Life on the Edge--orSliding in the Mud

Well, if things could not be complicated at "the edge" we are now fighting a water leak. Half my yard is dug up and is a solid mass of mud. Naturally, the kids are acting like they are on a water park ride. This would not be bad except, hello, we have no water. So the kids are running around with inches of mud on their feet and hands and playing tag. I guess I should just sit back and let them play without worrying about it. Actually, with no water what else can I do. I might just rub some on my face--isn't that supposed to be good for your skin? I am really getting delusional now. HELP!!! Oh well, what else have I got to do but clean house 24/7 and scrub kids or should I say scrape kids? If you pass my house and see me spraying kids off with the water hose (when I do get water that is), don't think bad of me. Just honk your horn and wave because you have just seen how life is "on the edge."

Until next time, take care and thank God for your family.

Then I Had Kids

I began to think about life without my (grand)kids the other day and realized that although my life has changed since I got them I really am glad they are with me. They keep my life from becoming boring.

My hair was always fixed
Not a strand out of place.
I even had time to put
Makeup on my face--
Then I had kids.

I could clean my house
In about an hour
And still have time
For a long hot shower--
But then I had kids.

I could spend all day shopping
Without a single worry.
Take time to browse around
And never had to hurry.
Then I had kids.

Since the kids came along
My life will never be the same
Some days I can't even
Remember my name.
But I love those kids.

Now my house is a mess
With toys and clutter.
"Can't you clean up this mess?"
I often hear Dear Hubby mutter.
But I love those kids.

Now my hair stands on end
And there's no time for showers.
The kids fight and scream
Sometimes for hours.
But love those kids.

Come to think of it
my life has really changed
But, you know, I would't trade it
For anything because
I love those kids.

Life is Crazy Here on the Edge

Well, you probably all know about my new car I got after my van "bit the dust". There was a glitch with the panel lights and indicators--gas, speed, etc. The dealer set me up an appointment to have it repaired. You would think that with an appointment you could go, get your business taken care of and leave. Right? Well, after 4 hours sitting in the customer lounge I am told that they have to order a part so they rented a car for me. So far, nothing drastic. I get the rental car and go home. I am just in time for football practice. I load the car with kids and whoever else wants to go. The car did fine and we made it to ball practice and back home. I know I am rambling but please bear with me. The next day I have to take my husband to his doctor which is 3 hours away. By the time we got there my back was a little stiff but nothing major. But by the time we got back home, I was bent over and my back was hurting so much I was almost in tears. If you know me you know that I am a wimp with pain. With an aching back, 4 hungry kids, homework to help get done, supper to cook, and a house that was neglected too long, I went off the deep end and started yelling (I'm ashamed to admit) at everyone that got in my way. I noticed my 4 year old looking at me with a puzzled look on her face. Finally with fear in her voice she blurted out, "Nanny, why do you look like the mean old troll under the bridge in that story about the 3 billy goats?" That brought me back to earth long enough to fix the kids something to eat, and hang on until bedtime.

I guess the kids taught me another lesson about life. No matter what shape you are in kids still need a mother to help them.

Until next time, this is how life is "on the edge."

Happy Days

Well, the kids went back to school today. My life is slowly getting back to normal. What I said previously about getting my house cleaned--forget that. I was speaking delusionally. Oh well, last week was chaotic anyway. Monday, I got my new car, Tuesday and Wednesday I took my husband to Nashville for his second shoulder surgery and the rest of the week didn't just go downhill, it snowballed down there.

But, you know what? God was right where He said He would be. Right there with me. All I had to do was call on Him and He held me in His arms.

Today, my oldest turns 15. Fun times are starting. Actually, the teenage turmoil has already begun. Pray that both of us will survive these teen years.

I hope you all are encouraged by my posts. If nothing else be thankful that it's my life and not yours. lol.

Gotta go, until next time I will be right here--living my life on the edge!

Praise Report

When I posted In a Desert Place-2 I related the story of my "dead" van. Well, prayer does work people. I was able to get a new car today. All I can say is it the work of God. Our financial situation is almost as dead as the van, but God opened the door for a car for us. Of course, we had to finance it but I have faith that we will be able to cover the monthly bill which is very low anyway.

I prayed the whole time we were applying for the credit and all I can say is GOD CAME THROUGH FOR ME ONCE AGAIN.

Until next time. Remember, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

In a Desert Place-Part 2

After I finished posting In A Desert Place, I am finding myself in one. I hope that I can follow the advice in the poem and rely on Him to see me through. Picture this. You have no idea of any problem and turn the key to start your car. All you hear is a sound like a handful of rocks in your engine. Well, that happened to me yesterday. Now my van is dead in my driveway with no hope of returning to life. Now, this might not sound so bad but our financial situation is about as dead as the car. With only child support and worker's comp as income we are no situation to purchase a bicycle much less a four wheeled luxury like a car big enough to hold 2 adults, 1 teenager, and 3 children. Need I even say anything about the status the teenager wants to project with our choice. Oh well, I trust God for my day to day life and circumstances so I will pray and trust Him for this. After all He owns the car, doesn't He?

I will keep on keeping on and plugging along with Him by my side.

