Praying for Snow

January 8, 2010 Leave a Comment

I know, I know.  Just yesterday I was lauding the fact that here, in Florida, we have been without snow while almost the rest of the nation has been inundated with the stuff.

I have always been content that Florida has remained as God has intended this state to be. Snow-free.

So it might be a surprise to anyone reading this that I now want snow.  Here.  At my house.

{{A surprise to everyone but you, Honey, since you know how often I change my mind. Wink, wink.}}

In fact, I’m so eagar for snow that I’m praying for it.  This is a surprise to me since snow has never been on my prayer list or shown up in my prayer journal.  Not once. 

But as the local weather forecasters have been dangling the idea of snow over my head for a few days now, I am very hopeful — prayerful — that the frozen precipitation will actually arrive at my house this weekend.

Notice that I said “arrive at my house“.  I know full well that any snowflakes in these-here-parts will melt as soon as they hit the ground, if not sooner. C’mon, I was born but not yesterday.

I also have previous experience with Florisnow — my own favorite new label for silly snowflakes that try to fall in the Sunshine state.  When I was a little cutie all of 8-years-old and living in South Florida, we were surprised with a mere shimmering of Florida snow in January.

I was home with the chicken pox and my mom called me to come outside.  As my dad was getting ready to leave for work, we caught sight of little Flori-flakes {hee hee} melting as they landed on his coat.  It was neato!  I’ll never forget that moment.

And so I’d love to share a moment like that with my chicklets and hubby.  We’ll see what God has planned.  Nothing is impossible with Him.  Even snow in Florida.

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Thankful

December 2, 2008 1 Comment

I know it’s not Thanksgiving anymore, but I found this at Bunny Trails and couldn’t resist. After all, I’m thankful all year long for what and whom is on my list (and not in any order). Enjoy!
1. My man, Spider X (such a great best friend)
2. Catz, my sweet girl
3. Mr C, my funny boy
4. afternoon sun shining in my bedroom window
5. music, preferably played loud
6. my home
7. the scent of a roaring fire
8. Krispy Kreme donuts
9. muffins, cupcakes, and all foods baked
10. our Nikon D70
11. my hubby’s ultimate computer intelligence
12. our quiet neighborhood
13. my mom (my prayer warrior)
14. homeschooling (What a blessing!)
15. Photoshop
16. my lost Ipod (I miss you!)
17. old movies
18. our cat-kids
19. my sisters
20. my brothers
21. memories of Dad
22. memories of my brother Roger
23. 2nd chances
24. the smell of cookies baking (or anything baking for that matter)
25. being sick-free since August
26. spending time with my family
27. Netflix (who knew?!)
28. yummy bread (Swedish coffecake…mmmm!)
29. my 3 oldest nephews and their positive impact on my kids
30. seeing bears walking in my neighborhood
31. traveling with my family
32. camping
33. Christian music
34. my garden
35. brownies (preferably made with Ghiradelli chocolate)
36. healing of Mr C’s former wart colony
37. Baby Blues comic strip
38. Mac & Cheesy (not-enuf) Ham
39. the smell of sweet alyssum
40. playing in the dirt
41. taking fun photos of my kids
42. Family Movie time
43. Rose is Rose comic strip
44. The Peanuts theme song
45. pizza (almost any kind, anytime)
46. baking
47. God, my heavenly Father
48. blogging (It’s fun!)
49. family-friendly movie companies
50. flannel sheets (snuggly warm!)
51. hot chocolate with whipped cream
52. praying in the shower
53. leftovers (I don’t like to eat ‘em, but I like to serve ‘em when I’m busy.)
54. the experience we had raising the squirrels
55. scrapbooking (Gee, I’d like to do that someday…it looks like fun.)
56. reading funny posts that make me LOL
57. crafts
58. JoAnn’s and Michael’s
59. getting nails done with Catz
60. swinging with Mr C (He’s so snuggly but almost too big for my lap!)
61. baking with the kids
62. my sewing machine (what is that racket?)
63. Belgian chocolate shake at Hagen Dazs
64. Spider X’s desire to make me happy
65. sewing
66. being married to my beloved
67. the nice folks at the supermarket (I practically live there)
68. Shoebox Heirlooms
69. cooking shows
70. when my family is happy
71. the Magnum
72. my MIL and FIL (’cause they raised my beloved)
73. buffets (I love a variety!)
74. God’s never-ending grace
75. Spider X’s vast knowledge of everything computer/electronic/gadget
76. wildlife in our yard

