Isn't God great? After writing yesterday's post on my struggles, I spent several hours with my mom shopping. Just like old times....we had a great time gathering the clothes, trying them on, weeding them out, buying them, and then heading to the next store! (When I was in high school, this was our EVERY Saturday outing!)
But as we were falling back into our old routines, God allowed me to have perspective on my struggles...I got to hear Mom tell about Daddy, his diminishing capacities provided by the Alzheimer's, the changes that are taking place with areas in their lives that are maybe more minor now, but will become more major maybe even sooner than later. They are struggling, she is struggling, Daddy is struggling.
Though I thoroughly loved the outing, I think it was loved even more by Mom who viewed it as therapy, breathing space, a great time out.
I think I touched a nerve yesterday with announcing my struggles. I cried as I read the responses as God showed me a couple of things: I am not alone and I have dear people who love me (that was great for me!) who think I am ok. But then I was given the privilege of putting my struggles in perspective.
I awake today a new woman! No, the struggles have not miraculously disappeared. No, I am not magically 25 pounds lighter. No, I am not Mary Poppins, person of all patience. But I am a child of God, I am a daughter not only of the King, but of my Mom and Daddy, whom I love dearly and they love me. I am the wife of Ben, the most amazing, kind, loving man. I am the mother of 5 of the most special kids on the planet! And, like I found out yesterday, I have great women of faith who love and care about me and now know I am not perfect (just in case you hadn't known that before!).
Thanks for that! Do you have a new perspective on life today?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Struggling
I struggle with a lot of things. I wonder if others do too; but I pretty much have come to the conclusion that others don't seem to. Everyone seems "together", "with it", "confident". Are they really all those things? Am I really the only one struggling? Is it just vanity that makes me feel that way? (you'll find in a minute that vanity is one of the things I am struggling with!)
So here are some of my struggles:
priorities (putting my husband above my children)
patience
mercy
grace
comparing with others
my weight
my looks
my children's behavior
mean kids to my kids
mean women to me
me being mean to others
stress
family
vanity
not being a good friend
missing my friend
not being a good daughter
I could actually go on for a long list...but I won't. I am constantly taking these to God and giving them to Him, but then minutes later, I seem to take it back to deal with. Am I the only one struggling?
So here are some of my struggles:
priorities (putting my husband above my children)
patience
mercy
grace
comparing with others
my weight
my looks
my children's behavior
mean kids to my kids
mean women to me
me being mean to others
stress
family
vanity
not being a good friend
missing my friend
not being a good daughter
I could actually go on for a long list...but I won't. I am constantly taking these to God and giving them to Him, but then minutes later, I seem to take it back to deal with. Am I the only one struggling?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mean Girls
The Esther Bible study I am going through was great this week! The video time was about mean girls. I loved/hated that video.
I loved it because, as usual, Beth Moore was funny, honest, and a wonderful conveyor of God's truth.
I hated it because I have been that mean girl. My girls have encountered those mean girls. My girls have probably been those mean girls out of my sight. I hated it because, though I can stop my mean girl times, my girls have a lot of living yet to do where they will come across more of those mean girls.
What is that about? I am so devastated when I am confronted with my own sin...yuck! It's bad enough when my sin is/was something that was more private in nature....but when it's something that has effected others...something that has hurt others....something that might keep coming back up in others' minds long after it has happened...OUCH!!
If you are one to whom I have been mean...I sincerely apologize! I don't want to be that person. I don't want my daughters to be, or be around that person. I don't want my daughters-in-law to have to deal with that person.
I loved it because, as usual, Beth Moore was funny, honest, and a wonderful conveyor of God's truth.
I hated it because I have been that mean girl. My girls have encountered those mean girls. My girls have probably been those mean girls out of my sight. I hated it because, though I can stop my mean girl times, my girls have a lot of living yet to do where they will come across more of those mean girls.
What is that about? I am so devastated when I am confronted with my own sin...yuck! It's bad enough when my sin is/was something that was more private in nature....but when it's something that has effected others...something that has hurt others....something that might keep coming back up in others' minds long after it has happened...OUCH!!
If you are one to whom I have been mean...I sincerely apologize! I don't want to be that person. I don't want my daughters to be, or be around that person. I don't want my daughters-in-law to have to deal with that person.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Fighting the Good Fight
The bickering in my home has gotten more than I can stand! What is the problem with my children? It frustrates me to almost constantly hear "stop!" "get out!" "go away!"...maybe I am the only one to get the pleasure of hearing these sweet nothings daily...I don't know. But I finally ordered a book about siblings fighting called "Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends". I have only gotten through chapter 2, but there are two really great things in it up to this point.
1. Our home is the most important place to be: encouraging, helpful, understanding, gentle, and patient even though no one may notice!
2. Be a servant: look for opportunities to humble yourself and unselfishly serve others.
So this morning, I sat my three middle children (the main culprits of the daily joy) down and we discussed these two points in detail.
For the hour since the discussion, they have done great! I am under no illusions that the one conversation is all that will be needed, but it's a start.
How do you handle the bickering in your home? Or am I the only one with this problem?
1. Our home is the most important place to be: encouraging, helpful, understanding, gentle, and patient even though no one may notice!
2. Be a servant: look for opportunities to humble yourself and unselfishly serve others.
So this morning, I sat my three middle children (the main culprits of the daily joy) down and we discussed these two points in detail.
For the hour since the discussion, they have done great! I am under no illusions that the one conversation is all that will be needed, but it's a start.
How do you handle the bickering in your home? Or am I the only one with this problem?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Batman's Visit
I was sitting at my computer and all of a sudden, I had a surprise visit from Batman! What did I do to deserve such a special visit? I don't know, but I love it!Sunday, March 22, 2009
Living the Dream
Is the life you are living today, the exact one you dreamed about in years past?
If you had written a letter to yourself ten years ago detailing what you thought your life would be like today, would it describe your life as it is now?
Did you have dreams of accomplishing things that you have either had to put on hold, or have had to give up all together?
I must say, that for me, my life today is nowhere near what I had envisioned so many years ago. I was on a completely different path twenty five, and even twenty, and maybe even fifteen, years ago. I was getting my degree in Elementary Education, with the thought that I would go back and get my Master's Degree in School Administration and possibly become an elementary school principal. After getting my bachelor's degree, I did teach for several years and then I actually applied, tested, and had gotten into a graduate program and then we had to move. I never finished that goal.
