Recently, it was discovered, that I have single-handedly caused a national shortage of a certain product. While cleaning out my linen closet, I discovered that over the months, I have accumulated enough feminine hygiene products to last me well past menopause. It was not my intent to wipe out every pharmacy of this important product, but apparently I could not refuse a good bargain when I saw it. I had coupons, rebates, etc. and, unknowingly, stocked up on every tampon and maxi pad that I could lay my hands on. Then, I must have come home and just thrown the bag into my closet where they were just all uncovered during a recent "fall cleaning". I felt like a squirrel who buried a nut and then later dug it up.
So, here is my heart-felt apology to those of you who may be looking to purchase these items and can't find them in your local pharmacy or Target. They are all in my home. Feel free to drop by if you need one.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Lost In Translation
One of the joys of marrying into a family with a different culture, is learning and appreciating a different language. Those of you who know me and my husband know that he is Hispanic and that we are teaching our son Spanish so he can fully embrace that part of his culture. (Don't even get me started on the fact that my parents did not teach me how to speak German or Italian !!)
While living in Florida, we attended a great church that also had a Sunday evening Spanish Service. We quickly became involved and loved attending that service. It started out as a bilingual service which was great for me since my Spanish was not fluent. However, it eventually turned into a total Spanish service so I really had to put my Spanish education to work. I can definitely understand Spanish better than I can speak it. I can speak it... but it just takes me a little while to translate my thoughts into Spanish so it seems.
Usually if a few non-Spanish speaking people would come to the Sunday night services, we would have someone translate the sermon into English for them (they would be wearing a headset to receive the translation). But, if I was the only non-Spanish speaking person there, I would not ask for the translation and just see if I could figure it all out on my own. Steve would often check in with me to make sure I was fully understanding the sermon. I was usually spot-on with the sermon topic and got the gist of what was being said.
One night I was sitting alone for the beginning of the sermon, and to be honest, it just wasn't making much sense to me. As soon as Steve sat next to me, I said, "Honey.. you have to help me out here. Pastor keeps talking about an ugly man and I have no idea what he's talking about. What ugly man?? He keeps saying, "Feo, Feo" (Ugly, Ugly). Steve started cracking up and said, "No, No.. he's saying "Fe, Fe" (Faith, Faith).
I'm blaming it on Pastor's Brooklyn accent. Feo and Fe... you can see how easily an excitable man from Brooklyn could make those two words sound alike.
While living in Florida, we attended a great church that also had a Sunday evening Spanish Service. We quickly became involved and loved attending that service. It started out as a bilingual service which was great for me since my Spanish was not fluent. However, it eventually turned into a total Spanish service so I really had to put my Spanish education to work. I can definitely understand Spanish better than I can speak it. I can speak it... but it just takes me a little while to translate my thoughts into Spanish so it seems.
Usually if a few non-Spanish speaking people would come to the Sunday night services, we would have someone translate the sermon into English for them (they would be wearing a headset to receive the translation). But, if I was the only non-Spanish speaking person there, I would not ask for the translation and just see if I could figure it all out on my own. Steve would often check in with me to make sure I was fully understanding the sermon. I was usually spot-on with the sermon topic and got the gist of what was being said.
One night I was sitting alone for the beginning of the sermon, and to be honest, it just wasn't making much sense to me. As soon as Steve sat next to me, I said, "Honey.. you have to help me out here. Pastor keeps talking about an ugly man and I have no idea what he's talking about. What ugly man?? He keeps saying, "Feo, Feo" (Ugly, Ugly). Steve started cracking up and said, "No, No.. he's saying "Fe, Fe" (Faith, Faith).
I'm blaming it on Pastor's Brooklyn accent. Feo and Fe... you can see how easily an excitable man from Brooklyn could make those two words sound alike.
Monday, September 28, 2009
I'm Back
I obviously haven't blogged much in the last week and I apologize for that. It's been so busy around here. I just started back up with Bible Study (I did chose the "Esther" series by Beth Moore). Tomorrow is the first lesson, but I've been so excited that I already completed week one in my workbook. It's, by far, the easiest Beth Moore series I've encountered as far as homework is concerned.. but just as rich in material. I've learned so much about the first chapter of Esther which I've read so many times over the years, but now I have so much more insight into the life and times of Esther.
