Remodeling in the holiday season

December tends to have enough busyness without any added projects. This year, we have the kitchen completion happening with the approaching holiday.

With the chaos of the remodel, putting up decorations is futile. With that, none of us are in a particularly holiday mood. I have found this fact to be nice. We are not anxious to "get things done" before the big holiday. We have an attitude that, if we can, great; if not, no big deal. The girls and I actually enjoyed a shopping outing looking for gifts. Even the gift giving has changed since we are looking for reasonably priced gifts as our budget is taken up with remodeling. I think our gifts are a little more thought out and definitely not as grandiose. With DH laboring on the remodel, I believe we have even found more family time than we typically have at this time of year. When Daddy has finished laboring for the day and is "resting" or maybe we are awaiting the next stage of the project, we have time as a family to be together - - - watching movies. But as I think of it, our family time is also as we work together on the remodeling project. All of us are involved instead of running here and there from one event to the next.

I am missing some of the decorations. Pictures of Christmas morning in the future years, I might feel a little sad. However, the excitement of having an operating oven again has tempered my yearnings. I am hopeful to put up a few things once the counters are installed. Once we grout the new tiled floor, the refrigerator (in the family room area) can return to the kitchen - makes room for a tree, if we desire. With the counters, the cook-top and dishwasher should also leave the dining room take their rightful places in the kitchen. Oh, imagine how big our little space will then feel!

Last evening, we pulled together and made a casserole. It was so tasty! After so many months of microwave food, take-in, dine-out, cold sandwiches we were ready for some good, home cooked, comfort food. Eating tator-tot casserole never tasted so good. Hopefully I can remember that when it becomes mundane once again.

The excitement of the cabinets being installed has given way to the reality of all the tedious, time consuming, back laboring work still to be done to make the project complete. The floor being laid is another huge step. Unfortunately, our counter installation has been delayed. I was so hopeful it would have been this week but now will not happen until early next week. We are still on track to make Christmas dinner in our new kitchen.

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving Day, a day set aside specifically to remember our blessings and give thanks. From the beginning of our country's existence we have given thanks to our Heavenly Father, for His hand upon our lives. Sometimes it is easier to give thanks than at other times. I imagine those brave travelers on the Mayflower finally reaching land after a tumultuous journey, upon the sight of land the rejoicing and time of thanksgiving that must have followed. For some on that journey a loved one was lost to illness, yet they were thankful at their arrival.

For me, some days are easier to be thankful than others. The Bible says "be thankful in everything". This is a lofty task. During a challenging, trying time, I have little feelings of thankfulness. I usually cannot see the benefit or anything to be thankful of during a difficulty. I am usually sour, dour, and irritated - not thankful. I just want whatever 'it' is to go away. How do you become thankful during those trying times? One piece of advice is to keep a thankful journal. A journal one can refer to when one isn't feeling particularly thankful. Remember the things that are good, to remember what God has done in your life. Usually after that trying time, during reflection I can see many things of which to be thankful. I am not much a journal person - this blog is a close as I tend to get to a journal. But this is something that I think I want to institute, it could be a file on my computer.

Today, on Thanksgiving Day Eve, I remember a few things I am thankful for in my life:
The gift of God's Son Jesus, His sacrifice on the Cross, that I can have eternal life and look forward to living with Him in heaven.
My wonderful, loving husband. He truly is a gift.
My beautiful daughters. I have been entrusted with precious lives that have brought much joy.
My warm, snug home. It hasn't always been snug but it is today. It is just the right size for our family.
Our freedoms we have in America - - many of which are taken for granted... speech, religion, mobility, etc.
Our health - - we have thus far been blessed with health.
Fabulous friends that surround us during the good, bad, and the ugly.
Simple things such as a soft bed, hot water, email, modern appliances, reliable vehicles, beauty of nature

This list could go on and on... it is just a small sampling of what I am thankful for this day.

Integrity and Faith

Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." Daniel 6:3-5

Wow! Daniel was a man of integrity and faith. Could these words be said of me... something to stive to attain.

Dry Wall

It is happening! Drywall is being installed as I write. By the end of the day the kitchen will once again have a ceiling and walls. Wow. It has been a long road and there is still plenty of road to travel. However, this is a big step towards completion.



DH has done a fabulous job prepping the room. He has evened out sagging ceiling rafters, leveled the floor, put in lots of lights, put in many outlets, fixed studs, added studs where necessary, installed a vent for the cooktop's draft, added ventilation for the sink, moved plumbing for the sink and fridge, and the list goes on. DH is tired, rightly so. He deserves a well earned rest.



