Alert and Oriented (x4)

Unclench my fists

2011-10-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

This fall has been a wild ride. And I think we're still on the up-chugga-chugga-chugga of the rollercoaster ride. We've had a couple of dips, but something tells me we're in for a big huge loop-de-loop.

So far this season:
We have another kid living with us. S. is 17 and one of my middle son's best friends. Along with the challenges of feeding 4 teenagers (and all the extra friends that seem to go along with that) we're adjusting to the different rhythm that another person adds to our family symphony.

Ted has found out that he is being furloughed after 27 years with US Airways. We got this news the same week that we agreed to allow S. to move in with us. Not that I think that would've changed anything. There is a position waiting for him in Denver. He is making plans to move there and commute home on weekends. We aren't sure what that will look like. I am struggling with the situation, and am waiting on God. I wish that I could say I am patiently waiting on God, but there isn't anything patient about me. I'm heartsore and even tho' I know that it's a sin to be anxious, there is that. Sometimes. I am learning what a "sacrifice of praise" means in a whole new way. I pray that I don't waste a moment of the lesson I'm supposed to be learning from this and pray that I can decrease mySELF and increase my GOD through this journey.

My oldest son and his girlfriend are NOT officially engaged. In spite of the fact that they've reserved the hall, bought rings, picked out suits and dresses and confirmed a date. He hasn't asked her yet and she still doesn't have a ring.

I turned fifty. Ouch. Every morning I look in the mirror and think, hmm...blepharoplasty or groceries? Which would be better? And I updated the blog banner. Forty-something became false-advertising.

My dear, dear friends had their second baby on October 10. I was honored and privileged to be asked to be there and watch him slip into this world, full of wonderment. Outside of the births of my own children, it was one of the best days of my life. I may be looking into becoming a professional doula. I ~~liked~~ loved it that much.

Since the baby was born on October 10, I have put in twelve 12-14 hour days working. Yes it's October 22. Yes.

I realized that I have posted a sum total of 4 times this year. As much as I love to write, my skills have been going towards writing copy for brochures and reports. It may be time to close this shop down.

Finally, the dear friend who is a daddy once again shared this with me. It speaks volumes about where I am right now:
“Dear God,
I am so afraid to open my clenched fists!
Who will I be when I have nothing left to hold on to?
Who will I be when I stand before you with empty hands?
Please help me to gradually open my hands
and to discover that I am not what I own,
but what you want to give me.
And what you want to give me is love,
unconditional, everlasting love.
Amen.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life

Are YOU smarter than a 5th grader?

2011-03-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

The other day I was watching someone who I consider to be much smarter than me struggle...helplessly...with a computer issue. It was really a fairly simple one. This person was using Excel to make a graph. Or trying to, anyway. I am self-taught at Excel. And pretty darn good at it if I say so myself. And was feeling superior.

And then it occurred to me. I was comparing this "smarter" person's skill set with my own. Excel? Pshaw! I got it down. Linux? HUH? Never in a million years. And I'm currently (trying to) learn Photoshop. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But give this Excel-challenged person an engine or a carbuerator to dissasemble and repair...he's your guy.

A friend posted a quote from Albert Einstein on their Facebook profile. It said something like everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will fail dismally. And if that fish's persepective on its intelligence is based around its tree climbing ability, it will think itself stupid.

So change your perspective. You may be a whiz at cooking, sewing, grammar...but feel "less than" because you can't figure out a formula for Excel. Or you may be a gear head and mechanical things light your fire, but feel as if you are dumb because a simple email program confounds you. It's not a matter of smarter THAN...it's a matter of perspective. We're all in this together. Let's make sure we have each other's back. In the end, that's what will matter.

Deal tenderly now, Father (a prayer by John Piper)

2011-03-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Father in heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.

O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.

And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy.

Have you not encouraged us in this? Have we not heard a hundred times in your Word the riches of your kindness, forbearance, and patience? Do you not a thousand times withhold your judgments, leading your rebellious world toward repentance? Yes, Lord. For your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not our thoughts.

Grant, O God, that the wicked will forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Grant us, your sinful creatures, to return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved.

May every heart-breaking loss—millions upon millions of losses—be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures' pain. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all.

In Jesus you tasted loss. In Jesus you shared the overwhelming flood of our sorrows and suffering. In Jesus you are a sympathetic Priest in the midst of our pain.

Deal tenderly now, Father, with this fragile people. Woo them. Win them. Save them.

And may the floods they so much dread make blessings break upon their head.

O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.

In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen.

-John Piper

Tribute

2011-02-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

Some twenty-3?ish years ago, Ted and I moved into the home we still are living in today. It was quite a step up from the little 3-bedroom stucco place in the south valley. It was...ALL BRICK. And in a much nicer neighborhood. Even though the nearest grocery store was still more than five miles away, at least I didn't feel as if I needed to go armed.

We met all the neighbors, but immediately hit it off with one man who was married and had two younger kids. His wife was a little different, but she seemed nice as well. We had cookouts together and they were the kind of folks you could call on for a cup of sugar when you needed it. Soon, it became apparent that all was not well and his wife left for parts unknown. Leaving him with the kids. More often, we all began to hang out together. The kids would come and go at our house as if it were their own and Bill was pretty understanding when our Chow Chow "tasted" his little boy when he got too near her litter of new puppies. We got a hot tub (this was pre-tricycle age for us) and sternly told Cody that the water would change to bright red if he ever peed in it. Bill was quite a joker and he put the red light cover on one evening when Cody was bopping in and out. Cody's eyes got about the size of softballs and he said, "Dad--Ted's going to KILL you for peeing in the hot tub!" Fast forward a couple of years and enter stage right--Terri. A beautiful and bouncy lady with two beautiful kids of her own. Seldom do you meet a couple who are more in tune with each other--who are best friends and best lovers. Soul mates sounds cliche', but they were. Truly. They married in 1990, about two months before Tyler was born. Ted was best man in their wedding. I was unwieldy in maternity ~~tent~~ formal wear. It was a lovely wedding.

Blended families have their difficulties, but blend they did. And always with a sense of humor and grace. Bill and Ted, while having very diverse interests, hung out together when time and jobs and kids allowed. They took quite a bit of ribbing about Bill and Ted's excellent adventures.

The house two doors up grew too small and their family moved to a larger house nearby and soon afterwards to Farmington, about two and a half hours away. We had family there too, but didn't see them as often as we would have liked. One of my fondest memories is a camping trip we made with them at Navajo Lake...their youngest was a senior in high school by then, and my kids just loved Uncle Bill and Aunt Terri. That was the best and last time we spent any extended time with them.
I didn't think to be very concerned when we got the email from Terri letting folks know that Bill had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. We stayed in touch with email and cards, but didn't see them. Then last November, we got a call. Terri and Bill were coming "home" to stay at a premiere resort nearby to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Twenty years? But...I'm only 30 still, right? Bill's condition was rapidly deteriorating. He wasn't able to leave their hotel room for the party, so the party went to him. Seeing him in pain caused pain for us, but his laugh, his infectious grin and his sense of humor remained intact. The stories he shared and the visit we had was precious and will always remain so in my memories. And Terri. Wow. What a tower of strength. And still a beauty. Taking care of her lover, her best friend, her soul mate. She spoke of experimental treatments and a mention of traveling to Houston to see one more doctor, seek one more treatment, was made.
A few weeks later the emails became less hopeful for a recovery here on earth, and spoke more of the hope we hold in Christ. There would be no more aggressive treatments. I urged Ted to try to get up to Farmington to see Bill. Over Christmas, he just couldn't bring himself to go see him. He had said his good byes in November.
Last Saturday we received the news we'd been dreading for ourselves, but longed for for Bill's sake. "Our dear Bill is free at last...free from the earthly shackles of pain and deterioration."

Always, I'll remember him. I'll remember him trying to teach me to two-step while I was about eight months pregnant. Polishing belt buckles takes on a whole new meaning when one of the bellies has a large-ish baby/person inside of it. I'll remember his grin and his chuckle and the twinkle that never seemed to leave his eye. I'll remember him helping me with one baby, when I was AGAIN about eight months pregnant and getting our 2WD truck up the snowy hill in front of our house while Ted couldn't leave the airport for days on end. I'll remember him loving my husband and my kids and me. And loving us all so well. I'll remember the wisdom he spoke and the love he had for his special lady. I'll remember Terri in my prayers and ask that God give her a peace that can come only from Him. And I'll remember how devoted Bill was to God. For in all things we are created solely for His glory. We should all live so well as did Bill.

Momma said...

2011-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's easy to forget that the sun comes up. Every. Single. Day.

And that no matter how bleak things appear, there is a reason to hope. Every. Single. Day.

While choosing minute-by-minute to hope, to encourage, to bolster, sometimes ~~I feel like~~ I'm faking it 'til I make it.

Y'know what? I'm starting to make it.

Focus.

2010-12-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

I asked a good friend today if he felt like our focus was wavering. He responded that we seem to be so busy doing good that we have lost sight, depth and grasp of our First Love.

Take a moment now. Breathe in. Remember the God of the Universe came down in the form of a little baby some two thousand years ago. For you. For me. For all of us lost and wandering sinners. And He’s coming back again. Soon.

Merry Christmas!

Winter

2010-12-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

I have a winter in my soul right now. But it's not the kind of winter that is bleak and desolate. It's the kind where, although I feel cold and hear only silence, there's a hint of expectation. A time of looking forward to what may happen next. A time of waiting. And watching. It may not all be good. It's never ALL good, but inside my head I murmur over and over, "GOD is sovereign. God IS sovereign. God is SOVEREIGN." And I am desperate to hear from Him.

Could it be...(the Fright Night Edition)

2010-10-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

...the end of an era? Lidna over at 2nd Cup is taard! Coming up with a dozen thought provoking prompts when you are a ministry assistant, wife, mom to three (one of whom just recently announced her engagement…congratulations Katie!...) is a lot to ask of one person. She's tapering off. So the dozen is now just a couple. Answer these on your own blog and then linky up over at 2nd Cup….

1. What scares you the most

A) Physically

Swimming in deep water that doesn’t have concrete surrounding it and chlorine in it. But perversely, I love playing in the ocean and on the beach. I have come to terms with it and can even jump off cliffs into lakes now, but it always makes me feel all squeemy inside. But at least I don’t have to resort to Jack Daniels when I do it...

B) Emotionally

Outliving one of my children. I watched my aunt go through it twice, and that scares the pants off me. I don’t even like to think about it.

Why does it scare you, and how do you cope?

It scares me because it goes against the laws of nature. I would feel as if one of my main purposes in life were gone. I am afraid that I would have such anger that I would sin against God in a truly mighty way. I cope with lots and lots of prayer.

2. What comes to mind when you read the phrase, "Nothing gold can stay?"

James 5:3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

Matthew 6:19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

I'm pretty sure that wasn't what Linda was shooting for, but, that's what I think about....

Wow! I wasn’t very witty or funny today. I’ve had a crushingly busy week (Thank You Lord, for your provision). Updates from last week: I now have my shiny new fridge of my dreams and Ted’s surgery is scheduled for November 8. Say a prayer for him, won’t you?

Thanks!

The Times They Are A Changin'

2010-10-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

On Friday, the day before I ~~was forced to remember that it was~~ celebrated my 49th birthday, our oldest son left our home to begin to make one of his own. It’s been a bittersweet time. I love that he is happy and well and still only about eight miles away. But I hate that he’s not right across the hall and always ready to share a breakfast burrito or a white pizza or a game of Talisman (latest new addiction—yes, I am a total nerd/geek and yes, I know the game has been out for almost 30 years. It's new to me, ok?) at the drop of a hat. My little boy will be 20 years old in just a couple of months. He’s traveled and seen more of the country than I have. He’s responsible, can back up a big truck and park it like nobody’s business, and is a spiritual giant in my eyes. I saw him at church Sunday (didn’t see him all day Saturday. On my birthday. I know, RIGHT?) and got all welly and hugged his neck until I think I embarrassed him. I am officially one of those mothers now.

Tyler moved in with his cousin, Kyle and another roommate. Kyle is 16 days younger than Tyler. Originally, they should’ve been about 10 weeks apart, but Tyler was three weeks late and Kyle was 4 weeks early. I was in the room when Kyle was born and he is a child of my heart. He’s a precious, sweet boy who’s a dead ringer for Elijah Wood. For the first two years of their lives they saw each other nearly every day. They shared the same daycare provider, the same toys…pretty much everything.

Closer little boys you can’t imagine. Kyle’s family moved away about three weeks after Caleb was born.

It was hard on Tyler, especially at first, but we gave him two additional siblings in rapid succession and with our family of six we stayed very busy.

Somehow, no matter how long it was between visits, that bond Kyle and Tyler formed at such an early age was never broken and they always were able to pick up exactly where they left off before. Tyler spent many the summer week with the cuz’s over the years. I’m glad that they will be able to renew their bond as brothers. And also secretly think that now that they are rooming together I’ll get to steal a little more time seeing Kyle as well (he’s here in town attending the University of New Mexico).

I have a tiny white refrigerator in my kitchen right now. My gorgeous black Maytag with the freezer on the bottom had the compressor burn out last week. We found one that was a terrific deal. It wasn’t my Maytag. Wasn’t my dream refrigerator, but it was what we could afford, especially with Ted’s salary situation right now. Borrowed my BFF’s fancy-schmancy box/lift truck (the one Tyler can back up so skillfully) both to move in the non-dream refrigerator as well as move the bulk of Tyler’s ~~junk~~ belongings. Plugged it in and 24 hours later it still was a balmy 50 degrees in the fridge and 40 in the freezer, despite being turned to max cold. Went back to the store (on my birthday…joy) and picked out another non-dream refrigerator. They delivered the tiny white loaner to us and picked up the non-working one. By now, I was in tears and Ted and I had some stress-induced unhappy words. The kind that are usually thru clenched teeth or hissed. He went back inside the store, did his Ted-magic incantations over the customer service desk and apparently I will have a fridge of my dreams delivered this coming Friday. I don’t know what it looks like—honestly I don’t even care at this point. I no longer have ice chests in my living room filled with cold cuts, eggs and milk. And by this weekend I will have a wonderful, 25 cubic foot fridge.

And now I’m 49. So, if I live to be 98 (and my immediate family is NOT known for longevity) I am middle-aged. If I don’t live that long, I am well past my prime. But I feel good. I have ample food in my tiny white fridge. And Ted finally gets to see the surgeon Thursday. Oh yes…I forgot to mention that the MRI was not sent to the surgeon last week so his appointment was postponed. My kids are healthy.

Amy is in a new school, which so far she loves. If all goes well with her early ACT which she'll take in December, she’ll be able to get dual credit with university level courses at Johns Hopkins beginning next semester. Tyler is in Denver for two weeks of training with his new job. So I can’t even go over to his new place and fuss around. But life is good. Caleb is a senior and Tanner a freshman. Both are doing well in school. Lucy hobbles around rather adorably and Tyler left his cat Sabra here. That makes Lucy happy, but she leaves her hair everywhere. Stress, to some extent is good. Right?

Of Mice and Men and Random Things...

2010-10-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

This has been kind of a tough season.

There are days when I feel like I'm going down for the count, but somehow, God sends somebody or something along to lift my head and my heart.

Lucy broke her knee. She was in a cast (actually about 4 casts) from the beginning of August until the end of September.

Not just in a cast, but the poor little thing was confined to her crate for at least 6 of those 9 weeks. They wanted to do surgery on her. The projected cost was $2000. I’m sorry, but we now have a little dog that hops around on three legs most of the time. It’s cute in a pitiful sort of way. I can live with a three-legged dog. But $2000. Just. Not. Happening. As it is, we’re into it for about $600. $600 that we can ill afford right now. She’s happy and doesn’t know that she’s differently-abled. It hasn’t slowed her down one little millisecond, and she isn’t in pain. If we hadn’t already re-named her about five times, I’d call her Tripod.

Then, right before the Pagosa Mom’s Trip (In an Effort Not to Kill Our Families), Ted tore his meniscus at work. It’s a complex tear. He is on partial disability. The injury was on August 24. Tomorrow is October 13. He sees the surgeon tomorrow. It was the first available appointment. Yes, you read that right. Forty-nine (49) days. He's been working half time, cleaning planes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. It pretty much stinks. They are playing games with his paycheck. Badly. We are sweating out each week, but God is good and keeping me busy. I’ve already done more closings in October than I did the entire month of September.

And speaking of the signing agent gig…I am one of the lucky selectees that the State of New Mexico, in their infinite wisdom, has chosen to be the subject of what is called a managed audit. For the tax years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The hits just keep on coming.

Ted’s uncle died on Saturday morning at the age of 82. It was relatively quick, but a painful passing. Because of the long wait to get into the surgeon, Ted elected not to travel to Texas for the funeral and re-schedule his ortho appointment. But the in-laws drove through on Sunday night and used the Hoyle abode as a hotel. Somebody left a sinkful of soapy water when we went to bed. Coulda' been me. Just sayin’. (Sorry Lidna; I know this may make you gag). When Ted came home from his half shift of work at 1:30 a.m. on Monday he found a mouse. Drowned. In my kitchen sink. With a few dishes. Ick. Ick. Ick. Ick. Ick. He was kind enough to toss little mousey (in the top of my trash so I could see him in the morning, albeit), and bleach the entire kitchen down. But…Ick. Ick. Ick. Ick. Ick. Ick.

That’s a brief recap of just a few of the highlights of my season thus far. Amy just changed schools yesterday, mid-year. I’ve had some strange things happening health-wise. I’m struggling with some major decisions. And yet, through it all, I’m filled with a peace that truly passes all understanding. If you’ve been praying for me, please don’t stop! I’ve felt them and hope for the Holy Spirit’s grace and mercy to fill me….

And now, on to the dozen random questions that Lidna from 2nd Cup has posted for the weekly meme….These are an amalgam of questions she's solicited from friends and family. To play the game, answer your own and link to her blog....then comment on some of the other answers. It's the right thing to do.

1. Is there a word which you initially mispronounced? Were the circumstances in which you made the faux pas embarrassing? By the way, that's not "foax pass." (I know you know that. Just jokin' with ya.)

I vividly remember telling my mom that chocolate cake filled me with ex-STAY-see when I was about ten years old. She laughed and laughed and it kind of crushed my little soul a little. But I am still filled with ex-STACY-see at the thought of chocolate cake.

2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.")

Ubetcha. TheyR my fav way 2 talk. I am 2bz4uqt to spell evrythg. I use them all the time. Sometimes I think that I would not communicate with my kids at all were it not for texting. The auto-complete function on my phone doesn’t work properly, so I abbreviate all the time….and use lots of ellipses…if you can imagine. I love ellipses…I find ellipses to be full of expression...

3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.

It wasn't terrible. And, my how I wish I had that skin now! I was totally rocking the Farrah Fawcett wings in 1979, but thought my picture was ok.

5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.

I went out for court my senior year. I remember I wore a beautiful maroon wraparound disco skirt that was really flow-y and was shorter in the front than in the back. I was not voted on to the homecoming court. It did not break my heart. Went to the game though…it was my first date with Ted. We both do not like football. Don’t be a hater. Our school won. Highland beat Valley 28-7. I still have my pink crocheted over-sweater that I wore on that first date. Go Hornets. Rah.

6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?"

Wow. Which one of your children do you love the best? Both sunrise and sunset tend to be spectacular here in the Land of Enchantment. I think maybe sunrise because it’s like the dawn of a new day and a fresh start. You get to wipe the slate clean from yesterday’s junk.

7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"

Go on a cruise. Someday. Sigh.

8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"

Ugh. Maybe as a little spoiled rotten three-legged toy poodle who is loved by someone as much as Ted loves Lucy.

9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.

I was struggling with depression and heavily over-medicated by a well-meaning CNP…I was taking four (4!) different anti depressants at the same time and was pretty much a zombie. I felt nothing. No. Thing. On the bright side, they suppressed my appetite. A lot. To the point where at 5’(almost)6” I weighed about 115….I was able to wean myself off of them, but sometimes still struggle.

10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?

Usually. I wish I didn't, but it happens that I'm right so often....tee hee...

11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"

Yes. Seriously…I think possibly Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. But that is more drink than food. Yes to caramel. MY question…do you pronounce it CARE-a-mell or CAR-mul?

12. From my 17 year-old daughter to you: "If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?" (She's so cute. And clever.)

I used to dream about living with Porter Ricks (from Flipper) because I had a huge crush on Sandy (Luke Halpin) Yes, I am showing my age…

(Looks a little like Josh Holloway…with maybe a touch of Zach Efron?)

…but I think maybe the Brady Bunch because they had Alice to cook and clean. The whole one bathroom for six kids would have to be remedied. Been there done that with the Texaco bathroom saga….

So, sorry the beginning was such a downer. I had fun with the Dozen (I always do!). Play along an link on up!

Random Dozen. The Happy Birthday Edition

2010-10-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Lidna, over at 2nd Cup, just celebrated her birthday and asked lots of people to contribute prompts for the Random Dozen meme. She chose one of mine! I'm so flattered! So...here's my take on the doz....won't you play along, too?

1. From "Men Are Dumb ....": If you had a theme song that played whenever you walked into a room full of people, what would it be?

My second son says “BOOM” by P.O.D. should play whenever I walk in to a room.

Strangely disturbing. He says it was his “first band” outside of what his parents liked and Veggie Tales. How that makes it MY theme song, I’m not quite sure….In case you can’t decipher them, part of the lyrics say, “BOOM! Here comes the BOOM! How you like me now I say…” Never try to complete a blog post with the help of two 17-year-olds. At least he didn’t say Elton John “The B**ch is Back.” Sigh...

2. From Pam of "Alert And Oriented x 4": Which of your shoes are your absolute favorite, and which are of the object of your most painful shoe-buyer's remorse?

Since this is my question…I have a pair of brown open-toed pumps that I get huge compliments on that I blogged about here. I can wear them for about 2 hours before my toes start complaining, but, they are oh, so lovely! I have buyer’s remorse for a pair of really nice black patent slingbacks that have a little gold strip right along the toe line. I actually bought the shoes for a wedding before I ever picked out a dress to go with them. They were, of course, on sale. I buy NOTHING unless it’s on sale. They look A.Maz.Ing. Super dressy. To look their best they need to be worn with ultra sheer black stockings. Which make it impossible to keep the sling from slipping off my heels. They were marked down from $190 to $30, but still….sigh. Wish I’d have tried them on WITH stockings.

3. From Susanne of "Living to Tell the Story": Tell about your favorite birthday celebration that you've personally experienced.

