Stuff

Lot's seems to be going on in life these days. I just started a new job which I love. I am an administrative assistant for an adoption agency. Their office is only a 1/2 mile way from my home so I have enjoyed coming home for lunch this week and leaving 2 minutes before I have to be there. I have only been there 3 days and I already received the compliment "Please don't ever leave!"
I have felt really gross over the past four days (And still do). I can handle headaches, colds, etc. but if my stomach is queasy I just want to go to bed and not get out until it passes.
Our dog ate our phone. We couldn't find it for a couple of days and finally found it out back with the battery gnawed on. So if you have been trying to call, try one of our cells!
My daughter just turned ten. That's right I am officially old..except I don't feel old enough to have a ten year old.
My mother in law is coming to visit tonight. So instead of cleaning like a mad woman so she doesn't get grossed out with our filth I am sitting here typing this....because I feel so gross!
Well that's it for know
Tootles!

My Daughter

I am so proud of my daughter. She is 10 and has more confidence in herself than I have in my pinky. She is funny, and smart and creative out the wazoo. She is loving and caring and is a leader. She takes charge like no ones business.
I know the next few years could be tough as we enter into a different phase of life but I am excited to see how God is going to bless my little girl, and grow her into a godly young woman.
I love you Ashling, and I am so proud of the young woman you are and will grow to be.
Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

Dinner Last Night

Last night we were having a good old family dinner when my 5 year old decides to put one of his feet on the table as he's eating. I turn around and tell him (using his whole name) to remove his foot.
My 8 year old says "Yeah that is some of the worst bachelor behavior that you can do!"
Of course we all got a good laugh at this.
Then we ask our 8 year old what a bachelor is he replies "It is a man who has a gambling problem!"
So again we all have a good laugh.
Then my 9 year old jumps in and says "No that's not a bachelor..a bachelor is someone who is going to have a party before he gets married"
I love my kids.

Guys Rules

I received this as an email awhile ago and I thought it was hysterical! Enjoy!

Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!
Please note ... these are all numbered "1"
ON PURPOSE!
1. Men are NOT mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for. 1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria 's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of them makes you sad or angry, then we meant the other one
1. You can either ask us to do something. Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle, besides we know you will bring it up again later.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping!

Things about me

I know this follows the same vain as the last post but again this was something my mom sent me awhile that I never answered.

1. What time is it? 10:42pm
2. What is your full name? Lisa Patricia Bowen
3. What are you most afraid of? My husband dieing
4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen
in a theater? I think "Night at the Museum"
5. Place of birth? Bangor, Wales
6. Favorite food? Chocolate
7. What's your natural hair color? Dark brown
8. Who is the last person you spoke to on the phone?
My friend Kelley
9. Ever been toilet papering? YES
10. Love someone so much it made you cry? YES
11. Been in a car accident? Fender Bender (does that count?)
12. Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
13. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
14. Favorite restaurant? Right now; Old Chicago Pizza
15. Favorite flower?
16. Favorite sport to watch? NONE
17. Favorite Drink? Coffee
18. Favorite ice cream? Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip
19. Disney or Warner bros.? Disney
20. Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonalds
21. How many times you failed your driver's test? Once in the state of Portland after having me license in PA & NJ for over 6 years!
22. Before this one, from whom did you get your last
e-mail? Daryl
23. What do you do most often when you are bored? Read, surf the web or watch TV
24. Bedtime? Usually between 11 and 12pm.
25. Favorite TV shows? Hereos
26. What are you listening to right now? Saturday Night Live
27. What's your favorite color? Blue
28. How many tattoos do you have? None .... yet!!!
29. What would you like to accomplish/do before you
die? Experience a house full of grandkids
30. Who or what band is your favorite of the moment?
U2
31. Favorite Vacation spot? I like to go to Bruno State Park in Idaho.

Tagged

I have been tagged by my friend Lira...this happened some time ago but I haven't had an oportunity to sit and list out my answers. Being tagged means you list five little kown facts about you, post them, then tag someone else.

