My Life and Musings

Summer

2008-07-27T20:46:00.006-04:00

It's been a crazy summer so far. We started out the summer with Licorice getting hit by a car and breaking his leg, but he's much better -- the bank account was the hardest hit actually.

Alex is spending a lot of time at the stable volunteering her time to muck and feed and chase little campers around. She's also still competing in karate so going to the dojo 2-4 times per week for practice and traveling once a month to New England for tournaments. She recently earned her purple belt and became the Grand Champion in Weapons for New York State for children under 18 in the underbelt classes.

Alex (in blue) and Miller (the pony we lease)

Alex receiving her purple belt

Alex with her Grand Champion Cup

Alex in competition doing her Kata

Alex in competition with her weapon - the Bo

The boys started out the summer by graduating from preschool. Andrew from Mt. Airy Preschool and Philip from Mt. Airy Preschool as well as Walter Panas Preschool. The ceremonies were lovely and the boys were feeling very proud and happy. They also enjoyed a few weeks of day camp at the college where I was teaching and are now just hanging around the house.

Andrew getting his diploma from Mt. Airy Preschool

Philip getting his diploma from Mt. Airy Preschool

Philip getting his diploma from Walter Panas Preschool

As for me... I was teaching General Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry to nursing students in 10 weeks. Some really great times in that 10 weeks and some really hard times. It's over now and I have a bit of a break - classes start again in September. I hope to make a few scrapbook pages (the link to ScrapbookFlair is on the side) before the summer is over, tidy up the house as it has been truly neglected, and rest!

Blessings to all, Lisa

Alex's second tournament

2008-04-08T21:15:00.004-04:00

I hope all who visit enjoy this 4 minute video from Alexandra's second karate tournament. Sadly, during her kata the next ring had a very loud participant so we have to listen to that throughout her routine, but that's the way things are in the competitions. When she spars Alex wears a black uniform with a white face shield. Also, against all competitors she is on the right side as you're looking at the screen so you should be able to recognize her. Of course the video quality is limited over the net so if anyone would like to see this from a DVD please feel free to ask and I'll happily send one :) Thanks again to all for your well wishes and support!

Another Great Weekend

2008-04-06T22:17:00.002-04:00

We just got back from another karate tournament. Alexandra made us proud one again. She worked hard and fought even harder bringing home a third place trophy (out of 10 competitors) for sparring. Sadly, out of 29 competitors in the forms competition she didn't place in the top 8, but she looked great regardless. What a great weekend!

The Hawk

2008-03-16T22:44:00.003-04:00

The update on the hawk that I rescued is that his wing was shattered and he would never have been able to fly again. Consequently, he was put to sleep by a veterinarian so that he no longer had to suffer. I'm glad that I found him and that he could just go to sleep instead of suffering and starving to death on the side of the road.

What a Week!!

2008-03-13T20:49:00.004-04:00

Wow, it was quite an exciting weekend and start to the week.

For the weekend news: Alexandra competed in her first professional karate tournament on the JSK team. She does a style of karate that is a mix of traditional Japanese and Okinawan styles as seen in "The Karate Kid" called GoJu Te. She competed in 2 events, "Forms" which is the technical routine of the discipline and "Fighting." She did extremely well getting 4th place out of 17 competitors in Forms and 3rd place out of 5 competitors in Fighting. It was so exciting and she looked like she'd been doing this for years. Below are some of my favorite photos from the day.

The next exciting thing to happen was that on Monday I rescued an injured young Red Tailed Hawk. It had a broken leg and wing and I took him (or her) to a woman who rehabilitates hawks. I haven't had a chance to call and see if he (or she) made it -- I don't know if there was any internal injuries - but I'm hoping that the hawk lived and will soon be able to return to its life.

A New Semester

2008-01-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

One of the things I love about teaching is that two times each year (three if you teach the summer session), you get a new start. Last semester is complete and a new one is beginning. Any mistakes are done and now we can practice what we've learned from them. New students are entering my classroom and joining those who stayed from last semester. Another nice thing is that even though the semester is a fresh start, not all of the students walking into my classroom are unfamiliar. I really like this job and way of life!

This semester I'll be teaching 5 laboratory sections- 3 for General Chemistry and 2 for Organic Chemistry. So far things have been pretty quiet and smooth -- hopefully a predictor of the semester to come!

Alexandra has started working out with the JSK professional competition karate team -- her first tournament will be March 8, 2008, in Rhode Island. I've posted a video on You Tube (to find it search for Alexandra Stephens) of some footage that's a little old, but still shows her seriousness and talent.

Anthony is back in law school for his second semester and the twins are off to another good semester in preschool. It's hard to believe that in two weeks I'll be registering them for kindergarten.

I also finished another Christmas scrapbook page of the kids making cookies. Enjoy.

Blessings to all who visit.

Some Christmas Scrapping

2008-01-13T00:10:00.001-05:00

My first two scrapbook pages for Christmas 2007.

