Grateful worry

I have blog post running through my brain constantly, but they never seem to make it here.  Usually my brain has something zipping through it, especially at night when I'm trying to sleep.  I think it's part of being a mom and having to multi-task, and some inherited ADHD.  Needless to say, I have a notebook with my list with me constantly, so I can write things down when needed. I'll confess that when I do something that's not on the list, I'll write it down and then mark it off.  Tah dah!  I've gotten a lot done! 

Oldest and Mrs-to-Be

Lately, my brain has been filled with wedding stuff, mainly the rehearsal dinner, since the wedding is in less than 46 days. So my notebook has a few pages of list and diagrams of the room where we're doing the dinner, with things to do and check-off.  Items to be purchased, food that needs to be made, people that offered to help, items I don't want to forget...  Thankfully, we are not planing the whole wedding, and I have Only to help me, because I'm not great at this.  She is awesome with ideas and Pinterest is our best friend!  We've decided to do a few fun activities, if time permits, with Youngest as the Host, which will be perfect for him.  I think he is planning on doing a Roasting of Oldest, since he's not a groomsman.   I am thankful that Mrs-Oldest-to-Be has shared with me a few special moments, trying on her dress, bridal pictures, plans, etc.  Wedding shower is done, and they were very blessed during that time.  I think I'd like to get married again or renew our vow and register for gifts so we can replace our worn out stuff!  Doesn't that sound like a plan?  Maybe another time.  We have already moved Oldest in the apartment they will be sharing once they get married.  We told him, this was the third time we've moved him and next time, he needs to make some friends and enlist them to help!

We will be spending Thanksgiving with Honey's family, which is always a fun time.  We always have a card game or wahoo going on somewhere in the house, lots of food, and naps.  We can't forget the naps!   I am so thankful for oldest's nephew's wife and her organization each year, for my dear SIL and her laughter and encouragement, and for memories made.  She is a natural at organizing and  at making things so easy for the rest of us.  I can hardly wait to have all our kids in the same place and just enjoy family time.  It's the best thing in my world.  Even though I love going, I don't sleep well at all there, which makes me more tired and the brain fog sets in.

I must say that throughout our married life of 28 years, I have missed every Thanksgiving with my side of the family, except two.  Those two were great treasures and gifts to me.  My side of the family is very steeped in traditions for different gatherings, but it's also very rich in family experiences. I have the most wonderful childhood memories of family gatherings, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Lots of hugging and laughter, sampling food when no one is looking, and I miss those times. Some years more than others, but I always got Christmas with my family.  Now that Momma is gone, it is pretty much just time with our immediate family (Honey and our kids), and I don't get to see my Aunt and cousin (and her family) much.  Makes my heart sad, but I realize that I'm not alone, and those in Honey's family have also missed Thanksgivings with their families. I get it, really, but I still miss Thanksgiving.  and I'll miss Momma again this year.  This probably should be left out, but for now, here it is.

Oh, wait, the worry?  That will be the special cake I need to make, the rolls, pies, laundry, packing, checking The List to make sure I didn't miss anything, getting someone to take care of the critters since our regular person isn't available. Oh, I've lost 30 pounds, since July, but I'm afraid I'll cave and start eating things I've eliminated, due to availability, and I'll have to begin again.   Oh, did I mention the fridge started pouring water from the dispenser where we get ice?  Yeah, that's a bit off.  I'm thankful that Honey was able to take it apart and do something, and it seems to be working again.  The bad thing is the  ice filled coolers did not keep all the food frozen and my freezer is now meat free. All that space!!!  It's pretty nice to have a clean freezer again! I know, this is just stuff, and there is no need to worry about stuff, right?  Don't sweat the small stuff...

Lynnet

I'm still aspiring to be a good mom, but as the kids are grown and are getting married, that number is growing.  I can't be the perfect mother-in-law, but I can only do my best.  I'm bound to screw up, because I'm not perfect, but I sure hope the family will forgive me and forget when I do.  If not, I may have to dredge up some of those childhood pictures of the kids that they've begged to be forgotten. 

Hold on tight!

Ever been involved in a car chase? Me neither, but maybe the events of the day seem so hectic that all you can do is grasp for something to hold on to?  Lately, it seems that life is going at lighting speed fast - like on a twisty wooden roller coaster. Noisy, fast, and there is no way to get off until the ride is over.  I actually love roller coasters - the thrill of the ups, downs, twist and turns.  

Our daughter, Only, is getting married next Saturday.  Counting less than seven days!  I

Oldest is home from Bible college for a little while.  We are all so joyful to have him back, even it's only for a few weeks.  I love hearing our boys playing games in the living room, laughing and giving each other good natured jabs... 

