I found this blog a bit ago and enjoy peeking in every once in awhile. This post made me happy. What a cute and FUN idea.
Love, love, love this place.
Well, this morning I woke up with dirty blonde hair and tonight I go to bed a more burnette with red highlights kind of gal. I love it. It is short. It is sassy and I have been told I look younger. I can deal with that.
Lyn
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
My Mother in Law
I remember before I was married the horror stories some had a their mother in laws. I had some girlfriends who had real "made for TV" encounters with their mother in laws. But me, I got lucky. I lived in a garage apartment above my in laws for 3 years and couldn't have been happier. When we moved to our first house I had to go through all the emotions of "leaving home" again.
We did have our ups and downs but we could always talk about them. Work through them. They never festered. I have the same relationship with my father in law. We can agree to disagree and be fine with it.
As a mother of five sons I think the daughter in law thing was overwhelming at times. Some of us she got along with better than others. As long as we treated her boys well she was happy. Her loyalty to them was fierce. She was the truest of mother hens. Many days when I make that reference it is my mother in law I am modeling after.
She taught me many things in her kitchen. Many things about our shared religion. She guided me down many paths I may have never found with out her. We made a quilt together. I would cut, she would sew. I designed, she made it work. She taught me to use leftovers in very creative ways. And that sometimes that little something special is a warm cake right out of the oven, no icing needed. She taught me that prayer is sometimes all we have to offer. And that giving to God is as necessary as breathing.
One Easter I had given up chocolate for Lent. She called me down at 11:30 pm to help her make up the Easter candy table for our family Easter party the next day and as soon as the grandfather clock in her living room struck midnight she pulled out my very own bag of chocolates. And she sat and ate it with me as we giggled. I can remember that like it was yesterday and it was more than nine years ago.
She came to the hospital when Wise One was born. Traveled 45 min to get there. All my other sister in laws told me how surprised they were. She had not come to the hospital when their babies were born. I felt very special. But I also felt my son was not just my own. It was her baby, having a baby and she was so proud of Chosen One. Not taking anything away from her other sons, but Chosen One was her baby and things were just different at times with him. She was a little more protective. A little more forgiving of his mistakes.
When she suffered her first stroke about two years ago I greived the mother in law I had known. Her personality changed and I missed her dearly. When the cancer with discovered a year later I almost couldn't hold it together at times. I knew what was coming. It mirrored what happened to my grandmother when I was eleven years old. I knew what was coming and I knew I would be a part of caring for this woman who had given me so much. Mainly, her fifth son.
The night before she passed we all spent the night at her house. We all slept in the same room with her. If she could have sat up and seen it I am sure she would have laughed. It looked like a big ole slumber party. In her honor. When she took her last breath the next morning we were all with her. Surrounding the bed, praying and lifting her up.
I am glad the cancer has released her. I am glad she is with all those she loved that passed before her. I am glad she is at peace.
But I miss her. I miss her in the depths of my bones. I miss her gentle smile. I miss her laugh and her squeezes she gave my sons. And I miss seeing her eyes light up at the sight of Chosen One. And his eyes lighting in return.
Lyn
We did have our ups and downs but we could always talk about them. Work through them. They never festered. I have the same relationship with my father in law. We can agree to disagree and be fine with it.
As a mother of five sons I think the daughter in law thing was overwhelming at times. Some of us she got along with better than others. As long as we treated her boys well she was happy. Her loyalty to them was fierce. She was the truest of mother hens. Many days when I make that reference it is my mother in law I am modeling after.
She taught me many things in her kitchen. Many things about our shared religion. She guided me down many paths I may have never found with out her. We made a quilt together. I would cut, she would sew. I designed, she made it work. She taught me to use leftovers in very creative ways. And that sometimes that little something special is a warm cake right out of the oven, no icing needed. She taught me that prayer is sometimes all we have to offer. And that giving to God is as necessary as breathing.
One Easter I had given up chocolate for Lent. She called me down at 11:30 pm to help her make up the Easter candy table for our family Easter party the next day and as soon as the grandfather clock in her living room struck midnight she pulled out my very own bag of chocolates. And she sat and ate it with me as we giggled. I can remember that like it was yesterday and it was more than nine years ago.
