Posted by Amy Thu June 26, 2008, 5:26 pm
This Week
I feel like this week has been SO busy...I've hardly had any time to sit or pick up around the house, or anything. It has been GOOD busy though overall. I'm going to re-cap this past week....maybe that's lame, but I don't really have any other material in me than that.
Family Fun
On Saturday, our anniversary :-), we had my beautiful friend, Jessica, and her family over for a cook out. Alex adores her kids Helene and Luke and we like their dad, Scott, just okay, too :-) We had some hot dogs and sides and then the kids got their bathing suits on and had water balloon fights. It's crazy how quickly those water balloons disappear, yet are so time-consuming to fill up. Then, we made our famous elephant ears, haha...we had to share the love!! Believe me, we are not going to be making carnival food on a regular basis in our home. We are saving the greasy delights for special festivities only. We could not stop laughing over the kids' responses to the elephant ears.' It was hilarious. The three of them were playing upstairs as we were getting the dough frying (we did not tell them we were having this treat ahead of time). One by one (a few minutes' apart) they came down the stairs in like a trance. With big eyes and grins..."What's that smell? What are you making?" It was like better than Christmas morning (their reactions)...seriously, it was very funny. They couldn't wait to get their grubby hands on one when it was done...but they were so hot and they had to be patient. Luke was the funniest of all because he loves cinnamon sugar pretzels from the mall. Pure joy, I tell ya. Anyway, after the grease fest, we worked off a little of it by playing some old school dodge ball (with light beach balls...nothing aggressive). I can't remember the last time I played (I was having elementary school flashbacks of getting beamed in the face with those hard, rubber balls and my glasses breaking/cutting into my cheek, not kidding). The guys kept making up rules that they conveniently remembered when it would help them out in some way. Jessica is awesome at dodge ball, of course. The kids had a lot of fun, too.
Saying Goodbye
Sunday was our pastor's last with our church. It was a bittersweet day. He is moving on to Mesa, Arizona where his wife has her dream job in oncology and he has been hired as senior pastor at a Methodist church there. Alex and I went to a reception for Pastor Jim following the church service. Mike was not feeling well and was out of commission for the entire day, so Alex and I fended for ourselves, which is unusual for a weekend as we are very used to our family time. Anyway, back to Pastor Jim...Mike and I really connected with him and I just felt such a special fondness for him that I can't explain. I know I can attribute it to how much he helped us through the pregnancy and afterwards...and he met Lydia (only a handful of people can say that) and loved her. And he often expressed his love for us (which I've never experienced with another pastor). We always made it a point to give each other a hug anytime we saw each other. He is such a special man who has blessed so many and I know he will continue to do so in stupid Arizona (just kidding). I am happy for him, but he knows he will be missed. I am looking forward to meeting our new pastor since our congregation has heard a lot about him. His name is Scott Mann and he is from North Webster, I think? He and Pastor Jim are best friends....I'm sure God has a plan for our congregation and I am looking forward to this next phase of the journey.
VBS
Now, as far as the rest of the week....our church's Vacation Bible School is going on. And in order to get Alex to be able to participate in it (must be 4 to be a part of it), I HAD TO volunteer (is that an oxymoron? heehee). I was anticipating both me and Alex getting a lot out of it. So, we have been there every morning this week from 9-11:30. Alex is having a blast. I am a "group guide" for 22 five year olds. Thank God I am not the only group guide. There is another mom and teenager with us...and they are very much needed. And today, God sent Katie (the children's ministry director's daughter) to help us out. She was amazing and has learned a lot from her mom who is also a PreK teacher. I love children, do not get me wrong. But this has been a VERY tiring week...they are quite the handful. Apparently they were never taught the terms--listening ears, zip your lips, bubble in your mouths (actually that was a new one to me), hands to yourselves, line up, sit down, hold hands, obey, the list goes on and on (I might be exaggerating a little, okay..no, I'm not). I feel like a drill sergeant and I don't like that at all. I want to enjoy this experience more, I really do. I vowed today that I would at least not LOOK as stressed as I felt (I typically cannot hide my stress, at all). I think I accomplished that today...smiling while yelling, haha. Overall, I have met some very sweet children (except for a few. One minor, minor example of what one little girl did who looks deceiving like a little princess---I went to grab her hand and she yelled, "ow!" Believe me, I did not hurt her in the least...she just knows how to play people and is something else). Anyway, it really bothers me that the names I completely have to memory are those who are misbehavin.' And then there are the sweet angels who get lost in the crowd and I don't even get to know them. I did often praise good behavior today. One more morning of this...and a dinner/program tomorrow night. I will miss seeing some of them :-) Oh, and I just hug Alex extra tight and give him lots of kisses after the morning is over. Makes me really appreciate him!! Speaking of Alex, I have to tell you what he calls one of his teachers for VBS. Her name is Rebecca....and he calls her Chewbecca, which I figured out is a combination of Chewbacca (Star Wars) and Rebecca. I shared this with her and we got a good laugh--too cute.
