Finishing well . . . Walking in faith . . .

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Ode to the RETURN of the trumpet vine tree!!!



Oh I think that I shall never see . . . 
A thing as pretty as a tree . . . 


It has arrived!!!!! I am so excited!!  Actually they have arrived - Two very small little trumpet vines.  One orange and one yellow.

And what a tree it is!  If you remember last summer I said goodbye to a dear friend of mine in our former town.  A trumpet vine tree that had stood in our yard in Glen Elder for over 30 years was ridiculously chopped down and thrown aside after we left town.  

I had moved on and learned to enjoy my new back yard, patio and flower garden.  I have plans made for just what I will plant this year.  But to my surprise, I received the most amazing birthday gift from my sister Tami - Through the pages of Michigan Bulb Company - my dreams of having another trumpet vine beauty was coming true!   The email said that two trees - one yellow and one orange would arrive on my doorstep when it was time for planting!  

Thank you again Dave and Tami for thinking of me - I will treasure this for years to come.  Tami also gave me careful instructions on how to ride reign on the trumpeteer - - - they can get wild and crazy out of hand - they must be mastered - and so I will be soon looking for just the right place to plant.  

And to those in my family whom I shall leave nameless . . . who found the trumpet vine masterpiece in Glen Elder to be a nightmare of wasps and flowers just right for exploding with firecrackers - - - there will be plenty more fun now that I am back in the business of mothering the tree of all trees!  

Clay worked hard today - Easter Sunday to replace some old trellis with some new bright white trellis.  We think this might be a great place for the new trumpets to begin to grow.




           My son-in-law and daughter soooooo happy to hear about the return of the trumpet vine!!



   
Beautiful orange and yellow blooms against the white - oh just picture it!!


Grow little fella's

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch - Love these!

I was sooooo excited to see that Patrice was offering us another chance to sit on her front porch and chat!  Looks like we have some more reader questions and they look really interesting!


Questions

Melanie asks "What kinds of seafood have you tried and liked?
 What is the most unique seafood you've eaten?

I love shrimp of any kind!  And I don't like calamari?? the consistency oooooo . . . . and I know it may not be known as one of the best places for seafood - - - but for this Kansas girl - - - going to Kemah, Texas and Joe's Crab Shack - - - is one of my favorite places to be in the world!  I know Melanie didn't ask for that information  - - - but I'm known to ramble . . . 

Anne says, "An unforgettable holiday moment is_____________________. (She's on the other side of that BIG pond. I believe a holiday is a vacation on this side. )

The Christmas of 1999 we planned a big surprise for our daughter Casey.  She loved basketball and she loved the Lady Vols.  We got tickets for a game in January in Fayeteville, Arkansas.   The Razorbacks would be playing Pat Summit's Lady Vols and that would be the closest chance for us to be front and center!  We bought her a Tennessee sweatshirt and wrapped it up - - - then we gave her a small box with the tickets and a little spending money and told her she was going to see her favorite team!  And she could take along one friend.  Great memory!

Arlene wants to know, "When was the last time you tried something new?"

In recent years I have done some things I never imagined:  Owned a big dog and love it!    Walked and jogged on a treadmill and hated it!  Water aerobics and good at it!  Golf and bad at it!  Hiked in the Rocky Mountains with hubs!  Flew across the country without hubs + granddaughter!  Learning that being over 50 and learning new things is great!

Becky asks, "Who or what inspires you?"

My parents - to be good people.  My sister - everyday.  My children - that I could raise such amazing people.   Husband - to have faith and not worry!

Madonna wants to know," How did you choose the names of your children. Wendell adds,"If you don't have kids, how do you choose pet names?"

I guess I chose the names and husband agreed - - - With our names Clay and Teri - I thought another "T" name would be cute - and a friend named her son Todd six months before our son was born.  She said it was great if we used the same name - and so we did!  I loved it!      Then with our daughter Casey - I wanted to continue the "letter" tradition and decided that a boy should be Trent like the "T" in Teri and Todd - but if we had a girl it would need to be a "C" like her daddy Clay.  I work at a hospital and spied a little girl in the nursery one day named Casey - - - And I loved it!   And it was a girl!!   That is how Todd and Casey came to be named.    AND if we had had another child - it would have been Trent or Courtney - and I don't know that I have ever told anyone that before :).    Thanks Madonna for asking!