On top of that, our church has embarked on "Operation Take Back", a 40 day journey to take back everything the enemy (Satan) has taken from us (security, finances, family members, etc.) It's been a powerful trip so far and the Sunday services have been just incredible. You can follow along with Dr. Ireland's blog.
So between that and all the things I've volunteered for at school, I'm a busy, but happy lady. Hope you are all doing well and will be blessed in new and supernatural ways this week.
On top of that, our church has embarked on "Operation Take Back", a 40 day journey to take back everything the enemy (Satan) has taken from us (security, finances, family members, etc.) It's been a powerful trip so far and the Sunday services have been just incredible. You can follow along with Dr. Ireland's blog.
So between that and all the things I've volunteered for at school, I'm a busy, but happy lady. Hope you are all doing well and will be blessed in new and supernatural ways this week.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday School Lesson
This past Sunday I taught Sunday School. We were teaching the Nursery class about how "God Makes Families" and I was using a baby doll to illustrate. We wrapped the baby in a blanket, pretended to feed the baby, burp the baby, etc. and then we were going to put the baby in a crib for a nap. So, I asked the class what song they would like to sing to the baby. "Let's sing a Hannah Montana song!" a little 2 year old yells out. WHAT?!?!?!? Hannah Montana?? (For those of you who don't have a little one at home, Hannah Montana is a TV show on Disney Channel).
How about Jesus Loves Me... do you know that one? I'm just saying...
How about Jesus Loves Me... do you know that one? I'm just saying...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Back To It!
Today I am so excited because Ladies Bible Study is starting up again. My church doesn't have one, but my cousin, Liz, has graciously invited me to attend the one at her church. I went last year and loved it! It's such a great time of fellowship and they have so many great topics of study to choose from. This is the one day of the week where I leave all housework, shopping, and errands behind (it will always be there tomorrow) and I do something just for me. BECAUSE AS MOMS AND WIVES WE NEED THIS!
I'm not sure which topic I'll choose this year. There is a study on Stress/Worry, a Beth Moore series on Esther (I love Beth Moore!), one on marriage and a few others that I can't remember off the top of my head. I think I'm leaning toward Beth Moore just because she really gets into the "meat" of a topic and the workbooks really dig deep and make you grow as a Christian. We'll see. I'm off to get everyone up and out of the house so I can get some "me and Jesus" time!
So, thanks again Liz! See you later.
I'm not sure which topic I'll choose this year. There is a study on Stress/Worry, a Beth Moore series on Esther (I love Beth Moore!), one on marriage and a few others that I can't remember off the top of my head. I think I'm leaning toward Beth Moore just because she really gets into the "meat" of a topic and the workbooks really dig deep and make you grow as a Christian. We'll see. I'm off to get everyone up and out of the house so I can get some "me and Jesus" time!
So, thanks again Liz! See you later.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Tree
A few weeks ago I noticed a tree near my house that, as it appeared to me, had changed colors over night. Up until that point, it had been just like all the other trees on that hill. Green, tall and basically just ordinary. Nothing would have set it apart from any of the surrounding trees. But overnight it had gone from being a normal green tree, to a vibrant display of fiery reds and oranges. It was such a sharp contrast to the surrounding trees that you couldn't help but to notice it. It was majestic, regal almost, and you couldn't help but look at it and smile. To this day, it is still the only tree in full bloom and I am drawn to it each and every time I drive by it. I found myself wondering, why just that tree? What made it so special? It looked like it had been personally handpainted by God (which it was). What did that tree have that the others didn't?
It made me start to think that I want to be more like that tree... as a Christian. I want people to see the difference in me. I don't want to be an ordinary Christian -- to look and act like everyone else. I want Christ to illuminate my life the way that tree was illuminated. Can others see that Christ is in me? Can they tell that there is something special or different in not just my outward appearance and the joy in my life, but inside me as well? In my life as a whole??? It's not that I want people to pay attention to me... I just want them to know Christ because of me.
I don't know why God chose me, but I'm so glad. May your Christianity be in full bloom to all those around you today and everyday.
