~ There is plenty of time for every good thing under the sun.
~ There are no burdens, just by-products of bountiful blessings.
~ Nothing is required but breathing.. all else is by choice. Might as well be happy about it.
~ Simplicity and surrender are twin sisters to peace and joy.
~ Joy is contagious, but so is misery. If I have nothing positive to say, I'll bite my tongue and smile 'till I think of something.
~ Instead of a "To-Do" list, write a "to enjoy" list. Same list, but so much more fun.
~ Sometimes the best thing we can do is to become like a child.. preferably a non-greedy, non-tantruming child.
~ Complaining, even to one's self, invites darkness. Who needs darkness in the season of light?
~ The enemy would love to ruin Christ's birthday, and I for one am not going to give him the pleasure.
~ If we have not joy, we have not Christmas. If we have not peace, we have missed the first and most wonderful Christmas gift of all.
Have a magical, marvelous, peace-dwelling, love-giving, joy-spreading, light-shining holiday season!
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
My Work Product
The first was taken sometime this summer when they were enjoying the new tire swing Daddy made for them. I told them to give eachother eskimo kisses and they erupted in giggles.. hence this photo. It now hangs on our living room wall and will forever remain one of my favorites. The bath photo was taken this summer too, just before school began. Their bubble bath is a ritual I often dread, but they enjoy so very much!
Thank you, Lord, for the closeness these precious boys share and the privilege of being their at-home Mommy every day!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Library
It was shaping up to be a great evening and a very successful outing with my two boys, if such a thing is possible. I had devised a point system for keeping their behavior in check, tired of the old "I'm-gonna-call-your-daddy" routine, and was feeling quite proud of how well the system was working so far. Points, I had explained, would be awarded for good behavior and subtracted for unacceptable behavior, with "treats" to be bought at the dollar store on the way home at 50 cents a point. Tonight good behavior consisted of being quiet in the car, staying together, and most importantly using our whisper voices in the library.
The boys loved the new system, and each had earned two points already in the car. We rehearsed our whisper voices before we went in, holding hands. Quietly we perused the children's books, each choosing a few to take home, even discussing in whispered voices why we liked this one or that one. Now we just needed to pick out a few movies and we'd be on our way. Standing there in the movie aisle, Seth (6), who'd had one too many Fiber One muffins at snacktime, let slip a small, almost inaudible gas emission. Of course my three-year-old Dan heard it, stretched out his arm to point, and before I could get my hand over his mouth, announced loudly,
"HE FARTED!"
I fell to my knees, shushing him a minute too late, and tried my hardest not to laugh while I watched Seth walk away, pretending not to know us. My attempt to avoid laughing was useless, since the library's staff and all its patrons had now erupted in giggles. When Seth finally returned to my side, all he could say was "Please tell me he lost a point for that."
We quickly chose two movies and made our way to the check-out, where the librarian smiled gleefully at us, along with a host of patrons at the nearby computers. "Don't you just love the innocence of children?" she asked. "Love it," I said, ready to make our exit.
Walking out, I agreed to let Seth carry the books and Dan carry the movies, so my hands would be free to hold each of their hands. We made it as far as the library lobby before I felt our little train shifting to the right. I looked up to see a sign marked "Return Books Here" and watched helplessly as our beloved Daniel dropped both of our new movies down the slot.
Yes, we went back in, but this time without a trace of pride left. I just stood there laughing while Seth explained to the librarians what his brother had done. With movies back in hand, we moved our little train to the car once more, discussing the meaning of the word "incorrigible." They were good boys the rest of the evening, enjoyed their treats and went to bed without argument. They even earned points during bathtime and redeemed them for bedtime stories. Overall I think the new discipline system was a success--you just can't ask a small boy to ignore bodily noises. (Or book drops.)
The boys loved the new system, and each had earned two points already in the car. We rehearsed our whisper voices before we went in, holding hands. Quietly we perused the children's books, each choosing a few to take home, even discussing in whispered voices why we liked this one or that one. Now we just needed to pick out a few movies and we'd be on our way. Standing there in the movie aisle, Seth (6), who'd had one too many Fiber One muffins at snacktime, let slip a small, almost inaudible gas emission. Of course my three-year-old Dan heard it, stretched out his arm to point, and before I could get my hand over his mouth, announced loudly,
"HE FARTED!"
I fell to my knees, shushing him a minute too late, and tried my hardest not to laugh while I watched Seth walk away, pretending not to know us. My attempt to avoid laughing was useless, since the library's staff and all its patrons had now erupted in giggles. When Seth finally returned to my side, all he could say was "Please tell me he lost a point for that."
We quickly chose two movies and made our way to the check-out, where the librarian smiled gleefully at us, along with a host of patrons at the nearby computers. "Don't you just love the innocence of children?" she asked. "Love it," I said, ready to make our exit.
Walking out, I agreed to let Seth carry the books and Dan carry the movies, so my hands would be free to hold each of their hands. We made it as far as the library lobby before I felt our little train shifting to the right. I looked up to see a sign marked "Return Books Here" and watched helplessly as our beloved Daniel dropped both of our new movies down the slot.
Yes, we went back in, but this time without a trace of pride left. I just stood there laughing while Seth explained to the librarians what his brother had done. With movies back in hand, we moved our little train to the car once more, discussing the meaning of the word "incorrigible." They were good boys the rest of the evening, enjoyed their treats and went to bed without argument. They even earned points during bathtime and redeemed them for bedtime stories. Overall I think the new discipline system was a success--you just can't ask a small boy to ignore bodily noises. (Or book drops.)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
You Might Be A Maxed Out Momma...
If you've ever eaten a spoonful of peanutbutter for dinner because you were too tired to actually chew...
