There's a gentleman at the Senior Living facility where I work who will often approach another gentleman who lives there, and he greets him by saying, "Hello, Potato!". The first time I heard him say this, it was in an unfriendly tone, and the gentleman he was greeting was rather puzzled and could not quite understand what he was saying. I've heard him say, "Hello Potato" in many different tones, but the other day, he said it in a friendly manner. I can't yet figure out if he is just using a nickname, if he does not like the other gentleman, or if it simply a type of banter he uses. Either way it makes me smile a bit and I find both the men to be very endearing.
Speaking of endearing, I'm loving the residents that I am working with. As I get to know them better, I find my heart melting more and more. The elderly have such a unique quality about them - some are child-like, some are forgetful, some are typically happy, and some tend to be unhappy and even crabby. But they all have a wisdom and insight I am hoping to learn from. I love to ask them questions about almost any topic. And I find that they are eager to share about their lives and experiences. One gentleman said to me, "I have enjoyed visiting with you and your children. It's so nice to have someone to...you know, to....well, just to listen." Indeed.
I have also observed something very interesting. There are a handful of residents who are often in a less than happy mood. A couple of them can be intimidating to me. But I have found that even those with the sourest dispositions melt like butter when my children are around. It's as though someone flips a switch inside them when they see my kids - and their smiles come out and their tender sides emerge - and for awhile they forget they are growing older and that sometimes life is hard and bleak. So I have been bringing the kids as often as I can and I'm hoping and praying that somehow we can make a difference in the lives of these very dear people.
There is one lady who Peewee has taken a particular interest in. For some reason, she reminds us all of my own dear Mother, and I think that is why he is drawn to her. She started an impromptu card game with him the other day, and before we left, she had all the kids playing with her and showing them the game. I hated to leave, they were all having so much fun. The next day, when I was in her room, she was just waking up and was in obvious pain in her joints and muscles. I said, "My children sure enjoyed playing cards with you yesterday." She immediately cheered up and said, "Oh I almost forgot about that! Thank you for reminding me, and for bringing your kids in to see us. That was fun!" And for a moment, she seemed to forget her pain. I got a little choked up as I finished up in her room. She reminds me so much of Mom.
So my job is going very well, and it is helping to fill a void that I have had ever since my parents died - not only in my life, but in the lives of my kids. They have missed my parents very much, and they miss Kyle's parents too, who we don't get to see as often as we would like.
So, goodbye, Potato. I hope you have a good weekend. :)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
How's it going?
You know, I ask people that a lot. "How's it going?" So I thought I would update my blog today and inform all two readers (lol!) how it's going on the Grove Family Homestead.
We planted green peppers, onions, two kinds of tomatoes, (can anyone say "salsa"?) and lots of flowers. I was bit by the gardening bug and I will not look back. I enjoy checking on all my plants and seeing the progress. I swear I can sometimes see the onions growing, they are coming up so fast! And my tomatoes already have blooms. I'm tempted to eat the leaves, I'm so eager for a taste of garden-fresh tomatoes!! I did lose one pepper plant when the dog decided to park her rump on it one day. :( Rest in peace, little pepper plant. I shall always remember you.
The summer days have been flying by at a jet-fast pace since I started my job. I'm enjoying the work and I'm very thankful our whole family has been getting in step with our new schedule. I work for 2 to 3 days a week, and usually the kids are alone for just one day a week. I'm glad the manager was willing to schedule me on the days that Kyle is home, for the most part. The work itself is very hard, but very rewarding. I'm in housekeeping now, so I am responsible for lots of cleaning, some laundry and serving two meals per shift. Soon I hope to be training in as a Home Health Aide, and then I'll be working more directly with the residents. I'm also getting to help fill-in for the Activities Director, which means that basically I get paid to go to work to play games and do activities with the residents! When Kyle and Things 1 and 2 are gone in July I will be filling in while the Activities Director is on vacation - and I'll get to bring Things 3,4 and 5 with me to work! The kids have been helping with games and activities for a couple weeks now, and they love it. Our whole family has been volunteering some of our time as well. We put together a patriotic presentation for Flag Day and the residents loved it.
On a sad note, two years ago today my dear Mother passed away. I still miss her very much.