Fun Stuff
We have spent a couple of afternoons playing with friends this week and got to go to Chick-Fil-A. Love that place...how they run their business and what they do for the community. We got free kids' meals coupons through VBS. The past two evenings I have attended different womens' outings through my bible study church, EFC. We had a "Fun in the Sun" fellowship night on Tuesday at Camp Tecumseh.
And then I have started participating in a Summer Study on Wednesday nights on this Christian book about marriage. It's fun to discuss with women in an intimate setting and I think will be very helpful in all of our marriages. Jill Savage, the founder of Hearts at Home, is the author.
This week's challenge for our Summer Study was to make our husbands' favorite meal. I didn't have to rack my brain too much to know what Mike's favorite meal is. So, for the first time ever, I made the Focosi family's homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs. Sure, I've assisted Mike in the past, but he's always been the one to primarily make it. But, I made it all on my own and it turned out really well. He left the table "stuffed," which is how I know I/the meal was a success.
NOT Good?
Today, something big happened. Something huge! The grand opening of....the new Goodwill on the south side of town...and it was AWESOME. Totally insane, but awesome. This Goodwill is only like 1/2 mile from my house..this is good (hence their name), but also, oh, so bad. Think... my Dollar Tree problem. Really, I don't generally have a Goodwill issue, but since we have one so close...and it's huge and organized and TONS of new stuff in the box (discounted) directly from Target (way more than I'd ever seen at any other Goodwill), this may be a problem that I need to work hard to overcome (i.e., keep on driving). I could easily ride my bike there though...maybe I should...then I couldn't buy as much. Although we've been wanting to get a bike trailer. Anyway, I thought my legs were going to go out from under me when I first entered the store. It's so pretty. I never, ever thought I'd use that word to describe a Goodwill. And it doesn't have THE SMELL...not yet, anyway. And I said it's very large, right? And the books they offer...it's not just one measly shelf on a wall of books....a few rows of books...categorized, hello?! It's the closest version of Half Price Books in our town, I guess. There were a LOT of people in that store today. Think...a couple hundred, or so, die hard garage salers under one roof. So, I've realized taking Alex with means spending more money than I intend to, but often I don't have a choice (regarding taking him). We found some brand new Scooby Doo books and other miscellaneous books for him, a Scooby Doo video, a brand new (in the packaging) Indiana Jones Lego set (retails for $20 online) for $4.99. Let me tell you this was THE find. This grandma was talking to me about the Lego set...how it's her grandson's favorite thing ever and if there are any more. I helped her look, but didn't find anything. She kept eyeing me and my box and seriously, I would NOT put that thing down in my cart (which was off to the side) because I just knew she would snatch it. You did not see the look in her eye, okay??? I found a cute, new Old Navy sleeveless shirt for $3. I didn't get to explore the store as much as I would have liked because I couldn't maneuver the cart well amongst the crowd. I was about to check out with like $15 worth of stuff...that's not too bad, right? Well, instead of having the typical impulse items (gum, candy, magazines, etc.which are relatively cheap) at the checkout, they have these "special" shelves right at the check out with cool kitchen gadgets and other pricier (but discounted) things, including this inflatable pool (new, in the box, of course). Mike and I have been talking about getting an inflatable pool for a while now. I am such a sucker...but I knew we wanted one and pictured us spending way more than $14.99 (this is regularly $29.99). So, yep, I left spending $32, which I personally think is a lot to spend at Goodwill. I vow to you right now that I am going to set some Goodwill limitations, I really am. I just need to put some thought into that and will try not to go there in the meantime!
