A Letter to God

Today I am going to go with God's Divine Plan. I need to let go and let God.
Yesterday I had a plan, and no matter what, I intended to see it through.

Good morning God,

Yesterday is not a day I am proud of. I had a plan to complete the cowl I was knitting. I had a plan to wear it with my black pants and brown shirt to work on Monday. I had a plan to get the Pink Scarf Project on the knitting needles. I had a plan. God, You had other plans for me, and I wasn't listening.

Sundays vary at our house. Sometimes all is quiet and Gary and I are the only ones home. Sometimes one or two kids are home hanging out watching a movie or reading. Sometimes everyone is home and there is joyful chaos. Sundays are often good reading, writing and knitting days. I intended yesterday to be one of those Sundays.

Most of the day was reasonably quiet. One daughter at home who went out for a little while. Gary was at the computer all afternoon. I was peacefully completing the knitting of the cowl. Ah, life is good. Cowl was knitted and ready to be grafted.

That's where I should have listened to You, God. That's when You were letting me know, loud and clear, that You had other plans, better plans, for my evening.

I wasn't listening.

Suddenly, everyone was home and the house was active. Gary had the NASCAR race on in the room I was knitting in. Shannon decided that it was time to thoroughly clean Sheldon the Turtle's tank. Tracy arrived home from shopping with a big bag ready to show us what she bought. Meredith returned from a volleyball tournament excited to talk about it. Rick arrived home from a weekend snowboarding in Vermont with lots of laundry. During all this flourish of activity, the race got very exciting and Gary and Rick were shouting with excitement.

Now, what was Your Plan for me at this point, God? Probably to put the knitting aside, I was at the perfect place to stop, and join my family talking, cheering, cleaning the turtle's cage.

No! I had a plan and I intended to see it through! I intended to finish that cowl so I could wear it on Monday. I intended to wind three very large skeins of yarn into balls. I intended to get my next project onto the knitting needles. I was focused. I was persevering. I was stubborn. I was heading into trouble.

It was time to graft the cowl together. I had no idea how to do this, so I You Tubed it and, of course, found a video and began watching. Yes, in the middle of this joyful chaos, I was intent on watching the grafting video. Everyone was joyful, except me. I was beginning to get frustrated.

God, here again You were trying to get me on the right path. You were trying to save me. I still was not listening. Instead I picked up my knitting and my iPad, headed into my craft room where I abruptly set down my things, told my loving family to leave me be, and with great determination began to move at a rapid pace into knitting hell.

I watched my video, and I attempted to graft my project.

The yarn I was working with had tiny little sequins sewed into the yarn. They were what attracted me to the yarn in the first place. I loved these sparkly pink sequins. I used to love those sparkly pink sequins. Those teeny tiny not too many sequins became my enemies. I had to use a very long piece of yarn to graft the cowl closed. These tiny little monsters kept getting caught in the yarn and creating knots the size of ping-pong balls. By the time I untangled a knot I would forget where I left off in the four step grafting process. And, at this point, the cats caught sight of this tantalizing piece of yarn bobbing about. "Playtime!" they thought. Now, I am growling at my project, yelling at my family for attempting to include me in their conversation and still ignoring You,God. You couldn't have been any louder. I just refused to listen. My mind was made up and I was not altering my plan.

See those tiny little sequins? For such tiny little things they were huge problems!

The race was over. the turtle's home was sparkling clean, I was still grafting, untangling knots, holding the yarn up high so the cats couldn't get it and growling with frustration. My family ordered pizza. I kept on grafting. Well, I thought I was grafting. When I got to the end and held the piece up my frustration turned to sadness. The cowl was a mess and was beginning to unravel at both ends. Three months worth of knitting was slowly unraveling in my fist clenched hands.

God, now You finally got my attention!

Nearly in tears I set the piece down. Rick came in the room and asked what happened. I replied, "I was keeping with my plan when I should have let go. I was attempting to complete something when it was clearly not what God had planned for my Sunday evening."

I set the cowl down, got up and ate pizza with my family. I was finally on the right path. I could feel myself calming down. I enjoyed my family. I enjoyed my pizza. I enjoyed my glass of wine. I realized that I had caused my own problems. There was a wonderful joyful evening prepared for me, and I almost missed it all. Regretfully, I missed most of it.

God, You had provided me with wonderful knitting time. The knitting was complete. Now it was time to relax and enjoy my family. You would provide time for me to complete the rest. I did not need to hang onto my plan with both hands.

I will be more aware of the gifts You are putting in front of me.

Thank You, God, for not giving up on me last night or ever.

