Well, we made it through our busy weekend. Although it was exhausting, it was very worth it.
Saturday went very well. The turn out was great and Shelley and I did well. I enjoyed meeting new customers and seeing returning customers. Thanks to all of you who supported this event and my business.
Let me back up just a minute. Not all of Saturday went well. You remember me saying that I couldn't wait for the boys to get their pictures made. Well, if I had known then what I know now...I would have been more than happy to wait. They did terrible. It was crying, hiding their faces, rubbing their eyes til they were red and just refusing to smile. I was so disappointed and to be honest with y'all, just down right frustrated with them. I know they are young but it is so disappointing to prepare for something and then for them to act like they did. It was no coaxing them to smile or to put their hands down. I guess they were scared of the camera equipment and the only defense mechanism they knew was to hide their face with tears and their hands. The whole time they were in front of the camera they were rubbing their eyes and putting their hands in their mouth. No amount of pleading and begging to put their hands down would work...the only response was "I don't want to" in a whiny, scared voice. I finally said enough is enough...I certainly couldn't disciple to make them obey, that would only make matters work. I think she may have a gotten a few shots with their hands down and maybe a smile along with red eyes and disheveled hair from hiding their faces. But with 2, while one was smiling the other was crying. I still have issues about this photo-shoot, so I must stop writing about it and move on to happier times.
JB's presentation on Sunday was great. I am so proud of him and his ability to speak to a crowd with such a passion. We enjoyed meeting the members of the church and spending time with my family. The boys did ok. They both screamed when I left them in their Sunday School room but soon calmed down. They slept well for the 8 hours they were asleep and took a decent nap that afternoon. I on the other hand, didn't sleep much at all. It's kinda hard when sharing a bed with 2 toddlers.
We didn't get back until about 10:30 Sunday night. The boys fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow...same for me.
As exhausting as it was, we were blessed to have experienced it.
Until next time, HB
Smile for the Joy of Others
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Bathtub Test
During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director, "How do you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalized?"
"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."
"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucketbecause it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
''No," said the Director. "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"
I received this through email from my dad...anyone care to join me?
Until next time, HB
"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."
"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucketbecause it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
''No," said the Director. "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"
I received this through email from my dad...anyone care to join me?
Until next time, HB
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Busy Weekend
We have an upcoming busy weekend for the 4 of us. Saturday I will be selling at an arts and crafts show that will feature the Shake, Rattle and Roll Car Show that has brought in about 2,000 spectators.
I will be setting the booth up on Friday no earlier than 9:00 P.M. and then back Saturday morning about 8:30 provided that all goes well the night before with setting up.
The boys have an appointment to get their pictures made at 9:50 with the photographer that will be there. I can't wait for this. Jeanelle does a great job and we haven't had any professional pictures in awhile. If you are interested in making an appointment email or comment me for more details. She told me that the time slots are filling up fast. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments have 1st priority.
After the show is over and all my items are back home, we head south out of town. JB will be speaking at 1st Baptist Church of Summit. He will be preaching and teaching on financial matters during the Sunday School hour and worship hour. He will be presenting a workshop during their evening worship hour.
My Grandmother lives in the area so we will be staying with her Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. I do ask that you pray for JB as he speaks what God has lead him to say and that the congregation will be receptive to God's financial plans for His people. Also pray that the boys will adjust Saturday to a different bed so that they will be rested for church the next day. They typically do not sleep well in places other than their own bed and bedroom. Sunday will be a long for us all. And pray for my patience...it tends to wear thin when our schedule is "off". JB will not be able to help much as he will be focused on his matters.
If all goes planned, we will not be home til late Sunday night.
Regardless of the busy weekend, I pray most that God will be glorified at Saturday's event as it has been planned to raise money for mission trips and that He will be glorified Sunday as JB speaks His words.
Until next time, HB
I will be setting the booth up on Friday no earlier than 9:00 P.M. and then back Saturday morning about 8:30 provided that all goes well the night before with setting up.
