Whew - *pant* *pant*

I live in an apartment. This weekend, I have shoveled, and shoveled, and shoveled. My deck - several times where the show was piled waist high; my parking lot in order to get my car out; and again in the parking lot, in order to park in a spot that I may or may not be plowed into by tomorrow morning. Somehow this doesn't feel like a benefit to not living in a house.

Happy December!!

Whoa!

Slow down life --- you've gone by so fast in these last few months! I can't keep up.

Daughter back in college, headed for Fiji in about 4 months. Son, in high school and with a new job. Me, back to work after summer break. And when I'm not at work, I'm taxiing the boy around - or visiting my girl at school. She has a bunk for me. I hope to go next weekend.

Love you!

Projects 3 and 4

Today, because it wasn't so stinkin' hot outside, I decided to work on some indoor projects.

First, I cleaned - really cleaned out my refrigerator. Washed everything down, including the top of the refrigerator, and threw stuff away. Whew, that was a long time over due!

Secondly, I painted my entryway. It's just a few walls, not a large space, but it's sure freshened up!

I am glad to have completed these few project this summer. The rest can wait until rainy autumn days and winter days when it's too cold to do anything else.

Hope you appreciate your blessings!

Love U

Eggses

Yesterday was an 'eggie' day for me. In the mood for a warm breakfast/lunch (doesn't that usually equal brunch?), I had two eggs, over medium, with toast. Then, a neighbor brought us her homemade Flan (I had a taste). My son made dinner - crepes. I had one filled with ham and cheese, and put broccoli on top, and one with corned beef, cheese and Thousand Island - his surprise creation. Then I had the Flan for desert! Lots of eggs consumed by me, yesterday.

I just want to reflect on my son's dinner here for a minute. He made all the crepes from scratch and he makes them well! On the table setting, he used cloth napkins and even put lemon slices on the rims of our water glasses.

This really blesses me!!

Blessings to you!

Celebrate!

I have a dear friend who celebrates the whole month of her birthday! I find it to be very sweet. But today is MY birthday. I started my celebration a few days ago, by taking a mini vacation with my kids. We left Sunday afternoon and arrived in the Twin Ports area around 4 o'clock. After meeting up with one of my daughter's co-workers for a minute, we went to Canal Park where met up with another of her friends, ate dinner, and walked around the Lake walk. It was a stunning evening!


It was there that I spotted this bench:


I thought it was the coolest thing ever :)




On Monday, we spent most of the day at the beach on Lake Superior in Wisconsin Point. Usually the lake is much too cold to swim in, but today was perfect. While the water was certainly 'cool', it wasn't uncomfortable. I love that the water is so clear and clean.

That evening we were invited to the home of my daughter's co-worker/boss. He grilled us a great dinner, we played a frisbee game, and capped the night off with great conversation around the fire pit and smores!



Before our departure on Tuesday, we ate a late lunch at The Anchor Bar. They serve great burgers!


As short as it was, this was one of our very best vacations. Even my 16 year old son agrees.

I'm blessed!

Just Ask 'Buddy'

Most days, I'm wracking my brain on what to make for dinner. I get so tired of the same old stuff. Thankfully, lately, my son has been coming up with the dinner ideas. Last night it was Reuben sandwiches. I RAN to the store for the fixins. It was delicious, and easy. Thanks, buddy, for the ideas.

Just What I Needed

I just read this on a blog that I follow. I have to share it with you now:



The Limits of a Parents - John Mark Ministries


I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot decide for you
I can buy you a beautiful garment, but I cannot make you beautiful inside
I can offer you advice, but cannot accept it for you
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish
I can teach you to respect, but I cannot force you to show honor
I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure
I can tell you the facts of life, but I cannot build your reputation
I can tell you about drinking, but I cannot say no for you
I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you
I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious
I can warn you about sin, but I cannot make you moral
I can love you as a child, but I cannot make you walk with God
I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life

Blessings!

Handling Hurt

When in doubt, seek the counsel of your pastor!

One down (almost 2)

Bathroom is painted. And cleaned. Here are some pictures during the painting process.





And here's the finished product. The color looks much lighter here than it does in person, but I like it!!

