Crafty

I've been reading this book, "The Friday Night Knitting Club," by Kate Jacobs and it's inspiring me. I do want to learn to knit better than I can now, but need a tutor, I think. So, I've been doing other crafty things. I've been working on two crocheted rugs for our bathroom. The first is complete and looks wonderful. Now, to just get the second one done. Then, I plan to crochet two sweaters for two babies on the way. Oh, and then there's this purse that I want to crochet for myself and the top that I saw in the same magazine. The list is almost endless.

I'm also working on a surprise for sister-in-law for her baby. That seems to be a bit more challenging than I had expected. It's a sewing project and it's cut out, but that's as far as I've gotten. It's easier to crochet with Ryan around in the evenings than to get out the sewing machine to sew. He's too interested in where it plugs in and the parts that make it go.

But the project I should be working on is scrapbooking. I really want to display the entire first year photos of Ryan at his first birthday party (btw, he turned one on Tuesday, had no clue why were singing to him and just wanted his bottle) but I'm so far behind. We're doing the party on the 28th so that sister-in-law, who missed his birth, won't miss the first party. We're keeping it simple, some food, some cake, some fun watching Ryan. But, that darn scrapbook is not up-to-date! I need some motivation... any books about scrapbooking clubs? =-)

They called in "Sick"

It's a nice day outside today. The sun is shining, it's hot and there's not a cloud in the sky. It's the perfect day for someone to call in "sick." While I have never done this some people do, like the people who work for my husband.

See, today started out really good. Ryan woke up at an hour that I felt was acceptable (i.e. not 5 a.m.) and husband was off to work. Ry has already taken two naps, which is great because earlier this week he wasn't really interested in napping at all. The ironing is done and the house isn't looking so bad.

Husband was going to come home from work, we'd get the grocery shopping done, take a walk, watch a movie. But that's going to be another night because someone decided to call in "sick." You know, they're a mother and I bet they call in "sick" tomorrow too.

I'm really po'd about the situation. I knew when husband took this job there would be days like this, except I thought they would be when people were really sick. In addition to him arriving home around 8 p.m., I also decided not to take the car today. I mean, he'd be home at 4 p.m. and we'd get to do things together so it wasn't a big deal.

So, if you're the type to call in "sick" think about the other people missing out on time with their parent or spouse because chances are they aren't going to like you very much anymore.

The man on the couch, gram and Kathleen

Last night I got up to go to the bathroom and there was someone sitting on our couch. I went back into the bedroom and said, "Adam, I hate to sound stupid, but I think there's someone in our living room." He quickly got out of bed, pushed me further into the room and went to investigate.

There was no one sitting on our couch, but we both thought it coul have been a person. It was just the guitar case and a sweatshirt. The two items were placed in such a way that it really looked like a person sitting there.

In other news, my grandmother is slowly getting worse. I've expressed to others that I'm not sure how to feel about this since we weren't very close. I'm sad she's dying, but know that she's been suffering for the past eight years with strokes and heart attacks.

I ask prayers for my mum. I can't imagine what it's like to watch you own mum slowly die.

I'd like it if you guys kept my friend Kathleen in your prayers. She recently had a miscarriage.

Update

Mum made it to be with grandma. All of her siblings are also there. I can only imagine that this is a hard time for them and for Gram who knows that she has a week to live... well less now.

Just thought I'd give an update.

Grandma

My grandmother is dying. She and my grandfather live in Ohio. My mum is rushing to meet them today and we're praying she makes it in time for one last vist with gram. It's a tough thing when you know someone has been suffering for so long. You want them to be at peace, but you want one last time together. My mum is a wreck, as she should be.

Prayers greatly appreciated.

We're back!

We had a lovely trip in the Bahamas. My dad was very surprised to see us for his birthday. When we arrived he was cleaning fish in the kitchen and when I walked in he asked what Ry and I were doing there. He was very glad to see us. We had a lovely trip that included spending Papa's birthday with him. The flights there were wonderful and I thought it would be the same on the way back, but alas I missed my connection (due to no fault of my own, only the unhelpful people of a certain airline) and had to purchase formula from a CVS which I had to get to by cab. I didn't get home till midnight with no suitcase because I ended up having to get a flight to Portland and not Manchester. Suitcase came in last night... late... like when no one should ring your doorbell. But I have it back!