The boys have an appointment to get their pictures made at 9:50 with the photographer that will be there. I can't wait for this. Jeanelle does a great job and we haven't had any professional pictures in awhile. If you are interested in making an appointment email or comment me for more details. She told me that the time slots are filling up fast. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments have 1st priority.
After the show is over and all my items are back home, we head south out of town. JB will be speaking at 1st Baptist Church of Summit. He will be preaching and teaching on financial matters during the Sunday School hour and worship hour. He will be presenting a workshop during their evening worship hour.
My Grandmother lives in the area so we will be staying with her Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. I do ask that you pray for JB as he speaks what God has lead him to say and that the congregation will be receptive to God's financial plans for His people. Also pray that the boys will adjust Saturday to a different bed so that they will be rested for church the next day. They typically do not sleep well in places other than their own bed and bedroom. Sunday will be a long for us all. And pray for my patience...it tends to wear thin when our schedule is "off". JB will not be able to help much as he will be focused on his matters.
If all goes planned, we will not be home til late Sunday night.
Regardless of the busy weekend, I pray most that God will be glorified at Saturday's event as it has been planned to raise money for mission trips and that He will be glorified Sunday as JB speaks His words.
Until next time, HB
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mother's Day, Everyday?
Anyone want to 2nd my motion regarding Mother's Day Everyday?
I had a great day this past Sunday. I was serenaded to "Happy Mother's Day" to the tune of Happy Birthday. I was then given a generous gift card to a local Day Spa. I can not wait to use it. With gifts like this, who wouldn't want Mother's Day to be everyday.
Thanks to my Boys...all 3 of them for loving me in spite of some of my emotional mom moments.
Until next time, HB
I had a great day this past Sunday. I was serenaded to "Happy Mother's Day" to the tune of Happy Birthday. I was then given a generous gift card to a local Day Spa. I can not wait to use it. With gifts like this, who wouldn't want Mother's Day to be everyday.
Thanks to my Boys...all 3 of them for loving me in spite of some of my emotional mom moments.
Until next time, HB
Monday, May 12, 2008
What's for Supper?
Here is a blog that some of you might enjoy. Especially if like cooking and trying new recipes.
What's Cooking with CrestWomen?
Yummy,
HB
What's Cooking with CrestWomen?
Yummy,
HB
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Spring Shopping Event
You are all invited to a Spring Shopping Event!
Saturday, May 17th
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
9:00 to 3:00
This event will also feature the Shake, Rattle and Roll Classic Car show, "Kid's Zone", live entertainment, and food.
As you can see this event will be fun for the whole family. Moms and wives can shop, husbands and dads can enjoy classic cars, and the children can play. There will be food to eat and live entertainment to enjoy.
Over 30 vendors will be set up in the Ridgecrest Activities Center (RAC) BKA the gym.
Hollypops Monogrammed Gifts and Snookledoodles will have a booth with custom clothing for your little blessings. I have been working on a new line of t-shirts that I will make their debut at this event. This line is called "The Living Word" line. It features cute appliques with scripture. These t-shirts will allow your sweeties to show off God's promises.
Faith InDeed is sponsoring the Spring Shopping Event and all proceeds will go towards Mission Trips sponsored by Ridgecrest Baptist Church.
Hope to you all there!
Saturday, May 17th
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
9:00 to 3:00
This event will also feature the Shake, Rattle and Roll Classic Car show, "Kid's Zone", live entertainment, and food.
As you can see this event will be fun for the whole family. Moms and wives can shop, husbands and dads can enjoy classic cars, and the children can play. There will be food to eat and live entertainment to enjoy.
Over 30 vendors will be set up in the Ridgecrest Activities Center (RAC) BKA the gym.
Hollypops Monogrammed Gifts and Snookledoodles will have a booth with custom clothing for your little blessings. I have been working on a new line of t-shirts that I will make their debut at this event. This line is called "The Living Word" line. It features cute appliques with scripture. These t-shirts will allow your sweeties to show off God's promises.
Faith InDeed is sponsoring the Spring Shopping Event and all proceeds will go towards Mission Trips sponsored by Ridgecrest Baptist Church.
