Sunday, December 28, 2008

Another December post.

Tonight I've been listening to my daughter play and sing Sweet Home, Alabama on the guitar. Amazing. She's really good.

Have you ever been on the sidelines of a game and seen a quarterback make history? Sometimes that is how I feel as a parent. I am on the sidelines of my children's lives... as coach, spectator, fan,,, and yes, critic. Then, it all begins to come together. I get to watch as the game unfolds. The ball is taken and the player begins to run. I am inspired and touched.

I am blessed to know this God-sent soul. It's the Christmas season and I think God's greatest gifts are the ones we see all the time. I notice my daughter as she changes into a young woman. Beauty, talent and inward growth has marked this year. I am seeing the rewards of disciplined work begin paying off. Wow.

I think of Christmas as a time that we give gifts to others. Well, God also gives his version of Christmas to each person. Our talents and abilities are God's presents to us. With each new life, there are the gifts; wrapped-up potential in each little body. It waits to be explored.

One of the greatest gifts of Christmas is watching those talents be presented to its bodily owner by God through the process of self-discovery. The joys of newly discovered talents and hearing the soul soar and express itself in song, athletics, and academics is a holy experience.

Lately, someone asked me where self-confidence comes from. After thinking about it, my answer ..tentatively, is that self-confidence comes from believing you have something worth doing --that you can do-- and a worthwhile reason to do it.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving us gifts to be discovered that lie within ourselves..... and that you want us to find them and use them. Thank you for the joy that is ours when we do begin using them. Thank you for the opportunity to watch others express their gifts. This honors and pleases you. Also, thank you, Lord, that the gifts never run dry.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

December post

Wow, December post..... that's amazing! I almost forgot how to sign in to my own blog! :)
Hmmm, where to begin.... Guess I'll just go with December.

Have you ever gone to a beginner band concert? Mariah had hers last week. These kids have only been playing as a band for a month and a half... Very cute and funny. Hot Cross Buns was a little shaky, but they nailed Merrily, We Roll Along! PCS combines band and chorus concerts for grades 4-6. It was actually enjoyable and not too long!

Chris has started basketball again. He's on a new team .... we're not terribly optimistic about the season, BUT, the motto 'it's not if you win or lose, but how you play the game' may be heavily applied. Chris could sure use a solid Christian friend, so if you think to pray for him, this is one specific request.

Stephen is still making us laugh. He thinks he has a heater in his stomach. It's true, he does generally run on the warm side, but lately he hasn't felt too well and is convinced his heater has malfunctioned. Today he happily came down the stairs and announced his heater stopped working last night and he was actually cold in bed. Between you and me, I think he's feeling better.

Last week marked the end of the Christmas Spectacular. This is our church's Christmas program.. It has 10 scheduled performances... only 9 this year because of weather problems.
The kids and I had a singing spot where we did Away in the Manger and Go, Tell It On the Mountain. We did a good job the last time, but I couldn't figure out why the audience was laughing! You know, Away In the Manger is really not that funny of a song. WEEELLLL, it turns out that while Kendra and I were doing our duet, Stephen was making ridiculous faces! I still laugh thinking about it. However, I we did visit about it later.

Kendra is working hard at school and is participating in Indoor Track. This Sat. is her first meet. She's not looking forward to it, because the coach has placed her in 6 running events.... Oh, did I mention long running events? She's probably not ready for them, but will just have to do her best. Also, her 'special interest' has ended, and she feels badly about it. So, my prayer request for her is peace and just a happy optimistic spirit.

Sales for Rick's team are going well, but the company is buckling down, and I'd say his region is really struggling. It's stressful that way. God is in control and will direct, so theoretically, there is ultimate peace there..... Perhaps you can pray for the reality of the theory for him.

OK, it's time to pick Mariah up from band.... so I'd better go.

Merry Christmas.
Love,
Carla

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

august post

It's hard to believe August is here! Rain, rain, rain; that pretty much sums up the month. It's been unseasonably cool and grey. I'm so glad it's summer, though. I love the green outside. It's beautiful in Maine, even with dark skies.

Tomorrow, we all go to meet friends at a camp/house on Long Island, ME. We take the ferry from Portland to the island. Yah!

Tonight our daughter went to her driver's ed class. She likes it, but is a little stressed out because the teacher was a substitute and she isn't positive about the assignment. Also, driving will soon begin, and that's a little scary, too.

We had our good friends, the Burgess' over for supper tonight. They are so much fun. Good conversation and laughs.

OK, Pam, I blogged. However, tomorrow is an early morning, so I should sign out. Love you.
Car

Sunday, July 6, 2008

July 6 Post

Well, well, well.... It's that time to post again.

