A true story I am suprised I never wrote about.

 Let me first preface this writing with the fact that I was required to write a narrative essay in an active voice.  I created an outline, a rough draft, and 4 final drafts.  I am really hoping to get a good grade.

      A few years ago I experienced an unpleasant confrontation with a pleasing outcome. To the best of my knowledge I am not running late. I head out to drop the kids off at school one early morning. The route to my kids school travels through Coast Guard housing, not a low income housing by any means. However, what happens next may challenge the casual onlookers opinion about this. As I drive near a band of women, most of them with coffee mugs in hand and children by their side. I hear someone shout, “Slow down!”. What goes through my mind at this point I better not mention. Pride coupled with womanly hormones explains my inexcusable behavior. Imagine the look on the offenders face when she sees my reverse lights. Now with my vehicle in position, I have the nerve, to roll down my window and start a yelling match with a woman, I have never met in my life. I proceed to yell at her about the fact that she does not know how fast I was going and has no right to yell at me. All this happening right in front of God and everybody and I am too selfish to think about my children in the backseat trying to make sense of this senseless act. As I drive away, I am not entirely surprised by the lack of ease I feel over having put that woman in her place. Instead, I feel like a jerk. Yelling across the road at some lady is rude and in no way Christ like behavior. I am telling myself very soon after the incident that I need to apologize to that woman. The second turn of events is making me nervous enough to rethink my decision. I have a number of excuses for why I shall just keep driving. Alas, I have no choice. I drive my usual route for about a week before I have the opportunity to encounter this crowd of Coast Guard spouses again. It is now upon me, my chance to make amends that I am very reluctant to take. This time I must stop the van for a different agenda. As I shamefully stare at the group, scanning for the lady while they are all looking back at me, or at least it seems that way. I realize I forget what she looks like and have to ask another woman to “Please get the lady I had a confrontation with the other day.”. As the lady approaches I have no idea what she is thinking or how she will react., She is quiet, and I tell her that I am sorry for how I had behaved last week. She, in turn even apologizes for yelling at me. We have a very forgiving conversation. In the end, I am ashamed at the way my children saw me behave, but am equally happy they are able to see the meek resolve by two moms who made a poor judgement call.

The (end) to the story

  I figured I owed it to anyone who read my blog post about the apology, to let you know how it "ended".

  Yesterday I seen the lady, and made haste to get to her so that this thing wouldn't go on any longer.  I apologized, and she forgave me.  Not only that, but she recognized and acknowledged how that must have been difficult and thanked me for my apology!

  The reason I quoted the word "end" is because I told her that the way I acted those 2 summers ago was not who I am, or was, and that it is discouraging to me that this was her first impression of me.

  Now that I think about it, that is/was indeed who I am, but since I am living for Jesus, I want to be who He is.  I, in and of myself  am a selfish, consumed mess of a person who prays daily to God, and is so incredibly thankful for His forgiveness through His son Jesus Christ, and am grateful that He gave this lady a heart to forgive me.  I sure hope I practice forgiveness and patience as I hope others do in me.

  Who knows, maybe her and I will be friends out of all this.  All I know is that God is amazing and there is no limit to what He will accomplish!

My apologies

  So a few years ago, I was at a frozen yogurt get together among friends.  There was this other lady there who took her child out of Mt. View and put her into the school that my children are attending for the first time this year.  My friend Wanda asked this woman during the frozen yogurt thing what was better about the new school.  The woman went on to say somethings, and I got defensive.  I said some things that were pretty shrewd, things that I can't even believe came out of my mouth.  The next day I realized the error of my ways.  The things I said were nothing Jesus would have approved of, and were certainly not spoken out of love.  The next day I got on Facebook and made a public apology for my actions, but the woman (whom I had no idea what her name was) was not a friend of mine, so she never seen it.  The reason I apologized publicly is because my comments were so asinine that everyone within ear shot deserved to be apologized to.

  One of the other moms from my daughters class was telling me about this girl who was going to be my daughters classmate and that she looks like and reminds her of my daughter...her name is actually a nickname we call my daughter some times.  This morning I was curious to see what this little girl looked like.  I spotted her right away because she did have some similar features, then I really wanted to see her mom to see if she looked like me...she didn't look like me.  Can you guess by now who she looked like?  OUCH!  It was the woman!!! The one I was so rude to.  We made eye contact.  I was trying to deny in my mind that it was her, trying to look as deeply as possible to see some where, some way that this could not possibly be the woman, I didn't even know her child was in the same grade as mine.  It did not matter how hard I looked, or how much of that river in Egypt I tried to grasp...It. was. her.

  So now what?  I could swear she recognized me, I could swear she held anger and discontent toward me, I could swear she was going to go to the principal and tell him everything I said.

