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Well, if we're going to replace the sink, we might as well, see about a new cooktop for the island.
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Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A New Sink
It was innocent enough, a new sink, which I might add is really needed. Mine is.....well....a bit used abused. Actually It's hard to believe that it is 11 years old.
Lovely, right?
Well, if we're going to replace the sink, we might as well, see about a new cooktop for the island.
And put the refrigerator where is should have been in the first place and get a wall oven.
So right now, this is my kitchen
More to come........
Well, if we're going to replace the sink, we might as well, see about a new cooktop for the island.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Entitled Kids Straight From Home
Read this then read below.
This article could not be right on
target. I am astounded by the entitlement of this generation. The
cars that they drive as well as the fact they were given to them
by mommy and daddy. Insurance paid, gas and maintenance paid.
Outside of Chic Fila I have not seen a teenager work in fast food
restaurants in years. Most teens now want jobs starting at the
$12-$15 dollar an hour rate, as a first time employee. Even when they
do get jobs, they expect time off with pay within the first year. Yes,
even as a part time employee. They are not willing to work their way
up, they expect to be on top to begin with.
When our children were young guys, we expected them to work and work hard! Mark took our boys on job sites ( sometimes just because I needed a break as a home schooling mom) to see first hand the hard work that a man must do to provide for their families. We had a family motto: Work now, play later.
Having worked in schools I see today's kids with an absolute entitlement: designer clothing, nails manicured weekly, high end cars, and money in their pockets at all times. They don't have a sense of saving for what they want or even need. Parents have decided that their children come first. They want their lives to be easier than what they have had to do. In fact they have projected a future for their children of being served at every avenue. This is happening at younger ages all the time. I am sorry, but your five year old does not need a pedicure. Your seven year old does not need to stop at Starbucks on the way home from soccer practice......and don't even get me started on over crowded schedules of entertainment for children.
News flash mom and dad: you don't owe your children comfortably lush life. You owe them a life of work ethic. A life of accomplishment, goal setting. Few and far between is the teen age girl who does not wrinkle a nose at the thought of babysitting for some extra money or the boy that takes a snow shovel and make a few dollars shoveling the sidewalk for an elderly neighbor. In fact, so many of these kids have their bedrooms cleaned on a regular basis by a service they don't even have to dust their own dressers! How can we expect them to learn to work hard if they've never been expected to work or even taught how to work.
What we're seeing is a nation of over indulged individuals. I hear it repeatedly, My children are under so much stress with their AP courses, sports, drama and dance. Really, people? Do they need to do all that at once? Limit it,give it some structure, and guidance. The reason that these kids “have” to do this is because you allow it! Guess what parents? Stress is not so bad! If you did not place stress on a pencil with your fingers, it will not write! You must apply pressure! Pressure is how you get results. Where you allow the pressure makes the difference. Our nation's parents are allowing our kids to be obsessed with themselves. They primarily focus on themselves. If there isn't something for them in doing something, you can forget it. Why should I go rake my elderly neighbors leaves? what do I get out of it? How about the satisfaction of having helped a neighbor? Is that a good enough reason? It surely should be. Children need a balance that is directed by a thoughtful caring mom and dad. Instead of stringing along a laundry list of scheduled activities, why not pare it down, add family time that might not include them at the top of the list? How about serving others for a change? How about cutting out an extracurricular hobby to pursue a part time job in a grocery store or florist?
You can either chose to cultivate a generation of adults who “just can't cope with it all” or you can chose to watch what careful pruning and management may bring in a life well balanced may lead to in the future. You may not see it all at once, but you can be sure that you will see it and in more ways than you can think.
When our children were young guys, we expected them to work and work hard! Mark took our boys on job sites ( sometimes just because I needed a break as a home schooling mom) to see first hand the hard work that a man must do to provide for their families. We had a family motto: Work now, play later.
Having worked in schools I see today's kids with an absolute entitlement: designer clothing, nails manicured weekly, high end cars, and money in their pockets at all times. They don't have a sense of saving for what they want or even need. Parents have decided that their children come first. They want their lives to be easier than what they have had to do. In fact they have projected a future for their children of being served at every avenue. This is happening at younger ages all the time. I am sorry, but your five year old does not need a pedicure. Your seven year old does not need to stop at Starbucks on the way home from soccer practice......and don't even get me started on over crowded schedules of entertainment for children.
News flash mom and dad: you don't owe your children comfortably lush life. You owe them a life of work ethic. A life of accomplishment, goal setting. Few and far between is the teen age girl who does not wrinkle a nose at the thought of babysitting for some extra money or the boy that takes a snow shovel and make a few dollars shoveling the sidewalk for an elderly neighbor. In fact, so many of these kids have their bedrooms cleaned on a regular basis by a service they don't even have to dust their own dressers! How can we expect them to learn to work hard if they've never been expected to work or even taught how to work.
