How many times do we go through our day and not know if we have touched someone's life? I'm talking about the "big" touches. You know the ones. I'd like to think of them as God moments. Those times in our lives when God puts just the right thoughts, words, body language and pours a bit of the Holy Spirit in there and then...wah la! It's a God moment. A moment you didn't plan or create, but were a part of and may not even know it.
I've had a couple of those this week.
Nope, God was not putting those beautiful words in my mouth. I was on the receiving end.
As a mother, caretaker, educator, wife, taxi driver, housekeeper, maid, and slave laborer (did I say that??) :-) among a few of my job descriptions, I many times feel alone. Shocking, right? I'm surrounded by children all day, but I feel utterly and entirely alone. I feel lost and scared. I worry that I'm not doing enough. Sometimes I worry that I'm doing too much and I'll start having seizures again. And, honestly, sometimes I just worry. I feel lost and did I mention alone?? sigh
However, this week two people that read my blog (seriously, I didn't know anyone still did), called or spoke to me in person and touched me. It made me think of a song that I learned growing up, "This Little Light of Mine." I could really see the light of Christ in them. They touched me. They reminded me I wasn't alone. I'm doing okay. I'm on the right path.
So, today or tomorrow or even next week if you feel the urge to say something (nice or constructive) to someone...listen to your heart. Listen to God. Share the light of Christ with others.
You have no idea what your actions today might spark in someone tomorrow.
Peace and Happiness,
Sara
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Floating
It's been one of those days. We've all had them. It started off as a decent sunshiny day and morphed into something else.
Let's just say I felt the need to text a friend for a boost. My foot went through my porch (because it's rotten and needs to be replaced...I was really thinking, until said foot went through, that it just needed to be repainted...sigh). While doing the laundry, I found my son's blessed magnet cross in the dryer...in pieces. I took the children to a Catholic school to check it out (I felt like a total failure when I left). And, I still feel like we are in limbo with the fostering thing. You know there is really no reason to go on at this point. It was one of those days.
I felt overwhelmed and alone by the end of the day. As I sit here fighting the tears, I feel a bit stressed and I'm trying to remember that I should be giving this up, right??
Then, I sit and think about all of the people who don't have a porch to put their foot through. They don't have a laundry machine that works to do the laundry...or they don't have enough clothes to wash. What about those who don't have the chance to be home with their children and watch them learn? And, what about those foster children who feel lost and alone??
Oh, that's right. I'm lucky. I'm blessed. I'm not alone.
So, as I ride along in my boat in the big ocean we call life. May God be my captain and may I no longer float along, but ride with the wind in my hair and the sun in my face (even if it burns) because He has a plan for me!!
Peace and happiness,
Sara
Let's just say I felt the need to text a friend for a boost. My foot went through my porch (because it's rotten and needs to be replaced...I was really thinking, until said foot went through, that it just needed to be repainted...sigh). While doing the laundry, I found my son's blessed magnet cross in the dryer...in pieces. I took the children to a Catholic school to check it out (I felt like a total failure when I left). And, I still feel like we are in limbo with the fostering thing. You know there is really no reason to go on at this point. It was one of those days.
I felt overwhelmed and alone by the end of the day. As I sit here fighting the tears, I feel a bit stressed and I'm trying to remember that I should be giving this up, right??
Then, I sit and think about all of the people who don't have a porch to put their foot through. They don't have a laundry machine that works to do the laundry...or they don't have enough clothes to wash. What about those who don't have the chance to be home with their children and watch them learn? And, what about those foster children who feel lost and alone??
Oh, that's right. I'm lucky. I'm blessed. I'm not alone.
So, as I ride along in my boat in the big ocean we call life. May God be my captain and may I no longer float along, but ride with the wind in my hair and the sun in my face (even if it burns) because He has a plan for me!!
