Missed Me?

I haven't posted in a really long time!
At the beginning of October I took over a Starbucks store that had been without a manager for 3 months. Needless to say, it's been a LOT of work both physically AND mentally/emotionally.....but we are on a good track now and I am loving it!

Recently, I have discovered a whole NEW world of blogging and one that I am enjoying a ton! I've posted some of these links over to the side. They are mostly women who either LOVE decorating, being creative, being frugal, or all three!!
These women have inspired and strengthened me in different ways over the last few months and I feel like I know them EVEN though they have no idea who I am!
Meredith at Like Merchant Ships started it all....I can't even remember how I came across her blog but she is an amazing and Godly woman. I know I would LOVE her if I ever met her!

The Nester at The Nesting Place inspires me and frankly cracks me up! When I need a good laugh and some creative inspiration I visit her. We are so much alike in style and lazy perfectionism....the fact that she calls herself that makes me feel so much better about myself :-)

Now, if you REALLY want to laugh, go to Mrs Fussypants site and read about her adventures and thoughts on life. This woman is hillarious and should be published!!! You just HAVE to go there to see what I mean. LOVE HER! (gotta love the description of her blog "We can't both look good! It's Me and the House!")

Because their blogs have inspired me so much, I thought I would share some of my decorating, creativity with you...as long as you know that as much as I might appreciate things that are done well, that doesn't mean that I have anything unique or especially inspiring to bring to the table! I just thought it would be fun!

Watch for upcoming posts.....
Sam

thoughts on the culture

Is it just me, or does it seem like almost everything around us is questionable for our kids.....
My husband and I find ourselves exhausted with constantly trying to evaluate each cultural influence our kids come in contact with.
Since our kids are almost 8 years apart, we are doing it in 2 different ways. With our almost 3 year old, it's a protective phase....we can control so much of what she is exposed to.

But with our 10 year old son, we have moved to a new phase and are flailing around trying to get familiar with it. This boy is desperately wanting to spread his wings....or at least try flapping them a bit! As he attends public school, he is exposed to SO much that we would not choose for him. But we know, we must constantly be teaching him how to evaluate things on his own and make some of those choices on his own. UGH! I so much prefer to be able to control everything myself. Yes, I know....not realistic.....and not healthy for him....but it's still what I would prefer if it were possible.
What video games are acceptable? How do we even know?
We only allow him to listen and buy Christian music--which so far he is fine with--but his friends at school listen to some INSANE stuff....ever heard of the band KORN? I looked up the lyrics and just about had a heart attack! Scary, scary stuff.
Kids at his school (5th graders) actually go on DATES! Yikes! Not happenin' in OUR house, that's for sure.
Lots of things to think about this year....and LOTS to pray about. How GRATEFUL I am for the Holy Spirit that the Father has given us to help us in this life. We need Him desperately....

Dennis

One of my favorite customers was in yesterday......

Dennis is a Vietnam vet who comes in almost every day to see all of us at Starbucks. He knows every Starbucks partner's name in the store.

When you first talk to Dennis, it's hard to understand him....his words don't come out just right and he appears a little disheveled.....but for those who look past his appearance, there is a treasure to be found!

Dennis will strike up a conversation with just about anyone! I like to observe people's responses to Dennis because I think it's a test of character. Some just kind of mumble something back to him and then quickly go on their way, trying to pretend he doesn't exist. I can see they are looking for the fastest exit.......they miss out.

Then there are those who take the time to understand what he is saying and decide to engage him in conversation. Now, mind you, I DO feel for them a bit because they are not getting anywhere quickly once they have entered into conversation with Dennis, and there WILL be a time when an excuse will have to be made in order to return to the schedule of the day!....but Dennis is OK with that :-)

Turns out, Dennis is just about the most giving person most will ever meet.....my fellow Baristas have many stories of his financial sacrifices made for the benefit of those more needy than himself. He is compassionate, giving, kind and a true friend....hidden from those who might not appreciate those qualities to the extent that he deserves!

Every day Dennis comes in, you might overhear the following:

(use a growly, grovely, slightly southern voice with little space between words when hearing Dennis' voice)

D: Hey *Sam!! I need me some of that Paaaasion Taay! (translation: Passion Tea)

me: Sure, Dennis! I'll have that right up for you.

D: You know, Sam.....I gotta have that Paaassion Tay because that's the only passion I'm gonna get!! (then he kindly repeats this, just in case you didn't hear him the first time)

me: Oh, Dennis! You are too funny!

D: (laughs really loud and looks around to see who might have enjoyed this little joke)

D: You know, Sam, you're doing a GOOD job! (he always remembers that I'm still learning everything :-)

The best of God's creatures aren't necessarily the most beautiful.

working and blogging

I have found, as you have probably noticed, that working full-time and blogging don't mix so well......sorry for the time between posts! :-)

mommy moments.....

I was rocking my youngest this evening as we were preparing for bedtime when it hit me--I knew it would, but I've been trying not to think about it. She will be 3 in October and I am having to leave her WAY before I am ready to. She only has 3 more years until Kindergarten and unless a LOT happens in the next year or two financially, I will be spending more days away from her than with her.

This will also be the VERY first time that I won't be consistently available to Gabe as soon as he gets home from school. My heart aches about this as well. I see him growing and maturing and pulling away from us already as he establishes his independence. I will really have to be intentional about spending one-on-one time with him on a regular basis. Maybe a bedtime routine with him will be a good connecting point....

I stood in our dark kitchen this evening as Phil and Gabe were watching TV in the other room and began to cry....one of those cries where you actually sob (although silently as I didn't want Gabe to be concerned). My precious husband has an uncanny way of knowing when something is wrong and came in and just held me. He's a good man and knows when I just need to cry for a bit.

As much as I might enjoy my new job, NOTHING could ever be as sweet (although difficult and tiring at times!) as being home with my precious kiddos.

Tonight I was reminded again of how really helpless I am as a parent!! I must be dependent on God and HIS divine plan for us as a family AND for our precious children.
I was reminded as well that the solution to all of my heart's concerns and worries is found on my knees......

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

grande, latte, caramel, no-whip, macchiato....WHAT????

my brain is swimming with every kind of coffee drink you can imagine!
I've marked cups, made whip cream, washed dishes, made drip coffee, watched ENDLESS training videos, TASTED coffees and pastries (!) and made MANY new friends!
You gotta love a job that the goal is to make people feel great and want to come back and see you over and over!! It just doesn't get much better than that!!

The partners I'm working with at the store are awesome. Very warm and welcoming and ready to offer me help at every turn.

Tonight, my feet hurt, my eyes can barely stay open (worked a 10 hour shift today...) but I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Good-nite from the coffee girl.

it's been wonderful....

but now we are sad :-( My precious friend, Lori (and her canine companion, Abe!), left this morning for her home in Minnesota. She is an amazing person. Lizzie told Lori this morning..."you go back to Minnesota now I be sad." Lizzie snuggled and smothered Abe for about half an hour, all the while eyeing Lori, not wanting her to be out of site for too long.
We hugged her and Abe up but good!! Then they packed up and drove away.
It's going to be strange without her here....she's the best houseguest ever!!
Lizzie's going to miss "peaches with Lori" and I'm SURE Lori will miss the nightly bedtime ritual of "Walker Texas Ranger". Who wouldn't??
It's amazing how the Lord can knit hearts together.....she's my precious sister and friend.