Lying in a Manger

My heart and stomach are tied together. Are yours?

Anytime I want to comfort, I turn to food. Anytime I want to celebrate, I turn to food. I have so many happy memories of cooking with my grandma and just being in her kitchen. It was the heart of her home.

Where is the heart of your home? Where does everyone gather when you have people over? I'm willing to bet that unless you specifically push them in another direction everyone ends up standing in the kitchen gabbing for hours.

I got a new giggle about the Christmas story this morning.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

Jesus was laid in the manager. Which, if you're following my kitchen is the heart of a home theory, is the heart of the stable. God incarnate, the bread of life and living water was laid in a manger. He came to be the center of our lives. He comes to satisfy us with overflowing grace and love. He awaits us each morning, at every meal, and in all the moments of our lives to fill us with that which makes us whole.

And he was laid in a manger.

I love God! He makes me smile. :)

My Titus 2 Women

A few years ago I heard about the guidance of a Titus 2 woman for the first time. If you're clueless like I was, a Titus 2 woman is an older, wiser women that gives godly advice and lives a godly example for other women. She would guide you through those first years of marriage when you are quickly figuring out that a ring, dress, and romance does not complete the work of marriage. She would point you in the right direction and ask the difficult questions about your faith life to encourage growth.

I have to say, when I heard about a Titus 2 woman, I looked around and asked,

"And just where is my Titus 2 woman, Lord? My grandma is my role model, but You called her home 2 months after we got married. I could use a great role model."

Yeah, that's all me. Whining to the Lord.

As usual...He was already on it.

I have been abundantly blessed by the godly example of several women in the last two years. I am sure they would want me to point out that they are not very much older than me at all, but they are much, much wiser. The Lord has also opened my eyes, ears, and heart so I could pay attention to them. We build each other up by discussing not just our lives and problems but by discussing where we see God in the midst of everything. My heart fills with love for them when I think of these dear women. My heart overflows with love for God when I realize how much He loves me through these women.

Sometimes I feel like quite the little copycat around them. I'm almost embarrassed to tell them that I'm now trying something I saw them doing. However they keep doing such good things, that I just have to try them myself.

This morning my devotion by Henri Nouwen was "Faith is Nurtured In Friendship." Mr. Nouwen spoke of how God wants us to form friendships and community where His grace can grow to fullness and bear fruit. I know I have been blessed with this type of community and friendship. I pray God gives me the love and strength to bear the fruit He desires in my life.

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant yo to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

Greetings

Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Luke 1:28b

What a wonderful way to begin.

This greeting from Gabriel to Mary was on a day she would never forget. The day she learned that not only was she highly favored by God, but that he had big, BIG plans for her. Plans not just to change her life, but plans to change the world.

I'm still overwhelmed by the greeting. Not only was Mary highly favored, but each of us (as explained in Luke 11:27-28 in my study Bible) is highly favored by God. We are all dear to Him. He has plans for each and everyone of us. While the plans for our lives probably don't involve a virgin birth (I know I'm not going to have that task), He has important plans for each of us. Anyone who has accepted the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit into their lives has the Lord with them each and every moment. The Lord is with us. When we obey His commands to love the Lord our God and our neighbors as ourselves we are highly favored.

I just have to sit back and treasure this gift.

Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.

I think I'm going to write that on the front of my prayer journal. Each morning I can smile as I read His greeting that I know extends to me also.

What a wonderful way to begin each day!

E-mealz, Making Meal Planning a Cinch

I was reading a blog the other day where a mom for a family of four who spends $300 dollars a month at the grocery store was trying to figure out how to cut her food budget. I just about fell out of my chair. I was impressed. I have no idea how to feed my family for so little. We do like the chips and cookies at our house. If I could just cut my food budget I'd be thrilled.

I struggle with meal times.

Actually I struggle more with meal planning. You know exactly what I mean. It's 5:30, you're standing in the kitchen alternating between opening the refrigerator and the pantry. You're praying a healthy, delicious meal idea jumps onto the stove for you and is ready in the next half hour.

Over the years I've made some progress in this area. I've tried fancy cookbooks that layout the week's menu. I've tried cook ahead meal planning. I've resorted to actually sitting down, meal planning for the week, shopping, and trying to cook it. Yet, I know I haven't been very cost effective in my methods.

It's the planning that gets to me.

Well, have I found a solution. And....the whole family loves it!

It's called e-mealz.com. You can pick from several different plans: regular, low-fat, low-carb, vegetarian, couples, and you can even pick where you shop. Then they give you a 7 meal plan for the week with an organized shopping list. I love the shopping list. It's organized by areas of the grocery store, it tells which meal each item goes for, and there's plenty of room for adding other things I need. It's reasonable cost-wise. Best of all, our family has loved the meals, and they're easy to cook. On one sheet of paper, that I tape inside a cabinet door, are the meals and how to prepare them for the week. I just downloaded the next two weeks of menus, and I'm excited. They look delicious.

Okay that's enough free advertising for the day. I've got to check to see what else I need from the grocery store and try to figure out the best place to buy a warm hooded fleece jacket. Apparently the warm coats I bought the boys last winter don't work, because you know they're puffy and warm looking. My boys would rather die of hypothermia than look warm.

But You'll Be Cold...

Good news! I'm back to worrying about if the kids did their homework or studied for their tests.

I'm one of those moms. I'm going to be one my whole life. You know, the ones who ask if you need a jacket when you're sweating.

"You might get cold waiting for the bus," I reason.

"Are you sure?" I ask, knowing the answer.

This morning, on cue, I asked if he wanted his jacket. He looked back with the hint of a grin, to judge my reaction, and declared,

"It's warm!"

I noticed the need for him to make his own decision and more importantly for me not to push my opinion. I lowered the unnecessary jacket and watched my growing boy/man head down the street towards the bus.

I pray I will see the opportunities for him to make his own choices to learn the lessons he needs to become a man. Choosing a jacket or not is so small compared to some of the choices he'll need to make in this lifetime. There will be much more difficult moments when he'll make choices I'll really want to protest. I pray God leads me to be the mother he needs to become a God seeking man.

Dragging It Out

I had a rotten day yesterday. It was one of those days that I couldn't even stand myself. My kids were so sweet. As I laid comatose on the couch they occasionally came over and gave me a kiss and asked if I was alright. I felt loved in the pit of my self-created misery.

Today was better.

Thank God!

But I'm not myself yet. And I feel guilty for still feeling fragile and teary. (And I really like beginning sentences with conjunctions even though I totally know it's against the rules.)

A dear friend inquired after my husband today. I told her he's doing much better; improving everyday. She then asked how I was. I said, "Now that he's getting better, I'm a wreck."

"But weren't you a wreck last week?" She asked...stated??

Well, yes, yes, I was.

But (there's one of those conjunctions) it's a different wreck. At first it was the "I'm so tired I can't see straight wreck," followed by the "Oh, my goodness, he's still in the hospital ,and I'm even more tired wreck," followed by the "Now, we're home, and school is starting wreck," followed even more closely and lasting way too long with the "He has an infection, and will it get better, and will the doctor stop hurting him" empathy pain wreckedness.