Peace and happiness,
Sara
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
All in a Day's School Work
So, this morning I got up and found myself faced with a tickle in my throat. Ugh! I'm not at all excited by this. AT ALL!! Anyway, I got up and made the butter braids my sister had out on the counter rising. These things are so yummy. Really, if you've never tried them...you must! I made cream cheese and apple. Mmmmm. We did a few loads of laundry, which I'm happy to say my kids were great about helping me. Yeah, go kids!!
After breakfast, the kids and I sat down and began our school for the day. I checked in with each of the children's instructional supervisors. (This year we are doing online school, so there is someone we answer to...it takes some getting used to for me...I like to be in control.) The ladies are lovely. They have been very helpful and are always eager to do what I need. There are just things that I don't always like or want. School work was a huge success today. I am always so much in awe of my children. I am so happy for them and so proud of them.
Much to my little guys dismay today he drew pictures and had to do copy work about his drawings. He does not like to draw or color, so we try to do this every week. It's very painful for everyone involved. He also did spelling, reading and math. Of course, since we tend to do our work around the kitchen table, he also studies whatever subjects the girls are studying. He listens and answers questions. Even if he's playing with his toys at the table while they are doing their work, he's getting more. :)
My middle daughter began working on spelling today. We reviewed her words and she took spelling tests. She also wrote a letter. Mythology was the next subject for her. She LOVES mythology. Next, she worked on her multiplication. We had a light bulb moment there...so exciting! Then, it was off to reading and she rounded the day off with science...whew...that girl was crazy today!
My eldest was equally amazing today. She flew through her history today. She did so many lessons I can't even count. I am always excited by the amount of information she retains when she reads. I am also excited that she enjoys working on this subject on her own with just a review from me. (I loathe history...really, I do.) This has been both a good and bad thing about the online schooling. She has more independence and can move at her own pace; however, sometimes I don't have a clue what she's talking about when she's got a question...I have to look through the book and her lessons, etc. grrr... Although, the questions are fairly few and far between....which leads to the other bad thing...I miss the one on one time with the school work. I like teaching.
So, school is good! My kids are great! And, I am the luckiest mom in the world...that is until tomorrow when everything falls apart and the tickle in my throat becomes something worse and nothing goes right with school and the ice hits and ....and...and...Okay, maybe I'll stick with it's all good!
God Bless!
After breakfast, the kids and I sat down and began our school for the day. I checked in with each of the children's instructional supervisors. (This year we are doing online school, so there is someone we answer to...it takes some getting used to for me...I like to be in control.) The ladies are lovely. They have been very helpful and are always eager to do what I need. There are just things that I don't always like or want. School work was a huge success today. I am always so much in awe of my children. I am so happy for them and so proud of them.
Much to my little guys dismay today he drew pictures and had to do copy work about his drawings. He does not like to draw or color, so we try to do this every week. It's very painful for everyone involved. He also did spelling, reading and math. Of course, since we tend to do our work around the kitchen table, he also studies whatever subjects the girls are studying. He listens and answers questions. Even if he's playing with his toys at the table while they are doing their work, he's getting more. :)
My middle daughter began working on spelling today. We reviewed her words and she took spelling tests. She also wrote a letter. Mythology was the next subject for her. She LOVES mythology. Next, she worked on her multiplication. We had a light bulb moment there...so exciting! Then, it was off to reading and she rounded the day off with science...whew...that girl was crazy today!
My eldest was equally amazing today. She flew through her history today. She did so many lessons I can't even count. I am always excited by the amount of information she retains when she reads. I am also excited that she enjoys working on this subject on her own with just a review from me. (I loathe history...really, I do.) This has been both a good and bad thing about the online schooling. She has more independence and can move at her own pace; however, sometimes I don't have a clue what she's talking about when she's got a question...I have to look through the book and her lessons, etc. grrr... Although, the questions are fairly few and far between....which leads to the other bad thing...I miss the one on one time with the school work. I like teaching.
So, school is good! My kids are great! And, I am the luckiest mom in the world...that is until tomorrow when everything falls apart and the tickle in my throat becomes something worse and nothing goes right with school and the ice hits and ....and...and...Okay, maybe I'll stick with it's all good!
God Bless!
5 Little Things and Goal Setting
During the last month I've been talking a great deal about 5 things and making lists. It really was working quite well. I've taken a bit of time off and come to my sisters. While here I haven't been able to "purge" things from my home; however my main objective was just making it through the days...yeah, I did that!!. That pretty much was my entire goal. Huge for me, right? You also know that I love to make lists, but really these last few days have just been about going through the motions and picking up the pieces and making sure everyone was still there at the end of the day.
Now, we are onto tomorrow. First things first, I need to get rid of some things. I think that I need to go to confession somewhere before the ice storm hits here. I could totally "purge" my soul of some things...I'm sure I have at least 5 things there!! My children need to learn about my 5 little things idea. I'd like to share it with them. I really have enjoyed it so much. I think they will also.
Then, I'm thinking that I need to look into both some short and long term goals. I could "purge" my body this week of unwanted and unneeded calories this week!! That could be a short term goal which could lead to the long term goal of taking better care of myself. I could get back to writing my blog and sharing of myself. It makes me feel so much better. I just feel such a release. Ahhhhhh!
You know writing all of these things down and looking over them again...I think I need to go on a spiritual retreat. Anyone else feel the same way? Anyone feel like they just need a soul cleaning, quick start on their journey?
I believe that it's the little things we do that make a big difference in the end. And, I think it's the little things that I do today that will make a difference for myself and my family tomorrow!
God Bless!
Now, we are onto tomorrow. First things first, I need to get rid of some things. I think that I need to go to confession somewhere before the ice storm hits here. I could totally "purge" my soul of some things...I'm sure I have at least 5 things there!! My children need to learn about my 5 little things idea. I'd like to share it with them. I really have enjoyed it so much. I think they will also.
Then, I'm thinking that I need to look into both some short and long term goals. I could "purge" my body this week of unwanted and unneeded calories this week!! That could be a short term goal which could lead to the long term goal of taking better care of myself. I could get back to writing my blog and sharing of myself. It makes me feel so much better. I just feel such a release. Ahhhhhh!
You know writing all of these things down and looking over them again...I think I need to go on a spiritual retreat. Anyone else feel the same way? Anyone feel like they just need a soul cleaning, quick start on their journey?
I believe that it's the little things we do that make a big difference in the end. And, I think it's the little things that I do today that will make a difference for myself and my family tomorrow!
God Bless!
My Nephew
So, I've been visiting family this last weekend. It's been bittersweet. My reason for visiting at this time of year is of course to be here for my sister and her family for the 1 year anniversary of my brother-in-law's accident. However, my own selfish reasons for being here are to spend time with my family.
One of my very favorite things that I get to do when I come to visit is spend quality time with my nieces and nephews. My nephew B & I hang out in the evenings when everyone else goes to bed. Over the last few years we've gotten closer and spent a great deal of time together. Sometimes his older brother, my godson, M, hangs with us...but he's in college now...so, not as much. B & I used to always have a movie night out when I came to town...until the local show shut down. Now, we find other things to do.
Many times, we will sit and watch a movie and just hang out. It's nice. These are times that I know that I will cherish forever!
Tonight we went out for a late night Mickey-D's run. He got his first Big Mac!! I was such a proud aunt..ha ha. Oh, and there were fries, an egg nog shake, an oreo mcflurry, a soda, 2 cheese burgers and a really, really crappy holiday pie...don't try one of these...NASTY!! After our late night food run, we just sat around and shot the breeze for about an hour. It was so wonderful!
I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful nephew that still likes hangin' out with his crazy Aunt Sara.
God Bless my nephew!!
One of my very favorite things that I get to do when I come to visit is spend quality time with my nieces and nephews. My nephew B & I hang out in the evenings when everyone else goes to bed. Over the last few years we've gotten closer and spent a great deal of time together. Sometimes his older brother, my godson, M, hangs with us...but he's in college now...so, not as much. B & I used to always have a movie night out when I came to town...until the local show shut down. Now, we find other things to do.
