tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39758733065571641222024-03-13T04:19:48.547-04:00What if...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger411125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-43036220544866718992010-04-25T21:57:00.004-04:002010-04-25T22:20:25.909-04:00Singing the Sunday BluesClosing out the weekend is always a blah time in our household. We <strong><em>love</em></strong> weekends (doesn't everyone?), and it always brings a measure of sadness when Sunday hits the time of day that feels less like a weekend and more like a weeknight. But a what a great weekend it was. I started the weekend off with some of my favorite friends and ended the weekend off with my favorite neighbors, and in between I enjoyed sunshine on the lake, pizza and a movie with the family, a wonderful time worshipping the Lord at church, and a Sunday afternoon nap. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahhh</span>, good times.<br /><br />So I salute you, Weekend, for your consistency and your flexibility, for girls-only getaways alongside great family time. For nights with too little sleep, balanced by days of napping the afternoon away. For friends, and family, and coffee, and gummy bears. And although you always leave me wanting more, Weekend, you are a friend of mine - always welcome in this home. Come again, and next time, stay a little longer if you will.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-13956196353234671682010-04-10T12:13:00.003-04:002010-04-10T12:31:31.066-04:00BDAY MVPLuke hits the ball every time he's up to bat. Unfortunately, he hits it almost directly to the first baseman. But last night, on his birthday no less, he finally hit it past that first baseman and made it to first without getting out. We clapped and yelled as if he was running for Olympic gold! Now, no offense to the next couple guys in the line up, but with one out already, it didn't look good for Luke to get any farther than first. But I prayed. He's never run around the bases during a game. I prayed hard. And I played the birthday card, not that I think God didn't see that one coming. But I'm inclined to think birthdays are pretty special to our Creator as well - 'cause that next little guy hit a single, advancing Luke to second. And although the poor little fellow after him struck out, that brought us back to the top of our line up. David and I were up off our seats as the lead hitter hit a double, bringing Luke home. You may think David isn't the excitable type, and for the most part that's true, but with the look on Luke's face as he rounded third and headed home, you'd have to be dead to not be excited. Three of Luke's little friends were with us and along with Lily, they were all jumping up and down as he crossed homeplate. And even though the sun was setting behind us, I kept my sunglasses on - to hide the tears.<br /><br />The team won, and as Luke left the dugout his friend Jed said, "Luke, you're the best at that game that I've ever seen!" Luke shrugged and said, "Nah, there are a lot of boys better than me." But I tend to agree with Jed, because I've never been so excited at a baseball game in my entire life!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-1657114758234527742010-04-08T21:12:00.003-04:002010-04-08T21:32:23.954-04:00Just about the time the birthday cards and gifts stop rolling in for Miss Lily, a new batch begins to trickle in bearing Luke's name. Yep...it's now time to celebrate the main man - Luke David. Tomorrow, April 9, is Luke's 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday - and boy, is he ready. He's been counting down since, well, January-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ish</span>. I'm not sure what we're going to count down to once the birthdays have come and gone, Christmas maybe?<br /><br />It's not surprising news to share that Luke was a <em>surprising</em> arrival. Born just 12 months and 2 weeks after Lily, we certainly weren't planning on expanding our family so quickly. But Luke's birth will forever be a great lesson in faith, a lesson in trusting the Lord's plans for my life. I was a <em>mess</em> when I found out I was pregnant and could not, no matter how hard I tried, figure out how having 2 little ones so close together could <em>ever </em>be a good thing. Well shame on me for being so faithless and short-sighted because I can say in all honestly that having 2 little ones so close together is actually better than good, it's the <em>best! </em>I was so worried about Lily, and how Luke's arrival would impact her life, and his arrival certainly did impact her life -but for the better. It's kinda like God knit Lily her very own best friend and delivered him to her life just 12 months after her own birth. Actually, it's exactly like that. Sometimes, I feel like he belongs to her more than me, and I now I can't imagine a greater gift that David and I could have given our daughter than a life long friend and companion.<br /><br />I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude as we celebrate the 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday of the biggest surprise of our lives!