I was listening to a Retail expert speaking about the economic crisis and the tremendous impact on retail stores. I am horribly saddened by the impact that the slow down of our economy as it affects many in the retail industry (owners, employees, investors, etc). but I am also encouraged by a change of direction by us as Americans.
As I was listening to this expert, he said that the huge crunch to the industry has been caused by people just buying the necessities. People are trying to make each dollar count, and are making careful considerations before spending anything. The days of the buy now, pay later (sometimes with big interest) may be over.
On one hand I am glad that we've come to this realization. I am just sad for the many casualties left behind - and those inevitable ones which have yet to feel the swift kick of reality. Our lives are changing; it us up to us to choose whether we will make it change for the better or worse.
Money will not bring happiness, but it does help offer security. Faith without works will not pay the electrical bill, and positive thinking without effort won't buy groceries. What am I getting at? We must make a consious decision to take the life that is now upon us and make it work for us. It may be hard, but the rewards will be great; perhaps far greater than if these days had never occured in our lives.
Consider what are the necessities in your life. Spend time with those that you love. There are some estimates that go as high as 40% of a decline of the time that Americans spend with their children compared to 30 years ago.
I pray that we as a society come out of this a stronger more grounded group of people. I pray our children learn as a result that they cannot buy their soul; and they are more than what they own. My hope is that our bare necessities, priorities and goals will mesh creating within us a more contented, fulfilled individuals immersed with gratitude for what we have, rather unrest for what we seeminly want.
Enjoy the bare necessities in your life...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My #2 is #5
I did it again. I blinked!! How in the world did my little boy turn five years old? I wonder if there is anything better in the world than holding the complete admiration of your son in your hands. I do not know if I am prepared to face the pain when he sees my apron strings as an anchor; yet I know the day will be inevitable, and important for him - yet devastating for me...
Dylan Scott Kramer came into our world a bit early. A boy after my own heart; super punctual albeit a bit too early. He literally has a smile that could melt your heart, and big bright brown eyes. His kisses are sloppy and his hugs are tight.
I completely eat up Dylan's adoration for me. He picks me dandelions and tells me they are for me because I am beautiful. He walks up to me at least 5 times a day and says, "I love you too, Mom..." and kisses whatever body part is closest to him (sometimes my arm, sometimes my leg, and a few times even my tush! LOL). He even told his teacher that his Mommy is "So very very booteeful."
Tell me this will never end....
(((sigh)))
5 years old, oh how my world has changed with you in my life, my sweet Dylan.
Dylan Scott Kramer came into our world a bit early. A boy after my own heart; super punctual albeit a bit too early. He literally has a smile that could melt your heart, and big bright brown eyes. His kisses are sloppy and his hugs are tight.
I completely eat up Dylan's adoration for me. He picks me dandelions and tells me they are for me because I am beautiful. He walks up to me at least 5 times a day and says, "I love you too, Mom..." and kisses whatever body part is closest to him (sometimes my arm, sometimes my leg, and a few times even my tush! LOL). He even told his teacher that his Mommy is "So very very booteeful."
Tell me this will never end....
(((sigh)))
5 years old, oh how my world has changed with you in my life, my sweet Dylan.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Carving Pumpkins
Sometimes the greatest joy I get out of life is rewriting the simple memories of my childhood with my children as the new cast members. From picking out the perfect pumpkin, creating the jack-o-lantern's personality, pulling out the slimy gooey guts, and basking in the soft yellow glow from a candle burning bright inside their masterpiece; carving pumpkins is a memory I simply adore.
We spent Sunday afternoon with my husband Scott's family for the annual pumpkin carving tradition. The grandchildren draw on the faces and my father-in-law does all the cutting. My 21 year old nephew even hands over his pumpkin for his Pap to do the careful cutting. My Father-in-law takes his own artistic liberties when he feels the cutting will be made easier with alterations.
Per our family's tradition; after the pumpkins are all decorated, we wait for 24 hours and then roast the pumpkin seeds. The aroma hit us nearly immediately, and it seemed like forever until the seeds were ready to eat. We were greatly awarded for our patience when we indulge in deliciously warm roasted pumpkin seeds.
