tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-155029322024-03-13T14:08:54.754-05:00The Redhead's ImpulsesYeah. I've decided that this is more than my writing outlet. It's my place to write about my impulses--- from fake fingernails to dyeing my hair blonde... :)Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.comBlogger374125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-45775011944909832892009-11-15T21:59:00.003-05:002009-11-15T22:09:49.289-05:00Simple Joys in LifeSimple joy in the little things make life so worthwhile....<br /><br />TPJ--- who tells me that my ranting isn't scary---- it's sad. The only thing that's scary is when I throw shoes at the shoe basket and miss because my aim stinks.<br /><br />TPJ--- bringing me a fruit roll up when I'm mowing the lawn on the riding mower.<br /><br />Starbuck saying, "I too short" when she is asked to pray.<br /><br />Starbuck dancing to The Cure.<br /><br />Aaron leaving me love notes on the bathroom mirror.<br /><br />Aaron putting the vacuum cleaner away without any prompting.<br /><br />Aaron brushing Starbuck's teeth so I don't have to fight with her just before bedtime.<br /><br />Friends calling just to chat because they like chatting with me!<br /><br />Simple joys. Exquisite life.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-79988342212534677802009-11-03T11:29:00.003-05:002009-11-03T11:35:18.800-05:00I could....I could vacuum the upstairs and then steam clean the carpets. <div>I could mop my floors. </div><div>I could fold laundry. </div><div>I could leaf blow leaves. </div><div>I could build legos with the kiddos. </div><div>I could take a short nap. </div><div>I could fix my ultra cute short hair.</div><div>I could watch CSI re runs. </div><div>I could sort through Starbuck's clothing. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But. I don't know what I want to do!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So. I think I'll say, check out the song, "Heaven is the Face," by Steven Curtis Chapman. A friend told me about it on Monday--- they played it at church on Sunday, and she bawled, thinking about me and our <a href="http://www.healingmoments.blogspot.com">Henry</a>. Aaron and I listened to it last night. We both cried. </div><div><br /></div><div>But let me tell you about TPJ--- the first time I was listening to the song, TPJ was coming downstairs to tell me that there was something wrong with his bed (it was bedtime). He saw me crying and put his arms around me. He asked, "Are those tears of joy, or sad tears?" I told him that they were a little bit of both. I told him the background of the song, how SCC had written it because of his little girl that was accidentally killed, and because he missed her. TPJ said, "Like you miss Henry?" And I said yes. He then climbed in my lap-- even though he's only about 11 inches shorter than I am at this point, and hugged my neck. He whispered, "It's ok, Mommy. Henry and Grandpa are there together, and someday we will be too." </div><div><br /></div><div>I love my son. He let me hold him and rock him and cuddle him until my tears were gone. </div>Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-72380230561475233582009-11-01T21:09:00.002-05:002009-11-01T21:57:43.664-05:00The Shack...I like sharing books that have made a difference in my life views, and The Shack, by William P. Young, is one such book. <div><br /></div><div>I have always known God, it seems. I was raised in a Christian home, went to church, studied my Bible, did all the right things, you know? I've wandered away from the path of my spiritual walk, come back to it, wandered back, and so on and so forth, through most of my life. I've always known that God provides us with grace, that we are saved by grace. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have always thought that I've had a decent relationship with God, but somehow, it's never been as deep as I would like it to be. I have tried getting up every morning to spend time in prayer, in study, in mediation. I have tried following all the "rules," to a better spiritual life--- you know the ones I mean-- start each day in prayer, go to church, do a Bible Study, blah blah blah. I've tried praying the prayer of Jabez, praying the Lord's Prayer, and a bunch of other stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>But have I ever really had an honest relationship with God? Of course I have-- I don't doubt my salvation or my belief in God. However, this book caused me to examine the depth of my relationship with God, my images of God, my expectations of God. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are at least three things that I'm holding in my heart right now, pondering them. </div><div><br /></div><div>1. We were created to be loved and to give love. To live as if we are unloved is to live out of the natural order of how God created us. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. God will take a verb over a noun, anytime. God is a verb. He is alive, dynamic, ever active, and moving. He is a being verb. We associate our spiritual walk with verbs-- confessing, repenting, loving, living, growing, sowing, reaping, dancing, rejoicing. "Humans have a knack for taking a verb that is alive and full of grace and turning it into a dead noun or principle that reeks of rules: something growing and alive dies. Nouns exist because there is a created universe and physical reality, but if the universe is only a mass of nouns, it is dead. Unless 'I am' (God) there are no verbs, and verbs are what make the universe alive. ...For something to move from death to life, you must introduce something living and moving into the mix. TO move from something that is only a noun to something dynamic and unpredictable, to something living and present tense, is to move from law to grace." (The Shack, William P. Young)</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Emotions are neither good nor bad; they just exist. "Paradigms power perception and perceptions power emotions." Our emotions are a response to our perceptions. Therefore, we cannot trust our emotions if our perceptions are skewed, if our very beliefs are false. Because our beliefs, our paradigms, influence our perceptions. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyhow. My laptop is missing the H and the 8 keys. Other keys are sticky. Popsicles and laptops don't mix well. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I'm retiring for the night. Lots to think and pray about. </div>Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-49125891743826841282009-10-31T22:43:00.003-05:002009-10-31T22:53:24.431-05:00So much, so much<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My hair is CHOPPED!!!! Yay!!! For most women, a significant hair change signals a life change as well. I'l like to think that is the case with me! I'm plunging headfirst into my love relationship with God! I'm tired of just sticking my toes into this water--- I'm ready to experience being loved by the Almighty in a real way-- and to love Him in a real way too!<div><br /></div><div>God created us to be loved, and to love! I love that! You can't be unloved--- your Creator loves you, He knows you by name! I am just humbled and awed by this thought! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh. Ok. I don't want to preach in a way that would turn others from Christ--- but seriously--- we are so loved and treasured and cherished by our Creator!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Anyhow. Trick or treating tonight. For the third year in a row, I enjoyed hanging with my friend, passing out candy, while our wonderful husbands took the kiddos trick or treating. I love it when I get girl time, with a friend that I don't get to see very often. Life happens so quickly, doesn't it? </div><div><br /></div><div>Fall seems like it might be here to stay. I'm happy about this, even though it means that I'm shivering right now! :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Hmmm.... what else? Oh yes-- my husband is quite a great man! He knows how much it has bothered me to have the woodpile just stacked inside the house, with wood just THERE. So his dad made us a woodbox, per Aaron's request. Aaron just finished painting it, and the wood will now go in the woodbox!!! YAY!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've had my hallway taped in preparation for painting it for about a month now. I might get around to doing that soon. Really.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Job situations are interesting around here. Mine is stable and good. Aaron, on the other hand, could use some prayer about direction and where God would have him in the next few months! </div><div><br /></div><div>Ok. Done rambling. Here's my new hair!!!</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/Su0GDiM5uTI/AAAAAAAAANA/73pjCqo6Pkg/s200/jenettehair.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398978186077387058" />Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-31012515751830724292009-10-13T00:46:00.001-05:002009-10-13T10:36:55.281-05:00Leaving Egypt behind<span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); LINE-HEIGHT: 14pxfont-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11;" ><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;color:#ffffff;">P<span style="color:#000000;">ublished this on FB too....</span></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"></span></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">So I'm sleepless tonight. Sleep for a few, awake for a bit more. Ugh. Classic depression. Fabuuuu!<br /><br />Our pastor had a sermon on Sunday about leaving Egypt behind. In the Bible, the Israelites are FINALLY able to leave the slavery of Egypt and go to the desert, to travel to the promised land. But because they doubt, because every time things get hard, they look back to Egypt and say, "We shoulda stayed there!" they wander for many years. They had been set free from SLAVERY! They had been given FREEDOM! Yet when things were hard, they wanted to be back in their bondage, because it felt safe.<br /><br />I wish I could say, "Idiots." But I can't. Because how many times have I wished to be back in my bondage, back in my comfortable sin, because at least I KNEW the sin and the mindset that came with it? Letting go of the bondage is a scary thing. It means trusting, serving, being FREE.