THECOMMONSENSEMOM.COM

Superbore

2010-02-08T15:45:00Z

I was looking forward to sitting around last night to watch the Superbowl. I was able to sit and watch the biased pre-game show in favor of the Saints...and then, HE came on. The president. I have never in my life seen a complete attempt at indoctrination as I had at that moment! I couldn't believe that they had a live presidential interview about, yep-- you guessed it--health care right before the Superbowl. It was a total political move with those that planned it knowing the Superbowl was a way to reach more than 150 million viewers. This will only happen when a liberal president holds office. The liberal media would never allow that interview with a conservative president.

So, all around, my evening was a disappointment. The Colts lost, my chicken wings were a flop, and I was once again subjected to liberal propaganda...ah well, there is always next year!

A fun weekend

2010-01-24T21:26:00Z

This weekend was just great! We had our friends (Merlin and Betty) come and visit us from Warsaw. We surprised them by having Pastor B., Julie and kids over last night for dinner. Pastor B. preceded Paul at Concordia. I think Merlin and Betty got a good laugh out of it (at least I did) and everyone seemed to enjoy the visit. The kids were exhausted from playing all evening. Lizzy snuggled up to Betty on the couch before bed and fell asleep--so cute!

Church today was just as great! Paul had a wonderful sermon (yes, I am allowed to brag from time-to-time). One of the things I observed during the sermon was how quiet it was. You knew everyone was listening--the air was full of intent hearts and minds. If you could ever say there are spirit-filled moments, this would be one of them. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't follow it up with Holy Communion. I know the Lord worked through Paul with his words, though, so I will be content and thank God for a truly wonderful morning at church with our church family!

Another great event this week is that we were blessed with another nephew! Paul's brother's wife (Matt and Jill) introduced little Jonah into the world last night! Mom and baby are doing just fine and I have no doubt that big sister Keegan will be the best!

Pray for Jon, Angie and family to return home safely and for Beth's Dr.'s appointment this week!

Fight!

2010-01-21T19:39:00Z

Dear friends, this will not be a funny, elaborate message. Fight! Whatever struggles you have in life...FIGHT! God is on your side, who can be against you? The Devil? He has been defeated. You live in Christ! Pray for those who need strength. In your weakness you are made strong. FIGHT!

So much for global warming

2010-01-11T00:38:00Z

It is freezing here! We have had consistent sub-zero weather. Tomorrow will warm up to the 20's and I am sure it will feel like a heat wave! Regardless of the cold weather it has been warm and inviting in our church family. I love going to church to see what is now becoming familiar faces.

The Christmas season was agreeably busy. We hosted another international student from Susan's school. It was a huge let-down from our guest at Thanksgiving. I won't go into all the gory details...let's just say I look forward to a more positive experience at Easter!

While Susan was home we were able to take her to get her driver's permit. In Iowa you may get one at 14! I can't believe that she is starting to learn to drive. I always marvel at how fast she (and all the kids) are growing up. It seems like only yesterday that I was holding her gently in my arms soothing her to sleep at night...fond memories! I do see now, however, why parents get gray hairs around this time in their life. She drove 3 1/2 of the 5 hours back down to school! Overall she did very well, only a few moments of "mom fear". Her comment was that she was so glad that I could relax and not have to drive the entire time....RIGHT! Shear relaxation with Susan behind the wheel!

I had a group of "girls" over Friday night for a Pride and Prejudice Movie Marathon in celebration of my 35th birthday! It was a total blast complete with yummy treats and Tinker Bell tiaras. There is such a great group of ladies at the church and I plan on having more fun little get-togethers in the months to come. Many thanks to my dear husband for taking the kids so that I could have some fun!

Tomorrow I am off to do some shopping for items around the house and for myself! I don't know how much I will get done. Paul will be going away for Symposia this month and wants me to get a day to myself in before he leaves...again, couldn't have asked for a better man to be married to!

Blessings to all of you this New Year!

Manhattan Declaration

2009-12-06T22:49:00Z

Many of you might already be aware of a document called the Manhattan Declaration. It has been talked about widely on Fox News Channel. I went to the website to read the document in full. Basically, there are three points that it brings up: the sanctity of human life, the sanctity of marriage, and religious freedoms. As many of you know, these seem to be some of the hottest social topics of our day. They are without a doubt being tested and the bar keeps getting pushed to allow for more liberal ideals, contrary to how many Americans feel.

