When the kids and I are hungry and want to pick up something for supper...forget McD's or BK. THIS is fast food at its finest.
The one shown is meat, but you can also get chicken. Prepared and shaved the same way.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Best fast food in the world!
Finding old friends
The Wittenberg Trail is back up. It's still very small with the few discussions being about what happened to the old one and what we're going to do now and what we all want in the new one, etc. I went to hunt up old friends to add them again and found that many had already found me. Cool.
There was a group on there discussing the confessions. I was going to join the one on the Smalcald Articles but was determined to finish this other book I was reading before starting to read them. I'm finally ready to begin and play catch up and this happened. Well, when they're back up and running again I'm diving in feet-first! I'm really hoping that S gets back there with her study on the Psalms. I've had my new study Bible for two months now and I've barely used it. I need to jump into a good study.
Yesterday was a good day. The Peanuts had friends over yesterday morning for a quick visit and then the Boss spent the afternoon with his best friend. Taekwondo last night. The Boss has had stomach issues the last few weeks. We're still trying to figure what exactly is causing them. We kind of assumed it could be stress with the exams coming up but the exams are done and he's still having pain. Having trouble figuring out what, if any, foods are causing them. Last night he was hurting bad again and the doctor said he's pretty sure it's irritable bowel and told me what medicine to get him. He noticed a big difference within half an hour. I'm hopeful.
Last night I found money in my wallet that I'd forgotten about. So I'm taking the kids to see a movie this afternoon. It's looking cloudy with a chance of meatballs today. Well, cloudy, anyway.
Tonight is taekwondo again. I'll have my Kindle with me and will start reading the Smalcald Articles in anticipation of the new group.
It's been a really nice 3-day weekend with the kids. We could use more of these.
There was a group on there discussing the confessions. I was going to join the one on the Smalcald Articles but was determined to finish this other book I was reading before starting to read them. I'm finally ready to begin and play catch up and this happened. Well, when they're back up and running again I'm diving in feet-first! I'm really hoping that S gets back there with her study on the Psalms. I've had my new study Bible for two months now and I've barely used it. I need to jump into a good study.
Yesterday was a good day. The Peanuts had friends over yesterday morning for a quick visit and then the Boss spent the afternoon with his best friend. Taekwondo last night. The Boss has had stomach issues the last few weeks. We're still trying to figure what exactly is causing them. We kind of assumed it could be stress with the exams coming up but the exams are done and he's still having pain. Having trouble figuring out what, if any, foods are causing them. Last night he was hurting bad again and the doctor said he's pretty sure it's irritable bowel and told me what medicine to get him. He noticed a big difference within half an hour. I'm hopeful.
Last night I found money in my wallet that I'd forgotten about. So I'm taking the kids to see a movie this afternoon. It's looking cloudy with a chance of meatballs today. Well, cloudy, anyway.
Tonight is taekwondo again. I'll have my Kindle with me and will start reading the Smalcald Articles in anticipation of the new group.
It's been a really nice 3-day weekend with the kids. We could use more of these.
Friday, February 26, 2010
It's back!
Well, not really, but kind of.
Someone has gone back and started a new one with the same name and address. It's temporary right now. Someone is trying to see if there's any way to get anything that was maybe backed up.
I really hope so. It was the best place on the web for good solid Lutheran theology. And the Endless Thread! Oh.
Someone has gone back and started a new one with the same name and address. It's temporary right now. Someone is trying to see if there's any way to get anything that was maybe backed up.
I really hope so. It was the best place on the web for good solid Lutheran theology. And the Endless Thread! Oh.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
In Mourning
The Wittenberg Trail is gone. I went to check it out tonight and it's no longer there. It was a wonderful place to discuss solid Lutheran theology and for good fellowship. I'm hoping it's resurrected in some form or another, but until then I'm going through withdrawal.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sure this was Wednesday?
Today has got to be one of the longest days since I've been here. Even longer than some of the days I had while teaching.
