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  • I just couldn’t resist this
    one.  This is an actual article from 1955. I wrote it out below, but wanted you to see that it is real.


    Although some it may be true
    or good, it goes just a bit too far… hahahahaha… My comments are in blue.

     

    May 13, 1955

    Housekeeping Monthly article

    “The Good Wife’s
    Guide”

     

    ·       
    Have
    dinner ready.  Plan ahead, even the
    night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return.  This is a way of letting him know that you
    have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs.  Most men are hungry when they come home and
    the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm
    welcome needed.

    ·       
    Prepare
    yourself.  Take 15 minutes to rest so
    you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. ( HA! I wish I had 15 miutes in my day to rest!)
    Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh
    looking.  He has just been with a lot of
    work-weary people. (this is so funny -- I think my job is worse being with a lot of sibling-weary children! haha!)

    ·       
    Be
    a little gay and a little more interesting for him.  His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to
    provide it. (ahahaha... that's all I have to say!)

    ·       
    Clear
    away the clutter.  Make one last trip
    through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. (I actually try to do this...)

    ·       
    Gather
    up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc and then run a dust cloth over the tables.

    ·       
    Over
    the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to
    unwind by.  Your husband will feel he
    has reached a haven of rest and order, and I twill give you a lift too.  After all, catering for his comfort will
    provide you with immense personal satisfaction. (again... hahahaahh!!! Immense??? Don't know about that!)

    ·       
    Prepare
    the children.  Take a few minutes to
    wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and,
    if necessary, change their clothes. 
    They are little treasure and he would like to see them playing the
    part.  Minimize all noise.  At the time of his arrival, eliminate all
    noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. 
    Try to encourage the children to be quiet. (this isn't a bad idea, but usually not realistic)

    ·       
    Be
    happy to see him.

    ·       
    Greet
    him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

    ·       
    Listen
    to him.  You may have a dozen important
    things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.  Let him talk first – remember, his topics of
    conversation are more important than yours. ( Ha!)

    ·       
    Make
    the evening his.  Never complain if he
    comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without
    you.     ( Ha!)  Instead, try to understand his
    world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

    ·       
    Your
    goal: Try to make your home a place of peace, order and tranquility where your
    husband can renew himself in body and spirit. ( I like this one! )

    ·       
    Don’t
    greet him with complaints and problems.

    ·       
    Don’t
    complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.  Count this as minor compared to what he
    might have gone through that day. (hahahahah!!!! oh ya, if my husband stayed out all night that would NOT be minor!!!)

    ·       
    Make
    him comfortable.  Have him lean back in
    a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom.  Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

    ·       
    Arrange
    his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. 
    Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice. (low soothing  voice? not that shrill I greet him with?  )

    ·       
    Don’t
    ask him question about his actions or question his judgment or integrity.  Remember, his is the master of the house and
    as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness.  You have no right to question him. (This one started out good, but that last line just kills me! hahah!     )

    ·       
    A
    good wife always knows her place. 
    ( Hahahahaa...)

     
    Some of those are really a good laugh!!!
    ~me

     

  • Hello
    all!  We had a super, fantastic day yesterday!  For those of
    you who are not familiar with my homeschool group: Every year at the
    end of the school year we have a Promotion/Graduation ceremony. 
    During the ceremony, we have a student presentation time where we allow
    each student up to 2 minutes to present something.  We do this for
    two reasons 1) it's our time to shine as a school - showing
    grandparents, family and friends the children's different learnings and
    2) it gives each child a chance to get up in front of people and do
    something -- as a home school group there isn't a lot of opportunity
    for our children to do that, but it is an important thing to be able to
    do as a life skill.



    So the kids get up and
    each do something: play an instrument, recite scripture or a poem, sing
    a song, tell a story, etc.  It's kind of like a grand show and
    tell. 



    Then after that we pass
    out the certificates of completion to  K - 7 and 9 - 11
    grades.  Then we have a special time for the 8th grade graduates
    for the parents  to come up and give their child some words of
    wisdom for the next step of life.  Then we have a formal
    procession of the 12th grade graduates, and they usually each have
    powerpoint slide show and then again, his/her parent saying something
    to the graduate and then the graduate gets to give a speech. 



    It was a wonderful
    time.  Three of my dearest friends had the graduating seniors this
    year.  One of them, this was their last child and is now leaving
    the group.  Lots of tears of joy and sadness all together.



    Here are some pictures from the day:



    Here is my 8th grade graduate in her pretty dress and black converse with pink ribbons. 


    Here all my girls... they each picked out what they wanted to wear and
    look they're color coordinated... I guess that's not to hard with girls
    and pink!

    Here are some pictures from the student presentation part.


    Gracie recited scriptures on how we should treat each other: Colossians 3:9, Ephesians 4:28, Philippians 2:14,
    1 Thessalonians 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and 1 John 4:11.

