While laying in bed last night with all 3 kids (josh away at work) Joshua asked me with reluctance when I was going to die.
Spear in my heart. Things like this really get to me! I knew I needed to answer honestly but what I really wanted to do is tell him we don't talk about things like that. I told him that only Jesus knows when we will die and tried my best to explain that if you are walking with Jesus that you will never die but have eternal life. Ella is not shy to talk about death, in fact she says at times she can't wait to die. I told her not to say stuff like that and she said "But Mommy, when I die I get to meet Jesus and in Heaven they have golden streets and all my favorite things." This is all true but so uncomfortable:( I fear that I will die before I have had time to teach my kids everything they will need to conquer this challenging world.
Is it even possible to teach your kids things they will need in this kind of world?
Makes me not be able to breathe when I think about it. This is why we live each day like it's our last. You won't get a notice in the mail when it's your last day on Earth. We live in such a place of convenience that we often times don't do what we need to. So, today-write to an old friend that you may have had a falling out and have not spoken to in years. Call your parents and your children. Thank God for everything he has given you. And eat some cake.
”When the time comes for you to die, you need not be afraid, because death cannot separate you from God’s love.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-death/#ixzz22D3XbvPM
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Happy Monday! Don't hate on Monday! Monday was nice to you and let you wake up alive so be nice to it:)
Another great weekend spent with lots of friends and family! It was nice to spend the weekend at home rather than in our hotel room. We were welcomed home Friday evening by a feast from my Mom. She made my favorite home-made roast beef and noodles, home-made mashed potatoes, home-made bread and home-made cookies! She invited Grandma Deb and Grandpa Bob too. Always great to see my family. We sipped on a pot of coffee, a bottle of wine and just talked talked talked! Thanks, Mom!
I am having a hard time getting caught up on my household chores this week! Did pretty well plowing through mounds of laundry Saturday afternoon but still didn't finish. We went to Josh's Uncle Brett's lawn party and listened to live music, ate good food and spent time with family! Joshua had to cover his ears for the first half hour or so because the bands were loud! He got used to it after a while! The kids again were so good considering we were there until midnight! They fell asleep on our way home and Josh and I made several trips back and forth from the car to the house carrying in kids and all our loot.
Sunday came quickly and we found ourselves at The 3rd Annual Swihart Reunion with a dish to share. Everyone but my brother was there (no surprise)! It was great to catch up with everyone-including Dad! I like to see him with his brothers. SO many times we all get too busy and families grow apart. You stop and think about it and you grow up so closely with your siblings and then one day you are only seeing them once a year:/ I hope my kids continue to have a close relationship. Life is waaaayyyy too short to not see your family! I don't see my Dad and brother as I often as I would like:( I need to work on this. Maybe this week I will arrange to see both of them.
Was blessed with lots of visitors Sunday evening and this is exactly how I wish everyday could be!
Was blessed to watch Josh change the oil and allow the kids to help. I am thankful to have found a patient man. He wasn't worried about the kids messing up his fancy tools or spilling something or being in his way-he was worried more about his kids growing up and no one ever taking the time to teach them how to change the oil. This is the stop and smell the roses moment. The kids will take this with them forever! And in this moment I was thankful for cameras.
God is patient with us day in and day out so we too must be patient with the little ones. Lord, please give me patience today as Emma, Ella and Joshua's Mom.
Another great weekend spent with lots of friends and family! It was nice to spend the weekend at home rather than in our hotel room. We were welcomed home Friday evening by a feast from my Mom. She made my favorite home-made roast beef and noodles, home-made mashed potatoes, home-made bread and home-made cookies! She invited Grandma Deb and Grandpa Bob too. Always great to see my family. We sipped on a pot of coffee, a bottle of wine and just talked talked talked! Thanks, Mom!
I am having a hard time getting caught up on my household chores this week! Did pretty well plowing through mounds of laundry Saturday afternoon but still didn't finish. We went to Josh's Uncle Brett's lawn party and listened to live music, ate good food and spent time with family! Joshua had to cover his ears for the first half hour or so because the bands were loud! He got used to it after a while! The kids again were so good considering we were there until midnight! They fell asleep on our way home and Josh and I made several trips back and forth from the car to the house carrying in kids and all our loot.
