Of floods and building arks (or wanting to!)

Well, yesterday's Gospel was about worry, and anxiety, and how we shouldn't worry, because wants to take care of us!  Well, it's our nature to, especially when......

we had such flooding last night.  I woke up in the middle of the night to an extra body in our bed, and heard Jim say, "It's ok, Oliver!"  When I asked him what he meant, he said that Oliver was shaking something terrible and cowering under our bed.  The light and sound show going on outside was incredible.  Shortly thereafter, he slipped downstairs to check things out....and found a little water in our basement.  Not much, since we sit on one of the highest points in New Bremen, but our entire backyard was under water during the night.

Little did we know that shortly thereafter, the canal would be overflowing at its banks.  The people one street over from us had huge amounts of water in their basements....I feel for them.  It's been a very stressful day in New Bremen for lots and lots of people, and the good news (as far as I've heard) is that there have been no injuries as a result of the flooding.  It could have been much much worse.

And yet we worry.  Of course we do!  Are our things ok?  Did we get everything dried out adequately?  How will we replace everything? 

Why can't we let go?  It's tough.  Very very tough.

My friend, who had 14" of water in her basement this morning, said it best...."I am held accountable for the words preached yesterday and it was on an attitude of worship no matter what the circumstance and how we respond to these situation. My smile is still trying to appear on my face but I will maintain an attitude of peace until it shows up. I am going to pass this test and give Him all the glory for it. ♥"

Oh, how I love her.  We should all be able to let go and let God just like that.

But I'm working on it.  :)

Prayers going out to everyone dealing with loss today.  May we be able to grow stronger because of it.

 "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.  "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?  Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?  Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.  If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'  All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.  Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Matthew 6:24-34

Yikes.  These were the words spoken during the Gospel this morning.  And also, the words we discussed on Wednesday evening at CCD.  Father spoke a lot of worry and anxiety this morning in his homily, and it struck me.....we all worry (even though He tells us not to) about lots of things -- big things, little things, etc.  And somehow, even though we live life, we sometimes worry more the older we get -- at least about different things.

Yesterday, I took the girls to the mall.  While I was waiting for them to try things on, I watched a little girl dancing in the tri-mirror beside me, singing a song asking, "Why did you talk about me?" and then looking in the second mirror, and then the third, saying, and you, and you?  to the other mirrors....obviously, she had a worry on her mind....

It seems like teens have lots to worry about -- are they wearing the "right" things?  Are they doing the right things?  Have the right friends?  etc etc etc......it's a time to figure out for them a sense of who they are and what they want to be....a fun time, I think....although I'm not sure they always agree!!!

Young adults are trying to figure out how to make life work on their own -- in college, in their apartments, in their new careers -- and lots of worries -- will I find new friends?  How will I succeed without my parents (I hope our kids ask this!  LOL); will I find a job?

People our age (29 or so!) have much different worries -- how are our kids doing?  Are we raising them well?  Did WE make the right career decision?  and even starting to think -- I'm I doing the right things so I can retire when I want to?

Then I think about people my parents age -- what do they have to worry about?  Well, things like, did I live my life right so that I will get into heaven?  Are my kids doing well?  Are they successful?

So, my question is this:  why do we worry so?  In the scripture above, God tells us NOT TO WORRY!!!  He says, "But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."

He's telling us He will take care of us.  Why don't we trust him? 

I suspect, especially in my own life, that it's a control issue :) ......I tell my kids all the time: "Let go and let God." meaning, quit trying to manipulate the results to get what you want -- if God wants it to happen, it will.  If He doesn't, it won't.

I promise to not always write about my kids on here, but I want to mention two of them tonight, because I think they both have done some pretty neat letting go recently......

