Good morning world. Did I live up to my own challenge? Yes I did. I read Ephesians 1:7 NIV which says:
"7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace"
Then made coffee, swish and swiped the bathroom, re-started laundry, and got my cup of coffee. I am ready for my day!
After church last night, on my way home, I kept thinking more about my relationship with Jesus. It is so easy to let life get busy. I told those at church last night about my challenge and challenged them.
One person said he grabs his phone first thing because he has about 10 minutes before he runs out the door for work. We talked about reading even one verse, one sentence could make a difference in a day.
Yesterday I stuck to my eating plan. The only variation was I tried a homemade cupcake that was made for the Palio diet. It was gluten free. However, it had honey in it, no sugar. Honey is not on my eating plan. I think I will survive.
Adding to my list of who I am, I am righteous through Jesus!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
CHALLENGE! Do you reach for your phone first thing in the mornings?
Good morning world! The other day, I was challenged to come up with a list of who I am. Not my roles in life, but without those roles, who I am. Well, I was reading yesterday. And even though the challenge was not directed to me, I still felt challenged. So here is the challenge and I am extending it to you all!
How many of us wake up in the mornings and the first thing we reach for is our phones? I told someone a couple of days ago I check the weather and the news. The response I got was "I check those on T.V."
I have made the comment about not needing a phone. One of the saddest things I have seen lately is two couples out to dinner and all 4 of them on their phones.
For me it would be better to reach for God's word first thing in the morning instead of my phone, or sitting down at the labtop. God's word would equip me better for the day instead of checking facebook, my blog stats, or even online banking to make sure I did not forget to write something in my check register.
I have been in God's word more as I said I would. Just not first thing in the morning when I would benefit the most. I have been praying more. Just not first thing in the morning to thank God for another day and my very breathe.
SO HERE IS THE CHALLENGE, Instead of waking up and reaching for your phone, tablet, or what ever device you happen to use, grab your Bible, or devotion. Read it, pray and spend time with God before you grab the electronics.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
Since I did not do this today, I can not tell you just how my day will go. I can just imagine it will be much better!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Almost forgot! Yesterday I stuck to my eating plan again. No junk, more water. Even refused a diet soda from one of my sons. YEAH! Another pound down.
How many of us wake up in the mornings and the first thing we reach for is our phones? I told someone a couple of days ago I check the weather and the news. The response I got was "I check those on T.V."
I have made the comment about not needing a phone. One of the saddest things I have seen lately is two couples out to dinner and all 4 of them on their phones.
For me it would be better to reach for God's word first thing in the morning instead of my phone, or sitting down at the labtop. God's word would equip me better for the day instead of checking facebook, my blog stats, or even online banking to make sure I did not forget to write something in my check register.
I have been in God's word more as I said I would. Just not first thing in the morning when I would benefit the most. I have been praying more. Just not first thing in the morning to thank God for another day and my very breathe.
SO HERE IS THE CHALLENGE, Instead of waking up and reaching for your phone, tablet, or what ever device you happen to use, grab your Bible, or devotion. Read it, pray and spend time with God before you grab the electronics.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
Since I did not do this today, I can not tell you just how my day will go. I can just imagine it will be much better!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Almost forgot! Yesterday I stuck to my eating plan again. No junk, more water. Even refused a diet soda from one of my sons. YEAH! Another pound down.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Canning Chicken!
Good morning world. A tad late for everyone here this morning. Need to reset my alarm for a few minutes later. Instead of hitting snooze, hitting the off button and not getting up. Not what I wanted to do.
I broke down yesterday and went to our local home center and bought not one but two pressure canners. I have always wanted to have two and they were on sale! That is a good thing.
Yesterday I only used one though and canned 7 quarts of chicken. When it was on sale, I bought 7 cases of 10 pound bags of chicken leg quarters. It had not been on sale as cheap as it was and I thought I had better take advantage of the sale.
I do not have pictures. However, here is what I did.
Got my jars and lids ready. Cut the leg from the thigh, then cut the thigh in half. It was a big thigh. Started by putting legs in jars, 3 legs meat down, then 2 legs with the meat up. Then filled the rest of the jars.
Put enough meat in the jars to leave about an inch head space. The leg jars were not filled up as much. I added a teaspoon of salt to each jar. Wiped the mouth of the jar with a vinegar washrag. Put on the lids and rings. Processed for 75 minutes at 10 pounds. Actually it probably was longer than that as I was getting use to the new canner with a gauge.
Today I am going to get some produce from our garden canned. Most of it has been in the frig waiting for me. And going to can pinto beans, homemade pork and beans, more chicken, and whatever I can find in my freezer. Oh and pickles too!
School this morning, then in the kitchen!
I am excited to say I have stayed on the eating plan yesterday. Even drank more water. I am going to put the pitcher back in the frig so I can measure out how much water I am drinking.
Also, I want to add something to my list of who I am, not my roles.
10. I am an over comer!
I plan on adding to this list as the Holy Spirit shows me.
Have a great Tuesday!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I broke down yesterday and went to our local home center and bought not one but two pressure canners. I have always wanted to have two and they were on sale! That is a good thing.
Yesterday I only used one though and canned 7 quarts of chicken. When it was on sale, I bought 7 cases of 10 pound bags of chicken leg quarters. It had not been on sale as cheap as it was and I thought I had better take advantage of the sale.
I do not have pictures. However, here is what I did.
Got my jars and lids ready. Cut the leg from the thigh, then cut the thigh in half. It was a big thigh. Started by putting legs in jars, 3 legs meat down, then 2 legs with the meat up. Then filled the rest of the jars.
Put enough meat in the jars to leave about an inch head space. The leg jars were not filled up as much. I added a teaspoon of salt to each jar. Wiped the mouth of the jar with a vinegar washrag. Put on the lids and rings. Processed for 75 minutes at 10 pounds. Actually it probably was longer than that as I was getting use to the new canner with a gauge.
Today I am going to get some produce from our garden canned. Most of it has been in the frig waiting for me. And going to can pinto beans, homemade pork and beans, more chicken, and whatever I can find in my freezer. Oh and pickles too!
School this morning, then in the kitchen!
I am excited to say I have stayed on the eating plan yesterday. Even drank more water. I am going to put the pitcher back in the frig so I can measure out how much water I am drinking.
Also, I want to add something to my list of who I am, not my roles.
10. I am an over comer!
I plan on adding to this list as the Holy Spirit shows me.
Have a great Tuesday!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Monday, August 24, 2015
A Child of God: How is that relationship going?
Good morning world. The past couple of days have been soul searching days for me. I have listed the roles I play and then got challenged to forget those roles and list who I really am.
My dear friend texted me after reading yesterday's blog to tell me I forgot one on that list.... I am beautiful. My response was I was not feeling that way and had not even thought about that attribute.