I'm in the almost-healed wreck phase of "Oh, my goodness, I could have lost him, and now I can relax a little and let out all those feelings I've been shoving deep down." I know my friends are quite shocked that I was actually holding anything back, but apparently I feel the need to wallow in this situation for a while.

I sure am looking forward to the days when I'm back to worrying about if the kids did their homework or studied for their tests.

Trying to See the Positive

Feeling normal and like myself is only a temporary relief so far. Some days are good, some not so good, some should be good and I just want to cry. My worries, real and highly overly imagined, get to me. Then when I think of what could have been, but didn't happen...Well, I just can't let myself think about that. I'm still on this roller coaster of recovery where every sigh, grimace, and uncomfortable shift leads to more worrying.

It would be a lot easier to whine if my husband would start whining himself. The most he does is sigh really deeply. Occasionally he'll grab his side. Maybe if he was whining I would know it was just the normal everyday stuff you whine about. Instead he is stoic, strong, resolute. But I know him.

He has an incision that isn't healing that the doctor likes to poke and stir, and he refuses to whine. How am I ever going to feel justified in whining about a paper cut again?

I'm pretty sure I'll find a way. In fact, as I re-read this it occurred to me that I'm whining about him not whining. Mercy me!

So while I'd like to rant and rave about all the little things that irritate me and that I do not like this roller coaster of emotions I am on, not one little bit, I think I'll try a little positive thinking.


1. I like our walks. I'm actually starting to feel really good from them. Even though we don't have much to say I enjoy the time together.


2. I like that when he's not feeling so good he just wants me to come sit in the same room with him. If he had a cold or something this would irritate me, but I know that he doesn't feel good. Somehow my presence comforts him...if I don't ask too many questions.


3. Having Hon home this much has given him the opportunity to approach a few difficult conversations with our 13 year old. Conversations that would have ended in an argument if I'd had them. Somehow Hon and Fred have found a common language with out all the mama drama. I am sooo grateful for that!


4. I'm thankful that all our friends brought us brownies after brownies. I really like brownies. Brownies will definitely help you through a difficult time. I knew that Hon was on the road to recovery one night when he asked for a brownie. After one bite he said, "You know what would make this even better?"

"Another brownie and some vanilla ice cream." :)

Rambling Like Usual

We are starting to feel a little normal around here again. I am approaching my usual level of craziness and feel like myself.

Welcome back me!

You know how you always hear about those strong, women who hold up so well in crisis. They remain spirit filled, graceful, and composed.

All illusions of being a little bit like those women went out the window during the last few weeks.

I think I've handled many things reasonably well in the past 5 years. But this little escapade jerked my feet right out from under me. I don't ever care to go through something like this again. And in the back of my mind, I know we've been so lucky. Hon feels stronger and better each day. This will not drag out for years. We're not searching for a cure. But it has been scary, terrifying, frustrating, and painful.

YUCK!

I stinks to watch the one you love go through pain, and know there will be more necessary pain on the road to wellness.

Hon's surgeon, who we're getting to know all too well, commented that you know it's love when the healthy spouse hurts as much as the one having the procedure. I hurt for Hon, but we can agree that what he's going through hurts much more than my empathy.

All that yuckiness aside, I am feeling like me again. The numbness is fading, my tears are subsiding, and gratefulness and a feeling of God's presence is returning. What I realized this morning is that you can't start to process an event in your life until you're past it. Sometimes as God carries you through you can trust in his love for you and know He hears your prayers even if don't know you're praying.

Adding Skills to My Resume One Chuckle at A Time

There have been many stinky moments figuritively, realistically, and all the -ly's inbetween in the last 2 1/2 weeks. However, that makes our funny moments all that more enjoyable and laughable. Granted, we laugh at some inappropriate times at this point because laughing feels better than crying sometimes.

This morning I have entertained myself greatly.

I decided it was time to edge the yard. The boys were mowing and certainly I could handle edging with a weed eater.

Certainly...in an alternative universe maybe.

It only took me about 5 minutes to get the weed eater started. I was pleased things had started on a high note. I then proceeded to "edge" along the driveway. That is if your definition of "edge" means to throw dirt, grass, and weeds onto our roof while digging a trench. I definititely was getting the hang of "edging."

As I created yet another curlicue swirl in my husband's grass I looked up to him standing in our front doorway.

He did not look as impressed as I felt.

He was not laughing with glee like I was.

"I don't know what the h*$$ I'm doing," I called out.

He agreed with me there.

So I got a quick tutorial in edging. I'm pretty sure I didn't follow the instructions. I'm also pretty sure I won't be giving up this life of leisure I'm living to become a professional landscaper. In fact, I'm pretty sure Hon's going to feel up to edging sooner than he should.

At least I find myself funny.

Numbness

As I was preparing to write the whiniest, pity party of a post of my life, God just gave me a good chuckle.

My son The Dude is very reserved. To get dressed he keeps his door locked and his towel wrapped around his waist while he puts on his shirt and pulls up his underwear. He cries out in agony when he walks in on his mom, me, getting dressed.

His grandma just went into his room to wake him up wrapped only in a towel. He either raced for his bathroom to escape the terror or dove deeper under the covers never to emerge again. Hee-hee-hee.

So where does that leave my whiny post?

I wanted to cry and have a little pity party about how although I know we've been covered in God's love and care for the past week, our full lives actually, that I feel numb. I'm having trouble hearing God or even praying the way I usually do. My prayers are still desperate cries for help. Just the words, "Help!", or "Please!" and once , "You better fix this God!.......Please?"

I'm in a place I don't understand and I worry about how long I'll be here and the flood that might come when I'm not.

I know with more rest things will look better. We have so much to be thankful. But there is still the numbness. And the only emotions that get through are punchy laughter or tears.

A dear, spectacular banana bread toting woman stopped by yesterday while I was trying to nap. When I asked Hon who it was he replied, "You know that girl we talk to at church."

Funny enough that actually narrowed it down. I asked how her visit went and Hon said,
"She said something...I cried..I'm an emotional wreck."

All we could do was laugh.

Writing this nonsense actually helps.

Hon thought he had food poisoning last Monday night. When he couldn't stand up Tuesday morning, we knew we were headed to the Emergency Room. It turns out his appendix ruptured, and he spent 6 days in the hospital. We have been surrounded by the love and care of our dear friends and family. It was an exhausting week. It gets a little better each day. I pray his recovery is filled with love between us. My love and sympathy goes out to those who suffer so much more than our mere week in the hospital.

Washington DC for Toddlers

Our darling almost 2 year old niece came to visit last week. She was smart and brought her beautiful mom with her. She spent a lot of time doing this.

And this...

She wasn't a morning person and certainly didn't want any early morning close-ups.

She also spent a lot of time following around her big cousin Birdie. She called her, "Dos." She also spent a fair amount of time saying, "Here, Dos. Here, Dos."

Of course, we took her downtown to see all the patriotic sites. She particularly liked any that involved water.

Shortly after this adorable picture we attempted to broaden her horizons by showing her more great works of art. She was less than enthusiastic. In fact, as she loudly let us know exactly what she thought of art when compared to playing in the water, we were asked to immediately exit the National Gallery of Art. The security guard referred to her squeals of protest as, "That is just totally unacceptable." We nodded in agreement as we darted for the exit.

