Finally finding time to post. My husband finally found a job (mid October) and I can tell anyone out there that it IS CRITICAL that you have a emergency savings fund built up to live off of "just in case". I am so grateful that we had enough to make it through. We ended up with more than a $35K pay cut but our life is running at a much less stressful speed....still crazy busy, but the stress that came from my husbands former administrative job went away with that job! We are both teaching full-time, but at different districts. He is teaching special education at a public school on the Wind River Indian Reservation and I'm at a private school teaching kindergarten. Funny because my husbands first job teaching was at a school on a different reservation in a different state and here he is again in a position much like the one he started in years ago.
We will celebrate our first Christmas as Catholics and I sooooo look forward to Midnight Mass! The church is beautiful. When I went to daily Mass this past Monday, it took my breath away. WOW. I think we have to be there a hour early to get a seat. At least that is what we've been told by those who have attended this Parish longer than we have. The early arrival will be a nice time to meditate on this Blessed Eve.
Peace
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
School is in session!
I do love teaching. However, I can say that teaching at a private school brings a whole other set of challenges as compared to teaching in a public school. One thing that will most likely keep me at the private school (even with half the pay) is the incredible support and unity of all the staff. Public school can't hold a candle to it. On the flip side, I have more severe behaviors from students in my private school classroom than I had when I taught in a classroom with children who had documented behavioral/emotional problems!
Many differences, to be sure. Good and not so good. Overall, I know I am where I need to be. I'm thankful to God for that.
Being able to worship at school and teach my children about the Bible is AMAZING! My favorite subject to teach is religion. I hope to move up to a older class in the future and my prayer is that, God willing, this will happen and that I will have a long career with this school. God willing....that is the key. I will follow Him wherever He leads me.
My husband is still looking for a job. We need one.....very much so!
This is all I have time to type. I am exhausted and have not yet adjusted to the year yet.
Peace~
Many differences, to be sure. Good and not so good. Overall, I know I am where I need to be. I'm thankful to God for that.
Being able to worship at school and teach my children about the Bible is AMAZING! My favorite subject to teach is religion. I hope to move up to a older class in the future and my prayer is that, God willing, this will happen and that I will have a long career with this school. God willing....that is the key. I will follow Him wherever He leads me.
My husband is still looking for a job. We need one.....very much so!
This is all I have time to type. I am exhausted and have not yet adjusted to the year yet.
Peace~
Friday, August 1, 2008
July 27th, 2008 was a special day
Prayer, instruction, blessing of the pool etc...before the baptisms begin and after other parts of the ceremony where there were various blessings with oil. Just so beautiful. The Godparents are in this photo who are friends of ours and we are so happy to have them be the Godparents and know they will really take a active part in our childrens spiritual lives as well as be there for them.
Second Photo: E getting baptized. He is the youngest. He wanted to be immersed so this is why all the baptisms were done using this tub and the others just kneeled over it since they did not want to be immersed.
Third Photo: A getting baptized. Our second oldest daughter and fourth oldest child.
Fourth Photo: E getting baptized. We loved how the Catholic church did the affirmation of questions since E is mentally handicapped. (he may be nearly 14 yrs old but functions around a 4 year old)
Fifth Photo: S...our oldest daughter getting baptized. She is the second oldest child in the family. (our oldest son was baptized as an infant)
Last Photo: The entire family (including our oldest son who you can kind of see in the back row) My parents are also in the photo and I'm so glad they came to the baptisms from South Dakota where they live.
Second Photo: E getting baptized. He is the youngest. He wanted to be immersed so this is why all the baptisms were done using this tub and the others just kneeled over it since they did not want to be immersed.
Third Photo: A getting baptized. Our second oldest daughter and fourth oldest child.
Fourth Photo: E getting baptized. We loved how the Catholic church did the affirmation of questions since E is mentally handicapped. (he may be nearly 14 yrs old but functions around a 4 year old)
Fifth Photo: S...our oldest daughter getting baptized. She is the second oldest child in the family. (our oldest son was baptized as an infant)
Last Photo: The entire family (including our oldest son who you can kind of see in the back row) My parents are also in the photo and I'm so glad they came to the baptisms from South Dakota where they live.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Annual Balloon Ralley
This close up photo was not really close up.....that is how close the balloons were to me while I stood in our front yard! We live near the college which is where they launch, so once a year we have upwards of 25 hot air balloons drifting above our house. The local hot air balloon enthusiasts float over our house (usually one at a time) several times a year. Each time I see them, I am thankful to be alive to see the beauty of a hot air balloon that seems almost close enough for me to jump up and grab onto!
The other photo was also taken outside on my front lawn but is of them when they were higher and further away. Then the other photo was a couple blocks from our house and you can see our youngest son there in the photo.
Next weekend will be the baptism of four of our children. I'll also turn 39 yrs old the day after their baptisms. Hopefully this week will also bring a job offer to my husband.
Like Saint Paul said (my very creative paraphrase) "I have learned to be happy when I have plenty and also when I go without.....in all circumstances I sing praise and joy to Jesus Christ, my Lord!"
Sunday, July 6, 2008
McDonald's not environmentally friendly
Apparently customers must be driving some kind of gas-using vehicle in order to be served at the McDonalds drive through.
You'd think I had walked in there and yelled "RAT!" with the exclamations and shock coming from some of the employees. (special note to the very uptight and grumpy shift manager/crew leader....whatever they are called)
My daughter and I decided that we'd try one of those fancy "iced coffee" drinks that we have heard good things about. The perfect timing came up for us at the end of a very long bike ride. (it was in the 90's outside and we hit some good hills on the ride) Well, it made perfectly good sense to me that we just use the drive through window.
Wrong choice! It really was funny. First, they tried to ignore me....possibly hoping I'd give up and pedal off? Then I heard bits and pieces of their shock and horror over the order intercom. (quite funny....you'd think it was a international event or something) I was able to place my order but we found out that it is "not allowed".
This was really quite funny and it made my day much more interesting. I was tempted to ask what McDonalds is doing in light of so many more people using human-powered transportation with the high cost of fuel and with the environmental concerns.
I think this entire incident was because I live in rural Wyoming and most people around here are still driving their earth killers. (aka gazillion-ton pick-ups, suburbans and Hummers)
I think much more amusing than our using the drive through was the sight of two people who are in apparent good physical condition, on the end of a workout.....visiting......McDonalds!! Can I supersize that?
And the iced coffee? Nothing to write home about. Just brew up a batch in your Mr Coffee machine at home, add a good amount of vanilla coffee creamer, chill and add some ice cubes. At least that is how I'd make it and I suspect it would taste like the vanilla iced coffee at McDonald's.
Thankfully we did not get my oldest daughter in trouble....she works there. (and found the incident quite humorous)
You'd think I had walked in there and yelled "RAT!" with the exclamations and shock coming from some of the employees. (special note to the very uptight and grumpy shift manager/crew leader....whatever they are called)
My daughter and I decided that we'd try one of those fancy "iced coffee" drinks that we have heard good things about. The perfect timing came up for us at the end of a very long bike ride. (it was in the 90's outside and we hit some good hills on the ride) Well, it made perfectly good sense to me that we just use the drive through window.
Wrong choice! It really was funny. First, they tried to ignore me....possibly hoping I'd give up and pedal off? Then I heard bits and pieces of their shock and horror over the order intercom. (quite funny....you'd think it was a international event or something) I was able to place my order but we found out that it is "not allowed".
This was really quite funny and it made my day much more interesting. I was tempted to ask what McDonalds is doing in light of so many more people using human-powered transportation with the high cost of fuel and with the environmental concerns.
I think this entire incident was because I live in rural Wyoming and most people around here are still driving their earth killers. (aka gazillion-ton pick-ups, suburbans and Hummers)
I think much more amusing than our using the drive through was the sight of two people who are in apparent good physical condition, on the end of a workout.....visiting......McDonalds!! Can I supersize that?
And the iced coffee? Nothing to write home about. Just brew up a batch in your Mr Coffee machine at home, add a good amount of vanilla coffee creamer, chill and add some ice cubes. At least that is how I'd make it and I suspect it would taste like the vanilla iced coffee at McDonald's.
Thankfully we did not get my oldest daughter in trouble....she works there. (and found the incident quite humorous)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Summer Birthday!
We have a 9 year old in the house....our youngest is growing up! The next summer birthday will be my 39th. (later this month)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
One person employed for next school year!!
Well, things are starting to move around here! What a walk in faith this has been and I hope to sometime share the story here. (but it will take a lot of thought and time which I don't have right now)
I accepted a Kindergarten teaching position at the first school of my choice which is a private Catholic K-8 school right in the town where I live.
I am not sad to be leaving the headache that NCLB (No Child Left Behind) has brought to public school teachers. To teach in an environment where faith is a part of everything will be amazing!
My husband has some good leads on administrative positions in our area and a couple of leads out of our area. (which would mean we'd be living in different towns for a year) I have faith that it will all work out and we will not have to live apart.
It does look like we will have to live off of our savings for the month of July and the cost for us to continue our must-have health insurance under COBRA law is NUTS! (nearly $1500 a month cash) However, I am thankful we are prepared for at least one month and I have faith that that is all we will need.
So....Yeah! Praise God that I have not only a teaching job....but at the school that was first on my "wish list"!!! (most of the teachers at this school have been there for more than a decade...some longer than that...so openings are not always easy to come by) How grateful I am and thank God for His blessing!
By the second week in July I should have good news to share regarding my husbands job situation.
God bless and grace and peace be with you!
I accepted a Kindergarten teaching position at the first school of my choice which is a private Catholic K-8 school right in the town where I live.
I am not sad to be leaving the headache that NCLB (No Child Left Behind) has brought to public school teachers. To teach in an environment where faith is a part of everything will be amazing!
My husband has some good leads on administrative positions in our area and a couple of leads out of our area. (which would mean we'd be living in different towns for a year) I have faith that it will all work out and we will not have to live apart.
It does look like we will have to live off of our savings for the month of July and the cost for us to continue our must-have health insurance under COBRA law is NUTS! (nearly $1500 a month cash) However, I am thankful we are prepared for at least one month and I have faith that that is all we will need.