Sunday came quickly and we found ourselves at The 3rd Annual Swihart Reunion with a dish to share. Everyone but my brother was there (no surprise)! It was great to catch up with everyone-including Dad! I like to see him with his brothers. SO many times we all get too busy and families grow apart. You stop and think about it and you grow up so closely with your siblings and then one day you are only seeing them once a year:/ I hope my kids continue to have a close relationship. Life is waaaayyyy too short to not see your family! I don't see my Dad and brother as I often as I would like:( I need to work on this. Maybe this week I will arrange to see both of them.
Was blessed with lots of visitors Sunday evening and this is exactly how I wish everyday could be!
Was blessed to watch Josh change the oil and allow the kids to help. I am thankful to have found a patient man. He wasn't worried about the kids messing up his fancy tools or spilling something or being in his way-he was worried more about his kids growing up and no one ever taking the time to teach them how to change the oil. This is the stop and smell the roses moment. The kids will take this with them forever! And in this moment I was thankful for cameras.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thanking God that we are home safe. The kids were so good and patient this week. They are so tolerant of having young parents who are also trying to figure life out. Wether it be best for the kids or not I am glad that they go through every step with us. They are learning about renting and mortgages and savings accounts right along side us. Have faith that they will be 10 steps ahead of us when they are our age in spite of us.
When we checked out of our hotel today the friendly housekeeper wished us luck in all we do. She commented that my kids were so well behaved and sweet. Those words mean so much. It's nice to be able to share a compliment with a person even if they are a stranger. I try to do this. Sometimes the words aren't there or I feel shy but I try!
Sitting here listening to the kids play and the sound of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. It's late but even though I am exhausted-I don;t want to go to bed becasue I am HOME! No place like home, no matter what your home is. I came home to a somewhat messy house but it doesn't even matter. I love this place.
Loving hearing Paul McCartney sing Hey Jude at the ceremony. When I was younger I loved the Beatles. Still do. My Dad recorded one of his original Beatles records onto a cassette tape for me when I was 9 or 10 years old and I remember listening to it on my boom box when I would take a bath.
Josh was listening to old school rap last night and the girls loved it. Crazy how our music is outdated already! Much like my Dad sharing the Beatles with me and me thinking it was the coolest thing ever! Fortunately for Josh and I's sake, we are still "cool" and interesting to our kids:)
Well, I have allowed the kids to get into everything...and I am going to leave it all that way until tomorrow....or maybe even Sunday. So, if you pop in tomorrow morning to deliver doughnuts you will see the trace of children that played until there heart's were content.
Sweet dreams all.
Thank you Jesus for another day on Earth.
When we checked out of our hotel today the friendly housekeeper wished us luck in all we do. She commented that my kids were so well behaved and sweet. Those words mean so much. It's nice to be able to share a compliment with a person even if they are a stranger. I try to do this. Sometimes the words aren't there or I feel shy but I try!
Sitting here listening to the kids play and the sound of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. It's late but even though I am exhausted-I don;t want to go to bed becasue I am HOME! No place like home, no matter what your home is. I came home to a somewhat messy house but it doesn't even matter. I love this place.
Loving hearing Paul McCartney sing Hey Jude at the ceremony. When I was younger I loved the Beatles. Still do. My Dad recorded one of his original Beatles records onto a cassette tape for me when I was 9 or 10 years old and I remember listening to it on my boom box when I would take a bath.
Josh was listening to old school rap last night and the girls loved it. Crazy how our music is outdated already! Much like my Dad sharing the Beatles with me and me thinking it was the coolest thing ever! Fortunately for Josh and I's sake, we are still "cool" and interesting to our kids:)
Well, I have allowed the kids to get into everything...and I am going to leave it all that way until tomorrow....or maybe even Sunday. So, if you pop in tomorrow morning to deliver doughnuts you will see the trace of children that played until there heart's were content.
Sweet dreams all.
Thank you Jesus for another day on Earth.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
We are getting rain and thunderstorms today so I have been doing more research on the area. Here is what I have learned.
With 100 being the safest in terms of crime rates in neighborhoods:
Upper Sandusky is 98
Lordstown, 31
Newton Falls in the 30's
Youngstown, 2
In fact, Youngstown is listed as one of the most dangerous cities!
I have found that North Jackson, Berlin Center and Boardman are all close to Josh's work and rank in the high 90's for safety.
Found a couple of rentals in Boardman that I called and left messages to see if we can take a look.
Can't believe how dangerous this area is:(
Will keep you posted what we find out!
