October 21, 2007
Over the past couple of months, Abby has really been "into" playing punch-buggy. (I think everyone knows that means spotting a volkswagen "doodle" bug, and then punching the person next to you.) Well...first of all I think you know how competitive I am. Do you know how hard it is to drive and try to win punch-buggy? The rules seem to "change" depending on the circumstances ya' know? (like whether or not Abby is winning/losing). Anyway, last Sunday we are on our way to church and we are playing punch-buggy. (Let me say-Daddy is not as familiar with this game. The night before we were playing and he didn't "see" the buggy, so he and Abby got into a "heated" discussion!) Continue....there are always at least 2 buggy's near the church- one old black one, and one new green one. Well Abby screams out punch-buggy and Scott and I didn't see it. We did see one of those cars that's kinda of a retake on an old vintage style, but I'm not sure what the name of it is. We thought that was what Abby saw, so we yell "Foul!"
Wrong thing to say! Arguing started all over our car. "I did see it!" "No you didn't" etc etc
To prove to Abby that you can NOT just say punch buggy without a car actually being there, we decided to TURN AROUND and prove our point. (Did I mention we are on our way to CHURCH when this is happening????) Low and behold, what do you think we see when we turn around?
A black punch-buggy sitting right where Abby said it was. Oh!!!! We felt terrible! But it was SOOOOO funny. We couldn't stop laughing as Abby was saying "See, I told ya'll" and "How do you think it makes me feel when you don't trust me? Why should I trust ya'll just because you say something?" OUCH!!!
Needless to say we certainly learned an important lesson! (Innocent until proven guilty???)
We apologized profusely, and then gave Abby double points because we doubted her.
New rule made by Daddy...."No punch buggy on Sunday! We're going to worship Jesus!"
Did you all know that someone at our church has a silver bug? Oh well, so much for that rule!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Magic YOUR Way!
September 16, 2007
Scott says we need a new saying around our house when we are pleased with someone's service, or when someone goes out of their way for someone else. I suggested "Magic Your Way" since Disney World is what inspired his comment. We had such a good time that I don't even know where to begin! First let me say, for all of you who prayed for me before our trip (due to my Mono) Thank you! The Saturday before we left I woke up without a headache or sore throat for the first time in 3 weeks. (Good sign). Sunday early am (4:00) our adventure began. We headed to the airport with only 3 carry on suitcases (be impressed people, be very impressed!) Of course in my suitcase was my big clear Clinique bag with every bathroom item you can imagine. The sweet security man helped me separate it all into 3 clear zip loc bags and then we were ready to go. Our flight attendants must have been hired by Walt Disney himself because they were hilarious! (Example: if you have more than one child and you have to use the oxygen masks, please choose the child with the most potential first...ha ha) We landed and the Magic began. (Ya'll if you've never experienced the service of Disney first hand...oh my gosh! Their customer service Rocks!) We were picked up by a cool shuttle and taken to our hotel.(Side note: ok, when I booked this vacation of course I chose the value hotel. Let's just say this was the only "kink" in our trip. Not a good room, smelled like smoke, we were disappointed. No problem...we upgraded to a moderate resort 'Caribbean Beach'...now were talking!) Our vacation package included free dining so we had several character meal opportunities. We ate breakfast with the Princesses, Dinner with Goofy and friends at the Liberty Tree Tavern, and then breakfast again with Mickey and Donald. (Did I mention this was FREE!) Sunday (our traveling day) was my only really tiring day. I had to go to the hotel and rest for a little while, but come Monday I was good to go. Abby was the perfect age (8) and height to enjoy her first trip to Disney. She could ride everything (and she did) and she could keep up with the pace, not have to take naps, etc. Animal Kingdom is our favorite simply because they were so good to us. We happened to be in the right place at the right time and were awarded Dream Fast Passes! (Side note: We are waiting to be picked up by the shuttle bus for our day at Animal Kingdom and it seems to never come. Magic Kingdom, MGM, Internal Shuttle, Epcot, all come by 2 and 3 times. Where is our bus? I can be a little impatient (Understatement of the year) and was "Fussing" a little bit like I usually do when I don't get me way. Finally our bus came (after what seemed like an eternity ...I can be a little overdramatic) and we get to the park. Now, when we got those fast passes the Holy Spirit reminded me of the verse "All things work together for good..."
