Four years ago today, it was a Tuesday.
Four years ago today, we woke up early and hit the road.
Four years ago today, a caravan snaked its way across two states.
Four years ago today, we were nervous, excited and scared.
Four years ago today, it was a Tuesday.
Just an ordinary day, just an ordinary road trip.
It was a trip I have made hundreds of times in my life, across my state, through one other and halfway through the next one. I could do the drive in my sleep.
This Tuesday drive was different. This trip was completely different. I felt like we were traveling a road that we had never seen before, that the hours were dragging by and flying past all at the same time. We were on the road to parenthood. Our hoped for child would be born in less than twenty-four hours and we were hurrying to be there on time. It was surreal.
I wish I could adequately sum up the feelings that were going through my mind that day. We had our car packed to the roof, we had our sweet old dog Jake snoozing in the back and we were being followed by my parents in their car. I remember being excited, the thought that parenthood was finally upon us was exhilarating. I remember being nervous, after all this child would not know us, not know the sound of our voices, we would be strangers. Would we be able to comfort and soothe the newborn cries? I remember being so sad that our daughter’s birthmom had to make this decision. I remember thinking how bittersweet that day must have been for her. I knew from speaking with her that she was looking forward to having the process over with the next day, but at the same time, it was the last day she had that sweet baby with her. I remember being scared that even though all seemed well, nothing seemed to indicate that the placement would not go through, there was still a thought in my head that my hubby and I could be heading for certain heartbreak and bringing our family and friends right along with us for the ride. It felt a bit overwhelming.
So many thoughts and fears, so much love, so many moments anticipated, it was a ride that I will never forget.
I remember arriving at our destination, unpacking and just sitting on the bed, shaking with all of these emotions racing through me. I remember eating Kentucky Fried Chicken through the lump in my throat, counting down the hours until 5:00 AM the next day, when we would make one last trip, to a hospital for the birth of what we hoped would be our daughter.
I remember it all, it was four years ago today, and it was Tuesday.
Part FOUR, coming soon.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Four Years Ago Today- Part Two
Four years ago today, it was a Monday.
Four years ago today, it was my last day at work.
Four years ago today, I started the day meeting my replacement.
Four years ago today, I said good-bye to the best job I had ever had up to that point,
Four years ago today, it was a Monday.
Truly, April of 2004, I was given a tremendous gift. Up until then, I had been a secretary at a local church. There is nothing to be said about that job, other than I really wanted to find another one.
So, April came and off I went to a brand new position at another local church. I was the secretary to the minister of education and missions and it was a big deal for me. It was challenging and the most fun I had experienced in a work environment in a long time.
I felt I fit in, I was needed, I could really contribute and for the first time in a lot of years, I was happy and content in the workplace.
For some many years I had been unhappy. Unhappy with the particular jobs, or the environment or the pay or the drive to work or the people or the politics, or… the list could go on and on. Mostly, I believe that I was just unhappy because I wanted more than anything to be a stay at home mom and anything less caused discontent.
But that April, four years ago, God gave me peace in a work environment. He allowed me to be a place that calmed me and made me happy and excited to work. And then, His sense of humor kicked in. A month and half after I was hired, we were called and connected to Hannah’s birthmother. The excitement of my long awaited dream coming true colored everything in my world from the minute I learned we were chosen.
Suddenly, this job that I loved was dropped into the low priority of my life and the busy tasks of preparing our home for a new little one took over.
On the last day of my work, I spent the majority of the day training a wonderful woman to take my place. As another clue to God’s faithfulness, this woman was re-entering the workplace, after eight years. Eight years before, she had quit her job as nurse, with a one-day notice because a phone call from her adoption attorney came and told her of her own daughter’s birth. I don’t think anyone else could have come in and understood my frame of mind that day, or the short notice I was giving at work. God had a plan, every step of the way.
Four years ago today, I gathered in the work room of a great church. I was surrounded by the ministers, the support staff, even some of the maintenance workers. My work was applauded, my impending motherhood was celebrated and my future daughter was prayed over. We ate key lime pie and laughed and cried. It was a great day. It was also a sad day.
My heart was really heavy as I turned off my computer for the last time, put one last note on my boss’ desk and locked my office. I loved the job, I loved the people, and I loved the work. I could only hold onto the fact that the end of a long journey was at hand. The start of a new chapter in my life was just beginning and through it all, God was in control. It was that thought that helped me get through the next few days, four years ago today.
Part three, coming soon!!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Four years ago today, it was my last day at work.
Four years ago today, I started the day meeting my replacement.
Four years ago today, I said good-bye to the best job I had ever had up to that point,
Four years ago today, it was a Monday.
Truly, April of 2004, I was given a tremendous gift. Up until then, I had been a secretary at a local church. There is nothing to be said about that job, other than I really wanted to find another one.
So, April came and off I went to a brand new position at another local church. I was the secretary to the minister of education and missions and it was a big deal for me. It was challenging and the most fun I had experienced in a work environment in a long time.
I felt I fit in, I was needed, I could really contribute and for the first time in a lot of years, I was happy and content in the workplace.
For some many years I had been unhappy. Unhappy with the particular jobs, or the environment or the pay or the drive to work or the people or the politics, or… the list could go on and on. Mostly, I believe that I was just unhappy because I wanted more than anything to be a stay at home mom and anything less caused discontent.
But that April, four years ago, God gave me peace in a work environment. He allowed me to be a place that calmed me and made me happy and excited to work. And then, His sense of humor kicked in. A month and half after I was hired, we were called and connected to Hannah’s birthmother. The excitement of my long awaited dream coming true colored everything in my world from the minute I learned we were chosen.
Suddenly, this job that I loved was dropped into the low priority of my life and the busy tasks of preparing our home for a new little one took over.
On the last day of my work, I spent the majority of the day training a wonderful woman to take my place. As another clue to God’s faithfulness, this woman was re-entering the workplace, after eight years. Eight years before, she had quit her job as nurse, with a one-day notice because a phone call from her adoption attorney came and told her of her own daughter’s birth. I don’t think anyone else could have come in and understood my frame of mind that day, or the short notice I was giving at work. God had a plan, every step of the way.
Four years ago today, I gathered in the work room of a great church. I was surrounded by the ministers, the support staff, even some of the maintenance workers. My work was applauded, my impending motherhood was celebrated and my future daughter was prayed over. We ate key lime pie and laughed and cried. It was a great day. It was also a sad day.
My heart was really heavy as I turned off my computer for the last time, put one last note on my boss’ desk and locked my office. I loved the job, I loved the people, and I loved the work. I could only hold onto the fact that the end of a long journey was at hand. The start of a new chapter in my life was just beginning and through it all, God was in control. It was that thought that helped me get through the next few days, four years ago today.
Part three, coming soon!!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Four Years Ago - Part One
FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY
by Beverly Whitaker
Four years ago today, it was a Friday.
Four years ago today, I worked a full-time job.
Four years ago today, I came home from work, from an ordinary day.
Four years ago today, I listened to a voice mail.
A voice mail that changed my life.
Four years ago today, I learned that my daughter would be born.
Four years ago today, I learned her birth date.
Four years ago today, I started packing suitcases.
Four years ago today, I dreaded the next day,
Knowing that I would have to tell my co-workers I was quitting my job.
Four years ago today, my journey to motherhood was just about to start.
Four years ago today, the reality of her was still hard to grasp.
Four years ago today the excitement was electric.
Four years ago today was a Friday.
And I had no idea how much my life would change or how big my heart was going to grow.
On Friday, August 27, 2004, I came home from work and heard a voice mail from my daughter's birthmom, letting me know that in five days, Hannah would arrive.
Thus began a whirlwind of activity, packing of suitcases, giving notice at my job, training my replacement (in one day!!) working Saturday and Sunday alone in my office, sticking post-it notes on everything and trying to get as much completed as I could.
Soon it was Tuesday and my husband, dog, mom and dad and I were headed to another state to be there for the sure arrival of our "hoped for" daughter the following day. It was a drive full of emotion, there was joy, excitement, terror, love, sadness for her birthmom and her family, some dread that the adoption would not go through as planned, just lots of different things went through our minds on the nine hour trip.
The memories are sweet today, I can look and see God's hand prints on it all - if only I could have seen it then, maybe my heart would not have raced so through every inch of that highway.
Part Two - coming soon.
Beverly
All I Wanna Do...
Want to know about my day?
Here's a hint.
"If anyone needs me - I will be the one sitting in the middle of the floor crying!"
Just when I thought a sick child, first days back to work, badly injured finger, alarm clock didn't go off , a broken and possibly dead laptop and my three year old growing up into a four year old kind of week couldn't get any worse... I got some news that topped it all. The particulars of that news are not important, but let's just say... all I want to do is cry, stomp my feet and cry some more!