It made me start to think that I want to be more like that tree... as a Christian. I want people to see the difference in me. I don't want to be an ordinary Christian -- to look and act like everyone else. I want Christ to illuminate my life the way that tree was illuminated. Can others see that Christ is in me? Can they tell that there is something special or different in not just my outward appearance and the joy in my life, but inside me as well? In my life as a whole??? It's not that I want people to pay attention to me... I just want them to know Christ because of me.
I don't know why God chose me, but I'm so glad. May your Christianity be in full bloom to all those around you today and everyday.
Friday, September 18, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Just wanted to wish a very Happy Birthday to my Dad and my Uncle Dave! Hope you both have a wonderful day and that God will bless you both with good health and endless love and happiness.
Five on Friday
Five Things You Can Never Have Too Much Of:
1) Good Friends
2) Shoes!!
3) Chocolate
4) Love
5) NY Pizza
1) Good Friends
2) Shoes!!
3) Chocolate
4) Love
5) NY Pizza
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Say It Isn't So !
Macy's was putting up Christmas displays and tons of trees last week! It's crazy, isn't it? Where did the year go?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Would YOU be concerned?
My son came home from school the other day exclaiming, "Riding the school bus is like being on a roller coaster!" Would YOU be concerned??
Monday, September 14, 2009
Just Call Me Grace
She put on her best poker face as she sat through her Driver's Ed class. It was the first day of her senior year of high school. A day that teenagers eagerly anticipate -- you feel that you have arrived and it's your time to rule the school. She felt quite confident that first day. Her 80s hair was adequately sculpted and sprayed. She was having a fairly "routine" day... that was until 5 minutes into her 4th period Driver's Ed class. Now, with her forced smile firmly planted, she had to figure out what she was going to do. How in the world was she going to get through these next 45 minutes.... and, more importantly, how was she going to leave the classroom with her head held high after what just transpired??
The source of her angst was all her own doing. As she entered the Driver's Ed class, she was busy chatting with a good friend. They walked over towards the simulated cars (little models of the driver's side of a car) where they remained until the teacher announced that everyone should get into the simulator.
As Beth slid into her simulated car, she was so intent on listening and talking to her friend, that her focus was not on the metal car she was entering. As she lowered herself into the car, the only sound she heard was a rip... a big rip!! What Beth didn't see while entering the simulator was that this was a manual car, not an automatic, so it had a huge metal stick shift protruding from the front of the dashboard area. Somehow, she managed to put a huge rip in her new jeans. The tear was so large that it was literally an L-shape. All she could see was her thigh and the little L-shape denim falling open in all the wrong places. Luckily, her friend was busy getting herself situated and didn't realize what had happened to Beth.
Somehow she managed not to slice open her leg... that would have just been the dead give away and she wouldn't be able to play this off. Why, or why did the rip have to happen on the upper part of her thigh? Why couldn't it have been on the knee or somewhere fashionable??
So, for the rest of 4th period, Beth plotted her escape. She realized that there was no way she was going to be able to stay in school the rest of the day with her thigh exposed... not the kind of attention she was looking for the first day of her senior year. So, the only option was to sit with her legs firmly pressed together the rest of the class, and when exiting the simulator to try to walk with her thighs literally rubbing together to keep the denim from flapping. She imagined she looked like quite the freak as she wobbled (with her knees pressed together for dear life) from the classroom, down 4 flights of stairs, out the door, into the Subway and onto the train and subsequent bus ride to her home. Her legs were killing her when she got home -- rub burn!!The only positive thing about this experience was that she did have a jacket with her so she at least wrapped that around her waist -- not that it helped much, but at least she felt somewhat covered.
Definitely a memorable first day of my last year of high school. Just call me Grace.
The source of her angst was all her own doing. As she entered the Driver's Ed class, she was busy chatting with a good friend. They walked over towards the simulated cars (little models of the driver's side of a car) where they remained until the teacher announced that everyone should get into the simulator.
As Beth slid into her simulated car, she was so intent on listening and talking to her friend, that her focus was not on the metal car she was entering. As she lowered herself into the car, the only sound she heard was a rip... a big rip!! What Beth didn't see while entering the simulator was that this was a manual car, not an automatic, so it had a huge metal stick shift protruding from the front of the dashboard area. Somehow, she managed to put a huge rip in her new jeans. The tear was so large that it was literally an L-shape. All she could see was her thigh and the little L-shape denim falling open in all the wrong places. Luckily, her friend was busy getting herself situated and didn't realize what had happened to Beth.