If you've ever lost your cell phone WHILE you were talking on it...
If you've ever eaten dinner standing at the kitchen counter because if you sat down, you might never get up again...
If you've ever been driving on "auto-pilot" from sleep deprivation and suddenly realize you have no idea where you are...
If you've ever gone grocery shopping with your children, buckled them in and headed home, only to realize in the driveway that your groceries are still in the buggy at the store...
If you've ever eaten macaroni and cheese with a toddler spoon from a bowl with a suction cup on the bottom...
If you've ever sat awake in the silence for hours after the kids are in bed, just because it sounded so good...
If you've ever laid in bed with a growling stomach trying to remember if between the four meals you prepared, served and cleaned up this evening you actually ate anything...
If you've ever bought new socks for a member of the family, because you were too tired to do the laundry.....
If you're laughing because you've recently done any of the above.....you might be a maxed out momma in serious need of a vacation (without the kids).
If you've ever lost your cell phone WHILE you were talking on it...
If you've ever eaten dinner standing at the kitchen counter because if you sat down, you might never get up again...
If you've ever been driving on "auto-pilot" from sleep deprivation and suddenly realize you have no idea where you are...
If you've ever gone grocery shopping with your children, buckled them in and headed home, only to realize in the driveway that your groceries are still in the buggy at the store...
If you've ever eaten macaroni and cheese with a toddler spoon from a bowl with a suction cup on the bottom...
If you've ever sat awake in the silence for hours after the kids are in bed, just because it sounded so good...
If you've ever laid in bed with a growling stomach trying to remember if between the four meals you prepared, served and cleaned up this evening you actually ate anything...
If you've ever bought new socks for a member of the family, because you were too tired to do the laundry.....
If you're laughing because you've recently done any of the above.....you might be a maxed out momma in serious need of a vacation (without the kids).
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Lessons Learned from SAHMhood
Its hard to believe its been nearly four years since I began my dreamjob. In celebration of the occasion, I pause to reflect on a few of the many lessons I've learned.
1. Life is just easier to manage with a little concealer and a good pair of shoes on.
2. Baby steps aren't just for babies. Sometimes I can't muster the strength to "clean the kitchen" or "tidy up the bedroom," but I can always manage to put away 3 cups, or hang 2 shirts. That first step is the most important.
3. The best prevention for child abuse is a good night's sleep for everyone. If naps can be arranged, so much the better. Cranky moms make for cranky kids, which leads to less fun for all.
4. Caffeine can give you a rush, as can taurine and ginseng, but you will inevitably come back down, usually in worse shape than you started. A much better rush comes from a good nights sleep, a nap or a brisk walk.
5. There is no mistake so big or bad that God can't make it alright. Even Mommy's make mistakes, and its good for kids to hear Mom say "I'm sorry."
6. Communication with God isn't optional-- its either going to happen the easy way, or the hard way.
7. When visiting the computer after the kids are in bed, always bring a kitchen timer and use it. The internet is a time-stealer from Satan himself.
8. Whether its the computer, TV or late-night housework.. take it easy on that morning girl-- she's you.
9. As the tongue goes, so goes the mind and body. To feel happy and healthy, speak happiness and health.
10. Even superwoman has limits. Its better for everyone if they are acknowledged.
12. When you lose the ability to laugh at yourself, its time for a mental vacation.
13. Caring for the caretaker is essential, not to mention the loving thing to do for the care receivers.
14. Sometimes you've got to put off the urgent to make time for the important. When you do so, its not procrastination, its balance.
15. When all else fails, put the kids in a bubble bath. If that doesn't help, put them to bed and put Mom in a bubble bath.
16. Do something you enjoy every day, before you forget what those things were.
17. It turns out cleanliness is not next to godliness after all. Simplicity is.
1. Life is just easier to manage with a little concealer and a good pair of shoes on.
2. Baby steps aren't just for babies. Sometimes I can't muster the strength to "clean the kitchen" or "tidy up the bedroom," but I can always manage to put away 3 cups, or hang 2 shirts. That first step is the most important.
3. The best prevention for child abuse is a good night's sleep for everyone. If naps can be arranged, so much the better. Cranky moms make for cranky kids, which leads to less fun for all.
4. Caffeine can give you a rush, as can taurine and ginseng, but you will inevitably come back down, usually in worse shape than you started. A much better rush comes from a good nights sleep, a nap or a brisk walk.
5. There is no mistake so big or bad that God can't make it alright. Even Mommy's make mistakes, and its good for kids to hear Mom say "I'm sorry."
6. Communication with God isn't optional-- its either going to happen the easy way, or the hard way.
7. When visiting the computer after the kids are in bed, always bring a kitchen timer and use it. The internet is a time-stealer from Satan himself.
8. Whether its the computer, TV or late-night housework.. take it easy on that morning girl-- she's you.
9. As the tongue goes, so goes the mind and body. To feel happy and healthy, speak happiness and health.
10. Even superwoman has limits. Its better for everyone if they are acknowledged.
12. When you lose the ability to laugh at yourself, its time for a mental vacation.
13. Caring for the caretaker is essential, not to mention the loving thing to do for the care receivers.
14. Sometimes you've got to put off the urgent to make time for the important. When you do so, its not procrastination, its balance.
15. When all else fails, put the kids in a bubble bath. If that doesn't help, put them to bed and put Mom in a bubble bath.
16. Do something you enjoy every day, before you forget what those things were.
17. It turns out cleanliness is not next to godliness after all. Simplicity is.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Just Keep Smiling... A Very Memorable "Vacation"
It wasn't until a few hours after we made it home, while picking up our puppy from the kennel and hearing myself recount our journey to the owner, that I suddenly saw the humor in it all.
