Blessing #202 - A Father's Love

Pop,

On Sunday, you will be turning 60, and I know you are not looking forward to it very much.  C'mon Dad! It's just a number.  I don't know anyone who had trouble with a birthday.  I definitely don't know anyone who did something crazy just to make turning 30 a little easier.

Okay. Maybe I do know somebody like that. Okay!!! Maybe it's me.

Maybe a fear of birthdays that are multiples of ten is a hereditary thing.

Anyway, I know when I was struggling with 30, I tended to look back and only focus on my missed accomplishments and failures.  In the midst of turning 30, I had a hard time focusing on the good I had done.

As an eye witness to the last half of your life, let me raise my hand and share with you something you got right.

In all my thirty years, never have I ever doubted that you loved me.  You love me not for the things that I do or don't do, but you love me fiercely simply because I am your daughter.

I know that may not sound like a big accomplishment, but trust me, as the one who has had the assurance of your love, it's a big accomplishment.

The older I get the more I've  learned how important your love was for me, and the more women I talk to, the more I realize how lucky I am to have your love and acceptance.

To be honest, I know you didn't have the greatest example to show you love, but as something only God can do, you showed me your love not only in words but in actions my entire life.

Your love and acceptance molded me into the confident and strong woman that I am today.

I could go on, but my words don't seem to do it justice.

Happy 60th birthday Pop! I know you've had many more accomplishments than the one I mentioned, but that one means the most to me.  I love you, but even more importantly, I know you love me.

Love,
Bubba

Blessing #170 - The Perks of Having an Electrical Father

I've mentioned before that my dad is a pastor, but he is also an electrician.  Back in the day, before the church could support him full time, he also did electrical work.

Now, I may or may not use his vast electrical knowledge to my advantage.  How?

Well, sometimes I send him text questions like I did when I needed to spray paint the light fixture in my bathroom.

Sometimes, I may or may not save projects for when he comes to visit me.  Like the old brassy chandelier in my dining room.

When he came to visit at New Year's, he took it down so I could spray paint it.

I painted it with the same spray paint I used on my bathroom light fixture (rustoleum metallic spray paint in dark bronze).  I found the shades at Goodwill for $3 for the set.

Originally, the shades had a plastic liner that made them stiff, but Collin stepped on one and cracked it.  To make them all look the same, I took the plastic out of all of them, and I actually like it better.  Thank you Collin!

Yesterday, my dad took all my phone calls and picture text when I switched out the switches in my kitchen.  

I'm so glad he knows about electrical stuff like how not to get electrocuted.  I don't think I would have been brave enough to try it I didn't know he was a phone call away.

Blessing #163 - Christmas Tour 2012

Today, I wanted to bring a little Christmas cheer and show the little spots of Christmas in my house.

I've already blogged about the fireplace and mantel.

We have enjoyed this fireplace so much this year.  I've had so much fun shopping for our stockings! We have never done stockings before so I would love to hear anyone's stockings traditions.

Also in the living room is our tree which I have already blogged about.

But I have to be honest.  On Monday, I came home from cleaning to find that my boys had taken a little creative license with the tree. Shad was getting ready upstairs, and when I walked in the door, I found my boys squealing with delight, ripping up tissues, and throwing them on the tree.

"Look Mommy! It's snowing on the tree" I almost got upset, but they were so proud of their idea I just couldn't do it.  I did tell them to ask permission next time they have a great idea.

I told them we would enjoy it a few days and then we could clean it up.  They were happy with that answer and were so proud of their creativity.

In the dining room, my plate wall is a great backdrop for my nativity scene and blocks I got from Dayspring's black Friday sale last year.

Also in my dining room is my Christmas fantle.

One of the things I love most about my chalkboard dresser is that it can be seasoned up so easily.

This summer, someone gave Shad a Christmas tree at a yard sale.  As soon as he told me about it, I said, "Is it prelit?" He said yes, and then I was excited.

I didn't want to buy any new decorations for this tree so I decided to use what I had.  Because of winter, I had to bring the bottles on my bottle bush inside, but they look awesome on my tree.

I found another use for my brown paper flowers on this tree.  I think I will hit up some after Christmas sales to find the right supplies for this tree.  I definitely will be using my bottles again, and that's a great excuse to collect more!

Oh! Another reason I did not fuss at the boys for the tissues on the tree is this...

Yep! Those little bows are napkins from my favorite things party.  Right when I started to say, "What were you thinking?" to them, I thought of these. I guess they saw me do it, and wanted to try.