If you would like to join in on the Farmhouse Chat - visit Patrice at Everyday Ruralty! In honor of you Patrice I plan to sit on my front porch this weekend and have a cup of coffee!







Tuesday, March 26, 2013

March Madness

Checking in with my monthly weight loss tip or lesson learned or bit of encouragement . . .


Are you mad about March Madness??  Or are you just mad?? 

This month I'm going to share about  - anger.

Do you turn to food when you are frustrated or angry?

I know that I do and as I study about it I see that it makes perfect sense as to why food helps take the edge off or can be a reward to ourselves for a bad day or stress at work, etc.   Food can act just like a drug to numb pain.  Stress, anxiety, worry and depression can all hurt.  Food numbs the pain for just a tiny while.  I know the feeling - it's hard to put into words but for me it feels like about 5 minutes of relief - either from trying NOT to eat and wanting to really bad or from feeling nervous and stressed.  On the other hand - - - it is the best reward for me when times are going good.  So go figure . . . When you think like this my friend . . . you are in deep trouble.

From Web MD:


Emotional eating is the practice of consuming large quantities of food -- usually "comfort" or junk foods -- in response to feelings instead of hunger. Experts estimate that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.
Many of us learn that food can bring comfort, at least in the short-term. As a result, we often turn to food to heal emotional problems. Eating becomes a habit preventing us from learning skills that can effectively resolve our emotional distress.
Depression, boredom, loneliness, chronic anger, anxiety, frustration, stress, problems with interpersonal relationships, and poor self-esteem can result in overeating and unwanted weight gain.
By identifying what triggers our emotional eating, we can substitute more appropriate techniques to manage our emotional problems and take food and weight gain out of the equation.


SOOOOO I wondered - what are these techniques that can help me manage - - - You see I've figured out WHAT triggers me to eat - - - I just have not come up with alternative actions that I like :)

These are the solutions I found while studying . . .

Read a good book or magazine or listen to music.
Go for a walk or jog.
Take a bubble bath.
Do deep breathing exercises.
Play cards or a board game.
Talk to a friend.
Do housework, laundry, or yard work.
Wash the car.
Write a letter.
Or do any other pleasurable or necessary activity until the urge to eat passes.

How do you feel?  Would these things distract you from eating when you are not truly hungry?  What ones work for you and what ones would NOT. Perhaps you have better ideas?

I know for myself that sometimes several would work but I also know that many times I feel I need some more help. Prayer, meditation, counseling are other suggestions and your doctor can be helpful in your decision to lose weight.

Having a weight loss partner has been the biggest help for me. Thank you Tami! Family support is priceless also and I have had that too.

March Madness?? Weight loss madness?? Whatever you have - take some time to get alone and relax - think about the biggest reasons you want to lose weight. Imagine yourself with your new look. Know that once you lose 10 pounds you will feel differently - when you lose 20 pounds you will feel like a new person - when another 20 comes off - your life changes - you become more active and you feel/look younger. Set small goals. Celebrate them!

I started this post earlier in the month - thinking of how angry I was at myself because I could be at my goal weight - instead I'm hanging in at 25 pounds off. But I feel encouraged and I took the first step to get back on the treadmill - picked up the hand weights - went swimming - shot some baskets - - - and now I'm ready to take on the next step - 25 more pounds!!

I'd love to hear from some of you about your struggles with weight loss - if you don't feel like sharing publicly please feel free to email me! cthenningsen@gmail.com

Until next month . . .

March is National Nutrition Month. So even if you failed to keep those New Year’s resolutions, it is not too late to start anew! WebMD offers fifteen health foods that will boost your health while lowering your grocery budget.

1) Brown rice.
2) Whole-wheat or multigrain pasta.
3) 100 percent whole-wheat bread.
4) Nonfat Greek yogurt.
5) Old-fashioned oats.
6) Frozen vegetables.
7) Russet potatoes.
8) Fresh bagged spinach.
9) Canned refried beans.
10) Canned tuna.
11) Canned or jarred marinara sauce.
12) Whole-wheat pita bread.
13) Store-brand egg substitute.
14) Frozen soybeans
15) Dried lentils.




Sunday, March 24, 2013

Best laid plans . . .

Sometimes my organization becomes my DISorganization . . .

A few weeks ago my husband and I spent an entire Sunday evening sorting through Sunday School curriculum, punching out flannel board characters, sorting stickers, separating take home papers, and adding parent papers, putting them all into large zip lock bags and finally I dated each one so that I could easily just grab all of the materials needed for the week. Great!