Many times, we will sit and watch a movie and just hang out. It's nice. These are times that I know that I will cherish forever!
Tonight we went out for a late night Mickey-D's run. He got his first Big Mac!! I was such a proud aunt..ha ha. Oh, and there were fries, an egg nog shake, an oreo mcflurry, a soda, 2 cheese burgers and a really, really crappy holiday pie...don't try one of these...NASTY!! After our late night food run, we just sat around and shot the breeze for about an hour. It was so wonderful!
I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful nephew that still likes hangin' out with his crazy Aunt Sara.
God Bless my nephew!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Dinosaurs
I'm not sure how this has turned into dinosaur week at my home, but somehow we are there. We are currently making a model of a dinosaur. Tonight my son got some green paint on his teeth and my husband told him not to worry because it could just be the dinosaur's food caught in his teeth. My son piped up and said.."Dad, he's a carnivore not a herbivore" "Hello." Ha ha ha
We also made white chocolate dinosaur suckers today. My son enjoyed two of those and gave one to Daddy. There's still one left, but since I don't like white chocolate...I'm sure it will be eaten by someone else tomorrow.
Maybe we will just head to the library and check out some books and then get the Land Before Time movie. :)
I'm enjoying this special time with my little man.
God Bless
We also made white chocolate dinosaur suckers today. My son enjoyed two of those and gave one to Daddy. There's still one left, but since I don't like white chocolate...I'm sure it will be eaten by someone else tomorrow.
Maybe we will just head to the library and check out some books and then get the Land Before Time movie. :)
I'm enjoying this special time with my little man.
God Bless
Schooling over the Phone
So, my oldest and I just did homework over the phone. I must say that was an interesting way to do things. Although, I must say that I am so very lucky that I have such wonderful children who are so willing to do the many crazy things I ask them to do.
Missing and loving my girls tonight!!
God Bless
Missing and loving my girls tonight!!
God Bless
Monday, November 29, 2010
My boys and their toys
So, I'm watching my boys play my husband's Christmas present. Yes, I said Christmas present. I told my husband what I was getting him and after a few days of "Oh, I really don't need that," he and his son went and picked one up a few days early...lol.
Yes, we officially have a PS3 in our home now. It's definitely not for me. I have no desire to play the games at all, but it's really funny to watch the two of them playing.
They are driving cars and crashing into things. There is much laughing and wiggling around as they try to get their cars to do what they want them to do. My son is also adding some extra car and crash noises when he does things....so cute.
I think this will give me some time to blog and crochet. This could be a win-win.
God Bless!
Yes, we officially have a PS3 in our home now. It's definitely not for me. I have no desire to play the games at all, but it's really funny to watch the two of them playing.
They are driving cars and crashing into things. There is much laughing and wiggling around as they try to get their cars to do what they want them to do. My son is also adding some extra car and crash noises when he does things....so cute.
I think this will give me some time to blog and crochet. This could be a win-win.
God Bless!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Being positive & Thankful
I'm trying to be positive today. Here goes...
I'm positive that I have at least 8 loads of laundry to do.
I'm positive that my nose is runny and it will be raw from the blowing by the end of the day.
I'm positive that I need to go to the store and it will be busy.
I'm posistive that my list will not even be close to getting finished today.
I'm positive that when my sister comes, the floors will still need to be mopped, the rooms dusted and laundry will still be dirty.
whew...
I'm thankful that I can do those 8 loads of laundry. I can go up and down my stairs. I have children that God has blessed me with.
I'm thankful that I am able to wipe my own nose. How lucky am I that I only have a cold this holiday season? There are so many others who are so very, very sick this day.
I'm thankful that I can afford to go to the store today. I will be buying cans of food for the outreach at church today also. I'm thankful that I can help others.