Want to taste them for yourselves?
Betsy's Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Rinse the pumpkin seeds well and drain
Place clean pumpkin seeds on a non-terry towel and allow to airdry for 24 hours
Preheat oven to 275 degrees
Place the pumpkin seeds in a bowl and drizzle about 1 TBS of olive oil (depending on how many seeds you have)
Add liberal amounts of season salt and garlic powder
Stir the seeds to even distribute oil and seasonings
On a foil-lined cookie sheet, spray non-stick baking spray
Pour seeds on the cookie sheet
Bake for 1 hour, stir after each 15 minutes
YUM!!
We spent Sunday afternoon with my husband Scott's family for the annual pumpkin carving tradition. The grandchildren draw on the faces and my father-in-law does all the cutting. My 21 year old nephew even hands over his pumpkin for his Pap to do the careful cutting. My Father-in-law takes his own artistic liberties when he feels the cutting will be made easier with alterations.
Per our family's tradition; after the pumpkins are all decorated, we wait for 24 hours and then roast the pumpkin seeds. The aroma hit us nearly immediately, and it seemed like forever until the seeds were ready to eat. We were greatly awarded for our patience when we indulge in deliciously warm roasted pumpkin seeds.
Want to taste them for yourselves?
Betsy's Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Rinse the pumpkin seeds well and drain
Place clean pumpkin seeds on a non-terry towel and allow to airdry for 24 hours
Preheat oven to 275 degrees
Place the pumpkin seeds in a bowl and drizzle about 1 TBS of olive oil (depending on how many seeds you have)
Add liberal amounts of season salt and garlic powder
Stir the seeds to even distribute oil and seasonings
On a foil-lined cookie sheet, spray non-stick baking spray
Pour seeds on the cookie sheet
Bake for 1 hour, stir after each 15 minutes
YUM!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Decade of Blessings
10 years ago I became a mommy. While other kids were making plans to become Doctors, and Lawyers, policemen, and firefighters, all I wanted to do was have a family. I was far too old to play with dolls, yet cuddling and nurturing a toy gave me a glimpse into the future I so desperately wanted.
The road to become a mommy was not simple. There was infertility and loss. I did everything right, yet seemed unable to have a baby. I made the painful conscious decision that if I were not blessed by having a baby of my own, I would make it my mission to be the best aunt, cousin, etc. to the children in my life. Not soon after making the proclamation to myself, I became pregnant... and stayed pregnant, and had my baby girl. The baby girl for whom I had dreamed of since I was old enough to dream.
Now, Juliet Kramer was not born the sweet, kind, and happy girl that you would see in her today. She came into the world with drama (I had pre-eclampsia with her and had to deliver her early), and she made her presence VERY known during the first three months of her life, as she had one massive case of colic that rendered her screaming for hours upon hours upon hours... and so on, and so on, and so on. I cannot believe that her vocal chords, and our dwindling patience, could handle such screaming.
During this time, we burned out 2 vacuum cleaners. It seemed the best thing to calm her was to turn on the vaccum cleaner; so if you had popped by our home during that time, you would find bleary eyed parents, watching closed caption television, and listening to a blaring vacuum cleaner running yet parked in the corner.
Those months are but a brief memory, and her addition to our life is irreplaceable. When we had Dylan nearly five years ago, I realized what completion felt like. Looking at perfection in my arms, my heart felt full, nearly overflowing.
Happiness and contentment for me is being a Mom. Knowing that someday my kids will look to me at where the bar should be raised as a parent is a huge responsibility; and one I do not take lightly. I make mistakes daily, and I wish I knew all the answers and pray that someday they will use my mistakes as lessons for themselves. I know there will be rough days ahead, but I am so grateful for every last day that has been behind us.
The bad moments don't even compare to the blessings that being parents have brought to our lives. Thank you, God, for giving us these two beautiful blessings to take care of for you. Now I just pray you stand by our side even closer as we approach the TEEN YEARS!!
