Relief from the heat

There are so many things I am thankful for today; I am most thankful for God's mercy that was bestowed on us.

I am thankful for:

• Ceiling fans over our beds that helped us sleep when the air conditioner went out.
• A wonderful husband who had already made plans to have a repair man come out the next day and to make appointments for the dogs so they had a cool place to stay during the heat of the day.
• Employment for my entire family that involved being in a cool building.
• Co-workers that put up with my periods of crabbiness due to a poor nights sleep.
  
• The opportunity to pray where ever I am.
• Children who did not complain about the heat in the house or taking the dogs to daycare. Were those my kids not complaining?
• We only needed to replace the blower motor and not the entire unit.
• Work was done by the time I got home with the dogs.

Speaking of the dogs, I am so impressed the Kenl Inn. My header picture shows the deluxe accommodations you can choose for your dog. Even though we have only used their services a couple of times I would recommend them to everyone, they really care about your pet.

Here is a picture of the puppies coming down the hall from daycare; the white one in her arms is TJ, the big black one is Jake, and Maddie is the little brown one. Maddie is also the alpha dog in the family.

The dog in the back was a new friend.


I tried to get a picture of the dogs with their new human friend but as you can see they weren't in the posing mood.

What were they looking at?






You even get a report card to let you know how their day was.


Thank you Kenl Inn for providing a cool place for my pets yesterday. I just wish you were closer to our house.

And most of all, I can't thank God enough for all his mercy and grace; our God is truly an awesome God.

Enduring

With the type of spring we have had this year I knew summer would just jump right in, yup that's Nebraska for you.

We've had storms and lots of rain, sorry for those of you who are in a drought and now the heat and humidity begins. Yesterday was 99 degrees with a heat index of about 110.

KJ and I worked the concession stand at Haymarket Park last night during the Salt Dogs game (The Salt Dogs are a semi-pro baseball team). This is a fundraiser to help pay for her cheer expenses.

Was it ever hot, at least we were out of the sun. They game seemed to take forever last night and we did not get out of the park until 11:00 p.m. at which point the temperature dropped down to a cool 88 degrees. All I could think of was a nice cool house and cold shower - not asking too much am I?

I must have been asking for the world - I walked into the house at 11:15 p.m. My husband is in the family room in front of fans and not dressed for bed yet, at this hour that is unheard of for him. I looked at him and all I could say is, "why is it so HOT in here?" Of which he answered, "guess.".

I am beyond hot and sweaty and the last thing I wanted to think about was no air conditioner with another 99 degree high heat index day foretasted for the next day-of which crazy me scheduled us to work at Haymarket Park again - what an idiot.

As I am sitting on the couch next to B and thinking, all four of us will be working in an air conditioned environments but the house will be too hot for the dogs. As if reading my mind B says, "I've already made appointments for the dogs to go to puppy daycare. " Isn't he just the best. I used to scoff at people who took their pets to puppy daycare (sorry hope I don't offend anyone). Guess I just wasn't raised that way. Well, it has saved my tush twice now so no more scoffing. All three dogs are off to Kenel Inn. At least I know they will stay cool too, what we pet owners won't do for our pets.

We have an after-hours appointment sometime tonight; it was that or wait until Friday. As I write this post I am praying for God's mercy that He will allow the air conditioner to be fixed tonight and not cost us an arm and a leg. However, we will enduring whatever He wants us to endure so do we have to do that with out complaining?

I pray for those who do not a choice and live where there is no air conditioning, we take it so much for granted.

Dear Lord,
I pray for those who are out in the heat by no choice of their own. Give them a place to escape the heat at least for a little while. If it be your will, show me how to help them. Amen.

California Sunset

After looking at KE's west coast beach pictures I found myself longing for the days of my youth. the carefree days of being on the beach - no worries. I could go to work on 2-3 hours of sleep and keep going through the following night. I didn't let things bother me, what happens-happens.

Where did that go?

When was the last time you REALLY took time to dance, to stop and smell the flowers, to just enjoy God's creation?

Ina over at Ina In Alaska posted a video from you tube a couple of days ago. What a cheery happy video. There are people dancing all over and having fun. I didn't recognize the song but the Holy Spirit spoke directly to my heart through all of the dancing any merriment.

