We went to my parent's house Christmas day. This is a short fun video I put together of our 15-year old daughter driving us there.
This Saturday’s Recipes by The Pioneer Woman
4 years ago
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Right Perspective
I'm not sure where this post is headed, but this is something I've been thinking about for a while, but I keep getting no where. Christmas this year was very different for our family. The economy has affected our lives--my husband doesn't have as much work, my brother was laid off from his job in early December and may end up losing his home and car, and my retired parents are seeing their investments drop monthly (that's what they live on) and we're also seeing our retirement accounts shrinking. We scaled way back this year, and it was still a great Christmas because it was more about the birth of Christ and being together as a family.
What bothers me is seeing some people, seemingly, not affected by the economy at all. People buying Mac laptops for their teens, trading in cars for Mercedes, giving their children hundreds of dollars to spend as they like, frequently eating out at expensive restaurants, and going on vacations. I guess I sound bitter or envious. And, maybe I am. I sure would like to go on a trip for Spring Break and hope that we could go away for a week this summer, but things are unsure.
Even some churches this Christmas went a bit extravagant with their Christmas programs. One church near me hired talent to perform and spent mega bucks--they even wanted to charge people to come to the program. This is a church that also has a congregation with many people out of work. The church members complained about charging to attend and the pastor decided to wave the fee, but he said from the pulpit that next year there would be a charge for tickets.
I need the right perspective on this. Can you help me?
What bothers me is seeing some people, seemingly, not affected by the economy at all. People buying Mac laptops for their teens, trading in cars for Mercedes, giving their children hundreds of dollars to spend as they like, frequently eating out at expensive restaurants, and going on vacations. I guess I sound bitter or envious. And, maybe I am. I sure would like to go on a trip for Spring Break and hope that we could go away for a week this summer, but things are unsure.
Even some churches this Christmas went a bit extravagant with their Christmas programs. One church near me hired talent to perform and spent mega bucks--they even wanted to charge people to come to the program. This is a church that also has a congregation with many people out of work. The church members complained about charging to attend and the pastor decided to wave the fee, but he said from the pulpit that next year there would be a charge for tickets.
I need the right perspective on this. Can you help me?
Friday, December 26, 2008
After-Christmas Sale
I ventured out today with my daughter behind the wheel to checkout the after-Christmas sales. (BTW, we made it there and back safely). We needed a new comforter for our bed and I thought the deals at Kohl's looked good, so that's where we went.
The crowds in the store weren't too bad--although, some shelves were bare. They had plenty of comforters--I guess most people were looking for clothes. When we went to check out, at first glance it looked good, then we noticed the roped-off area and the line that snaked around the store. Oh well, the sale was good so we waited in line. There were no carts, so we had to carry what we were buying (one king size comforter set, two blankets, a bed skirt, wash clothes, and underwear.) It's funny how things get so heavy just standing in line. Two registers were open when we got in line, then finally they added another cashier. Two ladies at one register must have been having a problem because they were at that register the whole time we were in line, so it was like having only two registers open. My packages were slipping the closer we got to the end of the line, but I was trying my best to hang on to them.
We looked at the shelves of little gadgets they had and other "stuff" that some people might be enticed to buy while standing in line. I looked over and saw these coasters on sale by Sarah Peyton. Sarah Peyton is selling things now?, I thought. I told my daughter to look at those coasters over there by Sarah Peyton. She said, "Who's Sarah Peyton?" To which I replied, "You know, the lady who ran for vice president." To which she said, "Mom, that was Sarah Palin!" I'm not sure why I'm sharing this, but boy did I feel like a dork!
Anyway, I almost made it to the register without dropping anything, but guess what fell? Yes, the underwear. The kind man behind us came to our rescue and scooped up the panties for us. What a gentleman!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Driving Lesson With Dad
Yesterday our daughter turned 15. Glenn took her, on her birthday, to get her learner's permit. She had to take and pass a written test and an eye test. She passed and we now have a licensed learner. It was raining yesterday, so he wouldn't take her for a driving lesson. I let her drive me to the grocery store after the rain stopped (and while Glenn was napping.) She did very well! I also made her go in to the store and get the groceries (that was the quickest shopping trip I've ever seen.)
Today the weather was clear and Glenn said he'd take her out for a drive. But, before they could go, she had to find the answers to three questions from the car owner's manual. 1) What pressure do the tires need to be inflated to? 2) Where is the spare located and how do you change a flat? 3) Where and how do you check the oil level? She was not amused, but complied with a good attitude. She not only checked the tire pressure in the car she's allowed to drive (PT Cruiser), but all our cars. She also used Glenn's air pressure pump to inflate the tires to the proper pressure. She crawled under the car to see where the spare tire is located, and checked the oil level. She completed these tasks to his satisfaction and they've just left for Target. I'm sure there will be more stories to tell when they get back.
