Posted by Prairierose on Feb 28, 2006
I had a rude awakening yesterday. I had an eye doctor appointment. For starters, it was at 9:40 — and I wasn’t called back until almost 10:20. And they were NOT that busy. Mondays are when I work out to the office with David to get the billing done for the trucking company — and I didn’t even think about that when they called to remind me of the app’t. When I did figure it out … I’m thinking “OK .. 9:40 …. should be out of there by 10:30. Piece of cake”.
Wrong.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 27, 2006
Did I ever tell you about when I broke my arm?
The year was 2001. For the first time in 18 years, I was unemployed. We had been a part of a family owned business — David’s mom and dad owned the business; and then due to some health problems and other things, they sold to it to a man from Texas. 3 years later, any investment that had been put into it was gone. And the bank made the final call saying they would no longer honor payroll.
That was 15 days before Christmas.
I was eligilble for unemployment, and so I took the opportunity to just have some time to be home. After working 18 years, many many hours of overtime and weekends when David’s mom and dad had it … I was enjoying my time off.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 26, 2006
Posted by Prairierose on Feb 25, 2006
Julie tagged me. I’ve seen this on lots of blogs, so guess its my turn now to share “My Fours.”
Four Jobs You Have Had In Your Life:
1. Mommy
2. Secretary/Office Manager in a family owned business
3. Part-time bookkeeper at a factory that made aviation simulators.
4. Church secretary
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 23, 2006
13 Things I would like a accomplish this week
1. Get Ethan’s Merit Badge information. Email the MB counselor and find out what Ethan lacks in the badges he has started, and get them finished up.
2. Send RW adoptions. Most of the readers here won’t understand that. In the “graphic” world, there is this really amazing artist, and she creates “Real Women” graphics. I have 2 of them, and I have some requests for them that need to be sent out.
3. Wednesday Wonders. A meme and Bible study that I came across yesterday. Its a Scripture meme. The lady hosting it was in a Christian group that I was in awhile back, so I would really like to participate in this again.
4. Clean off office desks. They have become “catch-alls” and need some serious attention.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 22, 2006
Once a month, the nursing home tries to do some kind of “family oriented” night, inviting family members to come and participate. They have had picnics, Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party. In January, “dessert night” was scheduled; but there were so many residents that were sick, and seemed like half the town, that it was decided that it would be best to reschedule it.
It was rescheduled to tonight. I had entertained the thought of not going … we had church stuff going on, etc. But. after my aunt had called me several times, to make sure we were coming, and to bring our camera, I knew “not going” was not an option. So, cookies and camera in tow, we went.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 22, 2006
To friends and family who don’t blog, they probably won’t understand this. But to those in the blogging world — this might make sense. Since I have a new and wonderful look that I did invest a small tidy sum in (but to refresh your memory — the money for this all came about from a Christmas present to David’s folks. A gambling trip. And David gave me money to gamble with. So, I gambled a little, and brought the rest home, and “gambled” that Leanne would make my blog home look wonderful and amazing. Obviously, I hit the jackpot.) — changing the look here is no longer in my vocabulary. Its like trying to quit smoking. The desire is still there. It was something I really enjoyed doing — finding new templates, and adding my “Prairie View” look to them.
But, I am putting that part of me away. That was a choice I made when I chose to spend the money to have this new wonderful look.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 20, 2006
Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you about when Ethan was born?
Keep in mind — the child was due Wednesday, Feb. 13. Inducted labor, no less. But, starting the stubborn streak early, the induction was to no avail, and we went home, child - less, and began the waiting game.
Thursday. No contractions. Not a twinge.
Friday. Repeat of Thursday.
Saturday. Still no baby.
Sunday. Attended church. Lots of attention, because EVERYONE knew I was having this baby on Wednesday. Yeah. Right. Our minister had just moved the week before, so we had an intern preaching this Sunday. And, a group of us took him out for lunch — at the Pizza Hut. After lunch, David went out to work for his dad, and I and the boys went home. We lived 10 miles from town.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 19, 2006
Ethan survived his evening alone. Matter of fact, truth be known, he probably enjoyed it. More than I would like to see. We will just have to see how it all unfolds. He was one the phone most of the evening. With. A. Girl. Long Distance!! He swears she called him. It was a girl he met at a Forensics meet, and they have been IMing back and forth quite a bit. Hopefully, a “nights and weekends” plan was in place,and this phone call isn’t going to cost a fortune.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 18, 2006
I am sure I have just been nominated “Meanest Mom Of The Year” award. We are going out for a steak supper tonight. Without Ethan. And its his birthday. Can you see how that might SEEM like an unmotherly thing to do? And believe me. The Guilt-tripping is there.