Last week, at solo and ensemble, Sarah was part of a couple of vocal ensembles (and a solo and also did a flute ensemble, but I want to mention the two vocal ensembles here) -- she performed both, but the second one they were not able to get judged because of a rule (discovered too late) that stated people couldn't be in 2 seperate ensembles....(not really sure of the rule, and it really doesn't matter....) but anyways, she performed both of those vocal ensembles today at the band and choir concert....and had solos in both.  For those of you that know Sarah, she is very quiet....or so you think :) -- I had so many people comment to me after her performances today that they didn't know she had it in her!  I told a few people that Sarah has lots to say -- but she will never be the one to pressure you to listen to her.  She has given me a great gift in life -- because I've learned that I just need to sit back and listen to her.  She's got a great perspective, but she's not going to be the one to force it on anyone.  And worry?  If she was worried up there about singing those two solos, she didn't show it one bit.  *Insert proud mama smile*

The second thing I wanted to mention was a decision that Emily is working on making.  Her and Becca are excited to be going this fall to the National Catholic Youth Conference, which will be held in Indianapolis, IN.  This conference is held every two years, so each high schooler gets to go twice.  The first time, she was chosen to be a youth reporter and got to interview the MC for the event, along with many presenters, and even got ahold of our Archbishop and did an interview with him!  This event draws 20,000 people, so this was a pretty big undertaking on her part.

Well, this year, she wants to apply to be an animator.  Animators do many things at the conference, from doing liturgical dances, to acting out various skits.  It's definitely an "onstage" moment if you can get the chance.

However, upon examining the paperwork, she realized that the training weekend, if chosen, would fall on the same weekend that she wants to go to the youth conference at Franciscan University in Steubenville.  No choices, either she can make it or not.  I asked her what she was going to do, and she looked at me and said, "I'm going to apply to be an animator.  I want to go to Steubenville, too, but I don't know what God wants me to do.  I figure if I'm open to both, He'll choose and I will do what He wants."

Wow.  I was stunned.  No anxiety there.  Just open to His choices. 

I hope she always stays that way.  I'm so very proud. 

Until next time,

Pam

The pressure....

...hahahaha!!!  Sorry no blog yesterday -- had nothing really to say, and don't want to write a blog just to be out there!  So today I'm feelin' the pressure!

Today was a snow day, which is always an interesting day for me.  Since I work from home, people expect me to be in the office since, well, it is inside my home.  LOL  However, I always have to plan a little differently for phone calls, etc., because my house tends to be a little louder when everyone's here.

But I'm not complaining!  I hesitate to say this, but I really do love the snow!  I love snow days!  What?  You say?  Why?  Well, it's simple, really.....

When school is cancelled, everything is cancelled.  And our kids know better than to ask us to truck them around when there is no school.  I won't do it.  It's a great way for all of us to be together and spend time together.  For instance, right now I hear a mean game of Apples to Apples going on.....We don't slow down enough.  And I know it!

I've been really evaluating lately, in case you can't tell from my writing.  Evaluating my faith life and trying to discern if I'm really doing what I'm supposed to be doing.  I suppose this is partially Dad's fault, because I've been thinking a lot about him (and Mom) and just putting things into perspective.

I ran across this statement the other day.....and I have to say that it has really hit me like a ton of bricks and has really made me think.  It really does put things into perspective, I think......

The more God uses your life, the more you'll be misunderstood and misjudged.

That's the price. Are you OK with that?

Much like Jesus was put to death, crucified on a cross, we as Catholics, Christians, are asked to stand up for Him each and every day.  It may not be what's popular, it may not be what we want to do, but it's what is being asked of us. 

So, in a society that is all about instant gratification and doing what is right.....how does this fit? 

I'm still trying to figure it all out.  I guess that's why we're here -- to figure that out.  And hopefully we all Him to use us in our lives a whole lot.....whether it's the popular thing to do or not.

Until next time,

Pam

I love it when a plan comes together.....

So, have you ever planned something that you think is really great, only to have it not turn out so well?  Or, planned something that you thought was ok, and yet turned out great?

Well, I mentioned last week that I, along with Steve, Brad, and Scott (and probably a LOT of help from the Holy Spirit!) were planning a group CCD class....and I was excited!  The more I thought about it, and the more e-mails that were exchanged -- I kept thinking, "This is going to be awesome!"

And then, right before class started, I worried.  What if it isn't??  What if no one shows up?  What if they all talk while we're talking, and I get upset?  What if this doesn't work?

I'm really not sure why I was worried....perhaps it was the devil trying to get in the way....I don't know.  But, as we prayed before class, as we always do, we prayed for God to do the work -- to tell us what to say, and to help guide us with the words the kids needed to hear. And, as we prayed, I relaxed.....thinking, "Let go and let God!"

And, I must say.....I think it went FABULOUS!  We had a generic discussion of the 4 Gospel writers (that would be Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and what they really did, other than write items for the bible.

