Weekend Recap

Since I spent the weekend running around like a madwoman with a mission, I decided one post to recap everything would be enough.  It's easier for me, I think.  As long as I remember where I've been and what I've done ;-).

Saturday started off early.  We were attending a baby shower for a sweet friend who is visiting from Sweden.  She's almost 5 months pregnant with her first child, a little boy, and my daughter and I were excited to share in this special time with her.  The baby shower was a brunch, which started at 11:00.  That meant I had to have breakfast, get ready, and leave something for my son to eat so he wouldn't burn down the house while we were gone.  I wore an outfit that I consider to be casual and trendy: a white sweater with a light grey hot air balloon motif all over, a burgundy tank top underneath, a pair of "boyfriend" jeans (skinny jeans slightly rolled up at the hem) and tan high heeled sandals.  I'm the type that likes to get dressed up, but my daughter said everyone would be wearing jeans because it was a very casual get together, so I dressed accordingly.  My daughter and I both got the baby a couple of outfits, but when we went to pack the gifts we found only Christmas themed boxes and gift bags.  So we stopped off at CVS and bought one bag for everything, then headed over to the shower, which wasn't far from our house.  We were among the first to get there; the pregnant girl's mom and grandma were there, along with a cousin and a friend from church.  Everyone was dressed up.  I felt like an oddball.  Yes, the hostess was wearing jeans, but she's a mom of a toddler and was cooking up a storm, so she doesn't count.  As more people started coming in, I noticed more ladies in dresses or dress pants.  I mentioned it to my daughter, but she insisted it was still "casual".  I'm not buying it.

We did have a really good time, playing the standard baby shower games and eating delicious food.  The menu was chicken and waffles.  The waffles were made fresh right there, and there were all kinds of toppings: whipped cream, blueberries, strawberries, chocolate chips, and of course syrup.  I didn't have any of it.  Instead, I went directly to the shrimp and pasta salad.  Oh.my.word.  It was out of this world!  I had me two servings, along with chicken and pastries.  I didn't want to overdo it with the carbs, and having pasta as well as waffles would have meant rolling me out the door.  I'm glad I stuck with just one.

While we were gone E got picked up by his dad, so when A and I got home we decided to go to Target.  I needed a belt for my jeans; even though I'd bought a size 6 they were still big at the waist.  I also needed to buy towels.  Ours are old and worn, and they get stinky really fast which is annoying.  I found some nice towels, some on sale and some not, then we passed by the shoe section.  My daughter saw that they had boots for 70% off so of course she had to stop and check them out, because we all know how vital it is to have boots in South Florida :P.  I looked around and found a cute pair of ballet flats in a beige and black stripe design for $16.99.  They are so comfy!  I also went to the makeup section and got a few nail polishes that were on sale, and a brow pencil/gel.  I've been wanting a brow pencil because lately I've noticed that some of my eyebrows are turning bright white, and against my black brows it isn't attractive.  I got brunette, since my hair is dyed auburn, to help the brows match my hair.  My daughter didn't find any boots she liked, but she did find a comforter set in white that she fell in love with.  Her bedroom is pretty dark; dark wood floors, deep purple and grey walls, dark wood furniture.  The white bedding brightens up the room and makes it look luxurious, like she's in a 5 star hotel.  While we were at the store E texted me that he was back home, so we quickly paid for our goods and left.  As soon as we were on the expressway, I realized I'd forgotten to buy the belt, which was the primary reason for going to Target in the first place.  Don't you just love it when that happens?

Today also started early, with Sunday school at 9:30 (except I got there at 10:00.  Running late this morning again).  After service - which was awesome - we had a meet and greet with our new youth pastor.  He's been the youth pastor at our sister church for the past 9 years, and now he's taking over the youth ministry at our location as well.  I was so impressed by his philosophy and his goals, and very encouraged by the lessons he's teaching the next few weeks.  He's doing a series called King, in which the youth group is studying several of Jesus's attributes: His sovereignty, His holiness, His goodness, His justice and His love.  This pastor is all about bible teaching, which is what I wanted to hear.  I'm looking forward to helping out in the youth ministry once Awana is done and summer rolls around.

