Rewind

Since nothing is going on in my life at the moment other than twelve hour workdays, I thought I'd rerun a little glimpse of my life when--actually, when nothing was happening. This post first appeared on January 21, 2008.

Nothing makes you feel more helpless than losing your remote control for your TV. Our family is so NOT able to function without a remote. We'll wander all around the room, missing part of our program, in order to look for the remote. After all, everybody knows that commercials are louder than shows are themselves. You always have to turn down commercials, and then you have to turn it up again to hear the dialogue on the show or movie you're watching. And who watches just one thing at a time anymore? I never see commercials. I'm always flipping to see what else is on. I've been known to follow two movies at a time, switching back and forth between commercials or when I come to a scene I' don't care for. So our remote is important. The problem is, it disappeared. I figured it probably ended up under the bed. It has before. I'm not sure how it gets there, but the cat does hang out under there, so maybe she's trying it out while we're gone during the day. This time, though, it wouldn't resurface. I looked around here and there occasionally, but it never came up. Then my husband searched through everything, including the box we have in the corner (haven't quite finished unpacking yet) and he couldn't find it either. I know secretly he blames me for losing it. I also know that in reality, he probably lost it. LOL Either way, that thing is gone. One evening this past week, I decided to take the bedroom apart and find that dumb remote. I cleaned and vacuumed and sorted, and still that thing did not turn up. This was getting ridiculous. If you don't want to get up and change the channel when your sitting on a couch, you sure don't want to do it when you're lying in bed! When I finished in the bedroom, I searched the office, the rec room, the family room and even the boys' bedroom. That remote completely disappeared. I finally did the only thing I could think of. I bought another one. Well, I didn't actually buy it. I had a small gift card so I used that. It makes sense to have one that controls the DVD as well as the TV, doesn't it? This was better in the long run. I should have done this a long time ago. But I still miss the original remote. It was easy to use. It didn't have many buttons, and it was (until now) big enough to spot easily when you were looking for it. So I used the new one, but I still mourned the old one. Today I was digging under my bed for a shoe when I noticed something long and dark standing between the bed and the nightstand. You'll never guess. With all the searching we did, I don't know how we missed it, but there was the old remote. So now we have two remotes again. Worse, it was on my side of the bed. In my husband's terms, that means I'm the one that lost it. (I admit, the circumstancial evidence is pretty damaging.)For now I've left it between the nightstand and the bed. I'm not sure I want to resurrect it. Maybe I should plant it on his side. Now there's an option!

TGIF!

What a fantastic week of Vacation Bible School! Lots of fun, lots of screaming (my ten year old has no voice left--which might be a good thing) : ) lots of prizes and cookies and candy.

Also lots of hay all over everything, lots of spilled soda and stopped up toilets. But hey, you gotta take the bad with the good, don't you?

This is our third year of VBS. We've broken all previous records, and we're getting bigger every year. It's a really exciting time. We actually had two different families tell us that they were skipping their own VBS, held the same week, because their kids liked ours so much better. I'm thinkin' those churches may need to work around our schedule next year!

Of course the reason for all this craziness is to reach others with the Gospel. We've had fourteen saved so far this week. One more day and then graduation tonight--can't wait to see what God can do.

Nicky dressed up like the Lone Ranger all week.

Paul and Joel's "Darryl and Darryl" skits were the hit of VBS.

I love how the whole church gets into helping, complete with costumes.

I'll do a wrap up later. Hope your week was as fun as mine!

Yeehaw, Cowboys!

Here's a few thousand more words for you--

Kids got to exchange money at the bank for pennies for the penny offering.

Our crazy team leaders.

Playing a game.

Matthew directing the Rally Time. 

The human bowling pins. Another boy came running in and jumped into them. He was the "bowling ball".  Paul is at the top of the stack, and Luke is the middle row on the right.

Paul and Joel are a hit this week. They're doing a running gag where they're names are both Darryl, and they try to do stunts to get to play the games. They're natural hams. Wonder where they get that from?

In the first two days we've had twelve children accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Can't wait to see what God does today!

A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words

Sure hope that's still true. I've got lots of pictures, but very few words other than "I'm exhausted".

Here's our platform redecorated to become a general store in our western-themed Vacation Bible School. The kids memorize Bible verses in order to get the chance to play Let's Make A Deal, where they come up on stage and trade and choose prizes.

We had four children accept Christ yesterday. I'm still buzzing with excitement, and we've got four more days to go!

I hope to post more pictures throughout the week, but my camera battery died on me. I've got to get it charged before we head back this morning.

Happy Trails!

Wait, What Was I Saying Again?

The week before Vacation Bible School is always hectic, but this year more so than usual. Hence the lack of posts this week. But in the next day or so, I will be posting pictures of our decorations in progress. The Great Round Up Starts next Monday morning. Pray for us!

Over Half My Life

So what makes a good marriage? Is it her smiling even after picking up his dirty socks for 24 years? Is it him smiling after a thousand mediocre meals? Is it her watching yet another hunting or fishing show? Is it him holding her while she's crying, even though neither of them know why she's crying?