Thank You for my precious family, the greatest gift of all.

The unfinished bling cowl 

The Pioneer Woman

I have been addicted to The Pioneer Woman for a few years now. Although her lifestyle is definitely not the lifestyle for me, I love her work!

For those of you who are thinking, "Huh? Who is she talking about?" Check out:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

But I am thinking, "You really don"t know who she is?"



Last summer my friend Denise and I went to the BlogHer conference in NYC, and guess who was there?

 It was a dream come true!


I first came to know Ree Drummond via the blog world. Not long after I started blogging I was reading about her in other blogs, and those wonderful bloggers led me to Ree's blog "The Pioneer Woman."

I followed her blog for a while, then one day I saw an add on the food network channel for a new cooking show called The Pioneer Woman. I stared hollering to my family, " I know her! I know her! She's a blogging friend!" Now Ree Drummond doesn't know me from the lady who makes her butter in the Land-o-Lakes factory, but we were members of the blogging community and in my mind that made us friends. Of course, now, I follow both her blog and her TV show.

Ree and I have our similarities. We both blog. We both adore our husbands. We both are mothers to four children we love with our whole beings. We both have three siblings. We both adore our husbands. We both love our homes in the country. We both love our lives. We both adore our husbands.

Ree and I have our differences. She lives in the country on a cattle ranch of thousands of acres of cattle and horses. I live in the country on a six acre piece of land with deer, bear, turkeys, squirrels, chipmunks, fox and other assorted wildlife that I don't feed, ride on or eat. She has dogs. I have cats. She has two boys and two girls. I have three girls and one boy. But, the biggest difference of all - Ree likes to cook! She actually does it for fun! I see nothing fun in cooking. I cook because my family has to eat. If they were willing to eat peanut butter and jelly at every meal I would love them even more.

A couple of years ago I read that Ree had written a book titled The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. I jotted it down on my lists of books to read, but for some reason which I really do not know, I never read it. Last week I was in Barnes and Noble and sitting on the bargain table with a $5.38 sticker on it was Ree's book. It was the day before pay day, and I had just enough money in my wallet to buy that book.  I picked up the book and went to the counter to pay for it praying that the sales person wasn't going to say, "I'm sorry, but this book is not on sale. That sticker should not be here." Thank goodness that didn't happen! I paid for my book and left the store feeling like I had just purchased the Hope Diamond.

I arrived home, ate dinner, which really was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that night, got into my pajamas and went to bed at 8:00 P.M. with my new book and the excitement of a child on Christmas morning.

Orange is my favorite color and this book has a beautiful orange cover jacket, and the hard cover is the most gorgeous shade of orange. At a fantastic price and with covers I  want to frame, I was absolutely convinced that God had moved heaven and earth to put this book into my hands. Thank You, God!

 The jacket cover.               The hard cover. Isn't it gorgeous!?

I am about half way into the book and I love the price, I love the covers, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE BOOK! Ree Drummond has taken me into her life. This book starts at the night she met Marlboro Man and, according to the jacket summary, will tell me the whole love story. It reads like a novel, but it is even better because I know it really happened, and I believe in true love. I have laughed, I have cried, I have thought, "Oh dear, how does she keep getting herself into these situations?"

Ree blesses us all with the talents God gave her. I admire her and her work. I pray that I follow her example and use what God has given me to bless and serve others. God, could we just leave cooking out?

With love and peanut butter sandwiches,
Terry

The Real Reason Why I Blog

Dear Reader,

I have given a lot of thought about why I blog. When I first started blogging my purpose was to document my memories of raising my children (quadruplets) for my children. As I continued to blog I found myself blogging more about what was going on in my present day life. As my posts continued to be about my life now I created a new blog, and abandoned  the blog I began about my memories of raising quadruplets.

I continued to read that one must clearly have a purpose for their blog, and I found that I continued to think about my purpose. I  thought and prayed about it, and I came to the real reason why I blog.

Yes, like the subtitle to my blog says, I do share what makes my heart leap for joy. I  do write with the intention of uplifting my readers and adding a little joy to your lives. However, there is another reason, the real reason, that I choose to blog.

My mother died from breast cancer when I was 8 years old. I hardly knew her. Her parents had both passed away before I was born. My dad passed away when I was 28 years old. His parents had both passed away before I was born. I did not know my grandparents at all, and I remember very little about my mother. I am abundantly grateful that I knew my dad.

