Friday, December 13, 2013

Marriage and the mis-use of "Help Meet"

Marriage, that big "M Word".  Some run from it and for some it is a goal to achieve, while others are in it.  We can find ourselves stumbling around to be the perfect spouse or even to find the right one for us.  For me I had never wanted to be re-married.  Yes I was once married before and it was not a pleasant experience but wrought with abuse and pain.  I know I stayed in that marriage much longer then I should have but I wanted to honor my vows and try to make it work.

What did I learn from that experience, has been priceless.  Though painful both physically and emotionally, that past marriage was, I survived and still am able to love and be loved.  I know much has to do with me actually reaching out for help and getting counseling.  I didn't give up.  Oh I wanted to, but I didn't.  I still am amazed that I pulled through and here I am married again and with two children.


In my first marriage there lacked a balance and a respect.  My then husband, felt women were lesser then men and should be "obedient".  Now, no where in our wedding vows, did it say, "To love, honor and obey" but in his mind he believed that "To love, honor and cherish" were one and the same.  THEY ARE NOT!  

As I look back, and remember my studies into Ancient Greek and Hebrew under Dr. Sam Middlebrook, (whom I was blessed to study under and call friend), there was often confusion and misunderstanding, when trying to translate to English.  For example, in the book of Genesis, God makes Adam and "Help Meet" who is Eve.  

Those two words have been used to belittle a woman and her role in this world from what God had intended because of the lack of understanding what the Hebrew words actually meant.  I have found in studying these ancient languages, that there can be many words used for the same English word, but each one has a slightly different meaning.  It is so beautiful to read when you are able to see what was actually intended to be said and not such a rough and standard translation, such as the King James Version, which was translated from Latin and not from it's original roots.  

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God said, “It’s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion.” -  Genesis 2:18 The Message


18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet for him.”  Genesis 2:18 KJV

Here is the same verse but they are so different in how you read them.  The version from The Message was translated directly from the original Hebrew, while the King James Version was translated from the Latin Bible.  These subtleties make a major difference. 

The first translation, shows woman as a helper and companion, equal to her husband, while the later, demeans the woman's role to a non-equal.  So what was the original Hebrew words used for "Help Meet"?

Ezer Kenegdo were the Hebrew words chosen to explain the role of Eve, woman.  These two words are quite powerful together and in essence describe woman, as Man's equal and protector.  Woman is the feminine side of God while Man is the masculine.  Both sides are needed to make a complete and whole understanding of God.  

Let's take a look at the word Ezer.  In Hebrew it means, help and is the root of azer, which means that this help is "to surround, to aide, to protect."  Just take a moment and think on this.  Is woman often shown or depicted as a protector?  Usually you picture some strong man taking leadership to protect those around him or his family.  Here we are beginning to see that woman was created to help, aide and protect man.  

Now it's time to dive into the word kenegdo.  This Hebrew word is only found once in the Bible.  Remember there are many ways to say one English word in Hebrew.  Hebrew as in other languages makes more precise distinctions in their meanings then the simple English language.  So what does kenedgo mean?  Well it means, "corresponding to, counterpart to, equal to matching."  Just let this all soak in.  

I appreciate The Message's translation that woman is a helper and a companion.  Have you ever considered what it means to be someone's companion?  Let's take a look at the definition of companion.
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com·pan·ion 1  
n.
1.
a. A person who accompanies or associates with another; a comrade.
b. A domestic partner.
2. A person employed to assist, live with, or travel with another.
3. One of a pair or set of things; a mate

Here we have a few ways companion can be defined.  The gist of this is, that a companion can be someone who is with the other person, living with them, and can be part of a pair.  I do kind of like that.

Both men and women are equal and create a balance when together.  Neither is greater or better then the other but there for one another.  Each has different perspectives and strengths and weaknesses, this does not make one better then the other.

I grow tired of seeing the Bible used to put women in lesser roles or try to diminish a woman's right to be strong and vibrant!  God never created woman to be man's doormat.  Men need women and vice versa.

So here I am married now and my husband, my companion, is the embodiment of what a man should be.  He is not full of insecurities or un-trusting.  He strong and loving and works side by side with me.  Our roles at home are equal and we share the duties of caring for our children and the housework.  Each of us different in how we may handle these roles but it brings happiness and joy to our home.  There is love and romance and lots of fun in our marriage.  We appreciate each other and let it be known everyday not just with our words but our actions.