There are some days I feel pretty, others cute, and even a few beautiful. I am talking outside looks. Inside??? When I consider the first on my list of roles I am in life, then I would have to say yes, even inside because I am a child of God.
I am His daughter. I have been adopted, grafted into His family due to the shed blood of Jesus. He is mine and I am His. Because of this alone, I should be rejoicing daily! However, because I am human, I let emotions and circumstances get in the way.
In my resolve to do better with this, I will get back to more than just daily devotions (which honestly have not been happening daily either). The boys are in Ephesians in school. What a better book in the Bible to start reading on a daily basis.
Prayer life has waned too. This is hard to admit. Why? Because I want to be thought of as a good Christian who reads her Bible and prays on a daily basis. Just because I have not been, does that make me a bad Christian? No.
So not only daily prayer, but I am going to start a prayer journal again. Yes, again.
Before I sign off, here is the eating plan update. Yesterday I did really good. Drank almost the right amount of water. AND stuck to what I am suppose to be eating. Had a hugh salad last night. No junk. No extra snacks. Woke up feeling pretty good. Even dropped a couple of pounds over the weekend. A good start if you ask me.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
My dear friend texted me after reading yesterday's blog to tell me I forgot one on that list.... I am beautiful. My response was I was not feeling that way and had not even thought about that attribute.
There are some days I feel pretty, others cute, and even a few beautiful. I am talking outside looks. Inside??? When I consider the first on my list of roles I am in life, then I would have to say yes, even inside because I am a child of God.
I am His daughter. I have been adopted, grafted into His family due to the shed blood of Jesus. He is mine and I am His. Because of this alone, I should be rejoicing daily! However, because I am human, I let emotions and circumstances get in the way.
In my resolve to do better with this, I will get back to more than just daily devotions (which honestly have not been happening daily either). The boys are in Ephesians in school. What a better book in the Bible to start reading on a daily basis.
Prayer life has waned too. This is hard to admit. Why? Because I want to be thought of as a good Christian who reads her Bible and prays on a daily basis. Just because I have not been, does that make me a bad Christian? No.
So not only daily prayer, but I am going to start a prayer journal again. Yes, again.
Before I sign off, here is the eating plan update. Yesterday I did really good. Drank almost the right amount of water. AND stuck to what I am suppose to be eating. Had a hugh salad last night. No junk. No extra snacks. Woke up feeling pretty good. Even dropped a couple of pounds over the weekend. A good start if you ask me.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Who I AM, not the roles I play in life!
Good morning world. Yesterday I wrote about not knowing who I was. And wrote a list of who I am after thinking about it some.
I was contacted by a very dear friend about yesterday's writing. She said I had written a list about the roles I walk in. She challenged me to take away those roles and make a list of who I am, me, Elizabeth.
I accepted the challenge and told her I would have to seriously think about this. She told me to ask the Holy Spirit to help show me. I am going to start with a couple of things I was told the other day, so I feel like it is almost cheating.
1. I have a big heart. Almost to a fault at times. I have opened up my home for years now and it has not always worked out for the best in the end. Yet, I continue doing this.
2. Hospitality is one of my gifts. I love to have people over for any occasion.
3. I love, even the unlovable at times.
(This is harder than it looks)
4. I am kind.
5. I am honest.
6. I have work ethics.
7. I am respectful.
8. I am fun.
9. I am funny, at times.
10.
The flip side of this list, and there is a flip side, is:
1. I can build a wall around my heart quicker than it takes for a drop of rain to fall from the clouds to the ground.
2. At times, not only do I not want anyone over, but I do not want to see anyone either.
3. When the wall is up around my heart, I do not love anyone, even myself.
4. Mess with my kids and find out how unkind I can become.
5. I have lied in the past. I am not proud of this. The Lord hates a liar.
6. I get lazy some times too. Do not look at my floor right now.
7. I believe I am respectful in most bad situations. However, when any of the bad list is in play, my respect for whomever is gone too.
8. The past few days I have not been fun at all. Just ask my boys.
9. Ditto from line 8.
I am not sure if this is what my dear friend meant. But here it is. This is who I AM. I think.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and action,
Elizabeth
P.S. I did not stick to the eating plan much yesterday as my stomach was very upset. I had crackers to try to calm it down. And chicken and rice, rice is definitely not on the eating plan. However, it settled my stomach. It is not upset today. So back on it! Sunday is a good day to start again!
I was contacted by a very dear friend about yesterday's writing. She said I had written a list about the roles I walk in. She challenged me to take away those roles and make a list of who I am, me, Elizabeth.
I accepted the challenge and told her I would have to seriously think about this. She told me to ask the Holy Spirit to help show me. I am going to start with a couple of things I was told the other day, so I feel like it is almost cheating.
1. I have a big heart. Almost to a fault at times. I have opened up my home for years now and it has not always worked out for the best in the end. Yet, I continue doing this.
2. Hospitality is one of my gifts. I love to have people over for any occasion.
3. I love, even the unlovable at times.
(This is harder than it looks)
4. I am kind.
5. I am honest.
6. I have work ethics.
7. I am respectful.
8. I am fun.
9. I am funny, at times.
10.
The flip side of this list, and there is a flip side, is:
1. I can build a wall around my heart quicker than it takes for a drop of rain to fall from the clouds to the ground.
2. At times, not only do I not want anyone over, but I do not want to see anyone either.
3. When the wall is up around my heart, I do not love anyone, even myself.
4. Mess with my kids and find out how unkind I can become.
5. I have lied in the past. I am not proud of this. The Lord hates a liar.
6. I get lazy some times too. Do not look at my floor right now.
7. I believe I am respectful in most bad situations. However, when any of the bad list is in play, my respect for whomever is gone too.
8. The past few days I have not been fun at all. Just ask my boys.
9. Ditto from line 8.
I am not sure if this is what my dear friend meant. But here it is. This is who I AM. I think.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and action,
Elizabeth
P.S. I did not stick to the eating plan much yesterday as my stomach was very upset. I had crackers to try to calm it down. And chicken and rice, rice is definitely not on the eating plan. However, it settled my stomach. It is not upset today. So back on it! Sunday is a good day to start again!
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Who Am I?
Good morning world. Well, I started out doing pretty good with my eating plan. However, by the evening, I did not do so well, I was beyond angry and to the "I do not care" point. And that is not a good place to be.
I started writing this blog for a place to be me, myself. After the past couple of days, I am not so sure who that is.
I do not know if I want to cry or scream, and I have done both as well as not talked at all.
So let I will start with what I do know,
!. I am a child of God. That has not changed no matter how I feel.
2. I am a wife and mother.
3. I am a homeschooling Mom.
4. I am a homemaker minister, my home is my first ministry.
5. I am an artist.
6. I am a sister.
7. I am a daughter, even though my parents have passed.
8. I am a niece and cousin.
9. I am a friend.
10. I am a patriot and defender of the Constitution.
I think I did pretty good considering when I started the list I barely could think of anything more than the first two.
