Friday, June 27, 2008

Counter-top and clerks

As I write this blog, the man from the counter-top manufacture is here measuring. It is finally coming to a close. Although I still have about three weeks to do my dishes in the bathroom sink, I see the end in sight.
We still have lots of finishing pieces to put together for the job to be completely finished; we can take on a somewhat slower pace at this point.
I look forward in making many meals in my new kitchen and sharing them with all of you at one time or another.

Life is racing by and waits for no man. I cannot believe 2008 is half over.
My mom was up for a couple of days and we found ourselves shopping in Hanover. It was a gorgeous day, the kind that puts me in a great mood rejoicing that I am alive to enjoy such a treasure. While in Hanover, I had a return at khol's and looking around I picked up a sweet, summer nightgown for Taylee. As I was paying for it, the sales lady asked me if I was able to qualify for the senior discount. PLEASE tell me I do not look over 62 years old. All of the sudden, the day was not as sunny nor was my mood enhanced by her question. Yes, I have come to expect not to be carded when entering a liqueur store, but if I have to endure such abuse from a sales clerk, I'm doing all my shopping online.
Life is short and it is a precious gift from the Lord. However, if my body would only head south when the car is packed I would think better of it. Wrinkles come to soon and beauty does not last. So, live each day with the end of it in mind, cherish the people you love and create wonderful memories with family and friends. I have been learning to not waste one day with a bad attitude, a biting tongue or demanding spirit.
With that said, I guess the sales clerks can say what they will. I am not 62...YET! Lord willing one day I will be, and I will take all the discounts I can get and all the perks of being a senior. Until then, one day at a time "Sweet Jesus" one day at a time.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Musings on Motherhood

Focus on the Family magazine came in the mail today, and the title caught my eye and erected my attention. It said,"Handling the Stress of Transitions". Moreover, right on the inside cover was an article entitled "Flunking Motherhood". Those two titles sum up my feelings lately of my job as a mother to adult men living at home. They certainty do not "need" me as they once did; and I thank God for that really, but I am struggling with the fact that I have worked myself out of the job that once consumed most of my time and attention. I am in the process of truly letting go and trusting God with the decisions they make and I have held onto Phil. 1:6, 9-11. "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ...".
I truly thought raising four boys was the hardest job around, but it pales at the difficulty I seem to have at keeping my mouth shut and my prayer life vibrant on their behalf. I feel like I fail more times than I succeed these days. I desire to do things much differently, but old patterns are slow to die, but die they must! With God's help and small steps I will change my pattern of reaction into patterns of pro action. God is my only hope of changing and my dependence upon him is critical in all areas of my life.
Being a mother has been the most wonderful, hardest, fulfilling job that I could ever imagine.
I love my guys and value my time with them. They are ALL quite unique and amazing.
Now, Taylee Joy is my gift and focus from God and I will enjoy her as she too, will one day put me out of work. Until then, I have much work to do, nails to paint, flowers to gather, shoes to buy, hair to braid, pies to make, dances to watch and things to enjoy. WOW, isn't God good?

Thursday, June 05, 2008

A light at the end of the tunnel

Something happened today that has not happened in a long time. I was actually able to work on something besides the kitchen. I cleaned out both stoves of all the ashes. Hey, I know that does not seem like a big deal but I have been looking at those dirty stoves for sometime now, and quite frankly, it is great to have that job done.
Another thing that happened today is that I can actually see the end of this kitchen job. I finished the stain and polyurethane today on the walls so that the walls are now completely DONE! We went with ship lapped siding on the walls instead of drywall for a different look. It looks and has a cottage feel and I am quite pleased in how it has turned out.
Evan has done a beautiful job putting this all together. He is an amazing carpenter, slow, but amazingly good. I marvel at how he can do what he does and how he seems to learn as he goes. I cannot wait to have you all over to sit in my kitchen. Together we will enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and I will relish at the fact it is finally done.
I think I am projected out and I do not want to even think about another job right now. Yet, it would be good to have the front porch put on sometime. However, we will not go there at the moment as I begin to relish in the fact we are on the home stretch with our current project.

Another side note. Having grown men still living in my home, I am claiming this verse as my life verse at the moment. Philippians 1:6, 9-11. I have run down the path that their lives at this point is still my responsibility. WRONG! God has begun the work in them and my role is now to champion them towards the finish line.
God is good!
Peace out!
(just for you Amy)