There was a pizza lunch served, but my son E, who was hanging around with his friends and got there late, didn't get to eat anything, so we left after the meeting and ran home.  I made him a quick lunch, then we headed to the bowling alley for his best friend's birthday celebration.  I had to change out of my church clothes; there was no way I was going bowling in a dress and high heels.  I wore the skinny jeans I got on Friday along with a hunter green tank top, a long black sweater and my new ballet flats.  Casual and comfy!  My daughter also went, and so did my Tuesday night running buddy.  The three of us played a couple of games; it was clear that I hadn't played in a while.  I was pretty rusty, though I didn't do quite so bad on my first game as on the second.  I scored a 70 for the first game; the second game I got a 14.  We only got to play 6 frames before we ran out of time, but still, a 14?!  I had 3 gutter balls in a row!  My running buddy did terrible for the first game, then did much better for the second game.  I guess that evened things out ;-).  Another lady that I've met previously at IV's house (it was IV's son's birthday) was also there.  She's a real spit-fire, and I love talking to her!  We all had a really nice time bowling, eating, talking, laughing, and just plain fellowshipping.  It's the perfect way to end a weekend.

And so, that's pretty much it.  I'm gonna wash my face (my makeup was on point, by the way), change out of these clothes, and relax before studying for my Thursday night bible study.  I'm studying chapter 4 of Daniel, when King Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind.  So much to learn!  Tomorrow starts the new school week.  Back to the old grind!  But I'm thankful for my life and all the blessings God bestows upon me each day.  God bless ya'll, and good night.

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 29, 2013...

I am seeing...the sun, still shining.  That's a surprise, when  most days include lots of rain in the afternoons.  Sometimes in the mornings too.  I heard thunder a little while ago but nothing happened.  It might be a dry day!

I am feeling...stuffed.  I ate a big lunch.  It was extra yummy!  I feel like we need some exercise to burn off the extra calories consumed.  Bowling, here we come!

I am hearing...the television, though no one is watching it.  And the air conditioner running.  Not only has it been a rainy summer, it's been an exceptionally hot one.  We rarely get temps in the 90's but that's what it's been the last week or so.  I hope this means we'll have a cooler winter to make up for it.  I'm tired of the a/c running 24/7.

I am tasting...the delicious baked chicken wings we had for lunch.  They came out extra crispy, just the way we like 'em!  There was white rice, navy beans, corn on the cob and a salad to go with it.  Now I need something sweet! :-)

I am smelling...the lingering smell of baked chicken.  Even if it's just chicken wings, the smell is comforting to me.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Move It Mondays

Wow, I've really let this blog go!  I hate to admit it, but some days I just don't have anything new or particularly interesting to write about.  Life is busy and there's much to do, but it isn't anything out of the ordinary so I don't stop to blog about it.

For instance, I've been barbecuing more often now though today was definitely not a day to be outdoors.  It turned dark at about 11:00am but it didn't start raining until after 1:30pm.  I did my grocery shopping this morning and picked up some flowers for my backyard planters.  I'd planted petunias in the large brick planter but heavy rains destroyed them.  I planted vincas instead.

The white ones on either corner were already there, I just planted the ones in the center where the petunias once resided.

I also bought this torenia because the color fascinated me.  It's called Midnight Blue.

I think it's more of a deep purple, but either way it's stunning.

You might notice in the pictures that everything is wet.  Once the rain started, it meant to stick around.  It's now past 6pm and the rain is still falling.  Thankfully it isn't raining terribly hard.  It's just non-stop.

Our pastor is doing an amazing series called Momentum.  This Sunday he talked about what to do when the desires of our hearts are not fulfilled.  It has me thinking a lot about how things don't always turn out the way I expected.  It's not that God isn't listening, it's that His will is different from mine.  I have to find out what His will for my life is.  I'm gonna be praying about that.

We went bowling on Saturday.  Our local bowling alley has a really great deal:  $34.99 gets us 2 games per day for up to 4 people all summer long till September 2.  What's really nice is that it doesn't include my youngest son because he gets the games for free anyway!  Kids 15 and under can sign up for their Kids Summer Fun deal, 2 games per day for free.  I hope we can go at least a couple of times per week so we can be ready when my sister and brother-in-law come to visit.  My brother-in-law is a great bowler, so we have to be in tip top condition come December.  I printed off the free movie schedule from our local movie theater as well.  I try to find as many free or low cost entertainment for the summer as I possibly can so my son doesn't have to complain about not having anything to do.

