Go here to read what John wrote about our weekend!
Monday, August 20, 2007
A Camping We Will Go!
S'mores, a beautiful hike, good friends, campfire, lots of laughing, tents, lots of rain, leaky tent, sunshine, stars, cold nights and chilly mornings, warm sleeping bags, a beautiful creek, wet children and wet clothes, fleece, raingear, rocks, dirt, mushrooms, tears, latrines, hot chocolate, more s'mores, no mosquitos, no flies, and no bears (thank the lord!), worship around a campfire, the best campground host ever, Doritos, wildflowers, seven children, six girls, one boy (kudos to Will for being a great sport about it too!), singing, sweat, a burned finger, caves, coolers, more rain, hot dogs and hamburgers, hard ground and no sleeping bag pad, forgotten duffel bag, Uno, tarp and twine, lots of memories, and fun, fun, FUN! Can't wait to go back! Is next weekend too soon?
Abbey said this was her first s'more. I think she liked it, don't you?
Tent time!
Will got this cute t-shirt in Grand Lake...can you read it? It's funny!
Waiting out a huge downpour!
We didn't see any bears, but this sign might explain why I was worried. Our campground host, Mr. Tim, told us a few bear stories that didn't make it easy for me to sleep at night!
Go here to read what John wrote about our weekend!
Go here to read what John wrote about our weekend!
Friday, August 17, 2007
stay tuned...
*UPDATE* I don't know how to edit the photos so that I can post them. And I don't have time this week to install and learn Photoshop. I'm sure the grandparents are the only ones who really mind!
This afternoon I posted some kindergarten pics, pics of the first day of school yesterday, and pics of my placemats.
What I didn't realize is that Abbey's nametag showing her first AND last name was in the photo...very visibly. That freaks me outa little a lot. I tried to edit the post and for some reason my changes weren't showing up on blogger...so I deleted the post. Sorry about that.
We're about to leave for our camping trip, and I don't have time to figure this out now. So stay tuned...I'll fix it upon return, and you can see my sweetie pie on her first day of kindergarten. But here's the placemats...
Don't look too closely...I'm learning, and I'm NOT a perfectionist. I made six, but have two more to stitch. I've had such a busy week that I haven't had time or energy to finish it up. I made them reversible and the back side is just a simple camel colored-print. I haven't washed them yet, but I'm hoping the edges will fray in the wash. I may have to cut them to fray. I don't know. Any crafty advice? And don't they look great on my round table???
Enjoy your weekend!
This afternoon I posted some kindergarten pics, pics of the first day of school yesterday, and pics of my placemats.
What I didn't realize is that Abbey's nametag showing her first AND last name was in the photo...very visibly. That freaks me out
We're about to leave for our camping trip, and I don't have time to figure this out now. So stay tuned...I'll fix it upon return, and you can see my sweetie pie on her first day of kindergarten. But here's the placemats...
Don't look too closely...I'm learning, and I'm NOT a perfectionist. I made six, but have two more to stitch. I've had such a busy week that I haven't had time or energy to finish it up. I made them reversible and the back side is just a simple camel colored-print. I haven't washed them yet, but I'm hoping the edges will fray in the wash. I may have to cut them to fray. I don't know. Any crafty advice? And don't they look great on my round table???
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
We hit the ground running...
Whew! It's 10:30am and it's already been a full morning. Today was Will and Sarah's first day of school. They woke up early and we had a great morning. John stuck around a while this morning and went with me to take them to school. Would you believe I didn't even cry one tear? That is a first for me! But, um, tomorrow when Abbey starts, that probably won't be the case. If you ask her what her mommy is going to do when she goes to kindergarten, she'll roll her eyes and tell you that I'm going to cry. So true I'm afraid! So true.
Yesteday we met their teachers and we're just so thankful! I LOVED Will's teacher last year, and Sarah is in her class THIS year. So, so happy about that! Will's teacher this year is great too. And Abbey's seems very nice and just what you'd picture a kindergarten teacher to be. Again, that is huge answer to our prayers! I think we're off to a great start!
I have to leave in a few minutes to take Abbey to get one more immunization. She has to have 2 chicken pox shots, and she's only had one, so we're both going to be really brave and let our favorite nurse give her the shot she needs. Ouch! The only thing I hate worse than seeing a needle inserted into my own skin is seeing one of my babies get a shot. I've promised her she could pick something out at the toy store afterwards...and she's so hyped about that. Sarah reminded Abbey (and me!) a few weeks ago that when she and Will finished their first day of kindergarten, mommy let them pick out a toy ($5 Rescue Hero) and she enlightened Abbey about that "tradition". I'd really forgotten that we did that and really wasn't planning on repeating it, but I think getting a shot deserves something, don't you?
And...have I mentioned we're going camping with some friends this weekend? Should be lots of fun. We really haven't camped since Abbey was a baby, and I don't know if that really qualifies as "camping" because it was 10 miles from our house and I got to sleep with Abbey in our friends' air-conditioned RV. This will be equally fun, but way more rustic. I have to say I'm a little freaked out about bears. We're heading into black bear country, and I'm not sure if our site has a bear box. Just a little nervous about that. Just a little. Actually, we're not even sure about our campsite. The place we had hoped to go was full, and our second choice doesn't take reservations, so our friends are going up after lunch tomorrow to try to secure a spot for us. Should be very interesting, but should be very, very fun! Abbey and I are shopping this afternoon for our food and snacks, and John and I are planning to pack tonight so we can leave tomorrow afternoon. I have SO much to do!
Yesteday we met their teachers and we're just so thankful! I LOVED Will's teacher last year, and Sarah is in her class THIS year. So, so happy about that! Will's teacher this year is great too. And Abbey's seems very nice and just what you'd picture a kindergarten teacher to be. Again, that is huge answer to our prayers! I think we're off to a great start!
I have to leave in a few minutes to take Abbey to get one more immunization. She has to have 2 chicken pox shots, and she's only had one, so we're both going to be really brave and let our favorite nurse give her the shot she needs. Ouch! The only thing I hate worse than seeing a needle inserted into my own skin is seeing one of my babies get a shot. I've promised her she could pick something out at the toy store afterwards...and she's so hyped about that. Sarah reminded Abbey (and me!) a few weeks ago that when she and Will finished their first day of kindergarten, mommy let them pick out a toy ($5 Rescue Hero) and she enlightened Abbey about that "tradition". I'd really forgotten that we did that and really wasn't planning on repeating it, but I think getting a shot deserves something, don't you?
And...have I mentioned we're going camping with some friends this weekend? Should be lots of fun. We really haven't camped since Abbey was a baby, and I don't know if that really qualifies as "camping" because it was 10 miles from our house and I got to sleep with Abbey in our friends' air-conditioned RV. This will be equally fun, but way more rustic. I have to say I'm a little freaked out about bears. We're heading into black bear country, and I'm not sure if our site has a bear box. Just a little nervous about that. Just a little. Actually, we're not even sure about our campsite. The place we had hoped to go was full, and our second choice doesn't take reservations, so our friends are going up after lunch tomorrow to try to secure a spot for us. Should be very interesting, but should be very, very fun! Abbey and I are shopping this afternoon for our food and snacks, and John and I are planning to pack tonight so we can leave tomorrow afternoon. I have SO much to do!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The countdown begins...
2 more days until school starts for us...
I'm a little worried because two of my three children woke up this morning about 8:30am. In two days, we'll be leaving for school at 8:30 am. And at least one of my children is a slow mover. Thursday and Friday might be interesting.
We found out yesterday who our children's teachers are. So thrilled about that! Will and Sarah both got the teachers they were hoping for, and I'm so grateful. Both are wonderful teachers, and both are Christians. John and I have been praying about their teachers all summer, and I think that once again God abundantly answered our prayers. We're happy and optimistic that this will be another great year. We'll get to meet Abbey's teacher tomorrow. She's new to our school this year, but we've heard some really good things about her.
I keep forgetting to mention that I have a new job. I start Thursday as well. I'll be keeping one of Will's best buddies every morning. He'll come about 7am, eat breakfast with us, and play with Will until we leave for school. And I get $10/day. Easy money. I'm excited about having some "mad money" and Will is excited that he gets to play with his friend every single day. Seriously, "C" is a great kid, and one of the most well-behaved of Will's friends. He's a funny kid too and makes me laugh every time he's over, so this should be a fun adventure for all of us.