I know Disney may not be the most "spiritual" place in the world, but you can learn some really important things there (or at least I did). Lesson 1: God's timing is perfect. If I had gotten what I wanted when I wanted it, we would have missed out on Dream Passes, a behind the scenes tour of our favorite ride (Everest Expedition), and a perfect safari trip. Lesson 2: God provides. I needed a room where I could really rest and have quiet surroundings, I needed strength physically, and we have prayed that not only would I endure but that I would also enjoy...God provided! Lesson 3: "Above all love one another deeply...for love covers a multitude of sins."
Do ya'll realize that Disney exemplifies this verse better than most Christians (or at least me and my family)? They are out to serve! What a lesson we could learn if we put their "business" practice into our daily lives. What if I served others the way I want to be served? What if I treated others like they were the only people around and their needs were all that mattered?
What if "FantasyLand" didn't have to be a Fantasy Land? Heaven is the only place where we can truly be free from selfishness, from pride, from laziness, etc. But if you need an "earthly" reminder ....you can find it at Disney! We had such a good time that we are already saving for our next trip. We found a few quarters in the dryer and put it in the Disney Piggy Bank! Maybe it wasn't just Disney world that was so great. Maybe it was being with my family, no TV, no phones, NO COMPUTER! Just enjoying one another's company....laughing...screaming together on silly rides....eating a great meal....
It wasn't "perfect", but it was pretty close. It was the best vacation my family has ever had. We have lots of great pictures(I'll be happy to share), great memories, and great lessons to cherish. I hope you all get a chance to experience Disney...and (don't judge me for this) but... I do hope there's a roller coaster in Heaven!
Scott says we need a new saying around our house when we are pleased with someone's service, or when someone goes out of their way for someone else. I suggested "Magic Your Way" since Disney World is what inspired his comment. We had such a good time that I don't even know where to begin! First let me say, for all of you who prayed for me before our trip (due to my Mono) Thank you! The Saturday before we left I woke up without a headache or sore throat for the first time in 3 weeks. (Good sign). Sunday early am (4:00) our adventure began. We headed to the airport with only 3 carry on suitcases (be impressed people, be very impressed!) Of course in my suitcase was my big clear Clinique bag with every bathroom item you can imagine. The sweet security man helped me separate it all into 3 clear zip loc bags and then we were ready to go. Our flight attendants must have been hired by Walt Disney himself because they were hilarious! (Example: if you have more than one child and you have to use the oxygen masks, please choose the child with the most potential first...ha ha) We landed and the Magic began. (Ya'll if you've never experienced the service of Disney first hand...oh my gosh! Their customer service Rocks!) We were picked up by a cool shuttle and taken to our hotel.(Side note: ok, when I booked this vacation of course I chose the value hotel. Let's just say this was the only "kink" in our trip. Not a good room, smelled like smoke, we were disappointed. No problem...we upgraded to a moderate resort 'Caribbean Beach'...now were talking!) Our vacation package included free dining so we had several character meal opportunities. We ate breakfast with the Princesses, Dinner with Goofy and friends at the Liberty Tree Tavern, and then breakfast again with Mickey and Donald. (Did I mention this was FREE!) Sunday (our traveling day) was my only really tiring day. I had to go to the hotel and rest for a little while, but come Monday I was good to go. Abby was the perfect age (8) and height to enjoy her first trip to Disney. She could ride everything (and she did) and she could keep up with the pace, not have to take naps, etc. Animal Kingdom is our favorite simply because they were so good to us. We happened to be in the right place at the right time and were awarded Dream Fast Passes! (Side note: We are waiting to be picked up by the shuttle bus for our day at Animal Kingdom and it seems to never come. Magic Kingdom, MGM, Internal Shuttle, Epcot, all come by 2 and 3 times. Where is our bus? I can be a little impatient (Understatement of the year) and was "Fussing" a little bit like I usually do when I don't get me way. Finally our bus came (after what seemed like an eternity ...I can be a little overdramatic) and we get to the park. Now, when we got those fast passes the Holy Spirit reminded me of the verse "All things work together for good..."
