Jack
On Sunday Sept. 2nd, Jack turns 10! Yes 10! I can't believe it, where has the time gone. I guess since I am wondering where the time has gone, I am also pondering how we have come to where we are right now.
Jack and I have been through so much together yet we have come out stronger and closer then I think many 10 year old boys and their moms. Also, when I look at our life now we are living one filled with blessing beyond what we deserve.
When, Jack was 19 months old, his father decided it was time for him to move on from our marriage. We divorced, not a nice one, although I can't imagine any divorce is nice. Then, sold our house and moved in a tiny apartment. While those years were hard emotionally and financially, I wouldn't change a thing. It was during that time I began to know the Lord and starting living my Christian walk. It was also the time I became independent, self reliant, and the best single mom I could be. Jack and I became really close and I think developed a bond that could only exist because of those circumstances.
Within these 10 years, We have been through divorce, rebuilding our life, my remarriage, new baby brother, several moves, settling into what I have hoped to be our home for a long time, and just the day to day ups and downs of life. I have also watched my baby grow into a tween that is kind, compassionate, loving, smart, and has a huge heart for God. Through him I learned about unconditional love and how God loves can love us unconditionally. I have also learned that I am not perfect and neither is he but we can make anything work as long as we have open and honest communication. And, I have seen how God uses people in our lives. For instance, after my Dad passed away, my faith was really shaken and when times were worst it seemed it was always Jack that some little insightful thing to say that would catch my attention and help me through.
As now these first 10 years are past, I am so excited to see what life and God have in store for Jack. I look forward to what kind of man he will grow into over the next 10 years. As we embark on this journey into the tweens and then into the teens, I pray for his strength, courage, and trust in God, for him, as I think this what is needed to survive in today's world. I pray for my strength and patience as I know that our relationship will be changing over these years as he grows into an independent young man. I know there will be growing pains and I will have let go as I won't be able to fix everything anymore. Yet, I pray our relationship will continue to be a strong one.
God bless you, Jack. I love you :)
My 2 hives.
So, the Pink Bee...I am starting this blog to post about my adventures in beekeeping and in my life. Let's start with the beekeeping. My in-laws, with whom I am so blessed to have in my life, have been beekeepers for 20+ years. They have 7 or more hive. When I married my husband, 5 years ago this fall, he said he would like to keep bees. I was agreeable but I didn't want anything to do with it as I was scared to be stung. My son who was 5 at the time was very excited to help.
Now we are to Summer of June 2012. My father in law comes by and drops off 2 hives of bees in our backyard. I must tell you in the 4 and 1/2 years since our wedding neither my son or my husband has read or researched anything to keep these bees. Husband tells me we can just "ask Dad." Being the independent and sometimes controlling person that I am this doesn't sit well with me but I say nothing. But, purchase a couple of beekeeping books.
Well, this summer Husband is fixing the roof at our church a couple of times a week and then he moves on to building a garage on our property. Our oldest son, Jack is going to Webelos overnight camp and a 10 day vacation with his father. Needless to say these bees aren't getting any attention from the 2 who said they would take of them and I am learning in my books that you need to check a new hive weekly.
What do I do??? I finish reading "Beekeeping for Dummies" and tell my Husband I have decided to be take the lead with our bees. Thus, on July 1st 2012, I take a deep breath, say a prayer for protection against stings, don my son's bee suit, grab my husband's hive tool and smoker, which I bought him for Father's Day, my inspection cheat sheet,and head out to inspect the beehives. I must also mention that it is nearly a 95 degrees in mid afternoon. This is the only time I can go out because our 3 year old son is taking a nap. The first inspection for them and me! Am I now a beekeeper????
I don't know if this qualifies my as a beekeeper or not but what I do know is I fell in love with a bug that hot afternoon. I loved relaxing hum of the hive, the busy but orderly work of the bees, the smell of the wax and honey. I was mesmerized by what I saw and how if was just like my books. It was amazing to me. Then there was the HONEY! I couldn't resist, I took off my bulky leather gloves and gently dipped my finger into a spot of the capped honey that wasn't covered with bees. To say it was delicious is an understatement. Sweet, sticky goodness. I have also now fallen in love with raw honey.
That evening I began my research into all things bees and honey. From hive maintenance, to honey recipes, to honey and propolis health benefits, to knitting hexapuffs, to the plight of the honeybee, and everything in between. I am not sure if I am a beekeeper or not but I know that I am a bee geek.
So, it is safe to say that this blog will be about all things bee and honey and also the random things that happen to me and my family.
Oh, I must mention that I named this blog because I love the color pink and now I love bees. Buzz buzz :)