When my children were young I kept journals and diaries. I wanted to be sure that if anything ever happened to me (as morbid as that sounds) they would know me, and they would know how much I loved them. Now, my children are 24, and I am quite confident they know me, and they know how much I love them.  So now I write for the purpose that my grandchildren will know me, and my great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and so on. I believe that if they can get an understanding of who I am through my diaries, journals and blog, they might have a  better understanding of where they came from and why they are who they are.

In the book Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss  by Hope Edelman I read the words, "I am who I am because my mother died."  Fifteen years ago, when I first read those words, I was not convinced. However, now, at the age of 54, I understand that statement. I am who I am because my mother died when I was 8 years old, and I am a blogger because my mother died when I was 8 years old.

Love,
Terry
Mom
Grandma
Great-Grandma

Fabulous Pink Valentines!

 

Valentine’s Day I leaped out of bed! My countdown was over! Today was the day!

 

I awoke to this beautiful scenic gift.

 

 

 

The beauty of it captivated everyone in the area. I had a morning meeting at work, and everyone was talking about how beautiful the drive in was. There were tons of beautiful photos on Facebook. A Valentine gift from God.  

 

 

I am a teacher, and Valentine’s Day is a very exciting day at an elementary school, especially when it is the day before a four day weekend.

 

Usually, the students are not allowed to have sugary treats at school, but exceptions are made for Halloween and Valentine’s Day. My third and fourth graders were so happy.

The fourth grade boy, who brought in this cookie said, “Today is the best day of my life!” When I asked why, he said, “Because we have treats!”

I love the little pink heart down on the right hand side of this cookie.  

This cookie was absolutely delicious! The chocolate was fudgy and icing was scrumptious. I don’t usually eat cookies at ten o’clock in the morning, but Valentine’s Day was all about exceptions.

 

 

 

I took a picture of the package, because I plan to buy these cookies when I see them in the store.

 

Then I went to the teacher’s room for lunch, and these scrumptious delights were on the table.  

As you can see not only were the children getting their fill of sugar, but so was I.

 

Not everyone was passing out sugar. How cute is this? One little girl passed out silk flowers attached to flower seeds. Isn’t that a great idea? I got a big smile on my face when she handed me this, and I sighed a deep smiley sigh and thought, “Oh yay! Spring is on the way!”

 

Eventually we all stopped eating sugar. Some classes went outside to sleigh ride. Others curled up with books to read. It really was a delightful day for all.

 

While everyone else was having a sugar crash my energy and excitement were increasing!

 

At 3:40 when I could leave the building I literally ran out the door – hmm, was that the sugar?  

 

I arrived home and my husband was ready to go. YAY!!!!

 

We were going into New York City for the evening.

 

First, we had a delicious dinner at  http://www.joeallenrestaurant.com/Joe_Allen_welcome.html.

 

 

It was very cozy inside. The servers were exceptional, and the food was excellent. I recommend it highly if you are going to the theatre. They specialize in outstanding quick service so people can get to the theatre.  Oh yes, we were headed to see . . .

 

 

Do you see that tree in the window? We were there at night, and that tree was covered in little twinkle lights. It was so pretty!

 

 

They prepared and served our food so quickly, (but they do not rush you) that we had time to have an after dinner drink at the bar. Check out that register! They had two of them. I believe they are from around 1965. If you know what year they are from please comment. They were in perfect condition.

 

 

We left the restaurant and started to walk to our show. Yay!!!!!

This was the restaurant across the street. How pretty is that?

 

 

We walked two blocks to

BARRY MANILOW ON BROADWAY!!!!

 

HAPPY! HAPPY! HAPPY! HAPPY! HAPPY!

 

 

He put on a fantastic show!

Can you guess what he was singing here?

“I can’t smile without you . . .”

 

 

 

Do you remember when he looked like this? I do.

 

Don’t you love the pink sequined jacket?

For you.

Barry Manilow on Broadway 2/14/13

 

I loved Valentine’s Day 2013 so much that I posted on my Facebook:

#1 best day of my life – the day I married Gary                                    

#2 best day of my life – the day my children were born

#3 best day of my life – the day I saw Barry with Gary   

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Terry

I am linking up with http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2013/02/pink-saturday-february-16-2013.html

Five More Wake-Ups!

I am so excited! Only five more wake-ups until …

 

This morning I woke up to this:

See the screen? With the wind chill it was 4 degrees outside. I was staying warm and cozy inside. There was 12.5 inches of  snow outside.

 

This is our front yard. The wind was blowing the snow all over the place. It was also blowing it back on the driveway that my husband was working so hard to clear off.  