I know Disney may not be the most "spiritual" place in the world, but you can learn some really important things there (or at least I did). Lesson 1: God's timing is perfect. If I had gotten what I wanted when I wanted it, we would have missed out on Dream Passes, a behind the scenes tour of our favorite ride (Everest Expedition), and a perfect safari trip. Lesson 2: God provides. I needed a room where I could really rest and have quiet surroundings, I needed strength physically, and we have prayed that not only would I endure but that I would also enjoy...God provided! Lesson 3: "Above all love one another deeply...for love covers a multitude of sins."
Do ya'll realize that Disney exemplifies this verse better than most Christians (or at least me and my family)? They are out to serve! What a lesson we could learn if we put their "business" practice into our daily lives. What if I served others the way I want to be served? What if I treated others like they were the only people around and their needs were all that mattered?
What if "FantasyLand" didn't have to be a Fantasy Land? Heaven is the only place where we can truly be free from selfishness, from pride, from laziness, etc. But if you need an "earthly" reminder ....you can find it at Disney! We had such a good time that we are already saving for our next trip. We found a few quarters in the dryer and put it in the Disney Piggy Bank! Maybe it wasn't just Disney world that was so great. Maybe it was being with my family, no TV, no phones, NO COMPUTER! Just enjoying one another's company....laughing...screaming together on silly rides....eating a great meal....
It wasn't "perfect", but it was pretty close. It was the best vacation my family has ever had. We have lots of great pictures(I'll be happy to share), great memories, and great lessons to cherish. I hope you all get a chance to experience Disney...and (don't judge me for this) but... I do hope there's a roller coaster in Heaven!
Friday, September 14, 2007
From the mouths of Babes...
September 14, 2007
We love the HGTV channel and have begun watching a new show..."My First Place."
Toward the end of the episode last night, the girl buying the house said she loved her new place and couldn't wait to live there, (Abby says..."Just wait til the bills start coming in." Then she Abby (very casually) looked at me and said "Is she single?" I said yes. "Well, she needs to get married, then the daddy (meaning her husband) would take care of all those bills and she wouldn't have to worry about it!" Amen sister!
PS...Disney update is coming, but it will be a detailed post and I have to get out from under all this "catch up" work first! Stay tuned!
We love the HGTV channel and have begun watching a new show..."My First Place."
Toward the end of the episode last night, the girl buying the house said she loved her new place and couldn't wait to live there, (Abby says..."Just wait til the bills start coming in." Then she Abby (very casually) looked at me and said "Is she single?" I said yes. "Well, she needs to get married, then the daddy (meaning her husband) would take care of all those bills and she wouldn't have to worry about it!" Amen sister!
PS...Disney update is coming, but it will be a detailed post and I have to get out from under all this "catch up" work first! Stay tuned!
Saturday, September 1, 2007
We're going to Disney World!!!!
September 1, 2007
After saving and planning for a year, the big day is finally here! We are all packed and ready to go. So many people have been praying for my health for this trip. (Thanks ya'll!) I woke up today for the first time in 3 weeks without a headache or sore throat...Thank you Lord!!!!
I had a great night's sleep and I'm actually getting excited (rather than being nervous!)
I'll tell you all about it when we get back! See you in a week! (and keep praying!)