So....Yeah! Praise God that I have not only a teaching job....but at the school that was first on my "wish list"!!! (most of the teachers at this school have been there for more than a decade...some longer than that...so openings are not always easy to come by) How grateful I am and thank God for His blessing!
By the second week in July I should have good news to share regarding my husbands job situation.
God bless and grace and peace be with you!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Asia
Asia has her first boyfriend. Both sets of parents are allowing highly supervised visitation only!
Anyway, I thought I'd post a picture of the two of them that was taken at the carnival a couple of weekends ago and another single photo of Asia that I took today.
Anyway, I thought I'd post a picture of the two of them that was taken at the carnival a couple of weekends ago and another single photo of Asia that I took today.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Waiting........
Well, we are still waiting and seeking employment. Things are getting down to the wire. Aaron and I finally applied out of the area for positions, but it would be heartbreaking for me to have to move from here. However, I've been through so much more in my lifetime thus far that complaining about my attachment to this location seems rather small minded, childish, and selfish in light of things of such greater importance.
I remain faithful that I will see all the "why's" behind what we have been experiencing in the past several months.
My gray hair odessey continues. The new growth had become a bit obvious, so I had all my hair cut off. I have only about 1" remaining that has the hair color in it and the rest is gray. If my hair continues to grow as fast as it always has, then I'll have that inch of dyed hair cut off in about 6 weeks. It is strange having really short hair again. Not my favorite look, but I am spiking it in all kinds of crazy directions and it suits my personality quite well.
The colder than normal spring weather continues here in central Wyoming. The moisture is a blessing and the countryside looks beautiful! It is also saving us on our water bill!
Enjoy the day, focus on what matters, and God Bless.
I remain faithful that I will see all the "why's" behind what we have been experiencing in the past several months.
My gray hair odessey continues. The new growth had become a bit obvious, so I had all my hair cut off. I have only about 1" remaining that has the hair color in it and the rest is gray. If my hair continues to grow as fast as it always has, then I'll have that inch of dyed hair cut off in about 6 weeks. It is strange having really short hair again. Not my favorite look, but I am spiking it in all kinds of crazy directions and it suits my personality quite well.
The colder than normal spring weather continues here in central Wyoming. The moisture is a blessing and the countryside looks beautiful! It is also saving us on our water bill!
Enjoy the day, focus on what matters, and God Bless.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Recent pictures
Elijah outside trying out his rollerblades.
My younger class (4 and 5 yr olds) and I right before we got our volcano to erupt.
Some of my 5 year old class. We have been working on the volcano for the past couple weeks. The toys all around the volcano are the unsuspecting houses, animals, and action hero who got ran over with the "lava". I'm holding the vinegar and red food coloring mixture that I poured into the volcano that had baking soda inside. This class is all boys and it has been a wild ride to teach this year! (Yes, one of my students has the end of a turkey baster suctioned onto his face....they think they are so funny when they do that!)
Eduardo.....wheeeeeeeeeee!!! Being pulled in the wagon by Asia who is on her bicycle. For those who may not know, we adopted Eddie when he was about 11 months of age from a orphanage in Campeche Mexico. Eddie has down syndrome, ADHD, and ODD....which equals a huge challenge for parenting!
Asia's 13th Birthday party
Elijah holding his "eyeball" pinewood derby design. He came up with this design all on his own! (we did help him paint the small details) It was not the fastest car but it was the most unique and creative!
Me, Elijah, Asia, Sereah at Elijah's Pinewood Derby race at St. Margarets School.
Update on the job situation. Aaron interviewed for a position today. He will find out in two days. Please Pray for this job! I also am trying to figure out what I am going to do for next year. I have held off on applying at a couple of schools that are the same commute that I am currently doing, even though one has the perfect position for me and I think I'd get it. (we know the principal well and this is a school that offered me a position last year that I did not take) I'm still really considering St. Margaret School....so many positives but I know the teachers there put in more hours than public school teachers due to the fundraising and all the extra stuff they are expected to do. (for less than 1/2 the pay) I'm still praying for direction and have not had anything crystal clear. I may end up sub teaching next year so I can get a feel for the various districts. That depends on what kind of position Aaron gets.........
Monday, May 12, 2008
Going Gray
Well, I'm done with it! The bottle....my addiction for the past many years. Hiding the "real me" caused me to turn to dependence on the bottle.
The bottle is my Nice n' Easy dark brown permanent hair color. Now that I am (according to my teachers aid who is also a cosmetologist) 75% gray on the sides, 50% gray on the top, and 30% gray in back (and nearly all gray in the bang area)......it is time to admit that I am going gray.
I'm going to grow it in as far as I can tolerate it and then I'll have to get a buzz cut. Eeeek! I have had really short hair before, but it is not my favorite style. My head tends to look like it is the size of the prize winning pumpkin at the county fair. Not only that, but I realized from looking at photos of my last buzz cut (only about 18 months ago) that I looked like Robin Williams twin sister. Not the young Mork from Ork Robin Williams...more like the funny looking Robin Williams from when he starred in the movie "Patch Adams". Now that I will be mostly gray.....hmmmmmmmm, who will I look like now? (I seriously love poking fun of myself)
So, here I go! I know I will look like a complete idiot when I have a good 2-3 inches of gray grown in and then the remaining hair dark brown below that. It is already between 1-2 inches. I have to find a job before it grows in much more! How insane will I look interviewing for teaching positions when I look like I can't even keep my own appearance looking like I give a whooptie-ding-dong? Life is so funny. Maybe I'll sub teach...........
I am thankful for the gray hair distraction going on in my life. However, I need to get off of my self-centered focus and start looking around and see who needs to feel loved. Who out there is hurting. Who can I help and touch with the light of God...of Christ within me?
I suppose that is a question I'll have to pose to God. He always manages to put the right person in my path at the right time....the very person who I think I am helping, but who is really helping me instead.
Good night and God Bless!
The bottle is my Nice n' Easy dark brown permanent hair color. Now that I am (according to my teachers aid who is also a cosmetologist) 75% gray on the sides, 50% gray on the top, and 30% gray in back (and nearly all gray in the bang area)......it is time to admit that I am going gray.
I'm going to grow it in as far as I can tolerate it and then I'll have to get a buzz cut. Eeeek! I have had really short hair before, but it is not my favorite style. My head tends to look like it is the size of the prize winning pumpkin at the county fair. Not only that, but I realized from looking at photos of my last buzz cut (only about 18 months ago) that I looked like Robin Williams twin sister. Not the young Mork from Ork Robin Williams...more like the funny looking Robin Williams from when he starred in the movie "Patch Adams". Now that I will be mostly gray.....hmmmmmmmm, who will I look like now? (I seriously love poking fun of myself)
So, here I go! I know I will look like a complete idiot when I have a good 2-3 inches of gray grown in and then the remaining hair dark brown below that. It is already between 1-2 inches. I have to find a job before it grows in much more! How insane will I look interviewing for teaching positions when I look like I can't even keep my own appearance looking like I give a whooptie-ding-dong? Life is so funny. Maybe I'll sub teach...........
I am thankful for the gray hair distraction going on in my life. However, I need to get off of my self-centered focus and start looking around and see who needs to feel loved. Who out there is hurting. Who can I help and touch with the light of God...of Christ within me?
I suppose that is a question I'll have to pose to God. He always manages to put the right person in my path at the right time....the very person who I think I am helping, but who is really helping me instead.
Good night and God Bless!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Difficult times
I have not posted for a while. I have been going through some very difficult times. Health and employment.
My husband and I will both be unemployed as of the first of June. We have been unsuccessful in finding jobs. Time is running out and with two children with chronic health conditions (which means ongoing expensive and necessary medications and doctor visits) losing our insurance on July 1st is very scary.
I think I can find a teaching job but will have to commute a ways each day and will have to be in a different town for my job each day from the town my children will be attending school. With children with special medical needs (and we have another child who we adopted years ago who is developmentally disabled) this is not the best place to be for the times when I have to come get someone from school due to health issues. (I'd be 30 minutes drive away) We have never had any extended family support to help in those times. It was manageable when I was a at-home mom, but I now have to work outside the home so I am not here to take up these responsibilities.
My husband seems to be having some kind of crisis in his life. I can not get him to get moving to start applying for work beyond the few jobs he really wanted to get. (they are not panning out) We can not pay our minimum bills on my teaching salary alone.(IF I get a job) We are not a family who spends money on anything considered "extra" (except for TV and internet) or eat out or anything like that. If I drop the phone, internet, cable and sell my car.....we still can't make the monthly bills on one teachers salary. This does not even take into account the cost of medical without insurance.
I wish my husband had secured another job before up and quitting his current one. I do feel that was not the best way to handle things.
I am having periods of great fear and worry. Then my faith will come in strong and help out. However, as those dates loom closer (last pay and losing health care) my worry, fear, and anger towards my husband increases.
On top of that, I have been struggling with a great amount of pain due to a medical condition I have. I am trying to get some outpatient treatment completed before we lose our insurance, but this treatment may not work and I may have to have a very difficult-to-recover-from surgery. Well, that surgery would not happen since we will lose health insurance and I can not take time to recover from it when it looks like I may have to be starting up a new full-time job.
My life has not been easy thus far, but I must say that this time that I am currently going through is probably the most difficult that I can remember. We have so much at stake and so much to lose. We also have the health and well-being of three of us hanging in the balance due to the upcoming loss of health care.
If you are a praying person, please pray for us.
I may not post again for a while. I have nothing really worthwhile to share while I'm in this horrible time of trial and pain and typing about it here (in part...I left some more personal and intense parts out) is really difficult emotionally.
May you find peace and Blessing!
My husband and I will both be unemployed as of the first of June. We have been unsuccessful in finding jobs. Time is running out and with two children with chronic health conditions (which means ongoing expensive and necessary medications and doctor visits) losing our insurance on July 1st is very scary.
