I have to admit, I've always been envious of people who are creative and crafty. Like my sister Kristin, for example. She always makes the cutest stuff! Decorations for different holidays, fun crafts with her boys, you name it. I've never felt like I had the talent for that kind of thing--or the patience! But, since getting onto Pinterest, I've taken more of an interest.
So, I've done a few things, have a couple in the works, and ideas for more projects that I would love to do. So far I've painted letters for the kids' room (I did Amy's name after she was born, so I did David's name), made a wreath for our friends' front door to replace this hideous thing the old lady before them left, sewed curtains for the kids' room, refashioned some flip-flops, and painted a canvas as a birthday gift (twice, because the first time I smeared the paint because I thought it was dry). Not too bad! I'm still not great at it and things tend to take me quite a while to do because frequently I have to do them over. But I'm really enjoying it!
A few things I have in the works: refashioning a little wooden step stool I found at Goodwill, sewing curtains for the kitchen and our bedroom, working on an easy & cheap pirate costume for Burn Camp in August, coming up with shelving for my spices in the kitchen, and re-painting the canvas I messed up. I feel so productive when I'm doing things like this! Plus, I'm discovering how much fun it is. No wonder my sisters craft! Although I don't know that I have the patience for quilting like Annette does.
I get all excited about prospective crafts now. A lot of the things I'd like to do I may as well wait until we have a house, since I'm severely limited on what I can do with a rental property. But, there are a couple of things I'm trying to get Brett on board with, including this adorable toddler-sized bench that actually looks simple to make and would be WAY cute in Amy's room.
I'll take some pictures of some of my recent accomplishments once I find the SD card for the camera. Not really sure what happened to it. It was probably swiped by a certain cute toddler who shall remain nameless. :)
Friday, July 13, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
"Heaven is Here"
I've been following Stephanie Nielson's blog for quite a while now. She is a young mother who, with her husband and a family friend, were in a horrific plane crash. Her husband was burned over 30% of his body. Stephanie was burned over 80% of her body. It's a miracle that she survived not just the crash and the initial injuries, but also the frequent unending surgeries and procedures that a burn that extensive requires.
As a burn survivor myself, I can understand at least a small piece of what she's been through. Granted, her experiences have been much different; still, there's a sort of camaraderie among those of us who have had to endure the mental, physical, and emotional trials that are unavoidable in such a situation.
NieNie recently published a memoir called "Heaven is Here", talking about her life before the crash as well as the crash itself and the aftermath. I'd been planning on asking Brett to give it to me for my birthday, but my mom surprised me with it last week. (What can I say? She definitely knows me!) I had assumed I'd race through it that night like I usually do with books, but I couldn't.
It took me a few days to read Nienie's book, and I just finished it last night. It was incredibly well written, and I loved it. But for me, it was an incredibly difficult read. (Most of why it took me so long to read it? I was crying hard enough that I had to keep stopping to blink/wipe away tears so I could see the page. I cried through 2/3 of the book.) I think it would be hard for anyone to read such a heart-wrenching story. Having experienced some of the same things, I couldn't detach myself from the emotions of the book. I've felt so much of what she did. And my heart just broke for her, not because I pity her or feel sorry for her, but because of what she has been through and the way she has faced her trials.
Nienie talks, among other things, about how difficult it was to accept the way she looked, her insecurities about being able to care for her (then) four children, her fear of being rejected by her children, and her fear of being unattractive to her husband. Some of her fears came true--one of her daughters, after seeing her for the first time after the accident, wouldn't look at her for weeks. But she faced each challenge, and with the help of her family and her Heavenly Father, she met each challenge with faith, hope, and with grace.
