1) Prepared no less than 20 PB & J sandwiches.
2) Finished one sub-par books (awful is a strong word, but its close!)
Princess Sister by Sheila Copeland
3) Watched two sub-par movies Vanity Fair and She's the One.
4) Created and recreated a business card for my new business venture.
5) Had 3 major migraine episodes.
6) Ate more than I should at least 4 days.
7) Driven approximately 500 miles.
8) Made a new friend.
9) Checked out numerous books on tape (or CD) at the library. (Great for the kids when driving)
10) Absolutely failed to catch up on all of my favorite bloggers. (I miss reading what everyone has to say!!)
11) Balanced my checkbook - the first time in nearly a year.
12) Added up all of my (our) debt in an excel spreadsheet. Depressing.
13) Invited a lonely soul to dinner. They came. It was quite nice.
14) Let AngelBaby have hot dogs for breakfast 4 days in a row. (They are turkey franks. Does that make it better?)
Here it is ... 3pm on a Friday. I am completely wiped out and could use a good nap.
Hope your weekend it GREAT!
Frannie
The man who wins may have been counted out several times,but he didn’t hear the referee.Never quit or give up….never…..never give up.- H.E. Janson
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Remember when I said …
* My next read was to be The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer? Well, I didn’t read it. Instead I read This Pen For Hire by Laura Levine because LittleMiss picked it out for me at the Library. It looks pretty MaaMaa, you should read it. Who can resist a pretty book? Not me. It was funny. Now of course, I have learned that there are more ... not sure if I will read them or not.
* That I had had Vanity Fair and another movie that I couldn't name (turned out to be Raise Your Voice w/Hilary Duff) and that I had not watched it yet?? Well, I still haven't watched Vanity Fair and I think I have had these movies for nearly 3 months. Thank heavens for no late fees from Netflix.
* That I was going to be a more diligent blogger. I sincerely want to come up with something zany to write about ... but life seems to be happening on fast-forward right now. The days zing by so quickly that I can hardly breath -- much less post. I didn't even look at PostSecret until this morning ...
* That I was going to cook for 25 this past weekend ... yea, I did - PLUS another 15 (give or take). I cooked sooo much pork, I should have bought the entire pig. Let me tell you - there was a whole lot of wine in the pot ... but I think everyone enjoyed..
* That I was going to break all the rules and do a girls night out? I did it. I left Mr. Farmer and the children up to their own devices and went out with the ladies. Well out would be not quite right -- I went over to a friends who was hosting a Tapas Party. I have, of course, heard of Tapas .. but I wasn't really sure what it meant. What it meant to me was - good food, good wine, many laughs and great friends. Check out The New Spanish Table if you get a chance ... great book.
* That I was trying to start my own business venture? Well, last week I actually got the ball rolling. I am so darned nervous, I can't even tell you. So, if you are a prayer and are inclined to pray for Frannie - please do. I could use it.
Well, I think that is all I can come up with for now. AngelBaby is almost finished watching Pooh's Grand Adventure - and I promised her a trip to the Library if she would settle down for the entire movie -- and she has ... so I must deliver!
Hope your week is good. I will be wondering around to catch up on your blogs ...
Frannie
The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship. Ralph Waldo Emerson
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41
* That I had had Vanity Fair and another movie that I couldn't name (turned out to be Raise Your Voice w/Hilary Duff) and that I had not watched it yet?? Well, I still haven't watched Vanity Fair and I think I have had these movies for nearly 3 months. Thank heavens for no late fees from Netflix.
* That I was going to be a more diligent blogger. I sincerely want to come up with something zany to write about ... but life seems to be happening on fast-forward right now. The days zing by so quickly that I can hardly breath -- much less post. I didn't even look at PostSecret until this morning ...
* That I was going to cook for 25 this past weekend ... yea, I did - PLUS another 15 (give or take). I cooked sooo much pork, I should have bought the entire pig. Let me tell you - there was a whole lot of wine in the pot ... but I think everyone enjoyed..