Enjoy. Happy New Year to any who pass this way.

Happy Birthday Alexandra

2007-10-29T12:15:00.000-04:00

Today Alex turns 10. It's hard to believe that 10 years has already passed.

Happy Birthday sweetheart - I love you!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO

About 1/5th of the Way Through the Fall Semester

2007-09-29T19:20:00.000-04:00

I've completed 3 weeks at school, as have the kids. So far I've managed to keep up with grading, but I haven't had too much thrown at me at one time! The new labs have been amazing to work in, so many things are simpler and it's definitely easier to give my little "lectures."

The kids are all enjoying school and karate, and all doing quite well in both. Alex is learning to play trombone in school and is singing in the chorus. So, all seems well with them.

I was recently "tagged" by a fellow blogger/scrapper/mom of twins. So I'm supposed to put down 6 interesting things about me...

1) The prom dress I wore my junior year was worn by two of the nerdy sorority girls in "Revenge of the Nerds."
2) I LOVE cheesy horror flicks - the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series is my favorite.
3) My preferred hours of sleep are from about 1 am to noon.
4) I read, sew, and I wish I could draw, but I can't.
5) I never really yelled until I had twin boys.
6) I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!

So, until next time, adios!

School Starts

2007-09-05T20:09:00.000-04:00

Today my oldest baby started middle school. I know that she was ready, and I really thought that I was ready... Much to my surprise it was sadder for me than I expected. She had a terrific day, loves her new school, thinks her teacher is really nice and just adores middle school. I'm really glad for her!!

I also started school this week. I will be teaching 2 Organic Chem labs, 2 General Chem labs and a really cool lecture course Intro to Chemistry for non-majors. Since I teach at a Liberal Arts college I get to throw ethics and morals and society into the teaching of basic science and chemistry -- I'm really excited about it. We also have really new amazing laboratory facilities!

Tomorrow my youngest baby starts his last year of preschool. The bus will pick him up at 7:30 and drop him home about noon. Next week his twin brother starts his last year of preschool. The time is flying by!

Alex's Movie

2007-08-29T21:15:00.000-04:00

I decided to try to upload a video - we'll see. This is my Alex and her talent as a Gold Belt.

Some More Scrapbook Page from NYC with my Friends

2007-08-29T21:08:00.001-04:00

Some more fun in New York City!

Wow How Time Flies

2007-08-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th Birthday Andrew and Philip!

The twins turned 4 today: Andrew at 11:59 am and Philip at 12:01 pm- seems unbelievable. We celebrated by going to the Norwalk Aquarium with some good friends of the boys - Aiden aged 5 and his brother Logan aged 4. What fun -- albeit exhausting.

Alex and the Sting Rays

Andrew and the Sting Rays

Philip and the Sting Rays

Andrew, Aiden, Logan and Philip

We had their birthday party a few days ago - much smaller than usual but still lots of fun.

Crouching to find a Treasure Hunt Clue

Musical Chairs

Pinata

Andrew

Philip

We also were in Arizona a couple weeks ago. The boys had such fun playing in mom's house and yard, not to mention all the toys she bought. The trip to and from was very long though - a 5 hour plane trip and twin 4 year olds is not a great combination. Alex also touched poison ivy just before we left for AZ so of course it popped up just after we got there. But otherwise the trip was was a nice visit with my mom "Dray" her S.O. "Uncle Jerry" and my grandma "Gramma Grape." We also got a brief visit with my sister and her family.

Gramma "Grape" (aged 91) and the kids

Gramma "Grape" and Philip

The boys going Lizard HuntingDray and Philip being silly

The Jesus Rock

God has blessed us with a lovely and full summer. School starts soon, for the kids and for me. I pray that God will continue to bless us. I pray for peace, and for all people to have enough food and shelter. And now it's bed time :)

Another NYC Scrap Page

2007-08-05T23:02:00.000-04:00

Another page to celebrate Kerri's, Karen's and my trip to NYC. This is from St. Patrick's Cathedral.

New Scrap Pages

2007-08-02T23:08:00.000-04:00

New Pages from my NYC adventure with my buds!

I'm FLYing

2007-08-02T22:05:00.000-04:00

I have learned about the FlyLady and have begun her routines. It has been really terrific. The kitchen has never stayed clean so long, not to mention the laundry and the toilet! I love the FlyLady, bless her for sharing her experience!

We went to Kendall last week, a little town outside of Rochester. Alex was there for the weekend riding horses and then the boys and I joined her for some fun and visits. They got to see their God Parents, who they called their "Odd Parents" and really had a wonderful time.

Alexandra and her favorite pal Nicky:

Andrew and Philip looking at the Schuth's Chickens:

Andrew, Philip, Dave, and Ellen having fun on the swings:

New York, New York

2007-07-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

Wow - what a couple of weeks it's been. NYC with my two best friends was a blast. Crazy though! Our first day there a huge steam pipe burst a couple of blocks from our hotel near Grand Central Station.