Care to hear MY side of the story?
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 18, 2006
Its hard to type when you are trying to stay wrapped up in a warm fuzzy blanket. Baby. Its. Cold. Out. There. My little weather pixie says its 3 degrees. It looks so sunny and warm and inviting outside. 3 degrees. Just a little cold for my liking. However. I can count on one hand the days this winter that its been that tempature, so I guess I can’t complain too much. We could have a whole season for sub zero temps — we have in years past. Its been extemely mild this winter, and I for one, have extremely thankful. I do not like cold weather. Esp. with adorned with ice and snow. I love the visual side of it — the gilistening trees, the snowy landscape with freshly fallen snow. But. Thats about it. My other 4 senses do not take a liking to the cold.
I’m off to fix a hot cup of tea, and get my Birthday boy up. He has slept in long enough.
Posted by Prairierose on Feb 17, 2006
13 Reasons Why I Didn’t Do Thursday 13
on Thursday this week
1. David’s dad was admitted to the hospital the night before, so David had a late night, and was just slow getting around — hence no morning computer time for me.
2. I was working on getting the church’s bi-monthly newsletter out and didn’t stop for lunch, which is another marked computer time for me.
3. After working at the church, I went home, checking my email, and then went out to “the office” to work on truck paper work.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 17, 2006
If there isn’t an awesome new design showing up as you read this, glance over to your left and click on “EW A Prairie View” in the Theme View section. Isn’t this amazing? Leanne at E.Webscapes is a very talented artist, and I knew when I found out she would be the one doing this for it, it would be something amazing. And I was right. I love it, and will not be changing “the look” for awhile. I know know (for those of you who REALLY know me, and sitting back in your chair just laughing away) — REALLY. This is such a wonderful put-together look that ties together who I am as a blogger and where I live, and who I am.
Thank you Leanne. You did a great job, and I am more than a little pleased with the end result!
Posted by Prairierose on Feb 14, 2006
Tuesday: What a wonderful Valentine’s day. The sun is shining. The weatherman says its supposed to get up to almost 70 today. What more could we ask for mid-winter? And no, I’m not happy and giddy because its Valentine’s day. No flowers have arrived, no suprises anticipated. I showered David with some extra special attention this morning (I know, I know … TMI). I have been wanting a new cell phone, but haven’t pushed for it very hard because my 2 year contract isn’t up yet. But, due to David wanting Ethan’s phone — which is like all his drivers phones, and they can’t get them anymore, we are looking at a new phone for me… Ethan gets mine … and David gets Ethan’s for the lastest driver they hired on. Don’t ask. Its complicated. So, a new phone is what he is doing for me for Valentine’s day. And I am taking him out for supper at the place of his choice. He always pays, so this evening is “on me”. And of course..that was that morning thing. Ah…. never mind.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 14, 2006
Lot’s Wife - Due February 14th
Genesis 19:1-29 Click on verse to read in seperate window.
1. Do you know women like Lot’s wife-exceeding quiet, willing to let their husbands make the important decisions? What is the plus side of such reticence? What are the dangers? Where do you fall on the scale of quiet to noisy? How does the quieter approach help or hinder our relationship with God? (Higgs. 2004)
2. Why did God spare Lot and his family? Did they deserve such grace? How can you explain God’s patience with Lot and his wife? Do you try God’s patience at times? Do you deserve God’s grace? How can you accept it? (Higgs. 2004)
3. The business of Lot’s offering his daughters to the men of Sodom-how do you handle a story like that? Turn away from it? Hide it from you children? Get angry about it? Learn something from it? Is that story only suited to ancient times, or do we see anything similar happening today? If so, how are we to respond? (Higgs. 2004)
4. . Lot’s sons-in-law laughed at him-why? Have you ever told someone bad news and had him or her laugh? We all have people in our lives that are headed for eternal punishment. Should we tell them and risk being laughed at, as Lot was? How do you handle people who ridicule your sincere attempts to show them an escape route? (Higgs. 2004)
5. Has the Lord ever given you directives as clearly as the angels did to Mrs. Lot-”Don’t look!” or “Don’t stop!”? Were they difficult to obey? Is a “don’t” harder to obey than a “do”? (Higgs. 2004)
6. Why did Lot ask to run to Zoar rather than the mountains? Do you ever bargain with God like that? What are we to learn from Lot’s example of asking for another option? (Higgs. 2004)
7. Of the suggested reasons Lot’s wife turned back toward Sodom, which one makes the most sense to you? (*Click HERE for suggestions.) Why aren’t we told more about Lot’s wife in this story and, in particular, about her decision to turn back? Did she want to perish, or would she have seen it as an accident? Or . . . as punishment? What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from the salty tale of Lot’s wife? (Higgs. 2004)
Reference
Higgs, Liz Curtis. 2004. Lot’s Wife: Pillar of the Community. Bad Girls of the Bible and what we can learn from them.
