Children of God

Children are exhausting to me, but I get them. For some reason I can connect to them. In Felicity’s class there is a boy named Logan. He’s always happy and smiley. He doesn’t take life seriously, and I like that about him.  He’ll have plenty of time to be serious. He was my field trip partner one year. We held hands for 5 blocks as we walked to the firehouse with the whole class. Since he’s become my buddy-always giving me high 5’s or a squeeze in the hallway. And always flashes me a smile!

Yesterday was school picture day. Eva is 4 and someone mentioned they knew her mom. She was just about to have her picture taken and immediately started crying due to missing her mommy. She was red-faced and inconsolable...not a good pic to hang on the wall. The helper apologized since she didn’t know how sensitive Eva was about missing her mom. I’ve seen Eva cry everyday her mom drops her off. I get it. I gave Eva a hug and reminded her that she’ll have her picture taken (smile nice so Mommy has a beautiful picture on her wall!), she’ll go have snack, play, have recess, eat lunch, have quiet time and then go home and she’ll have 6 days off until she has to go back to school (MEA wk). I told her I’m nearly 40 and I still miss my mommy, and that’s ok.  She quit fiddling with her necklace, dried her tears, and took a beautiful picture.

Sadey wanted to play on the monkey bars, but couldn’t reach. Her parents were present and I asked if I could help her. With a “go ahead” I lifted her and she monkeyed all the way across. Ever since she gives me a wave and a smile each time we pass.

VBS kids are always sad to leave their moms. But with a kind word, reassurance, a hug (always visible to the crowds so you aren’t violating any rules), and usually a snack, kids feel the reassurance they needed at that moment. They don’t quickly forget it. I find it weird my kids’ friends like me to have lunch with them. They have the funniest conversations and I always get dragged into them. I don’t just visit my child, I visit the whole lunch table, and they love it. Weirdos! 😆

Who was that person when you were a child?  Who listened to you when you needed to be taken seriously, who reassured you when you were down, who gave you a squeeze when you felt empty? Be that person you needed as a child.  It takes a village to raise a child, not just to teach or discipline, but to make them feel loved and special.  I appreciate it when my children express admiration for other adults.

These kids don’t know my name. I’m either Felicity’s mom or Elizabeth’s mom. That’s ok. As long as they see the love of Jesus through me I need no title.

Natural Treatment for Plantar Warts

My 3 yo had a plantar wart on her foot.  Instead of treating it at the dr's (oh the drama, I could only imagine!) I researched natural alternatives.  What worked?  Banana peel, placed inside towards the skin, held on with a bandade.  We did this every night for a week.  3 wks later it turned black, died, and disappeared.  She has a tiny scar in its place, barely visible to the eye.

Make Me a Servant, Humble & Meek. Lord Let Me Lift up Those Who Are Weak...

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2016, whose website is located at DailyScripture.net

Are you ready to give the Lord your best, regardless of what it might cost you? Perhaps we are like the laborer in Jesus' parable who expected special favor and reward for going the extra mile? How unfair for the master to compel his servant to give more than what was expected! Don't we love to assert our rights: "I will give only what is required and no more!" But who can satisfy the claims of love? 

We are called to serve God and neighbor selflessly and generously
Jesus used this parable of the dutiful servant to explain that we can never put God in our debt or make the claim that God owes us something. We must regard ourselves as God's servants, just as Jesus came "not to be served, but to serve"(Matthew 20:28). Service of God and of neighbor is both a voluntary or free act and a sacred duty. One can volunteer for service or be compelled to do service for one's country or one's family when special needs arise. Likewise, God expects us to give him the worship and praise which is his due. And he gladly accepts the  free-will offering of our lives to him and to his service. What makes our offering pleasing to God is the love we express in the act of self-giving. True love is sacrificial, generous, and selfless. 

The love of God compels us to give our best
How can we love others selflessly and unconditionally? Scripture tells us that God himself is love (1 John 4:16) - he is the author of life and the source of all true relationships of love and friendship. He created us in love for love, and he fills our hearts with the boundless love that gives whatever is good for the sake of another (Romans 5:5). If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12). 

God honors the faithful servant who loves and serves others generously. He is ever ready to work in and through us for his glory. We must remember, however, that God can never be indebted to us. We have no claim on him. His love compels us to give him our best! And when we have done our best, we have simply done our duty. We can never outmatch God in doing good and showing love. God loves us without measure. Does the love of God compel you to give your best? 

"Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love, gratitude and generosity. Make me a faithful and zealous servant for you. May I generously pour out my life in loving service for you and for others, just as you have so generously poured yourself out in love for me."

Happy birthday to me--my theme song

We've sung this song so many times in church this past month that I'm claiming it as my goal.  It brings tears to my eyes every time. Love, love, love it. Simple yet sweet.  A good song from my childhood and growing with me. 

Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness; And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!
	Ask, and it shall be given unto you; Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!
	Man shall not live by bread alone, But by every word That proceeds out from the mouth of God. Hallelu, Hallelujah!

David's Personality

ISTJ PERSONALITY (“THE LOGISTICIAN”)

My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty... it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.

The ISTJ personality type is thought to be the most abundant, making up around 13% of the population. Their defining characteristics of integrity, practical logic and tireless dedication to duty make ISTJs a vital core to many families, as well as organizations that uphold traditions, rules and standards, such as law offices, regulatory bodies and military. People with the ISTJ personality type enjoy taking responsibility for their actions, and take pride in the work they do – when working towards a goal, ISTJs hold back none of their time and energy completing each relevant task with accuracy and patience.

ISTJs don't make many assumptions, preferring instead to analyze their surroundings, check their facts and arrive at practical courses of action. ISTJ personalities are no-nonsense, and when they've made a decision, they will relay the facts necessary to achieve their goal, expecting others to grasp the situation immediately and take action. ISTJs have little tolerance for indecisiveness, but lose patience even more quickly if their chosen course is challenged with impractical theories, especially if they ignore key details – if challenges becomes time-consuming debates, ISTJs can become noticeably angry as deadlines tick nearer.

Associate With Those of Good Quality if You Esteem Your Reputation...

When ISTJs say they are going to get something done, they do it, meeting their obligations no matter the personal cost, and they are baffled by people who don't hold their own word in the same respect. Combining laziness and dishonesty is the quickest way to get on ISTJs' bad side. Consequently, people with the ISTJ personality type often prefer to work alone, or at least have their authority clearly established by hierarchy, where they can set and achieve their goals without debate or worry over other's reliability.

ISTJs have sharp, fact-based minds, and prefer autonomy and self-sufficiency to reliance on someone or something. Dependency on others is often seen by ISTJs as a weakness, and their passion for duty, dependability and impeccable personal integrity forbid falling into such a trap.

This sense of personal integrity is core to ISTJs, and goes beyond their own minds – ISTJ personalities adhere to established rules and guidelines regardless of cost, reporting their own mistakes and telling the truth even when the consequences for doing so could be disastrous. To ISTJs, honesty is far more important than emotional considerations, and their blunt approach leaves others with the false impression that ISTJs are cold, or even robotic. People with this type may struggle to express emotion or affection outwardly, but the suggestion that they don't feel, or worse have no personality at all, is deeply hurtful.

...For It Is Better to Be Alone Than in Bad Company

ISTJs' dedication is an excellent quality, allowing them to accomplish much, but it is also a core weakness that less scrupulous individuals take advantage of. ISTJs seek stability and security, considering it their duty to maintain a smooth operation, and they may find that their coworkers and significant others shift their responsibilities onto them, knowing that they will always take up the slack. ISTJs tend to keep their opinions to themselves and let the facts do the talking, but it can be a long time before observable evidence tells the whole story.

ISTJs need to remember to take care of themselves – their stubborn dedication to stability and efficiency can compromise those goals in the long term as others lean ever-harder on them, creating an emotional strain that can go unexpressed for years, only finally coming out after it's too late to fix. If they can find coworkers and spouses who genuinely appreciate and complement their qualities, who enjoy the brightness, clarity and dependability that they offer, ISTJs will find that their stabilizing role is a tremendously satisfying one, knowing that they are part of a system that works.

My Personality Type:

ISFJ PERSONALITY (“THE DEFENDER”)

Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.

Brian Tracy

The ISFJ personality type is quite unique, as many of their qualities defy the definition of their individual traits. Though possessing the Feeling (F) trait, ISFJs have excellent analytical abilities; though Introverted (I), they have well-developed people skills and robust social relationships; and though they are a Judging (J) type, ISFJs are often receptive to change and new ideas. As with so many things, people with the ISFJ personality type are more than the sum of their parts, and it is the way they use these strengths that defines who they are.

ISFJs are true altruists, meeting kindness with kindness-in-excess and engaging the work and people they believe in with enthusiasm and generosity.