After dropping the kids off at school, I came home to meet my student. She sent me an sms saying that she still wasn't feeling well and would see me tomorrow. So, since I was planning to go for my mammogram after she left, I went ahead and got in early. Not the high point of my day, but uneventful anyway.
When I got back home, I stopped to get something to eat. I saw the guy there who comes to collect money for the electric bill. I haven't seen him since last fall. He doesn't come regularly and doesn't leave me notes on the door or anything. A couple of weeks ago he came while the Boss was home sick and I had run to the store. He said he'd come back later but never did. I figured that meant that I'd see him today when he came with the bill.
I get home and there's no power. He'd turned it off. He'd flipped the switch in the basement and tied it with wire. I went to the office to pay the bill (the note he'd left taped to the breaker had the amount on it...a whopping $30.67) and complain about him. I haven't seen him since fall, he came once and told my son he'd return and didn't. He never leaves a note on my door saying that he was here and when he'll be back.
I asked when it would be on and the man there said if not today, maybe tomorrow. I told him it had to be today. He had no business shutting it off since he's the one who doesn't come and doesn't leave a note and doesn't return when he says he will. He tried to call him but no answer. I asked if I could cut the darn thing off myself and he said, "Sure!" So I did.
But the day looked up later. After cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen (always the high point of my week) I went to get the Diva some new jeans. Both of hers have holes in the knees. So I went to get some, found them right off the bat. The price was OK, but got better when I got to the register...half of what the tag said. Whoohoo!
After school we had an appointment in the city, which went well. Then we came back up and had supper at one of our favorite places. Really good schawarma for the Little Prince and me; really good hamburgers for the Diva and the Boss.
It's now after midnight, so it's now Thursday. Darn science tests! I just hope tomorrow's better.
After dropping the kids off at school, I came home to meet my student. She sent me an sms saying that she still wasn't feeling well and would see me tomorrow. So, since I was planning to go for my mammogram after she left, I went ahead and got in early. Not the high point of my day, but uneventful anyway.
When I got back home, I stopped to get something to eat. I saw the guy there who comes to collect money for the electric bill. I haven't seen him since last fall. He doesn't come regularly and doesn't leave me notes on the door or anything. A couple of weeks ago he came while the Boss was home sick and I had run to the store. He said he'd come back later but never did. I figured that meant that I'd see him today when he came with the bill.
I get home and there's no power. He'd turned it off. He'd flipped the switch in the basement and tied it with wire. I went to the office to pay the bill (the note he'd left taped to the breaker had the amount on it...a whopping $30.67) and complain about him. I haven't seen him since fall, he came once and told my son he'd return and didn't. He never leaves a note on my door saying that he was here and when he'll be back.
I asked when it would be on and the man there said if not today, maybe tomorrow. I told him it had to be today. He had no business shutting it off since he's the one who doesn't come and doesn't leave a note and doesn't return when he says he will. He tried to call him but no answer. I asked if I could cut the darn thing off myself and he said, "Sure!" So I did.
But the day looked up later. After cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen (always the high point of my week) I went to get the Diva some new jeans. Both of hers have holes in the knees. So I went to get some, found them right off the bat. The price was OK, but got better when I got to the register...half of what the tag said. Whoohoo!
After school we had an appointment in the city, which went well. Then we came back up and had supper at one of our favorite places. Really good schawarma for the Little Prince and me; really good hamburgers for the Diva and the Boss.
It's now after midnight, so it's now Thursday. Darn science tests! I just hope tomorrow's better.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Diva
Tonight the Diva went to have her ear cleaned again. She had the stitches taken out Saturday afternoon but the doctor wasn't able to be there so a nurse in the ER did it. Tonight we went to see the doctor and he's very happy about how her ear is healing. She needs to go back next week too, but that should be the last time.
The eardrum is good and the canal is healing nicely. He removed a clot, rather than a truckload like last time.
The Diva refused for several minutes to lie down and let him do it. Last time she was very cooperative but when it started hurting she did NOT like it. She remembered that tonight and did not want to cooperate again. I bribed her...I admit it. I told her I'd give her 1000 (Lebanese pounds...about 67 cents). Then I offered her 2000. Then I told her I'd take her to the canteen and get her anything she wanted. That didn't even do the trick.