* That I was going to break all the rules and do a girls night out? I did it. I left Mr. Farmer and the children up to their own devices and went out with the ladies. Well out would be not quite right -- I went over to a friends who was hosting a Tapas Party. I have, of course, heard of Tapas .. but I wasn't really sure what it meant. What it meant to me was - good food, good wine, many laughs and great friends. Check out The New Spanish Table if you get a chance ... great book.
* That I was trying to start my own business venture? Well, last week I actually got the ball rolling. I am so darned nervous, I can't even tell you. So, if you are a prayer and are inclined to pray for Frannie - please do. I could use it.
Well, I think that is all I can come up with for now. AngelBaby is almost finished watching Pooh's Grand Adventure - and I promised her a trip to the Library if she would settle down for the entire movie -- and she has ... so I must deliver!
Hope your week is good. I will be wondering around to catch up on your blogs ...
Frannie
The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship. Ralph Waldo Emerson
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41
Friday, April 20, 2007
And for dessert.
Molasses MarbleCake
Whatcha need:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups sifted cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3 tablespoons molasses
How ya make it:
Set oven at 350 degrees and grease loaf pan.
Cream butter, add sugar gradually and beat until light and fluffy.
Add beaten eggs and continue to cream.
Next add flour, which has been sifted together with baking power and salt, alternately with milk.
Beat after each addition.
Then remove 2/3 of batter from bowl.
Add spices and molasses to the remaining batter and beat well.
Drop by tablespoons into greased loaf pan, alternating light and dark mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Serve plain or frost with your favorite icing.
Nice to serve with coffee or tea and is good without frosting.
SERVES: 8
Source: River Road Recipes
Whatcha need:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups sifted cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3 tablespoons molasses
How ya make it:
Set oven at 350 degrees and grease loaf pan.
Cream butter, add sugar gradually and beat until light and fluffy.
Add beaten eggs and continue to cream.
Next add flour, which has been sifted together with baking power and salt, alternately with milk.
Beat after each addition.
Then remove 2/3 of batter from bowl.
Add spices and molasses to the remaining batter and beat well.
Drop by tablespoons into greased loaf pan, alternating light and dark mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.
Serve plain or frost with your favorite icing.
Nice to serve with coffee or tea and is good without frosting.
SERVES: 8
Source: River Road Recipes
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Frannie's Fixin's & Cookin' Tips
Do your kids bring home Stinky Lunch Boxes?
Let me just say -- the Farmer children grow things in their lunch boxes ... by the time Frannie gets them, they are a full on science experiment.
Here's what you do ...
Grab that left over Vinegar jug from Easter - dampen a paper towel with as much as you can stand, throw it in the lunch box for the night and wipe it clean in the mornin'.
I have also used orange or lemon peels ... but the vinegar does the trick best.
So speaking of vinegar ... have any of you tried the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet? I have heard that it really works ... just not sure I could handle heart burn. What do you think?
Frannie will be cooking up some good food for about 25 this weekend - here is the main dish ...
PORK TENDERLOIN A LA CREME *
1 sm. pork tenderloin, sliced in 1/2" thick slices
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tbsp. heavy cream
3/4-1 c. bread crumbs
1 ½ cup fresh chopped mushrooms, any kind
1 small onion chopped
2 tbsp. fresh minced parsley
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cracked pepper
5 tbsp. butter
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup heavy cream
1 c. sour cream or plain yogurt
1/4 c. dry sherry
8 oz. med. egg noodles or fettuccini, cooked
About 6 to 9 slices.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Slightly flatten slices of pork tenderloin; set aside.
Combine egg and heavy cream. Dip each slice of tenderloin in egg mixture and then in crumbs which have been mixed with salt and pepper. Melt butter in sauté pan or skillet; brown tenderloin until golden. Drain slices and place in bottom of a 2 quart glass baking dish. Combine all remaining ingredients into sauce pan, except noodles and parsley; simmer until onions are thoroughly cooked – salt and pepper to taste. Pour ¾ of sauce over pork, reserve the rest to add to dish. Bake, covered for 1 hour. Serve tenderloin and crème sauce over egg noodles or fettuccini. Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4 to 6
Excellent with steamed spinach, asparagus or broccoli.