Just keep me in your prayers too.

Life is blessed just because I am His.

In A Desert Place

When I'm in a desert place
Where fears and doubts abound,
I look up to Jesus for I know
He's already looking down.


When I'm in a desert place
And feel overwhelmed by despair,
I can hear Jesus whisper to me,
"My child," I'm always near.

"I will never leave nor forsake you,
Though from me you often stray.
Just take my hand and hold it
And I will lead the way."

When I'm in a desert place
Lord, help me to see
That there are others hurting
Even more than me.

So let me thank you, Father
For this trial I'm going through.
Because this desert place
Has brought me back to you.

Today's Whisper:
Stop and think when you are going through a trial that God is there with you. He will never leave you but wants you to take His hand and trust Him. You might think you are the only one going through a trial or troubles but remember there are other hurting people in this world.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Father, help me to remember that you are there with me when I find myself in a desert place. You will always be there for me and never leave me. Thank you for loving me and never forsaking me.

Kids Will Be Home Next Week---HELP!

Today is the last day of school for the kids.  For some reason, they get a break for a week.  Life is hectic getting all four ready for school every day, but believe it or not, life is even more hectic when they are home.

Maybe I can utilize child labor and get my house cleaned thoroughly while they are home.  Sorry.  I just got delusional again didn't I.  Oh well, life goes on whether the house is clean or not.  The housework will still be around but the kids are growing so fast I think I will enjoy them while I can.

You are welcome to come and visit unless you are a clean freak.  If that is case, save yourself some stress and wait until the kids are grown and have their own places.  I thought that would happen with my own kids.  But I guess I was delusional again. lol.

I hope everyone has a good day.  Don't forget to thank God for the day He has given you.

This is the day the Lord has made.  Let ME rejoice and be glad in it.

Until next time.

If God Had a Refrigerator

I found this on the internet. I think it goes pretty well with my previous entry. I hope you enjoy it.

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe and He chose your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent you, not to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it, He’s crazy about you.

Unknown

Love Notes From God

I recently participated in the bible study, The Power of a Praying Wife. This bible study taught me how to pray for my husband in the major areas of his life. During this class I was reminded of a practice I had developed when we first married. I would write my husband little “love” notes and put them in his lunch box or somewhere around the house where I knew he would find them. Unfortunately, when the children came into our lives and our time was wrapped up in caring for them and making a living to support our little family, this practice was pushed to the side.

However, when I really began to read the book for the study, I knew the man I fell in love with and married is the one I still love all these years of marriage. I knew that over the years we both had, at times, felt that we had lost something in our relationship. I realized that even though we each now have major responsibilites in the day to day scheme of things, we need to let each other know that our love is still alive and has grown more with the passing years. So I again picked up the practice of leaving little notes around the house for him. Although he has not acknowledged that he reads the notes he has made reference to them from time to time and I can tell he is pleased and flattered by this gesture on my part.

One morning not too long ago, I was having my morning visit with God and
asking for his His help with some major problems with our children. As I cried in my coffee cup and bemoaned the loneliness and discouragement I was feeling, God spoke to me ande said. “Do you remember the love notes you wrote for Billy? Well, have you read my love notes to you?” Love notes from God? Was I hearing Him right or has my imagination run away with me again? “Lord, what do you mean ‘Love notes from you’?” As I listened to His answer the tears began falling down my face as I realized that I have been so caught up in my problems and trying to come up with my own solutions to them, I had not noticed the signs God had been sending me. He is always available with His arms stretched out wide for me to fall into. All I have to do is go to Him and tell Him my problems.

“Well,” He went on to say, “Do you remember the ‘cute’ little note you wrote to Billy that said, “You deserve the best–and when you married me that is just what you got.’?” “Sure I remeber that one,” I said. “I left that one for him because I know he does appreciate my sense of humor–sometimes, anyway.” “Well,” God replied. “You deserve the best–and when you became my child–that is what you got. I gave my son to die on the cross for you and pay for all your sins.”

“How about the one with the kiss inside?” God asked. “Do you remember that one?” Of course I remembered that one with a smile. This one had a picture of a man who, with sagging shoulders, looked as though he were carrying the weight of the world. On the inside I had taped two candy kisses with the words–’This looks like a two kiss day to me.’ “Well, how many kisses from me have you missed? I have seen you tired and burdened down with the stresses of life and that is when I send a gently breeze to touch your face or a gentle spring rain to let you know that I am here and thinking of you. When your precious little grandkids stop in the middle of a game and runs to you throw arms around your neck and give you a ‘I love you, Nanny’ that is a message from me to count the blessings that I have given you.”

“The note that asks your husband to ‘wake you with a kiss’ should remind you that each morning I give you a kiss of sunshine to greet you and help you start another day. I am also there to hold you up when thibngs go wrong for you. Do you renmember when you had surgery years ago anbd had just gotten home from the hospital? You were feeling so depressed and even feeling a little useless because you had to have a hysterectomy. When you saw the rose in full bloom with the snow outlining the petals on that cold November day do you know what message I was sending you? I was telling you that no matter how depressed and lonely you may get and how cold the world is I will always be with you to help you see the beauty in whatever is happening in your life.”

