A Rough Day

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

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

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!

Congratulations are in Order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 :(

Had trouble sleeping so did another page.

Anxious Days

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.