Bill has always been very careful about fire prevention and protection. Windows upstairs had a ladder that could be rolled down,for emergencies, and then, of course fire extinguishers....MANY extinguishers...placed in prominent places through out the house...kitchen, hall, bedrooms and our vehicles.
Ryan (our oldest child...now adult) was always very curious....so, he would "tinker" with things........you know where I am going with this, don't you???!!!! When I would put Ryan down for his nap, we would inevitably have adventures!!!
I have always been very determined to make our bedroom a place of beauty and peace (at least in my mind). It has always been a refuge with my big fluffy bed......(which is why I named our bed the word, so I could tell anyone that called too early..."can't talk now! I'm in the word"!!!!
Onto the story.... one day in the land of Lonski, a fun, adventerous boy needed a nap. His mother told him that he could sleep in her big bed....mistake one. It was so nice and quiet after I put him down ....mistake two . After about twenty minutes I decided to peek on my little angel, so I crept up the stairs and EEEEEEKKKKKK! My wonderful refuge and son were covered in a puke green foam! It was EVERYWHERE! He had the fire extinguisher right by him and it had a little hose on it that could spray quite a distance......green was (and still is) Ryan's favorite color. He looked at me and said "look, I made your room prettier". His answer probably saved his life!!! His mind was so quick that he was always one up on me.....
It took a long time to clean my pretty green room and Ryan did get a solid reprimand, but he kept experimenting.....I couldn't even begin to tell you how to make those things spray..I guess it's like all the technology these days though...just ask a child and they know how to work anything!!
As time went on, we have had our vehicle explode in foam...thank-you again, Ryan, and it has snowed on all the children in July (at least that one was outside)!
Our escape ladder was used for just that...so I ended up getting rid of our safety device.. for safety reasons!!!!
One time Bill was able to put out a fire on a vehicle that had pulled over in front of us, but that has been the extent of " real "use of fire extinguishers.
I have not had the need to put out real fires...when I cook, there may be alot of smoke and an alarm,but the fires I tend to put out you can't see with your eyes...they are the fires of sibling rivalry or other relational squabbles. For these "fires" it takes the word of God to extinguish the flaming arrows!!! EPH.6
We still have extinguishers around home and vehicles, but lately they are an item that needs dusting. THANK GOD!!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Christmas shopping with the children
The Christmas bustle has begun in Brookfield...the town that my family and I live in! The streets are filled with cars, and people seem to be in such a hurry!
This brings me back to when we were younger and went Christmas shopping with the children.We took the thirteen children (number fourteen was still a gleam in their daddy's eye) and off we went! We always took roll call, so we wouldn't leave anyone behind (and sometimes it even worked.....that is, when another child wouldn't answer for someone else's name)!
We started out at a toy store called Geppeto's workshop....(wish it was still around) and everyone was excited,and hard to keep tabs of! We made a couple purchases and it was on to the next store. We piled into Vanna White (our big extended van) and were on our way. I took roll call and when we got to three year old Sarah there was a response....not the one I expected!" SHE'S NOT HERE!!!!!!"
Panic, fear, dread ...the what-a-bouts and what ifs flooded Bill and I!
Sarah was the cutest little girl...white-blond hair with big blue saucer eyes and a smile that would take your breath away!!!
What if someone would take her??? What if someone called social services and said we were bad parents...what if..........by this time we were back at the store and I ran in like a crazy lady! I ran around the store and found Sarah right away! She wasn't crying or scared like I was afraid of...in fact she didn't even know we had been gone! She was in the exact same position staring at all the baby dolls and dreaming of them being hers!!! She just looked at me when I called her name and told me how much she loved all the dolls! I hugged her and told her I know how she feels, because I have five living dolls that I love!!!!!! She really didn't get it then, but that's okay!
Wish I could say that was the last one that got left...a few more took their turns, too....all with different scenarios..david, matthew, daniel, elisabeth, amy wow!!!!!!
The solution????? ONLY the name being called could respond and it had to be a loud HERE!!! And for added protection we would count them....but, then comes the story problems...like ryan and david went with Dad, Christa went to a friends, and so did daniel, so.... how many am I suppossed to have?????ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! As Gilda Radner said "It's always something"!!!!
"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me" (along with Bill,Ryan, Josh, David, Christa, Justin, Matthew, Josiah, Daniel, Bethany, William, Sarah, Amy, Elisabeth, Nathan and of course YOU!!!!)
This brings me back to when we were younger and went Christmas shopping with the children.We took the thirteen children (number fourteen was still a gleam in their daddy's eye) and off we went! We always took roll call, so we wouldn't leave anyone behind (and sometimes it even worked.....that is, when another child wouldn't answer for someone else's name)!
We started out at a toy store called Geppeto's workshop....(wish it was still around) and everyone was excited,and hard to keep tabs of! We made a couple purchases and it was on to the next store. We piled into Vanna White (our big extended van) and were on our way. I took roll call and when we got to three year old Sarah there was a response....not the one I expected!" SHE'S NOT HERE!!!!!!"
Panic, fear, dread ...the what-a-bouts and what ifs flooded Bill and I!
Sarah was the cutest little girl...white-blond hair with big blue saucer eyes and a smile that would take your breath away!!!
What if someone would take her??? What if someone called social services and said we were bad parents...what if..........by this time we were back at the store and I ran in like a crazy lady! I ran around the store and found Sarah right away! She wasn't crying or scared like I was afraid of...in fact she didn't even know we had been gone! She was in the exact same position staring at all the baby dolls and dreaming of them being hers!!! She just looked at me when I called her name and told me how much she loved all the dolls! I hugged her and told her I know how she feels, because I have five living dolls that I love!!!!!! She really didn't get it then, but that's okay!
Wish I could say that was the last one that got left...a few more took their turns, too....all with different scenarios..david, matthew, daniel, elisabeth, amy wow!!!!!!