We then discussed the basics of a bible (I call it Bible 101), including where to find the old and new testament, psalms, etc.  We even discussed impramaturs!  (do you know what that is?)  I know that may sound very elementary to some, but I never assume that anyone knows anything....because sadly, oftentimes they don't.

We finished the evening by splitting into four groups (that would be the Matthew group, Mark group, Luke group, and John group) and discussing the gospel for the coming week.  I LOVE to have these discussions -- and am always amazed at what I hear (and sometimes giggle at what I hear....LOL).....such beautiful minds the youth of our church have.  And, as usual, I was surprised by who spoke up in our group and offered their words....that, in and of itself, is always a gift.

I cannot wait to see what the following weeks bring.....we've got some awesome things planned for the next three weeks!  :)

If your kids are in our ccd class, ask them what they thought tonight.  It might be a fun conversation.  Have them tell you about the gospel for this coming Sunday.  They are sure to remember it, and maybe even have a story of their own!

Until next time,

Pam

PS Oops -- almost forgot!!  Happy birthday to my awesome hubby!!!  Thank you for understanding that I had to run out to teach class!!!  :)

Kent & Friends

In my last post, I talked about Solo & Ensemble contest.  Talked about preparation, and performance.  Saturday night, the girls and I (and a couple of their friends) went to see "Kent & Friends" perform in Wapak.  I was struck by the irony that just last year this time, Kent was a senior in high school, picking out a college (and, by his own admission, not getting his top choices), performing at dance competitions (similar to solo & ensemble only dance), and trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life.

From left to right, Abby, Hillary, Holly, Sarah, Becca, and Emily

 (and Shelly Finke is way in the back in the nose-bleed section!)

What a difference a year makes!  I still chuckle to think how many times we saw Kent perform in high school (we went to most high school performances to see my nieces, and he was always in them) -- and how many times, during the "meet the cast" segment after the performance, we gave him the quick handshake, or maybe didn't even stop to say hi or good job.

And yet, Saturday night, people paid $25 each (not us, though!  LOL) to shake his hand and say good job!  Who else have I overlooked in life, and maybe should have shook their hand a few more times?  I say -- take every opportunity you get.  We always thought Kent was good -- extremely good -- but I don't know that anyone would have guessed -- probably even Kent -- that he would be where he is now already in his life.

The performance?  Extraordinary.  I kept thinking, "I can't believe I'm sitting in Wapak watching such talent!"  Amazing!  Kent, Robert Roldan (cuter in person), Alex Wong (my gosh, the muscles that man has -- and he said he was back to 60% -- I would love to see 100% because he was amazing!), and Allison Holker, who did some of my very favorite dances on SYTYCD last year.  Top that off with the dancers from the Dance Centre, and we were in for a real treat!  :)

As you can see, we had pretty good seats :) (well, except for the speaker shown in the foreground!). 

So.....I guess my point is that we never know what God is preparing us for.  Last year this time, I'm guessing Kent thought things weren't going right for him, when in actuality, God had a different plan for him!  He just needed to wait for it to be revealed to him!

I hope he makes it big.  How fun that would be.  But, I also hope (as I have heard his family and friends have told him) that he never forgets his roots -- his hometown of Botkins, where he went to school.....and his dual hometown of Wapakoneta, where he went to dance school.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for him!

Until next time,

Pam

Numbers, numbers, numbers......

Yesterday was a very busy day at our house. Sarah and Emily left the house at 7 am, headed to school to catch a bus to St. Marys for Solo & Ensemble contest. The day either really anticipated by students, or dreaded. Sometimes both. At our school, all students are asked to participate. A good rule, I think. It forces the kids to work on individual or group pieces where their part actually matters, rather than being in a large group where they could potentially slide by.

The girls were excited. Emily was participating in a clarinet choir, and, even though her piece wasn't until the end of the day, she went first thing in the morning so that she could hear others perform throughout the day. Sarah had a 10 am performance, and then nothing until 330, when she had 3 performances within an hour and a half. Whew. I'm not sure the total number of pieces performed by kids from our school yesterday, but I got tired just watching the directors move from one room to another. Many times they had to switch to the next piece of music just as fast, as they were either accompanying on piano, or directing many of the pieces.