I must say, I think this is one of the best things written since the Declaration of Independence! It is truly inspiring. If you have not taken the time to read it or sign the declaration, please go to http://www.manhattandeclaration.org. Consider signing it after you read it. Also on the website there are some tips on what to do next. Consider the things that you can do. I am big on these social issues and am never afraid to enter a good debate on these topics. If you don't feel confident talking about these issues, PRAY! I think that is the best and most important thing we can all do!

Let me know what you think of the declaration. I'm interested in your thoughts!

Gearing up for Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T02:55:00Z

We are having a great time in our new home and community. We took our international student, Elisabeth, out for her sweet 16 birthday to a Chinese buffet. I think she liked it. Paul ate something that didn't settle well with his tummy. He is not having a good night! Floris and I went for a walk this morning. It felt great to get out and exercise again! We met up with the Body and Soul group from church and had a fun time talking with them on the last part of our walk. Does anyone around here feel like starting to run? Let me know!

Church went really well on Sunday. I had a great visit with Angie B. during bible study (we were in the nursery with our youngest ones). I am glad to know that my ideals are not "off the wall crazy". Sometimes I think I am the only one that thinks a bit more on the conservative side. That, or Angie and I are just plain nuts!

Looking forward to a fun Thanksgiving. Going to bring out Grandma's china and go all out this year! I don't think I will let Floris wash the china, though. She has already broken two things of mine today! I have to give her a hard time...I really don't care about the coffee mug and knife, Mom! My china? Now that is a different story!

Back into the swing of things

2009-11-19T20:44:00Z

So, I think I am beginning to feel like I'm getting into the swing of things again. Planned my meals and got grocery list together this morning. Went to bank (saw Crystal!), went to the grocery store (saw Beth!), met a couple of nice people at the store who recognized our picture from the paper. BTW, if anyone has an extra copy of it, I'd buy it from you...I forgot to get one yesterday.

Anyway, got back home, played with the boys today. We made an awesome box house in our family room from our book boxes. I let the boys color on them. I drew a picture, bookshelf with books, and of course, a coffee pot! Martin drew a tree, computer, Spongebob, and misc. other objects. Theodore just scribbled, but had a great time! Corky got a much needed trim. He actually did much better for me this time. Only took about 45 minutes. Vacuumed the downstairs and waiting on Lizzy to get home. Paul is in Quincy today for his last in-class lecture. It is about a 5 hour drive one-way. Praying he gets back safely!

Now I am just looking forward to a wonderful visit with mother-in-law, Floris and Susan to get back home! Should be a great Thanksgiving break. As always I reflect on the many things that we are thankful for. We always seem to be blessed far beyond what we ask for. This year is no exception!

Home Sweet Home

2009-11-17T06:26:00Z

We have made it to our new home in Iowa Falls! It has been a fun (but crazy) past week. Paul was installed as pastor yesterday. Beautiful service and great fellowship! Our new home is lovely...more than we deserve. I just hope that I can make it look nice with all of the "junk" I've brought with me. I know that many hours were spent in preparing for our arrival. Many thanks to all that helped!

Also, many thanks to my sister-in-law, Amy, who helped with unpacking! She kept me going when I wanted to curl up into the fetal position and sleep for about 3 hours! Our good friends, Gary and Barb, were also here for the installation. They drove a long way to be here for us and it is also greatly appreciated!

Today was spent driving Susan back to school Poor girl! She did not want to go and cried A LOT! This is very much not like her. I pray that she can be diligent in her studies this week. She will be back with us on Saturday. We will also be hosting an international student over the Thanksgiving break! Her name is Elisabeth. She is from Germany. Looking forward to that experience.

Paul's mom will be with us as well over Thanksgiving. Looking forward to spending some time with her. She is just going to love walking around downtown and exploring with us!

Forgot to mention...had snow and sleet on the way back from taking Susan to school! It was a very tense drive but I made it! So tired...must get sleep!