NOTE: Can be prepared early in the day and baked when ready to serve.
* Not a Pork eater - or on a tighter budget? Use chicken breasts, skip the cream, use cracker crumbs instead up fancier bread crumbs, cheap white wine (or apple cider) rather than Sherry, and dry herbs instead of fresh -- it is still pretty darned good.
Let me just say -- the Farmer children grow things in their lunch boxes ... by the time Frannie gets them, they are a full on science experiment.
Here's what you do ...
Grab that left over Vinegar jug from Easter - dampen a paper towel with as much as you can stand, throw it in the lunch box for the night and wipe it clean in the mornin'.
I have also used orange or lemon peels ... but the vinegar does the trick best.
So speaking of vinegar ... have any of you tried the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet? I have heard that it really works ... just not sure I could handle heart burn. What do you think?
Frannie will be cooking up some good food for about 25 this weekend - here is the main dish ...
PORK TENDERLOIN A LA CREME *
1 sm. pork tenderloin, sliced in 1/2" thick slices
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tbsp. heavy cream
3/4-1 c. bread crumbs
1 ½ cup fresh chopped mushrooms, any kind
1 small onion chopped
2 tbsp. fresh minced parsley
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cracked pepper
5 tbsp. butter
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup heavy cream
1 c. sour cream or plain yogurt
1/4 c. dry sherry
8 oz. med. egg noodles or fettuccini, cooked
About 6 to 9 slices.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Slightly flatten slices of pork tenderloin; set aside.
Combine egg and heavy cream. Dip each slice of tenderloin in egg mixture and then in crumbs which have been mixed with salt and pepper. Melt butter in sauté pan or skillet; brown tenderloin until golden. Drain slices and place in bottom of a 2 quart glass baking dish. Combine all remaining ingredients into sauce pan, except noodles and parsley; simmer until onions are thoroughly cooked – salt and pepper to taste. Pour ¾ of sauce over pork, reserve the rest to add to dish. Bake, covered for 1 hour. Serve tenderloin and crème sauce over egg noodles or fettuccini. Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4 to 6
Excellent with steamed spinach, asparagus or broccoli.
NOTE: Can be prepared early in the day and baked when ready to serve.
* Not a Pork eater - or on a tighter budget? Use chicken breasts, skip the cream, use cracker crumbs instead up fancier bread crumbs, cheap white wine (or apple cider) rather than Sherry, and dry herbs instead of fresh -- it is still pretty darned good.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
When you want to say something.
And you jut can not put it into words.
In general, I might have a slight tendency to turn a blind eye to all things bad. Not that I condone them - HELL NO. But people doing *bad things* typically do not ask my opinion before they commit such actions. When I read the newspaper or listen to the radio I skim past the tragic events of the day -- and indeed it seems that there is a tragedy every single day.
I suppose I could be considered ignorant, not intelligent enough to pay attention and form an opinion. It could be assumed that I am callus - that I just don't care what is happening in our world. It could also be inferred that I relish in being a martyr.
After all it has been pointed out to me … on numerous occasions that I simply CARE TOO MUCH. That I easily take on the heartache of others. That I can wallow and worry about issues that have no impact on my life – or the lives of those I love.
Again I digress, as is another bad habit …
Each time that something as catastrophic happens as the Virginia Tec. Shooting, I am filled with a deep sadness that I can scarcely shake. I am teeming with fear for my own children, for my nieces and nephews, second cousins that are scattered across the nation. Those that I could not get to them quickly enough if such a disaster were to hit them …
These things live with me for days, weeks, months – years even. I still have nightmares about the Columbine School shootings, the Oklahoma City bombings and the Waco Massacre.
To be perfectly honest, I fret in the month of April. I doubt that I am the only one to notice the plethora of dreadful events that happen in the month of April.