We experienced many things yesterday -- from our high school kids -- who always amaze me with their ability to get up and just do this - to the guy who literally gave us goosebumps (not from our school, just happened to be in the room when he sang) and the pretty awesome girl we heard (we heard a rumor about her, but couldn't confirm it - we heard she was second runner up for a position from the Lima area for Glee). We also unfortunately experienced someone who will probably NOT forget this day for quite some time. My heart goes out to her. She was thrown a bit by the judges request for her scale (the judge requested a scale that the performer wasn't prepared with), and was still visibly shaken when she started performing her prepared piece. I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone in that room who was rooting for her, and sending all the positive energy we could her way. If I was her mom, I would be so proud of the way she did what she came to do. She didn't leave (although I'm sure it crossed her mind!), but rather, completed the task at hand.

That caused me to reflect throughout the rest of the afternoon, as I watched kids perform, then rush out to see what rating they were given. Sure, the ratings are important. But really, what is the goal of a contest such as this? Are there not life skills that will be taken away? I think so. In the whole scheme of things, it doesn't really matter whether or not that poor girl knew what a B-flat scale was. But what DOES matter is that she followed through! SHE is going to remember for a long time what happened yesterday, but for many of the performers, if you ask them 6 months from now if they can remember the experience or the rating, my guess is that they will tell you more about the experience.

Overall, yesterday was a great day to experience the gifts that are our children. I hope they know we love them, and all all "I"s in our book!

Next time: Our "Kent" experience :)

Until next time,

Pam

Ouch.

So.....I just got back from the eye doctor.  Remember when you were little and you went to the eye doctor and maybe, just maybe you told the eye doctor that your eyes were a little worse than they actually were so that maybe you would get glasses?  (Well, maybe not everyone did it, but I did -- I WANTED glasses!)

Well, I'm here to tell you I'm past that.  I've accepted that I need to wear glasses in order for things to not be blurry all the time.  I've accepted the fact that if I don't wear them and do computer work, I will have a headache.  I've accepted it as a way of life, and am good with that.

Until today.  I knew things weren't going well when he asked me if I had noticed any differences in my vision.  I said, "Well, not really, except I find myself taking my glasses off when I'm working on the computer."  Silent nod.  Uh oh.  What does that mean?

"Well, let's look at how your eyes are working with and without your glasses -- far away first.  What's the smallest line you can read on the wall with no glasses?"  No big deal there.  I've been reading about the middle line for a long time.  Put the glasses on, much better.

"OK," he says, "now hold this little card in your hand and read from it."  I still had the glasses on, looked down, and thought, "Oh, crap.  I can't read this." 

I look sheepishly over at him and say, "That's not going to work."

"Try it without your glasses."

"Much better," I say, thinking that means my eyes are just good with no glasses.

So he gets out the lenses and makes me start looking through them at the little card.  Meanwhile, my mind is going in a million directions, always landing in the same place.  I think, "No, it can't be.  I'm too young!"

We finish the exam, and he looks at me, smiling and says, "It appears to me that you need #$^#@@$."

"What did you just say?  I could swear you said a bad word!"

He repeated, "It appears to me that you need bifocals."

Bifocals.  Don't OLD people wear bifocals?  I'm not old.  I can't be old.  I can't need bifocals!  Yikes!!!

We continue to chat about them, and how I could either get bifocals or just get reading glasses to use for computer work, etc.  It's up to me, he informs me.

We head out to the "shopping room".  Every woman's dream -- shopping!  Except it's for glasses.  I'm not so good at that.  I try a couple of pairs on before Sue arrives to help me out.  What are you looking for?  Well, I don't really know....I don't want a "loud pair", they have to have frames all the way around the glass, and those are about my only rules.

I find one pair I really like, and decide on them.  We're ready order when she says, "Hey!  You like purple, don't you?"  (I love living in a small town!)

"Why yes, yes I do!"

"I think these come in purple.  Do you want me to order a pair in so you can see them in purple?"

She just made my day.  "Nope.  Just get them for my new glasses.  I will love them!"

I should have them in a week to 10 days.  Photos will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, I may not be able to read posts here.  :) 

Thank goodness for feel-good things (purple frames) in the midst of sadness (bifocals).

Pictures will be forthcoming.  I hope. 