Hope you are all having a much better week than I.
(trying to) Live Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Here's a hint.
"If anyone needs me - I will be the one sitting in the middle of the floor crying!"
Just when I thought a sick child, first days back to work, badly injured finger, alarm clock didn't go off , a broken and possibly dead laptop and my three year old growing up into a four year old kind of week couldn't get any worse... I got some news that topped it all. The particulars of that news are not important, but let's just say... all I want to do is cry, stomp my feet and cry some more!
Hope you are all having a much better week than I.
(trying to) Live Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
I NEED CPR!
Maybe it is the fact that I have spent the morning in a CPR class and just have hurting hearts on my brain, but I just made my own heart hurt...just now!
You see that little block on the right that says Blogoversary. Well, it is true, my one year anniversary of blogging on this little blog is just six days away. On one hand, I can't believe it, wow, that has been a fast year. And on the other, it seems like I have been writing here much longer than that!
But that is not the heart hurting part. I started this blog on September 1, 2007. My baby's third birthday. So, know what that means... yep, you guessed it. September 1, 2008 is her FOURTH birthday! HOW IN THE WORLD DID THAT HAPPEN?
I really am not ready to give up her babyhood yet. It makes me so sad. I am desperately trying to focus on the good parts of having an older child. She pottys by herself, can get her own juice, has a WIDE and VIVID vocabulary, dresses herself (well, her fashion sense is not yet all it can be...but that is another post entry!) brushes her teeth, combs her hair and the list goes on. But all those things, while great, just mean one thing - she needs me less and less.
Quick, call 911 and get the AED. I need those heart compressions - NOW! (see, I did learn something in that class!!)
Whoo, hoo - happy anniversary to me. I seriously hope I can celebrate her birthday with a bit more enthusiasm on Monday - cause right now.... I just want to sit on the floor and cry.
Living Happily Ever After (really, I am -- just having a bad day today!!) :-)
Beverly
You see that little block on the right that says Blogoversary. Well, it is true, my one year anniversary of blogging on this little blog is just six days away. On one hand, I can't believe it, wow, that has been a fast year. And on the other, it seems like I have been writing here much longer than that!
But that is not the heart hurting part. I started this blog on September 1, 2007. My baby's third birthday. So, know what that means... yep, you guessed it. September 1, 2008 is her FOURTH birthday! HOW IN THE WORLD DID THAT HAPPEN?
I really am not ready to give up her babyhood yet. It makes me so sad. I am desperately trying to focus on the good parts of having an older child. She pottys by herself, can get her own juice, has a WIDE and VIVID vocabulary, dresses herself (well, her fashion sense is not yet all it can be...but that is another post entry!) brushes her teeth, combs her hair and the list goes on. But all those things, while great, just mean one thing - she needs me less and less.
Quick, call 911 and get the AED. I need those heart compressions - NOW! (see, I did learn something in that class!!)
Whoo, hoo - happy anniversary to me. I seriously hope I can celebrate her birthday with a bit more enthusiasm on Monday - cause right now.... I just want to sit on the floor and cry.
Living Happily Ever After (really, I am -- just having a bad day today!!) :-)
Beverly
Sunday, August 24, 2008
One Is Silver And The Other Gold
Yesterday, while a quiet one in my house, was a busy one - internet wise.
I have talked before about my fascination with the social sites - facebook, cafemom, etc. Well, yesterday I guess everyone was having a dreary, rainy day Saturday like me. I was reconnected with some people from WAY BACK WHEN. I am talking thirty years (now you are starting to know how old I really am!)
It was incredibly fun. I spent time "chatting" with girls from my youth group, when I was just entering the 7th grade. I spent time "chatting" with a former youth director from that time as well. Then I was reconnected with two other friends from twenty years or so. What fun.
What fun to sit in the comfort of my own living room, and yet connect with so many people from both the past and the present through the miracle of the internet. It is fascinating to me.
I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me yesterday, and everyday to be connected to my friends. Some are old friends that are sweet reunions each time we log on, some are new friends that make each chat a fun time - but all are precious to me.
If you are on facebook and want to connect, please drop me a line at mississippigirl0406 (at)yahoo(dot) com. I will be glad to add you as a friend. Come and join the party.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
I have talked before about my fascination with the social sites - facebook, cafemom, etc. Well, yesterday I guess everyone was having a dreary, rainy day Saturday like me. I was reconnected with some people from WAY BACK WHEN. I am talking thirty years (now you are starting to know how old I really am!)
It was incredibly fun. I spent time "chatting" with girls from my youth group, when I was just entering the 7th grade. I spent time "chatting" with a former youth director from that time as well. Then I was reconnected with two other friends from twenty years or so. What fun.
What fun to sit in the comfort of my own living room, and yet connect with so many people from both the past and the present through the miracle of the internet. It is fascinating to me.
I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me yesterday, and everyday to be connected to my friends. Some are old friends that are sweet reunions each time we log on, some are new friends that make each chat a fun time - but all are precious to me.
If you are on facebook and want to connect, please drop me a line at mississippigirl0406 (at)yahoo(dot) com. I will be glad to add you as a friend. Come and join the party.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A Perfect Night
Rain, rain has gone away.
Hubby home from work.
Child home from play.
Waffles for dinner.
Warm bath and cuddles.
Child sleeping peacefully.
Hubby watching Pinks All Out.
Laptop on, facebook up.
Connecting with friends from long ago.
Sitting next to hubby.
Comfortable silence.
A perfect Saturday night.
Hubby home from work.
Child home from play.
Waffles for dinner.
Warm bath and cuddles.
Child sleeping peacefully.
Hubby watching Pinks All Out.
Laptop on, facebook up.
Connecting with friends from long ago.
Sitting next to hubby.
Comfortable silence.
A perfect Saturday night.
A Perfect Afternoon
More rain on the roof.
Still quiet house.
Sweet phone call.
Chili and rice for lunch.
Another Coke over crushed ice.
Frosted Animal Crackers for dessert.
Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Hugh Grant day, I guess.
Nap under covers.
Awaking to cool emails from my friends.
A perfect Saturday afternoon.
Still quiet house.
Sweet phone call.
Chili and rice for lunch.
Another Coke over crushed ice.
Frosted Animal Crackers for dessert.
Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Hugh Grant day, I guess.
Nap under covers.
Awaking to cool emails from my friends.
A perfect Saturday afternoon.
A Perfect Morning
Rainy morning.
Hubby at work.
Child at grandparents.
Favorite yoga pants.
Favorite Irish t-shirt.
Clean face, messy hair.
Lemon Pie for breakfast.
Cold Coke over crushed ice.
Laptop on, connected to the world.
Notting Hill on the cable.
More sappy movies in the lineup.
All morning on the couch.
A perfect Saturday morning.
Hubby at work.
Child at grandparents.
Favorite yoga pants.
Favorite Irish t-shirt.
Clean face, messy hair.
Lemon Pie for breakfast.
Cold Coke over crushed ice.
Laptop on, connected to the world.
Notting Hill on the cable.
More sappy movies in the lineup.
All morning on the couch.
A perfect Saturday morning.
The Cheese Stands Alone
I never really understood what this meant. Do you know? Anyway… it is the title that came to me when I was thinking about this post.
My hubby and I are raising a daughter. It is going to be hard work – mainly because she is strong-willed and independent. Two qualities that I think will become strong character traits for her later in life, but as a three, almost four year old – they are working against her – big time!
As she gets older, I am starting to feel the pinch of “the world” creeping into her world. The clothes are a bit more provocative than I think a CHILD should wear. Yes, even shopping for a four year old is hard – modesty is just gone from the marketplace. Low-cut jeans and midriff baring tops on a toddler are just ridiculous. I feel like there is a giant hand trying to push her into adulthood, twenty years too soon.
I was recently made aware of something called Cheetah girls… a Disney product, along the lines of Hannah Montana, High School Musical and such. I will be the first to admit that I know nothing of any of these shows, but I do see the pictures, the advertisements, the media onslaught of books, clothes, music, dolls, etc and the message they send – well, it causes me concern.
I have some friends, with children my daughter’s age, that don’t seem to find this as frustrating as I do. There is even a party going on this evening to watch one of the movies being shown tonight. I am finding it baffling as a mother and a woman and even more so as I try to be a Christian mother and woman. I feel like I (and my hubby) am standing alone against all of this. The pressure to dress our daughter much older than her tender age, the rush to introduce her to music and dance that we will NEVER find appropriate for her – regardless of her age and the demands of a consumer driven society to buy the dolls, the games, the toys that tout the faces of these teenagers seems to be everywhere.