I feel whole in this marriage to my Husband and he feels the same.  We are in deed one but separate and equal.  Our marriage keeps growing stronger and even more exciting which is something I never dreamed possible.  I found the right partner for me to share this wonderful thing called life.  I hope others share such a strong and loving commitment to another, because it makes life so worth living.

I use to live in fear and worry each day when I woke up what it would be like or if my ex-husband would be in a good mood.   I use to think that I was the one responsible for making him happy and if he wasn't then I failed.  I now know that is wrong.

There is no fear or worry anymore.  There is no burden to be responsible for my spouses mood.  He is responsible for his choices and if he wants to be happy or not.  Now, yes I do hope I can make him happy and help him carry his load but I am not solely responsible to carry it all.  He reciprocates back to me the love, help and support and there we find the balance and the burdens of life are so much lighter for us both!

Nathan and I have been together for nearly 7 years and to this day, some say, we act like newlyweds.  We giggle and smile at each other when this is mentioned.  It is almost like a secret wink shared between us.

When we first met, neither of us were looking for someone and marriage was not an option for our lives.  I never wanted to remarry after what I went through before.  Nathan was happy, and not wanting to be married or have children.  However as we grew closer together, what we thought we wanted in life and what we thought was going to bring happiness, changed.

We wanted to be a family and raise children together.  No there was no over the top romantic proposal from my husband.  We both just looked at each other one day and agreed marriage would be best for us and went out and bought rings.  Yes it was quite spontaneous in a way and our families were both overjoyed for us.

I love being married to Nathan.  It just keeps getting better and better with him and the thought of growing old with him is so exciting!  My wish for each of you reading this, is to find such joy and happiness in marriage and not find it a burden to maintain.



*On a side note, I do highly recommend reading The Message, if you want to see how the scriptures were intended to be read and understood, without the breaks that the King James Version and other verses created.  It is enlightening and enjoyable, giving a fresh perspective on the teachings in both the Old and New Testaments.











Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Salami, Cheese Balls and Olive Oils, OH MY!!!

Yesterday, my Husband surprised me when he was able to leave work early!  So he and I hit the mall to check a few things out for the Holidays.  When we hit the Hickory Farms store I was in heaven.  Now I wanted to create a meat and cheese tray for Sunday, movies and tree decorating day.  What we found there was better then we imagined!

Of course we picked up the traditional Summer Beef Sausage Stick.  Hello!  That is like a staple from there.  Then we were shown a new product.  Yes I said new and boy was it delicious.  My whole Family, children included, love dry salami.  Once we tried it, both my Husband and I knew we had to buy some.  It was a must and would be perfect for Sunday.  Now the last couple of years I have been trying to hunt down their Swiss Cheese Log.  It has been missing or bought up so fast that I never got a chance to get one.  Of all the crazy cheese ball flavors out there, I just loved the Swiss Cheese Log from Hickory Farms.  This year, I found it but not as a log, a cheese ball!  I really don't care if it is a ball or a log, just as long as it is Swiss Cheesy goodness!  I KNOW this Swiss Cheese Ball with the hard salami will be AMAZING!

I wish I had time to take a better picture of all this yummy goodness but here is a sneak peek!


This was not our only discovery on our trip.  I really enjoy cooking with Balsamics and Olive Oils.  When I find really good ones, I almost want to go crazy and stock up on bottles and bottles and bottles of my favorite flavors.  Well in a kiosk at the mall there was a stand with lots and lots of Balsamic Vinegars and Olive Oils, for you to try and buy!Oh you bet we did some sampling and found a few we really loved.

The place was called Olioteca.  I am happy that I can order from them online, which makes it so much easier.  There were a few flavors at the mall that are not on the website I noticed.  

My favorite Balsamics other then their Traditional, was the Blackberry and Hickory.  My mouth was watering imaging how much more enhanced my meals would be with either of these flavors separate or combined.  I would use it to dip bread and on my salads!  There is just so much you can do!  

Olioteca has a wide variety of olive oils too that will astound you.  From aged olive oils to butter flavored, you name it they have it.  Yes, they do have a bacon infused olive oil too!  Some of my personal favorites, were the garlic, scallion and roasted chili.  Once again, you can cook with these, use them on salads or dip your favorite breads in them!


