tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31072955019887372452024-03-18T21:25:22.880-07:00Expressive Beginningsmomgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-18512504971453386632011-05-03T05:46:00.000-07:002011-05-03T05:46:27.990-07:00AbsentI have been a very bad blogger. Basically, I have disappeared. The last several months have been-busy, emotional, painful, over. We are seeing the sun again and my soul is renewed.<br />
<br />
Which is good because life is coming fast and furious these days. Over the next few weeks several big things are happening (at least they feel big right now...in a few months they will be trivial).<br />
<br />
<strong>Chalk the Walk/Prom</strong>...always fun, these are the last for Andy<br />
<br />
<strong>To Save a Life</strong>...won't elaborate here, but lots of hard life experiences for Alex and his friends in the last month. I pray this is a hope giving event for these young kids.<br />
<br />
<strong>Turning 40</strong>...Not really worked up about this, but it is exciting. I am hoping this means people will stop assuming I had Anderson in high school. The math works out correctly for an adult parenting experience, people.<br />
<br />
<strong>Graduation</strong>...Physically prepared for the events, not sure you can be emotionally-'nuff said<br />
<br />
(Hopefully) the <strong>sale of our home</strong> and all the ensuing cleaning, packing, strangers inspecting our "haven"<br />
<br />
I was trying to <strong>lose 10-15 pounds</strong> by the big 4-0, but Andy gave me an hour long "talk" about the unhealthy guidelines set by a lost and superficial world and how if all the women would band together and be happy with ourselves, being ultra skinny would no longer be the standard and healthy and happy would be the norm. (IE. in a really round about way he was saying that he likes his mom just the way she is, I'm taking it as a compliment and eating a cookie.)<br />
<br />
There is more, but that is all I can think of for now. If anyone needs me in the next week, I will be the 40 year old woman in the corner-clutcing a piece of chocolate- trying to hold back tearsthat she can no longer control (thank you, aging process.)<br />
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I PROMISE that there will be a blog with pictures about all the big graduation party and all the decorations/planning that went into it. I may even sneak in a blog about the <strike>pain</strike> joy of staging a home. If I had lower standards we would all be way more relaxed at our house.momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-82688520307478642732011-03-07T04:52:00.000-08:002011-03-07T04:52:06.358-08:00Life is an Adventure!<div style="text-align: center;">This is certainly an understatement.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember my Valentine's post about pink slips.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't gotten mine...BUT, I was advised by my supervisor and discipline lead that if I got an offer it would be a good idea to take it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Empowerment budgets are expected to be cut at least 20%.</div><div style="text-align: center;">No one will know for sure until the budget is passed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Contracts go out April 15th.</div><div style="text-align: center;">No one is anticipating answers by then.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which means no contract until the budgets are passed then reviewed and approved by </div><div style="text-align: center;">local Empowerment boards.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which could be anytime between May and July.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And there are still no guarantees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's the long story.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The short story is that God is closing a door and opening a window,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">in North Carolina.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkSInbaeKoro59SvC5NoinK2DTa3X_qDRRLncmhcp6HFNZiLRBusLu5QFoRFzPyHcYl6_jyNFRE5AhbgGaIAGHRx8QTggPd7yr4s8nTcXO3rcxg8dJonaATq_Vz2ZRByCHJFuFeRTMr64/s1600/fay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkSInbaeKoro59SvC5NoinK2DTa3X_qDRRLncmhcp6HFNZiLRBusLu5QFoRFzPyHcYl6_jyNFRE5AhbgGaIAGHRx8QTggPd7yr4s8nTcXO3rcxg8dJonaATq_Vz2ZRByCHJFuFeRTMr64/s1600/fay.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, that is the "opportunity".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are moving back to North Carolina at the end of my contract. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(June 30th)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, save your boxes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put on your moving gloves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Friends in NC...get ready. <br />
We're coming home!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-25505411765817966432011-02-21T21:02:00.000-08:002011-02-21T21:17:50.532-08:00A Birthday Celebration!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Happy Birthday, Alex!</strong></span></span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrI12dghshk3ipCyhB46qQghrhE3TyYhRfT9mzFKZs_97-Az58Fh_KOdl7PSNLBMAsmWFg1k95VnTGBRE23aXTYYiSyVhVbwuo3imqnIOUWu_iq3TdocT803nPszNuWL9rzQT3CiN9GTI/s1600/2368_52377855628_611860628_1317044_9507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrI12dghshk3ipCyhB46qQghrhE3TyYhRfT9mzFKZs_97-Az58Fh_KOdl7PSNLBMAsmWFg1k95VnTGBRE23aXTYYiSyVhVbwuo3imqnIOUWu_iq3TdocT803nPszNuWL9rzQT3CiN9GTI/s320/2368_52377855628_611860628_1317044_9507_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex, age 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, my baby is turning 15. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He is pretty awesome, plays instruments, sings, acts, makes the best butter popcorn I've ever had.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alex has a tender heart, quick mind and an endless source of humor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a pretty big deal. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of you may remember Alex from the picture above.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was still learning to talk and communicate.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He had about 20 words and I am pretty sure 10 of the revolved around trains.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where do I start with celebrating Alex's life?