After the kitchen gets cleaned up from this mornings breakfast, I am going to start canning. Then I am going to get into my bedroom and get it cleaned. THEN I will be in my studio.
I tried last night to do something in there. Just could not
. Patrick has the boys straightening up the rest of the house. So that is done for the weekend. Laundry is caught up too.
I know my first ministry has suffered these past couple of days. I would try to get things done. Just could not, Again.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I started writing this blog for a place to be me, myself. After the past couple of days, I am not so sure who that is.
I do not know if I want to cry or scream, and I have done both as well as not talked at all.
So let I will start with what I do know,
!. I am a child of God. That has not changed no matter how I feel.
2. I am a wife and mother.
3. I am a homeschooling Mom.
4. I am a homemaker minister, my home is my first ministry.
5. I am an artist.
6. I am a sister.
7. I am a daughter, even though my parents have passed.
8. I am a niece and cousin.
9. I am a friend.
10. I am a patriot and defender of the Constitution.
I think I did pretty good considering when I started the list I barely could think of anything more than the first two.
After the kitchen gets cleaned up from this mornings breakfast, I am going to start canning. Then I am going to get into my bedroom and get it cleaned. THEN I will be in my studio.
I tried last night to do something in there. Just could not
. Patrick has the boys straightening up the rest of the house. So that is done for the weekend. Laundry is caught up too.
I know my first ministry has suffered these past couple of days. I would try to get things done. Just could not, Again.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, August 21, 2015
Accountability to ???
Good morning world! I decided to be accountable to my blog. Which means whoever might read this will know how well I am staying on my eating plan. Got back some test results and now I have to lose some weight and get healthy again. Wanting to keep off of more medicine and get off of blood pressure medicine.
Yesterday I did pretty good on my eating plan, until last night. Tommy made supper last night, a skillet dinner of sausage, onions, and potatoes. Usually when I make that I will make a little without the potatoes or make something else for me. But I ate what he made instead. It was really good. I did not check the carb count on that yet. I am afraid to.
But I did drink more water than I have been.
Today will be blessing the home day. Bathroom is already done. Kitchen, done. Just need to clear off the dining room table, the bar, dust, vacuum, sweep and mop. All after school, which starts in less than 30 minutes.
I think I will start the pressure canner, the one borrowed from a friend, then get some home blessing done, then deal with the canner, then more blessing, and so forth till I am finished.
I am hoping for some time to spend in my studio.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Yesterday I did pretty good on my eating plan, until last night. Tommy made supper last night, a skillet dinner of sausage, onions, and potatoes. Usually when I make that I will make a little without the potatoes or make something else for me. But I ate what he made instead. It was really good. I did not check the carb count on that yet. I am afraid to.
But I did drink more water than I have been.
Today will be blessing the home day. Bathroom is already done. Kitchen, done. Just need to clear off the dining room table, the bar, dust, vacuum, sweep and mop. All after school, which starts in less than 30 minutes.
I think I will start the pressure canner, the one borrowed from a friend, then get some home blessing done, then deal with the canner, then more blessing, and so forth till I am finished.
I am hoping for some time to spend in my studio.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, August 20, 2015
I am NOT a fighter!
Good morning world. I am not a fighter. Meaning when I get upset with my husband, or he gets upset with me, I do not fight. We might get angry with each other over "stuff". I just do not fight. It is funny, well sort of, the boys have said before something about us fighting. We really do not, much. I do get angry at times.
Growing up, I was not allowed to get mad or angry. It was not okay. Most of it was geared towards my brother. He would pester like little brothers do. The problem was I would hold it in, hold it in, hold it in till I would explode. I have known this about me for many years.
So what do I do with this knowledge? Now mostly I get angry when my feelings are hurt and I do not deal with the hurt feelings. Then it goes straight to anger. So what do I do? Sometimes, I will talk to whomever the hurt feelings have come from, usually my husband or the boys. Sometimes, I wait.
Not a good thing for me to do.
The Bible is clear about this. I posted the scripture before. " 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry," Ephesians 4:26 NIV
I forgot how many times the Bible references about anger and related topics. It is a lot!
Let's say Patrick says something that hurts my feelings, I talk to him, and nothing is resolved. What then? Do I stay angry? Sometimes. Sometimes, most of the time, I show grace and mercy and forgive.
The Bible says "33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33 NIV
It is difficult to respect Patrick if I am angry with him. My prayer today is to get rid of anger, as it is not of God. And to show grace and mercy in my home.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Growing up, I was not allowed to get mad or angry. It was not okay. Most of it was geared towards my brother. He would pester like little brothers do. The problem was I would hold it in, hold it in, hold it in till I would explode. I have known this about me for many years.
So what do I do with this knowledge? Now mostly I get angry when my feelings are hurt and I do not deal with the hurt feelings. Then it goes straight to anger. So what do I do? Sometimes, I will talk to whomever the hurt feelings have come from, usually my husband or the boys. Sometimes, I wait.
Not a good thing for me to do.
The Bible is clear about this. I posted the scripture before. " 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry," Ephesians 4:26 NIV
I forgot how many times the Bible references about anger and related topics. It is a lot!
Let's say Patrick says something that hurts my feelings, I talk to him, and nothing is resolved. What then? Do I stay angry? Sometimes. Sometimes, most of the time, I show grace and mercy and forgive.
The Bible says "33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33 NIV
It is difficult to respect Patrick if I am angry with him. My prayer today is to get rid of anger, as it is not of God. And to show grace and mercy in my home.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
What a difference anger makes!
Good morning world! I am sitting here thinking about nothing and thinking about everything. Does not make sense? You should be in my head. All the things I am wanting to accomplish for today are scrambling through my head and yet when I try to figure out what I want to type, all thoughts hide in the darkest reaches of my mind.
Yesterday I got up just after 6 am, swish and swiped the bathroom, washed up a couple of dishes left from the night before, swept and mopped the floors. Then made coffee, got dressed, and enjoyed my coffee and I typed yesterday's blog.
What a difference a day makes.
Today I woke up about 5:00 to some noise in the dining room. Tyler and P.J. were up to leave early. I went back to bed and slept till almost 7 am. Jumped up, swish and swiped the bathroom, made coffee, got dressed and here I am.
The difference in the two mornings is I got my feelings very hurt last night and went to bed angry. Not a good combination. AND I ate things I should not have eaten, candy, cereal, Woke up feeling yuck!
"26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry," Ephesians 4:26 NIV
I have to get back on the straight and narrow. Went to the doctor yesterday and have to stay on blood pressure medicine. *frown*.