Is it sharing a joke because you'll know they get it? Is it laughing for no reason at all? Is it calling because something great happened, and they're the first one you think of to share it with? 

Is it wanting to shield each other from the ugly blows of life? Is it making each burden lighter by sharing it?

I have no idea. We were little more than babies when we got married. I was nineteen and Terry was twenty-two. It wasn't always easy learning to be a married couple while we were also learning to be adults. Learning to become one when we'd always been two before.

Like any other couple, we've had our ups and downs for the past twenty-four years. But even with the downs, I don't think I would change a thing because it's our history that makes us who we are. So who are we?

Best friends. Co-laborers. A team. Two people who can do more and be more and accomplish more together than we ever could apart.
 Happy Anniversary, Indiana. You're my best friend, my confidant and the other half of me. Thanks for the best twenty-four years of my life.

The End of a Dream

I want a Hummer.  Have I ever mentioned that before?

I've always wanted one, long before SUV's were THE suburban way to travel. I've never even ridden in one, but they look so cool and rugged. They are the epitome of the SUV.

At least, they were. They're not being made anymore. Another casualty of the falling economy. And our slightly insane obsession with "going green". I think I actually heard some environmentalists cheer when they announced that the last Hummers were rolling off the line.

It made me want to cry.

I've long admired the SUV, and I've always hoped to afford one someday. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be too late.

Vehicle manufacturers are doing something horrible to SUV's. They're turning them into monster station wagons.

Have you ever seen a station wagon that looked cool?

Me neither.


And yet, that's exactly what they're churning out of the factories.

They market this as an SUV?

I don't think so.

Take a good look around you next time you're on the road. See how many of those "sport utility vehicles" are nothing more than a station wagon sitting a little higher up.

It's so sad.

Fortunately, not all vehicle makers have ruined their products. I may not be able to afford (or find) a Hummer, but Nissan makes a vehicle called an XTerra. It's not too bad, and it still looks like a small SUV.

Truthfully, I'm not even in the market for a vehicle right now. Except that my Suzuki Forenza is in the shop, and I'm having to drive our 12 passenger diesel van everywhere I want to go.

That might be what's putting me in the mood for a more rugged vehicle, but let's face it. Our van is not an SUV.

But then again, neither are a lot of other sport utility vehicles on the road.

*Sigh*

The Truth In A Childhood Song

Oh be careful little mouth, what you say.

Oh be careful little mouth, what you say.

For the Father up above

Is looking down in love,

Oh be careful little mouth, what you say.

I woke up this morning with this song running through my head. A warning perhaps?
What are you saying today?

A Summer Recipe

This post is linking up with Fringe Girl from the Domestic Fringe.  She is getting in touch with her inner Martha, and is hosting a summer recipe carnival. After reading up and taking notes on my delicious recipe, (and leaving a comment, of course) click on the link and head over to her site for some more great recipes. And remember, if the recipes don't turn out right, it's probably your fault and not ours.

So here's my recipe:

Start with Oscar Mayer beef franks. (Brand is important to this recipe.)

Unwrap package and place franks on the grill. (I would say hot dogs, but I'm trying to have a little class here.)

Turn franks to desired shade of brown. (Or black, if that's your preference.)

Place the hot franks in buns and decorate with relish, ketchup and mustard. It's important to put the relish on first, and you can use sweet relish or dill. Next comes the ketchup and then a thin line of mustard. (It's a thin line because I personally don't care for mustard. But the frank doesn't look right without it.) Top with chopped onions if you desire.

Serve on a paper plate (saves washing dishes) with chips and baked beans. Bush's has great baked beans. You can throw in a little brown sugar and molasses so that you can claim them as your own.

Wash down with your favorite tea or soft drink. Again, plastic cups are preferred.

What?

You weren't seriously expecting a recipe from me, were you?

Okay. If Fringe Girl does this carnival again, I'll give you an honest to goodness recipe. But it will have to be for dessert. In the meantime, I'm going to go read the instructions on the back of the brownie mix again.

Here's to summer!

A Taste of Feet and My Purpose in Life

It's been a while since I opened mouth inserted foot. But when I do it, I do it right. I was told this weekend that we're having a get together for the teens and their parents from church this week. Like any dutiful pastor's wife, I asked what I should bring. My hostess said they were grilling and I should bring hamburger and hot dog buns.

After an exhausting Sunday, wrapped up with a Vacation Bible School meeting (2 weeks, people! I'm really feeling the pressure!) my friend and I were exhaustedly discussing our upcoming week.

She:  I still have to get things together for Tuesday.

Me:  I have buns! (Said brightly, happy to have already done my part.)

I didn't even realize what I said until her husband cracked up.

In other news, one of the ladies at church told me she felt old because today was promotion Sunday, and now she had a child in the youth group at church.

Me:  You think that's bad? I now only have one child that isn't in the youth group!

My friend was literally shocked.

Me:  Makes me seem older, doesn't it?

She:  Yes.

Me:  Makes you feel better, doesn't it?

She:  Yes. I'm sorry, but it does.