This week when I was preparing I noticed that the teacher's manual had an extra lesson and that the "Palm Sunday" lesson was not scheduled until next week. So I made a mental note and skipped that lesson - and moved on and prepared the lesson intended for Palm Sunday. More great planning!

I made some green palms - took blankets to play as if we were lining the streets for Jesus to ride in on and we all had fun pretending to be the donkey that carried Jesus and the crowd waving palm branches. "Hosanna, Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of The Lord".

After craft time we gathered around for story time and I handed out the flannel board characters in order to tell the story . . . Do you see where this is going? Well I had quickly grabbed the zip lock bag dated 3-24, right? And began to tell the story - - - I kept looking around at each child's flannel board characters and couldn't make sense of the pieces they had - no crowd with palm branches - no donkey - no Jesus on a donkey - ??? Hmmm . . .

Then it hit me . . . I was NOT doing the lesson for 3-24 so I did not want to choose the neatly organized ziplock bag dated 3-24!!! Well I just had to explain my mistake to the kids - - - and gathered up the pieces - - - moved back to the teacher's book and continued with the lesson. Then I remembered - - - the stickers and activity page that we were beginning on . . . you guessed it . . . made no sense either.

Fortunately - - - preschoolers and kindergarteners don't get stressed by such matters. I on the other hand was a little thrown . . . chose to REITERATE the Palm Sunday lesson while also thinking - now what will I do in two weeks when I need these papers for THAT lesson - - -

Anyway - - - the best laid plans of mice and men . . .

Blessings in a group of kids who loved me anyway (after all I entertained them by being a donkey and crawling around on the floor with them . . . ) and Blessings in a Lord who loves us the same, on our good days and on our bad days . . .


"The little plans I tried to carry
Have failed
O' Dear God.
But, I will not sorrow
I will pause a little while
And try again tomorrow."

Anushree Karnani


Saturday, March 23, 2013

Move over Texas - we are coming down!

Spring has sprung - - - a leak I think - - - We celebrated the first day of Spring with news of another winter storm approaching fast.







As a former winter gal, I'm surprised that this is bothering me - and knowing we need the moisture to bust the drought - I still can't help yearning for spring and summer to arrive.

Casey and Tracy made it home this weekend - first visit since Christmas - but there will be no golfing, sitting around a patio fire, grilling, or playing outside with dogs. Snow started falling at about 9 a.m. today and continues all morning - - -




Perfect day for reading, watching March Madness, napping, and enjoying time together.

We fixed a pot of chicken and noodles and enjoyed an evening with Grandpa A. and more March Madness!






Packing my bags and heading to Texas and warm beaches . . .


Blessings today in having family near . . .
Blessings today in good news from family in Texas . . .


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

And one said thank you . . .

Due to an extreme change in my schedule . . . 10 year old granddaughter with us for spring break . . . I did not get my Sunday School posting done.

As you know I have recently started teaching Pre-school/Kindergarten Sunday School and this third week we had four students. My granddaughter Elaine said she would help me teach. She is a big sister of younger siblings - twins that are 7 and one that is 5. She can handle preschoolers pretty well!!

Ten gum balls, ten crayons, ten straws, ten golf balls, ten fruit snacks, and ten stickers. Can you guess the Bible story for the day??  Elaine hid the sets of "ten" items around the classroom and let the kids look for them.  We had them count the items to make sure there were l0 in each group.

News Break:  Ten men healed from awful, contagious, skin disease known as leprosy, by a man named Jesus and only one, JUST ONE, said Thank You!'

It's a story that preschoolers can certainly relate to because what is one of the first things parents teach their children . . . say please and thank you!

What is it that is your "leprosy" - that you have been healed from? What is it that you want to say thank you to God for?

Take time to do that today!




Elaine reading the story to the students

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

What happens at Grandma's house - stays at Grandma's house . . .

This blog post was written by our 10 year old granddaughter Elaine.  She recently stayed with us over spring break.  I showed her our blog and asked her if she would like to write a post.  This is her journal of her stay with us . . . 


March 15 - Grandma came and picked me up at my house.

March 16 - We rode the golf cart. Went to Alco and Apple Market. Watched Pitch perfect. We baked green and white cupcakes. Ate supper with Great Grandma and Grandpa at Country Club. Then we stayed up till midnight.