  I don't know how much of that is true, but I can tell you that there is a strong conviction to find her again, and explain who I am, and finally get the chance to apologize face to face.  Weather she forgives me or not, I am still sorry for what I did.

  I told my daughter that apologizing is hard for a reason.  It is hard so that we never want to do the thing again that made us sorry.  This is so true.

S.A.D season is coming, here are some tips to help stave off the symptoms

  I have lived in the Pacific NW for about 12 years now, 4 of those years were in Sitka Alaska.  I have learned ways to deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder.  This video points out 3 ways.
1. Light therapy
2. Exercise
3. Socializing
  I can tell you folks that these things do make a difference, but may I add one more?  Of course I can, this is my blog...
4. Read the bible, and pray.
S.A.D. creeps up on me when I least expect it, and it is a battle I face in winter time.  I really do think of it as a trial in my life.  The things I do to keep this disorder at bay are all things that are good for me and in the long run improve my quality of life.
My symptoms of S.A.D include
Headaches
Anxiety
Cravings for refined sugar
Depression
I personally combat all these symptoms with the prescription above, and actually number 4 should be number one...but you all knew I was going to say that.

  I used to really let that stuff get the best of me.  I used to complain about it A LOT.  I used to let it consume me.  I am so glad that it doesn't have that power any more.

Please contact your doctor if you suffer from this disorder, he or she can help you, and if you need medication...I did at one time :)

Take care friends.

Girding up the loins for school!

With the promise of school starting on September, I am trying to get things in order.  I thought it might be time to get a new printer.  I have had mine for roughly 8 years.  The reason I didn't want to get a new one was because it was perfect and did just what I needed it to do.  Yesterday when I went to get new cartridges, I couldn't find one of the numbers.  Then I went online and found them, but thought to myself...

"if you cannot find your cartridges...it may just be time for a new printer"

  Also, I really needed something wireless.  I was excited because I was going to be able to print from my PC desktop...The one we bought in 2003.  I am guessing you know what I am going to say next.  Yep, the software is not supported by the computer, or something like that.  Basically the computer is too old.  Is that insane?  Something I bought in the two thousands is too old?  Why does time fly so fast?  I am so grateful this is only a 15 month school because I just don't know how long I am going to have to make a career out of such a physical job!

This is what I decided on...not bad for $50

  My daughter was on the computer last night playing something called Moshi Monsters, and it kept freezing on her.  She said, "mom why is it doing that?"  I told her it's just the internet trying to freak me out because it knows I am starting an online school on September 17th."  At least that's what it feels like.  If that happens, this is what I will look like!

  I can't tell you how glad I am that this in an online school.  I get really nervous when it comes to starting new things, I am a person of habit, and I think that is why I love running so much.  I love to have new things, but doing new things is a different story.  All that to say, I would be really nervous at the thought of walking into a new classroom with all kinds of new faces.  Maybe that's my problem with my girls going to a new school.

This photo is labeled College Classroom...I am like 20 years older than these people!!

  I believe I have already expressed being worried about being sedentary and my muscles becoming weak and packing on the pounds because I will be sitting in front of the computer all day.  Even with my runs, that can be dangerous depending on how much I eat.  So I got myself (with my birthday money) a Nike+fuelband!  I am on my second day of using this thing.  I love the Nikefuel aspect of it, if I were to compete to earn the most fuel with others it would be even more fun, but I am so leery of connecting online with strangers.  I have already earned a lot of fuel with the nike+ running app, and can see how I compare with others so that is nice.  I also love that I can set goals for myself and when I complete a goal I receive rewards.

I am actually feeling excited for this 1/2 marathon coming up in October.  My first half in July I think I was more nervous than anything, but I was thinking this morning on the run how I don't have to run fast, then I was thinking I would run fast because the other people would be an inspiration to do so.  I also was thinking about the fact that the first mile is about the crowd thinning out, so it won't be as painful as when I am running all those free radicals out during training.  Yesterday I told my runner friend Christina that I was going to be doing the Girlfriends Half Marathon, and she said she would run it with me!  Yippee!!  How exciting is that?  I think we would do great together because even though I have always been nervous to run with someone, I think this will be different because we will know how to respect the "zone" and it will be so nice to have someone to express concerns with, or just to point out how beautiful the scenery is!  

Bryan College - Advanced Health & Fitness - Justin

This is a short video about the college I will be attending.  I will be going to Bryan University, it is Bryan Colleges online school.  I am so excited!  The man on the video speaks of how well rounded it all is, and last night when I was going over the curriculum, I was finding that to be true.  This degree will go far beyond just training people.  They are going to teach me how to run a business, how to stay motivated and keep people motivated.  Job placement for life, tutoring is included.  There is so much to this program and I am so eager to learn it all!