 

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31 Days to Make Your Marriage Thrive: Day 1 – Date Night

October 1, 2011 10 Comments
{Hey there! Today’s post is the first of my new series 31 Days to Make Your Marriage Thrive.  Every day in the month of October I’ll be giving you tips and tricks on how to make your marriage spectacular. If you want to follow me on Twitter @LilbearMe  feel free to use hashtag #31dmymt. For more 31 Days series’ visit The Nester.}Day 1 – Don’t forget date night.
Date Night.  To some of us that phrase conjures up memories of Friday nights out with our beau.  To others, we somehow have forgotten what it means and wonder how we can possibly attempt a date with our husbands.  Schedules, work, laundry, kids…the list goes on.
But keeping a regular date night is a must for any couple.  That time of connection between a husband and wife is a necessity.  With that time together, you and your husband will feel in-sync again.  Without it, you may find your relationship swirling down the toilet.
So, you think you can’t fit a date night into your lives?  Here are some tips that may help!
What about baby?
Even if you have a baby that you feel you cannot leave with a babysitter, you can still have date night. Before putting your sweet little one down to sleep (or nap as the case may be), make preparations. Have dinner all prepped, a movie in hand from Netflix (or cued up from live streaming), and have yourself showered and looking spectacular. [Remember, girls...when we smell fresh and sweet, our attitude is usually the same.]
Then, after your man gets home and the baby is put to bed, light some candles (or turn on the disco ball) and enjoy. If your wee one is a newborn you’ll hopefully have a couple of hours to reconnect with your man before she wakes up.
Older children
For you who have elementary children and a babysitter worth her weight in gold (relatives are wonderful here), you’re halfway there. Those of us with kids old enough and responsible enough to stay home without adults, be sure to lay the ground rules before you leave the house. No one wants to get a call from your teens asking who gets the last piece of pizza while you’re in the theater watching an exciting chase scene.
Plan Ahead
Whatever age children you have, be sure to make your plans in advance. Nothing ruins a night quicker than playing “I don’t know…what do you want to do?” If you’re staying in with a newborn, then get the DVD rented and the menu (or takeout) planned ahead of time. If you’re heading out for the night with hubby, make the reservations in advance and buy the movie tickets online.
Nothing to Wear?
And please pick out your outfit BEFORE the big date. So sorry I had to yell there, but let’s face it…clothes do matter to us girls, right?
Do any of you remember the Vidal Sasson commercials? This guy would say “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good.” Well, I have my own mantra that says “If I don’t think I look good, then I won’t be happy.” Pout here. So grab whatever you feel good in and that looks great on you, but do this in advance. No one wants to discover their favorite jeans (that look so cute with those strappy wedges) are at the bottom of the dirty laundry basket. Oy.
Set the Date Together
Oh, and most importantly…drumroll please…be sure to set the date and time for your big night with. your. man. That would totally stink if you think the date is this week and he thinks it’s next. Or, even worse, if he arrived home early with a stunning bouquet and a big grin thinking tonight’s the night, and you greet him with hair askew and sweaty from running the vacuum.
What’s your favorite way to spend date night with your hubby? Is it dinner and a movie?  A fun night of go-karting?  Sending the kids to grandma’s and watching the first season of 24 on dvd while eating pizza?  I’d love to know your fun {and PG rated} ideas!