While I will be enjoying these great finds over the Holidays, these are also great gift ideas.  

I really had no idea what to expect yesterday on my spontaneous trip to our local mall, The Boise Town Square.  I left with no regrets.  After all, I was able to sample lots of tasty treats and purchase a few of them to bring home.





Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Tradition!

To say that my Family has Holiday Traditions in place, wouldn't be exactly true.  There are things we want to do and haven’t been able to do.  The last few years, my Family and I have been living in limbo away from everyone.  We have had to travel long distance to celebrate the Holidays and not stay in our own home, quite often.  One year we had a baby and ended up in another state staying at a Ronald McDonald house for the Holidays.  So to suggest that we have developed any kind of Traditions yet, would be no.

Last year for Christmas and New Year, we stayed up North and didn't travel and really made the time special with our Kids.  Both of their Birthdays are in the week leading up to Christmas.  This is an additional blessing and challenge.  However this year, we have moved back down close to all of our friends and family and will not have to travel and stay anywhere other than our own home!

This week I am getting our home prepped, scrubbed and ready to decorate for the Holidays.  Thanksgiving is coming upon us and we will be celebrating all through the weekend.  This year I get to actually cook and bring food to the Thanksgiving Dinner.  For me this is special and fun.  I really do love to cook and prepare food for those I love.  I started out only offering to bring one side dish but that has since multiplied to several.

In Boise, this weekend there is the Festival of Trees done by St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.  This event is something to take your family too and enjoy.  There is so much to do and see!.  We try to go every time we have been here in Boise and yes we are going this year.  Last year the line to see Santa was extremely long, and even though they had crafts and games for the Kids while they waited, it was just too long to wait.  So this year, I got an idea to make sure my Kids get to see Santa at this event.  I bought tickets to the Breakfast with Santa event!   Oh everyone is so excited and even Grandparents are coming with us.


 Yes on Black Friday when others are shopping, I will be having Breakfast with Santa and my family!  Afterwards we will spend the day, at the Festival of Tree’s watching performances and seeing all of the beautifully decorated trees.

Later we will have our Day after Thanksgiving Dinner with my Husband’s family where we will sit and feast on a seafood specialty, cioppino.  This has become somewhat of a Tradition and a lot of fun.  Breaking crab legs, dipping bread in the cioppino, laughing and enjoying the special time together as family and the good food is what this time is all about.

Saturday, I plan to try to hit a few stores to do some Christmas Shopping.  I am happy to say that my Husband and I have already been shopping and storing gifts away the last couple of months!  I really just want to hang out at the mall with my Family and see the decorations and pick up a few things that may be on sale.

Sunday is going to be a new Tradition for our Family and one I am very excited about.  First my Kids and Husband love it when we have Sunday Family Movie Day and I set up a veggie tray, a fruit tray and cheese tray with meat of some kind.  So we are combining our Family Movie Day with decorating our Christmas Tree and home!  I will have egg not and hot cocoa too for everyone.  My Husband and I can add in some Southern Comfort to our egg nog. ;)  However this is going to be a special day and a Tradition I hope to start and keep going for us. 


My Husband and I got a cute idea this year and who knows it may evolve into a Tradition we keep.  I had purchased these great fuzzy warm slippers for our Kids recently and put them away for Christmas.  Nathan, my Hubby, thought it might be a good idea to let our children open this gift on Christmas Eve.  I realized that it did sound like a nice idea and this way, the Kids will wake up and have something to put on their feet to keep them warm on Christmas morning.  Plus they are getting to open up a present the night before Christmas.  This isn’t something huge or fancy but it is something special.

On Christmas Eve, the Kids leave cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer, with a note.  When the Kids wake up, the cookies will be gone except for crumbs, the milk will have been drunk and the carrot will have been half eaten.  This is something my Husband’s Parents taught my son and I absolutely love it.  This is a Tradition we have kept up and will do so for as long as our Kids wish.

Then on Christmas morning, we open presents and eat a delicious breakfast.  Yes the Parents are drinking lots of coffee to keep up with the excited Kids.  Later in the day we will head out for Christmas Dinner.  This year we are headed to my Husband’s Parents home for the dinner.  We try to see everyone and split time during the Holidays to see both sides of our Families.  Sometimes we even get everyone together at once. 

