A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

I've been wanting to get on here the last couple of days to write about our Spring Break Vacation. The kids and I spent 3 nights/2 days on the Oregon Coast. We had a wonderful time being together. It was really good for us to get out of our normal environment and do things together. We had such a good time together.....that I hope that we can go again sometime soon....this time...with Tim. We missed him.

So, to help tell the story....I thought that I would talk with pictures. I will add my narrative to it...but for the most part....the pictures are going to do the talkin'! I was a little anxious about taking pictures. They never seem to come out very good. Tim's become the master. BUT...for the most part....I was really pleased with the pictures that I took.

The big talk of the week was the SNOW!!! Snow on the beach is almost unheard of. I guess for me....Spring Break should be at least a smidge warm. It wasn't even a smidge warm. It was just plain cold. Needless to say....I kept the heat UP in our little cottage!! This first pictures is looking over the water in Astoria. Notice the snow falling. (you can click on any picture to get a better view) Crazy, I tell you!! By the time we left Astoria, there was about 2 inches or so on the ground!!

We spent a lot of time on the beach. Relatively anyway. When the rain/snow would stop, or the sun came out, we made a dash to the beach. It was interesting to watch the clouds and sky change even as we stood there. As the kids romped in the sand and waves, I snapped pictures and watched the storm roll in. As soon as the sprinkles hit us, we headed back. We didn't have far to go....but by the time we walked in the door, our backsides were wet from the rain.

The one picture that I did miss because I didn't have my camera was when Caden decided to go "swimming" in the ocean. On our first night there, the kids were having a grand time challenging the waves. The boys never could manage to keep their shoes dry. Anyway, Caden got a little cocky and was jumping the waves. (his shoes were already soaked.) He miscalculated the speed of the waves and it took him down and the wave rolled over him. I was a little concerned that he might get swept out to sea....but overall it was pretty funny. His shock was hilarious and I just couldn't help but laugh. He kind of smirked about it at first. But, by the time we got back to the cottage and started stripping his clothes off, the humor had vanished....for him. Oh well. Memories.

Thursday, the kids and I headed to the Barview Jetty. The day was actually pretty decent. Then we found this great little nook between the jetty and the trees. We were protected from the wind and the sun warmed us just enough. We spent quite a few hours traipsing among the rocks, digging in the sand, and playing in the water. Seemed kind of strange amidst all the storms, cold, and snow. It was warm enough that Luke ended up like this:


Crazy, I tell you. Here are some more pictures of Jetty Fun!


The only other thing of major interest was our stop at the Seaside Aquarium. The kids really enjoyed watching the seals get fed, checking out the huge octopi, and scoping out the gift shop. Caden was thrilled to be greeted by the seals when he took a peek at them!


Well, that is our trip in a nutshell. The kids are already begging to go back again. They really want to climb the Astoria Column next time. We went there....but it was closed!!! We were all a little disappointed. Daria is reading over my shoulder and the begging begins again!!

35 Cheers for My Sweetie!!

I think that birthdays are pretty important. It is one of those days in your lifetime that you should be made to feel special. That is pretty easy to accomplish when you are little. A little attention goes a long way. When you become an adult, it seems like life and its duties often overwhelm the time and ability to make one feel special.

Tim, on the other hand, doesn't seem to have the same opinion about birthdays. They are just another day. Even though I think he secretly enjoys being acknowledged on his birthday, sometimes I get the impression that he would rather not be acknowledged. I don't get that.

So, today, being March 29, I have to take the time to dedicate a post about my Tim. It is his birthday, and one must be acknowledged on his birthday. Today has been busy for him with work, and kids' activities, so really, we haven't done much to "celebrate."

I feel pretty fortunate to have Tim in my life. He's one smart guy. He loves to research "stuff" to death. Sometimes that drives me a little looney, but for the most part, I am grateful for that part of him. I know that when, or if, we buy we won't be buying junk. I also know that I will be well cared for in my old age. He really does a good job in taking care of his family.

