I will say that I think Lydia's experience was probably more enjoyable, because she had two toddlers quite willing to do her ketchupy bidding. I however, do NOT like gooey things on my fingers. Like, I wash my hands at least five times whenever kneading dough because I can't stand the dry yet sticky gooeyness on my fingers. Yeah I know. I'm a weird wimp. But back to the ketchup polish. It also requires a good deal of scrubbing and buffing with the paper towel, and for some reason I had thought that I could just squirt the ketchup onto the silver, let it sit for a half hour, and then just wipe the red goo away to reveal silvery glossiness. No such luck. I had to scrub and buff and scrub and buff. The tarnish eventually wore off to reveal some shiny silver, but not quick enough for my over-busy, somewhat impatient self. I finally squirted some vinegar into a small bowl and splashed some salt in with it to finish up the polishing. The trouble with that is I had to have the right proportion of vinegar to salt so that I wouldn't scratch the silver. (at that point I was thinking, 'You know, self, it would have been soooooo much simpler to just go to the store and pick up some silver polish! But oh no, we had to take out our stress on all of our cooking supplies and a poor worn out set of silver!')
We had yet ANOTHER event at church this last week. I tell ya, I see the fruit of such things. There's definite benefits to it. Things happen as a result. But they are EXHAUSTING! The good news with this event was that the drama was very minimal and the spiritual warfare was not nearly intense, and we still had some good fruit. However all of last week was pretty much consumed with purchasing door prizes, coordinating with hostesses, cooking, cleaning off the china, and trying not to panic when a few people had to back out of responsibilities due to various reasons. And then it hit me: I forgot to polish my silver sugar and creamer service! It was late Friday afternoon when it hit me, and I was NOT about to go BACK to the store for the billionth time to get some silver polish. And I had no idea how much such things cost. Either I could get it for a song or have to pledge my first child, and I wasn't in the mood to find out. So I did the only rational thing a semi-crunchy homeschool graduate woman could do: I grabbed the bottle of Ketchup from the refrigerator, a handful of paper towels and the silver and headed to the porch. My husband saw me out of the corner of his eye and started laughing. "What are you DOING?" he asked, with a hint of, 'The stress has finally gotten to her. My wife has just snapped.' in his voice. "I saw it on Lydia's Blog. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing!" I called over my shoulder. (to read her article on the matter, click here) I will say that I think Lydia's experience was probably more enjoyable, because she had two toddlers quite willing to do her ketchupy bidding. I however, do NOT like gooey things on my fingers. Like, I wash my hands at least five times whenever kneading dough because I can't stand the dry yet sticky gooeyness on my fingers. Yeah I know. I'm a weird wimp. But back to the ketchup polish. It also requires a good deal of scrubbing and buffing with the paper towel, and for some reason I had thought that I could just squirt the ketchup onto the silver, let it sit for a half hour, and then just wipe the red goo away to reveal silvery glossiness. No such luck. I had to scrub and buff and scrub and buff. The tarnish eventually wore off to reveal some shiny silver, but not quick enough for my over-busy, somewhat impatient self. I finally squirted some vinegar into a small bowl and splashed some salt in with it to finish up the polishing. The trouble with that is I had to have the right proportion of vinegar to salt so that I wouldn't scratch the silver. (at that point I was thinking, 'You know, self, it would have been soooooo much simpler to just go to the store and pick up some silver polish! But oh no, we had to take out our stress on all of our cooking supplies and a poor worn out set of silver!') The good news is that all the experimenting was non-toxic and au natural. And used up some ready-to-hit-their-expiration-date items in my fridge and pantry. It would have helped if I had been willing to dedicate 15 minutes to pure buffing of the ketchup like Lydia prescribed, but I was stressed so my ADD was kicking in full swing. And the ladies sitting at my tea table didn't seem to notice or care, so it really didn't matter anyway! At some point when I have nothing to do and am bored (HA!) I'll probably pull out whats left of the ketchup and give it another go as there are still some spots that need polishing. However I was quite pleased with the result irregardless: The Tea Party went really well also. Several ladies came up and thanked me for putting it together, which is a definite FIRST. I honestly thought it was going to be a disaster, but it all ran smoothly. We had cool door prizes, our guest speaker moved most of the ladies to tears with her powerful testimony, the food was delicious and it looked like everyone had nice conversations while they sipped their tea. One little wizened lady (who has kept me sane throughout most of the events at this church and threatened to spank me if I canceled this one) said as we were cleaning up, "Well, this was fun. Lets do another one in the fall. But we should decorate with hay bales and forget all this china stuff!" Heehee. Well.. maybe... but if we do a hoedown then we'll have to invite the guys!