<br /><br />I have to remember, when I get scared, that God truly loves me. He loves me in the way that 1 Corinthians talks about love: " Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7<br /><br />My God is patient with my sin. He is kind to me. He is not easily angered, he does not keep a record of my wrongs. He always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. He never fails me. And when I think about stepping backwards, looking back to my Egypt, I have to remember these things. He will fulfill my needs in a way that my sin never can. He will provide comfort and security for me in a way that my sin never can. He will set me free to serve, instead of being bound by lies.<br /><br />There's a song that some very talented young men at our church wrote a few years ago. I sing that song in my head---Mark and Phil, you really need to record this song.<br /><br />"Lord I need some peace of mind, I've dropped down to my knees. In this crazy world, I need to unwind... I need your love, I need you grace, I need your strength for me, to get me through these times that I thought I would never see. I cry out to you, on these bended knees, saving grace and your love, that's all I ever really need...."<br /><br />I am gonna try not to look back to Egypt. I'm gonna attempt to stay free, with His help.</span></span>Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-35507138780711538032009-09-26T16:18:00.002-05:002009-09-26T16:29:21.231-05:00Eleven is Steel....So we made it through eleven years of marriage so far! It seems odd to me. I have now spent about a third of my life with the same person. He hasn't killed me and I haven't driven him insane. Pretty good, doncha think? <div><br /></div><div>Wanna know what he gave me for our anniversary? Let me just say that it tops last years present, which was an amazing present, perfect even! This one--- even better. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have you seen the movie, "UP," --- you know, with Dug? (Look, a squirrel!!) Well. The beginning of that movie gave my marriage a new life. There's a wonderful montage in the beginning. It goes through Carl and Ellie's life, including some heartbreaking disappointments. They are always saving up for their big adventure, but unfortunately, it never happens--- because life does. Ellie passes away before they can realize their greatest dream together, and Carl is bereft without her. He doesn't realize until later, that the greatest adventure was their life together---including the bumps, the heartbreaks, and the good times. </div><div><br /></div><div>That montage made me realize at a very crucial time, that I wasn't ready to give up on my adventure quite yet either. I was at a hard spot. Not wanting to stay with Aaron if things didn't change, and I was sure they wouldn't ever change. So did I jump ship or try to bail water? Ugh. After seeing that movie twice in one week, I decided to bail water. We both did. And we've dumped quite a bit of the dirty and unnecessary water out of the boat that is our marriage. </div><div><br /></div><div>So--- ready to know what he got me? An adventure fund jar, a scrapbook, and a travel guide. </div><div><br /></div><div>And if you're wondering-- the traditional gift for the 11th anniversary is steel. I think the jar lid is steel. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>So Aaron, here's to a few more adventures together!</div>Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-19595766402039081262009-09-07T15:38:00.004-05:002009-09-07T15:52:57.592-05:00Just a bit of nostalgia....I've found a new author that I really like--- Cathy Pickens. She writes funny mysteries set in the mountains of South Carolina. Two reasons right there why I like her! :) The mountains of SC are a part of the Appalachian mountains, just like the mountains in my hometown. I read about her characters and I am brought back home for just a short time. It's good.<br /><br />Another reason why I like her books so much are because of the relationship that Avery, the main character, had with her late grandfather. Though her grandfather is dead, she still has her memories and love for him in her heart. Reminds me so much of my grandpa. I had to stop reading today when Avery mixed some peanuts in with her bottle of Coke. I can't tell you how many times I'd seen my grandpa do that. And right now, I'm craving it.... :)<br /><br />I miss Grandpa so strongly today, and I think I have for a few weeks. It's hard to describe. My missing changed last year. At some point last year, I was able to stop aching in such a deep way whenever Gpa came to my heart and mind. My memories were finally a place of deep joy and happiness, instead of sorrow and anger. Not that I hadn't accepted Gpa's death and moved forward before last year--- but in moving forward, I'd had to put the pictures of his last days in my mental box. Now I can take that mental box down and appreciate the man that he was, even in the last painful weeks of his life.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span>But there are still some things, like peanuts and Coke, or hearing a voice that has the same tone as his, that causes me to ache intensely. But I guess that's good, right?<br /><br />Henry R. Hall, I miss you. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /></span></span>Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-32745055450717730412009-06-13T17:12:00.003-05:002009-06-13T17:15:54.664-05:00Having Fun!