Okay, perhaps it isn't for anyone else, but it IS for me.
Sunday we were at a company picnic. I wasn't too thrilled to be doing it, but it was a necessary "evil" (not that it was evil in the slightest). However, when we got there and I got chatting (I know, the poor things!) with a couple, I started enjoying it. I brought our camera along to capture some moments...which never even happened. However, it is important to know that our little Elph was along with us.
I made multiple trips across the way to the public restroom. In doing this, I ended up setting down the camera on the toilet paper dispenser. Of course, I didn't remember and left.
Well, after that, we went over to Eric's parents' house, as usual. We played games and had a ton of fun over there. We got home late and I certainly wasn't thinking about the camera.
Monday passed without any photo opportunities presenting themselves, but then yesterday it was raining and the girls were having fun playing in the water. Now, I know I have a camera on my phone, but I really just don't like using it. And, why should I when I have a little point-and-shoot that takes really fabulous pics? I searched everywhere for it to no avail.
I prayed about it and remembered setting it down next to Gianna's carseat in the car. Nope. Not there. The next and lasting image was when I set it down on the toilet paper dispenser. Well, knowing full well that if someone found a digital camera that they wouldn't turn it in to lost and found, I called the park. They took down my information and promised to call back around 2pm.
I continued to list the many events recorded on the camera because I haven't uploaded images in about six months. Each time I would feel really sad and I cried a few times. I then relied on the faith of my little children. I asked Emily to please say a prayer. She did and then Gianna also offered her version. They knew I was really upset about it. After that, when my mind would think of those lost pictures, I would have a sense of peace.
Two o'clock rolled around and passed by. No phone call. I waited until after 4pm to call. The very nice lady said she had called and left a message that no one had turned it in. I kept thinking that I should just pack the girls in the car and go up to the park myself to look.
I finally followed that prompting because I recognized that feeling of peace and assurance that we could find it as being the Holy Ghost. After we got in the car and were headed towards the lake, I had the prompting to call my father-in-law. I thought it was silly because the last impression I had of having the camera was on the toilet paper dispenser. Thankfully, my memory IS faulty. He answered and said that yes, the camera was sitting on the shelf and that he just didn't know whose it was.
I felt SUCH relief!! I was so happy!! We drove straight over to get it and we invaded them for the rest of the evening.
I really don't know how the camera ended up there. Apparently I carried it into their house, but I seriously have no memory of doing it. Plus, it would have been sitting WITH my phone, but it wasn't. Any way I look at it, I will just be grateful. And, I have yet another experience that when we act on the promptings of the Spirit, we will be lead in the right direction. It wasn't until I actually put my body in motion that I was led to find the camera. That's faith for you...you actually have to act on it for it to work!!
27 July 2011
25 July 2011
Pity Part for One, Please.
You had warning at the title, so there are no apologies for your further reading.
I am a person who can't say no to "a favor," otherwise known as "giving service." In my belief system, if you are capable, you can do it...and SHOULD do it. However, time after time I feel a little, no, a LOT of disappointment.
In fact, last night I confessed to my husband that I need a Liz Boyd. I need someone who is available and flexible enough to provide service IN MY TIME OF NEED. It isn't that I'm providing service at my convenience...someone asks and I do it, even if I have to rearrange things to do it because I CAN. I guess I should also say that I am willing to do that because these people are my friends. In some strange world I truly believe that the return will happen. I mean, that's not even solely a Christian ideology. It's the Golden Rule and karma and I don't know what else.
Anyway, I just get a little down-heartened when I need a favor and those who I've provided service for seem never to be available. Don't get me wrong. I understand that other individuals are working and such, but guess what? Even though I am a stay-at home mom, I am working, too. It's a full-time, no monetary gain kind of job. And, when I take on a service opportunity for someone else, my full-time job takes a backseat for awhile. Granted, I have two amazing children who are fairly, no, extremely independent for being the ages they are. And, I don't have to repeat rules or scrub extra things or repair damaged items or whatever when it is just us.
I just wish I didn't feel this way but as it has happened time after time after time, I get tired of it and just want a clone of me that I can call on in a time of need and have the exact favor fulfilled at the time I need it.
The funny part is, most of these favors I have, at times, tried to call in. The number one response is that I am just that amazingly lucky to only need someone when no one else is available. Seriously.
Okay, okay, so I can't say "no one". That would actually deny the existence of the most amazing "come through for you" gal I know: Jennifer Winters. Seriously. Twice I've called on her at the last minute and she has HAPPILY accepted my call of need. But, shouldn't I be able to call on others, too?