The solution????? ONLY the name being called could respond and it had to be a loud HERE!!! And for added protection we would count them....but, then comes the story problems...like ryan and david went with Dad, Christa went to a friends, and so did daniel, so.... how many am I suppossed to have?????ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! As Gilda Radner said "It's always something"!!!!
"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me" (along with Bill,Ryan, Josh, David, Christa, Justin, Matthew, Josiah, Daniel, Bethany, William, Sarah, Amy, Elisabeth, Nathan and of course YOU!!!!)
Friday, September 23, 2011
sometimes it's good to be a "bigmouth"
Last weekend, two friends and I went to St. Louis for a Joyce Meyer conference. A very needed get-a-way for one of my all time favorite Christian speakers!!!!
When we got there the first afternoon, we thought we were extremely fortunate!! We found a good parking spot for free.....that should have been a clue...........we got out of the conference at night and we realized we weren't in the best of neighborhoods......housing projects, homeless people carrying signs to give them money and there weren't alot of street lights.
We found the car and made it back to our hotel and went back again for day two of the conference.
We actually parked in an even worse area (because it was free).....this time in the middle of the housing project. I thought it was okay, because it was light out, but the conference didn't end until nine at night!
We had gotten to know the security guard there and he noticed that we didn't get on the shuttle(our hotel didn't offer one). We said goodbye to him and he stopped us as we were leaving and told us to be real careful out there!
We started to head for the car, and decided to pray for angelic protection. All of us felt a little uneasy as we headed to where the car was parked. Val got the car keys out early and told us to be ready to get out of there fast!! Ahead of us on the sidewalk we saw two large black women. We saw that they too had been at the conference and were wearing cute hoodie jackets with the conference logo. I yelled to them, but they kept walking, so we caught up to them and were talking fashion when what happened next I still am having trouble comprehending!!!
The two girls that were ahead of us had been holding hands really tight with each other (I think they were praying). After we had talked, they said, "get your keys ready", and about four girls across the street started to yell and a white car with the windows all open (cold night) skreeched it's tires and stopped and blocked the road......and about five big guys were headed down the block right for us!!!
WOW!!!!!! The girls blocked us unknowingly, with their bodies, and got into their van(which wasn't blocked in). I think the guys in the car thought we all got in, so they took off real fast! Our car was just about twenty feet away, and the big guys were still walking quickly towards us! I told the girl's I was with that the yelling girls were a diversion and to run!
It must have looked pretty funny, because I was on crutches and had been having a hard time getting around! I picked up those crutches and RAN!!!!
We got to the car and Nancy had driven to the conference, so Val told Nancy she'd have to drive away....quick!!!! The seat was almost to the steering wheel as Nancy is four feet ten inches so we poured ourselves into the car and peeled out!!!!
We were all shaking because we know that they had evil intent!!!!
Later we found out that East ST.Louis has one of the highest violent crime rates in the Nation!!!!
It's no wonder we found such good parking spaces....and there we were in Missouri with our Wisconsin liscense plates....DUH!!!?????!!!!
Thank you Lord , for prompting the security guard to warn us of danger...and thank you Lord for my big mouth to get those girls (angels??) to be with us for those seconds with us!!!!!!Thank you that you hear us , and answer when we call!!!
Ps. 34:7
"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and each of them He delivers"
After we put the pieces together, each of us focused on different things! Nancy and Val were very aware of the white car with open windows (they were thinking guns) and Val wanted to help the girls that were screaming across the street while I was watching those big guys coming at us. How's that for the body to be working together?????
Then, when we thought about it, we were obviously not from the area (the color of our skin) and the WI. plates on the car!!!!!
We were pretty shaken , but are even more grateful at being so aware of God's hand in keeping us safe!!!!!!
Meet me in St. Louis????? Not for awhile!!!!
When we got there the first afternoon, we thought we were extremely fortunate!! We found a good parking spot for free.....that should have been a clue...........we got out of the conference at night and we realized we weren't in the best of neighborhoods......housing projects, homeless people carrying signs to give them money and there weren't alot of street lights.
We found the car and made it back to our hotel and went back again for day two of the conference.
We actually parked in an even worse area (because it was free).....this time in the middle of the housing project. I thought it was okay, because it was light out, but the conference didn't end until nine at night!
We had gotten to know the security guard there and he noticed that we didn't get on the shuttle(our hotel didn't offer one). We said goodbye to him and he stopped us as we were leaving and told us to be real careful out there!
We started to head for the car, and decided to pray for angelic protection. All of us felt a little uneasy as we headed to where the car was parked. Val got the car keys out early and told us to be ready to get out of there fast!! Ahead of us on the sidewalk we saw two large black women. We saw that they too had been at the conference and were wearing cute hoodie jackets with the conference logo. I yelled to them, but they kept walking, so we caught up to them and were talking fashion when what happened next I still am having trouble comprehending!!!
The two girls that were ahead of us had been holding hands really tight with each other (I think they were praying). After we had talked, they said, "get your keys ready", and about four girls across the street started to yell and a white car with the windows all open (cold night) skreeched it's tires and stopped and blocked the road......and about five big guys were headed down the block right for us!!!
WOW!!!!!! The girls blocked us unknowingly, with their bodies, and got into their van(which wasn't blocked in). I think the guys in the car thought we all got in, so they took off real fast! Our car was just about twenty feet away, and the big guys were still walking quickly towards us! I told the girl's I was with that the yelling girls were a diversion and to run!
It must have looked pretty funny, because I was on crutches and had been having a hard time getting around! I picked up those crutches and RAN!!!!
We got to the car and Nancy had driven to the conference, so Val told Nancy she'd have to drive away....quick!!!! The seat was almost to the steering wheel as Nancy is four feet ten inches so we poured ourselves into the car and peeled out!!!!
We were all shaking because we know that they had evil intent!!!!
Later we found out that East ST.Louis has one of the highest violent crime rates in the Nation!!!!
It's no wonder we found such good parking spaces....and there we were in Missouri with our Wisconsin liscense plates....DUH!!!?????!!!!