Today the weather was clear and Glenn said he'd take her out for a drive. But, before they could go, she had to find the answers to three questions from the car owner's manual. 1) What pressure do the tires need to be inflated to? 2) Where is the spare located and how do you change a flat? 3) Where and how do you check the oil level? She was not amused, but complied with a good attitude. She not only checked the tire pressure in the car she's allowed to drive (PT Cruiser), but all our cars. She also used Glenn's air pressure pump to inflate the tires to the proper pressure. She crawled under the car to see where the spare tire is located, and checked the oil level. She completed these tasks to his satisfaction and they've just left for Target. I'm sure there will be more stories to tell when they get back.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
No more "I Don't Care Hair"
Processing
The finished creationWednesday, December 17, 2008
Oh My, Driving Permit Time Looms in the Near Future
In a couple of days, Glenn and I will have a 15-year-old. In Georgia, that means that she is eligible to get a driving learner's permit. I'm not ready for this. She'll have to take a written test and pass it to get the learner's permit. I expect she'll pass. If I just hadn't had hip surgery, I'd feel more confident to take her out driving, when, of course, she would earn her permit.
Glenn and I both come from sports car driving backgrounds. Having worked for MotorWeek TV and for Porsche Cars, North America, I've spent a fair amount of time behind the wheel and on a racetrack. Glenn has been able to enjoy a lot of this with me. We'd really like to be able to take her out on a track and an auto cross course. We'd like her to respect the power of cars and learn how to handle them. All she can think about is getting behind the wheel and going. I guess I was that way, too. I do remember wanting that driver's license in such a bad way.
I still want her father to take her out first. Is that being a big chicken?
Glenn and I both come from sports car driving backgrounds. Having worked for MotorWeek TV and for Porsche Cars, North America, I've spent a fair amount of time behind the wheel and on a racetrack. Glenn has been able to enjoy a lot of this with me. We'd really like to be able to take her out on a track and an auto cross course. We'd like her to respect the power of cars and learn how to handle them. All she can think about is getting behind the wheel and going. I guess I was that way, too. I do remember wanting that driver's license in such a bad way.
I still want her father to take her out first. Is that being a big chicken?
Monday, December 15, 2008
14 days post op and doing great
My hip surgery was two weeks ago today. Last Friday I got my staples out and was promoted to using a cane instead of the rolling walker. I took my first shower in two weeks on Saturday--YES! And, I was given permission to drive short distances!!! Our friends and neighbors have been incredible. They're bringing meals by (our refrigerator runneth over!) and running errands for me. I can feel your prayers and I appreciate them so much. I am so blessed.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hip Journey - Day 13
I wrote the below post on Tuesday, December 11. I deleted it later that night. After you read the post, I'll explain why I deleted it.
Dinner tonight is something to write about. My dad had been gone for a couple of days. He volunteers with the church on a feeding truck and it's closer to leave from his house than mine. My mother is stressed when he's here and even more stressed when he's not. Tonight he was very ornery. He wanted to know why my mother used so many plates, dishes, and utensils for meals? He said it was just more stuff for him to clean up. My mother puts every side dish and main dish in it's own serving bowl or plate. After dinner he wanted brownies and ice cream and said he'd show us how to serve it. He comes in with the brownie pan, ice cream, a scooper, a bowl, and a spoon. His plan: we'll each eat one at a time and reuse the bowl and spoon. Of course, my mother was not going to go along with this scheme.
I also got in trouble with my mother tonight because she brought up, for probably the tenth time, how my daughter is not studying properly among various other inadequacies. I couldn't help it. I laughed (out of frustration and aggravation). She knew exactly why. She knew that I was tired of her advice and meddling. Not much around our house mets her expectations and, believe me, I hear about it. Anyway, she didn't appreciate me laughing and said I'd hear no more from her! The atmosphere was tense for a few minutes, and I tried not to continue to laugh.
Now with that said, I feel much better. Oh, and anybody who knows my parents better not tell them about this blog!
Within a matter of minutes of publishing that post, my mother fell in our kitchen and fractured her shoulder and badly bruised her knee. It looked like she was going to need surgery, but the hospital finally sent her home later the next day with a soft cast on her leg and a brace on her arm and shoulder. My dad is now at their home taking care of her.
The next day, my brother left in the morning to take my daughter to school, but returned a few minutes later because he had a completely flat tire. It was pouring down rain.