The subways were stopped for a while and we had a hard time getting from Chinatown all the way up to 45th street near Broadway to see "Spamalot" - we finally got a taxi -- God Bless taxis!

We also had a great time at The Metropolitan Museum the next day especially at the costume exhibit and the pyramid exhibit:

visited St. Patrick's Cathedral:

took a fun ride in a horse drawn carriage:

walked through Central Park:

went to Times Square:

We did eventually ride the subway:

And of course went shopping!!

Kerri is in the blue striped shirt and Karen in the teal shirt.

So, this was our trip to NYC - we had a fantastic time celebrating turning 40 and being friends for more than 25 years.

All Hybrid All the Time

2007-07-17T15:53:00.000-04:00

Well, we just got our second Hybrid - we now have the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape. I don't know why everyone doesn't have a hybrid! Cost effective yet sporty and fun -- and some are luxurious!! I Love my Hybrids!! And, I'm so glad that we no longer have the BWM to deal with, and the Windstar is now gone also. So, we're back to two cars and a motorcycle.

Kerri and Karen are coming today - WOOHOO - we're going to have such a great time in the city - I'm so excited.

I did do some new scrap pages:

On Friday Alexandra will be riding on a plane from NYC to Rochester all by herself - her first unaccompanied flight. I think we're all a bit nervous! But she's also excited because she'll be able to spend the weekend with our friends and several horses! Not much makes her happier than horses. I look forward to getting photos back from her trip.

Twinderella Oops :(

2007-07-12T23:57:00.000-04:00

Tonight Alexandra completed her 3 week term of Children's Theater Camp by performing the show Twinderella. She did a great job with the lines she had and her chorus songs and dance. And I caught it all on tape -- I thought. Unbeknownst to me the DVR crapped out, and I forgot to put the disk back into my still camera, so we have no digital footage of any kind of her role in Twinderella. Oh well, it was cute and she did a great job and that I'll always know. And, since she had a pretty miserable time at theater camp we really didn't need the reminders! So instead, I'm posting some of my newest scrapbook creations :)

Domo arigato

2007-07-07T22:52:00.000-04:00

Not domo arigato Mr. Roboto (although every time I go to karate with the kids I can't help but sing that) - it's domo arigato meaning thank you in Japanese. Today the boys joined the ranks of the mini dragons, and now I am the only one in my house not doing karate. They have done quite well and are listening. I think this will really be helpful for Philip and his sensory integration disorder. He is having to still himself in order to participate - it's obviously not been easy but he's doing alright! And Andrew is having a heyday. He's really pretty good with his kicks and punches -- give him some time and he'll be giving daddy a run for his money! They were quite adorable in their little gi outfits and white belts!

Slip and Slide

2007-07-06T23:29:00.000-04:00

The kids got their first Slip and Slide today. I remember what a fun time we had on the Slip and Slide as a kid, we even tried to make one out of garbage bags. But on the hot summer days there was nothing quite like making a run for it and sliding through the cool water on the yellow plastic to the end of the Slip and Slide.
I also saw a rainbow today. I haven't seen one in so long. There were so many times when I couldn't find a rainbow and I wondered..... We really couldn't blame God if he felt like taking back his promise not to flood the earth, after all we have not done a very good job caring for each other, the earth and the creatures who share it with us. But then today, I saw a dim pink bow that spanned the sky in the east, and then a bright blue and pink end to the south. This reminded me that God truly is awesome and hasn't given up on us, so we need to not give up one each other!

Independence Day

2007-07-04T20:23:00.000-04:00

Well, it's day 3 of single momhood while Anthony is away at confirmation camp. Things are going pretty well, but it has been a bit chaotic! It's Independence Day, but we really didn't do anything. Alex went to Eli's for his birthday and went to a movie with him another friend and Eli's mom - they had a lot of fun.

Just a cute photo from a few days ago:

One Proud Mommy

2007-07-02T00:56:00.000-04:00

Today I took Alexandra to a horse show. She did a fantastic job, getting a second and a fifth place in the two flat classes and a second and a third place in her two jumping classes. For the overall Short Stirrup division she placed as Reserve Champion -- i.e. 2nd place over all. She was focused, and worked hard but still had a great time.

A Rough Day

2007-06-29T23:53:00.000-04:00

Today is a day that I hope will stay one of a kind. The boys were so cranky and so squirmy that I thought I was going to be driven over the sanity cliff! I also spoke to a friend who has had some less than easy times lately. After the kids went to bed I made a scrapbook page for my friend and soul pal Sybil. I'm hoping that things will look up for her soon!

Scripture:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

I think the Bible says it all - we have to remember that God's time is not always our time. Most importantly God's time of loving us is eternity!

