Imaginary Friends! Where Do They Get This Stuff?

A minute ago, I told my 3-year-old, Faith that she could get one of her baby
dolls, put it in her toy stroller and pretend she was taking her baby to the
store. Here's what she said, and keep in mind that Bernie is her imaginary
friend who is a girl.

"Bernie can't walk anymore. She bumped in to something, and her dad had to
put a bandage on her. She can't walk, so I'm going to put her in this wheel
chair and push her. I'm going to take her home so she can rest and get
better. Then, she'll be able to walk again."

Now, I ask you, where did she get that idea? I mean, she has seen people
using wheel chairs, well, maybe one or two, but we don't know anyone well
enough to say that she sees them on a regular basis. And, I've watched her
TV shows with her enough to know that while someone on there might use a
wheel chair, they aren't on her shows on a regular basis, but somehow, she's
put it together that Bernie had to have an accident and that's why she can't
walk and needs to be pushed home in a wheel chair. I think my older baby is
smarter than most adults. If so, we're in trouble. :)

Sewing Blind

Yeah, you read that correctly; I'm learning to sew. And, on a machine, of
all things. I've sewed by hand before, and I was so slow it wasn't even
funny, but now, making a seam takes no time at all. Of course, it's more
crooked than you could ever imagine, but I'll get there.

So, what brought this on? Well, I wanted to learn to make a skirt that I
could ware and that looks good on me. I paid one person to make me one and
had to have a friend fix it, because it looked like a tent on me. My friend
even made a skirt for me, for which I am very thankful. However, if clothing
is what I want and everyone is so busy and I end up feeling guilty for
taking up another's time, why not learn to do it myself? I mean, I can
crochet, and I have a basic understanding how to put things together, so I
guess there's no reason why I can't try, at least.

Well, Mom let me borrow her Kenmore sewing machine, and last night my dear
husband sat down at the kitchehn table with me and showed me how to use it.
Mom had already shown me how to thread it, but Terry taught me how it works.
I sewed 2 sides together and hemned the top of a little bag-like thingy. The
positive things are I did get a tiny bit better, I understood what I was
doing, I did not poke myself with the needle, the bobin didn't get all
tangled up, and I didn't get up from the table feeling like I was a failure.
However, my seams were mighty crooked, which prompted me to do a google
search. I found out that there is something called a seam guide that costs a
little over $3. Going to check out the machine today, but think I'll order
that seam guide, which is supposed to be adjustable.

Also, in my searching last night, I found a really neet article about a
woman out West who is blind and sews on a machine and has been for a very
long time. So, even though it might seem daunting, it can be done. I know I
have a lot of practice ahead, so I made sure when i went to the fabric store
to purchase some practice material. I also have some old shirts that I can
use to practice on. My biggest worry at the moment is how to cut straight.
If I can cut straight and want to practice using those old shirts, why I
could make a quilt. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the challenge and am
surprised I didn't dream about it last night. So, I do beg your prayers and
any tips or tricks that y'all might want to send my way. God bless!

First Real Book Signing

The lady beside me in the picture is a children's author who lives not too
far from me. I'm going to post her name, book's title and all that pertenant
info on my website soon, so keep checking for updates. Anyway, this is a
picture that my husband took at my first real book signing. It was held at
the Christian Family Book Shoppe in Smithers, WV on July 18. I was there
with Fran, the lady beside me and two other authors. I'm sorry, but I just
can't remember their names. All four of us sat at tables, our books
displayed before us. I was the only one to have business cards and book
marks. Another author brought home made cookies, something I wish I had
thought of. The other three sold one book each, but I didn't sell any. I did
hand out the book marks, and was surprised when the folks in the store
seemed surprised that I was giving something away. I guess they didn't
expect that, so at least I have something going for me. Maybe, if I had
given away free eats as well as book marks, I might have sold one. Oh well.
I'm a little disappointed, but honestly, no one really knows who I am, so I
shouldn't be bothered by it. There will be other signings. I did get to talk
to the other authors and the book store owner, and we all bounced ideas off
one another, which is always a good thing.

