Missy's Moments

Day 6 Today I am #thankful for the men and women that choose to serve our country in a way that I can not wrap my brain around. I am certain there is more to military life and the impact it has on the families than we can imagine and last night when the solider stood on the ice while the National Anthem was sang I thought about all he's seen and done during the two tours he had been on, all the times his mom or wife or children missed him or were worried about him. My eyes were wet with tears and I need to not take the privilege that we have men and women that don't even know us fighting for our freedom for granted. #thankyouforserving

Day 5 Today I'm #thankful for date nights with my husband. We are able to sneak off to the Wild game tonight and in the mist of what has been some of the busiest weeks we've had for a long time we could both use some focused couple time. I'm thankful that we both know that we not only have to but want to make our relationship a priority. There is some driving in possible bad weather involved and that always makes things a bit more interesting on our adventures

Day 4- Today I am #thankful for my Dad Thomas Langdon .Today is his birthday and He is most likely sitting in camouflage in a cold boat waiting for some innocent duck to take flight, or he's working on some insane house project, or perhaps he's getting ready to put in a 12 hour day in (you know since he's retired). Whatever he's doing he's doing it with a sense of humor, with a loving loyal heart and with everything he's got! I love you Dad! Happy Birthday♥ — feeling blessed.

Today I am thankful for an extra hour of sleep!! #thankful — feeling rested.

Day 2- looking at my "chores" I am thankful today for the ability to be able to do them...I have working appliances, supplies I need and a husband who cleans toilets. #thankful

Day 1 - I am thankful for my family. They are my heart. My husband Rick honors our marriage, loves our children and is a fabulous Papa, my only daughter Kayla is an young adult with many responsibilities that she tackles daily all while loving and chasing a busy almost 2 year old, my son's Jordan , Eric and Sam have taught me more about letting go and way more about bodily noises than I could ever imagine. I am grateful for each one of you- I love you all!

  About a month ago (maybe even longer) it became very clear to me that the weight that I always told myself I “would never” gain back was not just knocking on my door but had gained (no pun intended) access and was going to make itself at home on my rear (and anywhere else for that matter). “It” became one of those things in the back of my mind and “it” was becoming quite obvious with every piece of clothing that was once loose, with all those aches and pains, with every craving for sweets, with pictures, in my chin (both of them) and so on and so on and so on. People say exercise- just have to do it. That is true. And it’s easier said than done. At least for me anyway. You can judge but that’s how I feel. I am a want a be exerciser and I do want to be and I have a goal to learn but in the meanwhile I need to get feeling better physically to get moving more and this will be a slow work in progress. People say eat healthier-just have to do it. Eat whole grains/fruits and vegetables

  I have been transferring old blog posts. So many memories, both good and not so good. Those are just the ones that were written down. It seemed as my children grew and some of the struggles of adolescence turned into struggles that needed to remain private my ‘pen’ became quiet. I remember many times wanting to try to find words to articulate the range of emotions that occupied parenting a child that had an agenda unlike one I had read about in the parenting books. As circumstances surrounded me and helplessness enclosed me I just barely had the strength to turn to the one who has written their stories. I am talking mostly of my oldest son. The hardest part most days is I know the life he is living isn’t the story that has been written for him. In church this weekend our Pastor talked about Romans chapter one. In 3 different parts of romans chapter one it says “God gave them over”. To say that is indeed one of the saddest verses to read holds more truth than I think possible to un

    Summer goals included golf. Finally all 4 of us got out tonight. It was cold. It was wet. (really wet!) It was cold. Did I mention it was wet? Our shoes started to squish when we walked. It was fun. Sam shoots left handed in hockey, swings a bat left handed, and we bought him left handed clubs for his birthday (he doesn’t know that yet! shhhhh ) and he’s been using a old right handed set we have so tonight we borrowed some from the clubhouse that were left handed jr. clubs. Oh my did it prove to be a night to not be in a hurry . 3 hours to get the four of us around 9 holes. Did I tell you it was cold…. oh and wet? It was fun though. I had my first birdie- it was pretty- here is where my shot off the tee landed. (Rick and Sam using their feet to give a little perspective ) On the 9th hole Eric had a chip shot from about 40 yards out that he sunk into the hole! That was fun but of course I was so wet (and cold) I didn’t get a picture. When we got home we peeled off

The clouds tonight were fantastic. When I look at clouds I can’t help but imagine how soft and fluffy they are. I can almost picture myself bouncing off of them fearlessly. I said to Rick tonight that I imagine in heaven I will get to do that- I will have no fear like I do here on earth of hurting myself or my bladder giving out- (just keeping it real!) For me growing up not knowing Jesus- barely even knowing of Him, Heaven was really an unknown. I have a really vivid memory of when I was younger. I remember the house we lived in so I suppose I was around 9 and I knew my Grandma lived in heaven. She passed away when I was just 6 of cancer. Because I didn’t really understand death I didn’t get why she just couldn’t come back. Someone must of told me heaven was in the sky because when I yelled and I mean I. Yelled . up to heaven I begged Grandma to come back. I was home alone in my living room and  I distinctly remember telling her that if she really loved me she’d come back.

