"Mom-mom, get your gun!"

We have a plethora of starlings (black birds) in our yard. They are driving me nuts - squawking and pooping EVERYWHERE! Banging on the windows or yelling at them didn't seem to work, so yesterday I decided to take matters in my own hands. Ben has some kind of air gun that shoots plastic beads like b-b's. So. . . . "light bulb"! I'll shoot at the birds - even if I don't hit them, maybe the noise will scare them. I get the gun - and of course Helena wants to know what I'm doing - so I explain it all to her - assuring her that I won't kill the birds. I open the window, but I can't get the gun to work right. So I put it away and tell her that Pop-pop or Ben will have to show me how to use it. I forget about it - and later on - Helena is standing at the window behind me and she yells "Mom-mom, the birds are back - get your gun!" Now, what's a mom-mom to do? I had to laugh inside - then I become horrified. What if I was outside at the time and someone was walking by and she yelled that - hmmm.
So when you visit me in lock up, bring chocolate. I don't think I can have sharp instruments, but a letter from home would be nice - and paper and postage stamps so I can write you - LOL - LOL! ! ! !

In the Cleft of His Hands

I know my family has been through a lot of trials these past couple years, but there is always, always someone or some family in a worse position.

Ben attended a funeral today of a young man - 20 years old - a kid he played ball with - what a tragedy. I can't even begin to imagine the pain of that family. It kind of makes my problems seem petty and pretty pale in comparison.

I will take my "little" problems any day as opposed to losing someone I love. I know we aren't invincible, and that we are all at the mercy of God, and that I have no control over that aspect of my (or anyone else's) life. I know God knows all things and that He strengthens us thru forging, I know this up close and personal, and I am grateful that He is so very patient with me and my family. I am also so very grateful that He has placed some very special people in my life to help me trudge on - people who earnestly pray for me, talk to me, feel my pain, listen to my problems, and still love me.

Life is good, if you look for the good in life. I think I have been learning that for a little while now. And you know what, it feels good - to look for the good - to know there is an end to the problems (at some point) - to move on and look back and see where I've been and how far I've come - to accept the things I can't change because fretting over them certainly won't make them go away! AND - there are so many good things in my life right now - even amidst the gentle, but ever present turbulences!!

It is also wonderful to know that God is in control. I may at times feel left out in the rain, but doesn't He hide us in the cleft of His hand? So many times I forget that - but where would I be if I weren't protected? Out in the surging storms of life, floundering like a fish out of water, trying desperately to flop my way to safety, looking for answers - who knows where and giving little or no credit to my Creator who ultimately knows exactly what I need, when I need it, 'cause Heaven knows, I have a time trying to figure out what I need ! ! !

Well, that feels better - just putting it in words
Thanks for "listening"!

Our 2009 Graduates!

This year we have THREE graduates in the family! That is an awesome thing. As a tribute I designed my header just for them! I love each of them so very much. They each have such unique and outstanding personalities. So much alike, but so different! Bet they got that from me - tee hee

Christian: Jenny's First Born (Jenny is my First Born!) He is 1 of 5 children. Christian is my first grandchild and first and only grandson- so far. It's hard to believe he is 18 and graduating!

Catie: Bev's (or Tiger as her family knows her - my youngest sister) second daughter! She is the third of four children. Catie is my 4th niece.

Seth: Donna's (my first sister) last child - her fourth son -5th of 5 children - my eighth nephew

Whew! (Some body's getting old around here - no catching up with them! !) - LOL! ! ! !
It's great to see the rewards for all the hard work they have done and it will be neat to see where they go in the future! Very far, I'm sure!

So here's to you, guys - May you reach for the stars and grab all that is meant for you! !

God Bless each one of you
Love,
Mom-mom
aka: Aunt Crickett

That Lemon Tree is at it again! !

Hmmmm. . . . . . .my lemon tree threw all its lemons at me this week - maybe it was even more than one tree. I felt like I got hit with enough lemons to become a lemon drop! Seems I may have to regroup a little (or a lot) - but that's okay - I'll squish around in this lemon juice 'til I can think of something - lol! ! (I think the juice is good for the complexion!) There's nothing like knowing how refreshing the lemonade is - making it worth the wait - even though the wait can make you "antsy"! And you know - if I don't get the lemonade - that's okay, too, because I will have done everything I can think of to make that sweet-tart drink. And isn't that just like life - bittersweet?