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Apparently, however, God was chuckling at me. While the first three weeks WERE at a very isolated and all-female campground, the second three weeks were spent traveling to different Southern Baptist associations throughout the State and taking the camp program to the churches in a daycamp format. Guess whose Dad was pastor at the church we visited the second week? Yup, my husbands! Although we stayed friends for seven months after we met firmly buried in denial that the other was attractive in any way shape or form. Despite nostalgic memories of laughter, tears, and frustrations, I really did like the program. Its biblical and very kid-friendly. A good mix of crafts, games, and the Gospel. So last year I took my Wednesday Night girls and this year was able to bring five of them back and one girl who usually only comes on Sunday Mornings. Now did I say that it was a great program and I had great memories there? Well let me add to that. Since it was an all-girl setting when I was there and since I take only girls who are all now easing into middle-school and hormones are beginning to rage and (they're from rough backgrounds which gives them NO functional coping mechanisms for anything) there is a lot of drama. And bugs, but the drama is worse than the bugs. Usually. So I have kind of a love-hate relationship with camp. I love it because the program is amazing, the staff is always awesome, the camp director ought to be sainted if baptists believed in such things. And the results in my girls' hearts and thoughts are always profound. But maaaaaan... I have to work my BUTT off! And not physically. It is the most emotionally harrowing experience. I'm short on sleep the whole time, I sweat like a pig and stink, both of which make me crabby, I'm surrounded by dear dainty southern-baptist belles who never lose their tempers (do they even HAVE tempers??) and who are all at least 15 years older than me. I'm not at my best at all. And I have to be a saintly example to these dear little heatherns from a Section 8 neighborhood. I'd rather be plopped into a village of bickering Gypsies!! I think one of these days we'll get to the point where I love camp. Camp when I was growing up was awkward; I went every year but I was exhausted the whole time, usually got home sick, and didn't understand why the final night's ceremony always ended with everyone at the front alter crying. When I worked as camp staff I had a lot going on emotionally and physically and the girl drama was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. Last year none of the girls were saved and there was a looooooot of crud to wade through with them and between my sister (who came as a chaperon with me) and I. This year three of the six girls were definitely saved - and one told me she had gotten saved at last year's camp! (Little stinker! You're supposed to go up front and make a profession so that everyone can clap for you - and so your dear leader doesn't feel like she's failing at life!!!) The other girl got saved on June 8th. She was my problem child last year, and good golly you can tell a night-and-day difference between her attitude!! Thank God the Holy Spirit moves in quickly, even in the life of a child!! Although we're still working on how she can cope with her anger and vengeance upbringing. When she found out our program was moving locations because of politics between our director and the hosting campground, my little 10-year-old told the first staffer from the main campus that they were MEAN, and threatened to go on the warpath. No no dear. We just PRAY for our enemies, not persecute them back!! And I know at 10 the thought of an enemy is attractive but its really not the Christian thing to do... But you could definitely tell that there were 3 girls who weren't yet saved (not necessarily the 3 depicted in the picture to the right- I just thought it was cute and showed the love-hate relationship with camp in a creative way!) and were reeeeeeeally struggling with some hard-core issues. Hardcore. I really prayed hard that I was handling the outbursts in a godly way (but there were a few times where I silently prayed for some divine intervention lest I be sporting an orange jumpsuit for the rest of my life.) However since a lot of the issues were the same as the girl who got saved at the beginning of the month had last year, I was also hoping and praying that this was merely some pre-salvation meltdowns. And despite all the upheaval, it definitely showed me some new ways to be praying regularly for these girls. It was definitely a good week for me to lean on the promise of Scripture "When I am weak then He is