Its a new year and my husband and I have undertaken a small project together. We have decided to remove our existing rock fireplace hearth and cover the rock with something more modern. The last 2 days we have actually had fun taking turns with the chisel and hammer and its been therapeutic for both of us. This is the first chance we have had to do a home improvement project since his diagnosis over a year ago. I will post photos soon and you will see what has made me soooooo sore!
The new year holds plenty of promise for excitement....my older teen daughter now has her driver's permit...and this time next year the younger one will as well! Life is always interesting with teen girls! We all had a great Christmas and enjoyed each other over the new year. I love the fact that I can have an adult conversation with my kids now and I truly enjoy hearing their points of view on issues. My job is in guiding them on how to best express those opinions.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Goodbye 2009!
I am sitting here thinking back on the past year like we all do on December 31 and I am excited for what the future holds. I am not the type of person who dwells on the past. As long as I can learn from it and move on then I figure my life will be better for it. The future always has more promise than the past. Does that also make me an optimist? Hope so!
2009 was a negative year but it was also a blessed year. My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and I spent much of the year as the primary caregiver and parent for our family. It was tough, but it was also a blessing. I got to spend many priceless hours with my family that I, otherwise, probably would not have under normal circumstances. It was a time in our lives that the Lord pulled us away and tucked us under His comforting arms and held us close. I am grateful.
I also wonder if I will be able to go back to working a 'normal' job after I have been spoiled by my time with my family for so long. I have been looking, but nothing is happening. I am praying about creative ways, conventional ways and a combination of both ways to earn a living. We really need the extra income and my options are wide open. As you read this please say a quick prayer that I will see the path that the Lord wants me to take. I am simply a vessel for His purposes and upon Him my faith will be.
2010 brings hope. It brings the hope that I will find my path and purpose.
Be blessed and be safe.
2009 was a negative year but it was also a blessed year. My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and I spent much of the year as the primary caregiver and parent for our family. It was tough, but it was also a blessing. I got to spend many priceless hours with my family that I, otherwise, probably would not have under normal circumstances. It was a time in our lives that the Lord pulled us away and tucked us under His comforting arms and held us close. I am grateful.
I also wonder if I will be able to go back to working a 'normal' job after I have been spoiled by my time with my family for so long. I have been looking, but nothing is happening. I am praying about creative ways, conventional ways and a combination of both ways to earn a living. We really need the extra income and my options are wide open. As you read this please say a quick prayer that I will see the path that the Lord wants me to take. I am simply a vessel for His purposes and upon Him my faith will be.
2010 brings hope. It brings the hope that I will find my path and purpose.
Be blessed and be safe.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve 2009
Sitting here with the family watching corny Christmas specials and these memories are priceless. We have managed to bake something almost everyday this week, including our very first gingerbread house! I have made some fabulous memories with my daughters this year and my heart is big. We also got to go to the mall yesterday as a family to finish up our Christmas shopping. That was a major feat for my husband since this time last year it was a chore for him to even move from room to room with his broken back.
Every day that comes makes us realize how precious life is and we appreciate it more every day! I wish you and your family the best life has to offer and many blessing for the new year. May God bless you all.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Potato Soup
I wasn't feeling great today and the only thing that sounded good for dinner was a warm bowl of potato soup. So I thought I would share my recipe with you. This recipe will easily feed a family of 4.
1/2 lb bacon - cut up into small pieces
1 med. onion - sliced or chunked
1 clove garlic
5-6 med potatoes cut into small pieces
1 14oz can evaporated milk or half n half
4 c water
parsley flakes
seasoned salt
pepper
Brown bacon bits and then add onion and garlic. Cook until onions start to soften. Add rest of the ingredients and simmer until potatoes are soft. Season to taste and mash some of the potatoes to thicken. You can add more milk/water according to your preferences but this gives you a good base. Enjoy.
1/2 lb bacon - cut up into small pieces
1 med. onion - sliced or chunked
1 clove garlic
5-6 med potatoes cut into small pieces
1 14oz can evaporated milk or half n half
4 c water
parsley flakes
seasoned salt
pepper
Brown bacon bits and then add onion and garlic. Cook until onions start to soften. Add rest of the ingredients and simmer until potatoes are soft. Season to taste and mash some of the potatoes to thicken. You can add more milk/water according to your preferences but this gives you a good base. Enjoy.
7 more days 'til Christmas
I must apologize for my absence lately. I have no excuses, just lack of motivation.
The insurance thing isn't working out so much. Its not that it isn't worth doing, it is just a saturated market and I am really not a salesman. I have been looking for full time work with little results in this economy. Its not that I am not qualified - there just isn't a lot of open positions near me but I will keep looking and praying.
I have done a lot of baking while home and I am really enjoying it. I would advertise and sell my goodies but I cannot get a license for that because of my indoor pet. It is mainly for friends and family right now. My artistic side is trying to come out and I have plenty of ideas - I guess I just need a way to sell my wares.
Christmas is in 7 days and I am not even close to being ready. I am ready for the family and time together, but I have not finished with half of the things I wanted to get done. Its not about gifts, but activities to make memories for our family.