I think I can find a teaching job but will have to commute a ways each day and will have to be in a different town for my job each day from the town my children will be attending school. With children with special medical needs (and we have another child who we adopted years ago who is developmentally disabled) this is not the best place to be for the times when I have to come get someone from school due to health issues. (I'd be 30 minutes drive away) We have never had any extended family support to help in those times. It was manageable when I was a at-home mom, but I now have to work outside the home so I am not here to take up these responsibilities.
My husband seems to be having some kind of crisis in his life. I can not get him to get moving to start applying for work beyond the few jobs he really wanted to get. (they are not panning out) We can not pay our minimum bills on my teaching salary alone.(IF I get a job) We are not a family who spends money on anything considered "extra" (except for TV and internet) or eat out or anything like that. If I drop the phone, internet, cable and sell my car.....we still can't make the monthly bills on one teachers salary. This does not even take into account the cost of medical without insurance.
I wish my husband had secured another job before up and quitting his current one. I do feel that was not the best way to handle things.
I am having periods of great fear and worry. Then my faith will come in strong and help out. However, as those dates loom closer (last pay and losing health care) my worry, fear, and anger towards my husband increases.
On top of that, I have been struggling with a great amount of pain due to a medical condition I have. I am trying to get some outpatient treatment completed before we lose our insurance, but this treatment may not work and I may have to have a very difficult-to-recover-from surgery. Well, that surgery would not happen since we will lose health insurance and I can not take time to recover from it when it looks like I may have to be starting up a new full-time job.
My life has not been easy thus far, but I must say that this time that I am currently going through is probably the most difficult that I can remember. We have so much at stake and so much to lose. We also have the health and well-being of three of us hanging in the balance due to the upcoming loss of health care.
If you are a praying person, please pray for us.
I may not post again for a while. I have nothing really worthwhile to share while I'm in this horrible time of trial and pain and typing about it here (in part...I left some more personal and intense parts out) is really difficult emotionally.
May you find peace and Blessing!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Waiting.....and waiting
I have not updated in a couple of weeks.
We (my husband and I) are in the waiting phase regarding our search for employment for next school year. I think I mentioned that we both resigned our current positions but will of course finish out our current contracts. (mine will finish up June 2 and his will finish up June 15)
I am waiting to see what kind of salary he gets. He is fairly certain of the district he will work in, however there are a few jobs open within that district.
The reason why I am waiting is because of the salary issue. We are expecting him to get offered less than what he is currently making. The question is, how much less? I have been praying a great deal about where I should focus my job search on. One district that would probably be a "shoo in" for me just does not feel right and the answer I've been receiving is "wait". So, I have not put in my resume and application there. I did put it in at another district and would go interview if called. However, I feel very very much drawn to obtaining a teaching position at a private school. The catch is this: the private school would pay me less than half of what I'd make in the public school and the private school does not have the benefits the public school has. (which I only really need/want retirement since health care would be under my husbands job) When it comes down to it, I will go where I feel God wants me to be....regardless of the salary. (as long as me can cover basic financial obligations....we'd just not be paying down debt in a radical way)
It comes down to what I am learning. God is teaching me a lot about trust, faith, ans waiting on His perfect timing for my life.
I do think I know where I need to be. We'll just see.....
Have a blessed day! God is so good and full of grace. (thank goodness! I need a lot of grace every day)
We (my husband and I) are in the waiting phase regarding our search for employment for next school year. I think I mentioned that we both resigned our current positions but will of course finish out our current contracts. (mine will finish up June 2 and his will finish up June 15)
I am waiting to see what kind of salary he gets. He is fairly certain of the district he will work in, however there are a few jobs open within that district.
The reason why I am waiting is because of the salary issue. We are expecting him to get offered less than what he is currently making. The question is, how much less? I have been praying a great deal about where I should focus my job search on. One district that would probably be a "shoo in" for me just does not feel right and the answer I've been receiving is "wait". So, I have not put in my resume and application there. I did put it in at another district and would go interview if called. However, I feel very very much drawn to obtaining a teaching position at a private school. The catch is this: the private school would pay me less than half of what I'd make in the public school and the private school does not have the benefits the public school has. (which I only really need/want retirement since health care would be under my husbands job) When it comes down to it, I will go where I feel God wants me to be....regardless of the salary. (as long as me can cover basic financial obligations....we'd just not be paying down debt in a radical way)
It comes down to what I am learning. God is teaching me a lot about trust, faith, ans waiting on His perfect timing for my life.
I do think I know where I need to be. We'll just see.....
Have a blessed day! God is so good and full of grace. (thank goodness! I need a lot of grace every day)
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday/ Holy Friday
Today is Good Friday. This is the day that Jesus Christ paid for the sins of all humankind on the cross.
Tradition in England (and other places) is to make Hot Cross Buns on this day.
Here is a little information from Fabulous Foods that I find so interesting!:
A traditional favorite on Good Friday in England, Hot Cross Buns are a spicy currant or raisin studded yeast bun, topped with a "Cross" of lemon flavored icing. While Christians have adopted the cake and the symbolism of the cross, it wasn't always so. To Pagans then as now, the cross was symbolic of the sun wheel, which symbolizes perfect balance at the time of the Spring Equinox.
Hot Cross Buns were probably originally used in ceremonies and rituals and the Christian Church attempted to ban the buns, although they proved too popular. Left with no alternative but defeat, the church did the next best thing and "Christianized" the bread with Queen Elizabeth I passing a law which limited the bun's consumption to proper religious ceremonies, such as Christmas, Easter or funerals.
Here is a recipe that we will be using today: (from FabulousFoods.com)
1 C milk
2 T yeast
1/2 C sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/3 C butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
4 eggs
5 C flour
1 1/3 C currants or raisins
1 egg white
Glaze
1 1/3 C confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped lemon zest
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
1- 2 T milk
Makes 2 dozen
In a small saucepan, heat milk to very warm, but not hot (110°F if using a candy thermometer). Fit an electric mixer with a dough hook. Pour warm milk in the bowl of mixer and sprinkle yeast over. Mix to dissolve and let sit for 5 minutes.
With mixer running at low speed, add sugar, salt, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs. Gradually add flour, dough will be wet and sticky, and continue kneading with dough hook until smooth, about 5 minutes. Detach bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let the dough "rest" for 30-45 minutes.
Return bowl to mixer and knead until smooth and elastic, for about 3 more minutes. Add currants or raisins and knead until well mixed. At this point, dough will still be fairly wet and sticky. Shape dough in a ball, place in a buttered dish, cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator (see note at right if you're in a hurry). Excess moisture will be absorbed by the morning.
Let dough sit at room temperature for about a half-hour. Line a large baking pan (or pans) with parchment paper (you could also lightly grease a baking pan, but parchment works better). Divide dough into 24 equal pieces (in half, half again, etc., etc.). Shape each portion into a ball and place on baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
In the meantime, pre-heat oven to 400° F.
When buns have risen, take a sharp or serrated knife and carefully slash buns with a cross. Brush them with egg white and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° F, then bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together glaze ingredients, and spoon over buns in a cross pattern. Serve warm, if possible (Hot Cross Buns).
What a wonderful and Blessed Day for all Humankind!!!!!!!
Tradition in England (and other places) is to make Hot Cross Buns on this day.
Here is a little information from Fabulous Foods that I find so interesting!:
A traditional favorite on Good Friday in England, Hot Cross Buns are a spicy currant or raisin studded yeast bun, topped with a "Cross" of lemon flavored icing. While Christians have adopted the cake and the symbolism of the cross, it wasn't always so. To Pagans then as now, the cross was symbolic of the sun wheel, which symbolizes perfect balance at the time of the Spring Equinox.
Hot Cross Buns were probably originally used in ceremonies and rituals and the Christian Church attempted to ban the buns, although they proved too popular. Left with no alternative but defeat, the church did the next best thing and "Christianized" the bread with Queen Elizabeth I passing a law which limited the bun's consumption to proper religious ceremonies, such as Christmas, Easter or funerals.
Here is a recipe that we will be using today: (from FabulousFoods.com)
1 C milk
2 T yeast
1/2 C sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/3 C butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
4 eggs
5 C flour
1 1/3 C currants or raisins
1 egg white
Glaze
1 1/3 C confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped lemon zest
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
1- 2 T milk
Makes 2 dozen
In a small saucepan, heat milk to very warm, but not hot (110°F if using a candy thermometer). Fit an electric mixer with a dough hook. Pour warm milk in the bowl of mixer and sprinkle yeast over. Mix to dissolve and let sit for 5 minutes.
With mixer running at low speed, add sugar, salt, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs. Gradually add flour, dough will be wet and sticky, and continue kneading with dough hook until smooth, about 5 minutes. Detach bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let the dough "rest" for 30-45 minutes.
Return bowl to mixer and knead until smooth and elastic, for about 3 more minutes. Add currants or raisins and knead until well mixed. At this point, dough will still be fairly wet and sticky. Shape dough in a ball, place in a buttered dish, cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator (see note at right if you're in a hurry). Excess moisture will be absorbed by the morning.
Let dough sit at room temperature for about a half-hour. Line a large baking pan (or pans) with parchment paper (you could also lightly grease a baking pan, but parchment works better). Divide dough into 24 equal pieces (in half, half again, etc., etc.). Shape each portion into a ball and place on baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
In the meantime, pre-heat oven to 400° F.
When buns have risen, take a sharp or serrated knife and carefully slash buns with a cross. Brush them with egg white and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° F, then bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together glaze ingredients, and spoon over buns in a cross pattern. Serve warm, if possible (Hot Cross Buns).
What a wonderful and Blessed Day for all Humankind!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Easter
I thought I'd share a couple of our traditions for Easter.
The way we teach our children about the Easter Story is using the Bible and Resurrection Eggs.
Here is a link to where you can buy them:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=297220&kw=resurrection_eggs&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CNyl2IyknJICFRkTIgod0Qir7A
Sorry I don't know how to create a link in my blog. You can cut and paste the link.
