2009 Reflecting....

As I reflect back on this year, I realize how much I hope and pray that 2010 is better. Seriously, it has been a very stressful and busy time in the Runnebaum household this year. I have been unemployed and the bills have not stopped. How DARE they!!! We have had some behavior and school issues (none that are too serious and can not be resolved) with the boys. I started the process of peri-menapause....oh boy!(need I say more?!) And the weather continued to tease and play with our goals for this house. I have to say that this has probably been the most stressful year we have had since 1996. Financial strain can be very stressful on a relationship. Our's is strong, though, and we will persevere. There is no doubt.

We did have some good things that happened. Greg did well on his job this year and had several upgrades. I joined Jenny Craig and got my weight back under control making lifestyle changes in food and portion control. We had several memorable vacations (probably couldn't afford them....but we have the memories). And the boys had several milestones in school and behavior (heading the right way, I hope). So, all wasn't lost in 2009 but I sure do hope 2010 is better both financially and emotionally.

We are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with my job that I will start on January 4. And I am determined to make 2010 a better year than 2009. My main resolution will be to focus on what's important and get my priorities straight. And those priorities are God and family. Everything else comes second to those. I have realized that if those two things are on the right track everything else will just fall into place. So, with that said...I want to wish everyone a wonderful and Happy New Year. Be safe and be thankful. Like a good friend of mine said, never think that a good deed goes unnoticed. Like the movie, It's a Wonderful Life - everyone has an impact on someone else's life. Make that impact a positive one. Make an impression in 2010. Make that the year that you look back and see all the positive things you accomplished and the good you did. It trully is a wonderful life if you look at all the things God has given us and use them in a positive and helpful way.

Runnebaum Christmas

We had our Runnebaum side of the Christmas the weekend before Christmas. What a fun time it always is. It's so good to get together with family. I just wish we could see them more often. With such a large family it's surprising how many people show up every year. Out of 92 possible, 78 actually showed up this year. I think that's a pretty good ratio. Greg's dad even showed up. We were all so thankful he was there. He hadn't been feeling well and we weren't sure if he'd be able to make it. It's always a good time with great family, delicious food, interesting conversation, a few cocktails (come on!... we're German Catholics!! haha!) and of course, a visit from Santa. The kids had a ball. And we had 2 new babies this year and 2 newlyweds. I wonder what 2010 has in store for us all.....

And the races are on!

I've been pretty behind in my blog posts. I haven't had a digital camera and had to always take my camera in to get the film developed and then scan off pictures. I appreciate technology SO MUCH!!!

Anyway, I'm trying to do some catching up before the end of the year. We got our digital camera but, of course, I've been too busy to read the instructions, etc. So, hopefully, I'll have all that taken care of by the first of the year. In the meantime, here are some pics of the boys from about 3 weeks ago. Both boys are in cub scouts and every year the scouts have a Pinewood Derby. This consists of getting a box with a wooden block in it, some wheels, and other accessories. You are supposed to shape, sand, and mold the block of wood into a race car. Then at the Derby, the scouts all race against each other and they give out medals and trophies for the fastest and the best looking.

Michael got 3 place on looks this year. Vince didn't place but he did get a blue ribbon for taking part in the races. He was disappointed but we told him this was just his first year and next year, we'd do better. They have a Rain Gutter Regetta coming up the end of January. They'll have another chance then. That race is with boats and you have to blow them down the gutter. We'll have to work on those "blowing" skills.

It's a Wonderful Life

A friend of mine posted something that got me thinking about how life and situations change our personalities, lifestyles, and priorities. Not that I've never thought or pondered that before but it seems like it's been in the front of my mind a lot lately.

Years ago before kids, dept and family commitment I had a life. My husband did, too. Or I thought we did. We could come and go as we pleased. We bought pretty much what we wanted without really worrying about a budget. We traveled a lot and could hop on our Harleys anytime we wanted and go for a evening ride, long weekend ride or a trip across several states (that is if we had the vacation time away from our jobs).

Life seemed very simple back then. We were carefree; free spirits. We paid our bills and showed up for work on time but other than that, we could do what we wanted WHEN we wanted. We could sleep late!! Ahhhh...wasn't that nice. I remember the days when Greg and I slept in until about 9 or 10 on Sat. morning and then we'd fix a big breakfast. Afterwards, we'd watch a movie and then take a 2 hour nap.

We weren't stressed or, at least, not like we are now. Oh, we had things come up that were stressful but to think back on it now, it seems very superficial. The stress we may have endured then was so insignificant compared to what pops up in our lives now.

Sometimes I miss those days. Yes, I do. I admit it. I miss being able to sleep late and come home and not have anything to do but sit and chill out with my husband. I miss being able to do something without being interrupted a thousand times. I miss being able to go to the bathroom without someone barging in on me or hearing fighting and screaming the minute I leave the room. Yes, I miss (as much as I enjoy cooking) just fixing a quick sandwich or popping some popcorn for dinner instead of trying to provide a well-balanced meal for my family. AND, I miss the spontaneity of our sex life (I probably miss that most of all because that is the part that has probably suffered the most).

