Leaves all around

I decided that our leaf population had increased to an unreasonable high. I got out the rake and the bags, cleaned up the dog poop, and got to raking. Josh helped.


Here are the leaves I raked off the street. If you look closely, you can see that these are 99% oak leaves. We have maple trees. All these leaves aren't even ours. They belong across the street.






Ellie home from school, showing off her tongue and the cleaned up sidewalk and street. I didn't get to finish all the raking by the time she got home, but I at least got them off the sidewalk and street. You can see them on the far left of the picture covering the grass.



Did I mention that I walked Ellie to the bus not once, not twice, but three times this morning? Yesterday I finally got the schedule they said I would have last week. First Student transports students for Penn View Christian School and Grace Christian school. So the schedule is different when the other school is closed, as it was today. The last time Penn View didn't have school, we didn't know about the different schedule (the note not getting home to us.) I thought surely today will go fine, we have the altered schedule, which states the stop - York and Cannon, and time - 7:45 am. I was at the appropriate corner by 7:40 am. By about 7:57, I walked back home with Josh and Ellie to give ol' First Student a call. The bus driver claimed he was at the stop at 7:45, and I reminded her that wasn't true. She told me the bus would be there in 10 minutes. I walked back to the stop with both kids and waited another 15 minutes. At 8:30 (when her school starts,) I headed back home again, kids in tow. Another call, another promise that the bus would be coming in 5 minutes, we went back to stop. Before I even got there (we walk down our street, then turn and walk another block,) the bus was headed by on the cross street. I had to wave to him to wait. Good thing there is a stop sign. But she got on the bus.

I am quite put out with First Student, if you couldn't tell.

Friends, scrabble, entertaining, and such

Myrtle came over today. Some might not think that odd, since she lives in Virginia and never left her couch to come over. First we just talked on the phone, while I beat her at scrabble, then she went and beat me. We sang a few hymns, and then she came over to watch the kids while I prepared dinner. She read them Frog and Toad, The Napping House, and then the kids showed her books. As you can see Josh didn't last as long as Ellie. He started playing. Then she joined us at the table for dinner. It was a lovely afternoon. All thanks to skype and a camera phone.

Herbs and Spices, Coffee and Tea

It was brought to my attention, thank you Claire, that I have not given an account of what we are selling. So, in case anyone is in need of something and close by, we are selling (all of it organic) apple spice, pumpkin spice, mulling spices, poultry seasoning, pickling spices, bay leaves, 100% pure vanilla extract, seasoned garlic salt, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, herbs de province, whole chilies, chili flakes, cinnamon sticks, sage, paprika, chipotle powder, cayenne powder, parsley, Earl Grey tea, spiced coffee - regular and decaf, and house blend coffee - regular and decaf, to name a few.

On our first day we had the first seven I think. Since then we've grown.

To market, to market

We've had a few late nights, and it has nothing to do with the Phillies. We have a store location to put our spices. Yeah! But since we didn't plan well, we were up past midnight for two nights getting stuff ready. An acquaintance of Gary's from high school has an antique type shop and offered us a spot for our spices. Gary and I are exhausted from getting everything ready.

We did, however, have our biggest sales day at the farmer's market today. And Ellie was Daddy's little helper. She was there all day with him and was well behaved. Josh stayed at Grammy H.'s overnight for his birthday. Each had a special treat and Mom had no kids for half a day.

Now, even though I had no kids, I had no relaxation. Gary and I scrambled this morning to get him off to the farmer's market. Things that went wrong - 1. Ground coffee too fine and had to grind more. 2. When grinding the second batch forgot to add the spices, so instead used already ground spices and just mixed it in. 3. Since he was so late, we just brewed the coffee and mulled the cider at home and hoped it wouldn't spill on the way over. After Gary left, I took a record time shower and went over with Ellie to help him set up.

I finally made it over to The Shabby Attic with our spices. I had the display all set, then remembered I forgot the bags of coffee to sell. When I got back to the shop with the coffee, Karin asked about the coffee Gary said we would brew for samples. Back to the house I went to grab the coffee Gary accidentally ground too fine and mixed in the spices. After stopping at four grocery stores looking for 8 oz. cups for said coffee, I ended up buying foam ones, which I was loathe to do. I wanted the cardboard/paper kind. Apparently I am the only one who does.