Exercise (lack of)
I can't remember the last time I truly exercised (something like 10 days ago?). I hate that. Between vacation and the packed schedule this week I have not been able to get to the Y during my regular times. Cardio is so important to me, but why don't I at least do something like 100 sit ups in front of the tv (I really haven't been watching much tv lately though) or leg exercises, or something? Hey, if there was a way I could do floor exercises while on the computer (which is on a desk), I would!!!! I'm all about multi-tasking!
In Need of Prayers
My dear friend, Lindsay (the one with the beautiful voice who sang at Lydia's service) is just into her 19th week of pregnancy. She has been leaking amniotic fluid for 8 days now and it's already a miracle that she has not gone into labor yet. The goal is to AT LEAST make it to 25 weeks to help the baby's chances of survival and quality of life. She is on the strictest of bed rest and is, generally speaking, at peace with what God's plan is for her baby and their family (which includes her wonderful husband, Mike, and their adorable daughter, Ruby). You can read all about Lindsay's thoughts, life on bed rest and their baby on their blog:
www.not2us.net/blog/
She is blogging extensively because...well, what else is she going to do in bed ALL DAY LONG? They have her laptop propped up nicely so she can be on the computer comfortably.
I adore Lindsay, I truly do. I don't use the word "adore" lightly or feel that way about just anyone. I love her, admire her, and am a devoted friend to her. She has the BEST sense of humor (actually similar to mine, hee hee) and our husbands (both Mikes) are a lot alike. Oh, and I razz her about being my young friend...she's like 25?! But wise way, way beyond her years! Lindsay is on my heart constantly, just like I continue to think of this friend (who lost her twins at 19 weeks). Lindsay has been such an influential friend and Christian in my life. I thank God for her daily and I KNOW He will take care of her (and her family) during this time in her life, and always. And even though I tell her ALL of the time, I needed to publicly put it out there how much I love and care for her and will be here for her always, just like He is. Please check out her blog, find out more about her (and her baby)...you'll probably start liking her right away like I did. And comment on her site...she's getting a TON of hits today with a post about suggestions for helping to pass her time on bed rest and she's totally flattered that people read her blog. But, most of all, please lift her, the baby, and the entire Goodwin family up in your prayers!
I feel like this week has been SO busy...I've hardly had any time to sit or pick up around the house, or anything. It has been GOOD busy though overall. I'm going to re-cap this past week....maybe that's lame, but I don't really have any other material in me than that.
Family Fun
On Saturday, our anniversary :-), we had my beautiful friend, Jessica, and her family over for a cook out. Alex adores her kids Helene and Luke and we like their dad, Scott, just okay, too :-) We had some hot dogs and sides and then the kids got their bathing suits on and had water balloon fights. It's crazy how quickly those water balloons disappear, yet are so time-consuming to fill up. Then, we made our famous elephant ears, haha...we had to share the love!! Believe me, we are not going to be making carnival food on a regular basis in our home. We are saving the greasy delights for special festivities only. We could not stop laughing over the kids' responses to the elephant ears.' It was hilarious. The three of them were playing upstairs as we were getting the dough frying (we did not tell them we were having this treat ahead of time). One by one (a few minutes' apart) they came down the stairs in like a trance. With big eyes and grins..."What's that smell? What are you making?" It was like better than Christmas morning (their reactions)...seriously, it was very funny. They couldn't wait to get their grubby hands on one when it was done...but they were so hot and they had to be patient. Luke was the funniest of all because he loves cinnamon sugar pretzels from the mall. Pure joy, I tell ya. Anyway, after the grease fest, we worked off a little of it by playing some old school dodge ball (with light beach balls...nothing aggressive). I can't remember the last time I played (I was having elementary school flashbacks of getting beamed in the face with those hard, rubber balls and my glasses breaking/cutting into my cheek, not kidding). The guys kept making up rules that they conveniently remembered when it would help them out in some way. Jessica is awesome at dodge ball, of course. The kids had a lot of fun, too.