Today, most of us don't take the time to dance. We let the weight of life, the weight of the world pull us down. Worrying about paying the bills, cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, goodness how will we every get it all done?

In Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

All God asks is that we keep His commandments, to worship him and to love one another.

1 John 5:3: for this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

So why do we make life so much harder on ourselves by worrying? Turn it over to God. I know in some situations I have turned it over and taken it back several times. I find life goes a lot easier when I just turn it over to Him and let it be, but like the children we are we don't seem to learn the 1st time or the 2nd or 3rd....

So how do we truely turn "it" over to God. I am not expert by all means and I have failed several times at this attempt. I just start by saying "God "it's" yours, there's nothing I can do" and then let it be. But more times then not I take it back and start worrying and finding a solution for "it". When I realize I've just taken it back I start from the beginning, "God it's yours, there's is nothing I can do." Sometimes I will go through this process several times before I finally really let it go and let it "God" and stop worrying and except the outcome.

Give it to God - find contentment. We need to be living life to it's fullest, stop worrying and make everyday count. Take time to enjoy the many blessing of God.

Storms in the night

B's flight was scheduled in at 10:45 p.m. from the east coast. We were excited when we heard the storm passed over Chicago (usually where he gets held up), his flight will take off on time.

KE's flight from the west coast left on time with a lay over in Denver. Yea, no problems in Denver and she is scheduled in at 11:45 p.m. A little later then I would like to have to go to the airport, but had I know before what was going to happen I would have never frowned at that time.

Anxiously waiting for both to come home to fill the voids they left, I am watching television when those nasty beeps interrupt my show to tell me we are in a thunderstorm watch. It just a watch no big deal right - yes big deal.

The thunder and lightening start slowly but pick up intensity and I've decided to give up the television show and follow the Doppler radar, crap lots of yellows and reds heading right for us. I get a call from B, his flight is now sitting on the tarmac at an airport an hour away. The captain hasn't decided if they will wait it out or use ground transportation to get them home.

Then I get a text from KE, their flight pulled away from the gate, taxied around, and then pulled back into the gate, why you ask - yup you guessed it, the weather here and they didn't want to end up flying into the same airport B did. I love text messaging, through that mode of communication KE kept me updated.

Finally KE texts to let me know they are going to take off. Some where in there B calls and says they're going to refuel and take off, now both are in the air on their way home.

It's after 1:00 a.m. and B calls to let me know he's home and have I heard from KE. I hadn't so I had to assume she was in the air. He decided to leave the airport and we would go back and get her when her flight came in. I no more then ended my call with him when she texted "Here". I immediatley called B to let him know she was right behind him so he could bring her home.

I don't know how they both ended up coming in at the same time. It's not like the distance was the same. The pilot from must have really been flying from Denver (no pun intended). Or, was it a blessing from God?

God is always watching over us.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you so much for bringing my family home safe and sound (and at the same time).
Amen.

Healthier You Challenge

I'm not sure when the last time was I checked in, my oldest daughter graduated on June 6th and everything seamed to revolved around that. But here I am, ready to start anew.

I weigh in on Saturdays, this week I gained 3.5 pounds.

With the stress of graduation I made a bad choice - I had stopped counting points but did try to make healthy choices (sometimes). I stopped exercising on a regular basis, not that I was on a real regular basis any how.

As I reflect on the last three weeks I realized I didn't plan for my health. Didn't make sure I had healthy food choices on hand. Didn't plan/schedule in regular exercise. If I don't take care of me who will?

No more excuses-plan of action:

• Plan my breakfast, lunch, and daytime snacks. I like to have dinner with my family so I will use portion control for that meal.
• I will exercise for at least 15-30 minutes a day realizing it doesn't have to be done all in one shot.
• Get back on the water wagon.
• Joined a summer challenge over at Get Fit After 40

So with that said - here's to a great week.

Sheryl

Wedding Anniversary

Today is our 19th Wedding Anniversary
Happy Anniversary Honey!

Today marks the 19th year we have committed ourselves to each other.

Through these last 19 years we have been through a lot of life's experiences together and there is no one else I would rather have and still am taking that ride with.

