He Gives Me Grace

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:41:00 +0000

As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,

I brought my broken dreams to God because He is my friend.

But then instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone,

I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back and cried, 'How can You be so slow?!'

'My child,' He said, 'What could I do? You never did let go.

Tim Hawkins-Free Credit Repot Dot Com Spoof

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:12:00 +0000

The Simple Woman's Daybook

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:33:00 +0000

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...Cold, cold, cold! The temp is -9 degrees right now. But if you look beyond that the world of white is pretty. Looking out of the window it is. If you have to be out in it, it's just cold.

I am thinking...that it's going to be nice to get back into a good routine.

I am thankful for...for the time off that we had. That my husband had a break from his stresses and was able to get in to see a chiropractor.

I am wearing...purple sweater, jeans

I am remembering... the wonderfulness of getting to sleep in on our break from school. It was nice to not set the alarm.

I am going...to finish up my grocery shopping today, stop by the church and drop some things in the mail.

I am currently reading... Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult

I am hoping...to be able to tweak our morning routine to make things run more consistently smooth. Of course a lot of that depends on getting my daughter to bed at the right time the night before.

On my mind...trying to save some money on groceries. It seems like that bill just keeps getting higher despite my efforts.

Noticing that...I've been feeling very tired lately. I need to get back to taking my vitamins. I think they were doing good.

From the kitchen...Gringa Chicken Burritos tonight.

Around the house...Typical Monday laundry. Otherwise my house is actually pretty put together right now. Better than it usually is after a weekend.

One of my favorite things...a soft blanket

From my picture journal...
Please visit The Simple Woman's Daybook to join us or to read more Daybook posts.

A Parent's Prayer

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:41:00 +0000

While we were in Omaha I was looking through some cookbooks. In one of them I found this prayer. There was no author listed.

A Parent's Prayer

O heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to answer their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting or contradicting. Help me to be courteous to them as I want them to be to me.

Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule. May I never punish them out of anger or spite or to show my power. Help me, dear Lord, to demonstrate by all that I say and do that honesty does produce happiness. Reduce, dear Lord, the meanness in me.
And when I am out of sorts, help me to hold my tongue.

May I be ever mindful that my children are merely children and that I should not expect them to have the maturity and judgment of adults. Let me not rob them of the opportunity to do things for themselves or to make their own decisions. Help me to grant them all reasonable requests and give me the courage to deny them the priviledges that I think may be harmful.

Help me to be fair and just and kind, O Lord, so that I will earn their love and respect and they will want to imitate me for this is the supreme compliment.

Amen.

Happy New Year!

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:21:00 +0000

I hope everyone enjoyed their New Year's Eve and Day. Jack tried so hard to stay up late and ring in the new year. We pulled out the sofa bed in the living room and snuggled in to watch the ball drop. We did see it drop, but it was 11:00 our time so we weren't quite done. I don't think Emma really understood what the big deal was. She eventually got tired of trying to keep her eyes open and announced that she was going to sleep. Jack made it to 11:45 and was out. So I turned the light off and fell asleep myself. Yesterday we enjoyed another wonderful meal. This time at my grandma's house. Jack was looking forward to her mashed potatoes for days and days. Now all the celebrations are done and it's back to reality. I spent some time printing off coupons this morning. There are a few big bills that come due in December, of all times. That coupled with the holiday shopping and traveling mean we tighten our belts in January. No eating out this month and no shopping for extras. It's essentials only for the moment. Unfortunately, Emma needs money put in her meal account and Jack has a pair of epipens that need to be replaced by the end of the month. It's always something isn't it? Hopefully I'll get called to work a few more times than usual.

Change

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Today I took down all my Christmas decorations. It certainly is more fun to put them up isn't it? Especially the tree ornaments and lights. Needles flying everywhere! Now my tree is resting in peace under the deck outside until we happen to be home during the same time the brush dump is open. But my house is not naked. Nope. January brings out my snowman decorations and anything blue and white and sparkly and "snowy". There's not nearly as much. I love the change of decorations. The blue and white seem so light and airy. I don't know if you guys have any New Year's Eve plans. If you do have fun! And be safe!

