Christmas Now and Then (12-1-09)
Once a laugh, and someone is relating a story; smile and wait for the big finish.
An uncle or two you haven’t seen in while, look a little more weathered but contented
An aunt is writing the recipe down so you can try it at home.
How does Christmas feel?
And we did get there early like we hoped we would
In time to settle in with hot, hot coffee black from the pot
And cookies my mother made; yesterday, last week too. And every year.
How they smell like what she likes and who she is for us all here today! Mother.
The little children are given a little coffee too; two thirds milk, they are so proud to have it.
It will warm them and give them “spunk” for the sledding later.
I think I will give my daughter the sled my father got for Christmas so long ago.
How does Christmas feel?
The tree is not a balsam. It is not a white pine. It is not a scotch.
Cedar trees grow in the fencerows and that is what we have; spicy and sharp. Wide.
It has corn husk angels all around in every color of dye. They have acorn heads.
My hot breath like fog as I plodd thru two feet of soft snow to get it down and home.
Wait! Am I lost in Christmas past? Indeed I am. And it is sweet and welcoming.
How does Christmas feel?
My brothers would chase me around the tree and tease me
Now my brothers will chase my kids and their kids and laugh with me
My packages are wrapped much better than they used to be!
Red globes upon the tree are reflecting something; relating something;
What is the reflection I see today? Is that me?
Just one little tear accompanies the laughter, one little shining tear
Quickly brushed away. It’s secret not to share.
How does Christmas feel?
Mix the dressing, shovel the walks, play the carols, sing out Christmas!
Cold feet tingle, caring hearts gather, kitchen buzzing, cider warming.
Oh, Christmas, The Children Await!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Autumn 2009
Autumn comes and goes and with each passing year
I learn to value life a little deeper, another chapter farther
I can’t reclaim the summer past the onions or tomatoes
But autumn is the harvest time
They are in shiny pretty jars kept safely in the cupboard now.
Autumn cannot be kept nearly so safely.
Soon it will be turning. Tyrant winds and crystal snows arriving soon.
I can’t relive the sweet summer days with laughing children running
Green green grass for soccer, bugs to catch and bother.
But now the grass is brown and great for football, say my children.
Put and extra layer on, the wind is picking up! Go out to play ball little ones.
Your mother wants to sit in the window awhile with a cup of hot tea.
Autumn is so melancoly. Each autumn I am a little older.
Sit and hear the whirr of the corn harvest all around you.
Look and see the spring’s little calves, wooly and strong by now.
All is going on, moving forward, time is not still
And yet I am still; I am sitting still watching time moving on.
Autumn, the narrow, short corner, little rest stop in the path of time.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I Want, I Want. OR do I?
I want a new pickup truck. I want a bigger nicer house. I want a boyfriend. I want a pretty garden, not a weedpatch. I want to work more hours. I want I want I want.
Or....er....um...or do I? Ya know, what we really want, what we are really willing to go for, well, most of us (including me) find a way to make it happen sooner or later. If we really want it, we make a way sooner.
These were my thoughts recently when a friend of mine mentioned "the greatest gift you can give your kids is just to go for it, go for life and do it." Hmm. I get it. I know what he meant. It hit a chord within me.
In the meantime, my Iwants have to wait. What i mean is, I don't Iwant enough to change the current status quo of my life to create it. My house is old but then, well, I know how to manage it-wouldn't it be time and expense and overtime hours to create a bigger, newer house? Oops. Not ready for that. A shiny sexy new pickup truck would be a dream come true.... at the expense of other things we truly do need-so that gets put back into dreamworld awhile. A boyfriend? ha. that isn't up for discussion at this point in time at all. Somewhere next to the shiny red truck. Oh well. A cute clean garden? maybe. A tiller is on my christmas list for myself-on about March-after tax returns. :) And working more hours? Just glad to have a job some days.
I want I want I want? I really just want
-my kids to grow and be strong
-more money coming in than going out
-to be effective and useful at work
-have enough money and sense for healthy foods
-my home to be warm and clean
-my family and tribe to communicate and love each other.
So there you have it. There are my REAL Iwants!
Or....er....um...or do I? Ya know, what we really want, what we are really willing to go for, well, most of us (including me) find a way to make it happen sooner or later. If we really want it, we make a way sooner.
These were my thoughts recently when a friend of mine mentioned "the greatest gift you can give your kids is just to go for it, go for life and do it." Hmm. I get it. I know what he meant. It hit a chord within me.
In the meantime, my Iwants have to wait. What i mean is, I don't Iwant enough to change the current status quo of my life to create it. My house is old but then, well, I know how to manage it-wouldn't it be time and expense and overtime hours to create a bigger, newer house? Oops. Not ready for that. A shiny sexy new pickup truck would be a dream come true.... at the expense of other things we truly do need-so that gets put back into dreamworld awhile. A boyfriend? ha. that isn't up for discussion at this point in time at all. Somewhere next to the shiny red truck. Oh well. A cute clean garden? maybe. A tiller is on my christmas list for myself-on about March-after tax returns. :) And working more hours? Just glad to have a job some days.
I want I want I want? I really just want
-my kids to grow and be strong
-more money coming in than going out
-to be effective and useful at work
-have enough money and sense for healthy foods
-my home to be warm and clean
-my family and tribe to communicate and love each other.
So there you have it. There are my REAL Iwants!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Little homegrown wisdom
Things I have learned from Dad and Mom
1. Yes you can. Of course you can.
2. If you can’t, just file that away; some day, you can.
3. Hang your laundry up to dry.
4. Hammer your own nails.
5. Hammer your neighbor’s nails.
6. Let your neighbor help hammer your nails.
7. Pay your bills.
8. Music makes practically every task a little less troublesome.
9. Singing in the car is not stupid.
10. Your clan really matters.
11. Your friends really matter.
12. When your friends fail to understand you, your clan probably will. When you clan fails to understand you, your friends probably will. You need both.
13. Get out of bed and go to church.
14. Get out of bed and go to work. Keep doing that.
15. A cell phone is nice. Someone on the other end is essential.
16. What you don’t have might be attainable; what you do have has been attained, so use it.
17. Re-use it. Several times.
18. Fly when you are young.
19. Tell your stories.
20. Tell your children your stories.
21. Tell yourself what your story will be.
22. Let your children do ridiculous things.
23. When your children decide it was ridiculous, don’t say that you knew it all along.
24. Smile at the grumpy checkout lady. She is related to your neighbor or to you.
25. Keep your word; in a small town, that’s your credit rating.
26. Listen when your father is speaking. No, not only the words-to him.
27. Pay attention. Less costly than mistakes.
28. Everything that has been done in the past 40 years is the result of the previous 20 years in the family; all was done for a reason; and you, too will make great wins and huge mistakes. Just keep trying.
29. Sow your money into what you believe in. Let your kids see it.
30. We are all in this together. And that is exactly why you have to fill the woodbox.
31. While you are thinking your woodbox job sucks, your parents are busy doing a job ten times more difficult that has to get done too.
32. Fix your car.
33. Buy a better car.
34. Love your neighbors.
35. Count your blessings. Count your sorrows. Count your money, and count on life being busy. But mostly, count your blessings.
36. Smile and then answer the phone.
37. Let your kid play the trumpet in the house.
38. Get a massive christmas tree. Make your own ornaments.
39. If you are going to make improvements, you are going to have to tear a few things down.
40. Don’t be surprised when you bruise your fingernail.
41. If you step on a nail it will always, always, hurt. Get a tetanus shot and suck it up. (note-my mother has stepped on 6 nails.)
42. I always and forever will love you and do whatever needs to be done to get that through your thick, stubborn skull!
1. Yes you can. Of course you can.
2. If you can’t, just file that away; some day, you can.
3. Hang your laundry up to dry.
4. Hammer your own nails.
5. Hammer your neighbor’s nails.
6. Let your neighbor help hammer your nails.
7. Pay your bills.
8. Music makes practically every task a little less troublesome.
9. Singing in the car is not stupid.
10. Your clan really matters.
11. Your friends really matter.
12. When your friends fail to understand you, your clan probably will. When you clan fails to understand you, your friends probably will. You need both.
13. Get out of bed and go to church.
14. Get out of bed and go to work. Keep doing that.
15. A cell phone is nice. Someone on the other end is essential.
16. What you don’t have might be attainable; what you do have has been attained, so use it.
17. Re-use it. Several times.
18. Fly when you are young.
19. Tell your stories.
20. Tell your children your stories.
21. Tell yourself what your story will be.
22. Let your children do ridiculous things.
23. When your children decide it was ridiculous, don’t say that you knew it all along.
24. Smile at the grumpy checkout lady. She is related to your neighbor or to you.
25. Keep your word; in a small town, that’s your credit rating.
26. Listen when your father is speaking. No, not only the words-to him.
27. Pay attention. Less costly than mistakes.
28. Everything that has been done in the past 40 years is the result of the previous 20 years in the family; all was done for a reason; and you, too will make great wins and huge mistakes. Just keep trying.
29. Sow your money into what you believe in. Let your kids see it.
30. We are all in this together. And that is exactly why you have to fill the woodbox.
31. While you are thinking your woodbox job sucks, your parents are busy doing a job ten times more difficult that has to get done too.
32. Fix your car.
33. Buy a better car.
34. Love your neighbors.
35. Count your blessings. Count your sorrows. Count your money, and count on life being busy. But mostly, count your blessings.
36. Smile and then answer the phone.
37. Let your kid play the trumpet in the house.
38. Get a massive christmas tree. Make your own ornaments.
39. If you are going to make improvements, you are going to have to tear a few things down.
40. Don’t be surprised when you bruise your fingernail.
41. If you step on a nail it will always, always, hurt. Get a tetanus shot and suck it up. (note-my mother has stepped on 6 nails.)
42. I always and forever will love you and do whatever needs to be done to get that through your thick, stubborn skull!
Friday, September 18, 2009
This is the actual conversation between my two sons this morning as I was making breakfast.
Joey: Henry, do you know who is Jesus?
Henry: Who?