</div><div style="text-align: center;">This kid is an amazing testimony to God's miraculous work.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is just a tiny glimpse into his journey.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He had a dangerously high bilirubin count (23) shortly after he was born.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alex never was able to take a bottle and had to be fed through an eye dropper when I wasn't around.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was put under anesthesia at 18 months to test for glaucoma.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alex walked at 19 months due to low tone in his legs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was entered into EI services at 2.5 due to suspected PDD-NOS (mild autism).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alex was still receptively and expressively delayed in communication at age 3 (amongst other things.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">He participated in an <strike>expensive</strike> exclusive preschool run by an SLP and OT at age 3.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did I mention he had a sleep disorder that woke him (and us) up every hour....until age 5?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This just scratches the surface. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But, gosh, he was (and still is) cute as a bug!</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was the squishiest, most huggable, loveable toddler/preschooler you ever met.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It makes perfect sense that he is super intelligent, right?</div><div style="text-align: center;">And those birth defect eyes! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Who wouldn't melt in those giant pools of chocolate brown?!?!<br />
<br />
By the time Alex was in kindergarten he had lost all his diagnosis.<br />
He was placed in the gifted program in third grade.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alex is our odds breaker, our miracle, our reminder of what God can do</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in and through us if we just trust Him.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I thank God for Alex everyday. </div><div style="text-align: center;">With all the struggles. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He is our joy giver.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to see what God has in store for the next 15 years!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Fun memories:</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Jingle bell, jingle bell hey!</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Rolling down hills, hugging lamp posts and laying on concrete</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Seminary wide <strike>man</strike> Alex hunts</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Tucked in sweatshirts</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Toast and water diet</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Bell ringing on his new bike at 7 a.m (on a Saturday) through the seminary apartment complex </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>after he successfully learned to pedal a bike</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Belt obsessions</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thomas the Tank Engine</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>George of the Jungle</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Blues Clues</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Penguins on Scooters</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Capes and bicycles</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Darth Vader </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Endless (and I do mean endless) costumes</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Beanie Baby worship services</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Chef Alex</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"Hey! Who put this meat in my hamburger? That's bisgusting."</em></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-38189676282870276132011-02-11T19:59:00.000-08:002011-02-11T19:59:46.438-08:00Pink is Not Just for Valentine's!<div align="center">Sorry for the flurry of blog posts and then the looooooong hiatus.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Life has been, ummmm, <strike>overwhelming</strike> exciting lately.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">The last several weeks have brought us suprise after suprise after suprise. </div><div align="center">I have been working on catching my breath.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">A few of the highlights include a midnight run to the hospital, illness,</div><div align="center">disappointments, loss, etc.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I have settled into our life of uncertainty.</div><div align="center">I struggled for awhile, but am now experiencing peace in the midst of turmoil.</div><div align="center">It helps to stop fighting God and start trusting Him.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I'm there now.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So, here is the latest. </div><div align="center">The agency I work for has made drastic staffing cuts over the last several days.</div><div align="center">Many people received pink slips who have worked for the agency for decades.</div><div align="center">I did not receive just a gift in the mail</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">.......<strong>yet.</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Positions funded by Empowerment grants have not been reviewed yet.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">That would be me.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">It is likely my special package will be arriving in the mail in the coming weeks.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">We are okay.</div><div align="center">God has a perfect plan. Not necessarily an easy plan, but a perfect plan, nonetheless.</div><div align="center">But, a full life is not always easy.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So, changes are likely coming for the Gael family.</div><div align="center">We are not special nor should we expect to be spared from what so many other families are facing.</div><div align="center">We are a little lost in the forest.</div><div align="center">But,</div><div align="center">we have options and hope.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Please don't worry about us.</div><div align="center">All our moving has provided us with a tremendous network.</div><div align="center">We've got a plan.</div><div align="center">We will be okay because He made a promise:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>But now thus says the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>,<br />