March 17 - We went to Concordia to get me a new iPod. played barbie and with the dogs. We went to church and I taught Grandma's class. They were fun. We had tacos for lunch and brats for supper. Then we went to the movie with Rebecca and Kaleb.

March 18 - Grandma went to work and grandpa stayed home with me. We watched TV and snuggled. We took turns playing on the Ipad. Grandpa cooked Pizza Rolls for dinner. Grandma came home early and we played golf. It was cold in some spots and warm in others. I drove the golf cart all around. Then we went to the library. (where i left my new ipod - but thankfully got it back by the custodian. I tried to pay him 20 bucks but he wouldn't take it) We went swimming and played basketball. Grandma gave me a pedicure while I screamed and shouted and giggled!

My last day here I will go to Great Grandma's house. We might go to the park, I will play in her basement restaurant and make Easter cookies. Delicious.

Then they will take me home. But I get to go to Aunt Casey's house and bug Tracy on Wednesday.

One of my favorite posts to do is to join in with Everyday Ruralty's Patrice when she asks a few questions and lets her readers respond.  Check her great blog out here.   I decided to try this with Elaine and here are her replies . . . 


My favorite thing I did at Grandma and Grandpa's house: Going to the movie.

I met a new friend - he was a Shetland Pony.

The most unusual thing I did was: Eat some candy for supper.

Why I like to come to Grandma's house: To see Dodger and Roy and Grandma/Grandpa.

They are special because: They are part of my family.

When I come to visit I feel: Not stressed but happy and sad.

Here are some pictures from my trip.



                                                   Elaine and American Girl McKenna


Teaching Sunday School 


                                                             Time to work out!





                                                           Cleaned up and hangin' with Dodger







Time for a pedicure!





     
                                                                       My new friend

     
                                                               Freezing on the golf cart



                                                                  Shooting hoops!
                                                               







Thursday, March 14, 2013

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch






Once again I'm joining in on Farmhouse Porch conversations and you can join in too by visiting here with Patrice at everydayruralty.com  This time Patrice asked for readers to suggest questions and she has used 5 of them for this weeks chat...

Beth asks:  What's your favorite movie of all times? The one you've seen multiple times. -- Well I'd have to say that "I feel the need . . . the need for speed . . . "  And that would be Top Gun with Tom Cruise!  I watched the movie over and over when it initially was out.  I haven't actually seen it for a few years but I was mesmerized by the flying - fighter pilots - and I loved the music - and "Goose" and "Charlie" - okay - I liked Tom too!  It was one of those movies that I watched and saw something new in it every time at least for the first half a dozen times!

Clairity says: Name three things that are permanent residents in your handbag or purse.
Always present:  Must have items:  My checkbook, my hand lotion, and my gum.


Reasks: What's the best way to your heart?
Be kind to me.  Be honest with me.  
Don't criticize my gifts to you. (inside joke)


Mamaw wants to know: Do you like going to yard sales?
I don't care about yard sales.  I don't like clutter.  And my momma always said - "it's not a bargain if you don't need it!"


Cathy
 says: If you could slide down a rainbow, what do you think you'd find on the other side?
                                      According to St. Paddy's day  - a pot of gold?
                           Taking into consideration God created rainbows for real - - maybe heaven?
                                             According to "Reading Rainbow" - - books?
                      Lastly, according to the Rainbow Bridge - all my pets would be there waiting for me!


What fun to sit on the front porch and chat!  

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

What are you . . .

What a great blog my friend Trish has and I borrowed today's post from her idea that you can read about here!

Trish writes that she would love to hear "what are you . . . "

Listening to:  I have been on a 6-9 month journey of going back to my first love in music - country.  We saw Billy Currington in concert at the Kansas State Fair and that spurred me to get back in touch with the new stars.  Clay and I loved watching the first two seasons of The Voice especially as Blake Shelton was the best coach ever!!  There is nothing like steppin' to some great country songs while on the treadmill.  I especially like the "beach feeling" songs of Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker and as mentioned above Billy and Blake!



Eating:  Nutrisystem has been my tool to use to lose many unhealthy pounds over the past year.  So basically good proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy carbs.  25 pounds off.  Ways to go.  Next subject please.

Watching:  Just finished up with The Bachelor season finale.  Refreshing in that this man Sean, and his fiance Catherine talked more about prayer and God than spending the night in the fantasy suite.  Hubs and I have gotten hooked on Blue Bloods on Friday nights.  Would love to be watching the next season of The Voice as soon as it starts!  A few Hallmark and Lifetime movies when I have time.  That is about it.    Oh - Army Wives - until last night when they opened their season with the news that Claudia Joy had died.  Bad decision.