  Every school year as we approach the end of the year I start these lines in my head…. “I can’t wait to get that caught up when I’m on break” “That would be a good summer project” “Over the summer I’ll get out and do ______ more” And as May comes to an end I get more and more thoughts and ideas disillusions about what I’m going to get accomplished. There is a small chance this year some of my hopes and dreams will come true. YES I am working – in fact I’m working more scheduled hours than my school year gig BUT neither boy is playing baseball- that leaves our evenings free AND I’ve taken the summer off from weekend teaching and that opens up some time on the weekends. That being said here it is: 1. Before returning to work on June 10th I WILL have a solid dinner schedule set for the summer. This frees up SO MUCH TIME  during the week and on the weekends when I make my grocery list. Speaking of grocery lists- Mr. Eagen is going to be spending a bit more time at the grocery s

  Jack on June 5th, 2012 just over 5 months Jack today almost a year later What is that commercial with the pigs that go weeee weeee weee all the way home?

  Every year we are asked to share a devotion with our co-workers. It is such a blessing to listen to others but I am always so nervous when it is my turn. This year just as in years past I just simply needed to yield and get out of the way. I am also sharing my testimony at Teen MOPS this coming Tuesday and would ask that you keep me in your prayers so the girls there here my heart. Tell me your story, show me your wounds. And I’ll show you what love sees when love looks at you. Hand me the pieces, broken and bruised. And I’ll show you what love sees when love looks at you. This song speaks to me; it speaks truth to my heart. A truth that so often can be crowded out by lies by the enemy, by the to do list, by weariness brought on by so many things of this world. At one point in my life this truth was not present and now at a much different season of life after grace has allowed me to see this truth in myself I sadly enough often miss it in others. Brokenness in our lives can

I can't believe it's Friday already! How is it that that I am at the end of day 8 on my 10 day break and I am just now getting to my to-do list? (sigh) I do love my job. I do love being home. Hard to find the balance somedays but I am getting better. It's a work in progress no doubt. I'm looking out the window right now and it's snowing. Honest to betsy what in the world!! It better be a drama free summer as far as weather in concerned (because it's about what I want-right?) Kayla and Jack stayed here the last couple of nights- a few plumbing issues has them camping out here. Jack is so much fun- I'm sure I have a focus issue when the little man is present. But seriously when people say it goes quickly-believe me it does. Speaking of time- timer just went off. Not a ton for this Friday and back to balancing the checkbook- oh joy

  Sam and Eric with the Easter Bunny April 2006. Eric was turning 5 and Sam 4. Sam (6), Jordan (15), Kayla (17), Eric (7)  April 2008.

My last post was a song that really touched me. Below are some of the reasons why. Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds And I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised And I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you Our eyes see a woman in flannel pj pants, uncombed hair and smelling like smoke dropping her child off at preschool and our human eyes think she's a bad mom who'd been out late drinking/smoking.  Love sees a single mom who was working late trying to make a living while raising her son who happens to be one of the most polite kiddos in the class. Her self worth brought her to a place where she felt she didn't deserve any better, where her choices made her sin a bit more visible. Love sees a woman who needs to know what it is to be loved by her Heavenly Father simply because of her priceless worth and is blinded by shame and guilt, and an earthly Father who never bothered to show up . Our eyes see a w

Blessed are you as you weep on your knees With perfume and tears washing over My feet And blessed are you, beggar, hopeless and blind Calling for mercy when I'm passing by Blessed are you, shaking your head At two tiny fish and some bread And blessed are you as you tremble and wait For the first stone thrown at your sinful disgrace Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds And I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised And I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you Blessed are you, walking on waves To find yourself sinking when you look away Blessed are you, leper, standing alone The fear on their faces is all that you've known Blessed are you, lonely widow who gave Your last shiny coin to Yahweh Blessed are you with your silver and lies Kissing the One who's saving your life Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds And I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised And

Thinking of the cabin, the lake, peace, family time, warm sunshine, cabin games waiting for the rain to pass, bugs , water, fires. Always grateful when I swim in the memories of the lake.

  I opened my patio door this morning and looked just east and saw this: And then I glanced just up in front of me to the south and saw this: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

I love my co-workers. They are friends that I happen to work with. Today I woke up with a headache- nothing more than the usual. I took something and headed off to work. By 9:15 I felt like someone was poking my right eye out. My co-workers friends found me a replacement for the afternoon and set me on my way home to crawl into bed and sleep it off. The gift of comfort was much needed and provided. The gift of trust- Sammy boy needed a ear and a shoulder and he trusted me to be both tonight. The gift of being appreciated- Eric isn't one to rant about food so when he does I know I've done something big. Not really it was just dinner but He sure made sure I knew how much he enjoyed it tonight. He knew his mama needed some love and words of affirmation are my love language :)