She came to the hospital when Wise One was born. Traveled 45 min to get there. All my other sister in laws told me how surprised they were. She had not come to the hospital when their babies were born. I felt very special. But I also felt my son was not just my own. It was her baby, having a baby and she was so proud of Chosen One. Not taking anything away from her other sons, but Chosen One was her baby and things were just different at times with him. She was a little more protective. A little more forgiving of his mistakes.
When she suffered her first stroke about two years ago I greived the mother in law I had known. Her personality changed and I missed her dearly. When the cancer with discovered a year later I almost couldn't hold it together at times. I knew what was coming. It mirrored what happened to my grandmother when I was eleven years old. I knew what was coming and I knew I would be a part of caring for this woman who had given me so much. Mainly, her fifth son.
The night before she passed we all spent the night at her house. We all slept in the same room with her. If she could have sat up and seen it I am sure she would have laughed. It looked like a big ole slumber party. In her honor. When she took her last breath the next morning we were all with her. Surrounding the bed, praying and lifting her up.
I am glad the cancer has released her. I am glad she is with all those she loved that passed before her. I am glad she is at peace.
But I miss her. I miss her in the depths of my bones. I miss her gentle smile. I miss her laugh and her squeezes she gave my sons. And I miss seeing her eyes light up at the sight of Chosen One. And his eyes lighting in return.
Lyn
Monday, February 19, 2007
Processing
Still porcessing emotions but I thought I would let y'all know why I have been so quiet and will be a little quiet in the days to come.
My mother in law passed away on Saturday with her family by her side. Her funeral was today.
Now the healing begins for those that on still on earth. It has been a long tough road for many reasons.
Lyn
My mother in law passed away on Saturday with her family by her side. Her funeral was today.
Now the healing begins for those that on still on earth. It has been a long tough road for many reasons.
Lyn
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Sweeties for my Sweeties!
A few years ago I came across a recipe that made my husband VERY happy. It was for a cookie he loved. Sweeties. They are tasty and light. Can be colored pink for Valentine's, green for St. Patrick's, yellow for Easter or the prettiest light shade of pink or blue for baby showers. So in celebration of a batch of sweeties I made last night, for my house of sweeties, I leave you with this wonderful cookie recipe.
Sweeties:
cookie
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter - softened
3 eggs
2 tsp almond extract
4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Cream first four ingredents. Add dry. Swirl in food coloring to your liking. Roll into balls and flatten slightly with the smooth bottom of a glass. Bake at 350 for 8-10 mins. Cool on wire rack.
glaze
powdered sugar - a cup or so
milk - a tad
almond extract - a tad
food coloring to your liking
This is a glaze not an icing so if you get it to thin add more sugar, to thick a bit more milk.
Glaze cookies while still warm.
Enjoy!
Lyn
Sweeties:
cookie
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter - softened
3 eggs
2 tsp almond extract
4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Cream first four ingredents. Add dry. Swirl in food coloring to your liking. Roll into balls and flatten slightly with the smooth bottom of a glass. Bake at 350 for 8-10 mins. Cool on wire rack.
glaze
powdered sugar - a cup or so
milk - a tad
almond extract - a tad
food coloring to your liking
This is a glaze not an icing so if you get it to thin add more sugar, to thick a bit more milk.
Glaze cookies while still warm.
Enjoy!
Lyn
Monday, February 12, 2007
Happy Birthday Chosen One!
Thirty-four years old. Three and a Four. Thirty-three plus one. Six years till forty. Anyway you look at it one year older. One year wiser. One year tired-er. One year maturer. One more year of past experiences. One more year of a few gray hairs!
I am so glad I am taking this ride with you. You know how to make me laugh at my lowest. Make me smile through my tears. And make me giggle till my sides hurt. You make me....me.
Happy thirty-fourth birthday!!!!
Lyn
I am so glad I am taking this ride with you. You know how to make me laugh at my lowest. Make me smile through my tears. And make me giggle till my sides hurt. You make me....me.
Happy thirty-fourth birthday!!!!