I honestly don't remember what finally did it. But she agreed to lie down and let him do his thing. Then, after it was done, she said, "My 1000." At least she didn't remember the "anything you want" part.
I have to mention the elevators at this hospital. I've never seen anywhere else a set of two elevators with one labeled "visitors" and the other labeled "sick". Very cool.
But, I have to wonder though...if I'm a patient whose broken her leg, do I have to take the stairs?
The eardrum is good and the canal is healing nicely. He removed a clot, rather than a truckload like last time.
The Diva refused for several minutes to lie down and let him do it. Last time she was very cooperative but when it started hurting she did NOT like it. She remembered that tonight and did not want to cooperate again. I bribed her...I admit it. I told her I'd give her 1000 (Lebanese pounds...about 67 cents). Then I offered her 2000. Then I told her I'd take her to the canteen and get her anything she wanted. That didn't even do the trick.
I honestly don't remember what finally did it. But she agreed to lie down and let him do his thing. Then, after it was done, she said, "My 1000." At least she didn't remember the "anything you want" part.
I have to mention the elevators at this hospital. I've never seen anywhere else a set of two elevators with one labeled "visitors" and the other labeled "sick". Very cool.
But, I have to wonder though...if I'm a patient whose broken her leg, do I have to take the stairs?
Monday morning
As I sit here typing I realize I'm falling off the wagon. I have loads of laundry to fold, errands to run, and a house to clean. I need to get off my backside and get it it done and I will, after I finish typing this.
I'm taking a cough medicine at night with codeine in it. It helps pretty well and I sleep great! Unfortunately I'm still groggy the next morning and not as energized as I'd like to be. But I AM going to get this house in order before picking up the kids. In about 5 minutes I'm heading out the door to get the ink cartridge for the printer (the Boss has to print something for science) and pick up a couple of things I need for tonight's meal, and then come home and clean up.
I really don't care much for folding laundry, but I've come to look forward to it. I listen to some good Christ-centered sermons while I fold and if I'm lucky there's time to knit while I finish listening. When the sermons are done I go on to Issues, Etc. I also need to catch up on The God Whisperers since I'm still listening to shows from this summer when we were waiting for internet.
I have some ideas for posts I want to write but need to get things ordered in my head first. Easier said than done with this head of mine. Maybe I'll work on that tonight if we're not back too late from getting the Diva's ear cleaned. Still need to see the doctor for checks until it's completely healed, which could take a while.
I hope everyone's Monday is more productive than mine.
I'm taking a cough medicine at night with codeine in it. It helps pretty well and I sleep great! Unfortunately I'm still groggy the next morning and not as energized as I'd like to be. But I AM going to get this house in order before picking up the kids. In about 5 minutes I'm heading out the door to get the ink cartridge for the printer (the Boss has to print something for science) and pick up a couple of things I need for tonight's meal, and then come home and clean up.
I really don't care much for folding laundry, but I've come to look forward to it. I listen to some good Christ-centered sermons while I fold and if I'm lucky there's time to knit while I finish listening. When the sermons are done I go on to Issues, Etc. I also need to catch up on The God Whisperers since I'm still listening to shows from this summer when we were waiting for internet.
I have some ideas for posts I want to write but need to get things ordered in my head first. Easier said than done with this head of mine. Maybe I'll work on that tonight if we're not back too late from getting the Diva's ear cleaned. Still need to see the doctor for checks until it's completely healed, which could take a while.
I hope everyone's Monday is more productive than mine.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Atta girl, Poochie!
My SIL works for Greenpeace. She spends about 3-4 months on a boat and then is paid for time off equal to the amount of time she spends on. She returned a few weeks ago from her first paid cruise. Before that she was a volunteer working for a recommendation to be hired.
She has a cute little dog named Poochie. She's a Sky Terrier, the same kind as Poochie the First, the dog she and Baba had growing up. He had to be put to sleep right before our first trip here with the Boss so I never got to meet him. I heard he practically walked on water though. He took himself outside to go to the bathroom. If there was a car anywhere around (other than the multitude parked up and down the street) he didn't go. He just waited until later. He wasn't about to risk an ill-fated trip across the street.