Today is full of errands and such. Will broke his crocs yesterday afternoon, and so we're off to replace them. Also need to gather a few more supplies for school, and stop by Barnes and Noble. Sarah desparately wants to spend her money on the soundtrack to High School Musical 2 that comes out today, so that's on the list as well. All three of my kids are dying to see the High School Musical 2 movie that premieres on Disney on Friday, but we don't have cable, so we're hoping to distract them with a camping trip this weekend. More about that later...
And oh, I made my placemats. I'll post some pictures of those later too...gotta run!
I'm a little worried because two of my three children woke up this morning about 8:30am. In two days, we'll be leaving for school at 8:30 am. And at least one of my children is a slow mover. Thursday and Friday might be interesting.
We found out yesterday who our children's teachers are. So thrilled about that! Will and Sarah both got the teachers they were hoping for, and I'm so grateful. Both are wonderful teachers, and both are Christians. John and I have been praying about their teachers all summer, and I think that once again God abundantly answered our prayers. We're happy and optimistic that this will be another great year. We'll get to meet Abbey's teacher tomorrow. She's new to our school this year, but we've heard some really good things about her.
I keep forgetting to mention that I have a new job. I start Thursday as well. I'll be keeping one of Will's best buddies every morning. He'll come about 7am, eat breakfast with us, and play with Will until we leave for school. And I get $10/day. Easy money. I'm excited about having some "mad money" and Will is excited that he gets to play with his friend every single day. Seriously, "C" is a great kid, and one of the most well-behaved of Will's friends. He's a funny kid too and makes me laugh every time he's over, so this should be a fun adventure for all of us.
Today is full of errands and such. Will broke his crocs yesterday afternoon, and so we're off to replace them. Also need to gather a few more supplies for school, and stop by Barnes and Noble. Sarah desparately wants to spend her money on the soundtrack to High School Musical 2 that comes out today, so that's on the list as well. All three of my kids are dying to see the High School Musical 2 movie that premieres on Disney on Friday, but we don't have cable, so we're hoping to distract them with a camping trip this weekend. More about that later...
And oh, I made my placemats. I'll post some pictures of those later too...gotta run!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Last Summer Playdate
I thought last week that we'd had our last "official" playdate of summer. In fact, I told my kids last week that was the end. But when my friend-who-just-got-a-teaching-job (boohoo!) asked if I'd be up for watching her two kiddos today, I said, Yes, I absolutely would! Her kids are terrific.
So TODAY is our last official playdate of the summer. Okay, who am I kidding? We have stuff planned tomorrow and Wednesday with friends too. And school starts Thursday. It's just a big party week really!
Anyway, I love having Kathryn and James over because they're kids who KNOW HOW TO PLAY. That may sound really weird, but believe me, there are kids who come to our house that don't know how to play! They want to watch movies, or play video games, and in my book that's not playing. If I say nope, sorry guys, then they whine that they're "bored". And sure, it's easier to turn on the tv or let 'em play Super Mario for hours, but I want my kids to know how to be kids. I want them to know how to create their own entertainment rather than being entertained.
And that's what they're doing right now. The boys are building a lego skateboard park, the girls are in the basement playing "restaurant", and they've already been outside playing hopscotch and jumping rope. I love hearing them too...they're having a great time and laughing...and being kids! That's exactly the sound I want to hear these last few days of summer. It is music to my ears!
So TODAY is our last official playdate of the summer. Okay, who am I kidding? We have stuff planned tomorrow and Wednesday with friends too. And school starts Thursday. It's just a big party week really!
Anyway, I love having Kathryn and James over because they're kids who KNOW HOW TO PLAY. That may sound really weird, but believe me, there are kids who come to our house that don't know how to play! They want to watch movies, or play video games, and in my book that's not playing. If I say nope, sorry guys, then they whine that they're "bored". And sure, it's easier to turn on the tv or let 'em play Super Mario for hours, but I want my kids to know how to be kids. I want them to know how to create their own entertainment rather than being entertained.
And that's what they're doing right now. The boys are building a lego skateboard park, the girls are in the basement playing "restaurant", and they've already been outside playing hopscotch and jumping rope. I love hearing them too...they're having a great time and laughing...and being kids! That's exactly the sound I want to hear these last few days of summer. It is music to my ears!
Friday, August 10, 2007
normally a title would go here
Several of you have emailed asking if we have a dog yet. No, not yet. We're praying still and talking and it will happen...probably within the next month.
And about those placemats I'm going to make. I still want to make them, but haven't found the right fabric yet. I've been to Walmart and Hobby Lobby, but they didn't have what I was looking for. I've polled some friends, and they've all said I need to make a trip to Jo-Ann's. Unfortunately, I have to drive 35 minutes north or east and I haven't found time to make that happen...so therefore the placemat project is on hold. I promise to show you the finished project when I get them finished!
Yesterday afternoon, Sarah and I made an apple crisp and it was delicious. We had it for dessert last night and there is NONE left. I don't normally make dessert, so I can't even begin to tell you how excited my children were! Sarah did great and she's trying to figure out what to make next. I don't know if you can tell from the picture of the apples, but they're super small. It took me 30 minutes to cut 5 cups of apples...and I didn't even peel them! It was tedious, but worth every minute of time it took!
Our weekend is looking pretty uneventful. I'm thankful since it's the last one before school starts. We need to do some shopping (tennis shoes, clothes, etc) and I'm hoping to head to Denver...because the mall is close to Jo-Ann's! I still have the crafty urge and I really think I need to act on it before it passes me by permanently!
And about those placemats I'm going to make. I still want to make them, but haven't found the right fabric yet. I've been to Walmart and Hobby Lobby, but they didn't have what I was looking for. I've polled some friends, and they've all said I need to make a trip to Jo-Ann's. Unfortunately, I have to drive 35 minutes north or east and I haven't found time to make that happen...so therefore the placemat project is on hold. I promise to show you the finished project when I get them finished!
Yesterday afternoon, Sarah and I made an apple crisp and it was delicious. We had it for dessert last night and there is NONE left. I don't normally make dessert, so I can't even begin to tell you how excited my children were! Sarah did great and she's trying to figure out what to make next. I don't know if you can tell from the picture of the apples, but they're super small. It took me 30 minutes to cut 5 cups of apples...and I didn't even peel them! It was tedious, but worth every minute of time it took!
Our weekend is looking pretty uneventful. I'm thankful since it's the last one before school starts. We need to do some shopping (tennis shoes, clothes, etc) and I'm hoping to head to Denver...because the mall is close to Jo-Ann's! I still have the crafty urge and I really think I need to act on it before it passes me by permanently!
Wow!
I got an email a little while ago from John with a link to this video. WOW. You've gotta watch it too! It's a little over 5 minutes long.
*And you might wanna grab a Kleenex*
*And you might wanna grab a Kleenex*
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Up to My Eyeballs in Apples
Yesterday I was chatting with my friend on her front porch swing when her daughter ran up and asked if they could pick apples. Their neighbor has a beautiful apple tree and has invited her children to pick as many as they want. So each of my children and each of hers (seven in all) grabbed a bowl and set out to fill it. Their harvest was plentiful, let me tell ya! I've got apples galore.
I put some in this bowl this morning, but I have enough to fill 4-5 bowls, and I only took about 1/4 of what the kids picked yesterday! So now I've got to figure out what to do with this many apples. I don't like apple sauce, and neither do my children, so that isn't an option. I'm going to pull out my favorite cookbooks a little later and search for some new things to try. I think I've got enough apples for a pie, some muffins, and maybe a few more recipes too! Ideas, anyone?
Can a Recluse be an Extrovert?
I've been asking myself this question lately. I have serious reclusive tendencies. I can stay at home for a string of days without seeing or talking to a single soul and actually enjoy it. I crave quiet and solitude.
But...I am an extrovert. I'm not shy and I love to talk (really? you ask with smirk.) Put me in a group of people and I will get to know and probably enjoy every single person I meet. People energize me. They can wear me out too, but mostly, they energize me.
As much as I love people though, I've isolated myself a lot this summer. Sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. It's the recluse in me. And I've enjoyed some quiet and some space that I've needed.
But...all good things must come to an end, right?
The last two days I've been in the equivalent of extrovert heaven. Tuesday night I had dinner with a new friend, one I've only known in the bloggy realm. We "met" a couple of months ago, and realized that we live in the same town, our kids go to the same school, and one year our children were even in the same class. So, I asked if she wanted to get together for dinner. I haven't had a "moms night out" in a very long time, and she said yes. So we met at Chilis and talked until it closed. And it was so good for my heart! Holly is great, and you should read her blog sometime...she'll get you to thinking! And she posts some great pictures of Colorado. I'm so glad to have a new friend!