This morning, 2 eggs and coffee. Snack at 10, piece of cheese, lunch salad with chicken, afternoon snack, probably skip, supper fried cabbage with ground turkey. Sounds good? I think so. Tomorrow I will tell you how it went today.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Yesterday I got up just after 6 am, swish and swiped the bathroom, washed up a couple of dishes left from the night before, swept and mopped the floors. Then made coffee, got dressed, and enjoyed my coffee and I typed yesterday's blog.
What a difference a day makes.
Today I woke up about 5:00 to some noise in the dining room. Tyler and P.J. were up to leave early. I went back to bed and slept till almost 7 am. Jumped up, swish and swiped the bathroom, made coffee, got dressed and here I am.
The difference in the two mornings is I got my feelings very hurt last night and went to bed angry. Not a good combination. AND I ate things I should not have eaten, candy, cereal, Woke up feeling yuck!
"26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry," Ephesians 4:26 NIV
I have to get back on the straight and narrow. Went to the doctor yesterday and have to stay on blood pressure medicine. *frown*.
This morning, 2 eggs and coffee. Snack at 10, piece of cheese, lunch salad with chicken, afternoon snack, probably skip, supper fried cabbage with ground turkey. Sounds good? I think so. Tomorrow I will tell you how it went today.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
SCHOOL! YEAH! And the kitten.
Good morning world. I am sitting here at my desk with a kitten in my lap. I just gave her what I call ninny. That is baby cereal with either milk or cream. Today it was cream. She got attacked by one of our dogs. Not sure why. I am thinking she was too close to his food while he was eating. He bit her head. We thought she was not going to make it. However, she did.
She is still not completely better so she gets to stay in the house.
School starts this morning for us. I spent yesterday morning in the classroom going throwing away books and folders and paper that had gotten ruined when the roof leaked. Some books on a certain bookcase I had not gone through because I was so upset when it happened. Only one book was salvageable.
It still needs a little more insulation put up in the ceiling and the ceiling nailed up. Then I'll paint the ceiling. Tyler wants to put up sheet rock but I really like the corrugated metal walls. Looks pretty cool to me. There is a couple of other places to insulate. And Patrick is going to move the wood stove to the middle of the room. As it is now, it is by the door and a fan blows it to where we are. Not as good as it could be.
I am excited to start school this year! Not sure why. Just am. I am pretty sure my enthusiasm is not shared with the boys. What they do not know yet is I plan on making school a lot more hands on this year. We do both regular text books, living books, and unit studies.
Our first unit study is on the home. We have several projects around here that need finished. Guess who is doing them? Yuppers, the boys!
Have a wonderful day and
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
She is still not completely better so she gets to stay in the house.
School starts this morning for us. I spent yesterday morning in the classroom going throwing away books and folders and paper that had gotten ruined when the roof leaked. Some books on a certain bookcase I had not gone through because I was so upset when it happened. Only one book was salvageable.
It still needs a little more insulation put up in the ceiling and the ceiling nailed up. Then I'll paint the ceiling. Tyler wants to put up sheet rock but I really like the corrugated metal walls. Looks pretty cool to me. There is a couple of other places to insulate. And Patrick is going to move the wood stove to the middle of the room. As it is now, it is by the door and a fan blows it to where we are. Not as good as it could be.
I am excited to start school this year! Not sure why. Just am. I am pretty sure my enthusiasm is not shared with the boys. What they do not know yet is I plan on making school a lot more hands on this year. We do both regular text books, living books, and unit studies.
Our first unit study is on the home. We have several projects around here that need finished. Guess who is doing them? Yuppers, the boys!
Have a wonderful day and
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Monday, August 17, 2015
Our lives this past weekend.
Good morning world. Had a busy fun weekend. Saturday we had a training with hand guns. We thought the extra training would come in handy, just in case. Our friend's the Griswold's (yes that is their name) went with us. We also brought home a rescue dog from that event. He is a full blood German Shepard, about 10 months old and beautiful! I tried to get a picture of him just now, he could not sit still.
Sunday we went over to the Griswold's then a handful of us went to Springfield to the gun show. When I say a handful, I mean just that. There are 10 of the Griswold's and 6 of us. Tyler stayed home working on vehicles. A couple of the Griswold's were gone. The rest stayed home at the Griswold's. We usually have home church with them, we were postponing it till the evening.
In saying all of that, Am I ready for school this morning? NOPE. I needed to spend some time in the classroom. I did a little, just needed some more time. I like starting a new year with a fresh classroom. One kid is not home, he is helping with something with a Griswold kid. One has to be at work at noon. We got home last night after midnight. Not a good combination for starting school.
I probably will start tomorrow. That way I can spend this morning in the classroom, get Tommy to work on time, Spend this afternoon blessing the house and canning.
I borrowed my friend's pressure canner. I will be buying one or two later this week. So today is going to be a busy day! Going to put dinner in the crock pot. Then I do not have to worry about stopping this afternoon from canning to get dinner started.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Sunday we went over to the Griswold's then a handful of us went to Springfield to the gun show. When I say a handful, I mean just that. There are 10 of the Griswold's and 6 of us. Tyler stayed home working on vehicles. A couple of the Griswold's were gone. The rest stayed home at the Griswold's. We usually have home church with them, we were postponing it till the evening.
In saying all of that, Am I ready for school this morning? NOPE. I needed to spend some time in the classroom. I did a little, just needed some more time. I like starting a new year with a fresh classroom. One kid is not home, he is helping with something with a Griswold kid. One has to be at work at noon. We got home last night after midnight. Not a good combination for starting school.
I probably will start tomorrow. That way I can spend this morning in the classroom, get Tommy to work on time, Spend this afternoon blessing the house and canning.
I borrowed my friend's pressure canner. I will be buying one or two later this week. So today is going to be a busy day! Going to put dinner in the crock pot. Then I do not have to worry about stopping this afternoon from canning to get dinner started.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, August 14, 2015
What is working and what is not.
Good morning world! Yesterday I was upset and a bit angry because I could not find a receipt. Well, Tyler and Tommy went to St. Louis anyway, without the receipt, to see if they could exchange the transmission. The lady in the office definitely remembered Tyler and let him do the exchange! They spend most of the evening and into the night working on installing the new transmission.
They got it in. However, something got stripped on the axle and will have to be fixed. Not a big problem. They just could not finish it last night. I think Tyler was pretty frustrated about that. I am just grateful he has the knowledge to do this. They have a big job to do today, so I am pretty sure it will not get finished until tonight. I am just excited it is getting done!
Before the transmission went out, I was able to drive the car. It was nice. The A/C and heat work. Radio with a CD player works. I am still not willing to give up my van or suburban. Just nice to have a car that is good on gas and everything works.
I woke up this morning about 4 am and found the electricity was off. I got my cell phone, called the electric company, and was told there was an outage in my area. No storms, just a tree limb or something knocked out the transmitter. I think that is what he said. I went back to sleep after that.