There are other Traditions and things we may do.  We have our Kids Birthdays both in December, the week leading up to Christmas.  This adds a whole other dimension to our celebrations.  It isn’t easy finding a balance when I don’t burn myself out trying to keep everyone happy and involved.  My Kids this year will be turning 2yrs old and 7 yrs old.

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, there is a whole lot of celebrating going on in our home.  We have much to be thankful for and much to celebrate.  Though I miss those who have passed away and are no longer with us this Holiday season, I celebrate the Holidays in honor of them knowing it is what they would want.  I know how special this time of year was to all of my Grandparents.  I miss them and cherish each memory.  I hope to pass on such wonderful memories to my own Children and someday Grandchildren too.


We are a young family and developing our own Traditions while bringing in a few of the ones we grew up with.  It can be a lot of fun, if you let it be.  Don’t let missing out on a Tradition bring you down during the Holidays.  Traditions are not supposed to be a burden or something to bring on added stress.  Instead let a Tradition bring back happy memories and the hope and joy of new memories to come.  


Saturday, July 27, 2013

The "NOT" so Perfect Mom is Me!

It is OK not to be PERFECT!  No really it is!  I think this was and still is the hardest lesson to learn in life for me.

With that being said, it sure is hard to allow others to see the not so perfect side of ourselves.  Why?  For one thing, we often come across those who are harsh and judgmental.  Oh you know WHO I am talking about.  That friend or family member, who is quick to point out what you are doing wrong or how they would do something differently.

This judgmental friend or family member may think they are being just "oh so helpful" but in reality are just being mean and spiteful.  Their words sometimes come across as passive aggressive attacks.  Because of these types of people, we tend to hide or not want to open up and share our lives.

Well I feel if we were MORE open and less judgmental, we all would feel a whole lot better about ourselves.  So here I go:

  1. I have a tower of boxes I need to unpack in my office from my recent move.  (I feel like their presence is mocking me especially since they are next to empty bookcases.)
  2. There are boxes of toys to go through and sort to see what can be donated. (I keep hoping to find time to do this with my oldest child, but we have been busy this past month since we moved.)
  3. I have dirty dishes from yesterday and this morning in my sink and clean dishes in my dishwasher.  (I think my husband and I are waiting to see who will tackle these first.)
  4. I have a forgotten load of clothes in the washer, that should have been dried yesterday.  (I guess I need to re-wash this.  It is a good thing I bought more laundry detergent.  If I keep this up, I will be going through laundry detergent weekly!)
  5. All of the beds are unmade. (Honestly I cannot remember the last time any of the beds were made...)
  6. I have NO IDEA what I am going to make for dinner tonight.  I have yet to make a meal plan.
  7. I would much rather be playing computer games today then chasing after my kids.  I want to be lazy!!!  
See there is my honesty!  Wow that sure felt good!  

Oh and I am watching my daughter sneak some of the popcorn I was eating last night while playing Borderlands 2.  

Oh Hey, I think I am getting lucky!  My hubby is taking the youngest on a walk along the GreenBelt!  Woo Hoo Mommy time!  I could be like super productive and impress everyone and tackle my list up above or just veg out and enjoy sometime without my little princess, climbing all over me, trying to grab my glasses and poke my eye balls out.

So what do YOU think I am going to do?

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Coffee Time? Or Living Off of Coffee

I am living off of coffee and stress.  It really is amazing how much one can get done on those two things.  We are really moving in two days.  Two whole days.  I am piling the kids in the car with my friend Mary and following my husband and our friend Richard in a moving truck down to Boise Idaho.

I have downloaded episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants on my Son's iPhone.  I have made sure we have car chargers and cords for all of our electronics for the road trip.  Music playlists are being made for the drive also.  Still I know my kids will get board.  So I am putting together, books, crayons, and other little toys for them.

I am hoping we get some good sleep before we tackle this drive.  We have been packing up our home and it is about DONE!  This is a huge relief.

Nothing else has gone smoothly.  The movers had the wrong date to show up to load up the truck and finish packing anything left.  Our truck isn't going to be in our town for us to pick up.  Heck it isn't even going to be in our state! We have a 45 minute drive to go and pick up the stupid thing!!!  So tomorrow morning we are driving out and getting the moving truck with our friends, while our kids are being watched.  This does NOT thrill any of us one bit.