1. In my bag- that's kind of a loaded question depending on what female you ask. Once you become a mom there really is no end to the things one might find in a purse and/or diaper bag. I had to think a bit about a "gift" in my bag. There's lots of useful items in my bag. A wallet, glasses, cough drops, a manicure set compliments of my new dentist (if you want a referral let me know and you to can have a new manicure set for your purse). Kleenex- hopefully not used. Not to often to you actually see cash in my bag but on a good day there may be a couple of quarters. Really it's all a gift . I am blessed to have a wallet with access to money for needs and/or wants. I got to go to the dentist and have my teeth cleaned and taken care of in order to get that manicure set. Having cough drops and Kleenex where and when I need it is something I don't even have to think about. All my basics needs and them some are met and most of it fits in a little black 31 bag that I

I went the whole day not knowing what was on today's list.... oh the curiosity just about killed the cat! I paid special attention to just about everything as to not miss any potential gifts! Well the something I'm reading is actually a surprise gift. I heard somewhere that a new autobiography that was out was really a good read. Funny I have no idea where I heard it, I may have even seen something on the Today Show.... who knows..... I decided to go ahead and have it delivered to my kindle and instantly I was drawn into it. There hasn't hardly been a page that I haven't thought to myself "I could have written this". I'm just over 1/2 way done with it and I'm sure shortly I will not be able to say "I could have written this" because her son grows into the heart of every tween and teen girl in America and even though Sam sports a pretty handsome shirt and tie combo with his jeans and is playing Ode to Joy on his guitar pretty well he's n

I am tired tonight- I have a razor blade like feeling in my throat and it's been a long day but I find joy in thinking about these things so it will be short and sweet. 20-A old gift today would have to be my Father in Law. We went up to see him today. He is failing. It is hard to see him look so ill and not excited to beat me up in a game of cribbage. He has been with us a lot longer than doctors told us 20 months ago. Bob isn't a touchy feelings kind of guy but for quite some time I know when I see him he loves me and I know he knows I love him. Praying for his comfort tonight and thanking God for the gift of Bob in my life. 21-My new classroom arrangement. It's just working, clicking, movin and groovin. And that my friends makes for a good day when you're a little on the obsessive side when it comes to having an organized flow. :) 22. A gift that is blue- easy peezy. My blue snuggli blanket

Golly- I thought for sure this one was going to be an easy one. I overhear so many conversations in a day with all the cuteness I hang out with. I hear kids say the darnest things all. day. long . Not today Here is what stood out to me today. 17. Our Tues/Thur classes missed their birthday party for Jesus b/c of a snow day before break. This party must happen that's all there is to it. We also had a theme to get in this week and only 2.5 hours to  do it all in- so we had a little magnet birthday party (magnets was our theme). It went great- we had the kids make their gifts for mom and dad, we had cake and ice cream and sang happy birthday, wore birthday hats, played with a ton of magnet letters, books, blocks, even magnet painting AND we made a magnet craft. That's right people we rocked it. (I have the baggy  eyes to prove it) At the end of the 2.5 hours we hand out our present to the kids and then they are dismissed. It was a good start to the day and we still had ou

I pulled out of my driveway this morning with my Joy Dare  hunt in mind. My first thought was "oh it's cloudy and gloomy and COLD- it's going to be hard to find a gift outside today" I know I was starting off with a positive attitude from the get go huh? Well thankfully I thought I should try and I figured the outside gift would come at recess or leaving work. What gift was waiting for me outside...... (you know because I deserve one with my chipper mood at this point) And then. I turned the corner onto a seeming boring every day street and suddenly I was amazed at the way everything looked like it had been painted a beautiful clean white. The roof tops, the tree tops, and not just the tree tops but the whole tree, branches trunk and all. It all looked so beautiful. I wanted to stop and take a picture but I'm fairly certain I couldn't have captured what I was seeing. Silly me- not even five minutes into my Joy Dare and my outside gift was right th

1. "sorry mom I almost forgot I should offer to help" 2. "Missy is even more of a doer than I am...if you can believe that!" 3. The third thing today isn't a quote from anyone but rather a thought I had in the car. As we're driving home from dinner and the boys were picking at each other and bickering back and forth I thought to myself 'they may drive me crazy but I would miss that constant picking if it wasn't there", I thought about the mom who lost her 12 year old son last year and how he and his brother probably picked at one another and how much they would all give to hear that today. Even the bickering is a gift.

New Year's Day- ahhh why is it I feel like I can do just about anything New Year's Day and by 8am Jan. 2nd I'm ready to throw in the towel and resort back to my old ways?!? I'm not one for making resolutions- I think I used to be. Or I think I thought I used to be. I may have even blogged about it in the past. I'm sure I've come up with creative cute ways to trick myself into believing I haven't set any resolutions- for instance renaming them. In fact I think one year I even said my resolution was not to set any resolutions. Well as you can see with my 30 day photo challenge that is only on day 9, 60 days after I started it. Or my 1000 Gifts list that made it a whole whopping 7 days, or my diets that typically only last as long as it takes to get comfy again in my clothes to prevent shopping for bigger sizes or my morning quiet times that vary depending on the day and to-do list or the books I have started reading only to get distracted by another book t