In college, I became certified in scuba and even got to use it on a scuba trip to Grand Cayman Island. I thought it would be great to then get my private pilot's license and learn how to fly a plane. I never finished that goal.
As a kid, my family was privileged to live in Spain for four years. We traveled some, but I thought that as I had free time in my later years, I would travel some more....back to some places I had already been and then off to so many new places. I never finished that goal.
So many people in my life have played golf. I know so much about the game. I thought that it would be wonderful to get golf lessons so that Ben and I could enjoy a hobby together. I never finished that goal.
So many goals unattained. So many dreams put aside to make room for the dreams of the important people in my life. I could focus on that and become bitter, angry, depressed. I could continue to dwell on things I've "lost". I could remind myself daily of how this is not the life I had wanted.
But then I look at the reality of my life. A godly husband, five children, four of my children have made decisions for Christ, working as missionaries, active in our church, doing what we can to help families, homeschooling, pouring into my children daily, Bible study, living close to family, great friends, God's provision for all our needs and so many of our wants...I could go on and on.
So...I could get bitter, but why? I am living the dream! It's just a different dream than I thought I wanted years ago, but one I couldn't have dared asked for. It's a much bigger dream...a much better dream....and a much more satisfying dream! Are you living the dream?
If you had written a letter to yourself ten years ago detailing what you thought your life would be like today, would it describe your life as it is now?
Did you have dreams of accomplishing things that you have either had to put on hold, or have had to give up all together?
I must say, that for me, my life today is nowhere near what I had envisioned so many years ago. I was on a completely different path twenty five, and even twenty, and maybe even fifteen, years ago. I was getting my degree in Elementary Education, with the thought that I would go back and get my Master's Degree in School Administration and possibly become an elementary school principal. After getting my bachelor's degree, I did teach for several years and then I actually applied, tested, and had gotten into a graduate program and then we had to move. I never finished that goal.
In college, I became certified in scuba and even got to use it on a scuba trip to Grand Cayman Island. I thought it would be great to then get my private pilot's license and learn how to fly a plane. I never finished that goal.
As a kid, my family was privileged to live in Spain for four years. We traveled some, but I thought that as I had free time in my later years, I would travel some more....back to some places I had already been and then off to so many new places. I never finished that goal.
So many people in my life have played golf. I know so much about the game. I thought that it would be wonderful to get golf lessons so that Ben and I could enjoy a hobby together. I never finished that goal.
So many goals unattained. So many dreams put aside to make room for the dreams of the important people in my life. I could focus on that and become bitter, angry, depressed. I could continue to dwell on things I've "lost". I could remind myself daily of how this is not the life I had wanted.
But then I look at the reality of my life. A godly husband, five children, four of my children have made decisions for Christ, working as missionaries, active in our church, doing what we can to help families, homeschooling, pouring into my children daily, Bible study, living close to family, great friends, God's provision for all our needs and so many of our wants...I could go on and on.
So...I could get bitter, but why? I am living the dream! It's just a different dream than I thought I wanted years ago, but one I couldn't have dared asked for. It's a much bigger dream...a much better dream....and a much more satisfying dream! Are you living the dream?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Today's Great Deals!
I was at Super Target again today trying to use some coupons from www.hotcouponworld.com before they expire and here are the deals I got today...probably my best day yet!
10 bags Cheetos 1.29 ea. total-$12.90 used 10 $1 off coupons new total- $2.90
3 loaves Artisan bread .99 ea total - $2.97 used 3 $1 off coupons new total - $0.00
15 6-packs Motts Applesauce 1.64 ea. total - $24.60 used 15 $1 off coupons new total- $9.60
Stew Meat total - $9.02 used 4 $1 off coupons new total - $1.02
Steaks total - $19.56 used 4 $1 off coupons new total - $11.56
These deals along with a few other things I bought came to $85.10 and then I whipped out the coupons...new total--$39.08
Huge savings! How did you do this week?
10 bags Cheetos 1.29 ea. total-$12.90 used 10 $1 off coupons new total- $2.90
3 loaves Artisan bread .99 ea total - $2.97 used 3 $1 off coupons new total - $0.00
15 6-packs Motts Applesauce 1.64 ea. total - $24.60 used 15 $1 off coupons new total- $9.60
Stew Meat total - $9.02 used 4 $1 off coupons new total - $1.02
Steaks total - $19.56 used 4 $1 off coupons new total - $11.56
These deals along with a few other things I bought came to $85.10 and then I whipped out the coupons...new total--$39.08
Huge savings! How did you do this week?
Isn't She Lovely?
I am having a love-hate, mostly hate most days, relationship with my weight. I just came back from Weight Watchers where I lost a pound....ok, I love that part. But last week I gained a considerable amount...I hate that part.
I waffle (no food pun intended) between not caring about my weight and being borderline obsessed with it.
In the middle of all of this stuff, I am also going through the Beth Moore study of Esther. I am in the second week where Esther, who is already beautiful and lovely in form (so says the Bible), yet she had to go through 12 months of beauty treatments. 12 months of beauty treatments? She was already lovely!!
What do I do with that information? What does that mean for me? The answer, I think, is that to the world, I will never be lovely enough. So I have to find my "enough" in other places...myself, my friends, my husband, my family, and most of all...my God!
I think I will always be a bit pulled by the world with its view of beauty and loveliness, but as I get older, my prayer is that I will be more and more pulled by the "enough" of God.
I waffle (no food pun intended) between not caring about my weight and being borderline obsessed with it.
In the middle of all of this stuff, I am also going through the Beth Moore study of Esther. I am in the second week where Esther, who is already beautiful and lovely in form (so says the Bible), yet she had to go through 12 months of beauty treatments. 12 months of beauty treatments? She was already lovely!!
What do I do with that information? What does that mean for me? The answer, I think, is that to the world, I will never be lovely enough. So I have to find my "enough" in other places...myself, my friends, my husband, my family, and most of all...my God!
I think I will always be a bit pulled by the world with its view of beauty and loveliness, but as I get older, my prayer is that I will be more and more pulled by the "enough" of God.