Our original goal of having the kitchen functioning by Thanksgiving will not be met. But, I have hopes to have it usable by Christmas.



What have we learned during these weeks and months of remodeling construction? hmmm....



1. It is possible to live on microwave meals

2. Take-out is your friend

3. The bathroom sink cannot fill a jug of water

4. The fridge is convenient next to the tv - easy access during movies

5. The cat does NOT like to joist walk -move his food to stop the whining

6. Save your marriage- hire a designer/planner

7. Patience is a virtue not easily learned

8. Appreciation for small things such as a kitchen sink

9. Home cooked meals (provided by dear friends) are the best

10. DD#1 is capable of climbing a ladder

11. If it seems impossible - think again

12. The project will take longer than anticipated

13. Insulation grime is worse than drywall dust

14. Everyone around is glad it is you and not them!

Highest Civic Duty

Tomorrow we have elections here in our nation. A day that we can actively participate in our government process. A privilege not to be taken for granted. Many men & women have sacrificed their lives for this privilege.

Last week, I was discussing the election with my DDs. Being too young to vote, they are on the side-lines watching and learning. As parents we are trying to include our children and discuss some of the issues and explain the process to the best of our ability. Of course they are exposed over and over to the commercials and advertisements in the mail - not to mention the phone calls. However, in our discussion, it occurred to me they can participate, in fact, it is our highest civic calling which is to pray. No matter your age or voting eligibility, political leaning, social status, economic status, or nationality anyone can participate in this election. They can bring our nation to the feet of Jesus in prayer. This is our highest civic calling.

Have I prayed enough for our country or leaders? No! I never pray enough. The verse that challenges me is to pray without ceasing. Continue to pray for our nation those who lead us.

Journey Through Remodeling

At one time during our lives, we considered building a home. I was not overly thrilled at the prospect - all the decisions to made. The big ones are okay - like how many rooms, bathrooms, etc. It's all the little, continuous decisions i.e. what color light switch plates, at what height do you want the light switch, which way should the door swing, etc., etc. It makes me nuts. So here we are, living in our old home, remodeling it. Essentially, we are rebuilding the house. All these little, tedious decisions have to be made to finish the project. Oh, did I mention that remodeling means I am living in the space during the process. Oh, why didn't I go with the idea of building? (We did seriously consider it but the finances didn't work out well.) Today, my house has rooms with stud walls, holes, patched holes, unfinished & uneven floors. The kitchen is completely gutted from rafters to joists. We cannot get from one side of the house to the mudroom without going out the front door and walking around or becoming adept at joist walking. It made getting out the door for church this morning challenging. Shoes & jackets were on the "other side", keys, wallets, etc. It is a maze to walk through "this side" as everything is strewn around including tools & construction "stuff". One neat feature... I can see from upstairs down to the kitchen on into the basement. I do okay with the process until I cannot find something as nothing is where it was and no one can remember the last place it was set. Another point of frustration is the obstacle course and maze through the rooms and the front door. Eating has become completely optional. If the cooking utensil is too big or challenging to wash in the bathroom sink - it doesn't get used. That is pretty much everything except a dinner plates & bowls. TV dinners, cold sandwiches, dining out has become the food the times. Living this way is not easy - but the end result will be very worth the efforts. Just to survive the journey.

Easier Said Than Done

Fall used to be my favorite time of year. That is during those years between school age (start of the new school year) and having tween aged children.

Fall is beautiful, warm during the day, crisp at night, usually low to no humidity, bugs are disappearing, bright night stars, full harvest moon, dry (i.e. no mud from thawing winter snows), quietness (kids back in school), falling leaves.

Now that I am a parent of two active children, fall is no longer my favorite time of year. Now it is full of beginnings of ---- this activity - that activity, find all the supplies for each activity, finish all the yard work before winter, celebrate birthdays, the realization that the winter holidays are very near, and the list goes on.

This *season* of my life is busy. I am parent, an educator, a leader, a wife, a friend, a chauffeur. During this particular stage I feel like I am not succeeding in these roles - just hanging on trying to get through from one activity to the next. It does not help that the house is under a constant state of remodel. The kitchen has been particularly trying, as the kitchen truly is the center of the home.

So I am pondering how I can enjoy this time of my life and not just "hang on." I know my children are growing and will soon be adults and gone. I will miss this time deeply. Now, how do I just settle into the role and time and relish it? This is particularly challenging for me. I like structure, I like/need down time at regular intervals which is in short supply, I crave order.