On a happy note, I got to see my darling niece Cherith last week when a friend graciously asked me to ride along with her when she went to the cities. And I have great news! Cherith will be coming home soon. Her progress has been so wonderful, we are thanking and praising God for how far she has come.
Well, I'm off to run some errands, head to Wal-Mart (Can I get an "Amen!"?) and then drop Things 1&2 off with Kyle so they can head to a CAP activity in Western ND tonight and tomorrow. I'll have to think of some fun stuff to keep Things 3,4&5 busy while they are gone.
I hope things are going well for you and yours!!
Elizabeth Ann
We planted green peppers, onions, two kinds of tomatoes, (can anyone say "salsa"?) and lots of flowers. I was bit by the gardening bug and I will not look back. I enjoy checking on all my plants and seeing the progress. I swear I can sometimes see the onions growing, they are coming up so fast! And my tomatoes already have blooms. I'm tempted to eat the leaves, I'm so eager for a taste of garden-fresh tomatoes!! I did lose one pepper plant when the dog decided to park her rump on it one day. :( Rest in peace, little pepper plant. I shall always remember you.
The summer days have been flying by at a jet-fast pace since I started my job. I'm enjoying the work and I'm very thankful our whole family has been getting in step with our new schedule. I work for 2 to 3 days a week, and usually the kids are alone for just one day a week. I'm glad the manager was willing to schedule me on the days that Kyle is home, for the most part. The work itself is very hard, but very rewarding. I'm in housekeeping now, so I am responsible for lots of cleaning, some laundry and serving two meals per shift. Soon I hope to be training in as a Home Health Aide, and then I'll be working more directly with the residents. I'm also getting to help fill-in for the Activities Director, which means that basically I get paid to go to work to play games and do activities with the residents! When Kyle and Things 1 and 2 are gone in July I will be filling in while the Activities Director is on vacation - and I'll get to bring Things 3,4 and 5 with me to work! The kids have been helping with games and activities for a couple weeks now, and they love it. Our whole family has been volunteering some of our time as well. We put together a patriotic presentation for Flag Day and the residents loved it.
On a sad note, two years ago today my dear Mother passed away. I still miss her very much.
On a happy note, I got to see my darling niece Cherith last week when a friend graciously asked me to ride along with her when she went to the cities. And I have great news! Cherith will be coming home soon. Her progress has been so wonderful, we are thanking and praising God for how far she has come.
Well, I'm off to run some errands, head to Wal-Mart (Can I get an "Amen!"?) and then drop Things 1&2 off with Kyle so they can head to a CAP activity in Western ND tonight and tomorrow. I'll have to think of some fun stuff to keep Things 3,4&5 busy while they are gone.
I hope things are going well for you and yours!!
Elizabeth Ann
Monday, June 8, 2009
Don't Mess With A Mama Bear
Last Thursday something happened that caused us to have some of the worst stress we have ever experienced. It was one of those days that seems like it was a long time ago, even though it was just last week. Let me 'splain.
I was on my way to Fargo in the morning with Pickles for an appointment when Peaches called me in a panic on my cell phone and said, "MOM - there is a policeman at the door and he asked to talk to Peanut! He's outside asking her questions right now!!" I told her to give the phone to the policeman and asked him what was going on. He proceeded to tell me that there was a claim of abuse against me towards Peanut and that I needed to come to the police station for questioning. Just writing about this is making me feel sick again. I asked him if he could give me any more information, but he would not tell me anything further on the phone.
At this point my arms were going numb and I told the officer that I was on my way into Fargo for an appointment but that I would immediately turn around and come home. He told me that wasn't necessary - but I knew there was no way I could keep driving and continue on with my day with such an accusation bouncing around my brain. After I hung up with the policeman I immediately called Kyle and told him what was going on, and he decided to come home from work. I was very relieved as I knew I needed his support and leadership to face this.