Friday, March 20, 2009
SpiderMan vs. God
I am sitting in Ben's office...two boys are in the tub taking a long-needed bath. I was going to write about missing Little Rock's Greek Fest and the gyros Ben and I used to get there and how we found a great place near our house here in San Antonio to get gyros...but then I heard the boys in the bath.
What is it with the way God has made boys? They are in there with Spider Man, dinosaur tub clings, and goggles and I hear the following:
boy#1: Here is SpiderMan to save you!
boy#2: You are not going to save me! I am going to kill you SpiderMan!
boy#1: No! I will kill your brother and sister instead!
boy#2: I don't want you to kill my brother and sister. I am going to pray you go away!
boy#1: God is here! With these goggles on I can see Him! I win!
I guess boys of every age have been, are, and will always be a mystery to me. I love it!
What is it with the way God has made boys? They are in there with Spider Man, dinosaur tub clings, and goggles and I hear the following:
boy#1: Here is SpiderMan to save you!
boy#2: You are not going to save me! I am going to kill you SpiderMan!
boy#1: No! I will kill your brother and sister instead!
boy#2: I don't want you to kill my brother and sister. I am going to pray you go away!
boy#1: God is here! With these goggles on I can see Him! I win!
I guess boys of every age have been, are, and will always be a mystery to me. I love it!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Theology According to Willy Wonka
During lunch time, my kids get a day assigned each week where they get to pick what they watch on TV while eating. Today was Rawley's day and he picked the original version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
At the end of the movie, when Charlie hands back the Everlasting Gobstopper to Willy Wonka, Willy makes a statement that I have been thinking about since the movie's end.
He says, "So shines a good deed in a weary world."
It dawned on me that this saying is the same as when the Bible says that we are the light of the world. Can you only imagine how the world would view small good deeds? How they would shine in this weary world? How we would then have an opportunity to be the light of the world for Jesus. To the world a good deed shines. How much more so when we believers are the ones doing the good deeds! What are your good deeds for this weary world?
At the end of the movie, when Charlie hands back the Everlasting Gobstopper to Willy Wonka, Willy makes a statement that I have been thinking about since the movie's end.
He says, "So shines a good deed in a weary world."
It dawned on me that this saying is the same as when the Bible says that we are the light of the world. Can you only imagine how the world would view small good deeds? How they would shine in this weary world? How we would then have an opportunity to be the light of the world for Jesus. To the world a good deed shines. How much more so when we believers are the ones doing the good deeds! What are your good deeds for this weary world?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Awesome CrockPot Roast
This recipe will sound a bit funny, but stick with me and I think you'll agree that it is fabulous.
1 roast (any kind, even pork)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 c. pretty strong coffee
Mix the soups and coffee together and pour over the roast in the crock pot. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-9 hours. Trust me that you don't taste the coffee flavor in this. I don't like coffee at all and I was really skeptical but you really just don't taste it! The roast is incredibly tender. This would also be great if you wanted to throw a bunch of vegetables in as well.
This recipe is one of our family's favorites. I hope you enjoy it too.
1 roast (any kind, even pork)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 c. pretty strong coffee
Mix the soups and coffee together and pour over the roast in the crock pot. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-9 hours. Trust me that you don't taste the coffee flavor in this. I don't like coffee at all and I was really skeptical but you really just don't taste it! The roast is incredibly tender. This would also be great if you wanted to throw a bunch of vegetables in as well.
This recipe is one of our family's favorites. I hope you enjoy it too.
What's for Dinner?
Wednesday night being AWANA means that I need to figure out what to feed my family that will be good to eat at about 5pm and then to eat again at 8:30pm. Not always so easy to do. Since out church doesn't have a meal before AWANA (thank your lucky stars if yours does!), we must eat earlier than normal and then all the kids are starving by the time we come home! So here was tonight's dinner: baked ravioli.
Ingredients: jar of spaghetti sauce, 2 bags frozen ravioli, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese. In a 9x12 pan, pour the smallest bit of sauce on the bottom just to cover the bottom. Begin layering the rest of the ingredients: ravioli, sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and repeat. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. I would cover it with foil as any of the ravioli that aren't covered in sauce will dry pretty hard if it is uncovered.
All the kids, and Ben, had several helpings and they will eat it again when we get home tonight! The amount I made is certainly enough for our family to eat twice. For a family smaller than ours, or smaller eaters, you could easily half this recipe. Enjoy!
What did y'all eat for dinner? I'd love to add something to my collection!
God's Newest Provision for Us!
After 20 years of use, our washing machine went kapoot! I can't complain as Ben and I bought the set when there was just the two of us and continued to wash clothes for us most everyday as we kept adding children, hence adding laundry, for these 20 years! So...what to do when the machine goes out and the folks in my family decline to stop creating laundry?Well..if you're Ben, you hit Craigslist and wait on God's timing! Almost two weeks without a washing machine, and all of a sudden WHOA! God provided!
We got this two year old set of Whirlpool Duet for $400. The man told us the heating element was out on the dryer. Ben researched it, found it to be true, ordered the part, and for an extra $36, we have a terrific, working set!
Is God awesome or what??!!
A Couple of Good Deals
Wednesdays during the month of March, Redbox has been giving a free movie code. Here it is for today!
GTL456
The beauty of Wednesdays is that they put out new releases on Tuesdays, so you could be the first to get a really great movie you've been wanting to see for free!
Also...the Little Ceasar Pizza places here (and maybe all over) are running their customer appreciation days on Tuesdays during March. The pizzas are $3.99!
GTL456
The beauty of Wednesdays is that they put out new releases on Tuesdays, so you could be the first to get a really great movie you've been wanting to see for free!
Also...the Little Ceasar Pizza places here (and maybe all over) are running their customer appreciation days on Tuesdays during March. The pizzas are $3.99!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Kablooey Cake
I have had a couple of people ask me for a recipe in the last few days, so I thought I'd post it for everyone. My friend, Julie, gave me this recipe and I have made it so often! In fact I just made it to take to Sunday School last week. It really ends up being quite a crowd pleaser.