July 4 is a good place to start. We all had a great time in New Gloucester at the Ray/Harmer shindig. They really know how to put on a fun time. The morning of the 4th was spent in intense preparation for the party.... What, may you say, are you talking about, Car? Did you help in any way? My answer to you is- "no". However, we had to get ready for the famous contests. The first competition was the "Make Your Own Boat Race". This consists of people making their own boats and competing in a short race down a slimy, leech-infested, shallow river. The family goal this year was to make sure our boat stayed afloat and not to come in last. Not too lofty, perhaps, but enough of a challenge for our team. Last year, my design consisted of a tarp with noodles strapped around it to provide buoyancy. The only problem was it filled with water and was more like floating down the river in a soup bowl. Mariah and I were the only ones who rode the boat, and let's just say we ended up towing it in..... HOWEVER, this year, we met with success! We upgraded to buying cheap air mattresses. The two girls and I hitched ours together and duck-taped plates to branches for oars. The boys opted to go alone; and Rick thought it best to be the stuff-holder on shore. Chris paddled like mad and came in 3rd; Stephen was not far behind and the girls and I at least accomplished our goals. There were all kinds of boat designs in the race. A few guys made a styrofoam boat that was cut out and painted like a huge hot dog and bun! There was a watermelon boat; which was a kiddie pool painted green on the outside and red with black dots on the inside. But, the winner was none other than my good friend, Robin, her husband and daughter, who designed and floated a cardboard boat! Go figure.

OK, so making the boat was a small part of the party prep. The kids also wanted to enter the cupcake decorating contest. So, I got the frosting ready; and to work they went. Mariah made a graham cracker dog house and placed a Polly Pocket puppy in front of it. Chris cut a square of cardboard and decorated a beach scene on it. He attached the cardboard to the top of the cupcake with hot glue. Stephen used the same method to mount a graham cracker volcano onto his cupcake. He then filled his volcano cupcake with baking soda and red and yellow food coloring. During the judging, he demonstrated his cupcake's volcanic ability by pouring vinegar into the chasm. Lots of oohs and aahs, but no first place. I warned the kids before the judging that they were competing against the big-timers at this party. When it comes to fancy food, this crew knows their stuff. An absolutely amazing entry of two cupcake hamburgers and fries won first place, and a cupcake corn-on-the cob won second place. I know Stephen voted for his volcano to win, but Mariah was perhaps the more honest one and her vote was cast for the burgers.

I also spent the morning making a pie for the pie contest. I won the year before with a Four Berry pie. This year there was alot of other things to be done, plus I lost the recipe of the pie I had planned to make....No surprise there, I'm famous for losing good recipes! Anyway, I decided to make a Peanut Butter pie. It's quick and simple. I made the graham cracker crust, then decided to line the bottom with melted chocolate chips. After adding the filling, I thought it would be fun to pipe on the whipped topping and drizzle chocolate on top. I found some fresh strawberries in the frig, so decorated the top with them, as well. And, you know what? I won the Best Decorated AND the Best Tasting! It was a nice ending to a fun day. Also, I get alot of mileage with the kids. They see those blue ribbons and really think I am some great cook:)

Our friends also plan games and host everyone for the meal. It's really quite something. They roast a pig, have barbecue beef, soda and salad. They are just such nice people.

That night I drove Kendra's luggage to her piano teacher's house. She went to music camp the 5th and her teacher had more room to bring things than her ride.

Kendra called last night to say she had made it safe and sound. She called this afternoon to say she needed $240 for her meal card. I thought her housing cost included food! Can you believe it didn't? Well, the camp is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity, so guess that's the way the cookie sometimes crumbles. We are praying that Kendra will come away inspired or know that piano is simply something she enjoys, but will remain a light hobby. No matter what, though, I believe she will be richer for the experience.

Tomorrow, the youngers and I go to camp where they will play, and I will paint and clean up the little camp. Today, Rick, and the two youngers and I went fishing so they could get more bait for Chris' lobster trap. As a result of their successes, Daddy decided that our aquarium needed two more sunfish. Just what we need, more pets! Chris wasn't able to fish with us this afternoon because he went swimming with a friend.

Busy-ness coming up the next few weeks. One week from tomorrow, VBS begins and swimming lessons in the late afternoons and evenings will start. I also need to get the homeschooling plans nailed down for myself and our co-op. However, easy does it; and one day at a time.

See you later, friends and family.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Short update

Where to begin???

Well, school legally ended for my kids in May! We still had some things I wanted them to finish, but officially, our 175 days are done! I'm really pleased with the kids and my work this year. Everyone made significant progress and finished well..... and we still like each other, too!

