Where I'm At

If you have read CJ for the day, go here. It's where I'm at. Just down. Just tired. Needing a retreat. Time off for good behavior maybe? Time with my husband and baby and just BE. Time away from the phone & cell phone. Time with my Bible and a notebook and sunshine and Diet Coke. Time laughing. Time riding in the car with the sun shining in. Time at a restaurant with low light and yummy food. Time away. Time at home.

I'm not sure I know what I want. :-)

This weekend is the first weekend in over two months that we have absolutely nothing planned. I'm hoping that the weather is nice so that we can do something as a family - maybe involving a picnic lunch. I would like to go to Mule Day. I know Noelle would love it - seeing all the animals and being outside. Another idea is to head to the zoo and walk around. Our zoo isn't that big, but it's got great paths that Noelle could walk on, and there is a huge jungle gym/play area just her size.

Tomorrow night we are going to hear Travis play in a show with this guy. It's at a local church just down the street from us. In my opinion, band guys are way cute . . . especially him. :-)

Bought The Time Traveler's Wife today on Amazon.com - slightly used. It's the May read for my book club and though I usually try to check them out at the library, I decided to buy the book this time. Why? I don't know. I do feel limited about penciling in the margins or highlighting (for obvious reasons!) when it's from the library. Hehe. Plus someone *coughdanacough* has gone on and on and on and on about how great this book is. So, not saying names, but we'll know who's fault it is if it stinketh.

Noelle is cutting her first two molars - one on each side on the bottom. She is still the cutest baby EVER. See here - this proves it:

She had a rough day yesterday. Fell out of one of the dining room chairs and landed HARD. Was sitting on the coffee table (don't freak out, it's really low) and slid off the edge - hard, and then our Sam-dog knocked her over outside and she skinned her knee. :-( That was the most minor of the injuries in my opinion, but it did require breaking out the hydrogen peroxide and cleaning it up. She freaked out more over the bandaid than anything else. I guess she's not old enough yet to know that bandaids make everything feel better. :-)

Am plugging away at the Spring Fling Challenge - tackled cleaning out my car yesterday - ewww. Just messy. I don't leave food and stuff in the car, but there was assorted Noelle crumbs (pieces of cheerios, chicken nuggets and such) all over the back seat, and straw wrappers and napkins littering the front. And somehow an OLD blanket that we kept in the trunk had gotten wet, I guess, and when I picked it up, it completely disintegrated in my hands. The car is now completely vacuumed out and looks much better - or as good as a 12 year old Honda will at this point. Today's cleaning project - once Noelle is up from her nap - is to go through my closet and dresser and purge. Need to get in the bedroom and sweep and dust everything as well.

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

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You are a Square. What a weirdo.

Just a quick note to say I'm here and still in a bit of Easter recovery mode. We had a wonderful church service on Sunday and then we hosted my family for lunch afterwards. I managed to pour gravy on my arm while serving my plate and am recovering from a neat little 2nd degree burn on my right wrist complete with blistering and oozing. Ick. Good thing - I'm left handed so am only hampered for the most part by not being able to wear my watch. Monday was spent grocery shopping and some decluttering around the house. More of that to come over the next few weeks as I am part of the W@H Spring Fling Challenge of 2005:

Hopefully over the next few weeks, you'll hear more exciting cleaning stories and such. My husband is in the spring cleaning mood so if I get a head start of some of it, it will make it less painful when the Saturday comes that he's ready to clean. :-)

I feel like I might have had something else to say, but it's gone now....

The Wonder Of Your Cross

The wonder of Your cross
Shall be our meditation
To gather in that shadow
When the sun went down
To weep with those
Who thought that You were leaving
You were leaving Jesus
The humble King
Who never wore an earthly crown

To steal away at night
When they took down Your body
With love and tears
To leave You in a borrowed grave
To go with Mary to the place they laid You
Where they laid You Jesus
And in the morning find the stone was rolled away

Were heaven's praises
Silent in those hours of darkness
Your Holy Spirit brooding
'Round that empty throne
Until the declaration He is risen
You are risen Jesus
He is not dead
Behold He lives for evermore

The cross O the wonderful cross
What glory what vict'ry I've found
I'll come to the wonderful cross
And my whole life I lay down

written by Robin Mark

_{© 2004 Integrity's Hosanna! Music; CCLI License No. 336577}

Good Friday

Made cookies today with Jordan - double chocolate cookies. I haven't eaten one - I'm being GOOD.