BUT, even with all these things that I have listed as missing terribly, they are only missed for a millisecond....only long enough for me to remember them. And then I remember my children and my husband and how I can't imagine life without them. I remember how my kids give me joy each day even when they are fighting with each other. I remember the hugs and kisses they give me as they crawl in bed with us at 6:30 in the morning. I remember the questions and wonder in their eyes as they learn something new. I remember the times I make breakfasts of pancakes and bacon at 7:00am as I'm wiping the sleepy out of my eyes knowing that they enjoy those breakfasts so much. (Thanks Mamaw & Papaw! You've spoiled them.) I remember their prayers and concern for their family and how they try so hard to please. I remember the tears from scrapped knees and their huge hugs when I can make their "booboo" feel better. .....AND I remember how all those things make ME feel. They make me feel great. Those things make me feel so wonderful. My life before my husband and kids seems so insignificant.

So, I guess what this amounts to is sometimes we, as parents and humans, don't always feel like our life is good or meaningful or what we had invisioned. Sometimes we think "How did I get here?" What am I supposed to be doing?" At least, that's what I've said to myself. But when I look into my innocent little boys' faces I realize that I'm here for THEM. I'm here to teach them the best I know how. It's not going to be easy but if I just step back and take a deep breath (and say a prayer) it will be OK and I will see the direction in which I need to go. They depend on us and it is SO worth it. All the sleepless nights and early mornings and stressed afternoons with homework, ball games and fighting doesn't seem all that bad when I think of what life would be without them and all the caos....

Ring in the New Year!!

I just have to post this! I can't bear to see people miss out on a good deal!

RING in the New Year!! If you have a lia sophia party in January you get to pick out a ring from our collection for FREE!!
AND, the Drop List is out....our discontinued items that will not be in the new catalog coming out in Febuary. You can purchase those items until the end of January. There are sales, sales, sales!!!

December special - Buy 2 items at full price and get up to 4 items for 1/2 price.

January special - CLOSEOUT SALE!! Buy 1 item full price and get 2 items at 1/2 price.

Call me and book a party NOW! You don't want to miss out on these great specials. Hostesses can earn LOTS of free jewelry. (660) 621-5028. Check out my website www.liasophia.com/lindarunnebaum.

I will drive ANYWHERE in Missouri and over into Kansas!!

NOW is the time to do some GREAT Christmas shopping for those loved ones on your Christmas list!!!

Thanksgiving challenge

At this time of year I think people tend to reflect a bit more on their life and to think of things and people that they are thankful for. Or, at least, I hope they do. Our family has had some challenges this year and many changes as in years past but I think I have been more reflective this year than any other year before. I, personally, have had some emotional ups and downs (due to that wonderful time in a woman's life...) and we, as a family, have had some financial ups and downs (probably more downs that ups, truth be known). But I have found one thing that always stays constant and that's family and good friends.

Here is a list of things that I am thankful for. I challenge you to go through this same exercise this season. Maybe at Thanksgiving dinner with your family or maybe just in the privacy of your own thoughts. But think about what really matters to you this season and what is really important.

I'm thankful for:

- God and His infinite wisdom and humor.

- my family who loves me unconditionally and always will.

- my 2 sons which have changed my life and fill my days with laughter and endless surprises.

- my husband, Greg, who I am a much better person for having met.

- my friends who I love very much even if I don't see them all the time.

- my country. I am so very proud to call myself an American.

- for those in our military services putting their lives on the line everyday for our freedom.

- for those in the military that have died in past wars and battles that helped to make this country what it is today. May your deaths NEVER be in vain. I love you and appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

- for the shelter over my head, the food on my table, and my bed to sleep on at night. There are so many people out there trying to survive without these basic needs.

- And last but not least....I am thankful for my health. Right now, I am healthy (in all practical purposes...) but if some day that should change, I know that God will be right by my side helping me through the difficult spots.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

Boys....

I'm finally getting around to reading a book my sister gave me a few years ago. Those of you from Kansas City might remember Dr. James Dobson. He had a little excerp on the news where he would give advice on various different things regarding family. It was called Focus on the Family. Well, he wrote a couple of books about raising boys. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend them. He has some good things to say about raising kids. Here are a few excerpts:



"...One of the scariest aspects of raising boys is their tendency to risk life and limb for no good reason. It begins very early. If a toddler can climb on it, he will jump off it. He careens out of control toward tables, tubs, pools, steps, trees, and streets. He will eat anything but food and loves to play in the toilet. He makes "guns" out of cucumbers or tooth brushes and likes digging around in drawers, pill bottles, and Mom's purse....A boy harasses grumpy dogs and picks up kitties by their ears. His mom has to watch him every minute to keep him from killing himself. He loves to throw rocks, play with fire, and shatter glass. He also gets great pleasure out of irritating his brothers and sisters, his mother, his teachers, and other children...."

Here's another one I think most of us don't think about:

"...A child should not be punished for behavior that is not willfully defiant. When he forgets to feed the dog or make his bed or take out the trash...when he leaves your tennis racket outside in the rain or loses his bicycle, remember that these behaviors are typical of childhood. It is, more than likely, the mechanism by which an immature mind is protected from adult anxieties and pressures..."