22 December 2010
18 September 2010
28 July 2010
Fun with my tween son...
Reluctantly I agreed that I would pick up my high school daughter from a picnic at 9'ish pm tonight. I work about 45 minutes from home and have early meetings tomorrow, so I was a bit crabby about it.
Anyway, at about 8:30 my son and I were feeling kinda bored so we decided on DQ. From there, we drove to the park DD was at, parked in a place with full view of her and her friends. We sat in the car enjoying our DQ until 9pm at which time we started texting her.
Needless to say we were feeling goofy, silly, etc. So from her perspective, I think we annoyed her. It only took her 15minutes, including a countdown and a threat to pull right up to the group with her brother hanging out the sunroof hollering her name. She decided it would be less embarrassing to come to the car.
My goal accomplished - home before 9:30 and lots of giggles with son. Maybe I won't always be asked for the late shift of carpooling next time? Nah.
Anyway, at about 8:30 my son and I were feeling kinda bored so we decided on DQ. From there, we drove to the park DD was at, parked in a place with full view of her and her friends. We sat in the car enjoying our DQ until 9pm at which time we started texting her.
Needless to say we were feeling goofy, silly, etc. So from her perspective, I think we annoyed her. It only took her 15minutes, including a countdown and a threat to pull right up to the group with her brother hanging out the sunroof hollering her name. She decided it would be less embarrassing to come to the car.
My goal accomplished - home before 9:30 and lots of giggles with son. Maybe I won't always be asked for the late shift of carpooling next time? Nah.
27 July 2010
Talking with a teen...
I just began reading the book Tuscan Holiday by Holly Chamberlin
The quote for today that really struck me as accurate is:
"I swear, sometimes talking to one's child is like negotiating a minefield. You didn't ask to be in the middle of a minefield, you have no idea how you got there, and all you want to do is survive said minefield with your limbs intact."
The mom character in the book asked a seemingly innocent question on where her daughter got something and instead of a simple answer, received many defensive non-answers. The mom simply had wanted to know where she had found the item. I find this type of conversation occurring more and more frequently in my house. Is there something I am doing to cause this defensiveness or is it just a teenage stage?
The quote for today that really struck me as accurate is:
"I swear, sometimes talking to one's child is like negotiating a minefield. You didn't ask to be in the middle of a minefield, you have no idea how you got there, and all you want to do is survive said minefield with your limbs intact."
The mom character in the book asked a seemingly innocent question on where her daughter got something and instead of a simple answer, received many defensive non-answers. The mom simply had wanted to know where she had found the item. I find this type of conversation occurring more and more frequently in my house. Is there something I am doing to cause this defensiveness or is it just a teenage stage?
22 July 2010
Two Things...
So, just for today I need the answer's to two things:
- Why do you children think that their life is full of so much more work and hardship than their parents and that the parents are lazy and taking advantage of them? (Especially during the summer and longer school vacations.)
- How in the world do you explain to teenagers that a work day/week + commute can be exhausting and that taxiing them everywhere is not restful - it too is work? And that as the person bringing in the money they so willingly spend, if I want to relax, I am going to and do it however I see fit.
10 July 2010
Midsummer Melancholy
The summer is 1/2 over. Kids leave for a week at Trout Lake/Timber Ridge camp tomorrow. Work is frustrating and slow. The to-do list around the house is huge (needs a 'spring' cleaning). The emergency fund is not growing. The van needed all new tires (kinda scary story). Big costs upcoming: 2 week vacation, dog kennel/training, replace dishwasher, have to do something with our couches, deck still needs staining, parts our outside house need painting, driveway sinking. The list above does not even take into account all the things the Realtor said would need to be updated.
So here I am. I had a fun morning watching one niece play soccer (they won) and the other make the cutest faces. Lunch out. I have basically been sitting in a slump since then. I have about 7 knit projects started, none really interest me. I have read 70 books so far this year and that is alot cuz my goal for 2010 is 100. Sudoku has been in my lap occasionally.
Maybe I need a hair style change?