  I must maintain a C average to remain a student, but I am aiming for all A's.  I have never gotten all A's in school, I am not even sure I got one A, but this time even if I am not able to, I am going to at least strive for it, which will be different than what I did in grade school, Jr high and high school!

  My prayer is that I use my education to the fullest to help people.  I am so thankful to God for making this a possibility.

Have you ever had this much doubt in yourself?

  There are lots of things I thought I wanted to do with my future, but just never felt secure that I had the capabilities to learn.  It started when I was a child.  I used to imitate the women on the news talking in that "news reporter voice".  So I thought I wanted to be a journalist.  Now thinking back on it, a journalist is one who writes, a reporter is more like what I was aiming for.

  Then I got a little older and people told me I was a good writer.  Yes I am very aware that I make MANY grammatical errors in my writing of blogs, but I don't have an editor, and if I were to bother my one friend who is willing to edit every time I wanted to publish my writings, she would be bored out of her mind, not to mention I had a bad experience with someone editing an article I once wrote.  He changed so much, that I felt like a complete idiot because what he wrote sounded so much better than what I had said.  So that dream got dumped at the ripe old age of 19.

  My blue collar dream was to be a car mechanic.  My dad was a mechanic for my whole growing up.  He worked for Coke a Cola, and could fix any car you ever laid eyes on!  How cool is that?!  He still could fix those things...but he got smart and retired.  So when I joined the Coast Guard that was what I wanted to do...But my scores on the ASVAB (that's the aptitude test) were too low.  So at this point i'm feeling like a real winner.  Another dream lost at 19.  Hind site, maybe I should have studied a little harder for that test.

  Once I had children I discovered my love for photography.  My mom and sister were convinced that I should seek a future in it, and start up a business.  I knew I did not have enough knowledge of how to work a "real" camera.  I played around with an old camera my husband had and got some beautiful shots out of it, but never adjusted the aperture, or changed a lens on it.  I even took a short online course and just couldn't get it, then there was the creative aspect of it.  I would see other peoples photos and poses, and angles, they were geniuses  I was not.  Therefore could never make money or love what I was doing.  So instead I got my house all organized by the help of a friend and started a house cleaning business, I was to busy to take pictures, and not to mention I finally found something I felt smart enough to do, as I felt it didn't take any knowledge at all.  Looking back on this one, it actually does take a lot of reasoning...so I guess that may be a skill I possess.  I had to stop that job though do to tremendous stress. I think the stress was from trying to do too much, not necessarily the cleaning job.

This was one of my quick find "photographs"

  Then I got into digital scrapbooking and was taking advanced classes (time consuming but way worth it!)  I was working with Photoshop 5, and dreaming of CS.  So when my husband mentioned me going to college on his GI bill, I was thinking Graphic Design.  The problem with that was I was not creative. Sure if you give me a task I can complete it, but to come up with cool eye catching designs proved to be a downfall for me.  Why do I say that?  Because when I would show friends and family the stuff I had designed there was no wow factor.  I don't think my husband thought there was not much money to be made in that because he didn't push the issue.

  Over the years I just decided that I was to mentally challenged to be educated in anything that I wanted and could succeed at.  I figured this was meant to be and God just wanted me to focus on loving Him and taking care of my children...that I at least was good at.

  I am laughing because His timing is amazing.  My timing sucks.

  The thing I want to do most right now and the thing I believe I can do is help people.  My heart desires to inspire people to live a healthy lifestyle, lose unwanted weight in a healthy way without gimmicks, with the help of someone who cares more about them than their money.  That is why I have decided I want to become a personal trainer.  This feels obtainable to me because there is so much passion behind it, and so far God has blessed every effort to gain education in this endeavor.

I tell myself on almost a daily basis that:
I am not strong enough
I am not smart enough
I will gain all my weight back and get lazy being on the computer going to school all day
I only run, look at all these other people doing big things
How are you going to market yourself?
You aren't creative enough

The list goes on friends, but THIS time will be different, THIS time I am NOT listening to those negative voices, because THIS time I believe God has prepared me for this by giving me the love for people I have been praying for for years.  I have not exactly arrived in that department, but this may just be another step in my journey to get there.

  Sincerely,
Jolene

I just need to write

Today is Sunday.