Moving and Double Roll Toilet Paper

2009-10-16T14:31:00Z

It is now official! Paul accepted the call to the congregation in Iowa Falls, IA. We visited the community and some members of the church this past Monday. Everyone was so nice and I must say that I am a bit overwhelmed by all the work that is being done on the parsonage! I don't think I can wrap my mind around all of the kindness that is being given to us. It really brings me to tears just thinking about it!'

Speaking of tears, this past Sunday was very hard! Paul announced that he was accepting the call to his congregations here. I couldn't even make it through the service without crying. It is bittersweet as we have been here for almost 7 1/2 years and have many good friends in the church and our community. I will miss everyone here who has shown us such love and support during Paul's ministry. I guess I summed it up well when talking to Elizabeth about our move. She was confused about being sad about leaving her friends but very excited after seeing where she will live. I told her that it was okay to be both sad and happy at the same time. This seems to help her process all of the craziness. It is hard to believe that she was only 2 weeks old when we moved here. This is the only home she has ever known. Martin and Theodore are clueless and don't really understand it. Martin is just excited about having a huge American flag painted on his slanted ceiling in his room! Susan is equally excited and has already hinted at not going back to St. Paul's. I would hate to see her not continue going as it has an excellent Christ-centered approach to learning and she has established a good friend group there. I told her to wait and see how her Thanksgiving and Christmas break goes...she may be very willing to get back to school after being annoyed by her younger siblings!

On a side note...I generally love the double rolls of toilet paper that I purchase. Less changing of the paper rolls, etc. However, yesterday I walked into the bathroom only to find that the bathroom had been T.P.'ed. I can only assume that little Theodore was the culprit behind this mastermind! I think I will have to be even more cautious at our new house as there are 3.5 bathrooms for him to explore! That, or I could just start buying single roll toilet paper!

Pray for the congregations, both here and in Iowa Falls, as we make our move...more later!

A Call and other things

2009-09-29T18:09:00Z

We found out this past week that Paul has received a call for a congregation in Iowa Falls, IA. Yesterday we received the call documents in the mail. The process is fairly simple. He can decided to turn down the call to Iowa and remain a pastor where he currently serves or take the call to Iowa.

Many emotions have gone through our system the past few days. My sense of adventure and going someplace new certainly makes the thought of moving seem like a good one. That would mean, however, leaving behind some very dear and much loved church and community friends. That, of course, is the sad thing to consider with a move. It is the proverbial plight of a pastor's family. Pray for Paul as he deliberates this new calling, letting the Holy Spirit be his guide. I take great comfort in knowing that whatever path he chooses, it will be the correct one.

On a side note...a dear friend of mine sent me this link to a very disturbing video. It is well worth your time to look at it.
http://www.breitbart.tv/shock-discovery-community-organizers-pray-to-president-elect-obama/ To some, Obama is their savior and some are just ignorant people unable to think for themselves that what they did was wrong!

On the health care front check out my comment on the previous post (I'm back) for some insight....comments are incouraged!

I'm back!

2009-09-17T18:02:00Z

Well, I have had a long and taxing recovery from my surgical procedure. I think I am about 75% recovered. I am waiting to hear about lifting restrictions after my appointment this coming Monday. I know that even after that I will need to be cautious.

Since I've had to sit a lot, I have had plenty of time to suffer through Obama's MANY news conferences and speeches. I find a couple of things interesting. Why do we need to get everyone health insurance? The last time I have checked there are clinics, free screenings, and many opportunities to receive medical care at little to no charge. This national health care reform has deception written all over it!

To poor Joe Wilson: Obama does indeed lie. But don't aplogize for speaking the truth! The fact of the matter is, however, that it doesn't matter if illegals get national health insurance....oh, wait! That is right! They ALREADY DO! That's one of the reasons Medicaid and community hospitals are going broke. Not to mention other programs like WIC. On a side note, the public school system seems to be loosing money to help with educating non-US citizens as well.

I got to attend a Tea Party in Quincy, IL, this past weekend. It was awesome! We made signs and everything! I'll go to another one if I can. The mainstream media and liberal congress are trying to minimize the effects of things like this. I believe that this will continue to grow and prosper. Contrary to what is being reported, it is not just republicans at these events. I no longer classify myself as republican, so I can testify. I think that it is a group of people concerned about the direction our country is going and a true concern for the future our children will have.

