After receiving our tax return, Tim and I decided to purchase some much needed appliances. Our washing machine would only fill 3/4 of the way up and only washed on one temperature. Our dishwasher had lost most of the posts and the little hatch you put the soap in didn't close all the way and didn't always open. We also found ourselves badly in need of a freezer because I don't throw any food away (not always good when you didn't like it the first time). None-the-less, off I went searching for reasonable long-lasting appliances to improve our current situation.
Money being no object is a very hard thing for me to get my head around. Our tax return came back big, it being the first year of Images of His deductions, and I had been saving for this purpose on top of that. I went all over the place comparing prices and service but couldn't bring myself to any decision. I was captivated by the Maytag Gemini oven. This was about the only appliance we didn't need, It was considerably expensive and exactly what I wanted. I do not spend large amounts of money on myself very well...at all. Tim said, your in charge it is all yours, I got mine last year, I am not helping you make this decision. I was great with all of that except the last one. Another thing I don't do well is make decisions. I try not to do that at all actually. further more the bigger the price tag the worse I get. Agonizing over sewing notions is a regular practice for me. I don't think I have bought anything other than groceries and Dress Barn without multiple trips to the store to check it out first (and I haven't bought anything at Dress Barn that wasn't already on sale, unless of course I was unaware)
But I did it! Funny, we didn't get the freezer which is what we set out for, but get this. I have a new front loading washer and dryer that stack! and a new dishwasher, the top rack is adjustable to fit full size plates if need be! and the Maytag Gemini oven. So how did i bring myself to buy 4 new appliances? A really good sale. Twenty percent off if you bought 3 or more and all four of them were on sale to begin with. I think I know now what happens to my father-in-law when he walks into Best Buy.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
My Preacher
I haven't yet closed my mouth from when my jaw dropped today as my preacher uttered "resignation" from the pulpit this morning. Next Sunday will be his last, and I am just plain sad. I suppose I am in good company, I think many in the congregation are sad; and I can't imagine how long the disciples stood staring at the sky with their jaws dropped as the resurrected Christ floated up to the Father. Not that my preacher is an equivalent of course, but he is my teacher, and he has taught me a lot. I think what bothers me the most is that I don't believe I ever said "thank you." I wonder sometimes how powerful those words are. It seems I get caught up a lot in having a voice about what I don't like, or expressing the way I would have done it, or the way it should have been handled. However, contentment rarely breeds many words. Wonderment, Awe, I have plenty to say about that too; Timothy's love for me does not go a day unnoticed. But contentment ...
I wonder the impact on the world if we all took the time to say "thank you," sincerely , to all the persons we are content with. From garbage service personnel to the pharmacist (seriously either one of them could do some real damage just by not doing their job) what would happen if we just said thanks? I truly hope that he knows, at least for me, he has been a breath of fresh air every Sunday. But I don't know that he knows, and today suddenly, that bothers me. Yesterday I might have made a mental note to tell him, when I "ran into" him next time. Today, I wonder what might be different about the next few months, if all that felt the way I feel had told him, many times, in the last few months. I don't know what God is leading in my preachers life, or that of our congregation, but I do know that I would feel differently about today if I felt I had ever said thank you for the contentment that my preacher is responsible for in my life.
The way I feel today will probably change what I say to the people I "run into" in the next couple of days, maybe a week, and most ambitiously two weeks; but then I will, no doubt, revert to taking contentment for granted and making mental notes again. However, I can make an effort if only for a day or two. I would love to be able to say on another day that I knew I had made contentment known to those important to me. I know now it will at least make a difference in how I feel about the things that I don't have control over.
I hope by my sharing, you too will change what you say to those that you "run into" this week. It might help to think of what it would be like if they weren't around. We may not make an impact on the world, our community, or even our church, but it will feel better knowing nobody had to wonder if we were content. And for my preacher though it may be a day late:
Thank You and God Bless, You have been a breath of fresh air.