On Friday I prayed that God would get us to church.  For one; we haven't been for several weeks. For two; every time I know I am going to go, I wake up in the morning with a million excuses not to.
I knew this Sunday would be no exception.
The kids got out of bed and were dressed and ready to go in plenty of time.  I was completely moody and my poor husband was exhausted from a 6 day work week. We made it to church... a little late because the new dog decided to destroy the pediatric (aka not cheap) dog bed, all over the yard.
The service was great, the word was all about my favorite subject in Christianity: The bible.
Leaving Church went well too.  Eating lunch even better as we picked food up on the way and all ate at the table as a family.
Where it all went south:
One of my children came in and said that the other child said some very mean things to her, then spit on her.
So my kids have been together for the whole summer with very few breaks from each other.
Spitting is a huge NO NO

Thought number one:
I almost have the downstairs clean, and it has been so peaceful, NOW I have to worry about punishing a child in a creative way.... you know, natural consequence type stuff.  Oh how this drains me.

I want to eat now
Do you recall I just ate lunch?  I also had a couple pieces of dark chocolate.  I prefer milk chocolate, but dark curbs my appetite for chocolate even more.  Suprisingly I ignored the urge to eat because I realized something...

This war is not flesh and blood.
Spiritual warfare is the worst kind.


It has been an interesting week.  I have been dealing with being bloated, moody, and sore.

As I am typing this I have been interrupted like 6 times.  And when I say no, I get an argument.

I am feeling like a failure at being a wife.  I feel like I am cheating my kids because I don't give them enough consequences for their actions...good and bad, because I don't have them enrolled in sports, because I don't give them enough one on one time, because I haven't been doing devotions with them.  I feel like a failure because I cannot think of things to do with them.

I don't want these feelings to pass.  What I want is to correct the failures.  I wish so bad there was someone to swoop in, organize my house, and fix my behavior with my responsibilities because I clearly do not know how to do it myself.

Oh how I do love the emotional roller coaster of PMS.  Thank's Eve.

If I could be thin, I would be happy forever...

Have you ever said this to yourself?  "Those girls say being thin doesn't make you happy, but I beg to differ, If I were thin I wouldn't have a care in the world!"  I have said this to myself on many occasions.  I said it when I was 175, I said it when I was 160, and I said it when I was 147.  Now at 135, my total goal weight, I am happy to be thin, really really happy...but funny thing is...I still feel pain, I still get sad, and down in the dumps, I am still critical of myself.  

  First of all I know better than to put all my eggs into one basket of thinness, I know that the most important thing is a right relationship with Jesus.  I have a relationship with Him, but it is not where I think it should be.  I have been focusing way too much on what others think of me, and what I think of me.  Truth is it should never be about me, and as much as I am constantly drilling the fact that we should not be selfish into my children's head, maybe I should pull the plank out of my own eye.  I know I have been selfish my whole life, and the older I get, the worse it seems to get. 

  I went to church today and prayed for God to take the self out of me, to kill the flesh, help me to be humble...skrrreeeech!!! halt!!! Did I just ask God for humility?  I may as well have asked him to throw some patience in there!  I know what you are thinking; asking God for humility is really asking for it!  The reason why is because patience and humility are something God wants us to have, but in order to obtain them He gives us opportunities to practice!  There was no time wasted with this one, which right out of church I usually do face an attack or two.  

  The story:

We went out to eat for breakfast at a small restaurant chain.  They sat me in the coldest seat where the air vent was pouring cool air on me (it wasn't more than 68 degrees outside, and not shaping up to be a hot day by any stretch of the imagination) I tried so hard not to let it bother me, but pretty soon I had my hood on, then my daughter started getting cold and jumping around.  I walked up to the counter and said to the lady, "I have tried everything not to complain, but it is very cold where we are sitting"  The lady told me "okay we will fix it"  I usually don't believe them when they say this but for some reason I believed her.  Well I shouldn't have, I began to get angry and entitled...which entitlement looks a lot like this; I am paying for this meal, she totally just ignored me, they don't even care how I feel!  See all the I's in there?  Then my husband was quite irritated with my attitude, which I cannot blame him and felt bad for dampening his breakfast.  It was at that moment that I realized what had happened...weather it was God providing it or not...that, my friends was an opportunity to practice humility.  I felt at that moment like I had failed, but was also thankful that I love and trust in a God full of grace and second chances.  At that moment I decided I wouldn't blow the whole situation, so I recanted my pledge to get online and write a horrible review, I also decided against walking up to the desk and telling that girl how I couldn't even eat my food because it was cold before I could finish it, and how we would not be back and to look for my review.  Instead I reflected on all the other times when I did lose my mind and ball somebody out for mistreating me, and how horrible I felt after I had done it, and decided God is right to want us to be humble.  Isn't it funny when we realize how true it is that He really does know what is best for us...  Here's hoping I get stronger with my humility muscle, as it really truly does take strength to back down. 

