Real Important Stuff

Kids spending time with Grandpa.

Paige and Grandma planting flowers together at our new permanent campsite. Next to the new deck hubby and grandpa built.

Gavin making new friends and playing outside.

Helping Others.

Showing my husband how much I appreciate everything he does!

The Memorial Weekend was glorious. We worked hard and had peaceful relaxing moments. We moved our camper to a permanent spot, built a deck along side, hung a hammock, planted flowers and made it like a little home away from home, minus the housework, television and computers. We're going to really like spending time together. I even had a few lucky rolls in Yatzee, but my son said I couldn't yell "YATZEE" anymore.

You know what is really important stuff in your life. Hold it, squeeze it, gaze at it and hold it in your heart. Finally, be grateful. I finished my weekend by watching the bucket list. Carter asked Edward how he would answer these two questions as he approached the pearly gates of heaven, "did you find joy in your life?" and "were you a joy to others"

It's simple and it's important.

Love you!

Rarely Asked Questions - Sniff Husband's Underwear?

You're probably wondering what the heck this crazy lady is thinking? Ah yes, my mind has done much thinking today, which will probably be over by the time I finish this post. I have much on my mind today and I feel like sharing, so here we go.

I don't sleep much. I used to have no problem sleeping in after a long day and night. Today was no different than any other these day. 6:30 am; the sun comes up earlier, almost mid-May already. So many meaningful and exciting things to do, so I better hit the ground. A sink full of dirty dishes must be at the top of my list ( I am ashamed to tell you how long they sat). The sink was heaping and let me tell you we have a deep sink. Starting my day with a huge sense of accomplishment. Dishes DONE!

TV really annoys me for the most part, so let's turn on some music. I've turned it up 10 years and have moved from 70's to 80's lately. XM 80's on 8 is turned on with more kitchen duties. Gazing out the kitchen window, a red cardinal appears. ( Excuse me from typing, but our Chihuahua is whining. Stuck in Paige's bathroom again) Ok back to the cardinal, I realize its significance this AM. A group of MI friends are meeting at this very moment. This crimson sign appeared the first time this group of friends talked together on the phone via conference call. I paused and think of my friends.

Dropped Paige at soccer practice to return in an hour. How many fliers can I post about the upcoming event benefiting women and children in shelters in an hour? Well, that would be 10. Red Wing has so many great retail stores. I went into the Christian bookstore. I think I have only been in this store once or twice since moving here 8 years ago. Lovely store. Bought some inspirational cards and a book. Growing up Catholic, I frequented Christian bookstores quite a bit growing up. Where else are you going to buy a gift for all your friends and family as they celebrate their monumental sacraments? First Confession, Communion, Confirmation all deservant of a symbolic cross, lamb, bible etc.

A trip to the mall is planned. Needing a special outfit for a women's conference in Chicago at the end of May. Are we in a recession? Window shoppers? Well, I think it had something to do with graduation, proms and Mother's Day. I saw so many pretty people at the mall. Am I pretty? I have been making an effort lately to have my outward appearance beam the happiness of my insides, so from that regard I was feeling pretty today. I chose a colorful outfit and actually bought heels. Need to give those GERMAN calves a more slender look with the uplift of a heel.

12:09 am and I just got an email from my mom. She's up late tonight. Probably excited about life as well. She's retiring in 90 some days and man is she excited.

On the way to the mall today we passed a younger man standing at a busy intersection. He was holding a sign that reads, "Homeless. Any little bit helps. God Bless." Tall, slender. He had a ankle brace over his jeans. I saw his eyes. They were the saddest eyes I have seen in I don't know how long. Waiting for the light to turn green at the back of the line, I could not see him. Here I am concerned about an outfit for a conference and this man looks as if he just swallowed the biggest lump of pride so he can ask for help. I will pray for this man for some time forward. I saw what was in him through his eyes. Deep suffering so deep it filled him completely.

Well I went to bed and not back again until 8:26 am Mothers Day 2009. Just put the last load of husband's week long dirty clothes in the dryer. He brings them in two bags. I can usually do two loads, lights and darks. Well late last night I thought I would get some laundry done before Mom's day. Fishing through his bags, clean clothes at the bottom? They looked clean but did they smell clean. Yes I sniffed his underwear. Either he is the freshest man on the earth or they were clean. I washed them anyway, which makes the whole sniffing thing unnecessary.

RARELY ASKED QUESTION I DO NOT EXPECT YOU TO ANSWER: Have you ever sniffed clothes to see if they were clean avoiding adding laundry?

Yes it is amazing what we will do to avoid unnecessary work and it also speaks to what unusual things we will do for our loved ones and around our loved ones, especially when you feel comfortable in your own skin.

YES I WILL SNIFF UNDERGARMENTS AND I WILL LOOK DEEP INTO SOMEONE'S EYES SO I CAN REALLY SEE THEM AND KNOW THEM. Use all your senses I say.

That Dreaded F Word

It is unfortunate when we allow fear to direct our decisions and actions. When I parent with fear I have that tone in my voice. You know that tone that you hear from other mothers and think to yourself, "Oh my gosh, I am sure I sound like that mother on occasion and I don't like the way that sounds."

Exchange fear for a couple different "f" word, FUEL, FUN AND FAITH. They will help you shred some fear.

I have a dictionary of encouragement. Here are a few more "f" words to savor.

Fabric - Do you wish to be great? Then begin in being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. Saint Austine

Feed - Stop feeding the beast of inaction and eventually it will die of starvation.

A good intention but fixed and resolute - bent on high and holy ends, we shall find means to them on every side and at every moment; and even obstacles and oppression will but makes us "like the fabled specter-ships," which sail the fastest in the very teeth of the wind. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spread JOY. Shred FEAR. Have FUN.

Project Traveling Sanctuary - UPDATE

It is amazing how much you can get done in a day when you are passionate about your work. Today I worked on getting the material together for an upcoming event on May 23rd in Lake City Minnesota, Project Traveling Sanctuary.

Participating retailers will display this pillowcase banner and a basket with brochures and example of the finished product that will go to the shelters. They will sell tickets and accept donation for the purpose of pillowcase kits.

I have fears that nobody will attend this event, but you know what I can't let this stop me rather it needs to fuel me to do everything I can to make this event a success. Sometimes fear is a good thing. It challenges you to SHRED SHRED SHRED AND GAIN MEGA CONFIDENCE.