My challenges as a burn survivor have been different since my injuries were so much earlier in life. I don't remember a time before I was burned. But many of my fears have been so similar! Insecurities about my body and the way I look. Fear that I would never find a man who could love me or find me attractive in spite of my scars. Fear that my emotional scars would prevent me from raising children and caring for them the way I wanted to. So many fears! I don't usually think of myself as a fearful person. In fact, I think I'm pretty bold! But when I consider some of my more irrational worries, I see a side of myself that I really don't like. Reading Nienie's book was like looking in a mirror and seeing not just my fears and the "darker" side of myself that I try to avoid so much, but seeing what kind of a woman, a wife, and a mother I can become if I continue to rely on my Heavenly Father. It gives me hope that even though I still deal with the vast amount of emotional baggage that comes from my abuse, that I can still be the woman I hope to be if I have faith and work hard at it. So thank you, Nienie!
Toward the end of her book, she talks about an opportunity to meet and visit with Elder Holland, one of the leaders of our church. She writes about a few of the things he told her, and this quote really hit me hard:
"We look for Christ's scars because they are evidence of what He did for us. They'll be the first things He shows us when we see Him again. Your scars tell a story, too. Although they may not make you feel attractive, they are a witness of a miracle, that God blessed you to live, and that you have accomplished very difficult things."
My scars tell a story. They certainly don't make me feel attractive. But they are a witness of a miracle. I was blessed to live, to be accepted into a loving family, and to rise above the circumstances that have contributed so greatly to who I am. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me, and who guides my life so that I can return to live with Him.
As a burn survivor myself, I can understand at least a small piece of what she's been through. Granted, her experiences have been much different; still, there's a sort of camaraderie among those of us who have had to endure the mental, physical, and emotional trials that are unavoidable in such a situation.
NieNie recently published a memoir called "Heaven is Here", talking about her life before the crash as well as the crash itself and the aftermath. I'd been planning on asking Brett to give it to me for my birthday, but my mom surprised me with it last week. (What can I say? She definitely knows me!) I had assumed I'd race through it that night like I usually do with books, but I couldn't.
It took me a few days to read Nienie's book, and I just finished it last night. It was incredibly well written, and I loved it. But for me, it was an incredibly difficult read. (Most of why it took me so long to read it? I was crying hard enough that I had to keep stopping to blink/wipe away tears so I could see the page. I cried through 2/3 of the book.) I think it would be hard for anyone to read such a heart-wrenching story. Having experienced some of the same things, I couldn't detach myself from the emotions of the book. I've felt so much of what she did. And my heart just broke for her, not because I pity her or feel sorry for her, but because of what she has been through and the way she has faced her trials.
Nienie talks, among other things, about how difficult it was to accept the way she looked, her insecurities about being able to care for her (then) four children, her fear of being rejected by her children, and her fear of being unattractive to her husband. Some of her fears came true--one of her daughters, after seeing her for the first time after the accident, wouldn't look at her for weeks. But she faced each challenge, and with the help of her family and her Heavenly Father, she met each challenge with faith, hope, and with grace.
My challenges as a burn survivor have been different since my injuries were so much earlier in life. I don't remember a time before I was burned. But many of my fears have been so similar! Insecurities about my body and the way I look. Fear that I would never find a man who could love me or find me attractive in spite of my scars. Fear that my emotional scars would prevent me from raising children and caring for them the way I wanted to. So many fears! I don't usually think of myself as a fearful person. In fact, I think I'm pretty bold! But when I consider some of my more irrational worries, I see a side of myself that I really don't like. Reading Nienie's book was like looking in a mirror and seeing not just my fears and the "darker" side of myself that I try to avoid so much, but seeing what kind of a woman, a wife, and a mother I can become if I continue to rely on my Heavenly Father. It gives me hope that even though I still deal with the vast amount of emotional baggage that comes from my abuse, that I can still be the woman I hope to be if I have faith and work hard at it. So thank you, Nienie!
Toward the end of her book, she talks about an opportunity to meet and visit with Elder Holland, one of the leaders of our church. She writes about a few of the things he told her, and this quote really hit me hard:
"We look for Christ's scars because they are evidence of what He did for us. They'll be the first things He shows us when we see Him again. Your scars tell a story, too. Although they may not make you feel attractive, they are a witness of a miracle, that God blessed you to live, and that you have accomplished very difficult things."