  

  

    My van is in the shop so we had to take my husbands 1998 Mitsubishi Montero to the grocery store.  I told the girls it's like an adventure to use things out of the norm.  This is how we make memories; going without what we are used to.  First realization...one radio station that you don't dare try to change it because there is no antenna.  So we were rockin it old school...I was enjoying the beetles.   I was able to share some insight with my girls and enlighten them to the fact that cars didn't always have seat belts.  I was going on about the '65 Chevy pick up my dad loaned me while he was working on my '78 mustang II.  I was explaining that my mom wouldn't let me take it on the freeway because it had no seat belts.  Emily asked me what it looked like and after I was done explaining, I said "I sure wish I had that truck now"  Then I realized what I sounded like.  Oh my gosh!  I am my parents!

  On the way out of the grocery store we seen my daughters teacher.  It was nice to see her, and it also felt nice to see a familiar face.  We have lived here almost 3 years and I am beginning to see more people I know when I go into town.  It's really nice.  I grew up in California where that really did not happen.  I had always dreamed of living in a small town and seeing people I knew everywhere I went.  I kind of had that when I lived in Oregon, however...I digress.

  When we got home I was totally multi tasking, as I knew I had to have dinner ready and have the groceries put away all around the same time.  So I turned on the radio to help me along.  This little radio is hit and miss with my favorite station.  So I had to settle on another station.  Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Pride and Joy" came on and I lost it!  Out came the wooden spoon and I was all over the kitchen, dancing, singing, cooking.  I was actually having fun!  The song ended and it was like the DJ was talking to me he said "man that ended way too fast".  He must have seen my sweet dance moves going on in the kitchen and didn't want them to stop.  (If I made money by how good I can dance, I would be deep in debt).

  Later tonight my husband opened one of the kitchen drawers and he was concerned why the drawer wouldn't close all the way, so I pulled the drawer out and there were 3 oven mittens and 2 pot holders in the back of there!  I said "these aren't mine".  I was chuckling because those have been sitting back there the whole time we have lived here and I had no idea.  They are some of the ugliest potholders I have ever seen, but I am keeping them because a pot holder is a pot holder!

  So boring as it may be, there was a little glimpse into my life today.  I have more I would like to add, but my time is up I am afraid.  Good night friends.

My beef about sunscreen

  About two years ago I checked out this book about vitamins from the library, and I found the most interesting facts about vitamin D.  One of the things I read was that the sun was the best, most efficient way to get vitamin D.  We cannot get it through closed car windows, nor through sunscreen.  Our bodies get it in the summer and store it up for the winter.  For people who live in the Pacific NW, or those who never let the sun touch their bare skin, you need to read this article PLEASE!  I am getting so frustrated with the huge push of sunscreen!  I use it, but I also allow the sun to hit my skin for at least 15 minutes each time I am out in it.  click here for article from live strong Vitamin D may be more of a vital commodity than you think.  There is a difference between getting what you need and overexposure.  Thank you for your time :)

Good bye Mountain View Christian School

Something that seemed so far away, is now very near.  It's time to face it.  Our school Moutain View Christian is closing it's doors after June 8th.  I have one more week.  One more week to have most of my friends concentrated in one place.
One more week to watch these children who have a special place in my heart play.
One more week to set up and take down the lunch room in anticipation of kids sharing, laughing, and eating.
One more week to see fellow staff going above and beyond what they are required.  The extra mile.
I am not sure that I have ever worked in a place where I have seen so many people love each other and pull together as they do.  Sure it's not perfect 100% of the time, but for those times when it is, it's worth it!
So instead of sulking away the whole week, I am going to take the opportunity to just listen to, enjoy, and love on my co workers.
I will give kind encouraging words to the kids.  I will show them kindness, and love.  I will share hugs with the ones who want them, and smiles with the ones who don't.  I will be compassionate to their needs. This is nothing new that I am doing, however for this last week my eyes will be open, and I will see just how important these children are to me.
Good bye Mountain View, thank you for letting me be a part of your heritage.

No supermom here!

  Sometimes I think the hardest part of being a responsible adult is trying to keep it all straight.  Just when I think I am all caught up, I remember, or see i.e.; pile of laundry, stack of papers, messy bedroom/craftroom/spare room/bathroom (take your pick).  I keep telling myself, "I am going to get organized like I was that one year in 2006!"  Do I suffer from grand delusion?  Was I really all that organized?  In my head I remember a super clean house with a place for everything, and everything in it's place. My daily work out only consisted of 20 minutes and I never once had to look at my precious babes and say "Get in here and clean this mess!!!"