TTFN
With 100 being the safest in terms of crime rates in neighborhoods:
Upper Sandusky is 98
Lordstown, 31
Newton Falls in the 30's
Youngstown, 2
In fact, Youngstown is listed as one of the most dangerous cities!
I have found that North Jackson, Berlin Center and Boardman are all close to Josh's work and rank in the high 90's for safety.
Found a couple of rentals in Boardman that I called and left messages to see if we can take a look.
Can't believe how dangerous this area is:(
Will keep you posted what we find out!
TTFN
Good morning! All the kids are awake and I am finishing my first cup of coffee. Day 4 of living in a hotel and I am starting to feel like it will never end. I feel like my senses are asleep. I sure miss my front porch!
Ran to the store last night and parked in a handicap parking spot. It takes us forever to get out of the car for some reason and the girls were dancing around the van while Josh and I were getting Joshua situated. I was caught off guard when I heard an old man ask Josh which one of us had arthritis. I knew exactly where he was going with this. He mumbled something about us all running around pointing at the girls and basically that no one appeared to be "handicapped". It took everything I had to keep walking and not let him know my feelings. We never told him that Joshua is paralyzed. The situation still has me upset. On a positive note Josh took this as an opportunity to teach the kids that this is why you don't worry about anyone else. That ignorant man assumed something and it made him look like nothing but a cold hearted, unintelligent man. Poor Joshua sits so sweet and innocent. He didn't ask to be born this way nor does he even understand all the challenges the he will face in his lifetime. On top of all the challenges parents of disabled children face, now we can add this to the list...
We decided to eat at Los Gallo's again! Soooo yummy and conveniently shares a parking lot with our hotel! Headed back to our room and decided to go for an evening swim.
Joshua got a new nickname last night. Mr. Button. He thinks it's hilarious when I call him that. He earned the name fair and square-that boy sees a button and he is pushing it. He is a busy 3 year old!
The phone in our hotel room has been off the hook more than on thanks to Mr. Button.
The kids and I have become acquainted with the day shift housekeeping staff. While it's nice to be friendly, today I am wishing I could walk out of my hotel room and not be bombarded.
Everyone is fond of Lady around here. Even had some one ask if they could take her picture. I guess she is a good dog:)
Have an appointment to go see a home tonight. Please pray it works out. We have a feeling that this is the one! Really hoping to meet our goal of finding a home!
HAVE A GOOD DAY! WE MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Ran to the store last night and parked in a handicap parking spot. It takes us forever to get out of the car for some reason and the girls were dancing around the van while Josh and I were getting Joshua situated. I was caught off guard when I heard an old man ask Josh which one of us had arthritis. I knew exactly where he was going with this. He mumbled something about us all running around pointing at the girls and basically that no one appeared to be "handicapped". It took everything I had to keep walking and not let him know my feelings. We never told him that Joshua is paralyzed. The situation still has me upset. On a positive note Josh took this as an opportunity to teach the kids that this is why you don't worry about anyone else. That ignorant man assumed something and it made him look like nothing but a cold hearted, unintelligent man. Poor Joshua sits so sweet and innocent. He didn't ask to be born this way nor does he even understand all the challenges the he will face in his lifetime. On top of all the challenges parents of disabled children face, now we can add this to the list...
We decided to eat at Los Gallo's again! Soooo yummy and conveniently shares a parking lot with our hotel! Headed back to our room and decided to go for an evening swim.
Joshua got a new nickname last night. Mr. Button. He thinks it's hilarious when I call him that. He earned the name fair and square-that boy sees a button and he is pushing it. He is a busy 3 year old!
The phone in our hotel room has been off the hook more than on thanks to Mr. Button.
The kids and I have become acquainted with the day shift housekeeping staff. While it's nice to be friendly, today I am wishing I could walk out of my hotel room and not be bombarded.
Everyone is fond of Lady around here. Even had some one ask if they could take her picture. I guess she is a good dog:)
Have an appointment to go see a home tonight. Please pray it works out. We have a feeling that this is the one! Really hoping to meet our goal of finding a home!
HAVE A GOOD DAY! WE MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Mariah Carey! New judge on Idol and Simon Cowell thinks she will be "too sweet". What's so wrong with being nice? I also read that Steven Tyler will be leaving too and that we should know by next week who his replacement will be.
I have been an American Idol junkie off and on since I was in High School. The last couple of years we have had a gathering of fans on Thursday evenings which we call Idol Parties. While living 2 hours away from my favorite fellow fans this upcoming Idol season I will not be coming home every week for these parties:( BUT I will come home for the finale for sure-mark my words!