Maybe what I should do is start up a silent protest of some sort. Maybe I could start running in protest to the government and all of it's waste. I could make shirts to wear while I run to "voice" my opinion. How about, "Government: reduce pork, start running". I don't know, someone...give me a slogan! Then I could be like Forrest Gump and just start running!

A REALLY bad day

2009-08-06T01:50:00Z

Maybe it's because I only got 4.5 hours of sleep last night, but I had one of the worse days in a looonnnggg time. I felt like I was trying to fit a square peg in a round hole all day.

Lizzy threw the most horrible temper tantrum I have ever witnessed this morning as I was trying to get out the door with the kids. It was over a bag of pretzels. I literally had to pin her down to keep from being hit. When that drama was over we proceeded to try and return our Verizon cell phones which has horrible reception in our area. We are trying to get this completed before Susan heads off to school. They are being real stinkers about our return saying that our numbers have not been completely switched in the system to our new US Cellular phones. We have a 24 hour block on the Verizon account so we can't complete that task until tomorrow.

I tried to rest while the kids were supposed to be resting. I would drift off to sleep and someone would come in and wake me up. That really made me a grouch.

The kids destroyed the living room within a matter of minutes. I had spent yesterday trying to straighten and clean it up. Paul had to use his "Dad Voice" to get them moving. At least that is finally cleaned up.

Paul and I were going to buy a queen sized bed and 9 drawer dresser from my brother and pick it up Monday. However, the cost it will take to rent a U-Haul is way more than we are willing to spend. I've wanted a queen size bed for a long time. Guess it will just have to wait. Disappointed about that.

Susan leaves in 4 days. Enough said.

Surgery is on the 21st. Enough said.

Our television is on the fritz. Enough said.

The good news: Paul grilled an excellent steak for me tonight and I got some things that I've wanted for awhile at Walmart.

Tomorrow will be a better day...I pray.

Ch-Ch-Changes

2009-08-02T05:29:00Z

Well, lots of things will be changing in our household this month. Susan will be heading off to boarding school next Sunday. School will start for both Lizzy and Martin (he will be attending an afternoon pre-K class). Paul will be teaching 2 online classes and possibly 2 in-classroom classes. I am looking at a medical operation.

Can we possibly cram anything more into our schedules? I don't know but I proceed with faith that all will turn out alright. God gives us what we can handle. I know with the support of family and friends we will be okay. Thanks to everyone in advance who will help us through all of our changes!

Big Sky Country

2009-07-25T14:57:00Z

We got back this past week from our family trip to Montana. Paul had a family reunion on his mom's side. Words can't adequately describe how beautiful it was. If you have never been to that part of the country I would highly recommend a vacation up there. Some of our highlights included: visiting Dad and Mom Martens on the way out there, Tizer Botanic Gardens (www.tizergardens.com), meeting more of Paul's relatives and spending time with family, Gallatin National Forest and the river which was crystal clear, Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful (thanks to President Obama for a free pass to the park which would've cost $25), Cody Wyoming and the Irma Hotel and Saloon (built by Buffalo Bill where we met a nice couple from Paris, France), Thermapolis (the world's largest hot springs), and visiting brother Jon and family on our way back! We had a great time and the kids were very good for the 3000 mile round trip!

Now it's back to the grind of daily life and getting Susan ready for St. Paul. Did I mention that she is excited about going?

Work is MUCH better in the toy department! Now all I have to do is threaten wayward children who are left unsupervised in the toy department with my "mom voice" to behave or leave the department and find their parents. I can handle that.

Go Diego Go!

2009-07-07T15:00:00Z

Yesterday, as I was taking out the trash, I heard a noise in the window well of the church. When I looked inside there was a little bunny that had fallen into the well. Martin was the only kiddo up so we decided to be like Diego and do some animal rescue. The little hopper was elusive and it took me awhile to get him out. We walked him up the hill to our lilac bush and let him go. I don't know how long he had been in the well but he was very hungry. He immediately started nibbling on the grass and hopping around. Martin named the bunny several times during this adventure. Stuckety was his first name (because he was stuck in the window well). Then it was Hopper, finally Eaty. My sister, Angie, would have loved the little guy. She is known for taking care of wild bunnies then letting them go. She has two domestic bunnies that rule her bedroom, Nibbles and Peaches.