Thank you Lord , for prompting the security guard to warn us of danger...and thank you Lord for my big mouth to get those girls (angels??) to be with us for those seconds with us!!!!!!Thank you that you hear us , and answer when we call!!!
Ps. 34:7
"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and each of them He delivers"
After we put the pieces together, each of us focused on different things! Nancy and Val were very aware of the white car with open windows (they were thinking guns) and Val wanted to help the girls that were screaming across the street while I was watching those big guys coming at us. How's that for the body to be working together?????
Then, when we thought about it, we were obviously not from the area (the color of our skin) and the WI. plates on the car!!!!!
We were pretty shaken , but are even more grateful at being so aware of God's hand in keeping us safe!!!!!!
Meet me in St. Louis????? Not for awhile!!!!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Over Memorial Day weekend, my Mom's grand nephew was getting married. Bill and I, plus three of the youngest children and my Mom, headed up to Green Bay for the wedding.
For once, I planned ahead... I went on Priceline and got two rooms.....(one with handicap access as my Mom is ninety two and not mobile).
I was excited, because I planned out the timing, got nice rooms, there was a pool AND a fireplace!!!! It sounded too good to be true.......and we found out when we got there IT WAS!!
We got to the hotel with plenty of time to change before the wedding and get situated.
When Bill and I went to check in the person behind the desk said she never got the room confirmations, and made me feel like I had done something wrong...I got on their computer and showed her our confirmations...This took us over a half hour of dickering with her. She finally found us two rooms, but we didn't even have time to change because the wedding was about to start!
We set the gps and went to the wedding. It was in a lovely park and we got there right after she walked down the aisle. Since it was outside we just went to the back. The ceremony was the strangest one I have ever been to....can't say too much as they are my relatives! There was a female pastor and her "friend" that sang and read a poem about life and that sometimes it's hard and we have to use our paddles to go upstream ....then it went to how sometimes it's easy but we still need our paddles...she ended this poem with "GOOD LUCK" and handed this couple two paddles!
I guess I didn't realize how much I appreciate the marriage covenant with: for better or worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health till death us do part!
It was great to see my little old Aunties, and visit for awhile!
I thought before the reception, that the kids could have a swim and we could relax by the fireplace.....Welllll, the pool was outside (figures..should have double checked, but I thought for sure that in Wi. it would be indoor) and it was chilly, so plan B. a movie and a fire (with the flat screen t.v. they advertised).The t.v. was an old one and hardly got any channels....onto the fire. I went to flick the switch and found out it was a wood burning fireplace which was too close to the fold-out couch to have a fire! Arghhhhh!!!!! We could've bought wood for the fire from the hotel, but at this point I was a little (lot) irritated!!!
Good thing it was time to go to the reception. I was feeling bad because on the card I filled out that there would be seven of us and only six of us were there. When we got there I peeked in and it looked like there were no extra seats. I found our name cards, but there were only two!! That was the corker!!!! It was hard to bring Grandma in the wheel chair, we were tired and I was stressed! It was a good thing we had visited a little with the relatives because I told Bill "let's get out of here and go to Pizza Hut"!!! He agreed, and we had a wonderful evening with Grandma and the kids!
The next morning it was beautiful so we asked if they would please open the pool and after checking out chemicals they did! The kids swam for a couple hours, and then we went to Bay Beach!
Did the week-end turn out like I planned??? Not a chance! The lesson I believe I am suppossed to be learning is to enjoy the journey...not when we have it all together, or have enough time , or money or am the right weight etc. EMBRACE THE NOW!!!! If we wait for perfection I think we could be waiting forever!!!!!!
We had a blast after I let go of my expectations and started to enjoy my people!
Psalm 118:24 says it best
"This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it"!!!!!!!
How come children and older people get it????? HELP!!!!
For once, I planned ahead... I went on Priceline and got two rooms.....(one with handicap access as my Mom is ninety two and not mobile).
I was excited, because I planned out the timing, got nice rooms, there was a pool AND a fireplace!!!! It sounded too good to be true.......and we found out when we got there IT WAS!!
We got to the hotel with plenty of time to change before the wedding and get situated.
When Bill and I went to check in the person behind the desk said she never got the room confirmations, and made me feel like I had done something wrong...I got on their computer and showed her our confirmations...This took us over a half hour of dickering with her. She finally found us two rooms, but we didn't even have time to change because the wedding was about to start!
We set the gps and went to the wedding. It was in a lovely park and we got there right after she walked down the aisle. Since it was outside we just went to the back. The ceremony was the strangest one I have ever been to....can't say too much as they are my relatives! There was a female pastor and her "friend" that sang and read a poem about life and that sometimes it's hard and we have to use our paddles to go upstream ....then it went to how sometimes it's easy but we still need our paddles...she ended this poem with "GOOD LUCK" and handed this couple two paddles!
I guess I didn't realize how much I appreciate the marriage covenant with: for better or worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health till death us do part!
It was great to see my little old Aunties, and visit for awhile!
I thought before the reception, that the kids could have a swim and we could relax by the fireplace.....Welllll, the pool was outside (figures..should have double checked, but I thought for sure that in Wi. it would be indoor) and it was chilly, so plan B. a movie and a fire (with the flat screen t.v. they advertised).The t.v. was an old one and hardly got any channels....onto the fire. I went to flick the switch and found out it was a wood burning fireplace which was too close to the fold-out couch to have a fire! Arghhhhh!!!!! We could've bought wood for the fire from the hotel, but at this point I was a little (lot) irritated!!!
Good thing it was time to go to the reception. I was feeling bad because on the card I filled out that there would be seven of us and only six of us were there. When we got there I peeked in and it looked like there were no extra seats. I found our name cards, but there were only two!! That was the corker!!!! It was hard to bring Grandma in the wheel chair, we were tired and I was stressed! It was a good thing we had visited a little with the relatives because I told Bill "let's get out of here and go to Pizza Hut"!!! He agreed, and we had a wonderful evening with Grandma and the kids!