We do dye eggs, and have some candy. However that is done on a day other than Easter Sunday. Many years it is done on Spring Equinox, but with both myself and my husband working outside the home, if Spring Equinox is on a weekday, it is too hectic to do it then. This year we will do the eggs/baskets on Saturday. We always have clues, maps or riddles for the children to follow in finding their baskets. We also use natural dyes for our egg dying. We experiment and create our own and it is really quite fun!! (more fun than using the commerical packaged dyes!)
This year, I'm going to also add in this:
http://blessingsforlife.com/recipes/holidays/resurrectionrolls.htm
We will go to church on Sunday. We are still searching for a home church to settle down in.
I love Holy Week.
Michelle
The way we teach our children about the Easter Story is using the Bible and Resurrection Eggs.
Here is a link to where you can buy them:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=297220&kw=resurrection_eggs&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CNyl2IyknJICFRkTIgod0Qir7A
Sorry I don't know how to create a link in my blog. You can cut and paste the link.
We do dye eggs, and have some candy. However that is done on a day other than Easter Sunday. Many years it is done on Spring Equinox, but with both myself and my husband working outside the home, if Spring Equinox is on a weekday, it is too hectic to do it then. This year we will do the eggs/baskets on Saturday. We always have clues, maps or riddles for the children to follow in finding their baskets. We also use natural dyes for our egg dying. We experiment and create our own and it is really quite fun!! (more fun than using the commerical packaged dyes!)
This year, I'm going to also add in this:
http://blessingsforlife.com/recipes/holidays/resurrectionrolls.htm
We will go to church on Sunday. We are still searching for a home church to settle down in.
I love Holy Week.
Michelle
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Today the temp is in the 50's!!!!! WOW!
Today is a beautiful day here in central Wyoming. Spring feels like it is very very near.
Today was my day at the Christian Storehouse and each time I serve there, I am just so very blessed. There is something that I can not explain in words about serving the "least of these" in the community. Life gets down to the basics when I am ministering to these folks. I had to leave early to get my car in the shop so I was not able to lead the public devotional and prayer today, which I enjoy so very much. If you are having a problem or struggle....go find someone to serve who is in a worse situation. You will gain a new perspective.
Still no job contracts yet for either my husband or I. Hopefully we will soon know where we will be employed for next school year.
May God bless you during this Holy Week......
Today was my day at the Christian Storehouse and each time I serve there, I am just so very blessed. There is something that I can not explain in words about serving the "least of these" in the community. Life gets down to the basics when I am ministering to these folks. I had to leave early to get my car in the shop so I was not able to lead the public devotional and prayer today, which I enjoy so very much. If you are having a problem or struggle....go find someone to serve who is in a worse situation. You will gain a new perspective.
Still no job contracts yet for either my husband or I. Hopefully we will soon know where we will be employed for next school year.
May God bless you during this Holy Week......
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Affordable body wash
Last month, after reading a product review, I purchased an overpriced 8.5 oz bottle of Neutrogena's Shower and Shave Wash (blue stuff...$8 in most stores). It was really nice and I enjoyed using it, however it has an ingredient list that I can't pronounce and the price tag is a bit steep for my budget on a regular basis.
I started thinking about how to make my own. I saved the empty bottle that the Neutrogena stuff had been in.
I think I have commented about how I've been making my own cleaning products for years now. Well, one of the main ingredients I use is the liquid Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps which is a 18-in1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap made with Organic Oils. I like the peppermint scented for most of my cleaning products, but I also use the lavender scent for some things.
I decided to use this Dr. B's soap to make a body wash. Here is what I did with the recycled Neutrogena 8.5 oz bottle:
1. Fill the bottle most of the way full with purified water.
2. Then add the liquid Dr. Bronner's
I do turn the bottle upside down one time before I pump it out onto a washcloth to use in the shower. It works wonderfully!!!!
I am not sure how to figure out how much it costs to make, but it can't be more than a couple of quarters.
Give it a try if you want! You will have a natural bodywash that costs less than even the White Rain brand body wash. (which has a ingredient list that I can't pronounce)
By the way, I can pronounce all the ingredients on the Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap!! It is also Certified Fair Trade and is not tested on animals.
On top of that...if you already have the Dr. Bronner's on hand, you may decide to give making your own cleaning products a try!
Have a Blessed Day! That is all for now...I need to do some chores around the house now and enjoy just working in my home. (which I love)
I started thinking about how to make my own. I saved the empty bottle that the Neutrogena stuff had been in.
I think I have commented about how I've been making my own cleaning products for years now. Well, one of the main ingredients I use is the liquid Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps which is a 18-in1 Hemp Pure Castile Soap made with Organic Oils. I like the peppermint scented for most of my cleaning products, but I also use the lavender scent for some things.
I decided to use this Dr. B's soap to make a body wash. Here is what I did with the recycled Neutrogena 8.5 oz bottle:
1. Fill the bottle most of the way full with purified water.
2. Then add the liquid Dr. Bronner's
I do turn the bottle upside down one time before I pump it out onto a washcloth to use in the shower. It works wonderfully!!!!
I am not sure how to figure out how much it costs to make, but it can't be more than a couple of quarters.
Give it a try if you want! You will have a natural bodywash that costs less than even the White Rain brand body wash. (which has a ingredient list that I can't pronounce)
By the way, I can pronounce all the ingredients on the Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap!! It is also Certified Fair Trade and is not tested on animals.
On top of that...if you already have the Dr. Bronner's on hand, you may decide to give making your own cleaning products a try!
Have a Blessed Day! That is all for now...I need to do some chores around the house now and enjoy just working in my home. (which I love)
Sunday, March 9, 2008
What an experience! I found "my people".
I'm being slightly sarcastic in the "I found my people" line, but WOW! The Democratic caucus was really something else. There was a great deal of diversity, but I couldn't help but be drawn to seeing how many people there were like me.
I saw more active fleece in that line than in all the Old Navy commercials ever made. Eccentric people were there! I saw dreadlocks (which I think I'll try), facial piercings (already have), old hippies and intellectual types, environmentalists, birkenstocks, running shoes, fanny packs, hats like I wear....heck, people looked like me to a great extent! I have no idea where all these people came from. Probably Lander (NOLS) and Dubois!! (ha ha...you will understand that comment if you live here and know me well) Even the vehicles were different. I did not see any jumbo sized, jacked-up, big-tired, full-size pickup trucks. Except for the one that went tearing through the parking lot and right back out, which brought many comments from the waiting crowd that could have been spoken by me. (My People!!!) I did not see any Hummers, and very few earth killers from other companies.
You can not possibly understand this blog entry unless you are someone very much like me living in a state where you are a very obvious minority. I love who I am and am solid and confident in my own self....but I can't help but say how neat it was to see that I was not the odd one in the gathering!
Politically speaking, Republicans outnumber Democrats 2 to 1.
There were also many working class folks and other folks who generally make up the democratic party. But my eyes were drawn to people who were a closer reflection of myself. I saw myself in 20 years in some of those faces....it was cool.
At the caucus where I went, we were told that the last caucus drew 30 Democrats out to caucus. There had to be at least 1000 people in that high school yesterday. It was a great experience. I also realized that I need to commit to caucus each time I have the opportunity...this is a right I have as a American and it is something I have never done before. Something that people in other nations who do not have the blessing of freedom that we have would probably never take advantage of.
I was able to see the returns on TV. Since it was a Saturday afternoon, the only news channel I could find that was covering it was Fixed News (aka Fox News) and although I had to sit through hearing many insults towards Wyoming Democrats, it was cool to see the numbers coming in. Obama easily won.
It was a day that I will remember.
I saw more active fleece in that line than in all the Old Navy commercials ever made. Eccentric people were there! I saw dreadlocks (which I think I'll try), facial piercings (already have), old hippies and intellectual types, environmentalists, birkenstocks, running shoes, fanny packs, hats like I wear....heck, people looked like me to a great extent! I have no idea where all these people came from. Probably Lander (NOLS) and Dubois!! (ha ha...you will understand that comment if you live here and know me well) Even the vehicles were different. I did not see any jumbo sized, jacked-up, big-tired, full-size pickup trucks. Except for the one that went tearing through the parking lot and right back out, which brought many comments from the waiting crowd that could have been spoken by me. (My People!!!) I did not see any Hummers, and very few earth killers from other companies.
You can not possibly understand this blog entry unless you are someone very much like me living in a state where you are a very obvious minority. I love who I am and am solid and confident in my own self....but I can't help but say how neat it was to see that I was not the odd one in the gathering!
Politically speaking, Republicans outnumber Democrats 2 to 1.
There were also many working class folks and other folks who generally make up the democratic party. But my eyes were drawn to people who were a closer reflection of myself. I saw myself in 20 years in some of those faces....it was cool.
At the caucus where I went, we were told that the last caucus drew 30 Democrats out to caucus. There had to be at least 1000 people in that high school yesterday. It was a great experience. I also realized that I need to commit to caucus each time I have the opportunity...this is a right I have as a American and it is something I have never done before. Something that people in other nations who do not have the blessing of freedom that we have would probably never take advantage of.
I was able to see the returns on TV. Since it was a Saturday afternoon, the only news channel I could find that was covering it was Fixed News (aka Fox News) and although I had to sit through hearing many insults towards Wyoming Democrats, it was cool to see the numbers coming in. Obama easily won.
It was a day that I will remember.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Democrat Caucus Tomorrow
If you are in Wyoming and are a registered Democrat, don't forget to caucus tomorrow! If you never have, this is a very important year to do so! Wyomings delegates (12...I think) are really quite important in this election cycle.