When I got home that night I realized how really reclusive I've been this summer, and how much I've missed my friends. I wonder if God was easing me gently out of my cocoon because yesterday I ran into friend after friend after friend. And I loved it.
I took the girls for their back-to-school haircuts and ran into a friend I enjoyed getting to know last year. We chatted while our kids got their trims, but we still have a lot of catching up to do.
And then I saw another friend in the library and so we just popped in to say hello and ended up talking for 45 minutes (and not quietly enough for the library I'm afraid!). As I was leaving I ran into Holly, who I had just had dinner with the night before, and we talked again, but ever so briefly. After lunch, we drove to another friend's house to swap girls for a playdate and we ended up talking on her front porch swing for over an hour. And if you think it ends there, forget it...I came home and another friend called to catch up. She told me she just got a teaching job. I'm very sad about it too because she's a close friend and we've always enjoyed doing stuff together while our kids were in school. Things are going to be quite different for both of us this year, but I'm very happy for her.
I spent some serious "people energy" yesterday. And that's probably why I fell asleep at 8:30 on the sofa. And probably why I grunted and rolled over when John tried to wake me up to come to bed.
And probably why I'm planning a nice, quiet day at home today. I need it if I'm going to catch my breath from the friend frenzy of yesterday.
So what do you think? Can one be a recluse AND an extrovert? Or am I an anomaly?
But...I am an extrovert. I'm not shy and I love to talk (really? you ask with smirk.) Put me in a group of people and I will get to know and probably enjoy every single person I meet. People energize me. They can wear me out too, but mostly, they energize me.
As much as I love people though, I've isolated myself a lot this summer. Sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. It's the recluse in me. And I've enjoyed some quiet and some space that I've needed.
But...all good things must come to an end, right?
The last two days I've been in the equivalent of extrovert heaven. Tuesday night I had dinner with a new friend, one I've only known in the bloggy realm. We "met" a couple of months ago, and realized that we live in the same town, our kids go to the same school, and one year our children were even in the same class. So, I asked if she wanted to get together for dinner. I haven't had a "moms night out" in a very long time, and she said yes. So we met at Chilis and talked until it closed. And it was so good for my heart! Holly is great, and you should read her blog sometime...she'll get you to thinking! And she posts some great pictures of Colorado. I'm so glad to have a new friend!
When I got home that night I realized how really reclusive I've been this summer, and how much I've missed my friends. I wonder if God was easing me gently out of my cocoon because yesterday I ran into friend after friend after friend. And I loved it.
I took the girls for their back-to-school haircuts and ran into a friend I enjoyed getting to know last year. We chatted while our kids got their trims, but we still have a lot of catching up to do.
And then I saw another friend in the library and so we just popped in to say hello and ended up talking for 45 minutes (and not quietly enough for the library I'm afraid!). As I was leaving I ran into Holly, who I had just had dinner with the night before, and we talked again, but ever so briefly. After lunch, we drove to another friend's house to swap girls for a playdate and we ended up talking on her front porch swing for over an hour. And if you think it ends there, forget it...I came home and another friend called to catch up. She told me she just got a teaching job. I'm very sad about it too because she's a close friend and we've always enjoyed doing stuff together while our kids were in school. Things are going to be quite different for both of us this year, but I'm very happy for her.
I spent some serious "people energy" yesterday. And that's probably why I fell asleep at 8:30 on the sofa. And probably why I grunted and rolled over when John tried to wake me up to come to bed.
And probably why I'm planning a nice, quiet day at home today. I need it if I'm going to catch my breath from the friend frenzy of yesterday.
So what do you think? Can one be a recluse AND an extrovert? Or am I an anomaly?
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
This is really happening, and I am really sad
My youngest is starting kindergarten next week. We got the "official" letter in the mail today with her teacher's name, and instructions for the open house, and a big teddy bear name tag to wear on her first day. And wow...it just struck me that this is really happening. Kindergarten. My youngest child. I'm not sure I'm ready for this...
I was sad when Will and Sarah started kindergarten too. But Abbey is our last child, and somehow this feels a little different.
She's very excited and a little nervous about next week. I know she'll do fine, and her mama will too (despite a few hundred tears). I'm planning a mommy date with her later this week to go buy her school supplies and some new tennis shoes and other school stuff. And maybe an ice cream cone on the way home. She loves that. And I'll savor the day with my sweet, sweet Abbey.
I was sad when Will and Sarah started kindergarten too. But Abbey is our last child, and somehow this feels a little different.
She's very excited and a little nervous about next week. I know she'll do fine, and her mama will too (despite a few hundred tears). I'm planning a mommy date with her later this week to go buy her school supplies and some new tennis shoes and other school stuff. And maybe an ice cream cone on the way home. She loves that. And I'll savor the day with my sweet, sweet Abbey.
Monday, August 06, 2007
I'm Feeling Kinda Crafty
I am so not the crafty type. Really, I'm not. Scrapbooking is about as crafty as I get.
Lately though I've been inspired by some of my crafty friends, and this afternoon I went to the basement and retrieved my *new and still in the box* sewing machine.
I got this sewing machine for Christmas back in 2001. The reason I know that is because I pulled out my scrapbooks this evening and looked through all the Christmas pages until I found the year that I received this lovely gift. I'm meticulous about journaling, and many a mystery has been solved by looking back through our albums.
Anyway, would you believe that I have NEVER used this sewing machine? Not once.
However, it has been used, twice in fact, just not by me.
John used it once to make a kilt. You heard me correctly. John made a kilt. When we lived in Arkadelphia, one of our favorite 5K races was the Dam Nite Run at Lake DeGray. It was a downhill race over the DeGray dam. It's always at the end of July, and it is always at night, and it is always hotter than hot. One year, he challenged all the men in our Sunday school group to run it together. Then he upped the ante and challenged them all to run in kilts. As Team Braveheart. And then one of the men MADE HIS OWN KILT and challenged the other men to do the same, so they had a little sewing nite and used a pattern to make their man skirts. And they ran in them proudly that night despite the very strange looks they received. Unfortunately for you all, my scanner isn't working and so I can't produce photographic evidence for you. You'll have to trust me that it was a sight to behold.
My mother-in-law used my sewing machine once when she was here to help us make a partition for our basement. And she tried another time to help me make some curtains, but we couldn't get it threaded or something, so it's been in the box ever since...until today.
I pulled it out this afternoon because I am determined to teach myself to sew. I want to make some placemats for my round table (because rectanglular ones just don't work) and I saw a cute idea this week on another girl's blog. And I want to make a shower curtain for my bathroom. I took home economics in 7th grade and I really believe I can do this. Don't ask me how many years it's been since 7th grade...but if I figured it out as a 13-year-old, then certainly I can figure it out now.
Sarah and Abbey were fascinated with the sewing machine and with my determination. I got the bobbin wound and the machine threaded and practiced some stitching on some felt squares the girls had in their craft drawer. They were mesmerized and dreaming out loud about all the things they wanted me to make.
So tomorrow at some point, I'm hoping to actually purchase some fabric and play around until I feel confident that I can tackle a project without totally screwing it up. Stay tuned...I'm hoping to finish those placemats before the weekend.
Lately though I've been inspired by some of my crafty friends, and this afternoon I went to the basement and retrieved my *new and still in the box* sewing machine.
I got this sewing machine for Christmas back in 2001. The reason I know that is because I pulled out my scrapbooks this evening and looked through all the Christmas pages until I found the year that I received this lovely gift. I'm meticulous about journaling, and many a mystery has been solved by looking back through our albums.
Anyway, would you believe that I have NEVER used this sewing machine? Not once.
However, it has been used, twice in fact, just not by me.
John used it once to make a kilt. You heard me correctly. John made a kilt. When we lived in Arkadelphia, one of our favorite 5K races was the Dam Nite Run at Lake DeGray. It was a downhill race over the DeGray dam. It's always at the end of July, and it is always at night, and it is always hotter than hot. One year, he challenged all the men in our Sunday school group to run it together. Then he upped the ante and challenged them all to run in kilts. As Team Braveheart. And then one of the men MADE HIS OWN KILT and challenged the other men to do the same, so they had a little sewing nite and used a pattern to make their man skirts. And they ran in them proudly that night despite the very strange looks they received. Unfortunately for you all, my scanner isn't working and so I can't produce photographic evidence for you. You'll have to trust me that it was a sight to behold.
My mother-in-law used my sewing machine once when she was here to help us make a partition for our basement. And she tried another time to help me make some curtains, but we couldn't get it threaded or something, so it's been in the box ever since...until today.
I pulled it out this afternoon because I am determined to teach myself to sew. I want to make some placemats for my round table (because rectanglular ones just don't work) and I saw a cute idea this week on another girl's blog. And I want to make a shower curtain for my bathroom. I took home economics in 7th grade and I really believe I can do this. Don't ask me how many years it's been since 7th grade...but if I figured it out as a 13-year-old, then certainly I can figure it out now.
Sarah and Abbey were fascinated with the sewing machine and with my determination. I got the bobbin wound and the machine threaded and practiced some stitching on some felt squares the girls had in their craft drawer. They were mesmerized and dreaming out loud about all the things they wanted me to make.
So tomorrow at some point, I'm hoping to actually purchase some fabric and play around until I feel confident that I can tackle a project without totally screwing it up. Stay tuned...I'm hoping to finish those placemats before the weekend.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Together Again
John is home...finally! He left last Sunday for Santa Fe, NM. He's been there all week attending the Glen Workshop. He had a great time and got to enjoy beautiful Santa Fe, but we're so glad he's back home. It's just not the same around here without him.
Our week without him was pretty uneventful. The kids and I made two library runs, a grocery shopping trip, and one night we went to pick up a pizza. Other than that, we didn't leave the house, and it was wonderful. Soon enough we'll be back in the school groove and our activity will itensify. And I'm not really looking forward to that because I prefer a slow, slow pace of life. I'm really praying about my fall schedule and what activities I should choose to fill my calendar space. I know that if I'm not intentional about what I commit to, I will end up frazzled. There are so many good things to do--Bible study, volunteering at school, etc, but I'm asking God to show me what is best.
Because we've stayed close to home this week, and because John missed eating the yummy New Mexican cuisine at The Shed in Santa Fe, we're going to our favorite mexican place for dinner tonight! Can't wait! S & T...so sorry you can't join us...we'll be sure to eat plenty for you guys.
John had my camera with him this week in Santa Fe, so I'll leave you with some of the photos he took, and with some of our vacation pictures I didn't get downloaded before he left with the camera! Enjoy your weekend!
Our week without him was pretty uneventful. The kids and I made two library runs, a grocery shopping trip, and one night we went to pick up a pizza. Other than that, we didn't leave the house, and it was wonderful. Soon enough we'll be back in the school groove and our activity will itensify. And I'm not really looking forward to that because I prefer a slow, slow pace of life. I'm really praying about my fall schedule and what activities I should choose to fill my calendar space. I know that if I'm not intentional about what I commit to, I will end up frazzled. There are so many good things to do--Bible study, volunteering at school, etc, but I'm asking God to show me what is best.
Because we've stayed close to home this week, and because John missed eating the yummy New Mexican cuisine at The Shed in Santa Fe, we're going to our favorite mexican place for dinner tonight! Can't wait! S & T...so sorry you can't join us...we'll be sure to eat plenty for you guys.
John had my camera with him this week in Santa Fe, so I'll leave you with some of the photos he took, and with some of our vacation pictures I didn't get downloaded before he left with the camera! Enjoy your weekend!
Friday, August 03, 2007
peanut butter and crackers
I came into the kitchen a little while ago looking for some lunch. Lunch is probably my least favorite meal of the day. I don't care for sandwiches, I loathe them in fact. So that means I have to get creative for lunch options.
I opened the fridge and realized I really need to go to the grocery store. There weren't any leftovers because I haven't really cooked this week, and nothing else in there looked appealing, so I opened the freezer. No Lean Cuisines or frozen burritos or anything appealing there either. So I moved to the pantry and it hit me in an instant! I grabbed the Town House crackers and then went back to the fridge for the peanut butter. And the Dr. Pepper.
I don't usually buy soda, but we ordered pizza one night this week, and in a moment of weakness, I bought a 2-liter of Dr. Pepper. My favorite. It is so good with pizza. And such a treat for me.
So I sat and ate my lunch of peanut butter and crackers with ice cold Dr. Pepper and in an instant I was ten years old sitting at a table in the house of my youth eating peanut butter and crackers with ice cold Dr. Pepper and watching the Partridge Family on tv after school. That is the memory I have every time I enjoy that particular food combination. Every single time.
My peanut butter today was organic, and I poured my DP from plastic rather than drinking it cold from the bottle, and if I had turned on our television, I'd have been more likely to find Court TV or Days of Our Lives than the Partridge family, but that's okay. I enjoyed the best lunch I've had in a long time...and decided that I really need to hide a few cans of DP out in the garage so that next time I'm craving somelunch nostalgia, I'll have the perfect combination!
I opened the fridge and realized I really need to go to the grocery store. There weren't any leftovers because I haven't really cooked this week, and nothing else in there looked appealing, so I opened the freezer. No Lean Cuisines or frozen burritos or anything appealing there either. So I moved to the pantry and it hit me in an instant! I grabbed the Town House crackers and then went back to the fridge for the peanut butter. And the Dr. Pepper.
I don't usually buy soda, but we ordered pizza one night this week, and in a moment of weakness, I bought a 2-liter of Dr. Pepper. My favorite. It is so good with pizza. And such a treat for me.
So I sat and ate my lunch of peanut butter and crackers with ice cold Dr. Pepper and in an instant I was ten years old sitting at a table in the house of my youth eating peanut butter and crackers with ice cold Dr. Pepper and watching the Partridge Family on tv after school. That is the memory I have every time I enjoy that particular food combination. Every single time.
My peanut butter today was organic, and I poured my DP from plastic rather than drinking it cold from the bottle, and if I had turned on our television, I'd have been more likely to find Court TV or Days of Our Lives than the Partridge family, but that's okay. I enjoyed the best lunch I've had in a long time...and decided that I really need to hide a few cans of DP out in the garage so that next time I'm craving some
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Dog Days of Summer
Our kids have been wanting a dog forever. And I really do mean forever. I can't remember a time that they weren't asking for one. Sometimes the asking turns to begging, and that has been the case this summer. And I can't say we didn't ask for it. In an attempt to put them off a little, John told them last summer, that we could get a dog this summer.
Before I go any further, let me assure you that I have nothing against dogs. I like 'em. I don't love them the way some people do, but I like them. It's just that our house is really small, and I'm unsure about keeping one inside. And we live in Colorado, where it gets cold and snows a lot, and so I just don't know how a dog would do outside. I'm just so wishy-washy about the whole thing.
Theirasking begging has intensified this week, and they've completely worn us down in the dog department, so it looks like we'll be getting a dog soon. One morning before John left, he told them to make a list of the dogs they like. It was a collaborative effort, and this is the list of breeds they came up with.
Yesterday morning I was reading on my bed, and I could hear them talking across the hallway about dogs, of course. They were in Will's room looking at his daily dog calendar, and these are some highlights of their conversation:
W: Oh, Sarah, look at this one.
S: It's adorable.
A: Yeh, it's adorable, let's get one of those.
All in unison: Awwwwwww, they're all so cute.
S: Should we get an inside dog, or an outside dog?
Long pause.
A: How about an inside AND outside dog?
All: Yeh, great idea!
W: I like this one with the sleek, black fur. (He gets bonus points with mom for using the word sleek!)
S: What should we name our dog when we get one?
A: How about Rocky?
S: No, and we all have to agree on a name.
W: We'll have to take a family vote.
And I think you get the picture. Seriously, the dog talk is non-stop.
We made a quick run to the library yesterday afternoon, and guess what kind of books they all checked out?
And sat and looked at them together for over an hour last night, while saying things like:
A: We'll have to brush our dog when we get it. Can I have that job?
W: Sure, but we can all brush him sometimes.
S: Did you know puppies have to eat 4 times a day? How will we feed him when we're at school?
W: Mom will do it for us.
Exactly! So John and I have talked about it and yeah, a dog is in our future. I think it might actually be a good thing. John travels some for his job and I think a dog would make me feel a little more secure in his absence. And Will feels left out sometimes because he's the only boy in our family, and a dog is a lot less work than a brother would be! Smile.
So our plan is to rescue a dog from the pound or the Humane Society, and bring it home and give it a lot of love and attention. John and I have started praying about the dog "for us" because we believe he/she is out there somewhere and probably needs us as much as we need him/her. So I'll keep you posted about our new addition...exciting stuff for sure!
Before I go any further, let me assure you that I have nothing against dogs. I like 'em. I don't love them the way some people do, but I like them. It's just that our house is really small, and I'm unsure about keeping one inside. And we live in Colorado, where it gets cold and snows a lot, and so I just don't know how a dog would do outside. I'm just so wishy-washy about the whole thing.