Made Cheri's vegetable soup for dinner last night - it was so yummy. I think I started it a little early - don't need to cook it quite as long the next time but I wanted to make sure that my potatoes were tender.

Gina (my co-music coordinator at church) has completely lost her voice. Did you know that Easter Sunday is in 2 days? Not that we have any special music planned or anything...

I am spending my afternoon learning the song that she was singing as a solo.

My nephew cried for 40 minutes this morning trying to go down for a nap . . . he was SOOOOO tired and would not give up.

My sister just showed up with a Route 44 Sonic Diet Coke for me . . . must go and relax.

From Friday Feast:

Appetizer - What is the worst movie you've ever seen?

Recently, Confession of a Teenage Drama Queen. HORRIBLE. May never watch another Lindsay Lohan movie. Ever.

Soup - Name something that reminds you of your childhood.

Pepsi Twist

Salad - If you had to live in a large city, which one would you want it to be?

I think I would like to visit New York, but probably not stay there. I really don't know where I would want to relocate. Where I live now is the perfect size.

Main Course - What's a "big word" you like to use to impress people?

Ephiphany. Example: I just had an ephiphany!

Dessert - Describe your hairstyle.

Long. Naturally curly. Wacky layers. VERY thick. Sometimes unmanageable. :-)

My Day Yesterday...

We colored eggs.

My neice abandoned eggs in favor of self-portraiture.

Myles didn't not like that face.

No one pays attention to him besides Noelle, anyway.

Wait, now I'm all better.

Photo Day

The dogs decided that they needed to go out at 4:15 a.m. - I convinced them it was a little early, but Noelle woke up. Stayed away fussing until about 5:15 when I put her in bed with me. Fussed some more and then crashed around 6 a.m. We slept like rocks until 7:30 but getting woken up early like that throws me off. But, good cuddle time with Noelle. Makes up for it.

So, I'm trying to keep up with 3 kids, a messy house and not making it. So two pictures . . .

Noelle is fascinated with glasses so I found some old ones that she could keep. Aren't they lovely? Vintage early 90's.

Big boy...

We put Travis on a plane this afternoon for a business trip - he gets back Wednesday evening. The day was busy with a run to the airport, as well as a few errands this morning with Noelle and my nephew. I have my neice the rest of the week (she spent today with Grandpa) so it will be hopping around here. Some of our plans include a trip to the library, coloring Easter eggs, a movie day and some baking at the end of the week. I'm trying to take advantage of Travis' trip by getting some cards made that need to go out. My W@H mail went in the mail today - Cheryl, Jessica, Heather & Debbie need to watch their mail! :-) I finished up my nephew's birth announcements today and I need one more piece of information and I can print up the bridal shower invitations I need to do next. Then I'm done (I think?) for a few weeks until I have some wedding stuff for a friend "due."

Off to print some more!

My back door is open and I'm working on a cup of coffee. I know it's strange, but I need the sunshine today more than the warmth of a closed back door. Today has been blue. This morning I was overcome by sadness for some many things going on and the processing that I'm trying to do regarding the recent death of my Grandma and the icky situation. And so many of my friends are being hit with things right now. Ear infections, fathers with illnesses, mothers with breast cancer, other cancer, hospital stays, financial needs and the list goes on. Oppressed is a good word for it.

But, in a coincidence only of God, I got a book I ordered in the mail today. (That's not the coincidence, I was expecting the book.) :-) The book is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, a neat devotional. I turned to the reading for today, March 17, and read:

Come to me for understanding, since I know you far better than you know yourself. I comprehend you in all your complexity; no detail of your life is hidden from Me. . . . Allow the Light of My healing Presence to shine into the deepest recesses of your being - cleansing, healing, refreshing, and renewing you. . . . I will never leave you or forsake you.

There was more, but those are the words that popped out. So thankful He walks with us in our valleys so that we can glorify Him there.

---

Also had a wedding invitation from a dear friend in the mail and sweet card from Nattie - much thanks for brighting my day. Nattie also sent out a challenge to come up with five things I was grateful for this morning in the midst of my blues.

1. Noelle took a morning nap.
2. My husband is coming home for lunch.
3. God is soveriegn, soveriegn, soveriegn.
4. I have the Incredibles DVD here to watch while Travis is at a band rehearsal tonight.
5. W@H.

I needed that.