Somehow she managed not to slice open her leg... that would have just been the dead give away and she wouldn't be able to play this off. Why, or why did the rip have to happen on the upper part of her thigh? Why couldn't it have been on the knee or somewhere fashionable??
So, for the rest of 4th period, Beth plotted her escape. She realized that there was no way she was going to be able to stay in school the rest of the day with her thigh exposed... not the kind of attention she was looking for the first day of her senior year. So, the only option was to sit with her legs firmly pressed together the rest of the class, and when exiting the simulator to try to walk with her thighs literally rubbing together to keep the denim from flapping. She imagined she looked like quite the freak as she wobbled (with her knees pressed together for dear life) from the classroom, down 4 flights of stairs, out the door, into the Subway and onto the train and subsequent bus ride to her home. Her legs were killing her when she got home -- rub burn!!The only positive thing about this experience was that she did have a jacket with her so she at least wrapped that around her waist -- not that it helped much, but at least she felt somewhat covered.
Definitely a memorable first day of my last year of high school. Just call me Grace.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Singing This All Day
We sang this in church this morning and it's just stayed with me... hope you are having a wonderful, God-blessed Sunday.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Five on Friday
Happiness is....
1) A bouquet of flowers... just because
2) Using a gift card on you -- and not necessarily on something practical or on sale
3) An answered prayer request
4) Finding a love letter or card from your spouse that you had put in a drawer and just stumbled upon again
5) Realizing your child is growing up... and growing in God at the same time!
1) A bouquet of flowers... just because
2) Using a gift card on you -- and not necessarily on something practical or on sale
3) An answered prayer request
4) Finding a love letter or card from your spouse that you had put in a drawer and just stumbled upon again
5) Realizing your child is growing up... and growing in God at the same time!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
He Cares For You!
Today is a bad day... not for me, but for so many people I care about. It seems like every time the phone rang this morning, it was someone else who had bad needs dropped on them, or had a prayer request. When it rains, it pours or so it seems.
I am so glad my friends know they can turn to me when they need someone to pray. I have several friends who have recently lost their jobs (both the husband and wife in one family!). My sister and her kids are all sick, I have friends with children who are already having difficulty in school, and there are some other important needs that were spoken in confidence and will stay there.
I'm standing with you my friends and praying for miracles and blessings on you and your families. God has not forgotten you - HE KNOWS YOUR NAME! Sending big hugs and lifting you in prayer today!!
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7 (KJV)
I am so glad my friends know they can turn to me when they need someone to pray. I have several friends who have recently lost their jobs (both the husband and wife in one family!). My sister and her kids are all sick, I have friends with children who are already having difficulty in school, and there are some other important needs that were spoken in confidence and will stay there.
I'm standing with you my friends and praying for miracles and blessings on you and your families. God has not forgotten you - HE KNOWS YOUR NAME! Sending big hugs and lifting you in prayer today!!
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7 (KJV)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Things To Do This Fall
The Princess Diana exhibit is in town for those of you who live in the greater Philadelphia area. I saw this exhibit with my sister when it was in Florida and we loved it!! We even had Christopher with us (he was just an infant) and was quite content in the stroller. The highlight had to be Princess Di's wedding dress and many of her famous outfits that were on display. Also, the extraordinary amount of books that held condolences from people all around the world. It was very interesting and I would definitely recommend it. The exhibit is at the National Constitution Center (which is well worth a visit in and of itself if you haven't been there yet). The exhibit runs from Oct 2 - Dec 31. You can find out more details here
I'm also thinking about checking out Melissa Gilbert in her new role as "Ma" in the Little House on the Prairie - The Musical. That will run from Sept 10 - Oct. 10th at the Paper Mill Playhouse here in New Jersey. You can get more info on that by clicking here.