strong." (1 Corinthians 12:10) The week before VBS was full of church politics, whiny adults, PMS and an ear infection; the week of VBS was even more full of church politics and spiritual warfare and lots of moments where I could literally feel my last nerve fraying away. Then there was this week full of homesick kiddos, girl drama, upset tummies that magically appeared when the activity or meal menu was not to the individual's liking and just as magically disappeared when things looked fun or interesting... yeah I was definitely feeling weak. Weak emotionally, weak physically, and weak in my leadership skills. When the kids told me I had a huge butt and looked awful with my make up, I wanted to cry. And then I wanted to slap myself for taking what a 9 year old said so personally. But the missionary of the week had some AWESOME Bible studies using the Inductive method of studying, and despite all the harrowing experiences, emotional roller coaster, lack of sleep, bizarre bugs, and nutty girls it was overall a good week. In a lot of ways it felt like a short-term mission trip, which was REALLY good. I was beyond happy to get home though! One of the girls from the church's Wednesday night program has decided that we will take some time each Wed. to "talk." About anything, really. About what kind of pet animal we wanted when we were kids (I was informed that for me that would be a long time ago, but for her it was right now), what our dream house looked like, why Frozen is (in her opinion) the BEST movie EVAH. She and I are also friends on facebook, and she has discovered my 'cool things I've made" album, which led to a discussion on knitting. I showed her Ravelry, and she saw the pattern for the 'Egg to Turtle' softie. That was more awesome than the Frozen flip dolls even. Ever since then she's been asking me WHEN am I going to make her that turtle?! This has led to interesting discussions between her and I (and later Kyle and I as I relate all that happened to him) about fairness (if I make you one I have to make all the kids one) honesty (no you cannot lie to your friends and say that you bought this at a store and I didn't make it for you) and lifestyle (yes I honestly do believe one can get through life without lying, and you should adopt that lifestyle too!) But its also caused me to REALLY REALLY want to make her a turtle as we get closer and she listens and grows. Kyle keeps saying that I have done a good job not having favorites despite the hooligans and angels in the crowd and to not start now. BUT I did find a way to possibly maintain that standard AND still make the girl a turtle. She's going to camp with me along with (hopefully 6 but right now its looking like 1) other girls. That's a more reasonable amount of turtles to knit! They only take a few hours each. The ladybug is from the same pattern, except I didn't give her a tail, she has icords for bug legs instead of fins, her shell is flatter and her head is bigger - and she has antennae. I'm very proud of her. She was inspired by the youth minister's daughter, who has had a ladybug farm and is now in love with all ladybugs she finds. Since she's four she of course believes that she is the worthy caretaker of all found ladybugs, and is distressed to tears when she accidentally drops and steps on them. Since this causes her new baby brother distress and therefore her parents distress, I thought I could help out by giving her an unkillable and uncrushable ladybug. Cause I'm just an awesome neighbor like that. Speaking of ladybugs, I wish I had some. The aphids have discovered my tea roses, and I'm not happy about it. They also have some black rust or mold all over the leaves, so altogether they aren't happy. Doesn't stop me from enjoying the blooms, however. But I need to get on the ball and figure out how to stop the aphids and the mold or I won't be enjoying anymore blooms!!! The in-laws are having Memorial-Day-Supper with us tonight, so I combined two pink and a yellow roses with lavender blossoms and if I do say so myself it looks and smells awesome! When you get up close that is. Its a rather tiny arrangement. Happy Memorial Day, and may your spring continue to be sunny and creative! Well I am back amongst the living! The whole Wisdom Teeth Extraction process has proven once again that my body far prefers snake oil to conventional medicine. The narcotic was making me nauseous, and the high-dosage level of Ibuprofen completely messing with my digestive system. So I gave up the narcotic, which meant giving up the nausea medicine, which led to withdrawal blues and a throbbing headache starting in my jaw. (jaws have headaches? Apparently they do.) A friend suggested tea