Does anyone out there feel my pain? Am I truly standing alone on this subject? I hope not. For now, I am thankful that my little one is more interested in Madeline and Tom and Jerry – I am just looking to the future and wondering how in the world we are going to keep her innocent, modest and Christ-like in this world we live in.
Praying for the future boys in our daughter’s life – to be raised by crazy, strict parents like us!!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
My hubby and I are raising a daughter. It is going to be hard work – mainly because she is strong-willed and independent. Two qualities that I think will become strong character traits for her later in life, but as a three, almost four year old – they are working against her – big time!
As she gets older, I am starting to feel the pinch of “the world” creeping into her world. The clothes are a bit more provocative than I think a CHILD should wear. Yes, even shopping for a four year old is hard – modesty is just gone from the marketplace. Low-cut jeans and midriff baring tops on a toddler are just ridiculous. I feel like there is a giant hand trying to push her into adulthood, twenty years too soon.
I was recently made aware of something called Cheetah girls… a Disney product, along the lines of Hannah Montana, High School Musical and such. I will be the first to admit that I know nothing of any of these shows, but I do see the pictures, the advertisements, the media onslaught of books, clothes, music, dolls, etc and the message they send – well, it causes me concern.
I have some friends, with children my daughter’s age, that don’t seem to find this as frustrating as I do. There is even a party going on this evening to watch one of the movies being shown tonight. I am finding it baffling as a mother and a woman and even more so as I try to be a Christian mother and woman. I feel like I (and my hubby) am standing alone against all of this. The pressure to dress our daughter much older than her tender age, the rush to introduce her to music and dance that we will NEVER find appropriate for her – regardless of her age and the demands of a consumer driven society to buy the dolls, the games, the toys that tout the faces of these teenagers seems to be everywhere.
Does anyone out there feel my pain? Am I truly standing alone on this subject? I hope not. For now, I am thankful that my little one is more interested in Madeline and Tom and Jerry – I am just looking to the future and wondering how in the world we are going to keep her innocent, modest and Christ-like in this world we live in.
Praying for the future boys in our daughter’s life – to be raised by crazy, strict parents like us!!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Friday, August 22, 2008
Feeling The Pressure To Post!
It is Friday morning. I haven't posted since Wednesday, and I am feeling the pressure to at least put something under the Friday, August 22, 2008 heading.
I am sitting alone at the kitchen table, just finishing up what was a GRAND piece of cheese toast. Thanks to chatting on the internet, I almost let it burn, ALMOST. It ended up being done to perfection. All crunchy and black on the edges and the cheese kinda crunchy... it was yummy! Probably only my mom will appreciate it - cause we like our toast the same way -- but trust me people - it was good!
My child is watching Tom and Jerry. Seriously, what is the deal with that? Why do four year olds love Tom and Jerry. She now snubbs her nose at all the other cute Noggin shows she used to love in favor of a Tom and Jerry - anything. It is just another sign of her impending "growing up " thang and I don't like it.
The day is cloudy,dark and honestly, if the calendar didn't say August, I would think it was the middle of January. I am expecting to see a snowflake - any minute now. Brrr.
We have laundry, some groceries to buy and bathrooms to clean today. My hubby is at work (bless his heart, he misses all the fun around here!) Fun day! Tomorrow, my child is attending a Back to School Bash at our former church and I am hoping to get some clothes shopping done - because did I mention it here -- I AM STARTING TO WORK NEXT WEEK.
Yes, I have consented (not exactly kicking and screaming) to go to work at my daughter's preschool as a two year preschool teacher. It is only two days a week (thank goodness!)
and because Hannah will be attending four days a week - I get two whole days to myself each week. It is the best of both worlds I guess, a little money, a little adult interaction, and still some days to do errands and eat lunch with a friend (hopefully).
Sunday we will go to church and I will spend the afternoon decorating our church fellowship hall for our Women's Fellowship meeting on Monday night. It should be cute - I will definitely take pics and share them with you all.
That's our day and upcoming weekend... what are you up to this weekend?
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
I am sitting alone at the kitchen table, just finishing up what was a GRAND piece of cheese toast. Thanks to chatting on the internet, I almost let it burn, ALMOST. It ended up being done to perfection. All crunchy and black on the edges and the cheese kinda crunchy... it was yummy! Probably only my mom will appreciate it - cause we like our toast the same way -- but trust me people - it was good!
My child is watching Tom and Jerry. Seriously, what is the deal with that? Why do four year olds love Tom and Jerry. She now snubbs her nose at all the other cute Noggin shows she used to love in favor of a Tom and Jerry - anything. It is just another sign of her impending "growing up " thang and I don't like it.
The day is cloudy,dark and honestly, if the calendar didn't say August, I would think it was the middle of January. I am expecting to see a snowflake - any minute now. Brrr.
We have laundry, some groceries to buy and bathrooms to clean today. My hubby is at work (bless his heart, he misses all the fun around here!) Fun day! Tomorrow, my child is attending a Back to School Bash at our former church and I am hoping to get some clothes shopping done - because did I mention it here -- I AM STARTING TO WORK NEXT WEEK.
Yes, I have consented (not exactly kicking and screaming) to go to work at my daughter's preschool as a two year preschool teacher. It is only two days a week (thank goodness!)
and because Hannah will be attending four days a week - I get two whole days to myself each week. It is the best of both worlds I guess, a little money, a little adult interaction, and still some days to do errands and eat lunch with a friend (hopefully).
Sunday we will go to church and I will spend the afternoon decorating our church fellowship hall for our Women's Fellowship meeting on Monday night. It should be cute - I will definitely take pics and share them with you all.
That's our day and upcoming weekend... what are you up to this weekend?
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sleepy Southfork!
It is 3:30 AM.
I AM AWAKE!!
This is ridiculous. Seriously, I thought that small children needed sleep. How can a child be this energetic and not need sleep?
Since I am up - and doing a load of a laundry (why waste time?) I guess I will catch all you crazy blog readers up on my day yesterday.
It started at 6 AM (no shocker!) when my child announced it was "MORNING!" and flipped the light on in my room and whined until I cut the tv on. We watched Oobi and Franklin and then moved onto to Tom and Jerry - it was a great morning.
After breakfast, I enlisted the early bird into some light housecleaning. Her playroom was a mess, and she is completely capable of making the mess, so she is capable of cleaning it up -- right -- I am such a mean mom. After tears and more whining, I gave her a bucket with soapy water and a sponge and she became Cinderella. She loves to scrub floors -- she actually went and put a bathing suit on and had a ball. I hope that continues --- but I have a feeling at around age 12 it will not be fun anymore. Nevertheless, I am going to take advantage of the obsession for now.
After the Cinderella cleaning spree, we went outside to swing and jump and throw tennis balls with our beloved dogs. (HB is adjusting nicely - I think he has almost forgotten the air conditioning!!)
It was an early lunch and naptime - cause we had been up since rooster crowing time. And a peaceful afternoon ensued. I was actually able to do some laundry, clean the kitchen and take a tiny nap.
In the evening we joined our families at the Macaroni Grill, had yummy Italian food and great company. It was a birthday celebration for my mom. Happy Birthday, again, Mom !!
As dinner finished up, we all headed to my parents' "little cabin in the wood" for cake and ice cream. Hannah had a great time playing with all her grandparents and she met a BIG cricket in the yard. It was exciting.
Hey -- did you guys know that DALLAS is on at 4:00 AM???? DALLAS -- I am looking at Bobby Ewing and JR -- it is wild. I loved that show -- back in the old days. I really liked Knots Landing better - nothing better than all that drama on Thursday nights - I LIVED FOR IT!
Okay - back to my night... after the big cricket find, we packed our sleepy, tired girl in the car and headed home. It was a great night - I even got to bed at a decent time -- although considering it is now 4 AM and I am awake --- that doesn't seem to matter now.
Well, there is dramatic music playing, something sinister is rolling across JR's mind and I suddenly feel like it is 1983 again. I need to quit writing and check in with the good folks at Southfork - we are due for a reunion -- 25 years is a long time to be apart.
Finally, there is a purpose for my early morning wakeup call from down the hall - yee haw!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
I AM AWAKE!!
This is ridiculous. Seriously, I thought that small children needed sleep. How can a child be this energetic and not need sleep?
Since I am up - and doing a load of a laundry (why waste time?) I guess I will catch all you crazy blog readers up on my day yesterday.
It started at 6 AM (no shocker!) when my child announced it was "MORNING!" and flipped the light on in my room and whined until I cut the tv on. We watched Oobi and Franklin and then moved onto to Tom and Jerry - it was a great morning.