    Then she called her sister, Julie up and they sung a the song Roman 16:19.


    Julie recited the poem Twenty Froggies by George Cooper


    Valerie recited the poem The Daffodils by William Wordsworth.


    Elizabeth played "Hello" by Evanescence.

    This is my dear friend, Liisa's, husband and her graduate daughter,
    Gracelynn.  Grace is giving her speech which was filled with much
    emotion and passion.  This picture I thought caught it well.

    My husband gave a
    wonderful speech to Elizabeth.  I know this is a really long post, but
    I wanted to include it for anyone who wanted to read it.  He was teary-eyed as he read it.  Which got us all
    going and and pretty much the tears didn't stop until the end of the
    ceremony as each parent got up to say something to their grads and the
    grads speeches were full of emotion as well (as pictured above).

    ============================

    His notes started off with two scriptures

    Psalms 111:6-10

    Proverbs 1:1-9

    and then he shared a letter that he wrote to Elizabeth when she was turning 1:

    May 8, 1992
           Elizabeth, (Ellie, Ellie Mae, Littlebit,)

    On the eve of your
    first Birthday, as I look back just over a year ago, I think about how I never
    wanted to give of myself to a new life. I was not ready to be a good father.
    But before I knew it your mom and I were in the hospital beginning a new life.

            We
    had thought that you were going to be a boy, but never really were sure. Your
    mom was doing a double take when the nurse announced you as a beautiful little
    girl. You were so little with such a dark head of hair, we were amazed.

        Ever since your first day with us, people
    have been exclaiming what a great little kid you were. You hardly ever cried
    without just cause, and you smiled at everyone without provocation. During the
    holidays my brother Mike couldn't get over what a great kid you were because
    you could entertain yourself and others without effort. You have been a very
    easy child to love.

            Your mom keeps insisting that you'll have
    many brothers and sisters, but I doubt that she'd feel that way if you weren't
    the perfect child.

    So perfect in fact
    that during the month of August you only pooped 3 times. So perfect that you
    began sleeping through the night the week before your mom had to go back to
    work.

            It's amazing how fast time flies! Now that
    you weigh about 20 pounds, when I pick up another infant it seems as though
    it's been years since you were that small but at the same time only yesterday.

        You seem to love playing
    "peek-a-boo". You like riding on and petting the dog (cinder),
    although cinder has been hesitant to draw near to her main competition, I think
    she's coming around to enjoy you the way we all do. You also love it when I
    throw you up in the air. I'm just afraid that we've created a fearless child.
    One of your favorite toys has been the plastic piano with the hand crank on the
    side, although you haven't quite mastered the crank part of it yet.

            The amazing things about, you along with
    many other children, is that you love to explore. You're quickly tired of the
    toys and things you know, especially if there is something new in sight. You
    also love to beg for some of what your mom or dad are eating. The thing that
    really surprises me is that you will eat anything and seem to enjoy it just
    because we're eating it. One of your delights seems to be pizza crust. (The dog
    will never forgive you for that). I'm amazed that you'll eat broccoli.

            You have given us a few scares. I think
    the worst was when you came down with the croup cough. You had seemed fine only
    an hour before when we put you to bed, then you awoke coughing, choking and
    screaming all at the same time. We thought for sure that you had something
    lodged in your throat, we rushed you to the hospital at 85 mph and were
    actually relieved upon notification at the hospital of your condition. One or
    two other times you've freaked us out while you were asleep. We would go in to
    look in on you and it didn't look like you were breathing (don't do that).

            I remember the first time we saw you stand
    up along side the couch without holding on. You had the biggest grin on your face
    it brought tears to my eyes I was so proud and happy. Now just a few months
    later you're actually walking across the room and climbing up on things to
    explore every possibility.

        They say these are the easy years, I have
    to say that it's easier than I thought it would be, but you'd better ask you
    mom for sure. I look forward to see your new developments and being able to
    talk with you.

    Now 13 years later, I still don't know just how ready I am to be a
    "good" father.  As much as I attempt to have you consider that you
    are best serving your future by forming habits of relying on God, I
    know that my life experience of not fully doing just that is
    evident.  Please forgive me.

    You were able to easily entertain yourself as a baby and you continue
    to this day.  When you express yourself through playing the piano
    (thankfully without a hand crank) and singing, I am often listening for
    your heart through each note.  I know that sometimes, I hear you
    singing as loud as you can in your room and I'll run in and ask you if
    you are hurt or dying, but I think you know that is just my humorous
    way of selfishly saying, "I'm watching a movie with Surround Sound and I
    still her YOU"!

    13 years later.  I am thankful that your mom was correct about the "many sister" and wrong about the "many brothers".