Hmmmmm,  who is that cute brunett he's got his arm around???  

I'm taking my first ever requested vacation days from work, so we can work on wedding stuff.  Not sure I'm quite mentally ready, but we will see!  She has been working steadily on packing up her room... *Sigh...*   

I've been staying up late working on the flower girl dresses. Still much to do. 

Isn't Miss C so cute?  Want to make a guess  on if she will really make it down the aisle?    Honey has been working on the special rifle bullet boutenerre holders, and the antique doors being used on the stage areas.  

This week, it's blue mason jar, work, and then who knows what... 

Been visiting Mom each day and we have really seen the decline since thanksgiving.   Night nurses are our favorites because they treat each resident on A-Hall (Alzheimer's Hall) like family.  Sometimes we take our German Shepard (everyone thinks se is perfect),  but most times we take a jr  malt from braums.  Anything to try to get her to eat.  

Oh boy, I've suddenly become tired and it's almost midnight!!!  

Till another time, 

Give this dog a bone please!

Our son's dog, Bandit, sure was a cute little pup when he first brought him last year. Yes, we know he wouldn't stay little very long and he didn't!

This DOG has chewed holes in two walls, chewed on our beautiful bed and dresser... But the last straw... The last straw was when he chewed a hole in my own personal quilt! I almost cried when I discovered it and I literally HUNTED the dog down! But what could I really do?  I have no idea when he did the nasty deed and he has no idea what naughty mishap/deed he did was finally discovered. 

It has been a month since IT happened, but I really was unsure how to fix it.  Every time I snuggled with my quilt or placed it on my bed at night, all I seemed to see was THE HOLE.  I finally had enough of letting it upset me.  I mean really.  It's a quilt!  It could have been something much worse and it could have been in a worse place!

There's no mistaking who chewed on my cozy quilt

Since it is a quilt, and quilts are patches of fabric that have been sewn together, what a better way to fix it, than with a patch!  I was thankful to still have a piece of fabric from the front border and one that was even

"Patched" fix on front of quilt

"Patched" fix on back of quilt

Of the three,
I have loved him the longest
Understand him the least
Cried the most over
Spanked the most
He claims he is my favorite
He speaks the least
Frustrates me the most
Is most like his daddy
We have wounded each other the most with our words,
He is the most athletic
I pray for him most
He sleeps the most
Has a secret love for candy sprinkles
Is our most mysterious,
Our most stubborn/strong-willed
Stays up the latest
Sleeps in the latest
Mathematically gifted
Our most mischievous
A sweet big brother
Rocked the most due to childhood illnesses
Procrastinates the most and latest on school
Has a huge heart for God
Unique sense of humor

And somehow, he's turning 20 this Saturday.

I still love you Oldest, and you are my favorite oldest child!

Mr. Destructo with four paws and a bad habit

chewed strap

Why does it only take a cute puppy one minute to chew the LOWER strap off a $62 Swiss Army Wenger Laptop backpack, but it takes me $2.30 AND 2.5 hrs to attach a new strap by hand?

  I would have used the old strap, but it was digested and the outcome was not pretty. 

fixed strap

  I know that location is the key, so I requested Oldest to please locate his backpack to a higher elevation! I really think Bandit should have been named Chewy, but Bandit fits because he is a bit of an outlaw due to his destructive habit.

Have you had to deal with a pet that chews all the time? Do you have any practical solutions you can share?




Lynnet

Quick Update

 

Only and Bandit

 Oldest's puppy, Bandit, is growing all too quickly and pouts each time Oldest walks out the door without him.  We actually don't allow him on the beds, but He was "bravely" trying to escape the cat.  Sissy! 

Sleeping easy!

After 21 yrs. of sleeping on the same mattress, I got found a treasure - a brand new, Sterns and Foster 5 Star Ultra Firm Mattress.  Want to take a guess what I paid??? Lower...  Lower... Lower!  Yes, this $3,500 mattress cost us a whopping $290!!!  I was downright giddy and now happily sleeping without waking up with aches and pains, and no more sleeping in the recliner!
                     

Fried Mozzarella from Pioneer Woman

 I love reading Ree Drummond (aka Pioneer Woman)'s blog when I get the chance - always so when I bought a signed copy copy of her latest book  makes me want to dig out my worn out cowboy boots, saddle up my horse, and move to a more rural way of life. Now if you think I'm losing it, growing up I really had cowboy boots (and used t
hem), milked a cow, had a few horses, helped plant more veggies than I like (okra and squash), and scooped more poop than I care to remember.  and bookmarked several to try. Watch out Family!