These last few months have really been consumed with Kendra's activities. Recital and track meets have kept us going. All the time and driving around is a sacrifice; but we are so proud of her accomplishments that it is fun to be a part of them, too.

Last Sat., I played for a wedding and then attended a homeschool graduation. I thought the graduation was unique and awesome. It was so individualized and marked such a personal achievement on the entire family's part. Very touching and also encouraged us on our path.

So much busy-ness this last month; it's hard to even know where to begin. When school ended, I had a hard time even figuring out which project to do first! My head was spinning. SO, I did what any true ADDer needs to do..... I made A LIST. After losing the first few lists, I finally taped it onto the cupboard door. And, one by one, I'm crossing things off. It's a great feeling.

Tonight I went jogging with Kendra.... after she worked out on her own. Well, let's just say this puddle of goopy flab huffed and puffed her way for a mile.... LOL... I decided to test myself and figured the faster I go, the sooner I am finished.... Thankfully, I did make it, but felt like barfing afterwards.... It's a start.

Before I close, Pam, if you read this, I love reading your blog! I think your house looks so cool and am looking forward to sitting down at your table for a visit.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

sarasota and recital time

I finished reading my sister's exciting home-building blog, and realized that it has been a VERY long time since I have entered anything... So, update it is.

Rick and I went to Sarasota, FL; April 28 through May1. He earned the trip through his company and we stayed at the Ritz. The lap of luxury is a very cozy place. We lounged on the beach, at the pool, in our room. The service was simply amazing and the food.. incredible.

The first evening we arrived and attended a dinner on Lido Beach. After we took our shoes off and placed them on the beach carpet; yes, there is a each carpet; we enjoyed live music and a terrific buffet while seeing Rick's company friends.

The next day, we kayaked at the Mangroves.... there were ONLY 100 other kayakers; so the main wildlife were the people with paddles..... guess we were too wild for the regular species! Anyway, the magrove tunnels were unusual and reminded me of someplace Indiana Jones would go.

We were entertained later by a comedian the company flew in and on another night by a small circus performance; all at the Ritz ballrooms.

We came home May 1, to Kendra's track meet and piano recital being the next day! Mom and Dad had homeschooled the kids while we were gone. THANK YOU! and did alot of recital cooking the day we arrived home. Thankyou for that, too. They were SUCH a help!

What a day May 2 was. Late morning and early afternoon was recital setup, then the track meet, and then the recital.... I do not recommend a track meet on recital day... People did try to mention this to me, but it just seemed a shame to miss something that was so important to Kendra. She loves track. Anyway, because of the tight schedule, the margin of error from the time we flew home to recital time was extremely small. I will confess, part of me does enjoy this pressure.

There were some things about the evening that I would do differently, but overall it was really great. All the musicians did so well. Of course, Kendra played, but Mariah played on the piano, too. Andrea and her instructor played the cello, Chip was on guitar and Stephanie played the violin. Chris manned the punchbowl and Rick worked hard on set-up and with the tear down workers.
I am thankful for the money that was brought in, as well. The night paid for almost all of her camp expenses. Thank you, Lord! She is really excited, and I dare say a little nervous about camp. I hope it will be fantastic.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

weekend summary 04-13-08

What a weekend. Rudy had another siezure, Saturday. Not terrible, but still concerning. He is scheduled for a vet apt. Monday afternoon.

Then, as Rick and I were about to leave to meet his manager and wife, Kendra ran out of her room and told her dad that Kelly might be having a hard time breathing. She wasn't sure if Kelly was joking or not. Rick said, "Ya, right, Kendra." They do kid around.... I decided to take her seriously, though, and ran into her room. I credit that to my recently taken First Aid class. It wasn't a joke. Kell Bell was struggling. She has asthma and didn't have her meds. I helped her use Chris' inhaler, and then she was fine. Yikes, 10 min. later and we would have been gone for the evening. I asked Kendra what she would have done, and she replied, "I don't know." Big Yikes there, too. I need to schedule her for a First Aid class.

OK., so Rick and I leave to meet at Marguarita's to meet Claire and Harold. We had a good time and off we go to see Larry the Cable Guy. He is a comedian. The place was totally packed.....masses of people! This guy played Mater on Cars. The show had some really funny parts, But, was not the place for me. Too dirty. So, Rick and I left with mixed feelings. We were in a funky position. This is the boss and his wife. He spent around $300 which was SO nice. I tried to be upbeat and play on the positive, but no one really said much about the show. Strange.

