Sticker Stamps

Words can be so wounding, even when they are not meant to be. I hurt someone with my words yesterday evening but was surprised and, I admit, a little miffed at the misunderstanding and the reaction that spread out like a plague. After a restless night of self examination (I let the sun go down on my anger) God has taught me a lesson on making amends and seeking forgiveness. I haven’t done it yet, but I got the lesson. I pray with His help, I will be able to do what is right, without trying to justify or explain why I said what I said. Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck!

Now, on a happier note, the two older grandkids had Super Kids Day at school today (outdoor activities and games galore). It’s amazing how easily they can get out of bed when they have a fun event lined up at school. Instead of needing blasting caps to get the preteen out of bed, she and her brother were up and dressed before 6am! They even packed their own lunches! I think perhaps that may become a regular task they can take off my hands. After school, they were so excited to talk about their day that it was almost sheer torture that I made them take turns while the other one spoke.

Although it’s nothing compared to the price of gasoline, it would be nice if the postal service would make up their mind about the price of stamps and leave it there for a while. Oops! I’m slipping back into a negative attitude. Let me change direction…A funny thing happened to my recently purchased book of stamps yesterday. Hubby had warned me that the desk drawer was probably not a safe haven for anything that slightly resembles stickers, a favorite item of our three year old granddaughter. She thought they looked lovely in rows down each leg. Thankfully, most of them were salvageable. At least it presented a learning experience on the use correct use of postage stamps, not to mention the repeated ‘these are my things, and I don’t like to share my things because you mess them up - so knock it off” lesson.

Becky's Birthday Greeting!

Thursday was my niece, Becky’s birthday. She was recently married to hubby, Kenneth. Since that blessed event occurred before I started blogging, I have included a picture of them on that happy day. Happy Birthday, Beck, and congratulations on your wedding! Love ya!

Dentist Date with Grandson

It was pretty much an uneventful day except for a trip to the dentist office. Grandson was complaining of a toothache and his checkup wasn’t scheduled until June. When I called yesterday to see if they had an opening soon, they were able to move up his appointment to today. Since I had to cancel my last cleaning appointment, they managed to schedule us at the same time. My dental hygienist and I could hear him talking to his dental hygienist across the hall and we were cracking up at the questions he was asking her. He’s so inquisitive. I don’t know how she cleaned his teeth as much as he was talking! When the dentist came in to examine him, grandson said it felt like the hygienist used a nail to clean his teeth. I don’t recall exactly what the dentist said but he started laughing when my grandson explained he wasn’t talking about a nail you use with a hammer, just the kind on your finger. Anyway, come to find out, he has an infection underneath what looks like a perfectly good baby tooth. He has to take an antibiotic and then get it pulled next week. He may have to have a spacer if his permanent tooth hasn't grown down enough. He likes that idea for some reason. I took him to McDonald’s for lunch and then took him to school. He seemed very happy with our dentist date. The best part for him, of course, was that he got to miss some of the school day. The best part for me was spending special time with him, even if it was at the dentist office!

Kid quote: “Did you know there’s a city called Armadillo? I think it’s somewhere near El Paso.” (By eleven year old granddaughter about the city of Amarillo, TX – just in case you didn’t get it. This came to mind as she was studying something about armadillos on a science homework sheet).

Bowling and Bullies

Only a good friend will hug when you have a runny nose!












What form! What grace!

!


Loves to bowl, hates the shoes!

I recently read on a Dove chocolate wrapper, “Remember your first everything.” That little saying came to mind as the grandkids and I went bowling yesterday with a friend and her daughter. Her little girl is 3 and best of friends with my 3 year old granddaughter. It was the first time either of them bowled so I brought my camera along to record this “first.” The older two grandchildren had a school holiday so they went along, as well. Those anti-gutter ball bumper rails were a great invention! We discovered that bowling doesn’t really hold the interest of 3 year olds for long. But the free popcorn they received from the concession lady (just for being cute, I guess) kept them occupied for a while. My friend also played “Simon Says” with them while the other kids bowled. We bowled for an hour and didn’t even finish the game but we had fun.