I raced back to the shop to set up the coffee maker and then took a needed bathroom brake. As I got back to check on the coffee, I saw that it had overflowed and made a large mess. The full pot of full strength coffee became a half pot of weak coffee. But I was told, since I don't drink coffee, that it had good flavor. Perhaps the orange juice drinker should not be put in charge of the coffee. And to top it all off, I forgot cream and sugar.

But there were some high points to the day. What seemed as wrongs, were actually rights. Thank you God for looking out for us. When Gary got to the farmer's market, he discovered that the electricity had been turned off. If we hadn't brewed and mulled at home, we wouldn't have had coffee or cider ready to sell. It did eventually get turned back on and keep the drinks hot. And since Gary brewed some coffee that didn't work for the percolator, I had coffee to take to the shop.

And the best part of the day was that Ellie had a great morning with her dad and Josh had a great morning with his grandmother.

The Full Moon

The children ate all their dinner tonight. An unusual occurrence, to be sure. And not only did they finish, they had seconds (and thirds if more were available) of the broccoli and cauliflower, and seconds (and thirds for Ellie) of the noodles. They did not however want anymore meat. And who could blame them, since I cooked it to death. I made it chewy and mostly tasteless. I mistakenly thought what I was cooking was thin ground beef, but it wasn't. One might wonder how I could make such a mistake, but we won't bother with that now. I have another package of it, and I won't make that mistake twice. I'll actually pay attention when reading the label.

Anyway, I also thought I'd make a gravy to go on the meat and noodles. Sounds good until I decided, foolishly, to add hickory smoke flavoring. I added too much, and because it was not real flavoring, it was yucky. Eventually I had to remove the pot from the table, the smell bothered me so much. I am throwing that bottle away.

Now the vegetables were the highlight of the meal. And that actually means something coming from me, the one whose tongue generally cares not for such healthy things. I sauteed them in grape seed oil (I can talk about that later) and Gary's seasoned garlic salt. Very tasty, highly recommend cooking them that way, especially for those who don't want to eat their greens. I should have made more.

And to top it off, we had told Josh he didn't have to finish his meat. He declined our offer and ate the last two pieces. At that point I wondered allowed if there was a full moon tonight? I immediately looked at the calendar and discovered that indeed it was a full moon. Go figure. Maybe at least once a month they'll eat all their dinner!

After much searching, I think I like the Harley-Davidson Softails with saddlebags best. Either brown or black. I just have to wait twenty years to purchase one.

Happy Birthday Karen!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Karen!
Happy Birthday to you!

You know, growing up, my mom and cousin had birthday celebrations together and my brother and grandfather had birthday celebrations together. Although my aunt and I have birthdays next to each other, I never really got to celebrate with her. She lives in North Carolina and apparently never was up visiting during January.

Ellie gets to celebrate with her cousin since they share a birthday. And another cousin's is a few weeks before. Gary could join in since his is only a week before, but really, he'd rather just let the girls have their day. He isn't into pink, princess or girl stuff anyway.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Mom!
Happy Birthday to you!

What makes doing housework fun?

Listening to my favorite songs on my iPod. Want to listen too?

"While I'm Waiting" by John Waller from the movie Fireproof




"Unknown Legend" by Neil Young

Heading to the World Series - again!

Last night the Phillies won the National League Conference Title and another shot at winning the World Series.

I've got a ticket to ride

After four classes, a bit of hurrying, and an extra ten dollars, I have my motorcycle license. We arrived late for our first class. They say they are very strict about not letting late comers in, but they took our information and let us in anyway. I put my permit in my pocket since they said we would need it later. That was a Thursday. Friday I did laundry. Yes, I forgot to remove the paper permit and washed my jeans. What was left of my permit when the washer stopped would have fit in a thimble, with room to spare. I tried getting a new one, but the driver's license center was closed during the hours of operation.

So I went to our first riding class without a permit. They didn't ask for it, I didn't bring it up. I did go to the driving center again the next week and paid for a new one. The riding class was excellent at teaching beginners about motorcycles. First you just stand next to it and look at the bike. Then you sit on it. Move the levers and buttons. Next you turn it on. You practice rocking back and forth, recognizing the friction zone - the place where the engine starts to engage and move the bike. Then you move across the range in first gear, both feet still on the ground walking with the bike. Then you move a little faster, picking your feet up. And so on practicing basic techniques. It was fun. I had a blast.

At our next classroom class, I was nervous about the written test. Gary knew I'd do fine. We both passed.