Posted by Prairierose on Feb 13, 2006
Monday evening: Maybe I”m just hormonal. Or a spoiled brat. But, things aren’t going “my” way, and it is reducing me to tears. I shouldn’t be like this.
I’m frustrated wth our Scout troop. I’m frustrated with Ethan’s barbershop group. Or maybe. I’m just frustrated with me. Thats probably the bottom line. It will all work out. Just gotta have faith!
Posted by Prairierose on Feb 13, 2006
Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you about when I didn’t have Ethan?
With Ethan’s birthday just right around the corner, memories of when I was pregnant with him coming flooding back. He keeps doing this little sing-songy song “Only 5 more days until my biirrthddaay”. And I keep kidding him that if he hadn’t been so stubborn, TODAY could have been his birthday.
You see, today …. 15 years ago …. was more than just a “due date”. It was induction day. I was 32 years old, overweight, prior pregnancies … and had gone way overdue with my 2 older sons. Matter of fact, both labors had to be induced with them. So, my doctor did not want me going overdue, and induction was scheduled — and she gave me a narrow window of time to choose from. I chose ”the 13th” for a variety of reasons.
There was 13 months difference between my two older boys. There was 13 YEARS difference between my middle son, and this child I was expected. My middle son was born on the 13th. The 13th was a Wednesday. We were very involved in our church, and so my logic was … have this baby early in the week, and not miss a beat attending church and all the activities.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 12, 2006
Sunday Evening: Its been a really quiet day. Only the hum of the dryer, the low volumn of the TV in the background. Another cold day, a good day for staying in and not doing a whole lot. David was in and out — bundled up in his insulated coveralls, and working on trucks. I made a big batch of chili — have meant to do that all winter, but, when its not really cold, we just weren’t in the mood for chili. Today seemed like a good day to do it, and it really hit the spot.
Ethan doesn’t have school tomorrow, so got to remember NOT to wake him up. That would not be a good thing.
I, however, do have to work. Life goes on, whether the kids have school or not. Go figure.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 11, 2006
Saturday evening: We are finally getting a taste of winter. Its cold; and there has been snow flurries all day. No accumalation, but snow in the air. Sounds like those in the eastern part of the country are in for it though. We are have been pretty fortunate this winter. Which is not to say we still won’t get socked with cold bitter weather or a snow storm yet. But, I do have to say I for one, have enjoyed not having to deal with snow or icy slippery sidewalks and streets.
I don’t know what is up with that kid of mine. We did go over to his Forensics meet, we did record what we wanted to (know to just figure out how to transfer it from the camera to the computer…). He didn’t make it to the finals this time. Its not that I’m upset with him for not making it to the finals. I’m upset with him because he didn’t make it to the first round. Literally. He coudln’t find where he was to go for Prose; and for the Serious Solo, when he got there, they told him Round I was over. He had an hour to find these 2 rooms, and the school they went to was a very small school. He doesn’t have an explanation, other than “I had to go to the bathroom –which was in another building” — and “I couldn’t find the Prose room”. In my mind, there is no excuse. He could have asked. He could have made it happen, but he messed around and didn’t make it. The round he did do, he placed 4th on both – so, its possible he COULD have made it to finals if he would have just done what he was supposed to. Typical teen. I want to hug him some days, and could shake him others. I just dont’ get it.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 10, 2006
Friday Evening: Turned out to be a longer evening than planned, but thats OK. We picked my aunt up around 5:00. First stop was Radio Shack. She was wanting needing a new phone. Her’s was old and so many times, you could just barely hear her when she called. She has a good friend that she talks to alot and that friend is real hard of hearing, so, it definately was not a good situation.
I hope what she got she’ll like. She was also wanting an answering machine. So, she ended up getting a combo pack. It had a desk phone with an answering machine; plus a cordless with a charger cradle. So many times we try to get ahold of her and can’t. So this way, she can check out the caller-id to see if it was one of us; or we also can leave her a message. Otherwise, the way it was, she would either make 15 hundred phone calls to all of us .. “did you just call?’ …. trying to track down who it was that just called. Or, if we needed to talk to her, we would literally have to go up there to talk to her. Which does’nt work for family out of town. So, her purchase was definately a good thing.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 10, 2006
Friday afternoon: I have that overwhelming urge to do list making again — seems like there is alot on the agenda from now until next weekend. So much that I would like to get done — but I see myself going in 100 different directions. This is one of those times, I think, that alot of bloggers say “ok, time out” — I’m taking a break from blogging. I just can’t bring myself to actually say those words. Granted, I do seem to “disappear” for several days at a time, so I guess that is the same thing. At least those girls are up front about it. Its that “Queen of Denial” thing I have going.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 09, 2006
Thirteen Things about Carolyn
1. I haven’t blogged much since LAST Thursday, and doing the Thursday 13. What’s up with that? There is definately something wrong with me.2. My aunt had a procedure done last week that worried us alot. They were checking for cancer … but it wasn’t that that worried me so much. It was the procedure. They said they would be sedating her. With all her health problems… the last time she was sedated, she almost died. But. When it was all said and done last week, they gave her a local, instead of putting her under, and she did fine. And, no cancer.