"I'm glad to see you all made it home safely," she said.
"Well, actually, our truck broke down so we caught a ride home with family who were there."
"Oh," she said. "Well, its great that they had the extra room.. and I know you're glad you didn't have a dog with you."
"Actually, they had a german shepherd and a ferret with them. And a 9 month old baby."
"Wait a minute," she said. "You mean to tell me you just drove across the country with a preschooler, a toddler, an infant, a german shepherd and a ferret, and you're still smiling!?"
Laughing hysterically was more like it. (Emphasis on the hysterical.) We sounded like the Beverly Hillbillies!
"What else can I do? Sure beats crying!"
I didn't tell her that the oldest child had diarrhea, the middle child had pink eye, and I needed to see a dentist immediately. Some things are better left unsaid. "Besides," I decided to say instead, "the weather was great, and we're all alive." With a few more gray hairs maybe, but some very interesting memories.
P.S. - Did I mention my puppy was due to have surgery the following morning? Word to the wise: Never tell a two-year-old "Don't pick up the puppy.. he has stitches on his belly." This is a sure-fire way to ensure the child WILL immediately pick up the puppy to check out his stitches. Who needs reality TV when real life is this exciting?
"I'm glad to see you all made it home safely," she said.
"Well, actually, our truck broke down so we caught a ride home with family who were there."
"Oh," she said. "Well, its great that they had the extra room.. and I know you're glad you didn't have a dog with you."
"Actually, they had a german shepherd and a ferret with them. And a 9 month old baby."
"Wait a minute," she said. "You mean to tell me you just drove across the country with a preschooler, a toddler, an infant, a german shepherd and a ferret, and you're still smiling!?"
Laughing hysterically was more like it. (Emphasis on the hysterical.) We sounded like the Beverly Hillbillies!
"What else can I do? Sure beats crying!"
I didn't tell her that the oldest child had diarrhea, the middle child had pink eye, and I needed to see a dentist immediately. Some things are better left unsaid. "Besides," I decided to say instead, "the weather was great, and we're all alive." With a few more gray hairs maybe, but some very interesting memories.
P.S. - Did I mention my puppy was due to have surgery the following morning? Word to the wise: Never tell a two-year-old "Don't pick up the puppy.. he has stitches on his belly." This is a sure-fire way to ensure the child WILL immediately pick up the puppy to check out his stitches. Who needs reality TV when real life is this exciting?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Recently Heard at My House
Daniel:
- "Ma brudder Say-yuff is bee-yug!"
- "Mommy, I wuv Wukie da Skywalker puppy!"
- "Mommy, wook, Wuke got him name on him tag! It says Wa, Uke, Wuke!"
- "Mommy, I want to howd you, puh-weeze!"
Seth:
- Mom, when I get to heaven, will I have wings?
- Mom, can I be an inventor and a rock star, and just be a race car driver for a hobby?
- Mom, the reason you're sick is because your white blood cells are fighting a battle and if they can't do it by themselves you have to give them antivotigs to help them win .
- "Dear God, thank you for this day, I'm not scared cause you're with me, thanks for protecting me, thanks for everthing you made, the milky way, the galaxy, even the universe and all the cool stuff you put in them. Please help me to be a good boy tomorrow and please help my brother pay attention at church because he really needs Jesus. Amen."
- "Ma brudder Say-yuff is bee-yug!"
- "Mommy, I wuv Wukie da Skywalker puppy!"
- "Mommy, wook, Wuke got him name on him tag! It says Wa, Uke, Wuke!"
- "Mommy, I want to howd you, puh-weeze!"
Seth:
- Mom, when I get to heaven, will I have wings?
- Mom, can I be an inventor and a rock star, and just be a race car driver for a hobby?
- Mom, the reason you're sick is because your white blood cells are fighting a battle and if they can't do it by themselves you have to give them antivotigs to help them win .
- "Dear God, thank you for this day, I'm not scared cause you're with me, thanks for protecting me, thanks for everthing you made, the milky way, the galaxy, even the universe and all the cool stuff you put in them. Please help me to be a good boy tomorrow and please help my brother pay attention at church because he really needs Jesus. Amen."
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The How
It never ceases to amaze me how a person can read the same bible for years, and one day experience a moment of sheer revelation, when the words of a familiar verse seem to leap off the page with new meaning, shedding light on some new spiritual truth just when its needed most. I guess that’s why its called the “living” Word of God, and what a treasure it is! I had one of those moments recently that is still echoing in my mind.
Our women’s bible study group had been studying the book of Esther, using a guide written by Beth Moore, aptly titled “Esther: Its Tough Being a Woman.” During each week of the study, in addition to delving into Esther’s story, we discussed a way in which it’s difficult to be a woman, referred to as a “scenario.” If any of us thought we were in for a pity party, we were wrong. As the study drew to a close, each of our scenarios was answered with a “flip-side” in scripture. In every case, the scripture verse or verses turned the scenario on its head, making it plain that it is we, women, who make being a woman “tough,” and providing the antidote in the simple command to TRUST. Trust, we learned, is the key that turns “the detours of adversity into highways of destiny.”
The scenario we were studying that day went like this: “Its tough being a woman who feels responsible for the HOW.” To any man reading this, that may sound strange, but I think every woman can instantly relate. How are we going to do all we need to do in 24 hours? How can this problem be solved? How is that situation going to work out? Those questions don’t just ring in our ears, they demand answers. We’re so accustomed to our self-appointed role of responsibility, especially when it comes to our families, we don’t even give it a second thought. After all, if anyone is going to figure out how, its going to have to be us! The biblical truth though, is that our daily struggle to “figure it out” amounts to nothing more than a great unnecessary weight on our shoulders.
