Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Challenge!
I have been issued a challenge by one of my daughters. In talking with her last night, she asked me to tell her how my husband and I came to the decision that we should get married. She knows we wrote letters to each other while we were dating, but she hasn't read them. I have always been a little hesitant to let my children read them because they are so personal (and I don't remember what all we said!). I kept all the letters my husband sent me, but didn't realize he had kept mine until years after we were married. That was exciting to me because it gives a more complete record of our "conversations". We decided that I would write excerpts from those letters here and maybe an explaination of what we were thinking and decisions we were making at that time. I have been asked by all my children how I knew their Daddy was "the right one", but I haven't been able to successfully answer their questions. I am hoping that through the letters and narration on the part of my husband and I, it will help them find the answers they seek. We certainly didn't do everything right, but maybe they can learn from our mistakes. It will let them know how much their parents love each other and sought to make a home from that love for us all. Let me know what you think of this idea! Any feedback you give will certainly help!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Time is March-ing on!
I can't believe we are at the end of March already! We have been so busy getting the house ready to sell, I haven't had time to blog or think, even! The kids just left after their spring break and the house seems empty once again. I am getting better at watching them leave, but it is still hard. The last few weeks have been hard. On March 6th my father passed away. It felt like it was sudden, but he had been in poor health for a year. I guess you never really are ready even if you are expecting it to happen. He had been doing pretty well and then suddenly the call came that he was back in the hospital. They thought it was pneumonia at first, but actually it was his heart shutting down. All of us, his six children and his wife, were there when he went home. The whole day he had spent time talking to each of us and telling us what he wanted us to do. It is sad and heartwarming at the same time to watch someone who knows his time is very short. Anyway, we each had time with him to say goodbye. I don't know if all of us realized it was goodbye at the time, but looking back it was a great gift he gave to us.
My father wouldn't have won a "father of the year" prize. He was a very hard man and seemed to have a tough time showing his love for his family. To him, providing a home was showing love and maybe it is, I just sometimes wished he would just have given us great big hugs and told us he was proud of us. There were times in my life when I didn't like him very much, but as I got older, I learned to accept how he was and to love him not for what he did, but for who he was...the father God placed in my life. Growing up, I heard him say over and over that he didn't think you could know for sure that you were going to heaven when you die until you died. In his words," you just have to hope you have been good enough and the Man upstairs lets you in". I accepted Christ as Lord of my life when I was 11 years old and from that day I would tell him how you could be sure and he would argue that you couldn't know. It really bothered me to think he would not be in heaven with me for eternity. Over the years, Daddy went to church, was involved in the leadership of the church they went to, and talked with many people about the assurance of your salvation. But he still had no assurance of that Gift. As I was driving to the hospital, I ask God to allow someone to try one more time to get Daddy to understand and be sure he was saved. Well, one of my sisters was given that privilege. There were only two of them there and Daddy said he was leaving. My sister asked where he was going and he said he hoped it was heaven. My sister said that wasn't good enough, he needed to be sure. He said he didn't know how to be sure and she told him it was simple, just ask God for his free gift. He has heard this so many times before, but I really think this was the first time it really sunk in. He prayed the prayer and my sister said he had such a peaceful look on his face that it was amazing. He wanted to go on then, but she urged him to wait for the rest of us to get back. He held on until everyone was there (we had been in and out all day). It was relatively peaceful at the end and the relieved look on his face was beautiful.
There were a lot of feelings as we stood in that room, anger, hatred, love, and a longing for what could have been; all rolled into one big ball. What could all our lives have been if he had had a relationship with the Lord Jesus all of our lives. The oldest 4 of us had a different mother that passed away when we were very young. I was the youngest of her children and I have often wondered how my life would have been different if she had lived. I do firmly believe that God knows what is best for us in the test of time so the events in my life I believe are used for my good and the furtherance of God's kingdom.
It is an odd feeling to know that both your parents are gone and you are now the "older" generation. My step-mother, who is the only mother I remember, is still here and very much a part of our lives. There are a lot of feelings to sort out in the coming weeks and I hope you don't get bored with reading about them. This is my only place to fully express what I am feeling.