The last day of school is June 6.  My son has field day this Thursday, so although he's in school he won't be going to any of his classes.  Next Monday is Memorial Day which means no school as well.  So officially he now has 11 days of school left.  There are no words to describe how happy he is that the year is almost over - he is ready for a vacation!

Speaking of endings, this Wednesday is our last day of Awana - awards night.  I'll be saying goodbye to my sweet third grade girls who will be moving up.  It's a joy to serve at Awana and see how God's word starts to penetrate into their little hearts.  Kids are kids for a very short time - use that time wisely!

Hmm, I guess I did have plenty to write about after all!  Have a wonderful week everybody!  God bless.

Thursday Thoughts

I've been awake now for a little over an hour.  That's not normal for me.  I'm a morning person; typically I'm awake by 6am and out of bed before 7am.  It gives me time to eat my breakfast and read my devotion in a leisurely manner.  My day feels more productive the earlier I get up.

This day has been different.  I awoke at 3:20am needing to use the bathroom.  I was fine when I got up.  Then, out of nowhere, my nose started leaking, I was getting stuffed up, sneezing, eyes tearing...major allergy attack, and I don't know what triggered it.  Figuring whatever it was would leave my body eventually, I went back to bed, but kept having to wake up to blow my nose because (a) I kept sneezing and (b) my nose was constantly dripping.  I finally realized I had to get up and take some meds or else I'd end up ripping my nose off my face.  I took a Benadryl and administered nose drops.  The first round of drops did nothing; I had to blow my nose and add more nose drops which took at least another 20 minutes before I could breathe again.  The last time I looked at the clock it was 5:20am, then slowly but surely, as I chatted with my Father, I fell asleep.  Oh, what bliss!  I heard my daughter get up to feed Molly which gave me even more comfort, since I didn't have to get up and do it myself, and I dozed off again.  I finally got up at 9:15 this morning, still feeling groggy but unable to stay in bed any longer.  I've had my breakfast and coffee but I still feel like the anesthesia hasn't worn off :P.

Here are some more happenings from the past week:

 - I didn't mention what happened last Saturday as I was desperately trying to forget.  Friday night my daughter gotten the call that the orphanage was hiring her.  She asked if we could go shopping for jeans the next day.  I saw no problem with that; she works in jeans and a polo which the orphanage gives her, and her jeans looked a bit worn, and anyway she deserved it!  So the next day after lunch I ask which mall she wants to go to, and she mentions an outlet mall in our area which is very large and has great prices.  I thought it was a good idea.  There are over 300 stores (and the mall is still expanding) so I was sure we could find whatever she needed.

When we arrived, I was surprised to see the parking lot jam packed and cars roaming around looking for someone to follow back to their parking spaces.  I was puzzled as to why the mall was so full.  Then my daughter tells me, "Oh, it's tax-free weekend."  What?!?!  I'd forgotten all about that!!!  I NEVER schedule shopping trips during times like this when I know the malls will be overflowing with people.  How could she not have mentioned that to me?!  This mall has the largest parking lot I've ever seen and still there was no place to park.  It took 20 minutes and 2 stolen parking spaces (it annoys me to no end when people see you're going for a parking space and they rush to get there first) before we found a spot way out in Timbuktu.  Of course, that wasn't the worst of it.  Despite how large this mall is, it was wall-to-wall people, and the air conditioning couldn't keep the place cool enough, so my very sensitive nose was picking up body odor all around.  I wanted to leave so badly, but I didn't want to do that to my little girl.  She was on cloud 9 thanks to having received an internship from our old church and her new job within days of each other, and I couldn't ruin her excitement by saying, "Mama's having an anxiety attack and we need to get out of here."  I measured my breathing, spoke as little as possible, and pushed on.

Thankfully she wasn't as thrilled as she thought she'd be, surrounded by crowds like we were.  We went to a couple of stores, including the Gap store where she didn't find anything to her liking.  Then we reached the Levi store.  As she said, "If I can't find jeans here I might as well give up."  She did - two pairs of really good quality jeans at $49.99 a pair.  We walked around a little afterwards per her suggestion, but it wasn't long before both of us said, "Let's get out of here."  I'm glad our little expedition turned out successful, but it's a reminder to me to check what day it is before I rush to the mall again :P.