Woke up again about an hour ago with a massive headache. Suppose to have a friend come over this evening to see how I home school. I was going to have a list of the free websites I use as well as straightening up the classroom. Which I was going to do anyway since Monday basically starts a new year for us.
I really do not want to cancel on her. If the headache does not go away or at least lighten up, then I might. We are suppose to have a training tomorrow, and church on Sunday. So today is it. Going to have to get the essential oils out! They do the trick for me every time!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
They got it in. However, something got stripped on the axle and will have to be fixed. Not a big problem. They just could not finish it last night. I think Tyler was pretty frustrated about that. I am just grateful he has the knowledge to do this. They have a big job to do today, so I am pretty sure it will not get finished until tonight. I am just excited it is getting done!
Before the transmission went out, I was able to drive the car. It was nice. The A/C and heat work. Radio with a CD player works. I am still not willing to give up my van or suburban. Just nice to have a car that is good on gas and everything works.
I woke up this morning about 4 am and found the electricity was off. I got my cell phone, called the electric company, and was told there was an outage in my area. No storms, just a tree limb or something knocked out the transmitter. I think that is what he said. I went back to sleep after that.
Woke up again about an hour ago with a massive headache. Suppose to have a friend come over this evening to see how I home school. I was going to have a list of the free websites I use as well as straightening up the classroom. Which I was going to do anyway since Monday basically starts a new year for us.
I really do not want to cancel on her. If the headache does not go away or at least lighten up, then I might. We are suppose to have a training tomorrow, and church on Sunday. So today is it. Going to have to get the essential oils out! They do the trick for me every time!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, August 13, 2015
LOST RECEIPT!!!!
Good morning world! WOW! My poor office/computer room. It looks like a tornado has went through it! We have been searching for a specific receipt. I am usually very good about filing receipts or at the very least putting them into the Pat's Services folder for further processing.
CANNOT FIND IT ANYWHERE! It is a receipt for the transmission along with the extended year warranty. CANNOT FIND IT ANYWHERE! I, Tyler, Patrick, David, and P.J. have looked for it EVERYWHERE! In all of Pat's Services files, On my desk. Personal files. Under my desk. In the printer stand. Under the printer stand. In my room, in the car, in the dining room, behind the bar.
Tyler drove up to St. Louis this morning to see if they will exchange it without the receipt because he was there just over a week ago. The transmission went out when he was driving to a court thing in a town about an hour away. He did not make it. About 30 minutes out, it died.
Frustrated! FRUSTRATED!
I have prayed to Jesus for the Holy Spirit to help direct us. Almost every time I pray that, I find what ever it is I am looking for.
My origional plan of baking, spending time in the classroom and studio have been changed. I have to get feed, parts for Pat's Services that is delivered to a location in town, get milk, and clean my office.
Did I mention I was FRUSTRATED?
Deep breathes. Breathe in and out....OK>
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts land actions,
Elizabeth
P.S. I wonder if the receipt is in the same place as my missing pressure canner?
CANNOT FIND IT ANYWHERE! It is a receipt for the transmission along with the extended year warranty. CANNOT FIND IT ANYWHERE! I, Tyler, Patrick, David, and P.J. have looked for it EVERYWHERE! In all of Pat's Services files, On my desk. Personal files. Under my desk. In the printer stand. Under the printer stand. In my room, in the car, in the dining room, behind the bar.
Tyler drove up to St. Louis this morning to see if they will exchange it without the receipt because he was there just over a week ago. The transmission went out when he was driving to a court thing in a town about an hour away. He did not make it. About 30 minutes out, it died.
Frustrated! FRUSTRATED!
I have prayed to Jesus for the Holy Spirit to help direct us. Almost every time I pray that, I find what ever it is I am looking for.
My origional plan of baking, spending time in the classroom and studio have been changed. I have to get feed, parts for Pat's Services that is delivered to a location in town, get milk, and clean my office.
Did I mention I was FRUSTRATED?
Deep breathes. Breathe in and out....OK>
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts land actions,
Elizabeth
P.S. I wonder if the receipt is in the same place as my missing pressure canner?
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Vehicle Poor.
Good morning world. A little over a year ago, we bought a 2003 Dodge Neon for $400.00. What was the catch? It needed a transmission. Patrick looked and found one at a junk yard for almost $400.00. At the time, we thought that was not a bad deal. Just did not have the extra money or time to get it.
This summer Tyler has been here helping Patrick with work and he started working on the vehicles. It seemed almost all of them needed something.
My van might need a new fuel pump. The suburban needs a new radiator. Tyler's car needed several things. Tommy's truck has a leak in the fuel tank. A truck Tyler is trading his car for has brake issues. The Dodge pick up needs front end work. AND the Neon needed a transmission.
So Tyler got to work after work. His car is running good now.
He found a transmission in St. Louis for $175.00. It took a couple of days, but it is in! Tyler had to go back to his hometown to take care of something. He took the Neon as was running a tad better than his car.
We got a phone call just after 6 am. He made it just about 30 miles out and the transmission went out. Needless to say, he will not be able to make it to his appointment.
The good news is the transmission came with a year warranty. Just is going to take some time to take it back off. Go back to St. Louis (we are about 3 hours away). Pull another transmission. Put it in.
We are definitely blessed!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
This summer Tyler has been here helping Patrick with work and he started working on the vehicles. It seemed almost all of them needed something.
My van might need a new fuel pump. The suburban needs a new radiator. Tyler's car needed several things. Tommy's truck has a leak in the fuel tank. A truck Tyler is trading his car for has brake issues. The Dodge pick up needs front end work. AND the Neon needed a transmission.
So Tyler got to work after work. His car is running good now.
He found a transmission in St. Louis for $175.00. It took a couple of days, but it is in! Tyler had to go back to his hometown to take care of something. He took the Neon as was running a tad better than his car.
We got a phone call just after 6 am. He made it just about 30 miles out and the transmission went out. Needless to say, he will not be able to make it to his appointment.
The good news is the transmission came with a year warranty. Just is going to take some time to take it back off. Go back to St. Louis (we are about 3 hours away). Pull another transmission. Put it in.
We are definitely blessed!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Our first incubator hatched chick!
Good morning world! Looks like it is going to be a really nice day, 85 degrees and sunshiny! I have several things on my agenda today, as usual. Really, really wanting to spend some time in my studio. So I will have to get the boys lined out in some projects.
We had our first chicken hatch out in the incubator yesterday. Today he/she was put in a cage with some other baby chicks. The boys got the incubator out a couple of days ago as P.J. was given some ginny eggs to hatch out. He is doing such a great job with them. He remembers to turn them and will just check on them at different times during the day.
A setting hen decided she was done setting. So P.J. brought in the rest of the eggs that had not hatched. That is how we got the one that hatched out. We also picked up a 5 new rabbits last week, 4 girls and 1 boy. I think in a couple of weeks, we will start the breading process again.