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/SjQlEKERnhI/AAAAAAAAAM4/EAd62ACENHo/s1600-h/dancing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/SjQlEKERnhI/AAAAAAAAAM4/EAd62ACENHo/s200/dancing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346939410947612178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Caroline, Aaron, and I went out last night to listen to Mike sing in his new group!! FUN! Was had by all! LOL!!!<br /><br />Got the summer hair cut! Check it out!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/SjQk0sAjM3I/AAAAAAAAAMo/osA0vVr_0qw/s1600-h/caroline+and+me.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/SjQk0sAjM3I/AAAAAAAAAMo/osA0vVr_0qw/s200/caroline+and+me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346939145180885874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/SjQk-hUYLqI/AAAAAAAAAMw/K-79JSlvR_w/s1600-h/drinking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/SjQk-hUYLqI/AAAAAAAAAMw/K-79JSlvR_w/s200/drinking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346939314109951650" border="0" /></a>Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-54818321141746245142009-06-09T21:56:00.003-05:002009-06-09T22:10:23.061-05:00Thanks.....<ul><li>Elaine S. for offering me a home. </li><li>Elaine C. for being my shoulder, even though I don't use her as often as I could have.</li><li>Mimi for accepting me no matter what.</li><li>Amber for always reaching out. </li><li>Heidi for straight talking me when I need it.</li><li>Melissa P. for always always listening and offering booze.</li><li>Hilary for friendship and support. </li><li>Toni for offering me her ears. </li><li>Auntie Mel for daily prayers and books. </li><li>Mindy Mae for long emails and texts to reassure me. </li><li>Jenni for books, popcorn, and innate understanding of me. </li><li>April for warmth, compassion, prayer, and tears. </li><li>Jon for honesty and care. </li><li>Mom for being available even when she's asleep. </li><li>Heather for praying and supporting in love. </li><li>Emily for being truthful with me even when it made me cry harder. </li><li>Taggart for friendship, love, and God talk.</li><li>Wendy for loving me, listening to me, and checking to make sure I was there every day. </li><li>Gina for taking care of me. </li><li>Mena for listening, for advising, for caring. </li><li>Carla for cards and laughter.</li><li>Sarah for hugs, honesty, and friendship. </li><li>Amy for commiserating. </li><li>Jenny for texting me always when I seemed to need it the most, with her encouragement. </li><li>Theresa for letting me vent to her. Repeatedly.</li><li>Michelle for offering help and love and support. </li></ul><br />Those that I thanked, they know what's happening... everyone else, suffice it to say that I hope and pray that if you ever hit rock bottom, if you ever think that your situation is unbearable, I hope and pray that you have a network, a support system that will love you, respect you, nourish you, and care for you as mine has and does. I also hope and pray that I can be to these people (and whomever God places in my life) what they have and continue to be to me.<br /><br />I don't know what the future holds. I don't know where I'll be a year from now. I know that I'll be trying to be obedient to God, no matter where I am, what I'm doing, or what color my hair is :) lol. I do know that THESE friends, these people, will still be a part of my heart, my life, my very being. And for that, I'm blessed--- over and over and over and over and over and over again.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-71896006550864587062009-06-08T22:01:00.002-05:002009-06-08T22:09:08.835-05:00Wanting to WriteJust wanting to write here.<br /><br />Starbuck is a HAM. The child. Oh the child. Ever since she got her ear tubes back in March, she's been talking up a STORM. She had a hearing loss, and the tubes have helped to reverse that. She's quite the mouthy one, as a result. Her favorite phrase? "No WAY, Momma!" Ooooo, guess how that burns me up? :) She discovered that she likes swimming. Lots. Refused to take a nap the other day because she was anxious for Daddy to set up the new swimming pool. ""My POOOOOOOOl" is what she kept screaming. For 20 minutes. Seriously.<br /><br />And TPJ? When did he grow so much? He lost a top front tooth on Friday. He looks like a KID. A kid. He's got those freckles across his nose, his daddy's eyes, and his mama's knack of muttering under his breath. "I'll go to bed when I want to go to bed," he says as he's being threatened with an early bed time. But he's amazing, despite his almost 7 year old attitude. ACK! He's almost 7!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />And I'm starting summer school. Teaching, not learning. Though that's one of my goals, to get my paperwork done so that I can go ahead and finish that Master's Degree. :):) I love summer school, and am looking forward to hanging out with my students in a more relaxed atmosphere.<br /><br />Ok.<br />Off to bed.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-79557280641443378712009-06-07T14:26:00.003-05:002009-06-07T14:46:45.089-05:00Giving it my allSo yeah. Giving it my all.... takes more than I've ever given.<br /><br />I don't think I've ever given anyone my everything. I think I've tried. But I don't think I've ever succeeded. I think I've always held a part of me back, thinking that I needed to hold on to a little bit of me. That especially pertains to my relationship with God. Wow--- there's a complex issue.