Luckily, we found a few more water features at the Botanical Gardens. We didn't let her climb in there either.

She was quite impressive as she fought off the older kids so she could carry the watering can. She might have learned the word flag that day, but mostly we'll remember her joy of playing in the water.

Best, Most Awesome Summer Smoothies

Doesn't that frosty goodness look absolutely delicious?

Trust me and 5 kids on a 90 degree day. It was spectacular.

It makes me question why it's only taken Birdie 2 months to convince me to try making smoothies. Even though I bought the frozen fruit for them 6 weeks ago, I'll admit it. I was scared. What if I didn't like them? There's plain yogurt in smoothies. What if it actually tasted nutricious? What if only my kids liked them and not me?

Yeah, I know. I'm still not up for mother of the year.

Healthy or not, I'm considering making another round.

I'll let you other non-smoothie drinkers in on a little secret. It tasted surprisingly similar to a strawberry adult drink I enjoyed while the kids were at camp last week. I'm even considering buying some of that health conscious protein powder to add to them for breakfast. Do you suppose I might be able to get a little protein into my carb-a-holic 13 year old with these frosty delights? Whoo-hoo!

If you too are new to the smoothie idea, here's how we made them.

Berry Delicious Smoothies

• 2 cups frozen strawberries, blackberries, blueberries
• 1/2 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup 1% milk
• A few splashes of cranberry-apple juice

Place all ingredients into blender and puree until smooth.

ENJOY WITH A SMILE!

Seeing the Benefits in a Dreaded Shot

Fred hates shots. As in truly believes they will actually kill him. Even though he's not died from a shot yet, he's convinced the next one could do it, but only after extensive pain. From age 7 until age 10 he obsessed about getting a tetanus booster shot. When the day finally came I thought they'd have to knock him and me out before it was all over. While he has come leaps and bounds from the days when we had to administer Valium before the shot (him not me), every doctor's visit is prefaced with, "I don't need a shot, do I?"

A few weeks ago I took all three kids in for a check up. The Dude was due the 11 year old shot. Fred was in the clear. Until the doctor started talking about a meningitis inoculation. Fred instantly picked up that he'd need one also. Hyperventilation was quickly looking like a good option to him. In the end, he decided that he'd rather go ahead and take the pain that day instead of freaking out about the shot until he finally got it.

Fast forward to all three kids came home from camp with sore throats and generally feeling yucky. I asked questions about how they felt and we wondered whether it was a virus or maybe strep, Fred announced, "At least we know we don't have gingivitis!"

As I stared dumbly at him and wondered how many times he actually used his toothbrush at camp...I realized he meant meningitis. And yes, yes, we could rule out gingivitis and probably meningitis while we were at it.

A Temporary Interruption to the Blogging Hiatus

So I guess it's pretty obvious that I took quite the blogging hiatus. I wish it was because we were frolicking across several continents, but alas it wasn't.

In truth, I had concerns about continuing to blog...probably still have. I keep up with several blogs that I dearly love, but I just don't have the desire to be that public with my life. And yet what is a blog, if not public. I think I actually like looking in on someone else's life, which made me finally realize that having a blog wasn't as much about writing as giving someone a glimpse into my life. Yikes!!

A blogger I really admire commented that blogging is building a community, and if you're not interested in building a blogging community by reading and commenting on other blogs you might as well just journal in a notebook. Let me just tell you that kind of pressure just about made me hit the delete button on my blog.

Any reader is hereafter warned. All content of this blog is only suitable for a wide ruled spiral bound notebook.

I read a few other blogs that often seem like a listing of their accomplishments to prove how and why they are a great mother and/or Christian. Let me also state that I am not Michael Phelps. I crumble in the face of competition. If you want to be the best at something so badly, go for it. You can win. I make myself crazy enough without comparing my lack of accomplishments to another's alphabetized list. I will fail in my own eyes everytime, let alone being judged by others. I'm still working on me and my motherhood techniques, and I have lots to learn about God and all other aspects of life.

So why on earth did I ever log back into Blogger?

For me. I like to keep a journal. And I like this format. Lately, I've noticed the kids telling stories with details I no longer remember. I was once such a crazy detail remember-er. Here's my place to remember and think things out. If no one ever reads it, it's okay with me. If someone drops by and comments. Excellent.

Oh, there's more self-induced and busy life angst behind my little blogging hiatus, but luckily it appears that I'm going to recover from my summer of lists, lists, and more lists to be accomplished. So if finally looks like I'll have time to pencil blogging back onto my daily list.

A Special Day

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!

We're so lucky to have you to lead us up mountains and keep us gathered at the dinner table. You are well loved and respected.

A Couple of New Mottos

I got this cute little hugger for my birthday. I was considering ordering a bunch for all my friends, but then realized I might offend those friends who are circulating the sign up sheets.However, I do think the hugger below uses a softer tone. I should pass these out the first day of school.
You can find these here.

We've Lost the Vacation in Summer Vacation

Sometimes I think I've become a curmugeon already. I've forgotten that life should just be fun at times. Each year I seem to get a little more uptight and anxious. I'm so worried about doing the right thing, the right way, that I forget to just let loose and have a little fun. Point in fact, it's the 12th day of summer vacation, yet I'm so worried about having summer activities and not just wasting the summer away that we haven't had a chance to relax yet.

I finally squeezed in one measely 10 minute nap in the last 12 days.

In the name of summer laziness. That's just not right!!!

So here's to relaxing and re-discovering my funny bone. I'm pretty sure it's hiding with my lazy bones.

One for the Parents

We ran smack into the joy of having a 13 year old the last two weeks. Most of the episodes included my husband and I looking at each other and saying,

"It's finally here, isn't it? Years and years of teenagers with attitudes have just started."

As I said to a friend last weekend, "Twelve was glorious. Goofy, funny, delightful. Thirteen, ummm, not so much."

Monday Fred admitted that he's been rather grouchy. I was glad he noticed. To give him credit his mood swings are quite sudden. He can be laughing with us, all of us having fun, and then suddenly exclaim, "You're laughing at me!! Are you just trying to be mean to me?" and then stomp out of the room.

Hon and I are left agreeing, "Yes, we were laughing...and so we you just a minute ago."

Teenagers. It's a new, not so normal.

This summer in an effort to stretch his mind a little more we've decided to guide his reading more directly. (Yes, this is proof to him that we're horribly mean.) After quite a few tantrums dramatic out bursts, we just picked up the first 3 books we choose from his reading list.

He skimmed one in the car on the way home. He then came home and started reading another one. Excitedly, I might add.

I'll score that as one for the mean old parents. I'll take the joy any way I can find it.

Home Tours

"Shut the back door. We don't want to air condition the neighborhood!!"

Anyone ever utter those words at your house?

We now have an even better reason to close the back door. This morning a chipmunk decided to drop in for a quick tour. While the boys and I walked around on our tip toes hoping to scare the chipmunk back outside with our added height, our fearless protector, Wink, laid on the front rug. Finally, when he got up to see why we were all walking in circles, on tip toes no less. He noticed our visitor and quickly escorted him back into the yard.