I suppose the other reason that I dread April is that I have had a number of personal tragedies take place in April – deaths, breakups, crimes … it also happens to be my birthday month; which, for me, has not necessarily been a time of blessings.
What did I intend to say when I started this? Obviously there are words in my heart that wish to emerge – I just can’t seem to get it right on paper (sic). Mostly I am thinking that these types of things are why I prefer to read celebrity trash – so my heart doesn’t hurt so much, so my brain doesn’t think to much – as so I don’t feel quite as useless to help.
Frannie
Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic. - Oscar Wilde
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5
In general, I might have a slight tendency to turn a blind eye to all things bad. Not that I condone them - HELL NO. But people doing *bad things* typically do not ask my opinion before they commit such actions. When I read the newspaper or listen to the radio I skim past the tragic events of the day -- and indeed it seems that there is a tragedy every single day.
I suppose I could be considered ignorant, not intelligent enough to pay attention and form an opinion. It could be assumed that I am callus - that I just don't care what is happening in our world. It could also be inferred that I relish in being a martyr.
After all it has been pointed out to me … on numerous occasions that I simply CARE TOO MUCH. That I easily take on the heartache of others. That I can wallow and worry about issues that have no impact on my life – or the lives of those I love.
Again I digress, as is another bad habit …
Each time that something as catastrophic happens as the Virginia Tec. Shooting, I am filled with a deep sadness that I can scarcely shake. I am teeming with fear for my own children, for my nieces and nephews, second cousins that are scattered across the nation. Those that I could not get to them quickly enough if such a disaster were to hit them …
These things live with me for days, weeks, months – years even. I still have nightmares about the Columbine School shootings, the Oklahoma City bombings and the Waco Massacre.
To be perfectly honest, I fret in the month of April. I doubt that I am the only one to notice the plethora of dreadful events that happen in the month of April.
I suppose the other reason that I dread April is that I have had a number of personal tragedies take place in April – deaths, breakups, crimes … it also happens to be my birthday month; which, for me, has not necessarily been a time of blessings.
What did I intend to say when I started this? Obviously there are words in my heart that wish to emerge – I just can’t seem to get it right on paper (sic). Mostly I am thinking that these types of things are why I prefer to read celebrity trash – so my heart doesn’t hurt so much, so my brain doesn’t think to much – as so I don’t feel quite as useless to help.
Frannie
Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic. - Oscar Wilde
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King Jr.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5
Friday, April 13, 2007
Frannie's Friday Fourteen - NO BOYS ALLOWED!
I can't seem to get back in the groove of posting regularly. Mostly because Mr. Farmer seems to be around a lot more lately -- at the times that I would generally post. And since he isn't aware of this blog, and I am not prepared to introduce him to this part of the technology drive world .. I don't blog in front him. (I also don't wee, poo or fluff in front of him -- so you see, it is important to keep up appearances!)
Ok ... so there have been some ... ummm, girl things running through my cluttered brain lately ... thus the NO BOYS ALLOWED! So if you are a boy (man, male, machismo -whatever) stop reading right this minute and come back another day!
1) So as I mentioned, since Mr. Farmers new business venture he has been a changed man -- for the better. I have been a better wife. And thinking in the l.o.v.e. department have been ... ummmm ... well ... spicy!
2) Recently Manic mentioned that she was felling a bit crabby about being almost in her L A T E thirties. And I feel for her, I do! I am in the same place, although I think I am a bit older than Manic's L A T E thirties.
3) The flip side of being in my L A T E thirties, is that my ... ummmm ... drive is quite charged. I feel like a teen aged boy with raging hormones but no acne. It is astonishing. Really.
4) Not that my drive was ever low, but between the weight loss and hormones, it is hopped up! And Mr. Farmer doesn't quite know what to make of it.
5) Now I have to make some, well, potentially embarrassing admissions and ask some potentially embarrassing questions.
6) Last week, I was trimming the hedge, so to speak ... and got a little carried away and completely mowed the lawn. You know how you just sort of start trimming something and it gets a little of balanced and so you trim some more and then the other side is off ... and so on and so on ... pretty soon --- g.o.n.e. Yep, that's me.