The next morning it was beautiful so we asked if they would please open the pool and after checking out chemicals they did! The kids swam for a couple hours, and then we went to Bay Beach!
Did the week-end turn out like I planned??? Not a chance! The lesson I believe I am suppossed to be learning is to enjoy the journey...not when we have it all together, or have enough time , or money or am the right weight etc. EMBRACE THE NOW!!!! If we wait for perfection I think we could be waiting forever!!!!!!
We had a blast after I let go of my expectations and started to enjoy my people!
Psalm 118:24 says it best
"This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it"!!!!!!!
How come children and older people get it????? HELP!!!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
uni-brow!!!
My children are extremely creative.....I don't know how they even come up with some of their ideas!!
One night a couple of years ago, Ryan (the oldest) invited a bunch of the brothers to his apartment to watch a game, eat and drink.........and wrestle with each other!
Well, apparently Matthew fell asleep first (very dangerous)....so, Ryan and the boys had a little fun with him, and he didn't even know it! (At least for awhile)!!
The next morning the boys came home, but before they did the other guys asked Matthew to run into McDonalds to get them some breakfast. When Matthew got out he was a little puzzled because some people were snickering. He didn't think it was him they were laughing at tho'.. that is until he got home. When Matthew walked in the door, everyone cracked up and he was clueless, until I told him to look in the mirror. It was hysterical!!!! The boys had taken permanent marker (of course black and he is VERY blond) and made a uni-brow on him, a curly mustache, and a goatee!! We all thought it was hilarious,( I know...we're mean)... but Matthew took it in stride!
So, the warning is......make sure all markers are locked up around the kids!! They are SO artistic and creative!!! Prov.17:17 "A brother is born for adversity". Too true!!! But they would also be the first to defend each other if someone else said, or did something against one of them!!! Families are funny, and they are forever!!!!!!!!
One night a couple of years ago, Ryan (the oldest) invited a bunch of the brothers to his apartment to watch a game, eat and drink.........and wrestle with each other!
Well, apparently Matthew fell asleep first (very dangerous)....so, Ryan and the boys had a little fun with him, and he didn't even know it! (At least for awhile)!!
The next morning the boys came home, but before they did the other guys asked Matthew to run into McDonalds to get them some breakfast. When Matthew got out he was a little puzzled because some people were snickering. He didn't think it was him they were laughing at tho'.. that is until he got home. When Matthew walked in the door, everyone cracked up and he was clueless, until I told him to look in the mirror. It was hysterical!!!! The boys had taken permanent marker (of course black and he is VERY blond) and made a uni-brow on him, a curly mustache, and a goatee!! We all thought it was hilarious,( I know...we're mean)... but Matthew took it in stride!
So, the warning is......make sure all markers are locked up around the kids!! They are SO artistic and creative!!! Prov.17:17 "A brother is born for adversity". Too true!!! But they would also be the first to defend each other if someone else said, or did something against one of them!!! Families are funny, and they are forever!!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
He did it again!!!!
Last summer, my husband Bill surprised me... I stopped at his body shop and there was my convertible out front. WITH A FOR SALE sign on it! I was a little (LOT) upset, but he just smiled and said we needed the money ....oh, and someday he would get me a BMW convertible cuz he liked the look of them! HUMPF!!
Well, he sold the car and that was that!!! I had been re-gifted that car three times (cuz the boys kept crackin' it up )so I wondered what he would do for a gift the next Spring!!!
Well, that man is just amazing....always full of surprises!
I often tell him that I can't wait to not have to drive a van anymore. I am down-sizing....I used to drive Vanna White (a big old white extended van...with flames on the sides)....everyone knew when I was coming!!! Then I got a mini-van. Do I need to say anything? Lots of people have words about mini-van Moms!!!
On valentines day this year Bill got me a nice card and something thin and hard wrapped up. It was a liscence plate that said NO VAN 4 ME...on the other side of my card was a picture....of a sweet little BMW convertible! Sporty, cute and for me!!! It's an older one (95), but it looks great! Just goes to show about vision, hopes and dreams!!!! And most of all... the power of words!
A lady traded Bill the car for one he had and some body work!!!!
Psalm 37:4 says " take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires"
Bill does delight the Lord and I am reaping the benefits (and fun) of his words, faith and heart! Thank-you, Bill! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
This past Mother's day I got flowers......... I wasn't dissapointed, loved them!!!
I don't believe I will be loaning the car to the boys.....I'm going to be driving around , playing and singing to Boston, Lincoln Brewster and Louie Armstrong very loud!!!!!Wanna come????
Well, he sold the car and that was that!!! I had been re-gifted that car three times (cuz the boys kept crackin' it up )so I wondered what he would do for a gift the next Spring!!!
Well, that man is just amazing....always full of surprises!
I often tell him that I can't wait to not have to drive a van anymore. I am down-sizing....I used to drive Vanna White (a big old white extended van...with flames on the sides)....everyone knew when I was coming!!! Then I got a mini-van. Do I need to say anything? Lots of people have words about mini-van Moms!!!
On valentines day this year Bill got me a nice card and something thin and hard wrapped up. It was a liscence plate that said NO VAN 4 ME...on the other side of my card was a picture....of a sweet little BMW convertible! Sporty, cute and for me!!! It's an older one (95), but it looks great! Just goes to show about vision, hopes and dreams!!!! And most of all... the power of words!
A lady traded Bill the car for one he had and some body work!!!!
Psalm 37:4 says " take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires"
Bill does delight the Lord and I am reaping the benefits (and fun) of his words, faith and heart! Thank-you, Bill! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
This past Mother's day I got flowers......... I wasn't dissapointed, loved them!!!
I don't believe I will be loaning the car to the boys.....I'm going to be driving around , playing and singing to Boston, Lincoln Brewster and Louie Armstrong very loud!!!!!Wanna come????