Lander Valley High School is where folks who live around me need to go. They lock the doors at 10:00 a.m. (stupid, if you ask me...how democratic is that????) so be there by 9:30 a.m. at the latest. We are going to be there at 9:00 a.m. (I'm actually not sure what my husband is registered as....he may be an independent and if so, he will just go along for the ride and to keep me company)
Here is a interesting article about how Wyoming really is important this year for the caucus. Not since 1960 has Wyoming actually had any pull in the nomination. (in 1960 Wyoming pushed JFK over the top to be the nominee)
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-wyoming-democrats,1,6986401.story
Lander Valley High School is where folks who live around me need to go. They lock the doors at 10:00 a.m. (stupid, if you ask me...how democratic is that????) so be there by 9:30 a.m. at the latest. We are going to be there at 9:00 a.m. (I'm actually not sure what my husband is registered as....he may be an independent and if so, he will just go along for the ride and to keep me company)
Here is a interesting article about how Wyoming really is important this year for the caucus. Not since 1960 has Wyoming actually had any pull in the nomination. (in 1960 Wyoming pushed JFK over the top to be the nominee)
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-wyoming-democrats,1,6986401.story
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Zakk tattooing his first customer on March 1, 2008!! It was a pretty large tattoo and it turned out really really well. The guy is coming back in for Zakk to touch up his other tattoo and the guys friend also promptly scheduled his own appointment with Zakk to tattoo him! I'll post a image of the tattoo as soon as I can.
Way to go Zakk!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
BYOB
Noooo.....I'm not thinking about "Bring Your Own Beer" in my title, but rather "Bring your Own Bag"!
I learned something new today while at the grocery store. (Smith's for my local friends who read this blog) If you take in your own cloth grocery bags, the checker should take five cents off per bag that you provide! I had no idea that stores actually charge the customer for those plastic bags! That is what I learned today. I plan on reminding the checker each time and I will be inquiring at the Evil Place (aka Wal Mart) and Safeway to see if they will also give me a credit for providing my own bags.
I hope to come back and finally add in the photo of the cloth bags I made. However, my son has the digital camera at the tattoo shop today and tomorrow so he can make sure to get photos of his work to go into his portfolio. He was tattooing his first customer today!!!! I did take a photo of him doing it and I'll also add that in another blog when I get the camera back.
Have a Blessed Day!
I learned something new today while at the grocery store. (Smith's for my local friends who read this blog) If you take in your own cloth grocery bags, the checker should take five cents off per bag that you provide! I had no idea that stores actually charge the customer for those plastic bags! That is what I learned today. I plan on reminding the checker each time and I will be inquiring at the Evil Place (aka Wal Mart) and Safeway to see if they will also give me a credit for providing my own bags.
I hope to come back and finally add in the photo of the cloth bags I made. However, my son has the digital camera at the tattoo shop today and tomorrow so he can make sure to get photos of his work to go into his portfolio. He was tattooing his first customer today!!!! I did take a photo of him doing it and I'll also add that in another blog when I get the camera back.
Have a Blessed Day!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Economic Stimulus Package
http://www.chateaumezcal.com/2008-tax-rebate-calculator.htm#rebate
Hopefully that link will work.
Go there to figure out your rebate.
We owed the IRS this year (we were totally not expecting that....we were expecting a refund!) so this will help cover July when we won't have any income due to my husband switching careers. I hope the number it spit out was accurate....I followed all the directions.
By the way, I think this will not stimulate the economy because it seems like everyone I speak to needs this money to either put on debt or just put food on the table and pay bills. (which is what we will use ours for!)
Hopefully that link will work.
Go there to figure out your rebate.
We owed the IRS this year (we were totally not expecting that....we were expecting a refund!) so this will help cover July when we won't have any income due to my husband switching careers. I hope the number it spit out was accurate....I followed all the directions.
By the way, I think this will not stimulate the economy because it seems like everyone I speak to needs this money to either put on debt or just put food on the table and pay bills. (which is what we will use ours for!)
Stepping out in Faith
We are in a time of change.
My husband resigned his position at his 6-12 principal job effective for next school year. (which means his last paycheck will be in June and our health insurance will end the 1st of July) He does not currently have another job. He is looking and we are only looking (at this time) in our own county because we really love living here and do not want to move.
This decision came after intense prayer and seeking God's will concerning the deteoriating condition of the upper level administration in his school district. It was the right thing to do. However, stepping out in faith in this way is a challenge and a time of learning.
I also told my employer that unless they can offer me a regular education full-time position for next year, that I will not be returning. (I had told my administration this before my husband made his resignation official) My school is a good one and they are doing everything they can to find me a full-time position in the area I want because they don't want to lose me to another school district.
We'll see how things pan out.
In times like this, when you know that God is leading you, peace prevails. Such a time to learn about faith and God's goodness and grace!
Our children are taking the change in stride. This affects them because (starting next school year) they will no longer be commuting to the school where my husband has resigned his position from. The children will attend a much larger district where we live. There are positives and negatives in this change. More opportunities, but less personal attention from teachers.
We are also seeking a new church to attend that is in our own town. We just can't continue to commute to attend church out of town. The gas prices are just going up too much. Plus it will be good for the children to attend church in the same community where we live and where they will be attending school next year.
God is leading, all will be well.
We are blessed. I have a strong, happy marriage. I have a rock solid faith walk with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I have children who may drive me crazy, but I am crazy about! All of these relationships take work and do not come naturally! I must seek God daily...I must guard my marriage daily....I must continually work on my relationship with my children. I don't want to give the impression that these things just come naturally. Anyone can have the same strength in these relationships. It all starts by being totally born again in Jesus Christ. Sold out to Him instead of being sold out to the world or even your church rules and regulations. It is about relationships.....not religion and rules. (I know, I say that all time time....but for years I was in a dead religion so I know what I'm talking about)
Fear does start to creep in at times. Yesterday was a difficult day for me. I started thinking about the pay cut my husband will be taking due to leaving his position. I also worry about the medical issues since we have two children with chronic health conditions. (as well as 3 other family members on medications that are necessary) However, fear and confusion are not from GOD....especially when we know we are walking in His will and following Him. Refocusing on Who we are trusting and taking some time for prayer is what helps and then the peace comes back.
I'll update when I know more. My husband was already offered a job (less than a day after resigning) but it would be a $31,000 pay-cut. It is not time to jump into the first thing that comes along. He also feels that it is not the job for him.....so he is looking, praying, seeking.
My husband resigned his position at his 6-12 principal job effective for next school year. (which means his last paycheck will be in June and our health insurance will end the 1st of July) He does not currently have another job. He is looking and we are only looking (at this time) in our own county because we really love living here and do not want to move.
This decision came after intense prayer and seeking God's will concerning the deteoriating condition of the upper level administration in his school district. It was the right thing to do. However, stepping out in faith in this way is a challenge and a time of learning.
I also told my employer that unless they can offer me a regular education full-time position for next year, that I will not be returning. (I had told my administration this before my husband made his resignation official) My school is a good one and they are doing everything they can to find me a full-time position in the area I want because they don't want to lose me to another school district.
We'll see how things pan out.
In times like this, when you know that God is leading you, peace prevails. Such a time to learn about faith and God's goodness and grace!
Our children are taking the change in stride. This affects them because (starting next school year) they will no longer be commuting to the school where my husband has resigned his position from. The children will attend a much larger district where we live. There are positives and negatives in this change. More opportunities, but less personal attention from teachers.
We are also seeking a new church to attend that is in our own town. We just can't continue to commute to attend church out of town. The gas prices are just going up too much. Plus it will be good for the children to attend church in the same community where we live and where they will be attending school next year.
God is leading, all will be well.
We are blessed. I have a strong, happy marriage. I have a rock solid faith walk with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I have children who may drive me crazy, but I am crazy about! All of these relationships take work and do not come naturally! I must seek God daily...I must guard my marriage daily....I must continually work on my relationship with my children. I don't want to give the impression that these things just come naturally. Anyone can have the same strength in these relationships. It all starts by being totally born again in Jesus Christ. Sold out to Him instead of being sold out to the world or even your church rules and regulations. It is about relationships.....not religion and rules. (I know, I say that all time time....but for years I was in a dead religion so I know what I'm talking about)
Fear does start to creep in at times. Yesterday was a difficult day for me. I started thinking about the pay cut my husband will be taking due to leaving his position. I also worry about the medical issues since we have two children with chronic health conditions. (as well as 3 other family members on medications that are necessary) However, fear and confusion are not from GOD....especially when we know we are walking in His will and following Him. Refocusing on Who we are trusting and taking some time for prayer is what helps and then the peace comes back.
I'll update when I know more. My husband was already offered a job (less than a day after resigning) but it would be a $31,000 pay-cut. It is not time to jump into the first thing that comes along. He also feels that it is not the job for him.....so he is looking, praying, seeking.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Laundry detergent
Make your own and save a ton of money. Yes, this does work and you can use it in the new HE machines. Mess with the ingredients until you find the balance that works for you and for the type of water you have. (hard/soft)
I use:
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (in the yellow box)
Borax
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (I get the big box of it from Wal Mart)
Soap (Brands that work: Fels Naptha, Zote, or any other hard basic lye soap....check my links section for Mo Soap where you can get a big ole' brick of lye soap for a great price!)
Grate up the bar of soap. I then blend, in very small batches, even parts of each of the above until I have the amount I want. You can use a blender or a food processor.
I store mine in a recycled large container from the natural yogurt that our family eats. You can use any plastic container with a lid or a glass container with a lid.
I have a huge washing machine that holds something like 20 towels in a load, so I use a full Tablespoon of the detergent. Sometimes 1-1/2 T. if the load is very dirty/soiled. However, if you have a regular sized washing machine, I hear from friends that use a similar recipe that they only use a teaspoon per load!
I do dissolve mine in hot water before putting it in my machine. I have found that works better for my own preferences. I have been using the Zote soap because it is dirt cheap (Wal Mart...less than 90 cents for a bar) but I am going to be order a few bricks of the Mo Soap. I have also considered using a bar of Dr. Bronners castile soap....I'm not sure how that would work. I may try the Dr. B's if I find I need to make up more laundry detergent before I'm ready and able to budget in a order of a few bricks of soap from Mo Soap.
I have tried homemade laundry detergent recipes in the past and was never pleased with the quality. (just google and you'll find tons of them online) I was given this recipe by Sara Urbanik who is an amazing homemaker (and human being). It is a great recipe and we've been using it for about 6 months now and the savings to our budget is incredible. It works....and for those who know me and the ways in which I use cloth instead of paper in our home for various things, you know I have soiled laundry!!! (more so than most mainstream people *lol*)
A nice fabric softener recipe that works is just 1/2 vinegar, 1/2 distilled water, essential oil of your choice, and just a tiny shot of dishsoap to help things blend better. I keep it in a quart canning jar with a plastic lid. I shake it a bit to blend the ingredients before I pour it into my fabric softener dispenser. I change the scent when I have to make up more. Right now, I have patchouli and lavendar scented fabric softener.
I have been making most of my own cleaning products for a few years now and it really is cheaper. It is also better for the health of my family and the health of the environment. the book I recommend getting for cleaning recipes is "Clean House Clean Planet". (or maybe it is Clean Home, Clean Planet....you'll be able to find it) That was one book purchase that was worth it!!
I use:
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (in the yellow box)
Borax
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (I get the big box of it from Wal Mart)
Soap (Brands that work: Fels Naptha, Zote, or any other hard basic lye soap....check my links section for Mo Soap where you can get a big ole' brick of lye soap for a great price!)
Grate up the bar of soap. I then blend, in very small batches, even parts of each of the above until I have the amount I want. You can use a blender or a food processor.
I store mine in a recycled large container from the natural yogurt that our family eats. You can use any plastic container with a lid or a glass container with a lid.
I have a huge washing machine that holds something like 20 towels in a load, so I use a full Tablespoon of the detergent. Sometimes 1-1/2 T. if the load is very dirty/soiled. However, if you have a regular sized washing machine, I hear from friends that use a similar recipe that they only use a teaspoon per load!
I do dissolve mine in hot water before putting it in my machine. I have found that works better for my own preferences. I have been using the Zote soap because it is dirt cheap (Wal Mart...less than 90 cents for a bar) but I am going to be order a few bricks of the Mo Soap. I have also considered using a bar of Dr. Bronners castile soap....I'm not sure how that would work. I may try the Dr. B's if I find I need to make up more laundry detergent before I'm ready and able to budget in a order of a few bricks of soap from Mo Soap.
I have tried homemade laundry detergent recipes in the past and was never pleased with the quality. (just google and you'll find tons of them online) I was given this recipe by Sara Urbanik who is an amazing homemaker (and human being). It is a great recipe and we've been using it for about 6 months now and the savings to our budget is incredible. It works....and for those who know me and the ways in which I use cloth instead of paper in our home for various things, you know I have soiled laundry!!! (more so than most mainstream people *lol*)
A nice fabric softener recipe that works is just 1/2 vinegar, 1/2 distilled water, essential oil of your choice, and just a tiny shot of dishsoap to help things blend better. I keep it in a quart canning jar with a plastic lid. I shake it a bit to blend the ingredients before I pour it into my fabric softener dispenser. I change the scent when I have to make up more. Right now, I have patchouli and lavendar scented fabric softener.
I have been making most of my own cleaning products for a few years now and it really is cheaper. It is also better for the health of my family and the health of the environment. the book I recommend getting for cleaning recipes is "Clean House Clean Planet". (or maybe it is Clean Home, Clean Planet....you'll be able to find it) That was one book purchase that was worth it!!
Change......exciting or full of fear?
CHANGE.....I'm not talking about the kind you find under the sofa cushions.
Change is a part of life and life is made up of a series of changes. Actually, our very bodies change moment by moment so you'd think we should be "at-home" with change.
I use to struggle with change a lot. That would be an understatement.....it would freak me out and send me into a tensioned "what-if?" existence full of fear of the unknown.
Change has changed for me. I do attribute it to my relationship with Jesus Christ. Because He is my Rock, I do not fear change that is in His will. Yes, my initial reaction (flesh) is to lean towards "what if"....but then the peace takes over. Change becomes more of a exciting anticipation of change than a fearful event of future, scary/bad unknowns. Even if things don't look reasonable at any time during the process of change, if I am in His will, I know greater blessings will be waiting for me. I am willing to follow along in total faith.
Does this mean I am a brainless idiot? No, I know the difference between God's leading and me "checking my brain" at the door and just acting like an idiot. I also know that my own intelligence can not solve and order my life's path into the best that is available for me. Sure I can muscle through and run things in my own independence. However, I have learned that I am not the best person to be captain of my own ship. (that is God's job)
I have been expecting and anticipating great change. I have felt it coming for the past several months. I have no idea how it is going to manifest but I am starting to see the very tip of it all.....and I'm glad I can only see that much at a time. I'm glad that I am being taught more about walking in faith. Seeing by faith. Reasoning by faith. (which to me means not reasoning and relying on my own knowledge/sight)
Life can be difficult. For example, this past week I have had a week that if I were to type out what has transpired in my family, it would seem unreal. If this past week had happened a number of years ago when I was being led by "religion" and "rules" and trying to earn my way into God's grace through church "obligations", I would have fallen into what a life like that usually brings: Victim Mentality and self talk like "I'm just Enduring to the End". Other nonsense such as that which totally insults what Christ did for me on the cross. How thankful I am that I truly understand and live in a relationship with God rather than a relationship with a religion/church/group. The difference is grace...pure and simple. Again, we human beings get in there with our arrogance and adding on rules and regulations and muck it all up which leads people into false sects of Christianity and into works...works...works. I know that because I use to be one of those people. Back then, I would have fallen into my own human reasoning to deal with my past weeks events. Thank God I am free from that!!! This past week was unbelievable, but with my daily walk and very personal relationship with God, I walked by faith. I was able to praise Him and know that all things do indeed work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. That is reality for me.
This all comes back to change. Is change something I fear? Not anymore!!! I know that I am living and walking daily in God's will for my life. Change is exciting. The feeling of change coming on for me personally is like the anticipation and expectation I have when in a roller coaster that is going up, up, up.....getting ready to hit that big exhilarating drop where I throw both arms up in the air and enjoy the ride! In my life and the way I walk in relationship with God through love and grace, the safety bar is Jesus Christ Himself holding me in for the duration of the ride. That is how I let go, throw my arms up, smile, and say WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Change is a part of life and life is made up of a series of changes. Actually, our very bodies change moment by moment so you'd think we should be "at-home" with change.
I use to struggle with change a lot. That would be an understatement.....it would freak me out and send me into a tensioned "what-if?" existence full of fear of the unknown.
Change has changed for me. I do attribute it to my relationship with Jesus Christ. Because He is my Rock, I do not fear change that is in His will. Yes, my initial reaction (flesh) is to lean towards "what if"....but then the peace takes over. Change becomes more of a exciting anticipation of change than a fearful event of future, scary/bad unknowns. Even if things don't look reasonable at any time during the process of change, if I am in His will, I know greater blessings will be waiting for me. I am willing to follow along in total faith.
Does this mean I am a brainless idiot? No, I know the difference between God's leading and me "checking my brain" at the door and just acting like an idiot. I also know that my own intelligence can not solve and order my life's path into the best that is available for me. Sure I can muscle through and run things in my own independence. However, I have learned that I am not the best person to be captain of my own ship. (that is God's job)
I have been expecting and anticipating great change. I have felt it coming for the past several months. I have no idea how it is going to manifest but I am starting to see the very tip of it all.....and I'm glad I can only see that much at a time. I'm glad that I am being taught more about walking in faith. Seeing by faith. Reasoning by faith. (which to me means not reasoning and relying on my own knowledge/sight)
Life can be difficult. For example, this past week I have had a week that if I were to type out what has transpired in my family, it would seem unreal. If this past week had happened a number of years ago when I was being led by "religion" and "rules" and trying to earn my way into God's grace through church "obligations", I would have fallen into what a life like that usually brings: Victim Mentality and self talk like "I'm just Enduring to the End". Other nonsense such as that which totally insults what Christ did for me on the cross. How thankful I am that I truly understand and live in a relationship with God rather than a relationship with a religion/church/group. The difference is grace...pure and simple. Again, we human beings get in there with our arrogance and adding on rules and regulations and muck it all up which leads people into false sects of Christianity and into works...works...works. I know that because I use to be one of those people. Back then, I would have fallen into my own human reasoning to deal with my past weeks events. Thank God I am free from that!!! This past week was unbelievable, but with my daily walk and very personal relationship with God, I walked by faith. I was able to praise Him and know that all things do indeed work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. That is reality for me.
This all comes back to change. Is change something I fear? Not anymore!!! I know that I am living and walking daily in God's will for my life. Change is exciting. The feeling of change coming on for me personally is like the anticipation and expectation I have when in a roller coaster that is going up, up, up.....getting ready to hit that big exhilarating drop where I throw both arms up in the air and enjoy the ride! In my life and the way I walk in relationship with God through love and grace, the safety bar is Jesus Christ Himself holding me in for the duration of the ride. That is how I let go, throw my arms up, smile, and say WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
My Tattoos......so far!
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This is the first big tattoo I had done. It is on my right shoulder/arm. You can't see all of it in the photo since it wraps around a bit, however you can see most of it. This piece has has two artists work in it. (the lotus flower was my first tattoo and the rest of the design was done by a second artist named Sigrun Hornberger) So, this piece is often called a "add on" since a second artist added onto what someone else started. The small lotus flower was done when I turned 35 yrs old and I had it on my arm all by itself until late summer 2007 when I had the artist who is mentoring/apprenticing my son Zakk add onto it. I wanted an earthy design keeping with the oriental feel started with the lotus flower. You can not see the detail of the butterfly but it is just out of it's coccoon. That symbolizes my own new creation after I came to believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior. The lotus flower was done in the traditional colors representing motherhood/mothering. The flowers are cherry blossoms which are one of my very favorite and the leaves bring in the earthy feel. The colors used are traditional for the oriential feel/theme of the piece. The tattoo is a 1/4 sleeve. I love it and it is what you'd call a custom piece.