I wonder the impact on the world if we all took the time to say "thank you," sincerely , to all the persons we are content with. From garbage service personnel to the pharmacist (seriously either one of them could do some real damage just by not doing their job) what would happen if we just said thanks? I truly hope that he knows, at least for me, he has been a breath of fresh air every Sunday. But I don't know that he knows, and today suddenly, that bothers me. Yesterday I might have made a mental note to tell him, when I "ran into" him next time. Today, I wonder what might be different about the next few months, if all that felt the way I feel had told him, many times, in the last few months. I don't know what God is leading in my preachers life, or that of our congregation, but I do know that I would feel differently about today if I felt I had ever said thank you for the contentment that my preacher is responsible for in my life.
The way I feel today will probably change what I say to the people I "run into" in the next couple of days, maybe a week, and most ambitiously two weeks; but then I will, no doubt, revert to taking contentment for granted and making mental notes again. However, I can make an effort if only for a day or two. I would love to be able to say on another day that I knew I had made contentment known to those important to me. I know now it will at least make a difference in how I feel about the things that I don't have control over.
I hope by my sharing, you too will change what you say to those that you "run into" this week. It might help to think of what it would be like if they weren't around. We may not make an impact on the world, our community, or even our church, but it will feel better knowing nobody had to wonder if we were content. And for my preacher though it may be a day late:
Thank You and God Bless, You have been a breath of fresh air.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Waiting on the Husband
We had a date. Every Saturday morning we have a date. It is time to get the Donuts! I find it ironic that all the time Men talk about waiting on their wives and I find myself waiting on the husband for a standing appointment. I have done all I can do. I have even been to Wal-Mart. And yet I am still waiting. I should have known better when he woke me at the crack of dawn this morning and said " take pictures" that I would not be eating until 11:30. Any time the words take and pictures line up out of Tim's mouth I need to remember a lot of time is implied. So next time remind me it is in my best interest to get up before the sun on Saturday morning and get my donut in early. I can always come home and go back to sleep. Then when Tim comes home all worn out and dirty it will be easier to talk him into taking me to lunch!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
What a beautiful family!
I thought it would be neat to post the family pictures from Thanksgiving. Didn't Tim do a great job?
Mom and Dad you look great!
Grandmother and Grandaddy marriage has grown on you well!
Amy and Kelly your family is precious!
Amber and Jeremy - smooth!
April, Aaron and Rachel - dreamy!
This is my personal favorite! Isn't he a hunk?
All together, what a blessing!
Mom and Dad you look great!
Grandmother and Grandaddy marriage has grown on you well!
Amy and Kelly your family is precious!
Amber and Jeremy - smooth!
April, Aaron and Rachel - dreamy!
This is my personal favorite! Isn't he a hunk?
All together, what a blessing!
Monday, October 16, 2006
I did it!
It is done! last weekend I gave 17+ inches of hair to Locks of Love. WOW! It was a lot. My hair had grown past my waist line and now it comes to my chin and stops. We went to the cooolest guy in Austin to have it cut and he did it Free! You all know that made me happy. It is called Micheals Hair Co and his Web site is
http://www.michaels-hair-co.com/ He did such a great job. He spent a lot of time on me. I have what is called an undercut now and he gave me some styleing with a blow dry. Tim says I am cute as a button I think that is cool.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Grandmommy
Dearest Grandmommy,
You have been a rock in my life. Unchanging and ever present to love and comfort and play. It is with great pride that I call myself one of yours. I couldn't begin to say what you mean to me there wouldn't be enough words to do that. I don't remember a time when you weren't available to be whatever I needed. There was a time that I popped in while you were getting your hair done, Friday morning, I knew as soon as I walked up I hadn't been thinking. But if I remember correctly, you bought me Taco Bell that day when I came back.