The Doctor visit
When Nathan was due for a physical a few years ago, I took him in and told him to make sure he had clean underwear on...(isn't that what your mother used to tell you)?
It looked like everything was going well...height, ears, eyes, weight... Everything was checking out great! Then Dr. Z asked Nathan to raise his shirt up so she could listen to his heart and lungs. She took one look at him and threw up her arms and started to laugh uncontrollably! I had been reading a magazine, so wasn't paying attention until this point. When I looked, I understood! Someone (BETHANY) had drawn a six pack on Nathan's abs in permanent marker!!! He was only four years old so it looked hysterical!
The Dr. just said to Nathan..."boy I knew you were strong, but this is amazing!!!"
The Dr. was great, and just said to him "I suppose this kind of thing happens all the time to you" and Nathan just looked at her like she was the strange one!
I guess that's what happens when you're the youngest of fourteen!
The Doctor just said "you must have a lot of fun with each other". WE DO!!!!
"Laughter lightens the load" Patsy Clairmont
It looked like everything was going well...height, ears, eyes, weight... Everything was checking out great! Then Dr. Z asked Nathan to raise his shirt up so she could listen to his heart and lungs. She took one look at him and threw up her arms and started to laugh uncontrollably! I had been reading a magazine, so wasn't paying attention until this point. When I looked, I understood! Someone (BETHANY) had drawn a six pack on Nathan's abs in permanent marker!!! He was only four years old so it looked hysterical!
The Dr. just said to Nathan..."boy I knew you were strong, but this is amazing!!!"
The Dr. was great, and just said to him "I suppose this kind of thing happens all the time to you" and Nathan just looked at her like she was the strange one!
I guess that's what happens when you're the youngest of fourteen!
The Doctor just said "you must have a lot of fun with each other". WE DO!!!!
"Laughter lightens the load" Patsy Clairmont
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
"I'm going to KILL you"
Once when we were up North, Bethany and Rachel(cousins that look like twins and are great friends....most of the time) decided to go for a swim....the target was a little island. The problem was it was later in the day, and the island was a mile away!!!
Well, the girl's started out (and yes, they did have life-preservers on)on their journey. It started out well, but I was a little uneasy because I knew the island looked closer than it was, and I didn't want the girl's swimming at dusk and having a speed boat run them over (see how a mother's mind works????)
Wellllll.... the girl's finally arrived at the island. I could hear Rachel yelling at Bethany about how much she hated her and how she was going to kill her for making her swim!
I just wanted them to start coming back, but rachel got a little sick... after she was done puking, they eventually jumped back in the water, and started swimming to the beach where we were all waiting. The girl's finally made it back to land and all the way Rachel was saying how much she hated her and would kill her! I would say it was a good thing they were so exhausted when they got back, otherwise it wouldn't have been pretty!
After they got their second wind back they were once again best friends...and they managed to stay up for cards AND a bonfire!!!
James 1:3-4 " whenever trials come your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
Good job, girls!!!! You did it!!!!!
will you do it again????
Well, the girl's started out (and yes, they did have life-preservers on)on their journey. It started out well, but I was a little uneasy because I knew the island looked closer than it was, and I didn't want the girl's swimming at dusk and having a speed boat run them over (see how a mother's mind works????)
Wellllll.... the girl's finally arrived at the island. I could hear Rachel yelling at Bethany about how much she hated her and how she was going to kill her for making her swim!
I just wanted them to start coming back, but rachel got a little sick... after she was done puking, they eventually jumped back in the water, and started swimming to the beach where we were all waiting. The girl's finally made it back to land and all the way Rachel was saying how much she hated her and would kill her! I would say it was a good thing they were so exhausted when they got back, otherwise it wouldn't have been pretty!
After they got their second wind back they were once again best friends...and they managed to stay up for cards AND a bonfire!!!
James 1:3-4 " whenever trials come your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
Good job, girls!!!! You did it!!!!!
will you do it again????
Bethany's "You Bettarrrr"
A couple years ago we went up North to visit relatives. We had two hotel rooms full of girl's... eleven of us, including Grandma, my sister and I...the rest teens!!!!
When we were going out to eat, the girl's opened the door for an older couple. They were holding hands and it was so cute!! The girl's asked them some questions when they sat down on a bench and they mentioned that it was their 50th wedding anniversary. Bethany said "Oh, in that case we'll sing an anniversary song for you". Everyone expected a "Happy Anniversary" song, but this is Bethany (who thinks outside the box)..... Bethany started to blast out "You Better" by The Who. One of the lines is "when you say you love me , I say you BETTER. When you say you need me, I say you BETTER and it goes on with you better, you better you bet".I wish I could have bottled the look on this couple's faces!!! First, I wonder if they have ever been seranaded by anyone and second with a song that they have never heard before, by a group they never knew about. It was precious!!! They were so gracious, and they loved it! What a memory for ALL of us!!! Love, Love Love these girl's with their freedom and joy and how they blessed this couple!!! At least I hope so!!It was sure fun for us!!!
" THE JOY OF THE LORD, IS OUR STRENGTH" Neh. 8:10
When we were going out to eat, the girl's opened the door for an older couple. They were holding hands and it was so cute!! The girl's asked them some questions when they sat down on a bench and they mentioned that it was their 50th wedding anniversary. Bethany said "Oh, in that case we'll sing an anniversary song for you". Everyone expected a "Happy Anniversary" song, but this is Bethany (who thinks outside the box)..... Bethany started to blast out "You Better" by The Who. One of the lines is "when you say you love me , I say you BETTER. When you say you need me, I say you BETTER and it goes on with you better, you better you bet".I wish I could have bottled the look on this couple's faces!!! First, I wonder if they have ever been seranaded by anyone and second with a song that they have never heard before, by a group they never knew about. It was precious!!! They were so gracious, and they loved it! What a memory for ALL of us!!! Love, Love Love these girl's with their freedom and joy and how they blessed this couple!!! At least I hope so!!It was sure fun for us!!!
