One of the biggest frustrations for Clint is that he NEVER gets to talk to me without being interrupted. Seriously. It's like the girls have a radar. He gets into telling me something and boom, there they are, "Momma, Momma, MOMMA."
We are really working hard on not being rude, but these two squirts are just chronic with interrupting. It's not bothered me the way that it bothers Clint, until last night when I realized we weren't being interrupted and how enjoyable it was to sit down at the table and have an actual conversation with my husband, over a meal, at a point in my day when I wasn't dead tired and all I wanted to do was zone out.
Last night we let the girls eat on their TV trays watching a movie, while we ate supper at the table. I know. I know. Bad mom award, but my gosh! Was it ever nice to sit down to a very simple meal of soup and sandwiches and talk about our day!
There are some nights when no one is hungry or feels like making dinner and we just have popcorn and cheese and crackers or whatever, or we are out for a meal, but we're pretty committed to the whole sitting down together as a family for meals, but last night's experience makes me want to do it every week...
That's my confession and I'm stickin' to it.
1.18.2012
1.04.2012
Lameness
Blog posts in 2008: 63
Blog posts in 2009: 69
Blog posts in 2010: 10
Blog posts in 2011: 2
LAME.
Blog posts in 2009: 69
Blog posts in 2010: 10
Blog posts in 2011: 2
LAME.
10.26.2011
A Random Rumination
The other day, we took the girls out to a couple of stops on the Three Rivers color tour. Towards the end of the day, we ended up on a hayride (which was a wagon with old BUS seats anchored to it <--best idea EVER) with a gal who is an acquaintaince of ours that we had not seen in a long time. Over the course of our catching up, she began talking about her 12 kids (yep- TWELVE) and how the oldest one is getting close to adulthood/marriage/moving into their own place. She told me that she and her husband had started to brainstorm a plan where they (the parents) would help the first child and their spouse with living expenses and paying down a mortgage. And then, when the next one was ready, the parents AND the oldest child's family would help the second one with their mortgage and so on and so on. Kind of a family snowball, so that everyone is helping their family member obtain a house with the mortgage paid off. If you don't help pay off a house, you don't get help paying off that house. Of course, I don't have all the logistics of this idea to relay, but you get the idea. Then she said:
"Wouldn't it be great if a church did something like that with it's people? Think about how much impact a church who was THAT committed to getting their people out of debt, could have on their community!"
And so I've been thinking about this. A lot, actually. Would that be a good idea? Could a church ever get to the point where it's members were so non-judgemental and unprideful (is that a word?) as to share with it's family members exactly how much money was needed to pay down a family's debt or mortgage and then to just start hammering out at the debt family by family?
So, for example: A church commits to giving it's tithes, gifts and offerings (yes, I have to say it like that...hee) back to it's people, for 3 years. Start with one family, give everything (other than operating expenses) to that family. And to have each family take a turn at being the receiving end of those gifts, specifically for the purpose of becoming debt/mortgage free. Then after that family is all set, the TG&I's and that family's normal monthly mortgage payment goes to the next family. Until they are all paid off. And then they join in with the ranks of those debt free people who are paying down the others. And it snowballs from there.
I really have no idea how much our church "takes in" with TG&I's, what the average household mortgage/debt is in our church family is or even if this would work, but it certainly is interesting to think about!
What could a committed church do after becoming debt free?? Take the TG&I's and that money typically set out for monthly payments and do ministry with it? Do activities, GIVE MORE. GET MORE INVOLVED in the world around them? Wow. A stress free church family with money to make things happen. Interesting.
I realize the logistics behind this plan are CRAZY. And it would be a hard sell to get people out of debt and then to continue living within their means in the same manner (i.e. NOT increasing their lifestyle). And yes, Satan would probably run haywire trying to foil the plan and plot people against each other. But what if it could work? Successfully.
It certainly seems to me that in these days of recession and extreme unemployment, this should be something we at least tip on anyway. I'm not begrudging anyone their salary to do as they please with, but wow - if you see someone struggling to hold on to their house, do we just say,
"Not my business!" because money is a touchy subject?
Those who are struggling say, "I don't want anyone to know we need money!"
Is this the way it should be? Especially for brothers and sisters in Christ? Aren't we all in this thing together? Holding out for another time, another place where money will have nothing to do with anything?
Just some things I've been thinking about lately.
What do you think? Anybody?
"Wouldn't it be great if a church did something like that with it's people? Think about how much impact a church who was THAT committed to getting their people out of debt, could have on their community!"