Tuesday Production 2

Yesterday, I cleaned off the bookshelf in my son's room. I also touched up his ceiling with paint. I don't know how or why boys put 'stuff' on their ceilings, none of which could be washed off.

When I stopped at Home Depot yesterday morning to get the ceiling paint, I checked the OOPS paint section, as I always do. I figure, for $5 a gallon, if the color is even close to something I'd been considering, I'll snap it up. I'd been looking for a sort of spa-greenish color for the bathroom, and there on the OOPS shelf at H.D. was a color very close to it.

I was so excited when I got home, that once I finished the ceiling touch up, I got right into the bathroom and started painting. It's much darker than what I wanted, but it kind of has a vintage-y feel to it. Close to an avocado green. I like it enough - and for $5!!! When you use less than a half gallon of paint, it doesn't pay to spend $25 for a gallon. My philosophy.

I have to state here, though, that I can't stand Behr paint. The paint that I got yesterday, is Behr, but I can't stand to paint with it. It's like painting with pudding, YUCK! Oh, well, again only $5. So this morning, I'll be finishing the bathroom paint project, along with the loads of laundry, in between.

Checking projects off the list. So happy :)

Blessings to you!

It's Time ...

Once again, it's time to be productive. I have to finish the boy's room before starting another project. And I really want to move on! Today - dusting, and possibly painting his ceiling. There's also laundry to be done in the meantime, in between time, too!! Nothing else to do on this rainy, first day of summer.

Be blessed!

Tuesday Production

Ok, well, I've pretty much put the boy's room back together. I have cleaning and dusting of surfaces to do, putting dvds and videos in their cases, and need to go through some clothes. But today -- today was a steamy date with the doctor -- the Rug Doctor! I cleaned the boy's bedroom carpeting, part of the hallway, the entry way and the area just outside of the kitchen going into the dining room. The rest of the carpeting is in good shape, just a few spots here and there.

I'm spent and tomorrow I am taking a break from his room. Back at it on Thursday, I guess.

Oh, yeah, AND I think I've found all of my missing dishes and silverware :)

Love and blessings!

First Up - Productive Monday

Started the day with my son needing a ride to his first day of summer school. I was irritated to have to take him. BUT, on my way home, I was driving through a neighborhood and lo and behold, sitting on the boulevard were 6 plastic outdoor chairs for FREE! I took 3, just enough for my small deck. I was planning to buy some anyways, but now I don't have to. If I should find a cute little table, it would be great to sit on the deck to eat dinner with my kids.

When I returned home, I started the task of cleaning my teenage son's room. Let me tell you, this has been no small feat. This undertaking necessitated a few breaks, or I would be seeing the undertaker!!! 10 hours later -- and I'm not done -- I made a huge dent. Tomorrow I should be finished enough to use the Rug Doctor and finish the job. I'm going to predict another 5 hours, not including the carpet cleaning.

Now, in the midst of all of this, I had to take time out to take our precious pet bunny to the vet. She decided yesterday that she wasn't going to eat, drink or poop. $300 later, we learned that she has GI Stasis, which is a stomach blockage. Who knows what may be the cause, but it could be a hairball. So now, I'm medicating, feeding, watering, nursing her every four hours to be sure she's getting nutrition to move that stuff through! She did eat about a cup of mixed greens tonight. And that's a good thing :)

Blessings to you!

Productivity

I have been off of work now since June 2nd. During this time, I have been fighting a sinus infection, for which I have been given my 2nd round of antibiotics. My body is completely exhausted. My friend said I'm 'decompressing'. I suppose that's a good way to look at it. During the school year, I run myself into the ground, so to speak. But now I can't drum up any energy. I awake in the morning, and lay around drinking coffee, reading stuff on my laptop, etc. I cannot seem to get motivated to be productive.

This morning, I am sitting at a community center, administering GED testing - my 2nd paid job. Getting up this morning was difficult, but I can't believe how good I feel. It's amazing that being productive .... giving me a job to do, makes me feel alive. I guess this is my incentive to get something done each day at home. I'm going to use these upcoming rainy days to work on some projects around my apartment. I'll post my progress, and may include photos. Ha! That would be a really brave move on my part.

Love you - be Blessed on This Day!!

