I'd Say I Was Frugal

As I await the birth of my second grandbaby, flashbacks of being a young mom bombard my brain.  Some memories make me laugh. Others cause me to cringe. Was I overly health conscious when it came to food, or merely a penny-pinching, frugal mom?  Did I follow my own instincts and personal likes/dislikes with some of my choices? I'm thinking specifically about treats and desserts.

Sometimes I purchased pre-packaged desserts to pack in my children's lunches.  I could never figure out why Swiss Cake Rolls, Ding Dongs, Twinkies, and the likes came in packs of two.  Were most kids allowed to eat two at one sitting?  At night, as I'd prepare as much of their lunch as I could, I would open up the desserts and rewrap them in single portions. I could have saved a lot of time by just giving each kid 2.  With the extra wrapping, did I truly save any money. Did my son's (or daughters') friends laugh that they only received a half of a dessert. Wouldn't two Twinkies have been way too much fat, calories, and sugar?

On occasion, I would treat my children to donuts on the way to church.  In order for this to happen, I had to get up extra early.  You would think that not having to make breakfast and stopping at the local donut shop would save time.  Nope.  Knowing they would be having sugar, I'd fix them an extra big breakfast with plenty of protein to help balance out their diet.  It wasn't until I met up with a friend and her kids for donuts did I realize that the donuts WERE breakfast.  My kids were shocked when they watched their friends indulge in two donuts a piece.  With 5 kids, including me, I would have had to purchase an entire dozen.  Imagine 12 glazed, sprinkled, and sugared delights devoured in minutes. That seemed like a huge expenditure, but maybe not so bad had I not already prepared them eggs and bacon. Besides, eating just one donut (sometimes they couldn't even finish it) reduced the possibility of chocolate smears on their Sunday Best.

I made a lot of brownies for lunchbox desserts, as these gooey treats were a favorite.  Or did I make them, knowing that since I didn't like them, they'd last longer and I wouldn't be tempted to partake myself?  With so much dessert talk, I suppose I can rule out that I was overly health conscious, but at the time I did try to provide balanced, nutritious meals, with a bit of dessert added.  It's just too bad I didn't realize that I had at least one daughter with Celiac Disease.  I shudder to think of how much gluten I fed them.

Truthfully,

Joanne

 "So be careful how you live. Live as men who are wise and not foolish.  Make the best use of your time." (Eph. 5:16)

A Boy, A Bike, A Dog

Honestly, the dog is not attached or forced to follow behind the bicycle.  Ethan finally stopped and put her inside the basket.  Two happy campers.

Truthfully,
Joanne

"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth." 1 Timothy 6:6

I'm Sorry

Glad you are both okay, Sarabeth and Travis! Hopefully, the other guy never runs a red light again.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." (Ps. 91:1-2)

It Does Good Like Medicine

Last week was a busy one.  It was extra difficult, because my car remained stuck in the snow in Estes Park.  My home desperately needed cleaning,especially since I had weekend guests coming.  Preparations & decorating for the baby shower had to be finished.  Tragic breaking news brought distractions.  A close friend's husband passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday. I had 2 doctor appointments scheduled and it seemed every time I turned around another event would pop up.

One of those events was one Sarabeth brought to my attention.  "Oh by-the-way, Mom, Travis' mom asked if you and I would like to attend a Ladies Event at her church.  I told her yes, so she bought the tickets."

Sure, I'd be happy to go.  It would be nice to get to know what most likely will be my daughter's future mother-in-law.  "So when is this event?" I ask.  That would be Friday evening.  Yep, the Friday night we were scheduled to decorate the home of the woman hosting the baby shower,the same Friday I take my mother-in-law to her weekly hair appointment, the same Friday Michael and I had planned to drive to Fort Collins to spend the day with Hilary to view the Engineering Students Senior Design Projects.  She isn't a senior yet, but her boyfriend is. Not only did we want to be supportive of him and also Hilary but we don't get to spend that much time with them. It is also a fun and interesting time of learning just how smart these kids are.  I was also hoping to squeeze in a 2 1/2 drive to Estes Park to retrieve my poor little baby. Another snow storm was to blow in on Saturday and I didn't know when it might be clear again. Would there be time to visit with my daughter-in-law? I'd planned to make food for the shower on Friday since the shower was Saturday morning and I am NOT a morning person.

I realized something had to give.  Who do I disappoint?  I let go of the trip to get my car, and the trip to see the Senior Design Projects.  I was glad Michael was willing to go without me to be with Hilary.

Late Friday afternoon I put dinner in the crockpot, threw on some clean clothes,Sarabeth and I arrived at the church. It was a few minutes early, giving us time to meet up with Janet and meet her friends.  The program began promptly at 6:30.

It was a night of music, comedy, and dessert. The first song was comedic and I smiled.  By the second of the piano duets, I was melting into my seat.  I hadn't realized how much I had needed His Peace.  The music washed over me, and I realized it had been awhile since I'd felt so relaxed.  I silently thanked God for His overwhelming presence and peace.