Christmas last year was such a bummer and I just want this one to be way better all the way around. Last year, my husband was in bed with a broken back and had just been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. As a matter of fact, he was officially diagnosed on December 18, 2008 exactly one year from today. Since then he has nursed a bad back, had a stem cell transplant and retired from being a policeman.
It has been a busy year, but not a great one. We are ALL looking to making 2010 much better and I hope your coming year brings you much greatness and love.
The insurance thing isn't working out so much. Its not that it isn't worth doing, it is just a saturated market and I am really not a salesman. I have been looking for full time work with little results in this economy. Its not that I am not qualified - there just isn't a lot of open positions near me but I will keep looking and praying.
I have done a lot of baking while home and I am really enjoying it. I would advertise and sell my goodies but I cannot get a license for that because of my indoor pet. It is mainly for friends and family right now. My artistic side is trying to come out and I have plenty of ideas - I guess I just need a way to sell my wares.
Christmas is in 7 days and I am not even close to being ready. I am ready for the family and time together, but I have not finished with half of the things I wanted to get done. Its not about gifts, but activities to make memories for our family.
Christmas last year was such a bummer and I just want this one to be way better all the way around. Last year, my husband was in bed with a broken back and had just been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. As a matter of fact, he was officially diagnosed on December 18, 2008 exactly one year from today. Since then he has nursed a bad back, had a stem cell transplant and retired from being a policeman.
It has been a busy year, but not a great one. We are ALL looking to making 2010 much better and I hope your coming year brings you much greatness and love.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Limited Income
Ok....I am really having issues with all the hype about Social Security not getting a cost of living increase this year. On one hand, an extra couple of dollars each week is not going to give anyone a more comfortable budget. Even a 2% raise totaling an average of $20 each month is not going to move anyone into another tax bracket. On the other hand, the $250 lump sum payment that is being proposed for certain groups of individuals is $10 more per year than that 2% raise everyone is complaining about not getting.
Most individuals will blow $5 each week on things they do NOT need even when they live on the tightest of budgets. That payment of $250 in a lump sum could help someone repair an appliance or a car.
I fully understand the impact of a cost of living increase. My husband's military retirement increases happen every year. And every year we laugh at those extra pennies - not that we don't want them, they just seem so insignificant. Yet, over the years they really have added up.
I feel for those living under the thumb of Social Security but I also feel for the thousands of individuals who have lost their jobs and homes. I for one am extremely grateful for all that I have.
One must sit back and question the vast intelligence of our government when they passed the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Did they actually stop and think about who might pay for it in the long run? What about all these other "helpful" programs our government leaders are rushing to pass. If we had not had "Cash for Clunkers", we might be able to give Social Security the cash flow it needs.....HMMMMM. Just thinkin' out loud.
Most individuals will blow $5 each week on things they do NOT need even when they live on the tightest of budgets. That payment of $250 in a lump sum could help someone repair an appliance or a car.
I fully understand the impact of a cost of living increase. My husband's military retirement increases happen every year. And every year we laugh at those extra pennies - not that we don't want them, they just seem so insignificant. Yet, over the years they really have added up.
I feel for those living under the thumb of Social Security but I also feel for the thousands of individuals who have lost their jobs and homes. I for one am extremely grateful for all that I have.
One must sit back and question the vast intelligence of our government when they passed the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Did they actually stop and think about who might pay for it in the long run? What about all these other "helpful" programs our government leaders are rushing to pass. If we had not had "Cash for Clunkers", we might be able to give Social Security the cash flow it needs.....HMMMMM. Just thinkin' out loud.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Hope
Everyone needs hope. If you look forward to any part of the future then you have hope. Hope is what gets us out of bed in the morning and keeps us moving. Hope comes from heaven above and is a free gift if you have Jesus in your heart. Hope does not come from man or his inner strength - it is an attribute of God and His life within us. I pray for those who do not feel that they have hope and I ask that anyone reading this do the same. Many of those who suffer from depression cannot see the hope in their future and are overwhelmed by the situations in the present. God's grace is sufficient for all your needs and He loves each and every one of us without ever having to earn that love. He gives it freely.
As I begin my new career in sales (insurance), I find that hope is what keeps me going everyday. Hope is what keeps me strong because I know that no matter how bad any day or situation can be, it will not stay that way. I can have an awful day and at the end simply say, "I can't wait to see what God has in store for me tomorrow!"
This past year has been a rough one but with God's grace and strength we can all still smile and know we are loved by Him and each other. Please remember that no matter how bad a situation may seem now, tomorrow holds much promise for greatness.
I love you all and pray for you all that God's plan and love are fulfilled in you.
Faith is simple - BELIEVE!
As I begin my new career in sales (insurance), I find that hope is what keeps me going everyday. Hope is what keeps me strong because I know that no matter how bad any day or situation can be, it will not stay that way. I can have an awful day and at the end simply say, "I can't wait to see what God has in store for me tomorrow!"
This past year has been a rough one but with God's grace and strength we can all still smile and know we are loved by Him and each other. Please remember that no matter how bad a situation may seem now, tomorrow holds much promise for greatness.
I love you all and pray for you all that God's plan and love are fulfilled in you.
Faith is simple - BELIEVE!
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