---

Noelle has learned the best animal sound EVER this week. You'll never guess what it is.

Daddy: Noelle, what is this?
Noelle: Dooooohhhh.
Daddy: That's right, that's a dolphin. What does a dolphin say?
Noelle: Eek, eek, eek.

Swonderings

From W@H

What sound to you associate with spring? What has to happen before you think, "spring is here"?

The lawn mower turned on after a winter in the shed or garage.
The sound of the weedeater.
The voices of kids outside.
The ice cream truck as it goes down my street.

But what really tells me it's Spring? The smell of wild onions in my yard that are mowed with the grass.

Disclaimer: Lest ya'll think I'm avoiding talking about the recent deaths of two grandparents, I am. This is going to be a "what's been going on update." I'm tired of thinking serious thoughts.

Life has been busy, stranged, unpredictable lately. A smattering of things that pop out that I want to share, in no specific or coherant order. :-)

I made Aleta's cappachino mix about a week ago. Soooooo yummy. And I made it with sugar free hot chocolate mix so I'm not as guilty as I could be while drinking it. I did have to add a couple Sweet-n-Low's to it, but it was guuuuuud.

I went to the Tennessee Scrapbooking Convention last Friday. It was an interesting experience. Held at Opryland Hotel, I got my exercise walking around and trying to find things. I had signed up to volunteer on Friday morning from 8-11 a.m. at the registration desk. When I got there, the woman had enough folks for the reg. desk and sent me to "direct traffic" outside one of their classrooms. It was pretty quiet down where I was stationed so I was glad I happened to stick a book in my bag with me. It would pick up as the class times were starting and ending but otherwise, I just hung out there and read. And I got a goodie bag for my efforts. It including a book on card making (one I already have, but I'm going to share it with a couple other friends from church who scrapbook). It had some neat patterned paper in it, random cool embellishments (the kind that will be fun to try, but I'm not sure I would have bought with my money because they are very trendy) and some stickers. Then I went into the vendor/exhibit area. Instant overload! It was so crowded and packed with folks that I made a quick sweep before leaving. Most of the stuff in there was stuff I could get at my local scrapbook store and by this point, I was ready for something cold to drink and a seat. My 2 cents after spending a half day there - the classes are the key. If I was to go to one of these again, I would definitely take a class or two because that's when you get to learn something new and walk away with something you can use.

I made a batch of homemade granola this afternoon. The house smells like cinnamon. Very homey & cosy.

I just read the new Left Behind book, The Rising. It disturbed me. This was the first book in their "prequel" series. The book focuses on the birth (conception) of the antichrist as well as the background of Rayford's character. At times there seemed to be way too much emphasis given to worshipping satan than the Lord - way too much. Enough that I felt like I was getting too much info about it. Anyway, I don't really recommend it and I'm not sure I'll read anymore of the prequels as they come out. You can see what I've been reading here. Sorry my thoughts on the book are so vague - I can't really give more details without giving away too many spoilers.

I've started a weight loss blog. I don't know that I'll update it every day, but I need a public place where I can keep myself accountable and work on losing this baby weight. You can read the first post here. Misty, you asked me about the two purses that I am eye-ing as rewards for losing weight. They are both Vera Bradley purses. I love her purses because they are different and they are washable! (That's been a key feature in recent purse purchases - if I'm going to be throwing a sippy cup or snacks in my bag, I need to be able to wash it occasionally).

Lots of orders have been coming my way for cards and invitations. I was asked how I got started in my little home-based business. The way I got the word out was that I started making things and giving them away. When I helped host a baby or bridal shower, I made the invitations. When I needed a birthday present for someone, I made them a set of notepads or cards. It sort of grew from there. This week's project is finishing bridal shower invitations and maybe my nephew's birth announcements. Another friend has asked me about making invitations for her sister's baby shower so I need to check in with her about that. I think I'm going to try (key word: try) and squirrel away the money from these projects and put it towards my purse fund.

I went to W@lmart and bought Travis The Incredibles today. Shhhhh, don't tell him. I don't know that we'll watch it tonight. He's been asked to play bass in a band that has a show on April 1. He has rehearsal tonight and Thursday evening. I'm excited for him to get to play with some guys again . . . and it will be fun to go hear him play in a few weeks.