Ahhhh the finale-that brings me to this past May's American Idol Finale Party at Grandma Deb's house. The theme was "Crazy Outfit".
All are welcome to American Idol Parties! Plan on making Season 12 even crazier!
Anyway, Josh is taking us on a tour of the plant tonight. The kids-especially Joshua are excited! We have made a lot of memories at the old plant and I look forward to the same here.
The park was fun last night. Met a nice lady who gave us some good info about the area. She mentioned there was a mass murder in the small town beside where Josh is working about 3 weeks ago! A man killed his girlfriend, brother-in-law and his girlfriends 15 year old son! It was drug related. We are hearing more and more that there is a real drug problem in that town! Made me feel uneasy about this whole move. Please pray we will find the right house in the right neighborhood.
Until next time...stop and smell the roses!
I have been an American Idol junkie off and on since I was in High School. The last couple of years we have had a gathering of fans on Thursday evenings which we call Idol Parties. While living 2 hours away from my favorite fellow fans this upcoming Idol season I will not be coming home every week for these parties:( BUT I will come home for the finale for sure-mark my words!
Ahhhh the finale-that brings me to this past May's American Idol Finale Party at Grandma Deb's house. The theme was "Crazy Outfit".
Anyway, Josh is taking us on a tour of the plant tonight. The kids-especially Joshua are excited! We have made a lot of memories at the old plant and I look forward to the same here.
The park was fun last night. Met a nice lady who gave us some good info about the area. She mentioned there was a mass murder in the small town beside where Josh is working about 3 weeks ago! A man killed his girlfriend, brother-in-law and his girlfriends 15 year old son! It was drug related. We are hearing more and more that there is a real drug problem in that town! Made me feel uneasy about this whole move. Please pray we will find the right house in the right neighborhood.
Until next time...stop and smell the roses!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
http://www.losgallosmexicanrestaurant.com/
our new favorite!
headed there for dinner
after we left, josh and i sat in the back of our van with the hatch up and watched the kids ride their bikes in the parking lot! we have a real need to live life! we put our last drops of the margarita in the kids to-go cups...parents of the year! we never drove anywhere-the restaurant is adjacent to our hotel.
we listened to this lady playing her guitar on the Los Gallos' patio. she was pretty good!
sobering up then going to the park...
our new favorite!
headed there for dinner
We are alive!
Day 2 of living in a hotel. I was feeling out of sorts yesterday. I like to to think I can make the best out of any situation but yesterday I think all situations got the best of me.
We ate our microwave lunches and got our swim-suits on so we could enjoy the sunshine and pool. Get out to the pool (3 kids, 1 in a wheelchair in an environment that does not exactly accommodate wheelchairs, and a dog that is not allowed in the hotel room alone per hotel policy and also not allowed off her leash) only to find a big lock on the pool gate:( The lovely young lady at the front desk explained that they were adding chemicals and the pool would be closed for about an hour. She looked down at all three kids in bathing suits and gave me a sympathetic apology.
I decided we would take Lady out for a jaunt. As we exited the hotel we were in the way of the staff who was power washing the entrance. They had to turn off their equipment and wait on us to pass and we are slow! Got out of their way and realized there were mowers and people weed-eating everywhere. Still holding onto the dog leash and maneuvering the wheelchair with my foot as needed I decided it was not a good time for us to take a jaunt. We had to interrupt the power wash scenario again to get back into the hotel. I decided to sit in the hotel lobby. After all there was free coffee, a large TV, plush furniture and people! Sure beat sitting in the over chilled hotel room worrying about bed bugs.
I got the kids settled in a seat. Joshua wanted to stay in his wheelchair-the floor was perfect for him to cruise around on. In his own little 3 year-old world I was amused at finding him spinning in circles with a big grin on his face. I read the USA Today-first time in my life so I can cross this off my bucket list. Was saddened by the shooting in Aurora, Colorado. The twelve people whose lives were taken got a spot in the newspaper. The paper put a nicely written summary on each of the victims and as I read them my heart sunk. "He was always with his 2 children." "Served in the military" "With her boyfriend when he died." SO sad.
Made me pause and appreciate the very moment I was in. Stuck in a hotel lobby with three bored kids. Needing a shower. Sitting in a bathing suit that was wet and musty from the night before. Drinking bitter coffee that was hours old. Without a vehicle to take off and do anything. Without having any money in the budget just for leisure activities like taking the kids to the zoo or going to get ice cream to kill time. I looked around and saw my beautiful kids. Our belly's were full. We were with each other. And we were alive.