At our final riding class (at which God answered my prayer to stop the rain,) we would be doing finer skills, like u-turns and such. We practiced, received some advice, then came the test. Gary was in front of me. On the second skill of the first part of the test, Gary dumped the bike. I wanted to shut off my bike and run over to him, but you can't go running across the range. He didn't even realize what he did wrong, until later when an instructor talked to him. He had braked while swerving, which is a big no-no for a motorcycle. His was the fourth mishap that day, but since his was during the test, he didn't pass. I wasn't sure how I'd do after having watched my husband land on the ground. Although I was armed with the advice on how to do slow u-turns, I hadn't gotten to use it yet. I did fine. The rest of the test went well, also, and I passed.

If there is room, Gary can be a walk-in at another class this weekend and try again.

Now, I just need to find a motorcycle to practice on and a way to get it to the school parking lot.

Fireproof

Gary and I watched the movie Fireproof soon after it came out. A local church was showing it. It is good. I recently rented it from our local library. I watched it many times. It is great story about what happens when two people don't love unconditionally in a marriage. And then one of them is dared to try things differently - God's way. At first Caleb isn't really trying, just going through the motions, but he soon realizes that he can't give what he doesn't have. To love unconditionally, one needs God's love. God gives us the love we give to others. Caleb then starts loving his wife with God's love, doing it God's way. His wife starts to notice and eventually wants what happened to him to happen to her.

A companion to the movie is the book The Love Dare, a complete version of the dare that Caleb follows in the movie. It's a forty day dare to love your spouse unconditionally. I dare you to try it.

The tale of our weekend

The Chatter Box, where we had dinner Friday night.














Cruising the boardwalk in a surrey Saturday morning.
























Our favorite pizza place - Mack and Manco's.















A couple getting married on the beach.












Going for a helicopter ride.














Going down the slide.
















Stuffing as much cotton candy as allowed into mouth. Ellie saved her money to buy it.












Having fun at the new playground.














Exploring the sand.













Posing on the beach (before Ellie and Josh were soaked.)












Ellie and Josh enjoying the ocean (very soaked.)

Ocean City, NJ

Today after lunch we will be heading to Ocean City, NJ. It will be the first trip we will be taking with Gary's mom. We are all excited. Gary, because the shore is his favorite place to go (he is a bit saddened that we didn't make it to the shore when it was actually swimming weather.) The kids, just because. Josh and Ellie get excited to go anywhere. Gary's mom, because it will be her first real break from regular life since Dan got sick 9 years ago, and me, because I will be away from the business of home.

I plan to take all my MomSense magazines that I have neglected to read over the past year. I also have my bag of God books, though I need to get a bigger bag now. Myrtle asked her pastor to send me a hard back copy of The Book of Concord. I have wanted one but didn't feel right asking for one and didn't take the money to buy one. Since I found out he was sending me one, I hoped it would arrive before we left for the shore. It came today! Now I have the treasure of a book and it is a precious gift.

But before I have the chance to read it at the shore, I have to get ourselves packed.

Phillies Win!

Phillies are 2009 NL East Champions! (Three years in a row!)

My gear

I went to the local Harley-Davidson store today. I found my helmet. It's a Scorpion EXO-700 Black Dahlia. It is also expensive. There is even matching clothing. Also expensive.

I saw some gloves and boots I liked. Again expensive.

And I saw that Kohl's is hiring.


We received an email concerning what is required in clothing for the course. Over-the-ankle boots, full-fingered gloves, long pants and long sleeve shirt or jacket, eye protection, and a helmet. Of these things, I have the pants and jacket. Maybe my gloves will be acceptable. I may still have skiing goggles. They do provide helmets. And motorcycles.

Gary is not too pleased to have to buy stuff for this class. I don't mind.

He Passed!

Gary passed his test and has his learner's permit for a motorcycle. We are now signed up for the safety course.

Gary's mom thinks we're crazy. Who's going to take care of the kids when we die in a crash, she asks. My parents don't have much to say about it. Gary's dad and Judy are rooting us on. It scares me a little thinking about riding, but it scares me even more to try to learn without this class. I want to ride. But I also want to be a safe rider. So take this class, I shall.

Our second week

Our second week went as well as the first when you take out the Mom buying factor. Gary's mom made some purchases our first week, and our sales the second week were down by the amount she bought. There were also less people the second week, but we sold almost as much. We were in a different location, but I forgot the camera to document.

We will not be there this weekend, since we will be at the shore relaxing and eating some Mack and Manco's pizza.

We placed another order and will hopefully have more to offer next time.