  Then I think about the fact that I was not as mature as I am now, and part of the reason my workout only consisted of 20 minutes is because I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off the other 17 hours and 40 minutes of the day I was awake.  My children were too little to move from room to room making colossal messes, and I didn't have to feel guilty for cleaning their rooms because they couldn't do it themselves.  So I guess in the end there is always a trade off.  Not to mention my organization did not come on my own merit, I had help from a friend/professional organizer.  Oh how I wish she could come stay with me for a week in my new house and get me on track!  She had a special way of getting me to get rid of stuff, and a special look for when I resisted.

  So carving out time for anything extra would seem impossible right?  Ha ha, not if you're me.  It's like when you are in the car and you hear a strange noise so you turn up the radio, or when your husband sees a cobweb in the kitchen, so you get up and turn the light off.  Yep, ignore it.  Does it go away?  No, but it's all about priorities my friends.  Where do they lie?  Lately I have been getting the important house cleaning duties done, like my kitchen is clean before I go to bed at night, and the bathrooms are clean (enough), but poor Scentsy has taken a back seat, and so has sweeping and mopping...I mean I squeeze it in when I can, and I can't tell you how long the pile of CLEAN laundry has been sitting here waiting to get folded.

   But here I sit blogging.  I tell you I need to do it.  I love to read back (when I have time) on my bloogies and see where I was, and hopefully how far I have come.  I don't preted to be perfect, but I am also not going to pretend I don't strive to improve.  Part of what takes precedence in my life right now is training for a 1/2 marathon, you can read all about that on my running blog.  This is part of my improving.

   I have begun to tell myself "yes I can" to the things I thought all my life I couldn't do.  Running is one, and the other is...get ready... because no one I know believes I can do it... it's... Making dinner every night YEP, something most people have no problem achieving.  I think I am the one who doubts myself the most.  I don't like to cook.  I always pictured myself as this mom who would do crafts with my kids, have a full course meal on the table every night, a perfectly put together house, have a game night, help kids with homework you get it.  I know that's a lot to put on myself, and I KNOW it's unrealistic, but gosh it's not bad things I want, and I suppose if that were all I set out to do, it would be possible, but then my SELF gets involved and I want me time, and me time takes time away from family time.

  I guess I better leave my supermom cape in the closet for a little while longer.

Love xoxoxox
A delusional mom

Want to know more about how we got our puppy?

  If you are a Facebook friend of mine, you know by now that we got a new puppy.  Maybe I should use the term "we" a little more lightly.

  As I was trying to explain to a friend how I was not necessarily on board for a new pet, and how it had gotten to the point where I could no longer avoid the issue, she said "Oh, like a freight train."  As I contemplated what she said, I came to the conclusion, that, YES!, very much like a freight train!  Seemingly slowly approaching, even appearing to disappear at times, thenWHAM in your FACE!!!!!!

  It was mothers day and my husband informed me that this was the last Goldendoodle left in the litter, we had to go look at her at least.  I figured I would give them that.  What was I thinking?  It was Mothers day for crying out loud.  If I never have a say another day of the year, this would have been my day to say "Nope, we are not doing that on my day!"  But there's this whole thing about how it was late afternoon, sunshiny, nice, my husband had been so patient with me, and had kept the kids occupied while my mom and I were shopping.  Not to mention the whole selfless be patient thing that Jesus has been helping me work on...so I figured, I owed them at least a look at the puppy.  I think you all know what happened after this.  Oh I did put up a small argument at the place where we picked her up, but I could tell husband was standing some ground on this one.

  I think that my daughter may have been caught a little off guard with the whole "having to get up in the middle of the night" thing.  I even asked her "Did we tell you that you were going to have to be getting up in the middle of the night with the puppy before you got her?"  She said "no".  This child is drag out tired.  By the time 7PM rolls around, her eyes are drooping.  She knows she has to keep the puppy awake (she learned that the hard way) and she does, despite the fact she just wants to relax.  But through all this, I have not heard her complain once.  Emily is not a typical child, she is very giving, and patient, and does what she knows needs to be done...sure she cracks every once and a while and gets fed up like we all do, and yes there is disobedience, but for the most part she never ceases to impress and amaze me.  (I will clarify now that I have two and Emily is not my favorite because I don't have a favorite, it is just her moment to shine :))
  

Today's the day.
I am wishing I would have put some stuff together fun to do with these girls.  I tell myself that if I wouldn't have been so involved with the preparation for the cruise, that my mind would have been able to do that.  However in reality, I still would have been too busy to wrap my head around anything creative.  Hence the reason I have not knit, scrapbooked, or sewn anything since last summer :(

Last night my dear husband said "I'm going to miss you", I replied, "I will miss you too, but hey...if there were ever a week for your wife to be gone, this is the perfect week"  (as I do tend to get a little grouchy and hormonal once a month...just a little ;))

6th grade science camp vs. Christian Outdoor School

  I will be joining the 6th graders for a little ditty called Christian Outdoor School soon.  This I anticipate will be much like 6th grade science camp.  The only differences...about 15 degrees cooler, and no pool.  Oh and I didn't have the advantage of Christ being the main focus.  