Lyn
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Prayers
Requesting prayers:
Four years ago today my friend, Mis, watched her four month old die from injuries caused by the trusted babysitter. Pray for her continued healing and strength for her and her family.
My mother in law is declining more and more everyday. Pray for comfort and peace and hope for her husband and five sons.
e - just pray for her. Pray for laughter, strength, smiles, hope, comfort, friendship, sunshine, and contentness. Pray for strong mentally fit doctors and nurses who understand they are dealing with a person not a number. Pray that she feels the warmth of friends who love her deeply.
Lyn
Four years ago today my friend, Mis, watched her four month old die from injuries caused by the trusted babysitter. Pray for her continued healing and strength for her and her family.
My mother in law is declining more and more everyday. Pray for comfort and peace and hope for her husband and five sons.
e - just pray for her. Pray for laughter, strength, smiles, hope, comfort, friendship, sunshine, and contentness. Pray for strong mentally fit doctors and nurses who understand they are dealing with a person not a number. Pray that she feels the warmth of friends who love her deeply.
Lyn
Monday, February 05, 2007
Quote Monday
Poor little bloggy blog, no time for you these days. But I am making a really good effort to post a couple of times a week! Really I am! Really...
Love, love my job. I almost feel guilty saying that. As if that means I am glad I went back to work. Which I am NOT! But if I have to I am glad I have this job to go to!
Love, love my job. I almost feel guilty saying that. As if that means I am glad I went back to work. Which I am NOT! But if I have to I am glad I have this job to go to!
"Most of the people I know who have what I want - which is to
say, purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy - are people with a deep sense of
spirituality......They follow a brighter light than the glimmer of their own
candle; they are part of something beautiful. I saw something
once.....that said, 'A human life is like a single letter of the alphabet.
It can meaningless. Or it can be part of a great meaning.' "
~Anne Lamott~
Monday, January 29, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
My OWN Strength
To show me my own strength God sent me Chosen One with a new kind of Blue Bell! It is called Cake Batter. CAKE BATTER, I say! And it is so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But you see I can't handle dairy without medicine and even with medicine sometimes ice cream still makes me sick. So I took a nibble. Just a nibble.
STRENGTH!!!!!!!!!
I prayed for it. Nobody to blame but myself.
Lyn
STRENGTH!!!!!!!!!
I prayed for it. Nobody to blame but myself.
Lyn
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Strength
This past Sunday, as I sat in the pew next to my Rowdy One who was proving his name, in church no less, I prayed for strength. I asked God to guide me to strength, to show me strength and to help me with strength. Many days I feel like I am crumbling. So I prayed for strength for my family and for me.
Since Sunday this is what I have been shown. And I have taken a deep breath each time and recognized them. They are strength, my examples and my models. Sent to me from God. A gentle whisper telling me they are all around me and even when I crumble they are there to lift me up.
*a lone white dove in amongst the other fifty sitting on a power line. Seen while I was putting gas in my car. We have dove all around us. I see dove every single day. But this is the first time I have seen a snow white dove in the midst of all the regular gray ones. She was not afraid. She entered their chat feast as one of them. No matter she was stark white and they were dark. Strength......
*a friend making a deep decision. Facing things that she should not have to face. Make decisions that she should not be faced with. And all the while doing it with hope and commitment to the ones she loves. Strength.......
*Wise One jumping out of the car this morning and hollering "hey Nicole" to a girl he barely knows but one he calls a friend. This from my shy one. This from my one who would rather stand in the rain than have someone notice him. Strength.............
*my Chosen One lending his strength to his mother. She can no longer get around by herself. Her strong legs have given out. Her strong mind is wavering. And he is lending her his strength to prepare her for bed. He is lending her his strength in the one sided conversations he continues to have with her. He is showing me strength.............
*a single, bright sunflower in a yard that I drive by every single day. I have never noticed this sunflower until today. It is in the middle of the yard. It is the dead of winter. We just had a cold snap and while everything else is wilted and dying this sunflower is strong and tall. And BRIGHT! Strength.....................
I hope everyone gets a glimpse of strength today, in their everyday.