" THE JOY OF THE LORD, IS OUR STRENGTH" Neh. 8:10
Thursday, April 14, 2011
More Sarah stories
Sarah made another driver's test appt. one week after her first test. We got to the DMV early and everything was going smoothly until we got to the receptionist. Sarah explained that she had a driver test at 10:20 and the woman behind the desk said, "the only test I have for that time is for a Daniel" She told us to sit down and she would look it up online. She came to us about 10 min. later and threw some paper's at Sarah and smugly said..."you made an appt. for MAY 11, not MARCH11!!!"
Quick as a whip Sarah responded "well can you schedule me in today" I sure had to give her credit for quick thinking!!! The woman said that "Daniel never showed up for his roadtest, so I guess I can take you"!!! That was the bad news.... Sarah had the crabby lady for her road test...good news. ....SHE PASSED!!!!!! Oh, happy day!!!!!! Now, we have fights over who gets the car!!! OH, BLONDSKI!!!
Quick as a whip Sarah responded "well can you schedule me in today" I sure had to give her credit for quick thinking!!! The woman said that "Daniel never showed up for his roadtest, so I guess I can take you"!!! That was the bad news.... Sarah had the crabby lady for her road test...good news. ....SHE PASSED!!!!!! Oh, happy day!!!!!! Now, we have fights over who gets the car!!! OH, BLONDSKI!!!
Sarah stories
Sarah was so excited to be going for her driving test!!!! She was quite prepared and felt pretty confidednt....surprisingly, so was I!! We checked in and off Sarah went. When she was about to pull out of her parking space I noticed the car that was parked next to ours had pulled in diagonally. Well, Sarah got out of the parking space, came back and she and I were taken to the little booth to evaluate Sarah's driving. The instuctor started out by saying "well, you did really well driving, but I'm going to have to flunk you! I was afraid you'd hit the car next to you, so I gave you a verbal reprimand and any time an instuctor has to to this, it's an automatic flunk". Both Sarah and I were astonished!!! Sarah just looked at me with her big blue eyes and said "I'm going to cry" and the tears spilled out!!!!
I felt so bad for her that I treated her to a frappichino!!! That did the trick!
The funny part was that she flunked while still in her parking spot!
I felt so bad for her that I treated her to a frappichino!!! That did the trick!
The funny part was that she flunked while still in her parking spot!
Sarah Stories!!!a.k.a. Blondski
Sarah is a lovely (as are all 5 of my daughters), bubbly young lady of sixteen DRAMATIC years!
Recently, when she was out with her friends, they went to Burger King. When it was her turn to give her order,she said "you have whoppers here, right"? "I'll have a small chocolate one! She couldn't understand why everyone was laughing so hard....until the guy taking the order laughed and said to her "would you like some chocolate fries to go with the whopper????
OH, BLONDSKI!!!!
In all fairness tho', after I thought about this, I actually understood her reasoning(scary, huh)??? She was thinking about the WHOPPER MALTED MILK BALLS! (at least I hope so). What a girl!!!! Gotta love her!
Recently, when she was out with her friends, they went to Burger King. When it was her turn to give her order,she said "you have whoppers here, right"? "I'll have a small chocolate one! She couldn't understand why everyone was laughing so hard....until the guy taking the order laughed and said to her "would you like some chocolate fries to go with the whopper????
OH, BLONDSKI!!!!
In all fairness tho', after I thought about this, I actually understood her reasoning(scary, huh)??? She was thinking about the WHOPPER MALTED MILK BALLS! (at least I hope so). What a girl!!!! Gotta love her!
Monday, January 10, 2011
"And the gift goes on and on and on"
When Bill and I were dating he had a 64 Chevelle convertible. It was so sweet! We would drive around with his big shepherd-wolf dog and play Boston as loud as we could....good times!
After we got married and started having children, both of us had to give up "things"..I sold off some cherished antiques and then Bill had to sell his wonderful car. The things we do for our children, and they don't even know!!
Many years later , on Mother's day, Bill called me to help unload groceries. I was SO angry at the children that they wouldn't do it so I went huffing out to the driveway.....with the kids following me (I figured that they felt a little guilty and were reconsidering helping bring in the groceries). When I got to the driveway I saw a cute little red convertible and Boston was playing really loud! Bill said to me," hop into your car, honey!" I, (for once) was speechless! The kids had helped him to fix the car (it was a wreck) and Bill custom painted it a beautiful candy apple tangerine and red. Then Justin painted flames on it! WOW!!!
The biggest thing for me was that I was back in the moment. Time ceased. As we were in that car I had just stepped back in time twenty eight years....all the worries and stress of life (with teens) just dissapeared! It was so special...I thought it was so romantic of Bill to bring back our beginning and to make it a family project!!!
I told Bill, " I don't care if you even sell the car, because no one could take that moment from me"!!!!!
We have had alot of fun with it and it's been a blessing again and again..I got the same car as my present for Mother's day the next year (because one of the boys banged it up.. the next year the same thing... another boy, another accident...another Mother's day gift! Each year I get another custom paint job because of all the accidents. Is this what they mean when it's said it's a gift that keeps on giving????
This Mother's day I don't know what to expect. So far, my convertible is still in one piece... but how do you top a gift like a precious memory, with a whole lot of love packed in?????
After we got married and started having children, both of us had to give up "things"..I sold off some cherished antiques and then Bill had to sell his wonderful car. The things we do for our children, and they don't even know!!
Many years later , on Mother's day, Bill called me to help unload groceries. I was SO angry at the children that they wouldn't do it so I went huffing out to the driveway.....with the kids following me (I figured that they felt a little guilty and were reconsidering helping bring in the groceries). When I got to the driveway I saw a cute little red convertible and Boston was playing really loud! Bill said to me," hop into your car, honey!" I, (for once) was speechless! The kids had helped him to fix the car (it was a wreck) and Bill custom painted it a beautiful candy apple tangerine and red. Then Justin painted flames on it! WOW!!!