Farmer's Market

It went much better than we thought. We went through most of the coffee and over half the cider. We sold out of the pumpkin spice and sold more vanilla than we thought. Apparently no one is seasoning any poultry yet or doing any pickling. But people are flavoring soups and such with bay leaves and basil.

We had many people comment it was nice to see a spice place again, since the local spice store closed. Some said they'd be back next week. We had three people requests, but no actual orders. We are going to be placing another order and will probably include them since they aren't obscure items and others probably would buy them.

We plan to continue up until Thanksgiving, when the market closed until next year. Than what? We don't know.

We had some good advice from several people, too. And some repeat business on the coffee. Gary made his pumpkin spice coffee and mulled the cider using the spices we were selling.

Myrtle admonished me to take the camera so I could document our big day. Gary's mom was a big help in packaging spices last night, and she packed us a treasure trove lunch. He had forgotten about eating lunch, so she surprised us with food. My parents took the kids for the night and watched them until the market was closed.




Here is the background for our labels. I took some cinnamon sticks and some white paper and took a photo. It looks nice as a watermark background with our name Kulp's Spices in brown lettering. I am hoping to get a sign with it as background for our stand, as you could see in the photo we haven't any identification of who we are in big letters.

Help please

Well the novelty has worn off. Monday and today were awful for Ellie getting on the bus. Monday, she and Gary walked nicely to the bus. Once the bus came and her friend wasn't there, Gary had to put her on the bus crying and protesting greatly. Tuesday she was better. Her friend was there, and even though she still didn't want to go, she got on the bus with minimal protests and tears. Today, her protests started before leaving the house, though she went without force. Unfortunately again no friend, and Gary than had to physically move her to the bus, weeping and wailing and great protests. There seems to be no problems with the afternoon bus ride.

Do we continue to make her ride the bus in the morning, or do I drive her to school? If I drive her, we feel like we're giving in to her, if we make her take the bus, we feel like we're being mean. Either way, we feel like everyone loses. Is she just not ready for that morning bus ride?

Please give us some advice.

I passed!

I got to the licensing center a little later than planned. I waited in line, several times, took my test, and passed. I had four wrong answerd, the highest amount allowed to still pass. One more and done for. I waited in line again and walked away with the little paper that says I may drive a motorcycle in practice for my license. I am quite pleased and a little scared. Motorcycles are powerful little machines and a bit intimidating to drive by myself.

Corn, corn and more corn

I have in my freezer over two hundred ears of corn. My parents bought a hundred ears on Thursday, and my mom and I husked, blanched, decobbed and froze it on Friday. And Gary and I bought a hundred ears on Saturday, and my mom and I processed it today. If you're talking corn, we are set for the winter.

Unfortunately and quite sadly for me, I do not have in my hot little hand a learner's permit for riding a motorcycle. We failed to notice that cash is not accepted for payment at the testing center. And of course when we left the house yesterday, we had not taken the check book with us. So we had to leave after realizing that cash or credit was not an option. I never made it back. It was lunch than nap time. Gary went back, because he has less time during the week to go. But he didn't pass. So we both have to go back anyway. I plan to be there first thing Tuesday morning.

The Bus - part 2

Ellie's school day is 8:30 to 11:30 am. Today she arrived home at 12:55 pm. She should arrive home around 11:50 am. Even though her principal called the bus company once and her mother called the bus company not once, not twice, but thrice, she was somehow still not on the schedule for the afternoon bus run. She sat around at her school for an hour waiting. She apparently has not changed her opinion of buses, though. When First Student finally brought her home, she was happily sitting in her seat, enjoying the ride and having the "bus" to herself. [It was a student van that brought her home.]

I, on the other hand, was a bit annoyed. I was not, however, concerned about her whereabouts, because I actually didn't expected them to pick her up. I somehow knew they would not have her on the schedule, but also thought that maybe since they picked her up, they'd bring her home.

Her school did called to say that she wasn't picked up, and that they called First Student. And that someone was one their way to pick her up and bring her home.

I will be giving First Student another call.

The Bus - part 1

Ellie has been excited to take the bus. Her parents don't share her enthusiasm. But we put her on this morning, none the less. It was a bit hectic getting ready, and our procedure needs some work, but she was at her stop on time. Or at least a stop. Gary and she headed out but were soon back when Gary saw bus #20 drive right on by. So we got in the car to try to catch it at another stop. As we drove I could see people still standing at the stop after Ellie's. So I drove to that stop, we recognized the pastor from Grace Mennonite and his kids. Gary got out to talk to them. It turns out that they take the same bus, and Ellie didn't miss it. Gary had failed to realize that the bus he saw was a North Penn School District bus and Ellie's bus is First Student.

