For the record, I wrote this post Wednesday. I tried to use the iPad to publish it last night and instead it was empty. Thanks Apple. The one time I'm ahead of my game and Apple screws me.
A gift before 9am, a gift before noon, a gift after dark
1. Before 9 am on Tues/Thurs, I get the 4yo up and ready for preschool. Normal days she sleeps until 9, but on preschool days she gets up and gets dressed and we have breakfast together and then read a couple library books after she's brushed hair and teeth. She's getting so big, it's such a fun time.
2. Before noon...in the same token as above...when the 4yo is in preschool and the 9yo at school, I have two hours to myself. To work, uninterrupted, blissful quiet and concentration. It's heaven.
3. Gears of War 3. I love this game, some might even say I'm addicted. I cannot play enough horde mode. I take care of my kids first, then exercise, and put the kids to bed. So after dark, after the kids are in bed, I start up the xbox and shoot enemies to my hearts content. I do so love this game.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Joy Dare: Day 25
I'm really tempted to just do all the rest of these joy dares right now, so I won't miss any the rest of the month and so I can be done with it already.
One grace Borrowed, one grace Found, one grace Inherited
Borrowed: I borrow books from the library regularly. I LOVE the library. I am a reading fiend and my oldest is turning out to be quite a reader as well, which I am so very pleased about. The youngest also loves having books read to her and i'm guessing will be a reader as well in time.
Found: I don't really know on this one. I haven't found anything in a long time. Maybe I found my strengths in motherhood, or my strengths at work..and even finding my weaknesses could be considered a grace.
Inherited: Well, I guess I have inherited this pair of earrings from the husbands grandmother. She's still alive and very well, but she was cleaning out her jewelry and while it's sort of a morbid activity, I took a pair of earrings that I really like. And I'm glad to be able to wear them while she's still alive (and will be for awhile, in spite of her 'if i'm still around' regular comments) and will continue to wear them in her memory when she leaves us.
One grace Borrowed, one grace Found, one grace Inherited
Borrowed: I borrow books from the library regularly. I LOVE the library. I am a reading fiend and my oldest is turning out to be quite a reader as well, which I am so very pleased about. The youngest also loves having books read to her and i'm guessing will be a reader as well in time.
Found: I don't really know on this one. I haven't found anything in a long time. Maybe I found my strengths in motherhood, or my strengths at work..and even finding my weaknesses could be considered a grace.
Inherited: Well, I guess I have inherited this pair of earrings from the husbands grandmother. She's still alive and very well, but she was cleaning out her jewelry and while it's sort of a morbid activity, I took a pair of earrings that I really like. And I'm glad to be able to wear them while she's still alive (and will be for awhile, in spite of her 'if i'm still around' regular comments) and will continue to wear them in her memory when she leaves us.
Joy Dare: Day 24
Honestly, I give up on trying to do these regularly. I'll just do it when I get to it..and I'll be grateful when Jan. is over and it ends.
Three Things Blue
1. The accent color I intend to use in my soon to be remodeled master bathroom. The husband has been working really hard on it, and started cutting tile last night. The shower is going to be awesome. Twice as wide as before, clean, two shower heads, niches for our shampoos. So awesome. We'll also have a new vanity and sink and I think blue will be the perfect accent color to the brown tones of the rest of everything. I'll post about it, with pictures, when it's all done.
2. The sky. Even if the sun isn't out, I enjoy seeing the blue sky occasionally during the winter. Yesterday, not today.
3. Hmm. The ink in my pen is blue. I'm online all the time, my job is online, my friends, everything is online. But I still take notes on paper sometimes. I blame my children for my inability to remember things better so I make notes and keep written reminders of things. My favorite pen has blue ink. So..there.
Three Things Blue
1. The accent color I intend to use in my soon to be remodeled master bathroom. The husband has been working really hard on it, and started cutting tile last night. The shower is going to be awesome. Twice as wide as before, clean, two shower heads, niches for our shampoos. So awesome. We'll also have a new vanity and sink and I think blue will be the perfect accent color to the brown tones of the rest of everything. I'll post about it, with pictures, when it's all done.