I also need to admit that my in-laws are there for me. I'm taking piano lessons from a friend and they are watching my girls every Wednesday evening for me. I really, really appreciate that. AND, the way I am receiving these lessons is because of a return favor for my service of piano-sitting for her relative.
I don't need a lot of help. I rarely can even come up with a reason I would call on someone to assist me. I guess that is what is frustrating me the most at this point in time...especially as I know I can't go with my husband on his next trip because I KNOW I can't find someone this last minute to watch my dogs for me so we can leave with him.
Sigh! Pity party. I know, but I also don't feel bad about it. Through all of this, I've earned my table for one at my very own pity party.
And, if you are reading this, do you struggle with the same thing? And, how do I avoid this happening in the future? I mean, REALLY, I need to know that answer so I don't go through the rest of my life thinking that I have "SUCKER" stamped on my forehead.
I am a person who can't say no to "a favor," otherwise known as "giving service." In my belief system, if you are capable, you can do it...and SHOULD do it. However, time after time I feel a little, no, a LOT of disappointment.
In fact, last night I confessed to my husband that I need a Liz Boyd. I need someone who is available and flexible enough to provide service IN MY TIME OF NEED. It isn't that I'm providing service at my convenience...someone asks and I do it, even if I have to rearrange things to do it because I CAN. I guess I should also say that I am willing to do that because these people are my friends. In some strange world I truly believe that the return will happen. I mean, that's not even solely a Christian ideology. It's the Golden Rule and karma and I don't know what else.
Anyway, I just get a little down-heartened when I need a favor and those who I've provided service for seem never to be available. Don't get me wrong. I understand that other individuals are working and such, but guess what? Even though I am a stay-at home mom, I am working, too. It's a full-time, no monetary gain kind of job. And, when I take on a service opportunity for someone else, my full-time job takes a backseat for awhile. Granted, I have two amazing children who are fairly, no, extremely independent for being the ages they are. And, I don't have to repeat rules or scrub extra things or repair damaged items or whatever when it is just us.
I just wish I didn't feel this way but as it has happened time after time after time, I get tired of it and just want a clone of me that I can call on in a time of need and have the exact favor fulfilled at the time I need it.
The funny part is, most of these favors I have, at times, tried to call in. The number one response is that I am just that amazingly lucky to only need someone when no one else is available. Seriously.
Okay, okay, so I can't say "no one". That would actually deny the existence of the most amazing "come through for you" gal I know: Jennifer Winters. Seriously. Twice I've called on her at the last minute and she has HAPPILY accepted my call of need. But, shouldn't I be able to call on others, too?
I also need to admit that my in-laws are there for me. I'm taking piano lessons from a friend and they are watching my girls every Wednesday evening for me. I really, really appreciate that. AND, the way I am receiving these lessons is because of a return favor for my service of piano-sitting for her relative.
I don't need a lot of help. I rarely can even come up with a reason I would call on someone to assist me. I guess that is what is frustrating me the most at this point in time...especially as I know I can't go with my husband on his next trip because I KNOW I can't find someone this last minute to watch my dogs for me so we can leave with him.
Sigh! Pity party. I know, but I also don't feel bad about it. Through all of this, I've earned my table for one at my very own pity party.
And, if you are reading this, do you struggle with the same thing? And, how do I avoid this happening in the future? I mean, REALLY, I need to know that answer so I don't go through the rest of my life thinking that I have "SUCKER" stamped on my forehead.
Game Review
We are dorks. I know this. That's okay. Being dorks, we like to play board games and card games. We have a few friends who we've really enjoyed because we get to play games. We also have recently enjoyed playing games with family. So, I thought I'd give a few suggestions for those of my adoring fans (cough, cough).
Trans America. My mother-in-law introduced us to this game about a year ago. It's a board game with the "set-up" being the game. You refresh your geography of the United States as you compete to build your railroad across the country. It's fast-paced and easy enough for people to learn. We haven't played it with our children because I think they are still a bit young, but it's definitely doable for children age eight and older. And, you don't have to keep score. It's just fun to see who can build their railroad first! It's fairly cheap and can be found through amazon.com. There's a second version called Trans Europa. I'm sure it's just as much fun and interesting to learn more of Europe's geography, but since we stuck with TransAmerica and sent TransEuropa home with my sister. It's the same game, just different locations.