So, now Gary will walk to the stop where our friends are every morning and then walk to his bus stop. I am very glad Ellie knows other children on her bus.

Ellie was quite content sitting in her bus seat, waving as the bus rolled away.

Motorcycle safety course

Yep, you read correctly. Gary and I are signing up to learn how to drive a motorcycles. First we need to take a test and get our permits. I am very excited. After we complete the class we will have our motorcycle license. Then we can drive Gary's dad's motorcycles, because we won't have funds of our own to purchase any motorized two wheeled vehicle for a long while.

We're on

Well, Gary is anyway, for the Farmer's Market here in Lansdale. He is going to try his hand at roasting, brewing, and flavoring his own coffee, selling mulling cider, selling his homemade vanilla, our home grown tomatoes and herbs, and if they still have nice flowers, our neighbor will be cutting some fresh flower bouquets.

I am not so sure we really fit into the farmer's market catagory, but they are letting us have a table for one day, so Gary's going to try it. We'll see.

Ellie's first day

Here's Ellie on her first day of kindergarten.

I think she had a good day. All I could get out of her were yes and no answers. She says she doesn't want to talk about her day. But she wants to go back, so that's a good thing.




P.S. I added another post on August 29th about our vacation. It was added after the one about orientation but the date places it before it, so you might have missed it.

Orientation

She's oriented. Ellie enjoyed her hour today at school. She made a sunflower, drew a picture of herself (complete with teeth,) and decorated a large manila envelope with traces of her hands. She has a cubby for her supplies and a hook for her coat and bag. She took her new bike helmet for her show and tell about summer. Ellie also got to use the potty and was excited to see that there was an Ellie size sink available for her use. We read a story waiting for everyone to arrive (somehow we managed to arrive first,) and she played kitchen while we waited for everyone to finish their three projects. The teacher ended the hour with a story - The Night Before Kindergarten. She also reminded parents to send a healthy snack (you know, no sugary stuff) each day, than offered the children a piece of candy before they left, and informed them that they could have one each day when they left to go home. A little contradictory if you ask me. I made sure to let Ellie know she would not be getting a piece of candy everyday.

I think I feel more confident about letting Ellie ride the bus both ways sooner than I previously thought. Now I need to contact First Student about adding her to the bus route, since they haven't contacted me yet.

Josh's day wasn't so pleasant. He was in need of 6 non-regular diaper changes and a sore belly. He is currently napping and hasn't needed a change since around 2:00 pm. His little bottom is sore and needing a break. He also wanted much Mommy time and many hugs.

Gary had jury summons today but wasn't called for jury duty. He did however become more informed about household things. His reading material while waiting today - Mere Christianity, a word search book, and Heloise's Housekeeping Hints. Gary pointed out a way to make meals for a week to me already.

Vacation

Last week we went to the cabin for the week with my parents. It was a great time away. Gary and my dad, however, didn't have so much as a vacation as a work week. You see, the outside cabin steps, being over thirty years old, have rotted. They needed to be replaced. So while the women and Josh relaxed, the men worked.

Mom and I, with a little help from the kids, painted the front window, twice. The twice should have been once, but since the cabin is part of an association and white is not an allowed window color any longer, the white we painted the window was in violation. We had to change it. We got paint chips, picked a color, got it approved and repainted.

Gary took Ellie on her first fishing trip. My dad got the poles ready and informed Gary how to use them since he hasn't been fishing either. Although he took a bucket and a fish chain, he really really hoped not to catch anything. Not to worry, they only used lures and didn't let them get too deep. But she had a grand time. We met up with them after a couple of hours and had a picnic lunch and a swim.

We didn't have much use of the computer. We had low signal strength. Couldn't really do much, so we didn't really try. One might wonder why we took the laptop at all, but I was hoping to blog, and we had a bill to pay. Got the bill paid, but that was about it.

One thing I did get to do was read. I started again on The New Strong-Willed Child. For some reason I stopped reading after a short time. I have found my sanity again. Dobson talks as though he's met Ellie. I am loving reading this book. Over and over I relate. I hardly related to stories in Tedd Tripp's book. [No way my child stands still and takes her spankings.] Though his principles are excellent, I didn't know how to apply it in my situation. I also got some reading in on When Sinners Say "I do."

In all, it was a relaxing week.