Strength!

Inner strength - it comes from walking through the fire and getting burned. It's the result of being battered by the storms of life and getting bruised. Burned ... Broken ... Bruised.

Want some??

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13

Love you - Tracey

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

This morning, college campuses across the Twin Ports area (Duluth and Superior) marched in an effort to end racism. Here's an excerpt from one report of the marches.

"What an amazing event this morning! Kym Young, with little time to plan, you organized this to be a special, meaningful, and heartfelt gathering in support of ending racism in our universities in the Twin Ports. THANK YOU for doing this! Thanks to all those who helped in organizing this. As the buttons read “No room in my heart for prejudice!”

Below is Kym’s speech that she gave at the event:

This morning on several of our university and High school campuses across the twin ports, people of all races, nationalities, religions and creeds are gathering or marching in response to an act of racism. We here have come together to say enough. We are standing up for a new day and a new way of thinking. We are here today to say NO we will not tolerate or accept racism, racist remarks or attitudes in our UWS home.

As a mother, grandmother, student, and woman of the 21st Century I encourage you to teach your children the value of humanity. In this great nation of ours where men and women throughout the years have fought and died in the name of freedom, we must teach our children the value of diversity. When as a people we can all come together like this to say no more, we are teaching the world's children the value of solidarity. These lessons though painful to those victims of racism and its effects are invaluable to the future generations of leaders we are raising.

I stand here today because someone stood up to end racist policies that would have kept me from gaining a better education. I stand here today because those before me struggled through racism and discrimination to attain the American Dream. I stand here to day to say ENOUGH!

Racism cannot be allowed to flourish its head on our campuses. Rascism cannot be allowed to interfere with the educational process. Racism cannot be allowed to tear down all that we have achieved for ourselves, for our families, and for our humanity. It cannot be allowed to destroy the future. Racism ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

As I take the hand of the person next to me today I vow to always stand up for what is right, ethical and will promote our humanity. I stand here today to proclaim ENOUGH! There is no room in my heart for racism.

Location: Outside of Jim Dan Hill Library - UWS"

I say, MARCH ON!!

In Memory of

...all of the beautiful people who have lost lives on Minnesota roads during the past few days. My heart breaks. Most of these deaths could have been prevented. Please click on the title "In Memory of" and watch the video! Pray for the families with me!

Pam's Copper Jewelry Store

This jewelry is made by a local (Twin Cities) woman. Her name is Pam. Check out her stuff! Buy it!

Click on the blog title above to go to her website.

And then there was this ...

There were the usual, normal sights you'd see at any expo. Friends gathering together around all things horses. Enjoying the food! Hi Liz and Elle :)

Horses on parade and display.

The arena "zamboni". Growing up watching LOTS of hockey, this cracked me up. Reminiscent of the ice rink zamboni.

But this? I couldn't resist taking this photo - it just looked so unnatural to me!

Enjoy each day! Find one thing that strikes you as funny. Love you!

Minnesota Horse Expo 2010

I just wanted to share some of the colors and patterns, and ...

...leather (you can almost smell it), and ...

BLING!

Love from the Horse Expo!!

Blog Party

I haven't been very good at attending much of the party! I'm kinda like that.

Honestly, I forgot about it. I intend to check out as many blogs as I can throughout this week. Checking in at the Blog Party site, I have to say I'm overwhelmed. There are soooo many places to visit, and just not enough time! Oh, well, sounds like life to me.

Hope you're all having a great party anyways!

Lots of love ...

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Click on the title above to attend.

My first Blog Party experience! I'm reading and browsing, and will hopefully meet new 'friends'.

Love ya!

Spring Breaks Begins!!

From the shores of Lake Superior at Wisconsin Point ...









to Gooseberry Falls ...












Split Rock Lighthouse ...




and the falls at Amnicon State Park.




I LOVE SPRING BREAK!!

Proud Mama

Daughter: home for spring break last week; spending this coming weekend with her in her college town; she'll be home for Easter weekend! After that, it'll be about one more month until she's home for summer!!! *Smiles* *Smiles* *Smiles*

Son: joined the high school Track and Field team; beginning a new high school alternative program - one more step toward success; starting to take regular showers!!! *More Smiles* *Smiles* *Smiles*

Much Love to you!