Their
Yesterday morning I was reading on my bed, and I could hear them talking across the hallway about dogs, of course. They were in Will's room looking at his daily dog calendar, and these are some highlights of their conversation:
W: Oh, Sarah, look at this one.
S: It's adorable.
A: Yeh, it's adorable, let's get one of those.
All in unison: Awwwwwww, they're all so cute.
S: Should we get an inside dog, or an outside dog?
Long pause.
A: How about an inside AND outside dog?
All: Yeh, great idea!
W: I like this one with the sleek, black fur. (He gets bonus points with mom for using the word sleek!)
S: What should we name our dog when we get one?
A: How about Rocky?
S: No, and we all have to agree on a name.
W: We'll have to take a family vote.
And I think you get the picture. Seriously, the dog talk is non-stop.
We made a quick run to the library yesterday afternoon, and guess what kind of books they all checked out?
And sat and looked at them together for over an hour last night, while saying things like:
A: We'll have to brush our dog when we get it. Can I have that job?
W: Sure, but we can all brush him sometimes.
S: Did you know puppies have to eat 4 times a day? How will we feed him when we're at school?
W: Mom will do it for us.
Exactly! So John and I have talked about it and yeah, a dog is in our future. I think it might actually be a good thing. John travels some for his job and I think a dog would make me feel a little more secure in his absence. And Will feels left out sometimes because he's the only boy in our family, and a dog is a lot less work than a brother would be! Smile.
So our plan is to rescue a dog from the pound or the Humane Society, and bring it home and give it a lot of love and attention. John and I have started praying about the dog "for us" because we believe he/she is out there somewhere and probably needs us as much as we need him/her. So I'll keep you posted about our new addition...exciting stuff for sure!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Some Inspiration for Ya!
A few days ago, my bloggy friend, Trish gave me this award.
I find it surprising that anyone would find what I say on this blog inspiring, but rather than debate it, I'll just accept her nod graciously. Thank you, Trish. Trish lives in Arkansas and we have a lot in common, including loving the Razorbacks (and Colorado!). We met in the blog-o-spere, and I'm glad to call her my friend.
So the rules for receiving this award include passing it on to 5 other inspirational bloggers. That's not an easy thing to do because there are so many to choose from.
After some thought here are five bloggers I find inspiring:
1. Kecia Kecia is a friend of mine from college and her husband was in seminary when John was in seminary (we went to church together there). Her family is in the process of moving and they are trusting God to work out a lot of details, big and small, with unwavering faith...and that inspires me.
2. Angie Angie is another college friend, and she and her family are missionaries in Mozambique. She inspires me by her commitment to give up the luxuries of life in the US (like Starbucks and Sonic) and raise her children while serving Jesus in Africa.
3. Debra I don't personally know Debra, but I wish I did. She and her family are journeying into the unknown right now, and though I'm sure they're fearful at times, she resonates peace. The peace that comes from knowing her Father has a glorious plan for her.
4. Holly I discovered not long ago that Holly lives very close to me...like five miles away. Our children go to the same school, and two of our children were actually in the same class a couple years ago. It's a small, small world. Holly writes great posts that really make me stop and think about how Jesus is working in my life. She is a Jesus-lover, and it shows in all she says and does.
5. Leahbelle Leahbelle is another friend I met in the blog-o-sphere, and I'm inspired by her life and faith as well. She's been vacationing in the Rockies and has some amazing vacation photos to post. And who isn't inspired by the mountains in all their splendor?
Thanks again, Trish!
I find it surprising that anyone would find what I say on this blog inspiring, but rather than debate it, I'll just accept her nod graciously. Thank you, Trish. Trish lives in Arkansas and we have a lot in common, including loving the Razorbacks (and Colorado!). We met in the blog-o-spere, and I'm glad to call her my friend.
So the rules for receiving this award include passing it on to 5 other inspirational bloggers. That's not an easy thing to do because there are so many to choose from.
After some thought here are five bloggers I find inspiring:
1. Kecia Kecia is a friend of mine from college and her husband was in seminary when John was in seminary (we went to church together there). Her family is in the process of moving and they are trusting God to work out a lot of details, big and small, with unwavering faith...and that inspires me.
2. Angie Angie is another college friend, and she and her family are missionaries in Mozambique. She inspires me by her commitment to give up the luxuries of life in the US (like Starbucks and Sonic) and raise her children while serving Jesus in Africa.
3. Debra I don't personally know Debra, but I wish I did. She and her family are journeying into the unknown right now, and though I'm sure they're fearful at times, she resonates peace. The peace that comes from knowing her Father has a glorious plan for her.
4. Holly I discovered not long ago that Holly lives very close to me...like five miles away. Our children go to the same school, and two of our children were actually in the same class a couple years ago. It's a small, small world. Holly writes great posts that really make me stop and think about how Jesus is working in my life. She is a Jesus-lover, and it shows in all she says and does.
5. Leahbelle Leahbelle is another friend I met in the blog-o-sphere, and I'm inspired by her life and faith as well. She's been vacationing in the Rockies and has some amazing vacation photos to post. And who isn't inspired by the mountains in all their splendor?
Thanks again, Trish!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
So, yesterday when my internet was down, I wrote about a dozen posts (in my head, of course) and one of them was about our vacation last week.
John's brother and his family came to visit us, and we spent most of last week in Grand Lake, CO. Grand Lake is on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park and is absolutely beautiful. It was our first time there, but definitely not our last.
The last two summers we have vacationed in Estes Park, CO (on the eastern side of RMNP) and we probably would have returned there had we not had such a hard time finding a place to stay. That's what happens when you start looking only one month before you plan to arrive. Long story.
Anyway, we all loved Grand Lake. The lake is beautiful, the mountains are stunning, and the town is quaint and adorable. I actually think I liked it better than Estes Park because it wasn't as crowded, and because the town is built around the lake. And because they had an ice cream shop on the boardwalk that served quite possibly the best ice cream I've ever eaten. It was dee.lish.ous!
We enjoyed visiting all the shops in Grand Lake, and hanging out at the cabin, but my favorite part of the trip was time spent in Rocky Mountain National Park. I am in love with that magical place. This year, we did something I've never attempted before. We drove Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake to Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road is the highest major highway in North America and tops out at 12,183 feet above sea level. And folks, that's some serious elevation. Especially for a girl who is quite afraid of heights. Riding in the backseat helped (thank goodness I don't get carsick) and the views were AMAZING. Most of the photos I took in the post below were taken from one of the high points along Trail Ridge Road. Beautiful, huh?
The kids and their cousins were proud of me conquering my fear of heights and changed the words to "The Bear Went Over the Mountain" to "Mer went over the mountain...and we're so proud of her." They got so carried away with it that they each took turns inserting their names into the song and finishing with a verse of their own creation. Very cute and I love to witness their creativity in process!
We hiked some too...and saw some beautiful scenery and some wildlife including chipmunks, a duck family, and many elk. I was really hoping to see a moose, since they live on the western side of the park and that's where we spent most of our time, but our moose hunts proved unsuccessful. Didn't see any bighorn sheep either, which would have thrilled my heart. That just means I'll have to return again and keep my heart hopeful for a future glimpse.
On the way back home, we stopped in Denver for a Colorado Rockies game. My niece is a big baseball fan, and was so looking forward to the ballgame. I think we all were. Minutes after we parked, it startedraining POURING rain, and it didn't stop the entire time we were in Denver. They ended up canceling the game much to our disappointment, but we made some memories we won't soon forget...envision 4 adults and 5 children holding a tarp and running underneath for 3 blocks to the stadium. Not exactly fun, and despite our best attempt we didn't stay dry, but we laughed a LOT and likely will for years to come! And we did manage to dry out...eventually.
Anyway, we had a terrific time with them, and I believe someone casually mentioned visiting Yellowstone National Park next summer. Count me in!
Because the kids start back so school soon, I've declared this a week of mandatory rest. I intend to go nowhere. We've stocked up on library books, and we're holing up in the house for nothing but rest and relaxation. I always think that vacation means rest, but who can rest when there is so much to see and do? So...this week is rest and recovery for us!
John's brother and his family came to visit us, and we spent most of last week in Grand Lake, CO. Grand Lake is on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park and is absolutely beautiful. It was our first time there, but definitely not our last.
The last two summers we have vacationed in Estes Park, CO (on the eastern side of RMNP) and we probably would have returned there had we not had such a hard time finding a place to stay. That's what happens when you start looking only one month before you plan to arrive. Long story.