I tried to reach our Pastor but his cell phone connection was cutting out, so I spoke with our Assistant Pastor and told him what was going on. I can't remember a word he said, I was very stressed and crying by this time, but I do remember he gave me some good advice. After I spoke with him (I was home by this time) I called Home School Legal Defense and they said because this situation was likely not a homeschooling issue, that they could not get involved. So then I called Christian Law Association and spoke with a Paralegal. He (or was it a she?) told me to go ahead and go to the police station to see what was going on, but that if I became the least bit uncomfortable with any of the questions that I was to stop answering and tell the officer I wanted a lawyer. Yikes. Yikes and a half! It was beginning to dawn on me that I really had no clue what we could possibly be facing - and that (depending on what accusations might have been made) I could very well be going to get arrested. Gulp.
By this time I was bawling. The numbness from my arms was beginning to settle over the rest of me. Should we grab the kids and flee to Canada? Mexico? Glyndon? Wait a second here. Why was I panicking? I had not abused my child. I had nothing to fear. God was not going to wait outside the police station while I dealt with this on my own. Kyle was with me, the kids were healthy and safe, and we all got on our knees and asked God to intervene and help us on our behalf. Please help me Abba, Father, Papa, Daddy. I need you. Please help me to feel as though I am safely in your lap, in your arms, as I felt when I was a child on my earthly Daddy's knee.
We left for the police station, and on the way there our Pastor called and I filled him in on the situation. He was shocked when I told him that the Paralegal had told me it was legal for the officer to question Peanut without anyone else present, and without the parent's knowledge or consent. You are probably thinking, "WHAT?!?" I KNOW. This part of the whole ordeal has bothered me the most. Peanut has Down syndrome - and at times she is difficult to understand and she can be easily misled or misinterpret questions that she is asked. I had no idea what the officer could have asked her or what she might have said. And she was not able to communicate to me what their conversation was about.
When we got to the police station God gave me the strength to walk inside and face whatever was ahead. Was I going to find out what handcuffs actually felt like? I was as cold as the steel of a pair of handcuffs by this time. It was a good thing I hadn't eaten breakfast or it might have ended up on the floor of the policeman's office.
Knowing Godly friends were praying gave me just the support and encouragement I needed.
As soon as we sat down, we were surprised to hear the officer apologize to us. He went on to say that THIS WHOLE THING WAS BASICALLY A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. At this time I don't have the liberty to write any more details about this situation other than to say that there is a child in our area whose name is similar to Peanut's who reported her own parent for abuse. The officer simply had the wrong house. You can imagine our relief. In fact, we were so relieved and so thankful that this turned out to be nothing, that we instantly forgot the turmoil this had put us through. In retrospect, I have learned several things.
1. Never answer your door when a policeman is knocking. Just kidding. No, seriously, our older children need to know that if a policeman or social worker should come to the door and ask to speak to another member of the household they should politely tell them, "I will call my parents and you can speak to them." If I had been home I would not have allowed the policeman to question Peanut without me present. I just think that was unacceptable, even though it was legal. If I had been home, and he had pushed the issue, I would have probably respectfully pushed right back for proof that it was legal, and insisted that she have someone represent her or that the conversation was recorded. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief that it actually happened. Unfortunately until the Lord returns, these types of things are probably going to become more and more commonplace, even in the United States of America.
2. Have the numbers for Home School Legal Defense and/or Christian Law Association or your family lawyer handy at all times. I had to wait until I got home to look these numbers up. And, shame on me, our membership with HSLDA is not current. This was a sharp reminder to quit procrastinating and renew our membership.
3. Know the people in your life who will pray for you in your time of need - and call them when you need them. This will bolster your faith and give you strength and encouragement.
4. Remember that these types of trials can come into our lives without any warning - and we need to be "always ready to give an answer" and stay in the Word and on our knees so we don't completely "lose it" when bad stuff happens. Just as God helped Paul and Silas in the jail, just as He helped the Israelites out of Egypt - just as He has upheld and sustained His people through all the ages, He will help you too, if you are His child.
5. If you do not know Christ as your Saviour, if you do not have God in your life, please contact me. It would be an honor to show you from God's word how you can have peace through the Cross.
6. Romans 8:28.
7. Thank you, God.
I was on my way to Fargo in the morning with Pickles for an appointment when Peaches called me in a panic on my cell phone and said, "MOM - there is a policeman at the door and he asked to talk to Peanut! He's outside asking her questions right now!!" I told her to give the phone to the policeman and asked him what was going on. He proceeded to tell me that there was a claim of abuse against me towards Peanut and that I needed to come to the police station for questioning. Just writing about this is making me feel sick again. I asked him if he could give me any more information, but he would not tell me anything further on the phone.