with plenty of whole cloves in it. I added a ridiculous amount of honey and some sugar (cloves are sour, man!) and the throbbing and blues have gone away! Please wait for an update when I have the massive sugar crash... That being said, the weather outside has be G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. My flower beds are full of life and color, which is a HUGE improvement from last year when I had some lonely daffodils and Texas Bluebonnets. Now they are joined by hyacinth, tulips, and then the green spikes of the perennials and a few hardy herbs from last summer. The Clematis vine and lupine made it (yay!) and the roses, tho they took a beating, are putting out new leaves. Other green shafts and spikes are peeping out from under the soil. Being the carefree gardener that I am, I of course have labeled nothing. So it will be a delightful surprise figuring out which ones are flowers and which ones are weeds. I already know a few Sunflower and self-seeded next to the hollyhocks, altho the latter has some kind of rust on the leaves which I need to research how to destroy. Can you tell I LOVE gardening? I am so excited for Spring!!! In the Knitting world, I wasn't able to do much for three of the four days under drugs, but I was able to knit up this gift for a friend's 1 year old whose party is this next weekend: The last knitted stuffed animal I attempted making (about 15 years ago) looked NOTHING like the picture on the pattern, and I gave up knitting toys. However, my skill in reading and following patterns, as well as my gauge consistency, have improved greatly since then.... which all helps for the finished product to look like the picture on the pattern! This one isn't finished yet. The baby it is going to will have a new room this summer, whose theme will be 'friendly monsters.' I had thought about rearranging the spikes and making the above my own creation/friendly monster. However, my husband informed me that to do such a thing was completely unacceptable, the thought of friendly monsters was an oxymoron and unacceptable, and anything other than a friendly HERBIVORE dinosaur that could do no harm to an innocent one year old was also unacceptable. He further went to inform me that our future children will have nothing to do with such a preposterous theme. My dear husband, while fearless when battling fires, cool calm and collected in the most dire of medical emergencies,and a former much respected police officer of central Kentucky... does not like monsters. Of any kind. Ever.
So there you have it. My life of the last few... well, hours. Anything before that up to the point of the surgery is a rather foggy memory of drool and cotton swabs, and I'm sure you have no interest in reading anything further on that topic. In closing, I will brag on myself a little more by giving you a glimpse of my flowers which are making me so happy :-) This project has been kicking my butt! The problem is that all of the patterns are so simple, and I'd been doing intricate work before. I think the simplicity was a shock to my brain, therefore it was necessary for me to reboot a few times - i.e. rip out lots and lots of rows! The diaper cover I had to completely tear out and start again. Lest any of you be concerned, this is not for me. Its actually for a friend of mine who is expecting in April. We weren't bosom buddies in college, but she's always appeared when I needed a smack of Spiritual rejuvenation, and always did it in such a sweet, encouraging way. Plus, we're now pen pals. Another friend of mine who I've known since childhood is expecting next month as well. She said she's fine with her gift arriving a little late, which is a good thing as I may need a break before I get started on another baby outfit! So there you have it. Why I've abandoned this poor blog for over a week now. That, plus being overcome by the seasons allergies, plus dashing around helping my husband fill out and deliver job applications, plus never-ending projects and drama at church, and my newly created campaign for Real Mail in America Again (more on that later) I've kind of abandoned the computer altogether the last week or so. I've kind of made up for it today though. I desperately need to 1. get out of my pajamas, and then 2. go get some dishes and cooking done so my dear, hardworking man has some delicious food when he gets home! While I'm at it I should eat something too... all I've had today is tea and yogurt... |
AuthorA normal woman learning to serve an Extraordinary Lord in Ordinary ways, and watching Him turn it into Amazing Grace! © 2014-2015 Rachel Hester. All rights reserved. Archives
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