Sharing Faith

I stumbled across Angie Smith's blog, Bring the Rain , last week. If you have time it's worth a read beginning to end, or you could start here, but bring your kleenexes. You might ask why I would suggest reading about someone else's pain? As Angie wrote in a post last week, if I can carry just a bit of their grief for them it is worth it. God is working miracles in their lives through this difficult season. I pray His comfort, love, and peace surrounds them.

Angie's post, The Threshing Floor, is a beautiful example of God's word being revealed as you so dearly need it.

May God be with them. May they worship God joyfully and expectantly.

Power Washing for Fun and Entertainment

Who knew power washing a deck was so much fun?

Now, I know why my husband has never let me touch one before, and why most men I know get all excited about the prospect of owning their own power washer.

A big thanks to my friend Lisa who let me borrow their power washer. Although I have no prior power washing experience, I figured if my dear friend Karen (who did not learn to pump gas until after college) can handle her family's deck maintenance, I definitely had to give it a try.

As I told Hon, "If I do a horrible job, we simply hire someone to do it after all."

Oh, baby, I've found a whole new skill set. I have a feeling that my yearly deck power washing and re-sealing will be a highlight of the spring cleaning season. I can even put it on my stay-at-home-mom resume. It would of course go under specialty skills, not under necessary skills like: wipes noses, does homework, sews costumes, soothes childhood angst, looks for lost items, all while cooking dinner skills.

My Stay-at-Home-Mom Specialty Skills

• Spreads dump trucks full of mulch each spring
• Solves electricity and circuit breaker issues caused by...
• Outdoor Christmas lighting schemes
• blows up and repairs small appliances at inopportune moments
• assembles furniture
• deck power washing for fun and entertainment

One small note of caution to anyone else who tries their hand at power washing. Umm...as you power wash small bits of debris will start to cover your feet and legs. Rinsing your legs and feet off with aforementioned power washer...not your best idea. I only wish I could remember that little tidbit of wisdom.

Anyone willing to take bets on how many times I pulverize my toes today???

But I Don't Want to Get Up

The days of having a teenager who acts like a teenager have started. Fred's shower ran long yesterday morning, so I went upstairs to knock on his bathroom door and tell him to hurry it up. However, while the shower had been running for 20 minutes, the door to the bathroom was open, and the no one was in there.

???

As I said, "Fred, where are you???"

A moan sounded from the mound under the covers. The stinker had turned on the shower and climbed back into bed.

That is way more resourceful than the way I used to just hang my foot over the side of the bed and stomp the floor to try and fool my parents into thinking I was out of bed. :)

Family Time - a Treasure Indeed

The Dude turned 11 last week and learned an important fact.

Family time is important to him.

Hon had to travel on the Dude's birthday. It's happened to all of us before. Sometimes you have to celebrate your birthday on another day or without someone very important to you. However, this didn't sit very with the Dude this year. He couldn't explain why his birthday didn't seem as great as normal, but I was pretty sure I knew what the problem was. Even though I'd made pancakes for breakfast, decorated his room with streamers, took donuts to his class, he'd opened presents, had cake, and his favorite pizza for dinner something just wasn't right.

So, the day after his birthday we headed out for a family dinner to celebrate. All was right with the world again. Towards the end of the meal I leaned over and asked the Dude if it finally felt like his birthday. With a grin as big as the sky, he nodded and said, "Yeah!"

What did he treasure most?

The photo of his family at the dinner. You would have thought it was made of gold.

I knew I love that kid for a reason.

A good time was had by us all, because as we climbed in the car afterwards, Birdie said,

"I don't know how to say that place's name, but I am definitely coming back!"

What Is He Thinking???

I don't care that rain is predicted for later today.

No one, and I mean no one who lives in a house on my court or in a house that touches my backyard, needs to weed eat before 7 am.

No one.

He Delights in Me

This morning I was journaling about how the enemy will use any means to distract us from focusing on God – busyness, stress, headaches, illness, birthday disappointments, tiredness, old sin patterns (you get that my list could go on and on). I opened my study; and of course, it’s all about how the enemy uses our minds as a battlefield and winning the spiritual war. God’s so funny and so good. He knows how to get his point across. And boy, He has his timing down.

My friend Kelly is embarking on a wonderful time with the Lord. She's feeling his leading and following. Unfortunately for her, she's talking about the area she's digging into with me, so I keep sending her scripture references. It's kinda like I assigned myself as a reference assistant. Only, I'm pretty sure didn't ask for any help. God bless her for listening and smiling as I babble.

So I found another scripture for her this morning, or perhaps as I think about it more, it's for me and my struggle to keep the enemy out of my thoughts.

He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:38

I think realizing that “God delights in us” is just so huge. He doesn’t just love us, like us, or put up with our pitiful sinful selves that He has to save. He absolutely delights in us. I’m so glad.

I also like that He brings us into a spacious place. We’re not cramped, bound, pushed into the corners of our sins where we can’t ever see a way out. He brings us to his spacious kingdom.

Oh, good stuff. Good stuff indeed.

Something New Every Day

If I could only find time to type all the posts I write in my head...all day long. Then again, it's probably better that I can't do that.

My husband has spent last weekend looking at me blankly and saying, "Well, yeah, didn't you already know that."

I keep thinking I'm coming up with these mind-blowing, life altering explanations of life; and obviously, Hon thinks I belong on the short bus. (No offense meant to anyone who ever had to ride the short bus, but you know what I mean. My elevator's stuck in the basement; I'm a few bricks short of a load; or as Beth Moore loves to say, "I'm as blonde as I pay to be."

The simple things in life seem so much bigger to me lately.

And then there are the other little things in life that I'm still discovering...

I pointed out to Hon on the ride home from church that I had noticed that you can drive in the HOV lane if it's not rush hours.

He finally laughed out loud at me and said, "Your whole world is just opening up this weekend, isn't it?"

While I may be feeling a little blonder than usual, I'm enjoying the new perspective. Mostly.

Revelations That Are As Clear As Mud

Whew! What a lot has happened in the month since I last posted. As I read over my last few posts it seemed like the events covered happened a life time ago. I had to think about which answered prayer I was talking about in this post. (We are still praising God over our new nephew and his good health.)

My small comprehension of the world has been so broadened in the last two weeks. Hopefully forever. There has been so much to think over and take in that trying to put it into even verbal words has been difficult. I know this for a fact, because I try to explain things to Hon, and he tells me to finish my thought.

All I have to offer is, "That was it."

See, I'm still making no sense. Which would explain the lack of blogging lately.

But before I continue on with the antics of my lovely children, my obsession with gardening, and the way I'm aging before my very eyes, I'll try to get a few thoughts down here.

Two weeks ago I went to a weekend spiritual retreat called "The Great Banquet." All I knew about the weekend was that I would have time with God (72 hours that is), we'd be mainly in the (very nice) basement of our church, and due to the name I figured there would be plenty of food. Any one who had been just said I should go, and that it was amazing.

To be honest, I really didn't see any need to go. I felt my relationship with God was pretty good. I'm really happy with my life. I didn't need a spiritual retreat. I felt great about things. What more could God need from me?

I was scared that God would ask more of me.

God is so, so, so very good.

The weekend was amazing, and you should definitely go the first chance you have.