What we're seeing is a nation of over indulged individuals. I hear it repeatedly, My children are under so much stress with their AP courses, sports, drama and dance. Really, people? Do they need to do all that at once? Limit it,give it some structure, and guidance. The reason that these kids “have” to do this is because you allow it! Guess what parents? Stress is not so bad! If you did not place stress on a pencil with your fingers, it will not write! You must apply pressure! Pressure is how you get results. Where you allow the pressure makes the difference. Our nation's parents are allowing our kids to be obsessed with themselves. They primarily focus on themselves. If there isn't something for them in doing something, you can forget it. Why should I go rake my elderly neighbors leaves? what do I get out of it? How about the satisfaction of having helped a neighbor? Is that a good enough reason? It surely should be. Children need a balance that is directed by a thoughtful caring mom and dad. Instead of stringing along a laundry list of scheduled activities, why not pare it down, add family time that might not include them at the top of the list? How about serving others for a change? How about cutting out an extracurricular hobby to pursue a part time job in a grocery store or florist?
You can either chose to cultivate a generation of adults who “just can't cope with it all” or you can chose to watch what careful pruning and management may bring in a life well balanced may lead to in the future. You may not see it all at once, but you can be sure that you will see it and in more ways than you can think.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Right there in the middle, see it? "and the fire will test the quality of each man's work...." the fire will test the quality of each man's work. The instrument in which God is testing for "quality assurance" is fire. When I first think of fire, I think of damage, destruction. Most of the time, I don't think of refinement, or creation from fire. That's what God has in mind when using fire in our life. Creating a work of art. Making a beautiful piece of pottery that will be of use for something. If the element in the fire is metal, it becomes flexible enough to be bent and reshaped. If the element in the fire is clay, it becomes hardened and is a vessel that is useful in life, be it a carafe to hold wine, or a ceramic basket to hold bread for the dining room table. What if the element is coal, we know the shine of the furnace on coal; diamond. sparkling, faceted, shimmering.....amazing isn't it? Damage, destruction is the common thought for being brought through fire. But God knows it's not the damage, it's the beautification, the shine. The hardening to make us a useful vessel. The flexibility in fire to form rigid metal beam to become a hinge on a garden gate. Forged. That's the word for me in 2013. I will be tested for quality assurance of my work. Lord, give me a forged heart.
Monday, December 31, 2012
My friend, Michele just posted on Facebook that she is looking for Peace and Happiness in 2013. I am going to assume that Facebook will be loaded with many resolutions throughout today and tomorrow.
Ring in the New Year!
I don't make resolutions. I set goals. We all should. This year I'll be SMART. Actually, I'll be using S.M.A.R.T.
Specific: Be clear. Be concise. Be exact.
Measurable:
Goals are set by increments. Goals are more easily achieved when set in bite size portions.
Accountable: Have a friend keep you on track. Keep a journal. Be honest with yourself. Seek advice of others.
Realistic: Be realistic in your goals. Goals that are set realistically with clarity and measured in increments that are obtainable. Keep it real.
Time-targets: The goals you set need to be set with times and targets. Mark them on the calendar! Celebrate them!
It is always wise to look ahead, but difficult to look further than you can see.
Winston Churchill
http://www.brainyquote.com
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
The End of December.
Take heart my friend, December is nearly over. We'll be back to routine in no time flat. The Christmas decor will be tucked safely away in boxes and on shelves. New gadgets received as gifts will be used on a regular basis, that is after we find their new home. I've always loved this time of year with garden catalogs that arrive in the mailbox. I don't usually order a great deal but I always love looking at the foliage and fruits that are on the pages. For myself, what I love is looking forward to the next season, the freshness of new green and bright fruits and veggies on the horizon. This year, a new season involves a great deal more for me, for my family and those that chose to call me their friend.
Several "news" are coming to the Good household. For one, we'll be building an "in-law" apartment in our home and welcoming Mark's parents to join us in our home. I'm looking forward to this time with them. Mark's dad has Alzheimer Disease as well as cancer. Mark's mom is diabetic and has other medical issues that make it wise to have them return to Maryland to be close to all seven of their children. Our greatest hope is that they be close to family who love them and want to take the best care possible of them. Of course, we know that this will also be a time of adjustment for all concerned. We're fully confident that with everyone, from our immediate family to Mark's siblings being a vital part this will be a great adventure to hold dear. In my mind I see his family being able to have family dinners, playing cards with his parents, and just being able to draw closer with one another as they care for their parents. I am truly looking forward to this season for all of us.
Secondly, my job, which I truly loved came to an abrupt end right before Christmas. That ending made me truly sad because of the way in which it ended. Along with the ending of that job, came the ending of our attending the church we have grown over the years to call "our home church" Sometimes, it seems you just have to move to another home. It's sad. I sincerely dislike seeking a new church. I absolutely dislike the displacement I feel but I know it was what we had to do. In two-fold I've lost my job and my church. Both will now need to be filled.