At this point my arms were going numb and I told the officer that I was on my way into Fargo for an appointment but that I would immediately turn around and come home. He told me that wasn't necessary - but I knew there was no way I could keep driving and continue on with my day with such an accusation bouncing around my brain. After I hung up with the policeman I immediately called Kyle and told him what was going on, and he decided to come home from work. I was very relieved as I knew I needed his support and leadership to face this.
I tried to reach our Pastor but his cell phone connection was cutting out, so I spoke with our Assistant Pastor and told him what was going on. I can't remember a word he said, I was very stressed and crying by this time, but I do remember he gave me some good advice. After I spoke with him (I was home by this time) I called Home School Legal Defense and they said because this situation was likely not a homeschooling issue, that they could not get involved. So then I called Christian Law Association and spoke with a Paralegal. He (or was it a she?) told me to go ahead and go to the police station to see what was going on, but that if I became the least bit uncomfortable with any of the questions that I was to stop answering and tell the officer I wanted a lawyer. Yikes. Yikes and a half! It was beginning to dawn on me that I really had no clue what we could possibly be facing - and that (depending on what accusations might have been made) I could very well be going to get arrested. Gulp.
By this time I was bawling. The numbness from my arms was beginning to settle over the rest of me. Should we grab the kids and flee to Canada? Mexico? Glyndon? Wait a second here. Why was I panicking? I had not abused my child. I had nothing to fear. God was not going to wait outside the police station while I dealt with this on my own. Kyle was with me, the kids were healthy and safe, and we all got on our knees and asked God to intervene and help us on our behalf. Please help me Abba, Father, Papa, Daddy. I need you. Please help me to feel as though I am safely in your lap, in your arms, as I felt when I was a child on my earthly Daddy's knee.
We left for the police station, and on the way there our Pastor called and I filled him in on the situation. He was shocked when I told him that the Paralegal had told me it was legal for the officer to question Peanut without anyone else present, and without the parent's knowledge or consent. You are probably thinking, "WHAT?!?" I KNOW. This part of the whole ordeal has bothered me the most. Peanut has Down syndrome - and at times she is difficult to understand and she can be easily misled or misinterpret questions that she is asked. I had no idea what the officer could have asked her or what she might have said. And she was not able to communicate to me what their conversation was about.
When we got to the police station God gave me the strength to walk inside and face whatever was ahead. Was I going to find out what handcuffs actually felt like? I was as cold as the steel of a pair of handcuffs by this time. It was a good thing I hadn't eaten breakfast or it might have ended up on the floor of the policeman's office.
Knowing Godly friends were praying gave me just the support and encouragement I needed.
As soon as we sat down, we were surprised to hear the officer apologize to us. He went on to say that THIS WHOLE THING WAS BASICALLY A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. At this time I don't have the liberty to write any more details about this situation other than to say that there is a child in our area whose name is similar to Peanut's who reported her own parent for abuse. The officer simply had the wrong house. You can imagine our relief. In fact, we were so relieved and so thankful that this turned out to be nothing, that we instantly forgot the turmoil this had put us through. In retrospect, I have learned several things.
1. Never answer your door when a policeman is knocking. Just kidding. No, seriously, our older children need to know that if a policeman or social worker should come to the door and ask to speak to another member of the household they should politely tell them, "I will call my parents and you can speak to them." If I had been home I would not have allowed the policeman to question Peanut without me present. I just think that was unacceptable, even though it was legal. If I had been home, and he had pushed the issue, I would have probably respectfully pushed right back for proof that it was legal, and insisted that she have someone represent her or that the conversation was recorded. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief that it actually happened. Unfortunately until the Lord returns, these types of things are probably going to become more and more commonplace, even in the United States of America.
2. Have the numbers for Home School Legal Defense and/or Christian Law Association or your family lawyer handy at all times. I had to wait until I got home to look these numbers up. And, shame on me, our membership with HSLDA is not current. This was a sharp reminder to quit procrastinating and renew our membership.
3. Know the people in your life who will pray for you in your time of need - and call them when you need them. This will bolster your faith and give you strength and encouragement.