My scars tell a story. They certainly don't make me feel attractive. But they are a witness of a miracle. I was blessed to live, to be accepted into a loving family, and to rise above the circumstances that have contributed so greatly to who I am. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me, and who guides my life so that I can return to live with Him.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
A Salute to Fatherhood
Seeing as today is Father's Day, I think it's a perfect time to acknowledge the wonderful men in my life.
My dad has been gone for many years now. I still think of him, and I still miss him. I wish I'd known him longer, wish I'd known him better. I wish he were here to see the woman I've become. I know that he's aware of me, but I wish I could...I don't know, talk to him. Have a relationship with him. Dad did so much for me. He definitely wasn't perfect. He did a lot of things wrong. But he was working on his problems. He had so much in his life to overcome, and he tried. I think that's one of the things I admire most about him. I wish he could've had more time here. But he was a good man, and despite his many imperfections, I still love and respect and admire him.
A couple of years after Dad passed away, a new man came into my life. Mom met Paul and they began a friendship that deeply affected me. There are so many things about Paul that I admire so much. He has such a strong faith in and love of Christ and of God. He is a deeply spiritual man, and I love that about him. He has taught me so much in my life, and I'm grateful for his influence, his love, his compassion, and his patience. I wouldn't be the same person without him.
My father-in-law, Barry, is a great man. He has a hilarious sense of humor. It's always clear how much he loves his family. He adores his grandkids. He's always willing to offer help and advice. He honors his priesthood and serves faithfully in the church. I know he's not perfect, but he is a righteous man and a great example for his family. I'm grateful that my kids have him as someone to look up to.
Brett is an amazing man. He is a great husband and a wonderful father. He makes me laugh. I just love his sense of humor. There is never any doubt in my mind that he loves me and our children. He loves playing with the kids. He helps around the house. He does so much for our family. He has a deep love of the Gospel and a strong testimony. He'll probably kill me for saying this, too, but one of the things I love most about him is his capacity for emotion. A lot of guys seem like they try to hide their emotions. Brett has always been honest about them with me, and doesn't seem to be afraid to show his feelings. I love that tenderness about him. He's a sweet, kind, loving man. I am so blessed to have him, and to be able to be with him and our kids forever.
I'm grateful for the many men who have had such an impact on my life.
My dad has been gone for many years now. I still think of him, and I still miss him. I wish I'd known him longer, wish I'd known him better. I wish he were here to see the woman I've become. I know that he's aware of me, but I wish I could...I don't know, talk to him. Have a relationship with him. Dad did so much for me. He definitely wasn't perfect. He did a lot of things wrong. But he was working on his problems. He had so much in his life to overcome, and he tried. I think that's one of the things I admire most about him. I wish he could've had more time here. But he was a good man, and despite his many imperfections, I still love and respect and admire him.
A couple of years after Dad passed away, a new man came into my life. Mom met Paul and they began a friendship that deeply affected me. There are so many things about Paul that I admire so much. He has such a strong faith in and love of Christ and of God. He is a deeply spiritual man, and I love that about him. He has taught me so much in my life, and I'm grateful for his influence, his love, his compassion, and his patience. I wouldn't be the same person without him.
My father-in-law, Barry, is a great man. He has a hilarious sense of humor. It's always clear how much he loves his family. He adores his grandkids. He's always willing to offer help and advice. He honors his priesthood and serves faithfully in the church. I know he's not perfect, but he is a righteous man and a great example for his family. I'm grateful that my kids have him as someone to look up to.
Brett is an amazing man. He is a great husband and a wonderful father. He makes me laugh. I just love his sense of humor. There is never any doubt in my mind that he loves me and our children. He loves playing with the kids. He helps around the house. He does so much for our family. He has a deep love of the Gospel and a strong testimony. He'll probably kill me for saying this, too, but one of the things I love most about him is his capacity for emotion. A lot of guys seem like they try to hide their emotions. Brett has always been honest about them with me, and doesn't seem to be afraid to show his feelings. I love that tenderness about him. He's a sweet, kind, loving man. I am so blessed to have him, and to be able to be with him and our kids forever.