J: Jesus is the biggestest superhero!
H: Really? Wow!
J: Yup. And we can call him God too.
So, if you need help, you can ask him. You ask him like this: Jesus, please help me know you
more.
H: Jesus, me love you!
J: No, no, not like that! Like this: Jesus, please help me know you more. But I think you can
say I love you to him too.
H: ok…please help me know you more Jesus.
J: Do you know who sin is?
H: Sin?
J: Sin is a bad guy that Jesus beats.
H: Oh! heheehe.
J: So sin is, like, in the ground, but sometimes it comes up and gets us!
H: Oh!
J: But don’t be afraid, cuz Jesus can help you against Sin.
H: Yeah! What if me ‘fraid??
J: And, Jesus angels are here too, helping you. So, Jesus can beat sin up!
H: Yeah!
J: In fact I think Jesus already won against sin. I heard my teacher say that once. Hmm, I think
Sin is the same as Satan. But he can’t get you if you have Jesus.
(pause)
J: We can’t really see Jesus but we can talk to him anytime!
H: Wow! Jesus so BIG!
J: Yeah. Remember, I told you already! Jesus is God! WE have him with us so we are A ok.
Right mom?
Joey: Henry, do you know who is Jesus?
Henry: Who?
J: Jesus is the biggestest superhero!
H: Really? Wow!
J: Yup. And we can call him God too.
So, if you need help, you can ask him. You ask him like this: Jesus, please help me know you
more.
H: Jesus, me love you!
J: No, no, not like that! Like this: Jesus, please help me know you more. But I think you can
say I love you to him too.
H: ok…please help me know you more Jesus.
J: Do you know who sin is?
H: Sin?
J: Sin is a bad guy that Jesus beats.
H: Oh! heheehe.
J: So sin is, like, in the ground, but sometimes it comes up and gets us!
H: Oh!
J: But don’t be afraid, cuz Jesus can help you against Sin.
H: Yeah! What if me ‘fraid??
J: And, Jesus angels are here too, helping you. So, Jesus can beat sin up!
H: Yeah!
J: In fact I think Jesus already won against sin. I heard my teacher say that once. Hmm, I think
Sin is the same as Satan. But he can’t get you if you have Jesus.
(pause)
J: We can’t really see Jesus but we can talk to him anytime!
H: Wow! Jesus so BIG!
J: Yeah. Remember, I told you already! Jesus is God! WE have him with us so we are A ok.
Right mom?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Look at these Awsome Kids!!!
One thing I am grateful for in my life is the chance to value family. We live with and love my family and we pray for and remember the Liew Clan in M'sia too. Here are pictures of my kids and my brothers kids. They are growing up together, practically at each other's houses all the time! They really all have such distinct personalities!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Keepin' Healthy-a few tips
Ten general tips for preventing the spread of infection
(From APIC Handbook of Infection Control, Farrin Manian, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., Editor. Permission to use this material granted to Marsha Koopman, Infection Control Nurse, from Farrin Manian and the APIC)Some diseases have become immune to the antibiotics we use. As a result, controlling diseases and preventing infections from spreading are more crucial than ever, and doing so begins with measures every individual can take. Here are 10 tips to remember:
Wash your hands frequently - especially before preparing food, before eating, and after using the restroom. Insist that your health-care providers wash their hands and use gloves, especially before any invasive treatment or procedure.
Don't insist that your physician give you antibiotics if you don't need them. Antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses.
Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed; do not stop taking them without checking with your physician, even if the medicine makes you feel better - or worse.
Keep your immunizations - and those of your children - up to date.
Don't send your child to a day-care enter or to school with symptoms of an infection - such as vomiting, diarrhea and/or fever.
Follow safe sexual practices.
Do not use IV drugs; if you do, do not share needles.
Don't share personal items - such as razor blades, toothbrushes, combs, and hairbrushes - and don't eat or drink from others' plates, glasses, or silverware.
Keep kitchen surfaces clean, especially when preparing meat, chicken, and fish; disinfect kitchen surfaces.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, especially when the will be left out for a long time.
(From APIC Handbook of Infection Control, Farrin Manian, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., Editor. Permission to use this material granted to Marsha Koopman, Infection Control Nurse, from Farrin Manian and the APIC)Some diseases have become immune to the antibiotics we use. As a result, controlling diseases and preventing infections from spreading are more crucial than ever, and doing so begins with measures every individual can take. Here are 10 tips to remember:
Wash your hands frequently - especially before preparing food, before eating, and after using the restroom. Insist that your health-care providers wash their hands and use gloves, especially before any invasive treatment or procedure.
Don't insist that your physician give you antibiotics if you don't need them. Antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses.
Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed; do not stop taking them without checking with your physician, even if the medicine makes you feel better - or worse.
Keep your immunizations - and those of your children - up to date.
Don't send your child to a day-care enter or to school with symptoms of an infection - such as vomiting, diarrhea and/or fever.
Follow safe sexual practices.
Do not use IV drugs; if you do, do not share needles.
Don't share personal items - such as razor blades, toothbrushes, combs, and hairbrushes - and don't eat or drink from others' plates, glasses, or silverware.
Keep kitchen surfaces clean, especially when preparing meat, chicken, and fish; disinfect kitchen surfaces.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, especially when the will be left out for a long time.
Noteworthy Column about Selflessness
This is from the online newsletter from the organization that manages the nursing home I work at.
WAHSA Recognizes Patti Staude
As we move ahead with this and upcoming issues of e-News, WAHSA will be introducing you to the remaining 9 individuals nominated for association awards. We look forward to sharing with you their heartwarming stories. Here is one of them.
Nominee for Employee of the Year – Patti Staude, Meadowview Household within Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation Center, Oconomowoc
Patti Staude has been an energized homemaker for 10 years at the Meadowview Household within the Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation Center in Oconomowoc. She starts out her day with a hug for everyone in her Shorehaven Household. The tireless Meadowview Homemaker is an innovative force creating unity, humor, and hope for those fortunate enough to live there. “Patti is so open to new ideas, she encourages all of us to be open, and so much of what we do here starts with Patti,” said coordinator Jan Braun. Describing Patti as a “faithful person, not just with words, but with actions,” Jan named countless activities launched by Patti. Originator of ideas as in the Household’s famous Italian and Greek dinners; the Meadowview Melt-Away and Holiday Cards sales; the annual Meadowview Thanksgiving Day Parade and Chili Dump; the Sweetheart Party and couples’ vow renewal; driving residents to Brewer games on her days off, taking photographs of all events for posting and recollection, and creating the Family Photo Wall, reminding residents, staff, and family members they serve crucial roles daily in this intimate setting. “Patti reminds us often, ‘it’s not about you, it’s about what we can do for our residents,’ ” said Braun.
“I’ve learned more about love from Patti than from any other person in my life.”
Isn't that inspiring!!
WAHSA Recognizes Patti Staude
As we move ahead with this and upcoming issues of e-News, WAHSA will be introducing you to the remaining 9 individuals nominated for association awards. We look forward to sharing with you their heartwarming stories. Here is one of them.
Nominee for Employee of the Year – Patti Staude, Meadowview Household within Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation Center, Oconomowoc
Patti Staude has been an energized homemaker for 10 years at the Meadowview Household within the Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation Center in Oconomowoc. She starts out her day with a hug for everyone in her Shorehaven Household. The tireless Meadowview Homemaker is an innovative force creating unity, humor, and hope for those fortunate enough to live there. “Patti is so open to new ideas, she encourages all of us to be open, and so much of what we do here starts with Patti,” said coordinator Jan Braun. Describing Patti as a “faithful person, not just with words, but with actions,” Jan named countless activities launched by Patti. Originator of ideas as in the Household’s famous Italian and Greek dinners; the Meadowview Melt-Away and Holiday Cards sales; the annual Meadowview Thanksgiving Day Parade and Chili Dump; the Sweetheart Party and couples’ vow renewal; driving residents to Brewer games on her days off, taking photographs of all events for posting and recollection, and creating the Family Photo Wall, reminding residents, staff, and family members they serve crucial roles daily in this intimate setting. “Patti reminds us often, ‘it’s not about you, it’s about what we can do for our residents,’ ” said Braun.
“I’ve learned more about love from Patti than from any other person in my life.”
Isn't that inspiring!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
School's On
Kids started school again! It was, um, harder on Momma than on the kids! They were all so excited they didn't sleep very good. Ellie started back Tuesday, Joey on Wed., Henry on Thursday. Henry was so excited, first day of school ever, and he just waved goodbye and walked right in. Are we PROUD of him or what??? Yes we are.
I have Heidi to thank for this pics. She's been great! I will get a school pic of Joey up too.
Yes I know I am obsessed with my kids but what else is there in life when you are a single mother of three. :) Oh yeah. Work. But the kids are so much more exciting.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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Sunday, August 2, 2009
Greetings from Ruth and the Liew Crew
Good Morning Everyone! I am finally putting another update! Sorry I haven't posted any stories recently. Working on that!
(I wish I could find a better picture of the two of them!)
Hi All! Ok that computer deal didn't work out. Still working with the dinosaur. Maybe later this fall I will get a computer. We'll see. ANYWAY... My sis in law recently asked for pics of myself. She said she has seen pics of the kids but not me. Ok, ok, so here is one. I kinda like this picture. Ellie took this when we had first moved into the trailer (so it isn't a new picture. But I look the same! Except my hair is lighter now.) Here is a little more recent photo: (Does this really look like me? My kids don't like this one much. My nose looks like a huge schnazzle!)
What other news.... school will be starting soon. OR it feels like soon. I guess it is one more month yet. Summer has gone by really quick because I have spent quite alot of it at work. I have another pic to share. Here are the kids with their cousins at my brother's place. Heidi took the pic:
Guess Ellie thought she might slip off the hood. Or maybe she was just being goofy. They spent the day together because Heidi watched the kids while I was at work that day.
In new news, it looks like Henry and Caleb might get to go to tadika (preschool) together after all this fall. I wasn't sure I could do it and also work. Between family members we have a tentative plan worked out.