Big Date Night

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:21:00 +0000

So what do people do to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary? Well, being wild and crazy we ate at Famous Dave's and went shopping at Target (their Christmas stuff was 75% off!). Pete did have a margarita at dinner. That's a little crazy right?

Happy Anniversary to Us!

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Today, my husband and I have been married for 14 years. During that time we've moved 4 times and had 2 children. I love you Pete and I wouldn't change a thing!

This....

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:35:00 +0000

is where I'm sleeping tonight......my own bed.

Yes, we're finally home.

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:14:00 +0000

I.Want.To.Go.Home.

I haven't had a shower in 3 days. I'm wearing the same clothes as yesterday so we didn't have to unload everything from the car for just one night. My hair is greasy and flat. My body is tired from sleeping on hard beds. I've run out of food to snack on and have as a safe back-up for Jack. And while I'm thankful to have seen lots of family, at this point I just

Want.To.Go.Home

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:03:00 +0000

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window... Sunny, but lots of blowing snow drifting the roads shut again.

I am thinking...how glad I am to be back online.

I am thankful for... all-wheel drive---Subaru power!!

I am wearing... jeans, black shirt, and red cardigan

I am remembering... the blowing snow on Christmas Eve and the good family who came to drive us to the party

I am going... to have pizza with my sister-in-law and her family

I am currently reading...Revolutionary Road

I am hoping... to be back home tomorrow night

On my mind... getting back into a routine again

Noticing that... the kids fight less when they're hanging out with their cousins

I'm hearing... the kids and their cousins talking

One of my favorite things~ spending time with family

There are more Daybook posts at Peggy's. Go check it out!

Finally

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:56:00 +0000

What a week! So last Tuesday afternoon we headed out early to get to Omaha. The roads were fine because thankfully the temperature stayed above freezing. Otherwise all the misty fog would have become slippery ice. Then we thought we'd head back north on the 26th, but we were still snowed in. So here it is the 28th and we're finally out of Omaha. We're now visiting other cousins in Spencer, IA. Gravel roads don't get plowed as soon as the main ones so that accounted for being stuck a bit longer. Yesterday we got out a bit and saw a movie and walked around the mall for a while. We didn't get to see as many people as we'd hoped, but it was still a good time. However, let me just say, I will be VERY glad to sleep in my own bed. Whenever that will be. I've also been away from the internet this whole time! Aacck! I'm SO glad to be back online!

The Car is Packed

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Okay, I've got everything in the car ready to go. I'm really wishing that today's school day was only a half a day so we could get on the road earlier. I'm getting kind of nervous about the drive. Please pray that we will be wise and for our safety as we head out this afternoon.

Falling Snow

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:29:00 +0000

I was at the blog 4:53 am and noticed that there was what looked like falling snow over her photos. I did a search and found that it's super easy to add this to your own blog. It works best over dark backgrounds. That's why it covers all of mine. But at 4:53 am it looked like it was only on her photos because her background is white. Anyway if you'd like to add this fun feature to your blog please stop over at Sneaky Momma Blog Design. Have some fun!

Quick Change of Plans

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Well, wouldn't ya know that there's supposed to be a big snow storm right as everyone wants to be traveling. We were supposed to leave Wednesday morning for Omaha, but I think now we're thinking more like Tomorrow after school. Even then it might be a bit tricky, but hopefully the interstates will be okay. It sounds like we're going to be coming back to a foot of snow though. I'm glad I got so much done today. Tomorrow while everyone's at school I'll be packing and loading up the car. Does anyone else have travels plans that will need to be altered?

Simple Woman's Daybook

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:30:00 +0000

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window... there's a light pretty snow falling.

I am thinking... about the preparations I need to do before leaving on our Christmas travels.