Kablooey Cake
1 box of chocolate cake mix (baked according to directions)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar of caramel topping
chocolate syrup
1 bag of Heath Bar bits
1/2 tub Cool Whip (optional)
When the cake comes out of the oven, right away poke holes in it. I use a knife and make tons of marks all over the cake. Then pour the whole can of milk over the cake, followed by about 1/2 of the caramel topping, and the same amount of chocolate syrup. Spread the liquids evenly over the hot cake. Once cooled, use most of the bag (I use all of it if I don't use the Cool Whip) of Heath Bar to sprinkle over the whole cake. This is normally where I stop, but you can cover all of that with Cool Whip and then sprinkle a few Heath bits over the top as a decoration.
This is so simple to make and most everybody loves it! Bake it and enjoy!
Day 2 of Potty Training..Reflections on Day 1
So, you might be asking yourself: "How did the potty training go yesterday for Lisa and Rawley?" Well, thanks for asking! He did really well for the morning. I set the timer and took him to the bathroom every 20-30 minutes. That worked great until lunch time and then it all went downhill from there.
So today, we will focus, once again, on the morning and see how things go. He isn't just super interested, but willing to go if he gets a sour patch (his reward of choice!). For me, it's not a huge deal either, so if we can take baby steps and get the morning where he is able to wear underwear and then work into the afternoon, then ok!...
I do find that with each child, I am a bit more relaxed about the whole thing. There are little timelines in my head, but I don't stress out too much about them. Pretty much I have noticed that no one goes to college still wearing diapers or pull-ups! Rawley will get it soon enough. But until he does, he and I will keep trying a little each day.
So today, we will focus, once again, on the morning and see how things go. He isn't just super interested, but willing to go if he gets a sour patch (his reward of choice!). For me, it's not a huge deal either, so if we can take baby steps and get the morning where he is able to wear underwear and then work into the afternoon, then ok!...
I do find that with each child, I am a bit more relaxed about the whole thing. There are little timelines in my head, but I don't stress out too much about them. Pretty much I have noticed that no one goes to college still wearing diapers or pull-ups! Rawley will get it soon enough. But until he does, he and I will keep trying a little each day.
Monday, March 16, 2009
This Week's Grocery Shopping
In my never ending quest to save money, I did a little grocery shopping today at Super Target! Suffice it to say that it is now my new favorite store!! I got all that you see in the picture for $102.00 and used $59.00 worth of coupons and got $10.00 back in Target gift cards for buying the Quaker products. The best coupons I found for Target are on http://www.hotcouponworld.com! They have meat coupons for Sutton&Dodge meat at Super Target for $2/1. So I bought 5 packages of steaks for $2.50 (that's for ALL 5 packages!) and 5 boneless chuck roasts for less than $15.00 (again for all of them). I used coupons for almost everything! So, this week, I have met my goal of feeding my family for about $100.00/week.
Tonight Ben grilled the steaks, Bailey roasted the potatoes with rosemary, and we used the rosemary bread (all pictured and bought today) and we concluded that the entire meal was $4.00 and my niece was here so eight of us ate....comes to 50 cents a piece for dinner! Can't beat that and we ate steak!
I have noticed that so many of my friends are beginning to use coupons as well. How are y'all doing?
Free Monday Movie Code
Redbox free movie code:
2GR4N8
I highly suggest you see if you can "rent" Flywheel! (from the same makers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof)
2GR4N8
I highly suggest you see if you can "rent" Flywheel! (from the same makers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof)
Serious Potty Training Day #1
Today is the day! I mean it this time! Really. I'm serious. Well, we are trying anyway....potty training.
Rawley has not only shown no interest, but at times has been openly antagonistic toward the idea of potty training. I have probably given in to his antagonistic notions since he is the last one. The idea of him passing through that stage brings happiness and sadness to this old mama's heart. The joy brought about by the thought of not having diapers on the grocery list anymore, is profoundly drowned out by the thought of my littlest one advancing to another stage, in his ever-increasing need for independence. Since independence has to be from something, I can only assume that he wants independence from me. Not a pleasant thought....one I haven't enjoyed with any of my children, but there has always been another little one coming up to take their place. No little one coming up this time...No one to take Rawley's place in the dependence-on-Mom spot...Only an empty hole (waiting to be filled with grandchildren!).
Enough of my melodrama...this is really a good thing (and I will keep saying it until I believe it!) and Rawley is being quite cooperative today. He has on his training underwear, which he has always taken right off the second I've tried to put them on him. He has had them on for a couple of hours now. I am using the timer to help me remember to take him to the bathroom, and he is doing great so far!
Rawley has not only shown no interest, but at times has been openly antagonistic toward the idea of potty training. I have probably given in to his antagonistic notions since he is the last one. The idea of him passing through that stage brings happiness and sadness to this old mama's heart. The joy brought about by the thought of not having diapers on the grocery list anymore, is profoundly drowned out by the thought of my littlest one advancing to another stage, in his ever-increasing need for independence. Since independence has to be from something, I can only assume that he wants independence from me. Not a pleasant thought....one I haven't enjoyed with any of my children, but there has always been another little one coming up to take their place. No little one coming up this time...No one to take Rawley's place in the dependence-on-Mom spot...Only an empty hole (waiting to be filled with grandchildren!).
Enough of my melodrama...this is really a good thing (and I will keep saying it until I believe it!) and Rawley is being quite cooperative today. He has on his training underwear, which he has always taken right off the second I've tried to put them on him. He has had them on for a couple of hours now. I am using the timer to help me remember to take him to the bathroom, and he is doing great so far!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Somewhere in Time
For the past several days, I have felt as though I have gone back in time. Everywhere I went, I saw my best friend! When I went to the speech/debate qualifiers, I saw her. When I went to eat, I saw her. When I went into my own kitchen, I saw her.
Just a couple of minutes ago, I was jolted back to the "here and now"! I do mean jolted! A slam! The slam of the cold air in my face. The slam of the car door as it closed. The slam of my house door as I closed it after saying goodbye to her.
For the last many days, Lisa and her family have been in town for the speech/debate tournament. As a side benefit, we were privileged to keep one of her daughters who wasn't participating in most of the tournament. As a judge, I got to see Lisa every day! She and I went out to breakfast and then out to lunch. Her family had dinner in our home twice while they were here.
It was as if we were living in the same city again. What a joy! I felt, for a little moment in time, as though all was well with the world. Then...SLAM! It is shut out again. Maybe to be felt again some other time, but for now, I must be content that God allowed this tiny amount of time to pass between us. But it hurts to say goodbye again. It is sad to see her drive off realizing that I won't run into her at WalMart. It feels like part of me is missing once again, because for just a moment, I felt whole, complete.