Things. We learned this game about a year and a-half ago at a friend's 30th birthday party. It was a large group and was so much fun that we had to invest in it. I say that because it is in our more pricey range (I think it was $30-35 at ToysRUs). This game can be as long or short as you want and there is virtually no set-up required. The rules of the game are that someone reads a "category" of things and all players, including the reader write a response. After the reader gathers all the responses, he/she reads them aloud and then play begins. Players are then supposed to identify each individual's response. The more "unconventional" your answers, the more fun this game is. We played this game way into the night (or, morning, you could really say) when my siblings were in town. We played again well into the night at my in-law's house last night with part of our extended family. Each time: SO MUCH FUN!! This one does require reading and writing and limiting the "rating" you want played. It is marked an "adult" game.
ImaginIFF. This game is more fun with people who are comfortable enough to say what they really think AND the better everyone knows each other, the better. Although, it's rather more interesting for me to find out what people really think about me...or, are at least willing to reveal. Again, not a game that requires little set-up (there's a board, write names on it, choose pawns and GO!). This game requires reading and choosing a given option, so not one for young children and definitely don't play with someone who can be offended easily. This was a fairly cheap game, but I got it on clearance from Wally World. I believe the original price was $20.
Flux. I think my husband enjoys this game even more than I do. There are many versions of it but we chose the Family Flux so our kids can start playing it sooner...they just need to be able to read and remember what they read (a bit of reading comprehension, yes?). The original game is much larger and can get very complicated, which is why my genius husband likes it so much. I don't like to be overwhelmed with rules and I don't adjust well to change so this game is more difficult for me, although I still enjoy it. I can't remember what we paid for this one, but we found it with amazon.com and I believe it was fairly inexpensive...perhaps $5-10.
Now, in case you are thinking that we don't play games with our children, we do! Gianna's favorite is Hi-Ho Cherry-O! Great, quick game that teaches counting. Emily isn't as fond of it as Gianna (I think Gianna could play this ALL DAY) but that may stem from the fact that Emily is a picture and words kind of girl (much like her mommy) and Gianna is more of a numbers kind of girl (definitely like her daddy). Emily prefers Memory, at which she usually wins. She apparently can remember tiles better than where she left her own shoes, but, again, that's something she inherited from her mother. She also likes Chutes and Ladders. This is a game she caught onto early but Gianna is just as content to walk the little people around the board. This enables Emily and me to play a game or two while she entertains herself. But, I think the BEST game all around for small children is called Can Do Roo (I believe the official title is much longer, but who needs to remember that. Actually, we refer to it as the Kangaroo game). We found ours at a store called The Schoolbox in Atlanta which sells school supplies and targets teachers (this store is worse than a bookstore for me...I want it ALL!!). Again, we purchased ours on clearance, but I think you can find it for $20 on amazon.com. You can see if you have a local school supply store but you might drool over all the other possibilities for educational toys and supplies...then, again, you might not be as big of a nerd as I am. This game has a kangaroo "doll" with an actual pouch that holds all of the tokens. Each player draws a token and then does what it says. For instance, if it is a "name it" token, it will have a letter on it and then you are required to either identify the letter or something that starts with the letter, depending on the age and ability of the child. We play this game as a family and have a lot of fun. Other tokens require you to hop a certain number of times or to hop to something in your house that is the shape printed on the token. I like it because everyone can play and there is movement, which is always good for small children and adults alike.
So, I've told you this with plenty of time to pull out an old favorite or to go in search of a new favorite for Family Home Evening. =) Enjoy these games and your family!!
Trans America. My mother-in-law introduced us to this game about a year ago. It's a board game with the "set-up" being the game. You refresh your geography of the United States as you compete to build your railroad across the country. It's fast-paced and easy enough for people to learn. We haven't played it with our children because I think they are still a bit young, but it's definitely doable for children age eight and older. And, you don't have to keep score. It's just fun to see who can build their railroad first! It's fairly cheap and can be found through amazon.com. There's a second version called Trans Europa. I'm sure it's just as much fun and interesting to learn more of Europe's geography, but since we stuck with TransAmerica and sent TransEuropa home with my sister. It's the same game, just different locations.