I hope that the next post will be a story or a joke list. Until then, have a wonderful week and God Bless! Love, Ruth and the Crew
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Another Dis Jointed Update!
Hi Everyone! I have had time to update all of you, but have a serious hardware problem with the computer! Though the internet is hooked up it rarely works. So I don't usually have the patience to work with it. But it is saturday night, I am completely worn out after working hard all day on the farm, so here I sit!
First and foremost, Ellie had a birthday! Happy birthday sweethart; 7 years old already. She is learning and growing every day. We had a birthday party with kids at daycare earlier in the day and then in the evening with family. Ellie loves her daycare lady. This is the evening party and the cake was made by my mother. Ellie got books for her birthday this year. She is so excited about it because they are "chapter books" or bigger, more in depth reading than beginning books.
It is truly summer around here. Days are hot. On this day, we filled the pool with water and let the kids loose in it. I think the cows were envious (look in the background).
****
Ok, I am already having computer problems. I have to stop there. I had about 6 more photos I wanted to get up! Well, this won't last forever. But I have to make this computer do until my sis can get here and pass her old laptop my way. Until then, posts will be sporadic....but I will try to get those pics on soon!
In place of the pictures, here are a few lines:
-my housebuilding project is slowly coming together. I have nailed every nail (ok, Dad did a few. I did most!) I have subfloor, three walls and windows and doorspaces in. Next will be roof, then floor, then heater, then final wall. When I get that far, I can think about how the interior should be finished.
-Summer is fun, kids are brown as biscuits and happy as larks. We have lots of space to roam and run about. No closed in/space problems here, no lack of activity. We hardly remember how to turn the tv on anymore.
-Summer is when extended family come for visiting. This summer we will see Lee & Carmen (fishing buddies, cousins), Joyce and Paul, Duane and Caroline (all Mom's family), and also Glen (on Dad's side). Unfortunately they are in town to bid goodbye to a cousin who passed away from leukemia. At least we know John is at eternal rest with Jesus, no more crying, no more pain there.
-Grandma seems to be feeling much much better recently. More energy is coming back to her after cancer treatments and everything. It takes a long time to feel ok again. Chemo is not for wimps.
-Granny is also doing better. After the last hospitalization, she went to a nursing home. She gained strength enough that she is back to her own space. Wonderful news for her! It was hard work, so we are proud of her.
--Our garden is growing! Lots of cabbage, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, marigolds, zinnia, beets, radish, turnips, pumpkin, squash, and even a watermelon vine. I spent yesterday in the garden with a hoe. You might think it is tiring (well, ok, it is) but mostly I enjoy it.
-I did alot today. I moved 189 2x6's, 15 sheets of 3/4" plywood, mowed the grass in and out of the fences and then mowed some more. I took a break from real work, and cleaned toilets and a spare bedroom (my sister is coming home soon!) then spiffied up mom's living room and cleaned up after the kids (will they EVER learn to clean up?) Somewhere in there I made lunch and supper and played swimming pool with the kids and mentally solved several problems (but didn't make alot of real headway on them). I am a little tired, so I think will sign off here!
God Bless and keep busy! --Ruth
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Great Ideas
Check this out! http://www.safekids.org/ and follow the link to the country nearest you (or your country).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Most of the last post and this one are my own take on jokes in books by Barbara Johnson. Worth checking out, folks!
Two small cousins were at a wedding. The older one quietly and discreetly turned and asked the man next to her what was going on in the front.
"They are now saying their vows" whispered the man.
The little girl dutifully passed this news on to her cousin.
"They are now saying their A E I O Us" she explained.
Little folks always make Christmas programs fun. Last year four proud, dressed up little girls in our church stood in front of everyone and happily held up their three foot high cardboard letters to spell Christmas words:
R A T S
hAVE A GREAT DAY!
Two small cousins were at a wedding. The older one quietly and discreetly turned and asked the man next to her what was going on in the front.
"They are now saying their vows" whispered the man.
The little girl dutifully passed this news on to her cousin.
"They are now saying their A E I O Us" she explained.
Little folks always make Christmas programs fun. Last year four proud, dressed up little girls in our church stood in front of everyone and happily held up their three foot high cardboard letters to spell Christmas words:
R A T S
hAVE A GREAT DAY!
Lotsa Laffs!
Ok, here are a few fun jokes. Some of you know my sense of humor can be off.... oh well. I thought these were hilarious.
An old country vet was called way out into the sticks to help with calving trouble. When he got there, no one was in the farm yard except the cow, the old farmer and his young grandson.
After a few pulls, the calf was born, but he wasn't breathing well, so the vet gave him a gentle kick in the rear.
"You better give him another, sir," the little grandson said, "since he should'a never crawled up there in the first place!"
If a big person is mad at you, and says "Do I look stupid to you???" my best advice to all kids: don't answer.
A young girl's one and only question after her first funeral: "Mommy, why did they put nice Mrs. Johnson in that big jewelry box?"
You might be a mother IF the phrase "we need to change the world" leads you to remembering you neglected to get another package of diapers last time you went grocery shopping....
A young boy, who already had one younger brother, looked at his mommy's swelling tummy and, frowning, stated the following:
"I hope that isn't my birthday present."
Dennis the Menace: "My Dad's a pretty good driver. My Mom is his coach."
If women ran the world:
The hem on men's pants would go up or down depending on the economy.
Men who design women's shoes would be made to wear them.
All toilet seats would be nailed down.
There are several theories on how to argue with us women. NONE OF THEM actually work.
HOPE YOU LAUGH TODAY!
An old country vet was called way out into the sticks to help with calving trouble. When he got there, no one was in the farm yard except the cow, the old farmer and his young grandson.
After a few pulls, the calf was born, but he wasn't breathing well, so the vet gave him a gentle kick in the rear.
"You better give him another, sir," the little grandson said, "since he should'a never crawled up there in the first place!"
If a big person is mad at you, and says "Do I look stupid to you???" my best advice to all kids: don't answer.
A young girl's one and only question after her first funeral: "Mommy, why did they put nice Mrs. Johnson in that big jewelry box?"
You might be a mother IF the phrase "we need to change the world" leads you to remembering you neglected to get another package of diapers last time you went grocery shopping....
A young boy, who already had one younger brother, looked at his mommy's swelling tummy and, frowning, stated the following:
"I hope that isn't my birthday present."
Dennis the Menace: "My Dad's a pretty good driver. My Mom is his coach."
If women ran the world:
The hem on men's pants would go up or down depending on the economy.
Men who design women's shoes would be made to wear them.
All toilet seats would be nailed down.
There are several theories on how to argue with us women. NONE OF THEM actually work.
HOPE YOU LAUGH TODAY!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Suddenly Spring is Here
Just when I got too busy to notice....Spring in all her glorious splendor appears.
Henry in a tender moment with a little friend of his. They spend quite alot of quality time together.
Apple Blossom. (BTW, my great grandfather planted this tree. It is in my front yard.)
Henry in a tender moment with a little friend of his. They spend quite alot of quality time together.Flowers and Babies. Yup. I love it.
Apple Blossom. (BTW, my great grandfather planted this tree. It is in my front yard.)
>
Wild violets. These little dainties grow prolifically all over the hills in mid Spring.
<>
Here are a few of Spring's finest productions getting a little mama love. This is my Dad's cat Crackerjack. She had 5 babies in the bathroom. Then she moved them under Mom's bed. Well, that is where they will stay until the nights are warmer, then they will all go outside to grow up.
What would the world be without flowers and little ones......
Have a blessed Spring!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Update with pictures
This is what we are driving these days.
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AND We got the red van back! Remember...it blew its head gasket? Smoked to beat all, couldn't drive it home, finally she locked up...remember? Well, that day, Dad's good friend who hunts our land towed it at no cost as a favor. Then, she sat all winter because we couldn't find an engine and not sure if we have the time to really pull it. Then, bad luck, Ben ran into the mailman, parked just over the rise, and totaled Mom's car. So, Dad's friend Palen pulled the engine and transplanted it in the Chilli Pepper. Total cost, $300 USD, plus $77.00 for 6 months insurance and some nominal cost for road tax stickers. So hey, we've all been driving it now-mostly Dad, so he can get to his Gideon church services looking sharp (compared to his old pickup). Oh, and Ben, when he is going dating for the evening.
A few days later, Dad hit and damaged the electric wire while unloading the log truck. We were glad he didn't break it; but he did stretch it, and TEC had to send this truck and these guys out to fix it. It was not the worst situation ever, since the milking was already done, the power did not go completely out, and it mainly affected just one supplemental line leading to my house, not the main house.
I am hoping this back deck, which we built last summer, can be converted into a three season room. Hopefully, mostly with materials we already have, and hopefully before the end of the summer....
Ellie at Easter. I really meant to post this awhile ago! Life has been BUSY!
All the kids at Easter. They are at my mother's house just starting to explore the baskets she made for them. We went to church twice (which the kids were not keen on); later that day we had a big Easter meal with Ham and lots of family members visiting. We spent the afternoon playing kiddie baseball.
A few days later, Dad hit and damaged the electric wire while unloading the log truck. We were glad he didn't break it; but he did stretch it, and TEC had to send this truck and these guys out to fix it. It was not the worst situation ever, since the milking was already done, the power did not go completely out, and it mainly affected just one supplemental line leading to my house, not the main house. 
I am hoping this back deck, which we built last summer, can be converted into a three season room. Hopefully, mostly with materials we already have, and hopefully before the end of the summer....
And that's all until next time!
Have a peaceful day!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
A Laugh...
Ole got a job as a widow washer with his friend Sven. Well, he got so tired of cleaning up those bird splatters. But then Sven told him "well, ya know, could be vorse. It's a blessing cows dun't fly."
Monday, March 30, 2009
Found this amusing....
Sleeping man gets locked inside I Don't Care bar
A patron at the I Don't Care Bar & Grill evidently didn't care about leaving until it was way past closing time and the door was locked. The man, whose name was not released, told police in western Kentucky that he fell asleep inside the bar and when he got up to leave he set off the alarm.