Hope to you all there!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Balancing Your Life
“Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away.”~Barbara De Angelis
I'm sure I am "preaching to the choir" when I speak of this subject. I know I am amongst many moms, both working and stay home moms, when I talk about the struggle of balancing your life.
There are days that this struggle just doesn't seem so hard than there are days that it's the hardest to fight. Some moms feel the need to volunteer and participate to some degree in most if not all of their children's activities. Meaning (and understandably so), they feel the need to be apart of the activity instead of sitting back and watching.
Although, my children are not at the age of "outside the home" activities, I find myself struggling with activities inside my home. When I became a SAHM (stay at home mom), I found myself yearning for something more. A hobby, a goal, an interest that allowed me to do more than wipe booties and noses. Don't get me wrong, I am so blessed to be able to stay home, regardless of the many, many sacrifices that we have had to make. And I would rather be the one to wipe those little booties and noses. However, there is apart of me that enjoys being creative and accomplishing other goals that are "mine and mine alone". It's an outlet for me. It allows me to be someone other than Momma, wife, friend, daughter, sister...it is allows me to be Me.
Here is the struggle. When I take time to do my activities (monogramming, reading, exercising, blogging, etc.), I have to sacrifice time from my family. If I focus only on my desires, hobbies, and projects during the day my children and housework suffer leaving a feeling of guilt that tends to take away the enjoyment of my hobbies.
When I partake in my projects when JB gets home (leaving him to watch the boys), the supper doesn't get cook and I give up family time...all 4 of us playing together. When I partake in my projects after the boys go down for bed, then I sacrifice spending time with my husband.
And for me, trying to balance all this time is a hard, emotional struggle. I wrestle with just quitting all my projects (monogramming, reading, exercising, blogging, etc). In doing this, I am able to devote more time to God, family and household chores, respectfully. I release all feelings of guilt, in that, our house is not neglected, the TV is not babysitting my children as I try to get a few monogramming projects done, and my husband gets the time he deserves. I don't go to bed with dread of waking up to a dirty, messed up house that I was not able to get to the day before. My dirty and clean clothes will not lay in ruins on the floor of the laundry room, bedroom and den. My dishes won't be piled to ceiling waiting for JB to take care of them. And furthermore, JB would come home to cleaner more organized house after a hard day at work, which is what hard working husbands deserve, righ?
However, if I give up all my projects, I sacrifice time to and for myself. I enjoy coming back to my sewing room after everyone has gone to bed. All is quiet...no phones are ringing, the dog is not barking at every movement outside the front door, no children are screaming for the same toy or from aggravating each other, no Dora, Diego, Backyardigans, Wonder Pets and all other annoying children's shows are blaring in the background, no one is competing for my attention, I am able to focus on what I enjoy doing for myself. When I am focused on my fun projects it rejuvenates me, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, it allows me to be creative, it's relaxing even when it can be time sensitive, and it gives me a challenge that only I can conquer.
Some suggest putting the boys in a MMO (mother's morning out program). I would love nothing more than to be able, however, we just cannot afford it at this time. Most programs are not sensitive to multiple placements in that they don't give discounts for multiples. And those that are less expensive (yet still costly) are usually only 3 hours for 2 days a week. Now this may sound picky, but after you get yourself dressed, 2 toddlers dressed, driving time to the facility...3 hours is just not that much time to get all that needs to be done. Moms use MMO time to take of household needs, her needs, and anything else that comes up. 3 hours can't even guarantee enough time for a doctor's appointment much less an appointment plus any of the following that may need to be taken care of...grocery shopping, haircut, and cleaning house, shopping, etc.
And weekends are no longer a refuge for rest and relaxation. We find that just about all our weekends are scheduled with something leaving no rest for the weary and not much time for our family of 4 to just spend together. Mondays are spent recuperating from busy weekends.
So back to the reason for writing this blog, it's a struggle to balance and we haven't even begun outside the home activities. The only conclusion that I am able to rationalize is that this is just the way our life is at this point in time. It may get better or it may get more complicated, but I don't think the struggle ever becomes easy.