When SIL returned from her trip last month she found that Poochie was paralyzed. She had been taken to the vet, who had given medicine for stomach pain, thinking that was the problem. Huh?! No wonder he's not the vet SIL normally takes her to. Geez!
She took her to their regular vet and he said that she'd been struck by a car or something similar. But everyone swears up and down that she wasn't hit by a car. She did have a similar issue a while back but SIL was here and caught it in time and she never got this bad. But since the people taking care of her didn't know about it and weren't staying at the house, just going by to feed her and take her out, they weren't paying enough attention to know what was wrong.
She's paralyzed and incontinent. When we'd go and visit her we'd see her lying on the old mattress in the bathroom floor, looking pretty miserable. BUT...SIL has started putting her in diapers and she's like a new dog.
She *runs* around the house and *runs* to the door when the bell rings. She moves those front legs super fast and just drags those useless things in the back around. SIL shaved her back half to make cleaning her easier so she looks really odd from the waist back so I try to just look her in those big, beautiful, brown eyes and blow her kisses.
The Peanuts love to love on her and she's perfectly happy to take it.
SIL is looking at making her a little wheel chair to make getting around easier on her knees, which are getting scraped up a bit from dragging on the floor. The problem she's facing now is who will care for her while she's on her next trip. If I didn't already have a dog (who doesn't like Poochie) and a cat (Poochie hates cats) and 3 kids (who love everything with four legs and fur), that would be one thing. But caring for an incontinent dog just isn't something I can add to my plate. Even if she is cute as a bug's ear.
She has a cute little dog named Poochie. She's a Sky Terrier, the same kind as Poochie the First, the dog she and Baba had growing up. He had to be put to sleep right before our first trip here with the Boss so I never got to meet him. I heard he practically walked on water though. He took himself outside to go to the bathroom. If there was a car anywhere around (other than the multitude parked up and down the street) he didn't go. He just waited until later. He wasn't about to risk an ill-fated trip across the street.
When SIL returned from her trip last month she found that Poochie was paralyzed. She had been taken to the vet, who had given medicine for stomach pain, thinking that was the problem. Huh?! No wonder he's not the vet SIL normally takes her to. Geez!
She took her to their regular vet and he said that she'd been struck by a car or something similar. But everyone swears up and down that she wasn't hit by a car. She did have a similar issue a while back but SIL was here and caught it in time and she never got this bad. But since the people taking care of her didn't know about it and weren't staying at the house, just going by to feed her and take her out, they weren't paying enough attention to know what was wrong.
She's paralyzed and incontinent. When we'd go and visit her we'd see her lying on the old mattress in the bathroom floor, looking pretty miserable. BUT...SIL has started putting her in diapers and she's like a new dog.
She *runs* around the house and *runs* to the door when the bell rings. She moves those front legs super fast and just drags those useless things in the back around. SIL shaved her back half to make cleaning her easier so she looks really odd from the waist back so I try to just look her in those big, beautiful, brown eyes and blow her kisses.
The Peanuts love to love on her and she's perfectly happy to take it.
SIL is looking at making her a little wheel chair to make getting around easier on her knees, which are getting scraped up a bit from dragging on the floor. The problem she's facing now is who will care for her while she's on her next trip. If I didn't already have a dog (who doesn't like Poochie) and a cat (Poochie hates cats) and 3 kids (who love everything with four legs and fur), that would be one thing. But caring for an incontinent dog just isn't something I can add to my plate. Even if she is cute as a bug's ear.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Play dates
Yesterday the Peanuts had play dates. The Diva had one in Mansourieh, not far from the church where they were baptized 5 1/2 years ago. She went home with her friend after school. The Little Prince came home with me, we talked to Baba on the Magic Jack, and then went to the home of one of his classmates, in Bhersaf. This made for some never-ending driving. Fortunately the Little Prince had taekwondo not far from the Diva's friend, so after dropping him and the Little Prince off, I went to pick up the Diva.