When I turned 21, my husband had to work a double shift--all day. My in-laws wanted to take me to dinner at a family-style institution in the mountains to the east of our city called Bella Vista (since closed). It was a family-style all you can eat restaurant with all-you-can-eat fried chicken, fried fish, cole slaw and huge wedge french fries. They would bring huge baskets of everything to your table. It seemed weird that just the three of us were going there, because it's really a place to take a crowd to and I was a little bummed out because I was without Ted. When I walked in, not only was Ted there, but my dad and all of Ted’s brothers and sisters and their spouses (even the out-of-towners) as well as nieces and nephews were there as a surprise. Generally I hate surprises, but not that time. I still get a little welly thinking about it. A week from Saturday I'll turn 49. Wishing Bella Vista were still open, just for the memories. The gift of yourself truly is the best gift ever.

4. From Lori of "Just me and My Life": If you were a flavor of ice cream, which would you be?

Mocha java mint chip. Mysterious with a little surprise kick at the end.

5. Cindy Swanson of "Notes in the Key of Life" asks: Have you ever had a crush on a movie star? Who was it, and are you still crushing?
I’ve always tended to like the rough-n-tough bad boys. Don Johnson, back in the day wasn’t so bad,

and now it’s Josh Holloway

Ted, cream-cheese filling good as he is, has nothing to worry about however…

6. Jill from "Jill Boyd's Place" inquires: Glasses or braces--if you had to wear one, which would it be?
Braces. Glasses are forever. Unless you get lasik. Braces eventually come off, even if the retainer shouldn’t….

7. Nel from "Fasteneau Facts" asks: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Providing my friends and family would be there (at least when I wanted them to be), Monterey, CA….or Carmel.

8. Thena from "Patiently Waiting" wants to know: If money were no obstacle, what would be the perfect birthday gift to receive?

Precious time with my family and closest friends…no pressures, no worries. A weekend at a resort with all of them. I once heard someone say that time is the most expensive gift you can give. Once it’s spent, you can never earn it back. (See # 3)

9. From "Life Through Bifocals," LynnMarie asks: What is your favorite birthday meal?

A good bloody steak, baked sweet potato and a nice girly salad with spinach and feta and strawberries. Something decadently chocolate for dessert. Pei Wei is always nice, too...

10. Debby at "Just Breathe" checks in with: Do you still send hand-written thank you notes?

Almost always. I love receiving them. When I was little, my mom wouldn’t let me play with my gifts at birthdays and Christmas until my thank you notes were all written. I WISH I’d started that with my own kids. It’s just the right thing to do. However, if you are just writing a rote “thank you for the gift,” without any heartfelt-ness, just skip it, or drop me an email.

11. Linda from "Mocha with Linda" poses this question: What is something you've done that you never thought you'd do?

Jump off a cliff into a lake. I’m deathly afraid to be in water that’s not encased in concrete and smelling of chlorine. Lakes are worse than the ocean (I didn’t say it was rational). Fish poo in there, you know. Somehow the salt in the ocean makes the poo factor more bearable. And me more buoyant. I had a near drowning incident when I was around two years old and it really made me afraid of open water. At the age of 44, with huge encouragement from my husband and kids, I jumped off a 25 foot cliff into a murky lake. And I lived to tell about it.

12. Jewel, my homegirl from Indiana who writes at "Musings from the World of Jewel," is very insistent that we answer this: Mount Rushmore honors four US Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. If you could add any person to Mount Rushmore, who would you add and why?

So many….Master Chief, Bob the Tomato, Neo…oh, a REAL person? I think the Apostle Paul. He was human and flawed, but like the four men there now, he strove for excellence and the betterment of all mankind. Wow. That’s corny.

So write you own answers and play along over at 2nd Cup. You’ll be glad you did.

Overwhelmed

2010-09-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be reading this and you happen to be the type of person who talks with God on a regular, or even a not-so-regular basis, I’d appreciate if you could say a prayer or three for me. There’s pretty much a ton of stuff going on in my life right now and while I am feeling so loved and cared for, I am also overwhelmed. Kind of like as hard as I pull, nothing is moving the way it's supposed to.

Like the mule in the photo up there, I just need to set my feet upon the rock again....
Psalm 40:12

Thanks!

Love ya! More than my luggage!

RD to the nth Power

2010-09-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

I say that because Lidna over at 2nd Cup has her Random Dozen meme up and thinks shes' at post one million or so, but I couldn't figure out how to write 1,000,000 in Roman numerals, SO.... nth Power it will be. There is Power in the Dozen! Post your own, link up over at Lid's and play along!

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.

I do sale now…and have, but not as frequently as I have in the past. I bought a really pretty brass chandelier at one for $4 about 20 years ago…that chandelier still hangs over my dining table. Ted says he’ll pay me NOT to have them anymore. They are a pain to host, I must agree. Because I work for a poor church, every time I pass one with a vacuum cleaner that works, I buy it.

2. Name the last thing you fixed.

Probably a vacuum. (see # 1)

3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool

A) Mary Kay Highlighting pen. Aka Miracle Worker.

4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?

Yes. Yes, they do.

5. Which room could use re-decorating?

Yes. Yes they do.

6. Share something unique about your town.

We host the world’s largest Hot Air Balloon gathering each October. Seeing 900 or so balloons in a mass ascension is amazing (or disturbing if you are a dog hereabouts. Claire needs valium during the Fiesta and the months leading up to it). The burners make a noise that must be deeply disturbing to dogs. Claire hears them from inside the house and starts going nuts. They take off almost every morning at sunrise, especially this time of year. I’ve actually gone up a couple of times. It’s an odd sensation…you move with the wind so there’s no real sense of movement. You should all come sometime. Hotel rooms are impossible, but I have a couple of couches and a futon.

7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?

Imitate Jesus.

8. Do you Facebook?

You really mean am I addicted to crack, right? Don't be a hater.

9. Describe your favorite shoes.

For prettiful/casual I have pair of silver dressy sandals (even tho’ they have the thing between your toes, they are much too dressy to be called flip flops). Workout shoes? My Ryka’s. And, then of course, I still have these, about which I wrote a post:

10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?

Music…alternative. Unless it's rush hour, and then I bop back and forth to catch the traffic reports...

11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?

I make my own favorite (chicken fried steak), so probably about 20 feet from where I currently sit. However, my mother-in-law’s pot roast could probably help achieve world peace, so I think … 200-ish miles?

12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?

Working on the retreat We have just over a week left and not only am I the chief cook and bottle washer, I’m co-leading a breakout on prayer this year. In fact, leaving for coffee and planning meeting with Rachel. RIGHT NOW!

It's pretty sad when the sum total of my blog posts seem to be all about the Dozen (even tho' there's Power in the Dozen). I really need to be more creative and write about more. I pledge that once the retreat is over, I will do more regular posts and fewer memes. Now post your own and play along!

After the first one, THEN you can tag it as annual!

2010-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

We were gone a mere 36 hours...it should've been much longer....

Three of my bestest girlfriends and I just got back from Pagosa Springs. We have, among us 10 children, ranging in age from 19 months to 21 years. School is back in session. Fall is a little crisp snap in the air. We laughed, cried, soaked, relaxed ate...and can't wait to do it again next year!

Cost of spa/hotel, split 4 ways: $60
Gas for the Prius $20
Nutella and Ritz $7
Memories for a lifetime? PRICELESS!

Cast of Characters:

Laura; the baby of the group. I've been married longer than she's been alive. She just finished her advanced degree as an architect and is well on her way to becoming licensed. Passionate about her baby, her man (who happen to be two of my favorite people), and Jesus. Literal and artistic. Dreamy and sassy.

Robin: Take charge. Owner of her own small business. Loves her Jesus. Mom to three. Unintimidatable. (Is that a word?) Unflappable. Practical and incredibly funny. The t-shirts were all her. Also, a great beauty. What I wouldn't give for her skin!

Rachel: My prayer partner princess. Needed this getaway possibly more than the rest of us. Gifted author. Phenomenal cook. Logophile (yes, I had to look that up), mom of two very active boys and a Daughter of the King.

Me: I am what I am and who I am. Grounded, yet excitable. Cynical and full of wonder at the same time. Mother to four and surrogate to many, many. And I am so excited to see this become an annual getaway. If you've never been to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, you have no idea what you are missing....Praying for more to join us next year. Woo to the hoo!

Random Dozen Labor Day Edition.

2010-09-07T20:31:00.001-07:00

Lidna over at 2nd Cup has her Labor Day edition of the Random Dozen posted. Play along and link up, won’t you?

1 Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.
I make an absolutely amazing grilled cheese.
Don’t let the mundane name fool you. It will change your life. You’re welcome.

2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie?
Hard question! I think possibly conversation will inspire me to pray, and song will inspire me to worship, a book to write a blog and a movie (depending on the movie) to sleep…I am terrible. Ted says I am like the little baby dolls...once my head tips past a certain angle, my eyes slam shut. I have yet to see The Matrix in one sitting…I always fall asleep about the time the Oracle lights up her cigarette….

3. What is your favorite board game?
I LOVE games! Catchphrase, Apples to Apples, Phase 10...although none of them require “boards,” I think this is what Lidna meant. I also like cribbage, just bought Farkle and I’m dying to try Quelf…

4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children?
Teeny-weenies, I am more patient (as in, those who are not yet able to move from point A to point B under their own power. The ones from ages 3-7-ish, not so much.

5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of.
Toilet paper. I have four teenagers. Ever try to clear a line when somebody flushed a paper towel? And remember this? You never know when you're going to need toilet paper. Just sayin'.

6. Do you agree with Tennyson's assertion, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?"
Oh, yes! The joy is in the journey and what you are able to take from it.

7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited.
The Grand Canyon. One of God’s masterpieces.

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?
I think it’s more painful to be disappointed in someone else. I am regularly disappointed in myself, so I’ve come to expect it. It’s those times when it hits you out of the blue from someone you didn’t expect that hurt more. Maybe it’s the disillusionment?

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?
I have a cross stitch in a frame…it’s a little bear with really burly arms that says “I love a man with dishpan hands.” It's kind of a double entendre. And then, there’s my refrigerator. I am one of those annoying people who have about 3000 photos as well as miscellaneous detritus that may or may not apply or be current in my life. It’s not just the door. It’s every side reachable.

10. Are you a crafty person?
Maybe? A little bit? I stitched that picture up there....

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?
Steak. Good and rare.

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.

Wasn’t so leisurely, but I went with 39 of my closest friends (youth group and leadership) to the Lives Ablaze conference at Glorieta, NM. I was able to see lives redeemed and hope renewed. On Sunday evening, 17 of them stepped out of death and into life eternal. I certainly enjoyed that.

BUT on the Tuesday-Wednesday before that, three of my closest friends and I took the day and went to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. That’s a whole blog in itself!THAT my friend, was leisure at it's finest

Please play along, won’t you?

I do the Doz

2010-08-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Usually, if I participate in the Random Dozen, I try to get it up EARLY. That didn't happen this week. Lidna over at 2nd Cup's meme is up and ready to linky.

1.What is your favorite Mexican dish?

Chile rellenos. Green chile chicken enchiladas. Or Christmas (red + green chile) or….hey, I live in NM…I can’t choose.

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?

Right away, usually.

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?

An antique store? Mor?

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?

Yes…worked in the cafeteria and got free lunch. Pizza Fridays….mmmmmmmmm

5. Is religion a crutch?

Organized religion can be. I have a relationship with God. It’s not a crutch. It is my entire life and reason for being. I think that organized religion can become a rote practice in which one doesn't have to think, but they just kind of put themselves on autopilot and go through the motions. The rituals can be comforting because they are familiar, but they don't make any impact on anyone. Changed lives change lives.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?

Football & basketball…but soccer is catching up.

7. Do you consider yourself rich?

I am richly blessed. Monetarily, it’s pretty much subjective. If you have access to $20 in cash you are wealthier than something like 80% of the world’s population. If you are asking about other riches, I am rich beyond measure.

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:

A) CPR

B) Heimlich Maneuver

C) Changing a flat tire

CPR. They just simplified it. Do it to the beat of Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees and you’re good.

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:

A) Salsa

B) Hip Hop

C) Waltz

D) Swing

Waltz…someday I will dance at my children’s weddings and I don’t want to totally embarrass them.

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?

I had to tell some of the kids in my youth group that their aunt had died from an overdose. While they were at my oldest son’s graduation party. Tragic. And once I had to tell close friends that they had been betrayed publicly.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.

The calories in a Frontier cinnamon roll are conversely effected by the amount of caffeine consumed and the laughter of the people with whom you consume said roll and caffeine.

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?

This is so embarrassing. “California girls, we’re unforgettable; Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top. Sun kissed skin so hot we’ll melt your popsicle oh-oh-oh-oh-oh”

Now that I've totally humiliated myself, post your own and link up.

All the news that fits...

2010-08-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

This is a sad post.

My heart is heavy.

I just read about two toddlers whose bodies were recovered from their mother’s car that was submerged in a river. Poor babies….they never had a chance. The circumstances surrounding the deaths are suspicious. Although the article meagerly attempts to be unbiased, it’s obvious that the mom has been all but convicted, at least in the reporter’s mind.

At the end of the article, we are reminded of Susan Smith, who in 1994 was convicted in the deaths of her own two children in a similarly chilling incident, also in South Carolina.

I’m not saying that in this latest incident the mother is guilty of anything. But I’m so sad.

We live in the information age. Horrid and sickening news is pounded at us until we risk becoming calloused. I can’t help but wonder…IF this mom did this intentionally, would she have thought up that little idea all by herself, or did she glean the idea from the Nancy Grace-est type reporting that sensationalizes this kind of thing? You can be sure that we’ll hear about it for weeks to come on Ms. Grace’s show. It is a show…I can’t bring myself to call it a newscast.

And yet. Today in the United States 4,000 or so innocent babies were killed. They were ripped from what should be the safest place on earth and torn limb from limb by surgical abortion. Did that make front page headlines? Will we hear about this? Or have people become immune to hearing about it?

(to read more about Christ-centered Pro-Life, visit Bryan Kemper’s blog )

It's Ba-a-ck!

2010-08-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Lidna over at 2nd Cup (http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/ )has come off of hiatus for the Random Dozen, a fun meme where you answer 12 seemingly random questions. Join in, won't you? - Sorry, unable to add links in the text, so they are in parenthesis....
1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

At my nieces wedding watching my extended family attempt to dance. We gots us some MOVES!

2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?

Spend it on school fees at registration this week, probably. Or a new bridge for my new electric violin...

3. Do you volunteer anywhere?

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…..(I work at a church and have four kids…what do you think?)

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?

Strawberries. No, raspberries. No, wait..blueberries…OK…BERRIES! Yes! In a boat, with a goat, in a house, with a mouse, here there, everywhere…well, you get the idea.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?

Close circle is smallish...probably four REALLY close friends. Extended “family” is large… (I work at a church and have four kids..what do you think?)

6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go?

See # 1..said niece’s wedding was pretty much a family reunion of sorts. It was awe.some.

7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?

Send me a text, drop me an email or leave me a note telling me they are praying for me and love me!

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?

See # 1 and #6 (it was multi-purpose)

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time?

A mirror in my purse. Second only to the hairbrush in there…seldom used away from home.

10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?

Totally embarrassing…the only movie I’ve seen in the theater since…February? is Shrek III…or IV…not sure where they are. I watched The Book of Eli from Netflix…it was quite good. And I’m currently watching the Starz series Pillars of the Earth, also on Netflix. As it’s one of my favorite novels, and they are treating it well, I’m really enjoying that, too.

11. Describe a perfect summer day.

Coffee on the porch with Ted watching the sun come up…a little Facebook, a little breakfast, a little workout…a lot of hanging out…a little nap and a lazy float down the river in an inner tube before a thunderstorm…

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!
Way too many favorites to choose just one....

Ruin

2010-08-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

August of 2010 is a mere four days old, and it's already been a doozy.

There's been heartbreak surrounding me. Mine and the hearts of those I love. I prayed for ruin. I prayed for God to ruin me. To ruin them. Control freak that I am, I didn't want it to happen this way. Ruin. Already, through it all, I am seeing growth and strength. New shoots of hope. I choose to believe in You, God. I believe that You have me (and them) in the palm of Your hand. I believe that we need our brokenness and that You will see us through and heal us. I believe that You will turn ashes into beauty. Help my unbelief. If grace is an ocean, we are all sinking, like the song says. And like Dory says, just keep swimming.

Monday evening, (note here: day 2) I got a text that the restaurant next door to our church was on fire. Hopped in the biggerredtruck and there I found (and I promise I am NOT exaggerating here--not that I'm prone to that or anything) 9..yes NINE fire/emergency vehicles, including 2 ladder trucks on OUR roof with firefighters carrying axes around up there. Scary stuff. After waiting around for at least an hour and a half, they allowed us to go inside to check for damage. It was hazy/smoky inside and we had a little bit of water that had seeped under the walls, but everything seemed okay for the most part. Then, when I went to the hallway by the back door I heard horrible hissing and smelled a LOT of gas. The firefighters that were with us had little air quality meters with them that started going crazy and they asked us to exit the building. Now. We did. Apparently, they tried to shut off the gas at the meter in back, and in the process broke the valve off. No, the fire department is NOT run by BP. Firefighters stayed overnight to make sure everything was ok, and by the next morning our power was restored. So, for the last two days, I've been there moving stuff into or out of the closet. And assembling new shelves. A true exercise in patience. Not too much damage for us. But some ruin. And the restaurant will have to be closed for at least a month. The family that owns it is in tatters. They are devastated. Newly immigrated to this country, they were attempting to live out the American dream. They were already struggling mightily. More heartbreak. More ruin.

Do you remember when Extreme Home Makeover first started? They used the bones of the existing houses and just remodeled. They quickly realized that they got better results when they tore down and completely rebuilt. It might be dramatic, but the finished work can take your breath away. You can build on top of a ruin. Turn ashes into beauty. It's not always necessary to tear it all down. Sometimes just minor changes are needed. But not here. Not in my heart. I prayed for ruin. Walls needed to come down. And when it's all over, on the other side, I'll be standing. Tall. New. Again.

Pssst! This guy here....

2010-07-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

The one WAYYyyyyyyyyyy up in the top of that tree? The man-boy I've been missing so much for the past weeks....

Will be getting on about 3 of these

Tomorrow.

And in just about 15 hours I get to wrap my arms around him again. I may just let go long enough to let Breanah hug first....but then he's mine.

Rumor has it he looks a little like this now

Not so much like this, which is what he looked like when he stepped onto that first plane:

I don't think I'll care. I just want to smell his head. He's still one of my babies, you know.....

By this time tomorrow we'll be replete with momma's homemade chicken fried steak, mashed potatos and gravy, green beans and Sister Shubert's rolls....unless he wants something else for supper. Cuz tomorrow it's all about him.

Jealous Much?

2010-07-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just got back from spending a week with 44 of the most incredible students and leaders on the planet.

And then after making a shameless plea on facebook, got an invitation to the best Independence Day bbq with some friends, old and new. We had an great time, and among other things too plentiful, delicious and fattening to mention, partook of this:

(and yes, that is a brand, spanking new pedicure peeking out at the bottom, thank you very much.).

I am a very blessed woman.

Auto-WHAT?

2010-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

This comes from a friend of mine, who got it from an apparently unknown source. I don't claim credit for writing it, but I love the message.
After facing the blue screen of death this week, I totally appreciate the humor....

Jesus and Satan were having an ongoing argument about who managed to get the most out of his computer. This had been going on for days and God was tired of hearing all of the bickering. God said, "Cool it. I am going to set up a test that will run two hours and I will judge who does the better job."

So down they sat at the keyboards and typed away.

They did spreadsheets,

They wrote reports....

They sent faxes.

They sent out e-mail.

They sent out e-mail with attachments.

They downloaded.

They did some genealogy reports.

They made cards.

They did every known job.

But just a few minutes before the two hours were up lightening flashed across the sky. The thunder rolled and the rains came down hard. And of course the electricity went off.

Satan was upset. He fumed and fussed and he ranted and raved, all to no avail. The electricity stayed off. But after a bit the rains stopped and the electricity came back on.

Satan screamed, "I lost it all when the power went off. What am I going to do? What happened to Jesus' work?"

Jesus just sat and smiled. Again Satan asked about the work that Jesus had done. As Jesus turned his computer back on the screen glowed and when he pushed "print," it was all there.

"How did he do it?" Satan asked.

God smiled and said, "Jesus Saves."

Oh no I dint...oh, wait...yes I did!

2010-06-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am a sucker.

There is one born every minute.

Point in case:

This is the newest member of my household. We THINK her name is Jouet (French for 'toy'). We aren't positive about that yet. But it seems to fit. To illustrate just how tiny she is right now, I direct you to this photo:

My apologies for the quality of the photo..it's from my cell phone, but yes, she is INSIDE Caleb's sweatpants pocket. She probably weighs about 1.5 lbs now. She may get up to 6 or 7 lbs and 10" tall. She is called a Phantom...which means while she is a toy poodle, she has the markings of a Doberman Pinscher. I don't like poodles. But who couldn't love a face like that? Yes, I caved. Yes, I am potty training another dog.

Ted's sister raises them and she is going to France next weekend to visit her daughter, who is an absolutely amazing young woman, a coluratura soprano. Even if you don't like opera, I think you will hear about her. She was told last week by the Prima Diva in France that she would one day have multiple homes on multiple continents. But I digress. Becky needed to find a home for Jouet. Quickly. Ted was visiting his mom and dad and came home with Jouet. I am a sucker. But at least the little dog tu*ds are miniscule.

Claire is NOT happy, but will adjust. Sabra....maybe not... If you know of anyone in NM or the Four Corners area looking for a new furkid, Jouet has a brother....

In other news, Tyler left last Wednesday for his Stand True trip. So far, it's going with only a minor hitch: his cell phone is broken. He can receive calls and call out, but texting is broken. Hoping for a Verizon anchor store near one of his stops so that he can get it replaced while it's still under warranty. Please continue to pray for him, and the whole team and the lives they will touch. He is in his happy place tonight, at the Icthus Festival in KY, which features lots of his favorite bands. What a great time to be 19....

Tomorrow is day 2 of SonForce Kids VBS...we have a spy/space theme and I'm in charge of games. It's also crazy hair day. I have blue spray, so I can finally acheive my lifelong goal of being a blue-haired lady. Now I can officially tell all the young moms how to raise their toddlers and be both authoratative and guilt-free at the same time. SCORE!

I'm taking votes for the new little furkid's name...any suggestions are welcome!

So now, as one of my friends from England says, "til soon."

When did THIS happen?

2010-06-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

When did this little person

become this little elf....

Who grew into this incredible young man?

Tanner celebrated his 14th birthday over the weekend. I can't believe it's been 14 years....

Don't blink.