Life

2007-06-28T22:43:00.000-04:00

Today Andrew had his first filling. He got to have some nitrous oxide to relax him, but he was so good. He sat still and did everything the dentist asked -- I was very proud. Alexandra has been doing theater camp all week - she's getting excited about performing in a couple of weeks, I look forward to watching her! The boys are maturing so much that they're going to bed with their door open and actually staying put! I can't believe how they are growing.

I have cooked dinner times this week, gone to the gym once and caught up on the laundry! I've also stuck with my Weight Watchers plan. I have also made a couple of scrapbook pages.

The Weekend

2007-06-24T22:02:00.000-04:00

This weekended started with the much anticipated graduation party for Alexandra and 5 of her friends. It started out as a nice party - albeit REALLY windy at the park - but things went downhill when it was time to make up the dance show. Alexandra likes to get things her way and when it's her party feels that she should be in charge. This didn't happen and she spent a certain amount of time crying and pouting. Sadly this attitude was encouraged by another young lady at the party so it took some time to get beyond it. Fortunately the two finally came around, joined the other four, and had a fantastic time. They came up with a fun show and had fun doing it for the parents at the end of the party.

Saturday we got to go to a very nice wedding. I am always amazed at the amount of money that goes into weddings. When we got home there was an anxiety laden phone call from Alexandra wanting to come home from her sleepover birthday party. Another young lady started kidding about hearing "foot steps," frightening Alexandra, so she wanted to come home. On Sunday I met with the committee to adjust Anthony's financial package and it looks like he'll be getting a bit more salary by going with my health insurance - woo hoo. The kids also got to go to the zoo with Anthony and some friends. So what a weekend this was!

Mom and The Boys Reading on Saturday

I've also managed to catch up on the laundry, clean up the kitchen and stick to my Weight Watchers plan - even at the wedding! Yay me!

Congratulations Alexandra!

2007-06-23T15:23:00.001-04:00

Congratulations are in Order

2007-06-22T00:03:00.000-04:00

Alexandra is officially a middle schooler now, although she does have one more half day of 4th grade. The graduation was nice, the speakers a bit long winded, but what's new? The twins had a difficult time, especially Philip. His sensory integration issues were at the forefront - the clapping, etc. was too loud, yet when it got quiet he couldn't sit still. It was really hard for the poor little guy. But Alexandra didn't notice and had a wonderful day! Then we got to have a little reception where I met for a second time the young man (Eli) who really likes Alex - I got a sweet pic of the two of them and some other nice photos. It seems like yesterday that we were taking photos of her preschool graduation! I did manage not to break down sobbing, but a few tears did come to my eyes. I'm very proud of her and know that she's going to continue to do well! We have been richly blessed with this young lady - I only hope that we can do for her as God would like.

Happenings

2007-06-20T23:10:00.001-04:00

It's been a pretty quiet week. I feel good that this week I've almost caught up with the laundry, I've stuck to my Weight Watchers plan all week, and I cleaned out the dining room (including sorting and tossing papers!!!). I'm feeling a little more organized and in control and a little less overwhelmed with all the stuff! I feel that maybe the rest of the house will eventually come into some kind of order!

Tomorrow Alex graduates from 4th grade, and today she had her first "social." There is a young man who has liked Alex for a long time, since at least 2nd grade, and he has invited her to his 4th of July birthday party. Although she insists that she doesn't like him, I think she really does.

The boys have been having such fun playing in the backyard, building things with bricks for their cars and playing in the hose. I have a couple more photos to add to my blog!

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

Oh how true this is. We are saved only because God loves us - we can't do anything to earn it -- so how blessed are we!

My Car and a Hot Summer's Day

2007-06-18T22:10:00.000-04:00

About 6 weeks ago I got the car I've wanted for a while - my Hybrid Prius. Alexandra and I are thrilled that we may be helping to save the environment a little. Sadly, it's been in the shop twice in the last week - the check engine light keeps coming on and the hybrid battery doesn't seem to hold a charge once it sits. So hopefully I'll get my wonderful car back.

On a more positive side, I got the dining room cleaned out - except the laundry - and it looks so much better. Little by little through the summer I hope to get the house more organized so that when the semester starts the daily routine will be a bit easier. I also have stayed on my Weight Watchers plan today, and now that I'm feeling better off to the gym!

Well, today was certainly a warm and humid summer day. Even so, the boys played nicely outside and then later played in the hose with Alexandra. They had a lot of fun taking a "bath" in a little Winnie the Pooh wagon. In fact, they were so cute that I took photos and made a scrapbook page.

Off to bed now :)

Summer's Here and the Boys Sat in Chruch

2007-06-17T23:33:00.000-04:00

Well, the boys are finished with school, and Alexandra only has one week of half days left. Anthony and Alex had a nice father daughter outing to the movies for father's day today.