Soon after arriving home from the bowling alley, I called a friend to confirm a lunch date we had planned for Wednesday. She answered the phone quite upset and said she would have to call me back. Later, she explained that when I had called she was in the middle of filing a police report because of threats made by the man who was doing their lawn care service. Her husband is in his early 80s and has Parkinson’s disease. She is in her late 60s and also has health issues. She had decided to cancel the service and when she called him he started spewing out offensive language, threatened to come to her house, and said she couldn’t stop him. So now she’s afraid to leave her husband alone. It really ticks me off when elderly people are abused and taken advantage of by bullies in society. My friend asked me to pray for the man. I replied, “Are you kidding, I want to be like Peter and chop off his ear!” I knew she wasn’t kidding and I am honoring her request to pray for him. After all, that’s the best defense against evil. It wasn’t long ago that another elderly friend of mine was threatened and her home was vandalized by a raging neighbor. Arrrrr!

Matthew 5:43-45 - You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Busy, Busy Weekend!

I’m exhausted. Hubby and I took advantage of another kid free Saturday and worked all day in the yard. It was great. I love working outdoors with him. You can actually see the work you have accomplished and it stays that way for almost a week. Housework just doesn’t stay done, ya know what I mean? Anyway, the new flowers and plants look great (thank you for all the great advice, C). We are not quite finished with the beds but we definitely made lots of progress.

I heard a good sermon at church today. It was about resting. I must confess that I had a couple of negative thoughts when the pastor said, “You are not lazy if you rest.” I was thinking, “That’s relative. Certainly if you rest more than you work, that’s laziness.” Then, “I hope hubby doesn’t pick up on this because he gets plenty of rest and he doesn’t need encouragement!” I quickly realized through the nudging of the Holy Spirit, that I was missing the point! The message was on resting (abiding) in Christ and that more rest meant more peace. More rest also means more fruitfulness. So I took my mind off of how this was going to affect Hubby’s naps and focused on how it will help me to be more peaceful and fruitful. Since I worked the power point slides at both services, I had double the opportunity to get the message. But right after church and lunch, I requested that we make a run to Lowe’s to purchase mulch, even though our Sunday schedule was already tight. No sooner did we get home and unloaded the mulch when he had to take off for the two hour round-trip drive to pick up the kids and I headed back to the church for two back-to-back meetings. After the meetings, I headed to the store to pick up milk, bread, and mouth wash (basic essentials until I can get to the grocery shopping). I didn’t get home until around 9 pm, just in time to tuck the kids into bed (Hubby was resting in front of the TV). Then I checked my email and my favorite blog spots. Now I’m typing on the computer. I think I’ll rest tomorrow but not until after my two Bible studies. But wait, the kids have a school holiday and a friend invited us to go bowling in the afternoon. Maybe I’ll rest on Tuesday. Or maybe I’ll get a CD copy of the sermon and listen to it again!

Kid quotes of the day:
“I was so cold my teeth were shattering,” said my eight year old grandson describing his swimming experience today.
“When Milo gets bigger, he’ll be a girl again and we can call him Miley.” My three year old granddaughter is in denial about the cat. Must run in the family, right JB? He’s a boy; he’s always been a boy; and he’ll always be a boy; no matter how much ya’ll want him to be a girl! :-)

Friends, Flowers and Flutes

We will soon have another flutist in the family. According to her other grandma, who took her to her tryout meeting, our granddaughter did very well Thursday evening. I totally agreed, although I wasn't there. Neither of us know anything about music but we were sure she was the best one there and will be sitting first chair! :-) The list of assigned instruments was posted on the middle school band website and she has been officially assigned to play the flute in the sixth grade band. Yea! We don’t have to buy or rent an instrument while she decides if she’s going to like band or not. Maybe she can get some private lessons from her Aunt S this summer???