So here I am. I had a fun morning watching one niece play soccer (they won) and the other make the cutest faces. Lunch out. I have basically been sitting in a slump since then. I have about 7 knit projects started, none really interest me. I have read 70 books so far this year and that is alot cuz my goal for 2010 is 100. Sudoku has been in my lap occasionally.
Maybe I need a hair style change?
01 July 2010
I cannot believe it is July 1...
Well, I am in total shock today because my summer is 1/2 gone and I haven't even been swimming in the lake! Hopefully this weekend will be nice & warm.
Updates: G has completed his summer academy course in Architecture. The house he designed was pretty cool - but way out of my price range ($850,000). Marissa has NOT slept through the day two days in a row. I know you would think jet lag, but the time difference was only 1 hour. I am still praying and searching for "what's next?". Pat is working, golfing, meeting and is generally busy. The dog's need some training and Rosie's ears are still a mess.
Our vacation plans are coming together. I can't believe I get to be gone from work for 2 whole weeks!
Updates: G has completed his summer academy course in Architecture. The house he designed was pretty cool - but way out of my price range ($850,000). Marissa has NOT slept through the day two days in a row. I know you would think jet lag, but the time difference was only 1 hour. I am still praying and searching for "what's next?". Pat is working, golfing, meeting and is generally busy. The dog's need some training and Rosie's ears are still a mess.
Our vacation plans are coming together. I can't believe I get to be gone from work for 2 whole weeks!
29 June 2010
Computer is home! She's home!
Marissa is home from Guatemala! It sounds like she had a wonderful time. She was back in the USA by about 9:30pm on Sunday. Then she rode back to MN through the night. We were called to pick her up at the wonderful hour of 3:00am on Monday morning. She slept all day yesterday, Pat and I wished we could have! Last night we got to hear many stories while she went through all of her pictures. Kinda like an old fashioned slide show since we plugged the computer into the TV. You can read about the trip on their blog.
Our computer came home Sunday as well. Where was it, you ask? Well while searching for a trendy guy's haircut for Gunnar, we ran into a little problem. One of the sites had 'scare ware' - those annoying pop-ups that tell you your computer is probably infected and you should buy their product. I knew better, but for some reason it took over my computer even when I had clicked "no thank you". LESSON #1: JUST CLOSE THE WINDOW, DO NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY! Well, taking over entailed telling me everything I tried to open/start was infected and then not allowing it to start. Pop-up window in the Explorer browser starting showing up, and they were mostly porn. Even when I shut off the internet, it just kept coming.
Thankfully, I have a wonderful neighbor who is a self-taught computer guru (thanks Kylene). I called her right away. She really wanted to help, but had a bridal shower at her home the next day, so asked if we could talk Thursday or Friday. What could I say? Of course! LESSON #2: JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY DOES NOT MEAN IT IS EVERYONE ELSE'S EMERGENCY! I actually know this lesson, but it never ever hurts to remind oneself and other.
Thursday Kylene was exhausted, so I ended up dropping off the computer at her house on our way up to the camper. LESSON #3: BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER MORE FREQUENTLY THAN "EVERY NOW AND THEN". When we returned Sunday, I went to visit my computer that was feeling better, but not quite fully back to good health. After a couple more hours, it is now restored to it's good health. I learned quite a bit while watching Kylene while I was there on Sunday. Especially that I needed better security tools and that I was running out of space. LESSON #4: YOU CAN NEVER TAKE TOO MANY COMPUTER SECURITY PRECAUTIONS.
Well, during this I also learned that my neighbor can probably get us another laptop for pretty cheap. That helps out with 2 kids trying to do on-line homework and me not wanting them on my PC. We shall see. FINAL LESSON: PRAYER WORKS!
Our computer came home Sunday as well. Where was it, you ask? Well while searching for a trendy guy's haircut for Gunnar, we ran into a little problem. One of the sites had 'scare ware' - those annoying pop-ups that tell you your computer is probably infected and you should buy their product. I knew better, but for some reason it took over my computer even when I had clicked "no thank you". LESSON #1: JUST CLOSE THE WINDOW, DO NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY! Well, taking over entailed telling me everything I tried to open/start was infected and then not allowing it to start. Pop-up window in the Explorer browser starting showing up, and they were mostly porn. Even when I shut off the internet, it just kept coming.