Just in case y'all are interested, I do have another book signing planned.
This one is going to be in Romney, WV at the Hampshire County Library on
Saturday, September 12 from 12PM to 2PM. I'll have my book, "Wild Heart" as
well as "Wild Heart" in audiobook and my children's book, "Gold! A Tall
Tale". For more info about "Wild Heart" check out my website
www.christianhomeplace.com
Soon, I will be creating a page dedicated strickly to my children's book,
but for now, here's the synopsis:

Imagine yourself on a wagon train, headed for California to pan for gold.
Now imagine your parents are taller than everyone else, and so are you. Now,
imagine that the animals can talk. Take a trip with Paw and Maw Bump and
their six children as they head West on the California Trail. And, just when
you think you know how the story will end, something extraordinary happens!

I'm thinking of having home made cookies or something similar, but I need to
talk with the folks at the library, first. Also, I may have a few freebies,
maybe some hand crocheted items just from me as a gift if you buy a book.
Who knows. September seems far away.

Well, time to get the girlies ready for evening church, so have to git.

HELP! I'M BEING INVADED!!!

Strange objects litter the floor to the point that I can't even take a step,
it seems without stubbing my toes and turning my ankles. Doors that I know I
left shut are suddenly standing wide open; that's why the millions of
bruises on my shins and bumps on my forehead. Things, like brooms and dish
cloths are turning up in the strangest places, and at all times of the day
or night, I hear these strange voices. Now, y'all stop that laughing! It
isn't a bit funny! If I wasn't grounded in my faith in God, I'd start
thinking there were ghosts in my house, or aliens from another planet, at
the very least. WHAT'S GOING ON AROUND HERE? Why, just today I found a
sandle in the middle of my bed! Now, I won't tell you how I found it; best
leave the details to imagination, but shoes in my bed aren't even the half
of it. A few days ago, I found a piggy bank, a piggy bank mind you in my
refrigerator! Once, I found a coaster inside my toaster, and the toaster was
toasting. We almost had to call the fire department that day. Alarm clocks
found in sock drawers, hair brushes found in laundry baskets, toy hot dogs
inside shoes, the list goes on and on. Are y'all sure there ain't aliens
from other worlds invading earth, cause it sure does seem so.

Ok, so the Bible tells me that God's thoughts and ways are much higher than
mine. And, Jesus said to suffer the little children to come unto Him and
forbid them not, for as such is the kingdom of Heaven. So, here's my
thought, profound or otherwise: maybe like God's thoughts are so much higher
than ours', maybe children's are as well. It has to be so, for nearly 4
years of motherhood has taught me that children just don't think like
adults. Of course, we all know this is true, but it doesn't seem to sink in
until something strange happens, like the 3-year-old climbing up on to the
stove top and turning on a burner, or the 3-year-old putting a coaster in
the toaster and turning it on cause she says her baby needed some toast. How
about the 19-month-old having a fit because you won't let her play with an
old dirty dish rag that has oatmeal all over it...and yes that didhappen
today.

Well, I know y'all are laughing yourselves silly, but hubby's cooking dinner
and kids are hungry, so I gotta git. I know, I know, the girls probably
won't even eat after I fix it, but I gotta give it my best shot. So, till
next time, give your little aliens hugs and kisses and lots of love. And
remember to laugh. Laughter and God's strength, don't forget, are the only
things that can get us through these trying times.

Watch Your mouth

When I was a little girl, seems like I was always hearing my mom say that.
"You'd better watch your mouth, ole girl!" she'd say. There was always a
good reason for it, too.

Today, not too many people tell me to watch my mouth, but this morning, the
Word did. I was reading my Bible and came across a couple of verses that I
want to share with you.

In 2 Corinthians, chapter 2 verses 1 and 2 it says, and I quote the King
James 1611, "But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again
to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me
glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?" Now, Paul isn't talking about
talking, but he could have been. If I say or write something that brings you
down, then who will be there to lift me up, except the one who was brought
down? Am I making sense?

A few days ago, I posted a blog that while true, is a bit depressing. My
intention was not to bring anyone down, but it seems that is just what has
happened. For that, friends, I am so very sorry. From now on, I'll try not
to write or say anything that could bring you down. It is our job as
Christian sisters and brothers to uplift one another. As the old saying
goes, "If you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything at
all."

Y'all pray for me, and I'll pray for y'all.