A few photos of our adventure...



Ryan and Muma pose with the Junkanoo man.



" I don't like the sand. It's icky!"



In the big Atlantis chair.



Ryan looking at fish in Atlantis on Papa's birthday.



Ryan on the plane playing with his new toy.

Random Stuff

I promised myself I'd find time to make more than one post this month. I don't want anyone to stop checking because I haven't made a post in a month!

I've managed to get some sort of cold. I thought I'd dodged the bullet, but I guess I was bound to get this cold since Adam, Ryan and little Allison all had it.

Easter

It doesn't feel much like Easter here. We'll still have snow on the ground tomorrow. I'm longing to see tulips and other such flowers dotting people's lawns and there are none. While it may not feel like Easter, it is. Church happenings point that out very much. You can't go to Good Friday service and not be aware that tomorrow is the day we celebrate Christ's resurrection. He gave us this spring.

I read a wonderful line in my devotional today. It was talking about how easy it may be for us to point our fingers at the phariseees and say how horrible they were for getting Jesus hung on the cross. BUT "There are no good guys and bad guys, just a race of sinners who are passionately loved by their heavenly Father and who have been undeservingly redeemed by his beloved Son."

Passinately loved -- loved so much that He would die for us. We who turn our backs on Him and shake our fists when the going gets tough were undeservingly redeemed. Hallalujah, what a Savior!

Traveling

If Ry's passport makes it in time, we'll be leaving for beautiful Nassau next weekend. I'm excited about going. I will miss Adam not traveling with us. I will worry that he won't wake up in time for work and eat very unhealthy meals while I'm away. I will worry until we get there that Ry will be a horrible almost one year old... kicking and screaming to get down. But when I am there, I will relax and enjoy my dad's 62nd birthday (it's a surprise) and I will let Nana and Papa spoil my little rascal to death. I'm excited to see friends I haven't seen in awhile and just be at home in the warm weather. Should be fun.

Packing

And because of said trip I have already started packing. I hope to bring everything we may need that dear old mum doesn't have. Ry has helped with the packing, mostly closing and opening the suitcase.

So there's my post. I've enjoyed reading yours (if you have a blog). I'll be back soon. Promise

Last night we had another crazy bit of snow. It's April! Make the snow stop! Last week we had some nice spring weather and now it's like winter again. Good news is that Ry hadn't played in the snow yet, so he got his chance and here are some of the photos.

UPDATE ON THE MCGEE FAMILY

So I haven't posted in almost a month. I didn't fall off the face of the earth. We've just been living at the doctor's office and feeling a bit tired.

Since January I've had my fair share of doctor visits. It started with blurry vision and a trip to the eye doctor. That lead to a visit with my doctor after two eye docotrs found nothing worng. Then somewhere along the way I had a CT scan and an MRI and lots of blood work.

Good news... there's nothing wrong with my brain!

Diagnosis: Hyperthyroidism. That same monster that made my wicked since during pregnancy has come back in the form of a thyroid problem. An ultra sound showed my thyroid is swollen with multipile systs on it, but not to worry... we'll look at it all again in 6 months. While we wait for six months to pass, I'm taking meds for my hyperthyroidism and crossing my fingers that the next blood test comes out normal. Fun thing about the meds, I dropped 5 pounds in one day after they upped the dose. YIPPIE!

Then we all had that awful stomach virus that is going around. Ry had it first and then we both had it. It was the worst thing ever! The Monday I had it I slept on the couch most of the day. Ry would crawl over and climb up on me for nap time. When he was awake he'd play some more by himself (he's so good) and come to me when he was hungry. It was a wicked tough day. Dear Husband worked that Monday, but had Tuesday off, which was nice for Ry to have someone to play with. Allison, the baby I babysit, missed two days and then I was deathly afraid she would get it even after super disinfecting our house and all toys. She managed to stay healthy, but the week after brought us a cold! We're all doing much better.

And the weather has been crazy. One day it's like spring and we walk outside sans jackets and the next it's horrible snow storm, like today! Oh Maine! How we love thee!

In other news... sister-in-law found out she is having a baby girl. We're very excited for them.