I am challenged in a book I am reading by Linda Dillow, Calm My Anxious Heart, to take my anxieties to my Blessed Controller, my Heavenly Father. God created me, knew me before my mother knew me. He appointed each and every day for me before I even came into existence. I know all this - now to move the knowledge from my head to my heart; to let go and let God. I am promised by God that He knows me better than myself and He will not allow more than I can handle. Oh do understand, to take hold of this time, to let these things in my life develop the character that God wants in my life. I am not asked to do this on my own but to let God walk beside me and even carry me, if necessary. Easier said than done for one like me that craves order and control.

When I think of the time and place I live in, my life is very easy. I am not scrounging for food, my home is secure, I am not under threat for my beliefs, I am warm in the winter, cool in the summer, I have a car, I do not have to work multiple jobs, my children and I have plenty & more. This is just a short list. Many in the this world, live in primative conditions, do not have access to healthcare, food, are under constant fear, work hard and still cannot feed or clothe their children. So really, my life is easy. I try not to forget this and to be continually thankful for my life and where I live. I tend to take the ease of my surroundings and lifestyle for granted and get easily frustrated by the small things.

This is my challenge currently. To enjoy my life for what it is, know that this time shall pass all too quickly. To enjoy that which I have been richly blessed and not let the inconveniences frustrate me. Easier said than done.

September 11

I distinctly remember taking DD#2 to preschool that morning. DD#1 was at school in Kindergarten. DH stayed home ill. I dropped of a very excited toddler at preschool, this was just the first few days of her schooling career. I returned to my vehicle and turned on the radio. I began to hearing disturbing reports of fire, airplane crashes, the capital in danger. I could not understand much of what was happening, I don't think the individual reporting the news could understand what he was reporting. It was so unbelievable.

Over the course of a few miles, it started to become very clear that a tragedy was taking place. I still didn't understand that it involved multiple planes, thousands of people, or our that our country was under attack. I just knew that whatever was happening was a crisis of huge proportions.

About that time, I was nearing our church. I pulled in the parking lot, needing to enter the sanctuary to pray. My heart was filled with grief and fear. Upon entering, I was not alone, for a dear lady was already there crying out to God. We held hands and prayed for those in the midst of the tragedy and for the protection of the rest of our country.

Only once as I returned home, to find DH watching the television in stunned disbelief did I understand what had happened. We sat there together trying to understand. I was so thankful he was home that day and not in his office in the city. We spent the day, like so many others, clued to the television.

I remember feeling great sadness and fear. Were there more attacks planned? Where? I was extremely uncomfortable as DH returned to his office the next morning. What if other cities were next?

Today, I remember all those that lost their lives in those tragic moments. Life is so fleeting. We know not our time, only God knows the days appointed to us. So many heroes emerged that day. So many hearts broken in an instant. Lives changed in an instant. A country stirred to patriotism and compassion.

Today I will remember. I remember the rescue personnel running to help, the lines of people to donate blood, the pictures of people lost, the cries of sadness, the cries of joy of finding someone alive, the heroes on the plane who said - "no more", ... the flags.

Blame it on the Commode

Many years ago when DH and I moved into our home, we barely had two pennies to rub together. We were so thrilled to own a house. Those lean years became even more lean when we added a child. Then we decided to become a single-income family. Followed by another child and well, lean does not begin to describe our financial situation. However, we were somehow making it work.

Blame it on the commode. The Sawzall Conflict came about when the bathroom toilet broke. What was suppose to be a simple fix of replacing the toilet turned into a complete bathroom remodel. We found the floor rotted, which had traveled up the nearby wall. Thus, a whole section directly beneath the toilet had to be replaced, all the walls torn out, and then put back together.

We were so thankful that the toilet never broke through to the basement. But it did require DH needed to do some serious demolishing of the rotted floor. He decided the tool needed was a Sawzall. I recommended he rent the tool from our famous local hardware store. [the hardware store is worthy a blog entry or two of it's own]

Well, much to my displeasure, DH went out and bought the tool. How dare he? Didn't he know I needed to buy groceries and formula, and pay the bills? Where did he think the money was coming from anyway? Too say I was livid is probably too polite.

His reasoning for purchasing the Sawzall was that this is a basic tool that he needs time and again. I could not see that big of a picture.

DH still uses that same Sawzall to this day. He has used it over and over. Every project and then some. Every remodeling/home improvement project has required this special tool.