Since I do have to be up early to make this trip to pick up the moving truck I am going to hustle my hiney into bed and hopefully sleep.  I think the benedryl is kicking in.  I forgot I even took some.  My allergies are so intense with the pollen so bad right now.  I have had a couple of asthma attacks and that is worrisome.

Anyways, TTFN and enjoy your coffee!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Our Journey Ends with New Ones Beginning

It seems like ages since I have sat down and wrote anything.  Then again it has been a few months.  This journey my family has been on up here in the Panhandle of Idaho is about to come to an end.  It is a bittersweet ending with a lot of work ahead for us.  Where one adventure ends, a whole new one begins.

Yes my husband graduated a few weeks ago with a Juris Doctorate!  I am very proud of him.


My husband and I after his Graduation

I also had to head into a new world of costume making recently for my son's school play.  He had the part of a scarecrow.  I had very little time to look into ordering one online and having it shipped.  (Yes I am THAT mom).  I did want to try my hand at creating something though and I think I managed it very well.  I did happen to burn my fingers  with hot glue when it came to getting the hay to stick on the ribbon that I was using to insert around the cuffs of the shirt and shorts.  I used face paint to create a scarecrow effect one his face.  I thought he was adorable!

Kyle ready for his school play

This year we took the kids to a local Ren Faire and we had a blast.  The weather was nice and it wasn't too hot.  Hailey was dressed up as a princess and Kyle had a costume but he didn't wear it for very long.  We did some shopping and watched his friends dance.  We would have stayed longer but it was also Free Comic Book Day and well, this family had to go around and collect comic books of course!

My daughter was fascinated by this dragon

My son is still in school or we probably would have moved by now.  Instead we are packing and preparing to relocate back down to Boise.  It was stressful not only finding a good place for our family, but making sure the school nearby would be a good fit for the kids.  Now I am trying to plan our summer.

While both my husband and I are looking for work, our children also are a priority.  Kyle wants to learn more about art and painting.  He did really well in wrestling this past year and has earned a silver medal and even pinned an opponent.  Hailey is growing up and wanting to explore and learn about the world.  I just hope I can keep up with the both of them!

Being their mom sure has kept me on my toes.  I am doing things I never thought I would and am enjoying every moment of it!














Tuesday, February 5, 2013

No, We Never Did Own a Panini Maker and Other Changes for 2013

Why no January 2013 entries listing all my new year reservations?  Well I did not have any.  In fact, I sat down a few times and tried to start an entry.  Later this year, there will be some big changes in our family's life.  Those changes have more to do with my husband graduating law school and us moving.  I just did not know what else to expect from 2013 nor what to focus on for the year.

So far there are a few things from last year that I started and were such a great success I am continuing them on through this year.

1.  Of course I have been down sizing things in our home, organizing, packing and putting stuff into storage.  This has been going on for a few months and will be getting more intense over the coming months.  I have gotten to be creative in my organization.  Often you have to think out of the box when you are in a small space and that I have done.

Laundry hampers are great for storing toys in main rooms of the home.  Some containers can roll away and be hidden behind a sofa or wall.  Office filing systems that are not all metal and sterile looking but the ones that are sometimes made of wood, wicker or even woven bins can be used in closets and corners of small areas to hold items often used but have no place to be stored.

Get creative, have fun and make it look nice and original!

2.  Last year, I started using an online organizer, Cozi instead of a notebook or a paper organizer for the first time ever.  I had never felt good about not having things written down on paper.  That last statement is really actually odd coming from me, since I am extremely techno savy, but I have been carrying around a notebook style planner for over 20 years and swore I always would.

I did a lot of searching and looking at various online organizers.  I wanted one that was family friendly and could be accessed anytime, anywhere and from various devices.  I can keep track of everyone's schedules, meal planning, recipes, shopping lists, and to do lists.  I love how flexible and functional it is.  Even, my husband logs in and uses it!

3.  Using Quicken to keep track of our family's spending and budget, instead of just balancing the check book and using spreadsheets has been a life saver.  I have gone back and forth on using Quicken but last year I went and ahead and purchased Quicken Deluxe 2012.  I am glad I did.  I even upgraded to 2013 this month, that is how serious I am about using this product.

I have been an accountant for small businesses and large businesses and this software is easy and gives me a full picture of our finances and both my husband and I have appreciated being able to keep track of our spending this way.

