Some days I wonder where I am. I feel like Waldo amidst his world of look alikes and crazy characters. For Waldo, normal is being adrift in a sea of business, but taking the time to wave to those who will look for him. That was today for me.
It was a normal, regular day. And I wondered what was wrong. No special events, no catastrophe to manage. Just a regular ol day. I'm not sure what to do with those anymore. See, since the last post I've been really busy managing life for our little tribe. Sick Husband came to visit. And sick, he was. Work had a week and a half fundraiser/special event so everyday was energy charged. Needless to say, I was shoved in the direction I would go.. Shoved by forces beyond my control.
So now, I look around for a minute and think "hmmm, is this what normal looks like?" If so, normal is kind of boring. I never really pegged myself as an adrenaline junky, but I think my life has made me one. Just standing here in the middle of life's menagerie and waving to the internet (hi Mom!) doesn't get my juices flowing, but it makes me happy. So, here's my biggest Waldo smile to you!
I pray that I can find contentment and appreciate the joy that is a "normal" stretch of life, however short it may be.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Things are starting to gel... but I am wondering if they will actually set up
It was a long "short" week at school. The kids are not reacting as expected to the start of a new semester. So, being "master teacher" (bwahahahaha!) I will adjust my tactics. Poor, poor little children.
Last night I got to enjoy the Husband's company for a while with no children or work forces present. What a wonderful evening. Our plans to visit a new restaurant were thwarted by an hour and a half wait. Thanks, but we'll wait for things to die down a bit. So we ate at a new place to us. It was ok. Pretty typical food. Nothing I couldn't do better myself.
Then we went to see True Grit. This movie is a big deal for Hubby because he is a huge John Wayne fan and loves the original. Of course, by now we knew that this movie was not a remake. It was a completely new script taken more closely from the book. Maddie Ross is a spit fire of a girl that I completely loved. Rooster Cogburn was a crumudgeon that seemed to channel my grandfather. Seriously, in his first scenes I could hear Granddaddy telling stories out in his shop. That kind of threw me a little. Hard to watch your grandfather in a picture like this. Kudos to the Cohen brothers who wrote and produced this film. It was very enjoyable.
Chris still liked the original better, but said this one was OK. Well, I couldn't have asked for more. But he was gut laughing at all the right parts and had a purely physical reaction to the snakes. It was kind of a "grab my arm and cringe/moan/avert the eyes while still watching" type thing. Cinematic success in my book!
So, when we weren't watching the movie, Hubby and I got to discuss some goals for us and the family. Most pointedly, our health. We made some decisions and some plans. We still need to set some goals, but I think we are actually going to do it this time. Mostly because we have no more excuses. No more Master's classes. No more double jobs. No more tiny children. We are left with peering at our own laziness and sinful nature. God, help us overcome our gluttony.
I'd say that's a date night of which to be proud! So, time to go rake some leaves and get the day into motion. The upkeep never ends.
Last night I got to enjoy the Husband's company for a while with no children or work forces present. What a wonderful evening. Our plans to visit a new restaurant were thwarted by an hour and a half wait. Thanks, but we'll wait for things to die down a bit. So we ate at a new place to us. It was ok. Pretty typical food. Nothing I couldn't do better myself.
Chris still liked the original better, but said this one was OK. Well, I couldn't have asked for more. But he was gut laughing at all the right parts and had a purely physical reaction to the snakes. It was kind of a "grab my arm and cringe/moan/avert the eyes while still watching" type thing. Cinematic success in my book!
So, when we weren't watching the movie, Hubby and I got to discuss some goals for us and the family. Most pointedly, our health. We made some decisions and some plans. We still need to set some goals, but I think we are actually going to do it this time. Mostly because we have no more excuses. No more Master's classes. No more double jobs. No more tiny children. We are left with peering at our own laziness and sinful nature. God, help us overcome our gluttony.
I'd say that's a date night of which to be proud! So, time to go rake some leaves and get the day into motion. The upkeep never ends.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Whooosh! What was that?
Well it is a Wicked Wednesday for the Willingham's. Mid point in a very busy week. Just taking a moment to say Hey! and let you 3 readers know I haven't relapsed or fallen off the face of the earth. Here's the scoop:
Chris - Week before Big Youth Event, putting in roughly 80 hours this week in preparation since he was a) out last week and b) they are 2 staff people down; will work all weekend with late hours helping coordinate a multichurch youth event with over 200 teenagers. Late nights will ensue. I think 1 am for Fri and Sat nights is being generous.