As Christians we don't believe in karma, but it sure did seem like a lot of bad ju-ju to me!
Dinner tonight is something to write about. My dad had been gone for a couple of days. He volunteers with the church on a feeding truck and it's closer to leave from his house than mine. My mother is stressed when he's here and even more stressed when he's not. Tonight he was very ornery. He wanted to know why my mother used so many plates, dishes, and utensils for meals? He said it was just more stuff for him to clean up. My mother puts every side dish and main dish in it's own serving bowl or plate. After dinner he wanted brownies and ice cream and said he'd show us how to serve it. He comes in with the brownie pan, ice cream, a scooper, a bowl, and a spoon. His plan: we'll each eat one at a time and reuse the bowl and spoon. Of course, my mother was not going to go along with this scheme.
I also got in trouble with my mother tonight because she brought up, for probably the tenth time, how my daughter is not studying properly among various other inadequacies. I couldn't help it. I laughed (out of frustration and aggravation). She knew exactly why. She knew that I was tired of her advice and meddling. Not much around our house mets her expectations and, believe me, I hear about it. Anyway, she didn't appreciate me laughing and said I'd hear no more from her! The atmosphere was tense for a few minutes, and I tried not to continue to laugh.
Now with that said, I feel much better. Oh, and anybody who knows my parents better not tell them about this blog!
Within a matter of minutes of publishing that post, my mother fell in our kitchen and fractured her shoulder and badly bruised her knee. It looked like she was going to need surgery, but the hospital finally sent her home later the next day with a soft cast on her leg and a brace on her arm and shoulder. My dad is now at their home taking care of her.
The next day, my brother left in the morning to take my daughter to school, but returned a few minutes later because he had a completely flat tire. It was pouring down rain.
As Christians we don't believe in karma, but it sure did seem like a lot of bad ju-ju to me!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Hip Journey - Day 8
Yesterday the physical terrorist came. I am so tired and sore today! And, she comes back tomorrow morning! I also thought that I could take a shower, but after getting a call back from my doctor, I have to wait 24 hours after the staples come out. That means waiting until Saturday to get a shower! I'm counting the days.
Sorry for the language - but what crap!
I can't get over some of the spam e-mail I get. Don't anyone fall for this! Look at this one:
THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION
In Conjunction with the International Monetary Fund
WORLD BANK FACT-FINDING & SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.
Dear Sir/Ma
The United Nations Security Council, hereby receives your payment with reference number #.MAV/UNO/WBO/LM-05-371 amounting to US$10,625,000.00 (Ten Million Six Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand United States Dollars) This council was set up to fight against scam and fraudulent activities worldwide, responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals and directs the paying authorities worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay, your said payment is being arranged in a Security-proof box weighing 75kg padded with synthetic nylon.
According to information gathered from the bank security computer we were notified that you have waited for so long to receive this payment with out success we also confirmed that you have met all statutory requirements in respect of your pending payment.
This important notice is to let you know that your payment is ready to be moved by Swift Bank Transfer (Five working days) to your account or via diplomatic means of cash delivery (Two days) to your door step. Please note that your payment will be processed and released to you as soon as you respond to this confidential letter by reconfirming to us the following details.
(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Home Address:
(3) Age
(4) Phone, Fax and Mobile Number:
(5) Company Name/Occupation/Position:
(6) Payment option (Bank Transfer/Cash delivery):
Immediately the above details are received and validated, your payment will be processed within 48hours.
Yours Faithfully,
REV. FATHER WILLIAM SCOTT
Director, Special Duties.
THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION
In Conjunction with the International Monetary Fund
WORLD BANK FACT-FINDING & SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.
Dear Sir/Ma
The United Nations Security Council, hereby receives your payment with reference number #.MAV/UNO/WBO/LM-05-371 amounting to US$10,625,000.00 (Ten Million Six Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand United States Dollars) This council was set up to fight against scam and fraudulent activities worldwide, responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals and directs the paying authorities worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay, your said payment is being arranged in a Security-proof box weighing 75kg padded with synthetic nylon.
According to information gathered from the bank security computer we were notified that you have waited for so long to receive this payment with out success we also confirmed that you have met all statutory requirements in respect of your pending payment.
This important notice is to let you know that your payment is ready to be moved by Swift Bank Transfer (Five working days) to your account or via diplomatic means of cash delivery (Two days) to your door step. Please note that your payment will be processed and released to you as soon as you respond to this confidential letter by reconfirming to us the following details.
(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Home Address:
(3) Age
(4) Phone, Fax and Mobile Number:
(5) Company Name/Occupation/Position:
(6) Payment option (Bank Transfer/Cash delivery):
Immediately the above details are received and validated, your payment will be processed within 48hours.