The biggest thing for me was that I was back in the moment. Time ceased. As we were in that car I had just stepped back in time twenty eight years....all the worries and stress of life (with teens) just dissapeared! It was so special...I thought it was so romantic of Bill to bring back our beginning and to make it a family project!!!
I told Bill, " I don't care if you even sell the car, because no one could take that moment from me"!!!!!
We have had alot of fun with it and it's been a blessing again and again..I got the same car as my present for Mother's day the next year (because one of the boys banged it up.. the next year the same thing... another boy, another accident...another Mother's day gift! Each year I get another custom paint job because of all the accidents. Is this what they mean when it's said it's a gift that keeps on giving????
This Mother's day I don't know what to expect. So far, my convertible is still in one piece... but how do you top a gift like a precious memory, with a whole lot of love packed in?????
Thursday, January 6, 2011
"Rock on"
When I was younger, I thought that I would be a rock star (along with working in the peace corps after I was Miss America).........hmmmmmmmmmmm a little idealistic???
My dreams for singing in a rock band were dashed, because I can't sing in tune..in fact when my husband and children play guitars and sing and I join in, Bill has had the nerve to suggest that I lip sync (which makes me sing louder)! The NERVE!!!And there was an issue of my body (uh-hum) and talent with Miss America......anyway,back to the subject.
I have always had a facination with rocks, though, and at one time I heard a message that fit my love of rocks! I heard that when Jesus was put in the tomb, the rock that was rolled in front of it was immovable...it was also guarded by Roman Centurians to make sure NO ONE could come and take Jesus's body (because He claimed that in three days He would rise again). Well, day three came and there He wasn't. Jesus was gone!!! The women that tried to tend to Jesus discovered that the stone was rolled away and an angel was sitting on the rock and said to the women.."why are you looking for the living among the dead"??"Jesus is risen, just as He said". The teaching went on and said what immovable rock is in your life? Is it fear, anger, poverty,a health issue???? Jesus moved the big stone and He will also move our stones that seem immovable!
I began collecting rocks. I would take the kids up North and go to Lake Superior and search for the "perfect" rocks. I prefer ones that I can easily carry. I also like ones that are smooth (even though they are so hard they almost feel like velvet). Generally, I search for heart shaped rocks or rocks with a cross in them. Every time we go to Lake Superior, I bring a ton of rocks home, and hand them out to people that have big immovable "rocks" in their life. After I give them a rock, I tell them how Jesus STILL moves the rock away, and does what we can't do!
At church one day, I was the "prayer leader" for a women's event...as I was going to church I grabbed two rocks to bring with me..wasn't sure why. I had them on my open Bible and there they sat. I was praying for the event with a couple of other women, and was preparing to leave the prayer room, when, the emcee for the event rushed into the room, sat down and said she needed prayer.She was very upset and said she didn't think she would be able to get through this event because her heart was so heavy. Elizabeth didn't go into any details just said she would be walking with a friend through a terrible tragedy.
We prayed together, and one prayer was that God would give her strength to do what she couldn't do on her own and that He would surprise her with hilarious joy! I then handed her a rock and explained about the immovable "rocks" in our life. She was very appreciative and as she was walking out the door she said that she would be giving her rock to her friend the next day. I just laughed and said to Elizabeth,"that's why I brought two"!!! I gave her the other rock I had and she went off to the event!
As Elizabeth was speaking she made a mistake with words that cracked her and EVERYONE in the santuary up. It really set the tone for the program and everyone was joyful!!!
It doesn't stop here though.....years later I found out that the woman Elizabeth gave the other rock to had just lost her son tragically in the Taylor University van
accident. She stood next to her heartbroken friend at the funeral,and held onto the stone that I gave her and her friend had hers in her hand. She now keeps it in her living room on a little table to continually remind her that "He still moves stones"...even when it's not the outcome that anyone would fathom....His grace is sufficient!
If you need a stone grab one for you and a bunch for anyone that comes along your path and needs a reminder that God is there....and He does what we can't do! There's nothing magic about it...it's just good to grab one and feel the rock and remind ourselves of God's love!!!
It may sound silly to you, but I have gotten comfort from these rocks and I bet you will, too!
ROCK ON PEOPLE!!!!
My dreams for singing in a rock band were dashed, because I can't sing in tune..in fact when my husband and children play guitars and sing and I join in, Bill has had the nerve to suggest that I lip sync (which makes me sing louder)! The NERVE!!!And there was an issue of my body (uh-hum) and talent with Miss America......anyway,back to the subject.
I have always had a facination with rocks, though, and at one time I heard a message that fit my love of rocks! I heard that when Jesus was put in the tomb, the rock that was rolled in front of it was immovable...it was also guarded by Roman Centurians to make sure NO ONE could come and take Jesus's body (because He claimed that in three days He would rise again). Well, day three came and there He wasn't. Jesus was gone!!! The women that tried to tend to Jesus discovered that the stone was rolled away and an angel was sitting on the rock and said to the women.."why are you looking for the living among the dead"??"Jesus is risen, just as He said". The teaching went on and said what immovable rock is in your life? Is it fear, anger, poverty,a health issue???? Jesus moved the big stone and He will also move our stones that seem immovable!
I began collecting rocks. I would take the kids up North and go to Lake Superior and search for the "perfect" rocks. I prefer ones that I can easily carry. I also like ones that are smooth (even though they are so hard they almost feel like velvet). Generally, I search for heart shaped rocks or rocks with a cross in them. Every time we go to Lake Superior, I bring a ton of rocks home, and hand them out to people that have big immovable "rocks" in their life. After I give them a rock, I tell them how Jesus STILL moves the rock away, and does what we can't do!