1). I am afraid of heights. I have tried numerous times to overcome this fear (I even jumped put of an airplane at 9,000 feet) I am still afraid of heights and I have no intention of jumping out of an airplane again!
2). One of my fetishis is bags. If I had lots of money this is something I would indulge in. I love all different colors, materials, styles and sizes!
3). I love babies. To set the record straight I no longer plan on having any more babies myself but that doesn't take away the love I have for them. Newborns to 3 months are my favorite...ok that isn't true I love them all the way up to about the age of 2 1/2.
4). One of my faovrite FREE indulgences that I have earned as a mother of 3 healthy self reliant school age kids is on Saturday mornings. I like to sleep in late, stay in my pjs, read a good book while I drink a nice cup of coffe, then take a nice long hot shower..... all of course with my hubby!!
5). I wished I lived closer to my family. My extended family lives in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Wisconsin and soon to be North Carolina. I miss them each day and can't wait till the next time we will be reunited!

I would like to now tag Mom and Daryl. Now my mom doesn't have a blog but this might get her in gear to start one!

Out of the mouth of Babes

I walked in the door from work the other day and Ethan my five year old came running up to me and shouted
"Mom, guess what Barley became a woman today and she has these eggs that are falling out so Dad put her outside!"
****Barley is our 10 month old Golden Labrador

Home

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort"
Jane Austen

Since I work four days out of the week now I don't hang out in my house much. I find that if I do it's doing things. Cleaning, laundry, homework with the kids, crashing so I can keep going. I miss just "being" in my home. Not doing anything but enjoying the fact that I have a roof over my head and the blessing that I have a sanctuary from the world.

How do I grow Spiritually?

A friend asked me the other day "How do you grow Spititually?"
I have been thinking about it ever since.
Is it through church?
Is it through prayer?
Is it through personal devotion?
Is it through worship?
Is it through relationships?
I'm not sure.......

Hard Days

Some days are harder than others.
Tom I love you..hang in there,

Matt Redman - You Never Let Go
From the album Passion 06: Everything Glorious

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

90 Degrees!!!!!!

So the husband is off hunting..it's Sunday afternoon and we (the kids and I) are exhausted, so I turn on the TV so I can tune out. America's Funniest Home Videos is on and the fun begins. I love slapstick humor so much that I have been known to cry and almost be sick because I laugh so hard at someone else's pain (I think I may have written about this before) any who...my two oldest kids have also inherited this sick form of humor and we get a good old belly laugh togther. My youngest son just sits and winces and says "Oh My" "Oh Man that's gotta hurt".
So we are all sitting in the living room laughing and laughing and I am starting to feel flushed..then warm..then warmer..then down right hot. Now those that know me know that I never feel warm unless it's over 89 degrees so I am starting to wonder if I'm getting sick that or laughing a little to much. Soon the kids are complaining that they are hot and the boys start stripping (because there boys and they can). I am starting to feel down right uncomfortable when I go to open a window. I happen to go pass the electronic thermostate in the hallway with a little chair, with the name "Ethan" printed on it, pushed up against the wall. I happen to glance at the temperature and "someone" has jacked it up to 90. I couldn't stop laughing. I am now sitting here with my front door wide open, the back door wide open, the ceiling fans going and relief that I am not getting sick!

Saturday

Saturday in our home is relaxing. It is the only day of the week that we try to sleep in and a have big breakfast as a family. We usually try not to go anywhere and work around the house instead. Our kids aren't allowed to watch t.v. or play video games during the week so come Saturday morning they are ready for some cartoons and PS2.
I know there will come a time when we won't have Saturdays or even Saturday mornings anymore, but for now I will enjoy my sleep in and realxing time with my family.