Ry is growing like a weed. His favorite word is still "hi." He's liked that word for many months now. Sometimes we'll be driving and talking and out of nowhere he just starts saying hi, then we say it back and it keeps going on and on. It's cute.

He's still not walking. I think he'll have it mastered by the time he turns one, which is just two months away!!! Time for another little McGee =-) But thyroid must be in control first, so we wait!

Ryan is now 9 months old... as of Thursday. Where did the time go?

Favorite Smell

My favorite smell is pipe smoke. I know it sounds weird but it's true. I could have written about how I really like the smell of carnations and how Adam always purchases those for me because he knows they are my favorite flower to smell, but I really like to smell a pipe burning.

I guess the reason I like the smell pipe smoke is because it reminds me of home. I can remember walking down Bay Street as a child and seeing old men playing chess or checkers on the sidewalk. They'd always be smoking pipes. Pipes and old men just seemed to go hand-in-hand and I couldn't wait to marry and get old so my husband could sit on the porch in a rocking chair and smoke a pipe.

Also pipe smoke reminds me of the Atlantis hotel piano lounge where my friends and I spent many a Sunday evening after church playing spades. So many people were either smoking cigars or pipes in there. Those times of playing cards with friends are some of my most cherrished memories of home.

Favorite taste

This favorite was a lot more difficult than I first imagined. There are a lot of things that taste good.

I discussed this with dear husband and he helped me come to my senses. It's curry. I love curry, especially curry chicken. But I like curry in general. I love the spicy flavor. I like curry in Indian, Jamacian and even American foods. I just like curry.

When my parents come to visit, mom must make a big pot of curry chicken. At this point, I don't even have to ask anymore... it's on the menu that week. I can eat the entire pot, but won't. I often find curry tastes better the next day when the spices have had time to get, well, spicier!

A fond memory of a particular curry dish is that my mom always made it when we had guests over. Everyone loved it. I love those family gatherings. I love people so I also loved it when she prepared it for missionaries who visited our church. My husband says we sit around the table too much in my family, but to me that's where it all takes place, where you find out about a person's day and about that project at school. And it's even a better event when there's curry.

Favorite Sound

I love that sound when someone walks up to a chalkboard and takes their long finger nails and just scratches from top to bottom.


Just kidding. Typing that gives me the shivers.

I do, however, enjoy the sound of a full choir. I'm not even sure it would matter what they were singing as long as there was that harmony that comes along with a choir... a good choir.

I have a huge confession to make. For all of you who are GC grads... please no laughing... but sometimes I go online and listen to WGRN when it's time for chapel in hopes that the choir will be singing. I know, I know... all those years of cursing having to go to chapel and here I am years later sneaking in via radio... well the internet. Once when I was listening, to my delight, it was the choir. I loved the GC choir. I loved the Messiah production. I loved every song they ever sang. To me it's the most beautiful sound in the entire world. To me anyway =-)

Favorite thing to see

My first post is going to be about sight. I decided on sight because recently I have been experiencing vision loss in my left eye that is pretty much unexplainable. I've been to two doctors and have no diagnosis so far. I've told Adam so many times that I'd rather be deaf than blind because while I wouldn't be able to hear anything I wouldn't miss seeing him or Ryan or any of the other pretty things in the world. Plus I know sign language so that's a plus. I'll blog more about sight loss in a few days... maybe when there's more to tell than this.

My favorite thing to see is a sunset on the beach. I particularly like the sunsets seen in the Abacos while vacationing with my family. I can remember being really young and going up to the second floor of my grandmother's house in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, opening the shutters (there are no real windows) and waiting the sun set over the water. I did this very thing the day she died. I was 15-years-old then.

Since that time we've made it back to the Cay numerous times. I've photographed MANY sunsets on the water. Many of them have sailboats in them. I love how each sunset can be different. Some are very yellow, some orange and some a beautiful hue of red.

I think seeing a sunset if very peaceful. I can't ever remember a stressful vacation on the Cay. Days are spent reading books, fishing, snorkeling and driving around in a golf cart. Nights are spent playing card games and talking with family.

