Hodge Podge

I need to blog but I haven’t got any one particular subject to blog about! So here you go . . . .

Emma’s Perfect Timing - As I am cleaning up Lily, our puppy, Derek came over. He said “I want to ask you something, . . . just tell me the truth . . . Aren’t you just a little bit regretting getting another dog?”

Before I could even answer, my sidekick (Emma) says “Get ober it . . . .” (Get over it)
We both crack up and think how did she know?? She’s 2!!

Of course our laughing encouraged her to continue to say “Get ober it Daddy! Get ober it!”
(Derek was against getting Lily. Apparently Emma picked up on this! )

God’s Perfect Timing - One of my prayer requests for this week was grace and wisdom when dealing with discipline issues - w/my kids and those I teach. Well, the woman who prayed for me added patience. I almost elbowed her! (Sorry Heidi) I normally do not pray for patience or kindness. I’ve learned that when you do God WILL give you a time in the near future to practice!! But I am thankful for the prayer because I did need lots of patience Monday and I was prepared. God knew and that’s why He prompted her to pray for me!!

Now today, I am thinking about what I can organize. At lecture today, one of the principles was that God is a God of organization. He is not a God of Chaos. We’ve been studying the book of Numbers. All I can say is Wow! He took care of EVERY detail - who went where, who did what, how to communicate - even a cloud to follow - for 2-4 million people!!!

Michelle pointed out that you see it today when you look at the sunrise and sunset each day. You see it with the seasons and in the details of the seasons. You see it in the different species - ants, birds. God is organized and if we are to be like Him, we need to be organized too! We were challenged to apply this to our own lives. What one thing could we organize this week? A messy room. A meal together. Our schedule and making sure we spend time with God on a regular basis? How we plan and prepare to serve God?

Oh and God even told Aaron how to bless the Israelites. He thinks of everything!

“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace.”

NUMBERS 6:24-26

Happy Sledding, Happy Birthday and Where's my socks?

Finally, little Emma got to go sledding, well more like tubing. Cousin Darin brought a couple tubes loaded up with this new "non-choleric silicon base kitchen lubricant that's 500x’s more slippery than cooking oil". I wished I would have video taped this. (Yes, I'm old, I know there is no tape!) Anyways, Emma was giggling SO LOUD and yelled "THAT WAS FUN!!" as soon as she stopped. Thank you Jesse for helping her back up the hill!!



We also got to celebrate Grandma Stickel's birthday on Sunday! (It's very hard to get a picture where everyone is looking. Surprisingly, Jesse is actually listening and looking at me!)


And now the socks . . . Jesse came into our room this morning to let me know he had NO socks. He "turned them in" but has not gotten any back! I assured him that HE DID have socks in his drawer. But to avoid a morning clash Derek took him in and got him a pair of his to wear. Derek told me I could dump his socks out for him to look through - so I DID! He was specifically looking for the socks with a gold toe which you see in the top right hand corner. I think the top middle bunch may truly be too small but as you can see - HE DID have socks in his drawer!! Please tell me this is normal! Have they confirmed that a "temporary sock blindness" can occur in children? Because this isn't the first time.

Cheerleader or Obnoxious Fan

As I left the house Monday, I kept going over the morning’s events. Monday’s are hard - especially the Monday after Suberbowl. Every year we go to Grandma & Grandpa Stickel’s for Superbowl - a tradition they’ve hosted every year since the very first one. (Except for the one year we had to go to Aunt Carolynn & Uncle Jerry’s because it was on a channel that didn’t come in at their house.)

We (the kids and I) don’t really watch the game. It’s more of a family gathering - lots of food, cousins to play with, etc. Derek watches so we’re there till the end. That’s okay, it’s really the only pro-football game he insists on watching.

It's always nice when there’s a delay on Monday but not this week! I knew it would be a rough start! As I drove to my bible study class, I regretted the yelling I did and thought . . . . . . I started out as a cheer leader - repeating phrases to encourage the player (child) to get ready but then I turned into an obnoxious fan or at least that’s what I felt like.

When watching the different sports Jesse’s been involved in I am a big advocate of parents and fans keeping their mouths shut - unless it’s encouraging. My standard comment is “They’re all volunteers!” After running the soccer league for so long, I know how hard it is to get those volunteer coaches and refs. Obnoxious fans are a big hindrance in that task. Yes, maybe they missed something, made a wrong call, coach differently but at least they are trying and willing to help out. So before I get off this soapbox I challenge each of you - parent or fan - to only shout out encouraging words and remember that most sports, at least in our community are run by volunteers! (This does not include school sports but you still shouldn't be obnoxious!)