The road to become a mommy was not simple. There was infertility and loss. I did everything right, yet seemed unable to have a baby. I made the painful conscious decision that if I were not blessed by having a baby of my own, I would make it my mission to be the best aunt, cousin, etc. to the children in my life. Not soon after making the proclamation to myself, I became pregnant... and stayed pregnant, and had my baby girl. The baby girl for whom I had dreamed of since I was old enough to dream.
Now, Juliet Kramer was not born the sweet, kind, and happy girl that you would see in her today. She came into the world with drama (I had pre-eclampsia with her and had to deliver her early), and she made her presence VERY known during the first three months of her life, as she had one massive case of colic that rendered her screaming for hours upon hours upon hours... and so on, and so on, and so on. I cannot believe that her vocal chords, and our dwindling patience, could handle such screaming.
During this time, we burned out 2 vacuum cleaners. It seemed the best thing to calm her was to turn on the vaccum cleaner; so if you had popped by our home during that time, you would find bleary eyed parents, watching closed caption television, and listening to a blaring vacuum cleaner running yet parked in the corner.
Those months are but a brief memory, and her addition to our life is irreplaceable. When we had Dylan nearly five years ago, I realized what completion felt like. Looking at perfection in my arms, my heart felt full, nearly overflowing.
Happiness and contentment for me is being a Mom. Knowing that someday my kids will look to me at where the bar should be raised as a parent is a huge responsibility; and one I do not take lightly. I make mistakes daily, and I wish I knew all the answers and pray that someday they will use my mistakes as lessons for themselves. I know there will be rough days ahead, but I am so grateful for every last day that has been behind us.
The bad moments don't even compare to the blessings that being parents have brought to our lives. Thank you, God, for giving us these two beautiful blessings to take care of for you. Now I just pray you stand by our side even closer as we approach the TEEN YEARS!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Many thanks to Volunteers
This weekend our small town celebrated its 89th annual All Home Days celebration www.allhomeday.org Up until this year I always was so busy organizing different aspects of it that I barely got to appreciate all that it offered. This year I was able to attend it as a community member, as my husband stepped in to take my place and I simply was his helper from time to time.
What would we do without volunteers? So many wonderful things in our communities operate solely on volunteer help and donations, and so often the volunteers are not even thanked, actually from my experience they are often criticized. My parents were always very active in our community and I always felt it to be an obligation to be as well. As I have gotten older and am now having my own children volunteer, I have finally matured to realize that it is not an obligation, rather it is a priviledge to create a better world in my own community.
I would like to take this time to thank all of those who take precious time out of their weeks to work as:
Sunday school teachers
PTA members
Volunteer firefighters
Mentors
Program coordinators for various events
Environmental clean-up crew members
Sport coaches
Scout Leaders
Big Brother/Big Sisters
Library helpers
Meal delivery personal for elderly
and many many others...
My goodness, the list goes on and on...doesn't it? There are many other volunteers than what I have posted here and each one is very necessary and their work is greatly appreciated. If you get a chance this week, thank the volunteers in your own life. I guarantee, they will appreciate it, and it helps rekindle the spark in them to continue when they know they are making a difference in the lives of others.
What would we do without volunteers? So many wonderful things in our communities operate solely on volunteer help and donations, and so often the volunteers are not even thanked, actually from my experience they are often criticized. My parents were always very active in our community and I always felt it to be an obligation to be as well. As I have gotten older and am now having my own children volunteer, I have finally matured to realize that it is not an obligation, rather it is a priviledge to create a better world in my own community.
I would like to take this time to thank all of those who take precious time out of their weeks to work as:
Sunday school teachers
PTA members
Volunteer firefighters
Mentors
Program coordinators for various events
Environmental clean-up crew members
Sport coaches
Scout Leaders
Big Brother/Big Sisters
Library helpers
Meal delivery personal for elderly
and many many others...