After saving and planning for a year, the big day is finally here! We are all packed and ready to go. So many people have been praying for my health for this trip. (Thanks ya'll!) I woke up today for the first time in 3 weeks without a headache or sore throat...Thank you Lord!!!!
I had a great night's sleep and I'm actually getting excited (rather than being nervous!)
I'll tell you all about it when we get back! See you in a week! (and keep praying!)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Braggin' on God
August 22, 2007
As I write this I am still recovering from mono AND a serious sinus infection. I have been to the doctor 3 times (2 after-hours clinics, and 1 trip to my doc) in less than 2 weeks. Add the copays, prescriptions, and you get the idea...who has that in their budget? So yesterday( after my third trip) I dropped my prescriptions off for Scott to pick them up on his way home. The pharmacist says honey, the cash price for this antibiotic is $126.00. (WHAT? Is it made of gold? Is it gonna cure me right here right now?) She suggested I call my Dr. and see if he could prescribe something else. So....I did. (Thank goodness for a simple phone call). Later that night, Scott wasn't feeling well (extremely nauseous), so I went to pick up my RX. Get this, I pull up to the window and ask for my medicine. The pharmacist says, "Mrs. Jowers, our competitor is running a special on this antibiotic this week, and we are matching it. I'm sending your medicine out at no charge!" (WHAT? Am I on candid camera? Did I mention this was all happening at the dreaded Wal-Mart...I know I'm anti-walmart...but I'm sick,-it's the closest to our house, and they have a drive thru so give me a break). I'm am laughing so hard! I went from almost paying $126.00 to getting my RX for FREE!!!! At Wal-mart!!!! When is the last time someone gave away medicine? Like NEVER??? I just started thinking only God could do something like that.
Isn't it just like God to "show off" when you least expect it? I've been teaching my students about Elijah and the contest on Mt. Carmel. Same God who sent fire from heaven to consume the watered-down altar, is the same God we serve today! And let me tell you...getting free medicine at Wal-mart in 2007 is just as much a God-thing as what those Israelites witnessed!
Our "word of the day" yesterday was brag/boast. I had shared with the kids "let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." Today I got to brag on God with my kids. I shared this story with them and they loved it! God is soooooo good! And...I do feel a lot better already. I am so thankful to all of you for your prayers! "The joy of the Lord is my strength!"
As I write this I am still recovering from mono AND a serious sinus infection. I have been to the doctor 3 times (2 after-hours clinics, and 1 trip to my doc) in less than 2 weeks. Add the copays, prescriptions, and you get the idea...who has that in their budget? So yesterday( after my third trip) I dropped my prescriptions off for Scott to pick them up on his way home. The pharmacist says honey, the cash price for this antibiotic is $126.00. (WHAT? Is it made of gold? Is it gonna cure me right here right now?) She suggested I call my Dr. and see if he could prescribe something else. So....I did. (Thank goodness for a simple phone call). Later that night, Scott wasn't feeling well (extremely nauseous), so I went to pick up my RX. Get this, I pull up to the window and ask for my medicine. The pharmacist says, "Mrs. Jowers, our competitor is running a special on this antibiotic this week, and we are matching it. I'm sending your medicine out at no charge!" (WHAT? Am I on candid camera? Did I mention this was all happening at the dreaded Wal-Mart...I know I'm anti-walmart...but I'm sick,-it's the closest to our house, and they have a drive thru so give me a break). I'm am laughing so hard! I went from almost paying $126.00 to getting my RX for FREE!!!! At Wal-mart!!!! When is the last time someone gave away medicine? Like NEVER??? I just started thinking only God could do something like that.
Isn't it just like God to "show off" when you least expect it? I've been teaching my students about Elijah and the contest on Mt. Carmel. Same God who sent fire from heaven to consume the watered-down altar, is the same God we serve today! And let me tell you...getting free medicine at Wal-mart in 2007 is just as much a God-thing as what those Israelites witnessed!