By the time Kerri Pomarolli began I was able to laugh heartily.  She truly was hilarious.  Not only did I feel peace, but the more I laughed, the more rejuvenated I became.  Joy filled my heart.  I thanked God for prompting Janet to invite us.  I thanked Him for Sarabeth and that she listened to the Holy Spirit and accepted the invitation knowing that we really didn't have time to add one more event to our calendar.

The evening ended with a lovely dessert buffet.  I'd skipped dinner and figured we wouldn't find anything gluten free, but went to the Fellowship Hall anyway.  To our surprise, on every table was a selection of the most delicious looking gluten free cakes.  They were heavenly! 

Thanks Sarabeth. Thank-you Michael & Hilary, for taking the extra time to pick up my car.  I got teary-eyed when I pulled in the driveway and saw her sitting there.  Thank-you Elisabeth & Christina for decorating without us.  Thank-you Lauren for spending all of Saturday with us.  Thank-you Christopher for sharing your wife and baby with us. Thank-you Lord for blessing me so abundantly beyond what I could ever ask or think.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones." Proverbs 17:22

It's Almost Thyme

Twenty-eight years ago, I began praying for a little girl. I didn't know who she was at the time, but I wanted my son to have a wonderful wife, one who would become the mother of his children, and my grandchildren.  I asked God for very specific things.  He more than exceeded my expectations and hopes when Christopher married Lauren. I suspect she too will begin praying for her little one's future mate.

Here is Lauren, at 28 weeks, with my girls. We celebrated her this weekend with a baby shower.

I didn't take all of the pics I'd intended to take.  On the right in the above photo, are the "It's Thyme" plants.  In the background you can see one of the mobiles that was made. Thanks to Grandpa for watching Ethan during the festivities. Ethan had a great day working with him.

 So proud of my girls for their love and hard work they put in to bless Lauren (and Christopher.) 

I was so busy watching Lauren open her presents, I missed taking pictures of the lovely gifts she was showered with.

So many of the out-of-town relatives really wanted to come to the shower, but just couldn't make it.  We would have loved spending time with them, but are thankful for everyone who did attend.

Lauren's mom is a sweetheart! 

Lauren didn't grow up with sisters, but look at how many sisters she has now!

Wait, how did Derek get in there and is he pregnant too???? (Lauren's Brother and fiance)

The blessing of extended family:  To the left are Christina's inlaws, on the right Elisabeth's future mother-in-law, all came to bless Lauren and Christopher.  This is what family is all about.

Of course a party wouldn't be a party without good friends willing to share baby sweetness making it that much more difficult for us to wait the remaining 12 weeks to see the new baby.

Truthfully,
Joanne

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Ps. 133:1)

Betrayal

The past seven years have been good ones. I love spending time with you and do every chance I can.  Right now, I don't know what you are feeling or what you are thinking. Do you feel betrayed?

Our relationship works, always has.  I've done my best to take good care of you, provide for your needs, pamper you, protect you.  You in turn have been there for me, a faithful friend, going along for the ride whenever I'm available.  You are always up for whatever adventure I choose.  I treasure your company.  You make me smile.

I know some family members find you irritating at times. You are not up for crowds, it is too much for you to handle.  Your comfort zone is pushed to the limit when more than two of us try to join you.  Some say you are difficult to deal with and choose not to come along when we go out. I'm okay with that.  We always have fun together.  We have a good relationship. 

I hope you have not misconstrued what is happening.  I know too well what it is like to be judged, how my actions can be perceived to be something they are not.  Please understand, nothing has changed.  I still love you.

I know it is not like me to leave you vulnerable, exposed to the harsh realities of the world.  I care about you and would give anything to keep you from getting hurt. I don't send you out by yourself, or leave you alone for long periods of time.  Where you go, I go.

I know you are confused.  Don't be. There is an explanation for why this has happened.  You may hear well intentioned people question my motives, wonder aloud if I care, ask if you'd like to live with them, and hear promises of better treatment.  I'm sorry you have to hear such expressions.  I'm sorry for the fear, stress, and worry you may be going through because of the words of others.

Please know, it was never my intention to hurt you.  I'm truly sorry for my actions.  I'm very, very busy this week and with the weather being such a huge factor in getting things done, I can't spend time with you.  I can't come get you. You can't come home right now, but soon.

Baby, I'll try to get there by Sunday. Here is a pic of me on the last day we spent together.

And there you are, sheltered beneath that great big tree.  You will be okay. Twenty-seven inches of snow is a lot, but I will get you out of there. I truly had no idea this would happen to you, or I would have left you safely at home.  Don't think I betrayed you, see it as an adventure.

Truthfully,
Joanne

"Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed." Ps. 57:1

Romantic Getaway

We arrived in Estes Park yesterday afternoon for a romantic getaway. For Christmas our girls bought us a weekend getaway. Hoping for the best weather, we waited for the last available time. The roads were clear and the weather pleasant so at the last minute we decided to drive my car.

The view from our room was beautiful. The drive up here was equally lovely. We had a delightful day. We were to head back this morming but encountered a slight problem.

Doesn't look like a lot of snow but there is about a foot of fresh snow and it's predicted to contine falling for the next three days.

Here is our view this morning. Looks like our getaway will last a little bit longer, weeeeeee! Twenty plus inches headed our way.

Truthfully,
Joanne

 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”, yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”