It's a weekend where God will tell you the thing He most needs you to know about himself. Your weekend will be eye opening, heart wrenching, and completely heart fulfilling. It will be all about God and all about you, and it will be all about getting you and God closer together through whatever means you need that to happen.

I saw a little slice of heaven, and let me tell you - it's gonna be great!

My friends listened to me be speechless when asked about my weekend. They listened to me explain all I got out of the weekend without being able to explain much about the weekend. They looked at each other and laughed. They looked at me just like I looked at the people that invited me to the banquet. With doubt, resistance, and uncertainty

So here it is. What did I need to hear from God? He clearly called me his beloved. That I am loved by him beyond any understanding I ever had of the word love. That if I never do another thing in this world He couldn't love me any more.

It's not about what I do for him. It's all about Him loving me.

There is no guilt. My sins are always forgiven. His call to join Him in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven near is not just to point out my sins or where I'm failing. It's calling me closer to him. Drawing me near. I'm invited to watch His wondrous work here on earth. It's my choice. But He always offers me what's best for me. He may call me to try something new, but it's not to take away His blessings but to shower me with even more blessings.

I know that's as clear as mud. But the important thing is that it's clear for me. It changes the way I see things and the way I hear things. It changes my perspective about other people. I was truly transformed during those 72 hours, and it was and still is glorious. I walk a little taller, I smile a lot bigger, I love so much more. My heart is so full.

What would God say to you?

What does God know you most need to know about Himself?

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is
born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God
is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent
His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is
love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the
expiation of our sins. Beloved, since God so loved us, we also ought to
love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,
God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:7-12

I Am SOOO Loved

The kids have been sick this week. Allergy season is hitting us hard along with a lovely case of strep throat.

We all know, that when you're sick you just want your mom. You just want someone to love on you and make you feel better.

As we stood in front of the pharmacist's counter this morning Birdie leaned into me and clung on to me with one of those hugs that's really just of way of holding her up. She looked up at me with those sweet eyes and said,

"Mom, I love you. I don't want you to ever die."

As I smiled back at her and began to formulate a loving of reply; in her next breath she added,

"But what would I get?"

Bada-bing, bada-bam

Thank you, folks, I'll be here all week taking abuse from the peanut gallery.

The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms, Part 2

A friend and I took our kids back downtown on Monday. Even though it was overcast and drizzly at times, you can't deny the beauty of thousands of cherry trees exploding with the promise of spring.

It was a great quote to end our day. It's a quote by Franklin Delanor Roosevelt. It's found in Room 4 of his memorial on the Tidal Basin. It is a gorgeous and emotionally moving memorial of a man who led America through some very dark hours.

Power of Prayer

Answered prayer is a beautiful gift indeed. Even the prayers God doesn't answer they way we wish can be beautiful sometimes. We must remember that God's ways and timing are perfect. There are reasons and answers that we will never understand while on earth. There are times that His answer to our prayers brings us heartache and confusion. But there are times that He can take what might have seemed like a huge disappointment and turn it into a beautiful gift.

I spent a lot of time in prayer this week. I witnessed God's mighty hand.

I am blessed by a generous and loving God who has completely surrounded me with a loving, praying community. Thank you to all my friends and fellow prayer warriors.

I feel very blessed indeed.

Solving Life's Mysteries through an Episode of Oprah

I watched Oprah yesterday.

I know it's a major event. Actually it was a rare event. While I love Oprah, life keeps me pretty busy most days around 4 pm.

Anywhoo, she interviewed Jamie Lee Curtis and Selma Hayak separately about completely different things. Contradictory ideas actually.

You see, Jamie was talking about shedding the layers of her life and getting down to her essential self. Being truly true and honest with herself. I have to admit I loved her. She talked of choices she made when she was younger (baring herself in Trading Spaces), and how she would never had done it if she knew then what she knows now. She spoke briefly of her marriage and family. She seemed like a woman who has grown to know herself pretty well. She had two great soap box moments. In fact, she was so totally intent on getting her idea out, I think her enthusiasm might of scared Oprah just a little.

First, she talked about how she hates false advertising. How the dream of the easy life advertisers use with all sorts of products and lifestyles is just a lie. Plastic surgery for only vanity does not make your life any better. It's still you in the mirror with the same problems, emotions, and baggage.

I am slowly learning this myself. Not about plastic surgery, but purchases in general. Before I purchase something new be it clothing, something for the house, any kind of want, I try to ask myself, "Will this purchase make my life better? Will it really make a difference in my true happiness.?" Some things do, some things don't, and I still make plenty of purchases, but there is perspective.

Later, Jamie spoke of a children's game she once represented. She had stated to the makers that she loved how in the game you could lose everything and have to start all over. However, the game makers had learned that today's mothers really didn't like the temper-tantrums that resulted from that part of the game, so the makers deleted it from the game. Jamie's point was, "What in the world is that kind of thinking doing for our children?" Making life or games easier for our children does not make life easier for them.

Exactly I say. Better for our children to have the tantrums, make the mistakes, and experience life's growth producing failures while we're beside them guiding them, than later when they've tried to move off on their own. A bad day is always better with mom and dad beside you agreeing it's a bad day and sharing insights on how to make it better.

Jamie's appearance was followed by Selma Hayak. Selma was talking of her new daughter, her fiancee, and her charity work with Unicef. Her charity work with Unicef is very honorable. I loved how she admitted that nursing is doing nothing to help her lose weight. I had the same experience. Then, she talked about her engagement.

This is where I might be a little judgmental. She says this is her relationship, and it works for she and her fiancee. Forgive me, but here's how I see it.

She talked of how they love each other so much and have such a bond they really don't feel they need an actual marital contract. Then mere moments later, she spoke of the power she holds by not marrying her child's father. By not marrying him, he always has to work a little harder to keep her. He has to be nicer and better to her. Every time they see each other it is soooo romantic. It is such an "Event." Her word choice not mine.

So which is it? Their bond is so strong. Or she has to keep a little of herself back to keep him interested?

That doesn't sound very healthy to me. In fact, as a mother of 3 children, that sounds rather tiring.

I've had more beautiful moments in my marriage than I can remember, but one of the most freeing moments came about year seven. I realized we weren't just married for the romance. We weren't going to make it to year 50, because we love each other so much. We are family. We are family for life. That moment will stand in my mind forever. The layers of trying to attract and hold on to a husband, and who I was as an individual, as a wife, as a mother fell away, and I saw us as a family. Connected through all time. Oh, there are beautiful days, and days I'd like to do corrective surgery on, romantic days and big events to get through, but they our days and that's worth more romance or any event we could ever dream up.

Dividing Perennials - Soothing the Monster

I'm a greedy gardner.

I want one of everything. And then I want multiples of each variety. I want swaths of color drenching my yard. I want flowers for sun and a woodland garden that takes your breath away while offering serenity for our busy days.

And I want it all now.

Alas, this desire might take me a few years in this new garden.

I was on year three of my garden in our last house. All gardeners know how wonderful year three is. Minuscule, transplanted, divided baby plants finally thrive in year three. By year three you have finally figuring out where your plants like to be. You're beginning to see your vision of a garden fulfilled. There are swaths of color, ambitious climbers, and a riot of blooms.

