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Written by Mary Beth
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Friday, July 23, 2010 |
Well, sure I have a blahg why do you ask?
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, July 10, 2010 |
I'm wondering if a map making company's clearance section would have a globe that's flat.
Bah-dum bum-cha!
Oh, I crack myself up.
- it's blahg! mb
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charity carnvial . . .you gotta go! |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010 |
 Whatcha doin' this Saturday (June 26, 2010) from oh, say 10 am and 3 pm?
What was that? What would I suggest? Well, I'm glad you asked!
I say head on over to Riverbend Ranch Charity Carnival!
For the past few years the really cool Kjeldgaard family has put on a charity carnival. Last year our family was able to attend. Super neat good ol' fashion family fun. The atmosphere is great at their ranch but what's really wonderful is why they do it.
This Saturday the charity is Drawn From Water. Lisa Kjeldgaard told me about this ministry earlier this year and I think it is awesome. They " . . . are passionate about rescuing and providing for tribal children in Africa who are facing culturally mandated infanticide."
If you live within a few hours of Oakdale, CA I strongly encourage you to head over to the Riverbend Ranch Charity Carnival.
If you aren't close enough or cannot go don't feel like you have to completely miss out on the fun! They have raffle prizes available, too. So head on over whether in reality or virtually.
NEWSFLASH! This just in: Thursday, June 24th from 9 am to 9 pm they are having a 12 hour sale on pre-purchased carnival tickets.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, June 21, 2010 |
We're heading out to go camping with our eldest. We're praying for a fun time and great memories. Also, my greek god and I have injured backs (this morning we weren't even sure we'd get to go but we've got some movement so we're goin' for it) so that's going to be interesting.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, June 19, 2010 |
Yesterday a passing of the baton from one generation to the next took place. Her five children now carry the baton. A very large family, begun by two people many a year ago, gathered as Dan's Grandma Neff was buried and remembered. Her children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren (the great-great-grandchildren did not attend) along with spouses of said offspring along with friends took time out of the rat race of society to reflect upon a woman who was very dear to many. I think her most important role was one she and her late husband (Grandpa Neff) played together by leaving a christian heritage. One I hope will continue through further generations. I pray that the hope of being in the presence of Jesus Christ will be one carried by all.
- mb
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i hear yosemite calling my name . . . |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Tuesday, June 01, 2010 |
. . . and. I. Must. Answer.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Sunday, May 30, 2010 |
This story of a 100 year old practicing obstetrician amazes me. He's been practicing for 63 years. He no longer delivers baby since his eye sight and hearing are diminishing but he makes his rounds, etc.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Sunday, May 30, 2010 |
Ten years ago today my eldest daughter made her debut. I was going say "grand entrance" but then I realized I don't really know if it was "grand" or not. I don't know if it was an easy delivery or difficult. But someone else does. And I mourn for her.
Actually, I don't know what I was doing on this day 10 years ago (except fostering an 8 month old girl). I was definitely clueless that in three days I would have a beautiful black-haired smiley black-eyed baby girl enter my life.
My precious gift from God turns ten today. I got to celebrate with her, along with the rest of our lil' family, extended family, and friends, at her birthday party yesterday. Today, I get to watch her delighted face and sparkling eyes as she opens the gifts her daddy and I got her. We know what she likes. Someone else does not. And I mourn for her.
I have an ache in the depths of my innermost being (and until now I don't know if I've ever felt that depth before). I feel as though I might burst into uncontrollable sobs due to an unexplainable loss. But it is not mine. It is my daughter's birth mother. The woman who carried my daughter in her womb and birthed her. I've tried writing this next sentence several times but words fail me. Deep, anguishing loss is what I feel right now. How is she feeling right now? Oh, how I mourn for her.
And, yet, I am so thankful to the Lord for giving us our eldest daughter. What a precious gift indeed. I, absolutely, cannot even begin to imagine our lives without her. Again, I'm speechless. The Lord has greatly blessed our family with her as a member and I pray that she will know and embrace that truth all of her days.
Bittersweet day, indeed.
-mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, May 17, 2010 |
We be illin'
Wish we were chillin'
Have had vicious fevers
Wish we were dancing like beavers
Many a hard night
Does the end of this tunnel have a light?
Tex hadn't slept more than a two hour stretch
Until last evening did he get almost a full night sleep fetched
Hallucinations were had by Irish Boy
Sword fighting guys bouncing on walls and shelves might bring a bit of joy (if it weren't so freaky)
Lil Miss Frizzle along with da boyz endured the fevers and pink eyes
Now that she is feeling a bit better she's helping so much, she's such a prize
Mama has fallen ill
Making more work for Daddy to fill
Praying that Baby Blue, Bling, and my greek god stay well
Don't want them to endure this bit of . . . um, discomfort
Wish we were chillin'
But we be illin'
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, May 15, 2010 |
I am currently up way past my bed time. Don't ask me why.
My youngest is talking to himself and should be sleeping. The poor little baby is so very sick. I must say that him humming and talking to himself is much more preferable to crying and being miserable. Although, as I write this his humming is turning to whining . . . which will likely turn to crying . . .
This has been a very vicious fever. What. Is. This. Thing?!
It has attacked a couple of the other kids so far. I was very sick at the beginning of the week with a cold-thingy but I don't recall a fever but in the midst of that I started feeling very weak and dizzy. The last half of today is the first time I could stand up without feeling like I might fall over. Thank You, Lord!
I think I'll go offer him a nice cold one. His "beverage of choice" is code for "bottle" but Shhhhhhhhh! don't say that out loud . . . he'll get upset because I'm not getting it to him fast enough.
Watch, when I show it to him . . . he'll start sucking his tongue. Totally adorable.
I guess that's why I'm up late.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010 |
Sick, sick, sick. Sad, sad, sad. That's how I feel when I read stories like these.
A precious 22 week old little boy survived a botched abortion for two days. Inside the womb the ending of his life is considered a "choice". Outside the womb his death may be considered a "homicide". Outside the womb he was considered to be an Italian citizen with equal rights to others. But in the womb? Where is the disconnect?
- sick and sad! mb
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Work Pants and Floral Skirts |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, April 26, 2010 |
For some reason I had an overwhelming need to put on make-up and a floral skirt after mowing our back yard Maybe it had something to do with wearing my greek god's work pants while doing his job?
- it's blahg! mb
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God's Grace, Mercy, and Kindness |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Thursday, April 15, 2010 |
God has been so amazingly gracious, merciful, and kind to our family in the past few days in particular.
Dan had to have his appendix taken out on Monday evening. His pains and not feeling well began on Sunday early afternoon (they weren't too bad until that evening). Over the weekend our family went camping with our eldest. After dropping him off where he lives Dan drove us home (I'm so glad we didn't decide to camp another night!) in a great deal of pain.
Apparently, the appendix is supposed to look like a line on the scan. His looked like a sausage. The doctor told me, after the surgery, that it had not burst . . . yet. She also fixed his herniated belly button saving him a surgery in the future (I didn't even know he had a herniated belly button). Two for the price of one! We're all about frugality around here!
After two days in the hospital he was able to come home last night. Now we just have to convince the children that just because Daddy is home doesn't mean he can do anything. It's hard for the little ones to understand that. But he's home. Phew! We had some wee little ones who were afraid their daddy would die, were exhibiting anger, and of course, the whining, etc. because they didn't know what else to do.
God provided meals, people to care for our kids while I got to be at the hosptial for awhile, me getting to see Dan just before he went into surgery (we had dropped him off at Urgent Care and went home to wait to see what was going on), etc. Yesterday my sister-in-law came over at the drop of a hat because I just needed to go see Dan and five minutes before I walked out the door our pastor's wife dropped off a hot meal which I was able to take with me to the hospital to eat (I had the kids fed, but I forgot to eat). Two families were totally flexible in when to watch my kids. My mom came over to "just" sit with kids who may need to "just" be held while Mama ran around like a chicken with her head cut off. And people prayed. Etc. etc. etc.