After breakfast, I enlisted the early bird into some light housecleaning. Her playroom was a mess, and she is completely capable of making the mess, so she is capable of cleaning it up -- right -- I am such a mean mom. After tears and more whining, I gave her a bucket with soapy water and a sponge and she became Cinderella. She loves to scrub floors -- she actually went and put a bathing suit on and had a ball. I hope that continues --- but I have a feeling at around age 12 it will not be fun anymore. Nevertheless, I am going to take advantage of the obsession for now.
After the Cinderella cleaning spree, we went outside to swing and jump and throw tennis balls with our beloved dogs. (HB is adjusting nicely - I think he has almost forgotten the air conditioning!!)
It was an early lunch and naptime - cause we had been up since rooster crowing time. And a peaceful afternoon ensued. I was actually able to do some laundry, clean the kitchen and take a tiny nap.
In the evening we joined our families at the Macaroni Grill, had yummy Italian food and great company. It was a birthday celebration for my mom. Happy Birthday, again, Mom !!
As dinner finished up, we all headed to my parents' "little cabin in the wood" for cake and ice cream. Hannah had a great time playing with all her grandparents and she met a BIG cricket in the yard. It was exciting.
Hey -- did you guys know that DALLAS is on at 4:00 AM???? DALLAS -- I am looking at Bobby Ewing and JR -- it is wild. I loved that show -- back in the old days. I really liked Knots Landing better - nothing better than all that drama on Thursday nights - I LIVED FOR IT!
Okay - back to my night... after the big cricket find, we packed our sleepy, tired girl in the car and headed home. It was a great night - I even got to bed at a decent time -- although considering it is now 4 AM and I am awake --- that doesn't seem to matter now.
Well, there is dramatic music playing, something sinister is rolling across JR's mind and I suddenly feel like it is 1983 again. I need to quit writing and check in with the good folks at Southfork - we are due for a reunion -- 25 years is a long time to be apart.
Finally, there is a purpose for my early morning wakeup call from down the hall - yee haw!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday Tidbits!
A dash of randomness:
my dear HB bit my arm...severely enough to cause him to become my dear OUTSIDE dog HB. Everyone feel a bit of pity for this sweet ole boy - who now sleeps without the comfort of air conditioning.
I spent Monday in the company of my new co-teachers, writing lesson plans for our upcoming preschool year. It's a new adventure for me - but I am sorta excited ---shh.... don't tell anyone.
I ironed on Saturday night, and the ironing board, with iron and spray starch is still standing in my living room -- can you say it with me...LAZY!
I don't enjoy the summer Olympics (like the winter ones a bit more!) but I have enjoyed the new Coke cans that are decorated in honor of the Olympics.
I love facebook, I love to facebook chat, I was just dissed by a friend on facebook chat... I sent a hello message, only to have them log off ... ROAR!!!!!!!!!! (just joking!!)
I made the most delightful PORK CHOPS in the crockpot last night. Yummy, Yummy. Don't you wish you knew how I made them?
Life with a 3.95 year old is trying, satisfying and scary. If this is what toddlerhood is like, I am going to need some professional help by the time teenage years come along...HELP!
So...how is your life? Any random thoughts rattling in your brain? Feel free to share. Don't diss me on the comments like I was dissed in facebook chat!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
my dear HB bit my arm...severely enough to cause him to become my dear OUTSIDE dog HB. Everyone feel a bit of pity for this sweet ole boy - who now sleeps without the comfort of air conditioning.
I spent Monday in the company of my new co-teachers, writing lesson plans for our upcoming preschool year. It's a new adventure for me - but I am sorta excited ---shh.... don't tell anyone.
I ironed on Saturday night, and the ironing board, with iron and spray starch is still standing in my living room -- can you say it with me...LAZY!
I don't enjoy the summer Olympics (like the winter ones a bit more!) but I have enjoyed the new Coke cans that are decorated in honor of the Olympics.
I love facebook, I love to facebook chat, I was just dissed by a friend on facebook chat... I sent a hello message, only to have them log off ... ROAR!!!!!!!!!! (just joking!!)
I made the most delightful PORK CHOPS in the crockpot last night. Yummy, Yummy. Don't you wish you knew how I made them?
Life with a 3.95 year old is trying, satisfying and scary. If this is what toddlerhood is like, I am going to need some professional help by the time teenage years come along...HELP!
So...how is your life? Any random thoughts rattling in your brain? Feel free to share. Don't diss me on the comments like I was dissed in facebook chat!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Hurts Just Keep On Coming!
I have hurting friends.
Some are close by and some are far from me. I found myself mulling over each situation this weekend, a broken home, sick loved ones, trying times out on the dating scene, children leaving the nest. There is drama at my every turn. I feel helpless, unworthy to even hear some of the stories, and my own words, meant to be encouraging, seem hollow in my head. What do you say to people when words can't fix anything?
I have always found myself in the role of "counselor" - a friend recently told me my spiritual gift must be encouraging, because time after time, I have found myself on the other end of a phone call or the recipient of an email from a friend who needs me - to talk, to listen, to hug away the pain. It is an honorable place to be, the confidante, the sounding board, the quiet listener. I have been happily accepting this role quite a bit in the last few months.
But this weekend was filled with some painful conversations. I felt truly helpless as a friend and even as an encourager. One of my friends is far away - the pain in the voice on the other line of the phone was hard to hear. I hated that the phone was the only way to comfort. There should be a phone that allows hugs through the wires as well.
For all my friends out there, the ones that are hurting and the ones that just need a little encouragement on a Monday morning... keep this verse in your mind and know that I am here, praying for you and available to help whenever you need me.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Some are close by and some are far from me. I found myself mulling over each situation this weekend, a broken home, sick loved ones, trying times out on the dating scene, children leaving the nest. There is drama at my every turn. I feel helpless, unworthy to even hear some of the stories, and my own words, meant to be encouraging, seem hollow in my head. What do you say to people when words can't fix anything?
I have always found myself in the role of "counselor" - a friend recently told me my spiritual gift must be encouraging, because time after time, I have found myself on the other end of a phone call or the recipient of an email from a friend who needs me - to talk, to listen, to hug away the pain. It is an honorable place to be, the confidante, the sounding board, the quiet listener. I have been happily accepting this role quite a bit in the last few months.
But this weekend was filled with some painful conversations. I felt truly helpless as a friend and even as an encourager. One of my friends is far away - the pain in the voice on the other line of the phone was hard to hear. I hated that the phone was the only way to comfort. There should be a phone that allows hugs through the wires as well.
For all my friends out there, the ones that are hurting and the ones that just need a little encouragement on a Monday morning... keep this verse in your mind and know that I am here, praying for you and available to help whenever you need me.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Friday, August 15, 2008
A Visit From The Far East!
This morning, as most mornings, I checked the SiteMeter to see who had visited me during the night. It is usually just a handful of folks, most of whom get here by mistake. Last night however, I had visitor from Hong Kong - as in CHINA. I clicked on the referral site, which happened to be Google and found my site. IN CHINESE!! I have included the link, in case you are curious to see what Happy In The Moment (樂意在目前！) blogspot looks like in Chinese.
Here it is - click here.
That was fun, wasn't it.
So, I may not be "crazed" over the Olympics, but I got a visit from China on my blog... that is pretty cool. It also makes me think of my friend at The Gang's All Here and the soon arrival of her sweet girl from China.
It isn't the Friday post I had planned, but I hope you enjoyed the visit to China by way of Happy In The Moment! This one is dedicated to my Dad (he will know why!!) and my blogger friend from The Gang's All Here! I am praying little Aidan is home very soon!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
富康
Here it is - click here.
That was fun, wasn't it.
So, I may not be "crazed" over the Olympics, but I got a visit from China on my blog... that is pretty cool. It also makes me think of my friend at The Gang's All Here and the soon arrival of her sweet girl from China.
It isn't the Friday post I had planned, but I hope you enjoyed the visit to China by way of Happy In The Moment! This one is dedicated to my Dad (he will know why!!) and my blogger friend from The Gang's All Here! I am praying little Aidan is home very soon!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
富康
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A Trip Into The Darkness
This morning I was trying to find my cell phone. I keep it in my purse, I usually know right where it is. For some reason, last night after using it, I put it back into the depths of the purse rather than the front pocket, which led me this morning to have to dissect the contents of my purse to find it.