I am thankful for... the visit with family yesterday

I am wearing... pajamas and my robe

I am remembering... the powerful story a friend shared recently of God's mercy, forgiveness, and power

I am going... to do some grocery shopping and then to the library. There's also piano and I'm thinking today might be the day to take the kids for their second H1N1 vaccination. Then it will be done.

I am currently reading... nothing. That's why I need to go to the library.

I am hoping... for safe travel on Wednesday. It sounds like we're supposed to get a significant snow "event" here.

On my mind... my husband's shoulder. We're getting more concerned that it's going to be something more serious.

Noticing that... my children have fought a bit less recently and attitudes are improving.

Pondering these words... "Never nourish an experience which has not God as its Source and faith in God as its result." ~~Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

From the kitchen... Chex mix, cookies

Around the house... cleaning up the Christmas aftermath from yesterday, some early packing, and finishing up some Christmas baking

One of my favorite things~ my Christmas tree

From my picture journal...
Join Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook for more daybook posts.

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Jesus Christ came to send a sword through every peace that is not based on a personal relationship to Himself.

~~Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest.

Today was Christmas?

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:11:00 +0000

Today was the kids' program at church. The kids actually pulled it off. I was kinda worried yesterday when everyone was still reading their scripts. But they must have really practiced hard. There were still a few lines that need prompting, but that's okay. It was really cute at the end when a little one called out, "Hi Nana!". My parents were able to come and watch and then we enjoyed an early Christmas at our house. It's fun to watch the kids open their presents. They had a blast.

It's Almost Here

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Christmas that is. Tomorrow is the kids' Sunday School program. Jack is Joseph and Emma is a sheep. My parents and brother and sister are coming to watch and then will come over to the house where we'll exchange our gifts with them. I was busy all day today still doing Christmas stuff. I had to make another batch of caramel corn. I still need to make some Chex Mix (peanut free of course) to take with us on our trip. Maybe some rice krispie bars to take with as well. I'm officially done with my Christmas shopping. Unless I've forgotten someone. I keep having this terrible feeling that I'm forgetting someone. Are you all prepared?

Five Question Friday

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:08:00 +0000

Better late than never. Here are my five:

1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?
I must not have really liked any of them that much. I just had to ask my husband which groups were even popular then.

2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?
We do the photo card thing. This year I was not going to do a letter. I figured with with blogging and facebook most people pretty much know what's going on with us. But Pete really wanted me to still do it, so...I did. But not everybody got one. The letter I mean. Everyone got the photo card.

3. If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and why?
I would be so totally intimidated to meet anyone famous. I'd love to meet Michelle Duggar, does she count?

4. Favorite thing to cook with ( i.e. stainless, non-stick, Dutch oven, microwave, debit card...or perhaps a cauldron, etc.)?

Probably my slow cooker, when I have a good recipe.

5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?

A necklace that I got from my mom, one of those Father, Mother, children necklaces. I love it.

Click on the image above to join in.

We're Back

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:52:00 +0000

We're back from the allergist. We got a lot talked about. Here's what came of it:

The doctor really does feel that the drops are giving Jack some protection against accidental exposures. That other kids with Jack's levels average a reaction a year(or more) from accidental exposure. Kids that are not on immunotherapy as he his. Being that Jack hasn't been having any sort of reaction makes her think that we're actually doing something right by using the drops. Because basically our options are immunotherapy or no immunotherapy. By using the drops we're very possibility giving him a level of protection he wouldn't otherwise have. Recent studies also have her thinking that she can be much more aggressive with her approach, strengthening the drops more often and at a faster rate than she had been. So they gave Jack an increased dose today and monitored him for signs of reaction. There was nothing. So they reformulated our drops and renewed our epipen prescription. We are to retest him in 6 months and come back for more follow-up a year from now. We had begun to feel like the drops weren't working, but I think we were looking for the wrong result. We were looking for decreased blood results when those numbers aren't really a very accurate measuring stick. Her point was that we are seeing results. He's.not.reacting. Those are the results. Being more aggressive with the drops will hopefully give him more protection in the future. It's a seatbelt for him. It's the daily medication that gives him a better chance for safety. And at this point it's this or nothing.