Lyn
Since Sunday this is what I have been shown. And I have taken a deep breath each time and recognized them. They are strength, my examples and my models. Sent to me from God. A gentle whisper telling me they are all around me and even when I crumble they are there to lift me up.
*a lone white dove in amongst the other fifty sitting on a power line. Seen while I was putting gas in my car. We have dove all around us. I see dove every single day. But this is the first time I have seen a snow white dove in the midst of all the regular gray ones. She was not afraid. She entered their chat feast as one of them. No matter she was stark white and they were dark. Strength......
*a friend making a deep decision. Facing things that she should not have to face. Make decisions that she should not be faced with. And all the while doing it with hope and commitment to the ones she loves. Strength.......
*Wise One jumping out of the car this morning and hollering "hey Nicole" to a girl he barely knows but one he calls a friend. This from my shy one. This from my one who would rather stand in the rain than have someone notice him. Strength.............
*my Chosen One lending his strength to his mother. She can no longer get around by herself. Her strong legs have given out. Her strong mind is wavering. And he is lending her his strength to prepare her for bed. He is lending her his strength in the one sided conversations he continues to have with her. He is showing me strength.............
*a single, bright sunflower in a yard that I drive by every single day. I have never noticed this sunflower until today. It is in the middle of the yard. It is the dead of winter. We just had a cold snap and while everything else is wilted and dying this sunflower is strong and tall. And BRIGHT! Strength.....................
I hope everyone gets a glimpse of strength today, in their everyday.
Lyn
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sickies
Rowdy One woke us up Saturday and was sick. You know what this mother hen's first thought was? Oh we will have a day with Rowdy One on the couch and the rest of us can hang around and watch movies. Poor guy is sick but at least he will be down and contained for the day. What an awful thought.......................
But true to his name, Rowdy One was sick and then up playing. Sick and then running around the house. Sick and then wanting to go outside. Every time he got sick he was down for all of about 5 seconds and then off again.
I should be a glad mother hen. Instead I was a tired mother hen.
This was his first encounter with "vomit". After he got sick the first time I heard him asking Chosen One, did I just throw-up? Was that throw-up? He had not a clue and once he realized he was not possessed I think he was a little proud!
Six year old's can even make sickies funny!
Lyn
But true to his name, Rowdy One was sick and then up playing. Sick and then running around the house. Sick and then wanting to go outside. Every time he got sick he was down for all of about 5 seconds and then off again.
I should be a glad mother hen. Instead I was a tired mother hen.
This was his first encounter with "vomit". After he got sick the first time I heard him asking Chosen One, did I just throw-up? Was that throw-up? He had not a clue and once he realized he was not possessed I think he was a little proud!
Six year old's can even make sickies funny!
Lyn
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Staff?
As I am getting ready to leave this morning the phone rings. Without even looking I answer it and am greeted by a woman who then proceeds to butcher my last name, "may I please speak to Mrs. ^$#&*(?" At this point I knew it was a telamarketer and I said, sorry she is not it.
"Well, then may I speak to someone on her staff?"
Blink. Blink.
"Her what?"
"Her staff, may I speak to someone on her staff?"
"She has no staff."
"Oh, well I will call another time."
Now I have thought of this all day. Who would be calling me thinking I had a staff????
Kinda funny!!!
Lyn
"Well, then may I speak to someone on her staff?"
Blink. Blink.
"Her what?"
"Her staff, may I speak to someone on her staff?"
"She has no staff."
"Oh, well I will call another time."
Now I have thought of this all day. Who would be calling me thinking I had a staff????
Kinda funny!!!
Lyn
Monday, January 15, 2007
Shorts and Sweaters
I have lived in South Texas long enough, all 34 yrs of my grand ole life, that I know you very well could be wearing shorts on Christmas, that you never pack away your summer clothes and you have very few winter clothes which your rarely unpack. I don't even own a "winter" coat. I own several "windbreakers" some lined if it is really cold. But this weather we are having now is really getting to me. Yesterday it was 75 degrees and I was in shorts. Right now it is 33 degrees and raining with a chance it might warm to 45!