<br /><br />I've always thought that I've given God all of me. But the more I explore my heart, the more I realize that there are bits that I've always held back from him. You might give me excuses and say, "Oh, well, you're human, we all hold on to something." Something along those lines to make me feel better. But those words don't make me feel better. I have been asked by the Father to give Him all of me. And for so long, I've chosen to give Him only the parts I felt I could give Him. Talk about arrogance. As if God didn't create my heart. As if God didn't create me. As if.....<br /><br />I'm embarking on a new adventure. I'm going to try to take it day by day to trust God with all of me. I think that will mean making myself more vulnerable than I've ever been, and have mercy, that scares the tar out of me. I like being in control. I like having my order in my head, in my heart. I like the compartments in my heart that keep things under control. I think I've always been afraid that if I give all of me to God, he's gonna want to open all of my boxes and toss out some things and shake some things out.... oh my. Can I really handle that? Well, I guess that's part of my adventure, right? Let's see what happens.<br /><br />A friend of mine did 40 days---- she embarked on her own God seeking adventure for 40 days. I attempted 21 and made it 5 days.... lol.... so I'm not going to put a time limit on the adventure. I think I'm going to see how long it goes--- hopefully a lifetime....Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-28196052413445805522009-06-06T21:01:00.002-05:002009-06-06T21:03:17.240-05:00SighLove. Respect. The love she needs, the respect he deserves.....<br /><br />It's an awesome book, really. I wish it weren't so awesome, in some ways.<br /><br />Things have been rough in my marriage for some time--- all marriages go through it, I know. But this book, well, it puts things in a different perspective, and darn it all, my pride really hates that.<br /><br /><br />Anyhow. I like my new profile pic. This was a dress that my gma wore back in 1959. Awesome, eh? And the hat came from a beautifully wonderful friend. Too perfect, I think.<br /><br /><br />Ok. Off to surf Craigslist.org. I love the missed connections. Seriously. :)Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-15771705152013973932009-06-03T21:27:00.002-05:002009-06-03T21:31:00.667-05:00Oh God, I cry out....My spirit is so heavy tonight. I've made so many wrong choices in the past year, so many just recently. My spirit is grieved.<br /><br />I started to make amends with God, started trying to do the RIGHT thing... then got scared and lonely and sidetracked again... Oh God, Oh God, I need you.<br /><br />It is so hard to do the right thing, it's so hard to know that you're forgiven sometimes. Because even though God forgives you, and have mercy--- other humans forgive you---- it's so hard to forgive yourself.<br /><br />I want so much to make the choices that are pleasing to my God. I want so much to glorify him. I really really do. Why do I find it so hard to do so??? The spirit is willing, but the flesh, oh God, the flesh is soooo weak.<br /><br />I'm so heavy tonight.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-58103744553233482032009-02-28T14:41:00.002-05:002009-02-28T14:45:57.906-05:00Exhaustion beginsSo I'm now working two jobs. And the funny thing is, I love them both. I so enjoy teaching! And--- I'm serving at Max and Erma's. The money is decent, and I'm good at what I do. I get the job done, I get adult interaction. I'm happy when I'm there.<br /><br />Here's the downside. I'm working 15 hour days about two days a week. I work weekends. I'm really tired. I think exhaustion is starting to set in.<br /><br />Thank goodness Aaron has really stepped up. He's surprised me, if you want to to know the truth. The dishes are mostly done, the kids are fed and bathed.... the house isn't up to my standards of clean, but there aren't many people who can keep up with those, including myself. It's all good.<br /><br />If you want to check in with me, text me! That's about the easiest way. I don't have time to sit at the computer much anymore. So blogging and email are hard for me at the moment. Hopefully this schedule won't be a long term one.... :)<br /><br />Until then, come visit me at M&E's. I'll give you great service, and offer you the best chocolate chip cookies you've ever had! :) It's all I can do not to eat a few every night. :)Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-30692558418055394972009-02-02T01:26:00.004-05:002009-02-02T07:12:35.073-05:00WhoopsTime flies, and it's almost 1:30 am. I've got so much inside me to say, but just not enough energy. I just finished writing Henry's birthday letter. I'm emotionally done right now and I'd like to cry, but I think that might upset the dogs that are hanging out with me, and goodness knows, I can't do that! :):)<br /><br />So check out <a href="http://www.healingmoments.blogspot.com">my healing moment</a><a href="http://healing%20moments.blogspot.com/">s</a>, and then check back here later this week--- I really haven't dropped off the face of the earth.... the earth is just spinning so fast I don't have time to stop just yet.