A bit pessimistic

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:59:00 +0000

We are here in LaCrosse, WI tonight because Jack has his allergist appointment tomorrow. We got outta town after school today and are all snug and cozy in our hotel room right now. I forgot my camera which kinda irked me. 'Cuz now how can I show you the huge whirlpool spa with the sign that said it only has a capacity of 9. Seriously, how do they determine how many people a spa can hold? And why can you always fit way more people in them than what's posted? And are there secret spa police hiding somewhere counting heads? I don't think so.

Anyway, back to the worry at hand.

Tomorrow we bring Jack in to the allergist for what I'm afraid is going to be a unproductive appointment. We haven't actually been to see her in 3 years. But we retest Jack each year to see where we stand regarding his IgE levels. Unfortunately his blood work continues to come back at higher levels each year. He has been taking allergy drops under the tongue for 7 years now. We're not sure, with the increasing levels, that they are doing any good. That being said, Jack has not had a single allergic reaction in almost 10 years. Not one. Not any sort mysterious rash, not one hive, not one wheezy breath. Now, have we just been extremely lucky? We're pretty diligent with every day foods, but we go out to eat a lot. We ask basic questions, but surely there are times when we're taking more risk than we realize. According to his numbers his risk of reacting seems to be getting stronger. Is he getting exposure from those less-than-hyper-vigilant times? Are the drops what's keeping him from reacting? But how do we know that? ......Sigh....

We're just getting frustrated seeing his numbers rise. We feel like we're ready to be done with the drops. We need to come to a decision tomorrow. We need to know what's the right thing. My fear is that we're going to go in and she's not going to be able to answer any questions and we're just going to be making a stab in the dark, hoping that whatever decision we make doesn't make anything worse. I'm afraid if we stop the drops, he'll start reacting. I'm afraid that we're wasting our money by continuing to use drops if they're not working.

Puttin' on a Show

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon Jack and Emma called Pete and I downstairs to see something. When we got there we saw two chairs set up and two programs waiting for us. Apparently they had a show to put on, complete with programs. Jack played the piano and Emma sang to the songs she knew. So neat!

Simple Woman's Daybook

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:32:00 +0000

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it's bright but really cold and windy today. Below zero windchills.

I am thinking... that I need to finish my Christmas shopping for the kids. They have been hard to buy for this year.

I am thankful for... the heat that makes my house warm

I am wearing... dark pink sweater, jeans, and black heeled boots

I am hearing...the radio on it the kitchen

I am going... to clean the house and do some laundry. Then I'll be attending my husband's concert tonight.

I am currently reading... nothing right now. Just finished a good one though.

I am hoping... for a good crowd at the concert tonight despite the cold weather

On my mind... my daughter, hoping she's having a good day

Noticing that... needles are beginning to fall from the tree, though mostly just when it gets bumped.

From the kitchen... ravioli

Around the house... a few groceries left to put away, vacuuming to do and beds to make

One of my favorite things~ when the kitchen is finally cleaned up after supper and I'm done for the day

From my picture journal...
Participation medal that the kids got for playing basketball at the Y.

BBall, Rehearsal, and a Sleigh Ride

ngepson@hotmail.com (Nicole) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:50:00 +0000

This morning has already been packed full. First was Emma's last basketball at the Y. Then Pete quickly got them over to the church (where I had been all morning) for the Sunday School Christmas Program rehearsal. After that Pete brought Jack over to basketball and Emma and I headed to the local grocery store where the were sleigh rides being offered. There was also donuts and hot chocolate/cider with Santa, goody bags for the kids, etc. But I could hardly believe it when my daughter hid behind my legs and would not sit by Santa or even stand by him. I really don't know what to do with a shy child because my child is never shy--ever. Except today she was. So we didn't do the Santa part. We just did the sleigh ride part. And apparently there was a photographer from the paper there so we'll have to make sure we pick one up tomorrow to see if we made it in the picture. Here are a couple of pictures I took: