Realizations on a Rainy Sunday

There are a few things I have come to realize over the past few days, years, hours. And in no particular order he we go:

* I love listening to thunderstorms but I hate the rain.
* Kenny holds my hand so often that when he's not around to do so, I don't know what to do with them.
* I miss my Nunnie more than words can express.
* I have lazy cats.
* My father is the cutest guy I know (no offense, Kenny.)
* I spend way too much time 'googling' things.
* The world was not made for short people.
* Ice cream should have it's own food group.
* I don't know everything.
* My mom is usually right.
* I could never have a modern-styled home.
* I love nuts and raisins but not in anything.
* I have useless information stuck in my head.
* There is nothing greater than the love of family.
* I should have lived in the 50s.
* Laughing is good for the soul.
* I need to read more.
* I definitely need more patience.
* When people tell me I'm nuts, they're probably right.
* My God is an awesome God.

Come to any realizations lately??

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth!

They say the pathway to hell is paved with good intentions. I had every intention to start blogging again. Then 'this' happened one morning. And then 'that' happened one evening.

But anyway...I'm slowly getting accustomed to our new arrangements around here. Kenny started a new position at work which should ease our financial burdens. But it's a steady night turn position. I HATE night turn. It wouldn't be that bad if he worked the "4, 10's" (like the job is scheduled) but he works 11 hours every day and it's never just four days. Last week he work 6 days straight. And this week he went out on Sunday night and will work through next Thursday morning. Yep! That's 12 days straight. I could deal with it if he had the weekends off. But that rarely happens.

I seriously went through the five stages of grief. I told him that money doesn't mean that much to me. We're doing ok. He felt otherwise. I said I didn't get married to sleep alone, damn it - he said it won't always be like this. I said I would try to get more hours at work. He said he doesn't want me to have to work at all. I cried for days (and in front of him.) He would hug me and tell things are going to be better. Finally, when none of that worked - I just accepted it. In order for him to "make a name for himself" out there, he had to take this job. And as much as I hate to admit it, everyone on the maintenance crew (the highest paying job in the yard) was on night turn at one time or another. So, I have to do what my mother says: Suck it up, be a supportive wife and stop making him feel guilty for trying to better our situation. But there is a bright side to all of this. When he still worked at Veka he would be on daylight for two weeks and night turn for two weeks. And I hated it! I never saw him. By the time he got home in the morning I had already left for work. He would get up just in time to eat dinner and then leave again. But now, I can see him in the morning for a few hours. And he gets up about 2 hours before leaving at night. So I can see him then too. It still sucks. But at least it's better than before. And the extra money means we can go to my sister's in August!!!!!

Now on to more fun updates. The boys are in Ohio this weekend preparing to walk their mom down the aisle! Since my cousin is getting married here in PA on the same day, I can't be there. But it's being videotaped and I can watch that. I'm so proud of them. I'm proud of Kerry. And I couldn't be happier for her and Greg. The boys get along fantastically with Greg and with his kids. Things are looking up everywhere!!

And knowing that all good things come from Above - I praise the Lord and His infinite wisdom in knowing what's best for us and our family. And I marvel at His timing. Clearly, His plan is far better than mine.

My plans for tonight - visiting everyone and staying for a cuppa! Much love to each and everyone of you!

Happy Memorial Day!

Good Morning to all my blogging friends of heart! This Memorial Day reminds me of those I have loved and lost. And even though my loss of blogging friends is my own fault...I do miss you all. I want to pay the highest tribute to those who put their lives on the line to protect our blessed freedom. I think of my father who joined the Army before they drafted him. I think of my uncle who served in Vietnam. And my cousin who fought in the first Gulf War; another cousin who was serving on the USS Nimitz in 1988 when a fire broke out on the ship. We were blessed during their time of service and no one gave his life.

But Memorial Day, to me, is for more than remembering the men and women who served in the Armed Forces.

I remember my Nunnie whom I miss dearly. She was my first best friend. I learned how to cook watching her in her kitchen. I wish my husband and children could have known her. They would have loved her just as I did, just as everyone who ever knew her. She was a saint on earth and my heart aches for the day I can hug her again.

I remember Nancy Jane, my other mother. Nancy was Holly's mom and she kept me in line just as my own mother does. I had more coffee at her table than any other, talked more gossip and laughed big-bellied laughs when she was around. She died on my father's birthday 3 years ago and I still talk to her when I make my first cup of coffee in the morning.

I remember my Grandma. A strong Irish woman whom I see every time I'm around my sister. From her hands to her work ethic her spirit is embodied in Carrie and I thank God for that. When I see my sister furiously cleaning her floors - I see my Grandma.

I remember my Paps. The two were as different any two could be with one exception: their love for their families. One was easy-going and one as tough as nails (not to me, of course.) I think that God knew what he was doing when he gave them their spouses. My grandmothers balanced out their personalities and I kinda like to think that's what He had in mind when he gave me Kenny.