Two bible verses were given to point the way to the truth: 2 Peter 2:9 and Psalm 103:14. Both begin with the same four words: The…Lord…Knows…How. “The Lord KNOWS how to rescue godly men from trials” says Peter. “The Lord KNOWS how we were formed, and remembers that we are dust” sings David. Its okay that I don’t know how its all going to work out. Praise the Lord, God KNOWS! Look deeper and the truth of those words gets even richer. Because He “knows how we were formed” he knows our needs better than we do. Because he “remembers that we are dust” he doesn’t expect us to have perfect Godly wisdom. According to Peter, not only does he know “how to rescue the godly,” but he also “knows how…to hold the unrighteous for punishment until the day of judgment,” so we need not be concerned with the wrongdoings of others. I can't tell you feeling of relief it brings every time I think of those precious words, "The Lord knows how." Maybe its because freedom from that responsibility brings the freedom to embrace the joy we were made for.
As I ponder on what it means to trust God with the hows of life, I find myself coming back once again to Jesus’ command that we become “like little children.” I’m blessed to have two beautiful examples in my home of exactly what little children are like. I can tell you that they don’t think a lot about the hows of life—they just tell Momma or Daddy what they need. Last night one of my little ones came to me in the night with tear filled eyes, and said “Momma, my ear hurts.” He didn’t know how I was going to make it better, but he trusted that somehow I would. He didn’t tell me he needed two teaspoons of ibuprofen, a warm towel, and a call to the doctor in the morning. He simply said “it hurts.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if we returned to that point of simplicity in our relationships with God? It is a simplicity that calls for merely articulating our simple need, without eloquence or rehashing the all painful details, (the Lord knows them after all) and then thanking God that he can take it from there. Sure, we will still have work to do, but we trust that through the gift of his holy spirit, we will have both the strength to do our part and the wisdom to know what it is. When we look back, we'll be amazed at how Daddy made it all better. What loving parent would do any less?
Our women’s bible study group had been studying the book of Esther, using a guide written by Beth Moore, aptly titled “Esther: Its Tough Being a Woman.” During each week of the study, in addition to delving into Esther’s story, we discussed a way in which it’s difficult to be a woman, referred to as a “scenario.” If any of us thought we were in for a pity party, we were wrong. As the study drew to a close, each of our scenarios was answered with a “flip-side” in scripture. In every case, the scripture verse or verses turned the scenario on its head, making it plain that it is we, women, who make being a woman “tough,” and providing the antidote in the simple command to TRUST. Trust, we learned, is the key that turns “the detours of adversity into highways of destiny.”
The scenario we were studying that day went like this: “Its tough being a woman who feels responsible for the HOW.” To any man reading this, that may sound strange, but I think every woman can instantly relate. How are we going to do all we need to do in 24 hours? How can this problem be solved? How is that situation going to work out? Those questions don’t just ring in our ears, they demand answers. We’re so accustomed to our self-appointed role of responsibility, especially when it comes to our families, we don’t even give it a second thought. After all, if anyone is going to figure out how, its going to have to be us! The biblical truth though, is that our daily struggle to “figure it out” amounts to nothing more than a great unnecessary weight on our shoulders.
Two bible verses were given to point the way to the truth: 2 Peter 2:9 and Psalm 103:14. Both begin with the same four words: The…Lord…Knows…How. “The Lord KNOWS how to rescue godly men from trials” says Peter. “The Lord KNOWS how we were formed, and remembers that we are dust” sings David. Its okay that I don’t know how its all going to work out. Praise the Lord, God KNOWS! Look deeper and the truth of those words gets even richer. Because He “knows how we were formed” he knows our needs better than we do. Because he “remembers that we are dust” he doesn’t expect us to have perfect Godly wisdom. According to Peter, not only does he know “how to rescue the godly,” but he also “knows how…to hold the unrighteous for punishment until the day of judgment,” so we need not be concerned with the wrongdoings of others. I can't tell you feeling of relief it brings every time I think of those precious words, "The Lord knows how." Maybe its because freedom from that responsibility brings the freedom to embrace the joy we were made for.
As I ponder on what it means to trust God with the hows of life, I find myself coming back once again to Jesus’ command that we become “like little children.” I’m blessed to have two beautiful examples in my home of exactly what little children are like. I can tell you that they don’t think a lot about the hows of life—they just tell Momma or Daddy what they need. Last night one of my little ones came to me in the night with tear filled eyes, and said “Momma, my ear hurts.” He didn’t know how I was going to make it better, but he trusted that somehow I would. He didn’t tell me he needed two teaspoons of ibuprofen, a warm towel, and a call to the doctor in the morning. He simply said “it hurts.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if we returned to that point of simplicity in our relationships with God? It is a simplicity that calls for merely articulating our simple need, without eloquence or rehashing the all painful details, (the Lord knows them after all) and then thanking God that he can take it from there. Sure, we will still have work to do, but we trust that through the gift of his holy spirit, we will have both the strength to do our part and the wisdom to know what it is. When we look back, we'll be amazed at how Daddy made it all better. What loving parent would do any less?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
100 Things - Part 2
This post has been edited for brevity..
51. I love to surf the web, usually when my kids are asleep.
54. I love all things Asian—art, jewelry, décor, food, etc.
58. I love second hand clothing stores, especially Plato’s Closet.
60. Marrying my hubby was the best thing I ever did. He and his family have been a true Godsend in my life.
67. I’m really blessed to be able to say that my mom and dad are two of my best friends.
68. If you’d told me when I was a teenager that I would ever say that, I would probably have called you crazy.
69. If you divided my life into chapters, this would be my favorite one so far.
70. I was in the working world long enough to find out that I really don’t like it.
73. My only resolution this year is to wake up every morning deciding to be joyful, and to go about my day expecting a blessing.