Hopkinsville, Ky., police officers arrived a few minutes before 3 a.m. Friday to find him still locked inside the establishment and unable to find a way out.
So they helped him leave the bar.
No one was arrested. Evidently it's not a crime to be left behind after closing time at I Don't Care.
___
Information from: Kentucky New Era, http://www.kentuckynewera.com
A patron at the I Don't Care Bar & Grill evidently didn't care about leaving until it was way past closing time and the door was locked. The man, whose name was not released, told police in western Kentucky that he fell asleep inside the bar and when he got up to leave he set off the alarm.
Hopkinsville, Ky., police officers arrived a few minutes before 3 a.m. Friday to find him still locked inside the establishment and unable to find a way out.
So they helped him leave the bar.
No one was arrested. Evidently it's not a crime to be left behind after closing time at I Don't Care.
___
Information from: Kentucky New Era, http://www.kentuckynewera.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Gosh, the things I say.....
Quit that! You don't have to copy EVERYTHING you see on TV!
Don’t hit your brother, he hasn’t even hit you yet.
Stop hanging by your fingernails off the edge of the deck. I didn’t build this deck for you to do yourself in on!
Where’s Henry? Never mind. Just follow the TP trail all the way down the hallway….
Don’t ever pick a fight. Just be nice. But if they pick one with you, get ‘em good, so they don’t ever do it again!
Pester somebody else for awhile. You’ve bugged me enough for one day.
Just wear your brother’s underwear and get it over with we are already hopelessly late. (That WAS clean underwear lest you wonder.)
Let me show you the right way to do a flying front kick…but you are not allowed to DO it ever….(Joseph of course did it right away and very well too)
Go get the cat out of the christmas tree. Again.
Please dump this bucket of shoop down by the garden.
Answer: “But mom, I’m not old enough to do that chore.”
Yes you are! Now go!
Answer: “I don’t think I’m EVER gonna be old enough to do that, mom…”
Get DOWN off the furniture before you…
(scream and frantic crying)
Oh never mind. SEE?
Spoken: You may quit practicing piano now.
Unspoken: because I cannot stand one more minute….
OK. WHICH ONE of you darling wonderful rascals ended up with the soccer ball in the TOILET BOWL???
Where is my coffee cup?
Found: in Henry’s room with 3 power ranger figurines swimming in cold coffee….
AND MANY MORE LOVELY DAYS! Best to you as always from the Liew Crew!
Don’t hit your brother, he hasn’t even hit you yet.
Stop hanging by your fingernails off the edge of the deck. I didn’t build this deck for you to do yourself in on!
Where’s Henry? Never mind. Just follow the TP trail all the way down the hallway….
Don’t ever pick a fight. Just be nice. But if they pick one with you, get ‘em good, so they don’t ever do it again!
Pester somebody else for awhile. You’ve bugged me enough for one day.
Just wear your brother’s underwear and get it over with we are already hopelessly late. (That WAS clean underwear lest you wonder.)
Let me show you the right way to do a flying front kick…but you are not allowed to DO it ever….(Joseph of course did it right away and very well too)
Go get the cat out of the christmas tree. Again.
Please dump this bucket of shoop down by the garden.
Answer: “But mom, I’m not old enough to do that chore.”
Yes you are! Now go!
Answer: “I don’t think I’m EVER gonna be old enough to do that, mom…”
Get DOWN off the furniture before you…
(scream and frantic crying)
Oh never mind. SEE?
Spoken: You may quit practicing piano now.
Unspoken: because I cannot stand one more minute….
OK. WHICH ONE of you darling wonderful rascals ended up with the soccer ball in the TOILET BOWL???
Where is my coffee cup?
Found: in Henry’s room with 3 power ranger figurines swimming in cold coffee….
AND MANY MORE LOVELY DAYS! Best to you as always from the Liew Crew!
Friday, March 27, 2009
A Few Things I Want to Share with You:
Best and finest memories of Malaysia
1. Saw a huge monitor lizard right there in the drain near KL old central station KTM.
2. Looking down from the bridge on the Klang River by Pejabat Pos Besar, it was so brown, so smelly, so foul. I am happy to say that not long after that the cleanup plan was started and the Klang river in that place now is not nearly as dirty as it was.
3. “It is going to rain. Better take an umbrella.” Well, Waihon thought we could walk to town before the rain started and he told Popo we didn’t want one extra thing to carry. It rained before we could unlock the gate. The best part of this story is the little, girlish giggle I remember from Popo.
4. At KLCS (old Central Station) we were waiting for the very last train home around 11 something. There were not many people there. I notice one man, very unkept, very crazy looking. I think he was homeless. But my heart almost stopped when I realized that this man, who had nothing at all, had an old towel and in it he was carrying a very small kitten which he petted from time to time. I had up to this point not seen such a vivid example of how compassion can live in the human soul. I learned that from a homeless crazy man.
5. Zainun, Marges Uncle and Auntie next door and sister Linda. My neighbors at Taman Nyior.
6. The chicken rice shop just outside Taman Nyior. If I had a little cash, I could walk there with Ellie and Joey in the sling. We usually had just enough to share one serving of chicken rice. Sometimes we had just enough for a little rice and a boiled egg. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy walking in the middle of the day. I think Waihon would have thought it unsafe.
7. The huge, really colorful lizard we met on the way home from the chicken rice shop one day. He reappeared one morning in Marges carporch! She thought he was charmed and wouldn’t dare go out and disturb him. I thought he was wonderful so long as he stayed off my carporch. She laughed at this.
8. The way Eunice would call up and say “You want to go Giant or anywhere? We are coming to fetch you ok? See you then.” When I didn’t know they were coming to fetch us. Ok! Have twenty minutes to clean up and get ready to go out!
9. Soo Hui’s father when he took us out to see the Parilament building (we didn’t have kids yet). He was so quiet, kind and polite.
10. Joanna’s big, round eyes the first time she laid eyes on me. She was four years old. She must have thought I was very strange looking, not brown like everyone else she had ever known. I won her over by playing folk songs on harmonica for her. Waihon wasn’t even with me the first time I met his family; he was in town getting his hair cut to be presentable to his mother! So I focused on the ones I thought might be more accepting-the kids!
11. When the Auntie next door was dying of cancer, she allowed me to help care for her and pray for her. Later was able to share with her family. My mother in law helped me interpret to cantonese what I wanted to tell them.
12. Top of my list of favorite places: Kong Ming, Tops, Curry Leaf, that funny japanese restaurant chain that the food comes out on a conveyor belt. If that isn’t entertaining nothing is. I like the food at Kong Ming best; I like Tops because they give you a lot to eat, I like Curry Leaf for the obvious reason that the friends I always found myself there with were good company.
13. The roti seller in our neighborhood always came around the same time and we would buy roti and then it was time to put the kids to bed. Just around dusk. Became a comfortable routine.
14. The way I would walk to Zainun’s house at the corner in the evening, stay longer than I intended, and then we would walk each other home a couple of times before saying goodnight. Still miss that.
15. I was shocked and amazed when I realized how much effort, thought and love went into Agape Heights. It was a nice place to be. I have never seen such a big bed before (in the first bedroom). And they chose fancy new dishes for the kitchenette. Which I was afraid to use because I didn't want to break them.
16. The kitchen in my house in Nilai…that was probably the nicest thing Waihon had ever done for me, let us build up the kitchen properly. It even has an oven. I miss my smiley mugs.
17. Those really centuries old trees near Allson Klana Seremban. Or were they near the children’s park? You know what I am talking about if you are from the area. Don’t they look amazing like something from Peter Pan’s imagination?
1. Saw a huge monitor lizard right there in the drain near KL old central station KTM.
2. Looking down from the bridge on the Klang River by Pejabat Pos Besar, it was so brown, so smelly, so foul. I am happy to say that not long after that the cleanup plan was started and the Klang river in that place now is not nearly as dirty as it was.
3. “It is going to rain. Better take an umbrella.” Well, Waihon thought we could walk to town before the rain started and he told Popo we didn’t want one extra thing to carry. It rained before we could unlock the gate. The best part of this story is the little, girlish giggle I remember from Popo.
4. At KLCS (old Central Station) we were waiting for the very last train home around 11 something. There were not many people there. I notice one man, very unkept, very crazy looking. I think he was homeless. But my heart almost stopped when I realized that this man, who had nothing at all, had an old towel and in it he was carrying a very small kitten which he petted from time to time. I had up to this point not seen such a vivid example of how compassion can live in the human soul. I learned that from a homeless crazy man.
5. Zainun, Marges Uncle and Auntie next door and sister Linda. My neighbors at Taman Nyior.
6. The chicken rice shop just outside Taman Nyior. If I had a little cash, I could walk there with Ellie and Joey in the sling. We usually had just enough to share one serving of chicken rice. Sometimes we had just enough for a little rice and a boiled egg. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy walking in the middle of the day. I think Waihon would have thought it unsafe.
7. The huge, really colorful lizard we met on the way home from the chicken rice shop one day. He reappeared one morning in Marges carporch! She thought he was charmed and wouldn’t dare go out and disturb him. I thought he was wonderful so long as he stayed off my carporch. She laughed at this.
8. The way Eunice would call up and say “You want to go Giant or anywhere? We are coming to fetch you ok? See you then.” When I didn’t know they were coming to fetch us. Ok! Have twenty minutes to clean up and get ready to go out!
9. Soo Hui’s father when he took us out to see the Parilament building (we didn’t have kids yet). He was so quiet, kind and polite.
10. Joanna’s big, round eyes the first time she laid eyes on me. She was four years old. She must have thought I was very strange looking, not brown like everyone else she had ever known. I won her over by playing folk songs on harmonica for her. Waihon wasn’t even with me the first time I met his family; he was in town getting his hair cut to be presentable to his mother! So I focused on the ones I thought might be more accepting-the kids!
11. When the Auntie next door was dying of cancer, she allowed me to help care for her and pray for her. Later was able to share with her family. My mother in law helped me interpret to cantonese what I wanted to tell them.