I have a very good friend who is great at gardening and I have decided to be a copy cat, right down to the type of manure I’m using. She went with me to a couple of garden stores yesterday evening and gave me some tips on what types of flowers to buy and where to get the best prices. She is also going to come over to my house today and advise me on the placement of my purchases. What a friend! I can hardly wait to get started on the planting! As you can tell, I didn’t pay much attention to hubby’s remark about how great the flower beds looked without flowers. But he only mumbled a little bit - something about the hanging fern I bought (he’s been trying for two years to dig out all the ferns we planted in the garden a few years ago but they just keep coming back). He now hates ferns.

I have another good friend who met me for lunch yesterday. I ask you, who but a great friend would meet you for lunch when she doesn’t feel well and wasn’t hungry? Not only that, but she met me at Burger King so my granddaughter could play in the play area while we tried to talk amongst seven or eight squealing children (not mine, of course). I think we can add that to the list of 'not such good ideas.' Next time, I’ll have her come to my house after I put the youngster down for a nap.

Friends are such a blessing!

Below is just a little ole verse from a little ole song by a little ole group you may remember – well, some of you). It popped into my head while I was writing about some of my buddies. This is actually the Joe Cocker version which I like a little better...the words, not the voice...although he sings it pretty well. So, here's to all my friends out there...with love, g. Oh, and the part about getting high, I'm not sure if its talking about a drug induced high or a Rocky Mountain high. Considering its a Beetles tune as opposed to John Denver's thoughts on his love of nature and being high on life...oh, never mind. I digressed a bit.

What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

It's Kelly's Birthday!

Happy Birthday, my friend! It is amazing what God is doing in your life and I am awed by the privilege He has given me this past year to watch it happen. Although you are as young as my daughters, I consider you one of my special friends. May you have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend with your family. Love ya!

Thou Shalt Laugh

This evening is when my granddaughter attempts to earn a chair with the flutes in her school band next year. These photos are of her being shown by her aunt how to hold it, how to place her fingers and how to blow into it to get sound. She was actually able to get a pretty good tone to come out of it! Please say a little prayer she makes it. Not only will it make her happy but we won't have to purchase another instrument right now!

The other night while flipping channels on late night television, I stopped to watch the end of a Christian comedian show called "Thou Shalt Laugh," hosted by Patricia Heaton, lead actress in Everybody Loves Raymond. I laughed so hard I woke my dozing hubby. I was trying to be quiet but I think the bed was shaking as my suppressed laughter turned into snorts. I did some research and found out that the show is available on DVD. Since I missed the beginning, I may see if I can rent it or buy it. One of the comedians was poking fun at people who state the obvious when you push on a door that should be pulled to open. "You gotta pull," a voice comes from behind you. "Thanks, my second choice was going to be to try to lift it from the bottom!" I hope you are at least smiling right now, because that's funny. Sarcastic, yes, but funny.

I chaperoned my granddaughter's fifth grade field trip to the museum and IMAX theater yesterday. It was fun watching her interact with her friends. Fifth graders are so interesting. They flop back and forth, trying to act grown up but the kid in them keeps surfacing. I rode down with three moms and really enjoyed it. I'm ever so grateful they wouldn't let us ride the bus with the kids. That may have been a little bit too much! May God bless teachers!

Genesis 21:6 And Sarah said, "God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me."

Half a Century!

Today my sister, Roberta, is a half century old. Welcome to your 50’s, my dear! I’m so glad we survived our childhood with hair on our heads. I remember well the few fights we had as girls that usually consisted of pulling each others hair until we were flat on the ground, neither of us giving an inch. Finally, we’d start laughing because neither of us could move yet we were too stubborn to be the first to let go. But I guess, all things considered, we got along okay. You were my roommate in a house full of kids, my playmate when friends were scarce because we moved so often, and my helpmate with the dishes most of my girlhood. Thanks for being so good-natured. I love you. Happy Birthday!

Darling Daughters and Georgeous Granddaughters!
Handsome Hubby!
They're very attached
but not at the head!