I'm grateful for the many men who have had such an impact on my life.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Cutest Peanut in the world!
Amy's turn! This little girl is full of mischief, but she is just so darn cute! She definitely keeps me on my toes. Won't be long before she'll be teaming up with David against me, I'm sure!
I honestly can't remember, but I think she'd been in time out and got her head out of her shirt. Way funny:
Helping to feed baby David. She's such a little mommy, and so helpful!
Showing some interest in the potty (yes, book in hand):
"Wait, what? I have to SIT here? For HOW long? I'm out, lady."
At the doctor's office. This is Amy's "Ewok speech". She totally sticks her tongue out while "talking":
Playing with some dry beans:
A little fuzzy, but I love the determined look on her face:
"What are you DOING, Mom?" Why, following you around with the camera, of course.
Some fun pictures!
After all that writing, it's time for some cuteness. And, throwing modesty to the wind, we have cuteness in spades in this house. :) And yes, this post is pretty much all about David.
A couple of shots on his blessing day with Grandma & Grandpa Minster:
A couple of shots on his blessing day with Grandma & Grandpa Minster:
Daddy and 2 of his 3 favorite people:
David at 3 months
Some way cute shots of a very cute little guy
With big sister Amy
With Mama and Amy:
Getting smooches (how can you resist?):
Big smile:
Spikey hair post-bath:
Fun with Daddy:
David at 4 months:
Upcoming Summer/Fall plans
I was planning on doing a couple of separate posts on this, but then I realized that since none of this has happened yet, there really wasn't a whole lot to say. I'll have to post, obviously, as things happen.
This weekend, over Memorial Day weekend, we're having a small family reunion. Grandpa Zimmerman, my mom's dad, turned 90 this year! I always have such a hard time remembering that Grandma and Grandpa are "that old" because to me, they've never really seemed "old". I mean, yeah, they're my grandparents, but they're just...not old. They're too active! I don't know. I guess, when I think of "old" people, I think of people with health problems that keep them from leading a normal life. That's definitely not the case with my grandparents! I've always enjoyed seeing them, and have so many fond memories of trips up to Minnesota to visit them. I'm excited to celebrate with them! So, we have a couple of my sisters coming in, my grandparents, and my aunts & uncles with their kids. I haven't seen most of them (at least, my cousins) for YEARS. Like, since the family reunion for G&G's 50th wedding anniversary. So I'm excited!
Let's see, what else? Brett and I are planning our vacation for July and trying to nail down some dates. We'll be driving to Ohio, staying with his parents for a couple of days, then going to Pittsburgh to visit his side of the family before returning to St. Louis, again via Ohio. I'm really excited. I've only been to Pittsburgh once, and that was only for a few hours for a hockey game. :) It'll be awesome to see the city and spend time with his family!
I'm also planning on going to Missouri Children's Burn Camp again this year as a counselor. I haven't been in a few years, since Brett and I started having kids. But this year, I'm actually available to go again! I'm really excited. I loved attending camp as a teen, and I really learned a lot about myself. It's one of many ways I try to give back to the burn community. I've also been involved in a couple of fundraisers this year, and will continue to volunteer to raise money for this cause I'm so passionate about.
Also exciting: I'll be going back to school in the fall! It really bugs me that I haven't finished my degree. We'd planned on my going back last fall, but then we got pregnant, and that certainly wasn't going to work! So this fall, I'll be finishing up my associate's at the community college, then transferring over to UMSL for the spring semester. If all goes according to plan (fingers crossed, since it so rarely does), I'll graduate in a couple years with my degree in English, emphasis on creative writing.
That's pretty much it for now! I'll try to be better about updating. Yikes.