Words, words and more words

My little guy's vocabulary has exploded. He just keeps saying new words. They just keep coming out. It's great to hear him use new words. He is growing up so fast. And he has finally said "Ellie." He doesn't often speak on command, though. It starts acting goofy when asked to way a word.

Bittersweet

My girl starts kindergarten next week. My emotions are going up and down.

We decided to put her in private kindergarten, since we found a school that had a half off discount for first time students and has a great program. Next year she will be in public school - either first grade or have her do another year of kindergarten if we think she needs it.

Tomorrow we are going shopping. For school supplies and some new clothes (she's sprouting like a weed and wearing through stuff.) We are also going to have lunch and go for a bike ride together. It's a mommy - Ellie day!

She also has the opportunity to take the school bus but for now that's too much for us. My little baby is not taking a bus yet. Maybe in a few weeks or months. It works out for me to take her, since Gary works on the way, and we only have one car. I'll be the bus driver and take Gary to work and Ellie to school. Josh gets to go along for the ride. In a few weeks once she's used to school, we'll let Ellie take the bus home. After a while she can take the school bus both ways.

My little baby is going to school.

My Life as a Rock Star

I live the life of a rock star. It’s true! I have wild hair and make-up with frequent costume changes.

Everywhere I go I have an entourage. People are constantly yelling my name. I look out into the crowd and they’re actually crying for me, reaching for me.

I have no privacy. I’m watched when I shower, when I’m cooking, even when I use the restroom . . . for my own protection, I’m sure.

When I go places I must do so quickly before my fans get out of control and start a riot. Every night a different (fan) wants to sleep with me. Each of them seems genuinely hurt when I turn him (or her) away.

Occasionally I get dirty undergarments whirled at me with a whoop and a smile. It’s even hard sometimes to walk through my own home without someone spotting me and trying to grab my legs or my clothing.

Oh, and don’t forget about the stalkers! You know those crazed fans that follow you everywhere? Why I can’t even talk on the phone in the pantry without an eye peeping in at me.

Yes it’s true – I live the life of a rock star. And this goes out to my (two) biggest fans – (Elisabeth and Joshua) – thanks for making my debut so special.

I read the above article by Melinda Coats in MomSense, a magazine I get from being part of MOPS. I found it to be humorous and rather accurate for my life as well.

I figured out my problem

Yes, I figured it out. I am a sinner. I know, astonishing but true. And even though I knew this fact, it was made much clearer (and humbling) in my reading of a little jewel of a book called When Sinners Say "I Do," by Dave Harvey.

I especially like the author's illustration about sin in our hearts: a hot engine and oil. He had a live experience with this when his son had started the lawnmower up with the oil cap loose. After the engine heated up, he had an oil geyser. "Original sin filled the "engine" of our hearts with the "oil" of depravity - dark, greasy, and staining everything it touches. Circumstances come along and heat the engine. When the engine is hot - when events in our lives test out hearts by stirring anger, lust, greed, etc. - whatever is in the engine spews out. The heat (circumstances) did not fill the engine with oil, it simply revealed what was in the engine." When Jesus, out best example, was heated up, love, mercy, compassion, kindness spilled out. What comes out when you're heated?

One thing I also like about the book is that even though it is written for married folks, the basis of the book applies to all people. Because married or not, we are all sinners and have relationships of all kinds that would do better when we remember we are the biggest sinner of them all.

Prayers for your day

Yesterday, as I read in the Daily Prayer of the Lutheran Service Book, I came upon this little phrase: "on this day when the work of our calling begins anew." It brought me to tears. As I am sure you are well aware, I struggle with being a mom once in a while. Those words brought a sense of purpose and renewed strength.

Today I read through the Daily Prayer again and caught the rest of the prayer. [Yesterday my focus was on the phrase above.]
"Almighty Father, merciful God, who created and completed all things, on this day when the work of our calling begins anew, we implore You to create its beginning, direct its continuance, and bless its end, that our doings may be preserved from sin, our like sanctified, and our work this day be well pleasing to You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend my myself, my body and soul, and all things (children.) Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen"

Another scare

At 7:13 this morning I was concerned that my sister might have been killed. I heard a report on the news that a women jogger was killed when a tree branch fell on her. My brain started thinking. Jess has jogged in the past. [Never mind that I can't recall the last time she actually went jogging, nor that she would go early in the morning.] I was concerned. The report came again, this time with a description. The women was in her twenties maybe early thirties, with short brown, curly hair. She was listening to her iPod, so probably didn't hear the branch falling. OK, I thought, that describes Jess. [Never mind that it also describes over 100 other women.] I started crying, visibly upset. I get up and grab the phone to call Jess. Reason sets in, and I put it down. But I'm still upset - what if? Gary says to call. So at 7:17 I call my sister. Of course she answers, alive and well, and still in bed. After an explanation for my call, she says "I'm going back to sleep now."