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-19913027400873269762008-12-14T20:33:00.003-05:002008-12-14T21:02:20.142-05:00Time after TimeTime passes so quickly, and there are always amusing things in my life to blog about. But today, I'd like to take a moment to write a book review.<br /><br />The Doctor's Wife, by Elizabeth Brundage, is one of the most excellent books I have ever read. I picked it up at a book sale simply because the cover intrigued me. The cover had a house on it that looked forlorn, ramshackle, and isolated. I think I was in one of "those" moods when I picked it up. I anticipated a light read, with a bit of seriousness here and there.<br /><br />What I got was an intensely written psychological thriller. A love story, a tragedy, a murder mystery, a twist of the plot here, and an unexpected ending there. A social commentary throughout the whole book that was subtly written. It wasn't a commentary that I necessarily agreed with, but I appreciated how it was written and what it had to say. Extremeism, fanaticism, they are as dangerous as apathy.<br /><br />I don't want to tell you everything about the book. But trust me when I say that the characters are excellently written, the plot is divine, the ending is both unexpected and heartaching at the same time--- or it could be comforting and expected, depending on the reader's background.<br /><br />Pick it up. A good book. A good read. A good thought provoking book without being preachy.<br /><br />On a scary note. We lost Starbuck for a good two minutes today. We were coming into the house from the car. Aaron sent her with me. She was way behind me. I went in and put stuff down then went out to help Starbuck. Only she wasn't there. I asked Aaron if she was back in the car, where he was helping TPJ look for parts to a toy. She wasn't. I looked in the house. She wasn't there. It was dark outside. I went outside and started panicking. Calling her name. TPJ was helping, so was Aaron. And there she was, at the neighbors, wandering into their garage. I ran over and picked her up, my heart beating three thousand miles a minute. THe neighbor poked his head out, saying he saw her peeking in his windows. It was scary.<br /><br />Needless to say, I held her tightly for a while.<br /><br />Over and out, readers.<br /><br />OH!! Murray, can you email me your's and Jamie's cell numbers again? I changed phones.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-27570861664649236942008-11-28T22:27:00.003-05:002008-11-28T22:40:26.022-05:00My newest modificationI love Thanksgiving. I really do. I think I like it more than Christmas, in many ways. Less focus on getting and more on giving. I know that is the opposite of how it is supposed to be, but that's how our society has it. ..... anyhow, off of my soapbox.<br /><br />So my fantabulouslywonderfulistic sister in law, Apy, and I went to get tattoos. Yep. We got em. Apy got one that says Qui Docet Dicit--- Who Teaches, Learns/Speaks.<br /><br />Ready for a picture of mine?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/STC5Hh-rIUI/AAAAAAAAALo/yw26NzmmsHc/s1600-h/DSC08266.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/STC5Hh-rIUI/AAAAAAAAALo/yw26NzmmsHc/s200/DSC08266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273918702682317122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/STC5IGOaqjI/AAAAAAAAALw/76-OYb_jovM/s1600-h/DSC08265.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E-8KN2pZelE/STC5IGOaqjI/AAAAAAAAALw/76-OYb_jovM/s200/DSC08265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273918712412023346" border="0" /></a>Infinity. Grace. Salvation. Infinite Grace. Infinite Salvation. It says it all.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-41280970717643238282008-11-24T22:11:00.002-05:002008-11-24T22:23:00.522-05:00I Love....memories that come to you and comfort you.<br />fireplaces that radiate heat.<br />books that allow for escape.<br /><br />Tonight, I was sitting in front of our wonderful new fireplace insert--- we got it in, it works, I love it--- with a book and was thinking about how when I was a younger, there would not be a lot to do on cold winter evenings at home. So I would sprawl out in front of the fire with a book and lose myself in the story and bask in the heat. Good memories.<br /><br />I'm hosting the Thanksgiving Dinner this year. I can't wait. I will go grocery shopping tomorrow for the feast. Then I start cooking on Wednesday. Should I do a turkey and a ham? Hmmm.... decisions decisions.<br /><br />Off to watch the Unit now.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-30351229012905168962008-11-17T23:08:00.002-05:002008-11-17T23:17:36.494-05:00GrowlSince my last post....<br /><br /><ul><li>My son informed me that he learned in school that when girls sometimes say no, they really mean yes. </li><li>My daughter hijacked my coffee and refused to give it back. </li><li>I helped to saw off a cast iron piece in our fireplace.</li><li>I discovered a stash of cat crap.</li></ul>Yes. All of the above is true.<br />The cat crap was the worst. Absolutely. It was under the basement stairs, behind a bunch of paint cans. I can only surmise that the cats used that area as a supplemental litterbox for the past three years. Nastiness.<br /><br />And yes, I helped to use a hacksaw to cut off a piece of cast iron so we could attempt to insert the fireplace insert that isn't being inserted because it's **** annoying. (Insert expletive here)<br /><br />Starbuck loves coffee. Way too much. She gets a little possessive of it.<br /><br />And my son is learning early how to be a deviant. Sigh. Double Sigh. Not really. Seriously, it was just his observation about how women work at school. (He had a crush on a girl he had never met before... and she was his girlfriend... lol)<br /><br />And finally. Prayers and thoughts continue to go to one of my most favorite friends in the entire world--- Murray---- and his family, especially his wife, Jamie. He just had a kidney transplant and our prayers are that everything will be fine. We'll continue to lift him up in prayers and my hope is that all of you who may still read my blog do so as well.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-51720606872681708442008-11-06T01:44:00.002-05:002008-11-06T01:53:01.293-05:00Pneumonia Boy and Insomnia GirlBetween Aaron and Starbuck, sleep eludes me.<br /><br />Aaron has either pneumonia or bronchitis. Yeah, I'm thinking pneumonia. Fever of 103, deep wracking cough.... the end result? Antibiotics and a hot hot hot body under the covers. And not in a good way either. He shivers because of the fever and wants to cuddle to get warm, but he's so HOT that it makes me sweat just to be close to him. I'm not heartless, I promise. Just uncomfortable.<br /><br />And then there's Insomnia Girl. Starbuck has had these waking episodes the past few nights. Tonight started at 10 pm. Normally I let her cry it out. After all, she's a big girl. But her screaming tonight was different and she is getting two new teeth. So I gave her some ibuprofen when she started screaming. Put her back in bed. And she screamed. And screamed. And screamed. For over twenty minutes. So I went into her to pat her back. I ended up picking her up and laying down with her in the twin bed. She patted my face, laid on my stomach, pulled the covers over my face and hers, and did generally everything she could to stay awake. Occasionally, she'd cuddle long enough for me to fall asleep. And then she'd shift and wake herself up again. And me. Finally I'd had enough. So I put her in her crib at about 1:40. She screamed for 3 minutes and was OUT. Turkey child.<br /><br />I'm tired. I'm the only one in the family and household who has not gotten sick from all the puking and other stuff that's going around this area. Let's pray it stays that way! :)<br /><br />I'm on the couch now. Gonna leave the Fresh Prince on in the background (actually, right now it's George Lopez) and fall asleep.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-56189627733247860302008-10-27T04:21:00.002-05:002008-10-27T04:24:32.794-05:00ER!So around 4:30 am, I woke up and my grandma was trying to get out of bed. I hopped up out of my bed to help her and BAM! I immediately felt cold, sick, dizzy, etc. Of course it was because I got up too fast. So I helped her to the bathroom and went out to tell a nurse that she was in the bathroom and that I couldn't help her back to bed. Except what came out was that she was in the bathroom and I felt like I was going to pass out. They sat me down and took my blood pressure. It was low, even for me. Something like 45/30. They sent me to the ER.<br /><br />Where it was ascertained that I simply got up too fast and it just took my body a bit longer to stabilize.<br /><br />:) All is well.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-438837529530089352008-10-26T04:14:00.002-05:002008-10-26T04:32:42.417-05:00Sleepless in AtlantaWell, here's the good news: Prayer works! My grandma's kidneys failed because of a medication that she was on. So they flushed her system and her kidneys are working again! We are waiting for news from the cardiologist about her heart function. Also, she's been in constant pain since around July because of a fracture in her spine that we suspected but could not get confirmed. After doing an MRI, the fracture is confirmed. So on Monday, they're going to do a procedure that should lead to some relief for her pain.<br /><br />The bad news? Well, really, there isn't any bad news. Unless you count the news that I am going to be in Georgia til at least Monday. But you know, while I miss the husband and kiddos (WOW, so much!) I can't think of anywhere I would rather be. Holding grandma's hand when she's hurting, singing hymns, and just being here is worth the heartache of missing my husband and kids. (Especially since Starbuck is now puking like TPJ was...)<br /><br />I'm sleepless because Grandma has been restless since about 3 am. I can tell when the pain medication starts to wear off. Her legs get twitchy and she raises her knees in an effort to take pressure off of her back. She begins to talk more in her sleep-- mostly calling out to the Lord to have mercy on her. I've prayed with her a few times using that phrase. Have mercy, dear Lord, have mercy.<br /><br />I just need to be connected to the outside world right now. Though she's better, I can't shake the feeling that my time with her is limited, shorter than I know. "Well, of course," you all say, "You've just been through a scary time, thinking she was dying in the next day or two." But that's not it. Ask Aaron--- I have a sense for things sometimes. And while I do not want to predict Grandma's death, I know that this time with her is precious. I have the feeling that sometime in the near future, I will look back and be glad that I made the trip down and stayed for as long as I needed to. Have mercy, dear Lord, have mercy. I don't want to think about the reality of my sense of shortened time.