  This is going to be interesting.  I am not a fan of being outside in temperatures below 70 degrees F., I am anticipating my monthly visitor to show up right at the beginning of this little endeavor that does not include in-cabin bathrooms, and I am so worried I am going to forget something essential.  Also being a accustomed to this new gadget generation, I am hoping I will at least be able to connect on my cell phone during the evenings.  Say what you will, think what you will, it's the truth, it's how I feel, and I am admitting it!!!!

  I am leaving my family in the hands of my mom.  She will be picking up and dropping off the children, and staying the night a couple of the nights.  I am blessed by this because I know she will try to help out as much as possible, keeping things picked up, and making sure everyone is comfortable.  It sure is nice not to have to worry.  I just hope she doesn't try to feed Kurt (he is anti vegetarian) ha ha, but she knows this.  I explained to the kids that Grandma would probably want to keep the house up for my return, and would probably be a lot like mom asking them to clean up their messes, and if she does, to please just do what she asks.   I also told them that I would be sure to let her know they do not have to clean their rooms, but if she offers to help them, and they want to do that, then they can.  I also told them she probably won't be doing that.

  I feel like I have a million things to do before I go, and of course this being the last day before I leave, I have an oil change appointment right after work, then pick up the kids, go to piano, then have just a few hours to tidy up and have all ship shape so my mom doesn't have to start off with a pig sty.  

  Do I have time to blog?  Not exactly.  I am doing this while I eat my breakfast.  Not the smartest thing to do, I know.

  I think we are all suffering from the high pollen count today, and there is a chorus of sneezing this morning ;)  

  I hope to come back and tell you all about my adventure.  BTW, I am very excited to share this experience with the sweetest 6th grade girls I know.  

 

My Review of G6 airpark in Vancouver, WA

Last week the middle school class went to a place called G6 airpark in Vancouver.  They came back and said it was so fun, and tiring.  I decided to take my girls today, which happens to be a Saturday.

Directions:  I looked them up online, they are right across the main road from a Giant grocery store, so that makes them easily locatable.  There is no sign direct from the road (at least that I seen), however the sign that is above their space is very large and visible from the street, but not till you are right up on it.

Parking.  There was ample parking available for the day I was there.  However there doesn't seem to be
a smoking section as there were a few people smoking to the right of the door, it wasn't terrible, but definitely noticed.

Once inside, we were immediately acknowledged with a "Welcome to G6!" that was a nice touch, as I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into places that were not even busy, and the staff acted as though I wasn't even there.  I cannot tell you weather it was busy in there or not because that was my first time, but if I had to guess, I would say yes, it was busy.  There was a birthday party going on as well.

The price:  We had a coupon for my kids to pay for the first hour then get the second hour free.  I paid for only one hour for myself.  $10 an hour for Saturday.  It is a little cheaper if you come during the week.

The lockers: I immediately seen the lockers and decided to take advantage of them because I had my phone and it wasn't going to work being in my pocket.  The lockers were the kind where you put your stuff in, then your money and you turn to release the key...well, I didn't do it right the first time.  I notified the staff, and they were fantastic about getting me another locker.  Overall, I really don't think I needed a locker.  They have places to put your personal belongings on the platform, where if you are jumping, you can easily keep an eye on them.

The Trampolines:  They were great!  They had these yellow things that separated them, which I had a hard time jumping over them ( I think it was just me) that after a while I figured it out and got the hang of it.  I was able to get some serious air, and had fun bouncing my girls.  There is no fear of hitting the ceiling, bumping into someone else, or falling out.  Maybe a little concern for bumping into someone else, but minimal.  They have great rules, and plenty of "life guards" in the sections.

The Rules: Do not go on the blue mats (borders), do not jump on the yellow surfaces, and no sitting on the trampolines.  I love that they make it so people cannot sit, that way everyone can enjoy jumping without having to worry about hurting someone.

As a parent who may not want to jump:  There are places to sit on the platforms, I did not count, but there were two or three couches in the main jump area, and another set of couches in the foam pit.  The trampolines are also visible from the dining/birthday area as well.

The foam pit:  This was very cool.  They had 4 or 5 foam pits (one at a time please) and the last one had a ladder over it that you could try to make it to the other side without falling into the foam.  I loved the foam pit once I got the nerve to do a front flip into it.  If you are wanting a strenuous work out, try to climb out of that thing a few times!

Food and drinks:  Their web site shows you the food they offer, and the pricing.  I do not think it is unreasonable, especially if I were having a birthday party and wanted pizza.  I got a glimpse of the pizzas, and they actually looked good!  We didn't jump for more than an hour, and if you eat before you go, your really not there long enough to need food.