2. The sky. Even if the sun isn't out, I enjoy seeing the blue sky occasionally during the winter. Yesterday, not today.
3. Hmm. The ink in my pen is blue. I'm online all the time, my job is online, my friends, everything is online. But I still take notes on paper sometimes. I blame my children for my inability to remember things better so I make notes and keep written reminders of things. My favorite pen has blue ink. So..there.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Joy Dare: Day 23
3 gifts found in Christ
1. Eternal Life. John 3:16. Such a gimme for this list, but such an important one. Something I'm hoping my girls will grow to see the importance of.
2. Forgiveness? That feels hypocritical, but I think I've forgiven people, I just can't forget.
3. The perfect mate. It's pretty clear the husband is my perfect match, no matter what we both do to irritate each other. We're in sync 99% of the time and it's peaceful and blissful.
The master bathroom is getting to a point where I'm going to actually have to choose a paint color. Eeek!
1. Eternal Life. John 3:16. Such a gimme for this list, but such an important one. Something I'm hoping my girls will grow to see the importance of.
2. Forgiveness? That feels hypocritical, but I think I've forgiven people, I just can't forget.
3. The perfect mate. It's pretty clear the husband is my perfect match, no matter what we both do to irritate each other. We're in sync 99% of the time and it's peaceful and blissful.
The master bathroom is getting to a point where I'm going to actually have to choose a paint color. Eeek!
Joy Dare Catch up
Day 21: one thing in the sky, one thing from your memory, one thing that's ugly beautiful.
1. The sunshine. It's not here right now, but on the days it does show up in the winter, it's wonderful.
2. Sledding with my siblings, and roller skating, and ice skating outside, on a lake, not in a fancy schmancy rink.
3. ugly beautiful? I don't know...the 4yo tush when she asks me to wipe her poo :)
Day 22: one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded
1. My mother in law, although she's really not that wrinkled and if she read blogs, she'd not appreciate this much probably. But I do so love her so very much. She's my stand in.
2. My chin..after this zip decided to leave? Seems superficial.
3. The new towels I'm planning to put in the almost remodeled master bathroom.
I don't know what I was doing to prevent these this weekend. I spent most of the weekend grateful that my girls were playing so well together, even though they were trapped inside all weekend. And I was able to read several books, which is always awesome. Plus a trip to the library where they both found books they also love to read, that's probably my very favorite thing right now. I want them both to grow up loving books and reading as often as they can.
1. The sunshine. It's not here right now, but on the days it does show up in the winter, it's wonderful.
2. Sledding with my siblings, and roller skating, and ice skating outside, on a lake, not in a fancy schmancy rink.
3. ugly beautiful? I don't know...the 4yo tush when she asks me to wipe her poo :)
Day 22: one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded
1. My mother in law, although she's really not that wrinkled and if she read blogs, she'd not appreciate this much probably. But I do so love her so very much. She's my stand in.
2. My chin..after this zip decided to leave? Seems superficial.
3. The new towels I'm planning to put in the almost remodeled master bathroom.
I don't know what I was doing to prevent these this weekend. I spent most of the weekend grateful that my girls were playing so well together, even though they were trapped inside all weekend. And I was able to read several books, which is always awesome. Plus a trip to the library where they both found books they also love to read, that's probably my very favorite thing right now. I want them both to grow up loving books and reading as often as they can.
Joy Dare: Day 20
Three gifts you saw only when you got close up.