7) Which isn't all that bad. I have been there before and this time the side effects aren't as bothersome as they have been. I got some of this and it really helps.
8) However, I have decided that I would like to be rid of the lawn more long term .. and well, most smoothly. I tried this, but it didn't work. I think the lawn is perhaps too short ... but I am not sure.
9) Potentially embarrassing question -- how long does the lawn have to be before you can get a professional lawn mowing? This is getting complicated.
10) You see, I have never had awax job lawn mowing - on any body part before ... I don't actually have ... well, ummm, any other body lawn to mention. So I don't know what the standards are for getting the job done.
11) Ok, other girl stuff ... since I have lost quite a bit of weight, and since I have birthed 4 babies (and had a few other pregnancies that resulted in miscarriage) I have a mommy tummy that won't go away, regardless of the number of sit-ups I do. I am actually considering a tummy-tuck. Has anyone else had one? Please tell me about it. The pain, the recovery, the cost ... email me at youcantunscramblescrambledeggs @ gmail dot com.
12) Does anyone think that is bad? A tummy-tuck, I mean? I have to say that I am not sure ... that perhaps it isn't what God intends ... and then this morning I read a quote on T's blog "God may have put them there but that's not where he wants them!" - Stacy London. Worth thinking about.
13) I am attending a girls night out tonight. I can't remember the last time I did that. I am so excited. So, of course, LittleMiss woke up vomiting this morning - I swear it happens (with one of them) every time I want to go somewhere.
14) Guess what? I am going anyway! She doesn't have a fever. Her spirits are still high ... she is playing and having a good time -- except when she vomits every other hour. I am certain that Mr. Farmer can handle it.
--- Ok, so I never asked to be nominated Mother of the Year.
Frannie
· A man is not old as long as he is seeking something. - Jean Rostand
Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:4
****************************************
I just have to say ... I consider myself a Christian blogger - and felt a little conflicted about posting on such a racy topic -- but I realized that I am just an average woman with average things (I hope!) and that I don't think talking about s.e.x. is an un-Christian thing to do ...
****************************************
Ok ... so there have been some ... ummm, girl things running through my cluttered brain lately ... thus the NO BOYS ALLOWED! So if you are a boy (man, male, machismo -whatever) stop reading right this minute and come back another day!
1) So as I mentioned, since Mr. Farmers new business venture he has been a changed man -- for the better. I have been a better wife. And thinking in the l.o.v.e. department have been ... ummmm ... well ... spicy!
2) Recently Manic mentioned that she was felling a bit crabby about being almost in her L A T E thirties. And I feel for her, I do! I am in the same place, although I think I am a bit older than Manic's L A T E thirties.
3) The flip side of being in my L A T E thirties, is that my ... ummmm ... drive is quite charged. I feel like a teen aged boy with raging hormones but no acne. It is astonishing. Really.
4) Not that my drive was ever low, but between the weight loss and hormones, it is hopped up! And Mr. Farmer doesn't quite know what to make of it.
5) Now I have to make some, well, potentially embarrassing admissions and ask some potentially embarrassing questions.
6) Last week, I was trimming the hedge, so to speak ... and got a little carried away and completely mowed the lawn. You know how you just sort of start trimming something and it gets a little of balanced and so you trim some more and then the other side is off ... and so on and so on ... pretty soon --- g.o.n.e. Yep, that's me.
7) Which isn't all that bad. I have been there before and this time the side effects aren't as bothersome as they have been. I got some of this and it really helps.
8) However, I have decided that I would like to be rid of the lawn more long term .. and well, most smoothly. I tried this, but it didn't work. I think the lawn is perhaps too short ... but I am not sure.
9) Potentially embarrassing question -- how long does the lawn have to be before you can get a professional lawn mowing? This is getting complicated.
10) You see, I have never had a
11) Ok, other girl stuff ... since I have lost quite a bit of weight, and since I have birthed 4 babies (and had a few other pregnancies that resulted in miscarriage) I have a mommy tummy that won't go away, regardless of the number of sit-ups I do. I am actually considering a tummy-tuck. Has anyone else had one? Please tell me about it. The pain, the recovery, the cost ... email me at youcantunscramblescrambledeggs @ gmail dot com.