Reading:  The T & T Book Club Selection for February was After the Rain by Karen White.  Also reading my new Bible that focuses on the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life.  Several great blogs!

Making:  Just for fun and to experiment for a MJFarm badge, I am working on a small beginners needle point project.  Just to see if I like it or if I can do it.  The verdict is still out because when I get it finished what am I going to do with a 5 x 5 inch picture of an orange cat.  In the craft world I am making  a "camping journal" for my sister and her husband as they have just purchased a camper and want to try some adventures on wheels this summer!  Can't wait to hear about their trips!

Planning:  I am always planning!!   We are planning a family reunion in April.  I have a Summer Bucket List which includes a 25 mile bike ride with my bff Rebecca.    A "trial" camp-out with bff/Sister Tami and our husbands.   Week's vacation to help with Vacation Bible School and have our granddaughter Elaine stay with us.  We will jam pack that week with bike rides, pool, crafts, the zoo, parks, picnics, golf, etc.

Doing:  Today I have enjoyed a productive day of work.  We have recently hired a new person in the department and said good-bye to one.  Things are running quietly and smoothly.  Wasn't sure how to answer this question.  I am staying busy and having fun at home with exercise, animals, Mary Janes Farm, blogging, reading and sometimes cleaning.


Feeling:  Very excited for spring and even more so - summer.  I have not enjoyed this winter and normally that is not true - I have wanted to be outside - enjoying walks in the country and my flowers.

Loving:  My family.  My new town.  My new church. 

Wanting:  To wake up tomorrow and weight loss be easy.

Thinking:  I am thinking that it is sure fun to buy new clothes - I like having new clothes. 

And looking forward to:  Being my most healthy size and enjoying every minute of life!  Looking forward to more grandchildren.  And I think a lot lately about retiring some day!!  Looking forward to some small trips with husband - trips to see kids - and possibly a cruise next winter!


What are you . . . ???  Would love to hear what you have to share!


 



Sunday, March 10, 2013

Always be kind to one another . . .

"The Bible story today is about a man who could not walk or run. His legs didn't work right and he just had to lay on a mat all day long. He couldn't run or walk at all. Can you imagine if you couldn't walk or run??? I can't run very good myself - but I do a little bit on my treadmill sometimes - but mostly I just walk because I can't run", said Miss Teri the Sunday School Teacher.

"Is that because you are old?", said Joey.

"Yes Joey, I guess it is.", said Miss Teri :)

My second Sunday to teach preschool-kindergarten class. Be careful what you tell them!! Today's lesson was from 1 Thesselonians 5 - "and we should be kind to one another". I love our curriculum but I wasn't very fond of the opening activity so I substituted having the class play a game of "memory". Remember that game? Matching up the pairs. The idea was to play the game together and talk about how we can be kind to one another. Now when I remember back to my own kids being young I remembered that sometimes board games can lead to hurt feelings and mad people! Kids this age like to win! And sorry to my kids, but don't feel offended as I KNOW it is that way with all normal healthy kids. So - - - imagine my surprise when Morgan decided to tell Emilie where the pairs were?? And then Joey helped Emilie and then Tatum helped Morgan! I hadn't even taught the lesson yet and these little ones were already being kind to one another!! I sang their praises to them and to their parents. The parents assured ME that the same would not have happened if their siblings were playing the game with them!!

You all remember the story about the poor lame man - who could not walk or run - (maybe he was old?? :)) and his friends wanted to help him, so they took him to see Jesus. Everyone was there to see Jesus and the house was packed, the yard was packed, and there was no way for the four friends to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus. So . . . picture us marching up the stairs . . they marched up the side stairs and tore off the roof and lowered their friend right in front of Jesus! Jesus forgave the man for his sins and healed him due to his friends' faith!

One of the best things about pre-school/kindergarten age - you can build a house out of four chairs and they believe it is a house!

Another great thing about children is you can take your favorite doll "Fuzzy" and a couch throw and tell them it is the "crippled man on his mat" and they don't care! They were happy to carry their "friend" to see Jesus!

Blessings in lessons we can learn from children.