When God had finished speaking, I was totally overwhelmed. For I had forgotten so many times to look for the beauty and love that He is always sending me. From that day forward, I vowed to always look for God’s love notes and I have truly been blessed each time I see a message that God is sending me. God is so awesome and His messages are so beautiful. Just this week I have seen a rainbow in the sky for three consecutive days and know that God is not only in Heaven smiling down but is also with me each day.

God even sends humorous love notes. When I come home after a long hard day at work my dog jumps on my lap and puts his paw up in a “high five” I can inagine God smiling in Heaven as He looks down and says, “everything is going to be OK.”

I challenge each and every one you you reading this to begin to look for love notes from God. I am sure you will be able to see more clearly than ever that God does truly love us and His love will see us through anything we go through in our lives.

Today’s Whisper:
Remember that He loves us and is always sending us reminders of that love. Take a few minutes today and think about the love notes He sends to you. You will always find a special note from Him. I challenge you to find a love note from God today and really read it with your heart and soul mindful of the love He is sending to you with that special note from.

Prayer:
Father God, I know you love me with an unconditional love. Help me to stop and read your love notes to me. Often in the midst of daily life I miss them but help me to sit under your sheltering wings and bask in your love for me. Amen.

School Shopping Blues

Back to school shopping always brings back bittersweet memories. Watching frazzled mothers taking their children school shopping reminds me of the times that I took my own two children through this ritual of growing up. The excitement of buying new clothes and attempting to negotiate with the kids to get items that are within budget but will still pass the peer inspection can cause major meltdowns for parents and children.




I remember the scenes with my children–especially my daughter. When she reached her teen years, shopping became a nightmare for both of us. “But Mom, you just don’t understand.” Nobody wears that style anymore!” These words echo through my mind when I see moms and kids going through what must be the universal conflict parents and children have every year at this time of the year.



The other day at a local department store I observed a very interesting exchange between a pre-teen and her mother. The girl was trying to convince her mother to buy a very expensive pair of shoes. The mother was clearly torn between staying within budget and wanting to please her daughter. Just when I thought she was about to cave in to her daughter’s pleadings, the daughter’s attention was diverted to more sensiblwe and less expensive pair. A smile crossed both their faces and peace was restored once again. As the mother paide for the purchase and they walked out the door arm in arm, I smiled and thought of the many times I had gone through the same scenario with my own daughter.



My mind was suddenly jolted back to the present when I heard a familiar voice, “Nanny, why can’t I have these shoes?” I turned my attention back to my own pre-teen granddaughter. She was holding the only shoes in the entire store that would make her truly happy with life and with me.



You see, although my children are now grown I have four grandchildren to care for and three of them will be in school this year. Although years have passed since my own children were in school, school shopping is a yearly ritual that has changed little over the years.



No matter how many tempers flare and disagreements arise, all is forgiven on that all important first day of school when the most beautiful and most intelligent children in world step out of the house and on the bus to embark on a fresh new adventure known as the “first day of school.”





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Another Week at the Edge

Well, it's Sunday evening here and the weekly battle has begun. School clothes to prepare, papers to sign, and kids to settle down. All I can say is "Thank God, tomorrow is a school day." I know that sounds strange but I am not insane, totally anyway. With all the kids in school I do have a couple of hours breathing time before chaos reigns again. This has been a confusing and hectic weekend here. I have either a cold or the "flu"--only know I have felt terrible. But life goes on doesn't it. I still had to take kids to ballgames even if I am sick. I managed to watch the games from my car since it was cold outside and and I didn't want to get close enough to other people to spread any germs. Today, I did absolutely nothing and did not feel any guilt at all. Hopefully, tomorrow I can force myself to clean the house a little bit. Who knows, I felt no guilt today maybe tomorrow I can stay in bed again. What do you think?

Fall is Here

This morning I awoke to a crisp cool Fall day. Good football weather. In fact I had a 9 a.m. football game to watch. It is not one iota less important because it is a 7 year old flag footlball game. In fact give me one of my kids' games anyday over a major league game any day. With steaming cup of coffee in hand I cheered him on to victory. After this exciting game, it was off to a 6 year old's baseball (t-ball) game. Such excitement is hard to take all at once. After watching these future ball champs play a thrilling game, it was home to fix lunch and rest abit. Tonight there is another major game to attend-a 4 year old's t-ball game. How many celebrities can say they attended 3 major events in one day? Oh, did I mention that I am losing my voice--not from cheering but from this crazy bug I have caught. Kids and DH are happy that I can't yell at them but guess what---the old voice will return and then.......

Rest time is over. Time to get in motion again. Maybe I take a Nyquil when I get back home and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Til next time.

Still on the Edge

I hope everyone is well and hasn't been attacked by the flu. It is definitely that time of the year. I have been sick and haven't felt like posting much lately. To the ones that missed me thank you. I have still got housework to do though. Moms don't get sick days. Kids told me they did not do the housework because they did not want me to think that I wasn't needed. Such thoughtful kids! I hope this is the end of the sick days for me. Life must go on. I will post more when I get the house back in shape.