12) Does anyone think that is bad? A tummy-tuck, I mean? I have to say that I am not sure ... that perhaps it isn't what God intends ... and then this morning I read a quote on T's blog "God may have put them there but that's not where he wants them!" - Stacy London. Worth thinking about.
13) I am attending a girls night out tonight. I can't remember the last time I did that. I am so excited. So, of course, LittleMiss woke up vomiting this morning - I swear it happens (with one of them) every time I want to go somewhere.
14) Guess what? I am going anyway! She doesn't have a fever. Her spirits are still high ... she is playing and having a good time -- except when she vomits every other hour. I am certain that Mr. Farmer can handle it.
--- Ok, so I never asked to be nominated Mother of the Year.
Frannie
· A man is not old as long as he is seeking something. - Jean Rostand
Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:4
****************************************
I just have to say ... I consider myself a Christian blogger - and felt a little conflicted about posting on such a racy topic -- but I realized that I am just an average woman with average things (I hope!) and that I don't think talking about s.e.x. is an un-Christian thing to do ...
****************************************
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Happy Easter.
I sang my heart out at church today - that always helps!
Thanks for all of your loving comments and WELCOME my new blogging friends, I will be by your place soon!
Frannie
Thanks for all of your loving comments and WELCOME my new blogging friends, I will be by your place soon!
Frannie
Resurrection Prayer
O Risen Lord,
the way, the truth and the life,
make us faithful followers
of the spirit of your resurrection.
Grant that we may be inwardly
renewed; dying to ourselves
in order that you may live in us.
May our lives serve as signs
of the transforming power of your love.
Use us as your instruments
for the renewal of society,
bring your life and love to all
and leading them to your Church.
This we ask of you, Lord Jesus,
living and reigning with the Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God forever.
Amen.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
We're not like other people.
Most people are gearing up to spend tomorrow with friends and family … celebrating Easter with the traditional ham or leg of lamb, searching for eggs, tearing into colorful Easter baskets …
Not us.
We will attend the sunrise service at church, of course. There is a brunch and then a regular service. We’ll be there. And then everyone will skitter off …
We’ll go home. Just us. No extended family. No friends. No celebration.
At least not the kind that comes to mind – my mind. In my mind, we just aren’t like other people. Other families. Normal families.
I know, we CAN make our own traditions and we will. But at these times, when it seems that everyone has somewhere to go and people to be with … I feel at a loss. I wish for involved grandparents for my children. I wish for aunts and uncles that want to be around – or that we are willing to let come around. I wish for big gatherings, for chaos and laughter and a little tension and the combining and bonding of families. I wish for ladies cooking together in the kitchen and the men hanging out in the den. Children running wild, trying to steal a bite of this or that.
We just don’t have that. At all.
Today I am shedding my sadness here.
Today I will mourn for the traditional family that we don’t have – but only here.
Tomorrow I will be joyous.
Tomorrow I will dress my girls in sweet pastel dresses with lovely Easter bonnets (the 2 that will let me!).
Tomorrow I will make cute baskets for my girls (even though 2 of 4 don’t believe in it and think it lame – or whatever the current word is)
Tomorrow I will still cook a ham (even though I don’t care for it) and.
Tomorrow I will try to explain the real meaning of the day … I will tell my children that we are all we need and I will mean it … tomorrow.
Frannie
Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise, Without delays…-George Herbert, stanza from "Easter"
Good Friday is the mirror held up by Jesus...it turns us to that cross and to his eyes and we hear these words, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." -Robert G. Trache
Lead Me to Peace
Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill my heart,
my world, my universe.
Amen.
Not us.
We will attend the sunrise service at church, of course. There is a brunch and then a regular service. We’ll be there. And then everyone will skitter off …
We’ll go home. Just us. No extended family. No friends. No celebration.