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Filed Under: love and marriage

Our First Gift

February 27, 2010 Leave a Comment

When I woke this morning still snuggling under the flannel sheets, a smile slowly crept onto my face as I pondered the day to come.  “This was the day,” I said quietly as my strong yet sweet husband slumbered next to me.

This was the day, fourteen years ago, that began a new chapter in God’s Great Book of Life.  The chapter that God has laid out for our dear, sweet daughter Catz.  For today is her 14th birthday!

Reflecting on these years the memories are like wispy clouds amid bright sunshine…her birth and adjusting to being a new mommy…her sweetness as a two-year-old when she held her newborn brother…dancing with her daddy at a friend’s wedding…her giggle and sharp wit…the bond between she and I that has grown beautiful and strong just like her.

Amid the laughter and singing that is inevitable on such a special day as this is remembrance.  Scattered amongst the pile of wrapping paper and ribbon is thankfulness.  And hidden between the last crumbs and frosting on the party plates is hope.

Because out of the ashes of a devastating miscarriage, hope was reborn.  Where once there was grief and loss instead emerged the beautiful blessing of a sweet baby girl, resulting in prayers of thankfulness.  And in the everyday snapshots that a mother mentally captures and stores away over these many years are also carried remembrance of the precious, perfect gift she was given. 

One of the many ways God is awesome, don’t you think?

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Life is Changing

July 29, 2009 2 Comments
So much has happened since my last post. Amongst everything, we celebrated birthdays with each of my chicklets, went on a much-needed vacation, and came to a very real decision for our family. Our lives are about to change in a very BIG way.
How big? Well, about as big as an rv. Yup. That’s right, I said rv. Why? Because that’s going to be our new home. The four of us {and our feline family members} are going to travel across this great country of ours for at least a year in an rv. Fifth-wheel, to be more precise.
Based on previous reactions we’ve received when we’ve shared this with family, friends, and total strangers, you might be like one of those who looked horrified while uttering “What? Are you crazy?!” Or maybe you have a dreamy look in your eyes as you smile and say “Really? How thrilling!” Either way, we are excited!
However, there is a downside…we are selling our home of 9+ years. This was not an easy choice to make. Our home is where my babies have grown up…where most of my family memories lay claim. Once we leave here, the view will never be the same. But I’m not too distressed because I know my family will thrive from this experience.
So why are we choosing to go from a home of 3500+ square feet to one of about 300? Simple. Because of everything we’ll get from it. But let’s remember…it’s really not about the rv. It’s about the adventure! We’ll get to see things we’ve only read about, try food right from the source, and meet people from all over. And yet, that’s not the main reason we’re doing this, either.
Most of all it’s about our family. An opportunity for our family to grow and bond tightly together the way that God wants us to. Time to spend together.
Imagine having devotions in Oregon with mountains behind you. Or white-water rafting down the Colorado River. Or having a picnic at the base of Mt. Rushmore. Wow! Thinking of this gives me chills of excitement!
So let’s talk logistics. Seeing as I’ve been homeschooling the chicklets since birth, we’re going to continue. Hubby works from home now anyway, so we’re just going to pack up his office and take it on the road.
But first we have to get ready. As soon as we finish painting, re-carpeting, and everything else to fix up our house, it’s going on the market. How are we going to sell a 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath house in this economy? We’ve put it in God’s hands. If He wants us to go on this grand adventure, then He will send us the right buyer. Preferably in 2009. But still in His hands.
So that’s where we are now. And I’ll keep blogging about our preparation and praying until we actually hit the road. And then the fun starts with our new blog which will document our travels along with photos and video for those who’d like to live vicariously through our adventure. It’s gonna be fun!

P.S. Nope, this is not our rig, just a representation. More pics to come…stay tuned!

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Snow

January 7, 2010 Leave a Comment

Here’s a song in honor of all the snow that’s not here in Florida.  Snuggle up with some hot chocolate and give a listen!

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