It is really about the little things

I am an avid blog reader.  I check in with my real Friends blogs, and cyber friend blogs everyday. Sometimes twice.  Some of my March mommy cyber friends I have now "known" since Libby was born.  The funny thing about blogs is that they can really give you an impression of their real life. 

For whatever reason I am also drawn to the blogs of complete strangers.  Many of these complete strangers have something going on in their life.  Usually the sickness of their child.  I read each day and ask the Lord to lift them in prayer.  

Right now I am following www.mycharmingkids.net and her son Stellan.  Go and read for yourself what this little guy has done to change the world in the sixth earthly months he has been here.  I also read the story of Audrey.  Audrey passed to heaven just hours after she was born.   www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com . These two children and countless others that I have read about over the years have taught me more about God's grace and the miracles he performs in this world than I could ever learn in church.  I remember some of these children's names like they are old friends.  Allie Scott, Ben Bowen, Emerald Mayes, Cheyene Fivash.  

In the real world I have a dear friend who's home was destroyed in a fire last week. We had a friend call today and his mom was diagnosed with colon cancer.  I spent the afternoon arguing with my husband.  

Life is such a gift.  I need reminded of it often.  I spent last night stewing because the dishes needed done, and the laundry needed done, and snack needed to be made, and none of it had been done.  Yet, all across the world there are simple reminders that we could miss of how God is working.  We are definitely part of a bigger plan.  Even if you do not believe in God, I think we could all agree that there is some higher power with a hand in all of this.  

The moral of the story... Don't sweat the small stuff. 

It must be something about the green shirt

Time: 3:15 am

Location: my street

I am trying to understand what happens on the first warm night of the year on my block that compels families to bring there domestic disputes outside in the middle of the night.  I like to think I am reasonable person, but nothing grinds my gears more that being woke out of a dead sleep by complete strangers sparring over their problems.  As I type this there is a cop, no check that, two cop cars parked outside my house because this people can not be normal and fight inside.  I did not call them this time.  I figure I better save those calls up for the really important stuff, I need FOP support for my campaign. 

Last summer we had some people two doors up that were prone to this.  They would sit outside and drink to the wee hours of the morning, and then fight.  These people actually scared me because it was often physical.  When it turned to that I would just call the cops and turn on the fans loud enough so it would not wake up the kiddo.  In June last year they were arguing in their back yard, she left, and the huge dog they had proceed to howl for thirty or so minutes.  I had had enough.  Being the middle of the night, and being in my obviously now special green t shirt that must give me super powers, I marched out back in nothing but the t shirt.  Yes, that it right folks, the t shirt and panties, and proceed to yell at this guy.  I do not even remember what I said, but I can tell you that it used several expletives in combinations that may or not exists in real slang.  (I normally do not cuss.... )  Needless to say the guy started coming over the fence toward me.  I ran in house and called 911!  

Tonight I am awoke by loud slams, and people yelling.  It took me a minute to get my bearings.  Then a car sped off.  I remembered the car, as it belongs to the kid we call Puggsley Addams (real name unknown, he and his sister looked like the kids from the Addams family when we moved in....) I thought he was in the army, and gone. Apparently not.  I gave it about five minutes to quiet down.  It did not.  I marched my self outside, and proceeded to yell up the block that they needed to be quiet, they woke my entire family, and that I was going to call the cops.  The funny part is, they actually heard me, and the adult of the situation told the girl who was still shrieking to quiet down because the neighbors were yelling out them.  I will point out that I do have shorts, and a bra on for that matter this time around.  

I truly believe that normal people keep their fights inside their house.  Just because it is above 55` at night I do not care that your baby momma has a drinking problem, that you are cheating on each other, or anything else for that matter.  Why people, WHY?

I have been asking Mike for years for a spot light, red laser pointer pen, and one of those amplified mega phone things.  For whatever reason he never gets those things for me.  Maybe I will market the neighborhood control kit for angry housewives!  I also have thought those night vision goggles from the toy department would be helpful too, I think they are called the bionic eye.  If nothing else works out in life for me I could at least be the neighborhood patrol.

It is now 4:00 am and all is quiet.  My adrenaline is down. Maybe I can get four good hours of sleep before it is time to start my day!  My green shirt and I are going back to bed. 

Because I am that mom!

Libby and Mommy at the last regular season game of the CBJ!  Stanley Cup here we come.

This is the same child that used to have naturally curly hair....

Prayers for the unemployed

I try not to take for granted that during this long time of unemployment for Mike that God has TAKEN care of us.  Our bills are paid, there is food on our table, and clothes on our backs.  There are so many in our situation who do not have the same fate.  

But, I am human, completely imperfect in so many ways.  This week I have been home on spring break.  I can joke and be light hearted, but I tell you, two adults being in this house all of time is hard.  I long for our old life back, as I am sure Mike does too.  I am looking forward to my last six weeks of the school year!

So join with me prayer for my dear, dear, husband, and all of the other mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers that have found themselves in this unfortunate situation that things change for all of them soon.... I found these on our church's national website yesterday when looking for guidance....

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 (Anglican Book of Common Prayer)

O God, the Creator of all things, you have made us in your own image so that we may find joy in creative work: have mercy on all those who are unemployed, and those who find their work dull, especially for ___MIKE____. Help us to build a society where all may have work and find joy in doing it, for the good of our world and the glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Saint Joseph, we pray to you for those who are out of work, for those who want to earn their living or support their families.

You who are the patron of workers, grant that unemployment may vanish from our ranks; that all those who are ready to work may put their strength and abilities in serving their fellowmen and earn a just salary.

You are the patron of families; do not let those who have children to support and raise lack the necessary means. Have pity on our brothers and sisters held down in unemployment and poverty because of sickness or social disorders. Help our political leaders and captains of industry find new and just solutions. May each and every one have the joy of contributing, according to his abilities, to the common prosperity by an honorable livelihood. Grant that we may all share together in the abundant goods God has given us and that we may help underprivileged countries. Amen.

I need to get myself together!

I have found that I have let things fall apart.  On a huge sense.  And it is driving me crazy.  

I wish that I was one of those super house keepers, but I am just not.  I have tried Internet groups, making lists, etc....  I knew things were close to rock bottom tonight when even my silverware draw is a mess.   This disorganization translates into every part of my life.  Today, when Lib flooded the toilet for the second time in a week I couldn't find extra towels to clean up... I could go on and on.  For quite some time I internally blamed by (house) husband for this.  "He is home everyday" he can take care of it, but he did not.  

My goals this week...

Sunday: Silverware  UPDATE! Done, but I did discover I need new liner paper stuff.

Monday: Underneath Sink

Tuesday: The cabinet over the commode

Wednesday:  The Laundry (realistically this could take two days)

Thursday: The Fridge

Friday:  This is a Holy Day, we are going to church and to Mike's parents!

As I sit here and drink yet another Coke, this is another goal this week.  I need to cut back to one a day.  The one I am drinking now is number 4 for Sunday.  I HAVE A PROBLEM!  I can not even imagine what drug addicts go through if I can not even get off the Coca Cola.  

So, I will update this week.  Hopefully something gets done.  

On on prayers front, keep them coming.  We still have not heard anything back, but we are optimistic that God will start providing Mike with a good opportunity soon.