I also like sunsets in Nassau at the beach. We often went to the beach in the late evenings during the summer and we'd be walking to the car at sunset. It's just a really pretty event that isn't duplicated in any other sunset I've seen.

I wish I had a photo to post here, but none of them were taken with a digital camera. But that's my favorite sight and I hope I am able to see many more of those in my lifetime.

A Week of Favorites

My friend Kathleen is doing a week of favorites on her blog. I like the idea and figured I'd steal it. She stole the idea from her friend
Bree

Anyway I thought it was a great idea. I'm not sure if I'll go with the five senses as much as I think I will just post some of my favorite things this week.

That's all she wrote

I haven't posted anything here lately. It's probably because I don't really know what to write about. Nothing seems blog-worthy. I suppose an entry need only be a few lines, but I feel compelled to write more when I am here.

Maybe I'll just put some randmon items here and that will be good enough.

@ Christmas was quite and small. It was perfect! Loved the food. Loved being with the family.

@ The sister-in-law is three months pregnant. The mother-in-law had a dream about someone having twins, but as of today at sister-in-law's fist ultra sound, there is only one baby in that womb. They will be finding out whether it's a girl or a boy at 20 weeks. Father-in-law, of course, wants a girl. Brother-in-law wants a boy.

@ Allison has arrived. She has been with me for two weeks now. Babysitting her is so different from Ben. I love how her parents are so interested in EVERYTHING and that they show up the same time EVERY DAY! She's a grazer though, eating one or two ounces every hour. That's the only thing driving me nuts. She's wicked cute.

@ Ryan is jealous of Allison. When I'm feeding her, he's trying to get up onto my lap.

@ Ryan has mastered crawling and is pulling up on things. He's getting so daring. I can't believe he's 8 months old already. In some ways, I'm don't want him to learn how to walk on his own. I just want him to stay little.

@ Husband has two new job offers! The man is confused, as I think he should be, so prayers are requested here. Both are great jobs, but if he leaves WM again I doubt they will EVER hire him back... this would be the third time if that's what he decides. Sigh.

@ Been trying to lose lbs from the pregnancy that is now 8 months past. Managed 4 so far. It's not easy when you have a love affair with chocolate. And low-fat and sugar-free chocolate are not the same!

And that was all she wrote =)

Ryan at yesterday's party wearing an Elf bib given by a great aunt and playing with the Barbie SUV... he was playing with the convertible first, but this was cute. He just wants a car to play with... doesn't matter if it's girly.

CHRISTMAS EVE

It's Christmas Eve! Maybe there should be no "!" at the end of that sentence. While I am happy, I am also wicked tired. On Friday night we were out 'til 2:30 and dear young Ryan woke up at 6 the next mornining, or the same morning. We were with friends and it was well worth being up so late. I loved every minute of our visit.

I managed a two hour nap and then had to do the mommy and wife stuff. You know, cleaning bottles, packing a diaper bag for later, cleaning house. Then we were out again. Off to a family party for Adam's grandmother. It was nice. We played poker and won. Well, the first game Adam's mom got me out on the first hand. Then Adam came in second. The second game Adam and I were the last two and we just split the money. The game had been going forever so we just ended it. But while we were there Ryan of course got hungry, so I went to get a bottle and there were none! I had left them at home on the stove. I had formula though and lucky for us we were in a home with lots of babies. Thank heaven Ryan was a good baby that wasn't picky about which type of bottle his milk came in because we would have had to drive home 40 minutes with him screaming. He just drank it like a good boy. Then I went to change a diaper... had diapers, but no wipe. I felt like disorganized mommy.

While we were there Ryan ate some Banana Yogurt... the baby stuff. The kid is so sensitive to milk and I never thought he would get sick if I gave him this stuff. He did great. Ate the whole jar! Loved it! We wake him up for his 10 p.m. feeding and he pukes and pukes and pukes! I felt so bad for him. We were standing him up in the tub and he was shivering and we were trying to get him all clean and everything, but it was awful!

This morning he's better. And it's a busy day. Church this morning. Out shopping this afternoon because dadda hasn't finished his shopping yet. Then church this evening with the grandparents. Then dinner at the cousins and home again!