Me - Monday meet with youth girls went great, battling a head cold with frequent sinus headaches, starting a big people Bible study which is taking over my Wednesday nights, being single Mom, making holes in my schedule when I get a chance to see my husband because that is IMPORTANT. It's the end of the 9 weeks at school, so we have some extra work going on there, too.
Family - boys are unhappy about doing homework and very tired, having trouble getting back into school routine after being sick, Mamaw (Chris grandmother) hospitalized with massive bleeding ulcer yesterday, they thought she might not pull through, but seems to be doing OK last I heard. Faith is doing well and getting used to a new work routine - same job, just with a helper who she gets along with great.
So I am tired and ready for a quiet weekend. It's not going to happen. Sigh, but that's alright. Good things are going on and I can rest when I'm dead.
Chris - Week before Big Youth Event, putting in roughly 80 hours this week in preparation since he was a) out last week and b) they are 2 staff people down; will work all weekend with late hours helping coordinate a multichurch youth event with over 200 teenagers. Late nights will ensue. I think 1 am for Fri and Sat nights is being generous.
Me - Monday meet with youth girls went great, battling a head cold with frequent sinus headaches, starting a big people Bible study which is taking over my Wednesday nights, being single Mom, making holes in my schedule when I get a chance to see my husband because that is IMPORTANT. It's the end of the 9 weeks at school, so we have some extra work going on there, too.
Family - boys are unhappy about doing homework and very tired, having trouble getting back into school routine after being sick, Mamaw (Chris grandmother) hospitalized with massive bleeding ulcer yesterday, they thought she might not pull through, but seems to be doing OK last I heard. Faith is doing well and getting used to a new work routine - same job, just with a helper who she gets along with great.
So I am tired and ready for a quiet weekend. It's not going to happen. Sigh, but that's alright. Good things are going on and I can rest when I'm dead.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
First week of 2011
It has been quite the first week of a new year. Fun with friends started the year. It was a great visit! Thanks to all who came.
Here are my buds with me! I have truly awesome friends! We danced with the Kinect, played Rock Band, and shared testimonies with each other. Because we aren't just friends, we are siblings in Christ!
This is the Bacon/Willingham Contingency. Great photo shooting Ryan!
Then we started with sick kid.. flu... ick! 2 1/2 hours at the dr office proved it. Quickly followed by another hour at the pharmacy waiting on a very expensive prescription. Who knew Tamiflu was that pricey?? That was followed quickly by another sick kid.. awesome.. love the fevers, sweet boys... then we crescendoed with a sinus infection and some work stress for me. Tack on another hour and half at the doctor's office and trip to the pharmacy for antibiotics. Sigh. "Add the fact that Chris was in class all week, and I was doing this like a single Mom, and it was stellar, " she said sarcastically. Welcome to you, too, 2011!
Here are some men checking out the new scope for the AR during the New Year's Party. This is what I wanted to use by Wednesday when I was sick and tired and ready to restart 2011!But the best news is that Chris finished his class and is done with his Master's work! Yep, after quite a long time, he is done. He got his paperwork filed for graduation and will walk in May. That is a true reason for excitement! I am so proud of him! The hard work and perseverance have finally paid off.
So, I am hopeful that the start of 2011 is not a foreshadowing of what is to come. In fact, I will be content in knowing that I serve a God who has His best interests at heart and that I am a part of His plan. There are some perks beyond imagination! And if my year does not improve, here is a cup of coffee with a monkey on it. Because if you put a monkey on it, it's fun! And if it's not fun, at least I get coffee.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Holiday Highlights
What a wonderful Christmas! So fun to be with family that we haven't seen in a while. So blessed to share a small piece of life with people I love. I got to enjoy some little things this week at the farm. Cooking and washing dishes could have been a drag, but it was wonderful to be helpful and useful for others. Sharing gifts with those we love was a joy. Seeing the faces light up and the smiles take over.. people getting what they wanted with no strings attached.
So here are some pictorial highlights.. notice the small things, please.
So here are some pictorial highlights.. notice the small things, please.
Oma Hugs are the best!