Even when you were working I remember sitting at the pick-nik table with scrap slip and cookie cutters making Christmas ornaments that still hang on my tree. You would threaten a knot on our heads for various reasons but I don't know of one of us that ever got one. What a treat it was when we got to glaze in more than one color. What a tragedy when one broke, which often was the case. We would walk over with hundreds of little tiny pieces in our hands and what seemed like an impossible task; only to return to see our treasure beautifully reconstructed so well you could hardly see the lines. I still have pieces that didn't quite get all the chips retrieved from the crash site but whole they are with evidence of your patience and understanding.
I remember the joy that came after the house burned because we got to spend the whole week at Grandmommy's house. "This is gonna be just like vacation" I thought as I compared it to going to Austin. We spent the week stealing Grandaddy's chair, playing ride the horse-y, and woops-she-got-away while you sat and crocheted or quilted. It met every expectation I had. I learned to crochet at your house. If I remember correctly I crocheted one piece that started out a purse, then a hat, no maybe some house shoes and ended up a doll blanket. Now I use that skill in ministry, and quilt oddly spaced stitches on a project that I probably won't finish in this century.
Every year I think back on how precious those memories are as I dress the bed in Grandmommy's beautiful Christmas quilt. Christmas at Grandmommy's always meant waiting on cameras, followed by literally swimming through wrapping paper. I hated to watch it being picked up. I think of you every season as I change out the throws you've given that lay on the back of the rocker that was yours as well. I remember cutting flowers in your back yard to give to teachers at Bowie. We would get up early and pick the prettiest ones, and you would cut them all, leaving your bushes and beds bare, as we marched to school so proud with your glory. We would come over Saturday's and mow the lawn. Wow, you got a deal! Even in the 80's. But we got Ice Cream, (and pink cookies) so I guess that evened us out a bit. Your house was the place to stop after shopping on that side of town to get a coke and a rest (and pink cookies). I remember when I began to drive, I was able to stop by on my own. I would plan my route in order to take a "facilities" break at Grandmommy's.
While I was sick you washed my hair for the last time. It was in the kitchen sink, that weekend it was put in a braid for the last time. Your house was the quarantine from the flu, I missed "the fam" but what peaceful fun it was, especially to have someone in the house with me all the time. You will certainly remember Houston during radiation; I am still amazed that I didn't give Grandaddy another heart attack when I drove your car. When it was almost over, you came and cleaned my room. It had gotten so out of hand during radiation and hospital stays, I didn't know where to start. You came in and worked diligently and quietly until it was finished, far after I pooped out. That was so precious to me. You were the one when you offered help I knew it was real and sincere, so I was never afraid to take it.
I remember bringing Tim home and explaining Sunday lunch at Grandmommy's. He had no idea. I asked him what he remembered and he told of the first time he went to lunch. How everyone was finished as he reached for seconds, and then thirds, and I said to him "there's dessert." I still remember the look on his face as his eyes got wide and he looked up with his mouth half full, questioning "Dessert?!" I feel certain you remember the same face when you allowed him guardianship over Buddy's camera. With it he has taken countless pictures that will soon stock his blooming photography business. He also remembers how much you took care of him while we lived in Abilene. You were the calm in a storm at that time, especially for Tim.
Your house has always been that; a calm in the storm. It seems that no matter what problems, struggles, or stress I may come to you with, it all just seems to melt away whenever I walk the stepping stones to the door. I know where ever I may be that you are always available with a recipe, a hint from Helloise, or yet another aloe vera plant. One of these days I will keep one of those alive. For us, time stops for a while at Grandmommy's, and all that presses in on us is blocked by the rock of your timeless love and understanding.
This is but a scrap of what you have been in my life. You and Grandaddy have taught me much, I couldn't begin write the legacy you continue to leave in me; it exists in ideals, morals, and graciousness. God has blessed my life with you. I can only hope that my life and my home will someday be for someone, what yours has been for me.
With all my love,
Emily
You have been a rock in my life. Unchanging and ever present to love and comfort and play. It is with great pride that I call myself one of yours. I couldn't begin to say what you mean to me there wouldn't be enough words to do that. I don't remember a time when you weren't available to be whatever I needed. There was a time that I popped in while you were getting your hair done, Friday morning, I knew as soon as I walked up I hadn't been thinking. But if I remember correctly, you bought me Taco Bell that day when I came back.