12. Top of my list of favorite places: Kong Ming, Tops, Curry Leaf, that funny japanese restaurant chain that the food comes out on a conveyor belt. If that isn’t entertaining nothing is. I like the food at Kong Ming best; I like Tops because they give you a lot to eat, I like Curry Leaf for the obvious reason that the friends I always found myself there with were good company.
13. The roti seller in our neighborhood always came around the same time and we would buy roti and then it was time to put the kids to bed. Just around dusk. Became a comfortable routine.
14. The way I would walk to Zainun’s house at the corner in the evening, stay longer than I intended, and then we would walk each other home a couple of times before saying goodnight. Still miss that.
15. I was shocked and amazed when I realized how much effort, thought and love went into Agape Heights. It was a nice place to be. I have never seen such a big bed before (in the first bedroom). And they chose fancy new dishes for the kitchenette. Which I was afraid to use because I didn't want to break them.
16. The kitchen in my house in Nilai…that was probably the nicest thing Waihon had ever done for me, let us build up the kitchen properly. It even has an oven. I miss my smiley mugs.
17. Those really centuries old trees near Allson Klana Seremban. Or were they near the children’s park? You know what I am talking about if you are from the area. Don’t they look amazing like something from Peter Pan’s imagination?
18. And many more precious memories that I think of usually around…3 am…..especially when I’ve had too much kopi O…..so funny me, when I was in M’sia, I spent so much time thinking of MN…
Thursday, March 26, 2009
On the way to work today
On the way to work today I was on 26 and I saw
three eagles
one falcon
one buzzard
a mother duck and her ducklings
two wild mallard drakes
three groups of canadian geese heading north
a chickadee so heavy he could barely fly
and countless other birds!
I love the Mississippi Valley!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A poem about my boys.....
A Mother’s Musings (by Ruth 3/22/09)
My little one is sleeping like a whisper in a cloud
Peacefully he slumbers making not a single sound
How quite unusual, suddenly I realize, for boys
Tend to make a fair amount of sound-mostly noise.
Old coffee cans, patriot marching drums,
Sticks for swords and rifles dare the enemy come.
Kitten becomes ally, puppy becomes foe,
Until he needs a horse on which to travel to and fro.
I often notice that beneath his fingernails
In little rows of blackness like rounded out porch rails
Is dirt. It bears a silent witness in perfect formation
To the fact that he has gone on a recent exploration.
Where did it take him? Although I surely know
I can only theorize the places his imagination goes
A rope becomes a tail, a tail become a swing
A quilt becomes a sail and happily he sings
As he runs to and fro and explores most everything.
All around the garden, up and down the lawn,
Learning growing laughing dawn to dusk to dawn!
And every little daydream he makes daring for awhile
And his mother looks on him and cannot help but smile.
My little one is sleeping like a whisper in a cloud
Peacefully he slumbers making not a single sound
How quite unusual, suddenly I realize, for boys
Tend to make a fair amount of sound-mostly noise.
Old coffee cans, patriot marching drums,
Sticks for swords and rifles dare the enemy come.
Kitten becomes ally, puppy becomes foe,
Until he needs a horse on which to travel to and fro.
I often notice that beneath his fingernails
In little rows of blackness like rounded out porch rails
Is dirt. It bears a silent witness in perfect formation
To the fact that he has gone on a recent exploration.
Where did it take him? Although I surely know
I can only theorize the places his imagination goes
A rope becomes a tail, a tail become a swing
A quilt becomes a sail and happily he sings
As he runs to and fro and explores most everything.
All around the garden, up and down the lawn,
Learning growing laughing dawn to dusk to dawn!
And every little daydream he makes daring for awhile
And his mother looks on him and cannot help but smile.
Do you know what this is?
Here is my mother's stove-but what's in the kettle? Any guess? Ok I will tell you.This is a kettle full of sap. It will boil and boil and boil and then, when it is thick and syrupy, we enjoy it on pancakes and waffles! Did you guess maple syrup?
Nope. Its boxelder syrup! Which is very similar to maple syrup but more amber in color. Finally a use for boxelder trees. We started on this adventure with Laura who brought us the first pint of syrup to share. We were happy to discover several more gallons of sap the next few days after that. It takes approx. 50 gallons sap to make 1 gallon syrup, according to Dad.
Early Springtime
Well, it looks like Spring decided that MN might just be worthy of a visit. It was around 60 F the last two days....the cats are fighting, lambs are being birthed, the birds are flying around, the wind is warm. Yeah! Sounds like spring. We are really ready to say goodbye to winter for awhile. The forcast says rain tomorrow.
Yup that's me trying to get the lawn raked so all the sticks and other hazards that accumulate all winter are cleaned up. Then the kids can run outside easily.
Nice to be outside. : )
Ta Da!
Found my camera. Well really Ellie found it in my coat pocket. Way to go kid! then I remembered I brought it to my brother's house for Calebs birthday party. Why couldn't I think of that yesterday?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
What is it?
I am taking your best guess as to the age, make and model of my "new" farm truck! This one looks just like mine EXCEPT mine has a blade on the front. I couldn't get a pix of mine because my camera is missing!
Oops
My camera is missing. Just when I wanted it too. I had something to show you. But then, can't find the digital camera....still looking here and there.....
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Henry's Ears
This is Henry and a baby chick.Henry and I went to the Audiologist specialist appt I blogged about last week. Guess what?
Henry PASSED easily! They did a hearing test in a sound room, he did great. They put little doo-hikies in his ears and it measures that he has normal hearing with the exception of some limitations related to a head cold. They did a tympanogram and it was fine. They want to see him again in one month to re-do and confirm that the very minor hearing loss was indeed head cold related. There was nothing significant enough to cause a speech delay/problem.
This news put me in a down mood. The reason is, a speech problem generally is easier to cope with when it is hearing related vs. developmentally related. Further I had to take a day off work to make the appt and then it was bad news! We went to Burger King and then we went home.
NOW WHAT? The speech problem is not a hearing problem like our regular doc (and I) thought!
What is going on in Henry's head....
We have an appt the beginning of April with the Speech Specialist at the Hospital....
Sunday, March 8, 2009
News
I have been concerned about Henry's speech for quite some time. He is almost three years old and cannot speak coherently. We often know what he says, because we understand his unique words and mispronounciations after much trouble trying to figure it out initially. This bothered me since both my older kids spoke well, easily and early.
I finally got frustrated. I contacted the speech therapist at the public school. She thought maybe he could catch up but we should speak more to him. She also wondered if his birth overseas may be making him speak at a later age. (whaat? sounds silly to me) She was very encouraging and thought that he probably would not qualify for additional help. Just keep talking to him, she said, and pronounce words very carefully.
This advice was nice but not too helpful. After all, me being his mother, he gets spoken to alot. In various ways, such as "Your such a wonderful little superhero!" and "Get your little tail outside and help get wood in NOW!" and lots of story books, songs, and conversations about power rangers and everything under the sun. Well ok then.
I was thinking about this and almost mechanically called the local clinic to make an appointment. Enough sitting around thinking. Now I am doing-- They didn't have any more appts that day but we got an 8 am appt for Saturday.
Guess what.
Henry definitely has a hearing deficit.
He failed the hearing test at the small clinic and we have an appointment in the city with an Audiologist specialist. At that appointment they will determine whether it is a problem of the middle ear, inner ear or conduction in the brain. They will hopefully be able to tell whether he was born with this or developed this later. Also probably he can qualify for some kind of speech training now.
It is a relief to finally get some help with this. Henry is so smart; he often breaks down in tears because he is trying so hard to communicate but we don't know what he is saying. I should have made that call earlier.
I finally got frustrated. I contacted the speech therapist at the public school. She thought maybe he could catch up but we should speak more to him. She also wondered if his birth overseas may be making him speak at a later age. (whaat? sounds silly to me) She was very encouraging and thought that he probably would not qualify for additional help. Just keep talking to him, she said, and pronounce words very carefully.
This advice was nice but not too helpful. After all, me being his mother, he gets spoken to alot. In various ways, such as "Your such a wonderful little superhero!" and "Get your little tail outside and help get wood in NOW!" and lots of story books, songs, and conversations about power rangers and everything under the sun. Well ok then.
I was thinking about this and almost mechanically called the local clinic to make an appointment. Enough sitting around thinking. Now I am doing-- They didn't have any more appts that day but we got an 8 am appt for Saturday.
Guess what.
Henry definitely has a hearing deficit.
He failed the hearing test at the small clinic and we have an appointment in the city with an Audiologist specialist. At that appointment they will determine whether it is a problem of the middle ear, inner ear or conduction in the brain. They will hopefully be able to tell whether he was born with this or developed this later. Also probably he can qualify for some kind of speech training now.
It is a relief to finally get some help with this. Henry is so smart; he often breaks down in tears because he is trying so hard to communicate but we don't know what he is saying. I should have made that call earlier.
And Yet More great things my Kids Said
The kids were playing with a bunch of toys in the living room when Uncle Ben noticed that the Batman toy had a damaged arm.
"Hey boys. What happened to Batman?"
What did Henry say????
"He fell off the tractor Uncle Ben."
"Hey boys. What happened to Batman?"
What did Henry say????
"He fell off the tractor Uncle Ben."
Friday, March 6, 2009
You might be.....laughing.....
I have been thinking of joke lists again…..here the result…….
You might be from Seremban IF:
The sight of a slightly upturned Minang Kabau roof peak is the comforting appeal of home.
Your favorite local food court operators smile when they see you coming.
You think it is unpatriotic to not like siew pow.
The words Seremban Beef Noodle are one single word in your vocabulary. (Thanks Min Chee!)
You know every pothole by sight and feel especially in Rahang. (Thanks Min Chee!)
You ocassionally call Pacific by the name Ocean or UdaOcean and everyone knows what you mean.
You think a traffic jam is just par for the course in life.
You think an easily found and easily gotten parking stall means it is going to be a good day.
You gauge the town by the size and quality of its shopping complex.
You speak at least two dialects of any given language.
You know an alternate route to practically anywhere.
You recognize which roads are new-because they are straight.