I DON'T HAVE CLOTHES FOR THIS, DEAR WEATHER GODS!!!! And I have to go to work! Please, have mercy on my thinskinned self!
Yes, I am working on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As my boss said "sorry, but this is football season for us." as in tax season. I am glad that the boys and Chosen One get to stay snug in their jammies for the day!
Lyn
I DON'T HAVE CLOTHES FOR THIS, DEAR WEATHER GODS!!!! And I have to go to work! Please, have mercy on my thinskinned self!
Yes, I am working on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As my boss said "sorry, but this is football season for us." as in tax season. I am glad that the boys and Chosen One get to stay snug in their jammies for the day!
Lyn
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Cracked. Me. Up.
I am catching up on my blog reading. When I got to this story I had to get the box of kleenex, I laughed so hard. I love the way she writes and that she is not afraid to tell these tales.
Seriously. I was C.R.Y.I.N.G. I was laughing so hard just imagining the pictures in my mind as the story was unfolding.
Just imagining a child in a highchair saying "I see fire!" is enough to make me start laughing all over again.
Lyn
Seriously. I was C.R.Y.I.N.G. I was laughing so hard just imagining the pictures in my mind as the story was unfolding.
Just imagining a child in a highchair saying "I see fire!" is enough to make me start laughing all over again.
Lyn
What a week!
This past week was our first full week in work/school mode. I fell into bed exhausted last night at like 8pm!
The boys are thriving in school. Thank God! And I am not saying that lightly! Thank you God above!!!!! There are some things I have issue with at Rowdy One's school but they are minor and I just need to make my concerns known and I am sure there is a fix. Wise One is having a grand time learning the ins and outs of his new enviroment. They are both very bright kids and are excelling in the new setting. I could list all the things I miss/am concerned with/wish were different but I am not. I am listing all the positives we have had this week. And there have been many.
Work is great. Really. Great. I am very capable and my new bosses are very good about telling me that. The verbal reenforcements are good since I was/am having such a hard time with the transistion. It is a pleasant atmosphere with no real stress and lots of positive vibes. My office is right next to Rowdy One's school so I can skip over there for lunch with him any time I want. I also do not have to be at work until 9 so we are not rushed in the morning. I have cuddle time and all. And the pay is nice. Truly. That is the main reason for returning to the workforce. And it will relieve some stress fairly quickly and help us get back on our feet. And working for CPAs has some perks, as in wonderful advice and education on some long term things at my finger tips.
Ah! All around this week was a good one.
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes I have received. I have felt wrapped in prayer and good thoughts and I so appreciate the kindness!
Lyn
The boys are thriving in school. Thank God! And I am not saying that lightly! Thank you God above!!!!! There are some things I have issue with at Rowdy One's school but they are minor and I just need to make my concerns known and I am sure there is a fix. Wise One is having a grand time learning the ins and outs of his new enviroment. They are both very bright kids and are excelling in the new setting. I could list all the things I miss/am concerned with/wish were different but I am not. I am listing all the positives we have had this week. And there have been many.
Work is great. Really. Great. I am very capable and my new bosses are very good about telling me that. The verbal reenforcements are good since I was/am having such a hard time with the transistion. It is a pleasant atmosphere with no real stress and lots of positive vibes. My office is right next to Rowdy One's school so I can skip over there for lunch with him any time I want. I also do not have to be at work until 9 so we are not rushed in the morning. I have cuddle time and all. And the pay is nice. Truly. That is the main reason for returning to the workforce. And it will relieve some stress fairly quickly and help us get back on our feet. And working for CPAs has some perks, as in wonderful advice and education on some long term things at my finger tips.
Ah! All around this week was a good one.
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes I have received. I have felt wrapped in prayer and good thoughts and I so appreciate the kindness!
Lyn
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Smiles.
As Rowdy One was getting ready for his bath .....
"Mommy, sometimes my tummy hurts and I think I need to go to the bathroom but then I let out a toot and I feel better."
"Yes, sweetie, that is called passing gas."
"Did that happen to you when you were a kid?"
"Well, yeah, and it still happens to me now."
"Awe man, you mean it can happen any time in your life?"