I love you, Jess!

Pictures of this goofy family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELISABETH!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl! You are 5 today!

Ellie and I went birthday prep shopping today. She picked out pink princess plates, cups, and napkins, pink crepe paper streamers, pink decorating icing, a number 5 candle, and pink bubble gum (in a pink container.) Is anyone else sensing a color theme here? We also bought a doll for her cake.

Ellie requested a princess cake.

She received princess dress-up clothes.



She received a tea set.



She received a bike.

She requested pizza for dinner. Did you know you could order a 28" pizza?

Josh wanted to feel like a princess too.




I am certain all enjoyed themselves.

Scare of my life

Friday, Josh got it in his head to not come inside. I had found a dime and had given it to him. While riding home, it fell down in his car seat and I wouldn't dig it out for him. He took exception to that and wouldn't budge from his seat on the grass. I went inside to let Hunter out. While bring Hunter back inm I picked Josh up and brought him along back to the house. I put him down before going inside with the dog.

Josh started walking. Back toward the garage. I had hooked Hunter up to finish his business, but quickc put him back inside when I saw Josh had kept walking past the garage. When I got to the alley, Josh was no where to be seen. I looked up and down the alley. No Josh. I came back in the yard, thinking I missed seeing him. No Josh. I looked around on the back side of the garden. No Josh. I looked around the garage to our neighbor's yard. No Josh. I walked down the alley toward the street. A neighbor asked if I as looking for a little boy. Yes, I told him. The kind man pointed down the street and said he went that way. I squinted my eyes and could barely see a form. I had doubt that my son had walked so far. I started running. Ellie coming along behind me.

I crossed two streets and two alleys before I got to Josh. He had indeed walked so far, two blocks. A neighbor on foot and a lady in her car had been watching out for him. When I got to him, I had trouble breathing for a moment. I was so scared. He behaved as though he always went for walks by himself - "What's the trouble, Mom?" In my hurry to get to Josh, I nearly forgot to ensure Ellie crossed the streets safely, since I run faster than she does.

Relieved to have Josh in my arms, I headed straight back home. I forgot to thank the lady who pulled her car over to ensure his safety, though I did have the presence of mind to stop my walk back home and thank the man who was on foot.

Thank you Lord for keeping my wayward son safe.

What's going on

Our summer has been uneventful. So I thought I'd write about it.

We are doing fairly well with one car. Gary mostly takes the bus. A co-worker has also been picking him up since he drives right by to drop off his daughter at the boys and girls club.

Ellie did splendidly at swim lessons, and we enjoyed the pool afterward on several occasions. I'd pack us lunch, and we'd go to the playground to play and eat, than go back to the pool for some water fun.

Lansdale now has a farmer's market on Saturdays, which I am excited about. I can get fresh produce in town.

Our garden is not doing too badly. The tomatoes are going great, everything else seems to be in slow motion. I planted more beans and cucumbers today. I had a bad experience with grass clippings in the garden. I thought I would spread some down as mulch. It was an unhappy attempt at keeping the weeds from taking charge. The grass was the stinkiest stuff around. We could smell it inside, and Ellie and Josh requested the window be closed because of it. After reading online that grass clippings were worse for a garden than better, I went back out and raked then back up and got rid of them. Unfortunately some odor still remains.

I discovered gDiapers, an earth friendly alternative to cloth and disposable diapers. The gPants are cloth and have a liner that holds an absorbent refill that you can either flush, toss, or compost (wet ones.) Gary chooses to toss, I flush when possible. They also have cloth inserts for those who want to go cloth all the way. Josh fought at first to have that thing on his cute behind, but he's warming to them. His words were "I don't want that, I want that" (pointing to the Luvs on his changing table.) gDiaper has a promo deal, so if you want to try them let me know - I'll give you the discount code.

I am making my way weeding up the fence along the side of our property. The weeds were very bad, but I've tackled almost all of it, and it's looking good. I have managed to do it in pieces and not focus on the entire job. If I had looked at the whole bed, I would've thrown in the towel.

