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.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
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.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, April 7, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, April 4, 2008
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.
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,
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.
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.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
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.
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