Ten On The Tenth Birthday Style

Today Daughter2 celebrates her birthday, and the one thing she always requests on her special day is a blog post from her momma. I may have fallen down the rabbit hole reading back through twelve years of birthday posts here because TIME! How it flies and changes and grows us all up.  

Since her birthday conveniently falls on the 10th lets go with a list of 10 things today. 

1. When I started this blog twelve years ago she was a college sophomore. Huh? 

 

Those college years feel like a lifetime ago, and I guess in many ways they were. She celebrated that birthday on this side of the pond while hubs and I blew kisses across the ocean from our home in England.  

2. She still lives a distance but technology has come a long way since 2009. 

One of my friends recently put it this way...distance is a bother, not a barrier to having a close relationship with your grown children and that's so true. What you poured into them as they were growing up comes back to you in the most wonderful of ways. 

3. She was home for a week this summer to welcome her sister, brother-in-law, and most especially her nephews stateside. 

The cutest grandboys in the world are as busy as can be and when she left to return to her own home hubs and I looked at each other and said we couldn't have done it without her. We laughed, but only sort of because she truly is the most capable person we know. 

4. She is the absolute best at getting things done. Need someone to make dinner? run to the store? wrestle an almost two year old down to be changed? get a wonky toy working? read a story for the 817th time? take charge when you try to slice your finger off?, solve a problem, keep a secret, make you laugh?...well she's your girl.  

5. I remember when she was in middle school she had a white board next to her bed and before going to sleep she would make a list of everything she needed to do the next day. The list always started with-

         1. wake up

I smile just thinking about it, but also this is her in a nutshell. She has always shown us life is meant to be tackled, embraced, jumped into with both feet.

6. She's a beauty. 

And it is not just skin deep.

7. She teaches, reads, bakes, and naps like it's her job. One of those things really is her job. 

8. She loves dogs, books, sharpies, Jesus, and hot tea with her momma in the late afternoon. She is the best at making a new plan when a new plan must be made. 

9. I asked her sister what her favorite thing is about Daughter2 and she said, "She's the first person I want to share any news with, good or bad. And she always takes my side, even if I'm wrong.' Ha! 

She added, 'So thankful she's mine.'

Yes ma'am. Aren't we all?

10. She is chatty, faithful, and determined...the best friend, the sweetest sister, the much adored aunt . She is confidante, truth teller, joy bringer, a day brightener ... 

...and oh so loved. 

Happy birthday sweet girl! May all your wishes come true xo

Ten Times The Fun In The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. The last couple of weeks the link has loaded a bit funny, in that it opens in a new page. I have unchecked the box that allows this to happen, but it happens anyway? It may or may not happen today, but if so just click where it tells you to click and you'll be able to add your link there in the usual way. And don't forget to leave a comment for the blogger before you...here we go-

1. Something you've done recently that required you giving 110% ?

Everything? Ha! These past couple of weeks have been a doozy between hubs having back issues and a dog that requires 24/7 care/observation/monitoring. But we're giving it 110% because sometimes life is easy peasy and sometimes it's not. 

2. What task-sport-chore-hobby-activity have you participated in or completed, that if judged, would land you a perfect 10?  

Is porch sitting an activity? If so I'm for sure a 10. 

3. What are ten of your favorite things right now? 

This is a question I could definitely overthink so I'm going with a stream of consciousness kind of answer. In no particular order...

less humidity, lobsters at my front door courtesy of my neighbor, God's word, facetime, mid-day phone calls, our military, fresh from the garden produce, the way a cup of tea makes me feel better about most everything, changing seasons, daughters

4. Nine times out of ten I _________________________.

... fall asleep before the movie ends. 

5. Where were you when the world stopped turning, twenty years ago this week? 

Twenty years. It's still hard to think about that day, and with the current situation in Afghanistan it all feels fresh again. I heard someone speak to military folks who might be feeling like their service in Afghanistan these past twenty years was all for naught, and why that's so not true. 

For two decades children have been born and raised in an America where the threat of another attack wasn't on their radar thanks to the men and women who stood watch. Their service and their sacrifice allowed children to grow up without that particular anxiety, and how do you put a price on that?

Twenty years ago I was the Director of a church preschool and kindergarten located just outside of D.C. Many families in our school worked in the Pentagon or were Secret Service Agents so it felt very personal to us. At the time we didn't even have a radio in our office so when we noticed our copier repairman just sitting in his car outside our building we were annoyed. When he finally came in he broke the news to us and life shifted. 

There is America before 9/11 and America after 9/11 and they are not the same. 

I am thinking this week of all who lost so much on that day, of the bravery of our police-fire-and first responders-who ran in when everyone was running out. Of our military men and women who gave so much and those in harms way today. I am praying this week especially for peace all around the world and for revival in our nation.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This little punkin celebrates a birthday later this week...