A job, a job, a job.....where to even start seeking? I believe that God calls us into seasons for purposes we may see immediately or we may not see for the reasons for years to come. I can see right now in the immediate time that God has called me to be "home" to prepare in bringing mark's parents in with us. That was an easy call. Income is needed, however. I'll be spending much time in prayer and in researching and considering a business to be based from my home. I have a few ideas whirling around in my mind. I can also incorporate my son and his wife into these ideas. Still, whirling around for consideration.
As with all endings and new beginnings, such as a new year, I have my list of resolutions at hand. Get rid of old, reduce, reuse. There will be rethinking of how and why things are done.
The seed catalogs are arriving, I plan to put them into use this year. I plan on working with my mother in law for ideas for the garden out back. Violet,my mother in laws name appropriately, loves gardens. I know she misses having a garden. I plan on letting her "boss me around" (she'd never do that, shes far too gracious) and creating a garden that she can enjoy.
This season of time, as December rapidly comes to a close, will also open more doors, more opportunities for greater growth, more love to pour in. I can't wait for December to end.
Take heart my friend, December is nearly over. We'll be back to routine in no time flat. The Christmas decor will be tucked safely away in boxes and on shelves. New gadgets received as gifts will be used on a regular basis, that is after we find their new home. I've always loved this time of year with garden catalogs that arrive in the mailbox. I don't usually order a great deal but I always love looking at the foliage and fruits that are on the pages. For myself, what I love is looking forward to the next season, the freshness of new green and bright fruits and veggies on the horizon. This year, a new season involves a great deal more for me, for my family and those that chose to call me their friend.
Several "news" are coming to the Good household. For one, we'll be building an "in-law" apartment in our home and welcoming Mark's parents to join us in our home. I'm looking forward to this time with them. Mark's dad has Alzheimer Disease as well as cancer. Mark's mom is diabetic and has other medical issues that make it wise to have them return to Maryland to be close to all seven of their children. Our greatest hope is that they be close to family who love them and want to take the best care possible of them. Of course, we know that this will also be a time of adjustment for all concerned. We're fully confident that with everyone, from our immediate family to Mark's siblings being a vital part this will be a great adventure to hold dear. In my mind I see his family being able to have family dinners, playing cards with his parents, and just being able to draw closer with one another as they care for their parents. I am truly looking forward to this season for all of us.
Secondly, my job, which I truly loved came to an abrupt end right before Christmas. That ending made me truly sad because of the way in which it ended. Along with the ending of that job, came the ending of our attending the church we have grown over the years to call "our home church" Sometimes, it seems you just have to move to another home. It's sad. I sincerely dislike seeking a new church. I absolutely dislike the displacement I feel but I know it was what we had to do. In two-fold I've lost my job and my church. Both will now need to be filled.
A job, a job, a job.....where to even start seeking? I believe that God calls us into seasons for purposes we may see immediately or we may not see for the reasons for years to come. I can see right now in the immediate time that God has called me to be "home" to prepare in bringing mark's parents in with us. That was an easy call. Income is needed, however. I'll be spending much time in prayer and in researching and considering a business to be based from my home. I have a few ideas whirling around in my mind. I can also incorporate my son and his wife into these ideas. Still, whirling around for consideration.
As with all endings and new beginnings, such as a new year, I have my list of resolutions at hand. Get rid of old, reduce, reuse. There will be rethinking of how and why things are done.
The seed catalogs are arriving, I plan to put them into use this year. I plan on working with my mother in law for ideas for the garden out back. Violet,my mother in laws name appropriately, loves gardens. I know she misses having a garden. I plan on letting her "boss me around" (she'd never do that, shes far too gracious) and creating a garden that she can enjoy.
This season of time, as December rapidly comes to a close, will also open more doors, more opportunities for greater growth, more love to pour in. I can't wait for December to end.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Here we are, on what is called Black Friday. The day retailers go from "the red and into the black." For me this is pack up autumn/harvest day and begin to decorate for Christmas and the winter season.
I love decorating for the holidays. I have been looking forward to decorating this
My front porch is bare and that is very sad
To everything change,change,change
Ecclesiates 3:1
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens
Our lives change constantly. Sometimes the changes that occur are hard. Other times we just roll with the changes. No doubt that this season of Christmas will be hard without mom. The holidays will be sad without her. I'll have moments where I will need to talk with her and she won't be there. I'll want to tell her what gifts I bought. My memories of my mom will live with me for the rest of my life. Her shortbread cookies and her candied pecans will be a treasured memory for not only me, but for so many.
Time for everything. There is time for friends, time for family, time for a new job, time to remember mom. A time to decorate for a Merry Christmas.
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