 

 

Today is a  perfect day to make a cup of hot chocolate and work on this:

It is a handbag that I knitted, crocheted and felted.  Now I am needle felting a design onto it. I have the design all laid out. Pink flowers with yellow centers. What do you think? The puffs of green are going to be leaves.

See the leaf cookie cutter? I use cookie cutters when I needle felt. They work beautifully!

 

It is also the perfect day to spend a little time working on this:

This is going to be a cowl that my daughters and I are going to share. It is really hard to see, but if you look closely you can see some pink sequins scattered here and there. I love a little bling!

 

 

BUT, no matter what project I am excited about, I am more excited about what is coming in five more wake-ups!

 

Valentine’s Day!!!!!

 

BECAUSE, along with my husband, my sister, and my sister’s significant other we are going to NYC - - - BROADWAY - - - to see

 

BARRY MANILOW!!!!!!

I love Barry Manilow! I have never seen Barry Manilow in concert. I am so excited!  I will bring my camera. Do you think they will let me take pictures? I promise to post them if they do.

 

I can’t wait to go to sleep tonight, because then it will only be four more wake-ups.

 

This year I plan to make sure that I have at least one special occasion that I am looking forward to each month. Something that makes my heart leap with joy just by thinking about it. In January I attended Vogue Knitting Live. It was fabulous! February is Barry! March, my husband and I are going to get away by ourselves for a weekend. He is planning that.

What are you looking forward to?

 

Love,

Terry

I am linking up to http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2013/02/happy-valentine-pink-saturday-february-9-2013.html. Thank you, Beverly!

and

http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/02/love-is-in-air_6.html

 

Have You Heard of Lungleavin Day?

 

Mesothelioma, I don’t know much about Mesothelioma. Thankfully, I only know one person who was diagnosed with this disease.

 

The other day I received an email from a 44 year old mother who told me her story about being diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

 

The person I knew did not beat this disease.

 

Heather Von St. James, the mother I received the email from, did! She beat it! She conquered it! She is cancer free! Yay!!!!

 

THANK YOU, GOD!!!! 

 

Heather sent me the email below, and asked me to provide a link to her article about Lungleavin Day that she posted on the blog at http://www.mesothelioma.com/.

 

I don’t know Heather. I don’t know anyone who knows Heather. I asked myself why God was asking me to help Heather.

 

Here’s my answer:

Remember this photo?

That’s my mom and me. I was 7, she was 45. She had cancer in this photo. She didn’t beat it. She didn’t conquer it. She is not a survivor. No little girl should have to grow up without her mom.

 

Heather has a little girl named Lily. Lillian was my mom’s name. Lily was 3 and 1/2 months when Heather got sick. Lily is 7 now - - - she still has her mom. She is a lucky little girl.

 

Heather has chosen to take her experience and use it to help others. I believe strongly in that. I took my experience and used it to help other children who lost a parent by volunteering with http://www.rainbows.org/.

 

BUT this post isn’t about me. It is about Heather.

 

Please read Heather’s email to me below, and if your heart leads you, click the link to her article.

 

Lungleavin Day is over. Heather is NOT looking for money. She just wants to spread the word about her successful recovery and this special day she created to help others.

 

If your heart leads you, perhaps you will write a post about Heather and spread her word.

 

Thank you,

Terry

 

Hi!

I came across your blog and really love how thoughtful and inspirational your posts are. I am 44 and a mother to a quirky little 7 year old, Lily. She is my only child and I couldn't imagine my world without her. When Lily was just 3 ½ months old, I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma; a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which kills 90-95% of those who have it. After intense treatment and a long recovery, almost 7 years later I'm still here and cancer free! My journey through cancer was quite a terrifying one and I'd like to turn my struggles and obstacles into inspiration and hope for others. One of many things that came out of my battle with cancer is a holiday I created called Lungleavin Day. This is the anniversary of my surgery (Feb 2nd) in which my entire left lung was removed. Lungleavin Day is a celebration of life and facing your fears. Each year we celebrate with nearly 100 loved ones. The idea of this day is for everyone to fill a blank plate with their fears and smash it into a bonfire at my Lungleavin day party, symbolizing people throwing their fears to the fire. I also use Lungleavin day as a fundraiser for mesothelioma research.

I am contacting you because I feel that your blog would be an excellent place to help get the word out about Lungleavin’ day! I recently wrote on my blog reflecting on this years holiday and what a success it was! Would you be willing to link to this article? I would love if you’d be willing to write a little bit about inspiration and then give a shout out to Lungleavin day! Here is the link to the article: www(dot)mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather/lungleavin-day-2013-generosity-abound.htm. Please let me know what you think.