Trimming the Shrubbery

I forgot to mention in last night's post that I trim shrubbery like I trim hair. I have to cut more and more to get them even on both sides. Pretty soon, they look pathetic. That’s why I will never; ever again cut my hair or anyone else’s! I know my limitations. However, I discovered Saturday that I over-estimated my gardening skills as well, at least when it comes to grooming the bushes. My only consolation is that they will grow back… I think… I hope. Hubby says they look fine. He also said the flower beds look great without flowers. I’m trying not to totally dismiss his opinion, but I’m struggling with it…especially about the flowers.

Good Weather, Bad Weeds, and a Joke

The weekend weather has been gorgeous. Working outside in the yard in the coolness of spring makes me forget about the scorching heat that’s just around the corner. It was actually fun hanging out with hubby as we pulled weeds, trimmed branches, pulled weeds, spread compost, pulled weeds, fixed the fence where oldest daughter’s dogs regularly escape to freedom when they come to visit, and pulled weeds. Yep, we had a lot of weeds because we had a lot of neglected flower beds. It felt so good to get them all cleaned out! I can’t wait to start planting flowers. But that will have to wait for a couple of days while I finish our tax forms; inside. Sigh!

Our eight year old grandson is in a joke telling phase. I’m thinkin’ that it’s a developmental thing, you know, when kids actually start getting jokes and want to join in on the fun. I know this is probably a phase but I also know it lasts a lifetime for some folks, sometimes a good thing, sometimes not. Anyway, here’s the joke you can tell your kids or grandkids and they might get a kick out of it (no pun intended).

Why isn’t Cinderella very good at soccer? (I guessed it was because she had a glass slipper – wrong). The answer is (and if I could, I’d write it upside down like they do in the professional joke books): She keeps running away from the ball! Ha! Ha! Ha! (I gave it three ha’s).

Thanks be to God, who gave me such wonderful gifts this weekend; a beautiful day with my husband, the sunshine, the delight of seeing two cardinals land on a tree branch in my garden only a few feet from me, cold water to quench my thirst, fellowship with friends at Starbucks, contemporary Christian songs that touch my heart at church and on the radio, pizza and hugs at CR, a silly joke that made me laugh (a little), and for the privilege of belonging to your glorious kingdom. Amen.

Identity Crisis, Miley (I mean Milo) the Cat

My youngest daughter has a kitty. She thought it was a female but just recently found out it is a male, much to her disappointment. Although I do not have many opportunities to be around the cat, it seems apparent that she, I mean he, may have anger issues. He likes to attack for no apparent reason and he isn’t at all cuddly. As a matter of fact, he’s just plain mean. But is it any wonder? First of all he was taken away from his mother way too soon and was left abandoned by some irresponsible human being. After being rescued from a life on the streets, this poor male cat has been called Miley for all his sheltered home life, named after Miley Cyrus, I mean, Hannah Montana, also known as Miley Stewart (who also has identity issues). Not only that but he has a pink collar and a pink litter box. Reminds me of the time our apricot toy poodle was once groomed and they put bows on his ears. Normally, after getting a hair cut he would prance around with pride in his cowboy bandana. This time he acted like he was humiliated. I’m not kidding, he was moping. I really miss that dog. I’m starting to get strong desires to get another one but hubby doesn’t want one. So anyway, I suggested they call the cat Milo, in honor of Milo Hamilton, radio voice of the Houston Astros. It IS baseball season, after all. I don’t know if the name will stick, everyone’s used to calling him Miley. He may be stuck with it. Oh, well. He’s still cute and maybe he’ll settle down when he’s fixed and de-clawed. Now that’ll really tick him off!

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

As I started to think about what I could write special to and about my first-born on her birthday, part of this song kept swirling around in my head:

On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true…

Although Karen Carpenter sang these words about romantic longings to be close to someone, the words reminded me of how overjoyed and fulfilled I felt when you were placed in my arms for the first time. Your crying stopped as you peered up at me and we instantly bonded as mother and daughter. The emotion was indescribable. My life was changed forever and not only because I was a mom but my relationship with God changed. It was the first time I felt significant in His kingdom. It dawned on me right away that I had to teach you about Jesus. I wanted you to know the Lord in your heart and soul. My desire to learn more about Him myself was intense. I began to study the Bible in a way I never did before. Although I was not a perfect mom and became overly protective of you and your sister, my intention was to help guide you both on a path toward the Lord. I thank Him whole-heartedly for the gift of seeing how you both love Him as much as I do. On your birthday, I thank Him for the gift of you. I love you so much. Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

PS Have fun in Mexico with T. Tell him I said hello.