he who created you, O Jacob,<br />
<span class="indent"></span>he who formed you, O Israel:<br />
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;<br />
<span class="indent"></span>I have called you by name, you are mine.<br />
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;<br />
<span class="indent"></span>and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;<br />
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,<br />
<span class="indent"></span>and the flame shall not consume you.</strong></div><div class="reference" style="text-align: center;"><strong>—</strong><a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Isaiah+43:1-2" target="_blank"><strong>Isaiah 43:1-2</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieysa7z78G6ghryk1WrCab7GZR9u2qhzAUuD0Ws9M32tJfEOm67O2jvi8Lnbk3EdkDwfrDcXAfrYPEIAWJuGXdoEl7UWzFu8Flx_MxqULCDbsWOeE_WcVCFUxGOj7L816Y_uJO2BF0fMup/s1600/Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieysa7z78G6ghryk1WrCab7GZR9u2qhzAUuD0Ws9M32tJfEOm67O2jvi8Lnbk3EdkDwfrDcXAfrYPEIAWJuGXdoEl7UWzFu8Flx_MxqULCDbsWOeE_WcVCFUxGOj7L816Y_uJO2BF0fMup/s320/Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Alex Gael</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="center"><br />
</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-50300654385157413952011-01-25T17:00:00.000-08:002011-01-25T17:00:33.686-08:00Art Gallery Graduation Party-Centerpieces<div align="center">Learned something about my friends when I put out an all call for </div><div align="center">wine bottles.</div><div align="center">I know some SERIOUS wine drinkers...WOW!!</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I am totally kidding here....there was no one person that had more than any other.</span></em></div><div align="center">Thanks people, keep 'em coming.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Any who, I decided to transform a few into a sample centerpiece.</div><div align="center">As stated in a previous post, I am really bad at before pictures.</div><div align="center">I forgot to take pictures with labels on. </div><div align="center">So this is mid-project:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54EtwixaSMAVGjhlf1hoUuUu7Kn-xug7BMpcYAYuGlvK8hNVe21yuO30kHLTq-Og7EYf_JSt9lj8IjAFVcjT88RAFlrO85O9VbgsgeJTTJZmUrneouxHF3SO5-w1og7PQPys8jM_JrMuu/s1600/pre+wine+bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54EtwixaSMAVGjhlf1hoUuUu7Kn-xug7BMpcYAYuGlvK8hNVe21yuO30kHLTq-Og7EYf_JSt9lj8IjAFVcjT88RAFlrO85O9VbgsgeJTTJZmUrneouxHF3SO5-w1og7PQPys8jM_JrMuu/s320/pre+wine+bottle.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I included the all important bottle of GOO GONE because it was integral to the process.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I soaked all the bottles in hot soapy water.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not all labels are created equal...some came off super easy while others were not ready to let go.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the most difficult part..involved scraping, layers of goo gone, more scraping, repeat.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I emptied a few more wine bottles in the process...not really but I was close.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After many hours the colored bottles were ready for paint and the clear for a chalkboard label.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two coats of paint and a chalk setting glaze later, here is a sample of what we are going for:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQxH-ikkytjR1XxALVfGrb8MqxA0qSerJF_BZf9srKwLu_q7hH4hpil290ebykdOfqCl8XPMFwSMBDuUP0-nXGktf9p_y7yJnUoRLPVHRlwMsIV_grkmecPJP0aSiufoKwj3g3rE6JwQg/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQxH-ikkytjR1XxALVfGrb8MqxA0qSerJF_BZf9srKwLu_q7hH4hpil290ebykdOfqCl8XPMFwSMBDuUP0-nXGktf9p_y7yJnUoRLPVHRlwMsIV_grkmecPJP0aSiufoKwj3g3rE6JwQg/s320/IMG_1276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Obviously, my mini-table is not nearly the size of table we will be using at graduation, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but it's just a preview, people!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh8oCneTtmlA1x02n-pNfk6JUoY13j7ChWOkayj-cJ8Qd_Qy0hJmwhPaYClOAZJJWvLS48uiLA_jE9aS3Kc1yG307ULk4Q8wJfrLo_NcPFg5uo9CQvq5_9PKF1b1-nycQ47B1BY7iswrc/s1600/IMG_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh8oCneTtmlA1x02n-pNfk6JUoY13j7ChWOkayj-cJ8Qd_Qy0hJmwhPaYClOAZJJWvLS48uiLA_jE9aS3Kc1yG307ULk4Q8wJfrLo_NcPFg5uo9CQvq5_9PKF1b1-nycQ47B1BY7iswrc/s320/IMG_1277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Butcher block will ground our centerpiece and also act as a doodle pad for anyone choosing to dabble with the art supplies in the mason jars. <br />
Pearl colored tissue balls will offset the wine bottles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">These are just plain white tissue paper, but its just January. Lots of time to buy the right tissue paper.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We won't be serving alcohol at a high school graduation party.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Geesh!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1q4sjgIi4eDpHjaReTsI_Dxf9Hu8Y0VA_JUpi4LXT59bUc8omFKfD5yNHvfaa4XDbCaXYEwoftgs7YPtswNLWu7mVcOSyT0Ros1byVUtnNAroBV_nFFI9acIuB5BKaEjtVcXkV3jp1ek/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1q4sjgIi4eDpHjaReTsI_Dxf9Hu8Y0VA_JUpi4LXT59bUc8omFKfD5yNHvfaa4XDbCaXYEwoftgs7YPtswNLWu7mVcOSyT0Ros1byVUtnNAroBV_nFFI9acIuB5BKaEjtVcXkV3jp1ek/s320/IMG_1278.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Each bottle will be holding a different type of flavored lemonade.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good stuff...I'm not telling what kind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There have to be some surprises.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't have all the needed supplies for the photo trees so those will also be a surprise. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They will be intermixed with the craft jars.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mom's are amassing large quantities of embarrassing pictures of the graduates to proudly </span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">display on said trees.