Speaking of beds, I broke Josh's bed last night. I hopped up on it, and the bed came down with me. The wood piece that holds the box springs had already been broken and fixed, and my added weight that time did it in. Right now the box spring and mattress are on the floor, and Josh and Ellie think that's great fun.

We had a great time camping back in June at Camp Swatara. We met a missionary couple. The woman and older daughters in the family wore head coverings. It got us to thinking, and we looked up the verses in 1 Cor. 11 about head coverings. I wore a heard covering that next week. We looked it up online and talked to several people about it. We are still undecided about it. I did order two styles of coverings online to try. Along with head coverings is the idea of modest attire. I have ceased wearing jewelry, except my wedding engagement rings. I wear my watch when I won't be near clocks. I have assessed my wardrobe and pulled out things that aren't as modest as I'd like. I don't need anyone looking at me who shouldn't be or causing anyone to stumble. I don't want to be flashy. I dress to coverup not show off.

I had a nice break from children today at nap time, since Gary took Ellie (who doesn't actually nap but petions not to nap) to pick up his mom from the airport and Josh actually takes naps. But he is awake and calling for me, and Gary and Ellie are now home.

Making Pearls

Today, I am again of sound mind.

Gary pointed out his devotion from today to me. It's appropriately from James 1:2-4. "Considerate it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials (irritations) of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Chuck Swindoll comments:
"One of these days it should dawn on us that we'll never be completely free from irritations as long as we are on this planet. [It would do me well to remember this often.] Upon coming to this conclusion, we would then be wise to consider an alternative to losing our cool. The secret is adjusting." [And I need to remember this, because apparently I'm not doing so well at it right now.]

"When it comes to irritations, I've found that it helps if I remember that I am not in charge of my day . . . God is. And while I'm sure He wants me to use my time wisely, He is more concerend with the development of my character and the cultivation of the qualities that make me Christlike within."

Then Chuck Swindoll uses the example of the oyster and its pearl. You all know that when an oyster gets an irritation, it makes a pearl out of it.

So, although neither these verses nor the fact that oysters make pearls out of irritations is new to me, I see them together now and will be applying them to my life.

And watch out, I'm going to have a new verse to hold to and boat load of pearls!

My challenge is my life

I have been extra weary for the last month. My house's cleanliness is directly proportionate to the disobedience of my children. I don't do much around the house during nap time. Pretty much I just sit on the couch. I find it difficult to do much while the kids are awake also. I feel so tired and worn out from the day that I just want to sit.

Am I taking care of myself to take care of my family, being just plan lazy, or something else I can't even name?

I finally got around to reading some of my friends' blogs and am now feeling ashamed at myself.

I feel as though I don't truly appreciate the gift my children are. I am so concerned with them not making messes, not being along, not following the rules, not obeying that I have lost sight of them as little people made in the image of God, deserving my love not my criticism, at all times. I have forgotten or been too frustrated to remember that Elisabeth and Joshua are my special gifts, given only to me and Gary (and when mentioned heretofore as given to me, I mean both of us. Relaying just my feelings, so writing me.) I have not treated them as such. I have wanted to toss questions at God about how could he possibly know what he was doing in giving them to me. I am definitely the wrong person for the job. But I know that God didn't make a mistake and they were meant for me. What am I doing wrong? I must be doing something wrong.

I am tired of being hit, tired of being told "No," tired of hearing "I don't want to." These things generally happen on a daily basis, usually more than once. (Though today, I don't think I was hit.) I am tired.

I don't know how to handle it. I usually do an awful job at it, saying things I want to snatch back. I struggle each day with my response to Ellie's onslaughts. I compare myself to every mother I can think of and know she would do a better job.

In the everyday, I am not always thankful for this challenge of motherhood. I never thought it would be this hard. I want to be thankful, I want to know I can do this. I want to take all the insults and smacks I get from my daughter and just patiently remind her of how she should be behaving. But it doesn't work. I lose my temper, I get angry, I get frustrated.

Part of me wonders if that is why I am not currently pregnant with our third child. I can't handle the ones I have, why would God give me another one? The other part of me knows God is sovereign and knows what he is doing and will give me the strength I need for each day.

God will give me that strength, but do I reach out and accept it? I fear I don't know how.

And now I get to add to my list of woe-is-me, whining about how hard mothering is for me right now. I wish to be able to just accept, but for some reason I haven't been able to. Do I do something for someone not in my family and in so doing realize I really don't have problems? Do I immerse myself in scripture to drink from the truth found there?

What!