At least not the kind that comes to mind – my mind. In my mind, we just aren’t like other people. Other families. Normal families.
I know, we CAN make our own traditions and we will. But at these times, when it seems that everyone has somewhere to go and people to be with … I feel at a loss. I wish for involved grandparents for my children. I wish for aunts and uncles that want to be around – or that we are willing to let come around. I wish for big gatherings, for chaos and laughter and a little tension and the combining and bonding of families. I wish for ladies cooking together in the kitchen and the men hanging out in the den. Children running wild, trying to steal a bite of this or that.
We just don’t have that. At all.
Today I am shedding my sadness here.
Today I will mourn for the traditional family that we don’t have – but only here.
Tomorrow I will be joyous.
Tomorrow I will dress my girls in sweet pastel dresses with lovely Easter bonnets (the 2 that will let me!).
Tomorrow I will make cute baskets for my girls (even though 2 of 4 don’t believe in it and think it lame – or whatever the current word is)
Tomorrow I will still cook a ham (even though I don’t care for it) and.
Tomorrow I will try to explain the real meaning of the day … I will tell my children that we are all we need and I will mean it … tomorrow.
Frannie
Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise, Without delays…-George Herbert, stanza from "Easter"
Good Friday is the mirror held up by Jesus...it turns us to that cross and to his eyes and we hear these words, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." -Robert G. Trache
Lead Me to Peace
Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill my heart,
my world, my universe.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Not a thing.
I haven't said a thing yet.
One knows that I know. The other has no clue. Things are unbalanced.
It isn't a man that is cheating ... in the situation that I feel closest to.
I have been there. I mean the being cheated on part ... It seems that I should know the right answer - I agree that there are too many diseases out there for a person catch and pass on -- but I am not sure the he in this case will listen -- isn't there a point when a person is ready to hear -- and a time when they aren't.
I doubt that I am the only one who knows .. how can I be? But everyone is acting like everything is ok! I can't do that -- which means that I am skipping things that I would normally take part in.
Huh .. funny huh ... everyone will wonder what my problem is!
Tomorrow I am going on a lovely train ride field trip with SweetiePie and 60 other intermediate students .. should be fun - I am packing myflask Advil ... :O) Wish me luck!
Frannie
I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one. - Henry Ward Beecher
Marrying for love may be a bit risky, but it is so honest that God can't help but smile on it. - Josh Billings
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19
One knows that I know. The other has no clue. Things are unbalanced.
It isn't a man that is cheating ... in the situation that I feel closest to.
I have been there. I mean the being cheated on part ... It seems that I should know the right answer - I agree that there are too many diseases out there for a person catch and pass on -- but I am not sure the he in this case will listen -- isn't there a point when a person is ready to hear -- and a time when they aren't.
I doubt that I am the only one who knows .. how can I be? But everyone is acting like everything is ok! I can't do that -- which means that I am skipping things that I would normally take part in.
Huh .. funny huh ... everyone will wonder what my problem is!
Tomorrow I am going on a lovely train ride field trip with SweetiePie and 60 other intermediate students .. should be fun - I am packing my
Frannie
I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one. - Henry Ward Beecher
Marrying for love may be a bit risky, but it is so honest that God can't help but smile on it. - Josh Billings
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
I wonder if you'll be back.
And by you ... I mean the people who lurked around daily and never commented ... my blogger friends, I think, will remain my friends despite my recent disappearing act. But those who lurk, well, I just doubt that they are as invested.
I don't blame them really ... I haven’t been as ardent a blogger as I had hoped to be. I had a plan of sorts … a method to my own madness really – but then life kept happening and I wasn’t able to post as much as I wanted, not that I haven’t thought about it … that is the other issue; I have found blogging (reading, posting, commenting) to be an obsessive hobby. One that I can hardly stop thinking about; why couldn’t I have taken up jogging instead?
Anywho … I am not nearly back yet. Mr. Farmer’s new venture has, indeed, caused much more work for me … but so far it has been a fabulous thing for him – so I will continue to support him to the best of my ability! (I would either way, but it is much easier when the venture is a success!)
