A Confirmation

This past weekend, on Palm Sunday, our daughter was confirmed.  Not only was she confirmed, but she also changed her faith at the same time.  Both my husband and I were raised Catholic.  While my husband still maintains a strong Catholic faith....he doesn't attend church at all.  I continue to stay Catholic....but don't believe in the faith for many reasons so I don't attend church.  To be honest, I would convert to Buddhism if we had a stronger community locally. 

Regardless of what my husband and I believe, my daughter decided to convert after we switched her to a Lutheran school.  She has come to believe in the Lutheran faith and I am proud she has made this decision on her own.  Not only has she decided to switch....she has declared she wants to continue to go to church and strengthen her belief.

During confirmation, each one of the participants receive a Bible verse.  The verse chosen for my daughter is Revelations 2:10 --

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

Fireworks (A poem by my daughter)

Were down by the lake watching fireworks go boom,

Watching them shoot up, watching them zoom.

Many different trails of glittering light,

How the lights look against the dark night.

So many different shapes of luster,

All up in a great big cluster.

Upon so many faces in raptures,

Many lives with great joy to capture.

This poem earned her an 'A' grade and some very nice comments from her teacher.

iPhone Telephoto Lense

 

What a fun little gadget!  And, of course, I want it.  Photojojo has several photo ideas and fun little photo related gadgets.  They also have a book with easy photo projects any novice can do.

Leadership Racine Article in the Racine Journal Times

In 2009, I graduated from a community leadership program -- Leadership Racine.  Since that time I continue to involve myself in some way with the program.  It is a phenomenal and motivating experience....and one which I feel inspired to assist wherever I can find time to do so.  Currently, I am involved with the marketing committee, and was recently asked to write an article regarding social media and how Leadership Racine is using social media tools. The article appeared in the Racine Journal Times a few weeks ago.  It was pretty cool to see my name in print, and the article I created, considering I was extremely nervous writing the article.  To my surprise -- not a word was changed or cut from the original submission! Read my article.

Happy Valentine's Day

After almost seventeen years of marriage, and our daughter's birthday the day before this day, my husband and I rarely celebrate Valentine's Day.  In fact, I generally don't even buy a gift for my husband for this day, and he is always rushing to Walgreen's to pick up a quick box of chocolate and a card.  Most of the time he is so late the choices are slim.

This year I actually ordered a couple things online thanks to the big Green Bay Packers Super Bowl win.  Men are just plain hard to buy for Valentine's Day.  My husband is talking about going out for dinner this evening at our favorite little tapas restaurant -- Olde Madrid.  Although, I have a feeling it will be closed considering most of our downtown restaurants are closed on Mondays.

Anyway, today is just like any other day.  Not much of a big deal made out of today even though we both probably would like to enjoy this day with each other.  My husband did ask me what I wanted for Valentine's Day (yes, this is how he thinks outside the box to get me gifts....he asks me the day before).  My reply was nothing.  Just a night out for dinner.  He knows that won't be good enough for me though.  I feel special when I get to open gifts.  You see, I am always the giver and many times not the receiver of gifts.  It is too late to order, but I have been wishing for a Lisa Leonard necklace for months now.  Generally, I am not a heart girl.  I just don't care for hearts as part of my jewelry accessory.  However, Lisa Leonard's  heart necklaces are almost whimsical.  Not only do I admire her creations, I really want to learn how to create stamped metal jewelry.

Life

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore,
And who always will.

My Daughter

One day away from 14.

Two months away from 8th grade graduation.

Six months away from high school.

Two years away from driving.

Four years away from high school graduation.

Where has the time gone?

My little girl is gone.