The boys actually sat in church today - usually they are downstairs in the nursery because Anthony and I are often both "working" on Sundays. But today I wasn't playing the organ and we didn't have childcare so they watched a baptism, heard some Bible stories, went to the children's sermon and went to Communion. They were quite good and were very impressed with the Gospel story and the fact that the woman in the story kissed Jesus' feet. Although, they're not quite sure why their daddy didn't kiss the feet of the baby he Bapized!

Scripture:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

It is really quite an amazing thing that Jesus has come and repaired the relationship with God that has been broken by sin. And not just like a bandaid - but a complete repair, as good as new. So what do we do with that? Do we sit back and say thanks and then go on with our lives as if it means little; or do we share this news with other in what we say and by making the lives of others better? I hope that I do the latter and that my children will also.

Woo Hoo

2007-06-15T22:04:00.000-04:00

Well, today we got good news. Anthony has been excepted into the Pace Law School part time program. He had just earlier realized that he would not be able to do the CUNY Law School program because of the amount of time required on campus, and then we got the letter from Pace! Now I have no doubt that this is God's plan for Anthony at this time. So, we'll all rally around, and I know that sometimes it will seem really difficult, but we can do it. Andrew picked out a carrot cake so we could all celebrate this momentous occasion.

At Andrew's school we also had a little graduation. He didn't graduate because he still has another year, but all of the kids take part in the ceremony and it was very sweet. Andrew actually even sang his little heart out!

If All Days Could be Like Today

2007-06-14T00:14:00.000-04:00

Wow - if this every evening was like this evening I could see having more children, but this rarely happens. The boys played so happily out on the swing set for hours together, and played with some cars. They even ate dinner outside and loved it. Alex played with a friend and came home happy and helpful. No yelling, no fights and I actually got some cleaning done.

Alex had me take some "fun" photos of her and the boys -- some are below.

Philip and Andrew are just like Adam and Eve

2007-06-12T18:26:00.000-04:00

Something really funny happened the other day. Philip had "built a house" using some chairs and was just finishing when Andrew walked by. Andrew handed Philip a crayon, and Philip promptly went to draw on one of the chairs used in his "house" (he's only supposed to draw on paper!). When I said "Philip, what are you doing" he immediately pointed at Andrew and said "Andrew gave it to me."
Reminded me of this story: "And [God] said, '... Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?' The man said, 'The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree...'"
So, I got quite a little chuckle :)

I also entered another photo from the bug storm in the Reuters news photo contests.
This is it:

A few days ago the twins were having a great time playing ring around the rosie so I've put those photos below. I think that sometime in the near future I'll make a digital scrapbook page for these because they are so darn cute.

The Recital and Other Stuff

2007-06-11T21:45:00.000-04:00

Tonight was the big recital where my student Gillian played 2 piano solo pieces and 1 duet with me, Alexandra played 2 piano solos and a 12 bar blues improv duet with me, and I played 1 organ solo. In addition to this there were 5 other students, it was a very nice recital. I, unfortunately, did not play my piece as well as I had in practice, but that often happens when nerves come in to play. But I always enjoy performing and it was fun.

I also realized I never posted the photos from Alex's last karate test. Her next test will be from gold belt to green belt. So here are some pics of her getting her last stripes:

1) Honshi Smith (her Sensei's Sensei) working with her before the test.

2) Alexandra performing her Kata.

3) Alex doing her bag work.

4) Alex getting her new stripes/tips on her gold belt.

Today's Quote:
The happy people are those who are producing something; the bored people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing. -- William Ralph Inge

I know that I usually post a quote from Scripture, but I really liked this quote. Maybe I should be producing more and consuming less -- and maybe that's why I enjoy scrapbooking so much -- I produce. hhmmmmm Blessings.

The First Day of the Rest of our Lives

2007-06-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

Well, today we embark on something new. The church voted 35 Yes, 3 No, and 1 Abstain to "Uphold Pastor's (Anthony's) call and prayerfully support him in his study of law...." At the meeting Anthony got up and spoke. He gave support for his law study from his Letter of Call, from the Constitution of the ELCA and from Scripture. People were moved and I believe touched by the Holy Spirit. On the one hand it's a great relief because I didn't want to leave this place or these people, on the other hand the budget that was voted for decreased his salary by 25%. I was at first angry because the congregation has basically said they believe Anthony can fulfill the terms of his Call while studying law, yet still decreased his salary.

BUT THEN, in prayer I had an epiphany - quiet, nothing grand but still an epiphany. For the last 1-2 years I have been a terrible steward of the financial gifts God has given this family and now we have an amazing opportunity to really pin down our priorities and do God's will. It gets back to that too much stuff I talked about a week ago. Granted, a fair amount of our finances has gone to pay for medical bills, but still we buy and collect too much. I guess having things gives us some kind of security, but it's a false security because things aren't going to sustain and nourish us -- only God will.

I do believe, even more so now than a couple days ago, that God is really leading this and orchestrating it and that we have nothing to worry about. We need to take care of the necessary details but God will care for us and we will make it through praising and glorifying him (or her as the case may be but that's another blog for later on).