There's hardly a better type to make up such a large proportion of the population, nearly 13%. Combining the best of tradition and the desire to do good, ISFJs are found in lines of work with a sense of history behind them, such as medicine, academics and charitable social work.

ISFJ personalities (especially Turbulent ones) are often meticulous to the point of perfectionism, and though they procrastinate, they can always be relied on to get the job done on time. ISFJs take their responsibilities personally, consistently going above and beyond, doing everything they can to exceed expectations and delight others, at work and at home.

We Must Be Seen to Be Believed

The challenge for ISFJs is ensuring that what they do is noticed. They have a tendency to underplay their accomplishments, and while their kindness is often respected, more cynical and selfish people are likely to take advantage of ISFJs' dedication and humbleness by pushing work onto them and then taking the credit. ISFJs need to know when to say no and stand up for themselves if they are to maintain their confidence and enthusiasm.

Naturally social, an odd quality for Introverts, ISFJs utilize excellent memories not to retain data and trivia, but to remember people, and details about their lives. When it comes to gift-giving, ISFJs have no equal, using their imagination and natural sensitivity to express their generosity in ways that touch the hearts of their recipients. While this is certainly true of their coworkers, whom people with the ISFJ personality type often consider their personal friends, it is in family that their expressions of affection fully bloom.

If I Can Protect You, I Will

ISFJ personalities are a wonderful group, rarely sitting idle while a worthy cause remains unfinished. ISFJs' ability to connect with others on an intimate level is unrivaled among Introverts, and the joy they experience in using those connections to maintain a supportive, happy family is a gift for everyone involved. They may never be truly comfortable in the spotlight, and may feel guilty taking due credit for team efforts, but if they can ensure that their efforts are recognized, ISFJs are likely to feel a level of satisfaction in what they do that many other personality types can only dream of.

El Cheap-o to the Penny Pinching

I'm cheap, thrifty, careful, stingy...whatever.  Pretty much always have been.  I don't mind spending on others, but for myself -- the knock-off brand, on sale, with a .50 manufacturer's coupon is good enough for me.

Since I quit my job my new goal was to save $ where I could, especially groceries.  The first few months were tough settling into a new home because even though we had everything we needed, it was amazing how many NEW things the new house did need.  So when we had to buy a new $100 toilet right off the bat since this one was broke, I like to try and justify the spending by the savings.  

Some months I do very well and others...not.  Some months the grocery stores have everything I use. Other months they don't have anything I use and I end up paying full price.

Sundays: I used to buy the newspaper to clip the coupons and read the paper, but w/ littles around I don't take the time to read the paper, and sometimes the coupons aren't enough to justify a $2 paper. Instead I go to free coupon websites and print out my own.  I then checkout the grocer ads of Marketplace, Lueken's, Walgreen's, & Walmart online.  They may have an item on sale for .50 off then I have a manufacturer's coupon for another .50 off.  Walgreen's has a lot of items B1G1 free or 50% off and they have a lot of groceries too.  I use my Walgreen's customer (not credit) card and save up points -- I got $50 off my bill in September by saving up my earned points.  Marketplace uses stamps that can be traded in for $1 off per filled card, and Tuesdays are double-stamp day.

Even with our special diets, we can get a lot of items on sale when looking close enough.

Many of my meal ideas come from sale items.  If ground beef is on sale, that's what we're having.  However watching prices helps too.  Some places had B1G1 free turkeys in Nov, but they were >$2/lb.  December they were under $1/lb.  Sounds too good to be true, and it was once you realize it wasn't a good buy.  I found an awesome butcher shop today and went crazy on home-smoked bacon, wieners, and beef.  It was slightly more expensive, but better quality meat.  I also bought Chex cereal on sale so we'll be eating that for breakfast as well as experimenting with making puppy chow, per my husband's request.  

My kids clothes come from my gf's garage sale or I buy out of season.  Today I saved $4 on snow pants for E for this year/next year because they have their winter items marked down. 

Gas: I buy Walmart gift cards and use them @ the gas pumps and save .03/gal. Plus Murphy Gas is usually .03+ cheaper than other places in town anyway -- so that's a .06/gal savings.
I started a spread sheet to keep track of my savings to see if it was worth my time Sunday nights. Nov I forgot to document until mid month.  Turns out it is worth my time when I save between $127 to $197/mo.   I also like to look @ the % I'm saving on my total bill.  Love it when I can save 40% on my grocery bill!!

October	MarketPlace	$40.00
4	MurphyUSAgas	$0.20
12	MurphyUSAgas	$0.52
10	Office Max	$7.28
9	MurphyUSAgas	$0.57
7	MarketPlace	$40.00	26.00%
12	Walgreens	$33.00	34
16	MarketPlace	$45.61	27.00%
15	Menards	$20.00	freezer
17	murphyUSAgas	$0.60
23	MarketPlace	$9.00
26	murphyUSAgas	$0.45	$197.23
November	MarketPlace	$64.00	35.00%
23	Walgreens	$21.05	22.00%
23	MarketPlace	$18.10	29.00%
23	Wal-mart	$3.00
23	Lueken's	$21.75	34.00%
			$127.90
December
2	Walmart	$1.00
2	MarketPlace	$43.23	38.00%
2	Luekens	$19.73	40.00%
11	Lueken's	$12.81	11.00%
14	MurphyUSAgas	$3.55
15	MarketPlace	$30.62	38.00%
18	Walmart	$7.50
23	MurphyUSAgas	$1.54
26	MurphyUSAgas	$1.56
26	Wal-mart	$12.11	groc
26	Wal-mart	$31.44	household
			$165.09

Sparrows & Dust.

Matthew 10:14
^"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet."

This is the scripture I quoted to David when his position, along with 44 others, was severed from work.  I have not been fired from a job (technically - that's another post), so I do not know what it is like to give 100% of your time and talent all for it to be shoved away and unappreciated.  We talked it through and believe that he was let go mainly because he has integrity and his tenancy to stand up for others.  Some companies do not appreciate that in their staff.  That is also why I believe I was promised a part time position that was retracted 3 wks later -- I ask the tough questions.  Some companies just want door mats, robots.  David and I aren't that. No one in our families are so how can we be expected to just do without asking, "why?"

I posted recently a timeline of our job loses, job gains, & house buying and selling.  GOD IS IN CHARGE.  I have not a doubt.  I told my girlfriend at work "if He takes care of the sparrow, he'll take care of us" when we were in the early stages of 2 lost jobs and nowhere to go from there and she asked the tough question..."now what?".  When I left her for the last time 10 wks later, she had given me a beautiful framed picture of an older lady feeding birds and it says "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God...even the very hairs of your head are numbered.  So don't be afraid, you are worth more than a flock of sparrows."  Ironic as she didn't remember me telling her the sparrow quote.  This is now my new favorite decoration in my home. 

The last mass we celebrated at our home town, I sat in the pew drinking it all in.  My eyes wet with tears.  This was where I was married, where my babies were baptized, where I was accepted into the church.  Just when I thought those around me would notice, my friend Teri stood up and she read these words from the 2nd reading: 2 Cor 12:10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." "...when I am weak, then I am strong."

And so we moved July 11. We attended our first mass at our new parish the next day and what do you think the Gospel was that day?: Mark 6:7-13 "wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.  Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust of your feet in testimony against them."  And I love that whenever I tell people I'm new they reply with a smile or a handshake and say, "well welcome to town!"

I had to laugh.  I always say God is in control, but when you realize that you aren't the one holding the steering wheel it IS a scary feeling.  You feel watched, out of control, scared, intimidated.  Anyone with an ounce of faith can see He lives.
God is good, all the time.  All the time, God is good.

Whirl Wind of Recent Events

04/01/2015 - I put in my notice that I am leaving my job & agree to stay on until they hire a new OT (which turned out to be 10 wks later).
05/01/2015 - David has a voicemail from a headhunter to work at Potlatch. He doesn't return call.
05/04/2015 - David, along with 44 other employees, gets severed from his position. Same day David returns the Potlatch phone call and gets a phone interview set up.
05/06/2015 - Potlatch phone interview
05/07/2015 - Christi starts her 2nd vial of allergy shots w/o reaction (yeah!). 15 down, 30 to go until maintenance.
05/08/2015 - Face to face interview
05/13/52015 - David has phone interview in Two Harbors. Potlatch makes offer.
05/14/2015 - David drives to Chanhassen for interview.  Potlatch offers to help move us since David explains our hesitation to relocate.
05/16/2015 - David accept Potlatch offer.
05/20/2015 - David goes to have drug testing, physical, and background check.
05/22/2015 - Went to look at 5 houses.
05/23/2015 - Dave uses tractor to smooth out parents new crushed rock driveway.  Girls & I attended babysitter's grad party - come to find out she's attending college in the same town we are moving to & offered to babysit for us - super yeah! Attended nephew Matthew's first communion party.
05/26/2015 - David and I go to take 2nd look at farm house and make offer.  Got outbid & lost house.
05/29/2015 - Made offer on 50220 House and they accepted offer. 
06/05/2015 - New house's radon level is 16pCi/L. Needs to be 4 or below. Inspection went well.
06/05/2015 - Listed our house.  Did our own radon test and it came back at 1.0pCi/L.
06/12/2015 - My last day of work. Started @ GA 11/13/2006. Had nice lunch with the "old" crew as they were all there filling in for the day (Steve, Penny, Sherry, Laurie, Susie, & newby Tania).
06/18/2015 - Sold our house.  Buyer wants to close on 07/24/2015.
06/22/2015 - House inspection on our current home. Went well. Contingency removed.
06/23/2015 - Radon mitigation system installed on new house.
07/10/2015 - Planning to close on our new house - was supposed to be the 13th, but this gives us 1 more wkend to move.
07/24/2015 - Planning to close on current home.