</span></em></div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-8423800929281245032011-01-21T20:10:00.000-08:002011-01-21T20:27:17.516-08:00Friday....Saturday is coming!<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">A cup of Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate is my companion as I construct this entry.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">Proceeding this tasty beverage, I consumed PB chocolate pudding, a bowl of chips, and a Coke Zero.</span></div><div align="center"><em>(The good news is that, while I have eared 0 diet quarters </em></div><div align="center"><em>I have earned all of the <a href="http://ourexpressivebeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/01/random-tuesday-thoughts.html">goal quarters</a> for exercise.)</em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">Yep, been one of those days.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OijoZ6aaH2Mnxd2X3k-kygZ6MP12MAlyg5odTOdCwG6Kgz9sFDII5AO4lX48pb0fNLi4vV0EheiH1BegjrYmqgCPS9ATpucDkXo7lAZYTVrmwZoXupKQ_wIKrTipG2uAQH3OEFXQnM13/s1600/winter+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OijoZ6aaH2Mnxd2X3k-kygZ6MP12MAlyg5odTOdCwG6Kgz9sFDII5AO4lX48pb0fNLi4vV0EheiH1BegjrYmqgCPS9ATpucDkXo7lAZYTVrmwZoXupKQ_wIKrTipG2uAQH3OEFXQnM13/s320/winter+field.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>It just looks cold, doesn't it?</strong> (photo by Andy Gael)</td></tr>
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</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">Started with -30 windchill and ended with more snow, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">lots more fun stuff in between.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing earth shattering, just winter blues stuff that appears </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">-at first glance-bigger than it really is</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHbQBsYPG4hHudZn900UMlxRg1cB5rxtM1xcxyczaRUaViLiK8bzMlvfbUPctaGASvxpswkUuEaqfU8ahW5sExAPbV7RoHWqRvzrDgj8JteQ5g24LeWMwWsTyFezl2TLxlR5DwnAJ9efh/s1600/winter+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHbQBsYPG4hHudZn900UMlxRg1cB5rxtM1xcxyczaRUaViLiK8bzMlvfbUPctaGASvxpswkUuEaqfU8ahW5sExAPbV7RoHWqRvzrDgj8JteQ5g24LeWMwWsTyFezl2TLxlR5DwnAJ9efh/s320/winter+forest.jpg" width="213" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Trapped in a Winter Wonderland</strong> (photo by Andy Gael)</td></tr>
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">There is <strike>a crumb</strike></span><strike> </strike><span style="font-size: large;">dust under my 'N' key.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">So, if there are some words missing the 'N' you know why.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">Have NO IDEA how that got there....I never eat at the computer. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">(</span><span style="font-size: small;"><em>That's sarcasm, folks.<span style="font-size: large;">)</span></em></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">The real point of this blog is to report some GOOD news!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">Chalkboard labels came in the mail today.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be whipping up a sample graduation centerpiece this weekend for your viewing pleasure.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">This is also a warning. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are the kind of person who prefers to see things for the first time-in person <em><span style="font-size: small;">(ie. at the graduation party)</span></em>, </span><span style="font-size: large;">don't check out my blog titled</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">"Graduation Centerpieces".</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-91626662569681729502011-01-20T14:48:00.000-08:002011-01-20T14:48:44.900-08:00Lifesavers and Other Stories from the Icelands<div align="center">This was my FB post this morning:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span class="messageBody">Today's Goal: STAY WARM. </span></em></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody"><em>Forget fashion or even business casual. </em></span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody"><em>This is a wool sock, mulit-layer, puffy sweater day. </em></span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody"><em>Yes, I look like a walking pack of lifesavers (my warmest sweater has bold, horizontal stripes of color), but I will survive the cold car-cold air-cold room-cold air-cold car-cold air routine of the day. </em></span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody"><em>AND if any child decides to resort to violence today, I am well protected.</em></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">My job is to travel from school to school in a three county area to work with preschoolers who have behavior challenges. This is a fun and interesting job, EXCEPT when the windchill is below zero. </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Then traveling is just wrong.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">First let me explain my attire. </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I am sporting a wool, 3/4 sleeve, kimono style sweater with horizontal stripes.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Each stripe is a jewel tone (I know-the 80's want their sweater back) topped with a cowel neck.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I have mulitple layers beneath this lovely sweater and no, I'm not taking a picture....this sweater may become a pillow in another blog.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I truly look like a roll of lifesavers. </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Not the trim, original package, but the gummy style...including rolls and loose packaging.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Apparently, the ongoing cold weather makes small children as grouchy as their adult counterparts.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I spent some full-contact time with a three year old in the quiet area.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">He clocked me a few times. I am usually more adept at warding off blows.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I blame the layers...they slowed my Ninja reflexes.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Fortunately, I was well insulated.