We've had offers for meals from people who live 1 1/2 to 2 hours away and to even stay out in the country with some friends while Dan recuperates. People called at the exact time I needed when I was just about to break down. One of my neighbors decided to just come hang out with me during Dan's surgery. Dan's mom and sister were able to be there while we waited for him in recovery and then while he was taken to his room. They ended parking right next to me and we left at the same time late that night so I didn't have to walk to my car by myself.
My aunt died on Saturday and Dan and I had seriously considered driving out to Oklahoma with the kids to go to her funeral. But on Monday we found out the funeral was the next morning. We'd never make the drive. So we looked into me flying out. But something just didn't seem right about me leaving. It was hard not to go but now I'm so glad I didn't. Dan is a trooper and although he wasn't feeling well (and we thought it might just be the stomach bug) he was willing to let me go. Man, oh man. If I had gone his appendix might well have burst while I was gone because he probably never would have gone to the doctors until it was too late. Had the funeral been a day or two later we might have been driving out in the middle of nowhere and it burst.
I can just go on and on . . . if my brain would let me.
God orchestrated our family's care. I pray that we will never forget that.
Thank You, Lord, for your kindness and mercy. Thank You that we have medical care so close to our home. Thank You that we even have the ability to get the care. Thank You for all of the people who gave us help whether they physically did something or "just" offered. Even the "just" offers were an encouragement and a reminder of Who You are. And it was comforting. Thank you that I didn't freak out and was "only" frazzled. Oh, Lord, please help our family to never forget how You cared for us.
Amen.
-MB
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, April 03, 2010 |
I've been thinking all day about the disciples and followers of Jesus. Wondering what they were thinking. The day before He had been crucified and buried. Now what?! How scared, bewildered, sad, terrified . . . they must have been. Having no idea that the next morning would be a glorious day.
He is risen! He is risen, indeed!
- it's blahg! MB
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15 years ago tonight . . . |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010 |
right about . . . now. Our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were done. Dan was at his bachelor party and I was at my maid of honor's house with my best friend from high school and an almost-sister-in-law watching "Father of the Bride".
Tonight Dan bought my roses from . . . Costco (because I won't let him buy them anywhere else). Fifteen red roses are gracing our dining table (along with the leftovers: four for the kids and five to be given to my mom).
My greek god took me away this past weekend for a surprise anniversary weekend get away. I found out a week before but only knew when we were going and who was going to be watching the kids. He had it planned out and even Lil' Miss Frizzle was in on it. He'd been hording and hiding the funding to do so.
Friday morning we split the kids up between two families and took off for time away as husband and wife (haven't had that kind of time away in a few years) and returned Sunday morning in just enough time to get to be with our kids during the church service.
I had guessed that he was taking me to Pacific Grove (love it there) but he went the wrong direction.  Instead he went north to Half Moon Bay where we stayed in a hotel nicer than any we'd ever stayed at. We dined at restaurants we would normally never due to frugality. This being our 15th anniversary he wanted to spoil me and do some things we'd never done. He even wrote me a poem.
He knows what I like and he put much thought, time, and money into making a special weekend away.
I am blessed.
- it's blahg! MB
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, March 15, 2010 |
I suggest heading over to the Yuen Den for a thought provoking post by my friend Jill. Not only is the post appropriate for preparing for Resurrection Sunday celebrations I think we need to mindful of Christ's suffering even in our day to day "stuff".
- it's blahg! MB
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, March 01, 2010 |
Swirling. Swirling. I. Can't. Seem. To. Grab my thoughts to "pen" them.
My thoughts keep bouncing back and forth like a racquetball gone wild against the walls of the court. If I don't write down the ones I can actually retrieve I'll never be able to figure out what's going on in my head. And you, my friend, get to watch amusingly as I try.
(How many allegorical thoughts do I have in this post? I hope an English major either isn't reading this or can just ignore the annoyances.)
For quite some time now my thoughts have been held imprisoned in my mind. I have been unable to intelligibly share them even an ounce.