In my kitchen, I gave my dad a shout out with this quick arrangement. Christmas to my dad is oranges, peppermint sticks, nuts, and coconut bon bons.

Right now, my absolute favorite Christmas decoration is in my pantry. Tsh, who blogs at the Simple Mom, posted on her instagram a picture of some chalkboard art she did. Using that picture as inspiration, I started working on my pantry chalkboard.

After tweeking and retweeking as I would walk by, here is what I have.

It just makes my pantry look so cute! I think I'm going to have to do this every few months. Love it! Love it! Love it!

I hope you enjoyed this tour through my home, I will be sharing this post with The Nester, The Inspired Room, It's Just Laine, and Fingerprints on the Fridge. and Cottage Magpie.
 

Blessing #149 - Smitten

Today's post is written by my dad! He's written a post before, and for this special day he had to write another post. The fact that he still celebrates this day is a big blessing to me.  

Smitten is an old English word. It is archaic, (no longer used) in most conversations. It has several meanings and the sentence structure determines the meaning. It can mean to hit somebody or something hard; to affect or afflict somebody; but the way I will use it will be to fill somebody with love. So this is a story about a heart smitten with love.

 I had known of Terry (her daddy wanted a boy so they spelled it with a y instead of an i) but had never really got to talk with her. It was at a party on the 25th , the last Saturday night in October 1969 that I got to really meet her. I don’t remember much about anybody or anything else at the party, for once I talked with her my heart was smitten.

 The moon was shining brightly and there was a light breeze in the air given the night an autumn feel about it. I still remember the wrap around blue and brown plaid jumper with the brown turtle neck shirt. The reason all this stood out was because her long brown, straight hair fell across her shoulders in such a way that it shined in the moon light. Her brown eyes sparkle in the night as she smiled with that one little freckle on her lower lip. Yes, I would say I was smitten.

 Later that night after her “friend” took her home, I drove passed by her house. The truth be known I made many trips by her house in the next few weeks in hope of seeing her outside. That was before I had ever heard of stalking. Stalking is a steady pursuit or a steady harassment. My heart was smitten so on my behalf it was a steady pursuit.

 At school I could not wait for the classes to change so I could just get a glimpse of her or to hear her voice as I said, Hello. With each passing day I knew more and more that I was smitten. This was all new territory for me. I did not know what to do. I did not know what I should do?

 Three weeks had passed and it was Friday. Parkwood High school was having a home football game and I knew she would be there. I had decided to tell her how I felt, but what if she did not feel the same way about me. I was so nervous that I was sick on my stomach. That night at the football game, I ask her to be my girlfriend.

 Here we are, after three years of dating, forty years of marriage, two children and six grandchildren we are back to November 14th. I remember this day each year. It stands out above all the other days. You may say, Bill, why is the 14th on November so special. It is because this is the day I found out, she was smitten too.


 

Blessing #143 - 30 Days of Thanks

It's November, and I think I need a t-shirt that says, "I Survived 31 Days."  Surprisingly, I actually loved blogging 31 Days to Love your Home.   The whole experience was a big refresher for me and a good shot in the arm.  Thank you for reading and all your kind comments. They meant so much to me.

Now it's November and I am on to my next challenge, 30 Days of Thanks.  Have you ever done 30 Days of Thanks? 30 DOT is where you find something to be thankful for every day in the month of November.


Four years ago, I started participating in 30 Days of Thanks. At the time, I had a list of prayer requests that God wasn't answering. In my heart, I was focused on those few unanswered prayers, and God seemed silent and unloving.

One day in November, I saw my sister-by-choice doing 30 Days of Thanks in her facebook statuses.  Unable to resist a good challenge, I had to join too.  Everyday, I would take a few minutes to reflect, write down something that I was grateful for, and thank God for it.

Such a small task, but it changed my entire outlook, and inspired me to start this blog.  Before, I thought God was silent and unloving, but through giving thanks, I realized He was there all along with daily handfuls just for me.

Four years later, those prayer requests are still unanswered, but I am changed.  I know God is with me and loves me.  I see the evidence not in whether or not these prayers get answered, but in the blessings he has all around me.

Last year, my dad encouraged his entire church to do 30 Days of Thanks last year.  I was so encouraged reading all of every one's gratefulness on facebook.

The great thing about 30 Days of Thanks is that you can really make it fit you right where you are. This year, my dad decided to do something big before he turns 60 in April.  He is writing a thank you letter to a different person every day in the month of November.  He's let me read a few of the letters so far, and they are absolutely beautiful.  After reading the first few, I asked him to make me copies because I really want to keep them for the boys and I.