Saying Goodbye
Sunday was our pastor's last with our church. It was a bittersweet day. He is moving on to Mesa, Arizona where his wife has her dream job in oncology and he has been hired as senior pastor at a Methodist church there. Alex and I went to a reception for Pastor Jim following the church service. Mike was not feeling well and was out of commission for the entire day, so Alex and I fended for ourselves, which is unusual for a weekend as we are very used to our family time. Anyway, back to Pastor Jim...Mike and I really connected with him and I just felt such a special fondness for him that I can't explain. I know I can attribute it to how much he helped us through the pregnancy and afterwards...and he met Lydia (only a handful of people can say that) and loved her. And he often expressed his love for us (which I've never experienced with another pastor). We always made it a point to give each other a hug anytime we saw each other. He is such a special man who has blessed so many and I know he will continue to do so in stupid Arizona (just kidding). I am happy for him, but he knows he will be missed. I am looking forward to meeting our new pastor since our congregation has heard a lot about him. His name is Scott Mann and he is from North Webster, I think? He and Pastor Jim are best friends....I'm sure God has a plan for our congregation and I am looking forward to this next phase of the journey.
VBS
Now, as far as the rest of the week....our church's Vacation Bible School is going on. And in order to get Alex to be able to participate in it (must be 4 to be a part of it), I HAD TO volunteer (is that an oxymoron? heehee). I was anticipating both me and Alex getting a lot out of it. So, we have been there every morning this week from 9-11:30. Alex is having a blast. I am a "group guide" for 22 five year olds. Thank God I am not the only group guide. There is another mom and teenager with us...and they are very much needed. And today, God sent Katie (the children's ministry director's daughter) to help us out. She was amazing and has learned a lot from her mom who is also a PreK teacher. I love children, do not get me wrong. But this has been a VERY tiring week...they are quite the handful. Apparently they were never taught the terms--listening ears, zip your lips, bubble in your mouths (actually that was a new one to me), hands to yourselves, line up, sit down, hold hands, obey, the list goes on and on (I might be exaggerating a little, okay..no, I'm not). I feel like a drill sergeant and I don't like that at all. I want to enjoy this experience more, I really do. I vowed today that I would at least not LOOK as stressed as I felt (I typically cannot hide my stress, at all). I think I accomplished that today...smiling while yelling, haha. Overall, I have met some very sweet children (except for a few. One minor, minor example of what one little girl did who looks deceiving like a little princess---I went to grab her hand and she yelled, "ow!" Believe me, I did not hurt her in the least...she just knows how to play people and is something else). Anyway, it really bothers me that the names I completely have to memory are those who are misbehavin.' And then there are the sweet angels who get lost in the crowd and I don't even get to know them. I did often praise good behavior today. One more morning of this...and a dinner/program tomorrow night. I will miss seeing some of them :-) Oh, and I just hug Alex extra tight and give him lots of kisses after the morning is over. Makes me really appreciate him!! Speaking of Alex, I have to tell you what he calls one of his teachers for VBS. Her name is Rebecca....and he calls her Chewbecca, which I figured out is a combination of Chewbacca (Star Wars) and Rebecca. I shared this with her and we got a good laugh--too cute.
Fun Stuff
We have spent a couple of afternoons playing with friends this week and got to go to Chick-Fil-A. Love that place...how they run their business and what they do for the community. We got free kids' meals coupons through VBS. The past two evenings I have attended different womens' outings through my bible study church, EFC. We had a "Fun in the Sun" fellowship night on Tuesday at Camp Tecumseh.
And then I have started participating in a Summer Study on Wednesday nights on this Christian book about marriage. It's fun to discuss with women in an intimate setting and I think will be very helpful in all of our marriages. Jill Savage, the founder of Hearts at Home, is the author.