When Life Hands You Lemon Trees

Sometimes life throws out a LOT of lemons! I mean, more than a tree full, maybe several trees full. I seem to have enough lemons to make lemonade for a year or more - so that's what I'm going to do. I had a brainstorm a few weeks ago and this has sent me on a VERY LARGE misson. I have a boat load of lemons that I need to do something with, and I found a nice large pitcher for them! ! Now all I have to do is squeeze the juice and add the sugar! Sounds simple, doesn't it. Well, don't let those little lemons fool you - they won't be squeezed easily, but that's ok. I have a lot of "squeezers" lined up! ! Now, I know its going to seem odd to ask you to pray for these lemons and the squeezers, but that's what I'm doing! Pray for me as well, as I prepare for this endeavor. I have to say, I am excited about this lemonade!

Scrapblogging, My New Toy!

My Cup Runneth Over

I am in a superb mood today! It is raining outside - (yea, I know, I was just complaing about the rain), But, it has a calming effect today. Its a steady drizzle. A good day for reading, scrapping or posting on my blog and catching up on my blogging buddies!
I have to reflect on yesterday, which was a BEAUTIFUL day. The weather was great and I was in very good company, with two great friends. God truly does bless, even in the smallest ways. We went to OC for a stamping convention. Now, I'm not a stamper by "trade". But, I am learning to like it and can see the potential for using stamps in my scrapbooks. I'm not jumping ship - just embracing the inevitable - lol! ! Anyway - we made a day of it - shopping, laughing, eating, crying, shopping some more, laughing some more, and eating some more. Did I say it was a wonderful day? Sometimes my cup runneth over! !
To add to the wonderfulness of yesterday - Pastor's message was great this morning (Hebrews 13). One of the "points" he talked about was enjoying spiritual fellowship: hospitality, concern for others - this one really spoke to me. I think sometimes I have a hard time reaching out because I don't want to fall short of other people's expectations of me - I think that is pride. I am so glad I was able to step beyond that (which was scary) and pick two wonderful ladies to be my "Aaron & Hur". But what I have come to realize, and I think I've known this all along, is that I'm not the only one in that "bucket". So many people are hurting today - and just don't know where to turn. It hurts to think about it.
Anyhow - God is an Awesome God and He is forging us to His liking - AMEN? Amen!

Proverbs 31:30

Okay - now I have to write about this verse -
I have received it twice in two days. Yesterday it arrived in a card on a tea bag from my wonderful friend, Diane. Today it is the verse of the day from Bible Gateway. Now - what am I suppose to be learning from this? I do know I have been feeling myself drawn more and more to the Lord lately (even though I'm not in church regularly). Am I "charming"? Am I "vain"? I do fear the Lord. Hmmm. . . . .need to think on this one!
Its also funny - I stumbled onto a blog when I was googling cooking and sewing poems/quotes. The blog belonged to a 16 year old girl who was claiming Proverbs 31 as her exmple! I am half tempted to list her in my blog roll, just to follow her everyday doings. I think I am intriqued by this young girl with such high expectations of herself! I think Proverbs 31 might be passage of the week!

Nostalgia

Nostalgia according to Webster:
1. a longing to go back to one's home, hometown, or homeland; homesickness.
2. a longing for something far away or long ago or for a former happy circumstance.

"What's this got to do with anything?", you say. Well, its no secret that my heart is in the south. I truly believe one's birthplace is part of their DNA - no, just kidding. But, it feels that way sometimes. I have been feeling quite nostalgic lately. I have resolved, since it seems I won't be making a move south any time in my near future, to embrace those things that remind me of "home". I was coming home today and as I turned off Rt. 50 towards my house I was drawn to the farmland on both sides of me. One was being harvested while the other looked like a picture out of a book. It was beautiful - green rye moving in the wind like waves on the ocean. It truly gave me that feeling of being "home". The only thing missing was a rolling hill or two! But, I CAN imagine that. I can let my mind go to that place of comfort and as a result, let that comfort me. So, I guess the thing is - see the things that comfort me - hear the sounds that lift my spirit and smell the smells of home!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom

I have been in some kind of "funk" for the past couple weeks. I think I may know what the underlying cause could be. My mom has been on my mind more so this past week, than any other time since her death. I'm not sure why. My mom died when I was 24 (she was only 44). I have been hard on my mom these 30+ years - not understanding why she behaved the way she did. I felt personally attacked by her behaviour and lack of compassion as I grew up. But she had to have done something right. And I have thought about this. I wouldn't be the person I am without her influence - good, bad, or indifferent. She gave me the gift of using my hands and I had to learn to stand on my own. We didn't have all the "fluff" as I was growing up. She made most of my clothes. She was gifted when it came to quilting, crocheting, sewing, and making ordinary crafts out of stuff we had at home. But, because of her problem, she wasn't necessarily compassionate. I understand so much more now, than then. But as a child, you can't see the "big picture". God has caused me to dwell on this quite a bit. I look back and I see where many puzzle pieces are dropping into place.
Regardless of how our parents raise us - we are ultimately accountable for our own behaviour as adults. This I know with certainty. I am sorry for the bitterness I have harboured towards her. It has been over 30 years since I wished my mom "Happy Mother's Day" and I think it is time I give credit where credit is due!
"Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you!"
Love Crickett

Sarah "Sponda"

This is Sarah "Sponda". Her mom used to sing that song to her when she was little, and the nickname has stuck with her. I love it! I also love her given name - Sarah McKenzie! Sarah is in the 7th grade, plays flute, and runs track. She also recieved state recognition for her high scores on her ACT test. This was a Duke University sponsored event. She is not only beautiful, but smart, too! ! I am very proud of her accomplishments and wanted to share them with everybody!

God's Promise

Well, last night I wrote this post. This morning when I got up - the pic was gone! ughhh! So here are my thoughts - again. (I deleted the other one). It was storming when I went to bed - and all I could think about was the pic I had taken some time last year. It is a double rainbow - over the church across the street from me - how appropriate! ! !

"Simplify"

To say "Simplify" would be too simple. I feel a strong need to "purge" things in my house! I am at this moment in time, overwhelmed with "things"! Maybe its the weather, maybe its the season (spring being the time when things are born or reborn - all new and fresh) or maybe its just that all this stuff is taking up too much of my time - which leaves less time for the important things in life: God, family, friends, myself. . . .
I've started, of all places, with my "fun" stuff - books, scrapbooking stuff, sewing stuff - organizing, cleaning out, - I think you get the picture. I think next I will hit the closets. I think feeling the clutter in my head is causing me to see the clutter in my home. The trick is not to stress my family with my need to "kill the clutter bug" - lol!

"Rain, Rain, Go Away!"

I knew the minute I said I liked thundestorms, it would come back to haunt me! Although we haven't had but a couple storms lately, it sure has rained buckets. I want to get outside and finish my yard, but the rain just keeps coming! All the weeds I've pulled will be back with a vengence! I guess this is what happens when you slack on exercising - lol! I can barely stoop now - between painting baseboards in Ben's room and the previous weeding - let me tell ya - its uuuugly! If I looked as good as I feel bad! (Does that make sense?) I'm sure when it does stop - its going to be hot and humid - probably more humid than hot. Hopefully I can beat the next rainy day and get something done in my yard! Do I sound like I'm running in circles? That's because I feel like I am! ! ! ! I need a vacation - far, far away. White beaches, blue sky, warm, and very, very quiet. Oh, and sleep - lots and lots of sleep - whenever I want. Now, tell me, is that too much to ask for? I should think not - Now back to reality - I'm not complaining - just venting, and those of you who know me, know I like to vent. Only today, its trivial. So I am venting on paper (so to speak).
I have so many thoughts running in my wee mind, that I need to start letting them out. So, I feel some journaling coming on. You can stay tuned for my craziness, all you who are strong of heart - lol! If you are faint of heart, you may want to change the channel! ! !
I feel better already, just thinking about it!

Stand By Me

Yesterday when I logged on to check my email, on the news page, something caught my eye. Actually, it was a song title: "Stand By Me". A group of musicians from around the world were showcased singing this song. Neither had met the other, (that I'm aware of) and they were each performing the song on their own. I think the musicians are or could be street musicians - hence the title of the website: www.playingforchange. The producer "mashed" them all together, and I thought the results were great. This is one of several songs done this way. I checked out the website, and the one other song I listened to was equally as good. I am not promoting "rock" music, but when a song has a good message, I don't mind it (as long as the music doesn't make we want to throw my head against the wall - lol!) I think "Stand By Me" is a classic and personally, I like it, for what it says. We all need someone, at sometime. Hopefully, its the Lord we turn to, but when I need that "human" voice, its nice to know I have someone to "Stand By Me"! (And I do have two wonderful, encouraging, friends that stand by me - My Aaron & Hur!- My prayer warriors!)