Until next time,

Pam

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a god-send, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, your desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a season, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

***********************************************************
We all have many relationships in our lives -- our families (siblings, spouses, children, cousins) -- some maybe more than they'd like!  :) -- our friends, co-workers, the list goes on.  But occasionally, people enter our lives for other reasons.....not sure why, we move forward with them and see what happens.

Tonight, I met with two such gentlemen.  I don't really remember ever "meeting" them, even though one of them used to block my view every Sunday morning in church, because he's so dang tall!  But, I digress.....I don't really remember meeting these guys, but the longer I know them, I am figuring out it wasn't an accident that we met and got to know each other.

Brad, Steve, and I met tonight (Scott, who I feel similarly about, was in abstentia because he apparently is important and needed to be out of town) to discuss upcoming CCD classes -- to figure out what we wanted for an end result, and to plan the classes as a whole. 

I have never sat for an hour and a half before in wonder and amazement at the ideas that came forth.  We all feel very similarly about the passing on of our faith to the young people of our church (not that others that teach don't, mind you!!!) -- it's just that it was fun to bounce ideas off of each other and then see the next idea appear.  What started out as jumbled thoughts put into an ipod Touch, are now being put to paper, sorted and organized.  (Scott -- if you are reading this, we did choose parts, and, of course, you will LOVE yours -- it's easy *wink*.  :)

The passage I've copied above I love for many reasons.  I don't really like to categorize people, but sometimes it helps to put things in perspective when you look at people in this way.

 

I want to say that these guys came in to my life, probably initially for a season (CCD) or a reason (church) --> but I REALLY hope that they are in our lives for a LIFETIME.  Such amazing, godly men. 

Thanks for being my friend!  :)

The "word"

So, if you read my many posts on Facebook, you know that a couple of weeks ago I was stuck on this talk from KLove about their word for the year.  What they wanted their listeners to do was to think about their lives and what needed improvement.  Instead of coming up with a New Year's Resolution (since we all break them anyways!) -- they wanted us, as listeners, to come up with a "word" for the year.  A word that was something we wanted to work on this year.  A word that represented something that we were not, but wanted to be or do.

I felt very strongly about this, and challenged my friends and family to create their word.  It caused many posts on my Facebook page. 

Well, last week I took it to my CCD class.  Along with our discussion of Mary Magdelene, we talked about this word and what their word might be.  I challenged them.  I challenged them to go home and think about what their word might be....and asked them to have one for me this week.

As always, the rule in my room is that you don't have to tell, or talk.  I've learned, especially when people are talking about things that involve their faith, that people don't always want to share.  And that's ok.  :)  So, tonight we opened our class with a discussion of the word (and a simple explanation for those that weren't there last week) -- and I asked if they had all come up with a word.  For the most part, I saw nods and heard a few yesses.  When asked to share their word, if they wanted, I heard some really neat words.....I heard "relax" -- asked what that meant, and was told they needed to not stress out about stuff quite as much. 

I also heard the word patience -- as in patience with those who are younger than them.  I told them my word, which is actually two words -- forgiveness and redemption.  In my situation, they are kind of interchangable -- I have some forgiving to do, but probably also need forgiven.  Once that has taken place, I hope there is some level of redemption, so that what was lost can be regained. 

We continued with our discussion tonight of "Bad Girls of the Bible" -- discussing Herod's wife, who wanted (and got!) John the Baptist's head on a platter.  Wowwee --- what a bad girl SHE was!!!  :)  Another great discussion tonight.  And, as I told my class, I will miss them -- they were SO GOOD about participating in discussions, asking questions, etc.  I told them I bragged about them and it made them smile.  :)

I had the nicest present when I got home.  I logged into Facebook and found a message waiting for me.  I have to tell you, I got a tear in my eye (I know, I'm a constant fountain anyways!) -- but I asked her for permission to reprint it here because it meant so much to me:

Hey Pam, I just wanted to say thanks so much for teaching us this CCD session. I really enjoyed it and I have taken it all with me. I think that my word will definately have a lasting impact on my life. Well, that's about all I had to say...maybe next time I can "try" and say it face to face, haha. Thanks Pam

"Try" was the word that they are going to use this year -- interesting word, I think.  Try to overcome fears, try to not back out of things, try new things!  I hope they have much success.

Thanks for all of your kind words about this blog.  I really appreciate them more than you know! 

Until next time,

Pam

What's going on???