Goodbye Lisa! I do love you ever so dearly. I will see you again. Thanks for making these last few days so special.
Just a couple of minutes ago, I was jolted back to the "here and now"! I do mean jolted! A slam! The slam of the cold air in my face. The slam of the car door as it closed. The slam of my house door as I closed it after saying goodbye to her.
For the last many days, Lisa and her family have been in town for the speech/debate tournament. As a side benefit, we were privileged to keep one of her daughters who wasn't participating in most of the tournament. As a judge, I got to see Lisa every day! She and I went out to breakfast and then out to lunch. Her family had dinner in our home twice while they were here.
It was as if we were living in the same city again. What a joy! I felt, for a little moment in time, as though all was well with the world. Then...SLAM! It is shut out again. Maybe to be felt again some other time, but for now, I must be content that God allowed this tiny amount of time to pass between us. But it hurts to say goodbye again. It is sad to see her drive off realizing that I won't run into her at WalMart. It feels like part of me is missing once again, because for just a moment, I felt whole, complete.
Goodbye Lisa! I do love you ever so dearly. I will see you again. Thanks for making these last few days so special.
Friday, March 13, 2009
There's Hope in the Future!
I was honored this morning to be a judge at the regional level of the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association. Whew...that's a mouthful! In short, it's the homeschool version of speech and debate. There were 250 students entered in a variety of events. My first event to judge was a debate. These were the semi-finals, which means the competition was stepped up and all the so-so participants had already been eliminated.
The debate topic was: Resolved: The US should significantly change their relationship with India.
What? I felt very inadequate to even listen to the debate, let alone judge it. I was completely blown away! These high schoolers had spent countless hours preparing for the 90 minute debate where they gave arguments in the affirmative and the negative and then had cross examinations and rebuttals.
I left the room to be trained, then on how to judge a speech. I was assigned a dramatic interpretation and there were six students in this particular room. They each picked a piece of literature and then presented a 10 minute or less interpretation of that piece. I was floored at the level of ability in these young people. The one in my mind who ranked first place, rose to the top quickly and the one who was the sixth fell to the bottom quickly, but how do you rank the ones in the middle? It came down to teeny, tiny, things...they didn't emote or were the tiniest bit overly dramatic...they moved a bit too much for my taste....etc..
Suffice it to say, I left the judges' table with the highest amount of hope for the future. These are the kids who will soon be the leaders, the parents of small children, the defenders of our faith. Be assured that however bad you feel after watching the evening news, and I know it's horrible to watch and try to digest...God is raising up a remnant of strong believers! They are steadfast and highly capable of communicating our ideals to the world!
The debate topic was: Resolved: The US should significantly change their relationship with India.
What? I felt very inadequate to even listen to the debate, let alone judge it. I was completely blown away! These high schoolers had spent countless hours preparing for the 90 minute debate where they gave arguments in the affirmative and the negative and then had cross examinations and rebuttals.
I left the room to be trained, then on how to judge a speech. I was assigned a dramatic interpretation and there were six students in this particular room. They each picked a piece of literature and then presented a 10 minute or less interpretation of that piece. I was floored at the level of ability in these young people. The one in my mind who ranked first place, rose to the top quickly and the one who was the sixth fell to the bottom quickly, but how do you rank the ones in the middle? It came down to teeny, tiny, things...they didn't emote or were the tiniest bit overly dramatic...they moved a bit too much for my taste....etc..
Suffice it to say, I left the judges' table with the highest amount of hope for the future. These are the kids who will soon be the leaders, the parents of small children, the defenders of our faith. Be assured that however bad you feel after watching the evening news, and I know it's horrible to watch and try to digest...God is raising up a remnant of strong believers! They are steadfast and highly capable of communicating our ideals to the world!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Sometimes I Just Need a Good Cry
Ben asks, "Why do women read books that make them cry? Does it make y'all feel better?"
I don't know the answer to that. Why do I read books that make me cry? I don't know that I purposely do it. I don't think that I set out to find a book that will make me cry; but if I think that it will, I don't avoid it either.
I was in need of a good read tonight. I just wanted a book that would "take me away" for a little bit. So I go into Bailey's room and ask her if she has a book. She gives me Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks. Now, any sane girl knows that a Nicholas Sparks book is going to make you cry because someone always dies! But that didn't even cross my mind...honest!
I get the book and in two hours, I am finished with it, bawling my eyes out! It's that book that creates a constriction in your chest because you actually "feel" what is happening. The characters are just real people capturing a moment in time.
So I brought the book back to Bailey to put on her bookshelf. I walk out of her room still crying, but somehow I do feel a bit better about things. Hmmmm.....Maybe that IS the answer to Ben's question. Weird, huh?
I don't know the answer to that. Why do I read books that make me cry? I don't know that I purposely do it. I don't think that I set out to find a book that will make me cry; but if I think that it will, I don't avoid it either.
I was in need of a good read tonight. I just wanted a book that would "take me away" for a little bit. So I go into Bailey's room and ask her if she has a book. She gives me Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks. Now, any sane girl knows that a Nicholas Sparks book is going to make you cry because someone always dies! But that didn't even cross my mind...honest!
I get the book and in two hours, I am finished with it, bawling my eyes out! It's that book that creates a constriction in your chest because you actually "feel" what is happening. The characters are just real people capturing a moment in time.
So I brought the book back to Bailey to put on her bookshelf. I walk out of her room still crying, but somehow I do feel a bit better about things. Hmmmm.....Maybe that IS the answer to Ben's question. Weird, huh?
Waiting Game
Today is a day of waiting! I'm not so good at waiting. I don't like to wait, yet there is this air of surprise that comes with waiting...there is a hint of something possibly great about to happen. Today is that day.
We have been waiting for rain...it's raining today, so now I am waiting for it to stop raining.
We are waiting for my friend to get done with her speech/debate tournament to get over here to visit.
We are waiting for my kids to finish school so that we can do some fun stuff.
We are waiting to hear of the arrival of baby Jake!
We are waiting to see a great deal on Craigslist on a washer and dryer set.
We are waiting for Rawley to obey and make the day a bit easier.