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This is the second tattoo I had done. It is on my left shoulder/arm and was completed in January 2008. It is almost a 1/2 sleeve. (lets call it a 1/3 sleeve *lol*) You can't see 100% of the tattoo in this picture since it wraps around my arm more than is shown. The banner is my own handwriting and says "Only God May Judge Me" and this is a reminder to myself not to judge myself for my past and also a reminder to me to make darned sure I'm not judging others around me because it is not my place to do that. (it is God's alone) It is really cool to look down and see my own handwriting on my skin! The Chalice with the living water flowing out of it (and the flames) are symbolic of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and it is a vision that God gave me shortly after that experience in my own life. It is a brilliant, custom designed tattoo and was also done by the gal who is mentoring my son Zakk. It carries a huge amount of personal symbolism and is also very significant to me on a spiritual level. Sigrun Hornberger is the name of the artist and she is a great artist and I'm so glad she is the one who has taught my son the craft of tattooing. Her example and mentoring teamed up with Zakks amazing natural talent is providing the foundation for Zakk to be one of the best in the field. The work he is already producing is excellent and far beyond what a beginning artist usually does when just beginning the art of tattooing.
From this point forward, any work done on me will be done by Zakk. (my son) I have plans for my back but it will be done slowly. I'm taking a break from any major ink right now since it is kind of a pain keeping up on the aftercare and not being able to go swimming for 8 weeks afterwards and how painful the larger pieces are. (the red ink especially is nasty and heals slowly and I have a lot of that in my second tattoo) I have some really fun ideas and some very spiritual ideas that will eventually be inked on my skin. I think tattoos are beautiful. (well....some are spooky, but I like what I have!!) When they are done by a real artist, they are truly a living work of art and I feel that mine are true art.
Friday, February 15, 2008
10 Things I'm Thankful for Today
I'm thankful for so much, but I'm going to look at just today and list 10 things:
1. A great devotional and prayer time this morning
2. The day off work to finish up my sewing
3. The sun shining to break up the very cold spell
4. My husband and children being home early today
5. A good workout on the treadmill due to having legs that work and money in the budget for the gym membership.
6. Herbal medication on hand for my cold
7. A warm bed to sleep in tonight in safety (thinking about those who don't have either warmth or safety)
8. Working washer and dryer
9. Time to sit this afternoon with a cup of herbal tea and a magazine
10. That I am alive to see this day and anticipation for what tomorrow will bring
1. A great devotional and prayer time this morning
2. The day off work to finish up my sewing
3. The sun shining to break up the very cold spell
4. My husband and children being home early today
5. A good workout on the treadmill due to having legs that work and money in the budget for the gym membership.
6. Herbal medication on hand for my cold
7. A warm bed to sleep in tonight in safety (thinking about those who don't have either warmth or safety)
8. Working washer and dryer
9. Time to sit this afternoon with a cup of herbal tea and a magazine
10. That I am alive to see this day and anticipation for what tomorrow will bring
Thursday, February 14, 2008
At-Home Day
Today I stayed home for work. I almost always have Fridays off, so today and tomorrow add up to some much needed and enjoyed at-home time. Time for me to get some projects done!
I will always be a at-home mom at heart, even though I do enjoy teaching.
My two day plan, beyond my "normal" daily home keeping duties will include some special projects:
1. Make up some natural sugar scrub for my own use since I am out and it will be a week before I get more from the local gal who makes amazing products!
2. Get the canvas shopping bags sewed up. I have some fabric that I found in a storage bin and I am going to use that to make shopping bags so we are not using plastic beyond what we can recycle here at home as garbage sacks. I thought about buying the cheap .99 bags that Safeway sells, but that would still be impacting our environment more than my making them here out of that found fabric. (it would impact more to buy because it costs to truck them in and to manufacture the bags) In this case, my time is worth the extra effort.
Speaking of shopping bags, there is another easy way to recycle something into something new. Get a old tank top that is going to be thrown out (or get them from Goodwill) and just stitch the bottom shut. You use the shoulder straps as your bags handles. These would not be as durable as the canvas or twill ones I'm making, but they are truly simple!
I'm using a paper sack from the grocery store to make my pattern for the ones I'll be sewing up. If I can find my digital camera, I'll take a photo of the finished bags and post it here. I sure hope I can figure out how to use my serger since I have not sewn anything for months and months. (one of the things I miss from when I use to be at-home all the time and had time for these things)
I'm also planning on taking a day off from the gym today. (since I am feeling a bit yucky...that is why I stayed home today)
The scrub recipe I use is not nearly as nice as what I buy locally, but it works in a pinch if you are desperate! I will post the website for the gal who makes up my stuff as soon as she gets one online. (you just have to try her products! I LOVE them and use four different things she handcrafts) Anyway, here is my cavewoman scrub recipe:
1 C. sugar
1/4 C. raw honey (locally harvested is best)
1/2 C. high grade olive oil
Mix. You can add essential oil if you want, but I don't bother with this recipe since I like the natural smell. It does not blend as well as the stuff you buy from someone who puts more time and effort into their formulas, but it works and does not take but a second to stir up a bit before using.
Ok...off to do what I am saying I'm going to do!
I will always be a at-home mom at heart, even though I do enjoy teaching.
My two day plan, beyond my "normal" daily home keeping duties will include some special projects:
1. Make up some natural sugar scrub for my own use since I am out and it will be a week before I get more from the local gal who makes amazing products!
2. Get the canvas shopping bags sewed up. I have some fabric that I found in a storage bin and I am going to use that to make shopping bags so we are not using plastic beyond what we can recycle here at home as garbage sacks. I thought about buying the cheap .99 bags that Safeway sells, but that would still be impacting our environment more than my making them here out of that found fabric. (it would impact more to buy because it costs to truck them in and to manufacture the bags) In this case, my time is worth the extra effort.
Speaking of shopping bags, there is another easy way to recycle something into something new. Get a old tank top that is going to be thrown out (or get them from Goodwill) and just stitch the bottom shut. You use the shoulder straps as your bags handles. These would not be as durable as the canvas or twill ones I'm making, but they are truly simple!
I'm using a paper sack from the grocery store to make my pattern for the ones I'll be sewing up. If I can find my digital camera, I'll take a photo of the finished bags and post it here. I sure hope I can figure out how to use my serger since I have not sewn anything for months and months. (one of the things I miss from when I use to be at-home all the time and had time for these things)
I'm also planning on taking a day off from the gym today. (since I am feeling a bit yucky...that is why I stayed home today)
The scrub recipe I use is not nearly as nice as what I buy locally, but it works in a pinch if you are desperate! I will post the website for the gal who makes up my stuff as soon as she gets one online. (you just have to try her products! I LOVE them and use four different things she handcrafts) Anyway, here is my cavewoman scrub recipe:
1 C. sugar
1/4 C. raw honey (locally harvested is best)
1/2 C. high grade olive oil
Mix. You can add essential oil if you want, but I don't bother with this recipe since I like the natural smell. It does not blend as well as the stuff you buy from someone who puts more time and effort into their formulas, but it works and does not take but a second to stir up a bit before using.
Ok...off to do what I am saying I'm going to do!
EDDIE
Eddie is....well uniquely Eddie. It has been a challenge raising him with his ADHD, oppositional defiant behaviors, and his Down syndrome....but one thing can be said about life with Eddie. It is never boring! We have managed to get him to the point where he is able to be trusted at night sleeping in his own room without our worrying about him burning down the house, hurting himself, or others. (or the animals) That was such a huge accomplishment for him and a relief for the rest of us!
He is a teenager and has all the attitude and hormones that a "typical" teenager has but the twist here is that he is mentally functioning around the age of a "typical" 4/5 year old. What a combination!
He really enjoys going to respite care. He also loves attending any school event. (mostly due to the consession stand!) He enjoys any animated movie. He enjoys family Bible study, even though he has not a clue as to what we are discussing....he just loves to get his picture Bible out and flip through it and then pray at the end. He is still obsessed with the big yellow school bus' he sees around town. (and he loves to ride the bus!)
He is quick to help out if we ask him and even though he requires supervision 24/7, he is fairly easy to manage now that we have him on a "even keel". He is still a very small person.....about the height of your average 9 year old.
His hips are still giving him great trouble due to one leg being significantly shorter than the other. He is finally getting special shoes made for him and we hope this solves that problem. His speech is still very difficult to understand and if you don't know him, it is impossible to understand until you get to know him.
He is a cute kid and while he is onrey as can be, he is also as loving as can be. He loves to tattle on anyone he can tattle on. (even the dogs) He is sassy and is working on not talking back to mom and dad when we tell him something. (the teenager in him)
Eddie keeps life interesting around here! He sure loved the homemade valentine that I gave him this morning and he shows us all how to appreciate all the "little things" in life.
He is a teenager and has all the attitude and hormones that a "typical" teenager has but the twist here is that he is mentally functioning around the age of a "typical" 4/5 year old. What a combination!
He really enjoys going to respite care. He also loves attending any school event. (mostly due to the consession stand!) He enjoys any animated movie. He enjoys family Bible study, even though he has not a clue as to what we are discussing....he just loves to get his picture Bible out and flip through it and then pray at the end. He is still obsessed with the big yellow school bus' he sees around town. (and he loves to ride the bus!)
He is quick to help out if we ask him and even though he requires supervision 24/7, he is fairly easy to manage now that we have him on a "even keel". He is still a very small person.....about the height of your average 9 year old.
His hips are still giving him great trouble due to one leg being significantly shorter than the other. He is finally getting special shoes made for him and we hope this solves that problem. His speech is still very difficult to understand and if you don't know him, it is impossible to understand until you get to know him.
He is a cute kid and while he is onrey as can be, he is also as loving as can be. He loves to tattle on anyone he can tattle on. (even the dogs) He is sassy and is working on not talking back to mom and dad when we tell him something. (the teenager in him)
Eddie keeps life interesting around here! He sure loved the homemade valentine that I gave him this morning and he shows us all how to appreciate all the "little things" in life.
ASIA
Happy Valentines Day to all!
Updating on Asia. My goodness, where to start! Asia is so beautifully complex that only those of us who know her will understand what I mean by that.
She is in middle school this year and is becoming so strikingly beautiful that it sometimes takes my breath away. She is also very independent and headstrong. I think as she gets further into the teen years (she is just entering them), she will be the one who causes Aaron and I to go gray. (ha ha, I'm already gray but thank goodness for hair color!!!) She is doing very well with her school and loves to be involved in a sport. She really dreads the "down time" between her various sports.