I'm thankful that I have things to do. I can't imagine having a life where I sit and feel like I'm empty and alone with nothing to fill me.
I'm thankful that my sister is coming. I'm thankful that she doesn't care or judge about my messy house and dirty floors. She loves me for who I am. I am thankful and blessed to have a sister who loves me through thick and thin (even when we hate each other...lol) no matter what.
Thank you for sharing a moment with me and God Bless!
I'm positive that I have at least 8 loads of laundry to do.
I'm positive that my nose is runny and it will be raw from the blowing by the end of the day.
I'm positive that I need to go to the store and it will be busy.
I'm posistive that my list will not even be close to getting finished today.
I'm positive that when my sister comes, the floors will still need to be mopped, the rooms dusted and laundry will still be dirty.
whew...
I'm thankful that I can do those 8 loads of laundry. I can go up and down my stairs. I have children that God has blessed me with.
I'm thankful that I am able to wipe my own nose. How lucky am I that I only have a cold this holiday season? There are so many others who are so very, very sick this day.
I'm thankful that I can afford to go to the store today. I will be buying cans of food for the outreach at church today also. I'm thankful that I can help others.
I'm thankful that I have things to do. I can't imagine having a life where I sit and feel like I'm empty and alone with nothing to fill me.
I'm thankful that my sister is coming. I'm thankful that she doesn't care or judge about my messy house and dirty floors. She loves me for who I am. I am thankful and blessed to have a sister who loves me through thick and thin (even when we hate each other...lol) no matter what.
Thank you for sharing a moment with me and God Bless!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Babies and more babies
My son and youngest daughter have expressed an interest in expanding our family. They feel as though we need to grow. When asked why, they both say because they want more kids to play with at home. They love playing with each other and they want more brothers and sisters.
God Bless the babies waiting to be born.
God Bless the babies waiting to be born.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
What to do for School?
Even though we are enrolled in BOSS this year, I still like to enhance the children's education with extra projects. We attend weekly Academic Enrichment Classes which cover a different subject every month. Additionally, we go to the library about once a week in order to peruse the shelves. The children also enjoy tennis lessons, soccer (for my youngest), clay classes, and 4-H. --Although, these last things listed won't start again until spring.
With the extra things in mind, I also like to make sure my children feel passionate about their school work. They don't have to love everything, but I want them to love learning. I need them to have fun with school!
So, we try to take the subjects that BOSS presents and adjust them to our needs. We might make crafts instead of just reading the mythological lesson. There might be experiments instead of just reading in the science book. You get the idea.
I need to decide where we go from here. That's where I am this morning. I'm thinking about my children's future educational needs. What do I need to do to meet those? What can I do to make their education more fun and exciting...while still creating that all important learning environment?
Hmmm. A great deal to be thinking about this early in the morning. Yet, at the same time, I think about this all day everyday, so today is really no different.
So, where do we go from here?? I will always be planning for tomorrow and looking to their future, but hopefully living in the today with them!!
Enjoy your children today and God Bless
With the extra things in mind, I also like to make sure my children feel passionate about their school work. They don't have to love everything, but I want them to love learning. I need them to have fun with school!
So, we try to take the subjects that BOSS presents and adjust them to our needs. We might make crafts instead of just reading the mythological lesson. There might be experiments instead of just reading in the science book. You get the idea.
I need to decide where we go from here. That's where I am this morning. I'm thinking about my children's future educational needs. What do I need to do to meet those? What can I do to make their education more fun and exciting...while still creating that all important learning environment?
Hmmm. A great deal to be thinking about this early in the morning. Yet, at the same time, I think about this all day everyday, so today is really no different.
So, where do we go from here?? I will always be planning for tomorrow and looking to their future, but hopefully living in the today with them!!
Enjoy your children today and God Bless
Monday, November 15, 2010
Remembering your Birthday
Today my brother-in-law is celebrating a very special birthday. It's his first birthday in heaven. I'm not saying that I'm not sad...because I am. I'm human. I mourn his loss everyday. I miss him so much. He was more than my brother-in-law, he was my brother!