Ultimately we are waiting for Jesus to return, waiting for Heaven, waiting for a new body (praise God!), waiting for no tears, waiting for no anxiety, waiting for no worry.
Some of these things I will still be waiting for tomorrow and the day after that. Some of these things I will find the answer to today! Praise God that He won't keep me waiting for all of these.
What are you waiting for?
We have been waiting for rain...it's raining today, so now I am waiting for it to stop raining.
We are waiting for my friend to get done with her speech/debate tournament to get over here to visit.
We are waiting for my kids to finish school so that we can do some fun stuff.
We are waiting to hear of the arrival of baby Jake!
We are waiting to see a great deal on Craigslist on a washer and dryer set.
We are waiting for Rawley to obey and make the day a bit easier.
Ultimately we are waiting for Jesus to return, waiting for Heaven, waiting for a new body (praise God!), waiting for no tears, waiting for no anxiety, waiting for no worry.
Some of these things I will still be waiting for tomorrow and the day after that. Some of these things I will find the answer to today! Praise God that He won't keep me waiting for all of these.
What are you waiting for?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Make Your Own Pizza
Searching another blog the other day, I discovered a seemingly easy recipe for pizza dough. Tonight I decided to make the dough and then I made all sorts of weird shapes as the pizzas. I had the kids come over and pick their dough and they made their own pizzas. It was a lot of fun, the kids had a blast and the pizza was delicious!
Here is the recipe:
1T. yeast
1 C. water
1 t. sugar
1 t. salt
2 T. oil
2 1/2 C. flour
Dissolve the yeast in the water and then add all the rest of the ingredients. Knead it for five or ten minutes. Make the pizza how you like and then bake for 12-15 min. at 450 degrees.
I tripled the recipe and we had six personal size pizzas (8 or 9 inch diameter) and one large (12-14 inch diameter). The dough was thick like I like it. You don't have to let it rise, it does everything in the oven.
It was a raving success! Everyone loved the dough, and of course, the pizza, since they made them. We will be doing this again. I realized as I was eating, that I forgot to take pictures.
Here is the recipe:
1T. yeast
1 C. water
1 t. sugar
1 t. salt
2 T. oil
2 1/2 C. flour
Dissolve the yeast in the water and then add all the rest of the ingredients. Knead it for five or ten minutes. Make the pizza how you like and then bake for 12-15 min. at 450 degrees.
I tripled the recipe and we had six personal size pizzas (8 or 9 inch diameter) and one large (12-14 inch diameter). The dough was thick like I like it. You don't have to let it rise, it does everything in the oven.
It was a raving success! Everyone loved the dough, and of course, the pizza, since they made them. We will be doing this again. I realized as I was eating, that I forgot to take pictures.
There Are TWO 5:45's in a Day?
I normally don't rejoice at the thought of getting up at 5:45am, but today I got up smiling and, dare I say, humming a tune. I had a date with my friend this morning, just the two of us at Le Madeleine. What a treat! Just us two girls...catching up...delving into issues long laid aside waiting to reconnect. Really talking to a girlfriend is like a breath of fresh air...no trying to figure out what she really means...no wondering what she is really thinking...no trying to decipher code. It's a precious gift of God that she and I have this friendship at all, but even more precious that He has given us these very few moments to see each other again.
So normally I don't like to acknowledge the fact that there actually are TWO 5:45's in a day, today it was my privilege to not just acknowledge it, but to be getting up greeting it!
So normally I don't like to acknowledge the fact that there actually are TWO 5:45's in a day, today it was my privilege to not just acknowledge it, but to be getting up greeting it!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
My Dear Daddy
How do you handle bad news? I don't always handle it well and today was no exception. I was at my brother's house borrowing a blow-up mattress, really minding my own business, waiting to take the girls to Target after getting the mattress when BAM! it happened!
My brother, who lives right next door to my mom and daddy, gets a phone call from my mom asking for the two of us, and just the two of us, to come over to their house.
As obedient children, we get the girls settled and head right over. We get in the house, sit down at the kitchen table, and then BAM! it happened again! My daddy states that the scan that had just been done on his brain confirmed....Alzheimer's. We all knew that he was developing dementia, but had been told all along that it was frontal lobe dementia--very different from Alzheimer's. Though we knew daddy was slipping in certain areas, and his abilities were somewhat diminishing, Alzheimer's was not anywhere near my thought.
Apparently I was the only one at the table with my head in the sand. The other three people sat there taking it all in so calmly saying things like "we all knew this was a possibility" and "I'm not angry, I've lived a long life" and "we just need to go from here and live life knowing this is happening". What?! I was not the rational one. I reacted as I have always reacted to things with my family...different from them all! I cried and then I announced my anger; I declared my shock at this whole diagnosis; I admitted I feel cheated. I want my daddy at Bailey's wedding. I want him not only to see his grandchildren, but his great-grandchildren. I don't want him to lose the ability to remember faces of people who have been so precious to him.
I know that life is not about my wants...at least I tell my kids things like that all the time. But this time I'd love for it to be different.
My brother, who lives right next door to my mom and daddy, gets a phone call from my mom asking for the two of us, and just the two of us, to come over to their house.
As obedient children, we get the girls settled and head right over. We get in the house, sit down at the kitchen table, and then BAM! it happened again! My daddy states that the scan that had just been done on his brain confirmed....Alzheimer's. We all knew that he was developing dementia, but had been told all along that it was frontal lobe dementia--very different from Alzheimer's. Though we knew daddy was slipping in certain areas, and his abilities were somewhat diminishing, Alzheimer's was not anywhere near my thought.
Apparently I was the only one at the table with my head in the sand. The other three people sat there taking it all in so calmly saying things like "we all knew this was a possibility" and "I'm not angry, I've lived a long life" and "we just need to go from here and live life knowing this is happening". What?! I was not the rational one. I reacted as I have always reacted to things with my family...different from them all! I cried and then I announced my anger; I declared my shock at this whole diagnosis; I admitted I feel cheated. I want my daddy at Bailey's wedding. I want him not only to see his grandchildren, but his great-grandchildren. I don't want him to lose the ability to remember faces of people who have been so precious to him.
I know that life is not about my wants...at least I tell my kids things like that all the time. But this time I'd love for it to be different.