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I am sad to report that tomorrow's forecast includes a morning windchill around -30.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I am not sure a human can survive in such temperatures, </span><span class="messageBody">but apparently bad behavior can . </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">So off to work I will go....</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Do remember when you were a kid and moon boots were in style and full body snow suits?</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Remember how you could put your arms down to your side and if you tried they bounce back like a spring due to all the insulation in your suit? </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Remember how your scarf would smother your face but your mom had tied it in the back of your head and you couldn't move it because of the limited range of motion in your arms?</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Remember the icicles that formed at each nostril?</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">How about the hat that rested on your eyes so you could see only the lower half of your surroundings?</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">How about falling down? All you could do is thrash around like an overturned bug until someone came and pulled you up by your zipper toggle?</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody"> And you came up in one complete piece, like a board because your moon boots did not allow your legs to bend and your coat was so stiff with insulation that your arms didn't move?</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Well...now imagine a nearly 40 year old woman doing traveling consultations in -30 windchill weather. </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">So, if you see a LARGE, puffy grey mass rolling down the highway don't let it alarm you. </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">It will just be me traveling to my next school.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">See, I won't be able to bend to sit in my vehicle so I'll just have Tony give me a kick in the general direction of Cedar county and hope my roll carries me to my desired destination.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMkSU59vVzwxemezIsiwGNJOF5kQfp6pXPah3TtbpZMsl1ZSvnNzJ52phy97izYSopBfoFYUu_XcUMBDW8DQ8gLTklrIFaThXcVGsovw-MTNe9xCfUvdV5FYBqr3w3JoPNQbQzFQLU4wy/s1600/alaska.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMkSU59vVzwxemezIsiwGNJOF5kQfp6pXPah3TtbpZMsl1ZSvnNzJ52phy97izYSopBfoFYUu_XcUMBDW8DQ8gLTklrIFaThXcVGsovw-MTNe9xCfUvdV5FYBqr3w3JoPNQbQzFQLU4wy/s320/alaska.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>This is me in Alaska-in January-a few years back. It was warmer there than in Iowa :(</strong></td></tr>
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</div><span class="messageBody"><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">People think that because I hail from Minnesota I should find it balmy in Iowa. </span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I understand that my 75% Scandinavian heritage should give me some special protection from the cold.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I realize that my general appearance would support a northern climate.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">Yes, my skin is SOOOO white I make zombies jealous.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">I realize my intolerance of heat and sun which results in heat exhaustion and bed rest would make you think I long for the cold.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">But.....I abhor winter in Iowa.</span></div><div align="center"><span class="messageBody">The shoveling, de-icing, cold, heat bills, scraping windows, waiting for car heaters to warm up, etc.</span></div></span><div align="center"><br />
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</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-48783785301020757182011-01-19T16:37:00.000-08:002011-01-19T16:37:37.639-08:00Barnacles and Other CrustationsI love working with young children. For the past 10 years or so I have been working as an Early Intervention Director, Family Service Coordinator, Early Childhood Director and now as a Child Care Specialist (read Behavior Consultant for early childhood programs). Kids who struggle with fitting in are my favorite. This makes for a lot of funny situations.<br />
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Today let's focus on barnacles, etc.<br />
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<div align="center"><strong>Barnacles I</strong></div><br />
Once upon a time, I was consulting in a school district preschool regarding a very, VERY active four year old kiddo. One morning we were focused on transitions, specifically from center time to circle time. Said child was working with the dry erase boards. It is important to note that preschool teachers know how to save money. Often tube socks are used as erasers for dry erase boards, as was true here. When the teacher announced that it was clean up time, dear child dropped the board and ran around the room laughing hysterically as teachers gave chase. He had a sock up to his armpit on his left hand and a red dry erase pen in his right hand. They were waving feverishly in the air. I suggested that the chasing stop (I don't chase children unless its for fun.)<br />
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When it was obvious that no one was going to chase him, the boy managed to wedge himself between the 4-drawer file cabinet and the desk. He began waving his arms (<em>with sock and dry erase pen still in place</em>) ....which was all we could see at this point. From the file cabinet we began to hear shouting "Barnacles! You're all Barnacles! Barnacles, I say!" It truly looked like a sock puppet was waging a cu de tah. <br />
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(<em>He did eventually join circle time, but I have to admit that rather than getting mad, I laughed and laughed and laughed.)</em><br />