I've never cared much for coffee, not even the American variety, which is extremely weak by Lebanese standards. Fortunately I've developed a liking for tea, so I have something I can accept when a guest in people's homes. There were several moms at the Little Prince's play date, drinking coffee, and I tried Earl Gray for the first time. It's pretty good. Then, when I went to pick up the Diva, I tried caramel tea. Oh, yummy! I'm definitely buying some on my next grocery trip.
Since it was almost an hour into taekwondo when the Diva and I got there I was pretty sure that the Little Prince might be driving them crazy. But no need to worry. He was sound asleep on the bench. So I'm guessing that all that trampoline jumping ended up being better than a dose of Nyquil. LOL
Today was a busy day. I had a doctor's appointment and then went to my favorite produce shop to get fruit and veggies. I bought some zucchini. I have a recipe for chocolate zucchini cake and I might fry the rest. The kids aren't too crazy about zucchini but I'm hoping they'll try them fried.
The Diva got her stitches out. She had 3 behind her ear. It took longer to convince her to let the nurse take them out than it did to take them out. Then we went to SIL's house, ate an early supper, went to the hospital to visit an uncle whose ill, and then to a cousin's home to see an adorable baby boy. I love holding babies and just smelling them.
Tomorrow is church. I really hope we make it there this week. So far we're healthy and no one's injured. I'm feeling a bit hopeful.
I've never cared much for coffee, not even the American variety, which is extremely weak by Lebanese standards. Fortunately I've developed a liking for tea, so I have something I can accept when a guest in people's homes. There were several moms at the Little Prince's play date, drinking coffee, and I tried Earl Gray for the first time. It's pretty good. Then, when I went to pick up the Diva, I tried caramel tea. Oh, yummy! I'm definitely buying some on my next grocery trip.
Since it was almost an hour into taekwondo when the Diva and I got there I was pretty sure that the Little Prince might be driving them crazy. But no need to worry. He was sound asleep on the bench. So I'm guessing that all that trampoline jumping ended up being better than a dose of Nyquil. LOL
Today was a busy day. I had a doctor's appointment and then went to my favorite produce shop to get fruit and veggies. I bought some zucchini. I have a recipe for chocolate zucchini cake and I might fry the rest. The kids aren't too crazy about zucchini but I'm hoping they'll try them fried.
The Diva got her stitches out. She had 3 behind her ear. It took longer to convince her to let the nurse take them out than it did to take them out. Then we went to SIL's house, ate an early supper, went to the hospital to visit an uncle whose ill, and then to a cousin's home to see an adorable baby boy. I love holding babies and just smelling them.
Tomorrow is church. I really hope we make it there this week. So far we're healthy and no one's injured. I'm feeling a bit hopeful.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I want my bed!
Today was so busy. I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen today. I was worn out afterward, but it just made sitting and knitting for over an hour so much nicer. LOL
After picking up the kids from school we headed down to Beirut where the Boss had an appointment at 3:30. After he was done we met up with their godfather to give him some stuff and then went to the golden arches for the drive thru. We got out of there, were nicely creeping along in traffic, when the Boss and I realized we hadn't gotten our fries. So after creeping back to get them we finely got on our way again to the hospital. Driving there is nerve wracking enough, but during rush hour is just plain nasty.
The Diva was bitten on her arm and ear by a friend's dog Saturday evening and we spent a couple of hours in the ER. Tonight we went back for the doctor to clean out her ear and check it. So after waiting an hour to see him he cleaned it out thoroughly. She was very good and didn't fuss about it until near the end when it was hurting from him trying to get everything. She still held still and was very good. She goes back Saturday afternoon to get the stitches behind her ear out (no puncture wounds on her arm since she was wearing a coat). We find out then if she has to go back for more cleaning on Monday evening. It's a slow place to heal so he needs to keep it cleaned out and watched. Until at least Saturday we can't get her ear wet.