Oldest  is finishing up his first year as a Biology/Zoology major - hard stuff.  He confessed that he's been thinking of switching to youth ministry, but I told him the two choices are all related.  He continues to work at a Doggy Day Care, and recently started an internship at our church working with the youth.  It will be an interesting summer to see where God leads this young warrior. 

Potatoes are just tired!

Honey was so sweet two weeks ago and pulled the massive weeds in our flower beds.  I happily replaced those weeds with tomatoes, rosemary, parsley, and basil.  Our soil has so much clay, rocks, and and junk, that our only option for planting has been raised beds.  We've used the obvious space next to our house, but when I heard about using tires, I was game.  Jury is still out on if we'll get some potatoes this fall, but we're hopeful!  I plan on doing the same thing with my blueberry plants as well. I tried to talk him out of those two NASCAR truck tires sitting in our garage, but that was a NO! 

my aching knee

Long story short - April 5 was carrying and talking to baby (she's a cutie), didn't see the dog.  Dog now banned from kitchen, baby was unharmed.  Today is first day without crutches, but feel like I've been in a car wreck. Still horribly sore.  Doctor said today still much fluid in there, and was "thrilled" to hear I have arthritis in my knee.  I suspected this as it hurts each time there is a weather change.  He also said I have a cyst in there and sent the x-ray off for evaluation.  If swelling is still there next week, I'll have an MRI.  Thankful for all of Only's help with the little ones!

Photo by Adams Photography

Only graduates from high school later this month.  Not sure where time has gone, but she's amazing, just the way she is.  Planning on attending the university this fall with a focus on Psychology/Sociology.  She's had enough practice around here!  Sheesh!   So excited to see where God is going to take here in her Beautiful Life! 

Well, I need to head off to bed before I type something I have to blame my Ambien on.  Nite all!

My delightful Irish Twins

My oldest two have been close since Only was a wee child.  Oldest has never known a time when she wasn't part of his life, and many times I have been questioned whether they were twins.  They are kinda - Irish Twins I mean, but that is not the gist of today's post.  It's the uncanniness they have to wear the exact same shirt on the same day, though neither have planned it at all.  I mean how uncool is it to plan to wear the same shirt as your sibling??? 

This isn't the first time it's happened and each time we just have to laugh. Have you ever had something similar happen to you?  I'd love to hear your story!

Bugs, bats, natives and other tropical encounters

 

Short video about the trip

On July 30th, Oldest and Only left for Belize for a week long mission trip with 19 other short term missionaries. I really wanted to share a little bit of what they did:

Miss J and Only at the Mayan Ruins

Sunday:

They went to church at the Dump today and studied Luke 4.  They also went to the Mayan Ruins and to eat ice cream.  They are looking forward to tomorrow.  They are going to walk the streets of Bella Vista visiting and praying with people.  May possibly do a building project.  Thanks for praying...keep it up!   One of the girls woke up with a 103 temp, ...

Monday:  

1.  Everyone is healthy!

2.  They had a great day today ministering to children.  They did a bible study and made bracelets with the 60 children that showed up.

3.  Tomorrow they will be passing out sugar.  Sugar is difficult to get there.  They were able to buy 300 pounds of sugar today and are excited to give it away tomorrow.

 

 From Only:     

Only on the way to a village

  Hey! Hope you're having a good week. I sure do miss you guys a lot. Can't wait to come home on Saturday and tell you all about the trip.

      It rained on Sunday and Monday so was pretty cool most of the day without the sun out.
      Tuesday in Bella Vista was hot hot hot because the sun was while out all day. Which made everyone irritable and grouchy. (Not to mention the bugs are more aggressive this year in my opinion.) But the kids who showed up seemed to really enjoy making bracelets and listening to the Bible story. There is a bit of a language barrier because most of the kids and families speak Spanish and Kache.

300 lbs of sugar

      Today we're going back to Bella Vista and I think we're going to distribute sugar around the village because Belize is going through a sugar shortage. Then we'll be back to show a movie later that night at the river of life church for the teenagers. Please pray that well be safe out there cause it can get pretty sketchy at night, because it's in a secluded part of the village.
       We've decided that we're going to leave a day early for the resort. :D So Thursday morning will be our clean up day at The Dump and we'll be leavng for the resort after our day in the village. As you can imagine we're all pretty excited about this. :)
I can't wait to see you guys Saturday!! Love and miss you guys soooooooooooooooooo much. Tell Youngest I can't wait to see him! :D

Only with Belize kids

Tuesday, Aug. 2:  What a great day the team had yesterday.  On Monday, they walked the village just talking with people.  That opened the door for passing out the sugar yesterday.  They had a great time doing that.  As they passed out the sugar they invited people to come and watch one of the Jesus films.  They had 176 people show up!  Praise the Lord!  

