Saturday, December 22, 2007
Death by Divorce
Anyone that has been through a divorce or has walked with someone through a divorce knows what I'm talking about when I relate divorce to death. Because it IS a death. A death of a covenant between two people. Death by divorce often has a ripple effect that spreads out through the circle of people who are closest to them. But instead of the ripples getting smaller and smaller, they sometimes take on a tsunami effect and become even more damaging and destructive. So, what are we do? Those of us in that circle, feeling the ripples of their pain and grief? Stand firm! Don't be swayed by the winds of accusation and condemnation. The couple is hurting bad enough. Stand firm! And be that person they can cling to when the storms are about to wash them away. Stand firm! And be that shelter they can run to when they think they can't stand the raging winds any longer. And, hopefully, when the storm has passed and things are calm, they will have survived.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Holiday Baking
These are a few of my favorite cookies for this time of year. At the top left is the traditional Gingerbread Man Cookie. To the right of it is Kourabiedes, a Greek Butter Cookie. It's an authentic recipe from a friend. Below that is the Crinkle Top Cookie. Better known in our family as the "Wagon Wheel". And beside that is a Sugar Cookie from my Grandma's recipe. Not pictured (because we ate them all already) is the Pumpkin Chip Cookie. Another delicious recipe from a friend.So, what are you baking this year?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Baby Jesus
It was the day AFTER Christmas at a church in San Francisco . The pastor of the church was looking at the manger scene, when he noticed that the baby Jesus figure was missing from the cradle. He immediatelyturned and went outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon walking down the street. And in the wagon, was the figure of the infant Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said, 'Son, where did you get that little baby Jesus that's in your wagon?' The little boy replied, 'I got him from the church.' 'And why did you take him?' asked the pastor. The little boy replied, 'Well, about a week before Christmas, I prayed to the little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.'
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Microwave Madness!!
I'm just about ready to scream! But I decided to take my frustration out on my poor blog instead.
Last summer (2006) when we remodeled the kitchen, we installed an over-the-range microwave. The microwave was purchased at Home Depot and was made by Magic Chef. We were told that Magic Chef is a division of Maytag. No worries! Maytag is a highly reputable company.
Fast forward to last week. The bulb under the microwave that shines down on the stove-top blew. After that happened, the microwave would no longer work. I dug out my receipt and paperwork and sure enough it was just past the warranty period by a couple of months. I called Home Depot and they said unless I bought the extended warranty, I would have to call the 800 number in the owner's manual to schedule a repairman to come out. GGGGGrrrrrr!!
Anyway, called to schedule the repairman. He was supposed to be here Tuesday between 8-noon. The company called Monday and said the repairman's vehicle was broken down and he wouldn't be able to come until Thursday between 8-noon. Ok. No problem. The company called Wednesday and said it would be between noon and 3 o'clock before he could come. Deep breath, ok, still no problem. Thursday morning the repairman called twice. Once to verify directions and confirm the time...he pinned down a specific hour he would be here. Five minutes later, he called back and said it would be another hour or so. GGGGGGGrrrrr!! Again, deep breath. No problem!
The funny thing is, when he called, Amber answered the phone and said it was someone named "Amy" from the repair company. "Amy" had a very deep voice. But as Amber said, this is WV!
When the repairman called the second time, it did indeed sound like he/she said this is "Amy". So, by this time, we're envisioning someone like a chick truck-driver with big muscles and possibly a mustache.
The repairman did show up at the appointed time.... a guy repairman with a mustache and beard. We're thinking his mama played a really cruel joke naming him "Amy".