For me, I decided to change it up a bit too.  Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned the (in) Perfect Balance (in)courage group? If not you can read about it here.  This 30 Days of Thanks, I am participating in The Grateful Wife Challenge at (in) Perfect Balance.  Basically, we will be finding something we are thankful for our husbands for everyday in the month of November, and check in with each other every Thursday.

After 30 Days of Thanks changed my entire outlook, I am really excited to see what is going to happen during The Grateful Wife Challenge.  

Colossians 2:6-7 says,

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." 

That verse didn't say, "with a little thanksgiving at the start of every prayer and before your meals." NO! It says, ABOUNDING with thanksgiving.

God has given me life but not just a little life.  He has given me life more abundantly.  I want my life to reflect His love back and be abounding with thanksgiving.

If you've never tried 30 Days of Thanks, please think about it. Gratitude does not come naturally. I think that's why there are so many verses that tell us to give thanks. Gratitude is something you have to practice, and once you make it a part of your life, great things can happen.

Blessing #132 - Stew Kharma

Saturday, I got an odd text from my dad....

"I am not responsible for what text you may get from your family."

At first, I had no idea what he meant, but then I started to connect the dots.  My brother visited my parents in Georgia this weekend, and it was lunchtime.  I knew exactly what was about to come my way, the Zeb's text. 

Zeb's is my absolute favorite restaurant.  I've blogged about it before.  Every time, I visit Zeb's I send my brother a text or picture just letting him know where I am.  When you are eating something so good, you can't help but share with someone else.  For crying out loud, I am his little sister, part of the reason God put me on this earth was to pester him. 

However, I do not appreciate the tables being turned on me.  I quickly texted my dad back.....

"Noooooo! Zeb's pictures! I just had Taco Bell for lunch.  That would be so depressing."

After several minutes, I still had not received a text from my brother so I thought I was fine.  I thought I had dodged a bullet.   Maybe he had a heart after all, but then I got this picture.....

He said he didn't want to be mean so he would just send me the picture of his empty plate. He then went on to say...

"I am also taking 2 pints of stew home, but I will spare you that pic."

Do you see the abuse I take? Taco Bell! Taco Stinkin' Bell is what I had for lunch, and he had to rub it in that he had Zeb's, but that is not where our story ends.  True, that is where my brother's texts ended, but I found out from an unnamed source that the story did not end there. 

Remember those precious 2 pints of stew that my brother took home? Well, one of his kids stepped on the fragile styrofoam container and smashed it as they were getting out of the car.  Oh! But it gets better! Then the other precious pint of stew got dropped on the ground. 

For some reason, my brother did not send me pictures of the smashed stew. He didn't even let me know that it had happened.  It could be that he was too upset.  I know the old adage says not to cry over spilled milk, but trust me you cry over spilled stew.  Maybe he knew that I would have way too much fun coming up with funny texts about it.  For whatever reason, he didn't tell me about his mishap. 

Fortunately, thanks to my unnamed source I know the rest of the story, and I just couldn't resist blogging about it.  Sorry brother, just doin' my job. 

Blessing #130 - The Lawn Mower

Sixteen years ago, an accident took the life of a boy my family knew.  It just didn't seem real or right that someone my age could be gone so suddenly. 

Sensing my hurt and questions, my dad told me, "You need to go ride the lawn mower."  I looked back at him puzzled, "But Dad, last time I cut the grass I ran into the side of the house?"  He explained that when he was trying to work through things he would ride on the lawn mower.  He also explained that I didn't have to have the blades down, I just needed to drive around and think. 

For about an hour, I aimlessly drove around our yard.  Much to my surprise, my dad was right.  For me, the lawn mower was a good place to sort through my feelings. 

Tuesday, one of my childhood friends was killed in a car accident.  Her family is an integral part of Ridgeway (the church that my dad pastors).

My heart is broken for her family, husband, and two small children.  I have no Christian cliches to say right now just prayers and a hurting heart. 

Today, I'm taking the lawn mower for a ride.  If you drive by, don't be alarmed if you see me crying, I'm just asking God the tough questions in my heart. 

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Blessing #122 - My 30th Birthday, and the 10th Birthday Adventure

Hold on one second.....

Just one minute....

I'll be ready in a second....

I've just got to put on my dacin' shoes to do my happy dance because.....

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Yes, let the celebration begin. I'm thirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrty.  (Sorry, I'm still having a little trouble saying it.) 