4. Remember that these types of trials can come into our lives without any warning - and we need to be "always ready to give an answer" and stay in the Word and on our knees so we don't completely "lose it" when bad stuff happens. Just as God helped Paul and Silas in the jail, just as He helped the Israelites out of Egypt - just as He has upheld and sustained His people through all the ages, He will help you too, if you are His child.
5. If you do not know Christ as your Saviour, if you do not have God in your life, please contact me. It would be an honor to show you from God's word how you can have peace through the Cross.
6. Romans 8:28.
7. Thank you, God.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Working Mother
I am one of those people who has always chuckled inwardly (sometimes I laugh outright) at the term "Working Mother". I've yet to find a Mom who doesn't work! I guess that is why they call the beginnings of physical motherhood "labor". From the moment that baby is brought into the world, there is always something to do. I could make a very long list here of all that mothers do, but I'd probably crash my computer, and maybe even bring down the whole worldwide internet. I really don't want to be responsible for all that. Suffice it to say that the words work and motherhood are synonymous.
That being said, work has a new meaning in the Grove household. Our finances have dictated that it will be necessary for me to work part-time outside of the home. I had an interview this morning and have been hired at Hawley Assisted Living, where I will be starting out in Housekeeping, then getting training and moving up to Home Health Aide. I'm excited and scared and happy and apprehensive, all at the same time!! It's been quite a few years since I've earned a paycheck, so this will be a leap for me. For so long, my focus has been husband, kids and home (and it will still be my first priority) but now that I'm "branching out" and adding more responsibility, I've had to switch gears in my mind.
Kyle and I have come to this decision with much prayer and contemplation. Thankfully the director who hired me is sensitive to my need to keep our home and homeschooling my first priority, and she is willing to schedule me on the days that Kyle will be home, for the most part. Things One and Two can handle the occasional times that both of us will be gone.
I'd appreciate your prayers as I find the balance with my new schedule, and that we'll all make a smooth transition to me working outside the home.
By the way, this is all D.M.'s fault, because she pursuaded me that there is better coffee out there than Folger's Black Silk. The real reason I need to work is to be able to afford my addiction to Dunkin' Donuts coffee.
So it's all her fault. ;)
That being said, work has a new meaning in the Grove household. Our finances have dictated that it will be necessary for me to work part-time outside of the home. I had an interview this morning and have been hired at Hawley Assisted Living, where I will be starting out in Housekeeping, then getting training and moving up to Home Health Aide. I'm excited and scared and happy and apprehensive, all at the same time!! It's been quite a few years since I've earned a paycheck, so this will be a leap for me. For so long, my focus has been husband, kids and home (and it will still be my first priority) but now that I'm "branching out" and adding more responsibility, I've had to switch gears in my mind.
Kyle and I have come to this decision with much prayer and contemplation. Thankfully the director who hired me is sensitive to my need to keep our home and homeschooling my first priority, and she is willing to schedule me on the days that Kyle will be home, for the most part. Things One and Two can handle the occasional times that both of us will be gone.
I'd appreciate your prayers as I find the balance with my new schedule, and that we'll all make a smooth transition to me working outside the home.
By the way, this is all D.M.'s fault, because she pursuaded me that there is better coffee out there than Folger's Black Silk. The real reason I need to work is to be able to afford my addiction to Dunkin' Donuts coffee.
So it's all her fault. ;)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Russian Princess
Ten years ago today, in Russia, there was a baby girl who was born. Her mother named her Ekaterina.
Half a world away, in the United States, lived a family of three. Two loving, dedicated parents and one son, born into the family through adoption. The couple was thrilled to have their son join their lives in 1994. He made their home even homier. Yet something was calling to the couple from afar - and as time went on they knew that somewhere out there was a little girl who belonged with them.
So the couple visited a Russian orphanage. They saw different babies - but one knit her way into her future Daddy's heart the very first time he held her. It was in those moments that little Ekaterina joined our family, although it would be a couple of months before she was able to come home.
The couple I speak of are my beloved sister and her husband - and the son they adopted is my dear nephew, now fourteen years of age. He is the same age as Pickles and it's been a joy to watch him grow up. He has the most beautiful blue eyes you have ever seen and is probably going to be even taller than his adoptive Daddy.