He was there just a few minutes and had diagnosed the problem. We needed a new circuit board. He called the company to order the part and was told that they don't work on that brand of microwave! He couldn't believe that! So, he called his boss. His boss confirmed that they indeed, DO NOT work on my brand of microwave. You'd think the call center would have known that before they sent him to my house. They had the model number and the seriel number and the brand name when I made the appointment! So, "Amy" calls a few more people trying to figure out what to do. They tell him to give me an 800 number that I have to call MYSELF and order the part MYSELF and then find a repairman MYSELF to come install the new part that I have to pay for MYSELF! I'm not a happy camper by this point. But I'm holding the scream in and thinking that if "Amy" thinks he's getting the $60.00 service fee he's supposed to charge me, he's out of his mind. I guess he realized that wouldn't be a good ideato do that and tells me there won't be a charge. He apologizes. He's worked for the company for 17 years and has not seen anything like this. He's not even seen a microwave die of such a young age. So, he leaves. And I call Home Depot, thinking there must be something they can do. I talk with the manager directly and tell him what's been going on. I'm kind, I'm polite. I love Home Depot. They've always had great service. But he pretty much told me I'm just out of luck. He did offer two suggestions. 1) I could buy a new microwave from him with a 10% discount or 2) I could call Maytag and beg for a credit towards a new microwave. Neither option appealed to me. So, I turned to the 800 number "amy" had left for me. It was the number directly to Magic Chef. I talked to a guy and he connected me to someone else and I got their voice mail! GGGGGRRRRRrrrr! I left a message and tried the Maytag number. After speaking with Carolyn at Maytag, I found out that all Magic Chef products are NOT made by Maytag. Magic Chef lends their name to several companies. The company that made my microwave is called MCD. Anyone ever hear of MCD???? Not me! Now I understand why it broke in the first place! Carolyn was kind and referred me to the Magic Chef 800 number. So, I called again! I wanted to talk to a person not a voice mail. I almost felt sorry for the guy that answered the phone. I told him what was going on...the run around game I was playing and in a very soft voice let him know that I am not a Happy Camper and would appreciate any help he could give me. I think it was the soft voice instead of ranting and raving that got his attention. In any case, he immediately and generously offered to send me the part for free and explained how easy it is to install...I can do it MYSELF!
As for "Amy", turns out he wasn't saying "Amy" at all. He was saying "A&E" really, really fast.
Last summer (2006) when we remodeled the kitchen, we installed an over-the-range microwave. The microwave was purchased at Home Depot and was made by Magic Chef. We were told that Magic Chef is a division of Maytag. No worries! Maytag is a highly reputable company.
Fast forward to last week. The bulb under the microwave that shines down on the stove-top blew. After that happened, the microwave would no longer work. I dug out my receipt and paperwork and sure enough it was just past the warranty period by a couple of months. I called Home Depot and they said unless I bought the extended warranty, I would have to call the 800 number in the owner's manual to schedule a repairman to come out. GGGGGrrrrrr!!
Anyway, called to schedule the repairman. He was supposed to be here Tuesday between 8-noon. The company called Monday and said the repairman's vehicle was broken down and he wouldn't be able to come until Thursday between 8-noon. Ok. No problem. The company called Wednesday and said it would be between noon and 3 o'clock before he could come. Deep breath, ok, still no problem. Thursday morning the repairman called twice. Once to verify directions and confirm the time...he pinned down a specific hour he would be here. Five minutes later, he called back and said it would be another hour or so. GGGGGGGrrrrr!! Again, deep breath. No problem!
The funny thing is, when he called, Amber answered the phone and said it was someone named "Amy" from the repair company. "Amy" had a very deep voice. But as Amber said, this is WV!
When the repairman called the second time, it did indeed sound like he/she said this is "Amy". So, by this time, we're envisioning someone like a chick truck-driver with big muscles and possibly a mustache.
The repairman did show up at the appointed time.... a guy repairman with a mustache and beard. We're thinking his mama played a really cruel joke naming him "Amy".