The A & W is everyone’s favorite what? The landmark when giving directions. J
Ok, heres the game: You think of a few, and send it back to me! BTW, no harm intended if by chance you didn’t find my quip funny; I don’t mean any offense. This should be fun and entertaining! You might be from KL if…. You might be from NS if…. You know! Hey lets laugh a little folks.
And we can’t be telling jokes on Seremban unless I tell a few on myself…so here goes….
You might be from the sticks IF: (By Ruth)
You recognize more trees than people on your drive home. However, had there been any people out and about, you would have recognized them too.
You don't know the new guy yet, but you know whether he is a Ford guy, a Chevy guy, or his vehicle is in the "Other" category.
There are about 8 surnames that comprise most of your town.
Your town isn’t a town.
Your buddy from the city blinked and missed the road leading to the road that leads to your place.
Your town has three houses, two barns twenty cows a church and a bar.
Everyone for miles around recognizes your kids by their family resemblance.
The farm keeps the old name even after the farmer has died and gone to heaven, and a new farmer takes over. ((ex. "The Guillan Farm" though old man Guillan died in the 1940s))
Your town has more doggies than people.
Your town has more cows than people.
The big town has the school but all the little towns are a nicer place to be.
You had to travel uphill both ways to get to school for real.
You can see your neighbor’s barn peak but you can’t get there (by road) from here.
There are more deer than cows in your pasture at sundown tonight.
You can tell which neighbor is coming up your drive by the sound of his pickup.
You time your trips to town to avoid meeting the milk truck head on.
You have no secrets. You couldn’t have one if you wanted.
Everybody knows all about your business before you do.
You are more worried about your pregnant cattle’s health than your own.
You understand that MUD is actually what makes the world go 'round.
You believe a “grueling workout” involves hay.
Your idea of a good Saturday has anything to do with work.
Your dog means more to you than most people and just slightly more to you than your truck.
“Pistol packin’ mama” sounds sexy to you.
You choose your friends by the color of their tractor. (ok, JK, we are not that trivial really. Are we?)
The idea of visiting “real civilization” has to be well thought out before being attempted.
You agree that the local country rock/country hits station is a cultural soliloquy on how life really is.
You can't spell solioquy. soliloquiy. soliloquie. soliloqy. Whatever. You know the locations of all the roads that used to be (in your area). Even though they cease to exist!
You are convinced you could easily beat the Power Rangers and your weapon of choice is a pitchfork.
Anything to add?? Come on buddies, this should be good!
You might be from Seremban IF:
The sight of a slightly upturned Minang Kabau roof peak is the comforting appeal of home.
Your favorite local food court operators smile when they see you coming.
You think it is unpatriotic to not like siew pow.
The words Seremban Beef Noodle are one single word in your vocabulary. (Thanks Min Chee!)
You know every pothole by sight and feel especially in Rahang. (Thanks Min Chee!)
You ocassionally call Pacific by the name Ocean or UdaOcean and everyone knows what you mean.
You think a traffic jam is just par for the course in life.
You think an easily found and easily gotten parking stall means it is going to be a good day.
You gauge the town by the size and quality of its shopping complex.
You speak at least two dialects of any given language.
You know an alternate route to practically anywhere.
You recognize which roads are new-because they are straight.
The A & W is everyone’s favorite what? The landmark when giving directions. J
Ok, heres the game: You think of a few, and send it back to me! BTW, no harm intended if by chance you didn’t find my quip funny; I don’t mean any offense. This should be fun and entertaining! You might be from KL if…. You might be from NS if…. You know! Hey lets laugh a little folks.
And we can’t be telling jokes on Seremban unless I tell a few on myself…so here goes….
You might be from the sticks IF: (By Ruth)
You recognize more trees than people on your drive home. However, had there been any people out and about, you would have recognized them too.
You don't know the new guy yet, but you know whether he is a Ford guy, a Chevy guy, or his vehicle is in the "Other" category.
There are about 8 surnames that comprise most of your town.
Your town isn’t a town.
Your buddy from the city blinked and missed the road leading to the road that leads to your place.
Your town has three houses, two barns twenty cows a church and a bar.
Everyone for miles around recognizes your kids by their family resemblance.
The farm keeps the old name even after the farmer has died and gone to heaven, and a new farmer takes over. ((ex. "The Guillan Farm" though old man Guillan died in the 1940s))
Your town has more doggies than people.
Your town has more cows than people.
The big town has the school but all the little towns are a nicer place to be.
You had to travel uphill both ways to get to school for real.
You can see your neighbor’s barn peak but you can’t get there (by road) from here.
There are more deer than cows in your pasture at sundown tonight.
You can tell which neighbor is coming up your drive by the sound of his pickup.
You time your trips to town to avoid meeting the milk truck head on.
You have no secrets. You couldn’t have one if you wanted.
Everybody knows all about your business before you do.
You are more worried about your pregnant cattle’s health than your own.
You understand that MUD is actually what makes the world go 'round.
You believe a “grueling workout” involves hay.
Your idea of a good Saturday has anything to do with work.
Your dog means more to you than most people and just slightly more to you than your truck.
“Pistol packin’ mama” sounds sexy to you.
You choose your friends by the color of their tractor. (ok, JK, we are not that trivial really. Are we?)
The idea of visiting “real civilization” has to be well thought out before being attempted.
You agree that the local country rock/country hits station is a cultural soliloquy on how life really is.
You can't spell solioquy. soliloquiy. soliloquie. soliloqy. Whatever. You know the locations of all the roads that used to be (in your area). Even though they cease to exist!
You are convinced you could easily beat the Power Rangers and your weapon of choice is a pitchfork.
Anything to add?? Come on buddies, this should be good!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
There were several days of false spring (before the current ice storm of course) and we took full advantage of the nice weather! Kids took turns on the old tire and Joey made a HUGE mess of the sandbox which had actually thawed out that day. It was great to see grass even if it wasn't green. Well, guess that was a little taste of days yet to come.... eventually! Easter is six weeks away. So spring must be not far off too, right? Current Picture
Here are my kiddos. This was taken this morning! Ya can't get much more current than that! They are vegging out watching cartoons. And yes, after that they will be chased outside to fill the woodbox and then play.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Conversations
Hi Joey. What are you drawing?
I am making my OWN comic book. Look Mom!
(He holds up a paper for me to see. It is completely covered in little squares with little pictures in them.)
Wow! Great job, buddy.
Wanna help me, mom?
Well, uh, um, I am busy making supper. So I can’t help you right now.
But mom, I need someone to draw all the “S” with me on Superman’s suit.
Really.
Yup. And, I didn’t color all the pictures in yet.
(I look a little closer at his pictures.)
What’s that? Is that an explosion or something?
(A square that is completely taken up with scribbles and wiggles.)
Your so silly mom! That is an electric monster for Superman to fight with. I made him up myself! Ya like him?
(I am almost laughing but trying not to so he won’t think I’m mocking his art.)
Joe, I love that! Your great. I woulda never thought of that!
Its true! I woulda never thought of that! Ain't kids great!
I am making my OWN comic book. Look Mom!
(He holds up a paper for me to see. It is completely covered in little squares with little pictures in them.)
Wow! Great job, buddy.
Wanna help me, mom?
Well, uh, um, I am busy making supper. So I can’t help you right now.
But mom, I need someone to draw all the “S” with me on Superman’s suit.
Really.
Yup. And, I didn’t color all the pictures in yet.
(I look a little closer at his pictures.)
What’s that? Is that an explosion or something?
(A square that is completely taken up with scribbles and wiggles.)
Your so silly mom! That is an electric monster for Superman to fight with. I made him up myself! Ya like him?
(I am almost laughing but trying not to so he won’t think I’m mocking his art.)
Joe, I love that! Your great. I woulda never thought of that!
Its true! I woulda never thought of that! Ain't kids great!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thinking About that Black Stuff
I copy/pasted a portion of the article "Cutting Out Coffee" from www.lifescript.com, which I think is a nice website. Check this out:
Cutting Out Coffee
Monday, July 21, 2008Are you a one-cup-a-day kinda guy or more like a nine-cups-a-day kinda gal? Coffee is as much a part of the average adult’s morning routine as brushing their teeth. B ut how good is it really for you? Find out if it’s time for you to give up that cup ‘o joe. Plus: Try our 14-day plan for quitting caffeine, without experiencing withdrawals…
The aroma of a fresh brewed cup of coffee or the taste of a freshly pulled shot of espresso is enough to get anyone out of bed on time, even on a dreary, cold morning. Coffee is truly a comfort “food.” But while some studies suggest that coffee is practically a health elixir with its abundance of antioxidants, others highlight the negative side-effects that caffeine has on our bodies.
The pros: In 2007 alone, studies concluded that caffeine supplements eased post-workout muscle pain and the combination of caffeine and exercise can reduce the risk of skin cancer. Other findings said three or more daily cups of coffee may aid memory in older women, and drinking five or more cups a day can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The cons: In March 2007, the American Psychiatric Association said more than 250 milligrams of caffeine daily may cause insomnia, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, and the inability to concentrate. Other studies indicate that an afternoon power nap is more effective than caffeine at boosting energy levels and improving alertness. And most recently, in January 2008, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology said that drinking two cups of coffee a day doubles the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. (See related article: Is Coffee Crashing Your Diet?)