Every time it comes out - DH reminds me of the hated Sawzall Conflict. Today we can laugh over it but trust me when I tell you I did not see any humor in it some 11 years ago. I do feel horrible to the way I treated him back then. I should have trusted his judgement in the money spent.

Blame it on the commode.

As I write, the Sawzall is back at work assisting in the removal of a portion of the lower cupboard & counter. This so that the floor underneath can be torn up - with the rest of the floor. DH also needs to work on plumbing in that corner. I'll get tokeep a bit of counter so we can have a functional sink and maybe continue using the failing cooktop. But things are getting skimpy in the functionality of the kitchen.

Thank goodness for the Sawzall.

Moment of Clarity

I was discussing with a friend the challenges of mental illness.

The biggest challenge is the inability or unwillingness of the ill person to do what is "best" for him/her. He/She just doesn't understand nor have the ability to understand. Mental illness is difficult - not at all like taking penicillin to clear up strep throat. It involves the brain & mind. The inflicted individual has a will of his own. You can not make that person "do" anything.

It occurred to me at that moment that must be how God feels about me/us. He knows what is best for us - He has the answers, the cure, the guidance, & knowledge. But I have a will of my own & often think and do what I believe is "better." How completely frustrating for my God & Creator! Added to that is the knowledge that He created me and gave me my will - He's just asking me to trust & obey.

To rely on my Heavenly Father who is perfect and truly does have my best at heart - to turn my will over and let Him lead. There is the real challenge!

Count: 1,2,3 your Blessings

As the hymn says: Count Your Blessings Name Them One by One.

*Knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior

*My husband, he's simply perfect for me.
*Our children, truely a gift from God
*Our home, yes the money pit, under continual construction: it is a good place to live and unique
*Being an American - living in the "land of the free"
*Good friends - can't say enough about you
*Our kitties - a source of humor, comfort, & joy
*Our vehicles that run well if not guzzle gas
*Hubby's job that has provided for us and allowed for me to be home full-time
*Warm sunshine and changing seasons (least like the cold - though)
*Good coffee - yum!
*Comfortable bed in a safe place to sleep
*Good health
*Lots of yummy foods easily available
*heat in the winter & cooling in the summer
*Insulated walls and sound windows
*Modern Conveniences such as flush toilets, running water, email, cell phones, telephone, electricity, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers

Writing Styles

DD's birthday is quickly approaching. She sent out an email publishing her "wish list." A more talented writer than I. To think she had many tears when required to write in school - see below.

To whom it may concern,

Below is a list of items that are desired by MM for her 13th birthday. Use haste when considering when to purchase her gift, for her birthday is on Thursday, September 4th.

Now to have the discussion as to whom it is appropriate to send out such mandate! I think it went out to most everyone in her email address book!

Happy Anniversary?

One year ago today, we sought cover in the "new" basement as a storm raged around us. The day prior we celebrated sister-in-law's wedding. DH's parents, aunts, uncle, and cousin visited us during the day. The flowers were lovely.

The girls had just gone to bed when it became apparent that seeking additional shelter was necessary. I remember DD #2 had gathered blankets, stuffed animals, her favorite doll which she's had since a baby, pillow, and a few favorite books. Poor thing was petrified. As we huddled in the corner, we heard the pounding - it was deafening.


We cautiously returned upstairs as the storm abated. It was dark, being after 9:00. We opened the front door turning on the porch light to piles of hail resembling snow piles of late spring. Hail stones nearly the size of golf balls. The smell of pine were very pungent making us think that pine trees had fallen. (In the light we could see it was many, many pine needles.) What we couldn't see until daylight of the following day was all the damage to the house & buildings.

The house siding looked scraped as if we were preparing to paint. The window screens were shredded. Our window ACs were pummeled along with the windows they were in damaged. The roof was in poor shape before the storm definitely had damage. The steel building was pocked. The vegetation shredded - cut in half. All of my father-in-law's beautiful squash, pumpkins, melons were pounded. Our apples and tomatoes turned to mush!

This was the beginning of a major overhaul of the house. The result ending with all new windows, siding, insulation, roof, doors and more. But that is another story.

It is interesting to see how God takes tragedy and turns it into blessings. The end result was a new roof which was in need of replacing, a fully insulated house for a cold winter, new windows & doors eliminating more drafts.

Now..... for the kitchen - - hmmm... can that be blamed on a storm for insurance money? ;)

What do they watch in the psych ward?

Monk The question is .... Is that considered reality t.v.? In Larry the Cable Guy fashion "Lord I apologize for mocking the insane" (DH found this especially funny)