“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” ~Brian Tracy
Until next time, HB
I'm sure I am "preaching to the choir" when I speak of this subject. I know I am amongst many moms, both working and stay home moms, when I talk about the struggle of balancing your life.
There are days that this struggle just doesn't seem so hard than there are days that it's the hardest to fight. Some moms feel the need to volunteer and participate to some degree in most if not all of their children's activities. Meaning (and understandably so), they feel the need to be apart of the activity instead of sitting back and watching.
Although, my children are not at the age of "outside the home" activities, I find myself struggling with activities inside my home. When I became a SAHM (stay at home mom), I found myself yearning for something more. A hobby, a goal, an interest that allowed me to do more than wipe booties and noses. Don't get me wrong, I am so blessed to be able to stay home, regardless of the many, many sacrifices that we have had to make. And I would rather be the one to wipe those little booties and noses. However, there is apart of me that enjoys being creative and accomplishing other goals that are "mine and mine alone". It's an outlet for me. It allows me to be someone other than Momma, wife, friend, daughter, sister...it is allows me to be Me.
Here is the struggle. When I take time to do my activities (monogramming, reading, exercising, blogging, etc.), I have to sacrifice time from my family. If I focus only on my desires, hobbies, and projects during the day my children and housework suffer leaving a feeling of guilt that tends to take away the enjoyment of my hobbies.
When I partake in my projects when JB gets home (leaving him to watch the boys), the supper doesn't get cook and I give up family time...all 4 of us playing together. When I partake in my projects after the boys go down for bed, then I sacrifice spending time with my husband.
And for me, trying to balance all this time is a hard, emotional struggle. I wrestle with just quitting all my projects (monogramming, reading, exercising, blogging, etc). In doing this, I am able to devote more time to God, family and household chores, respectfully. I release all feelings of guilt, in that, our house is not neglected, the TV is not babysitting my children as I try to get a few monogramming projects done, and my husband gets the time he deserves. I don't go to bed with dread of waking up to a dirty, messed up house that I was not able to get to the day before. My dirty and clean clothes will not lay in ruins on the floor of the laundry room, bedroom and den. My dishes won't be piled to ceiling waiting for JB to take care of them. And furthermore, JB would come home to cleaner more organized house after a hard day at work, which is what hard working husbands deserve, righ?
However, if I give up all my projects, I sacrifice time to and for myself. I enjoy coming back to my sewing room after everyone has gone to bed. All is quiet...no phones are ringing, the dog is not barking at every movement outside the front door, no children are screaming for the same toy or from aggravating each other, no Dora, Diego, Backyardigans, Wonder Pets and all other annoying children's shows are blaring in the background, no one is competing for my attention, I am able to focus on what I enjoy doing for myself. When I am focused on my fun projects it rejuvenates me, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, it allows me to be creative, it's relaxing even when it can be time sensitive, and it gives me a challenge that only I can conquer.
Some suggest putting the boys in a MMO (mother's morning out program). I would love nothing more than to be able, however, we just cannot afford it at this time. Most programs are not sensitive to multiple placements in that they don't give discounts for multiples. And those that are less expensive (yet still costly) are usually only 3 hours for 2 days a week. Now this may sound picky, but after you get yourself dressed, 2 toddlers dressed, driving time to the facility...3 hours is just not that much time to get all that needs to be done. Moms use MMO time to take of household needs, her needs, and anything else that comes up. 3 hours can't even guarantee enough time for a doctor's appointment much less an appointment plus any of the following that may need to be taken care of...grocery shopping, haircut, and cleaning house, shopping, etc.
And weekends are no longer a refuge for rest and relaxation. We find that just about all our weekends are scheduled with something leaving no rest for the weary and not much time for our family of 4 to just spend together. Mondays are spent recuperating from busy weekends.
So back to the reason for writing this blog, it's a struggle to balance and we haven't even begun outside the home activities. The only conclusion that I am able to rationalize is that this is just the way our life is at this point in time. It may get better or it may get more complicated, but I don't think the struggle ever becomes easy.
“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” ~Brian Tracy
Until next time, HB
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