I've enjoyed this weekend so much. I got out of the house! More to come next week too since I don't have Ben anymore. Though it won't necessarily be getting out of the house as it will be seeing friends. Kathleen, my friends Marie and Tanya are coming over for a knitting lesson! Maybe I'll actually master purling!

Merry Christmas all!

Just in case you never read the comments... this person kindly helped me figure out where the thing on GC was... enjoy!


Blueis said...
You can find a link here...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032633/

Then on More students going to christian colleges.

GC on The Today Show

Our dear old Alma Mater was on the Today Show this morning. I just happened to turn it on at the time when they were mentioning something about Christians and Christian Schools and there was Greenville College! Our old neighbor Eugune Dunkley was there. Old Dr. James Lang (back in 1982 when I was in Atlanta I tested a peanut for Jimmy Carter) was there teaching a class. There was the old Methodist Church, which I know has some new name now and there was the Library and many other things! Nothing is on their website about it and I couldn't find anything on the Today Show website either.

Anyway, just thought I'd share.

I FINALLY GET IT!

I got one of those Christmas forwards where you’re supposed to fill in the blanks. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? You know what I mean. I filled it out, but was really stuck on question 14. I wrote and wrote and wrote and question 14 was two pages. So, I deleted the other stuff and decided I would share question 14 with you.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?

Especially this year, the most important thing is that the real meaning of Christmas not be lost in all the “hustle and bustle” of the holidays.

In my devotional this week I’ve been reading about how John the Baptist was so important in the story of Jesus. He was the one who pointed the way to the Messiah… he paved the way. We’re supposed to be the same. Our lives should say, “Look not at me, but at the other one, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.( John 1:29)” Adam and I are the ones who will point the way for Ryan to see Christ. So, the meaning cannot be lost or muffled. We are now the voice crying in the wilderness. We are the ones who, by our example, show that Christ is the real meaning of Christmas. And though Ryan’s so little I hope he gets some meaning out of the story of Christmas this year, even if it’s that Mary had a baby and he was special to the whole world.

While last Christmas I identified with Mary being heavy with child on her way to Bethlehem, this year the entire story has a whole new meaning for me. I see it in a different light. I think I finally understanding the waiting in hope for a savior. The entire story, from the time that God made the covenant with Abraham to the birth of the Messiah finally clicks. These people were yearning for HIM. Just look at Simeon. In Luke 2 it says he was a righteous and devout man who was waiting for the consolation of Israel… waiting for the Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die till he saw His Savior. So, he’s waiting in the temple and Mary and Joseph bring Jesus and he says, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” This guy’s whole life was devoted to waiting and looking for the savior. He waited and waited and then, the savior came. How happy he must have been!

This Advent, I truly understand the meaning of this waiting. Just think of all the hymns. Think of the words to “Come thou long expected Jesus” and “O Come, O come Emmanuel.” I bet these writers had a moment like I am having this year. The light just came on for them.

A hymn I truly love is a Catholic one, at least I think it must be because I have never sung it at my non-denominational church. It’s called Waiting in Silence and I feel like this hymn says it for me when it comes to understanding Advent. I’ll share the first verse with you…

“Waiting in silence, waiting in hope; we are your people we long for you, Lord. God ever with us, Emmanuel. Come, Lord Jesus, Maranatha!”

The rest of the hymn talks about thirsting, longing and seeking for the Messiah.

That’s how it was for the Israelites. They felt they truly needed a savior and they were looking for him anywhere. They were desperate.

This should be our lives!

Let’s face it though. The Messiah came, he saved us and we go about our lives. We’re too busy to spend time with him. We’re too busy to spend time with the one who loved us so much that he would die for us. How absurd!

That was my excuse and because I am not perfect, it could be my excuse again. Then I decided this Advent that I would make time. I mean, I make time to watch a movie with Adam. I make time with read books to Ryan. I make time to play games online. I make time to cook and eat. That’s all for my physical life. And my poor spiritual life was dying. It was starving. I think my hunger brought me here though. I wanted to fully understand what I would be teaching Ryan. So, at church I picked up a Christmas devotional that was free and I can’t put it down. I had to make myself not read the entire thing the first night. But through reading that and reading the scriptures that go with it – I feel I fully understanding now.

So, Come thou long expected Jesus, o come, o come, Emmanuel!