This weekend, over Memorial Day weekend, we're having a small family reunion. Grandpa Zimmerman, my mom's dad, turned 90 this year! I always have such a hard time remembering that Grandma and Grandpa are "that old" because to me, they've never really seemed "old". I mean, yeah, they're my grandparents, but they're just...not old. They're too active! I don't know. I guess, when I think of "old" people, I think of people with health problems that keep them from leading a normal life. That's definitely not the case with my grandparents! I've always enjoyed seeing them, and have so many fond memories of trips up to Minnesota to visit them. I'm excited to celebrate with them! So, we have a couple of my sisters coming in, my grandparents, and my aunts & uncles with their kids. I haven't seen most of them (at least, my cousins) for YEARS. Like, since the family reunion for G&G's 50th wedding anniversary. So I'm excited!
Let's see, what else? Brett and I are planning our vacation for July and trying to nail down some dates. We'll be driving to Ohio, staying with his parents for a couple of days, then going to Pittsburgh to visit his side of the family before returning to St. Louis, again via Ohio. I'm really excited. I've only been to Pittsburgh once, and that was only for a few hours for a hockey game. :) It'll be awesome to see the city and spend time with his family!
I'm also planning on going to Missouri Children's Burn Camp again this year as a counselor. I haven't been in a few years, since Brett and I started having kids. But this year, I'm actually available to go again! I'm really excited. I loved attending camp as a teen, and I really learned a lot about myself. It's one of many ways I try to give back to the burn community. I've also been involved in a couple of fundraisers this year, and will continue to volunteer to raise money for this cause I'm so passionate about.
Also exciting: I'll be going back to school in the fall! It really bugs me that I haven't finished my degree. We'd planned on my going back last fall, but then we got pregnant, and that certainly wasn't going to work! So this fall, I'll be finishing up my associate's at the community college, then transferring over to UMSL for the spring semester. If all goes according to plan (fingers crossed, since it so rarely does), I'll graduate in a couple years with my degree in English, emphasis on creative writing.
That's pretty much it for now! I'll try to be better about updating. Yikes.
Caution: Falling Ice!
One of the most stressful situations we've been put in recently came about because of a fun little thing called a hailstorm. Living in Missouri, hail is fairly commonplace since the temperature changes so rapidly so often. Generally speaking, they're tiny little things, from a little speck the size of a peppercorn, to maybe pebble-sized.
Ha.
April 28th, we had a DOOZY of a hailstorm. I know that sounds so corny, but that just is the best way to describe it. Amy and I were on our way home from helping out down at Mom's. We stopped in at Schnucks, then proceeded down the road to our apartment. As we pulled out of the parking lot, little hailstones started bouncing off the windshield. I didn't really think anything of it, since it's not really anything strange. And then they got bigger. And bigger. And bigger. And bigger.
The road from Schnucks to my apartment is a 2-lane road with no shoulder. There is no place to pull off, and no cover. It's usually about a minute, maybe a minute and a half to make that drive. The closer I got to our complex, the bigger the hailstones got, and the harder they were hitting the car. When the first big stone whacked into the windshield, I screamed. Seriously, it looked like a massive ball of ice was coming for my head. Which, it pretty much was. Amy started crying. It was truly terrifying. I had no choice but to keep driving slowly and hope that maybe there was an available spot in the covered parking scattered around the complex.
No such luck. So, we pulled up in front of our building. No way was I getting out of the car until the hail stopped. So, I climbed into the back seat (no small feat), unbuckled Amy, and pulled her into my lap. Poor thing was shaking she was so scared. She clung to me like her life depended on it. In the meantime, it sounded like the car was being attacked by a mob with sledgehammers. I kept seeing hail striking the windshield and watched as it cracked, over and over.
A few minutes later, it stopped. Brett came out to help us, and we ran inside, as it was still raining. Later, we went out to inspect our cars. Both of them ended up being totaled.
The video of my car post-hail is uploading right now to youtube. I'll update with that video when it's done and I have time.
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