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-29347504618141651672010-04-07T20:32:00.003-04:002010-04-07T20:37:39.165-04:00So today, while driving on interstate, I ended up behind a car with one of those "COEXIST" bumper stickers. You know, the ones that have a different religious symbol for each letter. I have my own feelings about the general message of that sticker, but that's another post for another day. The funny thing about today's was - it was <em>taped</em> onto the back windshield. Taped. As in scotch. So apparently although "coexistence" is a nice thought, this driver isn't completely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">committed</span> to the idea.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-13664957549816953932010-04-04T15:19:00.003-04:002010-04-04T15:40:42.261-04:00Easter 2010Well, the day is only half over but so far I've...<br /><br />- successfully avoided the "is the Easter Bunny real?" question by talking in circles that I didn't even understand myself.<br /><br />- got our family fed, dressed and out the door on time (even with the distraction of new ZhuZhu pets).<br /><br />- made it out the door without any silly bands on my children to clash with their Easter clothes.<br /><br />- ridden public transportation with friends - and <em>lots</em> of strangers - twice.<br /><br />- worshipped our RISEN LORD with 11,000 or so of my closest friends! Such an awesome experience!<br /><br />- celebrated and prayed and cried with a few new believers - Jason, Bonnie and the others who's names I can't recall right this minute - you truly are an answer to the prayers of many, many people, and I'll continue to pray for you, maybe our paths will cross again.<br /><br />- enjoyed a wonderful, <em>fuss free</em> meal with the family (an Easter miracle indeed!).<br /><br />and currently, I am fighting off a nap but this battle may be lost!<br /><br />Happy Easter everyone - may the hope of Christ represeted in His power over the grave resonate through your life today - and everyday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-89992869962625828642010-03-26T06:00:00.001-04:002010-03-26T06:00:06.550-04:00I remember the day you were born.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLqJ2-TdQAjYHUAHbOu_6gih6fh6buaZ4KO2LMD3RRo396kXnKXdhqoP2MrqqugkeYty-sVzg-toRIrQHeqqldu_KzpMjcXzaEq-FjdM05X1H46kg-ORHW-vPpgwgCDJUK7h1cfWrS5c/s1600/LilysBday10.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452752362849430898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLqJ2-TdQAjYHUAHbOu_6gih6fh6buaZ4KO2LMD3RRo396kXnKXdhqoP2MrqqugkeYty-sVzg-toRIrQHeqqldu_KzpMjcXzaEq-FjdM05X1H46kg-ORHW-vPpgwgCDJUK7h1cfWrS5c/s320/LilysBday10.jpg" /></a>I remember the day you were born. What I wore. What I ate for breakfast. The lump in my throat when the ultrasound tech told me you'd be 9 pounds. No wonder my blood pressure hit the roof! I remember calling my friend - and labor nurse, Karen, and telling her the Dr. was ready to induce. I remember how Rhonda and Courtney beat us to the hospital - even though they were 30 minutes away and we were right across the street. I remember signing the paperwork to have an epidural - then later deciding not to. And I do remember how badly it hurt. I remember Karen telling me not to push, and crying back at her that I couldn't help it. I remember hearing "It's a girl!" for the first time. A baby girl. A "big girl" they called you - 8 lbs, 7 oz- but you looked so tiny to me. I remember your Daddy cutting the cord, and later telling me how he carried the pink slip of paper to the waiting room and held it up to the window to show the awaiting crowd a daughter was born. I remember your Grandma June looking pretty rough - as if she was the one who'd just given birth. She probably would have fared better had I gotten the epidural. I remember how intently you stared at my face, with your blue-gray eyes, as if you were as anxious to know me as I was you. You felt brand new, yet so familiar all at once.<br /><br />So my Lily-girl, when I get a little teary eyed as each birthday comes and goes, you'll just have to understand - it's because I remember the day you were born. And that's probably the biggest difference between me and you. A day that you will never recall is forever ingrained in my memory, as if I lived it yesterday. But sadly, the other 2, 919 days of your life blur together, passing much, much too quickly. And so as happy as I am to celebrate you and your precious life, your birthday will always be bittersweet, because my love, I remember the day you were born - 8 years ago today. Happy Birthday, my Lily.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-67189039836750084932010-03-21T20:34:00.005-04:002010-03-23T22:14:52.308-04:00Funny GirlLily has an awesome sense of humor. She's not just funny, she's clever. <em>Phineas & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ferb</span></em> fans will appreciate this one...<br /><br />Lily has always been amused by the amount of hair on David's arms and chest. As a toddler, she called him "furry." But about a month ago, she became a little more sophisticated in her name-calling. She's affectionately named him "Hairy the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dadypus</span>."<br /><br />Love it, love her, can't wait to hear what she comes up with next!<br /><br /><em>* For anyone not familiar with Disney's Phineas & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ferb</span> cartoon, there is a character (a household pet/secret agent) named Perry the Platypus.</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-75143206854083338792010-03-21T20:11:00.005-04:002010-03-21T20:32:17.980-04:00Hello? Anybody out there?Obviously, I've all but abandoned this blog. I say "all but" because although I haven't posted since 12/18/09, I think about blogging at least once a week - and it's the thought that counts, right? But this week, I'm dusting off the blog...<br /><br />So what would bring me back after 3 months of silence?<br /><br />Lily's birthday is this week, and if there is any topic I can find plenty to say about, it's my sweet children. So in honor of my almost 8-year-old favorite girl in the world, I WILL post at least 3 more times this week to share some Lily-goodness.<br /><br />To start I'll share the latest Lily news. About 2 weeks ago, Lily started playing softball. She <em>loves </em>it! This is her second taste of the sports world, she played soccer in the fall of '08 and was only mildly impressed with the sport. Softball however has really captured her fancy. Her favorite part? The other girls, and the chants they shout from the dug out. Just so you know - her team is BOOM dynamite. (Tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick-tick, BOOM dynamite!) My favorite part? The way her daddy<em> glows</em> when he tells me about her practices. He's so very proud of her positive attitude and enthusiastic approach to anything and everything she's asked to do. We're all looking forward to a fun season.<br /><br />That's all for now, but I'll be back...really, I will!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-20009677837000211402009-12-18T06:56:00.003-05:002009-12-18T07:10:31.125-05:00"ing"Freezing. Did I fall asleep and wake up in January...February, maybe? This cold, gray weather seems a little early.<br /><br />Warming up. Finally bought myself a pair of wool socks because I hadn't felt my toes in several days. Hello toes, nice to know you're still there.<br /><br />Counting down. Christmas is just a week away!<br /><br />Praying for safety. David is hunting today - a work thing. I personally think frozen fingers and triggers don't mix, but what do I know?<br /><br />Remembering Tuesday! L7, I am blessed to surround myself with such an amazing group of women - our caroling may have been a little (lot) off key, but the rest of the night was right on! That's by far the most fun I have<em> ever</em> had unloading groceries.<br /><br />Looking forward to the weekend.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-56016460139043304722009-12-13T20:49:00.002-05:002009-12-13T21:17:10.495-05:00Lightning RoundI'm thinking my blog strategy for the time being will be "lightning round" style. Quick snippets. Little glimpses of what's going on around here...at least until life slows down enough to compose a complete paragraph.<br /><br /><em>Brrrrrr!</em> It's cold! And wet. Nasty combination.<br /><br />I am really enjoying Christmas carols this year. Usually, I tune into the two radio stations I can find <em>not</em> playing them, but this year we are listening to carols 'round the clock. I love hearing the kids sing along (getting most of the words wrong!). By observation, I think Lily's favorite is <em>Silent Night</em> and Luke's is <em>Jingle Bell Rock</em>.<br /><br />Went to the urologist with David last week to follow up about his kidney stones. Nothing like seeing your husband manhandled - literally. Heeheehee.<br /><br />Looking forward to Tuesday night with my favorite "book club"...or something like that!<br /><br />We had a great Sunday. We stayed in PJs all day, I fried chicken for lunch, and we went to church as a family this evening. I love my family, and I love my church...and David loves fried chicken...family and church are a close second I'm sure! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-79872362780710755712009-12-03T19:54:00.003-05:002009-12-03T20:36:54.410-05:00Cinnamon rolls, my husband and the family dog were not exactly where I expected the "thankful" train of thought to stop last month. I had a few other things I wanted to mention - my kids, my church, my friends. But somewhere between a kidney stone and a miserable drive -this blog shuffled it's way from low on the list to <em>last</em> on the list.<br /><br />The holiday week is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">blurr</span> of too much food and too little sleep, but through it all, thankfulness was never far. In an ER, at 4 a.m., you can't help but be thankful when you're husband, in excruciating pain, is given almost immediate treatment. You can't help but be thankful for clean medical facilities and health insurance. For drugs.<br /><br />And though the kidney stone was the standout down side of the holiday, a not-so-close second was the miserable drive home on Sunday. Our ten hour drive became fourteen, and trust me, adding four hours to ten feels like you might as well add another ten. But again, the experience just provided more to be thankful for - we traveled fourteen hours in <em>terrible</em> traffic - and arrived home safely. It may not have been words of gratitude rolling off my tongue at 1:30 a.m. when the vehicle walls began closing in on me after more than 12 hours, but I was thankful none the less. The bright spot on the drive was Luke's attempt at describing his anxious anticipation of arriving home. I'm certain it won't translate as well in print as it did rolling off his precious tongue but he said: <em>Whenever I walk in the door, I get a strange feeling...kinda excited. Think of your favorite thing - like swimming - that's how I feel, excited, like I'm swimming. I feel that way when I get home. </em>Man, I love that fella. And my girl, well, she is <em>my </em>girl and her snarky response was, <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ummm</span>, so you're saying going home feels like swimming? </em>Gotta be thankful for those two.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-69318298649374607802009-11-18T20:22:00.017-05:002009-11-22T15:51:28.341-05:00Puppy LoveJust so you know - my little assortment of "thankful" posts are in no particular order - I haven't mentioned my children yet, but today, I'm posting about the dog! But when the kids are gone, and the house is quiet, I realize how much I appreciate her presence in our home. I have to admit, although you won't hear us gush about KC often, I am very thankful for her - she's a great, great dog.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Before I had kids, I was a dog <em>lover</em>. Now, post children, I'd have to say I like dogs as much as the next guy - as long as the next guy just <em>kinda</em> likes dogs. But I do <em>love</em> my KC. If you've met her, you know how awesome she is - and chances are you've complimented me on her sweet demeanor, her patience with children, or her obedience. In general, we get far more compliments on the dog than our children. :) Sad, but true.</div><br /><div>Several years ago, Lily and I decided we'd really like to add a dog to the family. David, who isn't a dog lover - or a dog liker for that matter, wasn't budging. But when he was scheduled for night shift with the Sheriff's Office, we had him right where we wanted him. I played the "I'll feel better with a dog in the house since you'll be gone at night" card...but Lily, 3 at the time, trumped that when she played the "I'm praying for a dog" card. Nicely played, Lily, nicely played. We first thought we'd adopt from a local shelter, and we weren't too particular though I had 3 non-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">negotiables</span>: </span></span>I wanted a dog - not a puppy, I wanted a female, and she had to be great with kids. I prayed God would bring the right dog into our home - probably because I didn't want to hear an "I told you so" from my anti-dog hubby. Early in our search, my prayers were answered when we were offered a beautiful 2 year old Boxer from a family friend who's in-laws were breeders. After a google education on Boxers and a <em>Boxers for Dummies</em> book, we (I) were convinced she was the dog for us - and her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">birth date</span></span></span> is our wedding anniversary, which had to be a sign, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Four years and no regrets later, KC is the kind of dog that will no doubt ruin us for any future dogs. I seriously doubt we will ever find another dog with the perfect blend of puppy playfulness mixed with patience and obedience - and best of all, she just came that way! Not one, not two, but <em>three</em> different families who've dog sat for us went out and got dogs after having KC in their home. She's just that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lovable</span>. And where do I begin with how amazing she is with kids - and not just my kids - all kids! She's been dressed up in feather boas, bitten by visiting toddlers, forced to be the caboose of many a conga line - without so much as a whimper or snarl. Her love for Lily and Luke is the kind of thing movies are made of, and I'm certain it's her obvious devotion to them that sealed her place in a home <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJrdPmeO40azDswVjuMMsvEFTDu925oWrVDJfRAfZutyWYZO0iTNGvs25tpuZEuYlQz8vf0pP07tt2Hi9TCzKWoYrfgwn5DIvPjfHomDrO8vE11hkACx2TJXbYmN_DJr4qbwmEvht6Zk/s1600/100_1974.jpg"></a>where the leader of our pack, Daddy, would prefer not to share his space with a snoring, death-breath, four-legged family member. </div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So as she squirms and snorts, dreaming away at my feet, I'm thankful for KC and the love and loyalty she's brought into our home.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>Waiting at the door for Lily and Luke....</em></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53u9amRZ1qc3Ag8LcvPOsTDBu1mgBS6IUMzGtON78MJddH3uPqEd5vFEH3_2xp_SKiPeyr8TEDUXzLJxGPokvDGfbo0J6cRGTuj5Vvlgv1P2fXUOW8bx0N4IRey37Pvo1lzD8VCZfuyY/s1600/July+07+005.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407028770893787842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53u9amRZ1qc3Ag8LcvPOsTDBu1mgBS6IUMzGtON78MJddH3uPqEd5vFEH3_2xp_SKiPeyr8TEDUXzLJxGPokvDGfbo0J6cRGTuj5Vvlgv1P2fXUOW8bx0N4IRey37Pvo1lzD8VCZfuyY/s320/July+07+005.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div><em>Best friends catching a nap on the floor...</em></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_adRnweFqa5Q/SwmekjwT5yI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ylcedxEOnqo/s1600/100_1974.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 196px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407027178545342242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_adRnweFqa5Q/SwmekjwT5yI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ylcedxEOnqo/s320/100_1974.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Enjoying a snow day...</em></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZOPuiEDBcJX1EU74fgPmlN_srNW2I5Vv2GJosrXu8JzBRdeaHPibe9Vhy0FdACyzqKwiQkp6qiTejDQ23NL_YwNr30EzxsziNHiINLEO152Pi4Q1-IXG2WjOrEFhHs2fdjpZCJFk7z4/s1600/2009+007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 277px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407028127697172978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZOPuiEDBcJX1EU74fgPmlN_srNW2I5Vv2GJosrXu8JzBRdeaHPibe9Vhy0FdACyzqKwiQkp6qiTejDQ23NL_YwNr30EzxsziNHiINLEO152Pi4Q1-IXG2WjOrEFhHs2fdjpZCJFk7z4/s320/2009+007.jpg" /></a><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-91988403503107601192009-11-17T22:01:00.026-05:002009-11-17T22:49:45.439-05:00BFF<img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405282380101671730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_adRnweFqa5Q/SwNrr7CjWzI/AAAAAAAAAp8/kowc4GX0VFE/s320/BlowingRock4.jpg" />Sunday, David and I headed to the mountains for a little day trip. We realized we haven't gone to the mountains together since our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">honeymoon</span> - over 11 years ago! We now live only 2 hours from some of the most beautiful sights, I don't know why it's taken us 4 years to make the drive together!<br /><br />We had a <em>wonderful </em>time. I am so very thankful for the relationship David and I have, so thankful for our friendship. He truly is my best friend.<br /><br /><div>On the lengthy drive, we talked when we felt like talking, but didn't when we didn't. With David, complete silence can be completely comfortable (those of you who know him well are nodding along!). We ate our picnic lunch on the tailgate of his truck rather than the crowded (but beautiful!) park, because he doesn't really like people - but he really likes me - and that mattered more than the picture I was hoping to take of us <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">picnicking</span> in the park.</div><br /><div>The best part is, though days like Sunday are a treat, we don't really need a scenic drive or special destination to enjoy one <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">another's</span> company. We genuinely enjoy being together, and though I'd like to think that's the case with all married couples, sadly, I know it's not. As much as I love him, I'm so thankful I like him, too! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-73627557620841601172009-11-14T09:15:00.008-05:002009-11-14T09:38:38.135-05:00Saturdays and Cinnamon Rolls<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuiT_9k2E6cjLlPgp1a0a3THaHfDXST06u7RzmC66FkNpWbuOObWaLeuq7dhcn88t2dk99khnIQfIv7did4LuKaoFlrxhM0GvLXkbyz_bvTaOptwJcGRNhSxf8KuDi3LsJPP-fRitvzk/s1600-h/cinnamon+roll.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 87px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403967889366324850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuiT_9k2E6cjLlPgp1a0a3THaHfDXST06u7RzmC66FkNpWbuOObWaLeuq7dhcn88t2dk99khnIQfIv7did4LuKaoFlrxhM0GvLXkbyz_bvTaOptwJcGRNhSxf8KuDi3LsJPP-fRitvzk/s320/cinnamon+roll.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />Let's start simple. I am thankful for the weekend, and Saturday mornings in particular.<br /><br /><br /><br />This week as I picked up a few groceries (key word - <em>few</em>, it's amazing how much less I need with the kids in Florida - I'm guessing my mom has realized quite the opposite about her own grocery bill!)...I grabbed can of cinnamon rolls with morning just like this in mind. Yesterday, each time I opened the refrigerator, that little Pillsbury Dough Boy gave me a smile and wave, and I could just hear his little <em>hoohoo! </em><br /><br />An unhurried Saturday morning, with a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and a hot cup of coffee with my favorite people in the world is heaven on earth. This particular Saturday, "people" is reduced to "person" but if I'm going to spend the morning with anyone, he's certainly my top pick. To top is off - today is our first day of sunshine in what feels like 40 days and 40 nights of rain, so the sun peeking through the blinds, as we sip our coffee and talk about the day ahead is icing. Icing on a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-7502057760846526832009-11-12T12:04:00.003-05:002009-11-12T12:14:32.773-05:00Thanks.I've been struggling with consistent blogging for awhile now. But you already knew that, didn't you? The kids are in Florida right now, we created a new holiday break in the school calendar, something like "you never need a good reason to visit the grandparents" fall break. You might think that with no kids around, no "students" to teach, that I'd have all the time in the world to blog - I may have thought the same thing - but we were both wrong.<br /><br />Regardless, I am here to force my own hand into blogging by saying that over the next few days, maybe even the remaining weeks of November, I am going to fill my blog with thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. All of us. You, too. Be it watching several families I love struggle through difficult times, or our church's amazing series on joy, or just opening my eyes to the things around me, I am sincerely full of gratitude and I'd be negligent not to share it, especially as the holiday season approaches.<br /><br />So check back soon for installment one of a thankful heart's thankful blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-39341813672680169992009-10-30T13:35:00.005-04:002009-10-30T13:53:19.121-04:00Halloween: Take OneWe have two more Halloween outings, and I'm afraid the costumes will never look as clean and intact as they did on outing #1, so here are some pics. I snapped these pics as we were headed out the door for a lunchtime party, but then we found out it had been moved to 4, so we've actually gone through the costume process twice already. Then once more tonight. And once again tomorrow night. We are squeezing every ounce out of the 19.99 spent on each costume this year!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398449531375915874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHZYYqLnMFXJPlSXOTVDVsvitUxmzQJNoYGQ0cD1nf3aJTutsShdtaDO_gJ9eRQYCHzYac4g9ebs9TlXRLY0NLzynBdwX5EawiKBRWwHv74SC7ffEuIkiig67RWNhpbdBw1zpDVG9_-U/s320/Fall+2009+011.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398450604531953586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQhLk6HbQO9InzWGwIspebnyWfSp30qUozIQ2_oS2msUresmJf9wDcoYnFGLr3_sSUg6qCJ8eH0ozS3yLJ1Kd52JlK0uMUuvDWcB1XS081HlqrGh_24vrdz4S2K7Otv3ErQJpqWYYwCk/s320/Fall+2009+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398451554830130322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7wcnq1cDxv40rdKW9_6BxP9gOWWRmBESdqwvxVPWVe-42TboAPjHmJmrwfdhf8RaMlT8yJlkyFG9dn1DVwIKWqBhpqZAcC2yB5K4AsfM3lGZbvdzYVdFhag0TKZgoGHtTM8c5KsJELM/s320/Fall+2009+009.jpg" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-10356535967641821332009-10-26T13:11:00.005-04:002009-10-26T13:59:08.085-04:00I was recently reminded (thanks Judy!) that I'm a little behind in putting up pictures. I don't know where to begin because it's been so long since I've posted any pics, but before Halloween gets here and I have a whole new batch, I thought it best I at least get a few pictures up. These are from last weekend's trip to the mountains (beautiful by the way, we saw the fall leaves <em>and</em> snow, all in on one car ride!). We visited the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk and returned home with two new pets, Thunder and Lightning, who survived in our household for about 2 days - may they rest in peace.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396958791396831410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRwVh7WUAW9H33sHr54G-EOqrmd2rNDJ9naoUidsexsUW3hs0YNU1TCKedzmSdX8TQVV41JUmXTGrHVmBo2M0kqj77ZAD32Vkj_VFMhwYl_JDFyabQV0isFobG_zpdnjsMmjliZpKyx4/s320/Fall+2009+048.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UssTHV4zokhZ6OW6YAWD3dTfd0Ax8HoZjyG0aeDCl0Qrha8yw0rZhYrawNtr0u0CXbxyDBE4VZxASg1leR0LjbPYNv2B-FlFWqA4WntoqM3Fhj9P5dJkEa1Bw-t7bXBtCtzIc_lS6Og/s1600-h/Fall+2009+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396965319084620082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UssTHV4zokhZ6OW6YAWD3dTfd0Ax8HoZjyG0aeDCl0Qrha8yw0rZhYrawNtr0u0CXbxyDBE4VZxASg1leR0LjbPYNv2B-FlFWqA4WntoqM3Fhj9P5dJkEa1Bw-t7bXBtCtzIc_lS6Og/s320/Fall+2009+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5M6if1D27MoISE5XnkCUW_19cIiKN0Ygn1RQ1wCJxqokBLl93Y3KkYfht6lp625i_fMV4gDzOf23WhXc-a2zQc2ObnQpHZTtydLJToBzcMZWB-YUV0vkPl82VF_Jpr49g9OXQUyu13c/s1600-h/Fall+2009+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396960765636269122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5M6if1D27MoISE5XnkCUW_19cIiKN0Ygn1RQ1wCJxqokBLl93Y3KkYfht6lp625i_fMV4gDzOf23WhXc-a2zQc2ObnQpHZTtydLJToBzcMZWB-YUV0vkPl82VF_Jpr49g9OXQUyu13c/s320/Fall+2009+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have got to take a few minutes to get my other fall pics organized, and when I do, I'll put up a few more - maybe.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-88078302127049079162009-10-13T21:15:00.001-04:002009-10-13T21:15:00.643-04:00H _ N _ M _ NI taught the kids how to play "Hangman" last week on our whiteboard and we have been having the best time with that game. Sometimes, I'm intentional and select words that help the kids practice what we're working on, like words ending in "ck" or the silent "e," but most of the time, we just play for fun. Tonight we got David in on the action, which is a big deal because he's not much of a game player. But once he had that Expo marker in his hand, he was hooked...and as it turns out, he's a Hangman hog. He didn't want to take turns, he kept coming up with "just one more really good one."<br /><br />Luke, gotta love him, has used "I Love Mom" over and over. There are only so many times I can pretend I don't know what it says!<br /><br />Last month was Four Corners, this month, Hangman. We are bringing back old-school games with a vengeance - too bad we don't have enough family members to play Heads Up Seven Up!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-9448117457458817262009-10-08T10:15:00.001-04:002009-10-08T11:12:46.862-04:00Twos, Shoes and Weather BluesThe other night when we asked the kids if they had any problems they'd like us to pray about, they both said "school." I guess it's time for a little self-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eval</span></span>?</span> I didn't realize they were having any prayer-worthy problems. Yikes. Actually, Luke specifically mentioned math, and I had noticed math doesn't come as easy to him as it does Lil. To be honest, the girls in the house kick butt with math, the boys not so much...so at least Luke has a father who can sympathize. Lately he's really been struggling with counting by twos. He memorized "2,4,6,8,10" in kindergarten, but seems to fall apart come 12. After realizing that he's bothered enough to want to discuss the math issue with Jesus, I decided I better get on the ball. I guess I really only have one authority when it comes to my day in, day out teaching performance - and it sounds like Luke is about to file a complaint to Him!<br /><br />On another topic completely, our shoes are driving me bananas lately. Fall crept in quietly, and because some days are still flip-flop warm, but other days are damp and chilly, we've ended up with a shoe basket that's bursting at the weave with every pair of shoes the kids own. I pass by it thirty times a day and think "I gotta go through that basket" but find myself saying it again on bypass #31. All that to say, as I was thinking through the counting by twos issue, and my need to sort shoes, and I think I've decided we'll have a little twos and shoes fun by rounding up all the shoes we can find - I'll seize the opportunity to sort through shoes while giving Luke extra practice counting by twos. Or at least that's my intention - I guess we'll see!<br /><br /><br /><br />One more thing that's been on my mind - I am <em>so happy </em>to trade my bad weather blues for blue skies! I really struggled to drag myself out of bed on the rainy, gray mornings that started our week (one more "pro" in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">homeschool</span> column - not having to get the kids out the door in the rain!). This morning I was greeted by beautiful blue skies and the park is calling our name.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-45533301520296213792009-10-04T14:33:00.004-04:002009-10-05T10:03:38.026-04:00TidbitsRainy Monday morning. Not the best way to start a week, but not the worst either - especially when you can stay in pjs all morning.<br /><br />I had a speck of something stuck inside my eyelid for SEVEN hours Friday. Seven miserable hours. David removed it for me within minutes of arriving home. <em>Eye</em> love you, m<em>eye</em> hero! :)<br /><br />I *heart* fall! Spiced Apple or Harvest Pumpkin may be the fragrances of fall for some, but for me, bacon and onion sauteing a pan for a big pot of potato soup is my fall favorite - if only Glade would make that plug-in!<br /><br />We took our first field trip last Wednesday - and we loaded that Explorer up just like an ol' yellow bus! I'll try to get some pics up this week.<br /><br />We skipped school last Thursday, for no good reason. Being teacher <em>and </em>principal of the school has it's advantages.<br /><br />Very relaxing weekend around here - until 5:30 p.m. yesterday when David and I became responsible for 13 children, ages 8 and under. Whew. Once again, David is my hero! He can hold a baby on one hip, while pushing a toddler in a swing, like it's his job - and I guess last night it was!<br /><br />How 'bout them <a href="http://www.gousfbulls.com/">BULLS</a>!?!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-61621078205833046202009-09-29T00:10:00.003-04:002009-09-29T00:37:27.178-04:00My kids are funny.It may be that because we're homeschooling I have more time to notice, or maybe they've reached an age where their senses of humor are more developed...either way, my kids have been cracking me up lately. Just when I thought I couldn't love 'em anymore - they turn out to be <em>really</em> funny! And not just in the typical "kids are funny" untimely gas passing, tripping over themselves, silly kind of way. They're witty, they've got a great handle on language, and they find clever ways to bring out humor in the most mundane situation. I <em>love </em>to laugh, so I sincerely wouldn't be any happier if we'd just discovered a hidden musical or athletic gifting. If they're this funny now, I can only imagine the laughs we'll have as they learn more about the world around them and further develop their comedic skills. There are so many things I plan to teach them, but "real" funny has to come from within, ya know? So I am one happy mom, 'cause my kids are funny!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-92038735609362050212009-09-21T23:45:00.002-04:002009-09-21T23:45:00.846-04:00...ingStealing this post <a href="http://dooleyclan.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/another-ing-post/">idea</a>.<br /><br />Unwinding after a long day.<br /><br />Wishing it wasn't too late for coffee.<br /><br />Forgiving my children for the milkshake incident at Chick-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fil</span>-A.<br /><br />Researching art projects for my classes.<br /><br />Laughing at this <a href="http://vimeo.com/6683269">video</a>.<br /><br />Thawing a roast for dinner tomorrow - we've had sandwiches 2 nights in a row.<br /><br />Looking forward to our first field trip next week.<br /><br />Praying for my husband.<br /><br />Going to bed and <em>hopefully...</em><br /><br />Sleeping in tomorrow!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-7809780556502232752009-09-16T09:21:00.006-04:002009-09-16T13:28:25.752-04:00How's homeschooling?I've been on the go-go-go lately (another story for another day!) and while out and about, I've been asked more times than I can count, <em>How's homeschooling?</em> I don't mind being asked at all, in fact, I'm genuinely touched at how many people are inquiring about our transition, rooting us on, and offering encouragement. But the fact that I've been asked this question so many times in the past week got me to thinking...maybe some of you on the other side of this blog that haven't had a chance to ask are wondering the same.<br /><br />Homeschooling is <em>great</em>. We certainly don't have it down to a perfect science and every day looks a little different, but it's working for <em>us</em>. Some days, as we gather our materials and sit around the dining room table, we're like a Norman Rockwell painting...other days we're so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dysfunctional</span> that even Fox wouldn't air our reality show. But that's life, right? Homeschooling has proven to be a piece of our life puzzle that fits into place beautifully. Even if the puzzle is far from complete, this piece fits perfectly in it's place. It fits our personalities and lifestyle so well, and Lily and Luke being so close in age is an undeniable benefit -it's as if they were literally born for homeschooling. This was a "big picture" solution for us, not a quick fix for any one particular problem, but a lifestyle change that we hoped would bring widespread balance - and so far, it's working.<br /><br />Obviously, there is <em>a lot</em> this post doesn't include - <em>so many</em> things we haven't figured out about our life as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">homeschool</span> family. But all those things would make this a very long answer to a short question, so for now, I'll just stick with: We love homeschooling!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-71545558278018403312009-09-03T08:18:00.004-04:002009-09-03T08:57:46.600-04:00Missing the Whisper<em>...Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.</em> 1 Kings 19:11-12<br /><br />Last month I read the words "<a href="http://dooleyclan.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/the-hallmark-card/">expectation destroys appreciation</a>" on a friend's blog. I really chewed on that statement, so poignant in the writer's context of failing to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, like time with family, because we tend to have expectations of perfection. That same expression came to mind as I mediated on the above scriptures. I've found myself returning to them daily, reading them over and over...wondering. In all the noise of life, with all the chaos of a young, busy family - <em>clouded further by my own expectations</em> - am I missing His gentle whisper? Am I expecting God to show up in one way and failing to appreciate, or missing all together, when He moves in a different way? The question hits me like a punch to the gut, because I am certain of the answer. <em>Yes.</em><br /><br />It would be easy to allow myself to spend time <em>wrecked</em> over the gentle whispers I am sure I have missed, the glimpses of God I have overlooked, the interventions I have failed to appreciate. But today my prayer is, rather than perhaps miss Him again while looking back, I'll open my eyes, I'll quiet myself, I'll watch and<em> </em>listen<em>. </em>Then I'll acknowledge and appreciate the ways He shows up today. And in doing so, I'll teach my children to do the same.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975873306557164122.post-1652448302913074462009-08-29T21:28:00.008-04:002009-08-29T22:13:35.865-04:00Three ThanksgivingsWhen I started dating David, my world was opened up to the phenomenon of multiple holiday dinners. Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving...three houses to visit. Sometimes the celebrations would be spread over the course of a few days, but other times, we would eat an enormous lunch, complete with all the traditional southern dishes, only to find ourselves seated in front of another huge spread just a few hours later.<br /><br />That's how I'm feeling tonight - like I've just been served 3 Thanksgiving dinners. Two sessions of Beth Moore - last night and earlier today, followed just hours later by an awesome Saturday night service at my own church. <em>I am stuffed!</em> And now I've got so much to digest!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0