We've been through the birth of two wonderful daughters, the lose of three grandparents, three parents, two cousins and made three moves (one out of town). We've watch our daughters grow up into beautiful young women with one of them graduating this year, spreading her wings and beginning a new chapter in her life.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

And that is what we've done, we have become one, feeling each others excitement and sorrows.



We chose to use wedding rings to signify our love and commitment to each other. A ring has neither a beginning nor an end. Our love for each other may have had a beginning but like the ring there is no end. I love you so much. With every day, every trial, every mountain top experience that love for you only gets stronger and deeper.

God has blessed me with an absolutely wonderful life mate and two wonderful children with that life mate. You are my husband, lover and best friend. There is no one in this world that I would rather spend my life with.

Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. Mark 10:9

Small treasures

I love the "Men in Black" movies. They're a great no brainer that fill the void when you want to watch something and there's nothing on tv. I didn't realize the first movie came out in 1997 which could be why I have been having a hard time finding it.

Last Wednesday we had one child at cheer camp and the other one working. With no kids to worry about we were a couple of leisure. After work we ran to the store together to pick up a few items. For whatever reason we just started wondering around the store and ended up back by the movies. I decided to see if they had MIB 1 or 2 in stock. They didn't have the movies but it was the beginning of the hunt.

With no plans for that evening we went out and enjoyed a peaceful dinner, just the two of us. Then we hit a couple of video stores, I wasn't picky, I would be happy with used movies. No luck with the first two stores, on the 3rd video store I found the 2nd movie for $14.99. Wasn't thrilled with the price but I decided to buy it.

Now I'm wondering if I'll be able to find the first one. My husband reminds me that Best Buys is just down the street.

Yea! not only do I find the first movie but they also have the second movie - both for $9.99 each. I decide to buy both for $20 (new) and return my used one.

I take my find to the register, she rings up my purchases and say, "$8.54."

I asked her if she rang up both of them. She said yes, they were on sale for $3.99 - EACH.

So I got both movies-new-for 1/2 the price I paid for the one used one.

Now how cool is that????

What cool finds have you found?

Sheryl

The Tea Cup

Once again an email has been forwarded to me that I just must share. My only wish is that I could give credit to the author but alas - no name.

Love this story or not, you will not be able to have tea in a tea cup again with out thinking of this post.

Hhere was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both like antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup the asked, "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled, "Don't do that." "I don't like it!" "Let me alone", but he only smiled and gently said: "Not yet!"

Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was made to suit himself and then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!" I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, "Not yet."

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute the door opened, he carefully took me out and pout me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag, "Oh, please stop it, Stop it," I cried. He only shook his head and said, "Not yet."

Then suddenly he puts me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. this was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried, I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf where I colled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?"

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, "Look at yourself," and I did. I said, "That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful, I'm beautiful!!!"

Quietly he spoke: "I want you to remember," then he said "I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you."

The moral of this story is this: God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.

So when life seems hard and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are ina fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this:

Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this stoiry and then have a little talk with the Potter.

Riddle Time Answer

?????

You throw away the outside and cook the inside, then you eat the outside and throw away in inside.

What did you just eat?

An ear of corn.

Riddle Time

?????

You throw away the outside and cook the inside, then you eat the outside and throw away in inside.

What did you just eat?

Answer will be posted at 8:00 p.m. central time.

Dear Diary

Thursday, June 11, 2009
10:00 p.m.

Dear Diary,

Karissa left today for California to see her boyfriend. I am so thankful that his parents invited her along. Because at 17 I wouldn't let her go out alone.

Katie is at cheer camp and will be back tomorrow afternoon. What will we do with no kids tonight.....anything we want to.

After deciding we didn't want to cook, we went out to KFC, then we took Jake to the lake.

Sorry the pictures didn't turn out too well, it was pretty cloudy.

He loves going bye-bye, we open the back door, he jumps in and sits like a person.


He wasn't too interested in the water until he saw these guys.








...but once we let him get in the water he just wasn't too sure of it.....







so he decided to watch from afar.








After the lake we went back home, did a few things around the house and went to bed early. After last weekend if feels good not to have much to do.