So Scripture for today:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb, 12:1-2

The first thing that comes to mind is WOW. I get these daily lessons from my home website (MyWay.com) and they are just "random." No Lectionary etc., and this is the one for today! Isn't this just what we need to do at this juncture of our lives? Throw off that STUFF that is hindering us from doing God's work... I am including a photo of a lovely Bleeding Heart flower from my garden - I always think of Jesus and his sacrifice when I see this flower. Enjoy, and blessings to all who visit.

Not Sleeping :(

2007-06-10T01:19:00.000-04:00

Had trouble sleeping so did another page.

Anxious Days

2007-06-09T22:15:00.000-04:00

Well, tomorrow is the vote at the church regarding Anthony going to 3/4 time. There have been a variety of e-mails going around both for and against this idea. There are a variety of issues, but really the only importnat one is whether or not this is where God is leading Anthony. I know, and thought that all who knows him, know that his life is focused on doing God's will and caring for God's people. I spent a few hours practicing the organ and did some scrapbook work, all good for the mind. I just hope that the Spirit is among us, and know that regardless of what happens God will care for us.

This is my new scrap page:

I entered this in a "scraplift" challenge, which means I saw a layout that I liked and copied using different papers, etc. and my own photo. Susan Weinroth was the original designer and this is the link to her version if anybody's interested: Susan's Childhood Page

About my goals...
Well, I've fairly well watching my diet and staying within the Weight Watcher bounds but it looks like we'll be having 4 home cooked meals out of 7 and not 5, but it's closer than it was! The mail and paperwork are still major issues - as is the laundry, but little by little. And, given the stress and the fact that I've been sick I'll be easy on myself :)

Scripture:
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Mt. 6:14-15

Forgiveness is not always easy, in fact it's often very difficult. When I read this I am both comforted and disturbed. I don't consider myself someone who holds grudges, but I do know that I have not always been the most forgiving of people. I am also reminded how God's way is so not the "American" way. God's not a "Don't get mad, get even" or a "Get them before they get you" kind of being. If we could be like that maybe this world would be a nicer place.

My Baby Graduates

2007-06-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

Today my little Philip graduated from his nursery school to continue up to preschool next year. They entered to "Pomp and Circumstances."

The ceremony was very sweet, a little skit and song for "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" and for the story "The Little Log Cabin."
The High School students who have been working with the teachers and the Preschool kids wrote poems for each of the kids and read them during the ceremony when it came time for each of the kids to get their diplomas.
Then they all processed out to "Pomp and Circumstances" and we had a great little reception.
Philip was voted "Most Inquisitive." The poem that was written for Philip is:

At first Philip was very shy,
But now he is an affectionate little guy.
In the beginning he had a mop of hair,
Now his head is almost bare.
At the start of the year, he always had a gloomy mug,
Now all he wants to do is give everyone a hug.
Philip is a very smart kid, and that's a fact,
Always coming up with new ways to steal my hat.
Philip is always on the run,
Moving from spot to spot, always having fun.
From shy to affectionate, he opened up to his peers,
We wish him luck throughout the rest of his years.

By: John Park and Ronan O'Brien

The News

2007-06-07T09:45:00.000-04:00

It started as a normal snowy day but I wanted to be sure and make my Dr.'s appointment, we'll be going to England in a few weeks and I want to be sure that everything is OK before we go. As I'm laying on the table and Dr. K is completing the sonogram, we see a beautiful little baby all curled up and sleeping, strong heart pumping away just as it should. As Dr. K is checking out the baby's environment, crazy active movement is on the screen.
"It's another baby isn't it?" I ask Dr. K.
Her reply, "Well, let me do another sonogram to see if I can get 2 heartbeats in the same picture... yep, there are two heartbeats"
My response, "I knew it!" I had a feeling from the day I realized I was pregnant that it was twins. I had mentioned it to the doctors, but two ultrasounds had only shown one -- so much for modern technology versus a woman's intuition!
It just happened that a woman from church who was a few weeks more along in her pregnancy than me had an appointment at the same time that morning - so she was the first to hear the news outside the medical staff -- what an appointment that was!

Sick

2007-06-07T09:33:00.000-04:00

I hate being sick -- I am just about the biggest female baby in the world (we all know that sick men are really the biggest babies :=) lol). And of course I had to get sick on one of the busiest family days of this month: Philip had OT at 9am, Andrew had a school picnic that required a parent from 10a-1p, Alex had a major project due and needed a ride to school, Anthony had grad activities at the church's pre-school, Alex had a piano lesson, Alex also had her spring chorus concert and I was supposed to teach a piano lesson but rescheduled it. Thanks to my DH (dear husband) I was able to rest from about 2:30 - 6:00 which helped A LOT!! I wasn't able to sleep that whole time with twins running in and out and screaming/fighting, but at least I didn't have to get up and do anything about it! So - the house looks like a major storm passed through it (what's new? lol) and I didn't make dinner, but I did basically stick to my WW plan.