In diving into the depths of my abyss, I thought it might be funny to show you what I came up with on the snorkeling expedition this morning.
my purple wallet, bulging with change
my checkbook
four kids meal straws from Chickfila (because these are great straws and I like to use them at other fast food places for my girl)
a funeral card from last week's sad events
a baggie with M&M's
a half empty (or half- full for you optimists out there) bottle of hand lotion - Sea Island Cotton from Bath and Body Works -- my fav!!
a bottle of Motrin
a bottle of Aleeve(clearly, I have pain issues when out and about the town)
2 bottles of hand sanitizer (cuz I am a Mom!!)
my girl's toy cell phone -- in case she gets an important call while we are shopping.
two happy meal toys - I have no idea what they are supposed to be or if they even do anything.
one orange earring
one smiley face ring (I can say with confidence this was won on our beach trip (three months ago) in a claw machine
a Little Nemo watch (again, not mine)
Altoids
a book of wet matches... what good would that do me???
an envelope with old pictures that I took to share with a friend the other day at lunch
oops... another bottle of Motrin!
a baggie full of loose change
my Bi-Lo card (I have been wondering where that was!!)
at least a billion store receipts (okay, not a billion -- but it is a lot!!)
face powder
lip gloss
napkins... some of them used I think... YUCK!
a matchbox car.. (a matchbox car???? I do have a daughter don't I? Where did this come from?)
I am sure there are other great finds, but truthfully that is as far I want to dive into this mess today.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
In diving into the depths of my abyss, I thought it might be funny to show you what I came up with on the snorkeling expedition this morning.
my purple wallet, bulging with change
my checkbook
four kids meal straws from Chickfila (because these are great straws and I like to use them at other fast food places for my girl)
a funeral card from last week's sad events
a baggie with M&M's
a half empty (or half- full for you optimists out there) bottle of hand lotion - Sea Island Cotton from Bath and Body Works -- my fav!!
a bottle of Motrin
a bottle of Aleeve(clearly, I have pain issues when out and about the town)
2 bottles of hand sanitizer (cuz I am a Mom!!)
my girl's toy cell phone -- in case she gets an important call while we are shopping.
two happy meal toys - I have no idea what they are supposed to be or if they even do anything.
one orange earring
one smiley face ring (I can say with confidence this was won on our beach trip (three months ago) in a claw machine
a Little Nemo watch (again, not mine)
Altoids
a book of wet matches... what good would that do me???
an envelope with old pictures that I took to share with a friend the other day at lunch
oops... another bottle of Motrin!
a baggie full of loose change
my Bi-Lo card (I have been wondering where that was!!)
at least a billion store receipts (okay, not a billion -- but it is a lot!!)
face powder
lip gloss
napkins... some of them used I think... YUCK!
a matchbox car.. (a matchbox car???? I do have a daughter don't I? Where did this come from?)
I am sure there are other great finds, but truthfully that is as far I want to dive into this mess today.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Happy Birthday !
Today is my mom's birthday. She is far away from me today, visiting in Mississippi. Thought I would take a few minutes and tell you a few things about my dear mommy to honor her on her birthday.
my mom:
my mom:
- has one brown eye and one eye that is green and brown.... freaky!
- loves to play practical jokes - you learn to feel the sheets before getting into bed very quickly when she is around
- is very compassionate
- loves to laugh
- drinks coffee before doing anything in the morning
- has been married to my daddy for fifty years (that is a crown worthy trait - just joking, Daddy!!)
- loves to travel
- loves to eat "anything sweet"
- doesn't like chocolate, "unless it has nuts in it"
- makes the best coconut cake
- can sew
- likes nothing better than to play on the floor with my daughter... they are a riot together.
- reads the paper everyday and cuts out articles she knows I will like
- likes to walk
- introduced me to the love of cemeteries (yes, we are the crazy people who will stop on the side of the road and go snoop in an old cemetery!)
- doesn't like corsages
- has a beautiful flower garden, that she named in honor of my girl
- has lived all over the world (just about!)
- is known for pushing my dad down whenever they travel alone, and then laughing... (JUST JOKING!! Just wanted to see if you were still reading this, mom!)
- doesn't operate a computer
- rarely watches tv
- still brings me home gifts, whenever she travels
- loves my old friends as much as I do and loves to hear about them through my updates
- Says "oh pity!" all the time, in fact she is famous for it!
- loves cats
- hates dogs,but puts up with mine - cause she is a great mom!
- loves decorating
- gives the best presents for birthdays and Christmas
- is the HARDEST person to shop for though
- likes to watch the hummingbirds fly by her kitchen window
- loves the mountains
- loves the beach too
- makes shopping fun, especially our bi-annual jewelry shopping trips
- doesn't "get" the scrapbooking phenomena
- still uses a non-digital camera!
- waits on my daddy hand and foot
- hates to iron
- hates to dust
- loves her log cabin
- likes lemon meringue pie (but not really the meringue part)
- eats a biscuit by taking out the inside fluffy part and just eating the crunchy outside part
- doesn't like the feel of raw dough
- doesn't mind cutting up a raw chicken -- go figure?
- like family genealogy
- likes history
- hates reading books
- used to be a window designer for a department store
- worked in the library while my dad was in school
- has been a substitute teacher
- is a preacher's wife
- was always a stay at home mommy after I came along
- never balances her checkbook, but then one day she did and had over 800 EXTRA dollars in there -- who does that????
- is godly
- a gracious hostess
- likes scented candles
- loves my husband, like he was her son
- likes to make gingerbread houses at Christmas
- makes a mean hot dip
- doesn't like cream cheese
- didn't eat pizza until she was married
- likes to listen to classical music on the digital tv
- loves British comedies on public tv
- hates Murder She Wrote
- likes green plants, but not fresh flowers in the house because "they remind her of a funeral"
- makes a great meatloaf
- makes my favorite macaroni and cheese, but she won't eat it
- doesn't like pasta
- loves the color blue
- is neat and organized
- is a great wife, a super grandmother, a loving friend
- creative, content, happy
- affectionate, fun-loving,spontaneous and...
- THE BEST MOM IN THE WORLD!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Love, Beverly
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Pictureless Wednesday!
Today is a foggy one in my brain. I have a head cold and have not had enough rest in the last few days. Yes, I know it is Wednesday and therefore this post is usually a Wordless Wednesday one, but hang with me a moment, maybe this muddiness will be become clearer shortly.
I have spent the weekend looking through a box of old pictures. The box was labeled simply "The 80's" so when I found it, I knew I would have a variety of things to look at inside. I found pictures of me and my old youth group, circa 1981. I found pictures of some crazy high school friends posing as models that just cracked me up - these would be circa 1986. There was a stack of photos from a friend's wedding, pictures of all of my close high school friends and I, dressed up and smiling in one big group. I found pictures from the night of my senior prom, the preparations for the big Prom breakfast held at my house afterwards and then some shots of me and my mask boy, my friends and their dates at various times during that night. There were pictures of me cooking dinner, acting silly, hanging out with all the people I loved during the 80's. There were the crazy shots of me and my two (then) best friends, hanging out at each other's houses, at the beach, doing lots of those high school girl crazy things. Pictures of a Journey concert from 1986, just a crazy combination of snapshots from my life, twenty years ago.
It was such fun going back and seeing all those young faces (mine included). My immediate thought was -WOW - I can't wait until Wordless Wednesday comes around next -- how fun. How fun indeed. As you may be noticing, there are no pictures here in this Wordless Wednesday post - why, you may ask? Well, my scanner has gone to scanner heaven. It is non-communicative -- has left me high and dry - sad and pitifully pleading with it to breathe once more, once more to warm up its lamp, scan it's picture, work it's magic. Nothing!
So, my blog readers, here is your opportunity to use your creative imagination. Just picture this:
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
I have spent the weekend looking through a box of old pictures. The box was labeled simply "The 80's" so when I found it, I knew I would have a variety of things to look at inside. I found pictures of me and my old youth group, circa 1981. I found pictures of some crazy high school friends posing as models that just cracked me up - these would be circa 1986. There was a stack of photos from a friend's wedding, pictures of all of my close high school friends and I, dressed up and smiling in one big group. I found pictures from the night of my senior prom, the preparations for the big Prom breakfast held at my house afterwards and then some shots of me and my mask boy, my friends and their dates at various times during that night. There were pictures of me cooking dinner, acting silly, hanging out with all the people I loved during the 80's. There were the crazy shots of me and my two (then) best friends, hanging out at each other's houses, at the beach, doing lots of those high school girl crazy things. Pictures of a Journey concert from 1986, just a crazy combination of snapshots from my life, twenty years ago.
It was such fun going back and seeing all those young faces (mine included). My immediate thought was -WOW - I can't wait until Wordless Wednesday comes around next -- how fun. How fun indeed. As you may be noticing, there are no pictures here in this Wordless Wednesday post - why, you may ask? Well, my scanner has gone to scanner heaven. It is non-communicative -- has left me high and dry - sad and pitifully pleading with it to breathe once more, once more to warm up its lamp, scan it's picture, work it's magic. Nothing!
So, my blog readers, here is your opportunity to use your creative imagination. Just picture this:
- Me - in 1984, turquoise prom dress, standing beside Maskboy in a tuxedo -- oh - we were cute - cute, I tell ya!