Then we moved. And I heard that the new owners of the garden I sweated over, poured my heart into, relaxed in, and watered like I was feeding my children -

Well, they mowed it over.

I'm still not sure how they did that exactly with all the roses, hydrangas, azaleas, lilacs, weigelas, and well, you see what I mean.

Let's all take a moment of silence.

....

(Moaning, gnashing of teeth...moving on)

Last summer, our first summer in our new house, I can now see that I was still in mourning for a garden I no longer could care for. I was in mourning for more varieties of more plants than I could count. My MIL, who has taught me so much about gardening and shared more purple conflower seedlings than I could plant each year, was impressed. That made me proud.

This year, the gardener in me is bursting forth. Oh, I'm still trying to figure out how to make that beautiful woodland garden in the deep shade of 40 oak trees, but I have hope. The hope of spring and the rebirth of plants that slept through the winter. The hope of five shade gardening books and a stack of magazines.

I got my hands dirty this weekend. I only had three plants that I purchased last year that could be divided. How I love to divide a plant. Gently tugging each new plant away from the group. Creating many new plants as I envision them all in bloom. From 3 plants, I now have 33 plants. I was also smart enough to make my divisions big enough to bloom well this year. My greediness was soothed.

Oh, the excitement of spring gardening. The hope of what is to be. The dream stepping into reality.

I can't wait until next weekend. I'm going to my dad's, and he never takes time to divide his flowers. The greedy little flower monster in me is giggling in anticipation.

Growing Flowers in Uganda

I was checking Sitemeter to see how readers end up at my blog. You know, all three of you. I got a good giggle that someone Googled, "Growing flowers in Uganda," scrolled down to the eighth entry, and clicked on my blog. (Love the alliteration in the beginning of that last sentence.)

I am here to say, "Yes, I know just a tiny amount about growing flowers in Uganda."

Well, not actually flowers.

More like flowers that are children of God - in a very real and literal sense. And I know just a very tiny amount about even that.

You see, in February I followed Compassion International's Blogging Trip to Uganda. Not that I actually went, but I can assure you I spent the length of time it would take to fly to Uganda in front of my computer reading and re-reading every detail of that trip. My family spent Valentine's Day night choosing the child we sponsor from Uganda. His name is Fred. He has 6 brothers. His best friend is his brother, and he'd like to be a pilot one day.

You know what I know about growing flowers/children in Uganda? Not much. But I do know that by sponsoring Fred through Compassion International people that do know about raising children in Uganda are now completely involved in Fred's life. I know he is fed, has medical care, goes to school, and is loved and taught by the Christian community in his village. I know Fred's sponsorship positively impacts his entire family. I know that the extra gift of $25 dollars that I sent will be used for something his family truly needs. Not wants, but needs.

Oh, and I know one more thing. I know that God softened the hearts of our little family here in the United States. I know that my children pray for a boy they've never met as if he is a close friend. As I think about it the seeds of love have been sown far and wide by our relationship with Fred and Compassion International I see large beautiful blossoms. Flowers planted by God.

Anticipating God's Voice - A Faithful Experience

We started a new Bible Study this week, Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God. I enjoyed a new teacher and the beginning of a new study. The women around me were so excited to get their hands on their new workbooks. We couldn't wait to dive into God's word and apply it to our lives.

That's one of the greatest gifts God has given me at this time and place in my life. He has surrounded me with other women hungry for the word of God. Hungry for real, live, intimate, relationships with God.

This study opens right on that note. As my friend, Kelly, said here,

One of the things she said that really struck me was "do you think that He loves you enough to die for you, but He doesn't love you enough to speak to
you?" She challenged us to anticipate that God does and will speak to
us...that He wants nothing more than to have an intimate relationship with
us....one that involves both listening to us AND speaking to us.

As I lay awake in the middle of the night that night contemplating, why exactly God wanted me to be awake yet again at O'toodarktolookattheclock, it occurred to me that anticipating hearing God's voice has a whole lot to do with faith. Anticipating God speaking to me involves my faith in that concept. That not only can I anticipate hearing God's voice in my life, I can also anticipate the goodness God has stored for me. I can have faith in His goodness.

Oh, there are some things I want to have faith in my friends.

Faith that my children will have real, intimate, loving relationships with the Lord.

Yes, Lord! I claim that one.

Faith that the love between my husband and me is provided by the Lord. Our marriage is sanctioned and created by God and will not only weather the obstacles of our lives but grow stronger and more cherished through our ups and downs.

Yes, Lord! I claim that one, too!

Faith that our relationship with our children will only deepen in love through the years. The Lord will provide the love to survive their growth and our old age. He will provide laughter and comfort with the ones I love the most.

Yes, Lord! I claim that!

After discovering all this faith I sincerely and eagerly anticipate hearing God's voice so I know my part in bringing these prayers to fruition.

Mostly today, in the light of dawn I feel comfort. Comfort in my faith. Comfort that God loves me so. Comfort that he will guide my footsteps, heartbeats, and life journey.

God is so good.

God is so good.

Washington's Cherry Trees in Full Bloom

My aunt emailed me this morning and asked if the cherry trees were as beautiful in person as they are on TV.

My answer was, "Uhhh???"

So I drove downtown this afternoon to take my first gander at our nation's cherry trees in peak blossom.

Yes, they were beautiful.

The most beautiful part was that I completed the round trip adventure in 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Needless to say, I did not get out of the car.


That would explain this picture.

I'd love to take the kids back next week and actually, you know, get out of the car. But we'll see. At this point, I'm going to have to come up with a pretty good bribe to get them downtown. I wonder if the all you can eat Cici's Pizza Buffet would do the trick? It could be a lost cause, because I'm pretty sure the last 2 times we dragged them downtown with the relatives to wait as their grandparents read every written word in a Smithsonian, I promised we wouldn't go back for a very long time.

Maybe if we take the Metro and let the boys hang from the overhead bars as it starts and stops, I could get them there. However, at that point the Metro Cops might kick us off the Metro permanently, and we'd have no way home.

Oh, this trip is going to take planning, conniving, and superior mom intelligence. A few prayers from the peanut gallery would never hurt.

Morning Quiet Time

Being on spring break and recovering from spring break caused me to put very little effort into my morning quiet time the last two weeks. Only to my own detriment I might add.

I found I missed my morning time with the Lord. A quick prayer to start the day just wasn't enough. I have quickly lost my center sense of peace. Oh, things didn't fall completely apart, but I knew it wasn't the relationship I've grown to cherish.

This morning had me back in my favorite chair putting my spirit back in order, and God was so faithful. You see, I can quickly fall into the worldly trap of wondering what great things I'm supposed to do with my life. Should I be volunteering more, teaching, writing, painting, etc.? The question on my heart this morning was, "What do you want me to do, Lord?"

I found this quote from Oswald Chambers during my quiet time,

All God's revelations are sealed until they are opened to us by obedience...Obey God in the thing He shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up...God will never reveal more truth about himself until you have obeyed what you know already.

Why would God ask me to do anything new, when I'm still working on the things He's already asked me to do? The adventure in my life is trying to be faithful in my follow through - completing the task before me. There's nothing new and earth shattering to hear from God, because I'm still working where he placed me. I can also rest in the assurance that when He wants me to do something different, He'll let me know.