I enjoy watching my Tim play. When he plays, he plays hard. It was fun watching him play soccer tonight with Daria, her friends, and friends' parents. I enjoy watching him do his best, while allowing kids to do their best as well. He knows when to hold 'em, and when to blow it out of the water. Watch out!! My only wish is that he would take time to play more.

Tim is also a hard, dedicated worker. Whatever he sets his mind to do, he does it well. I will always be impressed at his work ethic. Whether it is something to be noticed, or nobody will ever know what he does, he works at it with all his might. He is definitely the man that you want on your team....if you want it done right. He is definitely one you want to set your standard to.

My Tim also has a subtle sense of humor. People always think he is "quiet"....maybe even a little "shy." Pshaw!! As if. You better watch what you say around him....he is probably cataloging it away for future reference. Don't be too easily fooled by that blank, innocent stare he may give you. If you have reason to suspect him of something, go right on ahead and suspect him. You may be right.

These meager words don't begin to describe my Tim. I'm not always the best at telling him how much I love him. I know I could be better at telling him how much I appreciate him and all that he does for me. I am thankful that God blessed me with a wonderful man who love the Lord with his whole heart....and even manages to some how love me in spite of all my many faults.

What more could a girl ask for.

Happy Birthday, Tim. I love you.

Home and Updating.....

Well, the kids and I survived our time at the Coast. The kids really missed having their daddy with us....as did I. I will write more about our trip in a little bit....because I just wanted to update you on the status of our nephew, David Howard.

Here is the latest news: The doctors are 99.9% sure that he has Hirschsprung Disease. For me, that is a little bit of a relief that it isn't cystic fibrosis. From the article that I had linked on my previous post, it sounds like, after surgery, David has the possibility of leading a normal life. To me, that is worth praising God about.

Right now, David is still in the hospital down in Eugene. He has been having good days. They are flushing his bowels two times a day, which means that his poor little buns are sore. My mother-in-law says that they are close to bleeding they are so sore. They asked for prayer regarding that. Since he has been "fed" through a tube since birth, they are slowly teaching him how to suck. If his body can continue to handle the nourishment and the flushes, they will send him home. Due to scheduling with the surgeon's, David is not scheduled for surgery until May 5.

As you can imagine, David's mom and dad are stressing out. Rachel sent us an email describing her anxiety at teaching him to nurse, taking him home, etc. She would really love for his surgery to be sooner....and done with. Her stress levels are also effecting her milk supply....so I am sure that she would love some prayer along those lines. (though she might be embarrassed that I am posting that!!)

It was good for me to come home and get back in touch with what is happening with David and his family. Tim passed on some information while I was gone....but it isn't the same. Please continue to pray for David and his family. Stressful times.

Thank you.

We're Off!!

The kids and I are headed out the door for a few days of fun at the Oregon Coast. I'm praying that we don't kill each other. Or drown. It is suppose to rain....rain...and more rain. They were even mentioning the possibility of SNOW!!! Yikes.

oh well. I am hopeful for a wonderful week.

Look for us again on Friday!!

For the last couple of months, I have been faithfully following the story of Nathan, Tricia, and Gwyneth Rose Lawrenson. I think that I first brought them to my blog here. I've learned so much about life, loving, faith, cystic fibrosis, premature birth, etc....etc...just by reading his blog. I truly am addicted to their story and am anxious to see how God will continue to glorify Himself in their lives.

On March 20, 2008, our nephew, David Howard, was born. He was a healthy baby boy weighing in at 7 lbs 15 oz. Today, he is in the NICU at the hospital in Eugene, OR. He wasn't eating, so in the process of investigation, they discovered that he has some blockage in his lower intestines. The news as of yesterday afternoon, was that they will be doing x-rays every 12 hours until Tuesday. If things have not resolved themselves with the help of enemas, etc....they will most likely be performing surgery. They will also be testing him for the possibility of Hirschsprung Disease.....and cystic fibrosis.