The sweet little Russian Princess was dubbed "Katy" by her late Grandmother - although her parents did formally change her name. We all call her by the nickname "Katya" that was given to her in the orphanage by her caregivers. Today is Katya's tenth birthday - or "double digits" as she has enjoyed saying.
Katya, I am so thankful that God wanted to have you join our family. Writing this has brought tears to my eyes. I remember when your Mama sent me the first pictures of you when you were still in the orphanage. I loved you before I had ever even met you!
Happy Birthday darling Katya. I hope your day is as special as you are!!
Half a world away, in the United States, lived a family of three. Two loving, dedicated parents and one son, born into the family through adoption. The couple was thrilled to have their son join their lives in 1994. He made their home even homier. Yet something was calling to the couple from afar - and as time went on they knew that somewhere out there was a little girl who belonged with them.
So the couple visited a Russian orphanage. They saw different babies - but one knit her way into her future Daddy's heart the very first time he held her. It was in those moments that little Ekaterina joined our family, although it would be a couple of months before she was able to come home.
The couple I speak of are my beloved sister and her husband - and the son they adopted is my dear nephew, now fourteen years of age. He is the same age as Pickles and it's been a joy to watch him grow up. He has the most beautiful blue eyes you have ever seen and is probably going to be even taller than his adoptive Daddy.
The sweet little Russian Princess was dubbed "Katy" by her late Grandmother - although her parents did formally change her name. We all call her by the nickname "Katya" that was given to her in the orphanage by her caregivers. Today is Katya's tenth birthday - or "double digits" as she has enjoyed saying.
Katya, I am so thankful that God wanted to have you join our family. Writing this has brought tears to my eyes. I remember when your Mama sent me the first pictures of you when you were still in the orphanage. I loved you before I had ever even met you!
Happy Birthday darling Katya. I hope your day is as special as you are!!
Singin' the Blues
Hi kids. Have you ever had a day, week, month (year?!?) where you just felt blue and out of sorts? Well, I'm there. I know I seem incessantly sunshiny and all, at least my friends tell me that, but the truth is, I'm bummed.
Does it seem to you like the whole world is insane right now? Most newscasts have something depressing to ruin your day, so I've even been avoiding the news, for the most part. I can't get away from it completely, of course - I'd have to live in a cave. But the thing is, living in a cave is sounding better and better all the time.
There are moments I think to myself that we need to move to a remote area, off the grid, and start a farm where we can be totally self-sufficient. Raise or grow all our own food, put up a cabin, sew all our own clothes, just us and the critters and the land. Can you say, "Wilderness Family"? Remember that movie? I love that movie.
The thing is, that most days, I really like people. I NEED interaction with others, at least when I am well-watered and fed, and have plenty of coffee in my system. (You do not want to see me in the morning BC - before coffee.)
So, what am I trying to say? I don't know what I am trying to say. Actually I do know, but in this blog I don't reveal ALL. That is only in my other blog. Don't bother doing an internet search to find it, because the other blog only exists in my mind.
Neener, neener, neener. ;p
Does it seem to you like the whole world is insane right now? Most newscasts have something depressing to ruin your day, so I've even been avoiding the news, for the most part. I can't get away from it completely, of course - I'd have to live in a cave. But the thing is, living in a cave is sounding better and better all the time.
There are moments I think to myself that we need to move to a remote area, off the grid, and start a farm where we can be totally self-sufficient. Raise or grow all our own food, put up a cabin, sew all our own clothes, just us and the critters and the land. Can you say, "Wilderness Family"? Remember that movie? I love that movie.
The thing is, that most days, I really like people. I NEED interaction with others, at least when I am well-watered and fed, and have plenty of coffee in my system. (You do not want to see me in the morning BC - before coffee.)
So, what am I trying to say? I don't know what I am trying to say. Actually I do know, but in this blog I don't reveal ALL. That is only in my other blog. Don't bother doing an internet search to find it, because the other blog only exists in my mind.
Neener, neener, neener. ;p
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Blog Again, Blog Again, Jiggedy Jig
Yesterday morning I woke up at 5:00am from a nightmare I had. It was a weird nightmare, and I find it is a recurring one that I have often. Or at least the "theme" of the dream is recurring.