I'm also thinking about checking out Melissa Gilbert in her new role as "Ma" in the Little House on the Prairie - The Musical. That will run from Sept 10 - Oct. 10th at the Paper Mill Playhouse here in New Jersey. You can get more info on that by clicking here.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Birthday Dream
It was the night before my 32nd birthday (my mom passed away 2 years before that). I guess I was thinking about her before I went to sleep so she was on my mind. I was sound asleep and in my dream I was back in my childhood home in Queens, NY. I was busy getting ready for work, rushing around when the phone rang. Since I was running late, I decided to let the answering machine get it. After the beep, I heard, "Hi Beth... this is Mom. I'm just calling to wish you a very Happy Birthday and to let you know that I love you very much and I'll see you soon. Have a great day". It was totally my Mom's voice, complete with New York accent. The next thing I knew, I could see her face as clear as could be. It was as if she were reaching down from heaven to give me a kiss. It was as if I could just reach out and touch her. At that moment, my eyes popped open and I was of course alone in my bedroom in Lancaster, PA. It was the perfect start to my birthday -- how cool was that for God to give me a special birthday greeting from my Mom in heaven.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Praise Report
Domingo had to have emergency surgery this morning. The tests he took over the last few days indicated that he had to have his gallbladder removed. So, today was the day and we are so thankful that all went well with the procedure. He is still in the hospital and is resting. Thank you for praying.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
First Day Recap
Christopher had a great first day of school - he liked his teacher, his classroom and knowing a few of the kids already went a long way to help him through his first day. I thought we'd start a tradition of doing something special on his first day -- lunch out and then he could pick one store to buy a little something special. When I announced this new tradition, he looked at me and said, "Mom... I'd really just like to stay home for lunch and play games with you.... then we can go to Michael's so I can pick out a craft, ok?" He must have been really tired (or missed me and just wanted some one-on-one time). So, I made his favorite lunch/snack (piggies in a blanket) and we played board games for most of the afternoon.
It was getting late in the day so we headed out to Michaels, only to have the "low tire pressure" light come on. You can read about my last episode with our tire pressure here. Anyway, I pulled into our local mechanic and, to make a long story short, they were not going to be able to fix the tire... something about too many plugs in it already, blah, blah, blah. So, 4 new tires had to be put on the car (we were due for new tires anyway, but were hoping to squeak by for another month or so before making that investment). Then, the mechanic tells me that my brakes were shot, so we wound up getting those fixed too. I won't even tell you how much that little trip to the mechanic cost yesterday... let's just say I was glad Chris only wanted to buy a craft from Michaels because I was not about to drop any more money for anything after that !
All in all, it was a great day and he excitedly got ready for his second day. I've already started knocking out some much needed cleaning and organizing.
On a side note, please pray for Domingo who is in the hospital again. He has some pain/discomfort and the doctors are observing him for a few days. Thanks!!
It was getting late in the day so we headed out to Michaels, only to have the "low tire pressure" light come on. You can read about my last episode with our tire pressure here. Anyway, I pulled into our local mechanic and, to make a long story short, they were not going to be able to fix the tire... something about too many plugs in it already, blah, blah, blah. So, 4 new tires had to be put on the car (we were due for new tires anyway, but were hoping to squeak by for another month or so before making that investment). Then, the mechanic tells me that my brakes were shot, so we wound up getting those fixed too. I won't even tell you how much that little trip to the mechanic cost yesterday... let's just say I was glad Chris only wanted to buy a craft from Michaels because I was not about to drop any more money for anything after that !
All in all, it was a great day and he excitedly got ready for his second day. I've already started knocking out some much needed cleaning and organizing.
On a side note, please pray for Domingo who is in the hospital again. He has some pain/discomfort and the doctors are observing him for a few days. Thanks!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
End of Summer Sigh
Today is my little boy's last day of freedom before entering the world of public schools. Tomorrow is his first day of kindergarten and he'll be riding the big yellow school bus as well. My head is already spinning with worry with questions such as: Who will guide him to his classroom? Will he be afraid or brave? Will he make friends easily? Will it be a loving, nurturing environment? So many thoughts. A good friend and neighbor has already invited me over to her house tomorrow morning so we can support one another during this milestone.
I know God will be with him and watching over his little life. I'm just enjoying this one last day together -- he's still in PJs and I'm pretty much letting him do whatever he wants today. You're only little once and I want him to remember this time as being fun and carefree. Please say a special prayer for him (and us) tomorrow.
I know God will be with him and watching over his little life. I'm just enjoying this one last day together -- he's still in PJs and I'm pretty much letting him do whatever he wants today. You're only little once and I want him to remember this time as being fun and carefree. Please say a special prayer for him (and us) tomorrow.
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