- My friends Abe and Charles, pretending to be models in 1986, lots of posing going on -- studly (?), well, maybe not!
- My high school group, reunited in 1987 for a wedding. All my boys in tuxedos, all us girls in church dresses...hamming it up at the reception.
- My old youth group, circa 1982 - hanging out at the lake, a shower cream fight and relay races.
- Me, Sue and Kim (yes, boys in the band girl) hanging out at Mrytle Beach - probably somewhere around 1986/87. Dressed in our finest 80's attire, lots of big hair and makeup.
Got it all in your head? Well, good. There you have it, then, a trip down memory lane on a very WORDY, wordless Wednesday.
I promise if the scanner comes back to life or a new one comes to live with me soon, I WILL scan all of these in and show them to you. Won't it be fun to see if your imagination and the reality measure up?Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
You Can't Stop Love
You can’t stop love
You can try, oh man, you can try
You can beat it down, call it a liar
Dig a big hole and throw it in,
Pile dirt high on top, burn it up in a fire
But you can’t stop love
I’ve tried, you’ve tried
It is just not possible.
Love is strong, as strong as death
It will seek you out, find where you are hiding
You just can’t stop love
Love has many forms
I see it in my parents, married for fifty years,
I see it in my own life, through trials and tears
I see it in my friends who are weathering storms
The look of love is in my child’s eyes, pure and warm
You can’t stop love
-Beverly R. Whitaker
Life is funny. I have seen first hand how strong love is, how much one heart can feel for another and not rest until that love is fulfilled. I have been privileged to have lived a couple of love stories in my time. One grew over a short period of time, ended, only then many years later, to resurface in the form of friendship and the second great love of my life is drifting close to seventeen years of happily ever after. I have longed for the love of a sweet child, the feel of tiny arms around my neck and cries quieted when they heard my voice. God heard my prayers and sent a sweet angel into our home for both my hubby and I to love. I have seen love, its ebb and flow in my life, my family and my friends’ lives.
It is not Valentine’s Day, there is no significance to this post, other than lately I have been able to sit and marvel at the ways and means that love can take to find its way. The twists in the road, all seem to make it more interesting. It seems sad that we only spend one day a year focusing on love and ways to show our love. We should do it everyday. We should tell those we love, that we love them – everyday. There should be no question marks where love is concerned. Find someone you love today, and tell them you love them. You can’t stop love, and really, who wants to try to anyway?
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Monday, August 11, 2008
Smiles So Wide!
Did you ever smile so wide and much that your face hurt? That has been me over the last few days. It seems that with all the bad news I have gotten in the past week or two, great news has come my way to balance it all out.
The summertime is not my favorite and this year, well, it just has not been great. But the FALL -- oh the fall is coming and I can almost feel the crispness of the air (Of course, I am having to use my imagination, cause it is still 100 degrees here!). But the thought of Fall, and things to come and all the celebrating there is yet to do, is making me giddy on this Monday morning.
Isn't it great when the rains of life stop falling and the sunshine starts to come out from behind the clouds? That is how I feel this morning, the bad times are moving away, giving way to fun and laughter and good times with the ones we love.
I cannot hope for more, I am happy, my family is happy, my friends are happy too. Life is good over here in Happy In the Momentville. I hope it is happy for you!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
The summertime is not my favorite and this year, well, it just has not been great. But the FALL -- oh the fall is coming and I can almost feel the crispness of the air (Of course, I am having to use my imagination, cause it is still 100 degrees here!). But the thought of Fall, and things to come and all the celebrating there is yet to do, is making me giddy on this Monday morning.
Isn't it great when the rains of life stop falling and the sunshine starts to come out from behind the clouds? That is how I feel this morning, the bad times are moving away, giving way to fun and laughter and good times with the ones we love.
I cannot hope for more, I am happy, my family is happy, my friends are happy too. Life is good over here in Happy In the Momentville. I hope it is happy for you!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Saturday, August 9, 2008
He Makes Up For It All
All the barking, all the biting, the snipping, the whining
He makes up for it all, with a wag of his tail, or the soft way he lays beside me, wherever I go.
All the extra work, the sleepless nights, the chewed pieces of shoes
He makes up for it, with that happy face, those cute floppy ears and the soft snore of his peaceful sleep.
All the mess, the fuss, the doggie smells he has brought into our life…. He makes up for it all with the sound of the laugh coming from my sweet girl as she giggles and wiggles on the floor with him.
He makes up for it all – I am so thankful. He is starting to fill the dog-shaped hole in my soul.
The paws he has to fill are huge, no one can replace my Jake, but my HB is trying to do it.
He is determined to make up for it all.
He makes up for it all, with a wag of his tail, or the soft way he lays beside me, wherever I go.
All the extra work, the sleepless nights, the chewed pieces of shoes
He makes up for it, with that happy face, those cute floppy ears and the soft snore of his peaceful sleep.
All the mess, the fuss, the doggie smells he has brought into our life…. He makes up for it all with the sound of the laugh coming from my sweet girl as she giggles and wiggles on the floor with him.
He makes up for it all – I am so thankful. He is starting to fill the dog-shaped hole in my soul.
The paws he has to fill are huge, no one can replace my Jake, but my HB is trying to do it.
He is determined to make up for it all.
Friday, August 8, 2008
My Eyes Have Seen
My Eyes Have Seen:
- the early morning sun peeking through the windows
- the sweet, sleepy face of my “just woke up” daughter
- the soft brown eyes of my puppy, as he jumped up to lick me good morning
- dishes in the sink
- clutter in the house
- my husband going to work
- a lizard on the back deck
- my parents loving on my girl
- a busy street, road construction everywhere
- a somber gray hearse passing me on the left, carrying a friend to his final place.
- a fun-filled bounce house packed with happy, smiling little kid faces
- a friend from high school, now a policeman, in line at the fast food drive-thru ahead of me
- my church
- rows of sadness, in a quiet, chilly place
- a coffin decked with red roses, simple and dignified, like the earthen vessel held within it.
- a family shattered by loss, sustained by faith and pressing on to the future.
My day was filled with love and loss. I woke up in a home filled with love and laughter. My daughter made sure of that fact. The love for her sustains this family – she is our heart, our soul, our dream come true.
As I carried her to my parents, for a fun-filled grandparent day, I realized that I was brought up in just such a home as well, filled with love and laughter, security at every turn. I am so thankful for that legacy in this world of crazy unknowns.
I spent the afternoon in the pew at my church, attending the funeral of a friend, a man, only 44, who has fought for a year and half to live, to be with his wife, his children, his family and friends. He has stared death in the face numerous times this year and backed it down. But this was a man of extraordinary faith. A faith that let him know that that "nothing was better than being in God’s will, except being in His presence." ** So on Monday, he escaped this earth and the suffering he has known and flew to God’s presence.
It was a great funeral, probably one of the best I have ever been to, and yet, emotionally, one of the worst I have sat through as well. The day’s purpose was to celebrate the life and loss of someone who was just, by all our earthly standards, much to young to leave us, but more importantly to turn our focus on Christ, the sustainer of all of our lives and to booster our faith, even in troubled times. Our friend Neal preached a fine sermon with his life. He was bold and courageous and a great example to follow along behind, until we are all together once again.
My eyes saw a lot yesterday; my ears heard a lot, it seems all my senses were assaulted on some level. An emotional day and one that I am glad to have been able to participate in, even in the smallest of ways.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
** quote taken from Neal's notes in his Bible and read at his service.
- the early morning sun peeking through the windows
- the sweet, sleepy face of my “just woke up” daughter
- the soft brown eyes of my puppy, as he jumped up to lick me good morning
- dishes in the sink
- clutter in the house
- my husband going to work
- a lizard on the back deck
- my parents loving on my girl
- a busy street, road construction everywhere
- a somber gray hearse passing me on the left, carrying a friend to his final place.
- a fun-filled bounce house packed with happy, smiling little kid faces
- a friend from high school, now a policeman, in line at the fast food drive-thru ahead of me
- my church
- rows of sadness, in a quiet, chilly place
- a coffin decked with red roses, simple and dignified, like the earthen vessel held within it.
- a family shattered by loss, sustained by faith and pressing on to the future.
My day was filled with love and loss. I woke up in a home filled with love and laughter. My daughter made sure of that fact. The love for her sustains this family – she is our heart, our soul, our dream come true.
As I carried her to my parents, for a fun-filled grandparent day, I realized that I was brought up in just such a home as well, filled with love and laughter, security at every turn. I am so thankful for that legacy in this world of crazy unknowns.