Last month I practically stumbled upon a few things that literally brought such positive change to my family, I have to share.  Sometimes just a few simple steps in the right direction make a big difference and that is something my husband and I both have learned.

1.  I finally caved in and bought my family a panini maker.  If I had known that this would have stopped everyone from eating take out, trust me I would have done this years ago!!!  Seriously!!!  All I have to do is provide, bread, tortillas, lettuce, cheeses, meats.  My husband and son are even using the left overs to make creative sandwiches or wraps.  There seems to be no limits to their creativity.  This has saved us a bundle and we are all eating healthier.

2.  Although I have a small freezer, I am doing some freezer cooking.  For instance, if I make a casserole, I double the amount and freeze the extra half for a meal later.  I also make breakfast burritos and freeze them for easy breakfasts in the morning.  Having a frozen pre-made dinner that I cooked, that only needs to be re-heated for those night I don't want to cook has been awesome.  Plus I know what my family is eating.

3.  Eating fresh and saving money!  Hello!!!  Isn't this something every parent wants for their family?  I had seen a friend of mine always posting of facebook about her basket of fruit and veggies from Bountiful Baskets.  I was unaware that I could do the same even though we were hundreds of miles apart!  It's funny how doing a little research can be so eye opening.

It is a mad dash now on Monday to log in and order my basket and any other extras they may have that I could use.  I would say that I cannot wait until Saturday to pick up our basket of goodies to see what we get, but that would be a lie.  My son Kyle seems to be more eager then I am.  It really has become a major part of our weekend.  Once I pick up our basket of veggies and fruits and put them away, I can make the meal plan for the week.  Some of items I get, I do prep and freeze for meals to come.

If you have never heard of this co-op, check them out, Bountiful Baskets.

As you can see, I have learned a few good things last year that I am keeping up with and started out the new year trying out a few good things to help improve the life of myself and my family.  I think we really have started out the new year on the right foot.  Let's just hope we can keep our balance, because, we are in for a wild ride.

Trust me, February has already started out with a bang and even more surprises!  I just hope I can keep up! I may need a whole lot more coffee if things don't slow down!

TTFN

Dee

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

And On My Knees I Fall......

Verily I say to you, we will not end this violence with more violence but on our knees and pray.  This is not a time to point our fingers at a failed society.  The division in this Nation is a distraction from the war at hand.

I do not mean to sound so doomsdayish nor like a blithering fool.  People are running around worried about losing their guns and having them taken away.  I see such disrespect for our President and even from my fellow Christians going as far as calling him a dictator.  Our President is trying his best with what limitations he has to address the fears and concerns of a Nation who has seen too much innocent blood spilled.   

Now is the time to put aside our political fears.  These fears are the distraction that is keeping us divided.  As long as we are divided and bicker we will never be able to protect our families, our loved ones, our children. There will be more shootings in public places and we will look at the situation and wonder what could we have done?

What could we have done to prevent such a mindless, senseless, cold hearted, blood bath?  What could motivate someone to do this?  What signs were there that we missed?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12

There is evil in this world.  We cannot ignore it.  It exists.  We talk about it in our movies and our tv shows.  The super natural world is something many are curious about or are very aware of.  While yes there are things we can do to help prevent violence and practice gun safety, we need to do more.

We need to get on our knees and PRAY.  We need to pray over our children, over the schools, our government, and our President.  We need to pray over our families and our communities.

I know we may not all agree on how to pray.  I know there is so much bickering and fighting and name calling.  We need to stop and take a moment each day and pray against the evil trying to divide us and attack us where it hurts most, the spilling of innocent blood.

Please,  let's unite and stand together for once.  Families are turning on each other, schools are no longer safe, public places such as theaters and malls are no longer places we can gather without concern.  Let's take back our safety and our peace.  Prayer is a good start and then .... perhaps then everything else can fall into place.

Dee Jones
Wife - Mother


I normally would not get so political in my blog.  However this is something I felt deep in my heart I needed to share and I can only hope it touches others and that they share this too.  


Monday, January 7, 2013

Snowed In and Frazzled from Winter Break!

Yes I am looking forward to Winter Break ending and getting my world back to normal.  I have enjoyed all this time with my family, the holidays and the birthdays.  However I am burnt out.  I am missing the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  I miss juggling everyone's schedules, and PAT meetings and volunteering at my son's school.  I miss my daily routines of getting everyone ready for the day and out the door for school buses and car rides.  I miss the time it is just my baby girl and I alone.  I miss being able to get house work done and not tripping over people and toys all day.