And so I've been thinking about this. A lot, actually. Would that be a good idea? Could a church ever get to the point where it's members were so non-judgemental and unprideful (is that a word?) as to share with it's family members exactly how much money was needed to pay down a family's debt or mortgage and then to just start hammering out at the debt family by family?
So, for example: A church commits to giving it's tithes, gifts and offerings (yes, I have to say it like that...hee) back to it's people, for 3 years. Start with one family, give everything (other than operating expenses) to that family. And to have each family take a turn at being the receiving end of those gifts, specifically for the purpose of becoming debt/mortgage free. Then after that family is all set, the TG&I's and that family's normal monthly mortgage payment goes to the next family. Until they are all paid off. And then they join in with the ranks of those debt free people who are paying down the others. And it snowballs from there.
I really have no idea how much our church "takes in" with TG&I's, what the average household mortgage/debt is in our church family is or even if this would work, but it certainly is interesting to think about!
What could a committed church do after becoming debt free?? Take the TG&I's and that money typically set out for monthly payments and do ministry with it? Do activities, GIVE MORE. GET MORE INVOLVED in the world around them? Wow. A stress free church family with money to make things happen. Interesting.
I realize the logistics behind this plan are CRAZY. And it would be a hard sell to get people out of debt and then to continue living within their means in the same manner (i.e. NOT increasing their lifestyle). And yes, Satan would probably run haywire trying to foil the plan and plot people against each other. But what if it could work? Successfully.
It certainly seems to me that in these days of recession and extreme unemployment, this should be something we at least tip on anyway. I'm not begrudging anyone their salary to do as they please with, but wow - if you see someone struggling to hold on to their house, do we just say,
"Not my business!" because money is a touchy subject?
Those who are struggling say, "I don't want anyone to know we need money!"
Is this the way it should be? Especially for brothers and sisters in Christ? Aren't we all in this thing together? Holding out for another time, another place where money will have nothing to do with anything?
Just some things I've been thinking about lately.
What do you think? Anybody?
10.20.2011
Still Alive!
Well, it's been a whole year since I've posted! More than that, actually. I'm sorta sad that I've missed chronicling a whole year in the life of the Young family, but hey - I've got a functional camera and some renewed determination to start posting again. Maybe I'll have some interesting thoughts here and there...but for now, here's a review of 2011 in photos (in backwards order, because I suppose I'm lazy like that...)
8.05.2010
Whoooooosh!
There went our summer!
Seriously, I was just getting into the groove of the atrocious summer hours the Oaks have from 8am-6pm (M-Th) and making my plans for all the fun things the girls and I were going to do on our Fridays together! And now, it's almost over! Holy cats - June and July went fast. There's no telling how fast August will go.
Highlight of the summer is, hands-down, our annual vacation to Traverse City. The whole Gilson fam heads up to a house on Lake Leelanau. We had a fabulous time living life in the most beautiful area in Michigan. Grace has grown by leaps and bounds in her swimming abilities. She ran out with anyone and everyone who was going to jump in the lake. She is fearless and I can tell she will be a strong swimmer, she was underwater more than she was above it. We had to tell her to stop diving off the dock, I was afraid she was going to go headfirst into the boat launch. She is getting to be so big. I can hardly believe I will have a 5 year old on my hands. She is anticipating K4 at Howie and looks forward to riding in to school with Grandpa. This will be my first summer in AGES to go school supplies shopping!
Annie has grown tremendously too. Her current favorite phrase is, "Mom, Phineas & Ferb are making a title sequence!" (don't ask) and she is turning out to be one funny kid. I wish I could capture some of the looks and expressions on her face. She is becoming completely mischievous ( I don't think I spelled that right. Kate?) and infuriates and delights her sister all at the same time. I am enjoying seeing her personality emerge despite wanting to do everything Grace does. We've been experimenting with her diet and doing quite a few restrictions with it (think BLAND food ALL the time) and for the most part, she has been "pook"-free, unless she gets hurt. Then, it's all up with it.
Now if we could just get her to sleep...
I take my previous statement back.
The highlight of the summer was not our trip Up North, although that is in second place. :)
The highlight of my summer, maybe my year is that on Sunday, July 18th, 2010, back in a little yellow Sunday School room, Gracie prayed with her mama and asked Jesus to forgive her sin and the "boss of her life." I cannot tell you how precious it was! It was a bit unexpected, although we have been working with Grace and explaining salvation for awhile now. I have no doubt in my mind that she understands what her decision was and who Jesus is and what he has done to pay the price for her sins. I have no doubt in my mind that she understands that he rose again from the dead and is with God, in Heaven now. And I also have no doubt in my mind that she understands that Jesus loves her. I pray that she will continue and hold fast to this decision she has made and that Clint and I can train her up in the way that she should go. I can see a difference in her daily decisions and demeanor already. We are so thankful and proud of our Gracie girl!