This week's challenge for our Summer Study was to make our husbands' favorite meal. I didn't have to rack my brain too much to know what Mike's favorite meal is. So, for the first time ever, I made the Focosi family's homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs. Sure, I've assisted Mike in the past, but he's always been the one to primarily make it. But, I made it all on my own and it turned out really well. He left the table "stuffed," which is how I know I/the meal was a success.
NOT Good?
Today, something big happened. Something huge! The grand opening of....the new Goodwill on the south side of town...and it was AWESOME. Totally insane, but awesome. This Goodwill is only like 1/2 mile from my house..this is good (hence their name), but also, oh, so bad. Think... my Dollar Tree problem. Really, I don't generally have a Goodwill issue, but since we have one so close...and it's huge and organized and TONS of new stuff in the box (discounted) directly from Target (way more than I'd ever seen at any other Goodwill), this may be a problem that I need to work hard to overcome (i.e., keep on driving). I could easily ride my bike there though...maybe I should...then I couldn't buy as much. Although we've been wanting to get a bike trailer. Anyway, I thought my legs were going to go out from under me when I first entered the store. It's so pretty. I never, ever thought I'd use that word to describe a Goodwill. And it doesn't have THE SMELL...not yet, anyway. And I said it's very large, right? And the books they offer...it's not just one measly shelf on a wall of books....a few rows of books...categorized, hello?! It's the closest version of Half Price Books in our town, I guess. There were a LOT of people in that store today. Think...a couple hundred, or so, die hard garage salers under one roof. So, I've realized taking Alex with means spending more money than I intend to, but often I don't have a choice (regarding taking him). We found some brand new Scooby Doo books and other miscellaneous books for him, a Scooby Doo video, a brand new (in the packaging) Indiana Jones Lego set (retails for $20 online) for $4.99. Let me tell you this was THE find. This grandma was talking to me about the Lego set...how it's her grandson's favorite thing ever and if there are any more. I helped her look, but didn't find anything. She kept eyeing me and my box and seriously, I would NOT put that thing down in my cart (which was off to the side) because I just knew she would snatch it. You did not see the look in her eye, okay??? I found a cute, new Old Navy sleeveless shirt for $3. I didn't get to explore the store as much as I would have liked because I couldn't maneuver the cart well amongst the crowd. I was about to check out with like $15 worth of stuff...that's not too bad, right? Well, instead of having the typical impulse items (gum, candy, magazines, etc.which are relatively cheap) at the checkout, they have these "special" shelves right at the check out with cool kitchen gadgets and other pricier (but discounted) things, including this inflatable pool (new, in the box, of course). Mike and I have been talking about getting an inflatable pool for a while now. I am such a sucker...but I knew we wanted one and pictured us spending way more than $14.99 (this is regularly $29.99). So, yep, I left spending $32, which I personally think is a lot to spend at Goodwill. I vow to you right now that I am going to set some Goodwill limitations, I really am. I just need to put some thought into that and will try not to go there in the meantime!
Exercise (lack of)
I can't remember the last time I truly exercised (something like 10 days ago?). I hate that. Between vacation and the packed schedule this week I have not been able to get to the Y during my regular times. Cardio is so important to me, but why don't I at least do something like 100 sit ups in front of the tv (I really haven't been watching much tv lately though) or leg exercises, or something? Hey, if there was a way I could do floor exercises while on the computer (which is on a desk), I would!!!! I'm all about multi-tasking!
In Need of Prayers
My dear friend, Lindsay (the one with the beautiful voice who sang at Lydia's service) is just into her 19th week of pregnancy. She has been leaking amniotic fluid for 8 days now and it's already a miracle that she has not gone into labor yet. The goal is to AT LEAST make it to 25 weeks to help the baby's chances of survival and quality of life. She is on the strictest of bed rest and is, generally speaking, at peace with what God's plan is for her baby and their family (which includes her wonderful husband, Mike, and their adorable daughter, Ruby). You can read all about Lindsay's thoughts, life on bed rest and their baby on their blog:
www.not2us.net/blog/
She is blogging extensively because...well, what else is she going to do in bed ALL DAY LONG? They have her laptop propped up nicely so she can be on the computer comfortably.