ONE of many, many Random Dozen....

2010-05-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

It’s Wednesday, and you know that that means? Lidna continues with the Random Dozen over at 2nd Cup. Play along and then link up. This week’s theme is ONE.

If you can, be sure to visit others and leave at least ONE nice word.

(Because Linda is one of the few people who read my blog I resisted the temptation to insert “One” from A Chorus Line since her appreciation for musical theater is, shall we say, NOT developed.

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?

Quesedillas….with or without chicken. And I ALWAYS have tortillas on hand.

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)

I won’t leave without having to come back inside for something I’ve forgotten, at least once, does that count?

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?

The beach, specifically Hawaii.

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.

I am a 16th cousin to Robert E. Lee.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."

didn't have a computer at home. And thought this thing called “Windows” would slow me down, since I knew a little DOS…sigh...

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?

If calories didn’t count, maybe Dark Cherry Mochas from Sbux? Or Chick-fil-A? But probably I should pick tortillas (see # 1), NO! I have it! Hair care by Mr. Johnny.

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."

I used to deliver singing telegrams.

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?

Peanut M & M’s at the Dollar Tree.

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."

My husband. He’s one of the funniest guys I know!

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?

Step away from the bag of chips. Actually, I DID resist..and Lays Limon were on sale at the Smith’s for $1.98. I consider it a personal victory that I didn’t buy any.

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?

Pray, pray, pray.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?

School letting out for the summer. And then we go to Lives Ablaze Youth Camp. And then in August, I’ll be looking forward to school resuming.

Remember to leave a comment on last week’s # 150 post…deadline is Midnight MDT on Wednesday and the winner will win a Stand True T-shirt. Please pray for Tyler and that his fundraising goals will be met. You can scroll down to the next most recent post if you are led to make a donation yourself. Thanks!

Stand True

2010-05-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Stand True Ministries is all about Christ-centered pro-life. Each summer six to eight young adults from ages 16 through 28 or so pile in a big van and travel around the country setting up booths at music festivals, speaking at churches, participating in prayer vigils and sharing the love and hope of Christ with a lost and dying world. The people on this trip subsist mainly on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and prayers. And I'm asking you to consider helping them.

My son, Tyler, has been accepted to go along on this summer's trip. He'll leave early June and come back in mid-July. He's excited and totally on fire for this. Tyler believes there are no unwanted babies. Each and every soul created by the Master of the Universe was created with a special purpose in mind.

Please keep Tyler, Stand True and all the team in your prayers. I am so incredibly proud of this amazing young man, and can scarcely believe that God blesses me by allowing me to be a parent and friend to him. If you'd like to donate towards this mission trip, please contact me via this blog or facebook. And thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

OH! P.S. Anyone leaving a comment on this post, or on the one with the long title that was # 150 is eligible for the random drawing in celebration of my 150th post. In honor of Tyler, a random commenter will be drawn and once you provide me with your size, you'll receive a Stand True T-shirt. Deadline is 12 midnight MDT Wednesday, May 12.

Post # 150.....LOST! RD, Prom, Famine, Stand True and a Giveaway....

2010-05-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Whew! Could that title possibly be any longer?
This post marks number 150 and to commemorate that fancy number, I would like to have a giveaway. I don't even know what kind of a giveaway...but a giveaway nonetheless. So, I guess leave a comment here and I will use one of those fancy random integer generators and will figure out something really cool to give away.

I guess if I were to post more than say...once a month I wouldn't have so much to post about. LOST has just 2 episodes left. I think I may be bereft on my Tuesday evenings. I have so loved watching this show and trying to figure it out. But tonight's episode...whew! No thoughts/no theories/no spoilers. But who is up for having a LOST party on the 23rd? I can skinny out of a grad party early for that!

Prom: Amy was invited to a local Christian radio station's alternative masquerade prom. We have a rule in our household that before one of our children is allowed to 'date' anyone, the boy must ask the father/parent of the girl and state his intention. This was kind of fun for us as we watched both of her older brothers approach the fathers of the girls they wanted to see. This time, the young man had to ask Amy's dad. Those of you who know Ted know he's a little intimidating. OK. A lot intimidating. Think Terry O'Quinn with hair. Same enigmatic smile. Same thousand yard blue-eyed stare. And he has two sons who hold black belts, a daughter who is a blue belt and another son who is a green belt. My husband and kids are alone or en masse a force with which to be reckoned. (You have no idea how many times I had to re-word that sentence so that it didn't end in a preposition). So this young man worked up his courage and asked. That's another long story in itself, but we are delighted that there is a spark between these two. We love him and his family and he is quite honorable (and a little bit afraid of Amy and a lot afraid of her dad and brothers....). They went to prom and looked absolutely lovely.

I had a ball making her mask. And that's one more hill we've climbed.

30 Hour Famine: Wow--we did it. 30 hours of fasting. No drama. No fainting. And they discovered that what they are starving the most for is God. What an amazing weekend. Wow! And our kids raised a total of....drumroll please....$1651.11. That amount will feed and medicate four impoverished children for one year (plus another for about six months). If you'd like to donate or sponsor a child, please visit World Vision's site. There are photos here. And no, my hair is safe...not purple or shaved.

Stand True: I am thrilled to let everyone know that Tyler has been accepted to go on a six-week mission trip with Stand True ministries. Stand True is a Christ-centered pro-life group. We need to raise about $1200 to cover his expenses. Please let me know in comments if you'd like to help out financially. It is tax deductible. We would covet your prayers. Momma will miss him greatly....

Random Dozen....Lidna is linking up again with her fun meme, the Random Dozen.

Here are my contributions for the week....
1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

My last name was Foster, as was the last name of the (totally unrelated to me) drunken boy who sat next to me during commencement. And puked underneath my chair. Then to follow that up, we (Ted and I) spent the balance of our evening consoling a friend whose girlfriend had broken up with him that afternoon. No, high school years were definitely NOT “the best years of my life.”

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

Tissues. And a flashlight...but that's in my purse...and my notary stamp. Oh, but you said one...

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?

Yes we do. So far, only 2 graduations, one bridal and a baby shower (in May, that is). However, one of the graduations is on May 23, which as you Losties know is just...well....I can't even speak about it. I think I may take advantage of the come and go aspect of that one and leave r-e-e-a-l-l-y early.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

Once you become a mother, pieces of your heart forever walk all over the world, apart from the rest of your body.

5. What was the last thing you broke?

A cheapie vase from the Dollar Tree…but MAN! It shattered in the kitchen and I found glass slivers in my living room….

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

3-10 (depends if it’s Tuesday’s ad day)

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

Browse, yes. Order—online.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?

Lawn-him, flowers-me, dog poop and weeds-that’s why we have kids.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?

My bedroom. Although, I think it may actually be time to rethink the red living room (gasp!)

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

Online.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

Yes I do. Proverbs 19:21 says “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” I may never know this side of heaven, but I know that He, who orchestrated life itself, has a reason for everything.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things.

Much more about doing the right things. The ends don’t justify the means and the right thing may not always be the easiest. But it’s the right thing.

So now, YOU go play along and then link up over at 2nd Cup. And don't forget to leave a comment so that I can celebrate 150 posts. For someone like me, who is an incomplete perfectionist, that's quite an accomplishment!

Her Senior Prom - SOOC

2010-04-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Her Senior Prom. He didn't go to his last year.

He was reluctant to go to hers, too.

I think once he caught sight of her, he changed his mind.

(at least he's not looking to unhappy now)
p.s. Pop over to Slurping Life and get some more great Straight out of Camera Saturday shots!

The Dozen that's Random...again....

2010-04-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Lidna over at 2nd Cup’s Random Dozen has this week's meme up and available. I told myself I wouldn’t post again until I had a real post, but, man—I love having prompts! Please go online and donate for our 30 Hour Famine, post your own answers and then link up over at Lid’s. And it’s really very nice to comment on some other blogs too!

1. How do you feel about "Gladiator" sandals, also called "Roman" or "Jesus" sandals? A fashion yea or nay?
NAY! Well, maybe on Russell Crowe. But I’ve never seen a pair that really flatters a female leg.

2. What is your favorite pizza?
We have a local institution called Dion’s. They make a personal sized crisp crust pizza called the Santorini. It’s a white pizza with red onions, calamata olives, fresh tomatoes and spinach, feta and Romano cheese with basil…a party in your mouth.

3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard's chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could?
[Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "Tara" from Gone With the Wind, or Tracy's tambourine from the Partridge Family.]
The house from Home Alone…paid for with utilities too! OH! And if it were just for sentimental reasons, I think I'd like to own the potter's wheel from Ghost

4. Name a local food or restaurant that your area is famous for.
Dion’s…see #2. And Sadie’s used to be in a bowling alley. They make the best green chile stew evah. It’ll tear the roof right outta your mouth.

5. What is your current favorite snack?
Raw, unsalted almonds.

6. Hypothetical: You are required to be a reality show contestant. Which show would you choose based on your probability of success? (You cannot choose "none.")

A. Dancing with the Stars
B. Biggest Loser
C. Survivor
I can’t dance and my idea of roughing it is if the Winnebago doesn’t have a microwave. I’ll have to go with B.

7. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being uninhabitable and 10 being cleanliness that meets the standards of OCD, how clean is your vehicle's interior?
2. A gallon of milk leaked last week. If anyone has any ideas of how to eradicate the smell of death from my biggerredtruck, I’d be forever grateful.

8. It doesn't feel like Spring until _________.
I hear baby birds chirping from their nest in the ivy on the side of my garage. And I buy the large economy size of generic Zyrtec from Sam's Club.

9. Something that made you laugh really hard recently is ____.
Got VERY giggly at youth group on Sunday attempting to teach the
True Love Waitscurriculum. A little bit too risque to post here on a family blog, but let's just say I had to define a street word that indicates arousal to a bunch of 13-16 year olds....and then explain what "aroused" means....sigh

10. Tell me about a goal you're working toward.
Had I been slacking of and pre-writing my answers yesterday, it would’ve been my taxes and Ty’s FAFSA. Having COMPLETED them both, I am now working on the 30 Hour Famine and losing 25 lbs, but need you all to know that I am NOT doing the Famine to lose weight. Donate HERE please!

11. Share a thought-provoking or inspiring quote this week.
"If a mountain was smooth, you wouldn't be able to climb it" - unknown May your mountains be rugged enough for your to gain purchase, yet gentle enough for you to be able to focus not on your feet and the treachery, but on the Glorious Summit!

12. Name one thing that you do as a parent that you absolutely know will make your kids happy. If you're not a parent, feel free to substitute "friend" or nomenclature that works for you.
Make chicken fried steak with all the traditional accompaniments. And yes, it makes kids, parents, husbands and friends alike happy.

Wanna play?

THAT kind of neighbor, Toilets, Accidental Brunette-dness and the RD

2010-04-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

We are THAT family. For the past six weeks or so, our neighbors have been very patient with us. Every time we pull into our driveway, the theme from Sanford and Son plays. We have had up to six toilets in our yard at one time. In addition to this, because we are under construction and building out the garage as a bedroom for the two younger boys, everything that was formerly in the garage has had to find another temporary home. Thus, we have an elliptical machine, skate boards and ice chests on my front porch and a six-piece Pearl drum kit in my shed.

And at one point, the bench seats from my old Suburban were leaning against the front gate.

Obviously, we never parked our cars in the garage. Yep. THAT family. I am ever so glad we don’t have a homeowner’s association who gets wigged out over that kind of thing. And that we have neighbors who either are just oblivious or kind…

And now, for the big reveal, I believe the time has come to answer the elusive question…what is UP with the toilets?

Well, what is UP, is the UG (or Underground Student Ministries) at Soul Rio is participating in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine on April 23-24. Our students will eat at lunch time on Friday and then begin a fast that will last until 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. During that time, we will grow closer to God and one another, worship Him, play some games, do some community service and raise funds and awareness for world hunger. If you’d like to donate to World Vision and our 30 Hour Famine efforts, you can do so here.

So, the toilets you ask? What’s up with the toilets? Well, our group has come up with six very special pieces of yard ornamentation, or…decorated potties.
We are flushing out hunger! For only $15, anyone can have one of these special potties delivered to the yard of their choice in the Albuquerque-Rio Rancho metro area. Boss has a birthday coming up? Recognize him or her with a potty in their yard. Want to show your brother-in-law’s HOA some real love? Plant a potty…For those who live in the area and want to insure against having a potty planted, we can handle that too, for a small fee. Toilet papering did not work out well for me. http://alertandorientedx4.blogspot.com/2008/10/pride-goes-before-fall-pt-1.html So now, I am just toileting. As an incentive for the students to raise money, I have told them that if they raise $10,000 (yes, five zeros) they can do what they will with my hair….shave it, Mohawk it….personally, I am lobbying for purple dreadlocks. Which brings me to the next update…

I am now an accidental brunette. Even if a box has the same name and same number (like, 7A for example), different brands produce different colors. I am here to tell you that L’Oreal Superior Preference Dark Ash Blonde and Garnier Dark Ash Blonde are two entirely different colors. Does this look like ‘blonde’ to you? I think I may like it. Most people seem to. Or are at being polite and telling me it looks good. I’m taking a vote. What do you think? I figure there is at least a slight possibility that it may be hi-test green by the end of the month, anyway….so….

March has gone out like a lion, and April, having blown in like one (and still blowing gale-force) is bring us the next edition of Lidna’s Random Dozen. Post your answers and link on up.
1. Define a great relationship.
A soft place to land. Where someone knows you well, and loves you in spite of you. Celebrating each other’s differences, while rejoicing in your likenesses.

2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)
Um…hate the drive thru…would almost always, now that I don’t have toddlers, prefer to walk in. It’s usually faster. Most recently got a Dark Cherry Mocha with the last of my last Starbucks gift card. Hello? If you are reading this blog, Secretary’s Day is rapidly approaching (or as we in the profession prefer to call it “Administrative Goddess’ Day”). And I am out of a Starbucks gift card.

3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)
Yorkshire Terriers. And Silky Terriers.

4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?
Colorado?

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
To have more self control.

6. Who's the funniest person you know?
My second son, Caleb.

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?
Nope. But apparently most other people didn’t either, as most of them were late or just plain blew off staff meeting.

8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?
Oh, crap—staff meeting.

9. Grilled or Fried? –HONESTLY
I love fried…but lately have been partaking of grilled or broiled exclusively. I am on Phase I of the Curves weight management plan. This week I am allowed only 1200 calories a day. Waiting anxiously for Phase III…it goes up to 2000. Yay for 2000!

10. Are you afraid of the dark?
Not anymore, but I used to be. I used to pull the covers up all the way over my head and was afraid to move in case the mean nurse/monster/cruel lady would see me. Now I’m afraid only that I will stub my toe or trip and fall if I have to get up in the night.

11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A stewardess. I actually worked a couple of flights, but found out I much preferred the ground crew aspect.

12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?
Impulsive.

Please write your post, come back after you've published it and link up so that others can come and visit you. Be sure to visit and encourage a few other people, too. It's the NICE thing to do!

Oh, and for Happily Ever After, the LOST episode? This post is already too long. So after I’ve processed the whole Widmore/Hawking/Faraday/Hume/Milton thing I may come back with something. Until then…Charlie wants to show you something (evil grin).

Guest Star Random Dozen + LOST (POSSIBLE Spoilers!)

2010-03-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching LOST, and for lack of a better word, I'm verklempt. Ka-wowza! However, I still feel the need to point out the fact that..."We need more Sawyer...er...James....
Fair warning..if you haven't watched it, you may hit a spoiler. Not sure. I'm probably going to just free associate....

Thoughts:
*Nestor Carbonell is hot. In a tragic, vampire, Daniel Day-Lewis kind of way. He'd make a good vampire for the next Twilight thing. If the casting people want to pay me for this sound advice, I am happy to provide my PayPal email...
*Who is the man in black? I mean really.
*Wild boars are creepy.
*I'm not sure...but was that the same knife that Sayid was supposed to kill Smoke Locke with?
*Carbonell again proves my theory that men's eyelashes, et al, are like plumage on male birds. According to my extensive research (ok, I googled and checked 4 different sites) he does NOT wear guyliner, mascara, or any other eye enhancing stuff. Life is just not fair.
*We really haven't identified all 6 of the candidates yet, and I don't think we should count on them being the Oceanic 6. Just sayin'.

And now, it's pushing 10 p.m. and I have some strawberries and chocolate to snack on. See you all soon! And, say a prayer or 12 for Linda, her friends and family of Diane, a close friend of hers who is in the fight of her life here on this earth.

Lidna, over at 2nd Cup of Coffee, usually hosts the Random Dozen extravaganza, but she is consumed with lots going on this week, so she's passed the baton over to South Lakes Mom at I Didn't Know That! Please answer and then link on up!

1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?
Daffodils blooming in my yard. This year they were poking the happy yellow faces up through 3” of snow the first day of Spring.

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day?
I did. I am the only ministry assistant at my church, so it was my job to remind and re-remind and re-re-re-remind folks. But one time when I worked for the airlines I was working a really screwy schedule at the time change and I’d gone home and fallen asleep. I awakened at 6 o’clock, needing to report at 6:15 and living 30+ minutes away from the airport. I made coffee and scrambled, called in to let them know I was on my way and only then did I realize I’d slept only a couple of hours and it we 6 in the EVENING—I thought I’d slept over night. If I'd gone in, I would have been 12 hours early. Sigh.

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?
Artichokes. Asparagus. Tomatoes, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Eggplant

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant?
Oops. I didn’t read ahead. I think strawberries and tomatoes are both fruit, but I always get confuseled about tomatoes.

5. What is your least favorite insect?
There are these really skeevy icky ones that we have here that are called ‘Child of the Earth.’
They are basically harmless but they look atrocious. This picture doesn’t do it justice…the head is flesh colored and the body is striped like Stryper outfits
Are you throwing up in your mouth a little right now? Go ahead and rinse. I'll wait.

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?
I keep some in my car…usually Nestlé’s or Arrowhead or whatever is $4 a case this week at the store. At home, I keep a Brita pitcher filled in my fridge and keep my own little green bottle of water in there. It’s really good. I didn’t know I was a water snob until I bought my Brita.

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?
The last mission trip I went to Mexico I pretty much lived on Mexican bottled Coca Cola. I tried to convince myself that the bottling process killed all the germies. One of the guys that went with us came back with a bad parasite, so I was glad I had avoided fruit and non-bottled water.

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day?
3 or 4 of my green bottled thing. I think it’s about 22 oz, so that counts for almost 3 glasses each…so…9?

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share.
Yes. But the coolest was when Ted and I ate at a restaurant once upon a time in San Francisco. All of the wait staff were professional magicians and they would do all kinds of tricks at the table. It was a scream. I think the name of the place was maybe Harry Houdini’s?

10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?
I don’t know how professional you mean, but I volunteered for a friend as a magician’s assistant when he was trying to “break in” to show business. He was always dropping his wand and once the false back of the box I was in got stuck and when he whirled it around I was there all contorted but highly visible instead of invisible. It was an ignoble demise to my career.

11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?
They are ok.

I really liked Giant and recently saw Public Enemies. Not really impressed with that one.

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday?
Vermont. In the fall. Strangely enough, even though I worked for the airlines for 10 years, I never did much of the entire eastern half of the US.
Oddly enough, as I was ~~wasting time answering these~~ finishing up my own answers to the duz, the ABQ/Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority called me to take a survey, which I obliged. Trust me, these questions are WAY more interesting. Thanks South Lakes Mom! Now, go link up!

Mr. Linky Loves Lidna (but not Eddie Haskell)

2010-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Mr. Linky, your favorite little box-shaped guy (other than Sponge Bob) is up and performing linkage feats over at 2nd Cup of Coffee’s Random Dozen, which seem lately to be the only kind of post I’m posting (sorry, Rachel). Blog about your own and then pop on over and let Mr. Linky do what he does best for you….
1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason?
I like odd numbers when arranging things (flowers, objects d’art…), I think because it more easily pulls your eye toward a focal point. But peanut M & M’s need to be in an even number so I can chew one on one side of my mouth, and the next on the other….if the bag runs out and I’m uneven, I have to open another bag. What a tragedy.

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?
Struggle here…would like to think 3-4, but probably 7-8. I struggle with the fear of not mattering.

3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered
Talkative, proud, inquisitive (read here: nosey)….also can tend to be mauldlin…

4. How lucky do you consider yourself?
I am blessed beyond measure. Luck seems to be counter-intuitive to what I believe about God.

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?
Well, I wrote a really long one about boundaries, aimed at teenage girls , and I loved the whole 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza of 2008 it probably had something to do with a kid or LOST (no thinks this week—tummy is rebelling today and not wanting to sit up and think. Big question from last night: who is the WE who think it better if Sayid was dead?). I’ve done way more posts than I knew. This makes 145. At 150, maybe I should do a giveaway. Or should I pick an odd number so that a focal point will more readily be identified? I’m sorry, did you ask a question?

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.
Windy. Very windy.

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)
I have a highly attuned blarney detector. Especially from teenagers. Most especially when they are kissing the blarney stone in order to induce me to a) give/buy them something or b) give in to a scheme against my better judgment or c) try to get out of trouble. And it always annoys me and makes me feel all smarmy-skeevy. Remember Eddie Haskell? Couldn’t stand him!

8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?
Very brownish-green. However, I have recently recycled 6 toilets for a great cause that I will share about soon! .

9. What is your favorite song this week?
Favorite? I love Smile by Uncle Kracker...

Think it would make a great praise and worship song, even though it references luck. The one that is stuck in my head?
…You’re So Vain by Carly Simon. Thanks, Lid.

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?

I pick up all coins I see. Nothing to do with “See a penny pick it up, all that day you’ll have good luck.” It’s a penny. Pennies add up to dollars. I can remember when we were first married scrounging change to go to the dollar movie (and yes, we had more pennies than any other denomination). Besides, with the price of copper now, especially after the earthquake in Chile, they are probably worth more than a penny.

11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."
…I am grateful to be walking under God’s sky and breathing his air for one more day. And am glad there aren’t any decorated potties in my yard. Are you intrigued yet

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.

Hit the Road Jack, by Ray Charles. But I DO want you to come on back… “some mo’, some mo’, some mo’, some mo’…” And post your own RD and then head over to Lid's and Mr. Linky.

LOST Thinks and the Final Feb RD

2010-02-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

To further feed my obsession with Lost, I have some burning questions and profound thoughts about Episode 605...

1. David? Who the heck is David? Why haven’t we ever heard of him before? David? Jack has some severe memory loss here. And who is his mom and will we see her soon?

2. I had to hide my eyes when Claire sewed up Jin’s wounds. And I was pretty afraid that she was going to amputate with that ax. She said she fixed him good as new…didn’t that trap break his leg?

3. I KNEW it when she said she’d kill Kate if she had taken Aaron. I said two full beats before she did, “I’ll kill her.” Just ask Ted. He was right there.

4. I think that Jacob is trying to bring Desmond back to the island.

5. Did anyone else want to see what images were in the mirror for the rest of our favorites. Like Sawyer? And Hurley? And Jin and Sun? And, and, and…

6. Where WAS Sawyer? His story isn’t over yet. We need more Sawyer.

7. Jack’s mom has had way too much “work” done. She was a little scary. Remember her from Hill St. Blues? She was so pretty!

8. Can’t wait til next week!

And with that being said, pop over to Lidna’s where she posts the final February edition of the Random Dozen. Incidentally, Krispy Kreme recently (ok two months ago) reopened here in the Q. Dozen always makes me think of donuts...I think that I deserve some kind of superhuman willpower award for not having ONCE gone in or even partaken when someone’s brought them to a gathering. So there!

As Peter said to Wendy...."Here...we....go!"

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
Yes and yes. The first one I closed my eyes and flinched. The second was in Jr. High P.E. Remember those lovely blue gym suits with our names in white?
Dating myself here, probably. Yeah. And the darned string on the bow caught my elbow and scraped it pretty nicely. The good thing about it is that to this day, I can position my elbow bumpy part out and rotate my wrist so my thumb sticks up. I realize that's a difficult visual to capture, but once you've lost all the skin on the soft inner part of your elbow, you WILL learn to rotate that wrist!

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
I THINK so. Well, really only one. Recently heard that my friend’s dad passed away (he performed wedding ceremony) at age 90. Planning to see her at the memorial in a couple of weeks. I understand she’s had a really rough time of it. I took one path and she took another. Hoping to reach out to her.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
By myself, early or on time. With family, late. Drives me crazy. Not only do I consider chronic lateness to be the height of rudeness, I used to work for the airlines, and any delay more than 2 minutes involved writing or prodigious reports. Ick.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
California. Laid back, beaches and drinks with little umbrellas, please.

5. Do you have a special ring tone?
Oh, you shouldn’t get me started. The hubs plays the theme from James Bond movies, The Girl’s plays My Girl. Oldest USED to be Sweet Child of Mine, but has been switched to the theme from Zelda Ocarina of Time. Son # 2 plays John Mayer's Neon. Youngest son is the only 13 year old on the planet who doesn't have a phone or a ringtone. Boss plays theme from The Office and regular rings USED to be Wall-E…now default ring is Twilight Zone.

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

Lays Limon’. My crack.

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
Hmmm….lots to choose from. If I say what the Girl suggested, you would block my blog and never read me again. So I won't tell you that recently I watched The Hangover and found it pretty amusing. I still, every single time I see it, laugh until I cry at the Carol Burnett skit where Tim Conway talked about the Siamese Elephants. Almost G-rated, but WARNING: LANGUAGE ALERT AT ABOUT 2 MIN 21 SECONDS INTO THE CLIP.

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
Bangs are ok….Once, in Jr. High I turned my head upside down and gave myself a ‘shag’ haircut. It went real purty with that blue gym suit.

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
I can’t have both? Probably me. Ted is pretty amazing at the house thing and I am a blessed woman. However, you will have to wait to see my next post. We are THOSE neighbors....

10. Are you allergic to anything?
Penicillin, sulfa and macrodantin. Bee stings. Ragweed, Russian thistle, elm and juniper. Should I go on?

11. Why is it so hard to change?
Because a) we are lazy and don’t want to make the effort b) we fear getting away from our comfort zone and we really, really love our comfort. And finally: c) just don’t want to. So there.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic
Tennyson got it right, too:
I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

The more you open your self up and become transparent, the more opportunity you give someone to love you past your self-imposed boundaries and self-imagined frailties.

Go visit 2nd Cup and play along, won't you?

S-kating along plus another Random Dozen

2010-02-09T12:36:00.001-08:00

Thinks I thunk about LOST tonight:

1. Claire: REALLY? You are 8 months pregnant and going to willingly...VOLUNTARILY get in a cab with a person that was holding a gun on you about 10 minutes ago. REALLY?
2. I've seen the guy who cut off Kate's handcuffs before. Was he one of the original others? Or is he just a character actor from another series? I think they don't do that kind of thing on this show and he's ba-ack...but from where?
3. Ethan looks just as creepy. He is one skeevy guy.
4. Sawyer cries pretty. Real pretty.
5. Do you really think the cops would've left the hospital room without checking around for Kate. And I didn't catch Kate's alias (Joan something?). That name is sure to have some kind of hidden meaning.
6. Miles is kind of growing on me. Like a fungus.
7. So if Sayid and Claire have been 'claimed' by the darkside, does that mean that Rousseau was claimed by them earlier? Did Claire get the waterboard treatment as well? And how, exactly, did torturing Sayid prove to them that he was 'claimed?' Is this 'claiming' the same sickness that Rousseau said her team was infected with that led her to kill them all, including her husband, the father of her unborn child?
8. What's up with Claire's Rousseau-like hair? Somehow, Claire and Rousseau seem to be tied other than just having lots in common.
9. Saywer wasn't meant to be alone. I got a little welly in that scene, I have to admit. Have you heard that people are now calling the Sawyer-Kate couple-dom thing Skate, like Bennifer and Brangelina? That's just...I have no words...
10. I am assuming that Sawyer got the ring from the box he unearthed from the floorboards in his house. Did he have it with him when the plane crashed?

Still more questions than answers....

Linda over at 2nd cup is back with the weekly Random Dozen. So if my LOST observations weren't scintillating enough for you, here's my take. Lid's doing a giveaway, so post your own and pop on over to her place to enter....
1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?
Mostly, I’m a pretty pleasant patient. I tend to just pull the covers over my head and don’t want anyone around, though…..
2. When you find out that school is cancelled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?
LOVE 2-hour delays. Hate the cancellations, because I don’t want to face the whole make-up day thing. Love being able to get up and fix a leisurely breakfast and enjoy it with the kids, though…
3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?
I am hopelessly cluttered. I think I may even be on the way to being a hoarder….
4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?
No, not since my kids were very small. Once, when I was hosting a bunko game during the week of Valentine’s day.
5. What song is on your mind today?
“How He Loves” This version, with a wet sloppy kiss:

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?
Contemporary classics? Probably more contemporary...I bore easily and have recently discovered that I'm not really much of a movie person.
7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.
I am excellent at this. Especially when it comes to dealing with emergent situations (broken bones, broken hearts, etc). My mind kicks into crisis mode and I ‘deal.’ When it’s all over I may have a meltdown, usually by myself.
8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)
His eyes. And then, oh…his everything. I used to race to my car in the senior parking lot after school and wait until I saw him coming so he could ‘let’ me back out in front of him. He was such a gentleman! He even came over to my house to ask my parents if he could take me out on a date. He had them wrapped around his little finger, to say the least.
9. When was the last time your heart raced?
When I just missed getting hit on the road the other day. OH! Were we speaking of romance? Hmm....
10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?
Conversation hearts that didn’t say weird things like ‘TEXT ME.’
We’d make mailboxes and distribute valentines to our classmates and I would agonize over which one to send to who. And when I got them home, I would read them over and over again. They almost never had candy or treats with them (any of them...only the really rich kids, really), and they had envelopes instead of cheesy little seals with a foldover flap.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
Chocolate. Duh.
12. Red or pink?
Red…it can be mild or it can be mild.

Come play!

Destiny Called....

2010-02-02T22:26:00.001-08:00

And I was right there answering!
LOST is back, and for the next 15 episodes I get to watch Sawyer, try to decide if I love or hate Kate, and be fascinated all over again....
So, to get right down to it, here are my thoughts from the Season 6 Premiere:

Top 10 Thoughts from the LOST Season Premiere

1. Sawyer is still hot. Tears, bristly, bloody and weepy. There is a hotness factor that cannot be denied. Almost as hot at Ted Hoyle.

2. Juliet pretty much redeemed herself, by acting totally selflessly. I still wouldn’t hang with her at Pei Wei or Chick-fil-A, but I think she’s ok now..

3. I think Jack is dreaming. The 2004 part.

4. Hurley should re-open Mr. Cluck.

5. Why hasn’t Jin asked about the baby?

6. I think that maybe they should dig Juliet up and bring her to the temple and stick her in the water. Gruesome, but….who knows?

7. Charlie, Charlie, Charlie…what are you thinking?!?

8. Why wasn’t Shannon on the plane? Boone was there….also a little hottie! Even if he is a little whiney and metrosexual…. Maybe she was there, we just didn't get to see her because she was up in first class?

9. Miles: Thirsty? Dharma Beer? REALLY?!? He just BURIED JULIET! HE LOVED HER! You deserved to be smacked!

10. Jacob/Esau thing? Way cool…way cool. Love the metaphor.

I can’t wait for the next one….as I said on my facebook status YAY! YAY!!! YAY!!!!!
I love a good puzzle. This is a demanding show. You can’t just pop in and out. I love theorizing and speculating. So…here we go……………………………

Delayed Gratification....Random Dozen

2010-01-27T06:54:00.000-08:00

Lidna, over at 2nd Cup, continues the random dozen extravaganza. She's so smart. Won't you come play?
1. How good are you at delaying gratification?
Funny you should ask. Going through some Crown Ministries things right now. I think I am pretty good when it comes to the “big” stuff, but as far as peanut M & M’s…not so much…
2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?
See #1. Also Lay’s Limon Potato Chips (aka Crack).
3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?
Probably a 7.5. I am situationally patient. If it’s a thing that the person I have to be patient towards has no real control (or experience; read here: new at this) I’m pretty good. If it’s because of an unthinking error or for the umpteenth time, again…not so much…
4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?
The older I get, the less this happens, but when I was younger, it was definitely a struggle for me. I was once labeled as an “incomplete perfectionist.” Because I felt like the finished project would never measure up, I seldom completed anything. Sometimes it still happens…I’m teaching myself to crochet right now and …ick.
5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?
Yes. Yes, I do.
6. Which line is hardest to wait in?
Lines don’t bother me too much. See # 3. I’d like to say I pray while waiting, but pretty much I zone out. I really dislike drive thru lines and will generally walk inside now, be it bank or fast food restaurant. Of course, I have no toddlers. When my kids were little, drive thrus were my bestest friends.

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?
Yes and no. Not a BURNING desire and back in the day, ultrasounds weren’t a routine procedure as they are now. That being said. Number one had to have a biophysical profile the day before I went into labor and the technician slipped. We didn’t want to know that time. Number two was a surprise. So much so, that Ted wouldn’t consider a boy’s name ahead of time and he went unnamed for about 12 hours. Number three, my neighbor snuck me in and we found out (already had the 2 boys). Number 4 had about 5 ultrasounds because he was a big guy and dates didn’t match size. There was not a chance that what I was looking at was a thumb. It was pretty obvious. So Caleb, really, was the only surprise.
8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?
The elderly, definitely. My notary work calls for me to do reverse mortgage applications and signings and some of them are my favorite times. Some are sad, but I imagine how I’d want someone to treat my folks if they were still living and go from there. They have contributed too much to this world and have to great a wealth of experience to slough off.
9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?
Yes, and I’m not proud of it. And acting surprised when I got it…well, let’s just say I wouldn’t have won a nomination for the best actress.
10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?
I’ll let you know when I get there…
11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?
He is with our kids. I am with people/situations outside our family.12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)
Lovin’ the Carly Simon song…remember the ketchup commercial? Or was it catsup?A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

Post yours and pop over to Linda's to link up....

Of Mice and....Samsonite?

2010-01-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

I do not consider myself a great housekeeper. I struggle with throwing things away. I think I may have hoarding tendencies and I am determined to purge more this year. Especially paper. I want to purge paper. Less stuff. Less clutter. More Life. Thanks, Dave.

Anyway, back to the housekeeping thing. I’m not so great at it. Not only would Donna Reed and June Cleaver shudder, I think that Martha Stewart and the FlyLady would have issues with me. But still in all, it’s mostly clutter. Seldom does it get to the point of grime and disgust that I gross myself out. Underneath the layer of clutter, it’s my home is basically hygienically sound, unless of course you count the 10’ x 10’ room where three...count ‘em...three... teenaged boys reside. That one is off the table.

Remember ~~Satan~~Sabra?

Cute little ">kitty rescued from the grease trap at the Chick-fil-a by my sweet son? Bottle fed her, and today she’s beautiful...

It’s a good thing she’s beautiful. Because if she weren’t such a sweet cat and so pretty, she’d be gone. Of late, it’s been cold. Sabra, being a kitten still, likes to play. In particular, she likes to play with prey. Because she’s well fed, and prefers Iams Kitten chow to raw birds and mice, she doesn’t eat her prey. She plays with her prey. Because it’s cold, she has been bringing prey into MY house to play. And when she gets bored with playing with the prey (liking the alliteration a little to much here, methinks), she just lets it escape. It may or not be mortally wounded. New Year’s Eve morning I awakened to the sound of her bell in my kitchen and an odd thump-flop sound. Repeatedly. I had out-of-town overnight guests. And a lovely carpet of downy grey bird feathers covering my kitchen floor. Said bird was daid. As I discovered while attempting to sweep up the feathers and found the poor thing under the pile of feathers. Feathers, which by the way, didn’t sweep, but simply pluffed, danced and swirled all over the place, away from the broom and nowhere near the dustpan.

On Tuesday, I got out my briefcase to check on a notarization I had done before Christmas Eve. When I picked it up, I noticed a funky smell. Upon unzipping it, said smell got worse. Unzipping yet another pocket to investigate, I found an upside down mouse, very, very , very daid, and putrefying beneath the little net pocket where I stored the last of my business cards. It wasn’t the cute Disney-variety, either. I will save your lunch and not post a visual. Either the mouse had run in there to escape Sabra, or she’d stored him there for a later playdate. But he didn’t survive. Neither did my briefcase. Have you ever smelled a two-week daid mouse? It’s beyond obnoxious. I have thrown away my $70 really nice Samsonite briefcase/laptop case. Not a purge item I had in mind.

And now that the kitty door has been sealed up, traps have been set (and we caught another mouse) and Sabra is inside by invitation only, and not allowed to bring in her little toys, I am paranoid. Last night, while getting out of the shower, I thought I smelled a dead mouse in my bathroom. I emptied out every single thing under my sink. No mouse. I did, however purge a wax-kit and some hotel shampoo that was probably at least a decade old. And this morning? That same smell..it’s in my laundry/pantry. I really think this time it’s real. And behind the washer or dryer. Visions of Hanta Virus are seeping into my dreams. I wonder if I can have Tyler move them before he leaves for work...

One thing about it….this will either turn me into a better housekeeper, or push me all the way over into never-never land. Reality TV, here I come….

First Dozen of the Year

2010-01-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Lidna, over at 2nd Cup, is continuing her Random Dozen meme. Come play and then link on up!

1. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being a cranky-baby-hissy-fitter, how much of a complainer are you?

I think I’m pretty much a baby…I know that I’ve embarrassed myself from time to time….

2. When someone else is talking, do you listen, or are you thinking about what you're going to say in response?

Unfortunately, I am probably formulating my own response to what is being said. This is especially troublesome during group prayers, because I find myself wanting to “plan out” what I will say out loud that a) hasn’t been said before and b) doesn’t sound totally lame and ‘churchy.’

3. I just deleted 1062 messages from my email account. Do you have any plans for a clean sweep this month--of anything?

I really, really, really need to get to my desk. And go to the shredder place. Really. Really. I even alluded to this on facebook this week wherein I confessed the possibility that I think I have hoarding tendencies.

And now, here are some brilliant questions from a gal named Angie at Angie's Ad Lib who graciously offered to let me borrow her brain. Please go over and see Angie because it was so nice of her to help me out. Thank you so much, Angie!

4. Tell us about your perfume. Was it a gift? What does it remind you of? Do you have a signature scent?

I like florals, especially ones with citrus-y undertones…I used to wear a signature, and wear it all the time, so that anyone within sniffing distance could tell it was lil old me in the vicinity. Now, I try to ‘layer’ one scent, but mix them up depending on my mood. Used quite a bit lately: Very Sexy (Victoria’s Secret), and both Peony and White Citrus from Bath and Body Works. I really love wearing the lotion and following up with a body spray.

5. What is your best organizing tip for the new year?
I got nothing. Help. Me.

6. What is your favorite comic strip?

I really like The Far Side. I am pretty twisted.

7. Do you sleep with a fluffy or flat pillow?

Fluffy. Lots of them. And I really like satiny or polished cotton pillowcases that stay really cold on my skin.

8. What color is your kitchen? Why did you choose that color?

Very pale green with deep red accents. Chosen because it’s visible from my living room in the same color family, but LOTS more red in the living room. Thinking it may be time for a change, tho’…

9. What’s the most interesting bumper sticker you’ve seen?

I don’t like bumper stickers as a rule. But one that made me smile said “If you can read this, my trailer fell off.” Another which I liked said “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier.”

10. Do you prefer an expensive writing tool or whatever is lying around? (Are you a Montblanc or a Papermate?)
I am a Notary Signing Agent and I really prefer Bic Grip Stick pens, usually about $1.19 a dozen on sale at Staples. I go through a lot of pens. These write very smoothly and it’s never a tragedy if I leave one behind at a borrower’s home.

11. What chore doesn’t feel like a chore – you just enjoy it (at least most of the time)?

On chilly or gloomy days, I like to fold towels freshly warm out of the dryer.

12. If your parents often repeated themselves, what is something one of them said more than once?
“I’m not INSERT NAME’s parent!”
And for some reason, when my mom got sick, she would often respond to whatever I said with “Ho-kay!”

OK, let's see whatcha got!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

Praying that God will bless you this New Year and bring you ever closer to Him.

And, to steal a page from My ADHD Me, today we're gonna have a special visitor!

Now, isn't this about the cutest thing you've EVER seen?

Final Random Dozen of 2009

2009-12-29T21:45:00.000-08:00

I really wasn't planning on doing this, but the bloodshot eyes in the post below started to creep me out a little. Join Lidna over at 2nd Cup for the 2009 final edition of Random Dozen

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?
No. Well, yes. Are they older than 12? Because the whole backwash thing totally gags me. Ted used to take a ½ gallon of milk to work to use throughout the week for cereal and the like. People kept drinking it from the communal refrigerator, even tho’ it was clearly labeled “Ted.” Once, during a station meeting held in the break room, he took it out, took a big swig of it, swished it around and spit it back in the container. Then he said, “By the way, this is MY milk!” No one ever drank his milk again. He is a legend at the ABQ Airport…(sorry, probably not something you wanted to read with your morning coffee).

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)
I’ve learned (finally) that when I submit and am willing when God chooses to stretch me, I am much more abundantly blessed by him. And also, that once you get in the habit of praying with someone on a regular basis, you quickly become addicted.

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?
Usually on the 1st or 2nd. This year, they are already down, because we’ve decided to finish off part of the garage for a boys’ bedroom and we needed to git 'er dun.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:
Get all of my Notary Signing Agent bookkeeping done. It’s not possible, but you did say “wish.”

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?
As long as it isn’t windy, I don’t mind it. I have lots of warm clothes. It seldom gets below 10 degrees here.

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?
Yes. Yes, I have.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Ted is working at 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day, so I’ll probably be in bed by 10 p.m. or so. Or my BFF will call me and we’ll play board games and eat skeevy junk food and watch movies with all the kids.

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?
My two oldest sons have birthdays. We’re partnering with Crown Financial at church to do a big workshop. I will be able to meet with my women’s Bible study group again…

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)
A farcical dramedy?

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.
As long as you don’t ask about facebook…and do you mean reading or writing? And how legalistic can I get with one question?

11. Who runs your household?
We iz a team. There is no “I” in team. I’m the idea girl (usually), Ted is the implementation boy...

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.
Whirled peas. Hmm…it’s my 30th wedding anniversary year. Maybe a cruise?

Lock 'N Load

2009-12-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

This weekend (Sunday night, to be exact) I won’t be gett
ing much sleep.

I am chaperoning at a Youth Christmas Lock-In. For the uninitiated, this is a night of ~~torture~~ fun and games that generally begins about 9 p.m. and ends the next morning at 8 a.m. Once they arrive, they won’t be allowed to leave until the next morning. Hence, the “Lock In.” We’ll begin with some icebreaker games, have devotional and worship time, a white elephant exchange, more games, watch a movie or three…interspersed with eating, laughing and general good times. And, OHHH! This is the exciting part! My friends will bring us Chicken Minis from Chick-fil-A in the morning for breakfast. That alone, may be what keeps me going for the whole eleven hours. I’m afraid to fall asleep, for what the little darlings, grades 6 through 12, might do to me….

So…what’s the most unusual white elephant gift you’ve given or received? And any suggestions for some fun games? My daughter is in charge of that and we’re always looking for more. Two hours of games is a long, long, long long time…especially when it happens at 2 a.m.

Say a prayer for me. Maybe tie a rope around my middle so you can pull me out if I die in there…..and I’ll check back in post-lock in with some photos and a recap.

RD, #...15? 16?

2009-12-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

When will the extravaganza end? Never, I hope! Lidna at 2nd Cup is hosting another edition of Random Dozen. Join in and link up!

1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?
I have a lazy eye…my kids tease me and tell me they can’t tell who I’m yelling at, and often times I catch people peeking over their shoulders to see who I am talking too. Nevermind, I’m still self-conscious.

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?
I liked Ann Romano (Bonnie Franklin from One Day at a Time) and Claire Huxtable (Felicia Rashad from the Cosby Show). They were both pretty unflappable. I long to be unflappable. I'm pretty much a fish on a dock, though.

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?
I am quite fluent in pig latin, thank you very much.

4. Who is your personal hero?
My mom and my Aunt Edna…but they were heroines…were we gender-limiting this?

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?
Toffee bars...evil. Butter, saltines, eagle brand milk, brown sugar and chocolate chips.

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.
I have a handmade bird’s nest on a spring-type clothespin that my mom made when she was little. I also have a little silver spray painted walnut my dad made when he was a boy scout. My tree is NOT a matchy-match tree. My daughter told a friend the other day that our tree looked like Santa threw up. Each year I get the kids an ornament that reflects something about their year. Then when they leave the house and have their own tree, they will have some ornaments to start with. No, my tree is still not up. Don’t judge me.

7. How do you feel about snow?
It’s pretty. It’s white. It’s a pain to drive on. I love the way the earth is quiet when it’s early in the morning after a fresh blanket of it. I live in the high desert of NM, so while we see some, we aren't like many of you. Generally when it snows here, it hangs around only for a day or so, with a few exceptions.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.
I think I average around five hours of sleep a night. I am constantly tired.

9. Tell me about your first crush.
Ralph Roybal. We were four years old. He passed away when I was pregnant with Tanner, 14 years ago this month.

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?
Flowers? Can I just take a nap? See # 8.

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?
Kind of both…and the sweaters go on and off…

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?
I love Elf. And there used to be an old made-for-television version of The Littlest Angel. It makes me cry every time.

Come Play!

The things we remember...

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Isn’t it funny how something are etched so deeply in our minds and hearts, that we remember every single detail, while others, even though they may have impacted our lives just as much, leave us with only a blurred memory?

The birth of your firstborn…weights and lengths of all your children….remembered or blurry?
The date of your first date…know it by heart, or are you a little fuzzy?
The day you decided to make Jesus the leader and forgiver of your life….Crystal clear or misty?

I often wonder what crystallizes certain moments, while others dissolve like so much sugar in a tall glass of ice tea…the tea is different--irrevocably changed, but for the life of me, I can’t see the little pile of sugar that was dumped in. At least for me, there seems to be no rhyme or reason. I vividly remember a time when my sister and I irritated our mom by our incessant bickering so much, we earned the spankings of our lives. I may have been four years old. But I don’t remember the details of my wedding reception…just that we were late getting there because of interminable family photos after the ceremony.

I don’t remember many of the details of my mom’s funeral. I wore a green suit and embarrassed myself by telling a man old enough to be my father that as a young girl I had a crush on him (I was only 18 at the time—still a young girl). But as if it were yesterday, I remember hearing about John Lennon’s death. He died on December 8, 1980. Twenty-nine years ago exactly. Exactly four days after my mother’s death. I remember the next day watching raindrops slip down my windowpane. And the anger—no, the rage—I felt because the entire world stopped and paid homage to a man who claimed to be more popular than Jesus, yet the passing of my dear, sweet, humble mom was a mere blip in just a few lives. And how I felt she was much more worthy of recognition than someone so base and conceited…

This year, 29 years after my mom died, was the first year I woke up on December 4 and didn’t immediately remember it was the anniversary of her death. I did remember later on in the day while writing the date over and over in a closing. But I wasn’t as sad as I have been in the past. I’m certainly no busier than I have been these past three decades. Somehow, I feel lighter this Christmas season. More purposeful. And desperate to share the love and hope that Christ affords me with the world.

Now, if I could just get the decorations put up….

On the agenda today....

2009-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

The other day I did a closing that was strangely disturbing.
Everything was a disconnect. At several junctures during the evening, I looked around to see if maybe there was a hidden camera, a la’ Candid Camera or Punk’d. The disconnect happened because there were too many agendas. And all of them were mixed. Although I can’t really explain how it was so odd and disturbing, the factors added up to make a totally dissatisfactory evening.

My agenda was simple: get the papers witnessed and signed properly, and go home. The widow, age 83, who was the borrower had several agendas, and sub-agendas. She is a beautiful lady—an artist, a pianist. Two of her adult sons were there. Her agenda was to complete the loan signing so she could get out from under crushing monthly financial obligations. She was also flirtatious and coquettish with her sons. She was striving for their attention—for their adoration and approval. And yet, while longing for that approval (I could tell she hadn’t made many decisions on her own), she was apprehensive and wanted reassurance that she was doing the right thing. She was refinancing her home of nearly 50 years. A home that had been free and clear, but was now going to be heavily mortgaged. At age 83, there is little chance she’ll pay down much of the principal, and her children will be left with both the home and the debt. Her sons, to be really frank, were just plain weird. The kind of weird that usually comes with genius. There is a fine line between genius and disturbed. And believe me, this line was pretty blurry. They did not want the house to be mortgaged. They wanted to be able to inherit it free and clear. That was a pretty big agenda. The interest rate was high. It was an unusual loan, with unusual circumstances. They were also clearly fond of their mother and did not want her to be taken advantage of. Another agenda. Because of all this, we ended up calling the loan officer, the loan officer’s boss and title. They had agendas too. There was only one day left in the month in which to close and still have the loan fund in that month. Big commission. Big agenda. In just looking over that paragraph, I see about 10 different agendas. The signing took almost three hours (I usually average 45 minutes). I ran the battery completely down on my phone and felt like I was re-selling the loan to the borrower. And the sweet borrower? She called me five or six times since after that evening. Should she rescind? How does that work? Where is her check?. Will they pay off her other obligations directly? Some I couldn’t answer, some I wouldn’t. The loan should have funded on Monday. I hope it did.

So, now that you’re bored with all the background, here’s my point: God has an Agenda. Capital “A” agenda. We are here at His pleasure, to accomplish His purposes, for His Glory. While I can seek to be in His will and accomplish His Agenda, sometimes the parts of that I see are obscured. I am looking at it through translucent glass, not transparent. I get a glimpse, but the picture isn’t clear. So I go busily about trying to accomplish my own many agendas. Lower case “a.” Sometimes, my agendas align perfectly with God’s. Sometimes, even though I am doing all the right things for the right reasons, it’s a disconnect. It’s out of sync with what God has planned. His Agenda is always, always, a better plan than mine. But I get so caught up in the little details of my little “a” agenda and seeing them fulfilled, I lose sight of the Agenda. That He is God. He will have His Glory. His ways are not my ways. And sometimes, my agenda is selfish. I want to be in control. Because that’s what it usually boils down to for me. Control. Whose is it? Do I loose my hands so that not only do I let go of what I want, but so that they are open to receive blessing? Or do I clench tightly, because it’s mine? My agenda. My plan. My way.

So, what’s on your agenda today?

Random Dozen, #14

2009-12-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Lidna over at 2nd Cup has been hosting this meme for 14 weeks. I haven't done all 14, and actually have been told by a friend that she quit reading my blog when I WAS doing them....but that being said....welcome back!

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?
I’m thinking Toto, because I can get all yappy when I'm excited and Toto was a Silky Terrier, just like Claire. And having 4 kids, high excitement can also lead to leakage (sorry--probably too much information) like many small dogs. However, my husband and kids might say on occasion the Wicked Witch….

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?Top or blouse…make-up considerations. I don’t matchy- match, but I wear warm with warm, cool with cool..

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?
Do cockroaches count as an animal? I hate snakes, but know we’d be overrun with rodents without them. I figure that God, in His wisdom, created each with a purpose, and even if they annoy or creep me out, they are here for a reason.

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?One inside. I have 3 little alpine trees for the front porch tho’. And I did the decorate FAIL last weekend and still have to do that at home. Work (church), however, looks loverly.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?
No. Actually, once upon a time I was over-prescribed meds for depression and this happened to me. It was abysmally empty. Stoicism is highly overrated.

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?
Yes. My mom died between Christmas and Thanksgiving, and I fight that every year.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?
Not so much to listen to, but break it out at a wedding reception and I’m dancing to Thriller with all the rest of the ~~losers~~ happy and fun-loving guests.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?
Because we can justify it that if you have orthodontia to fix your teeth, it was really because they were so crooked you couldn’t chew properly. And more people are afraid of dentists than they are of cosmetic surgeons, so the facing the fear of the dentist cancels out the vanity. Sometimes I wish I could get a little tuck here and a little plump there, but...dang! That stuff is expensive!

9. Enjoy horseback riding?
Yes. First job was mucking out stalls at the local racetrack. Didn’t ride any of them, but the proximity assuaged my 13-year-old horse madness some.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?
Practical for everyday, stylish for special occasions, and both when manageable! Since the unfortunate tp'ing debacle, stylish is tricky still—foot and ankle are still weak and cause pain.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.
Peppy, short for Pepito. A little Chihuahua that my parents got when I was six months old. He died when I was away at camp at the age of 16. At least, that was their story. Typically, I hate Chihuahuas…

"Pam and Peppy, circa 1963"
but Peppy was my constant companion and I loved him beyond reason. I was devastated when I came home to find him gone.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?
I’m undecided on that. I am toying with the idea of practicing the ideas here….

Head on over to Linda's and link up!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a joyous Thanksgiving!

Tweet and ReTweet and other Status Updates...

2009-11-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

I have not jumped on the bandwagon and joined Twitter. Although I think their little blue bird is completely adorable, I just can't allow myself to do it. Frankly, I’m a little bit afraid. Facebook is kind of like crack to me, and I really don’t think I could fit another aspect of social networking into my day. Something would have to give, and with the very real fear that it might be eating chocolate or personal hygiene, I’ve decided NOT to tweet.

That being said, I have something to say about all the status updates. Recently, a ‘friend’ (really more of an acquaintance, but a very nice lady nonetheless, and while I can befriend someone on fb, I can’t ‘be-acquaintance’ anyone) challenged me to post a status update each day during the month of November that begins, “Today I am thankful for…” I don’t know really how many days I’ve been at it, but probably four or five. I challenged other friends, and have enjoyed reading the heartfelt and the humorous. My sister-in-law posted that she was thankful that she could play Farmville with the ones she loves. I commented after her that I was thankful that those who love me would overlook the fact that I don’t play Farmville. Some status updates, however, are pointless. Boring, even. I choose to waste the time and read them, but for the life of my, don’t want to or even know why. I know that my friends go to WalMart. I know that they fix dinner. I know that ‘homework is poop’ (this from a middle schooler in my youth group). But I don’t need a minute-by-minute, play-by-play of their days. I think this is probably one of the reasons I’ve avoided Twitter. It would just suck me into to doing the same thing. I am not criticizing them…I just know that I would be oh, so much more painfully pointless than all of these. It's all very inane and maybe even the devil's workshop is an empty status box....

What struck me yesterday was thinking about praying without ceasing. I try to do that throughout my day. Not a formal prayer, necessarily, but a ‘thank you,’ and ‘I love you,’ a ‘HELP!’ from time to time. Kind of like tweets to God. But God knows beforehand what my tweet-like prayers would be. I just wonder, though: We choose what we share on facebook or Twitter. But I don’t think I’ve seen many status updates that talk about being rude to the clerk at the bank, or not saying anything when you receive too much change, or using language and gestures not appropriate to a woman of God while driving in traffic, or thinking to yourself that your friend is just too high maintenance and lying about being busy when she needs a shoulder. God, however, knows about those unshared thoughts. Those tweets that go untweeted. I want to live my life so that I would remember that God is following my tweets and status updates. And so that I would not be ashamed to have Him read them. As I go through the mundane tasks of my day, God knows what I’m doing. He is in the details, after all. But I want to make those details count. When I make a choice, I think I will try to ask myself, “Would I want God to read my status update about this?”

Just something to think about.

RD 12

2009-11-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, someday I will write an actual post, with actual content. But until then, play along with Lidna at 2nd Cup with this fun meme....

1. What was the last song you listened to?
How to Save a Life by the Fray

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?
Many times...most often over 'bargain clothing' that turns out to be not such a bargain when it requires complicated underwear, alterations or it just plain doesn't fit.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)
When I first saw the house I now live in, I really didn't like it very much. It was about 25 miles from work and had been left vacant for several months. Now the area around it has grown, and I probably wouldn't have met most of my close friends if I lived in another area. Plus, I love my home!

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?
I don't watch the whole thing, but I really love Snoopy.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.
This has been more of a challenge to me than an inspiration. It is John Piper from God is the Gospel: "The critical question for our generation—and for every generation— is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?" I am just finishing up leading a study called Crazy Love. It is an outstanding book. Unless you are satisfied with being a good Christian and love things comfortable and have a good family, good life, good job and all is good....very challenging!

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention this blog is rated G?
Useless tv shows: Grey's Anatomy, Trauma...and Limon' Potato Chips. Preferably together...sigh..

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?
Um...mashed potatoes? Which I make pretty frequently anyway....not a huge turkey girl.

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?
Goodnight Moon to read. Bunny Blue was my favorite as a child.

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)
I used to collect teapots and charms for my charm bracelet. Now I pretty much collect dust.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?
I feel like bags are more environmentally friendly, but love the way a prettily wrapped gift looks. And not that I'm lazy or anything, but bags are so much easier. Ok, yes...I am lazy.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?
Hmmm...in elementary school, I would come home and get a snack of a sugar sandwich (thanks for pre-diabetes mom--a slice of white break slathered with margarine and sprinkled with white sugar and folded over on itself..mmmm)) and Gilligan's Island on tv...

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? Do you feel for the fish??
Um. I'm not sure what this means? Fish feel slimy? Or do I feel sorry for them? I feel kind of sorry for the worms...ok, I guess I'm clarifying...

Now let's get crazy and link up!<

Random Dozen # 10

2009-11-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Linda, over at 2nd Cup of Coffee, has the 10th edition of Random Dozen. Come play!

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?
Probably run it…unless there were one of those pesky red light cameras.
2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?
I probably should’ve gone to bed earlier. Otherwise, it was a pretty productive day.
3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)
It depends on how personal the comment was. I’ve been known to do all of the above. I always try to visit the other blog, anyway…and sometimes with Mary from Monkeys are Funny, we have a regular dialog in the comments. p.s. What about him? What if it's a man?
4. Your favorite Disney movie is:
Live action? The Parent Trap (old one with Hayley Mills). Animated? The musicals (sorry, Linda). Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin. But I also loved the Incredibles and Monsters, Inc. So hard to choose. Hardest question, so far.
5. Do you recycle?
I recycle the stuff they pick up (aluminum, plastic and cardboard. I don’t get a daily paper and my trash collectors don’t do glass)
6. Games of strategy or games of chance?
Strategy. I have to confess, that I am addicted to the hidden object games online. You can download them for a free one-hour trial from Comcast and I usually do at least one every week or so.
7. Do you have any recurring dreams?
I sometimes dream I am still working at the airline and I am trying to issue a ticket for someone, but I can’t remember the right sequences or codes to punch in.
8. What did you learn from your first real job?
I learned that no matter how much manure you have to shovel, it’s all about the attitude (I mucked out horse stalls at a local racetrack)
9. Do you buy or borrow most books?
Buy them…mostly used.

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?
Flared/bell bottom jeans. I thought I couldn't do it once peg-leg 501's came out. But now, I have one vow I'm pretty sure I won't be breaking. I promise to never wear high-waisted jeans again (remember Ditto's? Saddle-back Ditto's?

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?
I try to pick up little special things throughout the year, but sadly, not until after Thanksgiving do I really hit it.
12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?
I’m a pretty enthusiastic person and I do this pretty regularly. So regularly, in fact, that I can’t remember when the last time I did it, because it happens all to frequently. Maybe I should tone it down. I think I jumped up and down at the retreat last weekend. More than once. But especially when I got off the swing…it was the BOMBDIGGETY!

No post your own and run on over to Lidna’s for some link love….

The Ninth Edition...Random Dozen

2009-10-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I told myself I wouldn't be blogging this week. It's the last week before the big huge retreat that gives me tics in my eye and ulcers and not enought sleep. But behind me, if you were here, you could hear my trusty Canon ImageRunner cranking out multiple copies of two different booklets, along with their covers. I figure there's at least 30 minutes left on this print job. They will all be stapled tomorrow and loaded up, with the help of a very nice lady. SO...Lidna at 2nd cup of Coffee is doing the Random Dozen blog again, and for what it's worth, here's my take:

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.Her name was Betty Askew. She was my 6th grade teacher and she convinced me that I was more capable than I ever believed. Her husband was on a tour of duty in Vietnam and she had the most adorable little 2-year-old boy.

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.
When my mom died, I was 18. I was 31 when I lost my dad. It was pivotal when I realized that no matter how old you are when your parents die, you feel orphaned.

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?
I have lots of favorites…right now I’m into muted, yet jeweled reds and purples. They make me feel like I’m eating something decadently rich.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?
I think I’m getting arthritis in my hands and wrists…sigh….not good for a typist, someone who signs their name a lot, or a violinist. Maybe it’s just overuse.

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?
No for the gore and horror, but I love to dress up. Sometimes I think that as Christians, we do a disservice when we disregard, or don’t acknowledge, the evil spirits and principalities that rule this world, but not our home. (stepping down from soap box now)

6. What's your favorite musical?
The Sound of Music.

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?
Can I be a suburban mouse? I like to be within 30 minutes of eggs that don't have to be gathered and washed and cows that don't have to be milked or butchered, but could be happy for extended periods away from big crowds. But like the country mouse, it’s exciting—nice to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there…

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."
Sadly, I’m all about the practical. Seriously—could you provide meals for the homeless or shoes for a shoeless child for my $19.95? And if not, could you grab me a Starbucks giftcard?

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.

Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?
Um. Wrestling in a Sumo suit? Had to send a picture message. And yes, I won. I am one aggressive momma when put on the offensive side of things…
**DISCLAIMER/EDIT: I wasn't texting during the actual wrestling match. But I had to send a picture of it to Ted...let me assure you, he was SOOOOOOOOO proud. And no, the picture is no longer in my phone.

10. "It's not a party unless _______."
The O’Bryans and the Hoyles have law enforcement involved. And only the O’Bryans and Hoyles will understand this….

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.
Nap or text, if there isn’t reading material. But I usually bring whatever book I’m studying or some paperwork if I expect to be delayed somewhere. I’m assuming that I’m stuck in traffic, but not driving myself here. Listen to music if I’m driving, I guess. Or skeevy talk radio trying to get an updated traffic report.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?
Yes. Yes, I would. I love to laugh and I’m generally a pretty funny person.

The Random # 8

2009-10-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Lidna over at 2nd Cup of Coffee is continuing her fun Random Dozen meme this week. Pop on over and link up at her place.

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?
Eh…it’s ok. Not my favorite Halloween candy. Good for making fake vampire teeth when you stick them over your own teeth. When I do eat them, which is a seldom occurrence, I have to bite off each color successively from the pointy part first. I think I am now officially weird. And oh-so-OCD.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
I was walking into concert choir room and he said, “You have great lips!” I don’t remember how I replied.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
If I had access to Dion’s Santorini pizza, probably.

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
Claire has a coat that looks like a Santa outfit. Tyler bought it for her last year for Christmas, oddly enough. She really loves it. We ask her if she wants to put her Christmas dress on and she gets the elation thing. She loves being warm. Likes all her coats (yes, she has more than one), but her Christmas dress is the favorite. It looks a little weird on St. Patrick's day, though.

(I realize she doesn't look elated here. But she is. Really.)

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
Taco flavored Doritos (NOT Nacho cheese)

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
I won Student of the Year in the 9th grade. But they didn’t give me a trophy. I deserve a trophy for putting on the best church retreats, evah!

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
After Thanksgiving. Unless it’s Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer or the Dogs barking Jingle Bells. That would be never. Thankyouverymuch.

8. What's your favorite board game?
Apples to Apples. Also love Phase 10 (card game, not board). My daughter loves loves loves to play games. She badgers us and organizes it and we never regret it.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
Gifts? Yes. Parties? No. I like mostly little surprises, not big ones. And they have to be the good kind. Unpleasant of any kind—nu uh.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"
Yes. And often times I apologize for things that I shouldn’t or have no responsibility for.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?
Yankee Candle Clean Cotton. Not a huge fan of the vanillas, pumpkin spice, cookie dough or other 'cooking smells' type. That being said, a friend gave me a soy Applewood candle for my birthday that smells heavenly.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you.
Homemade jalapeno poppers. Works for both. I’m spicy on the outside and even a little salty, and on the inside I have a surprisingly sweet creamy center.

After the world's best retreat this year (happening Oct 30-Nov 1), I'll be reupping 2 Truths and a Lie. Is it wrong that I'm such a good liar?

Contemplating....

2009-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

This has been a strangely contemplative week.

I’ve been contemplating the fact that I’m one year older as of Friday. Older doesn’t really freak me out. Hating the wrinkles, but loving the confidence I have now. But now I’m just 4 years younger than my mom was when she died. Does that mean I’m within 4 years of being as wise as she was?

I’ve been contemplating something that the son of a friend said about eternity. On Monday, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with an 84-year-old woman. She was a pretty little thing, and smoked like a chimney. Her voice sounded exactly like Roz from Monsters, Inc.

Exactly. She asked me, with a little bit of wonder in her voice, if I knew that the Jews did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. And that they (the Jews) don’t believe that Jesus is coming back. She had just come across those facts in the last day or so. Wow. Talk about an open door. Not sure if maybe, being 84, she may have known those salient facts last week and then forgot them. But wow. This is the Holy Spirit. This is the Holy Spirit saying “You asked for an opportunity—here ya go!” My friend’s son had this very poignant point: “I don’t think whoever said 'ignorance is bliss' had eternity in mind... “

And I’ve been contemplating choices made and consequences that come from those choices. I recently had the opportunity to go to the childhood home of my very best childhood friend. Her sister still lives in the home. And nothing has been changed. The wallpaper, paint and furnishings were the same. The plant room? The same. The old Chevy in the garage? The same. It was like opening a door and walking into 1974. Surreal. In those days, even though I was going to church, I was walking far from God. My friend was too. We made poor choices. We were in trouble, together and apart, but mostly together, quite often. Last year I broke my body in an unfortunate toilet papering incident at youth group. When we were 13, I broke her arm when the shopping cart she was in and I was pushing flipped over and she tumbled out. If I believed in Karma, there it was. When her parents went to the Holy Land for 6 weeks when we were high school sophomores, she lived with my family. I went on vacation with her family every summer. And then for some reason we drifted apart. I found this week that my friend, because of consequences of her bad choices, has lost her husband, has herself had a stroke, has lost any remaining trust of her family and is broke, broken and all alone. God pursued me and I was captured up in His love, His grace and His mercy. Somehow, she got away. Why? We both knew the Truth. She was a pastor’s daughter…her dad performed my marriage ceremony. Why? I know it’s all about choices. All about consequences. But…why? Why her and not me? My heart aches for her. I know that God is still pursuing her. To what lengths will she run so that He can prove His capacity for love and forgiveness to her? And why was she/is she so driven to run?

And I’ve been contemplating how incredibly blessed I am. How much God loves me. How much I am loved by my husband and family. And how can I show some of that love in return.

So…what are you contemplating these days?

2 Truths # 2 Reveal

2009-10-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Well...here you go. See how well you did:

Brushes with Celebrity
1. I once sat next to Grant Goodeve (the oldest--and best looking--son on 8 is Enough) and his wife on a flight. Bad thunderstorm, she was hysterical. I thought I’d have to slap her a la’ Airplane.

2. I was an extra in Convoy. They didn’t pay us, but gave us hotdogs, beer and coke. It was really, really hot. I was about 5 yards from Ali McGraw and Kris Kristofferson. The scene was at the end of the movie when they rolled into town in their big convoy. You can’t see me in the crowd. But I was there.

3. Sandra Bullock commuted to Albuquerque while making a move back in the early 90’s. She was a regular on our red-eye flight and once brought me cookies that she had baked. My husband still thinks she is really h-o-t-t. I still think Kris Kristofferson is, but the man can’t even speak on key. Brilliant lyricist tho’…
# 3 is the lie. This is one of those half-truths. Do ya'll remember The Facts of Life, with Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett)? Well, SHE was a regular on one of our flights for a period of time and SHE brought me cookies. Probably more believable than Sandra Bullock, huh? Yep, Mrs. Garrett brought me cookies. I heart Mrs. Garrett.

Toddler Follies
1. My youngest son once cleaned the toilet with his sister’s toothbrush. When I explained to him that he was using the wrong tool and showed him the toilet brush, he complied. He then used about ½ a bottle of shampoo to clean the toilet with. It took about 5 flushes for the bubbles to go away, but the toilet was real shiny, boss.

2. My oldest son did not have many temper tantrums. But when he did, woo-boy! Once at Wal-Mart he actually laid down in the crosswalk of the parking lot, kicking and screaming and refusing to move. At the time, I had 3 children. Amy was only about 6 weeks old, Caleb wasn’t quite 2 and Tyler was 4. I was afraid to spank him when we got back to our van, because we were trying to sell it at the time and had our phone number plastered all over it. We had to run a couple more errands and when we got home, he asked if he was still getting a spanking. I had calmed down and forgotten. But he reminded me….

3. My middle son painted himself and his sister with Desitin one day. Then they had a baby powder party in the bedroom. Then they cried and cried and cried after I found them. Can you guess why? If you know of a way to remove zinc from carpet, you could probably be rich. I ended up tearing the carpet out and putting in tile…turned it into a play room.
Again, # 3 is the lie. I saw a picture of this once and it cracked me up. And it totally could've happened. Sigh.

Sporty Spice
1. I was on the gymnastics team in high school. I wasn’t very good, and I wasn’t very dedicated. I was also very tall. About the only thing I excelled on was uneven bars. I quit when they told me I had to cut my fake nails off. In 1978 it cost $20 to get fake nails put on. In 2009, it costs $19.95 for a new set of acrylics. I made $2.65 an hour at Montgomery Ward back then. I wasn’t cutting those nails off for anything.

2. I was a monster roller skater. I could disco, shoot the duck and jump down flights of stairs. I started out with the kind that clipped on to your shoes and you had to use a key to tighten/adjust them. I was the first kid on my block to get “shoe” skates. I once broke my mom’s clothesline off at ground level by grabbing in as I did a “slingshot” around it to the “dark side of the moon.”

3. In the 9th grade I was on my church’s basketball team. I was worse than awful. I made one basket the whole season. It was for the other team. Pitiful. Shameful. Not to mention the spindly white legs that went up to my neck, but at the time were oh, so unattractive. I can’t even imagine what got into me to consider it.
#1 is the lie. Seriously, y'all? Me? On a gymnastics team? I did have a set of fake nails in the 70's. I did pay the equivalent of a king's ransom for them. And when ANOTHER girl in my gymnastics class (for credit...only got a good grade because I dressed out every day) fell and popped off one of her fake nails and blood spurted rather impressively across the gym, I was persuaded to scale them back a bit. # 3 totally happened. And I can still skate. I got skillz.

IF I can come up with more stuff, I'll do this meme again...I know I have lots of stuff to lie about, but the reason I don't lie in real life is that my memory just isn't that good. Oh, well. Thanks for playing!

2 Truths and a Lie, 2nd Edition

2009-10-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ok…time for the second edition….these are harder to come up with than I originally thought. Please play along, post your own and then come back and link up. It’s kind of like that old TV game show To Tell the Truth….

Brushes with Celebrity
1. I once sat next to Grant Goodeve (the oldest--and best looking--son on 8 is Enough) and his wife on a flight. Bad thunderstorm, she was hysterical. I thought I’d have to slap her a la’ Airplane.

2. I was an extra in Convoy. They didn’t pay us, but gave us hotdogs, beer and coke. It was really, really hot. I was about 5 yards from Ali McGraw and Kris Kristofferson. The scene was at the end of the movie when they rolled into town in their big convoy. You can’t see me in the crowd. But I was there.

3. Sandra Bullock commuted to Albuquerque while making a move back in the early 90’s. She was a regular on our red-eye flight and once brought me cookies that she had baked. My husband still thinks she is really h-o-t-t. I still think Kris Kristofferson is, but the man can’t even speak on key. Brilliant lyricist tho’…

Toddler Follies
1. My youngest son once cleaned the toilet with his sister’s toothbrush. When I explained to him that he was using the wrong tool and showed him the toilet brush, he complied. He then used about ½ a bottle of shampoo to clean the toilet with. It took about 5 flushes for the bubbles to go away, but the toilet was real shiny, boss.

2. My oldest son did not have many temper tantrums. But when he did, woo-boy! Once at Wal-Mart he actually laid down in the crosswalk of the parking lot, kicking and screaming and refusing to move. At the time, I had 3 children. Amy was only about 6 weeks old, Caleb wasn’t quite 2 and Tyler was 4. I was afraid to spank him when we got back to our van, because we were trying to sell it at the time and had our phone number plastered all over it. We had to run a couple more errands and when we got home, he asked if he was still getting a spanking. I had calmed down and forgotten. But he reminded me….

3. My middle son painted himself and his sister with Desitin one day. Then they had a baby powder party in the bedroom. Then they cried and cried and cried after I found them. Can you guess why? If you know of a way to remove zinc from carpet, you could probably be rich. I ended up tearing the carpet out and putting in tile…turned it into a play room.

Sporty Spice
1. I was on the gymnastics team in high school. I wasn’t very good, and I wasn’t very dedicated. I was also very tall. About the only thing I excelled on was uneven bars. I quit when they told me I had to cut my fake nails off. In 1978 it cost $20 to get fake nails put on. In 2009, it costs $19.95 for a new set of acrylics. I made $2.65 an hour at Montgomery Ward back then. I wasn’t cutting those nails off for anything.

2. I was a monster roller skater. I could disco, shoot the duck and jump down flights of stairs. I started out with the kind that clipped on to your shoes and you had to use a key to tighten/adjust them. I was the first kid on my block to get “shoe” skates. I once broke my mom’s clothesline off at ground level by grabbing in as I did a “slingshot” around it to the “dark side of the moon.”

3. In the 9th grade I was on my church’s basketball team. I was worse than awful. I made one basket the whole season. It was for the other team. Pitiful. Shameful. Not to mention the spindly white legs that went up to my neck, but at the time were oh, so unattractive. I can’t even imagine what got into me to consider it.

NOW! Your turn. Invent your own, or just guess these. Post on your own blog and link back up. Answers for these will be up on Tuesday. Have fun!

Random Dozen October 7

2009-10-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

Time for this week's edition of Random Dozen. I just argued with myself over the placement of that apostrophe. It's way too early for this. Anyway, play along and head on over to 2nd cup and link up. (wow--that rhymes)

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself? Maybe a couple of times a year. But the thing is, it usually has to be on clearance, and then additional savings off. Last week I gained huge ground and bought a top that was just on sale, not clearance. I don’t have this problem when I buy things for others, just myself.

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it. Creative? Like in crafts? Pshaw. I wrote a pretty good article for our church website. Does that count?

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right? I love my house. But it has 6 people and 3 bedrooms and 1600 sq feet. In the grand scheme of things, I am not complaining. I have more than 90% of the world. But the boys are stacked up like cordwood and for their sake, I wish it were a little bigger.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore? Planting in the spring—loving the anticipation of what’s to come. Cleaning up beds and containers in the fall—huge sense of instant gratification. Least favorite? Weeding poky weeds or picking up dog flops.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not? No No. No. Even if it weren’t bad for me—it stinks. It makes you look old before your time. Turns your teeth and fingers yellow. And not the pretty sunshiny kind. It stains your clothing and burns holes in your carseats. When you kiss someone, they might mistake that for licking an ashtray. It’s just flat out nasty habit. I’d rather be fat. (p.s. both my mom and dad died from health issues directly tied to smoking. I am a rabid anti-smoker. Hate. It.)

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride? Ride. Not a big fan of the driving. But I do like shotgun. Backseats tend to make me queasy. And I love my "Hang-on-to-this-ineffective-handle-above-the-doorjamb-because-it will-save-me handle." We all know how much control you have over the vehicle hanging on to that.

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit? Farmville. Mafia Wars.

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it? Usually about 15-30 minutes. I’m embarrassed to say I watched ALL of “Open Water.” That has to be the among the worst movies ever.

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates? Pretty much every single song on The Best of Bread, Side A. Also, "Could it be Magic," by Barry Manilow…

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you? It depends. I like to think I’m an 8. But I’m pretty much rigid. I want my lists and my color coded binders. Probably a 3-4. Although, especially lately, I have had a hard time committing to people/things. I want my free time to be…free.

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob? Not really. I like cheese that comes out of a can, hot dogs and willingly and enthusiastically buy processed stuff. And I don’t care for wine all that much. WAIT! I can’t stand powdered creamer in my coffee. Prefer half-n-half. Milk is #2 and those fake liquid creamers a distant 3rd.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life? (I hear people gulping and see them sweating in anticipation of how to answer this one.) I am ashamed that I try to control oh, so much of what God has handled. My kids. Ladies’ Bible study. Where should I exercise more control: watching what I eat and finances (things that affect only ME!)
Stand by for next week's version of "2 Truths and a Lie." It's sure to be a hit.

Truth Time

2009-10-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

The big reveal…..Ok. I’m coming clean. Here are the answers…

Animal Planet (Please don’t tell P.E.T.A!)
1. Finding a dead gerbil (mummified) in the air conditioning/heater system in our Jeep. No wonder it always smelled funny when we turned it on.
2. Finding half (top half) of our hamster, Cinnamon on the living room rug. The cat ate the bottom half.
3. Starting the car one cold winter morning and hearing a terrible racket. Opening the hood and finding a bull snake curled around the engine. In pieces.
# 3 is the lie. However, Ted’s cousin used to live with us when going through a tough time. He started his truck one morning and found a cat had decided that under the hood next to the warm engine was a nice place to nap. Quite a disturbing noise. We had to pull the kitty’s claws out of the fan belt to disengage her. The cat survived, but always walked with her head listing to the right after that…. I broke down and looked in the trash at the poor, unfortunate victim in #1. I threw up a little in my mouth. And decided that after all the work and frustration the little rat caused Ted, he is not a poor unfortunate victim!

Emergency Room for Dummies
1. Breaking my pinkie when I get stuck going down a slide with my nephew in my lap. I weighed about 97 lbs at the time and was scary-skinny.
2. Breaking my whole body falling off a driveway while toilet papering.
3. Having my son Tanner break his thumb 3 days later at school. His teacher didn’t believe him, and thinking he was disrespectful, she made him stand by his desk for the entire class period.
#1 is the lie. I know that Lidna was hoping that #3 would be. We didn’t get along well with the teacher in # 3, and after this incident, even less. Irony? She was the health teacher.

Take this job and…well you get the idea
1. Delivering singing telegrams as a part-time job in college.
2. Getting stuck in the belly of a C-130 airplane I was ‘investigating’ (read: poking around, unauthorized).
3. Going to a loan closing in someone’s house where they kept live goats. I guess it’s better than dead goats. They informed me their goats sleep in the bed with them. That’s just…wrong on so many levels.
#2 was the lie. Actually, only a half lie. I got stuck in the service elevator of an L-1011. The elevators are built to send up ONE flight attendant or ONE service cart up and down to the galley. There were two of us in there. Kind of standing like spoons in a drawer. I don’t do well in small spaces. Especially that small with someone other than Ted. We were stuck inside for about 45 minutes. I still get sweaty/queasy thinking about it. The goat thing in #3? Yep, it happenned. And they said they slept in bed with them. ICK!

Thanks for playing! If my pea brain can come up with more, maybe we can do this again.

Two Truths and a Lie

2009-10-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Have all of you played that icebreaker game called Two Truths and a Lie? You put on a name tag and list 2 things that are true about yourself and one that is a lie. People try to guess which is which and in talking, they get to know you better. This is a game-meme thing kind of like that. Post some sets of 3…2 truths and a lie. And then come back here and do some linkage love. Here are mine:

Animal Planet (Please don’t tell P.E.T.A!)
1. Finding a dead gerbil (mummified) in the air conditioning/heater system in our Jeep. No wonder it always smelled funny when we turned it on.
2. Finding half (top half) of our hamster, Cinnamon on the living room rug. The cat ate the bottom half.
3. Starting the car one cold winter morning and hearing a terrible racket. Opening the hood and finding a bull snake curled around the engine. In pieces.

Emergency Room for Dummies
1. Breaking my pinkie when I get stuck going down a slide with my nephew in my lap. I weighed about 97 lbs at the time and was scary-skinny.
2. Breaking my whole body falling off a driveway while toilet papering.
3. Having my son Tanner break his thumb 3 days later at school. His teacher didn’t believe him, and thinking he was disrespectful, she made him stand by his desk for the entire class period.

Take this job and…well you get the idea
1. Delivering singing telegrams as a part-time job in college.
2. Getting stuck in the belly of a C-130 airplane I was ‘investigating’ (read: poking around, unauthorized).
3. Going to a loan closing in someone’s house where they kept live goats. I guess it’s better than dead goats. They informed me their goats sleep in the bed with them. That’s just…wrong on so many levels.

Tomorrow, I’ll come back with the big “reveal.” You can find out which ones are true and which ones aren’t. Let’s play!

Mom's Birthday

2009-09-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today is the anniversary of my mom’s birth. If she were still alive, she would’ve been 80 years old today. She died at the age of 52, when I was 19 years old. I got married about six months before her death. I look at her two sisters: one lived to 90 and the other is still going strong at 91. Yet, her brother died at a young age, too. I don’t remember how old he was—just that I was in elementary school. Her own mom died as a result of complications from childbirth when my mom was only three weeks old. She had a hard scrabble life, but if there was a word to describe her, I would say sturdy. Steadfast. Ok, two words. She was forced to grow up long before her time, and I don’t think she got to experience much joy as a child. My mom abused her poor little body and it just plain wore out and couldn’t go on any more. I have very few of the bad habits she had, and I try to take care of myself. The closer my own age gets to 52, the more I realize how much of a vapor our lives really are. I want to be there for my grandkids. And to be able to be active and healthy for them. She never held one of my children. That’s hard.

In her younger days, my mother was a beautiful woman. She was one of the first two women to graduate with a degree in pharmacology from the University of New Mexico. Because my sister was born mere months after she graduated, she never got to pursue a career as a pharmacist. I don’t know if she regretted that. She seldom, if ever, complained.

She was ill for several years before she died. She was put on oxygen for 24 hours a day when I was a junior in high school. The ravages of heavy smoking and other abuses stole much of her physical beauty, but she kept her wicked sense of humor. She joked quite often about reincarnation and who or what she’d like to come back as. One of my biggest regrets is that I do not know where my mom stood with the Lord. I am totally unsure of that. And that is so, so painful. She attended church regularly and was a deaconess, but I don’t know what her heart state was. We didn’t talk about Jesus and things of God naturally in my family when I was growing up. We went to a progressive church, where we relied heavily on pre-destination and thought that ‘fundamentalists’ were just a little bit inferior to us, and that all those stories in the Bible were possibly allegories. I don’t think I fully believed that just being good and going to church wouldn’t save you at that time in my life. And, if I were being totally honest, I don’t know if I was afraid of what her answer might have been. I hope to see her in heaven. If good works could get a person there, she’s in. But I know that it’s not good works. We’re covered by the grace of God. God knows what was going on in my mom’s heart. If I can communicate one thing, and one thing only, it’s this: share-tell-ask. Ok, that’s three things. Be the gospel to someone who won’t read it. Share it with someone who you think will never listen to or hear you. You have never ever looked into the eyes of someone that Jesus didn’t die for. Have those painful conversations. They are so important.

Whew! This post went somewhere I never intended for it to. I have a friend who recently lost several people close to her, and that’s left me pondering mortality and eternity.

So, Happy Birthday Momma! I love you!

Will you still need me?

2009-09-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Linda, over at 2nd cup, has her Random Dozen theme meme up again. It's all about Jr. High. Or middle school. I guess it depends on your time era or your part of the country as to what you might call it. Personally, I went to Jr. High in 7th, 8th and 9th grades. Only went to high school for 3 years. I was the last 9th grade class in Jr. High. Then, in all their wisdom, Albuquerque Public schools went to middle school--6th, 7th and 8th grades. Folks: 6th graders don't belong with 8th graders. And 9th graders don't belong with 12th graders. But I digress.
Here we go.....

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share.
Um, at the 9th grade dance I was walking in and it was REALLY REALLY windy. This was my outfit: (Yes, I wanted to be at the dance. No, I did NOT want my mother to take my picture)

My skirt blew up. OVER my head. And completely blinded me. I looked like someone who had a blanket party thrown just for them. There was this really weird, really mature but extra short and very hirsute guy outside the building there that reminded me a lot of a monkey. This kid was probably 14 and had been shaving since age 10. He was the only one there and he saw it happen. He just leered. I totally felt violated. To this day thinking about it still makes me feel all skeevy.

2. What's your favorite Beatles song?
I love me some Beatles. Lots of Beatles. Have the whole collection on my iPod. Lately, let me think...ok!
Um…to sing? "When I’m 64."

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?
To wear out, would be my new dress I got at Kohl’s over the weekend. It’s a jersey striped dress with empire waist and cap sleeves (vertical, abstract-y stripes). Feels like pj’s. It was on clearance for $15 and then I had the 30% off coupon. Ka-ching! Inside it would be jammie pants with a tank top.

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?
A guest, but very happy to help. My house is little and overcrowded…Unless I could host it somewhere else....

5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?
Oh, I hope not! I can’t imagine reading until I fall asleep with a Kindle. And what about the smell of a book? And then, what if my batteries run down in the middle? And reading in the tub? No, give me my trashy paperback dime store novels or give me…hardback at least?

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?
Experiencing…or watching. If someone shows me how, I can usually get the hang of it.

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)
Being unkind to anyone who is not in a position to be unkind back (restaurant server, small kid, furry animal….) That and/or picking his nose and flicking it....ewwww!

8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?
Yes. Salty and then chocolate. I think that salty may be my trigger food that makes me crave chocolate….

9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?
This kind of strange looking blue stuffed shelf sitter dog with a green nose and wobbly neck on a spring. There's a patch on it's belly that says "Too blessed to be stressed." Amy bought it for me about 4 years ago at the retreat.

10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?
Far and Away. Director’s cut. "Pretend you love me." "I pretend I love you." "I pretend I love you, too."

11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?
FlyLady would put it in her toilet brush bowl and keep her bowl shiny. Me…use it on Claire or give it to my kids. I have 4 kids. SOMEONE is bound to be ok with it.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)
Cream of Potato Soup. With bacon. And a grilled cheese alongside it.

p.s. Linda is going through a very hard season right now. Please lift her in your prayers.

It's All About the Shoes, Baby....

2009-09-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Missy, over at It's Almost Naptime is hosting a fun meme called Friday Favorites.

This week, it's shoes...Your favorite shoes you own, and the shoes you WISHED you owned!! I did a similar post back in the day, but this one seems like a kick! (Pun intended).

Because I'm trying to post more, I seem to be doing more memes. I think this is because my creative juices are dry. But ANYWAY.....

These are my very own favorite shoes that I own. I love them SOooooooooo much that I bought them last June to wear to my bff's daughter's wedding on October 3. And I haven't bought the dress yet! Yea..I know. That's kind of backwards thinking, but that's how I roll. Anyway (drumroll, please....):

Note the pretty gold band around the toe and the super sexy side vamp. Yes, patent leather slingbacks. Clinton and Stacy would be proud. Now I just have to go find a dress that goes with them. Good thing my Kohl's coupon came....30% baby!!!

As to shoes I WANT to own...I've been in the market for a new pair of black ankle boots. I live in jeans and black or grey slacks in the winter for both jobs. My current boots are at least 5 years old. Still way cool. Added bonus is that they are wearable since "the fall." I have a hard time still with my ankle/foot. Both were broken then. Happily, I found these:

Even more happily, they are at Altrec, one of my FAVORITE sites! I'm not too sure about the brownish sole, but they look way comfortable, and stylish, too! And at only $99.95, I can probably buy them for myself for my birthday next month.

Anyway, pop over to Missy's, show us your kicks and participate in linky love!

Donut holes are smaller than they acutally appear...

2009-09-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

Conversely, however, just looking at this picture seems to make my hindquarters expand...sigh.

Lidna, over at 2nd Cup, has a fun meme that I've now actually particpated in for 2 weeks running. I KNOW. So copy, paste and post and pop on over and visit Lid and get in on the linkage love with Mr. Linky.

1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas?
Standing in line. Inevitably, I’m next to someone with a suspiciously tubercular cough and within eardrum splitting distance of someone with a toddler who is either a) singing Dora the Explorer or Manny the Handyman or b) pitching a temper tantrum where pea soup comes out or his/her mouth as the head spins around.

2. Except for maybe Rosie O'Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you "bite back" or become passive aggressive?
If I am personally cornered, passive/aggressive. When I see someone/thing else under attack, especially someone who may not be in a position to defend themselves (i.e. the little elderly widow the other day that was told by the DirectTV installer that there was an ‘installation fee’ and to make the check out to him personally), I go on the attack. I can be a real momma bear.

3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.)
I had an aunt who traced my dad’s side back to the 1700’s in Scotland. Grandma on dad’s side was a cousin of Robert E. Lee, so I’m something like a 16th cousin a dozen or so times removed. On mom’s side, no claim to fame, but I am 1/8 Arapahoe Indian and my granddad was in the Oklahoma Land Rush.

4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you?
Mentor, compliment or brag on my kids--especially to someone else, but within my earshot. Be kind to anyone, especially people who aren’t in a position to return the kindness.

5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no "all of the above" option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you'd like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don't have to.
Hmm…probably cake. Chocolate with chocolate icing. In a bowl with milk poured over it. I know it sounds kind of gross, but that’s how I roll.

6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit?
No. I tend to use a ‘statement bag’ (thank you Clinton and Stacy) and change it with the seasons. Recently decided I am done with cheap handbags and purses. I’m too old and rather than looking cute and hip, they just look cheap. If I am going somewhere formal (wedding, for instance), I do use an evening bag, or something that coordinates.

7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented?
Mostly task oriented. I LOVE being around people, but when I am given a task, I really enjoy the sense of accomplishment I feel when I think I’ve done especially well. I don’t really need anyone to tell me I’ve done well, not that the odd accolade is unwelcome. I find that the control-freak in me appreciates the control I have in a task over the chaos that some relationships have. And even if Excel makes me want to tear my hair out, it’s never pouted or called me a name or gossiped about me.

8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel?
Cracker Barrel. IHOP’s season fries rock, tho’. Don’t have a Bob Evans and not sure what it is.

9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why?
Twice. When I was a little bitty girl (maybe 3-4—I’d have to check the release date) I got very sick during the 10 Commandments, with Charlton Heston. Threw up pretty much everywhere. My dad actually sat through the end of the movie with my sister while Mom and I waited in the (COLD-wintertime) car. And the first time I saw Mad Max, even tho’ I hearted Mel Gibson, I had to leave when it was implied that severe cruelty would be inflicted on a child. I can’t do movies where kids are threatened and/or hurt. Totally agreeing with Lidna about Slumdog...

10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization?
My desk. Sigh.

11. Was middle school fun or painful?
It was mostly fun. I was a top dawg in middle school. My parents hadn’t yet become ill, my sister had moved away from home (we never got along), and I was a straight-A and popular student. I pretty much loved it, but having reached my full height at age 12, was uncomfortable dancing with boys who were eye-level with my non-existent bust line during the mandatory square-dancing. Come to think of it, PE in general was painful. Especially those awful, horrible blue romper things on which we had to embroider our name using white thread.

12. What is your favorite Fall beverage?
Not necessarily restricted to Fall, but I love a good cup of coffee. With Pumpkin Spice flavoring in the fall, I guess.

What were you doing...

2009-09-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

We all remember.

Everyone who was living in the United States on September 11, 2001 more than likely remembers exactly what they were doing when they heard the awful news that our country was under attack. The very date evokes a memory in most people's lives. The events of the day don't even have to be recounted; the date itself reminds us all of where we were and what our initial feelings were.

I was in my laundry room, attempting to find 4 pairs of matching socks for my kids to wear to school. It was an ordinary Tuesday. Ted, working at the airport, called and told me that he believed we were at war. Situated near, and sharing runways with, one of our key defense bases, the airport was under incredible tension. Within 2 hours, the tarmac was covered with planes that were landed immediately, in an effort to forestall any further attacks. I turned on the television and watched an airplane hit the second tower. Ted asked me to get as much cash out of the bank as I could. He wanted me to make sure we had ample food and drinking water. I wasn't to send my kids to school. I was chilled. I was shattered. And I knew that we, as a nation, would be forever changed. I did all the things that Ted asked. And then came home and went to bed. And waited for my husband. And wept for those whose waiting would never end.

Life goes on. God remains sovereign. The earth continues to spin at some 67,000 miles per hour. But for that brief moment, time stood still for us all.

Random Dozen 9.9.09

2009-09-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Lidna, over at 2nd Cup, is hosting a fun meme. Please join in!

1. What is something that you have changed your mind about either recently or over a number of years? Hmm…tattoos. I don’t think they are nearly as creepy as I used to. Secretly, I kind of admire them, but would be afraid to get one.

2. Choose either subject, but does your a) church b) job feel more like a dental chair experience or an easy chair (recliner) experience? Hmm…I work at my church. Neither one really describes it. Maybe more like a controlled cyclone? Controlled most of the time, anyway.

3. Kisses or hugs? I actually typed "huts," which might have been a more interesting question. Usually hugs. Have an old friend (male) ALWAYS greets me with a kiss. Never fails to creepy me out a little.

4. What do you think is the biggest threat to families today? The acceptance of disrespect towards parents, dads in particular. Man-bashing has become a part of most sitcoms. When we don’t respect the authority that God placed in our homes, everything disintegrates. There has to be one head.

5. A day after you grocery shop, you open a perishable item that is horribly spoiled. Do you take your receipt back to the store to be reimbursed or just throw it away and forget about it? Depends on how much it cost. A $.99 head of lettuce? No. $8 roast? Yes.

6. What personality trait (feel free to address good or bad or both) do you notice yourself adopting from your parents? My dad had little to no patience with little kids. I fight that in myself the older I get. I also have this sour puss thing I get from him. Not easy to disguise when I’m disgusted with something.

7. How many slices of bread do you leave in the bottom of the bag when you throw it away? Two? Three? Just the heel? None? (I really want to know if you eat the heel.) I’ve been known to make a pbj turning the heel inside out, if I’m desperate. But usually, they get tossed out. (both heels)

8. What mispronunciation or usage error really irritates you? When someone says, “I could care less.” This indicates the person has SOME degree of concern. What they really mean to say is, “I couldn’t care less.”

9. In honor of the uniqueness of today's date, what does the numeral 9 mean to you? (Any special life moments attached to the 9th? Are you the 9th kid in your family? Can you count by 9s really fast? etc.) My dad (a banker) taught me that if I list 0-9 vertically in ascending order in one column and then descending in another column, I would end up with multiples of 9 through the number 10. It helped me teach the times tables to my kids:

0-9:
1-8 (x2)
2-7 (x3)
3-6 (x4) etc….
4-5
5-4
6-3
7-2
8-1
9-0

10. Does the general color palette in your closet match the colors you chose to decorate your home with? Yes mostly…strong colors, heavy on earthy tones.

11. When you're hanging out with friends in the kitchen, do you automatically ask to help, or do you sit there and chat until the host asks if you'd like to help? I'm not implying that the 2nd choice stems from rudeness or laziness, just not a first-response like it is for some people. I always help. I feel awkward if someone else is doing something and I’m not. Martha-Martha-Martha!

12. Let's end on a pleasant note: What do you enjoy about September the most? My daughter’s and husband’s birthdays, the smell of green chile roasting. Not having to wear a coat, but not sweating too much!Thanks for participating!

It's a girl thing....

2009-09-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

I secretly love that my daughter borrows my scarves and jewelry and perfume and shoes and belts. Admittedly, I resent a little bit that she does all this with infinitely more style and grace than I have. And she rejects much of my clothing and accessories. She is smarter than me, more athletic than me, more driven than me and pretty much what I wanted to be when I was a teenager. Sometimes, I feel like it’s just the two of us protecting femininity in a sea of testosterone. She’s also one tough cookie and, according to her brother “slaps harder than most men hit.” Not that she would ever slap her brothers…
We’ve discovered the secret to making mornings bearable. Like me, she is an unrepentant night owl. Owls are her favorite animal, by the way. She is grumpy in the mornings and can have an ugly temper. We’re all careful not to ask her too many questions; in general we stay out of her way in the mornings. But, if I wake her with a glass of orange juice, her blood sugar equalizes and she’s at least bearable. This year, she has to leave for high school before 7 a.m. Before 6:30 a.m. on the days she has Senate. That’s a tough time for anyone, much less someone who didn’t crack an eyelid before 9 a.m. for most of the summer.
She loves Jesus, her daddy and her brothers and me. She is a brilliant student, but shyer and more modest than she needs to be.
Fifteen years ago today, she came into the world with lots of silvery blonde curls and a family that treasures her. She’s my only girl and a big piece of my heart…

Happy Birthday Amy! I love you!!!!

Pt. Duex, or...how it kinda gets worse...

2009-08-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tuesday went downhill.....you can read about Sunday and Monday here.

To continue with the saga of my week, we’ll roll right into Tuesday morning. It was one of the saddest things I’ve had to deal with in a very long time.

Tuesday 9:45 a.m. After arriving back at the stinky sewage building at 7 a.m. for staff meeting, I ran home to grab some breakfast, paperwork and checks. I needed to meet the restoration company back at the building. On the drive back, a dog—a pretty, yellow, playful Labrador-cross dog--dashed out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes, but there was nothing I could do. The owner was right there, leash in hand. He’d been running with Bruno in the field and was preparing to put Bruno back on the leash when the dog ran across 4 lanes of fairly busy traffic to greet some women with kids and jogging strollers. Then as Bruno dashed back to his owner and there was an awful, horrible thud. The dog was thrown against the curb, broken and bleeding. The kids were there watching. Terrified. So were their moms. The owner was horrified. I was trembling like a leaf. The owner tried to reassure me that it wasn’t my fault and there was nothing I could've done to avoid the dog. We bundled him into the back of my new biggerredtruck and drove him home so his owner could take him to the vet. I gave the owner my contact information and asked him to let me know. Just before I pulled away, the owner and I looked intensely into each others eyes. We were both tearing up. We just gave each other a quick, hard hug and I told him I would be praying for them. It was, weirdly, a really holy moment. I don’t think I will ever forget it. It was one of the most intense looks I've ever shared with another person. And there was so much said, without a word being spoken…Bruno died in the back seat of his owner’s car on the way to the vet. So, so sad. The owner wrote me a kind and gracious email, thanking me for my compassion and help. And was “glad to meet another Christian.” I don’t know if I was babbling, or if he picked up on it with about 40 pounds of church bulletins flying around the car since I slammed on the brakes. Heart-wrenching, anyway. And my two younger kids go to school with his kids. I just feel such grief for them.

Wednesday 2 p.m. Black toner out of the copy machine monster. I have a BIG, muy importante' mailer to get out. It should’ve gone out Tuesday. Toner delivery guy is out sick today. Copy leasing place is about 25 miles one way from my house. I picked up 2 black, a magenta and a cyan. Good thing. An hour and a half later, after getting home from rush hour, I ran out of cyan as I was finishing up, around 7 p.m. Stress, stress, stress....and Caleb needed music printed for Youth Band practice. But in the meantime….

Wednesday 4:45 p.m. Tyler calls me…his brand new (to him) car was broken into. They stole his nice backpack, a NintendoDS + games, iPod, work uniform, $$$hure headphones and lots of other stuff…to the tune of about $900. Called insurance. Since it was personal property, we will have to file under our homeowner’s insurance. I’ve been insured with “Province Ranch” since 1975, when I got my first license. According to my agent, we have had 4 claims since 1994. One a shed fire in 1988, one the big dining room roof collapse last year. One lightening strike about 5 years ago…I don’t remember the other one…? If we file for this there is “a 90% chance that they will drop our policy.” Ninety. Percent. They will drop us?!? After almost 35 years. I’ve called another company for a quote to move everything over. I think that loyalty should count for something. And on top of homeowner's, we insure 5...yes, FIVE, vehicles with them and I carry my bond with them as well. We shall see what we shall see….

But, through all this, I’ve been able to see it for what it is: an attack from the enemy. I won’t even dignify enemy with a capital letter. I've seen examples of God's protection and providence. I’ve had amazing prayer support from friends and the opportunity to reach out and show compassion and joy and the love of Jesus to quite a few people. And have even stepped out of my comfort zone to do it. I am a warrior princess, a daughter of the King and MY God will prevail! Even though the devil may have meant this for evil, God is able to take it and turn it to good. God is truly good. All the time. He is good.

So, that’s it so far. I am trying hard, very hard to remember the words in James 1:2-3. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

In the meantime, please keep me and mine in your prayers. Pray for our protection, pray for our hearts to be guarded and pray for peace, that passes all understanding. I believe sometimes when you are under attack like this, it means that you’re doing something right…something that has captured Satan’s attention. He is subtle and insidious. He may not choose to destroy with a huge catastrophe, but rather throw darts and arrows until we’re so distracted that we take our eyes off Jesus, and falter. Or fall. Or just give up. I will persevere. God will prevail. And the Hee-Haw gang may write another verse to their song.

The Perfect Country & Western Song

2009-08-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

I think that someone could probably write a country and western song about the things that have been happening in our family’s lives this week.

Example:

Sunday, 3:37 a.m. Claire barks frantically from her crate. Not a typical thing for her to do at all. Ted and I both came down the hall to see what was happening. Ran into a green cloud of smell. At first I thought Claire had been stricken with diarrhea, but no. It was a skunk. In our garage. More than likely drawn by the kitty food there. Just not for THAT kitty. Blessedly, it didn’t spray. Not the bigdogs, not the garage full of musical instruments, nor one of us as we went to investigate. Mr. Stinker just waddled away, content to eat up about $5 worth of cat food...which I was happy to let him have. But…P-U!!!! And there’s just no getting back to sleep after that…

Monday 7 p.m. I was late for a church business meeting to discuss the budget and our recent sewage problem and the restoration that should be happening right now, but kind of isn’t. I was late because I was at a closing for Talkative Timmy and Loquacious Lorraine that should’ve taken 45 minutes, but took an hour and a half. (Was going to say Chatty Kathy, but that’s too close to Chatty Kelly and I like her. I really, really like her. Besides, I sound all smart when I use the word 'loquacious.'). But I digress. Boss Pastor calls me at 6:55 and tersely demands the phone number of the property management company, which I give him. As I’m asking what’s happening, the phone clicks off….not that he would ever hang up on me or anything. Like when he’s stressed or something. Got to the meeting about 7:15. And guess what? We have another sewage backup. Flooded the toddler room, 2 bathrooms, the kitchen and a hallway and resource closet. And isn't it opportune that it's happening as we are in the middle of discussing why the restoration from the flood in July isn't yet complete? Oh, Blackwater, keep on rollin’♫♫....Blessedly, it wasn’t nearly as bad as last time. No standing water. Just really stinky water that has soaked into our brand new carpet. And touched all the floor toys that our toddlers play with. And probably put in their mouths. We probably won’t have to meet in the bar this weekend. There’s always that.

Because this is just a snapshot of my week and already so long, we’ll continue with part 2 tomorrow…and hopefully that will wrap up the week, but we’ll just have to see.

(I don't know how to post a PART of a video...so in the one below, you can click to about 2:47 minutes into it for the part I really wanted.). And, yes, as a matter of fact, I would love to have some cheese to go along with my whine.

It's about more than back to school sales...

2009-08-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Summer time is winding down. Three of my kids go back to school on Thursday. My eldest begins college on August 31. Even though I wait with baited breath in May for school to let out, I’m always ready for it to start again. But this year, it’s a little different. The many rites of passage various family members have achieved this year have overwhelmed me. And I’m struck by the thought that every time we do something, especially something with the family as a whole, it may be one of the last times. I’m treasuring impromptu moments together more. In all honesty, I will be glad to have my living room back, without listening to the Xbox or the tv while I’m working. But it’s coming home to me how quickly this is all going to be gone. The older I get--the more time passes, the quicker it seems to run by…it’s as if someone is turning the stem on my watch and making each hour go by in the space of what used to be 45 minutes….

In other news, I have expanded my independent contractor gig. I began doing property inspections last week. Hey, I can justify replacing my digital camera that got broken at VBS this way. The first inspection I did involved confirming some completed repair work in a small apartment complex that had been damaged in a fire. The second was supposed to have been a quickie—just verifying the existence of a vacant lot, taking some photos and notes on its condition. I was emailed an aerial photo with a nearby major intersection indicated and the lot circled. Unfortunately, ‘north’ was not labeled on the photo. I finally figured it out. It’s directly behind the brand new, shiny headquarters of our local Federal Bureau of Investigation. Just a shout out to you: it makes the FBI guys nervous when you park your big, red Suburban behind their building and walk away from it to take photos of the vacant lot across the street. Imagine that. The curb wasn’t red and there was no signage posted that prohibited parking and/or stopping. It’s even a little bit more dicey if you have forgotten your purse at home and have no photo id. The gentleman was quite nice (after he removed his hand from his holster) as I approached and explained to him what I was doing. Thankfully, my inspection orders and a business card were adequate. Otherwise, I might be writing this missive from some Federal holding facility. He did ask me to move my truck and park it across the way….I'm absolutely sure I'm on all kinds of watchlists now.

Our facility hosted a Tea Party Health Care Forum last week. I'm not much of a political animal. This reform, however, is chilling. It is absolutely NOT about healthcare. It's about socialism, about government control and about the beginning of the end of democracy and life in the U.S. as we know it. Please don't get involved in dissecting and defining the bill. They (you know, the big "they" that are trying to pass this) want you to do that. They want you to get so caught up in arguing the minutae of this that you end up validating it as a possibility. Urge your congressmen and senators to DEFEAT THIS BILL. Don't even try to examine the parts of it. Just chuck the whole thing out.

Finally, I’m gearing up for our annual Fall Retreat again. This year I am going to be careful of myself and not go on any adventures that may prevent me from being less than my best.

Please continue to pray for our facility after our flood damage and that insurance, property owners and managers will do the right thing.

For now, I’m out…

How can you not smile at this?

2009-08-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

I braved not only the Mall (the new Mall-Mall, even tho' it's like 10 years old) and Marshall's on tax-free day, but Wal-Mart. I know. I am insane...but I heard just the cutest thing ever at Marshall's. All to save probably 5 bucks....

There were wall-to-wall people there, with lots of cranky kids and crankier moms. One little boy of about 8 was trying to soothe his little sister, about 4: (my comments that I said in my head are in parentheses)

Him: I know she's angry. And she will probably raise her voice at you. But you don't have to be scared (talking about his mom, I'm assuming)
Her: Really?
Him: She will raise her voice, but don't be scared (Raise her voice, really? Scream and have her head spin around backwards and pea soup come out of her mouth, maybe? I don't know--I didn't see mom, but in that situation, she'd have been justified. And what 8-year-old says 'raise her voice' anyway?)
(Pause)
Her: Well, okay. But I'm going to pray a little bit anyway.

That's what I'm talking about!

All I can think of when I see this picture is how much I spent at the orthodontist...

2009-08-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Having learned my lesson, and having spent about 487 hours of my precious off time in July at the MVD, today I took Caleb, age 16, to the MVD EXpress (15 Minutes or LESS! Toot-toot!) and coughed up the extra $20 for the priviledge of not waiting in line at a privately owned store and officially became the mother of not one, but TWO, teenage boy drivers. Interestingly enough, even though’ the price was considerably higher than the state-run version, there were still people with prison tattoos there. And one or two of them looked as if they might be craving a bit of the hair of the canine that nipped at them….or something like that. However, everyone did seem to have a full set of teeth, and there was nary a child there under the age of 12. And the 12-year-old there was fully dressed and not in pj’s.**

But that’s not the point. The point is, I just signed over permission and accepted responsibility for obtaining a driver’s license for someone who does things like this:

On a regular basis. No impulse control. None whatsoever.

So strike that first sentence. I don’t think I learned a blasted thing.

**I have this sense of wonderment while at the MVD and have made these observations: Each time I go, there is at least one child in pajamas, regardless of the time of day. Every 4th person will be either a) missing one or more permanent teeth—usually front teeth at that or b) sporting a prison tattoo of a teardrop on their face or an obscene word across their knuckles. I’m just sayin’.

On Blackwater, Chick-fil-A and the MVD....

2009-07-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

(ok...but it's red...and it hauls things...kind of like BOTH of my Suburbans!)

In between mopping up lakes of blackwater (read here: POOP people!), dealing with reluctant property managers and insurance companies, driving my daughter to and from Chick-fil-A, both to work and just hang out for something approaching eight hours on her DAY OFF, I became the proud mom of bigredtruck2 about a week ago. We were out looking for a car for my son, and found an adorable little Honda Civic that’s just perfect for a college student. Bigredtruck2 was parked in a Staples lot with a “FOR SALE” sign and phone number. We weren’t even looking. Bigredtruck1 still has lots of life left in her. You see, bigredtruck1 is a 2 wheel drive. Bigredtruck2 is a 4 wheel drive. As my kids will tell you. 2WD=feminine, 4WD=masculine. So, basically we bought a boyfriend for my Suburban. He isn’t new. But he’s beautimous! He has a leather interior and REAR A/C folks! We’re hoping the two vehicles will get together and produce a little Chevy Luv (even tho’ both are GMC’s and BRIGHT RED). I’d take a picture and post it of the two lovebirds side-by-side, but my camera got dropped at VBS and I no longer have one. Sigh. This is where I launch a shameless plea to win one of Pioneer Woman’s fantastic Canon Rebel Camera giveaways. Hey, it could happen….My friends are happy that I’m still driving a bright red Suburban, so they can spot me easily as I cruise the Q. We’re keeping bigredtruck1 for Caleb…lots of miles left, ultimate safe vehicle, since it's pretty much heavier than anything other than an 19-wheeler, and he gets his license next week. He was eligible for it a year ago. And now he’s had his cell phone taken away from him. But that’s a whole ‘nother post. The ideal thing about him driving bigredtruck1 is that EVERYONE on this side of town will be able to spot him should he decide to do something, perhaps….untoward….

Anyway, in between Chick-fil-A, contractors and multiple trips to the MVD, I haven’t posted much lately. And we’ll be going on a short little family road trip in the next little bit. Don’t give up on me. I know that most of my readers found me from Lidna’s blog, but now that she’s taken her blogroll down, no one will click over to me just ‘to visit.’
So, have a happy summer. This post was pretty pointless, but I just wanted to let the both of you that read it know that I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth. I’m out…

Jesus on Tap

2009-07-06T08:36:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning I was on my way home from the gym (after the first workout since surgery 6 wks ago—in pain and intensely disliking my BFF who made me go at the moment, but that’s a whole ‘nother post) when I got a phone call from a church member who had gone in to do some cleaning and general maintenance. “Not to alarm you, but there’s a small leak here at the church. We came into clean and noticed a smell. There’s some pretty nasty water coming out of one of the bathrooms and it’s started to go into the main worship area.” None of the other staff had answered their phones and I was the first “live” person he’d called. Hmm…not the way I wanted to spend my Independence Day, but, oh, well. I came home, decided to forego the shower and changed into some work clothes. Told Ted I’d be back in a couple of hours probably and off I went.

I arrived at the building and opened the front door and immediately smelled it. Then I stepped into the worship area. And viewed Lake Soul Rio. Oh, my. That’s all I could think. All I could say. Instantly I knew a couple of hours, a shop vac and a plumber’s snake would not make this situation all better. I called the pastor and told him I thought we’d be having service the next day in the parking lot. Since I’m prone to exaggerate, he advised me he was on his way in and not to jump to any conclusions. He got there about 15 minutes later. About 10 minutes after that, he headed out the door and down the strip mall to see if anyone else was experiencing anything like this. And stopped at the bar at the end of the row and visited with the manager and ~~schmoozed~~ talked with him about the possibility of allowing us to meet in the bar. He said, “Sure!” Actually, I wasn’t there for the initial conversation, but Brian, the bar manager, was incredibly nice and amazingly generous. After planning to close at 2 a.m. the next morning, he graciously agreed to come back in at 9 a.m. and allow us to hold our worship service. At the bar.

Jesus was on tap yesterday at Slate Street Billiards and Sports Bar. We were able to drink the living water and hunger and thirst no more. As I looked around our little corner of the room, caught up in singing How Great is Our God, I was able to see with fresh, Jesus-tinted glasses, that WE are the church. WE are to be the LIGHT. It’s not the building. It’s not the programs. It’s in not the numbers (although we had a big crowd, especially for a holiday weekend). This is not a new concept for me. After all, we were a portable church until last November. But the Holy Spirit was moving through us with such power, I was taken by surprise by the authentic outpouring or worship and praise. It was a little surreal seeing people lifting their hands in praise with a Budweiser Genuine Draft sign glowing right behind them. And yet, oh, so fitting. Jesus didn’t hang out with all the good guys, all the time. He was with the scorned. He was with the lepers. He was with the Ones that everyone else looked down on and sat in righteous judgment over. There was a sense of novelty, and many of the folks had never set foot in a bar. After all, underneath it all, we are Baptists. It’s good to get shaken (and stirred—couldn’t resist) out of our ‘holy huddle.’ There were some that were a little shell-shocked. Some that thought it was pretty funny. Some that I could tell felt like they were being slightly naughty, just by being in a bar. And some probably had a problem with it. But in the end, Jesus was ever-faithful. Ever-present. He promises to meet us right where we are. And He did. And the Holy Spirit dwelt among us.

Now the restoration begins. They called it ‘blackwater,’ and I’m told it’s a pretty serious bio-hazard. I threw away the shoes I was wearing on Saturday. And scrubbed my entire body repeatedly with Purell. God will have His glory through this. His name will be blessed and His love endures forever. If we’re in a temple, if we’re in a park, if we’re in a tent, even if we’re in a bar. He’s right there with us.

And....We're Back!

2009-06-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

What an amazing God we serve!

We had 4 kids from our group accept Christ for the first time. Every single person in that place was touched by God in a mighty and unmistakable way.

Last night we baptized 20 people, 8 of them had been to camp.

In all my years of camp, whether as a camper, a counselor, or a sponsor, I have never, ever experienced a messier, more gross end-games day. We will all be needing a course of Cipro, a tetanus shot and probably a flea and tick dip. It was an absolute blast (except for the vomit smell I am unable to rid my clothing of...I will be burning several items this afternoon).

I am bone-weary tired. And have a stomach distress. As did 2 of my offspring last night. I will spare the details, as I know some of you may eat occasionally and would want that to not be spoiled. Concerned that this may be from the gross-out messy games. I am bone-weary tired. Oh, yes...I said that already. My eyelids may actually be scraping the ground.

And I just found another bag of laundry. I'm afraid to open it. Very afraid...

Hello Mudder, Hello Fodder....

2009-06-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

By the time you are reading this, I'm going to be on my way to HERE.

with 34 of my closest young friends (including all 4 of my own offspring), 3 other adult sponsors and a whole pile of other kids and adults who I love, too!

We may do some of this:

Probably some of this:

For sure hang out and practice a little quiet time here:

Worship what this stands for:

And maybe even do a little bit of this:

A little bittersweet, because it's the last time I'll experience camp with this guy as a camper. After this year he'll be a sponsor:

I'll miss my blogging buddies, the comment love and hot showers with no time limits. Most of all, I'll miss this:

I'll be back late Friday...please pray that all going will truly hear from God. Pray for safety, for soft hearts and for the leaders (we are sadly outnumbered)....

I'm OUT!

Where do you put that?

2009-06-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

So I have a hairdresser who I will call here Bobbie. Bobbie is probably the best hairdresser I have ever had. He listens to me. He’s honest if he thinks something won’t work on me. He’s fast. He’s reasonably priced. I never have to wait past my appointment time. And I can almost always get an appointment the same week I call, if not the same day. The salon he works at is spotless and pleasant. Bobbie is unabashedly, unashamedly, highly swishily (is that a word?) gay. As in dresses up as a queen for Halloween and is prettier than some women I know. I first started coming to Bobbie to get my hair done when I admired SEVERAL haircuts he had done for one of my youth group girls. Then, talking to her mom, I found out that he does their whole family’s hair. Their whole family has GREAT hair. Then most of my morning ladies’ Bible study group started trickling into him on my recommendation and that of my friend. So, if you count up my family, my son’s girlfriend’s family, and all my friends at church who patronize him, Bobbie has about 12-15 people from my church who are loyal customers.

I went in for a trim yesterday and, making the requisite small talk, asked him how his summer was going.
B: “Oh, not so great. I’m doing a LOT of community service.” Hmm..he’s a nice guy…
Me:”So, is this by choice? Or…?”
B: “Oh no…I have to do 120 hours. But it’s light work. At a church…” I couldn’t-wouldn’t-even-tho’-it-was-eating-me-up-inside ask WHY.“I have to go in at 8 a.m. They’re doing a lot of remodeling. I sweep. Clean up the chalk boards, etc. It’s at ____ Church. It’s not all that bad. Then I have to come here at 11:30 and UGH! I just never have any time anymore. So, my boyfriend and I were going to go to your church last Sunday.”
Me: “Oh, really? That’s great? Why didn’t you?”
B: “Oh, we got up late and were hungry or something…say…the name of your church is Soul something? Rio de Soul? “ (It’s Soul Rio) “Is it a black church? ‘Cuz my boyfriend’s black. He wanted to know.”
Me: “Um..no…not, really. We pretty much have all kinds of people attending. We’re evangelical Christians, non-denominational. You could come this weekend!”
B: “OH NO! We COULDN’T! It’s Gay Pride day…no WAY could me miss THAT!”
Me: “Oh…maybe the next weekend? It’s Father’s Day…”

Just not quite sure where to put that…We’d love to have them. At a place where they could hear the Truth. In Love. Please pray for us, that we can share God’s love with these young men, who so desperately need it.

Wordless Wednesday: Cat and Mouse

2009-06-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

Or: Why I don't blog as much as I'd like to....

This is the same little darling named ~~SATAN~~ Sabra that my oldest son found in the dumpster about a month ago....she is ALWAYS into something. And frequently chases my fingers, the mouse and bats at the keyboard while I'm trying to work....

End of an Era, beginning of an Age...

2009-06-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, this photo was taken of youngest son.

He is a happy, agreeable, sweet, sweet baby. EVERYBODY loves him.
He has three doting older siblings who do anything to get him to belly laugh.
He winked (on request) at 9 months, loves to snuggle and is his big sister’s best friend and favorite toy. He didn’t walk, however, until he was 17 months old. Seemed he didn’t have to; he would look at an object, a location he wanted to be, or food he wanted to eat, and point and grunt and any of the sibs would be sure to grant his wish. He didn’t see a need to walk when his loyal subjects would grant any wish he had.
Yes, about a week ago. Then I blinked.

Tanner is an amazing artist. He gets this from his dad, not from me. He can pretty much whip the socks off anyone who challenges him in any video game ever developed, and has beaten every song on ‘expert’ on all three versions we have of Guitar Hero. He is very particular about his clothing (jeans MUST be Levi 511 Super Skinny) and his hair (we go to the shop at least once a month). He's funky (next week we're tie-dyeing shirts for camp...he wants to do pants, too). He wears socks ALL the time, unless he's showering or swimming. He’s saved up (from odd jobs like $1 a day walking dogs and birthday money) about 90% of what he needs to buy himself a laptop. He holds my heart in the palm of his hand.

On Saturday he turned 13.

I am now ‘officially’ the mother of four teenagers. The guy who does my hair told me that it’s an old wives’ tale that if you pluck a grey hair, two more will grow in it’s place. He did warn me against plucking, however. Seems he’s afraid I’ll go bald….

Kind of like Jacob, but not....

2009-05-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

This has been a week that I’ve wrestled and struggled with. I can’t really say it’s been a bad week. And it’s definitely had its highlights. But I’m feeling vaguely disjointed and out of sorts. I’m not really sure why. I am absolutely sure that I am feeling undercurrents of God beginning a new work in me. This is the beginning of a very busy season for me at work: VBS, Youth Camp, and a BBQ/Baptism celebration all happening in June. And yet, this is not where I feel that God is furrowing the fields of my heart and preparing me for something. I can’t quite put my finger on it, and it’s something that I’m seeing dimly. Kind of like when I get out of the shower in the morning and the mirror is fogged up, yet I want to check to make sure I got all the mascara off before I use my clean pink towel on my face. I can get the general outline, but the details just aren’t definable.

My trusty bigredtruck was in the shop all week long. Again. Actually, since a week ago last Thursday. With more transmission problems that were “fixed” when we had it rebuilt, two visits to the shop ago. We finally got it back on Friday. Tyler is thrilled that he won’t have to be sharing rides or be driven to and fro. When we got it back, I stuck my foot in my mouth and embarrassed myself. Again.

I got a prickly email from someone this week. I was able, through Christ who lives within me, to hold off on responding until I could really pray about what I should say. And I think that I did respond in such a way that I was able to point towards Christ and not denigrate the situation any further. But it’s not all resolved. I’m doing a lot of self-examination here. I don’t think this is a control issue on my part, but I’m feeling threatened and self-protective, when I should be able to rest in the assurance that this is all being handled by the Counselor. So, I am not trying to control the particular circumstance, but I am not trusting that the whole of the situation will be controlled by Him. So, I guess in the end, it really is a control issue.

And then yesterday at a closing, I received an absolutely lovely and valuable gift from the client. I tried to refuse it, but was told that refusing would be tantamount to an insult, so who am I to turn this down? Maybe this was a love-note from God, who knew I was feeling a little beat up and ragged around the edges.

Now, as I prepare to head off to youth group, I am praying that I will be shiny, and that eventually someone will say that somehow they saw the light of Christ as it shone through me.

This is a total nothingness, random-filled and boring post, but somehow I feel better now. Obviously I am indulging something here, there's some payoff. But I can't figure out what.
Hmm….

"We evaluate others with a godlike justice, but we want them to evaluate us with a godlike compassion."
-- Sydney J. Harris

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2009-05-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

Somehow, I don’t think I’ll get a nickel back if I take it to the recycling center. McYummy suggested putting the plate thing on my key chain….it really is a lovely shade of green….
This is a portion of what they removed from my wrist. I guess I’m not bionic anymore. Oh, well. Even Lindsay Wagner’s selling mattresses now. Everybody’s got to hustle to make a buck.

Thank you all for your prayers. It’s already feeling better than it did before the surgery, so I am anticipating a full recovery. I’ll be rock-climbing in no time!

As if..

2009-05-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

..it were as simple as a click.

About the time this is scheduled to post, I should be drifting off to dream land courtesy of some nice anesthesia cocktail prepared especially for me as Dr. McYummy prepares to remove all the metal in my right wrist.

I would covet your prayers for skilled hands of the healthcare team and speedy recovery for myself.

In a side note: my friend's sister died suddenly and tragically on Saturday. She received the news of this while @ Tyler's graduation party. Service is Thursday afternoon. I will obviously not be in attendance, but please say a prayer for her and her family.

I Spy

2009-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of these things is not like the others...

...can you tell which thing doesn't belong?

Look again....I'll give you a hint. It's somehow related to this post. And this one, where I was feeling quite all alone and resorted to a pity plea and a threat of eating worms....And it all started, because I was trying to help My ADHD Me out by entering her little "Pay it Forward" Soiree.

Yes, it's the pretty Alert and Oriented x 4 magnet made by Mary, just for me! It's CUSTOM! I received it all the way back about 2 months ago. I'm so lame, I just never did mine until this week. And even tho' I've never heard back from any of the "real" winners except Missy, I FINALLY finished my crafts. I've had the stuff to complete them since March or so. And since Mary ended up making approximately 273 magnets for people because she easily packs her bags for any little guilt trip, I made a craft for her,too. With my own two little hands (ok, they aren't little. They are MAN HANDS..but they are MY man hands)! The crafts are almost alike, but again, they are CUSTOM! The only problem is that I lost Mary's address, so she's gonna have to send it to me again. I got off easy...I ended up making 2 of the crafts I had planned. Missy's is on it's way via Mr. US Postmaster--yes, mailed the day postage went UP. Mary's wants to be on it's way too, but is in limbo awaiting an address. She's probably afraid to send it again, just in case I'm some kind of weird stalker.

If you look closely, you'll see my very favorite 2009 graduate, my very own Tyler, who walked the stage Saturday. And to the left of that is another favorite 2009 graduate. My niece Cherise, graduated from UT with a degree in Voice. She is a true coloratura, and is one of the rare individuals who can go higher than a high F (F6) with no difficulty. Every time I hear her sing, I am reduced to tears. It's ethereal and earthy, all at once. And to the right of Tyler is my other niece Rachel, with her brother and my OTHER favorite 2009 graduate, Kyle. Kyle and Tyler were born 16 days apart. I was in the room with his mom when Kyle was born. He is like my own. Kyle will walk his own stage on May 23. Tyler is 16 days older, but graduating only 14 days sooner. I think that's a wonderful circular logic kind of equation...Are you impressed with my mathpanol yet?

Anyway, I am having surgery this Thursday to "remove" all the hardware from my unfortunate TP'ing incident. Dr. McYummy seems to think that this will help to alleviate the terrible tendonitis I've been having. I'll be up climbing rocks and zipping along lines with the youth group when I go to camp in June, God willing and the creek don't rise. I wanted to get this one "to do" of paying it forward off my list of things before summer officially starts. So as of now, I am paid in full, at least as far as this blog soiree is concerned. (and p.s.--blogger doesn't know how to spell 'tendonitis.' Just an fyi). One more FYI. Yes...that's a love note written to me from Ted (dh) on my shopping list. That then got expanded to include our whole family. I saved it. Almost every single shopping list I take with me to the store, has SOME kind of term of endearment on it. The checker lady at Smith's usually wants to see what's on the list this week...I am such a blessed woman!

Ah, if only all my debts were this easy to repay....

It's just what we do

2009-05-10T08:54:00.001-07:00

Moms fix the scrapes on their own kids' knees. And the ones on the knees, hips and elbows of their kids' friends...it's just what we do.

Moms swell with pride when their kids do the right thing. If it's easy or hard. It's just what we do.

Lots of moms can't turn down a stray...a kitten left in a dumpster, a hummingbird baby that was too little to fly south, the teenager turned out by his birth parents...it's just what we do.

Moms understand that sometimes, there's nothing at all they can do to ease the hurt. So they just hold you. In their arms and in their hearts. And pray for you. It's just what we do.

Moms tear up when they hear the opening strains of Pomp and Circumstance at graduation and they know their oldest (or middle-est, or young-est) baby is down there on that floor. It's just what we do.

Moms bargain hunt, clip coupons and wait for the sale. And then sacrifice themselves to get you your heart's desire. It's just what we do.

Moms open their homes up to all their kids' friends. And try to share Christ by being the best example they can...after all, we may be the only Bible some people ever read. It's just what we do.

To all the moms in my life: to my mom, who died when I was a young bride; to my precious mother-in-law; to my best friend who loves me enough to ALWAYS tell me the truth; to my amazing sisters-in-law; to my own sister; to my countless friends:

Happy Mother's Day! You are all examples of some of God's finest work!

There's One Born Every Minute...

2009-05-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Stumbling down the hall this morning around 5:45 a.m., I heard what I thought was a new video game. At 5:45 a.m., a) it was WAY too early for video games and b) I have never heard any sfx on a video game that mewl. Like a kitten. Like a little, baby, tiny can’t-eat-solid-food kitten.

So, this is a test: Upon stumbling into my living room this morning, I found my 18-year old, manly son doing which of the following:

a) Ratcheting down a small kitten in the latest Xbox 360 offering Meomi Mouse II, the Cat House

b) Watching Animal Planet for some unknown reason at 5:45 a.m.

c) Cuddling the cutest little kitten that someone had left by the dumpster at Chick-fil-A last night

Ding-ding-ding-ding! If you answered C you win the prize! A Brand…New…KITTEN!!

(sorry, at 5:45 a.m. I couldn't find the regular camera...this is a cell phone picture).

And in answer to the questions I’m just sure you’re going to ask:
a) No, I don’t know if we’ll keep her. I’m trying to vote no, but she’s just so stinkin’ cute! So is our current cat, Baggie. He is voting ‘no’ also. However, since Tyler already has a name for her, the getting rid of her thing isn’t looking so good. (It’s Sabra Girl, from a song by Nickle Creek).
b) Claire seems to be ok with her…really is dancing around and wanting to play. Unfortunately, Claire is a Silky Terrier, bred to kill snakes. Once she catches her toys, she shakes them and beats them against the floor to kill them. We’re a little worried that the squeaky kitty might seem like a squeaky elefunk toy…When I had to go out today, I put Sabra in Claire’s crate. Claire was very intrigued by the smell…this is the aggressive dog who was an owner surrender, remember.
c) Nope, not litter trained…I think she’s only about 3-4 weeks old
d) Yep, bought a nurser bottle and milk replacer (see item ‘c’). Not eating solid food at all.
e) Nope, has a kind of hard time with the latex nipple thing.
f) Yes, I have called animal rescue programs. No one has anyone willing to foster a kitten this small. And there is a $35 surrender fee. No good deed goes unpunished.
g) Yes, I think the person who abandoned her should be chained to an ant hill and have nasty fake smelling maple syrup poured over their body.

I know. I am such a bleeding heart…sigh. We are a veritable repository for strays of all kinds...

Film at 11...

2009-04-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

...well, actually it was on the 10 p.m. news. And Ted was asleep, already. Baggage handlers have to be at work at 4 a.m. And I fell asleep waiting for the story to come on. I have no excuse...I'm just a lame excuse for a fan club.

ANYWAY...the Hubs is FAMOUS (besides being talented, handsome and just all around hunky!!!)

Since I can't even draw a straight line, I am humbled by the whole thing....

Should I include some kind of disclaimer...?

2009-04-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

Where do you start…and stop? I am helping my oldest son get a list together for graduation announcements. I am so proud of him, in so many ways. I could burst buttons. He is truly a man of God. When I am with him, he often points me to Jesus. And humbles me, too.

Here’s the thing: (and I’d love your comments, especially if you’ve been there)…
At what point does an announcement seem like a shameless pitch for cash or a gift? Some of the people on my list were close; very, very close to us, when Tyler was a baby. But we may have fallen out of touch for whatever reasons…distance, time, or just busy-ness. A young friend of mine who graduated, married and had a baby all in the past half dozen years told me that she sends out invitations and announcements to everyone she knows, in the hopes that they will come through with a little sumthin-sumthin. She sent out 200 high school graduation announcements and got around $3k in gifts. Some of the people she sent announcements to, she had never even met...they were friends or her grandparents. Tyler overheard her tell me this and instantly wanted to not send ANY announcements out. (There’s that Selfless Senior thing kicking in again). I really would like the folks we may not be in close touch with to share our joy in this milestone. Just for that. To share our joy. If they want to send a card or a little gift, great! But I don't want them to feel obligated. Many (most) of them have prayed us through hard times, like potty training, new siblings, appendicitis, and the like. And many (most) of them have rejoiced with us in the past about victories over potty training, sibling rivalry and the cast that finally came off after 12 weeks. And some are just relatives that we keep in touch with at holidays and graduations and the like, but don’t often correspond or talk otherwise. Tyler is concerned especially that these folks don’t think we’re begging. Now, don’t get me wrong. I have almost always come through for these people when they have sent me announcements. And we surely aren’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. But I don’t want them to feel obligated. And why is it that I always feel obligated?

So, what’s a mom to do? Where do you draw the line? Does anybody have a litmus test or even just a little mnemonic they apply when faced with situations like this?

And speaking of graduation….a friend on facebook commented that she didn’t think I was old enough to have a graduate. Let’s see…I’m 29, he’s 18... how does that work? No hablo mathpaňol....

Go ahead...brag a little

2009-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Lazy me...going to direct you to this post of my beautiful wonderful senior guy....and then go HERE to see Missy and her bee-yoo-ta-mus kids.

I promise to feature *EACH* of my four kids in the near future in a post of their own....I just am still hiding under the rock, trying to be invisible from the tax man and keeping up with Easter week, while working at a church and organizing a cake auction. Did I mention I HATE decorating cakes? Ick.

Shaken (and pretty stirred up, too)

2009-04-01T00:22:00.001-07:00

I sit here typing this at 1:22 in the morning. My husband and 2 oldest sons are out right now. They aren't having fun or playing. They are going to pick up our Jeep that was stolen from our driveway about 30 minutes ago. There's no way on the planet I'm going back to sleep right now.
No way.

While we were deep in dreamland, my 16-year old burst into our room and rather urgently said, "Uh, Dad?" Since Ted gets up at 3 a.m. for a rather ungodly 4:15 a.m. shift, I thought maybe he hadn't heard his alarm and the boys were worried that he'd be late for work. Nope. "Someone just stole the Jeep!" With no school tomorrow for 10th and 12th graders the boys had caught a late movie and had gotten home around 12:2
0 a.m. or so. They were playing video games when they heard the Jeep start up....

We tumbled out of bed, only to find that Tyler (age 18) had jumped into his truck and tried to find the Jeep. I immediately called 911 and reported it. Then started calling Tyler to COME HOME NOW! No answer. Texts. No reply. And praying, praying, praying for the safety of my son. Thank you Jesus! He came home about 5 minutes later when he realized he'd forgotten his cell phone. As he pulled up, the Sheriff was right behind him. Tyler spoke with the deputy while we tried to find the Jeep paperwork. Within about 5 minutes of the deputy's arrival, he received a call that the Jeep had been pulled over in Rio Rancho, a small town about 2 miles north of here, just north of our church. A. Maze. Ing.

God is so good. And, I know that vengence is His. I asked the deputy if the thief had been hurt "just a little." He told me that, yes, probably he had, "just a little," because there had been a foot pursuit to catch him. You will excuse me if I rejoice "just a little" about that.

I'm anxious for my guys to get back home. And I'm humming the theme to "COPS." And I don't think I'm going back to sleep for "just a little" while...I looked at the clock when Caleb woke us. It said 12:38. It's now 1:38. I'm a little bit shaky. A lot can happen in just an hour....

(p.s. Yes, we scolded Tyler "just a little" for taking off after what was sure to be a bad guy. And I got "just a little" welly while doing it. Thank you, thank you Jesus, for keeping my baby safe)

Dear Cold Fairy...

2009-03-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Cold Fairy,

Our family just wanted to take a minute, in between hacking, sniffing, snorting, fever, sneezing and general malaise, to thank you for blessing us with yet another round of your little gift.
We have now begun round 3 (that’s times 6 of us—18 colds). By my calculations, the little viral sprinklings you are so generously leaving at my house have allowed at least one of my kids to miss a minimum of one or more of their classes per week since February 13. That’s three economy size double packs of the generic brand of Nyquil. A new Neti pot. Five boxes of tissues. Two complete sets of brand new toothbrushes, so we won’t keep passing it back to ourselves. Delsum, Robitussin, Dayquil, Airborne, Ibuprofen, several gallons of oj and a ton of make-up homework.

Cold Fairy, you can leave now.

But thanks for sharing….