Tomorrow I have more errands to run. Grocery shopping in the morning and then down the mountain again to go shopping with SIL for a baby gift for a cousin. I need to call her in the morning to see if it's still on. We need to do it, but I'm kind of hoping it falls through. But not really...I don't know when we'd get around to it again. Maybe she'll come home with me and help the kids with their Arabic...especially the Peanuts who have a small dictation Friday.
Today was the beginning of Lent. I was hoping to make it to an Ash Wednesday service but it didn't happen. Oh, well, there's always next year.
After picking up the kids from school we headed down to Beirut where the Boss had an appointment at 3:30. After he was done we met up with their godfather to give him some stuff and then went to the golden arches for the drive thru. We got out of there, were nicely creeping along in traffic, when the Boss and I realized we hadn't gotten our fries. So after creeping back to get them we finely got on our way again to the hospital. Driving there is nerve wracking enough, but during rush hour is just plain nasty.
The Diva was bitten on her arm and ear by a friend's dog Saturday evening and we spent a couple of hours in the ER. Tonight we went back for the doctor to clean out her ear and check it. So after waiting an hour to see him he cleaned it out thoroughly. She was very good and didn't fuss about it until near the end when it was hurting from him trying to get everything. She still held still and was very good. She goes back Saturday afternoon to get the stitches behind her ear out (no puncture wounds on her arm since she was wearing a coat). We find out then if she has to go back for more cleaning on Monday evening. It's a slow place to heal so he needs to keep it cleaned out and watched. Until at least Saturday we can't get her ear wet.
Tomorrow I have more errands to run. Grocery shopping in the morning and then down the mountain again to go shopping with SIL for a baby gift for a cousin. I need to call her in the morning to see if it's still on. We need to do it, but I'm kind of hoping it falls through. But not really...I don't know when we'd get around to it again. Maybe she'll come home with me and help the kids with their Arabic...especially the Peanuts who have a small dictation Friday.
Today was the beginning of Lent. I was hoping to make it to an Ash Wednesday service but it didn't happen. Oh, well, there's always next year.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Transfiguration!
I'd like to say that we spent the morning at church but I can't. After a few hours in the ER last night we were tired and needed the morning to relax. Don't worry...nothing life threatening. Just one of the joys of being the mother of a little. We're relaxing in front of the Disney Channel and heading to SIL's later for a bit of lunch.
Since it's a school night, I'm thinking that after the kids are down I'll listen to some sermons online. Get some nourishment for the soul after a day spent eating and hanging out with family.
This next week my student is in Saudi so no tutoring. I'm hoping to walk everyday, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather we're having lately. Last week it was snow, this week it's temps in the 60s. You'd think we were back in Missouri. I'm going to take advantage of this to really get a lot of walking in. Also, with Lent starting this week, I'm considering fasting. I haven't worked out the details yet (hopefully I'll get that done before Wednesday) but I doubt I'd go all day. I can usually skip lunch if I'd had a good breakfast and manage to keep myself busy. We'll see.
I hope you have a wonderful Lord's day.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tardy pass?
I just realized it's been a week since I last posted. Life has gotten hectic. Last week the Boss missed 3 days of school. What made it worse was the fact that it was all revision for this weeks' exams. Yikes! We've been plugging away though and tomorrow he finishes up. He's inviting some friends over for Friday since the Peanuts will have school. Poor little kindergartners don't have exams.
Tomorrow I go grocery shopping. Having a kid to take to the doctor and tests to review for this week (along with an earlier release time for him) has put a dent in my meal making. So I don't have as much to buy this week. So, I should be able to do my Friday cleaning tomorrow and then clean the kitchen Friday while the boys are playing video games.
If the plans fall through for Friday, I can always treat the Boss to some Putt-Putt.
Tomorrow I go grocery shopping. Having a kid to take to the doctor and tests to review for this week (along with an earlier release time for him) has put a dent in my meal making. So I don't have as much to buy this week. So, I should be able to do my Friday cleaning tomorrow and then clean the kitchen Friday while the boys are playing video games.
If the plans fall through for Friday, I can always treat the Boss to some Putt-Putt.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Snow!