The Prayer of St. Patrick

I know this is late for St. Patrick's Day, but I wanted to share it, anyways, because I love it!

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven;

Light of the sun,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth,

Firmness of the rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today

Against wounding

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through the mighty strength

Of the Lord of creation

And I love you!

Signs of Spring

It's a sure sign of spring when you spend hours brushing two horses. Two very muddy crusted, itchy, happy horses. Loved every second of it, though. Welcome spring!!

Humanity Blessed Me Today

A local news reporter, Trish VanPilsum, has a wonderful blog about life. Her blog site is here: http://offcamerawithtrish.blogspot.com/


Because I made a comment on one of her postings, I won these beautiful booties! Aren't they the cutest? I'm paying it foward and gifting them to a colleague who is expecting her first grandchild ... it's a girl ;) Go to my "Shop" page to find out where you can get yours!!

And today I learned that another local news reporter, Darcy Pohland, passed away. While I was watching a tribute, I witnessed these two news casters show their emotion to losing their colleague and friend.
Today I saw humanity - the joys and sorrows of being connected. I pray for those that have lost loved ones and I pray for those that getting ready to welcome loved ones into the world!

With much love and blessings ~ Tracey

The Moon

The moon tonight is spectacularly large! It is certainly beautiful. This photo was taken about 5 miles west of downtown Minneapolis. It doesn't do the beauty of the moon justice, but perhaps you can realize the size anyhow. Enjoy!




Here's another version. Amazing!




Love you ;)

20!!

My daughter came home from college for the weekend, turned 20, and then left again! How dare her! Just kidding - we had a wonderful time. She didn't want to leave and I didn't want her to leave. I miss her 20 year old self!

LOVE

This is my daughter, holding her 'true love', our pet rabbit Caramel. She and I dislike Valentine's Day. But for those of you who LOVE it, Happy Valentine's Day!! I LOVE U. p.s. My son gave me a beautiful red rose today. I guess I don't dislike this day so much!

Brrrr....

I'm slow to warm up ... it's part of my personality type. I forget what it's called -- I've taken all those Myers-Briggs types of assessments, but I don't remember the specifics of the results, aaannnd I don't really care. I am who I am. I am slow to warm up. I know that about myself. I don't like to talk about the weather, I like depth in a conversation. Any-who, that's why I'm not blogging very frequently. It'll take me some time (and energy) to get in the practice of it. Love ya!!

p.s. - concussions add to the lack of energy and thought, sheesh!

Thinking back ...

In Exodus 33 when an overwrought Moses asked God to show him His glory, Moses didn't understand that he wouldn't have survived the kind of revelation he'd requested. Instead of giving His servant what he asked, the Lord said to him,

There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. (V.22)

The next part is so wild:

Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.

Metaphorically speaking, the same thing can happen to us. When a shadow overtakes our lives and the light dims nearly beyond recognition, we may not see a single evidence of His arrival in our crisis. Sometimes we're in such blackness, we may go weeks or months that we don't sense God right by our side or feel the presence of His abiding Spirit within us. Those are the seasons when we make the choice whether we'll go by what we see and feel, or walk by what we know to be true. These are the places we learn what it really means to walk by faith and not by sight. To sow the seed of Scripture in our tears. It's often not until the crisis begins to dissipate that we look back upon the outstretched horizon and see God's hand prints all over it. No, we do not see His face, because, as Scripture says, our mortal bodies are not equipped to bear the sight. But, in a beautiful sense, we do indeed see His "back.' As the season draws to a close, we see that He took every single step we did.

We are quick to assume that all darkness is demonic but sometimes maybe the shadow over us is the hand of God covering us while His glory passes by.

I wonder if any of you can glance back over 2009 and see the "back" of God. Maybe you didn't see His face. Maybe you weren't even positive at times He was there. But now, as you look over your shoulder at the months behind you, the fog clears and you get a glimpse of His back, leading the way to your exodus. (reprinted from Beth Moore)

New!

New decade, new year, new month, new day, new hour, new minute, new breath! These are all reasons to celebrate, and that's just what I'm going to do. Each and every day, hour, minute, breath I'll be thankful :)