We laughed together while I acknowledged that I do feel like God's will for my life is to make other people glad they're not me. Hey, we've all got our purpose. Glad I'm good for something.

So how was your weekend?

Show Your Patriotism!

Today is National Donut Day. Bet you didn't see that one coming, but it's true. I feel that it would best show my patriotism by honoring this National holiday. I will eat a donut. Will you join me in this patriotic endeavor?

And as long as we're on the subject of donuts, are you a connoisseur of donuts? Do you turn your nose up at Walmart's fresh baked donuts? Are you a Dunkin Donuts only kind of girl? Or Guy? What's your pleasure?

As for me, I'll eat any donut that doesn't eat me first. I prefer Dunkin Donuts' Boston Creme, but I'll go with whatever I can get. Except for a jelly donut. That's a total waste of good donut dough.

And if you're eating a donut, do you have to have coffee or milk? Or some other beverage? Enquiring (and obviously bored) minds want to know!

Whaddya Know?

Heart Valves Crayons Parachutes Telephones Enamel Transparent tape Antiseptics Deodorant Pantyhose Rubbing Alcohol Carpets Epoxy paint Oil filters Upholstery Hearing Aids Car sound insulation Cassettes Motorcycle helmets Pillows Shower doors Shoes Electrical tape Safety glass Awnings Salad bowl Rubber cement Nylon rope Ice buckets Fertilizers Hair coloring Toilet seats Denture adhesive Loudspeakers Movie film Fishing boots Candles Water pipes Car enamel Shower curtains Credit cards Aspirin Golf balls Detergents Sunglasses Glue Fishing rods Linoleum Plastic wood Soft contact lenses Trash bags Hand lotion Shampoo Shaving cream Footballs Paint brushes Balloons Fan belts Umbrellas Paint Rollers Luggage Antifreeze Model cars Floor wax Sports car bodies Tires Dishwashing liquids Unbreakable dishes Toothbrushes Toothpaste Combs Tents Hair curlers Lipstick Ice cube trays Electric blankets Tennis rackets Drinking cups House paint Rollerskates wheels Guitar strings Ammonia Eyeglasses Ice chests Life jackets TV cabinets Car battery cases Insect repellent Refrigerants Typewriter ribbons Cold cream Glycerin Plywood adhesive Cameras Anesthetics Artificial turf Artificial Limbs Bandages Dentures Mops Beach Umbrellas Ballpoint pens Boats Nail polish Golf bags Caulking Tape recorders Curtains Vitamin capsules Dashboards Putty Percolators Skis Insecticides Fishing lures Perfumes Shoe polish Petroleum jelly Faucet washers Food preservatives Antihistamines Cortisone Dyes LP records Solvents Roofing This is a list of products that are made with oil.

So how much do you think that oil spill in the Gulf is going to affect you? I thought it would raise gas prices. But it looks like it could raise a lot more.

Part of the problem with stopping the gushing oil is that it is so deep--over 5,000 feet. The reason they were drilling that far out is because environmentalists lobbied for laws making it illegal to drill in shallower water in the Gulf, claiming it would be bad for the environment.

So how do we feel now? Better? Or worse?

Frantically Scrambling

Hello, blogging friends. and Blog-reading friends. And friends that just happen to be web surfing. And ... Well, whoever you are, hello.

Have you missed me?

I have all kinds of wonderfully different reasons why I have only posted once in the last seven days. Would you like to hear them? Of course you would.

1. I had nothing to say. (Sorry, I couldn't even write that with a straight face. And I know you won't be able to read it without laughing!)

2. My left index finger fell off and I couldn't type the letters, g, r, t, f, v, or b. By the time I composed a post that contained none of those letters, I got my replacement finger in the mail.

3. We had two plunger incidents at the house this past week. Need I say more?

4. I ate Oscar Mayer beef hot dogs for the first time, and I've been composing a poem in their honor. I'm almost done.

5. I have a tree in my backyard.

6. I have seven males in my house. Need I say more?

7. I've been focusing on cowboy stuff for our VBS, and cowboys don't use computers.

8. It took me three days to get pictures of my kittens to show you. Seriously. It did take three days. Those things are never still unless they're sleeping. And usually if they're sleeping, I'm sleeping too.

Aren't they just too cute for words? 

And they pose. The white one is a male and we named him Ronon Dex, after a character on Stargate Atlantis. The calico has a brown streak that looks like it's drizzled all over her, so we named her Mocha Drizzle. So we have Dex and Drizzle.

Drizzle tends to be a bit of a camera hog.

And Dex was really too tired to pose properly.

Okay, enough pictures. One more and I would have to rename this blog Crazy Cat Lady, and that's just a sad thought. 

Back to my reasons for not blogging:

9. Lid, from 2nd Cup of Coffee has suspended Random Dozen for the month of June. Not only am I devastated, but now I have to think up my own topics for blog posts on Wednesdays. I'm not sure I can handle the pressure.

10. I have seven males in my house. Did I mention that? They're time consuming, and none of them can find anything without help. Even if it's right in front of them.

I know most of you probably didn't even realize I was gone, but humor me and pretend you did. My ego is fragile.

How has your week gone?