74. God never fails to provide sources of joy and blessing.
89. God has been SO good to me.
90. My childhood wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but I’m thankful for every part of it.
91. God showed me through my experience with infertility that I am definitely not in control.
92. God taught me through my experience with miscarriage to lean on him daily.
93. God has shown me through every tear I’ve cried, how to be a comfort to others.
94. God is showing me every day that his grace is enough.
95. I can say that God is good, not in spite of my past, but because of it.
96. The day Seth was born I promised God I would spend the rest of my life telling the world how GOOD he is.
97. I can’t even count my blessings anymore.. they are like the stars.
98. I am the last person on earth who deserved to be so blessed.
99. I’m so thankful that Jesus took my place and made it possible for me to receive God’s grace.
100. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.. and I know he has GREAT plans. No matter what happens, His grace will be sufficient for me.
51. I love to surf the web, usually when my kids are asleep.
54. I love all things Asian—art, jewelry, décor, food, etc.
58. I love second hand clothing stores, especially Plato’s Closet.
60. Marrying my hubby was the best thing I ever did. He and his family have been a true Godsend in my life.
67. I’m really blessed to be able to say that my mom and dad are two of my best friends.
68. If you’d told me when I was a teenager that I would ever say that, I would probably have called you crazy.
69. If you divided my life into chapters, this would be my favorite one so far.
70. I was in the working world long enough to find out that I really don’t like it.
73. My only resolution this year is to wake up every morning deciding to be joyful, and to go about my day expecting a blessing.
74. God never fails to provide sources of joy and blessing.
89. God has been SO good to me.
90. My childhood wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but I’m thankful for every part of it.
91. God showed me through my experience with infertility that I am definitely not in control.
92. God taught me through my experience with miscarriage to lean on him daily.
93. God has shown me through every tear I’ve cried, how to be a comfort to others.
94. God is showing me every day that his grace is enough.
95. I can say that God is good, not in spite of my past, but because of it.
96. The day Seth was born I promised God I would spend the rest of my life telling the world how GOOD he is.
97. I can’t even count my blessings anymore.. they are like the stars.
98. I am the last person on earth who deserved to be so blessed.
99. I’m so thankful that Jesus took my place and made it possible for me to receive God’s grace.
100. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.. and I know he has GREAT plans. No matter what happens, His grace will be sufficient for me.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
New Rules at My House for the Christmas Season
1. Its a known fact that Santa packs his sleigh 10 days before Christmas. Any changes made to one's wish list after that time probably won't be honored. Sorry honey, the sleigh is all packed!
(Don't bother begging Santa to repack, by the way.. he's surely wearing his earmuffs.. its the North Pole!)
2. Santa's gifts will not be wrapped in pretty striped paper like in the Polar Express movie. Why? Well because we live in the South... the humidity would ruin the paper. (That movie was obviously made in the North.)
3. During the entire month of December, if Santa sees toys scattered on the living room floor, he may not stop here, for fear of slipping!
4. If you eat too many Christmas cookies, there will be none left for Santa and his reindeer.
5. There is no T.V. watching time limit during the holidays, so long as it is a Christmas movie or some wholesome programming. Its not that Momma doesn't want you underfoot while I'm wrapping, baking, cleaning, etc.. Christmas movies help to get your heart in the spirit of Christmas, and besides this is the perfect time of year to slow down and relax. (Right?)
6. Going to bed on time, cleaning your plate at dinner and helping Mom are all great ways to stay on Santa's nice list. Complaining about any of the above is a sure way to get on the naughty list.
7. Christmas is about "getting" alright, but its not about getting presents. Its about getting your heart ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The more love, joy, peace, humility and gratitude in our hearts, the happier we will all be on Christmas morning, guaranteed!
(Don't bother begging Santa to repack, by the way.. he's surely wearing his earmuffs.. its the North Pole!)
2. Santa's gifts will not be wrapped in pretty striped paper like in the Polar Express movie. Why? Well because we live in the South... the humidity would ruin the paper. (That movie was obviously made in the North.)
3. During the entire month of December, if Santa sees toys scattered on the living room floor, he may not stop here, for fear of slipping!
4. If you eat too many Christmas cookies, there will be none left for Santa and his reindeer.
5. There is no T.V. watching time limit during the holidays, so long as it is a Christmas movie or some wholesome programming. Its not that Momma doesn't want you underfoot while I'm wrapping, baking, cleaning, etc.. Christmas movies help to get your heart in the spirit of Christmas, and besides this is the perfect time of year to slow down and relax. (Right?)
6. Going to bed on time, cleaning your plate at dinner and helping Mom are all great ways to stay on Santa's nice list. Complaining about any of the above is a sure way to get on the naughty list.
7. Christmas is about "getting" alright, but its not about getting presents. Its about getting your heart ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The more love, joy, peace, humility and gratitude in our hearts, the happier we will all be on Christmas morning, guaranteed!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
From the mouths of babes.. the entertainment floweth
Seth: Daniel, would you mind moving away from the TV?
Dan: No.
Seth: You mean you don't mind?
Dan: No.
Seth: Then will you?
Dan: No.
Seth: Daniel, you're being unreasonable. You're fired!
__________
Daniel: I'm a superhero!
Mom: Really?
Daniel: Sure, of course!
Mom: Well what kind of superhero are you?
Daniel: Um.. let's see.. I think maybe RED.
Mom: No, I mean what are your superpowers? What can you do?
Daniel: I shake a booty! I good dancer!
Indeed he is.