So much of my life is trivial. Wah! I feel a bit achy or tired. Sigh, I guess I should just stay in bed a little while longer. Wah! My stomach is growling and I just can't seem to ignore it. Besides, I need my energy. Annnd, there isn't anything in my cupboards or refrigerator . . . that I want to eat. Doh! I missed yet another opportunity to share Jesus with someone because . . . because . . . I'm a WUSS. That person may not like me anymore.
All the while there are people in other parts of this world who are in forced labor camps who have to labor regardless of how they feel that day and have very little to eat (if anything at all). They are in these labor camps (oftentimes to be "re-educated") or in prison because they aren't wusses. They either shared Christ with someone, gave someone a Bible, were smuggling Bibles, or were in a secret church service.
A secret church service. I don't have to go to secret church services at this time in my life. In the United States of America we still (at this time) have the freedom to publicly worship Christ. On Resurrection Sunday our church family will be hosting a service at the local community center. Out in the open. Did you know that it is illegal in some countries to gather out in public to worship Jesus?
There are children who have been ripped from their homes and forced to become murderers in an evil army. There are children whose daddy and mommy cannot provide enough food for them to eat. There are children who don't even have a mommy and daddy. Some are orphaned because their mommy and daddy were Christians or not of an "approved" religion. There are children who are being murdered because they are deemed "mingi" so they are considered to be bringing evil spirits into their tribes and must die.
There are people who are forced to worship the leader of their country as a god. Woe to them if they do not.
I live in a country where freedom of speech allows people to share their honest opinions of those in leadership whether it be positive or negative. I can write to my senators and others in leadership to share my concerns (and receive letters back from them politely informing me that they don't agree me but thanks for writing anyway).
I can choose whatever form of education I deem best for my children (for now). I also can teach them about Jesus (for now). I can have as many children as the Lord chooses to bless my family with. I have the freedom to seek out the best outlet for my gifted children and therapies in areas of weakness so as to help them thrive.
I can travel to any part of this vast country without needing the permission of the government.
I can keep blahging for as long as I want to (until the children wake up and are ready to get out of bed and need me . . . which is right about now).
Check out some links to get a picture into what has those racquetball-thoughts bouncing:
http://www.persecution.com/ (Voice of the Martyrs)
http://www.prisoneralert.com/
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php (child soldiers)
http://www.drawnfromwater.org/ (Saving "minig" children)
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, February 22, 2010 |
I took Bling today to get a holter test. An EKG she gets to wear for 24 hours.
A five year old should not have to wear one of those things. A five year old should not have a need to do so. But then there are a lot of "things aren't supposed to be this way" in this world.
I'm not upset or mad. It's just bizarre. Different.
She has been complaining off and on over the past few months about her heart "hurting". My daughter is not a complainer so I should actually say that she "mentioned" that her heart hurt. Her pediatrician did an EKG in the office and it looked normal but she referred us to a cardiologist since the symptoms had been going on for awhile.
She had an x-ray and blood work (to check her thyroid and for anemia) after she felt like she was going to pass out a little over a week ago. All of those tests came back normal, too (except her platelets were higher than the normal range but the doctors said it was not a concern).
This past Thursday we met with the pediatric cardiologist. He ran another EKG which had normal results. He didn't see any red flags but wants to be safe so he ordered the holter test and an echocardiogram. We'll return the holter tomorrow and she'll have her echo on Friday. Her sternum goes in and he said that that can be an indication to something else wrong but he really doesn't think there is (that's something the echo will be helpful in figuring out).
The cardiologist said that in most cases stress and/or anxiety are the causes of heart complaints in children. He encouraged me to really think about our life to see if there is anything that might cause her stress or anxiety. It seems weird that someone so young would have a heart respond that way but she has the exact same personality as I do and stress affects my body funky, too. Thankfully, he didn't poo-poo us and try to say it's all in her head. He was very careful to make sure of that . . . he just wanted to make us think about it.
So, we're in wait and see mode. I know God is good no matter what. I pray that the Lord gives the doctor wisdom and discernment as he works with us.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, February 22, 2010 |
One year ago today Tex made his debut. At this time last year I was resting in bed after a difficult labor and delivery (I struggled immensely with fear and anxiety. It felt like a major spiritual battle.). Ahhh, relief to be done! I was exhausted . . . and that was only the beginning. I had insomnia (due to post-partum hormones) for two and a half months.