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<div align="center"><strong>Barnacles 2</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In a strange turn of events I had a second barnacle event recently, which brought on flashbacks to the cu waging sock puppet. I was observing another fellow. Well, he was quite excited about the quality of work he had done sorting gingerbread men. "Dang!" he declared "Dang, I'm good!" "Dang!" Which was followed by this conversation:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Child: "Ms....., is 'dang' a bad word."</div><div style="text-align: left;">Teacher: "It's not a bad word, but it isn't a word we use at preschool."</div><div style="text-align: left;">Child: "Dang, now what am I going to say?"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Teacher: "How about 'rats'?"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Child: "nah"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Teacher: "Here's a good one, how about 'barnacle'?"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Child: "Barnacle?! Barnacle! Yeah, that's good."</div><div style="text-align: left;">Child: "Barnacle, I'm good!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Other Crustations</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Warning: I work with small children who have behavior issues. Sometimes we get a little gross.</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You've been forwarned. I was asked to observe a three year old who was unusually grouchy this particular day. The teachers were really frustrated. After watching him wander around shoving people and crying intermittenly, I decided to engage the child in a conversation and see where it led. If only I had known:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: "____, you seem a little frustrated today. Do you want to talk about it?"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Child: "Yeah, I got a problem"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: "What's the matter buddy?"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Child <em>(with tears streaming down his face):</em> "Ms. Nickie, my butt itches. Can you fix it?" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm................is this a multiple choice question?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I swiftly sent the child and a teacher to the bathroom with a box of wipes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Poopy Heads</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been called many names over the years, including some pretty colorful profanity with amazingly quality voice inflection and enunciation for a four year old. But, my all time favorite is "poopyhead". I had just started one of my many jobs in EC. I was typing a report in my office and could here the teacher and child coming down the hallway and knew I was in for a dosy. It was a three year old yelling "poopyhead" over and over and over and over and over. ..only interrupted by hysterical giggling (<em>not from the teacher.)</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He was deposited in my office and I informed him that we could start talking when he was using kind words. In an effort to get me to chase him, he began running around my office. I calmly walked to the door and closed it. He took this moment to dart under my desk and yell, "You ca-an't get me, poopyhead." I repeated my conversation offer, sat in my chair and continued my work. He continued to yell "poopyhead" from under my desk. I had several staff scheduled to meet with me. I managed to conduct several meetings all with a three year old yelling "poopyhead". He eventually got tired and rejoined his classroom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The really funny part of the story is that my very conservative parents found these stories so amusing that they have adopted a new phrase for people that frustrate them: "Poopyheaded barnacles." I hear this often when I visit them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gosh, I love what I do. I really do.</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-18675896332016429352011-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:36:08.592-08:00Random Tuesday Thoughts<div align="center">Holiday decorating makes me itchy. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">See I am this strange blend of Type A and artsy. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I like my surroundings to be beautiful expressions of life but I don't have time to be switching things out all the time. </div><div align="center">That and the mess and organization of said decorations.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">So, here is my contribution to Valentine's Day. </div><div align="center">Dollar aisle at Target.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Do you think the Gael men will appreciate this? </div><div align="center">Better question: will they notice?</div><div align="center"><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I carefully placed these items under the televsion in an attempt to secure notice.)</span></em></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxt-RJaN9wjL7Ftg2bqLcp1PVP6T31qNr0mzxaFF2h3PFcdinu8ncKEcL29ddfJXoFxw5Essr4zE1EpLEvFkLLgqy6b4cj6GvzIWEYtSXo0VbcBogKWeaWKwUeKR_qYlCnkHUxv5s0DVt/s1600/2011-01-18_15-58-56_968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxt-RJaN9wjL7Ftg2bqLcp1PVP6T31qNr0mzxaFF2h3PFcdinu8ncKEcL29ddfJXoFxw5Essr4zE1EpLEvFkLLgqy6b4cj6GvzIWEYtSXo0VbcBogKWeaWKwUeKR_qYlCnkHUxv5s0DVt/s320/2011-01-18_15-58-56_968.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Vases from Target/Votives from PartyLite</span></td></tr>
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<div align="center">I started this blog at request of some relatives who where very entertained by my work stories. </div><div align="center"><br />
I am collecting them and will make a regular Early Childhood Entry.</div><div align="center"><br />