Things. We learned this game about a year and a-half ago at a friend's 30th birthday party. It was a large group and was so much fun that we had to invest in it. I say that because it is in our more pricey range (I think it was $30-35 at ToysRUs). This game can be as long or short as you want and there is virtually no set-up required. The rules of the game are that someone reads a "category" of things and all players, including the reader write a response. After the reader gathers all the responses, he/she reads them aloud and then play begins. Players are then supposed to identify each individual's response. The more "unconventional" your answers, the more fun this game is. We played this game way into the night (or, morning, you could really say) when my siblings were in town. We played again well into the night at my in-law's house last night with part of our extended family. Each time: SO MUCH FUN!! This one does require reading and writing and limiting the "rating" you want played. It is marked an "adult" game.
ImaginIFF. This game is more fun with people who are comfortable enough to say what they really think AND the better everyone knows each other, the better. Although, it's rather more interesting for me to find out what people really think about me...or, are at least willing to reveal. Again, not a game that requires little set-up (there's a board, write names on it, choose pawns and GO!). This game requires reading and choosing a given option, so not one for young children and definitely don't play with someone who can be offended easily. This was a fairly cheap game, but I got it on clearance from Wally World. I believe the original price was $20.
Flux. I think my husband enjoys this game even more than I do. There are many versions of it but we chose the Family Flux so our kids can start playing it sooner...they just need to be able to read and remember what they read (a bit of reading comprehension, yes?). The original game is much larger and can get very complicated, which is why my genius husband likes it so much. I don't like to be overwhelmed with rules and I don't adjust well to change so this game is more difficult for me, although I still enjoy it. I can't remember what we paid for this one, but we found it with amazon.com and I believe it was fairly inexpensive...perhaps $5-10.
Now, in case you are thinking that we don't play games with our children, we do! Gianna's favorite is Hi-Ho Cherry-O! Great, quick game that teaches counting. Emily isn't as fond of it as Gianna (I think Gianna could play this ALL DAY) but that may stem from the fact that Emily is a picture and words kind of girl (much like her mommy) and Gianna is more of a numbers kind of girl (definitely like her daddy). Emily prefers Memory, at which she usually wins. She apparently can remember tiles better than where she left her own shoes, but, again, that's something she inherited from her mother. She also likes Chutes and Ladders. This is a game she caught onto early but Gianna is just as content to walk the little people around the board. This enables Emily and me to play a game or two while she entertains herself. But, I think the BEST game all around for small children is called Can Do Roo (I believe the official title is much longer, but who needs to remember that. Actually, we refer to it as the Kangaroo game). We found ours at a store called The Schoolbox in Atlanta which sells school supplies and targets teachers (this store is worse than a bookstore for me...I want it ALL!!). Again, we purchased ours on clearance, but I think you can find it for $20 on amazon.com. You can see if you have a local school supply store but you might drool over all the other possibilities for educational toys and supplies...then, again, you might not be as big of a nerd as I am. This game has a kangaroo "doll" with an actual pouch that holds all of the tokens. Each player draws a token and then does what it says. For instance, if it is a "name it" token, it will have a letter on it and then you are required to either identify the letter or something that starts with the letter, depending on the age and ability of the child. We play this game as a family and have a lot of fun. Other tokens require you to hop a certain number of times or to hop to something in your house that is the shape printed on the token. I like it because everyone can play and there is movement, which is always good for small children and adults alike.
So, I've told you this with plenty of time to pull out an old favorite or to go in search of a new favorite for Family Home Evening. =) Enjoy these games and your family!!
22 July 2011
And So It Begins...
Ladies and Gentlemen!! I have the manuscripts at last!! Yes, that is correct "manuscripts". It appears that Mr. Paul has saved multiple copies of his writing. So, I'm trying to find out what is repeated, what is missing, and what needs to be combined into his final draft. THEN I can begin the editorial work he has asked me to do.
I'm so excited and yet a bit daunted at the task. The "final" copy currently consists of 366 pages. Yes, single-spaced. Of course, he has also included pictures of important events and artifacts, but still!!
I'm eleven pages in after an hour's worth of work this morning and my back already needs an adjustment. I guess I need to do some ab and back workouts along with this so I don't cripple myself during this project.
I'm so excited and yet a bit daunted at the task. The "final" copy currently consists of 366 pages. Yes, single-spaced. Of course, he has also included pictures of important events and artifacts, but still!!
I'm eleven pages in after an hour's worth of work this morning and my back already needs an adjustment. I guess I need to do some ab and back workouts along with this so I don't cripple myself during this project.