I have always wanted a milk cow. However, we might get a couple of goats instead. Not sure yet. We are so blessed with our animals!
Have a great day all!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
We had our first chicken hatch out in the incubator yesterday. Today he/she was put in a cage with some other baby chicks. The boys got the incubator out a couple of days ago as P.J. was given some ginny eggs to hatch out. He is doing such a great job with them. He remembers to turn them and will just check on them at different times during the day.
A setting hen decided she was done setting. So P.J. brought in the rest of the eggs that had not hatched. That is how we got the one that hatched out. We also picked up a 5 new rabbits last week, 4 girls and 1 boy. I think in a couple of weeks, we will start the breading process again.
I have always wanted a milk cow. However, we might get a couple of goats instead. Not sure yet. We are so blessed with our animals!
Have a great day all!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Are you Blessed?
Good morning world. Woke up this morning feeling extremely blessed. Do you know the feeling? From my family, my home, the clothes on my back, the food in my fridge, the ability to walk and talk and hear, to the very breathe I take, I am grateful!
This is not an all the time feeling either, and it should be. Blessed, content, with all God has given to me. However, there are those days I am angry about what ever. Or the martyr syndrome attacks, I have to do everything and no one appreciates anything. Or I will be sad about something.
I was taught (I have not done the research about this yet}that emotions are God given. What we do with those emotions is our responsibility. I wrote before about reacting and responding. Responding seems to be the adult way of handling emotions, whether they are positive or negative emotions.
How do you feel this morning? Are you blessed? Are you breathing? You are blessed. Are you reading this? You are blessed. The world is a crazy, mixed up, hard place to be. However, in my world, I am blessed.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
This is not an all the time feeling either, and it should be. Blessed, content, with all God has given to me. However, there are those days I am angry about what ever. Or the martyr syndrome attacks, I have to do everything and no one appreciates anything. Or I will be sad about something.
I was taught (I have not done the research about this yet}that emotions are God given. What we do with those emotions is our responsibility. I wrote before about reacting and responding. Responding seems to be the adult way of handling emotions, whether they are positive or negative emotions.
How do you feel this morning? Are you blessed? Are you breathing? You are blessed. Are you reading this? You are blessed. The world is a crazy, mixed up, hard place to be. However, in my world, I am blessed.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Coffee and thoughts
Good morning world. I'm sitting here finishing my first cup of coffee thinking of all that I want to get done today. I was not able to get canning done yesterday as I can not find my pressure canner! We did not get the behind the bar cleaned out yesterday and I am thinking it is under stuff. Will not know for sure until we clear it out.
The plan for today was to get the new pump and filter on the swimming pool and get it set back up. Patrick and the boys might still do that, I have to find the canner! I took out some meat of the freezer to can yesterday. So either I find the canner, or cook up some meat. Did not think to have someone look in the shop. Hmmm.
Second cup of coffee. Yum.
I am also getting itchy feet. Meaning I want to do some traveling. I have been thinking when Tyler is finished with my car or the van, I will ask everyone to get an extra set of clothes on a Saturday morning, and off we go.
I will either have enough extra money to get a cheap hotel somewhere along the way, or put camping gear in the back. And just go. Maybe to parts of Missouri we have not seen, north. Or go to another state. But just to go. We have a couple of neighbors who will keep an eye on the animals for a day.
Have to get some things done around here first. Then a road trip.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
The plan for today was to get the new pump and filter on the swimming pool and get it set back up. Patrick and the boys might still do that, I have to find the canner! I took out some meat of the freezer to can yesterday. So either I find the canner, or cook up some meat. Did not think to have someone look in the shop. Hmmm.
Second cup of coffee. Yum.
I am also getting itchy feet. Meaning I want to do some traveling. I have been thinking when Tyler is finished with my car or the van, I will ask everyone to get an extra set of clothes on a Saturday morning, and off we go.
I will either have enough extra money to get a cheap hotel somewhere along the way, or put camping gear in the back. And just go. Maybe to parts of Missouri we have not seen, north. Or go to another state. But just to go. We have a couple of neighbors who will keep an eye on the animals for a day.
Have to get some things done around here first. Then a road trip.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Friday, August 7, 2015
Canning and New Recipes
Good morning world. We had another family meeting last night. And it went well. I am thinking we need to have more of these. No one yelled. Some things got hashed out and really seemed to talk. I am thinking we might have these a little more often. It is a time the boys are able to say things they think otherwise might get in trouble.
I have been looking up some recipes this morning, homemade rotel tomatoes and cream soups.
I have been wanting to make both for some time. And now that I am getting into the canning mode, I thought about making both. The cream of mushroom, celery, and chicken are not recommended for canning because of the cream/milk.
So I am wondering if it could be canned without that part. Leave out the flour and milk to be added when getting ready to use. I am on a couple of canning groups on facebook. Need to ask there.
On my agenda today is to can some meat, beans (not together), make and can some pork and beans. That should be enough for today. Well, a quick blessing of the house. The boys are going to be working on clearing out a section behind the bar. It is sort of part of the mud room. It has become the catch-all.
Looking forward to the weekend. How about you?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I have been looking up some recipes this morning, homemade rotel tomatoes and cream soups.
I have been wanting to make both for some time. And now that I am getting into the canning mode, I thought about making both. The cream of mushroom, celery, and chicken are not recommended for canning because of the cream/milk.
So I am wondering if it could be canned without that part. Leave out the flour and milk to be added when getting ready to use. I am on a couple of canning groups on facebook. Need to ask there.
On my agenda today is to can some meat, beans (not together), make and can some pork and beans. That should be enough for today. Well, a quick blessing of the house. The boys are going to be working on clearing out a section behind the bar. It is sort of part of the mud room. It has become the catch-all.
Looking forward to the weekend. How about you?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Reacting or Responding?
Good afternoon world! Yes in spite of the late start, lots of housework to get done, errands to run, attitudes from teenage boys, it is going to be a good day. What about you? Are things seemingly going crazy or unsettling in your world? Are you reacting or responding?
Reacting to the "stuff" in my world would be to yell at the boys, freeze up when it comes to housework because we are behind in everything except laundry, and be angry at the situations that unsettling in my world. This is how I was for a good part of yesterday.
Responding to the "stuff" in my world would be to talk to the boys about their attitude and if they are still having an attitude, consiquenses, the boys are helping me with the housework (it's almost done), and the unsettling situations? I have been praying about them. These are things that are out of my control. Nothing I can do about them at this time. This is how I am today.
Like I said before, what a difference a day makes.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Reacting to the "stuff" in my world would be to yell at the boys, freeze up when it comes to housework because we are behind in everything except laundry, and be angry at the situations that unsettling in my world. This is how I was for a good part of yesterday.
Responding to the "stuff" in my world would be to talk to the boys about their attitude and if they are still having an attitude, consiquenses, the boys are helping me with the housework (it's almost done), and the unsettling situations? I have been praying about them. These are things that are out of my control. Nothing I can do about them at this time. This is how I am today.