Paul is out of town for a conference and will return today. I'll be very glad for him to be back home again. We say every summer that we won't pack too much into it. We always overbook our summers! I really don't like it but there is always conferences to attend, etc., etc. that Paul has to go to. And of course the family trips that are always scheduled. The Fall months are always the same as well. I don't know how we will manage with my work schedule this year and Susan being gone. She has been a great help the past two days with the kids. Next summer I want to do just one family vacation and that is it. Now let's see if we can stick to that plan.

Theodore woke up yesterday with snot all over his face. A head cold developed literally overnight! He seems to be a bit better today.

BTW, my days as maintenance associate at Wally World are coming to a close. I will be transferred to the toy department after our family reunion trip to Helena, Montana. I am excited about not having to clean those disgusting bathrooms. I have had many co-workers tell me that they are happy that I'll get to do something else but are sad because the bathrooms will go back to being a bit on the dirty side. I assured them that there is someone else that can do my job. I'm not the only one who knows how to clean bathrooms. Or maybe I am.....

Associate of the Month

2009-06-26T14:25:00Z

It seems that yours truly, the humble maintenance worker at the local Wal-mart, has been dubbed "Associate of the Month". What does that mean? My name will forever be immortalized on an engraved sign at the back of the store and I get a parking spot that is a whole 30 feet closer than where I usually park! Alright!!!!

Do you know that Spongebob episode where Mr. Krabs makes Spongebob employee of the month every month to get him to just work a little harder? It's hilarious. That episode popped into my head when a fellow associate congratulated me on being the chosen associate of the month (2nd shift) but no managers have yet to tell me that I have received the coveted title. I just chuckle.

I don't think it is that hard to get chosen for such a title as long as you smile, work hard, and do a little extra to help out your fellow associates. I think some people will never get chosen as associate of the month...they never smile. Someone told me they have never seen a happier maintenance worker as myself, pushing my cart or hauling trash to the back of the store. I just smiled and said thank you. If you can't be content cleaning toilets you won't be content doing any other task at Wal-mart. I must confess, however, that cleaning various forms of bodily outputs off the tiled walls is getting a bit old.

I have heard through the grapevine that I may be up for another position in the toy department. I think I would really enjoy working in toys. I know the products well as made evidence by my mini Wal-mart toy department that is strewn throughout my home! Oh well, let's just wait and see how this saga unfolds. I know you all will be waiting with baited breath to know if I get the position.

Paul and Susan have been at camp this week and I am very excited about them getting back tomorrow! It has been a long week with the little ones. We've had some really great moments and some really bad ones. Nothing different than the usual but it sure does help to have your spouse available to help untangle the thrashing children when they have a weak moment!

Last Entry--41 days ago?

2009-06-16T16:56:00Z

Okay, you know it's bad when you haven't blogged for 41 days! Have I been that busy? Maybe so. The end of the school year was a hectic event with musicals, choral choir performance, dance recital, a promotion ceremony for Susan (cap and gowns for 8th graders? How lame!). Then it was prep work for a family reunion on my dad's side of the family. We had it this past weekend and it was an absolute blast! We went to Camp Trinity in New Haven, MO. A beautiful place and a great part of the country. We had the whole camp to ourselves and the kids never got tired of all the activities: canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking, campfire, etc. I'd highly recommend the place to anyone who wants a great place to have a special get-together without too much hassle.

Now it is looking forward to Paul's family reunion in Helena, Montana! I can't wait for that. We plan to visit Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Also looking forward to visit with family and friends before, during, and after the reunion.

My brother, Jon, and his family will be stopping through here today for an overnight visit on his way to Wisconsin. I look forward to spending more time with him and his family.

Also, the countdown for Susan to attend boarding school is on. She will need to be there a week in advance for Volleyball camp. I'm really glad that she will be revisiting her interests in sports. I think she could be a good player if given the proper coaching. We shall see.