Yours Faithfully,
REV. FATHER WILLIAM SCOTT
Director, Special Duties.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Hip Journey - Day 7
Just wanted to post a couple of pictures of how "great" I look. Here's my dog, Gracie. She's been right by my side since the surgery.
Here are a few pictures I took with my daughter, Rebecca, and her friend Kristen. They actually asked to pose with me for some pictures. I felt flattered.
Here are a few pictures I took with my daughter, Rebecca, and her friend Kristen. They actually asked to pose with me for some pictures. I felt flattered.
True Love
As much as I get frustrated with my mother, I have to share an act of love and humility she did. Without going into too much detail, I'll just say: picture a 73-year-old short lady with arthritis and other health issues of her own, giving her 47-year-old arthritic daughter a sink bath. Wow. What a picture of a servant. I thought of Jesus and washing His disciples' feet. With all of her griping and grumbling, she never once complained about helping me.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hip Journey - Day 6
My husband is in Maryland working, so my parents are staying with me until he gets back. I love my parents and it's a blessing that they are close by and can come and help out. They're 73-years-old. They argue about--everything. Today the big discussion was about grocery shopping--when to go and what to get. It took about an hour to get the list together and another two hours to shop. When my mother got back, my dad was supposed to go back to their house and pick up his church clothes and prescriptions. Instead he waited until 5:30 to go. We needed him to grill dinner, so we didn't eat until 7:30. I was starving! He did cook a fantastic breakfast of eggs and bacon, so I'll give him that. She forgot to get margarine and milk--oh well.
Today's parental frustrations: how to work the TV controller, use the remote control fan/light, and how to adjust the thermostat. I can understand the TV controller, but to use the fan/light control, you just click the top button for the light and bottom button for the fan. My mother gets so frustrated.
Tomorrow should be interesting. They have church and a Christmas concert to go to. My mother's planning a big lunch.
Today's parental frustrations: how to work the TV controller, use the remote control fan/light, and how to adjust the thermostat. I can understand the TV controller, but to use the fan/light control, you just click the top button for the light and bottom button for the fan. My mother gets so frustrated.
Tomorrow should be interesting. They have church and a Christmas concert to go to. My mother's planning a big lunch.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Surgery Update - Dec. 5
I'm back home from hip surgery. I'm feeling a little groggy at the moment so who knows how this post will go.
Surgery went well and the doctor released me on Wednesday. Yesterday I spent the entire day sleeping. The home nurse came to call and said that was normal that I was still getting rid of the anesthesia in my system.
My surgery was at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia. I was very pleased with the facilities and the staff. I've been to some hospitals where I couldn't say that. I had a great doctor, Dale Lane, and the nurses were excellent. The last thing I remember before "going under" was lying on the table in the operating room with my arms spread eagle and two big lights over my head. The next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. I did have pain, but they quickly addressed that.
I'm getting tired and my physical therapist is due to arrive soon. I'll probably need a nap after she leaves.
Surgery went well and the doctor released me on Wednesday. Yesterday I spent the entire day sleeping. The home nurse came to call and said that was normal that I was still getting rid of the anesthesia in my system.
My surgery was at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia. I was very pleased with the facilities and the staff. I've been to some hospitals where I couldn't say that. I had a great doctor, Dale Lane, and the nurses were excellent. The last thing I remember before "going under" was lying on the table in the operating room with my arms spread eagle and two big lights over my head. The next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. I did have pain, but they quickly addressed that.
I'm getting tired and my physical therapist is due to arrive soon. I'll probably need a nap after she leaves.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Surgery Day - Dec. 1
Today is the day. I'll be leaving the house soon for hip surgery. Have had nothing to eat or drink since midnight. No creams on my face or gel in my hair (can act as conductors for electricity in the operating room.)
I'm feeling a little nervous, but not too bad. My boss just called from the North American Mission Board (NAMB) to say that the team will be gathering soon to pray for a successful surgery, for minimal pain, and for a gentle physical therapist. Also asked for prayer for nice nurses. It's great to have the support and concern of a team of fellow Christians. I'm thankful for a God who loves me and watches over us.
And, it's snowing outside in Georgia!
I'm feeling a little nervous, but not too bad. My boss just called from the North American Mission Board (NAMB) to say that the team will be gathering soon to pray for a successful surgery, for minimal pain, and for a gentle physical therapist. Also asked for prayer for nice nurses. It's great to have the support and concern of a team of fellow Christians. I'm thankful for a God who loves me and watches over us.
And, it's snowing outside in Georgia!