I spent the afternoon in the pew at my church, attending the funeral of a friend, a man, only 44, who has fought for a year and half to live, to be with his wife, his children, his family and friends. He has stared death in the face numerous times this year and backed it down. But this was a man of extraordinary faith. A faith that let him know that that "nothing was better than being in God’s will, except being in His presence." ** So on Monday, he escaped this earth and the suffering he has known and flew to God’s presence.
It was a great funeral, probably one of the best I have ever been to, and yet, emotionally, one of the worst I have sat through as well. The day’s purpose was to celebrate the life and loss of someone who was just, by all our earthly standards, much to young to leave us, but more importantly to turn our focus on Christ, the sustainer of all of our lives and to booster our faith, even in troubled times. Our friend Neal preached a fine sermon with his life. He was bold and courageous and a great example to follow along behind, until we are all together once again.
My eyes saw a lot yesterday; my ears heard a lot, it seems all my senses were assaulted on some level. An emotional day and one that I am glad to have been able to participate in, even in the smallest of ways.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
** quote taken from Neal's notes in his Bible and read at his service.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A Real- Live Take Me Back Thursday
I am feeling young. Yesterday, I was in the presence of a friend from long ago, a friend that although, unfortunately, I have not kept in touch with over the last 15 years, Lucky for me, we picked right up where our last conversation ended.
How amazing to see the way God works in all of our lives.The many twists and turns that we all follow, only to end up again in the company of our friends from years gone by.
I so enjoyed the day. The girl talk was so much fun, introducing her to my daughter was great fun for me, chatting until lunch turned to dinner and day turned to dark and then even darker night. We had lots of years to catch up on - lots of stories to share, and thankfully my daughter cooperated and let us talk with very little interruption.
It was a good day, spent with a good friend. I am thankful that God and time and the miracle of the internet are bringing all my old friends back around again. It is like being 16 again, without all the teenage angst and drama. I am confident I will be seeing more of her, hearing from her on a more regular basis and if nothing else, using the world wide web to keep in much better touch.
So, how was your day?
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
How amazing to see the way God works in all of our lives.The many twists and turns that we all follow, only to end up again in the company of our friends from years gone by.
I so enjoyed the day. The girl talk was so much fun, introducing her to my daughter was great fun for me, chatting until lunch turned to dinner and day turned to dark and then even darker night. We had lots of years to catch up on - lots of stories to share, and thankfully my daughter cooperated and let us talk with very little interruption.
It was a good day, spent with a good friend. I am thankful that God and time and the miracle of the internet are bringing all my old friends back around again. It is like being 16 again, without all the teenage angst and drama. I am confident I will be seeing more of her, hearing from her on a more regular basis and if nothing else, using the world wide web to keep in much better touch.
So, how was your day?
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
When Old Age Kicks In
Rest Home? No Way!When I am old and gray
I want you there beside me
In the retirement facility
Halfway between now and senility
We could race the halls in our souped up wheelchairs
We could laugh at the other old folks trying to get up the stairs
We would have time to sit, to laugh, to smile
We could watch movies from Fantasia to The Green Mile
Our old friends could come by, marvel at our life,
Be envious of our suite, where we play all day, and rock all night
Life in the nursing home
Gee, it sounds nice.
It is crazy, I know,
We are young and far from that place.
Still, I hope I can look beside me
And always see your smiling face.
Always remember
And never ever forget
Take Your Vitamins now
So one day we can split the rent!
I want you there beside me
In the retirement facility
Halfway between now and senility
We could race the halls in our souped up wheelchairs
We could laugh at the other old folks trying to get up the stairs
We would have time to sit, to laugh, to smile
We could watch movies from Fantasia to The Green Mile
Our old friends could come by, marvel at our life,
Be envious of our suite, where we play all day, and rock all night
Life in the nursing home
Gee, it sounds nice.
It is crazy, I know,
We are young and far from that place.
Still, I hope I can look beside me
And always see your smiling face.
Always remember
And never ever forget
Take Your Vitamins now
So one day we can split the rent!
-- Beverly R. Whitaker
A conversation sparked me thinking of what life might be like twenty or thirty years from now. What will my family look like at that time? I pray all those I love will still be with me, my parents, my husband, my child`. Maybe I'll be a grandmother, maybe not. I pray my friends are alive and kicking and all our dreams will have come true.
In my daydream, I see us all in a house somewhere, maybe the ocean or maybe the mountains, but a big house, with lots of rooms. All my friends could live with me. We could play, laugh, sing, maybe even dance a jig or two as we live out our golden years the same way we came in. Loud music and movies till dawn. Lots of M & M's and candy bars and soda as much as we want. All our kids could come for visits, they would probably roll their eyes at our antics. We could get one of those mini vans and the youngest and most healthiest of us could drive us all around. We could spend a day at the mall, power-walking and people watching. We could go for long drives, blare the radio and re-visit the "good old days."
I hope that dream comes true, I hope everyone is here for a good long time. I love the thought of spending lots of time with the ones I love, time that we never get now. We are all busy, busy with family, children, work, life goals to be met. I can't wait until the time comes when we can all slow down and just live and be happy in the moment.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Monday, August 4, 2008
Promotion Day for Our Friend Neal
Our friend Neal has won! He is healed! He is home.
It is not the healing we would have wanted, he is not at home with his family like we all prayed for these last few days, but nonetheless, he is healed and home in Heaven with our Father.
Neal has battled leukemia for a year and a half. He has fought bravely with his wife Lisa by his side, constantly cheering him on. This morning, in the wee small hours, Neal traveled the road from Earth to Heaven, leaving all of this human suffering and pain behind.
My family hurts. Our friends are hurting. There is nothing to be said or done - only hugs to give out and prayers to keep praying for our friend Lisa and her two children.
Please remember them in your prayers as well. This family has been an inspiration to so many through this trial. There are no answers as to why Neal had to go through this, why he had to leave his family and why they are now hurting and suffering. But through it all, neither Neal nor Lisa ever questioned God. They simply put their faith in Him everyday and sought to find ways to minister to others even as they were being ministered to.
Pray for them today. You can visit their caringbridge site by clicking here. Their story is amazing. Their faith, worthy of imitation.
It is not the healing we would have wanted, he is not at home with his family like we all prayed for these last few days, but nonetheless, he is healed and home in Heaven with our Father.
Neal has battled leukemia for a year and a half. He has fought bravely with his wife Lisa by his side, constantly cheering him on. This morning, in the wee small hours, Neal traveled the road from Earth to Heaven, leaving all of this human suffering and pain behind.
My family hurts. Our friends are hurting. There is nothing to be said or done - only hugs to give out and prayers to keep praying for our friend Lisa and her two children.
Please remember them in your prayers as well. This family has been an inspiration to so many through this trial. There are no answers as to why Neal had to go through this, why he had to leave his family and why they are now hurting and suffering. But through it all, neither Neal nor Lisa ever questioned God. They simply put their faith in Him everyday and sought to find ways to minister to others even as they were being ministered to.
Pray for them today. You can visit their caringbridge site by clicking here. Their story is amazing. Their faith, worthy of imitation.
Gotta Love A Good Pork Chop!
I have a food blog. Did you know that?
It is listed under some of my favorite sites, over there on the right of the screen. Feel free to check it out. I haven't updated it in awhile, but lately I have been cooking a bit more and I am feeling the need to update that site and share it with you all.
For today, I will just put up a great, easy crockpot recipe on this blog - think of it as an introduction to CIBO!
Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
· 2 ribs celery, sliced
· 1 cup chopped onion
· 6 to 8 boneless pork chops, about 3/4 to 1-inch thick
· 1 green bell pepper, cut in strips
· 1 red bell pepper, cut in strips
· 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper or seasoned pepper
· 2 cups spicy V-8 vegetable juice or V-8 and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
· 2 tablespoons cornstarch, blended with 2 tablespoons cold water
PREPARATION:
Place celery and chopped onion in crockpot. Trim excess fat from pork chops; add to slow cooker. Sprinkle pepper strips around and between pork chops. Pour V-8 juice over all. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. With a slotted spoon, transfer pork chops and vegetables to a platter; keep warm.
Strain remaining juices into a measuring cup; skim off fat. Measure 2 cups of liquid into a saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Continue cooking for 2 minutes longer, stirring frequently. Serve pork chops with the vegetables and hot spicy sauce.Serves 6 to 8.
It is listed under some of my favorite sites, over there on the right of the screen. Feel free to check it out. I haven't updated it in awhile, but lately I have been cooking a bit more and I am feeling the need to update that site and share it with you all.
For today, I will just put up a great, easy crockpot recipe on this blog - think of it as an introduction to CIBO!
Enjoy!
Spicy Pork Chops
(truly my favorite kind of Pork Chop!)