I'm feeling a little melancholy tonight.....as you know, our family lost our dad on January 2 of this year.  Just prior to that, friends of ours lost their dad rather suddenly.  My old roommate from college lost her dad 2 weeks prior to my dad passing.

Since Dad's funeral, we've been busy going to the funeral home for three other men who were wonderful husbands and fathers. 

I realize that I am probably "at that age" where this is expected to happen, but this just seems like so many in so little time. 

I was discussing this with my brother tonight, and he quickly reeled off two more people who had lost their dads in January as well.

I often wonder about times like this.  Why does God want a sudden influx of people in heaven?  What are we supposed to be seeing/learning about this?  I always know that there is a plan, I just have to wait to see what it is and how it plays out.

I was sitting in church on Sunday and suddenly had an interesting thought pop in my head.  We go to church to celebrate the Eucharist.  What do they do in heaven?  Does everyone gather around the table for each meal?  Does Jesus sit at the head each time?  Who does the dishes?  Oh, sorry, thought I was at my own house for a second.  :)  But seriously, what happens?

We will continue to pray for the souls of the faithfully departed, as we always do.  We hope that all of these families are able to find strength in the Lord and be assured of His love.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.

In memory of my dad, Harold J .Goettemoeller

January 9, 1927 ~ January 2, 2011

I love him and miss him every day, but am thrilled that he got to spend Valentine's Day with his favorite Valentine, my mom.  <3

Until next time........
Pam



Happy Valentine's Day!

Yeah, yeah, I know, it's a Hallmark holiday.  And, to a certain extent, that's true.  But, I do love Valentine's Day.  Why, you ask?  Well, sometimes it takes a day for us to sit and appreciate who we love in our lives!

I love my husband, my kids, and my family every day, not just Valentine's Day.  Yet, there's something special about doing little "extras" today that I might not otherwise.  Even if it's a heart-shaped meatloaf, it's still a fun day to celebrate.

I'm not 100% sure how true this story is, but I thought it was interesting and I would share: 

Claudius the Roman Emperor was having trouble getting men to serve in his army so he passed a law which did not allow any more marriages. (Single men were more willing to go off to war) Valentine, who was a minister who did not support the new law, was caught performing marriage ceremonies secretly. Jailed and sentenced to death, many young people came to visit Valentine. One was the daughter of the prison guard. On the day of his death Valentine wrote a note to the daughter signed "Love from your Valentine". This was on February 14, 269 A. D. Allegedly

To this day people send St Valentine love poems, but the St title is usually dropped and called poems for valentines, love poems for valentines day or valentine verse. Some are serious love poems but it is common for the young to send funny valentine poems.

So, even though today is a "Hallmark holiday", I hope you still take the time to do a little something special for your sweetie, or your family, or your friends.  Everyone likes to hear sometimes how much they are loved and appreciated!

Until next time........

Pam

Just playing around

I have spent the better part of the last hour adjusting the appearance here.  I hope that it looks ok.  I know orange is a little bright, but I like it.  I hope you do, too!

Here are our three oldest girls at Wicked last year.  I just wanted to see if I could figure out how to add a picture in here!  I did it!

OK -- I'm about to go live, but can't just yet because my Facebook account got hacked last night.  Be back soon!

Welp, here goes nothing!

I'm going to try to write a few blog posts before I tell anyone about this.  :)  I've felt drawn to write a blog for some time, and found myself with a little free time this morning to work on setting one up and getting it going.

First and foremost, I need to thank my niece, Heidi, for helping me name this blog.  I went through many names that were continually denied before I finally remembered her blog about being in Rome, and thinking, I can use a part of that name, too!

The first few weeks, I will probably spend time moving things around here, so it may look different when you come; let me know what you like and what you don't so that I can make it look good to you!  :)  After all, YOU are what I'm doing this for.

Not totally sure what direction this is going to go -- I wear a couple of hats that I would like to write about on occasion.  I am a wife to my wonderful husband, Jim; I am the mother of six children, who are teenagers, and pre-teens, and teen wanna bes.  I work full-time, mostly from my home, and try my best to balance work and home life.  I also teach religion for my church, and, although occasionally I feel as if I don't have time for it, generally I receive a message from the Holy Spirit that that is incorrect.  LOL

Thoughts?  Ideas?  Hand them over as I get this thing up and off the ground!