The Fourth of July

Today, July fourth means a lot of different things to different folks. To
some, it is the day the family gets together for a bbq or for dinner. For
some, it means heading down town to watch the fire works displays, and then
again for others, it's just another day spent alone. I actually spent the
day at my aunt's house for a cookout. She had bbq ribs, beef and vegies on
the grill, grilled corn on the cob, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad,
sweet potatoes, cucumbers from the garden, fresh green beans and potatoes
from the garden, fruit salad and a german chocolate cake. Wow, yeah, plenty
of food! Most of the family was there and it was a good day. My girls are so
filthy that I need to go give them a bath before bed, but they're watching a
dvd and eating right now, so will give them a bit. My youngest sister
brought her guitar and we enjoyed her playing and singing while we visited.
The day, while good, was overshadowed by my cousin's little boy who has
hemophelia and is in the hospital as I write this, for an infection.

As a kid, I can remember trips to my dad's mom's on July fourth, to
celebrate the holiday and to celebrate my dad's birthday, July fifth. After
a day of burgers on the grill, we would head to somewhere and watch the fire
works. Being the only blind person in the family, i was inevidably asked,
"Did you see that one, Shannon?" Yikes, I got so tired of answering that
after a while I quit. Oh, to be a child again! To be able to answer, "Yes! I
see it!" Now, totally blind, it's nothing but a bunch of noise. We don't
even take the girls to see them, yet. We will in a year or two, when they're
are old enough to not be so scared.

But, with all this bbqing and grilling and family togetherness, let's try
not to forget what it's all about. My aunt gave my girls 2 flags, today, and
I couldn't help but think of how men died on that long ago day, just to give
me a chance to live in a country where I can choose my work, my religion and
who I spend my time with. July 4, 1776 was Independence Day and still is.
Today, looking back, many men and women have fought for the cause of liberty
and still do. Democracy back in the 1700's was something never tried before,
and we were expected to fail. However, as you can see, we haven't failed, at
least not yet. I'm afraid however, that if we don't nip it in the bud, we
may lose something more precious than freedom. Could that be dignity? What
do you think? Now, I'm not a political person, not by a long shot, but
shouldn't white protestants be free to worship, without being called racist?
And, for that matter, how come you're racist, only if you are white? Is
there such a thing as a black racist or a native American racist? And, since
when did a white protestant become a minority, and nobody care? I will
agree, we need to protect America's citizens; black, white, or whatever
color. I will agree that we need to take care of the homeless and hungry.
And, i agree that this country should be a place where a man or woman can
choose their own religion. So, if I'm free to choose my religion, then why
is it wrong to be a protestant? Protestants are not supposed to bash
muslums. Protestants are not supposed to bash Jews or buhdists or catholics,
but Catholics, Jews, Muslums, it would appear are free to bash protestants.
Why is that? To quote a song...and y'all listen up...

"What's wrong with living right? Can anybody tell me? I'm doing what I know
to do; living for Jesus. He's the way...the truth. I'm not going where I
shouldn't go. I'm serving Jesus with all my might. So, can anybody tell me
what's wrong with living right?"

Wow, I got on my soap box, didn't I? Well, I have freedom of speech. Don't
I?

You wanna know how to fix America? Well, I ought to run for president, cause
I have the answer. Yep! I know what to do. And, if you wanna know what to
do, here's how you find out.

step 1. Go get your Bible and open it
step 2. Open it to 2 Chronicles 7:14
step 3. read it with me

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and
pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear
from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

That's it! That's the answer! And, Obama's being payed how much?

Am I Truly Doing The Right Thing?

"No pain, no gain." Right? Well, sometimes, I wonder. Sometimes, I think I've really made a huge mistake. Then, other times, I could slap myself for being so stupid as to question the decisions I've made. I love my life, don't get me wrong. I love my husband, and I love my children. I wouldn't trade them for all the riches in the world. Maybe, I shouldn't even continue this post, that way, you won't have to know the shameful thoughts that run through my head. Then again, for the sake of being breutily honest, I'll keep writing.

 

I'm not so sure I'm cut out for being a full time stay at home mom. Maybe, I'm lazy. Maybe, I'm crazy. Maybe, I'm just lonely. What? Lonely with a 3-year-old and a 19-month-old in the house? Ok, so maybe lonely isn't the word for it. Maybe, lonely for adult conversation and companionship is what I'm trying to say. I don't know; maybe, I'm just depressed.