God's Provision of a Good Friend
My best friend is coming today! I am thrilled to be seeing her, and her family! I love the way God provides for my every need, even the seemingly juvenile need to be with my friend for a little while.
It's easy to be with her. We have already worked out the hard part of friendship...the part before you become real friends and you are still good acquaintances...where an issue comes up and you have to decide if this relationship is worth is...to fight through the issue to become stronger on the other side or to just say it's not worth the trouble. Just like a marriage really.
So we chose to work through the issues and come out on the other side stronger and true friends!
It's easy to be with her. We have already worked out the hard part of friendship...the part before you become real friends and you are still good acquaintances...where an issue comes up and you have to decide if this relationship is worth is...to fight through the issue to become stronger on the other side or to just say it's not worth the trouble. Just like a marriage really.
So we chose to work through the issues and come out on the other side stronger and true friends!
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Sun isn't Out, but I am Happy Anyway!
By now, I have probably gone into enough explanation about my need for sun, that you have probably correctly diagnosed me with seasonal affectiveness disorder! I would have to agree with you.
Today it is overcast...supposed to rain most of the week. While we need the rain desperately, I would normally be a bit "overcast" myself.
But not this week! I am overjoyed instead! Why? My best friend from Little Rock is coming! I am so thrilled to be able to see her and her family! I am making their favorite foods and we are planning to spend as much time together as possible.
I am humbled that God would take care of even my goofy need of seeing my friend! Thanks, God!
Today it is overcast...supposed to rain most of the week. While we need the rain desperately, I would normally be a bit "overcast" myself.
But not this week! I am overjoyed instead! Why? My best friend from Little Rock is coming! I am so thrilled to be able to see her and her family! I am making their favorite foods and we are planning to spend as much time together as possible.
I am humbled that God would take care of even my goofy need of seeing my friend! Thanks, God!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
It Was Great!
Thanks for your prayers! God showed up and came through with the presentation for the wounded warriors. Ben and I worked all afternoon on the presentation...who would say what, who would take care of the power point slides, what points really needed to be made, etc...
With little tweaks needed to be made in the room when we got there, the place was great, the food was great, and I must say, the speakers were pretty darn good! Ben was fabulous! He was funny, charming, engaging, and yet challenged the participants to rise to the occasion all at the same time. He was completely amazing! I am so proud of him!
I was not nervous at all...as used to be when I spoke and taught almost a year ago. It felt great to be there working with Ben as a team.
Again, thanks for your prayers on my behalf!
With little tweaks needed to be made in the room when we got there, the place was great, the food was great, and I must say, the speakers were pretty darn good! Ben was fabulous! He was funny, charming, engaging, and yet challenged the participants to rise to the occasion all at the same time. He was completely amazing! I am so proud of him!
I was not nervous at all...as used to be when I spoke and taught almost a year ago. It felt great to be there working with Ben as a team.
Again, thanks for your prayers on my behalf!
Nervous Jitters
Ben and I have a speaking engagement tonight! AARRGGHH! We have been asked to speak to military members and their spouses at a VERY nice restaurant here in town. The military members are actually on their way out of the military after being wounded. The army chaplain who is in charge of this battalion is also in charge of this event this evening.
Though I have spoken and taught several times; and Ben teaches a lot, we have never done something like this together. We have very different styles of teaching, and to be honest, it's been quite a while since I have been up in front teaching, that I am quite a bit nervous!
I want to make Ben proud, I want to do a good job and hopefully help these couples, but most of all, I want to make God smile and get all the glory. If you think about it during the day, please say a prayer on our behalf.
Though I have spoken and taught several times; and Ben teaches a lot, we have never done something like this together. We have very different styles of teaching, and to be honest, it's been quite a while since I have been up in front teaching, that I am quite a bit nervous!
I want to make Ben proud, I want to do a good job and hopefully help these couples, but most of all, I want to make God smile and get all the glory. If you think about it during the day, please say a prayer on our behalf.
Friday, March 6, 2009
An Attitude Adjustment Needed
Ever had problems with your attitude? I am seriously having an attitude problem today! Actually this whole week has highlighted my heinous flaw of being selfish and thinking that things should go my way.
The problem is that I am not asking for things to go my way, for me...I am asking for others! I am wanting so badly to have one thing in particular work out. I am not asking for much really, but it seems to be like crossing the Red Sea, except since God did that, it was actually easier...:)
So, is God not in this? Are others being disobedient and I get the privilege of being dragged into their sin? Is it going to work out another way? Am I being disobedient and disciplined? Am I being pruned (which coincidentally feels the same as disobedient and disciplined!)? I don't know the answers yet. I will one day, and by then it all won't matter anymore.
Until then, I have to change my attitude.
The problem is that I am not asking for things to go my way, for me...I am asking for others! I am wanting so badly to have one thing in particular work out. I am not asking for much really, but it seems to be like crossing the Red Sea, except since God did that, it was actually easier...:)
So, is God not in this? Are others being disobedient and I get the privilege of being dragged into their sin? Is it going to work out another way? Am I being disobedient and disciplined? Am I being pruned (which coincidentally feels the same as disobedient and disciplined!)? I don't know the answers yet. I will one day, and by then it all won't matter anymore.
Until then, I have to change my attitude.
Dilemma of the Day...or Decade
My question is: WHERE DO ALL MY KIDS' SOCKS GO?
Why can't I ever find the socks?
If there is a sock, why is there A sock and not a PAIR of socks?
I spend hundreds of dollars (literally!) on socks each and every year.
Where are they?
Why can't I ever find the socks?
If there is a sock, why is there A sock and not a PAIR of socks?
I spend hundreds of dollars (literally!) on socks each and every year.
Where are they?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
What a Three Year Old Ponders
Rawley: Mama, do dinosaurs have bottoms?
Me: Yes, Rawley, they do.
Rawley: Do they poop?
Me: Yes, they do.
Rawley: That must be really icky.
Me: Yes, Rawley, they do.
Rawley: Do they poop?
Me: Yes, they do.
Rawley: That must be really icky.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Mama Bears Unite!
I have never imagined before how God felt as He watched His Son being disparaged. How sad He must have been. How He must have had to restrain Himself knowing the eventual outcome and the good that would come from it all.