He was there just a few minutes and had diagnosed the problem. We needed a new circuit board. He called the company to order the part and was told that they don't work on that brand of microwave! He couldn't believe that! So, he called his boss. His boss confirmed that they indeed, DO NOT work on my brand of microwave. You'd think the call center would have known that before they sent him to my house. They had the model number and the seriel number and the brand name when I made the appointment! So, "Amy" calls a few more people trying to figure out what to do. They tell him to give me an 800 number that I have to call MYSELF and order the part MYSELF and then find a repairman MYSELF to come install the new part that I have to pay for MYSELF! I'm not a happy camper by this point. But I'm holding the scream in and thinking that if "Amy" thinks he's getting the $60.00 service fee he's supposed to charge me, he's out of his mind. I guess he realized that wouldn't be a good ideato do that and tells me there won't be a charge. He apologizes. He's worked for the company for 17 years and has not seen anything like this. He's not even seen a microwave die of such a young age. So, he leaves. And I call Home Depot, thinking there must be something they can do. I talk with the manager directly and tell him what's been going on. I'm kind, I'm polite. I love Home Depot. They've always had great service. But he pretty much told me I'm just out of luck. He did offer two suggestions. 1) I could buy a new microwave from him with a 10% discount or 2) I could call Maytag and beg for a credit towards a new microwave. Neither option appealed to me. So, I turned to the 800 number "amy" had left for me. It was the number directly to Magic Chef. I talked to a guy and he connected me to someone else and I got their voice mail! GGGGGRRRRRrrrr! I left a message and tried the Maytag number. After speaking with Carolyn at Maytag, I found out that all Magic Chef products are NOT made by Maytag. Magic Chef lends their name to several companies. The company that made my microwave is called MCD. Anyone ever hear of MCD???? Not me! Now I understand why it broke in the first place! Carolyn was kind and referred me to the Magic Chef 800 number. So, I called again! I wanted to talk to a person not a voice mail. I almost felt sorry for the guy that answered the phone. I told him what was going on...the run around game I was playing and in a very soft voice let him know that I am not a Happy Camper and would appreciate any help he could give me. I think it was the soft voice instead of ranting and raving that got his attention. In any case, he immediately and generously offered to send me the part for free and explained how easy it is to install...I can do it MYSELF!
As for "Amy", turns out he wasn't saying "Amy" at all. He was saying "A&E" really, really fast.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Relationship Ramblings
What is the value of a relationship? Are relationships even necessary in this life? I say Absolutely! God created us to be relational beings. We need each other and we need Him. There are various types of relationships. Some are given to us at birth...parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins. Some are made of our own choosing...spouses, friends, acquaintances, mentors. Each person that crosses our path has value. The depth of that relationship is determined by us. The value of that relationship is determined by us. I have met many people over the years being a military wife. Most were casual acquaintances. But a treasured few have become priceless gifts. These are the people in my life who have been faithful to me and my family. Through good times and bad times. I know I can count on them. And even though they're scattered all over the country (and Korea), if I needed them, they would do all in their power to be here for me. I have no doubt about that. Just as I would be there for them.
I remember the first time one of these people showed me what it's like to have/be a true friend. I was a fairly young adult and hadn't yet made many friends. But this person was different. She was bold. And she taught me the value of friendship. She taught me that I didn't have to be perfect for her to stay my friend. That even when I did something that hurt her, she valued our budding friendship enough, to talk to me about it, so we could work things out. Turns out it was a simple misunderstanding but if left alone, could have ended our friendship. That was 12 years ago and we're still great friends! Confrontation is not fun! Not fun to initiate or to be on the receiving end of. But it's often necessary for a relationship to survive. Confrontation was something new to me. I grew up with the idea that if someone made you mad, you were done with them. The same thing was true if you made someone mad....they were done with you. I'm glad my friend taught me that relationships aren't disposable.
I've said this before, maybe not on this blog, but God has blessed me with the most amazing women in my life. They are all so different and are in different places in their lives. But they're all so special. And I've learned many things from all of them.
When my kids were little, some new people moved in next door to our base housing. It didn't take long for me to realize, there was a new friendship in the works. Within a few days of moving in, I received a note from her thanking me for the friendship bread I had given her. But she had also written Proverbs 27:10 in the card. It says "Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off." And being in the military, this verse was very relevant. I knew she was going to be someone I could count on. She was the one I ran to when I got the news my father-in-law suddenly passed away. And I was the one she ran to when her baby swallowed a penny. And that note card? I still have it on my desk. That was 1997 when our friendship began. And she's still the one I often run to for advice.
God has brought a new friend to my life since moving to WV. She's been through some tough stuff in the last year or so. And she has quite the story to tell. At one point, the doctors told her they'd have to remove her tongue and vocal chords for her to survive the cancer. But through prayer, medical advances and an old-fashioned miracle, she's healed and still has her tongue and vocal chords! I don't know what God has for this new friendship. I don't know if we'll be best buds one day or we're just meant to join forces on this new Prayer Shawl Ministry she's started. Either way, I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.