Like I said before, what a difference a day makes.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Good stuff and not so good stuff!
Good morning world again! Yuppers, I am adding another post. Good stuff and not so good stuff. First of all, we have 8 new baby chicks! I am so excited!! This is the third set of baby chicks that have hatched out this year. Four the first set, lost one. Four the second set, think one of that bunch is gone. And eight with this set! So now we have baby chicks, ducks, kittens, piggys, and a year old colt.
Now for the not so good stuff. I went to check out pictures on the boys' birth mom's facebook page. And I have been blocked. I had her blocked for a few years because she took pictures of the boys off of my facebook account with out asking. This years ago when she was not suppose to have anything to do with them.
But when all this happened with their Poppa. And I had changed my mind about them talking to her and all. I thought we were going to stay in touch. I guess not. Her and I even talked by ourselves for several hours about the boys and different things. I even told her that I would like to have her, Patrick, the boys, and myself come to Nana's house some time so the boys could ask her what they wanted. I thought we both had agreed that could happen at some point in time. I guess I was wrong.
I sent her a message through Tyler's facebook account. We shall see if she answers. If not, I will not I will not worry about this any longer. Her choice, her decision. I have not told the boys yet. I think I will wait for a bit. It was hard enough for them to go to Poppa's funeral, then see and speak to their birth mother. Now the contact is gone. It probably is for the best.
Have a great day all! Oh and I just heard eggs have gone up to about $4.00 a doz. Crazy, huh? Might have to start selling our eggs again.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Now for the not so good stuff. I went to check out pictures on the boys' birth mom's facebook page. And I have been blocked. I had her blocked for a few years because she took pictures of the boys off of my facebook account with out asking. This years ago when she was not suppose to have anything to do with them.
But when all this happened with their Poppa. And I had changed my mind about them talking to her and all. I thought we were going to stay in touch. I guess not. Her and I even talked by ourselves for several hours about the boys and different things. I even told her that I would like to have her, Patrick, the boys, and myself come to Nana's house some time so the boys could ask her what they wanted. I thought we both had agreed that could happen at some point in time. I guess I was wrong.
I sent her a message through Tyler's facebook account. We shall see if she answers. If not, I will not I will not worry about this any longer. Her choice, her decision. I have not told the boys yet. I think I will wait for a bit. It was hard enough for them to go to Poppa's funeral, then see and speak to their birth mother. Now the contact is gone. It probably is for the best.
Have a great day all! Oh and I just heard eggs have gone up to about $4.00 a doz. Crazy, huh? Might have to start selling our eggs again.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Why blogging?
Good morning world! I just did what another blogger talked about a couple of weeks ago, re-read some of my first posts for this blog. Reminded me of why I started blogging. Just to write about my life. I have made little changes. Except, I add an occasional picture, I talk about my family by name as in Patrick instead of DH, and I am keeping this up a tad better than at first.
I will be honest, sometimes I wish I had more people reading what I write. Is that vain? If I am writing for me, why do I care? I get excited when I go back to the blogger dashboard and see more than 10 have viewed the blog for the day. A couple of days ago 55 people viewed it! I was thrilled!
Then I thought, why? I do not make money here like some do. I am not a guest blogger anyway, not sure I would want that either. So why am I writing? Just because I can, I guess. A journal of sorts, to keep track of what is going on with me and my family. A place to vent when life gets really crazy.
If and when this crazy upside down world gets a re-boot and if we lose electricity, I will keep doing this on paper. What about you? Do you blog or jounal? I would like to know.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I will be honest, sometimes I wish I had more people reading what I write. Is that vain? If I am writing for me, why do I care? I get excited when I go back to the blogger dashboard and see more than 10 have viewed the blog for the day. A couple of days ago 55 people viewed it! I was thrilled!
Then I thought, why? I do not make money here like some do. I am not a guest blogger anyway, not sure I would want that either. So why am I writing? Just because I can, I guess. A journal of sorts, to keep track of what is going on with me and my family. A place to vent when life gets really crazy.
If and when this crazy upside down world gets a re-boot and if we lose electricity, I will keep doing this on paper. What about you? Do you blog or jounal? I would like to know.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Resolving things and Sophie!
Good morning world. Wish I could have told you that all is well in the Moorhead relationship, that I did the adult thing I spoke of last night. However, not as of yet. I was asleep last night when Patrick came in from working in his shop. Have not really had time to talk about much of anything. He is busy this morning getting ready for a big job today.
That and his dog, Sophie is sick. I will be taking her to the vet this morning. She had a diarrhea accident some time last night and has thrown up too. She never has accidents in the house, even as a puppy. She was the best dog when it cam to being house broken.
That and his dog, Sophie is sick. I will be taking her to the vet this morning. She had a diarrhea accident some time last night and has thrown up too. She never has accidents in the house, even as a puppy. She was the best dog when it cam to being house broken.
Sophie as a puppy.
Sophie a couple of weeks ago. Sleeping on Patrick, her Daddy.
Will I take care of this situation with Patrick today? Yes, later as he will not have the time now. NOPE, I will give him a big hug after I am finished with this and tell him "I love you!" We can discuss the particulars later. Am I being the adult? Not so sure about that, I am just letting him know that I love him. Several years ago, we had some major issues between us that lasted for the better part of 4 years. I refuse to live like that again.
Where is God in all of this? After praying last night, I was able to sleep. That peace that surpasses all understanding is so amazing and such a gift from God. I experience it some this past weekend. Strife, fear, staying angry is not of God. Forgiveness, peace, and unconditional love is. That is what I choose.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Monday, August 3, 2015
Tired of being the adult? ME TOO.
Good evening world. Here is my second post for the day. I did not get much accomplished today on the home front. We did not get home from our friend's house till late this afternoon. Before I knew it, it was time to take Tommy to work (5 to 9), started on my way home when I remembered I was to go by another friend to dig up some flowering ground cover that she was saving for me. A quick U-turn and back to town we went.
Home in time to start supper. Just finished dishes. However, between supper and dishes, I was working on paperwork.
Do you ever get tired of being the adult? Of showing grace and/or mercy to another? At times, not very often, I just do not want to be the adult in any given situation. I have sort of been like that today. I am not very proud of my attitude. Most times when I get upset about something Patrick has said or done, I will go to him later and talk to him and ask him to forgive me for my attitude towards him. Then he will ask me to forgive him for what ever it was that I was upset about in the beginning.
This time, I have not done that. And I should. I know he is so busy with work and trying to stay on top of his schedule. He is pretty much overwhelmed. And here is my "but" I had a very stressful weekend with the boys and their birth mom and trying to be gracious in the whole situation. I did not realize just how much this affected me till yesterday.
Before we got married, we had decided to not go to bed angry. We both have failed at this miserably this time. Our decision to not deal with this has had repercussions. We both have been short with each other as well as a tad stricter with the boys. Not a good combination. If he comes in from the shop before I go to bed, I will talk to him. If I am sleeping, then I will bring coffee to him and talk to him then. No, I did not bring coffee to him this morning. And I ALWAYS bring coffee to him.
Enough venting as such. Like I said, I am not proud of my attitude. It is not pleasing to God or to me. And even if it means I have to be the adult, then so be it. I truly love Patrick too much to stay angry for too long.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Home in time to start supper. Just finished dishes. However, between supper and dishes, I was working on paperwork.
Do you ever get tired of being the adult? Of showing grace and/or mercy to another? At times, not very often, I just do not want to be the adult in any given situation. I have sort of been like that today. I am not very proud of my attitude. Most times when I get upset about something Patrick has said or done, I will go to him later and talk to him and ask him to forgive me for my attitude towards him. Then he will ask me to forgive him for what ever it was that I was upset about in the beginning.
This time, I have not done that. And I should. I know he is so busy with work and trying to stay on top of his schedule. He is pretty much overwhelmed. And here is my "but" I had a very stressful weekend with the boys and their birth mom and trying to be gracious in the whole situation. I did not realize just how much this affected me till yesterday.
Before we got married, we had decided to not go to bed angry. We both have failed at this miserably this time. Our decision to not deal with this has had repercussions. We both have been short with each other as well as a tad stricter with the boys. Not a good combination. If he comes in from the shop before I go to bed, I will talk to him. If I am sleeping, then I will bring coffee to him and talk to him then. No, I did not bring coffee to him this morning. And I ALWAYS bring coffee to him.
Enough venting as such. Like I said, I am not proud of my attitude. It is not pleasing to God or to me. And even if it means I have to be the adult, then so be it. I truly love Patrick too much to stay angry for too long.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
No School today?
Good morning world. So much to get done today. Was going to start school back up with the boys today. However, we are going to be helping out an elderly friend with an errand and such. That will take most of the morning. Then dropping Tommy off at work. Back home to work in the garden, blessing the house, finish laundry, and get things back in order in general. *Sigh*
Gotta love Mondays.
Also going back on my eating plan. I strayed off of it this weekend. I tried at first to stay on the path of clean eating. The stress, the emotions, the over abundance of food, my lack of "want to" all contributed to bad eating for me. So back to 20 carbs a day. I can do this, I have done it before. Need to make a grocery store run and clean out the fridge.
This is about it for today. Might be doing something different today, writing a second blog for today. Have to be out the door in a few minutes to get gas and drive the 20 miles or so to pick up our friend.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Gotta love Mondays.
Also going back on my eating plan. I strayed off of it this weekend. I tried at first to stay on the path of clean eating. The stress, the emotions, the over abundance of food, my lack of "want to" all contributed to bad eating for me. So back to 20 carbs a day. I can do this, I have done it before. Need to make a grocery store run and clean out the fridge.
This is about it for today. Might be doing something different today, writing a second blog for today. Have to be out the door in a few minutes to get gas and drive the 20 miles or so to pick up our friend.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
Sunday, August 2, 2015
The boys, their birth mother, and me!
Good afternoon world! God is so wonderful! The last writing I did before we left for the funeral, I was determined to not let the boys and their birth mother talk. We walked into the funeral home, late of course. I saw Nana and the rest of the family. After the service, I felt a strong, strong urging that I was okay for the boys to talk to Becky, birth mother, and for Becky to talk to them. Hugs were even okay.
I thought telling the boys about their Poppa passing away was hard. I knew it would hurt the boys and I would have done anything for them to not get hurt. This was different. I was in tears as I told my boys, the ones I loved from the time I set eyes on them, took care of them when they were sick, held them when they were afraid, laughed with them when they played, it was okay for them to not only say hi, talk to Becky, but also give her a hug.
Chuck Jr. walked over to the funeral director who was standing by our seats. I got up. Went up to him. Had to remind him who I was (it had been 14 years since he has seen me). And ask him to tell Becky that it was okay. He looked confused. I repeated myself and said, "She will understand."
When it was our turn to go up front to view Poppa, Becky and I hugged and cried. She kept saying thank you for everything. I just kept crying. She went over to talk to the boys and Nana sort of freaked out. I hugged her and told her it was fine.
The only thing I wish could have gone different was pictures were taken of the boys before asking me. I was asked about the pictures going on facebook. But not about the pictures in the first place. Other than that, it was good. Becky and I talked by ourselves for a while. I had some sad feelings come over me at times for Nana and Poppa.
It was overwhelming for the boys at times. But all in all I think it was good for them. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit is what I believe I did. The strong urging I felt, was His leading to make the situation right for the boys. And I was comforted by Him when ugly fears would rear their heads.
The Holy Spirit is here not only to lead us, but also to comfort us.
"26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you." John 14:26 AMP (Amplified Version)
This is not going to be a daily, weekly, or monthly event them seeing their birth mother. However, for the boys she is not such a mystery to them. We have told them everything about their situation as far as why they were taken and the parental rights terminated. But because of not seeing her for all these years she was that mystery. No more.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
I thought telling the boys about their Poppa passing away was hard. I knew it would hurt the boys and I would have done anything for them to not get hurt. This was different. I was in tears as I told my boys, the ones I loved from the time I set eyes on them, took care of them when they were sick, held them when they were afraid, laughed with them when they played, it was okay for them to not only say hi, talk to Becky, but also give her a hug.
Chuck Jr. walked over to the funeral director who was standing by our seats. I got up. Went up to him. Had to remind him who I was (it had been 14 years since he has seen me). And ask him to tell Becky that it was okay. He looked confused. I repeated myself and said, "She will understand."
When it was our turn to go up front to view Poppa, Becky and I hugged and cried. She kept saying thank you for everything. I just kept crying. She went over to talk to the boys and Nana sort of freaked out. I hugged her and told her it was fine.
The only thing I wish could have gone different was pictures were taken of the boys before asking me. I was asked about the pictures going on facebook. But not about the pictures in the first place. Other than that, it was good. Becky and I talked by ourselves for a while. I had some sad feelings come over me at times for Nana and Poppa.
It was overwhelming for the boys at times. But all in all I think it was good for them. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit is what I believe I did. The strong urging I felt, was His leading to make the situation right for the boys. And I was comforted by Him when ugly fears would rear their heads.
The Holy Spirit is here not only to lead us, but also to comfort us.
"26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you." John 14:26 AMP (Amplified Version)
This is not going to be a daily, weekly, or monthly event them seeing their birth mother. However, for the boys she is not such a mystery to them. We have told them everything about their situation as far as why they were taken and the parental rights terminated. But because of not seeing her for all these years she was that mystery. No more.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Just some of my thoughts and actions,
Elizabeth
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