Like Rolling off a Blog

I'm collecting definitions of "a trophy wife." Do you have one you'd like to share? The definition, not the wife.

Ah, yes, photo software is pretty fun. Especially when it's free. 

We make a lot of decisions based on weather. Good or bad, it affects not only farmers, but commuters, teachers, kids, the elderly, travelers ... We determine our day based on what we see outside. Or what we expect to see. Snow storm, they said. Three to eight inches starting at midnight, they said. 90 percent sure of it, they said.  Could be that is true in some areas, just not here in the northerly parts of our zip code. We got two inches maybe. Enough so the dog romped out the back door. But even my Corolla could get out of the driveway in this. We totally changed our weekend plans because of the weather forecast. A flight was scheduled for this morning - oops, might be 8 inches of snow and a cancelled flight. So.... rescheduled the flight for last night, had to reserve a hotel room at the other end, have to go pick up a car in the extended lot of the airport, Papa missed playing with the grandgirls (they were coming over because he was leaving the next day) ... all because we believ...

Green eyes. I have them, and they come in handy as a symbol of jealousy and/or envy. That's me right now! My hubby gets to visit with our kids in California while I get to take care of the birds and the dog and work from dark to dark.  Rats! Marshall and Lara will be moving into their new place so he'll get to walk through it and feel at home. Rats! And while he's there, he will be visiting our best friends from northern California, who are getting all our "old" friends together for a soirée. Another rats! I could have taken vacation to go with him, but I'm in the middle of an extremely busy convention schedule, and don't have as much vacation as he does. More rats! Oh, and if I thought I might spend my time playing with the grandgirls and making dinner for Ingrid and Andy while he's out there playing? Not a chance! They leave for Florida two days after he leaves! Mega rats! I don't know whether to be depressed or angry. I'm just sure that acqu...

We played, we baked, we painted, and we collapsed. But this is just a minute of the evening.

In 1980, February 13 fell on a Wednesday. How could that be indelibly etched in my memory? I went to see my favorite hairstylist that morning - Cindy. She asked me not to have a baby in the salon, as I was just a few days over my due date. I assured her I was fine, thanks. So, newly coiffed, I ate my lunch, puttered around the little grey house, put Marshall down for a nap, and continued puttering. Around 4:30 I felt "something" happening. I called Mark, followed by calling Sharon, who was to be my backup coach, given the fact that Mister Dad bailed out the first time. I decided to lie down to see if the contractions would continue, and also so I could concentrate on my breathing. Finally, we decided we needed to get Marshall to the babysitter, and jump in the car for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. After much breathing, no meds, and pushing/shoving/pushing, Adam Richard Elfstrand made his debut at 7:37 PM (like the plane has landed!). All 12 pounds and 4 ounces of him! He l...

Self control in words and in eating. (duct tape over my mouth might solve both!) Discernment in all of my "to do" list. Lara's job interview this afternoon. Housing that accepts dogs, good neighborhood, near church (another prayer request), and transportation. Safety for Lara's drive back south to get ready for move. Full employment and health insurance for Adam and Britany. Safety for their trip to Chicago. Full support for Andy and Ingrid with CEF. Full health insurance for their family, especially for maternity care. Awakening in the country - to provision of God, not government.

I decided it was time to put some addresses into the spreadsheet. Addresses of people who had taken the time to send a condolence card for the loss of Timmy. I'm really glad I let some time pass before doing this, because it caused me to look at them and read them over again. It also makes me think of the many times I intended to encourage and empathize with the grieving and never did. Shame on me. The cards were lovely, the sentiments lovelier. And now I can actually take some time to think about them. So, thank you again for those who helped, who prayed, who grieved with us, and who encouraged us to look "to the hills, from whence comes our help."

Tomorrow morning, a new chapter begins in the book God is writing for Marshall and Lara. You can read more about it HERE.

They want me to do it. "They" are Ingrid and Britany. I hate being fat. And sometimes I get to the "sick and tired" stage and do something about it. I have a feeling I'm just about there. But I don't want to spend money on something I should be doing myself. I already have a chart of exchanges if I want to do that. And I also know I'm not supposed to be eating until I'm truly hungry, and stopping when I'm just satisfied. Sounds pretty easy... But, of course, weight is a problem beyond what I eat. It is an addiction to something I already need. So, what should I do? I really don't want to go to meetings, but know they keep me focused and accountable. I don't want to buy diet food - it's expensive and doesn't solve anything in the long run. I keep telling myself I'll just eat less. Well, if I have, you'd never know it. What should I do??? Self control is the answer, but it sure is easier said than done. Race you to 50 pounds...

And we thank Him for answered prayer - BIG time!!! We're doing the happy dance, too!