I adore Lindsay, I truly do. I don't use the word "adore" lightly or feel that way about just anyone. I love her, admire her, and am a devoted friend to her. She has the BEST sense of humor (actually similar to mine, hee hee) and our husbands (both Mikes) are a lot alike. Oh, and I razz her about being my young friend...she's like 25?! But wise way, way beyond her years! Lindsay is on my heart constantly, just like I continue to think of this friend (who lost her twins at 19 weeks). Lindsay has been such an influential friend and Christian in my life. I thank God for her daily and I KNOW He will take care of her (and her family) during this time in her life, and always. And even though I tell her ALL of the time, I needed to publicly put it out there how much I love and care for her and will be here for her always, just like He is. Please check out her blog, find out more about her (and her baby)...you'll probably start liking her right away like I did. And comment on her site...she's getting a TON of hits today with a post about suggestions for helping to pass her time on bed rest and she's totally flattered that people read her blog. But, most of all, please lift her, the baby, and the entire Goodwin family up in your prayers!
Comments
Jessica - Sat June 28, 2008, 11:23 am
I loved that you posted about your week. I found it quite nice, thanks for sharing. What a week it's been! Hope the weather mellows out and Alex gets a chance to use that pool. If you see anymore lego's at Goodwill get them for Luke if your not getting them for Alex. I'll pay you back!Love Ya!
Renay - Fri June 27, 2008, 10:27 pm
What a nice post...and a LOOONNNNNGGGG one tooo. I was going to the goodwill tonight when the dreaded sirens went off so I decided to head for home-drats!Emily - Fri June 27, 2008, 4:45 pm
I am a Goodwill (and a Goodwin) fan, too! Gotta love their deals. Many of my favorite pairs of shorts have come from there. I have some brand-new Target shirts from there, too. I recently got SpeedLimit shorts from Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, and Polo there, too. We're not huge name-brand people, but it is exciting to wear it (and know you bought it for 3.99). Anyway, it sounds like a really busy week. I have to say that 20+ 5-year-olds would be way out of my comfort zone. 11-year-olds are more my style. I also am sad to hear that your pastor is leaving but really glad to know that he has been in your life at such important times. I felt that way about my childhood minister and his wife. They had such an impact on me. Glad to see a post from you. I have checked your blog dozens of times...and wanted to comment how much I miss your posts...but thought that would be stalker-ish. :)Amy - Fri June 27, 2008, 4:22 pm
Wow! That was some update! Ethan had VBS two weeks ago and he loved it, and he was exhausted when he got home. I admit that I did not volunteer and scooted out of there when I dropped him off. I know, shame on me, but I really struggle with other people's kids so I REALLY admire you for volunteering.I would be in heaven with Goodwill that close, but I bet our house wouldn't be ;) That is how I feel about the Granger Goodwill. It is clean, the employees are friendly, and it is organized. The Target stuff is awesome too.
PS- We put our satellite package back on. It was too hard ;)
Mom - Fri June 27, 2008, 9:15 am
What a fun and busy week - I wanna go to the new Goodwill Store!! And sit in Alex's pool.... Miss you!!Frances - Fri June 27, 2008, 8:48 am
What a busy week! I wil pray for Lindsay and her family.I used to feel like a drill sergeant for about the first 3 weeks as of the school year when I was a kindergarten teacher. After children know the rules and learn the cues, they are happier and so are you. It's tough to have 22 5 year olds at once. One year, I had 29 kindergartners and thought I was going to go insane!
It looks like you got some great deals at the Goodwill! The pool is awesome!
Lindsay - Fri June 27, 2008, 6:10 am
Okay, when you said inflatable pool, I was picturing one of those little regular pools. However, that thing you linked to? THAT is a POOL!! Oh my goodness!! How fun is that??? Alex must be in heaven. :) I so wanna come over and play next summer. Don't puncture it before then, okay?And thank you for the shout out. I feel a little embarrassed. (Not usual for me, I know.) Thank you for loving me. I am blessed.
2010 Mike and Amy Focosi