Dan: No.
Seth: You mean you don't mind?
Dan: No.
Seth: Then will you?
Dan: No.
Seth: Daniel, you're being unreasonable. You're fired!
__________
Daniel: I'm a superhero!
Mom: Really?
Daniel: Sure, of course!
Mom: Well what kind of superhero are you?
Daniel: Um.. let's see.. I think maybe RED.
Mom: No, I mean what are your superpowers? What can you do?
Daniel: I shake a booty! I good dancer!
Indeed he is.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Same Hat, Very Different Boy
People say my boys look alike. Other than possibly the smile, I disagree. Maybe its because I live with them to know how truly different they are. I do think that each one is quite handsome--okay, beautiful, in his own way.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
All for Jesus
When I tire of the daily grind
and struggle to go on
I lift my hands to the heavens and cry,
Its all for you, my Lord!
Then imagine it was He who supped
With these tiny crusted spoons
And wash them with my whole heart
While singing to Him a song.
I neatly fold His little clothes
And place them in His drawer
And scrub the floors of His footprints
The sticky crumbs and all
Then seeing His smile
in my children’s eyes
Hearing His joy in their shouts
I find its not that hard to do
When I remember who its truly all about.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. -- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. --Colossians 3:23
and struggle to go on
I lift my hands to the heavens and cry,
Its all for you, my Lord!
Then imagine it was He who supped
With these tiny crusted spoons
And wash them with my whole heart
While singing to Him a song.
I neatly fold His little clothes
And place them in His drawer
And scrub the floors of His footprints
The sticky crumbs and all
Then seeing His smile
in my children’s eyes
Hearing His joy in their shouts
I find its not that hard to do
When I remember who its truly all about.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. -- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. --Colossians 3:23
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
100 Things - Part One
I've noticed that it seems to be the trend in blogging lately to include a list of 100 or so interesting factoids about oneself. I think I've finally progressed to the point in life where I understand that life is not about me, so I've been reluctant up to now to undertake such a task. It occurs to me, however, that this might be a useful exercise in self-awareness.
I wrote a poem many years ago that began "Chicken me - I lack the spunk to be a thing." In some ways, I could write the same thing today. I think sometimes I try to blend in with the crowd so much that its not clear, even to me, just who exactly I am in my God-given uniqueness. So here I go, gathering the courage to be me. Ready or not, here I come.
I wrote a poem many years ago that began "Chicken me - I lack the spunk to be a thing." In some ways, I could write the same thing today. I think sometimes I try to blend in with the crowd so much that its not clear, even to me, just who exactly I am in my God-given uniqueness. So here I go, gathering the courage to be me. Ready or not, here I come.
- I was born on the bayou in Thibodaux, Louisiana. For those unfamiliar, this is a beautiful, small wetland community near the edge of the continent, where people of mostly cajun French heritage enjoy life, love, food, and music more than anywhere else in the world. I no longer live there, but Thibodaux is an integral part of who I am.
- I am a graduate of Louisiana State University. Geaux Tigers!!!
- I attended college part time during my last year of high school. Because of this and some clep tests, I finished college early and was unleashed on the world at age 20, brainy but totally clueless.
- I have a bachelors degree in English with a concentration in Language. (That means grammar, semantics and rhetoric.. but I usually just say I have a degree in English grammar.)
- I have a minor in Psychology.
- I originally majored in psychology and minored in English, but switched them before my last semester because I decided I'd rather get married and have babies than go to grad school.
- I didn't know then that, in the time it would take me to have a baby, I could have gone to grad school twice. Ha! No regrets.
- I have a habit of calling the people in my household silly pet names such as Boogie, Sugarlove, Honeypie, Dannybug, Sweetcheeks, Babylove, Sethiepoo, etc.
- I tend to get stuck on one petname and overuse it. I've used "Boogie," so much so that until recently my youngest child thought this was his name. (He does like to dance more than anyone else in the household, so he earned the nickname honestly.)
- I'm fascinated with dialects, particularly those of South Louisiana, and once dreamed of researching their origins, borders, etc., and creating a dialect map of the state.
- Growing up, I had two heroes-- Helen Steiner Rice and Jane Goodall. I wanted to be one of these women when I grew up.. who know I could be both? In accordance with God's since of humor, it turns out I'm a writer in a house full of monkeys!
- I am a CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) and a notary public.
- I volunteer for my church, First Baptist of Bossier, the Preeclampsia Foundation and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana.
- I am an artist, but haven't done anything artistic in a long time.
- Over the years, I've done charcoal portraits, pencil sketching, oil painting, watercolor painting, calligraphy, murals, woodburning, wood carving, soap carving, clay sculpture, paper sculpture, and probably other things I've forgotten.
- I could write poetry all day long. In high school, I filled several five-subject notebooks with poetry, some of it hilarious, some nonsense, some inspirational. Most of it is now lost.
- I traveled to Europe when I was 15, visiting Athens, Rome, Florence, Paris and London. I earned 6 hours of college credit in Art and Architecture for this trip.
- I would love to take that trip over again, or one like it, with my husband.
- I have been married 10 1/2 years and love my husband more with each passing year.
- I am passionate about my children's education and character development.
- I worked as a paralegal for nine years, then left to become a stay at home mom-- definitely the best career move ever made.
- I strive to live so that Christianity is not just my religion, but my way of life.
- I play the clarinet, organ and harmonica.. not necessarily well, but I can play them.
- I used to speak fluent Spanish.
- There have been six (6) human beings to inhabit my body, besides myself. Two are still living, the rest died in utero at various stages of development.