 - I ordered bowling shoes for myself and my son E which shipped yesterday.  Once they come in we'll be visiting the bowling alley often.  With my daughter working now she won't be able to join us as often, which is too bad, but E and I can enjoy a couple of games a day.  School will be starting soon, so we may as well make the best of the time we have left.

 - We had our Awana leaders meeting last night at church.  Lots of fun activities are in store!  My son is done with Awana; our church only does the program to sixth grade, and he'll be entering 7th this month.  Still, he wants to help out, so he joined me for the meeting and suggested a family movie night as an activity for after the Christmas recess.  The pastor loved the idea, and E was so happy he'd made the suggestion.  I love that our children's pastor loves the kids so much.  He really takes their ideas into consideration.

That's the "interesting" stuff going on here with us.  Hope your week is just as fun!  God bless.

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning to you all!  The word to describe this Monday morning in South Florida is dreary.  It's raining, has been raining, and will continue raining for most of the day.

When I awoke this morning I felt a little post nasal drip, but it wasn't until I opened the sliding glass door to let Molly out that the full effect of the allergy attack came on.  I'm sneezing quite a bit, my nose is runny and itchy, and if it doesn't improve I may need to take a Benadryl.  The non-drowsy meds on the market don't do a very good job for me; the effects wear off before I can take the next dose, but what's worse is that non-drowsy means I won't be able to sleep.  At.  All.  They are typically 24 hour doses and that's how long I'll be awake.  Benadryl makes me drowsy for a couple of hours or so, but it works, and since I've nowhere to go in this rainy weather it'll be worth the sleepiness.

I found out yesterday that August 20 is the first day of school.  That means E has 2 more weeks of "freedom" before he has to go back.  A lot needs to get done these next two weeks.  Thankfully my credit card month closes today.  I'll need to stock up on school supplies, and I have to check to see if his pants still fit him.  The boy is growing by leaps and bounds, and already one pair of jeans is too short on him.  I also plan on buying bowling shoes for him and for me.  I found some good deals on bowling.com, so my daughter ordered a pair last week.  They arrived the next day (free shipping!) and the shoes are good quality and good fit.  Since I paid for the summer savers deal at our local bowling alley we can bowl two games per day everyday for free.  It'll be way cheaper to buy a pair of shoes for $33 than to rent them for $4.10 every time we go bowling.  We all enjoy bowling, it's good exercise, and on days like today it's nice to be able to have fun without worrying about the weather.

This is an important week for my daughter, and we're so excited for her!  Not only did she get the job at the orphanage (praise the Lord!) but she was also offered an internship at our old church.  She'd been praying about working in ministry long before she even started college.  It has been on her heart to use her talents to serve the Lord, and He has come through in a mighty way!  She'd asked about internships or volunteer work at our current church, but she wasn't getting anywhere.  There was nothing available, or she wasn't "qualified" (translation:  it's a man's position).  It was discouraging, but she didn't let obstacles keep her from believing God would provide.  Imagine her surprise when she was offered this internship which she didn't ask for!  Her youth pastor at our old church has always been the one she turns to for advise and guidance, and he's watched as she's grown from a teenager to a confident adult who loves the Lord.  When one of the office staff approached him about offering A the internship, his answer was, "Absolutely!"  We are so thankful for all God has done, and we are amazed as we look back and see how He orchestrated it all.  God is good, all of the time!

Now, what's in the schedule for this Monday for me?  Well, there's a london broil in the crock pot that cooked overnight, so our meals for today are pretty much taken care of.  My daughter and I gave the house a good cleaning on Saturday except for my bedroom; I think I'll tackle that today.  There's also laundry to be done.  And since we'll be indoors today, I think a board game should be included in the mix!  I'm finishing up my breakfast of one fried egg, two slices of bacon, a biscuit and coffee, so my day has begun on a good note even if the rain continues to fall.  Thank You Lord for this day, for the rain, for my family and for Your never-ending blessings.  Have a wonderful Monday everyone!