Oldest ended up waking up one morning to discover he had somehow rolled over on a small black scorpion while he was sleeping and killed it without being stung.  We were so thankful for that!  He actually brought it back with him in a ziplock bag.  Gas was between $5.80-$6 a gallon (US currency). They also encountered bats, lizzards, iguanas, sand fleas (very painful), parrots, and many Belizian people hungry for God in their lives. 

Show us some feet after walking!

Wednesday:  

1) Walked the village of Bella Vista, Belize, meeting and praying with people, 

2) had 60-70 kids for VBS at River of Life church. Tom taught the kids about "let the children come unto me," while the others made bracelets with the kids, 

3) 176 people showed up for the movie on Wednesday night, led to many fruitful conversations, etc., 

4) prayed for local sick folks, 

5) reconnected with folks from past trips. 

At the Beach

Thursday  About 3:00 (4 our time) they will be leaving the village to head to Jaguar Reef.  They should get there after dinner time.  Once there, they should have access to WiFi again…so be watching for those facebook updates J

Only and Honey - Home at last

 

 Thanks for reading about what the kids did in Belize.  Our family is looking forward to hearing and seeing how God is going to use this to impact their lives. 

A little thing called a diploma

Has it really been almost a month since I last posted? 

I'll try to spare you of the thousands of words  that have been stockpiling in my little brain. 

Maybe it's all the words bumping into each other that has caused all my headaches lately!

Well, I had another birthday - 45 is the official count,  but I'm telling everyone I'm 39. 

(I'll blame my forgetfulness on my kids).

That means I've been a mom for 18 years and Oldest Graduated on May 20th with Honors from high school. So it rained and all those people who planned on attending

couldn't because it was held inside. We were only given 5 tickets per student, but

everyone else was able to watch it live via the internet from the comfort of their homes. 

I didn't cry, but bit my lip quite a bit.

 Each student (at church) graduating this year was encouraged to put together a small display that represents their life - We had Oldest handle this and we had to laugh when we saw it. I loved the "Who I am" paper he wrote in 2nd grade: Ambulance Driver, police man, and his best friend was a girl. I'm starting to see he gets his goofy side from both Honey and myself.
See that HUGE trophy on the right?  The band won close to 30 awards in a short 3 weeks, and since we go to church with FOUR rival band directors, Oldest wanted to include it.  Their band is most unique because their band has not had a drum major in 4 years - the only band in Arkansas to do this!!!

Sweet Melissa, or Dancing Queen rolling out the dough

We held a reception/celebration at church.  When I asked Oldest what he wanted (I was thinking fingers foods). Honey and Oldest looked at each other like they'd won the lottery!  PIZZA.  REALLY???  Fixing homemade pizzas for 60+ people was NOT what I had in mind! Gee, who do they think I am?  If it were not for my sister chicks and Honey that gave up their Saturday morning to help me roll out all that dough, assemble, and put it all together, I would have lost it. If I every have to make that many pizzas again, I would want the same group of girlfriends because stepped in, did what  needed to be done without complaint (at least verbally).  They deserve a HUGE thank you! Our 26 large pizzas meal:

•  pepperoni, 
• canadian bacon and pineapple
• supreme
• cheese
• meatlovers
• and a various others that somehow were requested and made
• salad bar (My sweet MIL did this)
• Ice cream bar complete with 
• homemade hot fudge
• bananas
• chopped pecans
• whipped topping
• cherries
• Frosty Ice Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream 
• store bought vanilla ice cream

Miss Amy (The Princess' Mom) who a treasure to me.

Oldest with his yummy cake made by Sara Short from Ft. Smith

Now if we can just get him to write all those thank-you's for the sweet cards and gifts he received.  The most unique, from Eva, was a fire-proof safe!  It was the best idea I've seen  (beside the thoughtful photo album that Honey's parents put together)! We were all impressed by QL who fashioned a twenty and two ones to represent 2011!!! I also stole borrowed her table decorating and ice cream bar ideas from her. She always has the best ideas.

For all my sister chicks!

Only has already decided she is not going to torture me or the family next year and has decided to have a joint reception with her friend "J" (whom Oldest is dating).  They're already planning, but I can wait.

Thank you for sticking with me and checking in with me this last month.  So much more has happened, but I will share that later.  Leave me a note and let me know what has been going on with you please.I'm slowly getting back to blog land.