The research can be confusing, and so can the actual caffeine content of your favorite pick-me-up – coffee, soda or otherwise. You might be surprised at how much your drink of choice actually contains:
Grande (16 oz) Starbucks drip coffee = 330 milligrams
Grande (16 oz) Starbucks caffè latte = 150 milligrams
1 can (8.3 oz) Red Bull = 80 milligrams
Single shot (1 oz) espresso = 75 milligrams
Tall (12 oz) Starbucks Tazo Chai Iced Tea Latte = 75 milligrams
12 oz Mountain Dew = 54 milligrams
8 oz brewed green tea = 30-50 milligrams
8 oz brewed black tea = 47 milligrams
12 oz Diet Coke = 47 milligrams
12 oz Coca-Cola Classic = 35 milligrams
For a little less kick, check out these options:
16 oz Snapple Iced Tea = 18 milligrams
12 oz Nestea, sweetened or unsweetened = 17 milligrams
8 oz Hot cocoa = 14 milligrams
12 oz Lipton Brisk Iced Tea, lemon flavored = 10 milligrams
8 oz decaffeinated coffee, brewed = 2 milligrams
8 oz decaffeinated black tea = 2 milligrams
Even some foods and medications contain caffeine, so check those labels:
NoDoz Maximum Strength, 1 tablet = 200 milligrams
Excedrin, Extra Strength, 2 tablets = 130 milligrams
Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream, 1/2 cup = 100 milligrams
Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar, 1.45 oz = 18 milligrams
Hershey’s Chocolate Bar, 1.55 oz = 9 milligrams
So will I be cutting out coffee?? Doubtful. But maybe, when you get up to so many cups a day your not keeping track it is time to cut down.... we'll see...
Cutting Out Coffee
Monday, July 21, 2008Are you a one-cup-a-day kinda guy or more like a nine-cups-a-day kinda gal? Coffee is as much a part of the average adult’s morning routine as brushing their teeth. B ut how good is it really for you? Find out if it’s time for you to give up that cup ‘o joe. Plus: Try our 14-day plan for quitting caffeine, without experiencing withdrawals…
The aroma of a fresh brewed cup of coffee or the taste of a freshly pulled shot of espresso is enough to get anyone out of bed on time, even on a dreary, cold morning. Coffee is truly a comfort “food.” But while some studies suggest that coffee is practically a health elixir with its abundance of antioxidants, others highlight the negative side-effects that caffeine has on our bodies.
The pros: In 2007 alone, studies concluded that caffeine supplements eased post-workout muscle pain and the combination of caffeine and exercise can reduce the risk of skin cancer. Other findings said three or more daily cups of coffee may aid memory in older women, and drinking five or more cups a day can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The cons: In March 2007, the American Psychiatric Association said more than 250 milligrams of caffeine daily may cause insomnia, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, and the inability to concentrate. Other studies indicate that an afternoon power nap is more effective than caffeine at boosting energy levels and improving alertness. And most recently, in January 2008, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology said that drinking two cups of coffee a day doubles the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. (See related article: Is Coffee Crashing Your Diet?)
The research can be confusing, and so can the actual caffeine content of your favorite pick-me-up – coffee, soda or otherwise. You might be surprised at how much your drink of choice actually contains:
Grande (16 oz) Starbucks drip coffee = 330 milligrams
Grande (16 oz) Starbucks caffè latte = 150 milligrams
1 can (8.3 oz) Red Bull = 80 milligrams
Single shot (1 oz) espresso = 75 milligrams
Tall (12 oz) Starbucks Tazo Chai Iced Tea Latte = 75 milligrams
12 oz Mountain Dew = 54 milligrams
8 oz brewed green tea = 30-50 milligrams
8 oz brewed black tea = 47 milligrams
12 oz Diet Coke = 47 milligrams
12 oz Coca-Cola Classic = 35 milligrams
For a little less kick, check out these options:
16 oz Snapple Iced Tea = 18 milligrams
12 oz Nestea, sweetened or unsweetened = 17 milligrams
8 oz Hot cocoa = 14 milligrams
12 oz Lipton Brisk Iced Tea, lemon flavored = 10 milligrams
8 oz decaffeinated coffee, brewed = 2 milligrams
8 oz decaffeinated black tea = 2 milligrams
Even some foods and medications contain caffeine, so check those labels:
NoDoz Maximum Strength, 1 tablet = 200 milligrams
Excedrin, Extra Strength, 2 tablets = 130 milligrams
Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream, 1/2 cup = 100 milligrams
Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar, 1.45 oz = 18 milligrams
Hershey’s Chocolate Bar, 1.55 oz = 9 milligrams
So will I be cutting out coffee?? Doubtful. But maybe, when you get up to so many cups a day your not keeping track it is time to cut down.... we'll see...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Do you get it?
Just to expand upon my current view of the world, I thought I would read up on some of the "Q&A" and some of the classified ads from my brother's magazine. These are all taken from "The Organic Cultivator" a publication of MOSA organization which my brother (the farmer) is part of. I found it interesting reading, and increases my appreciation for the farmers that feed the world...so I am sharing it with you...
Q: Hey doc, what can I do for my lice problem in my beef cows and how can I prevent this in the future? (Bet most of us don't worry about cow lice. The answer is complicated because the farmer is organic certified and cannot simply spray the cattle. The Doc gives some organic alternatives.)
Q: When is the best time and what is the best method to frost seed my pastures? Does it matter if I use alfalfa, red clover, white clover, or grasses? (This had a very detailed answer involving soil types and when to seed what type and with what equipment, namely a rotary spreader.)
The Classified Ads
might read slightly differently than what you have in your paper...unless your reading this kind of paper....
For Sale: Springing Holstein heifer, not eligible for organic slaughter. Year old Yorkshire boar from a good herd.
For Sale: 2 first calf heifers, one holstein, one holstein/normandy, due in Jan, bred to a holstein bull. $1200. leave message if no answer
For Sale: 80 acre organic dairy farm with gentle rolling terrian, creek grade A trout stream, many springs, dairy equipment in place for pit parlor. 2 Harvestors, 60 x 120 steel shed, appealing 5 BR house w/ wrap around porch, asking $280,000
(ok, I think that is a STEAL just from the description!! Sounds like a great set up just waiting for the right couple!)
Q: Hey doc, what can I do for my lice problem in my beef cows and how can I prevent this in the future? (Bet most of us don't worry about cow lice. The answer is complicated because the farmer is organic certified and cannot simply spray the cattle. The Doc gives some organic alternatives.)
Q: When is the best time and what is the best method to frost seed my pastures? Does it matter if I use alfalfa, red clover, white clover, or grasses? (This had a very detailed answer involving soil types and when to seed what type and with what equipment, namely a rotary spreader.)
The Classified Ads
might read slightly differently than what you have in your paper...unless your reading this kind of paper....
For Sale: Springing Holstein heifer, not eligible for organic slaughter. Year old Yorkshire boar from a good herd.
For Sale: 2 first calf heifers, one holstein, one holstein/normandy, due in Jan, bred to a holstein bull. $1200. leave message if no answer
For Sale: 80 acre organic dairy farm with gentle rolling terrian, creek grade A trout stream, many springs, dairy equipment in place for pit parlor. 2 Harvestors, 60 x 120 steel shed, appealing 5 BR house w/ wrap around porch, asking $280,000
(ok, I think that is a STEAL just from the description!! Sounds like a great set up just waiting for the right couple!)
Cousins
Here we have Henry and his cousin Caleb. They are almost the same age (one week apart, same year). That means they are both almost 3 years old! Can you believe that?? It has been fun watching them develop, grow, learn to talk, toilet, eat, play, you know...all the growing up stuff babies have to do to be, well, not babies! Love ya, boys!
How's the Fishing in that big Boat?
Thank You to Curtis who sent me this one. (Smiles!)
The sunday school teacher asked the children "Did Noah do alot of fishing when he was in the ark?"
After some thinking little Joey answers: "No."
No? she questioned.
"Well, how could he with only two worms, teacher?"
The sunday school teacher asked the children "Did Noah do alot of fishing when he was in the ark?"
After some thinking little Joey answers: "No."
No? she questioned.
"Well, how could he with only two worms, teacher?"
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Huh?
You know what my daughter asked me this morning?
“Mom,” she said, “do I look fat?” I said “OF course not!!!! Why?” To which she said “I just ate TWO pieces of candy and wondered if it made me fat yet. I am not going to eat any more candy for TEN WEEKS!”
My daughter is 6 ½ years old.
I am curious....how would you respond to this? What does it reflect about our culture? Values, parenting, our children's view of this world? I for one found this very dis-settling!
I am trying to show here my plants. The hanging vine I grew from a tiny little cutting. Pretty good, eh? It is even longer now. The other plant in the pic is a potted tomato that did bear fruit in Dec and Jan. It is setting more fruits now but they are still green. It isn't doing too bad, since the cat damaged it and I had to cut one of the main stems off about 3 weeks ago. This is in my kitchen. :)
Perhaps Love Is Like my Children
Fall In Love, Why Do We?
Who knows why? Does there have to be a reason? I fell in love when I was 17 years old. It wasn’t in my plans. I had the next 6-8 years of my life planned exquisitely-get the heck out of high school, work hard, college, master’s degree and soon enough I would be a nurse practitioner. I was certain I would be capable of doing anything including graduating with precriptive rights by the age of 24.
Ha.
I fell in love like I said. “Fell” is exactly the right verbage too. It was like tripping and falling over a crack in the sidwalk! And, when you land on your face and look up, you feel completely different about yourself and the world. Since this is a romantic story I guess there was a handsome prince standing there to pick me up. Except we fell together.
I threw my plans out. I made a new plan to be a loving wife. I loved my new plan. I set about to be a good lover, a good loving wife and the lovliest friend to him. I am sure I fell short. All this falling really does get tiresome and surely we would have done things differently in retrospect.
I don’t understand “love”. I don’t even know why I love another. But, some of the most beautiful words about love (that I have seen) are contained in the following verses:
Perhaps love is like a resting place
A shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort, its there to keep you warm
And even if you lose yourself and don’t know what to do,
The memory of
Love
Will see you through.
Love to some is like a cloud, to some, as strong as steel
To some a way of living, to some, a way to feel
And some say love is holding on, some say, letting go;
Some say love is everything, some say, they don’t know….
(John Denver)
Guess I am part of the some that say I don’t know. After seventeen, life swirled in slightly different colors than before. There is really nothing to compare to the adventure of finding and giving love to another. Following that crooked sidewalk, we kept on falling over each other.
By twenty seven, love looked quite different to me. I watched carefully for cracks. No more falling please, due to several bruises to my ego over the years. I didn’t give strong consideration to romance, love now had a different hold on me, but is just as much a mystery as the love I felt before: my children.
