eBay was a great success! We ended up listing nine items and sold six of them. Each child got $21. Not bad. Not bad, at all - especially since I usually just give away our out grown items. I refuse to do yard sells anymore. eBay and Craig's List work so much better.
We now have four things listed on eBay for this week. And the one item I told the kids that I didn't think would sell? That's the only item that has a bid on it at the moment. Funny what sells and what doesn't.
Life is an adventure arranged by the Father with Jesus as your seat belt and the Holy Spirit as your guide.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Books, Again
As usual, I've been reading - several books in fact! While at the lake with Drew's family, I read Uncharted by Angela Hunt. This week I read Second Chance by Jane Green. Both are about a group of college friends reuniting twenty years after college at a funeral of one of the friends.
But that's about all they have in common. Angela Hunt is a Christian author and so wrote about the spiritual impact of the choices these friends have made. Jane Green's book was placed in England was about these friends re-connecting and how they lived their lives.
I hate to say it, but I think I enjoyed the Jane Green book better - even if some of the language was stronger than I liked (and since it was placed in England there was some references to stores or other English things that I didn't understand). Angela Hunt's book ended with more of a feel the TV show Lost had - mystical, I guess would be the word.
I'm not much into the mystical.
Another book I finished this week was Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (read as a part of my Bible/prayer time). I had read parts of it last spring, but just this summer read the book all the way through. Very good. The author listed forty lies the world tells women - and many times we fall for them and believe them. Lies such as God could never forgive me, I'm not worthy, Being a wife and mother are not important, I can't control my emotions, etc. I really enjoyed it - at several different points in the book I had to stop and look up the Bible verse for myself and read it. I think overall the one verse, I now claim as my favorite is John 17:17 - Sanctify them with the truth, your word is truth.
This verse is from the prayer Jesus prayed right before he was betrayed - He prayed for Himself, His Disciples, for us. It's an amazing prayer! But I love how He prayed that we would know the Truth. And in case we were ever confused - He told us what the truth was - God's word! Makes me look at my life and beliefs to see make sure all are based on God's word - not just what the world or my friends or my pastor says is true - but only on God's word.
And the best part? We have the Bible that we can look it up and read it for ourselves!! Love that!
Okay - enough preaching for the day - back to books. Right now I'm reading Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. My friend Janean recommended it to me - so far (half-way through) it's very good! It's placed in the late 1980's but goes back to the 1940's during WWII and how the American Japanese were treated - by our own government. Sad. (how they were treated - not the book) This book just may be a favorite of mine!
But that's about all they have in common. Angela Hunt is a Christian author and so wrote about the spiritual impact of the choices these friends have made. Jane Green's book was placed in England was about these friends re-connecting and how they lived their lives.
I hate to say it, but I think I enjoyed the Jane Green book better - even if some of the language was stronger than I liked (and since it was placed in England there was some references to stores or other English things that I didn't understand). Angela Hunt's book ended with more of a feel the TV show Lost had - mystical, I guess would be the word.
I'm not much into the mystical.
Another book I finished this week was Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (read as a part of my Bible/prayer time). I had read parts of it last spring, but just this summer read the book all the way through. Very good. The author listed forty lies the world tells women - and many times we fall for them and believe them. Lies such as God could never forgive me, I'm not worthy, Being a wife and mother are not important, I can't control my emotions, etc. I really enjoyed it - at several different points in the book I had to stop and look up the Bible verse for myself and read it. I think overall the one verse, I now claim as my favorite is John 17:17 - Sanctify them with the truth, your word is truth.
This verse is from the prayer Jesus prayed right before he was betrayed - He prayed for Himself, His Disciples, for us. It's an amazing prayer! But I love how He prayed that we would know the Truth. And in case we were ever confused - He told us what the truth was - God's word! Makes me look at my life and beliefs to see make sure all are based on God's word - not just what the world or my friends or my pastor says is true - but only on God's word.
And the best part? We have the Bible that we can look it up and read it for ourselves!! Love that!
Okay - enough preaching for the day - back to books. Right now I'm reading Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. My friend Janean recommended it to me - so far (half-way through) it's very good! It's placed in the late 1980's but goes back to the 1940's during WWII and how the American Japanese were treated - by our own government. Sad. (how they were treated - not the book) This book just may be a favorite of mine!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Year Later
We have been back in the States now a year. In fact, last year's 4th of July was the first night the kids and I spent in the house (Drew had spent several nights as he had to work and I was with my mother helping her recover from knee replacement surgery). A year later finds us about where I thought we would be - spending a lot of time visiting with family.