Our "word of the day" yesterday was brag/boast. I had shared with the kids "let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." Today I got to brag on God with my kids. I shared this story with them and they loved it! God is soooooo good! And...I do feel a lot better already. I am so thankful to all of you for your prayers! "The joy of the Lord is my strength!"
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Sweetie, you have mono!
August 12, 2007
I had taken Abby and a friend to the pool Friday. When we came home, I noticed my throat starting to hurt. By 8:00 that night, I felt worse than I had ever felt in my life! I thought I would be the first one in line at the after-hours clinic the next morning. Wrong! At 7:55 (they don't "open" until 8:00) I was fifth in line! Scott and Abby have both had viral sinus infections over the past 4 weeks, so I thought it was my turn. After sitting in the doctor's office with chills, the worst sore throat EVER, and telling her my symptoms, she suggesting testing me for mono. Mono? Didn't she hear me say Scott and Abby had a sinus infection and now it's my turn? (I could diagnose myself, I just need you to write me a prescription!) So in comes the nurse t0 draw blood (yuk), do a strep swab (double yuk...and let me add I have NEVER had strep no matter how bad my sore throats so I am not a willing participant when it comes to that terrible test!) They turn out the lights (because my head it hurting so bad), and I wait. I was crying like a big baby and my thoughts turned to Terry Hester. All I have heard is how sweet his testimony has been during this whole ordeal. Lord, why am I such a baby? such a complainer? so weak? I began to pray for him, and I starting thanking the Lord for every normal day that I take for granted.
The doctor finally comes in and says "Sweetie, you have mono". What??? I can't have mono? She suspected Scott might have had it and it went undiagnosed (which would explain why he was so sick for so long). So three shots and 2 prescriptions later, I am heading home for a 3 day bed rest before school starts. Oh, yes...let's talk about that! How do you start the busiest time of year with mono? On your knees! So many people have asked "Are you ready for school to start?" I would say oddly "Yes, but I feel 'weird' about it ya' know...almost too prepared?" Now I know why. Everything is ready to go, and I just need to trust God daily for strength! But don't I need to trust Him daily even when I feel good and strong? Don't I need to rely on Him always and not just when I'm sick? Wow, God is so good to continue to teach me lovingly and gently. Oh, how I pray for wisdom and that God would "teach me to number my days, because all the days ordained for me were written before one of them came to be." I do pray that this would be my best year ever. I pray that my students would know the Love of God by the way I love them. I pray that I can serve them the way God would have me to. I pray that "he would increase and I would decrease." I covet your prayers!
-When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well, with my soul!"
I had taken Abby and a friend to the pool Friday. When we came home, I noticed my throat starting to hurt. By 8:00 that night, I felt worse than I had ever felt in my life! I thought I would be the first one in line at the after-hours clinic the next morning. Wrong! At 7:55 (they don't "open" until 8:00) I was fifth in line! Scott and Abby have both had viral sinus infections over the past 4 weeks, so I thought it was my turn. After sitting in the doctor's office with chills, the worst sore throat EVER, and telling her my symptoms, she suggesting testing me for mono. Mono? Didn't she hear me say Scott and Abby had a sinus infection and now it's my turn? (I could diagnose myself, I just need you to write me a prescription!) So in comes the nurse t0 draw blood (yuk), do a strep swab (double yuk...and let me add I have NEVER had strep no matter how bad my sore throats so I am not a willing participant when it comes to that terrible test!) They turn out the lights (because my head it hurting so bad), and I wait. I was crying like a big baby and my thoughts turned to Terry Hester. All I have heard is how sweet his testimony has been during this whole ordeal. Lord, why am I such a baby? such a complainer? so weak? I began to pray for him, and I starting thanking the Lord for every normal day that I take for granted.