My goodness, the list goes on and on...doesn't it? There are many other volunteers than what I have posted here and each one is very necessary and their work is greatly appreciated. If you get a chance this week, thank the volunteers in your own life. I guarantee, they will appreciate it, and it helps rekindle the spark in them to continue when they know they are making a difference in the lives of others.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Thicker Than Water
This past weekend a few of my female adult (I term I use loosely) relatives and went away for our annual shopping extravaganza. Our destination was not even 2 hours away, yet we saw it fit to require 2 nights stay at a hotel. Who needs 3 full days and 2 nights shopping? Noone, but we certainly weren't sharing that information with our husbands! It was not the shopping that we needed, it was the time together.
Being the good professional organizer, I was my #1 client for the week leading up to the trip. I cleaned out all of our closets so I had a clear understanding of not only what I needed, but what I did not need (far more important). I created my list and I was ready to go! I remind all of you to make sure you do this before you shop. It is amazing what you forget that you own!
We started this annual shopping trip a few years ago and every year it has become more and more an essential part of our summer plans. To devote a few days to yourself (money & time) is so needed. To allow yourself a little bit of what you freely give to everyone else throughout the year is so welcomed and needed. But even more important, to strengthen your family roots somehow makes your own leaves that much brighter and the fruits of your spirit that much sweeter.
Being the good professional organizer, I was my #1 client for the week leading up to the trip. I cleaned out all of our closets so I had a clear understanding of not only what I needed, but what I did not need (far more important). I created my list and I was ready to go! I remind all of you to make sure you do this before you shop. It is amazing what you forget that you own!
We started this annual shopping trip a few years ago and every year it has become more and more an essential part of our summer plans. To devote a few days to yourself (money & time) is so needed. To allow yourself a little bit of what you freely give to everyone else throughout the year is so welcomed and needed. But even more important, to strengthen your family roots somehow makes your own leaves that much brighter and the fruits of your spirit that much sweeter.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A Renewed Spirit of Living
On Friday I saw the news headline that Randy Pausch, the "Last Lecture" Professor, had succumbed to the pancreatic cancer death sentence that had inspired millions of people to engage fully in living life, to become an active participant. (For more info check out his website: http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/ ) My heart broke, but at the same time was filled with the memories of the words that had haunted me from his lecture and subsequent interviews. It is a harsh reality that through his family's pain, so many others received hope.
As people worldwide grieved the loss of Randy Pausch, grief hit a bit closer home to us. On the same day, my Uncle lost his father. He was the pillar of his family, well respected and loved by many. I was honored to attend his funeral yesterday. To celebrate a life now passed really helped to renew in me a spirit of living.
While honoring the life of this man, I could not help but ponder my own mortality. I don't just want nice things said about me; I want to earn great memories from others. Not of wealth and popularity, but of a spirit so filled with love for others that it spilled out in every aspect of my life. I want to live my life as a clear reflection of my priorities, so that there is no doubt who I love and to what lengths I would show it. I desire to be a great example of what I preach, that attachment to things is meaningless, yet relationships with people are irreplaceable.
For those of us who still have work to do on earth, I remind you (as I remind myself) that life is such a gift and one that comes with great responsibility. Be mindful to drink all of life's milk before the expiration date, because when the time is up... it is too late. Sure, it makes it a bit trickier when the expiration date is so smudged that it is not legible, but that is why we are to savor each and every day.
As people worldwide grieved the loss of Randy Pausch, grief hit a bit closer home to us. On the same day, my Uncle lost his father. He was the pillar of his family, well respected and loved by many. I was honored to attend his funeral yesterday. To celebrate a life now passed really helped to renew in me a spirit of living.
While honoring the life of this man, I could not help but ponder my own mortality. I don't just want nice things said about me; I want to earn great memories from others. Not of wealth and popularity, but of a spirit so filled with love for others that it spilled out in every aspect of my life. I want to live my life as a clear reflection of my priorities, so that there is no doubt who I love and to what lengths I would show it. I desire to be a great example of what I preach, that attachment to things is meaningless, yet relationships with people are irreplaceable.
For those of us who still have work to do on earth, I remind you (as I remind myself) that life is such a gift and one that comes with great responsibility. Be mindful to drink all of life's milk before the expiration date, because when the time is up... it is too late. Sure, it makes it a bit trickier when the expiration date is so smudged that it is not legible, but that is why we are to savor each and every day.
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