- Call me crazy, but I chose to name the babies I lost, regardless of the fact that I only know the sex of one of them. I decided it was my perogative as their mother to choose a sex and name them if it helped me heal. I firmly believe that someday I will hold Maria, Gabriel, Chloe and Anthony (twins) in my arms.
- My first child, Maria Elizabeth, was stillborn in December 1999. My one regret is not holding her longer or taking pictures of her, even if no one ever saw them but me.
- I used to visit Maria's grave often, but now haven't been there in a few years.
- I struggled with infertilty and miscarriage for 2 1/2 years after Maria was born. Those were what I call "the growing years" --growing hurts, but its good for you.
- I am for all practical purposes blind in my right eye. The eye is not completely unable to see, but it's so weak that my brain has turned it off. I'm completely adapted to this and scarcely notice it.
- My favorite color is midnight blue--not navy, but the true midnight blue in the 64 crayola box, with a just hint of green in it. This is the exact color of the water in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas, one reason I want to go back.
- I have always had a fear of drowning or suffocating.
- In spite of the above, I recently became a certified scuba diver by the sheer grace of God. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength!
- I am terrified of flying. I fly only when I have to and then only when heavily sedated.
- I don't do roller coasters-- not even the slow kiddie kind. I even get butterflies on the superslide. Falling just isn't a pleasurable sensation for me.
- I have OCD, not to be confused with obsessive compulsive personality, in which a person is extremely organized, neat and in-control... I wish I were so lucky. No, instead I have the senseless, quirky, need medication to function in society kind. Hopefully my kids missed that gene.
- I am extremely disorganized, but I'm working on it.
- I have a bad habit of staying up until 2 A.M. or later, just enjoying the quiet time by myself.
- I hope to take a course in underwater photography next year.
- I love Disney World and basically live from trip to trip.
- I'm totally hooked on Grey's Anatomy.
- I love Joyce Meyer's show "Enjoying Everyday Life." She inspires me, uplifts me, and cracks me up.
- I love the combination of dark chocolate and peppermint.
- My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip.
- I'm a pretty good cook.
- I like to experiment with new recipes, improvise and sometimes make up my own.
- I am not a baker, but my hubby is.
- I love to sleep (just not necessarily at night). Napping is my favorite hobby.
- I love to crochet. I also knit, but crocheting is more fun.
- I love to sew. The best gift I ever got was the Singer sewing machine my hubby gave me for Christmas in '97, just before we were married.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Chef Seth
I let Seth prepare dinner for us last night from his Disney cook book (with help at the stove of course). He chose to make Pooh's French Toast, and it was delicious! Here is the little chef about to get started.
The Luau
Okay, today was the day I had promised Seth we would finally set up the slip-and-slide in the back yard and have a "wipeout" party. It also happened to be the day my cold turned into a nasty case of bronchitis, and after getting a shot in each hip this morning, I was just not in the mood to hurl my body at wet plastic. The consolation prize? An indoor luau, complete with costumes, hawaiian music and a few games of limbo (which I might add Daniel is quite good at.) If you ever want to do this, be sure to rent Disney's Sing-A-Long Beach Party. The hula dance to "Pearly Shells" with hand motions is sooo cute. Seth did the motions with me, but refused to wear seashells around his neck while he danced, despite the burly Hawaiian men on the screen wearing them. "I'm just not a pearly shell kind of guy" he explained. Silly me. Actually I think he only wore his costume because he got to take off his shirt, which made him feel a little like the Incredible Hulk. Enjoy!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Provision from Above
"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me." -- An old gospel hymn.
As you may know, Donald and I have decided to take a leap of faith and invest once again in his continuing education, this time for a PhD in Nursing. In many ways, as we prayed about this decision, we have felt led by God that this was the right next step for Don, and for our family, even though on the surface it seemed impractical, if not impossible. The events of the past few weeks have proved no exception.
The opportunity for Don to attend the University of Texas at Tyler, entirely online, with a local advisor, practically fell into our laps earlier this year. The problem was going to be paying for it. If you know us, you know that my going back to work is not an option. Both Don and the kids need me too much here, and those needs only stand to increase over the coming years.
On the other hand, sending Don to the hospital to work more hours was not an option either. These years with the boys are far too precious for him to miss. If anything, we need him to be able to cut back on his hours and be at home more. Loans were not a promising option, since we still have student loans to pay back, and the job on the other side of this hurdle isn't likely to be more lucritive than his current one. Logically, it was an impossibility.
Thankfully, our God does not deal in logic and delights in bringing the impossible to light! Here's what has happened in the past month, culminating in a great big happening yesterday.
1. We learned that University of Texas will make a special exception and waive out-of-state tuition since there is no program of this kind in the state of Louisiana, cutting the tuition almost in half.
2. The University of Texas awarded Don a $1,000 competitive scholarship which we did not apply for, simply on the basis of merit through his CV and application essay. (I knew that degree in English would come in handy!)
3. We learned that graduate studies are covered by a national program to pay back in full the student loans of nurses working at certain hospitals, of which LSUHSC Shreveport is one. (We applied for this program twice before, but did not have enough debt to qualify.)
4. We were offered a federal Stafford loan which would pay Don's tuition, plus enough extra allow him to work about two days less each month. (This loan would be just enough to put us over the threshold of eligibility for the federal loan repayment program!)
5. Yesterday, we learned that Don has been awarded a special $3,000 scholarship by the American Legion, renewable every year while he is in school. There are 20 of these awarded nationwide each year to nurses dedicated to working in the field of pediatric respiratory disease.
Can you say "YAY, GOD?"