1. The scar on the 4yo's forehead is healing really nicely. Can't even see it very well, even up close.
2. Dog kisses. If you get close, they'll kiss ya.
3. I don't know. Some of these are strange.
1. The scar on the 4yo's forehead is healing really nicely. Can't even see it very well, even up close.
2. Dog kisses. If you get close, they'll kiss ya.
3. I don't know. Some of these are strange.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Joy Dare: Day 19
a grace in the kitchen, a grace in the weather, a grace that might never have been
kitchen: The Keurig single serve coffee maker. I love that thing, and I hate coffee. But there is a Green Mountain Naturals Hot Apple Cider k-cup that I LOVE. I have a serious addiction to it. It's been great for the husband to just make a travel mug's worth of coffee to take with him to work also, very handy.
weather: well...I don't love this bitter cold, but i'm used to it, so I suppose the grace is that I'm not really complainy about it. I wish it wouldn't last as long or be as cold, of course, but I don't waste time or energy complaining about it. I just bundle up to take the puppies out, and make sure my girls are bundled for school and have what they need to stay warm. And then I come back inside, with that hot cider and a warm blanket and all is well.
Might never have been: Hmmm I don't know about this one. The puppies are pretty cute, and I wasn't sure we'd do that, but I don't know if that counts. My job maybe. I turned down this position at first, I was afraid to work at home and that it wouldn't be stable or work out. Then I found the courage...and it's been the best thing ever. I work from home, doing what I really do love doing and getting adult conversation (ok it's online mostly, but it's still converations), and I'm home for the girls when they are home from school or the 4yo since she's not in school. It is the best of both worlds.
kitchen: The Keurig single serve coffee maker. I love that thing, and I hate coffee. But there is a Green Mountain Naturals Hot Apple Cider k-cup that I LOVE. I have a serious addiction to it. It's been great for the husband to just make a travel mug's worth of coffee to take with him to work also, very handy.
weather: well...I don't love this bitter cold, but i'm used to it, so I suppose the grace is that I'm not really complainy about it. I wish it wouldn't last as long or be as cold, of course, but I don't waste time or energy complaining about it. I just bundle up to take the puppies out, and make sure my girls are bundled for school and have what they need to stay warm. And then I come back inside, with that hot cider and a warm blanket and all is well.
Might never have been: Hmmm I don't know about this one. The puppies are pretty cute, and I wasn't sure we'd do that, but I don't know if that counts. My job maybe. I turned down this position at first, I was afraid to work at home and that it wouldn't be stable or work out. Then I found the courage...and it's been the best thing ever. I work from home, doing what I really do love doing and getting adult conversation (ok it's online mostly, but it's still converations), and I'm home for the girls when they are home from school or the 4yo since she's not in school. It is the best of both worlds.
Joy Dare: Day 18
3 gifts from God's Word
This Joy dare is starting to make me feel bad about myself.
I don't know how to do this one. I did enjoy last night, working with the 9yo on her Awana sections, helping her find and read some verses and answer questions. I feel like a hypocrite. It's so important to me that she (both of them really) become believers, and she loves Awanas, but I know I'm not doing enough. And we're not going to church..which would help...blargh. I do and don't want to find a solution.
This Joy dare is starting to make me feel bad about myself.
I don't know how to do this one. I did enjoy last night, working with the 9yo on her Awana sections, helping her find and read some verses and answer questions. I feel like a hypocrite. It's so important to me that she (both of them really) become believers, and she loves Awanas, but I know I'm not doing enough. And we're not going to church..which would help...blargh. I do and don't want to find a solution.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Joy Dare: day 17
One gift that made you laugh, one gift that made you pray, one gift that made you quiet
1. my 4yo makes me laugh, regularly. she is a gift.
2. my 9yo, turning 10 in the fall, the double digits, the pre-teens, the THINGS it means. PRAY HARD.
3. My inability to regularly post these joy dares...makes me quiet.
1. my 4yo makes me laugh, regularly. she is a gift.
2. my 9yo, turning 10 in the fall, the double digits, the pre-teens, the THINGS it means. PRAY HARD.
3. My inability to regularly post these joy dares...makes me quiet.
Joy Dare: Day 16
Three ways you witnessed happiness today
1. The 9yo loving the puppies before she headed out to the bus and school.
2. The 4yo 'dressing up' by wrapping her blanket as a skirt around herself and using a chip clip to secure it.
3. Finishing 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' book..and having book 2 and 3 already in hand :)
I am awful at regular posting. The end.