Just so you know. Funny kid stories coming.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We are over halfway through January so I though maybe I should look at my goals for the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amongst them are completing 3-4 graduate courses. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Surviving the first child leaving home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy graduation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help Alex get his permit/school permit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Turn 40.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrate my 20th anniversary.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Live a balanced life<em> (this will be on here until I die.)</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then there is the perpetual weight loss/healthy living goal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I like food. Actually, I LOVE food.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Especially baked goods like cookies, cake, muffins, etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Exercise.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQMn8oUYhim8reUEkrQBSEuoXe0mQgVdcOwcpiZLRcvxAKqY1oRwRRdjZATLxXxLYehdjZF1DC0Q7mVqkcI99T1kpGlkJFWBaR7hLNUGsDZxNHm17dHIGfIYdzGyVm76gyNxamhoFai9W/s1600/2011-01-18_15-59-44_918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQMn8oUYhim8reUEkrQBSEuoXe0mQgVdcOwcpiZLRcvxAKqY1oRwRRdjZATLxXxLYehdjZF1DC0Q7mVqkcI99T1kpGlkJFWBaR7hLNUGsDZxNHm17dHIGfIYdzGyVm76gyNxamhoFai9W/s320/2011-01-18_15-59-44_918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Piggy Bank from Target</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">So, the piggy bank is my newest attempt at marrying extrinsic and intrinsic motiviation for optimum success.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the plan:</div><div style="text-align: center;">$0.50/day I exercise (<em>cardio or strength</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">$0.50/day I stay within the caloric intake goal</div><div style="text-align: center;">$1.00/lb. lost (<em>has to be a new pound not one I've already lost and regained</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I reach my goal I will take the money and do something fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-76306463808128772502011-01-16T23:32:00.000-08:002011-01-16T23:32:59.075-08:00Holding Life LooselyNo crafts or funny stories this time...just warning you! <br />
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Those that say they follow Christ are great at touting rhetoric, but putting it into action is a bigger challenge. Letting your children live it is the BIGGEST challenge. I am having an emotional struggle with the evening news. See this is my son doing what he loves most in a place he wants to spend a good portion of his life:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6uGGXs3M9X96Rw8yk0xKenb4hEzqSU2Eal4xV2ZQSKgap1I2AQWh_Z-6tDtNSoN54GQH04KcL0iY5ca5Yp4GMzq89xqNMa2tazYdWbZSi0F1gB1CuFlp7IxotOwFVX86RHLoH-gZiXlZ/s1600/haiti.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6uGGXs3M9X96Rw8yk0xKenb4hEzqSU2Eal4xV2ZQSKgap1I2AQWh_Z-6tDtNSoN54GQH04KcL0iY5ca5Yp4GMzq89xqNMa2tazYdWbZSi0F1gB1CuFlp7IxotOwFVX86RHLoH-gZiXlZ/s320/haiti.bmp" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7W81D0rwtDFjHDkTW-CGkr5aYifPoYzJmPnY3T-CMDPG3mTqdRjIzByQXyvkby_wD0y8xZ70ziYh2mZgWNqtUEYr1nIyElPbvDYtmkAe3XCFUH1JoBSgEf-4mjBiZtzxu2xqPtOMmHQv/s1600/haiti+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7W81D0rwtDFjHDkTW-CGkr5aYifPoYzJmPnY3T-CMDPG3mTqdRjIzByQXyvkby_wD0y8xZ70ziYh2mZgWNqtUEYr1nIyElPbvDYtmkAe3XCFUH1JoBSgEf-4mjBiZtzxu2xqPtOMmHQv/s320/haiti+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Andy would like to help run an orphanage in Haiti. We always had a feeling things would go this way. This is not something that we take credit for or believe is a higher calling than, say taking care of your neighbor. It does, however, require us to let Andy go. He told me he would not go if we did not support it because it would be dishonoring. In the year since Andy Haiti as his destination after high school graduation there has been a devastating earthquake, a cholera outbreak, and an election riot. These I could deal with only mild trepidation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The news of Duvalier's return to Haiti, however, has unnerved me. I don't know why this particular event is the trigger, but it is. I am left to ponder.....</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">is the safety and life of this boy.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zYD-vVfT00BqfsPKXPFpqUcqLe9in9e6tHBF04Yg7kGuXbSmjmN_NtlH6gbFthZ8UkHkVm8QkZuBEA36qkvB8-ZBqvqVzTiC_OqGxQzg8bU7ijCE0DIDW-bGD9_zS_T2pSBZK5RNVfYE/s1600/GAE018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zYD-vVfT00BqfsPKXPFpqUcqLe9in9e6tHBF04Yg7kGuXbSmjmN_NtlH6gbFthZ8UkHkVm8QkZuBEA36qkvB8-ZBqvqVzTiC_OqGxQzg8bU7ijCE0DIDW-bGD9_zS_T2pSBZK5RNVfYE/s1600/GAE018.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> more important than</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the life and safety of this boy?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7G5W_DzErgh6ID-SSCEW-7sg_tbu2lLb4WzMzyXyLUeW_gWPdAhEUWzhwp8nlqLkszVYbZEper-JV85BVlGu-e76mymXKpcVKO_W8zslFSRpReDk9u1tVABJ64RWq42YY6bDcHi7glpH/s1600/haitian+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7G5W_DzErgh6ID-SSCEW-7sg_tbu2lLb4WzMzyXyLUeW_gWPdAhEUWzhwp8nlqLkszVYbZEper-JV85BVlGu-e76mymXKpcVKO_W8zslFSRpReDk9u1tVABJ64RWq42YY6bDcHi7glpH/s320/haitian+boy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 12:1-5 (NIV)</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. </span></em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Holy Spirit is challenging me to stop praying that his trip be detoured to a safer country. What am I really asking of God? Or maybe I should be wondering what is He asking of me?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy may or may not end up in Haiti, but that is not really the point. God is asking me to hold my son's life loosely. I have surrendered myself to Him, but can I surrender my sons to him. Will my heart allow, without resentment or overriding fear, Andy and Alex to follow the paths God has set out for them? Can I accept that they are actually more His than mine and He loves them more than I do? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">God gave barren Elizabeth a son in her old age, only to have him sacrifice his life declaring His Truth. Mary was called blessed but watched her son die on a cross for all of humanity. Hannah gave up Samuel shortly after he was born to keep her promise to God. Do I want to love God as passionately and sacrificially as these women did? Do I trust Him?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I need to let my children go where God calls them, regardless of the danger, the risk, the potential rejection or hurt. It is better to hold them loosely than to have them pried from my fingers...because there is much more at stake than just my children.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="quoteText">"For love to be real, it must cost—it must hurt—it must empty us of self." <br />