That's the best part. We have been able to spent time with our families - we just got back from a week with Drew's - a few days at a lake house relaxing and a few days in Dallas celebrating the 4th of July as well as attending a niece's baby shower. Wonderful. Just wonderful.
I think over all Melissa has had the roughest ride in getting settled. But at the same time, I think she is the most settled into our new life. Roughest because she was very ill in December and just because she's a girl (and all the drama that being a girl these days bring) and a very social one at that. She actually cares that she has friends - and wants lots of them. It took her a few months, but she has lots of friends at school and is close to two girls in the neighborhood - both of which go to our church and seem to come from stable normal families. Hopefully, the three of them will challenge each other to be better in the years ahead. She is settled at school as well - she is on honor and advance classes and will be running cross country and track.
Then there are the boys. I was most worried about William. He is the quiet shy one. He just doesn't really understand the social games. Small for his age doesn't help. But he is so smart. And can be so funny when he forgets to be shy. And still has such a sweet disposition. He has a few friends - not nearly as many as Melissa. But he doesn't care. He's always had just one or two friends that he can relax with. And so far, that's what he has here as well. I do think he's somewhat worried about starting high school next month. He did take one class at the high school during the fall semester last year, so he's not totally clueless. Also, he was on an indoor soccer team this summer where all the other players were from the high school team. Most of them were very nice with him - even though he was younger - and smaller - than they were. (Of course, it helped that in many games the only goals we scored were the ones that William kicked in!!!) He's also in advance and honor classes and will be on the high school soccer team.
Benjamin. Sweet funny - out right hilarious Ben. He totally gets the social game. And just doesn't care. He has no patience for silly games or pranks. In fact, that's the main reason he choose not to attend church summer camp. He didn't want to have to deal with all the pranks and games the other boys would be playing. He just wanted to stay home and hang out with his family. Mainly, William. He loves that older brother. They are such good friends (for right now, anyway). There are five or six boys his age on our street - and he plays with them some, but just rather be home.
Drew likes his job - I love his job. Why, you ask? Because this job doesn't keep him nearly as busy as his other jobs have. He actually is home for dinner most nights. And can actually take off and really enjoy the day - not just sleep in and still spend the rest of the day working. He is so much more relaxed. I love him being around more.
And then there's me. I think out of all of us, I feel the most unsettled still. At the year mark of any of our moves, I have been settled with good friends, work, Bible study, a place to serve at church.... Here has been different. There are several ladies that I talk to some. Not sure if I would call these relationships as "good friends" yet....strong aquaintances maybe. I think I still feel as the "after thought"...meaning plans are made and late in the game it crosses people's mind to invite me.
I'm slowly finding my place. It's just not where I thought it would be. I really thought I would be more active at the church we go to, but it's just not how it's worked out. Drew and I have felt a lot of closed doors - and not just at our church but at other places as well. But one open door that the kids and I have enjoyed is working at a local soup kitchen. It's hosted by another church, but I feel very comfortable there. And I feel needed - like they really enjoy and apreciate me helping there.
Not sure what I'll do about Bible study this fall. A strong ladies Bibles study has been apart of my life since college. I miss it. I have attended several here - a few at our church and one at another church. None have felt right...yet, anyway. I will be subbing again this fall. That's one place in my life that is settled.
But in the end it's all good. Sometimes the bits and pieces may not be right, but somehow the whole is.
That's the best part. We have been able to spent time with our families - we just got back from a week with Drew's - a few days at a lake house relaxing and a few days in Dallas celebrating the 4th of July as well as attending a niece's baby shower. Wonderful. Just wonderful.
I think over all Melissa has had the roughest ride in getting settled. But at the same time, I think she is the most settled into our new life. Roughest because she was very ill in December and just because she's a girl (and all the drama that being a girl these days bring) and a very social one at that. She actually cares that she has friends - and wants lots of them. It took her a few months, but she has lots of friends at school and is close to two girls in the neighborhood - both of which go to our church and seem to come from stable normal families. Hopefully, the three of them will challenge each other to be better in the years ahead. She is settled at school as well - she is on honor and advance classes and will be running cross country and track.