These pork chops are cooked in the slow cooker, with bell pepper, celery, onion, and vegetable juice, along with other seasonings.
INGREDIENTS:
· 2 ribs celery, sliced
· 1 cup chopped onion
· 6 to 8 boneless pork chops, about 3/4 to 1-inch thick
· 1 green bell pepper, cut in strips
· 1 red bell pepper, cut in strips
· 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper or seasoned pepper
· 2 cups spicy V-8 vegetable juice or V-8 and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
· 2 tablespoons cornstarch, blended with 2 tablespoons cold water
PREPARATION:
Place celery and chopped onion in crockpot. Trim excess fat from pork chops; add to slow cooker. Sprinkle pepper strips around and between pork chops. Pour V-8 juice over all. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. With a slotted spoon, transfer pork chops and vegetables to a platter; keep warm.
Strain remaining juices into a measuring cup; skim off fat. Measure 2 cups of liquid into a saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Continue cooking for 2 minutes longer, stirring frequently. Serve pork chops with the vegetables and hot spicy sauce.Serves 6 to 8.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Moving On Up!
It was a momentous morning. It was a great morning, but it was one of the saddest mornings in my life.
Today was Promotion Sunday at our church. For those of you unfamiliar, every year we "promote" up the children to the school age appropriate Sunday School class as the school year rolls around. Hannah was promoted to the Four Year Old class, as she will be four when the cutoff date arrives in September.
Our church has a Preschool Hall, and in a separate building, the Four and Five Year olds have Sunday School class as well as a worship service area. So this morning, I had to forge a new path from our car and regular parking spot and head over to the new area. For three years I have carried her into the Preschool hallway. For three years a kindly, older man has always stood as a greeter and opened the door for us, usually with a warm compliment to Hannah, which she sometimes acknowledges and sometimes shys away from. But this morning, as we made our way through the covered pavilion, he saw us coming and opened the Preschool Hall door - with a huge lump in my throat, I just waved at him and said, "we have to go to the other building this morning...she has grown up on us!" He smiled, closed the door back and waved at us - as if it was the final time he would see us. It broke my heart.
Hannah on the other hand was totally excited about going to a new class. We stopped a
t the registration table and while I was trying to fill out her card and hold back the tears, she was happily munching on the doughnut holes they had available. Clearly she was moved by my emotion.
t the registration table and while I was trying to fill out her card and hold back the tears, she was happily munching on the doughnut holes they had available. Clearly she was moved by my emotion. After registration it was onto Sweetwater Acres (the theme of the room is barnyard - very cute!) and her new class. Thankfully she knows everyone in the class as her old three year old class has all moved up with her, only the teachers and the room were new to her. She happily strode right in, her new "big girl" Bible in hand, gave me a quick hug and settled right in.
I, on the other hand, somehow made it to my Sunday School class, took one look at a dear friend of mine (whose son also moved up with Hannah) and burst into tears. Oh well. So much for being strong! I can only imagine what kind of wreck I will be when she starts Kindergarten, Middle School, High School, gets a driver's license or heaven forbid, EVER goes out on a date.
And how was your Sunday morning?
Beverly
Saturday, August 2, 2008
300
No real news today - just this... this marks my 300th post!! My one year anniversary is coming up September 1st -- so I am really excited that I at least made it to 300 before the year was up. My ultimate goal had been to write every day--- I am guessing I will be somewhere around 335 when the year is up!! Yipee for almost reaching my goal.
Thanks everyone for reading.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Thanks everyone for reading.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Reader I Never See
I heard from someone today that I really didn't think read this blog. It stopped me in my tracks - it flustered me. It made me smile.
This blog has become very dear to me. It provides an outlet for my writing, practice to hone the craft, and it at times houses my emotions, the good, the bad and the ugly!
It thrills me to know others read and often enjoy this place as well. I feel such a connection to people who take the time to sit and read (AND COMMENT!!) on what I put out into the world through this medium. I have re-connected with old friends through it, I stay connected with friends and family through it and I have even made some really neat "cyber-space" blogger friends through it (this is me waving at you Gang's All Here!!).
If you are a regular reader and comment on posts - thank you. I truly appreciate the comments - even if it is a criticism or correction - it helps me become a better person and a better writer. Please don't stop.
If you are a reader but don't comment - please start. I would love to be introduced to you and your blog if you have one. I really enjoy hearing from my readers. If you can't make the comment section work (Colleen and Molly!!!) then shoot me an email. Comments and emails help make this place feel like my home. Conversation and discussion is TOTALLY welcome here!
If you are just a lurker - please, please bookmark this spot and come back to visit often. I so appreciate visitors.
And to you, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE... thanks for taking the time to reach out to me this morning. It makes my writing effort worth every keyboard stroke. Keep coming back, you never know what you might read!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
This blog has become very dear to me. It provides an outlet for my writing, practice to hone the craft, and it at times houses my emotions, the good, the bad and the ugly!
It thrills me to know others read and often enjoy this place as well. I feel such a connection to people who take the time to sit and read (AND COMMENT!!) on what I put out into the world through this medium. I have re-connected with old friends through it, I stay connected with friends and family through it and I have even made some really neat "cyber-space" blogger friends through it (this is me waving at you Gang's All Here!!).
If you are a regular reader and comment on posts - thank you. I truly appreciate the comments - even if it is a criticism or correction - it helps me become a better person and a better writer. Please don't stop.
If you are a reader but don't comment - please start. I would love to be introduced to you and your blog if you have one. I really enjoy hearing from my readers. If you can't make the comment section work (Colleen and Molly!!!) then shoot me an email. Comments and emails help make this place feel like my home. Conversation and discussion is TOTALLY welcome here!
If you are just a lurker - please, please bookmark this spot and come back to visit often. I so appreciate visitors.
And to you, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE... thanks for taking the time to reach out to me this morning. It makes my writing effort worth every keyboard stroke. Keep coming back, you never know what you might read!!
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
Friday Catch-Up!
Dear Faithful Readers,
No, I have not abandoned you - this week has just been...well, stressful. But today is Friday and I will be thankful for another week of life, for the blessings and the stresses it has brought me and celebrate that it the week is almost over!!
Our puppy, dear ole HB, has been sent to teach me patience. I thought I had remembered never to pray for it again, as a lesson learned from eight years of infertility and the adoption roller coaster, but undoubtedly, I must have slipped up and prayed for a little patience and understanding, because he is testing me in both areas.
The once cute puppy is turning into a stubborn teenager and we are beginning to "butt heads" over bedtime. He seems to think that it is appropriate to stay up all hours of the night, barking and howling, and no amount of pleading and crying or water squirting in his face changes his mind. I think I can, without hesitation, state that I have had only two-three hours of sleep each night this week. I am trying not to complain -- but it is getting hard.
Through all of this I have turned to the Dog Whisperer. Mr. Ceasar Millan has become my obsession and I faithfully tune in each day to watch and receive guidance from this master of all dog masters. He is truly amazing. If you have never seen his show - you have got to watch it. If you love a dog, you will love Ceasar.
I have been putting his methods into place in our home... we shall see if they work on HB - he is a bit of stubborn case, but we love him and it is worth the effort.
Now, if only I can stay awake to walk him - he might just let me sleep tonight!!
Have a great weekend - I promise, more posts next week. I hope I will be more rested and less likely to fall asleep at the computer keyboard.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
No, I have not abandoned you - this week has just been...well, stressful. But today is Friday and I will be thankful for another week of life, for the blessings and the stresses it has brought me and celebrate that it the week is almost over!!
Our puppy, dear ole HB, has been sent to teach me patience. I thought I had remembered never to pray for it again, as a lesson learned from eight years of infertility and the adoption roller coaster, but undoubtedly, I must have slipped up and prayed for a little patience and understanding, because he is testing me in both areas.
The once cute puppy is turning into a stubborn teenager and we are beginning to "butt heads" over bedtime. He seems to think that it is appropriate to stay up all hours of the night, barking and howling, and no amount of pleading and crying or water squirting in his face changes his mind. I think I can, without hesitation, state that I have had only two-three hours of sleep each night this week. I am trying not to complain -- but it is getting hard.
Through all of this I have turned to the Dog Whisperer. Mr. Ceasar Millan has become my obsession and I faithfully tune in each day to watch and receive guidance from this master of all dog masters. He is truly amazing. If you have never seen his show - you have got to watch it. If you love a dog, you will love Ceasar.
I have been putting his methods into place in our home... we shall see if they work on HB - he is a bit of stubborn case, but we love him and it is worth the effort.
Now, if only I can stay awake to walk him - he might just let me sleep tonight!!
Have a great weekend - I promise, more posts next week. I hope I will be more rested and less likely to fall asleep at the computer keyboard.
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
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