Anyway, we all loved Grand Lake. The lake is beautiful, the mountains are stunning, and the town is quaint and adorable. I actually think I liked it better than Estes Park because it wasn't as crowded, and because the town is built around the lake. And because they had an ice cream shop on the boardwalk that served quite possibly the best ice cream I've ever eaten. It was dee.lish.ous!
We enjoyed visiting all the shops in Grand Lake, and hanging out at the cabin, but my favorite part of the trip was time spent in Rocky Mountain National Park. I am in love with that magical place. This year, we did something I've never attempted before. We drove Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake to Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road is the highest major highway in North America and tops out at 12,183 feet above sea level. And folks, that's some serious elevation. Especially for a girl who is quite afraid of heights. Riding in the backseat helped (thank goodness I don't get carsick) and the views were AMAZING. Most of the photos I took in the post below were taken from one of the high points along Trail Ridge Road. Beautiful, huh?
The kids and their cousins were proud of me conquering my fear of heights and changed the words to "The Bear Went Over the Mountain" to "Mer went over the mountain...and we're so proud of her." They got so carried away with it that they each took turns inserting their names into the song and finishing with a verse of their own creation. Very cute and I love to witness their creativity in process!
We hiked some too...and saw some beautiful scenery and some wildlife including chipmunks, a duck family, and many elk. I was really hoping to see a moose, since they live on the western side of the park and that's where we spent most of our time, but our moose hunts proved unsuccessful. Didn't see any bighorn sheep either, which would have thrilled my heart. That just means I'll have to return again and keep my heart hopeful for a future glimpse.
On the way back home, we stopped in Denver for a Colorado Rockies game. My niece is a big baseball fan, and was so looking forward to the ballgame. I think we all were. Minutes after we parked, it started
Anyway, we had a terrific time with them, and I believe someone casually mentioned visiting Yellowstone National Park next summer. Count me in!
Because the kids start back so school soon, I've declared this a week of mandatory rest. I intend to go nowhere. We've stocked up on library books, and we're holing up in the house for nothing but rest and relaxation. I always think that vacation means rest, but who can rest when there is so much to see and do? So...this week is rest and recovery for us!
The Day Has Come...
If you had told me 10 years ago that the day would come that I could sleep in on a regular basis, I would never have believed you. I might have even laughed at you. Being a mother calls for sacrifice, but sacrificing sleep has never been easy for me.
Sure, John would let me sleep in from time to time, and sometimes my children would bless me by sleeping until, oh, say, 7am. But their hungry tummies usually beckoned me from my slumber urging to be filled with all manner of healthful things.
Well, about this time last year, I realized that I was sleeping in quite frequently. And John and I realized we could actually stay in bed on a Saturday morning until we felt like getting up. That, my friends, is a glorious thing. Our kids could fix a bowl of cereal, or spread cream cheese on a bagel, or make some toast WITHOUT needing help! I LIKE this stage of parenting!
They let me sleep in this morning...and I'm so thankful. I needed it.
They usually get up and read or play together in their rooms. We don't have cable, so the tv isn't too alluring, and they know the consequences of playing video games without parental permission, so it's actually the perfect sleeping environment for me. Nice and quiet.
I realize though that my days of summer slumber are limited. School starts for us in a little over 2 weeks, and I know that I need to get my children, and myself, back into a routine of rising a little earlier each morning. But I'll think about that next week. Because for now, I prefer to see the sun once it is high in the sky.
Sure, John would let me sleep in from time to time, and sometimes my children would bless me by sleeping until, oh, say, 7am. But their hungry tummies usually beckoned me from my slumber urging to be filled with all manner of healthful things.
Well, about this time last year, I realized that I was sleeping in quite frequently. And John and I realized we could actually stay in bed on a Saturday morning until we felt like getting up. That, my friends, is a glorious thing. Our kids could fix a bowl of cereal, or spread cream cheese on a bagel, or make some toast WITHOUT needing help! I LIKE this stage of parenting!
They let me sleep in this morning...and I'm so thankful. I needed it.
They usually get up and read or play together in their rooms. We don't have cable, so the tv isn't too alluring, and they know the consequences of playing video games without parental permission, so it's actually the perfect sleeping environment for me. Nice and quiet.
I realize though that my days of summer slumber are limited. School starts for us in a little over 2 weeks, and I know that I need to get my children, and myself, back into a routine of rising a little earlier each morning. But I'll think about that next week. Because for now, I prefer to see the sun once it is high in the sky.
Monday, July 30, 2007
10 Things To Do When Your Internet Server is Down
1. Clean house Take a nap.
2. Read
3. Listen to your children playing make-believe together. I'm telling you that is music to a mother's ears.
4. Compose a dozen or so posts in your head. And then not be able to post any of them. And pay no attention to the fact that when you could access the internet earlier this morning, you couldn't come up with one.single.thing. to post about.
5. Think of ways to earn extra money to buy an oh-so-cool, and oh-so-pricey iphone. Have you seen them? They are uber cool! And I'm insanely jealous of anyone who happens to own one. If you do, please don't tell me.
6. Wonder every few minutes how you ever lived without the internet. We use it for sooooo much...banking, communicating, news, weather, and a couple of dozen other things! And blogging, of course.
7. Catch up on the laundry from your vacation last week. Almost done--woo hoo!
8. Play a game with your kids. Our favorite game as of late is A-Z Jr. by Discovery Toys. It's fun and educational too.
9. Read the newspaper that got shoved aside this morning in favor of the world-wide-web.
10. Realize that the phone line exists for a reason other than to connect you to the web, and call a friend to catch up.
I was unable to access the internet for a large portion of today. Not sure what was up with that other than it was a problem on my ISP's end, and is now fixed (hallelujah!) This is how I spent my time offline...all of the above, plus checking every 20 minutes or so to see if I was back online. I'm not obsessive or anything. Really.
2. Read
3. Listen to your children playing make-believe together. I'm telling you that is music to a mother's ears.
4. Compose a dozen or so posts in your head. And then not be able to post any of them. And pay no attention to the fact that when you could access the internet earlier this morning, you couldn't come up with one.single.thing. to post about.
5. Think of ways to earn extra money to buy an oh-so-cool, and oh-so-pricey iphone. Have you seen them? They are uber cool! And I'm insanely jealous of anyone who happens to own one. If you do, please don't tell me.
6. Wonder every few minutes how you ever lived without the internet. We use it for sooooo much...banking, communicating, news, weather, and a couple of dozen other things! And blogging, of course.
7. Catch up on the laundry from your vacation last week. Almost done--woo hoo!
8. Play a game with your kids. Our favorite game as of late is A-Z Jr. by Discovery Toys. It's fun and educational too.
9. Read the newspaper that got shoved aside this morning in favor of the world-wide-web.
10. Realize that the phone line exists for a reason other than to connect you to the web, and call a friend to catch up.
I was unable to access the internet for a large portion of today. Not sure what was up with that other than it was a problem on my ISP's end, and is now fixed (hallelujah!) This is how I spent my time offline...all of the above, plus checking every 20 minutes or so to see if I was back online. I'm not obsessive or anything. Really.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Company's Coming!
We're expecting a bit of company in a little while. John's brother and his family are planning to spend a week with us. We have some fun things planned with them, and our kids are beside themselves with joy. They only have two cousins, and these two cousins will be here, with us, for a week. Did I mention they're excited?
So, I may take a little bloggy break this week and just enjoy being with our family.
So, I may take a little bloggy break this week and just enjoy being with our family.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Last November, some of our very good friends introduced us to Nooma films. They're short films, about 10 minutes in length, in which Rob Bell, a Michigan pastor, takes something pretty ordinary and uses it to convey a spiritual truth. I watched a few Noomas with our friends, then promptly went and bought the entire set for myself. I think they're fantastic.
The first Nooma I ever watched was titled "Lump". It is still my favorite of them all.
In "Lump", Rob Bell tells the story of his young son getting busted for lying to his mom. His shame sends him running upstairs to his parents bedroom where he hides under the covers until his father arrives home later that afternoon to talk to him. There is so much packed into this short film, so many beautiful pictures of how God uncovers OUR shame, forgives us, restores us, and sets us back on our feet. BUT what moves me to tears each time I watch it is what Rob Bell speaks to his young son...over and over and over. He says, "There is nothing you could ever do to make me love you less." And those are the Father's words to us as well. There is nothing you could ever do to make ME love you less.
Do you believe that? That there's nothing we can ever do to make God love us less?
Sadly, for most of my life I believed that there were plenty of things I could do to make God love me less, and there were plenty of things I could do to make God love me more.