My life...terms of poop

2009-05-06T21:10:00Z

Yep, you heard me, poop! I have to find some comedy in my situation. Wherever I turn, I deal with it. At home I've got a 4 year old still needing a bit of assistance and a 20 month old who needs constant diaper changes. And now, I've added work outside of the home that includes the smelly stuff.

There is a great quote by Martin Luther. I can't remember it completely but it basically says that there is no nobler task than a mother caring for and changing her children's dirty diapers. Is it still considered noble cleaning up after customers in Walmart? I guess so, since the reason why I'm doing it is for my daughter.

Work has been going really well. I tried my hand at being a cashier and decided I'd rather clean bathrooms than do check-out! It was soooooo boring and you can't move around and go anywhere! I had a REALLY bad headache last night, though, and still had to work. Paul let me sleep in so that I could get over it...I still have a tinge of one. I'm thinking about getting back on my Inderal to see if it will help decrease the occurence of them. They have come back again and I seem to be getting them a couple of times a month. Not fun! This truly is my cross in life that I have to learn to live with because it has been with me now for about 13 years with no sign of leaving.

Just having random thoughts. I've got a little time to type so I'm taking advantage of it.

A couple of weeks ago Theodore got a hold of our black permanent marker. He wrote all over the walls, counter, chairs, fridge, you name it. It was a fun time cleaning, let me assure you!

If you can't say anything nice....

2009-04-29T14:29:00Z

Why is it that people feel like they can say anything they want, good or bad, without offense?

Yesterday, someone dropped an item off at our house for me. We were chatting a bit and then she had the nerve to ask me if I was ill or something because to her I was too "skinny".

Excuse me?

I admit that I have lost a good deal of weight since working outside of the home. That is just how my body reacts to activity (remember: I'm no longer a kept woman-ha,ha). I know I've lost weight. My clothes don't fit anymore and I've resorted to wearing belts with my jeans. You need not point out the obvious to me. The host of comments I've received recently have been largely negative. I think there might be an ounce of jealousy by the women who feel it is their right to tell me I'm skinny or that I look ill. If you feel so inclined to discuss my weight with me, can you put it in a more positive form of a question or comment? I'm already self-conscious about the whole thing but these negative comments just exacerbate it.

YES! I'm eating right! NO! I'm not doing this intentionally!

Let's just hope you're not the next poor soul to comment about my weight!

On the flip side, Susan came home from school yesterday in tears. It seems that a certain teacher of hers was inquiring about whether she was still involved in swimming. Susan told her no, that the season had ended. This teacher had the nerve to then say that she could really tell that Susan wasn't involved in any physical activity because she was looking a bit chunky!

Excuse me?

Needless to say, I will be making a phone call to the school today. I can expect these kind of comments from peers, but from her teacher? I take that back. Given what I just wrote about myself, I guess it doesn't surprise me that this teacher felt compelled to comment on Susan's weight. Again, Susan doesn't need anyone to point out the obvious to her. She has always had weight issues and probably always will.

Lesson to learn today: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!

St. Paul or bust

2009-04-29T14:12:00Z

Well, it's official! Susan has been accepted to attend St. Paul Lutheran High School next year. They have offered us a VERY generous financial aid tuition/grant that will allow us to pay for her schooling and hopefully to allow for some "extras" that are additional fees. We feel extremely blessed and Susan is so excited to attend school there next year.

I have mixed emotions with the whole situation (I'm a mom, what can I say). I know that this opportunity will effect Susan's life far beyond the 4 years that she will go to school at St. Paul. I'm pretty sure it will be in a positive way (at least that is what I'll be praying for). For this reason, I'm ready for her to go. On the other hand, she's only 14. I know that she will be able to handle it and will probably thrive in this new environment but I will miss her terribly! I know that some people think we are nuts...you can think that, if you want. But given certain circumstances to weigh, this will be the best thing for Susan's development (spiritually, academically, socially, etc.).

If any of you have thought it would be great to help Susan (and us) out financially, I would strongly urge you to consider making donations to the school instead. If you're looking for any new group to donate funds to, consider St. Paul Lutheran High School. I believe that the web address is: www.splhs.org. This would be a great way to help other students out and maybe even allow for the school to expand and grow.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers as we have deliberated this option for Susan and please keep her in your prayers as she gets ready to spread her wings and fly.