I am finding it very difficult to be sitting on the sidelines of this event. A part of my heart rejoices in the health of my children. I can't imagine personally having to carry the load of uncertainty that my brother-in-law and his wife are now carrying. A part of my heart cries for them, feeling their fear and taking up the cross of prayer along side them. As I have been praying for Gwyneth and Tricia, I am now praying for little David. Even as I storm the gates of heaven that David would be spared the hard road of cystic fibrosis and be completely healed, I have been praying that in whatever will be, that God would be glorified in David's life.

Please be praying for little David....his parents, Tony and Rachel, and his brother and sister, Sam and Abby.

7 Facts about Me!

I've been tagged by my friend, Candi. I guess that I am suppose to post 7 things about me. Hmmm. I've been thinking about this all night and all day. I've been pretty open....so I'm not sure what I will share. I guess I will just muddle my way through.....

Rules are:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here we go......

1. When I was little, I had a favorite doll that I carried around with me all the time. She looked a lot like this. (I can't believe I found that by adding the word "vintage!!") I loved her a whole lot. My mom says that I loved her so much that somehow I would chew her mouth off. (Sorry!) My parents have some pretty cute pictures of me dragging my baby along with me. I even have one in a shoe box somewhere that my grandma found several years after we had lived with them for a while. It's kind of a fun thing to own!!

2. I played the french horn in jr. high/high school. Sometimes the french horn parts are a tad boring. The complicated parts are relatively few and far between. Then to get an "A," I had to practice quite a bit. Also, my teacher was a perfectionist and we would rehearse our songs until I pretty much had them memorized. It use to drive my mom nuts for her to peek in on my practicing to see me propping up my horn, playing, and reading a book at the same time. Who says that I can't multi-task?????

3. I hate Ritz crackers. For some reason, they just give me the willies to eat them. Everyone thinks that I am incredibly weird....but I just don't like them. Maybe it is a texture thing.

4. I have a strawberry-colored birthmark on my right thigh. It is one of those things that have caused a lot of people to *gasp* when they see it for the first time. Honestly, I forget that it is there until someone gives me a heartache. If I ever need to be identified...and my face is beyond recognition....you can i.d. me there!

5. I have been skydiving. I am always amazed at people's responses to this fact. If I had a "Bucket List," it would have been on it. Quite the experience!! Of course, Tim had to jump with me. Heaven forbid should he be outdone by his wife!!

6. I've attended two universities. I spent a summer session during high school at Idaho State University in Pocatello. My main college experience was at George Fox University in Newberg. George Fox treated me pretty good, as that was where I met my Tim.

7. As I have watched my daughter starting to excel at a sport, I realize that this is one area of my life that I kind of regret. I wished that I had played sports more when I was younger. I played volleyball and basketball a little....but was never really great at it. Oh well. Now it is fun to encourage my children. It's a lot of fun.

Now, supposedly, I am suppose to tag 7 other people to do the same thing I have done. I don't know very many people who blog....most of them know Candi and got tagged. So, I am going to break that one little rule...and just leave it at that. I must admit. Thinking up those 7 things was actually kind of hard. Enjoy it. I may never do it again!

Slippin'-under-the-wire Thankful Thursday

After a crazy, exhausting week, and a crazy, exhausting day, I almost didn't post today. For some reason, that just plain ol' felt wrong....especially on Thursday!! So, I peeled myself off the couch, left Celebrity Apprentice, just so that I could post a thought for today! Aren't you proud of me?

• Today I am thankful for the glowing report cards that my kids received this week. Daria was stellar as always. Caden's report card showed great improvements. Not that he was ever doing poorly....but the improvements were still marked. In fact, his teacher's comments were that he went from spelling at a 1st grade level....to now spelling at a 3rd grade level!! Impressive. Needless to say, my buttons were poppin'!
  