I can't believe they took the time to pose so sweetly!
James and Julie always go great together. What a wonderful brother and sister I have!
Sisters! See the family tree behind them on the wall?? They come from a long line of sisters, but share a love so sweet!
This is a table full of food, that represents tradition and love and effort and all those fabulous family things. I am so blessed to have a family that values that. Notice, no turkey, it's roast beef with Yorkshire Pudding and other fun treats.
Every "kid" table has it's own personality. I can't pick just one for this table! These are kids who have tons of individuality and personality!
Dad likes to play tough. And he is tough. Shhh, don't tell, but he's a softie, too. Especially when it comes to his family. Love Granddaddy's Marine "fighting" ring there. By the way, he's protecting his Yorkshire Pudding!
I love stockings! Here are ours. Can you guess who gets which one?
An angel shared the news of the birth of Jesus. This one has been hanging around our house for over a decade. She's got some news to share too. Jesus is born!
Such handsome men and what a legacy!
I am truly blessed!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tell me it's over.. PLEASE
We have turned the proverbial corner. The sick one seems to be fungus, fever, and puke free. He actually ate a real meal today and played chase with his brother. Friends, that is the first time in 7 days he has done that. Despite his worn out, thin as a crack addict look, I think it is all good. The bones and dark circles will go away after a few regular meals and some good sleep. He has settled in to playing some X-Box in the horizontal position, but we are well on our way. I am definitely looking forward to a great Christmas on the farm.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Whew! I should have a medical degree.. or something
When our kid gets sick, we work hard to make them well. Along the way, I have picked up a few tricks.
Trick 1: I avoid nasal decongestants that simply thicken the snot. That leaves me with 1 or 2 options to deal with head congestion. Guaifsasen and the equate nasal spray make a wicked 1-2 punch.
Trick 2: I put myself in the mindset that sleep is optional and get some whenever I can. Having awoken to child gagging on snot for several days in a row, I am in prime condition.
Trick 3: The use of unused prescriptions should be handled carefully, but is totally an option. Remember that little used script from the summer that is floating around the medicine drawer? It could be handy if a mass of mouth fungus arrives.
Trick 4: pray pray pray..
Trick 5: When it's not working, go to the damn clinic and get some antibiotics. Don't dawdle around and wonder if you should wait until morning. Usually, sooner is better if you the little patient isn't perking up.
Trick 6: After 6 days of battling the gunk, be ok with scrapping your plans for Christmas holiday domination and settle for corn dogs, rented movies, and doing a little laundry.
Trick 7: Keep a list of when differnent medications were given. It's so hard to remember what was given when. The combinations of acetiminophen, ibuprophen, 2 decogestants, mouth fungus removal pills, and antibiotics with different dosages and time spans can get a little hard to manage when you are sleep deprived. If you don't keep track, bad things can happen.
Trick 8: Remember to thank the husband for understanding when you are too tired to cook a healthy meal. Corn dogs are substantial and will get them through until tomorrow.
So, I am off to do some laundry and check on the sick one who is finally eating more than 2 mouthfuls in a setting. Looks like things are looking up!
Trick 1: I avoid nasal decongestants that simply thicken the snot. That leaves me with 1 or 2 options to deal with head congestion. Guaifsasen and the equate nasal spray make a wicked 1-2 punch.
Trick 2: I put myself in the mindset that sleep is optional and get some whenever I can. Having awoken to child gagging on snot for several days in a row, I am in prime condition.
Trick 3: The use of unused prescriptions should be handled carefully, but is totally an option. Remember that little used script from the summer that is floating around the medicine drawer? It could be handy if a mass of mouth fungus arrives.
Trick 4: pray pray pray..
Trick 5: When it's not working, go to the damn clinic and get some antibiotics. Don't dawdle around and wonder if you should wait until morning. Usually, sooner is better if you the little patient isn't perking up.
Trick 6: After 6 days of battling the gunk, be ok with scrapping your plans for Christmas holiday domination and settle for corn dogs, rented movies, and doing a little laundry.
Trick 7: Keep a list of when differnent medications were given. It's so hard to remember what was given when. The combinations of acetiminophen, ibuprophen, 2 decogestants, mouth fungus removal pills, and antibiotics with different dosages and time spans can get a little hard to manage when you are sleep deprived. If you don't keep track, bad things can happen.