My father wouldn't have won a "father of the year" prize. He was a very hard man and seemed to have a tough time showing his love for his family. To him, providing a home was showing love and maybe it is, I just sometimes wished he would just have given us great big hugs and told us he was proud of us. There were times in my life when I didn't like him very much, but as I got older, I learned to accept how he was and to love him not for what he did, but for who he was...the father God placed in my life. Growing up, I heard him say over and over that he didn't think you could know for sure that you were going to heaven when you die until you died. In his words," you just have to hope you have been good enough and the Man upstairs lets you in". I accepted Christ as Lord of my life when I was 11 years old and from that day I would tell him how you could be sure and he would argue that you couldn't know. It really bothered me to think he would not be in heaven with me for eternity. Over the years, Daddy went to church, was involved in the leadership of the church they went to, and talked with many people about the assurance of your salvation. But he still had no assurance of that Gift. As I was driving to the hospital, I ask God to allow someone to try one more time to get Daddy to understand and be sure he was saved. Well, one of my sisters was given that privilege. There were only two of them there and Daddy said he was leaving. My sister asked where he was going and he said he hoped it was heaven. My sister said that wasn't good enough, he needed to be sure. He said he didn't know how to be sure and she told him it was simple, just ask God for his free gift. He has heard this so many times before, but I really think this was the first time it really sunk in. He prayed the prayer and my sister said he had such a peaceful look on his face that it was amazing. He wanted to go on then, but she urged him to wait for the rest of us to get back. He held on until everyone was there (we had been in and out all day). It was relatively peaceful at the end and the relieved look on his face was beautiful.
There were a lot of feelings as we stood in that room, anger, hatred, love, and a longing for what could have been; all rolled into one big ball. What could all our lives have been if he had had a relationship with the Lord Jesus all of our lives. The oldest 4 of us had a different mother that passed away when we were very young. I was the youngest of her children and I have often wondered how my life would have been different if she had lived. I do firmly believe that God knows what is best for us in the test of time so the events in my life I believe are used for my good and the furtherance of God's kingdom.
It is an odd feeling to know that both your parents are gone and you are now the "older" generation. My step-mother, who is the only mother I remember, is still here and very much a part of our lives. There are a lot of feelings to sort out in the coming weeks and I hope you don't get bored with reading about them. This is my only place to fully express what I am feeling.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A Brand New Year
I didn't realize how long it has been since I have posted an update! Wow! here we are in another year already. Things have been very busy around here. We are trying to get our house in shape to put on the market. Lots of painting, laying tile, sorting, cleaning and did I mention painting? One of my sisters came back with me at Thanksgiving to help me get some of my painting done. She stayed for two weeks and boy, did we work! We got at least half of the house painted inside. After she went back home, my husband took his Christmas vacation and we painted some more. With the help of my wonderful children, we finished the outside painting. I hope with all we are doing to improve the house, it will pay off in a quick sale. I'm ready for a change of location.
Our Christmas was quite, and relaxed (if you don't count all the painting!). All my children were home for most of their 3 weeks off. I really enjoy having them home and I really miss them when they are gone. I always thought I would have a hard time when they grew up, but I am coming to understand how hard it really is. I am trying to step aside and let them live their lives without my interference, but it is like holding my breath. You can only do it for so long before you have to do something! I see and hear their struggles and try to wait until they come to me before I give my advise. I also pray a lot more! Maybe that is what I should be doing anyway, praying and not trying to take care of things myself. It's just hard to sit by silent knowing what would make them happier and life a little easier!
This year with all the work we were doing on the house, I let the decorating for the season fall by the wayside. I think this is the first year I have done so little to welcome the Christmas season. All we put up was the Christmas tree~ I think though that we enjoyed each other's company even without the finery that is usually put out. And that is the reason behind the season, to reflect and praise all the good gifts that God has given us.
Well, puppies are out of their yard, and other work calls me. I will do my best to post more often this year! Happy New Year, ya'll!
Our Christmas was quite, and relaxed (if you don't count all the painting!). All my children were home for most of their 3 weeks off. I really enjoy having them home and I really miss them when they are gone. I always thought I would have a hard time when they grew up, but I am coming to understand how hard it really is. I am trying to step aside and let them live their lives without my interference, but it is like holding my breath. You can only do it for so long before you have to do something! I see and hear their struggles and try to wait until they come to me before I give my advise. I also pray a lot more! Maybe that is what I should be doing anyway, praying and not trying to take care of things myself. It's just hard to sit by silent knowing what would make them happier and life a little easier!
This year with all the work we were doing on the house, I let the decorating for the season fall by the wayside. I think this is the first year I have done so little to welcome the Christmas season. All we put up was the Christmas tree~ I think though that we enjoyed each other's company even without the finery that is usually put out. And that is the reason behind the season, to reflect and praise all the good gifts that God has given us.