• I am thankful that Spring Break is upon us. I would be a little more excited if the rain looked like it was going to let up in the next few days. Oh well. I am also thankful that I decided to take the kids for a little trip to the beach. We are all excited to be going.
  

• I am thankful I survived this week. I am thankful for my friends who encouraged me through the week.
  

• I am also thankful that I can be a stay at home mom.....though it seems like I hardly "stay at home." I am thankful that I have the "freedom" to attend my kids' school things through the day. I am thankful that I can take them to their many activities. I am so glad that I don't have to pass those responsibilities off to someone else. Though at times, I feel like I am going crazy, it is still a blessing.
  

Out of the mouth of babes.....

I love Luke's spontaneity. Sometimes he just blows me over with some of the things that he says. At least I always know what he is thinking. He lets everyone know!! Bless his heart.

Yesterday, he wanted me to find him this particular website to play games on. I didn't think that I knew which one it was...and I told him I didn't know. But, on a whim, I decided to try a website. As soon as it popped up, sweet little Luke declares: "That's it, Mom. You're a genius! I knew you were a genius, Mom!"

Today, as my spirits were somewhat lagging, he once again declared I was a genius, as I found the site he was looking for a second time. This time it kind of sunk in that him calling me a genius was a compliment. What a nice feeling as I allowed that thought to sink in.

Guess I can always count on my kids!

Ugh.

I'm always a little optimistic after a post like yesterdays. I always think that I have learned a lesson and things will be so much better the next day. How disappointing when things and other people don't always go along with the plan.

I think my family got up on the wrong side of the bed today. Every interaction seems to be laced with, or on the verge of, snippiness. I am now thankful that it is bed time and I am not forced to open my mouth one more time.

Ugh.

Tomorrow is: New start. New day. New hope.

Failure to Compliment

I had one of those days where I hungered for affirmation. I can only describe the feeling as that of feeling extremely lonely. I find myself at those times, creeping back to my computer time and again looking for that little "You've Got Mail" symbol. Crazy.

Of course, I have learned over time that the only place that I truly feel affirmed is when I listen to Jesus talking to me. Those are the times that my cup truly feels full. Yet, isn't it crazy that our bodies, spirits, and minds still hunger for affirmation? The affirmation that I mean here comes from someone with skin on. Sometimes we just need someone to be Jesus with skin.

As I was sitting down tonight to write this post, I really didn't know what I wanted to say. When I am hungering for affirmation, I don't feel like there is much to pour out of my spirit. So, I randomly decided to Google the phrase "hunger for affirmation." I came across this really interesting article. The author lists six common assumptions that lead people to dole out compliments sparingly.

1. "We're all expected to do our duty." Each of us is required to bear a certain burden in life. There's no point commending someone for doing what they're expected to do anyway.
2. "Compliments will go to another's head." If you compliment someone, it's feared, they'll become prideful. They may be left with a false sense of having arrived and not be challenged to grow.
3. "Christians are not to stoop to flattery." Some Christians fear that any verbal affirmation is pretentious. Given the desperate sinfulness of the human heart, there really is nothing authentic to compliment in anyone anyway.
4. "If you compliment someone, they'll assume you love them only for their achievement; this will cause them to feel under unfair pressure to live up to your expectations." Some feel this is a basis for not verbally affirming their children. If you commend Johnny for getting an A in math, it's feared he'll associate your love with getting good grades. He'll then feel insecure if he doesn't produce top marks in the future.
5. "Compliments don't need to be verbalized." Others will know you appreciate them simply by your actions. At most, an occasional or veiled compliment is all that should be needed to keep someone feeling affirmed.
6. "Praise is due to God alone." To compliment someone is to give them commendation which God alone deserves. Since no one can achieve anything worthwhile apart from God's help, we dishonor him by praising someone for their accomplishment. We imply that they achieved success by their own effort rather than by God's grace.