It's finally snowing here! Last night I checked out LBC's website and the temps were cold and they mentioned the chance of snow so I went to bed hopeful. I've never had an easier time getting the Peanuts out of bed in the morning as today. Just ask if they wanted to see the snow and they're up. Ask if they want to take the dog out with you and they're dressed and ready to go. They even had her leash on before I was ready to head out.
The Boss is home sick again so he ran errands with me. The streets aren't bad, which is good, so we had an easy time of it. We went by the school to get a book he needed and it started in again while we were there. The kids were on break, hanging out in the classrooms, but they all ran outside and started taking pics with their phones and throwing little wads of snow (not enough for real snowballs) at each other.
On our way home from shopping we saw a couple of grown men, at least late 40s, maybe early 50s, throwing some snow at each other. Puts you in a good mood to see stuff like that.
A few minutes ago I was watching big, flat flakes fall. I took the dog up again and there is more snow on the street. But it's not slick, just slushy. I'm hoping that things go well so I'm not driving on it after it starts to freeze, which I'm sure it will tonight. To be safe, I'm thinking of taking a bag with a change of stuff just in case we have to sleep over at SIL's. It's not snowing down there but if it's bad up here we might not get back up the mountain. I don't think it will be, but if I don't do that, you can bet the chances increase considerably. Good ole' Murphy.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Unexpected
Recently a few of the blogs I read regularly have had a lot to say about women working outside the home. I agree with probably 99% of what they say. As much as I love teaching, I'm miserable when I'm not home taking care of my family. I'm a home-body. I like to get out and about, but not when it's required. I'd rather be home and then enjoy getting out for errands and stuff. Once I'm an empty-nester I might feel differently but for now I'm happy being a SAHM.
However, I've heard criticism from a few sources of parents allowing, or even encouraging, their daughters to go to college instead of staying home and focusing on learning the skills necessary to be good homemakers. While I agree that it's extremely important for them to learn these skills, to think they don't need a college education because they're going to be wives and mothers is very short-sighted and detrimental to their future families.
To illustrate, let me tell you a story. My grandmother was born in the early part of the 1900s. Her parents were immigrants and there were several children in the family. Some of the siblings went to college. Perhaps all of them, but I don't remember. I'm pretty sure there was a sister who married young and started a family. Her kids were older than the youngest sibling, I know. This family was very devout and very traditional. But education was important and my great-grandfather was proud to be able to send his sons and daughters to college who wanted to go.
My grandmother started teacher's training but preferred to go into nursing. Her father wasn't going to allow her at first because her sister was already a nurse so why would they need two nurses in the family? Finally my grandmother was able to convince him to let her go. She completed her training and went to work. When she married my grandfather she quit work and was a SAHW/M. She was very happy. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Her home was always spotless. Due to her nurse's training she knew the importance of cleanliness. Her home wasn't just clean it was sanitary. lol
She had 4 children, one of whom died at the age of two. Because of her nurse's training she was able to care for my aunt at the end at the hospital. She knew what was what. When my dad and his brothers were older my grandfather was serving a very small church in the town where I grew up. Things were very tight. My grandmother had to go back to work. Thanks to her nurse's training she was able to get a good job at a local hospital for decent pay. In fact, there were months where not only did my grandfather not get a full salary (or any salary) but they had to put some of Grandma's salary into the church for things that were needed.
She worked at the hospital for several years, starting the nursery. She even went back to college for teacher's training so she could teach at the school of nursing. One of her professors apologized to her that due to some policy at the college she couldn't graduate with honors. He made a point of saying that she certainly deserved them. She was well-loved by everyone who worked with her and well-respected by the doctors. On top of it all, she kept her home and worked in the church.
My grandmother came from a very traditional family. It was expected that the daughters would grow up, get married, and raise their families as SAHMs. However, education was very important and being a SAHM was no excuse for not having that education. Even though Grandma started off as a SAHM, she did find herself in a situation where her family needed the income that her training could provide. She still took care of the home and baked fresh bread when needed (Grandpa hated store bread) and took care of Dad and his brothers. If you ask them, they're extremely proud of their mother and everything she did for them.