I've decided to start writing more about how life has been with twins. Before I forget everything :=) I plan to put it into a book for my children to add to all of the scrapbook pages I've been making for them.

Procrastination

2007-06-05T23:34:00.000-04:00

Today was a day that emphasized the perils of procrastination. Why do we procrastinate? Well, I for one like the adrenaline rush of having to finish something in short time. But, it wasn't my procrastination that was an issue - it was Alexandra's. She's had a couple weeks to do a project for school, and today after school started freaking out because her group hasn't done enough. Boy can she pout, cry, scream, and self justify -- she decided it was my fault if she failed this project because I wouldn't run her over to her friend/group member's house. As it turned out, she and I came up with a way to fix everything OK - but we had a tense hour or so -- I kept thinking of the saying, "Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part." Oh how true!

I did make dinner again tonight and stuck to my Weight Watchers plan -- woo hoo, 2 days; now I just need to exercise :( I did get the flowers sprayed, but didn't get any photos taken yet. But now - off to bed.

2007-06-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

Well, I was so busy working on a scrap page last night I didn't get time to write. I entered 2 pages in a collaboration challenge and am thrilled with the results. See them below.

And one a little less dramatic --

Anthony was quite bummed yesterday because it looked like law services wasn't going to release his LSAT scores to the 2 Law Schools he applied to, but today he got confirmation that the scores have been sent. Woo Hoo. This weekend is the congregational vote on Anthony's request to be 3/4 time to be in law school. I have also entered a Reuters News Photography contest - I'm entering photos from the big storm that hit the county a few weeks back. The first photo I have entered is:

I actually stayed with my Weight Watchers plan yesterday and made dinner for the family. 2 of my goals made for one day... I can keep it up!! We got a lot of rain yesterday so my flowers are very happy, I just need to do some fertilizing, weeding and deer spray. I'll post pic tonight.

A New Week Begins

2007-06-03T23:09:00.000-04:00

Well, today wasn't necessarily productive in the traditional sense, but I do feel a little more motivation. I realized last night that part of stops me is that I expect everything to be perfect, and if it's not going to be I don't want to do it. Why do I see in mainly black or white? There's one shade of black and one of White, but a gazillion grays! So, I guess I need to start trying to accept and appreciate the gray! So what is gray? A few toys, a little dust? This isn't going to be easy :) So I guess the first place to start is to set some goals and do one or two at a time until they become habits.

Goals:
Home
Cook Dinner at least 5 out of 7 days a week
Do 1 load of laundry each day (except Sunday) and fold it!
Keep up with mail and paperwork
Clean out the dining room and use it for dining!
Throw out broken toys and all the extra STUFF
Personal
Exercise at least 2 x week and increase to 4 x week over the next month
Follow my Weight Watchers plan
Work with my therapist about why I overeat
Accept that I may never be thin, but I can be healthy
Start working on my "look" - need to be more professional soon!

Tonight Anthony and I went to a fund raiser for Physicians Against World Hunger - the people that we were helping to raise money for have so little, and we have TOO MUCH! We get so bogged down by having so much. Why are we compelled to have so much? Because we can? We certainly don't need it. Are we more complete with more stuff? It's all an illusion - having things don't make us better or more competent, or even more comfortable, so why?? Something to consider....

Today's Scripture:
"...what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him,
You made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor."
Psalm 8:4-5

With all that God has done and continues to do, it is really amazing that he is mindful of us. I need to really believe and embrace God's love in a way that teaches me to love myself, and to care for myself as well. Also, to care for the most precious gift God has given me -- my family.

Another Unproductive Day

2007-06-02T23:26:00.000-04:00

Well, the house still isn't clean and the laundry's not done - except for what Anthony did. I did get a nice nap with Philip, he's been a little under the weather, a great excuse for us both to sleep :) I did make a nice scrapbook page also. The Girls!

I need some motivational help. The house is a mess, a rarely feel like making dinner, and I dread exercise - which I desperately need because I just seem to keep gaining weight. What is it that keeps me from being productive and motivated? hhmmmmmmm....

Today's Bible passage just happened to be:
"A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19. Well, there's no doubt that at times when I thought we weren't going to be able to pay the bills, or times of personal problems, etc., we do seem to have been delivered and found ourselves in a better place. I just pray that as our family embarks on this new adventure of me working and Anthony in law school that we will make it through better and stronger than when we started.

Well, good night - and maybe tomorrow will be a better more motivated day.

Another Day Has Ended

2007-06-01T22:26:00.000-04:00

Well, today was not an especially productive day. I did do one scrapbook page and comment on many other peoples'. I also started dumping stuff from my hard drive - I can't believe I've filled up 75 GB of space! Andrew and I had several quiet hours while Anthony was in the city, and Alex & Philip were in school - we watched Scooby Doo, and he played outside a little, but it got very warm and humid so he didn't stay out for long.
I should be a better housekeeper, but it gets very frustrating to clean up and 10 minutes later for the house to be a shambles again. I just have no motivation. Maybe tomorrow!