Every year on my birthday we have a birthday adventure.  In the past we have explored Baltimore, Washington DC, the beach, and amish country.  However this year I needed something bigger.  I am 30 after all.  It's a multiple of 10.  It deserves to be celebrated.

I started thinking of the best way to celebrate this birthday over 6 months ago (Yes, I plan that far ahead).  Every single time I thought of celebrating my 30th only one activity popped in my head.  Only one adventure would do for this year....skydiving.

Yes, jumping out of a plane is just the cure for my third life crisis.

When I turned 20, my dad arranged for me to fly in a go cart with a fan and parachute on the back. I know there is a more technical term, but I can't think of it right now. Here's a picture of one.

It was absolutely amazing to be that high in the air with hardly any barriers or restraints.
That was the first birthday I did a "birthday adventure."  I guess for my 30th, I wanted to follow the same theme, and skydiving seemed to fit.

Am I scared? Yes! Terrified! I really don't like to fly and I have ended up in tears every time I have flown.  Shad flew with me once, and immediately vowed never to fly with me again because I was such a wreck.  So yes, I'm scared.  In fact, right before I opened up blogger to write this post, one of the headlines on yahoo said, "Grandma's Terrifying Skydive." Great! That's just what I want to see before I jump.

As scared as I am, I know if I don't do this, I will always regret it.

So around 11:00 AM today, my plan is to welcome this new decade of life much like I began my first decade, with arms wide open, screaming to the top of my lungs, and living life to it's absolute fullest. 

Curse #39 - Sermon Tools

Sometimes having a dad that's a pastor really stinks!

For the most part, I have always loved that my dad is a pastor.  He's a good person, dad, and he really seeks God in his life, but there is one part of having a dad for a pastor that I don't like. 

No one, NO ONE can give a better guilt trip than a dad that's a pastor.

When I was 15, I had a spin out in our car and refused to drive after the experience.  After a couple of years of me being afraid, my dad preached a message on facing fear.  After church as we were walking out to the car, he handed me the keys and told me to drive home.  I guess he wanted me to practice what he preached.

A few years ago, I started working towards getting my master's degree.  After Collin was born, I took a break, and that "break" has now lasted a year and a half. 

For the past month, my parents have been "encouraging" me to start back up and finish up my degree, but I've really been dragging my feet, and haven't yet seen the light.

My dad has made it his mission to make sure I finish my degree, and he is using his almost 30 years of preparing sermons, counseling people, and hearing every excuse in the book to do it. 

Every time he says anything about it, I just tell him, "When I work my courage up, I'll do it." That phrase has worked for several weeks, but yesterday, my dad caught on to me, and used every tool he uses in his sermons against me. 

Sermon Tool #1 - Reflective Questions

dad: Stephanie, you say that you have to work your courage up, just what are you afraid of.

me: I don't know dad.  It's just scary.

dad: What makes this scary?

me: I don't know.  I think I may have failed the last class I took right before Collin was born, and I'm afraid to face that. 

Sermon Tool #2 - Personal Story

dad: I felt the same way when I failed 10th grade biology, but we have to face what has happened. 

me: Yes.  I guess.

Sermon Tool #3 - Quotes

dad: That's right, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself.  Who said that? Roosevelt?

me: Yes, Roosevelt said that. 

Sermon Tool #4 - Bible Story Reference

dad: You have been given an amazing opportunity and you are going to be held accountable for how you acted on this. (parable of the talents reference)

me: I know. 


My dad cut me a little slack and did not use ever sermon tool he had. 

 Sermon Tool #5 - Quote a Bible verse

 He did not use this one on me even though he is a walking concordance.


 Sermon Tool #6  Alliterated Three Point Outline

 I think he didn't use this one because I would have caught on after the second point.  I guess he knows that he has to be sneaky about his "sermons" to me. 

If I don't get on the whole master's thing, he will probably break out the big guns with...

 Sermon Tool #7 - The Altar Call.

This conversation has not happened yet, but I imagine it will sound like this. 

dad: You need to face your fears and get this done.  Now, let's all bow our heads. 

me: What?

dad: If you are here today, and you have a fear you need to face with an uplifted hand you are saying "Preacher, I need to face my fears."

me: Seriously?

dad: I see that hand.

me: Dad! #1 - I didn't raise my hand, and #2 we are on the phone you can't even see me. 

dad: I see that other hand.

me: What's that sound. Is that Mom singing "Just As I am ?"

Curse #37 - "That Mom"

Do you know anyone whose "that mom"?

You know, the one that always has a band aid and a small first aid kit in her purse just in case her kid gets a boo boo, and a deck of cards to play go fish with if there is a long wait.