Tonight as my children were in their carseats driving home, they wanted a bedtime song. I often sing the them. I can’t think of anyone in the world I love more than my three children, no one on earth I would more readily or willingly sacrifice for-my honor, my reputation, my pat answers or my very life. It would not be too much to give. And so I sang to my little ones:
Perhaps love is like a window
Perhaps and open door
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more,
And in those times of trouble, when you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home.
Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel,
To some a way of living, to some, a way to feel;
Some say love is holding on, some say, letting go,
Some say love is everything, some say, I don’t know….
We christian’s profess to have found perfect love-the only perfect love, in Christ, the only perfect one. Thank goodness. At least someone (certainly not me) knows what this spin is all about and understands it. I still wonder-perfect love from Christ to me-doesn’t really help me much in the imperfect world of love between me and other-human-being-insert-any-name-here. At least the Perfect Lover of mankind gives us a stellar example to look up to and in any given situation try to live up to. And yet I still mess it up.
See my children’s angelic faces? They are the product of imperfect love. I find absolutely no fault in them (aside from their natural born sin nature). Perhaps if I can model love to them the best I know how, the most truthful I know how….. ….perhaps…… ….perhaps they will learn to choose love and maybe they will understand a little more than I this crazy, imperceptible trip we all tend to take and we commonly call “love”!
Perhaps love is like the ocean,
Full of conflict, full of pain
Like fire when it's cold outside
Thunder when it rains--
If I should live forever, and all my dreams come true,
My memories of love will be of you….
Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel
To some a way of living, to some, a way to feel
Some say love is holding on, some say, letting go;
Some say love is everything, some say, they don’t know…
(John Denver)
This column is dedicated to my children Elizabeth, Joseph Hendrick and Daniel Hendrick.
Who knows why? Does there have to be a reason? I fell in love when I was 17 years old. It wasn’t in my plans. I had the next 6-8 years of my life planned exquisitely-get the heck out of high school, work hard, college, master’s degree and soon enough I would be a nurse practitioner. I was certain I would be capable of doing anything including graduating with precriptive rights by the age of 24.
Ha.
I fell in love like I said. “Fell” is exactly the right verbage too. It was like tripping and falling over a crack in the sidwalk! And, when you land on your face and look up, you feel completely different about yourself and the world. Since this is a romantic story I guess there was a handsome prince standing there to pick me up. Except we fell together.
I threw my plans out. I made a new plan to be a loving wife. I loved my new plan. I set about to be a good lover, a good loving wife and the lovliest friend to him. I am sure I fell short. All this falling really does get tiresome and surely we would have done things differently in retrospect.
I don’t understand “love”. I don’t even know why I love another. But, some of the most beautiful words about love (that I have seen) are contained in the following verses:
Perhaps love is like a resting place
A shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort, its there to keep you warm
And even if you lose yourself and don’t know what to do,
The memory of
Love
Will see you through.
Love to some is like a cloud, to some, as strong as steel
To some a way of living, to some, a way to feel
And some say love is holding on, some say, letting go;
Some say love is everything, some say, they don’t know….
(John Denver)
Guess I am part of the some that say I don’t know. After seventeen, life swirled in slightly different colors than before. There is really nothing to compare to the adventure of finding and giving love to another. Following that crooked sidewalk, we kept on falling over each other.
By twenty seven, love looked quite different to me. I watched carefully for cracks. No more falling please, due to several bruises to my ego over the years. I didn’t give strong consideration to romance, love now had a different hold on me, but is just as much a mystery as the love I felt before: my children.
Tonight as my children were in their carseats driving home, they wanted a bedtime song. I often sing the them. I can’t think of anyone in the world I love more than my three children, no one on earth I would more readily or willingly sacrifice for-my honor, my reputation, my pat answers or my very life. It would not be too much to give. And so I sang to my little ones:
Perhaps love is like a window
Perhaps and open door
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more,
And in those times of trouble, when you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home.
Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel,
To some a way of living, to some, a way to feel;
Some say love is holding on, some say, letting go,
Some say love is everything, some say, I don’t know….
We christian’s profess to have found perfect love-the only perfect love, in Christ, the only perfect one. Thank goodness. At least someone (certainly not me) knows what this spin is all about and understands it. I still wonder-perfect love from Christ to me-doesn’t really help me much in the imperfect world of love between me and other-human-being-insert-any-name-here. At least the Perfect Lover of mankind gives us a stellar example to look up to and in any given situation try to live up to. And yet I still mess it up.
See my children’s angelic faces? They are the product of imperfect love. I find absolutely no fault in them (aside from their natural born sin nature). Perhaps if I can model love to them the best I know how, the most truthful I know how….. ….perhaps…… ….perhaps they will learn to choose love and maybe they will understand a little more than I this crazy, imperceptible trip we all tend to take and we commonly call “love”!
Perhaps love is like the ocean,
Full of conflict, full of pain
Like fire when it's cold outside
Thunder when it rains--
If I should live forever, and all my dreams come true,
My memories of love will be of you….
Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel
To some a way of living, to some, a way to feel
Some say love is holding on, some say, letting go;
Some say love is everything, some say, they don’t know…
(John Denver)
This column is dedicated to my children Elizabeth, Joseph Hendrick and Daniel Hendrick.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Questions, questions
Should Ruth write articles for profit (such as part time income)?? Make your comment please.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Happy Love Day Everyone.
This is my offering in celebration of Valentine's Day. After all, Saint Valentine was a proclaimer of love, was he not? Well, abuse is not love. Here is my act of public awareness and social responsibility. I adapted this from the website link at the bottom.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
Domestic Abuse Checklist
Does the person you love...
Threaten to hurt you or your children? Yes ___ No ___
Say it's your fault if he or she hits you, then promises it won't happen again (but it does)?
Yes ___ No ___
Put you down in public or keep you from contacting family or friends?
Yes ___ No ___
Throw you down, push, hit, choke, kick, or slap you?
Yes ___ No ___
Force you to have sex when you don't want to?
Yes ___ No ___
Just one "yes" answer means you may be involved in an abusive relationship. If so, you're not alone and you have choices. It is so much more complicated than a simple checklist...
No one deserves to be abused. Get help wherever you can.
MYTH: It is easy for an abused woman to leave her abuser. Why can't she just start over?
FACT: Women who leave their abuser are at 75% greater risk of being killed or harmed by the abuser than those who stay. Nationally, 50% of homeless women and children are on the street because of violence in their home.
MYTH: Domestic issues do not hurt children. If he is bad to me, at least he isn't hitting the kids.
FACT: Child abuse occurs in up to 70% of the homes where domestic violence occurs. When a parent is victimized by domestic violence, children are abused at a rate 15 times the US national average.
MYTH: After a woman leaves an abusive partner, the abuse stops.
FACT: Separated women are three times more likely than divorced women, and 25 times more likely than married women living with their husbands, to be victimized by an abuser. These men frequently take advantage of court-ordered visitation to inflict harm on their former partners and their children.
MYTH: Batterers who seek custody do so out of love for their children and a desire to be good parents.
FACT: Custody litigation frequently becomes a vehicle whereby batterers attempt to extend or maintain their control and authority over the abused parent after separation.
MYTH: Allegations of child abuse increase significantly in divorce and custody disputes; women frequently fabricate allegations of abuse to hurt their former partner or to gain an advantage in custody disputes. She made it all up to make him look even worse.
FACT: Allegations of child sexual abuse are rare, occurring in only 2-3% of all divorce cases and fewer than 10% of custody cases. Less than 1/2 of all allegations of abuse against fathers are made by the child's mother, most are made by third parties. Allegations of child sexual abuse are not more likely to be false when made during custody/divorce proceedings than when made at other times.
Source:"Domestic Violence: The Facts" - A Handbook to STOP violence
Or see: www.healthyplace.com for more information.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
Domestic Abuse Checklist
Does the person you love...
Threaten to hurt you or your children? Yes ___ No ___
Say it's your fault if he or she hits you, then promises it won't happen again (but it does)?
Yes ___ No ___
Put you down in public or keep you from contacting family or friends?
Yes ___ No ___
Throw you down, push, hit, choke, kick, or slap you?
Yes ___ No ___
Force you to have sex when you don't want to?
Yes ___ No ___
Just one "yes" answer means you may be involved in an abusive relationship. If so, you're not alone and you have choices. It is so much more complicated than a simple checklist...
No one deserves to be abused. Get help wherever you can.
MYTH: It is easy for an abused woman to leave her abuser. Why can't she just start over?
FACT: Women who leave their abuser are at 75% greater risk of being killed or harmed by the abuser than those who stay. Nationally, 50% of homeless women and children are on the street because of violence in their home.
MYTH: Domestic issues do not hurt children. If he is bad to me, at least he isn't hitting the kids.
FACT: Child abuse occurs in up to 70% of the homes where domestic violence occurs. When a parent is victimized by domestic violence, children are abused at a rate 15 times the US national average.
MYTH: After a woman leaves an abusive partner, the abuse stops.
FACT: Separated women are three times more likely than divorced women, and 25 times more likely than married women living with their husbands, to be victimized by an abuser. These men frequently take advantage of court-ordered visitation to inflict harm on their former partners and their children.
MYTH: Batterers who seek custody do so out of love for their children and a desire to be good parents.
FACT: Custody litigation frequently becomes a vehicle whereby batterers attempt to extend or maintain their control and authority over the abused parent after separation.
MYTH: Allegations of child abuse increase significantly in divorce and custody disputes; women frequently fabricate allegations of abuse to hurt their former partner or to gain an advantage in custody disputes. She made it all up to make him look even worse.
FACT: Allegations of child sexual abuse are rare, occurring in only 2-3% of all divorce cases and fewer than 10% of custody cases. Less than 1/2 of all allegations of abuse against fathers are made by the child's mother, most are made by third parties. Allegations of child sexual abuse are not more likely to be false when made during custody/divorce proceedings than when made at other times.
Source:"Domestic Violence: The Facts" - A Handbook to STOP violence
Or see: www.healthyplace.com for more information.
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