— <a class="authorNameRegular" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/838305.Mother_Teresa"><span style="color: #663300;">Mother Teresa</span></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-2904595434318081342011-01-15T20:30:00.000-08:002011-01-15T20:48:43.573-08:00An Art Gallery Graduation: Post 1<div align="center">When did this....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2quLqodjv4tP87ug15TbeY6RZQECxmD8p5fC7wRGn1wRAWVqT4AgZUQmZRlozuD02s2fEyegqJD1XZBHGM2aRHuKE_zdUrMhmBIqV2ulfSpekBWA51VjxKWj-K_4bWc0Et7LIZADbscHH/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2quLqodjv4tP87ug15TbeY6RZQECxmD8p5fC7wRGn1wRAWVqT4AgZUQmZRlozuD02s2fEyegqJD1XZBHGM2aRHuKE_zdUrMhmBIqV2ulfSpekBWA51VjxKWj-K_4bWc0Et7LIZADbscHH/s320/untitled.bmp" width="173" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center">...become this?!?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsNFvEkmCRw6vMvRCvRMphz-4J_EZxwcAU8-g4U086ZskwYujEf3JuvxErOgIp28KkBkI1jyLpZ5QqRYnlrF9L_axYHvHeS7Knr4yuSly5wtxv8smDfFZXhQyFYn0BfAL5Vqe7JK_ZYWN/s1600/GAE018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsNFvEkmCRw6vMvRCvRMphz-4J_EZxwcAU8-g4U086ZskwYujEf3JuvxErOgIp28KkBkI1jyLpZ5QqRYnlrF9L_axYHvHeS7Knr4yuSly5wtxv8smDfFZXhQyFYn0BfAL5Vqe7JK_ZYWN/s1600/GAE018.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>High school graduation. *sigh* The celebration that marks my eldest son leaving the nest. Simply leaving the nest is not enough for my son. He feels the need to fly the coop and land in Haiti to stay for the next couple of years. While I am satisfied that he is doing what God has planned for him there is a little separation anxiety on my side. So, to cope I am starting the party planning early. We like a good party and I like to organize (<em>control</em>) stuff. It puts me in my happy place which makes everyone in my life more comfortable.<br />
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My son is having a joint graduation party with a friend. The graduates are both artists and want an art gallery feel to their party with their original art work highlighted. Both are fairly non-traditional and don't want a lot of graduation thematic elements which opens up the party to a lot of creativity.<br />
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There are a few things to keep in mind as I share these plans over the coming months:<br />
<ol><li>We live in a tiny town in rural Iowa. High school graduation parties are EVENTS and highly attended.</li>
<li>The graduates want a brunch...with a New York art gallery feel....serving humus...in a small town...in rural Iowa.<em> (We did talk them out of humus .)</em></li>
</ol> The other mom and I got together over the Christmas break and started to make our plan. Have I mentioned that I LOVE to throw a good party? <em>(I'll have to blog about the birthday parties we threw when the boys were younger)</em> Oh, I also have a Lion personality which I work daily or hourly to keep under control...but that's another blog. Fortunately, the other mom is a wonderful person and humors me a lot. The graduates approved the plan so we are ready to start our collecting of mason jars, wine bottles, and clothes pins....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4_Za615huypnS4hT__R6G35z9UWQXSNuppk9u8ldrmq-Oh2Yu627zgXWdNaLd9PdV6sdcnAy7Yg93qAqsTOKoLcKHeaX_NWIYgt_CiFr17LXN8HcHbnwMSg-qFlHOCA3sSLSXPtwtznP/s1600/presentation%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4_Za615huypnS4hT__R6G35z9UWQXSNuppk9u8ldrmq-Oh2Yu627zgXWdNaLd9PdV6sdcnAy7Yg93qAqsTOKoLcKHeaX_NWIYgt_CiFr17LXN8HcHbnwMSg-qFlHOCA3sSLSXPtwtznP/s320/presentation%255B1%255D.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>This is a sneak peak of some of the decorative elements. Future blog posts will be dedicated to menu, decorations, etc.momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107295501988737245.post-41028824457153271562011-01-14T20:14:00.000-08:002011-01-15T20:52:04.682-08:00Alex's Hot Chocolate Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuxsuefrQWijjIdZR1sGx-4bB-OOlLmn82_UR_d4AWzQGIfmfRczmfSO6l2nYKrLSmMl54XC_yh71NRTlJ_vwL8MwePyMN7zZowg4wYgSOawgUnfRFg2uJ004RNqexo45m2hdgyUSEyUy/s1600/163074_493059870628_611860628_5862144_920515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuxsuefrQWijjIdZR1sGx-4bB-OOlLmn82_UR_d4AWzQGIfmfRczmfSO6l2nYKrLSmMl54XC_yh71NRTlJ_vwL8MwePyMN7zZowg4wYgSOawgUnfRFg2uJ004RNqexo45m2hdgyUSEyUy/s320/163074_493059870628_611860628_5862144_920515_n.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">This was a last minute "extra" Christmas present for Alex, our freshman. He loves hot chocolate and getting gifts. I really wanted a set of apothecary jars like this:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc-4_W4LGMaxxgXu3o_gvETSgkUTJTnZWmodU8hRz6r1tZNzhHt3Aqm6_c0CUZ-e3HMidpvnBTDJWgwp-xquDtTXMXkXKGHgzg1-pdPcy2mn142DuC5GoIywYxqYgw9EXL2ZhGWzG8RJ0/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc-4_W4LGMaxxgXu3o_gvETSgkUTJTnZWmodU8hRz6r1tZNzhHt3Aqm6_c0CUZ-e3HMidpvnBTDJWgwp-xquDtTXMXkXKGHgzg1-pdPcy2mn142DuC5GoIywYxqYgw9EXL2ZhGWzG8RJ0/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>But, since one "economically" priced jar runs about $30-40 I had to rethink my plan. So, my modified apothecary hot chocolate station is made up of three jars from Target, three mismatched large candlesticks, and brushed silver spraypaint. Unfortunately, I am a fairly impatient person who rarely remembers to stop and take before pictures. So here are the un-illustrated steps:<br />
<ol><li>Spray paint candlesticks and jar lids (<em>after a light sanding if you remember...which I did not</em>)</li>
<li>Let items dry COMPLETELY (<em>I include this becuase I tend to forget this important step)</em></li>
<li>Carefully glue candlestick base to jars, being mindful to center jars on the candlesticks.</li>
<li>Let glue dry COMPLETELY (<em>See above note)</em></li>
<li>Fill your jars and enjoy!</li>
</ol>Here is the cost breakdown:<br />
<ul><li>Jars: $5.97/jar x 3=$17.91</li>
<li>Candlesticks: $ 6.95</li>
<li> $ 5.95</li>
<li> $ 4.95</li>
<li>Spray Paint: $ 2.99</li>
</ul> <strong>TOTAL $38.75</strong><br />
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If you chose to follow this Blog you will come to understand my short set of strengths and even longer set of weaknesses including impatience. One of the re-occuring themes will be graduation party planning for our eldest son and one of his friends along with funny stories about my escapades with the infant through five year old crowd. Occassionally you will also be treated to a tirade about graduate school, but this is an area in which I hope to grow more mature this year. <br />
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Enjoy and stop by for some hot chocolate some time!momgaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16916216535258332739noreply@blogger.com1