Thankfully, I have a wonderful neighbor who is a self-taught computer guru (thanks Kylene). I called her right away. She really wanted to help, but had a bridal shower at her home the next day, so asked if we could talk Thursday or Friday. What could I say? Of course! LESSON #2: JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY DOES NOT MEAN IT IS EVERYONE ELSE'S EMERGENCY! I actually know this lesson, but it never ever hurts to remind oneself and other.
Thursday Kylene was exhausted, so I ended up dropping off the computer at her house on our way up to the camper. LESSON #3: BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER MORE FREQUENTLY THAN "EVERY NOW AND THEN". When we returned Sunday, I went to visit my computer that was feeling better, but not quite fully back to good health. After a couple more hours, it is now restored to it's good health. I learned quite a bit while watching Kylene while I was there on Sunday. Especially that I needed better security tools and that I was running out of space. LESSON #4: YOU CAN NEVER TAKE TOO MANY COMPUTER SECURITY PRECAUTIONS.
Well, during this I also learned that my neighbor can probably get us another laptop for pretty cheap. That helps out with 2 kids trying to do on-line homework and me not wanting them on my PC. We shall see. FINAL LESSON: PRAYER WORKS!
28 June 2010
2010 Books Read So Far...
My 2010 goal is 100 books. This will include books on CD - which make my commute bearable. Since my DH gave me a kindle this year, my library usage may suffer, but I don’t want to spend to much $$$. June seems to be reading month for me. Must be trips to camper and 'deck time'.
January
1) The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart
2) Harry Potter #7 again, aloud with son
3) Where My Heart Belongs by Tracie Peterson
4) Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
5) In the Woods by Tana French
6) Animal, vegetable, miracle : a year of food life by Barbara Kingsolver
7) Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret
8) The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
9) Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins
10) A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt
February
11) The Land of Silver Apples by Nancy Farmer
12) The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissiner
13) Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs
14) Dragon Outcast by E. E. Knight
15) Knitting by Anne Bartlett
March
16) Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Moon Lee
17) The Healer by Dee Henderson
18) Murder Takes the cake
by Gayle Trent
19) The Way of Women: a Novel by Lauraine Snelling
20) Flashback by Nevada Barr
April
21) 13 1/2: a Novel by Nevada Barr
22) Orbiting the Giant Hairball:a Corporate Fool’s Guide to Surviving with Grace by Gordon Mackenzie (nf)
23) The Rescuer by Dee Henderson
24) Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
25) The Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr
26) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
27) A Superior Death by Nevada Barr
28) Stopping Time, Part 1 by Melissa Marr
29) Stopping Time, Part 2 by Melissa Marr
30) Living Organized by Sandra Felton (nf)
May
31) Ill Wind by Nevada Barr
32) Firestorm by Nevada Barr
33) Endangered Species by Nevada Barr
34) Blind Descent by Nevada Barr
35) Liberty Falling by Nevada Barr
36) Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton
37) Hunting Season by Nevada Barr
38) Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo
39) The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
40) House Rules by Jodi Picoult
41) Schools Out - Forever by James Patterson
June
42) The Help by Kathryn Stockett
43) Green by Ted Dekker
44) The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
45) Borderline by Nevada Barr
46) June Bug by Chris Fabry
47) Maximum Ride: Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson
48) High Country by Nevada Barr
49) The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
50) Hard Truth by Nevada Barr
51) The Maine Corpse by Diane Mott Davidson
52) Winter Study by Nevada Barr
53) Burn by Nevada Barr
54) Unwind by Neal Shusterman
55) They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti
56) Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs
57) Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
58) Silent to the Bone by E.L. Konigsburg
59) The Last Jihad by Joel C. Rosenberg
60) The Final Warning (Maximum Ride) by James Patterson
January
1) The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart
2) Harry Potter #7 again, aloud with son
3) Where My Heart Belongs by Tracie Peterson
4) Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
5) In the Woods by Tana French
6) Animal, vegetable, miracle : a year of food life by Barbara Kingsolver
7) Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret
8) The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
9) Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins
10) A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt
February
11) The Land of Silver Apples by Nancy Farmer
12) The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissiner
13) Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs
14) Dragon Outcast by E. E. Knight
15) Knitting by Anne Bartlett
March
16) Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Moon Lee
17) The Healer by Dee Henderson
18) Murder Takes the cake
by Gayle Trent 19) The Way of Women: a Novel by Lauraine Snelling
20) Flashback by Nevada Barr
April
21) 13 1/2: a Novel by Nevada Barr
22) Orbiting the Giant Hairball:a Corporate Fool’s Guide to Surviving with Grace by Gordon Mackenzie (nf)
23) The Rescuer by Dee Henderson
24) Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
25) The Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr
26) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
27) A Superior Death by Nevada Barr
28) Stopping Time, Part 1 by Melissa Marr
29) Stopping Time, Part 2 by Melissa Marr
30) Living Organized by Sandra Felton (nf)
May
31) Ill Wind by Nevada Barr
32) Firestorm by Nevada Barr
33) Endangered Species by Nevada Barr
34) Blind Descent by Nevada Barr
35) Liberty Falling by Nevada Barr
36) Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton
37) Hunting Season by Nevada Barr
38) Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo
39) The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
40) House Rules by Jodi Picoult
41) Schools Out - Forever by James Patterson
June
42) The Help by Kathryn Stockett
43) Green by Ted Dekker
44) The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
45) Borderline by Nevada Barr
46) June Bug by Chris Fabry
47) Maximum Ride: Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson
48) High Country by Nevada Barr
49) The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
50) Hard Truth by Nevada Barr
51) The Maine Corpse by Diane Mott Davidson
52) Winter Study by Nevada Barr
53) Burn by Nevada Barr
54) Unwind by Neal Shusterman
55) They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti
56) Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs
57) Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
58) Silent to the Bone by E.L. Konigsburg
59) The Last Jihad by Joel C. Rosenberg
60) The Final Warning (Maximum Ride) by James Patterson
25 June 2010
Responsibility trumps dreams every time...
The title of the today's blog was from a Christian fiction named "They Almost Always Come Home" by Cynthia Ruchti. I enjoyed the book, the story line was great as well as the fact that the story took place in the Canadian side of the Boundary Waters - close to home.
The quote struck a cord with me because it is how I have felt for a very long time. I truly believe that it is not God's will for our lives to feel like this and/or to give up our dreams. What I am still trying to figure out are these questions:
The quote struck a cord with me because it is how I have felt for a very long time. I truly believe that it is not God's will for our lives to feel like this and/or to give up our dreams. What I am still trying to figure out are these questions:
- Are my dreams God's will for me?
- Does God have all these great things in store for me and I am to chicken to take the first step?
- Am I already living in God's will for my life, but I don't see it because I am too caught up in my wants?
- What should I be praying for to answer my questions? Wisdom? Patience? Relinquishing Control? Courage?
22 June 2010
June 22 - just another day?
So my baby turned 12 yesterday, the longest day of the year. I cooked him dinner - that may seem like a moot point to many of you, but I usually don't cook. He seemed pleased. He practiced on his skateboard (his gift) after dinner. It was a quiet evening. I even had time to do some weeding and dead heading!
Marissa posted in the GSM blog yesterday. It was fun to 'hear' from her about her first day in Guatemala.
As for me, I struggled getting out of bed this morning - not enjoying the slower time at work. I should revel in it, invariably things will pick up. Maybe it is just the commute that I hate getting up for.
Starting a bible study with a friend today. I am also over 1/2 way on my attempt to read 100 books in 2010.
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Marissa posted in the GSM blog yesterday. It was fun to 'hear' from her about her first day in Guatemala.
As for me, I struggled getting out of bed this morning - not enjoying the slower time at work. I should revel in it, invariably things will pick up. Maybe it is just the commute that I hate getting up for.
Starting a bible study with a friend today. I am also over 1/2 way on my attempt to read 100 books in 2010.
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
21 June 2010
Life Moves Quickly - I need to get into better shape to keep up!
So, it has been forever since I last wrote on this blog. I updated the look, but didn't personalize much and then totally lost touch.