Then there are the boys. I was most worried about William. He is the quiet shy one. He just doesn't really understand the social games. Small for his age doesn't help. But he is so smart. And can be so funny when he forgets to be shy. And still has such a sweet disposition. He has a few friends - not nearly as many as Melissa. But he doesn't care. He's always had just one or two friends that he can relax with. And so far, that's what he has here as well. I do think he's somewhat worried about starting high school next month. He did take one class at the high school during the fall semester last year, so he's not totally clueless. Also, he was on an indoor soccer team this summer where all the other players were from the high school team. Most of them were very nice with him - even though he was younger - and smaller - than they were. (Of course, it helped that in many games the only goals we scored were the ones that William kicked in!!!) He's also in advance and honor classes and will be on the high school soccer team.
Benjamin. Sweet funny - out right hilarious Ben. He totally gets the social game. And just doesn't care. He has no patience for silly games or pranks. In fact, that's the main reason he choose not to attend church summer camp. He didn't want to have to deal with all the pranks and games the other boys would be playing. He just wanted to stay home and hang out with his family. Mainly, William. He loves that older brother. They are such good friends (for right now, anyway). There are five or six boys his age on our street - and he plays with them some, but just rather be home.
Drew likes his job - I love his job. Why, you ask? Because this job doesn't keep him nearly as busy as his other jobs have. He actually is home for dinner most nights. And can actually take off and really enjoy the day - not just sleep in and still spend the rest of the day working. He is so much more relaxed. I love him being around more.
And then there's me. I think out of all of us, I feel the most unsettled still. At the year mark of any of our moves, I have been settled with good friends, work, Bible study, a place to serve at church.... Here has been different. There are several ladies that I talk to some. Not sure if I would call these relationships as "good friends" yet....strong aquaintances maybe. I think I still feel as the "after thought"...meaning plans are made and late in the game it crosses people's mind to invite me.
I'm slowly finding my place. It's just not where I thought it would be. I really thought I would be more active at the church we go to, but it's just not how it's worked out. Drew and I have felt a lot of closed doors - and not just at our church but at other places as well. But one open door that the kids and I have enjoyed is working at a local soup kitchen. It's hosted by another church, but I feel very comfortable there. And I feel needed - like they really enjoy and apreciate me helping there.
Not sure what I'll do about Bible study this fall. A strong ladies Bibles study has been apart of my life since college. I miss it. I have attended several here - a few at our church and one at another church. None have felt right...yet, anyway. I will be subbing again this fall. That's one place in my life that is settled.
But in the end it's all good. Sometimes the bits and pieces may not be right, but somehow the whole is.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
For Sale
The other day I had Melissa empty her bookcase so I could tighten the screws. It has a lean...which is great if you are in Pisa...not so good if you are a bookcase. After the lean was taken care of, I had Melissa go through her books before she put them back on the shelf. As we separated the books that she wanted to get rid, I told her that we would get give them away or take them to Goodwill. She asked if instead if we could sell them on eBay.
Uh...well....sure.
They boys got into the act as well and cleaned out the big bookshelf upstairs. Then Melissa did a lot of research on eBay to see what was selling and for how much. She really did a good job. Ben took pictures and helped separate the books. Not real sure what William did....other than irritate his siblings....
As all the day went on, one thing was clear: I don't see my three children ever running a business together.
Most of the books are now listed on ebay - hopefully, they will earn some money...as I think they already have some of it spent.
Uh...well....sure.
They boys got into the act as well and cleaned out the big bookshelf upstairs. Then Melissa did a lot of research on eBay to see what was selling and for how much. She really did a good job. Ben took pictures and helped separate the books. Not real sure what William did....other than irritate his siblings....
As all the day went on, one thing was clear: I don't see my three children ever running a business together.
Most of the books are now listed on ebay - hopefully, they will earn some money...as I think they already have some of it spent.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Rain, Rain - Please come again!
We actually got some rain today. So needed! But don't think we got nearly enough. We got more thunder & lightening than rain. But every little bit helps.
I was able to clean out the guest room closet. So many things have been just thrown in there - too many - so many that we couldn't really walk in anymore and get to want we wanted. But no more. I ended up talking five paper grocery bags to the Goodwill - and another one to the trash can. It's all oranganized now. LOVE IT!