So, are relationships worth it? Are they worth the time and effort? Are they worth the risk of rejection and hurt? Again, I say, Absolutely! The benefits far out-weigh the risks.
I remember the first time one of these people showed me what it's like to have/be a true friend. I was a fairly young adult and hadn't yet made many friends. But this person was different. She was bold. And she taught me the value of friendship. She taught me that I didn't have to be perfect for her to stay my friend. That even when I did something that hurt her, she valued our budding friendship enough, to talk to me about it, so we could work things out. Turns out it was a simple misunderstanding but if left alone, could have ended our friendship. That was 12 years ago and we're still great friends! Confrontation is not fun! Not fun to initiate or to be on the receiving end of. But it's often necessary for a relationship to survive. Confrontation was something new to me. I grew up with the idea that if someone made you mad, you were done with them. The same thing was true if you made someone mad....they were done with you. I'm glad my friend taught me that relationships aren't disposable.
I've said this before, maybe not on this blog, but God has blessed me with the most amazing women in my life. They are all so different and are in different places in their lives. But they're all so special. And I've learned many things from all of them.
When my kids were little, some new people moved in next door to our base housing. It didn't take long for me to realize, there was a new friendship in the works. Within a few days of moving in, I received a note from her thanking me for the friendship bread I had given her. But she had also written Proverbs 27:10 in the card. It says "Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off." And being in the military, this verse was very relevant. I knew she was going to be someone I could count on. She was the one I ran to when I got the news my father-in-law suddenly passed away. And I was the one she ran to when her baby swallowed a penny. And that note card? I still have it on my desk. That was 1997 when our friendship began. And she's still the one I often run to for advice.
God has brought a new friend to my life since moving to WV. She's been through some tough stuff in the last year or so. And she has quite the story to tell. At one point, the doctors told her they'd have to remove her tongue and vocal chords for her to survive the cancer. But through prayer, medical advances and an old-fashioned miracle, she's healed and still has her tongue and vocal chords! I don't know what God has for this new friendship. I don't know if we'll be best buds one day or we're just meant to join forces on this new Prayer Shawl Ministry she's started. Either way, I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.
So, are relationships worth it? Are they worth the time and effort? Are they worth the risk of rejection and hurt? Again, I say, Absolutely! The benefits far out-weigh the risks.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
MY Twelve Days of Christmas!
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two knitting needles, and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a
Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three
crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three
crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Seven knitting books, six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT!
Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a
Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books, six stitch markers,
FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three crochet
hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Nine skeins of yarn, eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books,
six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns,
three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric
Gift Card!
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Ten spools of thread, nine skeins of yarn, eight fat-quarters,
seven knitting books, six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT!
Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and
a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Eleven bright buttons, ten spools of thread, nine skeins of yarn,
eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books, six stitch markers,
FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks,
two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Twelve yards of fabric, eleven bright buttons, ten spools of thread,
nine skeins of yarn, eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books, six
stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three
crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two knitting needles, and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a
Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three
crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three
crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Seven knitting books, six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT!
Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a
Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books, six stitch markers,
FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three crochet
hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Nine skeins of yarn, eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books,
six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns,
three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric
Gift Card!
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Ten spools of thread, nine skeins of yarn, eight fat-quarters,
seven knitting books, six stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT!
Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks, two knitting needles and
a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Eleven bright buttons, ten spools of thread, nine skeins of yarn,
eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books, six stitch markers,
FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three crochet hooks,
two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Twelve yards of fabric, eleven bright buttons, ten spools of thread,
nine skeins of yarn, eight fat-quarters, seven knitting books, six
stitch markers, FIVE DAYS TO CRAFT! Four apron patterns, three
crochet hooks, two knitting needles and a Joann's Fabric Gift Card!
First Snow
This is the view out of my kitchen window this morning. My son got up, came into the kitchen, saw the snow, went back to his room and returned a few minutes later dressed in snow pants and coat, ready to go sledding. He played outside for about an hour, running inside every few minutes to tell me of the current sledding expedition, and to show me the snowball he made.While he was doing that, I was preparing a batch of home-made biscuits. I thought he would enjoy something hot from the oven after being out in the cold. I must say, these are the best biscuits I've made yet. Don't they look yummy?!
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