And I have been cookin’ more than I thought I would! Business is not too shabby for a hick like me :O) It will still take us about a year, I think, to catch up from gettin’ behind … but we are on our way.
Another reason for my continued sabbatical is more personal.
In the past two weeks I have discovered that one dear friend is being cheated on by their spouse, at the same time I have learned that another is doin’ some cheatin’ … it is really breaking my heart. And it is a hard spot to be stuck in. Not knowing what to say or do … do you let them know you know (either party?) … do I tell them what I really think? Part of me says ‘it’s none of your business Frannie, keep out of it’ while the other part of me screams ‘if I don’t say something isn’t that like condoning the behavior?’
It isn’t the first time I have been in this spot – I was here many times in high school and my early 20’s … and I did learn that the messenger was usually shot. But it is different now for two reasons – 1) I am a Christian and these are folks who claim the faith and have (in the past) appreciated my Christian outlook and honesty and 2) there are children involved.
I keep going back to ‘would I want to know … really?’
I think I would. But I really can’t say for sure … I think in my mind if Mr. Farmer was going to have a ‘one off’ with someone, I wouldn’t want to know necessarily. But if it was an actual on going thing – of course I would want know, preferably before everyone else in my sleepy little town knew …
Urgh! I am hating this … the more I write about it the more I can feel the pit in the bottom of my stomach grow!
What do you think?
Frannie
You don't have to be alone in your hurt! Comfort is yours. Joy is an option. And it's all been made possible by your Savior. -Joni Eareckson Tada
God's everywhere. God's in the effort, God's in the struggle, whether that's for civil rights or creative expression. God's always in the struggle with us. -Anne Lamott
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. Psalm 40:10
I don't blame them really ... I haven’t been as ardent a blogger as I had hoped to be. I had a plan of sorts … a method to my own madness really – but then life kept happening and I wasn’t able to post as much as I wanted, not that I haven’t thought about it … that is the other issue; I have found blogging (reading, posting, commenting) to be an obsessive hobby. One that I can hardly stop thinking about; why couldn’t I have taken up jogging instead?
Anywho … I am not nearly back yet. Mr. Farmer’s new venture has, indeed, caused much more work for me … but so far it has been a fabulous thing for him – so I will continue to support him to the best of my ability! (I would either way, but it is much easier when the venture is a success!)
And I have been cookin’ more than I thought I would! Business is not too shabby for a hick like me :O) It will still take us about a year, I think, to catch up from gettin’ behind … but we are on our way.
Another reason for my continued sabbatical is more personal.
In the past two weeks I have discovered that one dear friend is being cheated on by their spouse, at the same time I have learned that another is doin’ some cheatin’ … it is really breaking my heart. And it is a hard spot to be stuck in. Not knowing what to say or do … do you let them know you know (either party?) … do I tell them what I really think? Part of me says ‘it’s none of your business Frannie, keep out of it’ while the other part of me screams ‘if I don’t say something isn’t that like condoning the behavior?’
It isn’t the first time I have been in this spot – I was here many times in high school and my early 20’s … and I did learn that the messenger was usually shot. But it is different now for two reasons – 1) I am a Christian and these are folks who claim the faith and have (in the past) appreciated my Christian outlook and honesty and 2) there are children involved.
I keep going back to ‘would I want to know … really?’
I think I would. But I really can’t say for sure … I think in my mind if Mr. Farmer was going to have a ‘one off’ with someone, I wouldn’t want to know necessarily. But if it was an actual on going thing – of course I would want know, preferably before everyone else in my sleepy little town knew …
Urgh! I am hating this … the more I write about it the more I can feel the pit in the bottom of my stomach grow!
What do you think?
Frannie
You don't have to be alone in your hurt! Comfort is yours. Joy is an option. And it's all been made possible by your Savior. -Joni Eareckson Tada
God's everywhere. God's in the effort, God's in the struggle, whether that's for civil rights or creative expression. God's always in the struggle with us. -Anne Lamott
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. Psalm 40:10
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