I'm sure I'll write a post on the actual day because she expects it and I don't like to disappoint, but if you have a chance hop over to her blog today (It's Elementary) and leave a happy birthday wish. She might be a grown up married Mrs. now, but she is still this adorable. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 433

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the world wide webbers. See you there! 

1. Something you've done recently that required you giving 110% ?

2. What task-sport-chore-hobby-activity have you participated in or completed, that if judged, would land you a perfect 10?  

3. What are ten of your favorite things right now? 

4. Nine times out of ten I _________________________.

5. Where were you when the world stopped turning, twenty years ago this week? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Quietly Living In A Noisy World

I was going to post a Thursday Thirteen yesterday, which is something bloggers used to do every Thursday, but when I typed the number it felt all wrong so I'm just going to wing it with some Friday random instead. 

Hubs and I went out for dinner Wednesday night to celebrate his birthday, a lovely local spot we enjoy. When we walked in we saw this-

At first I thought it odd they had a table reserved for someone right in the entryway because who would want to sit there, but then I registered the sign and the beer and my heart felt heavy with sadness. I'm glad the restaurant set the table, in their own way acknowledging the sacrifices made and the pain still so raw. While I know we want to put our heads down and pretend this didn't happen the way it happened, I for one hope we don't forget. 

We're such a fickle people, so easily distracted. I know it seems we wake up every day to some new awfulness we need to wrap our brains around, but I pray we don't forget these soldiers. So young and by all accounts proud to serve their country, proud to be helping people fleeing a country overrun by terror. Let's not forget. 

We've pretty much been at home this week keeping a watchful eye on our pup. He had a follow up visit with the vet yesterday who said things are looking much better than they were a few days ago, but we still have a ways to go in terms of healing. He has been mostly cooperative and for that we are grateful. 

It is so nice living in almost the same time zone as my daughter1. She has been facetime-ing us late morning and nobody is just waking up or just going to bed. So much easier for everyone than the crazy am/pm differences we've had these past two years, and it's especially fun to think I'll see them in person before the month is out. 

It's tea time. All summer I drink a late afternoon iced coffee until suddenly I don't want iced coffee, I want hot tea. It's still hot and humid here, maybe more so than it's been this entire summer, but there's something about the way the light changes in September, children returning to school, knowing fall is almost upon us even if the thermometer says otherwise, that says it's time for tea. 

This is interesting, right? 

Who else feels like they've watched every movie new, old, and older on Prime and Netflix during Covid? We do a lot of scrolling these days but nothing jumps out at us. We've started a couple of series recently but our interest wanes and we set it aside thinking maybe we'll come back later and finish but then we don't. If you are watching something great let me know. 

Speaking of Covid, how's everyone coping? What a mess. Honestly everything under the sun feels a bit of a mess right now, and we're bombarded with seemingly endless noise every which way we turn. I've been thinking about how to live quietly, and of course social media leaps to mind. 

I remember when I first joined Instagram, all the beauty there. It was almost entirely photographs, lovely images of faraway places, meals lovingly prepared, cozy home spaces that inspired, and that appealed to me. Like most things on the Internet it's become harsher and louder and as a result, less beautiful. 

There's a time for every season, and maybe that includes social media too. 

My daughter and I were talking recently about all the things in the world that threaten to overwhelm us, and how most of those things are completely outside of our ability to change or control. She told me in these troubled times she is taking this verse to heart-

"And aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands as we have instructed you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11 

A gentle reminder not to complicate things, but to care for and tend to the people and the work right in front of us. This we can do...

And it is beautiful. 

An Apple A Day...

...keeps the Hodgepodge in play. Welcome to a brand new month and another edition of the weekly Wednesday random. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then spread a little cheer by leaving a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go-

1. As we begin this brand new month tell us, on a scale of 1-10, where does your life fall in terms of being in 'apple pie order'? Please elaborate. (1=nowhere near it, 10=practically perfect in every way)

If you read my Monday post then you know we're not a 10. Is anyone's life ever really a 10? I have managed to book a number of appointments for September, some of them had been hanging over my head for a while, so that feels like putting at least one or two things into apple pie order. My house currently is not in apple pie order, but once the dog recovers we will tackle that.  Let's say 7. 

2. An apple a day keeps the doctor away...are you doing your part? Red or green? Sweet or tart? Ever played the game Apples to Apples? Do you like apple pie? If so, ala mode or just gimme the pie? 

Am I doing my part? Most days I have an apple for a snack so if that's what counts then yes. I prefer a tart red for eating and a Granny Smith green for baking, but I like all kinds of apples. Yes I've played Apples to Apples, but not in a long time. And who doesn't like apple pie? I prefer mine with a scoop of vanilla but plain is okay too. 