Blink. Blink. Smile. Smile.
**************************************************************
More smiles over the phone when a friend calls to tell me all the good things that happened to her today. Really, just simple everyday things that she received great happiness from.
Smile. Smile.
**************************************************************
A wonderful email from a friend with a list of what makes her smile.
It is nice to have a friend so content with her life. Even if she is thousands of miles away and I miss her terribly. Just knowing that her choice to move, a thousand miles away!, have brought her great joy make me...
Smile. Smile. Smile.
**************************************************************
A sweet little arm wrapping around my neck, as I type on the computer, asking me to come lay down with him.
Smile. Smile. BIG smiles.......
Off to read bedtime stories and cuddle with one of my favorite guys!
Lyn
"Mommy, sometimes my tummy hurts and I think I need to go to the bathroom but then I let out a toot and I feel better."
"Yes, sweetie, that is called passing gas."
"Did that happen to you when you were a kid?"
"Well, yeah, and it still happens to me now."
"Awe man, you mean it can happen any time in your life?"
Blink. Blink. Smile. Smile.
**************************************************************
More smiles over the phone when a friend calls to tell me all the good things that happened to her today. Really, just simple everyday things that she received great happiness from.
Smile. Smile.
**************************************************************
A wonderful email from a friend with a list of what makes her smile.
It is nice to have a friend so content with her life. Even if she is thousands of miles away and I miss her terribly. Just knowing that her choice to move, a thousand miles away!, have brought her great joy make me...
Smile. Smile. Smile.
**************************************************************
A sweet little arm wrapping around my neck, as I type on the computer, asking me to come lay down with him.
Smile. Smile. BIG smiles.......
Off to read bedtime stories and cuddle with one of my favorite guys!
Lyn
Monday, January 08, 2007
Positive Thoughts
"All the great blessings of my life are present in my thoughts
today." Phoebe Cary
Positive List for TODAY:
Having a FAB-U-LOUS outfit to wear today! And Chosen One making a wonderful comment about it.
Being greeted with much excitement at the new work place.
Having these waiting for me when I got home. Man, was I ever glad to slip into them! (a Christmas present from one of my favorite aunts that I wear Every. Single. Day.)
Easy and yummy dinner. Homemade pizza.
Lyn
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Books
Three books in four days. All were good and I enjoyed them keeping my mind busy.
The Dog Walker by Leslie Schnur Raunchy at times but funny all the same. I picked this up on whim at the library.
Giovanni's Light by Phyllis Theroux I looked for this before Christmas and it was checked out so I read it after Christmas. Good, no matter when it is read. A good quick read.
Marley & Me by John Grogan Recommended by my aunt and my sister received it for Christmas so I read it yesterday while the guys cooked and watched football! It made me laugh, out loud!, cry and run and hug my dog!
Lyn
The Dog Walker by Leslie Schnur Raunchy at times but funny all the same. I picked this up on whim at the library.
Giovanni's Light by Phyllis Theroux I looked for this before Christmas and it was checked out so I read it after Christmas. Good, no matter when it is read. A good quick read.
Marley & Me by John Grogan Recommended by my aunt and my sister received it for Christmas so I read it yesterday while the guys cooked and watched football! It made me laugh, out loud!, cry and run and hug my dog!
Lyn
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Positive Thoughts
In looking for some positive things today I found this:
"If you pay attention to the darkness, you'll never find the light."
Yeah, okay, I can go with that.
Positive List for TODAY:
Boys talking, with excitment, about school.
Visiting with a friend.
Chosen One cooking fried shrimp.
Comments from blog friends to let me know they care.
Four Legged One, that dog really makes me smile.
Cleaning out the pantry and reorganizing.
No where I had to be today.
Lyn
"If you pay attention to the darkness, you'll never find the light."
Yeah, okay, I can go with that.
Positive List for TODAY:
Boys talking, with excitment, about school.
Visiting with a friend.
Chosen One cooking fried shrimp.
Comments from blog friends to let me know they care.
Four Legged One, that dog really makes me smile.
Cleaning out the pantry and reorganizing.
No where I had to be today.
Lyn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)