 

When I first found out I was pregnant with Faith, Terry and I were living in Romney, WV. It's a pretty, little town with stores, businesses and homes close enough to walk to. We had moved up there in the fall of 2003 and by the time I got pregnant, it was January of 2005. In the early days of living in Romney, my friends and I would walk nearly a mile every day. I walked aproximately a mile to work and back, 5 days a week, not counting the pleasure walks over the weekend. Even in rain, snow and chilly weather, I walked. I walked to fast food places and restaurants, the pharmacy, the doctor, the dollar store, to friends' houses, but mostly I would walk to the campus of the WV School for the Deaf and Blind, just to sit outside on a bench and enjoy the outdoors. I lost about 40 pounds in a matter of a few months, and was feeling great. Then, do to financial circumstances, we moved back home, close to my parents. I went from walking almost everyday, to almost no daily activity. I went from visiting friends on a regular basis, to only speaking on the phone every once in a while. I went from a working wife to a stay at home mom, after Faith was born in August.

 

Now, 4 years later, I have 2 beautiful daughters, a house that's always a reck, never getting out, unless it's to church and to eat, having no contact with friends, except a conversation over the phone once a week or so. I change diapers, wipe rears, give baths, fix meals, wipe noses, wash hands and faces, blog, write, crochet some, play on the internet, and rarely have a conversation with anyone over 3, except to talk about grocery lists and bills. I kiss my husband buy every morning, listen to chatter and wining all day, and when hubby comes home, I sometimes fool myself that we might get to talk, when he turns on the TV and shuts us all out. Sometimes, I call up a friend, but usually she's not able to talk. Mom calls more often these days, mostly because she's off work for the summer, but Mom's not the visiting kind; she's more like, "You need to go to the store? You want me to take the girls to the pool?"

 

I try to read in my down time...y'all know I love books, but I can barely make it through the first chapter; they just bore me, anymore. Inspired by the publication of "Wild Heart", I try to write, but mostly the ideas don't make it outside my head. I try to practice singing and playing the piano, but I've been keeping a cough that doesn't allow me to sing much, and I can't play the piano for the rugrats crawling all over me. It's sweet, and I don't mind, really, but I don't get much practicing done.

 

I try to get the girls out, at least, I used to try, but when the grass is so high, Kierstin, the baby, can't hardly walk in it and when there's the threat of a copperhead...I'm still scared by that one that was found a few weeks ago, well, I stopped trying so hard. It's summertime, and they should get out, but to where? The neighborhood park, which is really nice is full of kids all day, and I don't feel comfortable taking the girls and trying to watch them with so many kids around. I try taking them on walks, but with Kierstin not able to walk good, I have to carry her on my back, and honestly, I just don't have the energy for it. Even when she does walk better, how do I use my cane, hold Faith's hand and Kierstin's at the same time? I thought of getting one of those wagons, then they both could sit in it and I could pull them along. Not a bad idea, but where would we go? I certainly can't take it on the bus to go shopping.

 

And, speaking of walking, those 40 pounds i lost in Romney, I gained them all back, plus several more. I'm so out of shape, it isn't funny. I need a major diet and exercise plan, but who would watch the girls while I go for arobics in the pool? Or, who would drive me and watch the girls while I go for CURVES or Weight Watchers or some other diet management program? If I could just get out on a regular basis...

 

Ok, ok, I know I'm being negative, and I know it sounds like I'm feeling sorry for myself, and maybe I am, but I just don't know what else to do. I want to move back to Romney, where having a wagon would at least help, because I could walk to the store. I want a bigger house, where I can have a room special for toys that I can shut the door on when someone comes over. I hate tripping over toys on my way to answer the door.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking or begging for help; I'm just venting, here. I thought of going back to school, but who would watch the girls? How would I pay for a sitter? And, not only that, hubby wants me to stay home with them. He's got a good point, and I'm not arguing with him...I don't like the idea of someone else raising my kids, but...and this sounds so very selfish...what about me? What about my social life? Now, I know hubby doesn't have much of a social life either, so I'm not trying to say he does and I don't. It's just that, by the time he comes home, I wanna talk and he doesn't.

 

Speaking of school, you know what I thought about doing? Massage therapy. Yeah, i know it doesn't bring in much money, but I'd love to do it. The schooling is only about a year, but... So, I could send Faith to preschool, and when kierstin's old enough, do the same, but I don't want them turning out like so many public school kids; I want them to have a good Christian influence. So, where's the balance? What am I supposed to do? Have I made a huge mistake?

 

Well, I've said quite enough, I guess. I just needed to vent. Sorry if i brought you down. Didn't mean to. Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'm certain God is faithful!