A Few of My Favorite Females

My first-born grandchild.
Growing up too fast!










My last-born grandchild (so far)
Also, growing too fast!










Happy Birthday #2, Katlyn!
(my great-niece)







Happy 'belated' Birthday,
Jane and Bev!
(me and my GNO buddies -
Jane, me, Terri, and Bev)





Happy Birthday, Grandma Faye!
(Hubby's grandma)
93 Years Young Today!









Bev, again.
(at the theater last week)






Yesterday, my first-born granddaughter had a big, first event. She’s now a babysitter in her own right, no longer just grandma’s assistant babysitter. True, it’s only for an hour after school on Mondays, and she’s not exactly alone (she’s watching two younger boys, one and three years old, while their mom helps the older two with homework). But, she feels very grown up. Her growing up is a little bittersweet for me. Time is passing so quickly. She’ll be in middle school next year. Middle school! It doesn’t seem so long ago that her mom was in middle school. She’s hoping to play a flute in the school band. Her mom did that too but lost interest in it before high school. Those were the years she started losing interest in a lot of things (but I won’t go there). Middle school is hard on kids, I think. Anyway…Aunt S. is loaning granddaughter one of her three flutes. She will try out for a flute position on April 17. I’m not sure how beginning band students try out for instruments they’ve never played, but none the less… From the letter we received, I’m guessing they are going to encourage some children to play a different instrument than the one they signed up for. I’ll just put that one in God’s hands and not worry about it. She’s also taking the TAKS Math Test today. Another important test to pass!

The youngest granddaughter had a first event, as well, two nights ago. She said her bedtime prayer all by herself without our normal, repeat after me, format. The prayer went like this, “Dear, Jesus, help me go to sleep tonight. God bless Mommy, and Daddy, and Sissy, and my broder (brother), etc. (it was a long list, I’ll spare you). Amen.” At the end of her prayer, because the list had finally ended, I felt inclined to say, “Thank you, Lord.” “You’re welcome, she replied. “Noooo!” I laughed. “I’m thanking Jesus.” “Oh,” she said. “You’re welcome, Jesus.” I wonder sometimes what kids understand about God. I remember when my oldest granddaughter was about three, she pointed to the pastor one day during church service, “Grandma, is that Jesus?” “No, but he tells us all about Jesus. Jesus is in heaven and in our hearts.” She always loved to hug the pastor after church. It’s as if she understood somehow that he was exuberated with God’s love. Now, she’s too shy to run up to him and give him a big hug like she used to but she manages to get a small one from him now and then.

More quotes from the three year old:

“Papaw, will you talk to grandma and tell her I have a cape on?” (I was working on the computer and managed to tune out her endless chatter – I know that’s awful but don’t worry, she will not be ignored! I thought that was a pretty smart solution to getting my attention, and without whining! We thought it was hilarious.)

“My face is in my eyes.” Translation: My hair is in my eyes.

“See this muscle? That’s why I’m strong.” (spoken after she pulled a full gallon of milk out of the refrigerator and put it on the counter - as I hold my breath)

I love my grandchildren so much!

Picture for Grandma Jean

Our one and only cub scout holding his third place winning, most unusual metal toting, green machine, Pinewood Derby truck. You have no idea how difficult it was to get this picture. I'm usually allowed one or two shots and if they are lousy shots, too bad! His attitude gets as lousy as my shots! Then my prompting for him to smile becomes a not so pleasent demand for him to turn back around and "smile like you mean it!" Yeah, that works! If it were not for E. taking this with her phone, we wouldn't even have a decent photo! But, the eye-rolling, picture taking tension went away as soon as I put the camera away. Grandmothers!!!

I'll do a belated birthday post tomorrow. I have to make myself get away from this computer and go to bed. I'm obsessed!