Well, puppies are out of their yard, and other work calls me. I will do my best to post more often this year! Happy New Year, ya'll!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Holidays are Coming!
It's been a while since I posted. We have been busy here and at home. My husband and his brother decided that it was time to settle their mother's estate. I haven't had to do that before and didn't know how much work was involved! My mother had her 80th birthday, and there were things to do at the house our kids live in. We are also trying to get our house ready to put on the market. Soooo....I haven't had much time to think about being alone!
Sorting my mother-in-laws house was a lot of work and very interesting. The things that we chose to keep tell a story about our lives. My in-laws were married a little over 50 years and in all that time, I don't think they threw away anything! They were of the generation that survived the Great Depression and were sure they could find a use for anything they had, even if it was broken. (Perhaps we should adopt the same attitude seeing how our economy is right now) They lived in a time when letters were the main methods of keeping in contact. We found many letters from family and friends from years gone by and from recent times too. A handwritten letter is so wonderful to read. The person writing it has to take time from their day, think about what to say, and write it all down in their own handwritting. Then you have to put it in the mail, wait for it to get to the recepient, and then wait for a reply. Old letters hold such fascinating threads of people's lives and the letters my mother-in-law's stash are no exception. I have set up a blog to share these letters with the family and a few pictures that we need help in identifying. The url is http://www.nansfamilytreasures.blogspot.com/.
One of my sisters reminded me a few months ago that it was our mother's 80th birthday this year. Now I don't sit down to figure out how old everyone is, so this was a shock to me. My mother does not look like she is 80 years old. Nor does she act like she is 80! She still works part time for a local lawyer. They had a very nice reception for her and many of her family,friends and collegues came to wish her a happy birthday. It was great to see so many people that I haven't seen since I was much younger. It was also great to visit with family that I don't get to see very often and meet the ones I hadn't met yet.
The holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving is almost here, and Christmas is around the corner. I can't wait to spend some time with the kids. I want to make this a special Christmas for us all. No busy going here and there, just time with each other catching up. I have some new ideas for decorating outdoors as a surprise for them. If it all works out, I will put some pictures here.
We are trying to finish all the painting and last minute details so we can get our house on the market in Jan. I am so ready to move closer to my family. Since we have been going back home so much lately, I have seen all the 'babies' of the family. I so hate being so far away that I can't get to know all the kids of the family. I would like to be close enough to go see them whenever I want. I also would like to be in driving distance of my kids. I want to talk to them more often than they want to talk to me. They are at a stage that it isn't cool to tell Mom too much, she might not like what they are doing! Well, hopefully it won't take too long to sell.
Sorting my mother-in-laws house was a lot of work and very interesting. The things that we chose to keep tell a story about our lives. My in-laws were married a little over 50 years and in all that time, I don't think they threw away anything! They were of the generation that survived the Great Depression and were sure they could find a use for anything they had, even if it was broken. (Perhaps we should adopt the same attitude seeing how our economy is right now) They lived in a time when letters were the main methods of keeping in contact. We found many letters from family and friends from years gone by and from recent times too. A handwritten letter is so wonderful to read. The person writing it has to take time from their day, think about what to say, and write it all down in their own handwritting. Then you have to put it in the mail, wait for it to get to the recepient, and then wait for a reply. Old letters hold such fascinating threads of people's lives and the letters my mother-in-law's stash are no exception. I have set up a blog to share these letters with the family and a few pictures that we need help in identifying. The url is http://www.nansfamilytreasures.blogspot.com/.
One of my sisters reminded me a few months ago that it was our mother's 80th birthday this year. Now I don't sit down to figure out how old everyone is, so this was a shock to me. My mother does not look like she is 80 years old. Nor does she act like she is 80! She still works part time for a local lawyer. They had a very nice reception for her and many of her family,friends and collegues came to wish her a happy birthday. It was great to see so many people that I haven't seen since I was much younger. It was also great to visit with family that I don't get to see very often and meet the ones I hadn't met yet.
The holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving is almost here, and Christmas is around the corner. I can't wait to spend some time with the kids. I want to make this a special Christmas for us all. No busy going here and there, just time with each other catching up. I have some new ideas for decorating outdoors as a surprise for them. If it all works out, I will put some pictures here.