Whew!! NOW I'm caught up ... I think. :)
Praise God for making this all possible.

Honey, I think we need to add a little color to your wardrobe. :)

David was kind enough to add a tension rod in the mudroom so that I can hang clothes right out of the dryer and avoid wrinkles. But I noticed something 1/2 way through folding the white load. Hmmmm.

2 Weeks Left

Two weeks left of maternity leave. David asked me what I wanted to do before going back to work; anyone I wanted to visit or places to see. Oooo, I thought, shampoo my carpets! (Hey, you get your kicks where you want...I'll get my kicks where I want.) So I strapped on Baby, vacuumed & shampooed all the carpets. They look great and I feel so much better having them done. If you want a good workout, strap on a 12# kid and clean your house. Elizabeth only made it half way through the family room before she fell asleep, but she had fun while it lasted, cooing at the vacuum.

What Part of the Ginger Bread Man Do You Eat First?

What part of the Ginger Bread Man do you eat first can say something about you (Per GMA). SO...what part do you eat first? Choose one of the following and look up the answer below: Head, foot, right arm, or left arm?


Head: You are aggressive, a natural leader
Foot: You are sensitive and enjoy the company of others
Right arm: You are skeptical and pessimistic
Left arm: You are creative and artistic

A Little "Hello" Goes a Long Way

When I worked at Winona Hospital we were expected as employees to smile, make eye contact, and say "hello" to everyone we met, coworker or visitor. This was required of us by the administrator during orientation. I've carried that t/o my career and life. At my current place of employment, no one gets past me without a "hello". Some people are relieved that you said it first, smile and say it back. Others dread seeing me come down the hallway as the "hello gal" and hang their head and avoid eye contact (this is commonly the younger population). That doesn't get them off the hook. They still get a hello. Can you believe people actually try to ignore you in the hallways, like you don't exist? Is this what our society is coming to, that our social skills are so lacking that they don't know how to say "hello" anymore?
I also wave at everyone who moves over on the road when Lexicon and I are walking. If you don't move over, you don't get a wave. But if you do, I thank you. There are even a few neighbors who recognize the big pregnant lady walking the middle-aged furball who move over and wave when approaching before I get to smile and wave first.
Have you ever gone to Wells Fargo bank? They all smile warmly and welcome you. I like that, whether it's fake or real, I still feel like a warm fuzzy when I go into their company. At other banks, you are made to feel bad, like you're wasting their time for having come to give them business. A roll of the eyes and "I'm open" is not welcoming and certainly doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling, even if their rates are good.
Dad always said "howdy" to everyone. This embarrassed me as a child, my Dad pretending to be a cowboy. ARG! But people responded. A big smile and a "hello" back. And people remember him for that too, as I found out this weekend talking to a long-lost girlfriend of mine who used to have Dad work on her computer. You never know the impact you'll make with a simple greeting. Conclusion of today's blog: It never hurts to take that extra second to be kind...so do it. :)

Awake

The dehumidifier was beeping at 3:30 AM today, announcing "Hey, I'm full! Come empty me!" Arg. So I got up, emptied it, and it happily started running again. I went back to bed, tossed, turned, flipped. Arg, can't sleep! May as well get up. It got me thinking...why didn't he get up? The beeping didn't even phase David. Then I remembered what one of our Parenting Class instructors had said about men & women and what wakes them in the night, so I research and find this article, When Daddy Goes Deaf:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1231896/When-Daddy-goes-deaf-How-men-really-DONT-hear-babies-crying-asleep.html
That may be true, but a shaking from a spouse or "Psst, your turn" will wake anyone up, believe me. :)