I, actually, got choked up last night when I remembered that first night and not being able to sleep. At the time I had no idea what I had in store for me. I just assumed it was the adrenaline rush. As the days wore on the littlest sound would wake me up once I would finally fall asleep. I also heard phantom baby crying while Dan would take the night shift and hold Tex and care for him while I tried, in vain many times, to sleep. Most of the time that I was woken up to hearing him cry . . . he wasn't actually crying! But it was so loud and real in my head. Wiggy.
As hard as my labor was and the scary time after delivering him while waiting for my uterus to clamp down was (I seriously started wondering when they were going to call the ambulance - thankfully, they never needed to!) . . . I was so relieved to get to be at home for the whole thing. I trusted my midwife completely as did Dan and that helped immensely.
And, now, here we are. One year later. It has been a blur and I'm disappointed that I have not written down more of what this year was like. I want to remember God's goodness in the midst of the difficult times. I want to remember the difficult times so I can reflect back on how God was so gracious in pulling us through. I want to remember the sweet moments and the warm fuzzies.
Ahhhh, the warm fuzzies. I (and I believe the rest of the family) still has a serious case of the warm fuzzies for my little Tex (who ain't so little). This little guy of mine is such a joy. I am so thankful that the Lord gave him to us! I absolutely cannot imagine our life without him. He's a ham and he loves to "dance" when we start singing "his" song (we have a couple of songs with his name in it that we sing to him and he boogies down when we sing them). He LOVES his biggest sister, Lil' Miss Frizzle (9 1/2), and it's so much fun to see him reach for her when she comes near.
I am so thankful that difficult labors get to be a thing of the past and that we get to move on with life and enjoy the bundles of joy brought forth in the midst of them. So worth it. So. Worth. It.
- it's blahg! mb
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in a different era . . . or part of the world |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, February 06, 2010 |
A thought crossed my mind. If my family was living in an era gone by or in a different part of the world today this past week would have been scary.
We have a warm home, a humidifier, fresh water, and healthy food. All of those things, by God's grace, have aided in our fight with fevers and coughs.
I've pretty much been in bed since Tuesday. Our three year old (Baby Blue) has spent much of her time next to me. The others have done pretty well and thankfully Tex (or Frodo Gandalf as Jill likes to call him) has been a trooper (recently being the recipient of a humidified room . . . he made it to almost a year old before getting something this nasty).
When I think back at this week I am thankful to God for the day and age we live in and our location. I think about "Pride and Prejudice"-type-times and how this would have been so frightening and quite possibly a week of mourning as I'm not sure how a family with 5 small children in the home (or their mother struggling with her asthma in the midst of her own illness) would have managed to keep them all from being at death's door. Same as in other parts of our present day world. Places where no clean water is even available much less food or the know-how to nurse an illness.
I am humbled.
-it's blahg! mb
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and what exactly do you have to complain about? |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Thursday, February 04, 2010 |
We are very sick in our home right now. This is the sickest we have been in a couple of years. We are talking fevers and a yucky cough. I'm also struggling with my asthma at the moment. Not sure if it has to do with this illness or allergies. Nevertheless I am hoping it passes quickly. Breathing is a treat.
Our eldest made some very poor choices last week and will be having to reap the consequences for his actions for a long time to come. It was hard to hear the bad news from his foster mom. I pray he learns from this experience and that the Lord will grab hold of his heart. I pray the Lord will heal Big B. It breaks my heart and it's hard for this mama to not have all of her little chickies under her direct care. I trust God and His goodness.
With that said, I have nothing to complain about. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Absolutely nothing.
A friend of mine recently said that she has no compassion for complaining in her home right now. When her kids start to complain she asks them: Are your parents buried under rubble in Haiti? Did someone try to drown you today? Did your appendix burst and now you have to be in the hospital due to septic shock and infection throughout your body?
I showed my kids some of these pictures of starving children tonight. (Note: some are very graphic and may not be deemed appropriate for young children.)
Nothing. I have nothing to complain about.
- it's blahg! MB
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