<br /><br />My tummy is growling. Gurgle gurgle growl. But it's only 5:30 am. I don't think the cafeteria is open just yet. :) Probably a good thing. I'm leery of eating anything anyhow, since both of my kids have had the pukes in the past three days. :):)<br /><br />Off to read Brisinger, the third in the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini. Excellent. Most excellent. Dragons. Magic. Elves. Dwarves. Battle. Love. Love unrequieted. Dragons. Wait, did I say Dragons? :)Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-76395376526501282742008-10-23T20:27:00.002-05:002008-10-23T20:41:59.225-05:00wittiness not available tonight...So I thought I was going to write this really funny blog about Maggie and the Ferocious Beast--- she encountered a possum last night--- at 2:30 am. Or something about Starbuck and her craving for BUTTER. She eats it by the spoonful.<br /><br />But instead, tonight, I found out that my grandmother is in acute kidney failure. I'm wrestling with the knowledge that she might not have long to live. She's on her way to At.Lan.Ta for dialysis tonight. My mom will call me in the morning. Mom authorized the dialysis so that Grandma can make her own decision--- whether or not to stay on dialysis or to call in hospice. We don't think she'll choose dialysis.<br /><br />So my heart is breaking. And at the same time, I'm angry. I got off the phone with Jenni, my childhood and longest lifetime friend--- and she voiced what I was trying to wrap my brain around. My grandmother has made choices that have caused her body to fail quicker than it needed to. She's done a lot of this to herself. And I know it. So I'm angry about that. But at the same time, I can't face the thought of losing her. I love my grandma. I just always count on the fact that she'll be there when I need her. Or want her. Or whatever. Sigh.<br /><br />I just hurt. And I don't want her to hurt. And I am tired.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-85965241351192862952008-10-19T19:57:00.002-05:002008-10-19T20:17:43.143-05:00A Grandpa and His GirlLast night, the kids and I were up at my in laws. My nephew celebrated his 7th birthday yesterday and afterwards, we went to visit at Nanny and Pop Pop's. Pop Pop was sitting outside, watching a bonfire burn down. We pulled up some chairs to sit for a while and enjoy the over all fall-ish-ness of the evening. TPJ announced that he wanted some marshmallows. So Pop Pop got up and headed towards the house to get some marshmallows. Starbuck ran along after Pop Pop and held out her hand to him. They began to walk down the road, hand in hand. There they were, sihlouetted against the light, the perfect picture of a Grandpa and his Girl.<br /><br />That picture filled me with so much longing. I hope that my girl and her grandpa will have the closeness that my grandpa and I had. I miss my grandpa nearly every day. It's not always a sadness, it's not always a grief that is inside my heart. It is sometimes a memory, a thought, a wondering of what Grandpa would think or say about something.<br /><br />Starbuck is still at Nanny and Pop Pop's. She fell asleep there and is staying for a night or two. She's getting that time with her Nanny and Pop Pop. And hopefully someday, she'll have the relationship with them that I had with my grandparents.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15502932.post-41822890956519784822008-10-16T19:27:00.000-05:002008-10-16T19:28:04.644-05:00Mother Knows BestOk. Mama, if you read this, this is for you. At least, the first paragraph... :):)<br /><br />So I was on my way home from work yesterday evening. My low fuel light had been on when I went to work. And when I came home from work, it was obviously still on. So I stopped at a gas station. But shoot. It wasn't a pay at the pump gas station. And darned if I was going to go IN to the gas station. I figured I'd made it this far, I'd make it home and probably out to a gas station later. Yeah. Not so much. I literally RAN OUT OF GAS at the bottom of the hill in front of my house. Good thing I had a gas can full of gas in the garage. I got enough gas into the car to get to a gas station. But I'll never let my tank get below 1/8th of a tank again. I promise, Mama. LOL!!!<br /><br />Aaron got a visit by the police last night. I was out with a friend and he called me. He said, "Guess who we just got a visit from?" Turns out that Starbuck managed to dial 911 on the phone while Aaron wasn't paying attention. So they came to check on things. Kinda made me giggle. Ok. Really made me giggle. If you ever can't get through to us at home, try us on our cell phones. The likeliehood is that Starbuck has found a phone and it is off the hook. She loves to talk on the phone. So if you get a phone call and all you hear is, "Hi" on the other end and a lot of heavy breathing, it might be Starbuck. :)<br /><br />Ok. That's it. Over and out.Jenettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703687591647649840noreply@blogger.com5