3. Tell us about a time recently where you 'upset the apple cart' or the last time someone 'upset your apple cart'? 

I'm someone who tries hard not to ever upset the apple cart. I like order, routine, and plans and I don't want to be the person who wrecks any of that for someone else.  I guess we could all say Covid  upset the apple cart, with so many plans-events-things on the calendar that had to be cancelled, rescheduled, or just plain gotten over. It reminds me of the book by Dr. Seuss, 10 Apples Up On Top...

4. What are three words that come to mind when you think of September? 

bravery, birthdays, back-to-school

5. What are you most looking forward to this month? 

I bet you thought I was going to say my birthday didn't you? 

I'm going to say my birthday. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today this guy marks another trip around the sun-

Still and always pulling everyone into the fun...happy birthday hubs! 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 432

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to add your link and share your answers. See you there!

1. As we begin this brand new month tell us, on a scale of 1-10, where does your life fall in terms of being in 'apple pie order'? Please elaborate. (1=nowhere near it, 10=practically perfect in every way)

2. An apple a day keeps the doctor away...are you doing your part? Red or green? Sweet or tart? Ever played the game Apples to Apples? Do you like apple pie? If so, ala mode or just gimme the pie? 

3. Tell us about a time recently where you 'upset the apple cart' or the last time someone 'upset your apple cart'? 

4. What are three words that come to mind when you think of September? 

5. What are you most looking forward to this month? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Dog Days Of Summer

Wow. There's a whole lot going on in the world and it's all kind of depressing isn't it? We have to work at staying positive amid all the negative and that's wearing us out too. I know not everyone who reads here shares my beliefs, but when life feels overwhelming I quiet the noise in my head and my social media feed and on the television screen and I read the Psalms. 

Even when circumstances feel hopeless they are not hopeless. God is still on His throne and none of what is happening with wars and pandemics and hurricanes is a surprise to Him. I hope each one of you reading here knows He is for you. Psalm 91 is especially comforting right now... 

'I will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 
"He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Not precisely where I intended to go today, but how can I not? How can I talk about ordinary life when the world around us feels anything but? 

Let's talk about my dog. The one we didn't want but who is now hubs best buddy and the one he doesn't want to be without. He's puny. Very very puny. A week ago he had emergency surgery on his belly and to be honest it is still a mess. 

The day we left the lake to drive over to TN we noticed the pup was eating grass. If you have dogs you know this is what they do when their stomach isn't right and they need to throw up. He never did throw up and was good as gold on the three hour car ride to Tennessee but wasn't really himself either. We chalked it up to too much attention from the grandboys, too many people doing too many things, and most of all not enough time with the hubs. 

My sister-in-law loves this dog as if he were her own, and in fact regularly threatens to kidnap him. We  love leaving him there when we travel because he is spoiled and cared for as if he were at home. The night before we were to leave their house to drive another three hours to my daughter's house he got sick. Nothing crazy but right away hubs said he thought maybe he ate something he shouldn't have. 

He knows this dog well. 

The pup had just spent more than  a week in the middle of tinker toys and Lincoln logs and tiny little magnetic pieces and all sorts of other tempting treats, and while we hadn't seen him snatch anything, we did consider the possibility. Still he was eating and doing all the things dogs do so we also thought it might be a case of the nerves/motion sickness/too many treats. 

He was sick as a dog, no pun intended, the four days we were away, but still trying to eat and do all the things dogs do so we called our vet who said let it run it's course unless certain symptoms appear. Monday my sister-in-law called and said they were taking him over to the emergency vet they had used a few years prior, and he was immediately admitted. They gave him fluids and did an ultrasound but could not see any blockage so diagnosed it as severe gastroenteritis. 

Is this tmi? Perhaps, but I'll continue anyway. 

They kept him overnight and did another x-ray in the morning, and sure enough there was definitely a blockage of some kind which meant surgery. They were unable to identify precisely what he had ingested, but it appeared to be some sort of foam something. He spent another couple of nights in the hospital and then we picked him up on Wednesday and made the drive back to SC. 

The incision looks awful, but after another trip to our own vet here, then several calls over the weekend (why is it always a weekend??!!) with our retired vet (thanks to our neighbors who are personal friends of his!!) we've kept him home, kept him as still as we can which basically means we don't take our  eyes off of him for one single second, kept his meds current, and then hubs sends photos to the vet to see if we need to come in before our recheck on Thursday. 

It's pitiful y'all. So so pitiful. Also messy, expensive, and painful. 

While it's most certainly not the worst thing on a list of worst things in the world right now, it's our thing and it's one more thing, and I think of everyone out there right now dealing with their own things on top of the world things and and and...deep breath everyone....

'I will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 
"He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."