Lazy Morning

I'm having a lazy morning.
No work (I have Friday's off).
No kids (dropped them off at the bus stop for school).
No husband (duck hunting).
I'm going to finish this cup of coffee as I surf the web, ignore the clutter that has built up in my home for one more day, relax and........
Then at noon I'll get my hair cut, run to the grocery store to pick up a few necessary things and then volunteer in my son's kindergarten class for the last hour of school.
TGIF!

To My Dear Friend

Hang in there my friend, if I could I would,

We took our youngest, 5, to the doctors office last night to get his
stitches out. Our oldest son pushed him into the coffee table last week
and he hit his eye right about his eyebrow poor baby needed five
stitches. He was nervous all the way to theDr.'s because he didn't want it to hurt. They gave him four doses of numbing meds
, then two shots and the kid could still feel the pain. So when we told
him it wouldn't hurt to get his stitches out..he wasn't really going
for it. "Remember mom, you told me it wouldn't hurt to have them in,
remember!"
So the nurse really didn't do a good job taking them out.
Pulling, tugging, digging even. He survived and by the time we got home
he was eating a scooby pop and smiling ear to ear.
When I went to put neosporine on it later last night,to help with the scar, he was horrified and told me "But Mom, I don't want to get rid of my scar!".
We'll see how he feels in 20 years.

What's Up?

So the kids are in bed, dinner is cleaned up, the dishwasher running, I'm in my pj's and I have a load of laundry going...and it's only 7:30pm! On Monday night.
Some times life just goes your way.
It has been forever since I have posted and I have tried so many times and fallen short of the right words to express myself. I can't really begin to tell you all that has happen over the past few months. But now that I am on the other side, it was worth it. I have a better out look on life, I am healthier emotionally and in my relationships, I have a more intimate relationship with my husband and I am experiencing a freedom I have never felt before.
Happy New Year everyone,
and Cheers to 2007!

Light

I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel....

Things I am thankful for

1. My three beautiful kids.
2. My family. Near and far that love me try and love me the best they can and want what's best for me even if it is hard for me to hear.
3. Laughter. Especially coming from my kids but also the feeling it gives me to giggle and laugh out loud.
4. Chocolate...need I say more!

The Right Thing

I am so sick of my situation! I have been fighting with my husband for months now. Not your usual run of the mill stuff but serious, serious shit! Stuff has been exposed and now I find myself wondering what to do? Do I continue in this cycle knowing full well I don't have the emotional or physcial strength to keep going? Do I hide my head in the sand and ignore all that has been exposed? Or do I run the hell away and not face any of it? I have nothing left to offer or give. I'm not sure of who I even am anymore. I know Jesus loves me. I know my family and friends love me. But do I love myself? Do I love enough to keep going? I know what the right thing is, I know what's best for my family, but do I want to do the right thing? Do I have it in me to do the right thing?
I am so frustrated, scared and angry right now.
Dear Jesus help me, guide me, give me strength to face the unkown....

Should

So shit has been happening in my life. So much shit actually that it isn't worth bothering you with because I could sit here all night typing my fingers off and not even getting close to all that has hit the fan in the last few weeks. Needless to say because of this shit I am faced with many core dilemas, one of which is;

I'm a pastors wife.
And I should on myself.

Now for those of you in this position or know someone in this position or liken yourself to someone in this position you all know what I am talking about. For those of you who don't have a clue let me fill you in;
I shouldn't have shit happen to me.
I should help people through their shit.
I should be very spiritual and have my shit together.
I shouldn't even use the word "shit".
So here I am facing my shit and I realize that I should on myself all the time.
I realize that I have a whole other person underneath these shoulds that would love to experience freedom and get out from under these oppressive shoulds that drive my life.
But I have a problem
I'm a pastors wife. So I have to ask the questions;

Should I be transparent with my thoughts and feelings for the world to see?
Should I expose myself, my shit?
Should I talk about struggles I am having openly because my husband is in a role of leadership?
What will happen if people find out about me and they realize I don't have my shit together?

And why the hell do should on myself?

When did life become so freaking complicated!