New day, new life

So why didn't I do this before? How could I listen but not hear? For the congenitally unorganized, making lists is the rescue technique which should be employed by self. Get up in the morning before 8AM. Breakfast, walk/exercise, clean, chores. After chores, it should be time for a quick lunch, check email, log Weight Watchers info. While eating, I do my devotions.

This effort at keeping my life on track has been a soul-lifting experience. I feel lighter, happier. I must keep at it so I can be free.

Put her down!

I'm starting my third week of being sick. Is this how it goes until the end? I have a cold/sinus infection/bronchitis. Doctor's appointment today.

My husband believes I have put on weight since he's been gone. How would he notice? He's never home. I think the comment is just payback because his belly has gotten big and he stands with it sticking out like a sailor on deck trying to maintain his balance in the rolling seas. He's right, I do have a giant muffin top. I really need to commit to work on losing weight. Why does it just have to get harder and harder as you get older and older? Note - picture of me doesn't include my face since I don't have any makeup on and my hair is a mess. Whine, whine, whine...I'm on a roll.

All Quiet for Now at Least Outwardly

It's been a difficult week. We had to put our special Annie down. We've had her for 12 years and she is definitely the most pleasant dog I've ever encountered. Brendan said one time if he could meet a girl with eyes like Annie's he'd marry her in a heartbeat. Well, Melissa has beautiful eyes, but they're not brown like Ann's, they're beautiful blue.

We're getting ready to head out to the Crow's for Christmas. I feel like a need a rest, but Jess has plans for us to help paint her living room. Maybe, maybe not.

I was wondering this AM while doing my quiet time if reading Scripture would help my Mom with her many issues. It should help her focus and on a positive note, maybe she would be less despondent if she's spending a little time reading something uplifting. We'll give it a shot and see if she seems more pleasant when she's less focused on herself. This is a pic of her last Christmas. Don't let the smile fool you.

What goes around comes around

I guess I started this blog approximately a year ago. Not a lot of entries, but that's okay. The "boy Barrette's" were here with their families for the weekend. I'm always a little melancholy when they're here. A touch of sadness mixed with the joy of seeing the results of my life with my husband. An obvious, tangible result of our love for each other. Four little girls in total, with mommies and daddies in tow. How amazing it is that the Lord chose us out of all the people He could have chosen. The icing on the cake would be the presence of the Crows.

The main excitement for the start of the weekend was my visit to Medstat on Friday afternoon. The family next door asked me to put their dog in the house to avoid the incoming storm. I don't think "Jaden" likes me, because she tried to take my left thumb. It was hard to visualize the damage initially since it was bleeding like she'd hit an artery. Two deep cuts, (must have sunk her canines in well for maximum effect); one on the fat pad of my thumb and the second along the top and left side of the nail. It was like Dan Akroyd's version of Julia Child on SNL, blood everywhere. Since I couldn't stop the bleeding, on for treatment. Keflex, steristrips, and a tetanus shot. They no longer suture dog bites because of the concern over infection. I can't knit, can't clean, can't garden...I wonder if I can golf?

I love that we are created with opposable thumbs, they're very handy, but I believe a flaw in the design was dominant hands. In this situation being truly ambidextrous would be awesome. It's going to take a while for this to heal. Coban is another truly wonderful creation.

Slug

I don't want to do anything today. Couldn't fall asleep last nite to save my life and woke up at 7:55AM for the dogs. Toby was moaning and rubbing against the bed. (That doesn't sound good). I took care of them and went back to bed until Guess Who called.

I'm officially up and have wasted an hour on the computer. I guess I'll clean the first floor after I finish here. More coffee first.

Sooo, I continue to lose weight, slowly but surely. The weight loss BS has been a tremendous success. Encouraging, funny, thought provoking. The main thread seems to be balance. Finding balance in my life. The thought occurred that I have never had that. Aren't all things possible through Christ? I'm either down in a hole or flying high. It's frightening to be constantly on the run emotionally. The joy and sweetness of knowing the Lord will take care of all of the day to day moments that hold me in the present yet gives me something to look forward to. My desire is that I'm changed and that I get out of His way to allow it.

Now What???

Todlay is kind of an off day. Nothing seems to work and John just left for parts unknown. Usually the first day of a business trip, I feel a little exhilarated. I think it's because I'm not immediately accountable to anyone, then I feel lost and miss him terribly. I don't want to clean, I have yet to shower, just an off day.

It's too quiet here!

This is tricky. Jessie and the Crowsjays left on Saturday evening, their van (Horn's) packed to the rafters. Jonathan and the third generation of Midwest Barrette's left on Sunday afternoon. The only ones left here are the old people and the 2 dogs.

It was a very fun, chaotic Christmas and I cherish the fact that 4 generations of my family could be together and interact lovingly with a great deal of laughter. The food was nonstop, as was the noise. I still think I can hear a baby crying, although years after the fact, I still think I can hear someone calling "mom" in public places. Gram says that's true for all mothers no matter how old or far removed they are.

We did a 5s (declutter) of my basement/family room on Saturday at the insistence of Jonathan and Jessie. What a team! John took a full pickup truck to Good Will this AM and said 3 people unloaded their trucks before he could finish his. Jonathan's hearts desire beside time with Erin is that we clean out the closet in Brendan's room and set up cubbies for my yarn stash. Jessie says the amount I have "FRIGHTENS" her.