1. The 9yo loving the puppies before she headed out to the bus and school.
2. The 4yo 'dressing up' by wrapping her blanket as a skirt around herself and using a chip clip to secure it.
3. Finishing 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' book..and having book 2 and 3 already in hand :)
I am awful at regular posting. The end.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Joy Dare: Days 14 and 15
Wow. I told myself each weekend day that I couldn't forget to do the posts. Even if it was quick and simple...don't miss it. And yet. Huh.
Day 14: Three ways you glimpsed the startling Grace of God
1. I really don't know how to answer this one. I guess Saturday I was grumpy and my husband took a simple step to pull me out of it. I'm very grateful for him.
2. My kids didn't drive me completely insane this weekend, and the oldest was off thurs-sunday so she had every reason to go stir crazy.
3. I'm starting to consider solutions for our lack of church attendance. Is that the Grace of God?
Day 15: one thing you wore, one thing you gave away, one thing you shared
1. I wore a new tank and zip jacket that I bought on clearance for 4.95. The tank I got 20% off of. I do love a sale. And the shopping gave me some me time that I clearly needed.
2. I have a little pile going to give away actually. Pajamas that no longer fit the 4yo and jeans that I just hate myself in, that are perfectly decent so I can give them away.
3. I think I've shared my love of reading with my girls. The oldest loves chapter books..I seriously have to consider getting some sort of bookshelf in her room somehow, and the youngest loves our weekly trip to the library to swap out the week's books. We read one or two before she goes to preschool a couple times a week and I think she loves that.
I'm not even going to lie and pretend I'll try to do better at this. It'll be easier during the week, because I'm in front of my computer, but weekends...I just can't make any promises.
Day 14: Three ways you glimpsed the startling Grace of God
1. I really don't know how to answer this one. I guess Saturday I was grumpy and my husband took a simple step to pull me out of it. I'm very grateful for him.
2. My kids didn't drive me completely insane this weekend, and the oldest was off thurs-sunday so she had every reason to go stir crazy.
3. I'm starting to consider solutions for our lack of church attendance. Is that the Grace of God?
Day 15: one thing you wore, one thing you gave away, one thing you shared
1. I wore a new tank and zip jacket that I bought on clearance for 4.95. The tank I got 20% off of. I do love a sale. And the shopping gave me some me time that I clearly needed.
2. I have a little pile going to give away actually. Pajamas that no longer fit the 4yo and jeans that I just hate myself in, that are perfectly decent so I can give them away.
3. I think I've shared my love of reading with my girls. The oldest loves chapter books..I seriously have to consider getting some sort of bookshelf in her room somehow, and the youngest loves our weekly trip to the library to swap out the week's books. We read one or two before she goes to preschool a couple times a week and I think she loves that.
I'm not even going to lie and pretend I'll try to do better at this. It'll be easier during the week, because I'm in front of my computer, but weekends...I just can't make any promises.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Joy Dare: Day 13
3 Sounds you hear
1 - the puppies, wrestling. Each with a little growl as they take turns trying to bit each others feet. It's a ridiculous game, and eventually the small one gets riled and tries to hump the other. Even though they're fixed..and both girls. Go figure.
2 - Earlier today I heard my girls dancing and singing upstairs to the kidz bop tunes on the 9yo's iPod. So cute and fun to hear.
3 - The silent 5pm alarm that says i can stop working for the day. for the weekend. Hooray for the weekend.
At some point in the near future I'll also have some posts of our new master bathroom. The husband has been working on it slowly but surely. Ripping out the old awful shower and extra waste of space cabinet and we've picked out tile, and a new cabinet and vanity and the shower pan came earlier this week. The finished product is going to be spectacular.
1 - the puppies, wrestling. Each with a little growl as they take turns trying to bit each others feet. It's a ridiculous game, and eventually the small one gets riled and tries to hump the other. Even though they're fixed..and both girls. Go figure.
2 - Earlier today I heard my girls dancing and singing upstairs to the kidz bop tunes on the 9yo's iPod. So cute and fun to hear.