Boys and Men

I'm convinced that one of the best times to talk with or listen to someone is in the vehicle, provided the traffic is not too bad and you and they are the only two in the vehicle. Today, while he and I were traveling home from a shoe shopping trip, I had a rare opportunity to listen to what was on my grandson's mind (at least for the moment). This took me by surprise, actually. It was then that I discovered that I really enjoy car trips with one other occupant. We each have a captive audience. Anyway, back to my story...My one and only grandson says to me, "Grandma, don't get used to my voice because someday it's going to change. But I'm not saying not to listen to this voice." I have no idea why he happened to think of such a thing at that moment but it put another smile on my face as I mentally added it to the list of cute things my grandchildren say. Yes, I'm sure his voice will change someday and he'll become a man. But in the meanwhile, I'll listen to his little boy voice (the one I'm already used to) and hopefully I'll listen carefully and not miss these precious things he says.

And since I'm on the subject of my grandson, today was a special day in his cub scout world. It was the Pinewood Derby Day for his pack. I'm finally starting to understand the difference between a den and a pack but I am very confused with how the Pinewood Derby works. The best thing about this event was watching his excitement as he and his friends competed for the title of winner. He kept a big smile on his face as he jumped up and down, cheering for his favorites and celebrating their wins. He won several races before being eliminated. His green pickup truck came in third in his den. He also won a Pinewood Derby Metal for the most unusual design in the whole pack. We were all quite proud, especially his papaw who helped him build his truck out of a block of wood. It was also heart-warming to see this grown man participate, waving a checkered flag as winners crossed the finish line. He was smiling the whole time as well. Yep, I was sure there was a little boy in there somewhere (even though his voice has changed). I'll post pictures later...going to bed now.

Blue Belts and Half Way to Black!

They did it! Eldest granddaughter and grandson are now officially ranked as blue belts in Taekwondo. The above pictures were taken at their award ceremony Thursday evening.

I was reminded yesterday while reading an email with an attached link to Family Watchdog that someone living on our street is on the Texas State Offender Registry for two convictions; Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency w/Child Sexual Contact. Because of this, we reminded the children a few months ago about staying together with other children while playing outside and if anyone bothered them to remember their stranger danger training and their Taekwondo self-defense training. My eleven year old granddaughter replied, “I’ll kick their butt if they try to mess with me.” Aside from the crude language, I was glad to hear the self-confidence in her voice. I had to smile because this is a child who freaked out when Goofy approached us at Disney World a few years ago. Of course Hubby and I reminded her and her brother that the best course of action, if possible, would be for them to yell at the top of their lungs, run away as fast as possible, and to tell an adult as soon as possible. If the person grabbed them, they were to use one of their well-practiced kicks or an elbow jab aimed not at the derriere (as promised by the granddaughter) but at a more sensitive area. I pray that they will never have to use these self-defense tools but I am a little more at ease knowing that they are a little better prepared, just in case. Here’s the link to Family Watchdog if you don’t already have it. Thanks for the link, Me Maw.

http://www.familywatchdog.us/

The following Bible verse is one of my favorites and has calmed my fears on many occasions when I started worrying about the safety of my loved ones. Being inclined to over protect, I must remember where the real protection lies.

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

PS to sister-in-law: Speaking of Disney World, when are you going to start a blog and tell us all about your trip?

In Loving Memory

Janet - My husband's sister

Apr. 2, 1955-Oct. 30, 2003

"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. and if I go and prepare a plce for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3

Happy Birthday, Janet.