On a slightly different but related topic, Don has been asked by a local opthamologist to travel to Moscow (yes, Russia) in September to teach nurses there how to prevent blindness in premature newborns through proper oxygen therapy. It's a program Don is championing here at LSU and is apparently very much needed in Russia. That is a simplified explanation of a complicated series of events, but suffice it to say we have taken another leap of faith and bought a plane ticket to Moscow! As much as Don loves to teach, loves to travel, and loves to help children, nothing could be more up his alley. The opthamologist wrote a glowing letter to LSU's administration this week encouraging them to pay for Don's trip, so we will see what happens. Whatever the outcome, I have no doubt we are in good hands.
P.S. - Seth's reaction to the news of Don's scholarship: "We won a ship? What kind of ship? Is it a big ship? How fast does it go?" Priceless.
As you may know, Donald and I have decided to take a leap of faith and invest once again in his continuing education, this time for a PhD in Nursing. In many ways, as we prayed about this decision, we have felt led by God that this was the right next step for Don, and for our family, even though on the surface it seemed impractical, if not impossible. The events of the past few weeks have proved no exception.
The opportunity for Don to attend the University of Texas at Tyler, entirely online, with a local advisor, practically fell into our laps earlier this year. The problem was going to be paying for it. If you know us, you know that my going back to work is not an option. Both Don and the kids need me too much here, and those needs only stand to increase over the coming years.
On the other hand, sending Don to the hospital to work more hours was not an option either. These years with the boys are far too precious for him to miss. If anything, we need him to be able to cut back on his hours and be at home more. Loans were not a promising option, since we still have student loans to pay back, and the job on the other side of this hurdle isn't likely to be more lucritive than his current one. Logically, it was an impossibility.
Thankfully, our God does not deal in logic and delights in bringing the impossible to light! Here's what has happened in the past month, culminating in a great big happening yesterday.
1. We learned that University of Texas will make a special exception and waive out-of-state tuition since there is no program of this kind in the state of Louisiana, cutting the tuition almost in half.
2. The University of Texas awarded Don a $1,000 competitive scholarship which we did not apply for, simply on the basis of merit through his CV and application essay. (I knew that degree in English would come in handy!)
3. We learned that graduate studies are covered by a national program to pay back in full the student loans of nurses working at certain hospitals, of which LSUHSC Shreveport is one. (We applied for this program twice before, but did not have enough debt to qualify.)
4. We were offered a federal Stafford loan which would pay Don's tuition, plus enough extra allow him to work about two days less each month. (This loan would be just enough to put us over the threshold of eligibility for the federal loan repayment program!)
5. Yesterday, we learned that Don has been awarded a special $3,000 scholarship by the American Legion, renewable every year while he is in school. There are 20 of these awarded nationwide each year to nurses dedicated to working in the field of pediatric respiratory disease.
Can you say "YAY, GOD?"
On a slightly different but related topic, Don has been asked by a local opthamologist to travel to Moscow (yes, Russia) in September to teach nurses there how to prevent blindness in premature newborns through proper oxygen therapy. It's a program Don is championing here at LSU and is apparently very much needed in Russia. That is a simplified explanation of a complicated series of events, but suffice it to say we have taken another leap of faith and bought a plane ticket to Moscow! As much as Don loves to teach, loves to travel, and loves to help children, nothing could be more up his alley. The opthamologist wrote a glowing letter to LSU's administration this week encouraging them to pay for Don's trip, so we will see what happens. Whatever the outcome, I have no doubt we are in good hands.
P.S. - Seth's reaction to the news of Don's scholarship: "We won a ship? What kind of ship? Is it a big ship? How fast does it go?" Priceless.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Food Fun
Sometimes you just gotta make a mess!
Lesson for the week: life is a little messy sometimes, and that's okay! All that matters is that you're having fun, and there are no carpeted surfaces nearby. ;-)
On another note, Seth has been asking me since Christmas to help him make a "ratattoille" (spelling?) Well we can say it, and now prepare it, sort of, so who cares if we can spell it? This is a photo of our masterpiece, which was actually quite tasty, and healthy to boot! We made a white cheese sauce with cream and mozzarella, then tinted small portions to every color of the rainbow, and finally drizzled the colored sauce over a ring of wheat crackers. The little chef was quite proud of his creation.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
I Left My Heart in Key Largo
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Reflections on Motherhood
We are the Mamas,
a schizophrenic brood,
But we don’t listen to the voices
in our heads. Not anymore.
We learned long ago
that those cannot be pleased.
Just as we sat to fingerpaint,
they reminded us of the dishes
in the sink.
And again as we occasionally
broke down and scrubbed our floors
“You know you shouldn’t use the T.V.
for a babysitter.”
No, we learned long ago
the delicate art
of showing them all the door.
Of standing tall
with an unapologetic look
that says “Shut up...
I’m surviving here.”
Eventually, for each of us, a louder,
stronger voice had to be found.
Our own brand of motherhood,
perfected on the fly.
Right or wrong,
bought with the tears of
lessons learned.
Promising nothing,
but the best that we can do,
And all our hearts
poured into this thing we call
motherhood.
a schizophrenic brood,
But we don’t listen to the voices
in our heads. Not anymore.
We learned long ago
that those cannot be pleased.
Just as we sat to fingerpaint,
they reminded us of the dishes
in the sink.
And again as we occasionally
broke down and scrubbed our floors
“You know you shouldn’t use the T.V.
for a babysitter.”
No, we learned long ago
the delicate art
of showing them all the door.
Of standing tall
with an unapologetic look
that says “Shut up...
I’m surviving here.”
Eventually, for each of us, a louder,
stronger voice had to be found.
Our own brand of motherhood,
perfected on the fly.
Right or wrong,
bought with the tears of
lessons learned.
Promising nothing,
but the best that we can do,
And all our hearts
poured into this thing we call
motherhood.
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