Oh, what? You want to see pictures? Yeah, of course.
I'm horrible at taking pictures. I do have a few of the girls on vacation. I'll post them, just as soon as I can figure out how to get them off my phone!
TTFN!
Seriously, I was just getting into the groove of the atrocious summer hours the Oaks have from 8am-6pm (M-Th) and making my plans for all the fun things the girls and I were going to do on our Fridays together! And now, it's almost over! Holy cats - June and July went fast. There's no telling how fast August will go.
Highlight of the summer is, hands-down, our annual vacation to Traverse City. The whole Gilson fam heads up to a house on Lake Leelanau. We had a fabulous time living life in the most beautiful area in Michigan. Grace has grown by leaps and bounds in her swimming abilities. She ran out with anyone and everyone who was going to jump in the lake. She is fearless and I can tell she will be a strong swimmer, she was underwater more than she was above it. We had to tell her to stop diving off the dock, I was afraid she was going to go headfirst into the boat launch. She is getting to be so big. I can hardly believe I will have a 5 year old on my hands. She is anticipating K4 at Howie and looks forward to riding in to school with Grandpa. This will be my first summer in AGES to go school supplies shopping!
Annie has grown tremendously too. Her current favorite phrase is, "Mom, Phineas & Ferb are making a title sequence!" (don't ask) and she is turning out to be one funny kid. I wish I could capture some of the looks and expressions on her face. She is becoming completely mischievous ( I don't think I spelled that right. Kate?) and infuriates and delights her sister all at the same time. I am enjoying seeing her personality emerge despite wanting to do everything Grace does. We've been experimenting with her diet and doing quite a few restrictions with it (think BLAND food ALL the time) and for the most part, she has been "pook"-free, unless she gets hurt. Then, it's all up with it.
Now if we could just get her to sleep...
I take my previous statement back.
The highlight of the summer was not our trip Up North, although that is in second place. :)
The highlight of my summer, maybe my year is that on Sunday, July 18th, 2010, back in a little yellow Sunday School room, Gracie prayed with her mama and asked Jesus to forgive her sin and the "boss of her life." I cannot tell you how precious it was! It was a bit unexpected, although we have been working with Grace and explaining salvation for awhile now. I have no doubt in my mind that she understands what her decision was and who Jesus is and what he has done to pay the price for her sins. I have no doubt in my mind that she understands that he rose again from the dead and is with God, in Heaven now. And I also have no doubt in my mind that she understands that Jesus loves her. I pray that she will continue and hold fast to this decision she has made and that Clint and I can train her up in the way that she should go. I can see a difference in her daily decisions and demeanor already. We are so thankful and proud of our Gracie girl!
Oh, what? You want to see pictures? Yeah, of course.
I'm horrible at taking pictures. I do have a few of the girls on vacation. I'll post them, just as soon as I can figure out how to get them off my phone!
TTFN!
6.12.2010
Singing
We learned a couple of new songs at Kid's Club this year. These two were our favorites. Annie, of course, is not in Kid's Club, but Grace sang these two INCESSANTLY, so of course, one day to our surprise, Annie belted out with a rendition of In the Lord's Army. We love to sing!
4.28.2010
Say What?
Those who know me, know that I have hearing issues. I've had a hearing aid since I was in sixth grade.
Those who know me well, know that I hate wearing it. It makes me feel like I'm in a tunnel and sometimes all I can hear is my own breathing...which I guess for a severe asthmatic can be fairly reassuring.
Those who live with me, know that I actually don't exactly know where said hearing aid is...
They also know that my daughter, Grace is either hard of hearing or has completely picked up my mannerism of saying "What?" to everything that is said to her. Seriously - it's like it's a habit. Does anyone else's kid do this? She'll have hearing testing next year in Kindergarten and right now, I really think it's a lack of focus or just because she hears me say it, but it is driving.me.crazy!
For example the following conversation ensued last week. (prompting this post)
Grace: "Mommy, can I have more milk."
Mommy: "Sure - just a minute while I finish changing your sister's diaper."
Grace: "What?"
Mommy: "Yes, in just a minute."
Grace: "MORE MILK, MOMMY!"
Um...what?? I cracked up. It's like the deaf leading the deaf. Good grief. It totally reminded me of a similar scenario I had in college. You may not find it as funny, but I'm still in tears over it. Maybe you had to be there, I don't know. It was hilarious at the time.
