We Get to Keep Him

Rich has been suffering with a serious sinus infection for over a month. He finally went to see the doctor last week and had x-rays taken as well as blood work. His mucus membrane is swollen and his sinus cavity is packed! He went back today for a follow-up to see what exactly is going on in that sinus cavity of his, and the doctor said he has the worst sinus infection he has seen in a long time. Poor guy. His face hurts from the swelling and congestion.

Since his sinuses are so bad, the doctor decided to have him tested for allergies today because they happen to have an allergist right there at his office. Now we already know he has allergies because he's miserable every summer when he works out in the yard. We just didn't know the specifics.

He found out that he is allergic to everything outdoors... grass, crab grass, weeds, pollen, leaves. He also found out that he is not allergic to...

Teddy

Bailey

or Dixie

And the four of us are happy about that because it would've been really hard to say goodbye to...

HIM!

Luv you, honey! ;)

So Much To Do, So Little Time

I've been feeling so...so...unproductive in my interests and hobbies over the last month. While I'm working at the office, all I can think about is all the stuff I want to do at home. Here is the want-to-do list I've been composing in my mind for weeks:

1. Read - I brought home a Francine Rivers novel and a cat mystery from the library yesterday, and I would love to get them both read in the 3-week alotment that the library provides. Or at least within 6 weeks because they'll let me renew once. I also have plenty of non-fiction biblical books that I need to read, too. That list is too long to mention.


2. Crochet - I'm at the beginning of that one crochet project that shall remain unmentioned, and I also want to make some baby booties and bibs for an upcoming shower. I'm not even sure I can pull that off. It's 3 weeks away. Ugh! Not to mention the afghan I want to make for myself and the one my sister wants and the slippers I'd like to attempt...the list goes on and on here.


3. No-Sew Fleece Throws - I made two of these as Christmas gifts and now I want to make 1 or 2 or 10 more! I got an email from my fabric store today, and fleece is on sale this week. Hmmm...


4. Learn Web Design - Yep, I love all things internet, and I have a fascination with HTML code. I also picked up two web design books at the library and would love to read them from cover to cover. It's my dream to build a website from scratch.


5. Blog - I am addicted to blogging, but I'm not very good at it. I know I probably need to expand my mind and explore my feelings more so I have something interesting to blog about. As it is right now, I often sit down to a blank page and go, well, blank. I'd like to develop my skills in this hobby, so I'm going to keep working on it.


6. Sewing - I used to sew in the first few years of my marriage, but then I stopped. I don't recall why, but I'm sure it was because I started cross-stitching or scrapbooking or surfing the internet, you know, something real important like that. Now I'm starting to feel a tug to get back to it, and I think my first project would be outfits for my nieces. I'm still thinking on this one.


7. Baking - This is somewhat of a misnomer because I would let my bread maker do all the work. Ever since I got the bread maker for Christmas, I've been thinking about the recipes I want to try that came with it: wheat rolls, pizza crust, pretzels, quick breads, etc...

So what is on your want-to-do list that you just can't manage to get to? Leave a comment or a link to your blog with a list. I'd love to know what everyone else is up to.

I Need a Little Pick-Me-Up

Do you ever get frustrated with yourself because you just don't know why you think or act the way you do or have fears that just don't make sense? I do. I've been feeling that a lot lately, and I'm starting to realize it's exhausting to be me. No wonder I'm tired all the time.

The frustration comes because I just don't "get" myself. When I reach that point, though, the Lord seems to always bring me back to Psalm 139 and reminds me of His care. Verses 1-6 really speak to my comfort...

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

As I look at these truths, the Lord says to me... Liz, I have searched your heart, and I know every intimate detail of your life. I know when you sit and when you get up. I know and understand every single thought that runs through that head of yours. I have already seen and known every place you will go, and I am familiar with and know specifically your quirks, fears, desires, strengths, weaknesses, and everything that makes you uniquely you. I know every single word you will ever speak, both detrimental and edifying. But know that My hand is resting upon you as your Shield and Protector, and you are kept securely.

My response is... How can that be, Lord? Your sovereignty, knowledge, and care are beyond my comprehension. I'm so thankful that even when no one else understands me and I don't even understand myself, You know it all and still love me.

Starbucks - The Common Bond

Alright you Starbucks fanatics, I really had no idea that you would even find my humble, little blog tucked in among those hundreds of bloggy giveaways. But at last check there are 296 of you out there, and I am reeling, wide-eyed and dumbfounded, from all the attention. I realize you really only love me for my Starbucks, but it's attention just the same. I'm okay with that.

I have enjoyed reading your comments. It appears that I am not alone in my love for the mocha, and I feel the bond we all share no matter what your beverage passion...whether it be tazo tea, coffee, frappuccino, latte, steamer, or my beloved peppermint mocha.

Starbucks... it is the common bond.

Video of the Week - For Cat Lovers

With the intense excitement of the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival that started this morning, I almost forgot what day it is. Monday is Video of the Week.

The video I've chosen for this week is going to appeal to cat lovers. Have you seen Nora the cat on YouTube? She is the most talented feline I have ever seen and reminds me very much of our Teddy in looks and personality. She plays piano and even performs duets.

Take a look at this...




If you haven't yet heard about my Starbucks giveaway, click right here.