    It is even more amazing now when I see how times flies.

    When I think back on how it took a while for dog to warm up to you, I
    have fresh recollections form watching home video of the dog a few
    years later running around the swimming pool while you were swimming
    and how she couldn't wait to "save" you by jumping in and circling you
    until you would climb on her back so she could drag you out, only to
    have you jump back in and repeat the whole thing again and again. 
    I hope through wisdom, this will not be a life long theme.

    In retrospect regarding "these being the easy years", I don't know if
    there really are "easy years".  13 years ago I said "I look
    forward to seeing your new developments and being able to talk with
    you", and I have enjoyed this growth for both of us very much. 
    The next few years, as I wish that I could slow down time, I look
    forward, even more to seeing how your life develops and being able to
    communicate on a higher level through our Lord and His wisdom.
    ==============

    That's all for now.
    ~me



  • Hello!  Sorry I haven't updated in a while.  This weekend is our homeschool group's
    promotion ceremony and I have been working like a dog to get all I need
    done for it.  And -- now I'm finished.... (you can hold your
    applause!)

    Elizabeth is graduating out the the 8th grade this year and, obviously,
    starts high school next year.  Yesterday we went and bought her a
    dress for graduation -- it's really cute!!! We went looking for shoes,
    but there isn't much between a flat sandle and stiletto heels. 
    So, in Elizabeth fashion, she's wearing her black converse with pink
    and black ribbon laces (the dress is pink and black).  I'll take
    some pictures and post on Sunday or Monday.

    Not much else going on.  I'm glad this year is done and I am SO
    looking forward to summer!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!  Hope you have a
    good weekend!  God bless!

    ~me

  • Good evening, everyone!  How has your week been?

    Here's a picture from the archives.  This is my first born taking
    her first steps (now 13 years ago -- she just turned 14 a few weeks
    ago).  Go Elizabeth!!!



    Today we went on a field trip to the Queen Mary.  It was really
    interesting. I have been there before, but it was about 6 1/2 years ago
    when I had mostly little kids -- I didn't get much out of it. 
    Plus, back then, I was on the self guided tour.  Today we had a
    docent and a very knowledgeable one at that!!  So it was very
    interesting. 

    Grace, for some reason, doesn't like field trips that much.  But
    she really enjoyed today and had many questions.  It's interesting
    to see our kids minds work and how differently they work.  Grace
    (now almost 8) was wondering what kind of measuring insturment they
    used to measure the ship with, because she's never seen a tape measure
    that big.  She also wanted to know
    how they got the anchors on the ship and exactly how did they let them
    down and get them up -- lots of science/math concepts. 
    Interesting, she thinks like I do.

    On other fronts, I have been challenged these last couple of days (with
    something that I can't write about) and it's difficult to balance what
    my responsibility and response should be without crossing into what God
    may be doing -- and finding the wisdom to understand where that line
    is.  Hmmmm... prayer would be good -- so if you think of me....

    Speaking of prayer -- Oswald Chambers wrote "The
    correct concept is to think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and
    the blood from our hearts. Our blood flows and our breathing continues
    "without ceasing"; we are not even conscious of it, but it never stops......    Prayer
    is not an exercise, it is the life of the saint. Beware of anything
    that stops the offering up of prayer. "Pray without ceasing . . ."—
    maintain the childlike habit of offering up prayer in your heart to God
    all the time."

    Such a good reminder, huh?  How do you all remind yourself to be
    in a constant state of prayer... I know some that leave scriptures
    around, or an open Bible... what do you do?

    Good night!
    ~me

    *******EDIT************

    Found this on SmileNJ's site...
    Don't ya just LOVE it!!!!
    Funny Constantine!!!

  • Hi all!!

    For the last few days I have been in
    San Diego for my nephew's graduation out of college (San Diego State
    U!).  He got his B.A. in Political Science.

    Here are some pictures from our weekend.


    This is Charlie, my nephew.


    Valerie, Elizabeth, Charlie and Julie


    Gracie and me by the pool... newphew chris in the
    hot tub there in the back of the picture.


    Here are all the cousins, my kids, my sister's kids
    and my great niece (my niece's daughter).  From left to right. 
    Valerie, nephew Chris, Gracie, Elizabeth,
    niece Stephanie, great niece Codi, Julie,
    niece Natalie, newphew Charlie.

    Here is the gang at dinner

    my Brother Ken, Julie, my sister's husband Mitch,
    Charlie's girlfriend Kate, Charlie, Elizabeth and Chris


    Stephanie, my mom Lori, my dad Larry, my sister Marilyn,
    Natalie, Valerie and (again Chris)

    That's all for now!!!
    ~me

  • Hello and Happy Saturday!

    Do you like my new setup -- it reminds me of swimming and summer time that is almost here!