Even when you were working I remember sitting at the pick-nik table with scrap slip and cookie cutters making Christmas ornaments that still hang on my tree. You would threaten a knot on our heads for various reasons but I don't know of one of us that ever got one. What a treat it was when we got to glaze in more than one color. What a tragedy when one broke, which often was the case. We would walk over with hundreds of little tiny pieces in our hands and what seemed like an impossible task; only to return to see our treasure beautifully reconstructed so well you could hardly see the lines. I still have pieces that didn't quite get all the chips retrieved from the crash site but whole they are with evidence of your patience and understanding.
I remember the joy that came after the house burned because we got to spend the whole week at Grandmommy's house. "This is gonna be just like vacation" I thought as I compared it to going to Austin. We spent the week stealing Grandaddy's chair, playing ride the horse-y, and woops-she-got-away while you sat and crocheted or quilted. It met every expectation I had. I learned to crochet at your house. If I remember correctly I crocheted one piece that started out a purse, then a hat, no maybe some house shoes and ended up a doll blanket. Now I use that skill in ministry, and quilt oddly spaced stitches on a project that I probably won't finish in this century.
Every year I think back on how precious those memories are as I dress the bed in Grandmommy's beautiful Christmas quilt. Christmas at Grandmommy's always meant waiting on cameras, followed by literally swimming through wrapping paper. I hated to watch it being picked up. I think of you every season as I change out the throws you've given that lay on the back of the rocker that was yours as well. I remember cutting flowers in your back yard to give to teachers at Bowie. We would get up early and pick the prettiest ones, and you would cut them all, leaving your bushes and beds bare, as we marched to school so proud with your glory. We would come over Saturday's and mow the lawn. Wow, you got a deal! Even in the 80's. But we got Ice Cream, (and pink cookies) so I guess that evened us out a bit. Your house was the place to stop after shopping on that side of town to get a coke and a rest (and pink cookies). I remember when I began to drive, I was able to stop by on my own. I would plan my route in order to take a "facilities" break at Grandmommy's.
While I was sick you washed my hair for the last time. It was in the kitchen sink, that weekend it was put in a braid for the last time. Your house was the quarantine from the flu, I missed "the fam" but what peaceful fun it was, especially to have someone in the house with me all the time. You will certainly remember Houston during radiation; I am still amazed that I didn't give Grandaddy another heart attack when I drove your car. When it was almost over, you came and cleaned my room. It had gotten so out of hand during radiation and hospital stays, I didn't know where to start. You came in and worked diligently and quietly until it was finished, far after I pooped out. That was so precious to me. You were the one when you offered help I knew it was real and sincere, so I was never afraid to take it.
I remember bringing Tim home and explaining Sunday lunch at Grandmommy's. He had no idea. I asked him what he remembered and he told of the first time he went to lunch. How everyone was finished as he reached for seconds, and then thirds, and I said to him "there's dessert." I still remember the look on his face as his eyes got wide and he looked up with his mouth half full, questioning "Dessert?!" I feel certain you remember the same face when you allowed him guardianship over Buddy's camera. With it he has taken countless pictures that will soon stock his blooming photography business. He also remembers how much you took care of him while we lived in Abilene. You were the calm in a storm at that time, especially for Tim.
Your house has always been that; a calm in the storm. It seems that no matter what problems, struggles, or stress I may come to you with, it all just seems to melt away whenever I walk the stepping stones to the door. I know where ever I may be that you are always available with a recipe, a hint from Helloise, or yet another aloe vera plant. One of these days I will keep one of those alive. For us, time stops for a while at Grandmommy's, and all that presses in on us is blocked by the rock of your timeless love and understanding.
This is but a scrap of what you have been in my life. You and Grandaddy have taught me much, I couldn't begin write the legacy you continue to leave in me; it exists in ideals, morals, and graciousness. God has blessed my life with you. I can only hope that my life and my home will someday be for someone, what yours has been for me.