3. She has earned the nickname “Cookie Monster” at the nursing home. She is diabetic, and she is very stubborn and independent. She has not adjusted well to the nursing home. Last Friday, she snuck a brownie from somewhere, stuck it in her pant pocket, and went back to her room. When she went to get it out, she dropped it. When she bent over to pick it up, she fell … She bumped her head slightly, she ended up with a bloody nose.
4. We ended up in the ER the next day. It should have been out patient, but it was late enough in the afternoon, it became a “ER” case… why the nursing home waited until then is beyond me. Her wrist and hand was black and blue and swollen. They just wanted to make sure it wasn’t broken. It wasn’t.
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Posted by Prairierose on Feb 08, 2006
Potiphar - Due February 8th
Genesis 39 Click on verse to read in seperate window.
1.How do you feel when people refer to you as “the wife of,” “the mother of,” “the daughter of,” or “the secretary of”? Is there a tactful way to share a wider view of your identity, for their sake and your own? (Higgs. 2004)
2. What are some ways you can take pride in your various roles, without letting them become a wall you hide behind? ((Higgs. 2004)
3. The story of the scorned adulteress is a common one in movies and literature. Can you think of any examples? Do the sties everh have a happy ending? What are the repercussions?(Higgs. 2004)
4. Was Potiphar at all to blame for his wife’s wandering eye? If so, how did he fail her? What could she have done to garner his attention? In your own life, if you’re married, does your husband ever behave like Potiphar? How might you get his attention? Might a woman make the same mistake, ignoring her husband and purshing him into another woman’s arms? If you’re single, how can you avoid “catching” such a man and convincing yourself that if his wife can’t make him happy, you can?(Higgs. 2004)
5. How can e fill our idle time (if we have any!) with appropriate thoughts? Are there specific things you need to avoid, such as R-rated movies? Internet temptations? Graphic novels? Make a list, then make a commitment to steer clear of those things that appeal to your flesh at the risk of your spiritual growth.(Higgs. 2004) *You do not need to make that list public. Just keep it as a commitment between you and God. If you wish to have encouragement on keeping the commitments I do suggest telling a friend. They’ll help keep you on your toes.
6. Could Joseph, the godly man in both the fictional and biblical stories, have taken any steps to avoid the revenge-filled conclusion? How should a godly person handle such an unfair and false accusation?(Higgs. 2004)
7. Though her obvious sin was lust, perhaps the root of Mrs. P’s sin was anger. How does that same sin rear its ugly head in your own life, and what could you do to surrneder that specific sin to the lordship of Christ? What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned from the tragic, timeless story of Potiphar’s wife?(Higgs. 2004)
Reference
Higgs, Liz Curtis. 2004. Potiphar’s Wife: Bored to Distraction, pp. 58. Bad Girls of the Bible and what we can learn from them.
Posted by Prairierose on Feb 05, 2006
Troop #147
Posted by Prairierose on Feb 03, 2006
Homework is definately not like it used to be. This was a homework assignment for one of the classes Ethan is in. Caring for a “baby” for 24 hours. He had to pick “her” up before school yesterday (he gave her the name “Malissa … that is what he would have been named if he had been a girl). He had to have her with him all through the school day … and then he got to bring her home. He had to help work the concession stand last night, so guess who went with him.
It wasn’t a matter of ”Grandma” babysitting … her “feeding” key was attached to a strap around his wrist. This was solely HIS responsibility. ”Malissa” is a computerized baby. She is programed to cry from time to time, and it records how long it takes for someone to take care of her. Needless to say, he didn’t get a whole lot of sleep.
This is as close to “reality” as they are going to get, but definately a dose of reality, that having a baby isn’t all “fun and games”. Its work. Its time consuming. Its life changing. And yet. When you look at that precious little face… (I know…they were telling me that I need to “get a life”, because I acted like this was a real baby while she was here.
Homework has definately changed from when I went to school!
Click pictures for larger view