As people were leaving the auditorium, I thought, "I probably don't know one person in this entire place." That is unusual, because Rick and I are generally at a Christian concert when we attend a public center, and oftentimes we recognize people. This was definately NOT the place where one would want to claim to follow Jesus.

Early this morning, I took Kelly home. I wish Rick would have helped. He had gone to Tim Horton's to work on his Sunday school lesson.

I was also scheduled to play for church this morning. I just felt lousy driving there. Going to the Colossae the night before made me feel unhappy about worship today. I told the Lord about it and settled accounts right there. No wonder Sunday Christians don't enjoy church. Too much to feel crumby about. Being at the Colassae for that show was no place for me, but that stuck out like a sore thumb. I wonder what I don't notice in my life. Sort of like stinky garbage. When you're in the house long enough, you don't smell it.

I talked to Richard, the church kitchen guy about using the church's round tables for Kendra's recital. Uh Oh, he reassured me the church only has four. Sigh. I was totally upbeat about it on the outside, but inside, dissappointed. He's a good guy, but definately sees the cup half-empty. Too much time with that is toxic for me. I can shoot the breeze, but would have a hard time working on a project with him at church.

Late this afternoon, I picked up Kendra from a birthday party. She had fun, but learned Justin is a "player". He has told Kendra he likes her, rumor is, though, he likes another girl at church, but was snuggling with a girl he tells everyone he does not like. Too many hormones rummaging about. I'm glad Kendra has never been interested in him, but she is disappointed that he cannot be trusted. I am, too. ....However, perspective does say that relationships can cloud many a minds.

After the party, I was supposed to take two girls to meet one of their mothers at a store, who would then take them to her home....gas saving measure for her. Anyway, I waited a while after party hours for the kids to wrap up, then there was confusion over whether one really wanted to go. Many minutes later, a decision was made, then Kendra asked me to give a ride to another friend of hers. I assumed when he said he lived across from the town hall, he meant Lewiston or Auburn. NOT. Lesson learned. I was taking the girls to Minot Ave. and discovered he lives in TURNER. Perspective. God has redirected my path and I need to listen to Him and serve. Human side,,,,, "that is way out of my way in the opposite direction. I WANT TO GO HOME!" After much mental tussling, I think the spirit-man won. It was a tough one, though. Sometimes I am just not with it.... and sometimes I feel a little taken advantage of. However, I am older, so really need to take responsibility for what I do, etc.

Tomorrow, co-op. Much of it is good, but I'm feeling too pressured to go, go, go. I can use a vacation. This weekend I have felt resentment about not doing what I want to do. Maybe that's ok, maybe not. It's late, so I'll have to think about this later.

Well, now I know why I wanted to snack tonight. Eating can be a good way of forgetting.... But it is also a good way to move up in pants sizes. Alas, I said, "no." Maybe this blog is cathartic.

One day at a time. God is good and is working in me to change the inside attitudes which will help the outside life. Amen.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

My Jiary

I've decided to use my blog as half journal, half diary; thus jiary...

Last night, I found myself unexpectedly setting the table for nine! I enjoy having people over. Yesterday, a mom of one of Kendra's friends called and asked if her daughter could spend the weekend. We haven't seen Kelly for a while, so it has been good to get reaquainted. Supper didn't begin too well, though. I served soup. If you know Kelly, you would understand why this wasn't good. Kelly has CP (Cerebral Palsy). Awareness is not one of my strengths. We got through it, but No More Soup this Weekend! We also had two of my neighbor kids for supper, as well. Brooke and Shane are good friends of the family. Their brother was at his first communion rehearsal.

Kendra and Kelly are at our church attending a meeting on evangelism. I hope they will feel good about what they learn ... and that it is practical.

Chris, Mariah and Stephen are outside playing. They stream is really running, so Camp Fun and Camp Passamoquoddy are in full swing. Truthfully, though, these "camps" can be seen from the road and I am afraid they do junk up the neighborhood a bit. I tell myself 1)It is a season 2)They are having fun, healthy play. That is sufficient to keep the camps where they are.

Today it is rainy and overcast. It will be a good opportunity to plan for co-op Mon., paint a little, plan some for Kendra's upcoming recital; and hopefully get some of those jobs done that I have an easy time putting off.

Tonight, Rick and I will be going to Margarita's with Rick's boss and wife, then to a comedy show. Something about Larry the Cable Guy. Tickets are about $50 apiece, so I thing it could be funny.

I think this is it for today's blog. Rick is trying to re-attach some legs on Mariah's rabbit cage. As many know, we are not "handy" people. He's asked me to come outside....
My theory is that there are people who can fix and make about anything, then there is the other group who hire those people to fix or make anything. God may have intended us to be those other people.