, the birth of Audrey, the death of Audrey. The strength, courage, and above all ~faith and love of God that is displayed is earth-moving.
Before I could even get to my blog to Post about my "saddness" for not being able to spend every waking minute with my kids "hanging out" and my complaints about all the other "stuff" we have to do.........God stopped me in my tracks. He soon had me on my knees repenting, praying and giving thanks for any and all time I have with my children. Thanking Him for the time spent getting them ready in the morning, the time spent with them in the car going to Fridley, the time spent figuring out schedules, watching new wrestling moves. Every single moment. Thanking Him for their ability to participate in activities, for my ability to work, for the priviledge of them going to school and ability to learn. Thanking Him for each and every moment I have with them, however that is spent and however short it may seem.
God has a way of speaking to us and this morning he was very loud and clear to me.
As I lay in bed tonight feeling tired from the days busy activities instead of feeling cheated by the busyness of the day, I will be thanking Him for it. Instead of complaining about the lack of one on one time with the kids, I will be thanking Him for any and all time with the kids or about the kids.
I am back on the wheel and happy and grateful to be so. This is His plan for us.
(If you care to check out the blog it is: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/11/seven-prayers-day.html)
Friday, December 5, 2008
A Piece of Sunshine
I am here in Wisconsin, where it is wintertime......this week the weather has been cold and windy, the skies gray and yesterday we had snow falling throughout the day. Last night it was 7 degrees with a windchill of about -15. Besides all of this........I have the flu.
I receive a phone call from Bobbie in Florida. "It is beautiful......the sun is shining, I've been to the beach, blah..blah...blah.....oh, wait,....AND we have been out picking fresh grapefruit!"
"I don't want to hear about your sunshine, your beach AND unless you plan on putting some of that grapefruit in a box and sending it to me..........I don't want to talk about that either."
Guess what arrived in yesterday's mail from Florida:
It truly is the best grapefuit I have ever had, for so many different reasons.
I love the people I have in my life. Sassy and loving at the same time!
Thank you for my piece of sunshine!
I receive a phone call from Bobbie in Florida. "It is beautiful......the sun is shining, I've been to the beach, blah..blah...blah.....oh, wait,....AND we have been out picking fresh grapefruit!"
"I don't want to hear about your sunshine, your beach AND unless you plan on putting some of that grapefruit in a box and sending it to me..........I don't want to talk about that either."
Guess what arrived in yesterday's mail from Florida:
It truly is the best grapefuit I have ever had, for so many different reasons.
I love the people I have in my life. Sassy and loving at the same time!
Thank you for my piece of sunshine!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thanksgiving Upon Us
As always, and it seems with every year I say it sooner than the last; it is hard to believe Thanksgiving is upon us.
Every day life is always so busy and hectic it is often that we don't really take the time to really reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. I find Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.
The year goes by so fast. In the business I am in, the wedding and event planning business, I am often planning and thinking two years ahead of the present. It really does make the current year quite a blur.
As I know it has been a difficult year in the world we live in; and believe me, our family is not without its struggles, we do have so much to be thankful for and truly are blessed.
This year we have been blessed with healthy newborn babies in our family of relatives and friends and we have been blessed with healthy growing toddlers. Learning new things and discovering the world around them every day. Our own children are growing taller, stronger, wiser and coming into their own more every day. It truly is a blessing to watch them challenge themselves and make us proud with every passing day.
We are blessed with our own good health, happiness and strength to overcome the challenges we all face on a daily basis.
We experienced much sorrow this year, in the unexpected death of Dave's brother Ron. We are thankful and forever grateful to all of those that paid their respects and shared the joy, love, memories and experiences they shared with Ron in his journey thru life. It is amazing and something not to be forgotten, how one person can touch many people, of all different ages and walks of life, each in a different way. It doesn't take much; it can be as small as a smile, hello or a laugh. People don't forget it and we were reminded of this with Ron's passing. Let those you love be themselves and enjoy and love them for who they are. Be thankful for their individuality and embrace it. We were shown life is too short, live it to the fullest. If we all really took this to heart, how full and rich our lives would be.
In my career I have been blessed with many amazing, special and heart-touching weddings this year. The couples I have worked with and their families have all touched my life and I take something with me from every one of their friendships and acts of kindness and love that I have shared with them. There really is no greater blessing to me than the honor of sharing the beginning of their life journey together and watching families and friends come together in fellowship, joy and love.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to share these weddings and events with an amazing team. I cannot thank everyone enough that has assisted, for their creativity, hard work, dedication, attention to detail, and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the events everything the couple wanted and more.
I have shown my appreciation to everyone in a different way. A few of them I invited on an "Enchanted Evening". A getaway to a Bed & Breakfast in southern Minnesota; the Berwood Hill Inn. We had such a wonderful time. The Bed & Breakfast was amazing, the food delicious and the company fun and exciting. Thank you again; Kathy, Loran, Kris, John, Stephanie, Josh, Sarah, Andy and Dave for a wonderful weekend getaway!
I have posted a video of the "Enchanted Evening" for those of you that wish to view it.
I also wish to thank Bobbie, Kyle, Shannon, Kim, Kimberly, John, Kristine, Andrea, Amanda, Katie, Choua, Xeena, Emily, Kaitee, Fhoua, Natallia, Cherie and Karen for all of your assistance, hard work, dedication and everything you do to help make these events possible. I also want to say a special thank you to Pete and let him know that he is in our thoughts and prayers as he faces his health struggles.
I am blessed with a wonderful husband. We are very thankful that despite the economy, and unlike many in the industry we are in, has maintained his employment. I am thankful for all the guidance, assistance and hard work he provides to me and my business throughout the year. His creativity and knowledge are vast and these events would not be the same without him.