20 July 2011
Feeling Left Out
I know I have two really great kids. They play well together and both of them can play individually, too. However, yesterday I kept trying to participate with them and they didn't need me. Sometimes I feel left out because their brains are carrying on conversations with each other and there's no room for me. I know I should just be grateful, but I also want to be a part of their play. All too soon this will be over (school starts soon) and then I'll miss the ability to accomplish everything and more because it'll just be Gianna and me at home.
19 July 2011
Technology How I Hate/Love Thee
I have to say that technology and I definitely have a love-hate relationship. I don't know why I have King Midas' Touch, but it definitely comes out in a lot of useless efforts at times.
My most current frustration is the fact that I've spent too much time gathering and typing information for my genealogy and the branch that is for Mr. Paul. Both programs are now blocked to me. For some reason it just doesn't want to let me open. I feel like I'm getting the "I have to wash my hair" response from the computer. It is LYING TO ME!! I click to open the program which I can obviously see. It responds, "Access Denied". When I click the "ok" button it pops another window up giving me a lame excuse of why this is occurring. It tells me something to the effect that it can't be opened because it is in use elsewhere. WHERE??? I'm the only one using this computer and it is NOT OPEN!!
I've been putting it off, but it is inevitable. I had to start completely over. It's rather annoying. I mean, I have the information saved via two other online providers, but I can't just download my work to my computer. They only allow uploading...sort of. Anyway, now that I've entered and reentered and reentered, I have to start AGAIN and do all the work over. I am trying to make myself feel better that perhaps there was one piece of incorrect information that was tagging along and this way it will be exposed and fixed. We'll see.
Here's to going over and over and over and over records! Let's sing this to "Pioneer Children Sang as they Walked"------"Genealogy keeps making Liz type, and type, and type and type...."
My most current frustration is the fact that I've spent too much time gathering and typing information for my genealogy and the branch that is for Mr. Paul. Both programs are now blocked to me. For some reason it just doesn't want to let me open. I feel like I'm getting the "I have to wash my hair" response from the computer. It is LYING TO ME!! I click to open the program which I can obviously see. It responds, "Access Denied". When I click the "ok" button it pops another window up giving me a lame excuse of why this is occurring. It tells me something to the effect that it can't be opened because it is in use elsewhere. WHERE??? I'm the only one using this computer and it is NOT OPEN!!
I've been putting it off, but it is inevitable. I had to start completely over. It's rather annoying. I mean, I have the information saved via two other online providers, but I can't just download my work to my computer. They only allow uploading...sort of. Anyway, now that I've entered and reentered and reentered, I have to start AGAIN and do all the work over. I am trying to make myself feel better that perhaps there was one piece of incorrect information that was tagging along and this way it will be exposed and fixed. We'll see.
Here's to going over and over and over and over records! Let's sing this to "Pioneer Children Sang as they Walked"------"Genealogy keeps making Liz type, and type, and type and type...."
15 July 2011
Family Fun
I was blessed to have three siblings, my parents AND a nephew come for a visit this past week. It went by quickly and I miss having my own blood relations here already.
I'd post pictures but apparently the week went by so fast that I didn't get many taken.
We played lots of board games, visited historical sites and a museum, and I got to introduce my parents to my beloved Mr. Paul. Best of all, my girls and my nephew got along really great and were fast friends, which was exciting since this was the first time they've been old enough to play together (last time we were together, Gianna was an infant, H was only a year old, and Emily was only two).
It was great staying up late with my siblings and laughing our heads off. I just wish I hadn't gotten old because now my body is exhausted and has been telling me that I'm not a spring chicken anymore but I'm more like Sleeping Beauty who needs her rest.
I'd post pictures but apparently the week went by so fast that I didn't get many taken.
We played lots of board games, visited historical sites and a museum, and I got to introduce my parents to my beloved Mr. Paul. Best of all, my girls and my nephew got along really great and were fast friends, which was exciting since this was the first time they've been old enough to play together (last time we were together, Gianna was an infant, H was only a year old, and Emily was only two).
It was great staying up late with my siblings and laughing our heads off. I just wish I hadn't gotten old because now my body is exhausted and has been telling me that I'm not a spring chicken anymore but I'm more like Sleeping Beauty who needs her rest.
02 July 2011
Butterflies
You know when you get that tingling sensation in your stomach that we often refer to as "having butterflies"? What is that? For me, it's happiness. I get those butterflies just from waking up in the morning to my husband or my girls. I had a good dosing of it this morning as I prepared cereal for my girls. I don't know why our bodies do that, but I do know that I love my family. I love them so much that sometimes I have butterflies.
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