Earlier this week I received a hurtful email. I did what all grown women would do - - - I called up my sister and we both got MAD! You think the big sister sticks up for the little sister?? Well folks - this time it was the little sister who delivered some punches for the big sister! Blessings in sisters. We soon realized that not all people were raised to be polite and kind. And honestly, I wasn't feeling very kind for a day or so - but we managed to stay kind -  but not be doormats for other's cruelness.

Here's a thought though - from our worship service this morning - think about the disciples who left their lives to follow Jesus. At one point they are out in a boat on the water and the storm hits and they have to row and row and row for miles and finally Jesus walks out to them and tells them - Here I am - do not be afraid. You might ask - why would these devoted followers of Jesus, these believers, have to have such a hard time? Why did they have to be afraid? Why did they have to keep rowing for so far? Our pastor answered this by saying - folks - - - As a Christian - you are a new creation - - - but you still live in a fallen world and sin prevails. The hope in this is to know that Jesus is still able to say I am here and do not be afraid.

I share this - because it helped me to remember that yes my feelings will get stepped on from time to time - there is sin and meanness in the world. People hurt each other. I am thankful that this little thing is what I had to wrestle with and not something truly big like others face.  Sometimes the hard things don't get taken from your life but we know that God is there with us and cares.


"See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other, to all people."
 1 Thesselonians 5:15









Carrying our sick friend to Jesus

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Kansas City Lights ...


The trouble with the family is that children grow out of childhood, but parents never grow out of parenthood.
EVAN ESAR, The Comic Encyclopedia


 Last week my husband and I got to have a joy-filled meal with our kids - and although parts of our "people" were missing it was great to connect.

Our son, Todd, was in Kansas City on business for a few days and we were able to make arrangements to meet him for dinner one night. We picked up our granddaughter in Junction City and headed east.

Our daughter Casey and her husband Tracy joined us as well. We spent the time hanging out at Famous Dave's - talking, laughing, and just catching up.

For a few minutes the next day (or maybe it was an entire day) I felt melancholy that I only got to see Todd for 3 hours - you see he and his family live in South Texas and we see them regularly but I don't know that I had ever gotten to see Todd for a short period and then have to say good-bye again - so this was a mixed blessing I thought - 3 hours was not nearly long enough!!

Now that I have gotten that little "pity party" over with - - - I realize that I WAS and still AM very glad to have had that blessing!! It was a really fun time. Whether it be 3 minutes or 3 days - Thank you Lord for taking care of us in this way! Blessings!





Todd and his youngest daughter Elaine



                                                                    Father and Son!



                                                            Tracy     Clay     Todd
                                                                  Handsome trio!



Todd and Casey
Great to see these two together!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

It's not complicated ...

Teacher's deserve so much credit.  My daughter and her husband both teach - We should all be so grateful for the special talents they possess and the job they do.

I think that possibly I would have liked teaching - but I just base that on my joy in teaching Sunday School.  I have taught for many years and all different age groups.  Recently I have taken about a year and a half break and have been at a new church so I was recently asked if I could take the preschool-kindergarten class.  I jumped at the chance  . . . I have missed it.  And although it no where  near compares to the time and effort that school teachers spend - there is that bit of prep work that is needed throughout the week to prepare.

I remember when I took the high school class for the first time - I was freaked out.  What a tough crowd.  I prepared myself with an ice breaker game of Bible Scattergories and LOTs of their favorite foods!  What a great group they are!

I am thankful for the opportunity to teach these young ones now - but as I get even a little bit older - I realize the tremendous responsibility to be used of God in this manner.

Today the simple message was that Jesus loves us FOREVER.  Not for one week - not for one month - or six years or until we mess up - - -His love continues forever!

So I showed up 30 minutes ahead and got things in order - - - we sat down at a table - three little ones and Miss Teri and started with playdough.  I felt like the guy in one of my all time favorite commercials that are on TV right now - for A T & T -  the ones that say "It's not complicated" - - - enjoy - - - these just crack me up.  And so did my new little class.








Saturday, March 2, 2013

A weekend at home ...

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.  ~Bill Watterson


Our son Todd works for J.E. Dunn Construction and spends his work week in Houston, Texas.  He drives down to "the valley" the Rio Grande Valley to his home and family for weekends. Our DIL Gloria and our granddaughters Nikki, Julia, and Elaine are busy with school and activities as well.   Our daughter Casey teaches high school math and coaches basketball and softball. Our SIL Tracy is also a teacher and teaches Social Studies and coaches baseball.  Our grand kids Ben, Angie and Kristi are busy with careers and family also.  They all live in Topeka, KS.      I bring that up because I remember the days of having families and jobs and busy lives and then many times after finishing up a challenging week of school, work, meals, laundry, ballgames, ALL fun but busy nonetheless - we would then have a jam-packed weekend! Oh to be young again :) . . .