Thank you, Dear Lord, for your faithfulness, for your patience, for your unending love, and the grace we so desperately need but could never earn. Thank you standing before me to lead me down your path, for standing beside me to keep me on the path and out of the ditch, and for standing behind me to keep me moving. In Jesus's most holy name I praise you, Amen.

How Fast Are You?

I have so many other things I should be doing, but...

I took this silly typing test instead. Obviously fishing did not improve my typing speed.

60 words

Speed test

My Mind Is Still on Vacation

I want to be back beside this rushing creek. I'd love to be sitting on the stone porch listening to this rushing creek, roasting before a roaring fire after fishing for hours.

Instead, I'll be day dreaming of our spring break while I do laundry today.

I'm glad to be home and glad we had such a great family vacation.

Easy Easter Egg Clean-up

Here's a little Works for Me Wednesday tip I gleaned from my dear mother-in-law.

Each year when we dye Easter Eggs she first pulls out an old vinyl tablecloth to cover our workspace. Here's is red and white checked. I bought a bright one covered in pictures of what else? Easter Eggs.

I've found that a vinyl tablecloth can be used for any art project. It's especially helpful for those messy preschool art projects.

So go ahead, get the whole family, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, mom and dad, involved in dying Easter Eggs this year. Let's see who can make the time consuming rainbow egg my husband always attempts. The whole point is having fun as a family and not worrying about dye on a table really helps that effort.

Got a Minute Alone?

Do you ever feel that not only is time marching on...it's actually stomping across your face?

What extremes do you go to in an effort to slow down this express train to wrinkle-ville?

It's not a new problem for me. But lately, I just look dare I say - almost 40? I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror and think, "Whoa, Charlie, what ran over me and my face?" Where are the days where I threw my hair in a ponytail, splashed on a little mascara, and looked fresh?

To be honest, I think those days are hiding back 15 years ago.

It's a dangerous thing to spend a minute or two alone in the bathroom with no children pounding on the door feeling this way. Just ask my eyebrows and newly formed bangs.

Last week, I thought maybe if I just tweezed the old eyebrows they'd look younger. A little arch could add a lot of lift to my sagging eyes.

Or so I thought.

That was before I did a little plucking and discovered my eyebrow hair has a design all of its own. When I plucked just the last little row on the bottom to make that arch I envisioned, I ended up with some weird boxy area.

Perpendicular angles are not a good look for eyebrows. I'm just saying.

I was scared to pluck anymore, so I just let my hair fall over that eye and hoped no one noticed. My friend L called first thing the next morning to check on my eyebrow situation.

I told her I wasn't looking in the mirror for a few days. Maybe if I didn't see it, I wouldn't think about it, and then the hairs would grow back in more quickly. Uh, yeah.

Then a few days later - after I remedied the eyebrow catastrophe somewhat - I decided maybe bangs would make me look younger. I'd been contemplating them for all of 3 or 4 days. Why wait a minute longer for a hair appointment with a professional who actually does hair for a living. I just snipped them off myself.

Why or why do I do these things?

Guess what?

Cutting bangs and pruning my eyebrows have done nothing for the condition of my aging skin.

Springing Forward

I love Spring. The grass looks greener, the sky is a beautiful blue, birds are chirping...and then we throw in that whole Spring Forward time change thing. We were fine with the time change yesterday. I set my alarm clock and even got us all to Sunday School on time. Which is actually the first time that's happened...um - ever.

Day 2 of time change is a different story.

As Hon was getting dressed I sat up in bed and contemplated actually waking up and having breakfast with him or laying in bed for another 10 minutes. I checked the time. I had to stare at the clock for a good amount of time before I realized 7:27 is too late to lay in bed any longer. Actually 7:27...Fred's bus should be rolling through our neighborhood right about - NOW!

Hon was not happy.

Hon skipped breakfast.

Hon grabbed breakfast bars to munch while sitting in traffic he usually avoids.

Hon probably will not recover from missing his quiet morning time in the office today.

I, on the other hand, thought the situation provided a little laughter to start our day. Fred made it to school only 10 minutes late. We pulled into the Kiss & Ride behind another student. I knew he wouldn't be the only one late. :)

Oversleeping threw my entire morning routine off, which completely benefited our younger two children. They were at school a little earlier than normal, because I didn't do anything I normally try to do in the mornings. In fact, it's 11 am I haven't showered, had breakfast, done the dishes, or began my list for the day, but I have had time to drink my coffee and enjoy the birds on this beautiful spring morning.

Bringing the Great Depression to Life Through Our Stomachs

My son's middle school has a great social studies curriculum. The teachers really get into their subject and have created many ways for the students to experience as much of what they are learning as possible. As a former social studies teacher myself, I LOVE what I hear about them.

Yesterday, Fred came home and reported that he has a project to complete about the Great Depression. We have to go shopping and cook dinner for the five of us with $4.00. Including tax. We're only allowed to eat from the $4.00. No dessert or snacks later in the evening.

Now I realize from many of the blogs I read that this is entirely possible. I think??? I know people all over the world survive on much much less. But have you met my family? Specifically our father figure. Do you know the size and metabolism of my husband, Hon? He comes home eats a pre-dinner snack, a large dinner with extra helpings, lets that settle for half and hour, probably another snack of cheese and crackers, followed by a little dessert before he snoozes. His astounding appetite is well known in our family and among close friends. Like I said; he's very tall and has a high metabolism. We do not save money on our grocery bill. I am rarely instructed to curb spending at the grocery store. When I try to he whines and thinks I'm starving him.

Fred and I were discussing this last night as I was saying good night to him in his bedroom. Hon had just climbed into bed himself. Fred restated that there would be no snacking or dessert. Then we thought of Hon. We both dissolved into tears of laughter. Immediately Fred yelled,

"Hey Dad, come here!"

"NO! I just got in bed"

"Really Dad, just come here a minute. I have to tell you something. Pleeaassee."

"Humph!" Stomp, stomp, stomp as he walks the 10 feet to our son's room. You would have thought we'd asked him to take out the trash in his underwear in a snowstorm. We simply laughed much harder.

"Dad, we have to do this project for social studies. Our family has to eat dinner for $4.00. The only food we're allowed to eat that night has to come from that $4.00. I'm thinking hot dogs. Mom thinks lots of rice. And..."

"Well, that's not going to happen."

At this point Fred and I are gasping for breath through laughter. You had to see Hon's face. He kept looking at me as if I would tell him it's not true. Finally he just started laughing himself. That kind of nervous laughter, he was laughing along with us, but it really wasn't funny to him.

"And Dad, you're not allowed to eat anything else."

"Well I'm sure you can eat stuff we already have right. Right? We'll already have food in our house." More looks to me to save him.

"No, Dad you just have to eat from the $4.00."

"What class is this for? Who's this teacher?"

"Dad, it's for a grade. We have to do it by the 25th."

"Well, you let me know what day we're doing it so I can eat a really big lunch. And maybe I'll cruise through a drive thru on the way home."