You see, for years, I believed God to be some celestial bookkeeper. Sitting up there in heaven on his holy throne with his pencil in one hand and his tally sheet in the other. And every time Meredith did something bad (lied, gossiped, skipped church, said I would pray for someone and didn't, got angry, yelled at my kids or husband, said bad words, watched R rated movies, hated someone, worked in VBS with a sorry attitude) God made note of it and checked it off on the naughty list. And every time Meredith did something good (prayed, read my Bible, completed a Bible study, visited a "prospect", witnessed to a non-believer, taught Sunday School or Mission Friends or VBS or worked in the church nursery, listened to only Christian music, avoided R rated movies and smoking and drinking, etc) THEN God took note and checked it off on my good list. And let me tell you I was very, very good.
I think if you asked most Christians they would tell you that they know they can't earn God's love. But I don't think their actions always match up. I see a lot of believers trying to make God love 'em more and keep him from loving 'em less.
I like how this guy says it...
"In the process of living this way, I came to think of God as someone I controlled. I could make God angry, sad, or happy, simply by choosing how to act. If I did things good enough, God was happy. If I fouled up enough, God was angry. It seemed that I could finally control my life and, in the process, control God."---Running on Empty by Fil Anderson
Almost 4 years ago, I woke up and realized that I had been living with a faulty view of God. God isn't some scorekeeper making tally marks in good and bad columns, and God isn't someone I can contol with my actions. God is a merciful father who loves me deeply and pursues me passionately and wants to speak to me intimately. Those words from that Nooma film were suddenly REALLY true for me. There was absolutely nothing I could ever do that would make God love me less. And the flip...there is nothing I can ever do that will make God love me more. I've tried to quit striving, and rest in knowing that His love is ENOUGH...always has been and always will be. And I can't lose HIS love, ever.
"May your whole life become a response to the truth that you've always been loved, you are loved, and you always will be loved. And may you know, may you know deep in the depths of your soul, that there's nothing you could ever do to make him love you less. Nothing you could ever do to make him love you less. Nothing. Nothing."---Rob Bell, "Lump"
The first Nooma I ever watched was titled "Lump". It is still my favorite of them all.
In "Lump", Rob Bell tells the story of his young son getting busted for lying to his mom. His shame sends him running upstairs to his parents bedroom where he hides under the covers until his father arrives home later that afternoon to talk to him. There is so much packed into this short film, so many beautiful pictures of how God uncovers OUR shame, forgives us, restores us, and sets us back on our feet. BUT what moves me to tears each time I watch it is what Rob Bell speaks to his young son...over and over and over. He says, "There is nothing you could ever do to make me love you less." And those are the Father's words to us as well. There is nothing you could ever do to make ME love you less.
Do you believe that? That there's nothing we can ever do to make God love us less?
Sadly, for most of my life I believed that there were plenty of things I could do to make God love me less, and there were plenty of things I could do to make God love me more.
You see, for years, I believed God to be some celestial bookkeeper. Sitting up there in heaven on his holy throne with his pencil in one hand and his tally sheet in the other. And every time Meredith did something bad (lied, gossiped, skipped church, said I would pray for someone and didn't, got angry, yelled at my kids or husband, said bad words, watched R rated movies, hated someone, worked in VBS with a sorry attitude) God made note of it and checked it off on the naughty list. And every time Meredith did something good (prayed, read my Bible, completed a Bible study, visited a "prospect", witnessed to a non-believer, taught Sunday School or Mission Friends or VBS or worked in the church nursery, listened to only Christian music, avoided R rated movies and smoking and drinking, etc) THEN God took note and checked it off on my good list. And let me tell you I was very, very good.
I think if you asked most Christians they would tell you that they know they can't earn God's love. But I don't think their actions always match up. I see a lot of believers trying to make God love 'em more and keep him from loving 'em less.
I like how this guy says it...
"In the process of living this way, I came to think of God as someone I controlled. I could make God angry, sad, or happy, simply by choosing how to act. If I did things good enough, God was happy. If I fouled up enough, God was angry. It seemed that I could finally control my life and, in the process, control God."---Running on Empty by Fil Anderson
Almost 4 years ago, I woke up and realized that I had been living with a faulty view of God. God isn't some scorekeeper making tally marks in good and bad columns, and God isn't someone I can contol with my actions. God is a merciful father who loves me deeply and pursues me passionately and wants to speak to me intimately. Those words from that Nooma film were suddenly REALLY true for me. There was absolutely nothing I could ever do that would make God love me less. And the flip...there is nothing I can ever do that will make God love me more. I've tried to quit striving, and rest in knowing that His love is ENOUGH...always has been and always will be. And I can't lose HIS love, ever.
"May your whole life become a response to the truth that you've always been loved, you are loved, and you always will be loved. And may you know, may you know deep in the depths of your soul, that there's nothing you could ever do to make him love you less. Nothing you could ever do to make him love you less. Nothing. Nothing."---Rob Bell, "Lump"
and it just keeps comin'...
Seriously, the schwag just keeps pouring in. Almost every day this week, John has opened up his bag and produced some sort of goodie for me. I told you about the WOW hymns cd, but let me SHOW you some of the other great cds I got this week! And my huge thanks to DP who keeps passing this stuff my way.
Oooohh...I LOVE Jars of Clay, and Todd Agnew, and Barlow Girl, and the others look great too...I just haven't had time to listen to all them yet! Oh and a Chris Rice cd...love Chris Rice, but didn't get that cd in the photo.
He also brought me this book. I've been reading about it on a couple of other blogs that I keep up with and looking forward to it's release...and now...my very own copy! Yea. It's a book about social justice. I started reading it last night and I LIKE IT VERY MUCH, but it's hard reading because it makes me realize my complacency and how very tightly my own eyes are closed to the injustice all around me.
And...yesterday I won a Monk and Neagle cd. You really SHOULD go over to their site (click on the button below) and listen to the "Twenty-First Time", and the other 4 songs too! Amazing. I can't wait to get this cd in the mail. Their music is AWESOME, and this particular song goes hand-in-hand with the Justice in the Burbs book. I love it when God brings things all together like that for me!
Oooohh...I LOVE Jars of Clay, and Todd Agnew, and Barlow Girl, and the others look great too...I just haven't had time to listen to all them yet! Oh and a Chris Rice cd...love Chris Rice, but didn't get that cd in the photo.
He also brought me this book. I've been reading about it on a couple of other blogs that I keep up with and looking forward to it's release...and now...my very own copy! Yea. It's a book about social justice. I started reading it last night and I LIKE IT VERY MUCH, but it's hard reading because it makes me realize my complacency and how very tightly my own eyes are closed to the injustice all around me.
And...yesterday I won a Monk and Neagle cd. You really SHOULD go over to their site (click on the button below) and listen to the "Twenty-First Time", and the other 4 songs too! Amazing. I can't wait to get this cd in the mail. Their music is AWESOME, and this particular song goes hand-in-hand with the Justice in the Burbs book. I love it when God brings things all together like that for me!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Abbey and The Bead
I've been in major cleaning mode this week. I usually resist that urge when it strikes (remember, I have a lot of sloth in me) but this week I caved and let me tell you that things are sparklin' around here. I've cleaned out every single closet, cleaned out every single kitchen cabinet and every single kitchen drawer, wiped down every single baseboard, wiped down every single slat of every single blind, and even cleaned the bathroom light fixtures. Whew...I'm tired just typing all that. I think I'm good for the next couple of years as far as a major cleaning goes. smile.
Anyway, while I was cleaning my kitchen cabinets earlier this week, I came across this:
If you're wondering what that is, it's a bead. And it is taped to the inside of my kitchen cabinet because there is a story to go with this particular pink bead.
About this time two years ago, I remember Abbey running into the kitchen, crying hard and trying in her best 3-year-old way to tell me something. She was crying hysterically, so it took me a few minutes to figure out that she was telling me she had a bead IN HER NOSE! A BEAD IN HER NOSE!
Now is probably a good time to tell you that John is the one who best deals with crisis moments around here. Vomit and blood and beads-up-the-nasal-cavity fall into his department...I'm usually not my best in such moments. And of course, he wasn't home that particular morning. Of course.
So I got Abbey calmed down for a moment, collected my wits, and called the doctor's office. I answered a myriad of questions (yes, she can breathe, no, there's no blood, yes, it hurts and that's why she's crying, etc), then loaded everyone into Minnie-the-Van and headed to the doctor's office. I guess they were concerned because we didn't have to wait the usual 20 minutes to see the doctor. They herded us into a room right away and shined some very bright lights on my daughter's upturned face. The good doctor could see the bead, apparently a very good sign, and she just needed to retrieve it from Abbey's very small nose. She inserted some instrument which flared the nostril and had me hold the light AND my daughter's flailing hands (superhuman strength for the moment, I guess) and after two or three attemps she produced the lovely pink bead.
That was it. The whole ordeal was over in about 40 minutes. And now we laugh about it.
Every once in awhile, Abbey will notice that bead taped up to the inside of my cabinet, and will tell me that she's "never gonna stick another bead in her nose...never, ever". And I for one believe her.
And maybe I should take that bead down and put it in her scrapbook, because of course I took pictures for the scrapbook, but for now, it's a reminder of everyday life in our home. There is never a dull moment...never, ever.
Anyway, while I was cleaning my kitchen cabinets earlier this week, I came across this:
If you're wondering what that is, it's a bead. And it is taped to the inside of my kitchen cabinet because there is a story to go with this particular pink bead.
About this time two years ago, I remember Abbey running into the kitchen, crying hard and trying in her best 3-year-old way to tell me something. She was crying hysterically, so it took me a few minutes to figure out that she was telling me she had a bead IN HER NOSE! A BEAD IN HER NOSE!
Now is probably a good time to tell you that John is the one who best deals with crisis moments around here. Vomit and blood and beads-up-the-nasal-cavity fall into his department...I'm usually not my best in such moments. And of course, he wasn't home that particular morning. Of course.
So I got Abbey calmed down for a moment, collected my wits, and called the doctor's office. I answered a myriad of questions (yes, she can breathe, no, there's no blood, yes, it hurts and that's why she's crying, etc), then loaded everyone into Minnie-the-Van and headed to the doctor's office. I guess they were concerned because we didn't have to wait the usual 20 minutes to see the doctor. They herded us into a room right away and shined some very bright lights on my daughter's upturned face. The good doctor could see the bead, apparently a very good sign, and she just needed to retrieve it from Abbey's very small nose. She inserted some instrument which flared the nostril and had me hold the light AND my daughter's flailing hands (superhuman strength for the moment, I guess) and after two or three attemps she produced the lovely pink bead.
That was it. The whole ordeal was over in about 40 minutes. And now we laugh about it.
Every once in awhile, Abbey will notice that bead taped up to the inside of my cabinet, and will tell me that she's "never gonna stick another bead in her nose...never, ever". And I for one believe her.
And maybe I should take that bead down and put it in her scrapbook, because of course I took pictures for the scrapbook, but for now, it's a reminder of everyday life in our home. There is never a dull moment...never, ever.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Our family returned a little while ago from the Colorado Springs Sky Sox game. We had so much fun!
John's employer sponsored an employee night at the ballpark and gave each employee 10 free tickets, a parking pass, and $10 in concession vouchers. How cool is that? I am all about free stuff.
Our seats were awesome...they were box seats and not the bleachers, and because we had extra tickets, Will invited his best bud, and we invited some friends from church.
I love baseball games, but I love to socialize even more, so I ended up chatting most of the time, and it was great.
One of the highlights for the kids (other than the hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and the cotton candy that their father bought for them at 9:30pm and has them on a nice little sugar high at this late hour) was seeing themselves on the jumbo-tron not once but TWO times! Very cool. I tried really hard to get a picture of them on the screen, but I wasn't fast enough! Oh well.
The weather was perfect...breezy and cool (notice the kids are wearing jackets!) and it was just a perfect Colorado night. I certainly hope they make this an annual event because we all had such a terrific time!
John's employer sponsored an employee night at the ballpark and gave each employee 10 free tickets, a parking pass, and $10 in concession vouchers. How cool is that? I am all about free stuff.
Our seats were awesome...they were box seats and not the bleachers, and because we had extra tickets, Will invited his best bud, and we invited some friends from church.
I love baseball games, but I love to socialize even more, so I ended up chatting most of the time, and it was great.
One of the highlights for the kids (other than the hot dogs, soda, popcorn, and the cotton candy that their father bought for them at 9:30pm and has them on a nice little sugar high at this late hour) was seeing themselves on the jumbo-tron not once but TWO times! Very cool. I tried really hard to get a picture of them on the screen, but I wasn't fast enough! Oh well.
The weather was perfect...breezy and cool (notice the kids are wearing jackets!) and it was just a perfect Colorado night. I certainly hope they make this an annual event because we all had such a terrific time!
Monday, July 16, 2007
John came home this evening with a little more "schwag" for me. Apparently, it's not swag, but rather schwag, and I've been mispronouncing it all this time and therefore misleading some of you. Sorry about that. Anyway, his boss collected some cds at the ICRS last week which I am now the proud owner of. The one I've been listening to all evening is WOW Hymns. It's a combination of modern and classic hymns from today's top artists, and it is phenomenal.
I was eating dinner back in February with John and his boss, and we were having some sort of discussion about hymns and modern worship songs, and I made some flippant comment that I could live without hymns because they aren't really all that sacred to me. It's true that I prefer modern worship, but I really need to think before I speak so carelessly from now on, because I haven't been able to stop crying as I've listened to the words of these hymns tonight. The lyrics are timeless, and moving, and extremely sacred. Not sure what in the world I was thinking when those words fell from my lips earlier this year.
These are my five most favorite hymns...ones I never get tired of hearing:
1. Be Thou My Vision
2. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
3. Like A River Glorious
4. It Is Well With My Soul
5. My Jesus, I Love Thee
It's so hard to stop at just five because I love so many of them, but these are truly my absolute favorites.
As I was listening to this cd tonight, I was unprepared for the flood of memories attached to some of the hymns that are most familiar to me. I can still see Mrs. Grace Hall, a dear old saint, grinning from ear to ear every time we would sing "Grace, Grace, God's Grace" ("Grace That is Greater"). I always wondered if she was smiling so big because she knew that she was Grace and that she was God's and that song was like a little love note from Him. I can also see a little 7-year-old girl named Shelby, whose hand would shoot straight up in the air asking to sing "How Great Thou Art" every single Sunday, then singing her little 7-year-old heart out. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Or when the widow of a prominent man stood up at his funeral when the organist started playing "Victory in Jesus", and the entire room stood with her, weeping, and singing, and knowing that much-loved man was with Jesus at that very moment. Or when Richard Hughes, our music minister, would make us all lift onto our tiptoes every time we sang the word lifted in "Love Lifted Me". I can't sing that song today without thinking of him and "lifting". Oh, I just have too many memories to list!
Maybe I thought I could live without hymns, but I'm very sure that I was wrong. Hymns are so much a part of who I am today.
What about you, friends? Do you have a favorite? Or two...or five?
I was eating dinner back in February with John and his boss, and we were having some sort of discussion about hymns and modern worship songs, and I made some flippant comment that I could live without hymns because they aren't really all that sacred to me. It's true that I prefer modern worship, but I really need to think before I speak so carelessly from now on, because I haven't been able to stop crying as I've listened to the words of these hymns tonight. The lyrics are timeless, and moving, and extremely sacred. Not sure what in the world I was thinking when those words fell from my lips earlier this year.
These are my five most favorite hymns...ones I never get tired of hearing:
1. Be Thou My Vision
2. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
3. Like A River Glorious
4. It Is Well With My Soul
5. My Jesus, I Love Thee
It's so hard to stop at just five because I love so many of them, but these are truly my absolute favorites.
As I was listening to this cd tonight, I was unprepared for the flood of memories attached to some of the hymns that are most familiar to me. I can still see Mrs. Grace Hall, a dear old saint, grinning from ear to ear every time we would sing "Grace, Grace, God's Grace" ("Grace That is Greater"). I always wondered if she was smiling so big because she knew that she was Grace and that she was God's and that song was like a little love note from Him. I can also see a little 7-year-old girl named Shelby, whose hand would shoot straight up in the air asking to sing "How Great Thou Art" every single Sunday, then singing her little 7-year-old heart out. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Or when the widow of a prominent man stood up at his funeral when the organist started playing "Victory in Jesus", and the entire room stood with her, weeping, and singing, and knowing that much-loved man was with Jesus at that very moment. Or when Richard Hughes, our music minister, would make us all lift onto our tiptoes every time we sang the word lifted in "Love Lifted Me". I can't sing that song today without thinking of him and "lifting". Oh, I just have too many memories to list!
Maybe I thought I could live without hymns, but I'm very sure that I was wrong. Hymns are so much a part of who I am today.
What about you, friends? Do you have a favorite? Or two...or five?
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