The doctor finally comes in and says "Sweetie, you have mono". What??? I can't have mono? She suspected Scott might have had it and it went undiagnosed (which would explain why he was so sick for so long). So three shots and 2 prescriptions later, I am heading home for a 3 day bed rest before school starts. Oh, yes...let's talk about that! How do you start the busiest time of year with mono? On your knees! So many people have asked "Are you ready for school to start?" I would say oddly "Yes, but I feel 'weird' about it ya' know...almost too prepared?" Now I know why. Everything is ready to go, and I just need to trust God daily for strength! But don't I need to trust Him daily even when I feel good and strong? Don't I need to rely on Him always and not just when I'm sick? Wow, God is so good to continue to teach me lovingly and gently. Oh, how I pray for wisdom and that God would "teach me to number my days, because all the days ordained for me were written before one of them came to be." I do pray that this would be my best year ever. I pray that my students would know the Love of God by the way I love them. I pray that I can serve them the way God would have me to. I pray that "he would increase and I would decrease." I covet your prayers!
-When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well, with my soul!"
Sunday, August 5, 2007
We scared 'em away!
August 5, 2007
A couple of weeks ago my neighbors were over for dinner (nothing fancy...just hamburgers on the grill.) I was at the sink looking out the window when I saw this nice couple with daughters that looked to be Abby's age. (Ya'll need to know that anytime Abby sees someone remotely close to her age looking at houses on our street she starts chanting...buy it! buy it!) I commented to Allyson "We should go out and tell them hello, tell them how great our street is." "We should," she said. So here we go out the front door to greet total strangers. Maybe we were a little too enthusiastic or aggressive (although we don't think so)...but you would have thought we were aliens with weapons the way they looked at us! All we said was....if you're thinking of buying a house you should definitely buy here! We have the greatest street ever! Yada, Yada, Yada....
Seriously...no response! They looked at each other like we were some kind of Stepford community, got in their van, and drove away. What the heck? I commented to Allyson how weird that was and that they were so rude! She said, "Well we don't need them on our street if their not going to be social!" (And then a terrible thought dawned on me...)Did I mention that the lady was pregnant? Did you all remember that Allyson was pregnant? So what must that lady have thought seeing two women walk out of the same house and one of them is very pregnant???? The only thing we could think of is that they didn't want to move into a neighborhood with "my two mommies!" That's the only reasonable reason to be so unfriendly, right? Oh well, we learned our lesson. Next time...I'm waiting til someone moves in before I do any "welcoming"....and you better be sure I'm taking Scott (not Allyson) with me!!!!
A couple of weeks ago my neighbors were over for dinner (nothing fancy...just hamburgers on the grill.) I was at the sink looking out the window when I saw this nice couple with daughters that looked to be Abby's age. (Ya'll need to know that anytime Abby sees someone remotely close to her age looking at houses on our street she starts chanting...buy it! buy it!) I commented to Allyson "We should go out and tell them hello, tell them how great our street is." "We should," she said. So here we go out the front door to greet total strangers. Maybe we were a little too enthusiastic or aggressive (although we don't think so)...but you would have thought we were aliens with weapons the way they looked at us! All we said was....if you're thinking of buying a house you should definitely buy here! We have the greatest street ever! Yada, Yada, Yada....
Seriously...no response! They looked at each other like we were some kind of Stepford community, got in their van, and drove away. What the heck? I commented to Allyson how weird that was and that they were so rude! She said, "Well we don't need them on our street if their not going to be social!" (And then a terrible thought dawned on me...)Did I mention that the lady was pregnant? Did you all remember that Allyson was pregnant? So what must that lady have thought seeing two women walk out of the same house and one of them is very pregnant???? The only thing we could think of is that they didn't want to move into a neighborhood with "my two mommies!" That's the only reasonable reason to be so unfriendly, right? Oh well, we learned our lesson. Next time...I'm waiting til someone moves in before I do any "welcoming"....and you better be sure I'm taking Scott (not Allyson) with me!!!!
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