A night at the ball park

Deidra over at Jumping Tandem talked about Haymarket Park home of the Saltdogs, Lincoln's semi-pro baseball team. I can't say that I'm a die hard baseball fan but when the weather is good I love going to the ball park, eating hot dogs, and soaking in the atmosphere.

What Deidra and I didn't know last night was that we were both at the game. While she was enjoying the game and eating hot dogs with H, Karissa and I were here:

One of our cheerleading fundraisers is selling dippin' dots at Haymarket Park. It's not big money but it does help pay for the uniform and other expenses that comes with cheerleading.

Working dippin' dots is a two man job and 1/2 my team was at cheer camp in Kansas. So since Karissa would fit into Katie's shirt better then my husband I asked her to help out. Doesn't she look excited.


Even though she couldn't wait until the top of the 8th (that's when we closed the stand) I enjoyed myself. I like being outside and meeting all the people, just wish I would have run in to Deidra.

The Party's Over

The house is quiet, calm and cleaned up. I am more tired then should be legally allowed. My feet hurt as well as the rest of the joints in my body. I am watching tv and listening to my husband making his lunch for tomorrow, tomorrow we go back to our normal routine. The breeze from the ceiling fan feels great, God blessed me today with an open afternoon/evening to just chill out and nap off and on. You now what.....I would do it all over in a heart beat.

My first born has graduated from high school this weekend. Where has the time gone? The time of pig tales, snuggles, and bed time stories. When she was little everyone told us to enjoy those times because they will go by quickly. As a strung out parent of a baby, toddler, teen.....you think "yeah right", but it is so true. (((Hug))) those babies because all too soon they are going to walk across that stage into a new chapter of their life. A chapter of experiencing independence and making decisions on their own (some good, some not so good). A chapter where the parents are not as actively involved in those decisions they make. A chapter of letting them go to develop into the person God wants them to be.

Well Karissa, the party may be over but the journey is just beginning. I love you, and am so proud of what you have accomplished. As this chapter of your life comes to a close a new chapter is opening up wide. God has great plans for you and with His help you can do anything. Remember, God never promised us life would be easy, some days will be very challenging. But during those challenging times remember the following verse, it has carried me through a lot of tuff times, times I just didn't understand what was going on around me.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Live life to it's fullest, follow your dreams, thank God and count your blessings everyday.

Love Mom.

Getting ready for graduation

It has been absolutely crazy around here the past two weeks getting ready for my oldest daughter's graduation; concerts, banquets, finals, and planning for the open house. I really should be heading off to bed - busy day tomorrow, but I wanted to touch base so you didn't think I fell off the face of the earth.

I have been working on a picture slide show for dd17. Think I bit off more then I could chew with this project. I am sure I have logged at least 50+ hours. When I first put the pictures in the movie program I had 2150 (about 3 hours of video).....if I only had a penny for each picture I took through out her life so far. Anyway, I got the video down to 1:23. When I played it back in dvd format I realized that some of the songs didn't line up the way I'd planned and I had double pictures. The perfectionist side of me wanted to redo the aligning of the songs with the pictures but I know that would take way too much time. What should I except working with so many pictures, what a lesson I learned - I'll start on dd15's video a whole lot sooner.

God has been so faithful through this whole journey, with him what seemed impossible became possible. I think I may have stated that in my last post but it's worth repeating. The video did not turn out as I had envisioned but it did turn out as God envisioned it. Every thing is starting to fall in place, (it should we only have one more day to prepare.) It's time to tie up the lose ends and realize that we won't get everything done we had planned, and that's ok. It's time to sit back and enjoy this chapter in our daughter's life, the close of one and the opening of another.

The entire family has been helping to get ready for the wonderful celebration, as well has some special friends. I thank you for relieving some of the stress.

My H went grocery shopping for me (bless his soul). He had to call a couple of times from the store but hey that's what we have cell phones for.

And, dd15 decorated her car:
That's been my life in a nut shell for the last few weeks. I will post pictures of the graduation later. Now, time to go to bed.

Sheryl

P.S. I am not a late night person and it is past midnight as I wrap this up. I appologize for any errors you may find in this post.