It's funny that leading up to Winter Break I was burnt out on all of that and now I want my normal busy SAHM life back.  The life where there are no breaks and you have to be on your toes constantly.  Sure, with everyone home I was running around trying to keep everyone entertained and putting on parties and making the holidays special.  However it just was different.  I never really had me time, alone time.  With my son in school and Husband in his Law classes, during the day for some days, it is just Hailey and I.  Once Hailey is down for a nap, I am free!  It is just me and whatever task I want to tackle to get done, or sit down for a coffee break.

It is a moment in time where I can shutdown.  The last three and a half weeks, I have NOT had this moment of bliss.  In fact I don't get it today, when most schools have started.  Why?  Because my school is lame and not opening until TOMORROW!!!  TOMORROW!!!  TOMORROW!!!

>>>>>TAKES A DEEP BREATHE<<<<<

Just as I typed this my adorable son came in here to let me know that it has been a LONG time since I played with him.  Mind you, I just stepped away 10 minutes ago and before that I was making him his favorite swiss cheese quesidilla on a panini press, but before that I was playing with him for HOURS!  It is funny how kids can exaggerate time.  Well I must hurry or I am sure my son will start wasting away because Mama hasn't been playing with him.  ;)  On the joys of being a SAHM.

Can I have a vacation soon?  



Trying to get a good shot of me with my little ones is never easy.  Baby Girl had just clawed my nose in this picture.


This was as good as we were going to get.  No really it was.  Trust me you don't want to see the other shots my husband took trying for that perfect one.



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Restless After the Holidays

The celebrations are coming to an end in my home.  I know in many other homes they continue on.  I use to leave the tree up until mid January but this year I have taken it down already.

December for my family is non stop celebrations.  Oh I am not talking about the tradition holiday parties and dinners through out the month.  Both of my children are December babies.  I want to make their birthdays special and unique.  I want to give them the kind of birthday they ask for and not just combine it with Christmas.

I can pre-plan and purchase gifts and favors months in advance, there still are unexpected surprises. Then there is pulling off the birthday parties.  I have done prepackaged parties at Chuckie Cheese's.  They do make set up and clean up easy.  However they do lack that personal touch that throwing your own party has.

This year I did the the favor bags, crafting packs and even made up the games myself.  I hand painted a wrestler for a game of pin the championship belt on the wrestler.  I made the cake and my husband was a ton of help with everything.  It was a lot of work but worth it.







My daughter had just turned one, so we had a small party with the family.  I made her cake and she got to eat some of it and opened presents.  It was a very special time.



Since my son's birthday is the 22nd I held his party the Weekend before while his friends were in town.  Now on the 22nd, I made him his favorite breakfast, cheese danish and favorite dinner, crab legs.  I still wanted to do something for his actual birthday and this was perfect.

I am glad to say that the days leading up to Christmas we just were able to relax and enjoy spending time with our family.  We had no last minute shopping to do.  We had not place to be and there was no rush to do anything.  It was such a lovely break.  We played games, painted holiday ornaments, and watched movies.

On Christmas Eve, Kyle helped me make our Christmas pizza and we watched a movie and it was off to bed for the kids.

Once they were in bed and to our surprise they STAYED in bed, my Husband and I tackled the assembling and wrapping of gifts.  Oh we laughed as we stumbled through this process but we managed without getting hurt.





Christmas morning Santa had indeed arrived and presents were opened!  Breakfast was made and toys were played with.  We watched Avengers and devoured Prime Rib and homemade Mac & Cheese.  We called relatives and friends telling them how much we love and miss them.  We had a very Merry Christmas!

Now between Christmas and New Years, we have gone out and done a few things and done some shopping.  New Year's Eve we spent time with friends and then came home and rang in the New Year with confetti shooting poppers and toasting in the New Year.

We have had such a great time celebrating and enjoying ourselves, we just do not know what to do with ourselves now that the holidays are coming to an end.  Next week, life goes back to normal.  Right now it is like we are in limbo.  We have a few days in between all the parties and normal life.

We just do not know what to do with ourselves.  My husband and I are trying to think of things to do so we aren't so restless.  However I think our son just wants to sit around in his underwear at home hanging out.

I think we are just partied out!  Yes it was well worth it.