My Bible study lesson I worked on last night was on the story of David and Bathsheba. When I used to look at the sin that was committed here, I focused immediately on the adultery between the two. However, I saw last night that there were steps that David took that led to the sin. He was in Jerusalem when he should have been at war with his men. He stopped to observe the woman bathing on the roof. He made inquiries about her. He brought her to him and he slept with her. At any one of these steps he could have confessed his sin and turned away and he didn't. And David has such a history of "inquiring of the Lord" on his decisions. You see this through his life. And here, he doesn't. This convicted me of my ability to turn my eyes away from my own sin and not inquire of the Lord often enough. If I would ask his guidance more often, He, in His infinite wisdom and grace, He is there to guide me.

Enough typing for the day! Blessings and much thanks for all your wonderful words of support & love. (((Hugs))) to all!

Please pray for my family. We found out this morning that my maternal Grandma (and last living grandparent) died last Thursday. Long story, very short, she specifically asked that our family not be notified of the death or service until too late for us to come, so we found out this morning. This was the grandparent I probably had the most connection with out of the four - we have been penpals since I could write and letter and mail it and I'm hurting.

Had planned a big blog about busy weekend, Noelle's new tooth, etc. Maybe can get to it tomorrow.

Edited to Add:
Please pray for Nattieand Cheryl . . . both are in the hospital with SERIOUS health problems and Nattie is very critical right now. Thanks...

Still in catch-up mode around here, but beginning to be able to check things off my list. God has provided me several stationary orders (Yeah!) and I'm working on trying to get samples and orders printed and ready. Noelle had a horrible night of sleep last night and was up at 5 a.m. this morning and back down for nap at 8:30 a.m. I'm getting my church printing all finished up, and then we have a few errands to run this morning. Tomorrow I'll be out of pocket most of the day - I'm volunteering at the registration desk of scrapbooking convention from 8-11 a.m. I don't expect that I'll spend much money at the convention, but for volunteering I get a goodie bag of miscellaneous products and also get into the convention for free which makes it worth it for me. :-) I'm also eating lunch with one of my "clients" (sounds so professional!) to go over her order and show her some samples, and then I have a few errands to run that will go so much faster since Noelle will be home with Travis. He's taking the day off so I can go to the convention and get out for a bit. *heart* Hopefully I will remember my camera and can post a few pictures of the event.

The rest of the weekend is going to be pretty busy . . . after I get home from my outing tomorrow, I need to get a few things ready for a baby shower I'm helping with on Saturday, plus I have church staff meeting on Saturday morning. Our March schedule is pretty insane. A friend asked about getting a play date together for several friends and I had to say no - I just can't pack anything else in our schedule over the next few weeks...

Pattie - I just tried the cappachino chocolate chunky-whatever this time for the first time! It was soooooo good! It's probably a good thing there are no Braum's in Tennessee! And yes - their ice cream is hands down better than Sonic. :-)

A quick note to say thank you to all of you for your sweet words and prayers over the last week. It was so encouraging to check my email while in Oklahoma and see comments from friends across the country and know you were praying. I'm tired. We did the 12 hour drive last Tuesday, funeral on Wednesday, and spent Thursday and Friday taking apart my grandparents' home, ending the week with an extra-long 14 hour trip home (thanks to a couple unscheduled stops for the kiddos). My grandmother had passed away in 2003 and Grandad hadn't done anything with any of her stuff - he always thought he was going to get well enough to go back home and take care of it so we had tons of stuff to sort through and decide what needs to be sold, given away or thrown out.

It's so hard to believe that that part of my family is gone for good. There's really no reason now to travel 700-odd miles to a little town in OK to visit. All the memories associated with that place seemed much more pronounced this visit. Hanging out at the family owned lumberyard; ice cream at Braum's; driving under the bridge with Grandad instead of over; the memory of chauffering my Grandma around right after she had cataract surgery - it was the first time I had ever driven with her in the car and I was so nervous!; giving Grandad's dogs treats; snatching cookies from the cookie jar and getting an ice cold TAB or Fresca from the fridge. I feel old.

One praise - Noelle did so great on the trip. Behaved herself so well. The funeral was right during her naptime so she and I walked around the lobby of the funeral home and listened to my Dad speak over the loudspeaker. It was so fun to have her with me and cuddle with her at night in the hotel room. But it was so GOOD to get back home . . . to our own house. We hadn't seen Travis for a week and it's been so nice to be all together again, and just be.

Just wanted to stop in and say hi. Hopefully as I get caught up on laundry and my job, I'll be back to regular old news. :-)

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