With a disgusted look Hon stomped back to bed. Fred and I dissolved in giggles. We should invite his teacher over to laugh with us. On the other hand, maybe not. I'm pretty sure Hon will insist the kids go to bed at 7:30, so he can break out his regular snacks.

Let's Dish

Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer was thinking of washing her hands of her dishes earlier this week. However, after she took another look at her beautiful, but never used, fine china, she had to admit it was awfully pretty.

I love our china, that my husband picked out by the way. Who knew he'd want such a say? He insisted we pick a color we thought we would use in our home decor (blue), and he refused to buy dishes with flowers on them. We did pick this dignified Presidential pattern that must be hand washed. I love to use them on special occasions, but he groans every time he has to hand wash them.



I love, love, love my Spode Christmas China. It's the same pattern my grandmother had. My mother-in-law has diligently bought me 14 plates over the last few years. I also have various serving pieces, dessert plates, and a few cups and saucers. Every time I look at these plates I think of my grandma which fills me with love. I keep them in our plate cabinet year round and we use everyday from Thanksgiving to New Years.

Here are our well used, much scraped everyday dishes. We originally had 12; we're now down to 8. I think we only have 4 bowls left. The most interesting story about these dishes is the hike my best friend and I took to find them one day. Actually it's not even that interesting. I'd love to replace them, but they work.


However, since we only have 4 cereal bowls left in our everyday pattern, we use these well photographed snowman bowls year round. We've been doing using these since before Birdie was born, oh, 9 years ago. They're a great size and shape. I'd love to buy dark red bowls, but then I'd feel like I needed matching plates. And while these certainly don't match and aren't year round appropriate it's how we do bowls here at Casa NOT Martha Stewart.



These are the bowls my family used for spaghetti growing up. They are one of the few family heirlooms from my mom's side of the family. I never had spaghetti any other way. My mom wasn't a great cook, but she made fabulous spaghetti sauce. She gave me these dishes a few years ago. I had high hopes of my family using them, but my husband, you know the one with lots of opinions on dishes, refuses to use them. I have to admit they look tons better photographed than in person. Still I can't imagine ever getting rid of them.



Hon loves these pasta bowls. They're twice the size of the heirlooms and a lot more sturdy. Plus they're pretty and match our decor. You know how important that is when you fill them with spaghetti.






Finally, one last look at part of my tea cup collection. You're probably not surprised that my dear husband started this collection for me years ago. I'll blog about it someday, but I will say it was truly the most heartfelt present he ever gave me. A lot of love went into purchasing and choosing each of these tea cups. The tea pot in the back is from my grandma. I don't use them very often because I'm not the graceful sort that can hold a saucer and tea cup and not spill something, but we've built beautiful memories of tea parties with Birdie and her grandmothers, aunt and I.

If you haven't been totally put to sleep by a look at my hodge-podge collection of dishes, you can check out other collections at Rocks In My Dryer.

Something to Bark About

Do you hear a dog barking? Do you live in Northern Virginia?

It could be our dear Wink. It's 6:30 am, and I am sure we have neighbor's that would really like to sleep. However Wink has some kind of rather large critter treed next door. Oh, he's safely behind a fence just barking and jumping, but the raccoon/oppossum is sticking to its instincts. I can't tell exactly what the animal is because it is definitely clinging to the tree on the opposite side of our yard. I do have to say it's big enough that I'm glad it's on the other side of the fence.

Since the barking isn't stopping, I suppose I should put on some boots and wade through our yard and drag Wink back inside. It poured last night and our back yard has turned into one huge puddle; which is why I haven't ventured out to get him yet. I guess the neighborly thing one be to stop his barking...at 6:30 am.

I'll probably get a better look at that critter. I'll let you know how it goes.

I never got a better look. Wink had stopped barking and the critter had escaped. I'm pretty sure it was a raccoon from the fluffiness and color of its fur. A really BIG raccoon. I'm just glad it wasn't a skunk!

Maternity Wear???

I decided to pop into Old Navy this morning and check out the sales rack. I could always use a few new t-shirts or even a new sweater. As I perused their spring fashions and clearance racks I ran into a few personal difficulties. (I'm not picking on Old Navy in particular; I've seen this style issue many places.)

Can someone please explain to me why empire-waisted, tie-in-the-back or front, flowing blouses are fashionable for non-pregnant women? Equally perplexing is the fact that when I finally found a long length, slim fitting t-shirt it was marked "Maternity Wear."

???????

I understand that pregnant women do not want to look any larger than they already are by adding to their girth with a large flowing top. They'd prefer to let everyone see their growing bump at precisely it's t-shirt form fitting size. As a mother of three, I get that logic.

But making people wonder if, you're pregnant or trying to hide too much ice cream with a flowing top?

That one I don't understand.

The Master Builder

Many years ago I was alone in the car driving a few hours to spend the weekend with my college sorority sisters. My husband was home with our three children, and I was free as a bird. I should of been singing as loudly as I could with the radio imagining the laughter of the weekend to come. Instead I was having one of those terrified-mother day dreams where I died in a car accident, and my children had to go on without me scarred for life.

(Please tell my I'm not the only self-centered psycho mom out there. You know you've imagined it and worse.)

In my self-induced, starring me, horror film, day dream I cried out to the Lord to protect me and my children. Surely the Lord wouldn't wish my children to be motherless. In that moment of heartfelt prayer I had one of the bigger "Aha" moments of my life.

If I were to die while my children were young, the Lord of Heaven and Earth has a much better plan for their lives than me.

(Uhhh...I think perhaps the Lord knocked a little sense into me and the drama out of me.)

In a moment, I went from a self-centered control freak Mom to realizing that God is completely in control of all aspects of my and my family's lives. If the absolutely worst thing I could imagine came true, God was still in control. Well, how about that?

As I pondered Psalm 127 this morning I remembered the large step of faith I took that day. I still remember that day as the day I gave my children back over to God and in the process began to seek and love the Lord with a more opened and greatly softened heart. I confess that my children had actually come before God in my life up to that point. That day I realized they were gifts from God, and what I had to do with them did not matter nearly as much as God's work with them. Psalm 127 says:

Unless the Lord builds the house,

its builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain.

The Lord has built my marriage and family. He is at the center of our lives. He has the blueprint and instruction manual. Once I gave up control and realized His love is the love that binds us together, our lives have been much more peaceful. There is no need to be fearful and to wait in terror for the shoe to drop. When troubles come, God is still in control. He's the master builder, and we're privileged to be a room in His mansion.

His walls are safe. His love is strong. I feel peace with God in control, and I can now sing loudly with the radio.

Twister Still Reigns

I think I can call Birdie's Birthday Sleepover a full blown success. I did not micro-manage the party or drive myself crazy with planning or Googling party ideas for days. That in itself was a major achievement. The girls squealed, ate pizza, laughed, squealed, had a superb scavenger hunt (pat on the back to me for that one), played more rounds of Twister than one could imagine, squealed until my ears bled, and fell asleep earlier than I ever did at a sleepover.

Dare I say, we'd do it again. And maybe next time she can have a sleepover without a birthday, just for a sleepover???

Hold on, I think my combination of coffee and sinus medicine is producing hallucinations. I should just enjoy surviving the party and the joy of knowing that birthdays only come once a year.