Melissa and I also got some shopping in. I needed some comfy shoes I could wear when I work this fall (the plan is to still sub)- and a new outfit for an upcoming baby shower for my niece.
Of course, I found a few other things other than a dress for the shower....
Melissa did picked out an outfit as well for the shower, but none of us (her, me, Drew) are totally sold on it. We'll try the mall later this week.
Still hearing some thunder.....but not seeing any more rain...maybe soon....
I was able to clean out the guest room closet. So many things have been just thrown in there - too many - so many that we couldn't really walk in anymore and get to want we wanted. But no more. I ended up talking five paper grocery bags to the Goodwill - and another one to the trash can. It's all oranganized now. LOVE IT!
Melissa and I also got some shopping in. I needed some comfy shoes I could wear when I work this fall (the plan is to still sub)- and a new outfit for an upcoming baby shower for my niece.
Of course, I found a few other things other than a dress for the shower....
Melissa did picked out an outfit as well for the shower, but none of us (her, me, Drew) are totally sold on it. We'll try the mall later this week.
Still hearing some thunder.....but not seeing any more rain...maybe soon....
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Day in the Life of....
Our day started with Drew and I taking William to the school for soccer conditioning/practice. At six. a.m. As in way too early for a summer day.
But all was not lost. Drew and I usually walk/run in the mornings, so just walked and ran at the high school track. We did our normal two miles. William - and all the other boys - on the other hand kept working. For a total of 95 minutes.
Felt so bad for William! I know he was not thinking the first day of conditioning would be that long. I have a feeling he will be slow moving getting out of bed in the morning.
Our day ended with me taking Melissa and her friend to cross country conditioning/practice. At least her's was at seven p.m. And only lasted twenty minutes. So much better. But the coach had them run barefooted. Not sure what it up with that.
Welcome to high school and middle sports. Hang on tight - it's gonna be a rough ride at times!
But all was not lost. Drew and I usually walk/run in the mornings, so just walked and ran at the high school track. We did our normal two miles. William - and all the other boys - on the other hand kept working. For a total of 95 minutes.
Felt so bad for William! I know he was not thinking the first day of conditioning would be that long. I have a feeling he will be slow moving getting out of bed in the morning.
Our day ended with me taking Melissa and her friend to cross country conditioning/practice. At least her's was at seven p.m. And only lasted twenty minutes. So much better. But the coach had them run barefooted. Not sure what it up with that.
Welcome to high school and middle sports. Hang on tight - it's gonna be a rough ride at times!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Lasts Times
Karen Kingsbury wrote in one of her books about the lasts time. She even wrote about a whole book about it, Let Me Hold You Longer. In it she talks of how we celebrate all the firsts of our children - the first time they roll over, the first time they crawl and walk....the first tooth in and the first tooth lost. But many times we over looks the lasts times....the last time the toddle crawls to the last tooth falling out. One day we turn around realize we can't remember the last time he crawled or the last time the tooth fairy was needed.
I feel that way with VBS. Three summers ago I never dreamed that would be the last time all three kids would be in VBS...but it was. The next summer the chapel in Guam held VBS during July - our travel month. The last summer we moved. VBS schedules just didn't work out. Then this year, Benjamin breaks out with chicken pox and ends up staying home all week.
Not that I really minded missing VBS. As I said the other day, I got a lot done! Big projects done!
But still. A part of me is sad. That part of my children's childhood is over. Bittersweet. They can't grow up without leaving some of the sweet parts of childhood behind. Melissa is already talking about how she wants to be a helper next year.
Hopefully, chicken pox and all other contagious viruses will stay far away.
I feel that way with VBS. Three summers ago I never dreamed that would be the last time all three kids would be in VBS...but it was. The next summer the chapel in Guam held VBS during July - our travel month. The last summer we moved. VBS schedules just didn't work out. Then this year, Benjamin breaks out with chicken pox and ends up staying home all week.
Not that I really minded missing VBS. As I said the other day, I got a lot done! Big projects done!
But still. A part of me is sad. That part of my children's childhood is over. Bittersweet. They can't grow up without leaving some of the sweet parts of childhood behind. Melissa is already talking about how she wants to be a helper next year.
Hopefully, chicken pox and all other contagious viruses will stay far away.
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