    I was visiting a friends Xanga and she was writing about all the stuff
    you collect over the years -- especially if you have hobbies of any
    sort.  I left a comment that I'd like to share with you here...

    "The
    accumulation of stuff is something I try to tackle every year. We have
    more stuff that our house will hold -- We have a small attic in which I
    have everything my girls wore and used from birth to age 6 ... age 7 -
    14 is in the closets being used... And then Christmas decorations,
    and Oh -- that wonderful box of "thin" clothes that I'll probably NEVER
    fit into again -- of course, not to forget the box of maternity
    clothing and the "once every 3 - 4 year trip to the snow" box of
    mittens and snowbibs and snowboots -- and my waterski from when I was
    18 and a pair of cross country snowskis my husband hasn't used since
    before we were married....And a piano in my garage (I have one in my
    house as well) that *some day* I'm going to refinish... tools and
    gardening supplies... does the list ever end?"

    She left a scripture: "Do
    not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
    destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for
    yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destory, and
    where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is,
    there your heart will be also."  Matt 6: 19-21

    Good
    things to think about.  I was thinking that these things I have
    accumulated -- whether it be things on a shelf or a things on in my
    pantry or things that were given to me or whatever, must all be
    treasures to some extent if I'm not willing to part with them.  I
    think I should be able to value some things that God has entrusted me
    with -- but I need to be careful not to hold on to things that have no
    real value and are just taking up space... the difficult thing is
    figuring out what those things are -- I mean, I could just go through
    all my stuff and throw things away -- but then, there might be a use
    for them that I'd have to go back out and purchase it again for
    something (usually pertaining to home schooling -- I've done that
    before -- throw/give it away, then need it again -- that's
    frustrating). 

    Hmmm... yes, in deed, good things to think about
    now that summer is coming and I have time to go through some stuff.  Thanks Fran for bring it up!

    How about you guys?  Are you overflowing with stuff?

    ~me

  • Today is my eldest's birthday!

    HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY

     ELIZABETH
    I love you with all my heart!!!

    If you feel like it, give her a birthday greeting here
    Elizabeth's Xanga Site.

    I'm sure she'd really appreciate it!
    ~me

  • I was reading this in my evening devotion time from Oswald's My Utmost for His Highest:

    Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life— gracious uncertainty is
    the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are
    uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is
    generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an
    expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next
    step, but we are certain of God.


    This was a good follow up to what God revealed to me up at our retreat.  Certain of God and His plan, relinquishing mine.

    I'm very tired -- I hope I sleep well.  I am feeling worn down
    (physically).  My 7 year old daughter came in my room last night a
    4 am.   She poked me in the shoulder and whispered in this     raspy voice she has "...Good
    news!...." -- I'm like -- what the heck? "My tooth finally came out..."
    - so I open one eye and reach out my hand for it and she makes a motion
    like she's putting something in my hand but nothings there... now I'm
    thinking, she's sleepwalking!  But no, she like, "oops" and then
    puts the tooth in my hand.  It was cute.  I never did get
    back to sleep though....  So looking forward to BED!

    Here's some funny pictures of my two older girls jumping off a bed and
    making faces..... They took like 100 pictures of themselves doing
    this...some of them are really funny -- I just love digital cameras...
    they can take all the pictures they want!!


    This one particularly cracks me up as it looks a though she's going to crash right into the picture taker....


    Good night, all -- much love and sleep tight!
    ~me

    ------------------

    This song has been joyfully replying itself over and over in my head
    since the retreat (thus why I have it playing as my music)...

    I Need
    Thee Every Hour

    Words by
    Annie S. Hawks and Music by Robert Lowry

     

    1. I
    need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

    No
    tender voice like Thine can peace afford.


    Refrain


    I need
    Thee, O I need Thee;

    Every
    hour I need Thee;

    O bless
    me now, my Savior,

    I come
    to Thee.

     

    2. I
    need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;

    Temptations
    lose their power when Thou art nigh.

     

    3. I
    need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

    Come
    quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

     

    4. I
    need Thee every hour, most Holy One;

    O make
    me Thine indeed, Thou bless’d Son.

    (c) Public Domain






  • Hi my zanga friends! For those of you who are interested, here is a link to our church's website. 
    On the right is a link that says "Women's Retreat".  If you click
    on that you will get some expanded notes on our retreat, including the
    quiet times.  I taught the first and last session, so I've
    included my written out notes.  The retreat was on Love and
    covered 5 topics:
    • The Hindrance to Love
    • The Root of Love
    • The Essence of Love
    • The Vision for Love
    • The Application of Love

    ~me

  • Oh my, my, my....

    I'm so disappointed he lost!

    So funny -- I usually don't invest myself in stupid stuff like this, but I was completely shocked he lost!

    ~me