I had gone with my roommates comedy/ministry team to stay the night at one of the other members' home (Adam Powers for my fellow Cornerstonians). The whole team was staying the night there after getting ready for the program they were going to put on at a church the next morning.
So there were about 8 or 9 of us who had to get ready in the morning for this service, so I woke up early, before everyone else, because I wanted to get in a shower and then I'd be out of the way. So I head in to Adam's bathroom and I canNOT figure his shower out. It was one of those systems where it has a strong ring around the faucet at the bottom and you have to yank that down in order for the shower to come out. I totally know how to use one now, but in 1999, I had never seen one of these before and I was just completely baffled as to how to get water to come out of this shower head!! I worked on it for about 10 minutes, before I realized I was going to have to go ask Adam for help.
So I tiptoed in and knocked on his bedroom door, it's completely dark by the way, all over the house and I don't know why I knocked because I wasn't going to hear him say "Come in" anyway. So I knocked, waited the appropriate length of time for him to answer and opened the door. Adam was still in bed.
"Adam?" I whispered.
"What?" he whispered back.
"Adam." I whispered again.
"What?" he replied.
"Adam!" I whispered louder, hoping he could hear me - I really needed to take a shower!
"WHAAAAAAATTTT????" He whispered even louder.
And I cracked up. He had been answering me all along and I had no idea. The poor kid had to get up in his boxer shorts so that I could take my shower, because I couldn't hear him whispering.
Yikes. Is this Karma? Adam had a great sense of humor, so he thought it was funny too. A lot more funny than I am finding Grace's incessant "whating."
Maybe it's just a phase? Anybody else's kids doing this? I'll be interested to see how long it goes.
Those who know me well, know that I hate wearing it. It makes me feel like I'm in a tunnel and sometimes all I can hear is my own breathing...which I guess for a severe asthmatic can be fairly reassuring.
Those who live with me, know that I actually don't exactly know where said hearing aid is...
They also know that my daughter, Grace is either hard of hearing or has completely picked up my mannerism of saying "What?" to everything that is said to her. Seriously - it's like it's a habit. Does anyone else's kid do this? She'll have hearing testing next year in Kindergarten and right now, I really think it's a lack of focus or just because she hears me say it, but it is driving.me.crazy!
For example the following conversation ensued last week. (prompting this post)
Grace: "Mommy, can I have more milk."
Mommy: "Sure - just a minute while I finish changing your sister's diaper."
Grace: "What?"
Mommy: "Yes, in just a minute."
Grace: "MORE MILK, MOMMY!"
Um...what?? I cracked up. It's like the deaf leading the deaf. Good grief. It totally reminded me of a similar scenario I had in college. You may not find it as funny, but I'm still in tears over it. Maybe you had to be there, I don't know. It was hilarious at the time.
I had gone with my roommates comedy/ministry team to stay the night at one of the other members' home (Adam Powers for my fellow Cornerstonians). The whole team was staying the night there after getting ready for the program they were going to put on at a church the next morning.
So there were about 8 or 9 of us who had to get ready in the morning for this service, so I woke up early, before everyone else, because I wanted to get in a shower and then I'd be out of the way. So I head in to Adam's bathroom and I canNOT figure his shower out. It was one of those systems where it has a strong ring around the faucet at the bottom and you have to yank that down in order for the shower to come out. I totally know how to use one now, but in 1999, I had never seen one of these before and I was just completely baffled as to how to get water to come out of this shower head!! I worked on it for about 10 minutes, before I realized I was going to have to go ask Adam for help.
So I tiptoed in and knocked on his bedroom door, it's completely dark by the way, all over the house and I don't know why I knocked because I wasn't going to hear him say "Come in" anyway. So I knocked, waited the appropriate length of time for him to answer and opened the door. Adam was still in bed.
"Adam?" I whispered.
"What?" he whispered back.
"Adam." I whispered again.
"What?" he replied.
"Adam!" I whispered louder, hoping he could hear me - I really needed to take a shower!
"WHAAAAAAATTTT????" He whispered even louder.
And I cracked up. He had been answering me all along and I had no idea. The poor kid had to get up in his boxer shorts so that I could take my shower, because I couldn't hear him whispering.
Yikes. Is this Karma? Adam had a great sense of humor, so he thought it was funny too. A lot more funny than I am finding Grace's incessant "whating."
Maybe it's just a phase? Anybody else's kids doing this? I'll be interested to see how long it goes.
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