Back to my original thought . . . I do not want to be an obnoxious fan, shouting out not so nice things at my children. Immediately I went back to being a cheerleader. I’m sure like most little girls, I wanted to be a cheerleader and after realizing that would not be possible due to lack of coordination and other things I became an anti-cheerleader! So could this be? At age 35 I’m now a cheerleader??? Could I be totally upbeat and continue encouraging my children with happy, repetitive phrases each morning or whenever applicable?

Let’s take a minute and look at my choices so far. The definition of obnoxious is: offensive, repulsive. Some Synonyms are: annoying, awful, beastly, big mouth, detestable, disagreeable, dislikable, displeasing, foul, hateable, nauseating, pain in the neck, sickening, stinking, unpleasant. (These are just some.)

The definition of cheer is: happiness. Some synonyms are: gladness, glee, joy, buoyancy, comfort, delight, encouragement. (Again, these are just some.)

I definitely want to steer clear of being obnoxious!! But can I only be positive? Cheering only happy thoughts? Lets be realistic!! What if I take off the cheer? Then I have leader (one who guides) which is similar to the coach (one who instructs). Yes, that’s it! This I can do. I know I can and I even know how. It’s funny how God leads you on a trail of thoughts that ultimately lead you right back to Him and what He’s already taught you in His word.

He has taught me that He will help me parent my children. He has taught me what to teach my children. He has taught me where to teach my children. He reminds me that my children watch me and that I need to set an example and not be a stumbling block. He has taught me that I will make mistakes but He still loves me and will continue to show me His ways. Wow, I could go on and on and on. I am thankful that I not only have a perfect example to follow but I forever have His Help!

Proverbs 2
The Benefits of Wisdom

1 My child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.

I'm Ready!

As I was leaving Beulah Missionary Church today, I noticed a sign that I hadn't seen before. Right before you leave the parking lot, they have a sign that says "YOU ARE ENTERING YOUR MISSION FIELD". (Or something similar, it's been a couple hours . . .) I thought it was very clever. Isn't it amazing how we can drive by something MANY times and never see it . . .but then our eyes are opened and we SEE. I love God!

And today my mission is to not lock Emma up in the little dog cage she is in right now. As I type this, she is playing inside Lily's cage of her own free will. It's just her size. Now why would I lock up one of God's precious little children? This one in particular has been naughty. She is not taking her nap and during the 5 minutes I stopped to check Face Book, she decided to pour the dog food into the dog water and feed the dogs by hand. This is just an example of the many things she does. She is BUSY!!

It's hard to be mad though. Especially when she is going around singing half the Bible verse she learned today: "He has done, He has done" she throws in a "the wonders" every couple times. The verse is "Remember the wonders He has done" 1 Chronicles 16:12

The snow is always smoother . . .

The grass is always greener, the snow is always smoother - Isn’t that usually the case?

Last night as I was going out for the last potty break, I glanced at our neighbor’s yard. It was absolutely breath taking. Perfectly blanketed with fresh fallen snow, curving up and down - wherever the wind let each flake rest. There was no trace of activity. My one word description would have to be “peaceful“. I was so captured by this display of beauty.

I’ve had the song “God of Wonders” going through my head this week. Here’s the chorus - God of wonders beyond our Galaxy - You are holy, holy - the universe declares your majesty - you are holy, holy”. Well, last night, My neighbors yard in little, Nappanee, Indiana declared His majesty! I’m sure it still does this morning but I am avoiding going out until absolutely necessary!

My neighbors yard is much more peaceful than ours. One word for our yard would have to be "busy". There are big tracks, little tracks, toys, furniture that never got put away, pumpkins and pretty soon there will be one decaying Frasier Fur. (I think we may have missed the Christmas tree pick up.)

Our neighbors are in a different season of their life. The have no pets and their children are grown. We have 2 children and 2 pets that venture outside. And as I felt envious of their yard, I had to wonder if they are ever envious of ours? I guess both yards display God’s majesty. One is His beauty in nature and the other is overwhelming evidence of His most loved creation!

I know, I know, envy is wrong and I shouldn't be coveting. So let's say I REALLY enjoy my neighbor's yard and I can't wait until I have a peaceful yard. At least that's what I think now. I'm sure when I do, there will be times when I want my "busy" yard back. After all, the grass is always greener and the snow is always smoother . . . . .

Missing that Gilson

I remember a couple winters ago there was no snow. Jesse's birthday is on Dec. 9th. We had some snow right around then but by Christmas we were done. Our friends bought their kids some sleds for Christmas and they never got to use them.

That's NOT the case this year! I'm glad Jesse still likes to play outside in it. He's more into building forts and battle scenes. I actually shoveled part of his fort today. He didn't pick the best place to play the other day.