So one of the things we do enjoy NOW whenever we can -  is just having a weekend "at home". It may be spent relaxing or it may be spent working around the house. Clay is already working on a load of laundry (I know I know . . . I'm spoiled) and then he has plans to be out with his golf cart and trailer getting them ready for "the season".

I have some plans for today too - - - it was an especially busy week at work - - - so I had Saturday and Sunday planned about let's see - Tuesday of last week :)  thought I would just walk you through a day at the Henningsen household.

Every good day starts with this:


SUNSHINE!





COFFEE AND DEVOTIONS




HOUSE WORK/OURS AND THE DOGS

It's nearly 11 and I have one bathroom cleaned and sheets in the wash. Next up - mop kitchen floor. Wait!! This was to be a relaxing weekend at home right? Okay I'll take another break and read a little more with a glass of tea. . . . Be back later.

Noon and we are still working hard . . . I headed out to the dog pen to "clean" his house and shake his "blankets" and feed and water - - - In the recent snow storm we noticed that Roy our Weimeriner had lost his collar. It was buried deep in blankets in his dog house and we couldn't get to it - but today I found it and discovered it had been MISTAKEN for a chew toy - so add that to the Dollar General list for the day - - - The sun is out and hubs says if there was no snow on the ground it would be 50 degrees! It's actually beautiful! Puppies are loving running in the back yard!










HUBBY'S PROJECTS

Clays project for today is to touch up the paint on his trailer. He purchased it last summer and one of his employees decided to make good use of a slow day at work and do some extra welding on it to reinforce it - what a great guy! Thank you Skylar!!




SHOPPING

Quick trip to grab some lunch and after shopping for a few items and dropping them off at the Sunday School classroom (tomorrow I start teaching Preschool-Kindergarten class) we are home and it's time to break for BASKETBALL!


BASKETBALL AND COFFEE

KU now - and KSTATE tonight!!

Boring KU game and what could be better than a surprise visit from my mom and her friend/cousin Charlotte - time for coffee!! I was so in hopes that when moving to Beloit I would have coffee with mom regularly - she comes to Beloit about every day either by herself or with a friend - and of course she doesn't want to "bother" us - so doesn't stop nearly as often as I wish she would! So it's a treat!

BIRTHDAY!

And then another surprise for the day - It is our granddaughter Julia's l5th birthday. They are all in Corpus Christi at a dance contest for the weekend. Our DIL Gloria sent this picture! Happy Birthday to you Julia! We miss you and love you all!!





TODD, JULIA, GLORIA AND NIKKI


MORE HOUSEWORK

Heading to the basement with vacuum - going to clean kitchen floor and stairway. Did you know that you can vacuum vinyl floors? Don't know if it's a good idea but my vacuum has a setting for hardwood floors - and the vinyl down there is vintage - so why not? Quick and easy. Two more chores to do - - - and my all time least favorite is to unload the dishwasher and then . . .

Dodger's all time LEAST favorite chore - Did someone say bath??? I will quickly hide here on dad's lap and maybe she won't find me for that bath!






DRAT! SHE ALWAYS FINDS ME!!


REST/RELAX

3:30 p.m. - Nap Time





DAYS END

I love love love Saturdays! I could sooooo retire any minute and fill my days right here on my little corner of the world. I hope you have enjoyed following me through a rather typical weekend. Tomorrow will be church and possibly a trip to pick up the golf cart and bring it home. Clay ran into a guy in Salina who said he can without a doubt fix our golf cart - that would be a huge answer to prayer!! Golf season is around the corner!

SUPPER OUT

Hard on my weight loss plan - but we are headed for Chinese food. Then home to spend some time with my treadmill and then the K-State game. Go Cats!!

Great blessings in the day - God gives us an unknown number of days - spend them well - and if you'd like - leave a comment about how you spent your Saturday!! I'd love to know!! If you also blog - and want to post about your Saturday - then come back to this post and leave your blog address in a comment. I don't know how to do the linking thing :) so I think this will work.

CHINESE FORTUNE



Just the kind of fortune ALL BLOGGERS want to get!!

Perfect end to the day!