Scripture for tonight:
"He [Elijah] will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..." Mal 4:5
Hmmm. Really, all parents should have their children in their hearts with them being the most important. Good has given us a special charge by giving us children - they should also bring us joy. The love I get from my children is amazing, I hope they feel the same about mine.

A New Month - The Beginning of the End

2007-06-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

Well, June has started which means the end of the school year is just around the corner. This means that Alexandra is officially a Middle Schooler in a few weeks - she's so excited about it. Philip's special ed program has done wonders for him. Andrew is really becoming ready for school. Fortunately Philip will get to be in summer school, I'd be worried that he'll lose ground if he's not in school for 10 weeks, so for 6 he'll go to a program and continue to get OT. Alex has a variety of camps and trips she'll be doing over the summer - children's theatre, horseback riding, vacation Bible school, a trip to our friends' farm in Kendall, and a trip to Arizona.

I shall be preparing for my courses that start in the fall. I am very excited to be teaching full time, although I am a bit nervous. One day I'm excited, the next day a mourn that I'll be away from home so many hours - I've been home full time for the last 4 years. But this was a rare opportunity and something I've really wanted to do. So, soon I'll be getting my syllabi together, organizing my office (woo hoo I get my own office), and planning my preps.

Anthony should be preparing for and starting Law School. Although I know he really wants to do this, and really plans to do good things for others, I'm quite anxious about how this is all going to work out.

The Day's End

2007-06-01T00:19:00.001-04:00

Well, another day has finished - a busy one not surprisingly. Alexandra had her newest test in Karate today - she has earned her last tip on her gold belt and will test for her green belt next.

I had choir rehearsal - we seem to have lost a lot of members in the last year so it's a little discouraging at times.

I did get a couple of scrapbook pages done - one of a lovely Lenten Rose (Hellebore) flower and one of the twins helping plant flowers on Memorial day. I started working on the parsonage gardens a couple of years back, trying to tame the yard a bit. I haven't been all that successful, but it's getting there slowly but surely.

Today's Bible Passage:
"...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles..."
I pray that all will believe and hope in the Lord.

Catching Up

2007-05-31T09:59:00.000-04:00

For those who I have been neglecting :( I thought I'd give some news updates!

Me - I have worked for 3 semesters as an adjunct professor at Marist College in Poughkeepsie teaching a couple of Organic Chemistry labs. I have been hired as a full time instructor and will be teaching probably 4 labs and 1 lecture course. I am also still playing the organ on Sundays and teaching one piano student. I also have a new hobby (aka obsession), making digital scrapbook pages.

Anthony - Anthony is still pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Croton-on-Hudson. In the fall he will start law school either at City University of New York or Pace University. He also has run several marathons raising money for a variety of charities to help others.

Alexandra - Well, she is growing into quite the young lady. She will start middle school next year - it's so hard to believe! She is still riding horses and doing a fantastic job of it. She is also doing karate, testing today as a matter of fact for her next level. The next time she tests it will be for her green belt. And, she is still taking piano lessons. She is kind and considerate with an amazingly strong faith.

To see more scrapbook pages you can go to my scrapbook home page here.

Andrew - He is getting to be such a big boy. A nickname he's kind of always had is Thor (the God of Thunder). It really does fit! He tends to be kind of like a steam roller with a hot but short lived temper. He's been in a modified Montessori program this year and has had speech therapy, so has become quite the little talker and school boy. He is very sweet and loves to be loved, and loves to love.

(In the above photo Philip is on the left and Andrew on the right.)

Philip - He too is becoming a big boy - as tall as Andrew but leaner (but just as strong if not stronger!) Philip goes to a preschool where he is in a special ed inclusion class. He has a sensory integration disorder (he's what they call a sensory seeker - ie. daredevil) and is still speech delayed. He will continue to get special ed, occupational therapy and speech therapy throughout the summer and next year. His nickname has been Loki (the God of Mischief). I think that's self explanatory - especially for those who know Philip :) He is though one of the most loving, cuddly, kissy little boys ever to have walked on this planet (watch out girls!).

So, I think that's the main news. Enjoy the photos! And remember that even on those days that we don't think of God, God's still thinking of us! Blessings

My First Day

2007-05-30T22:30:00.002-04:00

It seems that blogs are all the rage -- so I decided to give it a try. I've never been good at journaling, etc., but maybe in this environment I might actually do something. So this is me and my family...

We also have two beautiful dogs called Licorice and William, a handsome cat called Jael, a sweet bunny called Cookie Monster, hermit crabs and fish...

So, I will call it quits for tonight. The greatest joy in life is having it and knowing that because Jesus died on the cross for me I will have life forever... Blessings to all who read this.