  I give G6 a thumbs up and will return someday.  This time with my sports bra already on.  TMI?  not if your a woman reading this!!!

The drive through difference

Way FM is putting on this little thing called the drive through difference.  I know this is not a new concept, and think at one point in my life have been a receiver of it.  Some one pays for your order before you ever reach the window to pay for your food.  Way FM's version comes with a letter.

This was a great idea, at least giving the receiver some direction to where they can hear about God in a positive way.  I printed the letter and decided I was going to use it when I set out to get my pizza at Papa Murphey's!  I walked up to the register and said my name, then said I would like to pay for another order. It didn't matter which one.  I knew it could have been a big one, but I was willing to take that chance because I was doing it out of love, and whatever one it ended up being, the Lord would help us to recover.  When I told her that she disappeared to the back, and one of the young men making pizzas said "wow, that is really nice of you!"  "that is good karma"  I said, well when you are so blessed yourself it is good to bless other people, and explained about the WayFM thing.  So positive, I was so thankful for the praise and for being able to do it.  The second experience was Mc Donalds.  As I went into the drive through there was no one behind me, so I figured, okay, there is no one I need to do this for.  Then a lady drove up, I was done ordering so I went to the pay window.  When I got there I informed the guy that I needed to pay for my order and the next persons order, then he had to verify exactly which vehicle, then once we got that straightened out, he had to get an override code for using the same card twice.  What a mess!  Then when the lady got to the window, I was watching with trying not to watch.  She was more skeptical than anything.  She sat there in the window (when she could have pulled forward) and read that whole letter!  I tried not to get on her in my head, but I guess I was frustrated.  Maybe that is why God doesn't always let us see what happens when we extend blessing.  Sometimes I can't stand myself.

  All in all they were both positive experiences.

  Easy: blessing a grateful person
  Hard: giving a blessing then not getting the reaction you want

  Hard: Giving money you'd rather use for yourself
  Harder: Giving money you're not sure you have

  Easy: Giving praise to God in the good times
  Hard: Giving praise to God in the hard times  

I can't promise i'll ever get interesting

So I haven't exactly been a "stay at home" mom for the last couple of years, but with my job, I kind of am.  I work for the school my kids currently attend.  Next year that will all change, as the  little school I fell in love with, along with all the staff in it, is closing.  May and the first part of June will be our last months together.  I am not sad about losing my job, I didn't really dig freezing outside in the winter time anyway.  I am however sad for those who cannot afford to go without a job, and am prayerful that they will find exactly what the Lord has for them.

  I have so many things roll through my head that don't go into my running blog, that I thought, hey...this is established, may as well get to journaling.  I have a desire to write.  In fact if I had gone to college like I should have, I would have been a Journalist.  I really did always want to be one.  It's funny how I always chose to give up on anything I thought I wanted, because I didn't think I had the means or smarts to achieve it.  Now that I am older and working toward goals that I have admired in other people and wanted all my life.

People who don't really know me look at me like I am doing all this to be cool, to impress everyone else...I assure you, that is NOT the reason...one of the reasons though, I will admit...is to impress myself for sure!, which I haven't figured out if that is easy or hard, maybe somewhere in the middle, as we are our own worst critics.

  So, in feeding into my journalism and desire to write, I am planning on starting a new blog titled "Spotlight On" (not original, however, it works)  Do you have friends or meet people who do things, that may not be out of the ordinary, but you wish you knew more about what it is they do, or what drives them?  For me I wonder about ordinary things people do that, either I am not able to do, or am intrigued by how or what they do.  I have my first subject.  I just have to confirm my editor, and I will be ready!   With the business of life, it may be a month or so before you will see the fruits of my labor.  I am just "priming the pump" if you will.

  As some of you may already know, I have been officially inducted into "adolescence".  It hasn't as much to do with age, and action, although I believe the age matches the action (she is 10)  You see, I experienced my first eye roll yesterday.  This one was complete with heavy sigh.  There was no mistaking how very ridiculous I was behaving at that moment.  I was about to react, but then had flash backs of my mother telling my sister constantly not to roll her eyes,  So I said nothing, because really, she was upset with me, didn't want to back talk me, but had to have some sort of outlet.  Unfortunately we learn the hard way sometimes not to wear our emotions on the outside...I know from experience, and my facial expressions doom me to this day.

  I have big dreams...or wishes rather of having a clean organized home, making dinner every night, and spending quality time with my family...and staying in shape.  Dreams, wishes, or not, something's got to give.  If you come to my house, it won't take you long to figure out what that something is ;)

  Thank you for taking time to read about my life.