I dreamed (dreamt?) that I was yelling at the top of my lungs at someone who had made me really upset about something. The theme that is recurring with this dream is that in real life, when someone has upset me greatly or caused me stress, I will dream that I am yelling at them. Weird huh? Well, if you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you should know I am weird.
I think that this form of dream is my mind's way of decompressing. Because sometimes, sometimes I really do want to yell at people. Be honest now, you probably do too. Have you ever had someone say or do something really offensive to you, and it stuns you so you don't know how to react? I had that happen the other day. Someone gave me a sideways comment (which I hate - it's so manipulative) and the more I thought about what that person said, the more it bothered me. I finally took it to the Lord and poured it out to Him. But it might have helped at the time if I had been able to do what I do in my dream - yelled at that person. :) Not really.
Speaking of nightmares, I am now the mother of three teenagers. Our little Peanut turned thirteen on Friday. I remember a time when I wondered if she would make it past age one, let alone turn thirteen. Prior to her heart surgery when she was a year old, her health was pretty precarious. (For those of you who might not know, Peanut has Down syndrome.) For the first year of her life I had a recurring nightmare of when my doctor came into the room and told us he thought she had Down syndrome. It was as though I would rewind that awful news in my mind every night. But that stopped when she had her heart surgery. I realized then that her health and her life were so much more important than a diagnosis - and I loved her so dearly that the thought of losing her overcame the fear I had of raising a child with a disability. Her surgery was so successful, and she recovered so beautifully and thrived so completely afterwards, that I finally allowed myself to focus on the fact that she would be able to grow up. And she has been a joy to raise. I am very thankful she is a part of our family, and I would not want her to be any different than she is.
This weekend the Hubs is working the night shift, so I might be back to blog again. Because I can never sleep when he is not home. Me no likee the night shift. Maybe the dog can sleep in Kyle's place. Except she snores and yips when she sleeps. Oh wait, Kyle does that too. ;) I like to tell the story of a dream he had once that he was eating a giant peanut M&M. He woke up with his pillow soaking wet. True story!
Sweet dreams!!
I dreamed (dreamt?) that I was yelling at the top of my lungs at someone who had made me really upset about something. The theme that is recurring with this dream is that in real life, when someone has upset me greatly or caused me stress, I will dream that I am yelling at them. Weird huh? Well, if you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you should know I am weird.
I think that this form of dream is my mind's way of decompressing. Because sometimes, sometimes I really do want to yell at people. Be honest now, you probably do too. Have you ever had someone say or do something really offensive to you, and it stuns you so you don't know how to react? I had that happen the other day. Someone gave me a sideways comment (which I hate - it's so manipulative) and the more I thought about what that person said, the more it bothered me. I finally took it to the Lord and poured it out to Him. But it might have helped at the time if I had been able to do what I do in my dream - yelled at that person. :) Not really.
Speaking of nightmares, I am now the mother of three teenagers. Our little Peanut turned thirteen on Friday. I remember a time when I wondered if she would make it past age one, let alone turn thirteen. Prior to her heart surgery when she was a year old, her health was pretty precarious. (For those of you who might not know, Peanut has Down syndrome.) For the first year of her life I had a recurring nightmare of when my doctor came into the room and told us he thought she had Down syndrome. It was as though I would rewind that awful news in my mind every night. But that stopped when she had her heart surgery. I realized then that her health and her life were so much more important than a diagnosis - and I loved her so dearly that the thought of losing her overcame the fear I had of raising a child with a disability. Her surgery was so successful, and she recovered so beautifully and thrived so completely afterwards, that I finally allowed myself to focus on the fact that she would be able to grow up. And she has been a joy to raise. I am very thankful she is a part of our family, and I would not want her to be any different than she is.
This weekend the Hubs is working the night shift, so I might be back to blog again. Because I can never sleep when he is not home. Me no likee the night shift. Maybe the dog can sleep in Kyle's place. Except she snores and yips when she sleeps. Oh wait, Kyle does that too. ;) I like to tell the story of a dream he had once that he was eating a giant peanut M&M. He woke up with his pillow soaking wet. True story!
Sweet dreams!!
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