Marissa left for Guatemala officially on Sunday. They started the detail work on Friday before they left. The link to the mission trip blog is on the right. I am trying not to worry - she is in God's hands doing his work.
Gunnar turned 12yo today. He is truly a joy - especially for a tween! He is creative and compassionate. Today he is attending his architecture class for Summer Academy. He is hoping to start the model.
As I celebrate his birthday and pray for Marissa's trip, I feel like life is moving at warp speed and I am still moving at baby step pace. I attended Curves today - that helped. I will be seeing doctor about knee as well. I have a strong urge to get in shape so I can keep up with the increasing speed of life.
Interesting thought from the book "They Almost Always Come Home" by Cynthia Ruchti:
As challenging as they were for her, her cancer years merely made the sound of her life more musical as the water bubbled and bounced and sparkled over and around the rocks thrown in her [life] stream's path. Sluggish water doesn't gurgle and sing. It lies there, breeding mosquitoes and dull scum.
What does your life water look like?
Marissa left for Guatemala officially on Sunday. They started the detail work on Friday before they left. The link to the mission trip blog is on the right. I am trying not to worry - she is in God's hands doing his work.
Gunnar turned 12yo today. He is truly a joy - especially for a tween! He is creative and compassionate. Today he is attending his architecture class for Summer Academy. He is hoping to start the model.
As I celebrate his birthday and pray for Marissa's trip, I feel like life is moving at warp speed and I am still moving at baby step pace. I attended Curves today - that helped. I will be seeing doctor about knee as well. I have a strong urge to get in shape so I can keep up with the increasing speed of life.
Interesting thought from the book "They Almost Always Come Home" by Cynthia Ruchti:
As challenging as they were for her, her cancer years merely made the sound of her life more musical as the water bubbled and bounced and sparkled over and around the rocks thrown in her [life] stream's path. Sluggish water doesn't gurgle and sing. It lies there, breeding mosquitoes and dull scum.
What does your life water look like?
27 February 2010
Ski Jammer's Family Ski Day
We went to Wild Mountain today to ski with Gunnar and a billion other Jammer's and their families. I just love beautiful winter days like today. I think it would definitely be a day if filmed would make people from warmer climates freak! It was so beautiful (30's) that we skied with our jackets open and I had to take my mitts off while waiting for the lift to cool down. This huge group of skiers also participated in an outdoor hot dog & beans picnic. We totally filled up all the outdoor picnic tables and still had 1/2 the group in line for food. It was pretty cool to look out over a sea of picnic tables (50+) and see all these skiers in their T-shirts, sunglasses and just soaking up the fun. Today I saw Minnesota skiers in shorts, tutu's, mohawks, beach gear, unicorn helmet covers, wild wigs and even a cow with udder's costume. I found that last one a bit odd in general, but skiing...ever thought about a skiing cow?
All of us are pleasantly tired, a bit sun & wind burned and ready for a relaxing evening.
All of us are pleasantly tired, a bit sun & wind burned and ready for a relaxing evening.
08 February 2010
Chapter 1 What is Work?
I think I am going to work this where I document key ideas or at least ideas that meant something to me. Then I will work through the questions and/or task that are asked of the reader. Often there are fun little exercises such as todays:
In today's world we define work as to carry out duties of a job and play as doing something enjoyable. What are some words that we could create that combine the two? What if you had a job that you enjoyed? What term would you use for volunteering at church? 'volking' Or what would you call doing a job around the house? 'horking'
The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both.
~James Michener
That's all for now folks!
In today's world we define work as to carry out duties of a job and play as doing something enjoyable. What are some words that we could create that combine the two? What if you had a job that you enjoyed? What term would you use for volunteering at church? 'volking' Or what would you call doing a job around the house? 'horking'
The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both.
~James Michener
That's all for now folks!
48 Days to the Work You Love...
by Dan Miller
Believing that God created me for His purposes and scheduled every day of my life, I commit the next few months to a new clarity and a plan of action for moving into God's calling for me.
Believing that God created me for His purposes and scheduled every day of my life, I commit the next few months to a new clarity and a plan of action for moving into God's calling for me.
It is supposed to be a 48 day process, but I am hoping to get through a few lessons a week
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