Hmmm...I have never thought about it before, but tonight I thought about it. I'd like to say that I was just in a "spiritual" mood and pondered the deeper things of God. I'd like to say that I frequently try to think of things the way God does. I'd like to say a lot of things, but I can't. What I can say is that I finally thought about it out of purely selfish motives that this incident in the "life" of God crossed my mind.
Ben and I got into a conversation with someone who was telling us about some negative things about one of our children. The person obviously had a difficult time starting the conversation, being very uncomfortable in beginning what was going to be an unpleasant discussion. But, on the other hand, he also had a difficult time ending the conversation which meant it kept going and going, dare I say, ad nauseum! He kept repeating the same negative comments long after Ben and I were fully aware of the situation...long after the conversation had been embedded in our brains and hearts.
I had a very hard time sitting there politely listening to all of this. Some of it, I could understand, and some of it was so totally against our child's intent and heart, that it was offensive to me. Ben has accused me of being a "mama bear" over the years, protecting my kids against any foe--even him at times. He gave me the biggest compliment after this person finally landed the conversation by saying that he was proud of the way I handled it---I didn't attack the person's throat and rip it out--though I must say I thought about it....baby steps! (I did cry like a baby after this person left feeling as though I had been the one attacked. Hearing your child disparaged is hurtful!)
So...I got a taste of what God gets to go through each time Jesus is rejected, each time someone uses His name in vain, each time Jesus is the punch line of the joke. It's painful.
Hmmm...I have never thought about it before, but tonight I thought about it. I'd like to say that I was just in a "spiritual" mood and pondered the deeper things of God. I'd like to say that I frequently try to think of things the way God does. I'd like to say a lot of things, but I can't. What I can say is that I finally thought about it out of purely selfish motives that this incident in the "life" of God crossed my mind.
Ben and I got into a conversation with someone who was telling us about some negative things about one of our children. The person obviously had a difficult time starting the conversation, being very uncomfortable in beginning what was going to be an unpleasant discussion. But, on the other hand, he also had a difficult time ending the conversation which meant it kept going and going, dare I say, ad nauseum! He kept repeating the same negative comments long after Ben and I were fully aware of the situation...long after the conversation had been embedded in our brains and hearts.
I had a very hard time sitting there politely listening to all of this. Some of it, I could understand, and some of it was so totally against our child's intent and heart, that it was offensive to me. Ben has accused me of being a "mama bear" over the years, protecting my kids against any foe--even him at times. He gave me the biggest compliment after this person finally landed the conversation by saying that he was proud of the way I handled it---I didn't attack the person's throat and rip it out--though I must say I thought about it....baby steps! (I did cry like a baby after this person left feeling as though I had been the one attacked. Hearing your child disparaged is hurtful!)
So...I got a taste of what God gets to go through each time Jesus is rejected, each time someone uses His name in vain, each time Jesus is the punch line of the joke. It's painful.
A Sweet Memory
I was driving to WalMart with my girls: Bailey, Darby, and Kally. It's always fun to me to be with just them. But today I found myself getting tears in my eyes. What's new you may ask? Knowing how easily I cry. It can be embarrassing!
Bailey was sitting up front with me and she had gotten in the car and put in the High School Musical 3 cd. Instantly all four of us were singing. The music was loud and we kept turning it louder.
It struck me how sweet this was. A moment where there was nothing particularly spectacular, but one that I won't forget. The simplicity of it. The happiness of us singing together. The clear blue Texas sky--bright sunshine and slight breeze. All these things conspired to create a precious memory.
I hope you have a sweet, simple, special memory too!
Bailey was sitting up front with me and she had gotten in the car and put in the High School Musical 3 cd. Instantly all four of us were singing. The music was loud and we kept turning it louder.
It struck me how sweet this was. A moment where there was nothing particularly spectacular, but one that I won't forget. The simplicity of it. The happiness of us singing together. The clear blue Texas sky--bright sunshine and slight breeze. All these things conspired to create a precious memory.
I hope you have a sweet, simple, special memory too!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Darby's Day at the Doctor
As many of you know, our second daughter, Darby, was diagnosed last August with Type I Diabetes. It was certainly a shock to us...yet a blessing to know why she had not been herself for a while. God was very present with us during that time and has provided many miraculous incidents since that time.
We have learned a lot over these many months. We have learned all about syringes, dosing, ratios of carbs to units of insulin, pump operation, quick set infusion, high blood sugar, low blood sugar.
Today we learned a bit more. Darby was supposed to get her continuous blood glucose monitoring system today. This system is "inserted" in her every three days, like her pump, and is supposed to monitor her blood glucose every 10 seconds and send the number to her pump. It shows trends and how her numbers are going, whether going up or down. Darby has been very nervous about getting this and we have asked for lots of prayers on her behalf.
Well, God answered in an unusual way. Darby's doctor decided that since Darby was so nervous, there was no need to rush it and make her have it today. We will bring it up again at her next visit in July. Darby was thrilled!
We also learned that Darby is dangerously close to being taller than I am as she grew almost three inches since December! We learned that she is dangerously close to puberty. We learned that her pancreas is dangerously close to being completely useless. All these have conspired in recent weeks to make her blood sugar to be pretty high. Oddly high. What-do-we-do-with-these numbers kind of high.
The rollercoaster of life continues!
We have learned a lot over these many months. We have learned all about syringes, dosing, ratios of carbs to units of insulin, pump operation, quick set infusion, high blood sugar, low blood sugar.
Today we learned a bit more. Darby was supposed to get her continuous blood glucose monitoring system today. This system is "inserted" in her every three days, like her pump, and is supposed to monitor her blood glucose every 10 seconds and send the number to her pump. It shows trends and how her numbers are going, whether going up or down. Darby has been very nervous about getting this and we have asked for lots of prayers on her behalf.
Well, God answered in an unusual way. Darby's doctor decided that since Darby was so nervous, there was no need to rush it and make her have it today. We will bring it up again at her next visit in July. Darby was thrilled!
We also learned that Darby is dangerously close to being taller than I am as she grew almost three inches since December! We learned that she is dangerously close to puberty. We learned that her pancreas is dangerously close to being completely useless. All these have conspired in recent weeks to make her blood sugar to be pretty high. Oddly high. What-do-we-do-with-these numbers kind of high.
The rollercoaster of life continues!