She still has a great interest in animals and science but she is starting to wonder if maybe working with youth is her calling in life. She loves to come to my (mom's) classroom and volunteer and seems to have a natural ability with children.
She is the one at school who will stand up to injustice and she takes the fallout that comes along with taking a stand. (and does not let it bother her)
She knows what she likes, feels, and wants and even if that may change from moment to moment, she moves full-steam ahead with determination. She and her sister clash often because they are both so dynamic and strong in different ways. (and know how to get at each other)
I suppose that is about it. Asia is pretty easygoing and she is the apple of her grandfathers eye. We think she is pretty cool too!!!
Updating on Asia. My goodness, where to start! Asia is so beautifully complex that only those of us who know her will understand what I mean by that.
She is in middle school this year and is becoming so strikingly beautiful that it sometimes takes my breath away. She is also very independent and headstrong. I think as she gets further into the teen years (she is just entering them), she will be the one who causes Aaron and I to go gray. (ha ha, I'm already gray but thank goodness for hair color!!!) She is doing very well with her school and loves to be involved in a sport. She really dreads the "down time" between her various sports.
She still has a great interest in animals and science but she is starting to wonder if maybe working with youth is her calling in life. She loves to come to my (mom's) classroom and volunteer and seems to have a natural ability with children.
She is the one at school who will stand up to injustice and she takes the fallout that comes along with taking a stand. (and does not let it bother her)
She knows what she likes, feels, and wants and even if that may change from moment to moment, she moves full-steam ahead with determination. She and her sister clash often because they are both so dynamic and strong in different ways. (and know how to get at each other)
I suppose that is about it. Asia is pretty easygoing and she is the apple of her grandfathers eye. We think she is pretty cool too!!!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
SEREAH
Short update today. My husband and I were finally able to watch our oldest daughter in action debating. It is her first year on the debate team as a freshman and we have been hearing wonderful things about her skills at it. All of you who have known her since she was a baby know that she has been debating circles around the adults in her life since preschool. (and we are not stupid people!)
She was amazing. I was really awestruck listening to her. She is really going to take this somewhere. It will be interesting to see if her debate experiences over the next 4 years will influence her adult professional choices for her career.
She looks so tiny to her opponents with her 4'11" height and I think they assume that she will be a easy person to beat. Then she opens her mouth.....WOW! I'm really proud of her and it is a blessing to see another child doing something that is utilizing their natural God given gift.
She'll get home late tonight and I look forward to hearing about the other debates that she had. (she had 3 total but we only saw 1)
Aaaah.....to have a mind like hers..............
She was amazing. I was really awestruck listening to her. She is really going to take this somewhere. It will be interesting to see if her debate experiences over the next 4 years will influence her adult professional choices for her career.
She looks so tiny to her opponents with her 4'11" height and I think they assume that she will be a easy person to beat. Then she opens her mouth.....WOW! I'm really proud of her and it is a blessing to see another child doing something that is utilizing their natural God given gift.
She'll get home late tonight and I look forward to hearing about the other debates that she had. (she had 3 total but we only saw 1)
Aaaah.....to have a mind like hers..............
Friday, February 8, 2008
ZAKK
I am going to try to share what Zakk has been up to. This is the super-condensed version because I am making lunch, doing laundry, trying to get ready to go to a speech meet out of town, and make it home in time to get a good cardio and weight lifting session in at the gym tonight.
Anyway, Zakk will be 18 in just a couple weeks. He is nearly done with his vocational training, which is an apprenticeship at a really great tattoo shop. (I'll post a link to the shop in my links section) It has been a really in-depth experience and he really was very fortunate to find an apprenticeship at this time in his life and at a very high quality, reputable shop. Zakk tattooed himself and it looks amazing. (he has one more sitting to do on it to finish it up)
He really is an amazing artist and he has what it takes to be one of the best there is in the world of tattooing. He was inspired by his Uncle Brad, who is a exceptional artist. (up at Black Hills Tattoo for anyone near Rapid City who wants something done!)
I learned some lessons from Zakk regarding his dreams and my dreams for him. I had a hang-up about him having to go to college and get at least a Bachelors degree. That was my idea of what he should do....my dream for him. Totally unfair. He was going to do this, but it would have been to please me, not follow his own calling in life. He did speak to me months ago about this and explained that he is not interested in college. I learned....and apologized....and supported his vision for his own dreams for his own life. Actually, I see how arrogant and out-of-line I was to try to impose what I thought he should do. Working at something you love is the most important thing. (I later found out that good tattoo artists make a excellent salary, so that was good to know!! However it all comes down to living well below your means)
He will be going 1/2 days next year for his senior year so he can tattoo also. I am proud of him and it is a blessing to see him moving into what is his calling and his gift for his life.
He also has a very serious girlfriend. They have everything planned out together and I hope things work for them. First love is something-powerful........
Anyway, Zakk will be 18 in just a couple weeks. He is nearly done with his vocational training, which is an apprenticeship at a really great tattoo shop. (I'll post a link to the shop in my links section) It has been a really in-depth experience and he really was very fortunate to find an apprenticeship at this time in his life and at a very high quality, reputable shop. Zakk tattooed himself and it looks amazing. (he has one more sitting to do on it to finish it up)
He really is an amazing artist and he has what it takes to be one of the best there is in the world of tattooing. He was inspired by his Uncle Brad, who is a exceptional artist. (up at Black Hills Tattoo for anyone near Rapid City who wants something done!)
I learned some lessons from Zakk regarding his dreams and my dreams for him. I had a hang-up about him having to go to college and get at least a Bachelors degree. That was my idea of what he should do....my dream for him. Totally unfair. He was going to do this, but it would have been to please me, not follow his own calling in life. He did speak to me months ago about this and explained that he is not interested in college. I learned....and apologized....and supported his vision for his own dreams for his own life. Actually, I see how arrogant and out-of-line I was to try to impose what I thought he should do. Working at something you love is the most important thing. (I later found out that good tattoo artists make a excellent salary, so that was good to know!! However it all comes down to living well below your means)
He will be going 1/2 days next year for his senior year so he can tattoo also. I am proud of him and it is a blessing to see him moving into what is his calling and his gift for his life.
He also has a very serious girlfriend. They have everything planned out together and I hope things work for them. First love is something-powerful........
Beginning of many updates.
My last post was in October 2007! Yikes!! Sorry to my friends and family who read this blog.
Many wonderful things have been happening in our family. It will take more than one post to touch on the "new news".
Today, I will share my own thoughts and what has been happening with me individually.
I have started to serve in a local Ministry and for those who know how much I really really dislike speaking in front of groups of people or having any attention brought to me, will agree that it is only through God's power working in me that I am able to do what I'm doing. It is a small step, but I know I am following what God is leading me to do and I know He is using this beginning experience to prepare me for other plans later in life.
I am leading at the Christian Storehouse one day a week and it has been such a blessing to me and a challenge too. I lead a devotional and speak a little and offer an invitation to come to Jesus Christ. Then I take prayer requests and pray over those who assemble there. I also do other tasks involving keeping things running smoothly and leading a group of volunteers. The Christian Storehouse is a Ministry that reaches out to the poorest of the poor in the Riverton area. We serve the homeless, the addicted, those who are mentally ill etc... I am so grateful to the Lord for placing me there to serve. The first few times I was there, I would come home and just weep and pray for what I saw.
People are hurting. People are lost and we as believers need to break out of our comfortable Christian life where we only associate with those who are like us. Break out of serving God only on Sundays in our comfortable churches. Break out of this "sleep" that has brought so many followers of Christ to become too busy to help "the least of these". We need to remember who Jesus hung around with and served while he walked the earth. I personally need to be reminded and it is easy to do.....just open up the New Testament and read about what Jesus Christ did. Who He ranted and raved against, who He reached out to, what He told his disciples, how He communed with God the Father, and the example that He set for us. That example is still relevant today.
Wake up everyone! And to myself, I say......"Wake up even more Michelle!"
Lets get out there and serve "the least of these" in honor and praise of He who gave everything for us.
Ok...stepping off my soapbox. Don't think for a minute that I think I have things together. I have been one of the worst sinners there is. His grace is HUGE....it was big enough for me. He offers me His grace every single day.....He does the same thing for you.
Many wonderful things have been happening in our family. It will take more than one post to touch on the "new news".
Today, I will share my own thoughts and what has been happening with me individually.
I have started to serve in a local Ministry and for those who know how much I really really dislike speaking in front of groups of people or having any attention brought to me, will agree that it is only through God's power working in me that I am able to do what I'm doing. It is a small step, but I know I am following what God is leading me to do and I know He is using this beginning experience to prepare me for other plans later in life.
I am leading at the Christian Storehouse one day a week and it has been such a blessing to me and a challenge too. I lead a devotional and speak a little and offer an invitation to come to Jesus Christ. Then I take prayer requests and pray over those who assemble there. I also do other tasks involving keeping things running smoothly and leading a group of volunteers. The Christian Storehouse is a Ministry that reaches out to the poorest of the poor in the Riverton area. We serve the homeless, the addicted, those who are mentally ill etc... I am so grateful to the Lord for placing me there to serve. The first few times I was there, I would come home and just weep and pray for what I saw.
People are hurting. People are lost and we as believers need to break out of our comfortable Christian life where we only associate with those who are like us. Break out of serving God only on Sundays in our comfortable churches. Break out of this "sleep" that has brought so many followers of Christ to become too busy to help "the least of these". We need to remember who Jesus hung around with and served while he walked the earth. I personally need to be reminded and it is easy to do.....just open up the New Testament and read about what Jesus Christ did. Who He ranted and raved against, who He reached out to, what He told his disciples, how He communed with God the Father, and the example that He set for us. That example is still relevant today.
Wake up everyone! And to myself, I say......"Wake up even more Michelle!"
Lets get out there and serve "the least of these" in honor and praise of He who gave everything for us.
Ok...stepping off my soapbox. Don't think for a minute that I think I have things together. I have been one of the worst sinners there is. His grace is HUGE....it was big enough for me. He offers me His grace every single day.....He does the same thing for you.
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