Trick 8: Remember to thank the husband for understanding when you are too tired to cook a healthy meal. Corn dogs are substantial and will get them through until tomorrow.
So, I am off to do some laundry and check on the sick one who is finally eating more than 2 mouthfuls in a setting. Looks like things are looking up!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Dear Santa,
Dear Santa,
I hope you and the Mrs. are doing well in the days preceeding your busy night. I truly hope and pray that the elves have kept up their productivity and the reindeer are prepared for their supporting role in the festivities of the 24th.
The W'ham's are well and have just a few simple requests. Mr. W'ham would like a smooth ending to his Masters' classes. See, with just one class left, set to be finished the first week of January, he's kind of waiting for the next shoe to drop. So, can you bring him peace of mind and completed paperwork? And some speakers for the entertainment center. And maybe even a new "how to build a deck" book? He seems to have lost his other ones.
Son #1 is my manic planner and would like to become a Lego engineer. He has a life plan that, with several contingencies mapped out. He seems to have it all under control. So, what do you get for the boy who has everything?? I don't know either. Perhaps if you could get him a love for people other than his best friends? Maybe help him to be a little more understanding of people less intense than he is? Oh yeah, and maybe a razor, because I think he might need one really soon. And some pants that are long enough would be great.
Son #2 is insanely curious about his world and how things work. He doesn't have a favorite anything other than video games. He loves to solve those problems, as long as they aren't too hard. Then he gets frustrated, much like his Mama. He is not interested in reading, except when it involves things he shouldn't be reading. So, if you could bring him the code for how to read, that would be great. He's getting there, but could use a bit of a push. Oh, and a haircut that doesn't make his cowlick stick straight up would be grand. And some pants without holes in the knees. And socks.. matching socks.
Now Mama W'ham's list is a bit more simple. She would like a maid to keep her house neat. If that is not possible, perhaps some initiative to help from the menfolk in her world. She would love to find a new author to read that provides a creative and fresh perspective to the literary world. And finally she would like to have a deck in her backyard, some trees removed, and a plumber on retainer. Simple, see?
So, dear sweet Santa, Merry Christmas to you. May you be blessed and have a wonderful, safe trip. I'll see you soon with cookies and cocoa waiting.
Yours Always,
The W'ham Guardian House Elf
I hope you and the Mrs. are doing well in the days preceeding your busy night. I truly hope and pray that the elves have kept up their productivity and the reindeer are prepared for their supporting role in the festivities of the 24th.
The W'ham's are well and have just a few simple requests. Mr. W'ham would like a smooth ending to his Masters' classes. See, with just one class left, set to be finished the first week of January, he's kind of waiting for the next shoe to drop. So, can you bring him peace of mind and completed paperwork? And some speakers for the entertainment center. And maybe even a new "how to build a deck" book? He seems to have lost his other ones.
Son #1 is my manic planner and would like to become a Lego engineer. He has a life plan that, with several contingencies mapped out. He seems to have it all under control. So, what do you get for the boy who has everything?? I don't know either. Perhaps if you could get him a love for people other than his best friends? Maybe help him to be a little more understanding of people less intense than he is? Oh yeah, and maybe a razor, because I think he might need one really soon. And some pants that are long enough would be great.
Son #2 is insanely curious about his world and how things work. He doesn't have a favorite anything other than video games. He loves to solve those problems, as long as they aren't too hard. Then he gets frustrated, much like his Mama. He is not interested in reading, except when it involves things he shouldn't be reading. So, if you could bring him the code for how to read, that would be great. He's getting there, but could use a bit of a push. Oh, and a haircut that doesn't make his cowlick stick straight up would be grand. And some pants without holes in the knees. And socks.. matching socks.
Now Mama W'ham's list is a bit more simple. She would like a maid to keep her house neat. If that is not possible, perhaps some initiative to help from the menfolk in her world. She would love to find a new author to read that provides a creative and fresh perspective to the literary world. And finally she would like to have a deck in her backyard, some trees removed, and a plumber on retainer. Simple, see?
So, dear sweet Santa, Merry Christmas to you. May you be blessed and have a wonderful, safe trip. I'll see you soon with cookies and cocoa waiting.
Yours Always,
The W'ham Guardian House Elf