Before the tornado, we had a snow blower. Unfortunately, it did not survive. It was in the shed. For insurance reasons, I had to find out more about this inherited Gilson snow blower of ours. I found out it was really old. So old they stopped making them a LONG time ago! My first clue was when I found a website with phrases on it that said things like - "The place where the Gilson snow blower legacy lives" and "report a Gilson sighting."

We complained about this snow blower. Sometimes, it seemed as though we only made as much progress as Mr. Oblivious here:



But our Gilson was better than what we have now:
(The shovel is what I meant - the 12 yr. old isn't bad but needs an awful lot of "encouraging")

Yeah, yeah, I know we got about $30 from insurance to go towards a new snow blower but who buys a snow blower in the summer? I'm sure we put that money towards fireworks or something.

Most Embarrassing Moment of 2009

Well, here it is. My most embarrassing moment of 2009 - so far that is. I think it tops a similar moment in 2008 . I’ll tell about both and you can be the judge!

After the tornado, we rented a house on Hartman Street that had a fenced in yard. This was a perk because 2 weeks before the tornado we (Jesse, Emma, Mom Ho and I - not Derek) got Jesse a puppy. This is what you get when you cross a Black Lab and a Wheaton Terrier.


Her mom was a Black Lab and her dad was a Wheaton Terrier. (Pictures are not of actual parents.)



And as I was saying, temporarily, we had a fenced in yard. It has it’s drawbacks and perks. Drawbacks - it’s easy to be lazy and just stick them out with out really training them, you forget you stuck them outside and inevitably they’ve dug up something, it started to rain and you didn’t notice, etc. Perks - it’s easy to stick them outside!!

So this past Spring, we moved back to Blackstone which meant no more fence. Now we had to take her out on the leash for many reasons. She listens good but LOVES everyone!! She wants to smother every person or animal she see’s. You’d think this would be great but she’s too big to do this. She’s not the timid little puppy she was the day I picked her up. And inevitably, many times her affections end up hurting or scaring someone. She just doesn’t have any self control when she see’s another person or animal so that is the main reason for the leash.

Did I mention how STRONG this dog is? She has destroyed cages, actually broke a tooth by doing this. She can destroy all those “invincible” dog toys and chews. She can pull a grown adult flat on their side - which is what she did to me in last year. I let her out. As we were walking around the back to come in, one of the Embarq guys said something to me. So I half turned to answer. As soon as Sally saw him, she took off and literally pulled me flat on my side and drug me in the wet cold grass. I’m not a toothpick either. I’m sure that guy wanted to laugh so hard but instead he managed to say “Are you ok with a smile?” - Bless his heart!

So you can imagine that my embarrassing moment so far this year probably has to do with Sally May. Yes, this dog has embarrassed me once again! We decided (Emma, my dad & Joan, Jesse and I - not Derek) to get a puppy. This one is mine - Lily Lou - a Sheltie.


She’s opposite of Sally. She’s way more timid and barky when she see’s people. During the day, since Jesse is as school, I let Sally out. This is our routine: Sally waits while I take Lily out on a leash to pee and check to make sure no people or dogs are out. Then, we come back and let Sally out. She goes out to her spot, does her business and runs back in. (She is fine without a leash - as long as there are no surprises.) Then, I take Lily back out if she has to finish. It seems to get quicker and easier each week. Except for today . .

Today, I was following the routine but Sally did not wait and bust out the door. And of course, the neighbor dog , U-kee, was out. U-kee is a little powder puff - a Bichon Frise. (Picture is not of actual neighbor dog.)


And they also got a little puppy this week. Sally had not met this little cotton ball but I know she figured it out! Mu-kee is about ¼ the size of U-kee. They are both much to small to play with Sally, although U-kee wants to.

So, I immediately start running over there through the snow with Lily on her leash. I finally get there which seems like forever and Sally has scared this poor puppy to death! She didn’t attack it or anything. She just hasn’t mastered a gentle touch approach yet. I’m trying to grab her collar, as I hold on to Lily and continually apologize to Becky! I get her and then we hit the patio that is now buried under the fresh snow. The slick patio. Yes, I’ve fallen again !! There’s snow flying everywhere. Becky makes a comment that this should be on Funniest Home Videos. Probably. Finally, I drag Sally home and take a moment to re-group. I get mad but then gain control because I couldn’t dare let my husband think that I thought for a moment that maybe the dogs were not a good idea!

So here you go Rocki, maybe this will take the laughs off you for just a moment. Although, I think your post is much funnier!! I've read it a couple times today. I just can't stop laughing!!