The pool ended up being closed for 6 hours instead of 1. But that's OK. About an hour before Josh would be returning to the hotel after his first day on his new job I decided to get myself and the kids and the room looking swell. Asked the kids to pick up anything on the floor. Took a shower and shaved my legs-ahhhh. Washed the kids faces and combed their hair. Emma wondered what all the fuss was about. I have dreamed of this day for about 7 years. Josh gets home from work at dinner time and not the middle of the night. I wanted it to be perfect even though we were not in our home. I explained to Emma what Dad does for our family. I then I explained our role. When Dad gets home I want him to be glad to be home. Clean house. Beautiful children. And myself to not be in the same pajamas that I was in the day before!
He was pleasantly surprised to see us all waiting in the lobby for him when he got there. :)
Monday, July 23, 2012
Chapter One
Starting a new chapter in our lives! We are excited.nervous.sad.anxious. Left our small town of Upper Sandusky yesterday at 6:05 p.m. Traveled exactly 2 hours in our 2004 mini-van and checked in to a hotel.
The kids traveled so well! We set ourselves up for a new challenge: don't stop the car until we've reached our destination. It was a success! Josh was driving a steady 75 mph. I only climbed in the back once to start a movie for the kids. Bee movie. (love that movie!) Emma had to pee so we handed her a diaper! Planning to invest in a car potty for the way home!
Upon arrival we all worked as a team to unload. Joshua wheeled himself all the way to our room! Staying in room 109-the hotel room was pleasant, thank goodness! I unpacked suitcases while the kids jumped on the bed. We have a window view of the outdoor pool!
Went swimming last night for about an hour. Nice pool! Josh was working on perfecting cannon balls into the 6 foot water. Must say...he's still got it;) The kids were so impressed. "do it again, dad"! After I was out of the pool and dried off I re-arranged the pool patio furniture. It was a mess! I got it looking just like I want my in-ground pool to look at my house someday!
[the vision] potted plants all around. all of our favorite people there. kids with their friends over. busy preparing a feast for my guests. sipping a salted rimmed glass with sweet rita in it.
10:00 p.m.
Slipped the kids in their jammies and headed to Wal-Mart for food and work boots. Bought the fix-ins for hot dogs and baked beans for lunch. Emma got her finger stuck in the cart. Crying and the whole bit. Josh finally got her finger freed. Within 30 seconds of freeing Emma's finger Ella began to cry out because her finger was...stuck in the same damn hole.
Josh woke up with plenty of time to spare on his first day of work. Got a text from him that all is well. Can't wait to see him and hear how it went!
Off to make today great for the kids!
Remember to stop and smell His roses.
Miss and love you all!
The kids traveled so well! We set ourselves up for a new challenge: don't stop the car until we've reached our destination. It was a success! Josh was driving a steady 75 mph. I only climbed in the back once to start a movie for the kids. Bee movie. (love that movie!) Emma had to pee so we handed her a diaper! Planning to invest in a car potty for the way home!
Upon arrival we all worked as a team to unload. Joshua wheeled himself all the way to our room! Staying in room 109-the hotel room was pleasant, thank goodness! I unpacked suitcases while the kids jumped on the bed. We have a window view of the outdoor pool!
Went swimming last night for about an hour. Nice pool! Josh was working on perfecting cannon balls into the 6 foot water. Must say...he's still got it;) The kids were so impressed. "do it again, dad"! After I was out of the pool and dried off I re-arranged the pool patio furniture. It was a mess! I got it looking just like I want my in-ground pool to look at my house someday!
[the vision] potted plants all around. all of our favorite people there. kids with their friends over. busy preparing a feast for my guests. sipping a salted rimmed glass with sweet rita in it.
10:00 p.m.
Slipped the kids in their jammies and headed to Wal-Mart for food and work boots. Bought the fix-ins for hot dogs and baked beans for lunch. Emma got her finger stuck in the cart. Crying and the whole bit. Josh finally got her finger freed. Within 30 seconds of freeing Emma's finger Ella began to cry out because her finger was...stuck in the same damn hole.
Josh woke up with plenty of time to spare on his first day of work. Got a text from him that all is well. Can't wait to see him and hear how it went!
Off to make today great for the kids!
Remember to stop and smell His roses.
Miss and love you all!
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