At church one day, I was the "prayer leader" for a women's event...as I was going to church I grabbed two rocks to bring with me..wasn't sure why. I had them on my open Bible and there they sat. I was praying for the event with a couple of other women, and was preparing to leave the prayer room, when, the emcee for the event rushed into the room, sat down and said she needed prayer.She was very upset and said she didn't think she would be able to get through this event because her heart was so heavy. Elizabeth didn't go into any details just said she would be walking with a friend through a terrible tragedy.
We prayed together, and one prayer was that God would give her strength to do what she couldn't do on her own and that He would surprise her with hilarious joy! I then handed her a rock and explained about the immovable "rocks" in our life. She was very appreciative and as she was walking out the door she said that she would be giving her rock to her friend the next day. I just laughed and said to Elizabeth,"that's why I brought two"!!! I gave her the other rock I had and she went off to the event!
As Elizabeth was speaking she made a mistake with words that cracked her and EVERYONE in the santuary up. It really set the tone for the program and everyone was joyful!!!
It doesn't stop here though.....years later I found out that the woman Elizabeth gave the other rock to had just lost her son tragically in the Taylor University van
accident. She stood next to her heartbroken friend at the funeral,and held onto the stone that I gave her and her friend had hers in her hand. She now keeps it in her living room on a little table to continually remind her that "He still moves stones"...even when it's not the outcome that anyone would fathom....His grace is sufficient!
If you need a stone grab one for you and a bunch for anyone that comes along your path and needs a reminder that God is there....and He does what we can't do! There's nothing magic about it...it's just good to grab one and feel the rock and remind ourselves of God's love!!!
It may sound silly to you, but I have gotten comfort from these rocks and I bet you will, too!
ROCK ON PEOPLE!!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
He plays!!!
One day, when the children were small,. I was cleaning...AGAIN!!!! Does that give you a clue as to how I was feeling?? I was slaming cupboard doors as I was putting away dishes, and sighing loudly (all to no avail). As I was getting angrier and angrier (hearing their laughter in the other room) and feeling sorry for poor me, the neighbor lady (a grandma ) stopped by and took in very quickly what was going on. She came up to me in the kitchen and very gently looked at me and told me of how her and her husband were always working when they were younger and never took the time to laugh and play with their children. Meanwhile, the kids and Bill were getting louder and laughing nonstop! I was still irritated, but the neighbor lady said.. "Oh, it's so good to hear him playing with your children. See how much fun they are having"?Don't ever take that away from them!!!
At first I thought How dare she!! HUMPF!!!!
Now, I look at the wisdom and am so thankful for her timely visit!
I admit I still feel sorry for myself at times when they are having fun and I'm not....but I know it's my choice to join in and enjoy them or be a grump that no one in their right minds would want to be around! I'm so grateful that Bill is such a good "Daddy" and he enjoys and plays with his children!!! I am also grateful that Bill has taught me how to lighten up and enjoy our family and how to have fun!!!
Ps.127 says "Children are a gift from the Lord: they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates".
At first I thought How dare she!! HUMPF!!!!
Now, I look at the wisdom and am so thankful for her timely visit!
I admit I still feel sorry for myself at times when they are having fun and I'm not....but I know it's my choice to join in and enjoy them or be a grump that no one in their right minds would want to be around! I'm so grateful that Bill is such a good "Daddy" and he enjoys and plays with his children!!! I am also grateful that Bill has taught me how to lighten up and enjoy our family and how to have fun!!!
Ps.127 says "Children are a gift from the Lord: they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates".
"I" problem
Our Pastor recently had a message on humbleness and love.....very good and a bit convicting! Pastor Phillip talked about how Jesus stepped down from heaven and His throne and came to earth humbly as a babe. Jesus set aside His rights and "stepped down" to earth and served. The pastor challenged us to all be humble, not demand our "rights", and to love and in turn serve.
After hearing this, I was reminded of a time in Bill's and my marriage when I was feeling overworked and underappreciated.
I decided to let my feelings be known and wrote him a letter (I thought it was a masterpiece and that I would see immediate results).I guess I did, just NOT the way I would ever imagine!
After Bill read my letter, I could see him deep in thought. After a couple of hours he handed me a letter. It was mine!!!! EXCEPT that he had taken the time to read it and "correct" it. Every I,ME MINE and MY was circled in red.....(which was basically the whole letter)!!!
I immediately saw the problem.IT WAS ME!!
Without a word I was corrected by my husband in a loving way about how I had made everything about me. He did later tell me he loved and appeciated me, but I realized that I was focusing so much on me that I was expecting to be served rather than "step down" and serve in love.Now, I don't mean be a floormat, or not have a voice.I'm talking about being the wind beneath my husband's and children's wings. When my priorities in life are correct, there's JOY and freedom!
Phil.2 vs.3-11
"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.
Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing, he took the
humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
A great lesson in life is that you can be right , or you can be reconciled....choose reconciliation!!!!! So much better!!!!!
After hearing this, I was reminded of a time in Bill's and my marriage when I was feeling overworked and underappreciated.
I decided to let my feelings be known and wrote him a letter (I thought it was a masterpiece and that I would see immediate results).I guess I did, just NOT the way I would ever imagine!
After Bill read my letter, I could see him deep in thought. After a couple of hours he handed me a letter. It was mine!!!! EXCEPT that he had taken the time to read it and "correct" it. Every I,ME MINE and MY was circled in red.....(which was basically the whole letter)!!!
I immediately saw the problem.IT WAS ME!!
Without a word I was corrected by my husband in a loving way about how I had made everything about me. He did later tell me he loved and appeciated me, but I realized that I was focusing so much on me that I was expecting to be served rather than "step down" and serve in love.Now, I don't mean be a floormat, or not have a voice.I'm talking about being the wind beneath my husband's and children's wings. When my priorities in life are correct, there's JOY and freedom!
Phil.2 vs.3-11
"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.
Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing, he took the
humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
A great lesson in life is that you can be right , or you can be reconciled....choose reconciliation!!!!! So much better!!!!!
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