Grandma certainly had a heart for home but she also had a heart for nursing and the people she cared for and worked with. She loved her years of nursing and training other nurses. God blessed her in both places.
If my great-grandparents had been of the mind that their daughters didn't need a college education because they were girls and their goals were to be keepers of the home, that would not have kept Grandma in the home during the lean years. She would still have needed to work outside the home, but what would she have done? Perhaps worked retail. But that doesn't pay very well, especially for someone with no experience. Because of her training she was able to not only contribute financially to her family when it was needed, she was able to contribute well. Because of the knowledge she received from her training, she was a better wife and mother. It's also known that the children of well-educated parents are often more successful themselves.
Parents who try to discourage their daughters from seeking higher education are not only doing them a great disservice, but they're doing a disservice to their future grandchildren.
However, I've heard criticism from a few sources of parents allowing, or even encouraging, their daughters to go to college instead of staying home and focusing on learning the skills necessary to be good homemakers. While I agree that it's extremely important for them to learn these skills, to think they don't need a college education because they're going to be wives and mothers is very short-sighted and detrimental to their future families.
To illustrate, let me tell you a story. My grandmother was born in the early part of the 1900s. Her parents were immigrants and there were several children in the family. Some of the siblings went to college. Perhaps all of them, but I don't remember. I'm pretty sure there was a sister who married young and started a family. Her kids were older than the youngest sibling, I know. This family was very devout and very traditional. But education was important and my great-grandfather was proud to be able to send his sons and daughters to college who wanted to go.
My grandmother started teacher's training but preferred to go into nursing. Her father wasn't going to allow her at first because her sister was already a nurse so why would they need two nurses in the family? Finally my grandmother was able to convince him to let her go. She completed her training and went to work. When she married my grandfather she quit work and was a SAHW/M. She was very happy. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Her home was always spotless. Due to her nurse's training she knew the importance of cleanliness. Her home wasn't just clean it was sanitary. lol
She had 4 children, one of whom died at the age of two. Because of her nurse's training she was able to care for my aunt at the end at the hospital. She knew what was what. When my dad and his brothers were older my grandfather was serving a very small church in the town where I grew up. Things were very tight. My grandmother had to go back to work. Thanks to her nurse's training she was able to get a good job at a local hospital for decent pay. In fact, there were months where not only did my grandfather not get a full salary (or any salary) but they had to put some of Grandma's salary into the church for things that were needed.
She worked at the hospital for several years, starting the nursery. She even went back to college for teacher's training so she could teach at the school of nursing. One of her professors apologized to her that due to some policy at the college she couldn't graduate with honors. He made a point of saying that she certainly deserved them. She was well-loved by everyone who worked with her and well-respected by the doctors. On top of it all, she kept her home and worked in the church.
My grandmother came from a very traditional family. It was expected that the daughters would grow up, get married, and raise their families as SAHMs. However, education was very important and being a SAHM was no excuse for not having that education. Even though Grandma started off as a SAHM, she did find herself in a situation where her family needed the income that her training could provide. She still took care of the home and baked fresh bread when needed (Grandpa hated store bread) and took care of Dad and his brothers. If you ask them, they're extremely proud of their mother and everything she did for them.
Grandma certainly had a heart for home but she also had a heart for nursing and the people she cared for and worked with. She loved her years of nursing and training other nurses. God blessed her in both places.
If my great-grandparents had been of the mind that their daughters didn't need a college education because they were girls and their goals were to be keepers of the home, that would not have kept Grandma in the home during the lean years. She would still have needed to work outside the home, but what would she have done? Perhaps worked retail. But that doesn't pay very well, especially for someone with no experience. Because of her training she was able to not only contribute financially to her family when it was needed, she was able to contribute well. Because of the knowledge she received from her training, she was a better wife and mother. It's also known that the children of well-educated parents are often more successful themselves.
Parents who try to discourage their daughters from seeking higher education are not only doing them a great disservice, but they're doing a disservice to their future grandchildren.
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