The Answering Machine

An interesting question came up at our house last month while my first born was visiting from Dallas with her two dogs, Oscar and Olivia. I mentioned to her that I thought I would like to move the answering machine from the desk in the den upstairs to the kitchen counter. There are two good reasons for considering this move, although you may think they are no-brainers. First of all, I don’t hear my messages in a timely manner because I don’t notice the blinking light. Secondly, it’s not very convenient to run upstairs to check to see if the light is blinking and one would actually have to think to do it (okay, laziness may also factor into it). My precious, sweet, charming and almost always respectful, daughter flippantly replied, “Answering machine? Who has answering machines anymore? Why don’t you just get voice mail?” This innocent and sensible suggestion that implied that perhaps I may be behind the times ruffled a feather (just one). I replied with indignation, “Lots of people have answering machines.” Her raised eyebrows told me she didn’t agree. So I ask you, am I the only one who still has an answering machine? Not that I'm going to get voice mail. I'm sure it costs money and I already have a perfectly good answering machine. I just have to remember to use it effectively, which is why I'm moving it downstairs. But, come to think of it, the reason I moved it upstairs to begin with was an attempt to declutter the counter. Hmm, perhaps I'll consider voice mail.

Grandson entered a rite of passage yesterday. He is now the proud owner of his very own deodorant. I'll spare you details but lets just say he longer smells like that little boy who has been playing outside all day. Yes, I know that's not a pleasant smell either but...well, never mind. He thinks it's pretty cool to need deoterant and asked me as soon as he walked in the door after school if I had bought it today, as promised. I'm so glad I remembered! He went with Hubby to the Scout Shop yesterday evening to buy stuff for his car for the Pinewood Derby this Saturday. They haven't even started on it yet (I take that back, I think they read the directions)! It also has to be weighed in by Friday evening so they really only two evenings to make and paint this car out of a block of wood. Nothing like procrastination to get you suddenly motivated. Hubby also bought his cub scout uniform. At least he got it before the year is completely over!

Invisible

Have you ever thought, “I must be invisible?” Or “My car must be invisible!” Or “I’m not only invisible but I’m inaudible, as well!” I thought or said each one of these statements at least once in the past week. Okay, okay, everyone has an invisible car at times. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have so many cars cutting us off, right? Or worse yet, plowing into us?

Have you ever seen someone you think should know who you are but they don’t really act like they do? Then you don’t know whether to say hello or not because it would sting your pride if they really don’t recognize you. Well, on Thursday the grandchildren had early release from school so we decided to grab a quick bite at a local fast food restaurant. Wrong!!! Nothing quick about it! I wasn’t the only one with this bright idea and we went to two different places before realizing we were just going to wait in a long line or go home and eat a sandwich. “Noooo!” exclaimed the kids regarding the sandwich suggestion. At least the second place had a parking spot. It was there that I saw a gentleman I recognized from my church with his children. I was quite certain he should know me. He didn’t say hello but I’m thinking, “He just didn’t notice me, it’s really crowded in here.” I decided to take a risk and the next time he looked in my direction, I waved and said hello. His curt nod told me that he didn’t recognize me and that he would rather I leave him alone. I so hope he didn’t think I was flirting with him! Immediately I regretted taking the risk. I felt foolish and at that point I really wanted to be invisible.

I probably don’t even need to go into the ‘inaudible’ explanation. There are three kids in the house. I also have a husband who has acquired the gift of zoning out - probably a survival thing around our house. It’s truly amazing that sometimes they can’t hear my big mouth, at least not until I turn off the television. Now that gets a reaction!

But here’s the real reason I’m writing about this. Hubby left for church early last Sunday because he was ushering. I, on the other hand, was late for church because…well, I’m always late (I’m going to start working on that today). When I arrived, he was nowhere to be seen. “He must be in the usher room,” I decided (or maybe he was invisible). I was by myself (the kids were with their dads) so I slipped quietly into a seat near the back. After Sunday school my beloved asked me if I was going to go to the late service. “No, why would I do that? I already went to church.” “You did? I didn’t see you,” was his reply. “I walked right passed you when I went up for communion.” “Oh, I didn’t see you,” he said again. Yep, I’m thinking. When your own husband is so close you could have reached out and knocked him in the head (not that I would) and he doesn’t see you, there is a real possibility that you are invisible. Am I right?

In all seriousness, I may get my nose out of joint when I feel ignored but the truth is that my God is totally aware of my existence. He sees me and hears me. Not only that, He answers my cries, He gently guides my path, and He loves me like no other.

I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. John 10:14-15

PS By the way, the nose doesn’t really have a joint. Who thinks up these idioms anyway?