With all my love,
Emily
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
It's My Birthday!
Yesterday was "that day" for me. The day when most people stop counting how old they are with numbers and begin the word problems. For example:
Emily is celebrating the first anniversary of the day she turned 29. How old is Emily
-or-
the 9th anniversary of her 21st.
-or-
The ratio of life lived to life left is <1/3
The posiblities are endless. I don't think this will be my course of action. Word problems confuse me anyway. I have been surprized how it has all hit, 2 months ago I got really excited, I began answering the "how old are you" question with "Almost 30!" Then this week as I told Tim he was approching his last chance to make out with a girl in her twenty's, I began to ponder 30 more like the way normal people do "am I losing my youth?"
Embracing age has never been a problem for me. There were too many Dr's and such that said I wouldn't have any age to embrace. So I suppose it is that part of me that sits here the day after and thinks of a word problem that goes more like this:
Emily is 1/3 of the way to 90yrs. She has learned in that 1/3, more than she could hope to learn in the next 2/3, She has accomplished less inthat 1/3, than she will by default accomplish in the next 2/3, And she is growing closer to her home with each passing day.
So what I am looking forward to in the next 2/3 (pending of course that I have 2/3 left)?
I am looking forward to learning the Spirit's path. Especialy how to listen to it, and follow with blind faith. I am looking forward to learning love. How to love, and how to accept love. How to recognize love from others when it does not look the way mine would. How to give love to others who do not love the way I do. All, I think are quite lofty goals for 60 yrs.
Mostly however, I look forward to Tim. I have 1/3 (roughly) of my 30 years with my beloved Tim. I already can't tell where he stops and I start, I don't remember a time without him and I have only known him 1/3 of my life, yet I learn more about him every day. I am looking forward to turning that ratio on it's head. so ask me what it's like on my 60th birthday when I will have only spent 1/3 of my life without him. God grows us closer every day, that, I am very much looking forward to
So, 30 feels good. It is, at least for me, one of those default accomplishments I could have never made at 29 no matter how hard I tried.
Emily is celebrating the first anniversary of the day she turned 29. How old is Emily
-or-
the 9th anniversary of her 21st.
-or-
The ratio of life lived to life left is <1/3
The posiblities are endless. I don't think this will be my course of action. Word problems confuse me anyway. I have been surprized how it has all hit, 2 months ago I got really excited, I began answering the "how old are you" question with "Almost 30!" Then this week as I told Tim he was approching his last chance to make out with a girl in her twenty's, I began to ponder 30 more like the way normal people do "am I losing my youth?"
Embracing age has never been a problem for me. There were too many Dr's and such that said I wouldn't have any age to embrace. So I suppose it is that part of me that sits here the day after and thinks of a word problem that goes more like this:
Emily is 1/3 of the way to 90yrs. She has learned in that 1/3, more than she could hope to learn in the next 2/3, She has accomplished less inthat 1/3, than she will by default accomplish in the next 2/3, And she is growing closer to her home with each passing day.
So what I am looking forward to in the next 2/3 (pending of course that I have 2/3 left)?
I am looking forward to learning the Spirit's path. Especialy how to listen to it, and follow with blind faith. I am looking forward to learning love. How to love, and how to accept love. How to recognize love from others when it does not look the way mine would. How to give love to others who do not love the way I do. All, I think are quite lofty goals for 60 yrs.
Mostly however, I look forward to Tim. I have 1/3 (roughly) of my 30 years with my beloved Tim. I already can't tell where he stops and I start, I don't remember a time without him and I have only known him 1/3 of my life, yet I learn more about him every day. I am looking forward to turning that ratio on it's head. so ask me what it's like on my 60th birthday when I will have only spent 1/3 of my life without him. God grows us closer every day, that, I am very much looking forward to
So, 30 feels good. It is, at least for me, one of those default accomplishments I could have never made at 29 no matter how hard I tried.
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