The mom that can turn any trivial event into a touching life lesson for her child.

The mom who makes sure their kids do a craft at least once a week.

The mom who sits downs and plays in the floor with her child and still somehow manages to get all the laundry done. 

You know, "that mom" that has got it all together. 

Well, I am not "that mom."  There's a reason why I don't give out parenting advice on the blog.  I can paint walls, and make things pretty, but when it comes to motherhood, I have more questions than answers. 

Last week, when my parents visited, we decided to take a day trip to Philadelphia, to see all the sites, and of course eat a cheesesteak at Gino's. 

That morning, I had a moment of motherhood clarity, and I decided to pack some snacks for the boys just in case they got hungry.  That may seem very small to you, but for me it was huge.  I was so proud of myself for thinking ahead like that and getting all my ducks in a row. 

Who knew? Maybe I was "that mom" after all!

I think my pride lasted about two minutes.  As I was walking out the door, I realized I had not packed one diaper or wipe for Collin. He had no diapers, but he had snacks! Fortunately, I caught it just in time and avoided potential disaster. 

We set out on our adventure in my parent's van, and about an hour down the road, I suddenly realized....

I FORGOT THE STROLLER!!!

It's always in my car so I never think about it much.  I had not thought to move it to my parents car. 

Navigating a city with 27 pounds of solid baby is very difficult without a stroller.  I told my parents, and they took the news in stride.  I guess by now they are used to my scatterbrainess (I don't know if that's a word, but just go with it).

We set out to explore the Liberty Hall and Liberty Bell area, stollerless, but before we got started we had to make a pit stop to the bathroom.  In the bathroom, I realized, I had left my camera in the car.  My mom and I then had this conversation....

                      me: Mom, I forgot my camera in the car.

                      mom: Stephanie. (sighs and rolls eyes)

                      me: Dad, was nice about the no stroller thing, but I think me forgetting the camera will  send him over the edge.  Quick, what can I say is the reason for me going back to the car. I forgot my inhaler and I'm feeling wheezy!

                      mom: feeling wheezy?

                      me: Oh! I can tell him I need to get a feminine item.  If I say a feminine item I know he won't ask any questions!

In the end, I went with the truth, and my dad didn't mind waiting the five minutes for me to go get my camera.  

The day would have been a total motherhood failure had it not been for the snacks. At least I remembered the snacks!

However, I soon realized I even messed that up too! How? Well, take a look at these pictures and maybe you can figure out my failure. 

 

Even when I think I've got it together, I don't.  "That mom" would have realized that two bags instead of one would reduce fighting.

Try as I may I don't ever think I'll be "that mom," but that's okay.  I have a feeling my boys are going to know that I tried my best and that I loved them.  Besides, thanks to all my mishaps, Brandon and Collin are going to have way funnier stories than "that mom's" kids!

"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!"

Blessing #116 - A light fixture

On Monday, I blogged about the landing table in our mudroom. Another project in the mudroom was the light fixture. First, here is the before...

Impressive...I know. I liked starting with this, because you can only improve. 

I really did not want to spend money in my mud room.  I've tried to be smart about the materials I use so I can do it for as cheap as possible. 

Last week, I saw this hanging basket in Dollar Deals for $3. 

I immediately thought of a pin I saw on pinterest, and I knew that I had to buy two of those baskets!

I took out the liners of the baskets, and used some wire to attach the two baskets together. 

What happened to the liner you ask?

They had some fun with them. 

Originally, I planned on making a pendant light out of this, but then I found out it fit perfectly over the existing light.

That's definitely an improvement, but it would look so much better if it were all the same color.

Removing that brass plate would require some electrical skills, but  lucky for me my parents were visiting and my dad's an electrician.  He unhooked the light for me and we spray painted it a flat black. 

I debated about making it bright and colorful, but I figured the cool wire was the attention grabber in this piece, and not a bright color.

I have been talking about Edison Bulbs for months now, and Shad surprised me and brought me home an Edison bulb from Home Depot.  I don't know if they are really called Edison bulbs, but that's what I call them.  I just love them because you can see the filament.

In the end, here's how it looked. 

It's kind of kattywampus (that's right I said kattywampus) because I dropped it, but I still love it!

Here is the Edison bulb all lit up and pretty like!

 
Now for the good part..the cost. 

Hanging Baskets: 2 at $3 a piece - $6
Spray Paint: $3.50
Edison Bulb: $10

Total: About $20

I love the look.  It's absolutely perfect for my mudroom!

I'm sharing this project with these great sites.