We are trying to finish all the painting and last minute details so we can get our house on the market in Jan. I am so ready to move closer to my family. Since we have been going back home so much lately, I have seen all the 'babies' of the family. I so hate being so far away that I can't get to know all the kids of the family. I would like to be close enough to go see them whenever I want. I also would like to be in driving distance of my kids. I want to talk to them more often than they want to talk to me. They are at a stage that it isn't cool to tell Mom too much, she might not like what they are doing! Well, hopefully it won't take too long to sell.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Quiet...Shhhh
Well, I am several weeks into my "empty nest" and maybe, just maybe, I am getting used to the quiet! I haven't had as much time on my hands as I thought I would have. My husband is home more often, so I am only by myself a portion of the week...not too bad. I also volunteer at my church, so that takes time. I have been visiting my children pretty often and that uses more time. We are in the middle of renovating our home and much of what is left to be done is going to be up to me.
The biggest problem with all that quiet is that I finally have time to think. Now I know that seems like an odd statement, but let me explain. Part of my day is spent on the phone with my children, which I dearly love. I get to hear about their joys, triumphs, and positive experiences...a great way to still feel needed. I also get to hear about the problems, fears, and anxiety of growing and spreading their wings...again I feel needed. The problem comes when I start thinking about the people in my children's lives that cause them to doubt themselves. I want so desperately to rush in and "fix" the problems so it is smooth sailing for them. But...I know that wouldn't allow them to grow and spread their wings. I get angry with those that treat them badly, or hurt their feelings. I can imagine the "momma bear" in me coming out! I want to protect them like I did when they were small and lash out at those that treat them unfairly. But that won't help them, only make me feel better. If they are to be able to handle all that life throws at them, they have to deal with these problems themselves. I pray that they will rest on their faith in God to lead them through their trials and I can step back and allow God to work in and through them.
I thought that I would be able to start a business like I have dreamed of for years, but the economy and a few other surprises have put that on hold for now. So I am spending a little time learning new software that I have gotten recently. I will work on the house, but I have to have a little time for "play". There are so many things I want to learn and do! I guess I have the rest of my life to try them all, but I can't wait. I want to do it all right now. lol For now, I will continue to enjoy my quiet!
The biggest problem with all that quiet is that I finally have time to think. Now I know that seems like an odd statement, but let me explain. Part of my day is spent on the phone with my children, which I dearly love. I get to hear about their joys, triumphs, and positive experiences...a great way to still feel needed. I also get to hear about the problems, fears, and anxiety of growing and spreading their wings...again I feel needed. The problem comes when I start thinking about the people in my children's lives that cause them to doubt themselves. I want so desperately to rush in and "fix" the problems so it is smooth sailing for them. But...I know that wouldn't allow them to grow and spread their wings. I get angry with those that treat them badly, or hurt their feelings. I can imagine the "momma bear" in me coming out! I want to protect them like I did when they were small and lash out at those that treat them unfairly. But that won't help them, only make me feel better. If they are to be able to handle all that life throws at them, they have to deal with these problems themselves. I pray that they will rest on their faith in God to lead them through their trials and I can step back and allow God to work in and through them.
I thought that I would be able to start a business like I have dreamed of for years, but the economy and a few other surprises have put that on hold for now. So I am spending a little time learning new software that I have gotten recently. I will work on the house, but I have to have a little time for "play". There are so many things I want to learn and do! I guess I have the rest of my life to try them all, but I can't wait. I want to do it all right now. lol For now, I will continue to enjoy my quiet!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Week 1
Well, it is the beginning of week 1 of the "empty nest". I thought it would be a slow, empty day, but the farrier called last night to say that it was time to trim the horses hooves. Now, John is usually here to help bring the horses out of the pasture and put halters on them before the farrier gets here. But today I had the pleasure of doing this all by myself. Getting the horses to the barn is the easy part...just rattle a feed bucket and they come running! We have 9 horses and most of them are pretty easy to halter. There is usually someone that balks at being haltered and today was no exception. It was so hot, most of them didn't mind standing in the shade waiting their turn to have their "nails" done. And then there was Kia. She usually doesn't mind being petted and pampered, but today she wasn't having anything to do with it. We left her till the end hoping she would settle down, but decided it was to hot to chase her and make her stand. We probably shouldn't have let her go, but it was so hot and we had been out there for a long time.