And even though I never met Kenny's dad (he died when Kenny was 7) I remember him today. He served in Vietnam and was pretty easy going. I think Kenny got his temperament from him. And I'm pretty sure he would have liked me. I hope so anyway...

May you all have a memorable Memorial Day keeping your loved ones close to your heart.

Blessing of the day: I blessed because I come from a long line of heroes in my heart!

Special of the Month

Nunnie's Attic Special of the Month

Our special of the month for May is this beautiful Church Wind Chimes which retails for $39.95. It is regularly priced at $31.95 in our attic but for the month of May we are offering it at $28.75

http://www.nunniesattic.com/store-products-34596-Church-Bells-Tuned-Wind-Chimes_40837826.html

My Apologies

Good Morning Everyone!
I must first beg your forgiveness for how long it has taken me to post. I am so sorry. My mom sends me an email anytime someone leaves a comment. When I checked my email this morning I found them, along with over 300 other emails that I hadn't checked in a while. I have no excuse. But allow me to explain what's been going on...

Two weeks ago I started a new job. It's part time, afternoons. I am working in the day care center of the YMCA. I am playing with babies! There are 4 rooms in the day care: infants, young toddlers, older toddlers and pre-school. I work in the infant room where the oldest child can only be 13 months old. I'm having a ball. And of course I have my favorites. But let me tell you, they're kicking my ass. At the end of the day...I'm whooped. On average we have nine babies/day. But there are days where we have eight and there are days when we have eleven. Since my clearances haven't come in yet, I'm not allowed to be left alone with any of the babies. That makes it hard when poor Cathy (my afternoon co-worker) has to use the rest room. We have to find someone to step in the room for her to leave even for just a few minutes. But, rules are rules. There's a baby named Ryan whom I just adore. He's eight months old. Unfortunately for me, his mom will soon be working part-time herself and will no longer need our services. Bully for her...but I'm devastated. He looks like the pictures I have of my Austin as a baby. So I hold him...a lot!! It's my way of playing with Austin as a baby. And he loves me. I know I will cry on his last day.

Another one of my favorites is a little girl named Alaya. She's 10 months old today, as a matter of fact. So in 3 months and a week she'll be moving to the young toddler group. But at least I'll still be able to see her everyday. She's absolutely adorable and I spoil her. The moment I walk in she lights up. She drops whatever she's doing and waddles over to hug my legs, look up at me and smile. She knows I will pick her up. She's my princess and I call her that. She doesn't get much love at home. I have never met her mother. I've met her father who picked her up once, her aunt who has picked her up a few times and her mother's boyfriend, the drug addict, who picks her up a lot. From what they have told me, her mother (just 19 herself, with another daughter in the older toddler group) doesn't pay too much attention to the girls. Isn't that the saddest thing you've ever heard?? So I try to make up for it. And if that means spoiling her, oh well. I could snatch her up and make her my own daughter in an instant!

Jesse went to Washington, D.C. with the school at the end of March. He had a great time. We bought a throw-away camera for him to take. I was going to give him my digital camera but I was afraid that he might lose it (he's famous for things like that.) And he wasn't too confident in that area anyway. I think he was relieved to take the throw-away. That way if he did lose it, no harm done. Well, in the first hour and a half he took 27 pictures and ran out. He had to buy another one down there. He was NONE too happy about that. The cost up here? $6.99. The cost in DC? $14.95. But now he has over 50 pictures of his trip. Priceless!!

One of the perks of working at the YMCA is that they give their employees a membership for free. I chose to upgrade and include my family on the membership for just $18/month. The boys are having a blast! They're playing things they couldn't possibly play outside: basketball, racket ball, volley ball. I tease them all of the time. But they're having fun and that's all that matters. They'll really enjoy the Y this summer when it's hot and they want to go swimming.

So that's what's been going on around here. I have no excuse for not posting or visiting other than now that my "blogger block" has passed due to my new job...I'm tired. And I know that's no excuse. I hope that everyone is doing well. I have never forgotten anyone . And I still pray for all of you. Please keep my family in your prayers and I love you all!

Spring Sale

Spring, a time for redecorating. Nunnie’s Attic is
offering you 20% off everything for your home, yard
and patio.

Take time to look over all the beautiful products we
have to offer. www.nunniesattic.com and use coupon
code “20%” to receive 20% off your entire order.

Hi,

I would like to take this time to wish ALL of you a very Happy Easter.

Julie right now is having Blog Block. Just be patient I am sure she will be back soon.

Today is the day our Lord died for us and I wanted to leave you with this prayer.

My good and dear Jesus, I kneel before you, asking you most earnestly to

engrave upon my heart a deep and lively faith, hope, and charity.

With true repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends.

As I reflect upon your five wounds, and dwell upon them with deep

compassion and grief, I recall, good Jesus, the words the prophet David spoke long ago concerning yourself:

“They have pierced my hand and my feet, they have counted all my bones.”

From all of us, to all of you, have a Blessed Easter.

Love, Margie (Mom)