I am thankful for all of you, my family and friends. For your laughter, wisdom, communication and for sharing your lives with us.
I am thankful for our forever barking, forever in mischief (Theodore), lovable, playful, forgiving, fun and forever loyal wiener dogs. My days just wouldn't be the same without them :)
We are upon many new experiences in our lives. Each of us individually, as a family and as a country. We have children that are getting ready to finish high school and go off to college and explore the world on their own. We have children that are just getting old enough to be in school sports and the challenges and excitement those bring. We have just moved into a new house, new community and new state. We look forward to learning more about our new surroundings and the people that live in it. As a country we are filled with many changes, challenges, hopes and dreams. As a country we are blessed with the unlimited opportunities available to us and vast amount of resources available to bring about the changes and promising futures we all are seeking. I am thankful for those that show care, kindness and generosity of their time, knowledge and resources to others and I hope and pray that those that do not begin to.
No matter the situation we are in, we all have blessings upon us and much to be thankful for. We wish all of you the ability to reflect upon your blessings and be grateful for what you have and not be consumed by what you have not. May you embrace your family and friends and country and reach out to those in need. I pray that everyone has the ability to feel this and be touched by this, not only at Thanksgiving, but throughout every day of their lives.
God Bless You All.
Every day life is always so busy and hectic it is often that we don't really take the time to really reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. I find Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.
The year goes by so fast. In the business I am in, the wedding and event planning business, I am often planning and thinking two years ahead of the present. It really does make the current year quite a blur.
As I know it has been a difficult year in the world we live in; and believe me, our family is not without its struggles, we do have so much to be thankful for and truly are blessed.
This year we have been blessed with healthy newborn babies in our family of relatives and friends and we have been blessed with healthy growing toddlers. Learning new things and discovering the world around them every day. Our own children are growing taller, stronger, wiser and coming into their own more every day. It truly is a blessing to watch them challenge themselves and make us proud with every passing day.
We are blessed with our own good health, happiness and strength to overcome the challenges we all face on a daily basis.
We experienced much sorrow this year, in the unexpected death of Dave's brother Ron. We are thankful and forever grateful to all of those that paid their respects and shared the joy, love, memories and experiences they shared with Ron in his journey thru life. It is amazing and something not to be forgotten, how one person can touch many people, of all different ages and walks of life, each in a different way. It doesn't take much; it can be as small as a smile, hello or a laugh. People don't forget it and we were reminded of this with Ron's passing. Let those you love be themselves and enjoy and love them for who they are. Be thankful for their individuality and embrace it. We were shown life is too short, live it to the fullest. If we all really took this to heart, how full and rich our lives would be.
In my career I have been blessed with many amazing, special and heart-touching weddings this year. The couples I have worked with and their families have all touched my life and I take something with me from every one of their friendships and acts of kindness and love that I have shared with them. There really is no greater blessing to me than the honor of sharing the beginning of their life journey together and watching families and friends come together in fellowship, joy and love.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to share these weddings and events with an amazing team. I cannot thank everyone enough that has assisted, for their creativity, hard work, dedication, attention to detail, and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the events everything the couple wanted and more.
I have shown my appreciation to everyone in a different way. A few of them I invited on an "Enchanted Evening". A getaway to a Bed & Breakfast in southern Minnesota; the Berwood Hill Inn. We had such a wonderful time. The Bed & Breakfast was amazing, the food delicious and the company fun and exciting. Thank you again; Kathy, Loran, Kris, John, Stephanie, Josh, Sarah, Andy and Dave for a wonderful weekend getaway!
I have posted a video of the "Enchanted Evening" for those of you that wish to view it.
I also wish to thank Bobbie, Kyle, Shannon, Kim, Kimberly, John, Kristine, Andrea, Amanda, Katie, Choua, Xeena, Emily, Kaitee, Fhoua, Natallia, Cherie and Karen for all of your assistance, hard work, dedication and everything you do to help make these events possible. I also want to say a special thank you to Pete and let him know that he is in our thoughts and prayers as he faces his health struggles.
I am blessed with a wonderful husband. We are very thankful that despite the economy, and unlike many in the industry we are in, has maintained his employment. I am thankful for all the guidance, assistance and hard work he provides to me and my business throughout the year. His creativity and knowledge are vast and these events would not be the same without him.
I am thankful for all of you, my family and friends. For your laughter, wisdom, communication and for sharing your lives with us.
I am thankful for our forever barking, forever in mischief (Theodore), lovable, playful, forgiving, fun and forever loyal wiener dogs. My days just wouldn't be the same without them :)
We are upon many new experiences in our lives. Each of us individually, as a family and as a country. We have children that are getting ready to finish high school and go off to college and explore the world on their own. We have children that are just getting old enough to be in school sports and the challenges and excitement those bring. We have just moved into a new house, new community and new state. We look forward to learning more about our new surroundings and the people that live in it. As a country we are filled with many changes, challenges, hopes and dreams. As a country we are blessed with the unlimited opportunities available to us and vast amount of resources available to bring about the changes and promising futures we all are seeking. I am thankful for those that show care, kindness and generosity of their time, knowledge and resources to others and I hope and pray that those that do not begin to.
No matter the situation we are in, we all have blessings upon us and much to be thankful for. We wish all of you the ability to reflect upon your blessings and be grateful for what you have and not be consumed by what you have not. May you embrace your family and friends and country and reach out to those in need. I pray that everyone has the ability to feel this and be touched by this, not only at Thanksgiving, but throughout every day of their lives.
God Bless You All.
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