I don't have a problem staying home by myself, but I do not like the windows to be uncovered at night. I guess it is from my imagination as a child, but I really don't like to see the darkness outside. I had bought blinds for my very large living room windows and we put them up Saturday. That makes me feel cozy and unseen. I think I am going to like this time to myself when I get used to all the quiet! I don't have to cook if I don't want to, I can watch anything I want on tv, and I can go to bed when I want not when time dictates. One of my sisters sent me an email today about all my free time. I really appreciated that and since she has been through it there were some good tips for getting used to being alone.
I was worried that my kids wouldn't need me anymore, but that hasn't proved to be true. I am on the phone or messaging them many times a day and that is a good thing. Maybe they never really outgrow the need for Mom no matter how old or grown-up they get!
I don't have a problem staying home by myself, but I do not like the windows to be uncovered at night. I guess it is from my imagination as a child, but I really don't like to see the darkness outside. I had bought blinds for my very large living room windows and we put them up Saturday. That makes me feel cozy and unseen. I think I am going to like this time to myself when I get used to all the quiet! I don't have to cook if I don't want to, I can watch anything I want on tv, and I can go to bed when I want not when time dictates. One of my sisters sent me an email today about all my free time. I really appreciated that and since she has been through it there were some good tips for getting used to being alone.
I was worried that my kids wouldn't need me anymore, but that hasn't proved to be true. I am on the phone or messaging them many times a day and that is a good thing. Maybe they never really outgrow the need for Mom no matter how old or grown-up they get!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
E-Day is fast approaching!
Wow! Two weeks to go before I am officially an "empty nester". I am getting more used to the idea, but it still shakes me to the core. I think you will be seeing a lot more of my posts since there won't be anyone to talk with during the day.
I am still looking for something worthwhile to fill my time, but I have thought of a few things to check out. I have had the idea to start a children's clothing line since my children were young and I had a hard time finding the type of clothing I wanted for them to wear. There is a lot of research that I have to do before I decide if that is the direction I want to go and if its a feasible business. I also have considered going back to school to study some of the things I would like to know more about, such as learning sign language. I am a breeder of dachshunds, so I will definitely be studying genetics and mechanics of my breed. I will have time now to go to more dog shows and maybe get involved in Earth dog or agility. I love to sew just for fun, so now I will have time to make all those ideas that have rattled around in my head for years! I am interested in learning how to make jewelry, in quilting, in painting again, playing the piano more, and reading more. Most importantly, I will have time to really study my Bible and hopefully get involved in some Bible study groups.
There are so many things to do, but I want to also spend time with my husband. With his job and my responsibilities as a mom, there has been too much time apart. I want to spend all the time we have missed seeing and doing those things we have dreamed of doing.
We are also trying to decide where we will retire. We have moved so many times in our married life, that I want to find a place and put down roots. Hopefully I will get to finally build a house! Part of me wants to go back to the familiar places and people, but I really want to be sure that is the direction God wants us to go. I also want to be sure I am using my time in a way the honors God and furthers His kingdom. So many new and exciting days are ahead for this family and I can't wait to see what is in store for us! Stay tuned.....
I am still looking for something worthwhile to fill my time, but I have thought of a few things to check out. I have had the idea to start a children's clothing line since my children were young and I had a hard time finding the type of clothing I wanted for them to wear. There is a lot of research that I have to do before I decide if that is the direction I want to go and if its a feasible business. I also have considered going back to school to study some of the things I would like to know more about, such as learning sign language. I am a breeder of dachshunds, so I will definitely be studying genetics and mechanics of my breed. I will have time now to go to more dog shows and maybe get involved in Earth dog or agility. I love to sew just for fun, so now I will have time to make all those ideas that have rattled around in my head for years! I am interested in learning how to make jewelry, in quilting, in painting again, playing the piano more, and reading more. Most importantly, I will have time to really study my Bible and hopefully get involved in some Bible study groups.
There are so many things to do, but I want to also spend time with my husband. With his job and my responsibilities as a mom, there has been too much time apart. I want to spend all the time we have missed seeing and doing those things we have dreamed of doing.
We are also trying to decide where we will retire. We have moved so many times in our married life, that I want to find a place and put down roots. Hopefully I will get to finally build a house! Part of me wants to go back to the familiar places and people, but I really want to be sure that is the direction God wants us to go. I also want to be sure I am using my time in a way the honors God and furthers His kingdom. So many new and exciting days are ahead for this family and I can't wait to see what is in store for us! Stay tuned.....
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