3 - The silent 5pm alarm that says i can stop working for the day. for the weekend. Hooray for the weekend.
At some point in the near future I'll also have some posts of our new master bathroom. The husband has been working on it slowly but surely. Ripping out the old awful shower and extra waste of space cabinet and we've picked out tile, and a new cabinet and vanity and the shower pan came earlier this week. The finished product is going to be spectacular.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Joy Dare: Day 12
Something above you, something below you, something beside you
Above me: The roof over my head. It's freezing outside today, and blowing snow everywhere. It's the first real snow this winter and while I'm not glad to see it I am glad it waited so long to show up. And I'm grateful for the roof over our heads. And for my husband's and my jobs that keep the roof in place.
Below me: Hmmm..how about my treadmill, which is in the basement. I love that thing. Now only if my knee would start to love it again and we could all be happy together again.
Something beside me: A few minutes ago, the 4yo and I were on the floor, under a blanket, hovering over the heater vent. I love to trap the heat in the blanket and really warm up for a bit. So toasty. And having a cute companion wasn't so bad either.
Today has been a pretty good day. I've accomplished some things at work and preschool still happened in spite of the ridiculous snow and wind. No school for the 9yo because of "professional learning" days, so these won't be snow days to make up later either. All around, not a bad day.
Above me: The roof over my head. It's freezing outside today, and blowing snow everywhere. It's the first real snow this winter and while I'm not glad to see it I am glad it waited so long to show up. And I'm grateful for the roof over our heads. And for my husband's and my jobs that keep the roof in place.
Below me: Hmmm..how about my treadmill, which is in the basement. I love that thing. Now only if my knee would start to love it again and we could all be happy together again.
Something beside me: A few minutes ago, the 4yo and I were on the floor, under a blanket, hovering over the heater vent. I love to trap the heat in the blanket and really warm up for a bit. So toasty. And having a cute companion wasn't so bad either.
Today has been a pretty good day. I've accomplished some things at work and preschool still happened in spite of the ridiculous snow and wind. No school for the 9yo because of "professional learning" days, so these won't be snow days to make up later either. All around, not a bad day.
Joy Dare: Day 11
Wow. I missed a day. Again. I am really awful at this. This one is also difficult, right now there are really only brown and white things outside. It finally snowed last night, and everything else is dead.
Three yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy:
1 - My big yellow chair in my living room. I've loved it since I set eyes on it over ten years ago. Still love it. Oversized, comfortable, positioned right in front of the fireplace. I think maybe I'll sit there and read tonight.
2 - Legal pads. I love to make notes about things, and I keep a bunch of legal pads to do so for work, and anything else I want to make a note of. I don't keep any of them, it's just in-the-moment notes.
3 - The sunshine, when it makes an appearance in the winter. It casts a warm line on the floor and the puppies love to lay in it. I love to stand in it and soak up the warm.
I will try to do this better.
Three yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy:
1 - My big yellow chair in my living room. I've loved it since I set eyes on it over ten years ago. Still love it. Oversized, comfortable, positioned right in front of the fireplace. I think maybe I'll sit there and read tonight.
2 - Legal pads. I love to make notes about things, and I keep a bunch of legal pads to do so for work, and anything else I want to make a note of. I don't keep any of them, it's just in-the-moment notes.
3 - The sunshine, when it makes an appearance in the winter. It casts a warm line on the floor and the puppies love to lay in it. I love to stand in it and soak up the warm.
I will try to do this better.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Joy Dare Day 10
A gift that's sour, a gift that's sweet, a gift that's just right
Sour: my attitude, which is not good lately.
Sweet: the leftover chocolate kiss cookie that the 4yo didn't have room for
Just right: the sweet silent chime of the clock turning to bedtime o'clock
This is difficult.
Sour: my attitude, which is not good lately.
Sweet: the leftover chocolate kiss cookie that the 4yo didn't have room for
Just right: the sweet silent chime of the clock turning to bedtime o'clock
This is difficult.
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