That being said, he's celebrating in heaven this year with Jesus! How awesome must that be? He's so lucky.
I'm praying for him today, as I have everyday for the last 11 months. My hope is that Mark is sending heavenly prayers to me and everyone else who is thinking of him today and always. You know that saying that what goes around, comes around...that's how I feel about prayer...that and a little bit goes a long way!
I love you Mark!! Today and always big brother! May God wrap you in his arms today and may you have a rockin' heavenly birthday this year!
God Bless
That being said, he's celebrating in heaven this year with Jesus! How awesome must that be? He's so lucky.
I'm praying for him today, as I have everyday for the last 11 months. My hope is that Mark is sending heavenly prayers to me and everyone else who is thinking of him today and always. You know that saying that what goes around, comes around...that's how I feel about prayer...that and a little bit goes a long way!
I love you Mark!! Today and always big brother! May God wrap you in his arms today and may you have a rockin' heavenly birthday this year!
God Bless
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Spectacular Sunday!
What an amazing Sunday we had today! First, I was able to sleep in...woo hoo! I don't really know how it can get any better than that, do you? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy getting up and saying "Good morning Lord" vs. "Good Lord it's morning"; however, I really like doing it a bit later in the morning. I'm just not a morning person. Although, I'm really not a night owl either. Hmm, is there such a thing as an afternoon person. Wait, I really like my afternoon naps. Okay, I'm good between 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm. Catch me during those times and you're good!!
Now, back to my families' spectacular Sunday! We went to Mass. My eldest was asked to serve. She was so excited, she loves serving. I was honored to teach CLOW for pre K-2nd. They were so cute today. :o) After Mass we found out my middle daughter is going to be able to take server training this week and be commissioned at the end of the month. She is SO happy. Yeah!
After Mass, my children and husband went home while I attended a confirmation retreat meeting in the Loft. It was a very productive meeting. I like to feel productive.
After the meeting my husband picked me up and we went on a date...to the store!! Woo Hoo! We went to Wal-Mart. Top that!!! Oh, yeah it was a rockin' time...seriously, it was nice to be together, but people are starting to get crazy this time of year. We went ahead and bought some staple items that would mean we wouldn't have to do as much "hard core" shopping during the holiday season. Really, the crowds are crazy!!
Then, my fabulous husband made dinner while I sat around and did nothing. Nice, right?? We cleaned up and are now watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Although, as I look around, I'm really not certain where my youngest has run off. He's probably in his room building something. Better yet, he probably has the glue, tape, and scissors somewhere and is making some incredible thing that will both fascinate and enthral me.
I am a lucky wife and mother!
Happy Sunday and God Bless!
Now, back to my families' spectacular Sunday! We went to Mass. My eldest was asked to serve. She was so excited, she loves serving. I was honored to teach CLOW for pre K-2nd. They were so cute today. :o) After Mass we found out my middle daughter is going to be able to take server training this week and be commissioned at the end of the month. She is SO happy. Yeah!
After Mass, my children and husband went home while I attended a confirmation retreat meeting in the Loft. It was a very productive meeting. I like to feel productive.
After the meeting my husband picked me up and we went on a date...to the store!! Woo Hoo! We went to Wal-Mart. Top that!!! Oh, yeah it was a rockin' time...seriously, it was nice to be together, but people are starting to get crazy this time of year. We went ahead and bought some staple items that would mean we wouldn't have to do as much "hard core" shopping during the holiday season. Really, the crowds are crazy!!
Then, my fabulous husband made dinner while I sat around and did nothing. Nice, right?? We cleaned up and are now watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Although, as I look around, I'm really not certain where my youngest has run off. He's probably in his room building something. Better yet, he probably has the glue, tape, and scissors somewhere and is making some incredible thing that will both fascinate and enthral me.
I am a lucky wife and mother!
Happy Sunday and God Bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)