I am not sure that any of us would actually claim that those were the thoughts that we have when it comes to complimenting another person. As I read the author's list, though, I found that some of them resonated a little with my spirit. That stunk.

I loved the title of the article: The Joy of Giving (Affirmation) The Healing Effect of Compliments. For some reason, the word healing is like a balm to my spirit. (imagine that!) The author also went on to say that there is some risk involved in giving compliments but maybe the risk is greater in withholding compliments. Kind of gives a hunk of meat to gnaw on, doesn't it?

I think I need a toothpick.

Dawning of a Realization

According to the Bible, we have all been given spiritual gifts. In I Corinthians 12, these are the gifts that I find listed: some to be apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, healing, helping others, administration, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues. Have you ever taken a Spiritual Gifts assessment? I've taken these assessments a few times. I hate taking them. Supposedly their purpose is to give you awareness of your spiritual gifts so that maybe you can make choices about where to serve in areas of your gifting.

I've always been very frustrated by my results. They've never seemed to "fit" me. I've never felt affirmed regarding my spiritual gifts. When the classes would all be said and done, I never felt equipped to now go out and work in my gifted areas. Honestly, if I am truly get-down-and-dirty honest, I've never felt gifted in anything. I have felt more like a Jill-of-All-Trades kind of gal...."okay" in a lot of things....but never really excelling in any of them. I'm capable....but do I excel? Am I gifted in anything?

In the last few months, though, I have been getting some affirmations from people in a couple of areas in my life that maybe I can begin to feel "gifted" in. I'm still not sure if I should really claim that thought....part of me feels a little arrogant to say such a thought. When I think, though, of the things that people have said to me regarding these areas of my life....I feel like I am just soaking it in like a dry sponge. Absorbing the words, and believing them, I find is difficult.

I will mention one of the areas that I am receiving affirmations. At this point, I think I am going to keep under wraps the other area. The second area is one that I have kind of kept a private secret dream regarding it in my heart. Because of that, I'm a little shy about sharing anything about it. I would also hate to receive criticism regarding it. When I am honest with myself, I am a little shy about sharing the other area, too. But...I guess I will just lay it bare.

On Wednesdays, I babysit at the Community Bible Study program in a neighboring town. I work with kids who range in ages from 15-24 months old. At this age, I find that many of them struggle with separation anxiety. Over time, it has fallen to me to calm them down and help them to adjust. Many of the leaders have spoken words that they feel that I have a gift in this area. I have even watched some of the other helpers try to settle these little ones down....and soon they will place the screaming child into my arms. Somehow, those little ones seem to settle down as I talk with them and play with them. Slowly, I am allowing myself to accept that I am pretty good at doing this. Part of me clutches on the inside when the screaming child is placed in my arms. I worry that I might fail this time. But, then I start to relax and just love on that child. Most of the time, I have success. I am finding it a balm to my spirit to begin accepting these affirmations.

This morning, I found my self beginning to accept the affirmations in the second area in my life. That secret dream of mine seems like an impossibility, so I find these affirmations a little harder to swallow. Also, a lifetime of "self-abuse" makes it way too easy to discredit the words of others. Sometimes it feels like accepting these words of affirmation and believing them feels like arrogance. Pride seems sinful and wrong. Where is the balance? I don't know.

So...now I am left with the dilemma of how to end this post. The part of me that cringes at sharing these thoughts wants to just push the delete button and run away. The other part of me says push that "publish post" button and then go hide under the covers. In a real diary, these thoughts would be solely mine to ponder over. In my blog, they belong also to you, my readers. Sometimes that is scary. I know that I don't have to publish these thoughts...but sometimes it is healing to lay it out there. So here I go....pushing "publish."

Wake me up in a couple of hours.

Double the Fun

I've been on the computer a lot today. Kind of fun....kind of frustrating...but very fulfilling.

Our Sunday school class is starting a new program for our church. We are attempting a program that will hopefully improve the our health, physically, spiritually, and mentally; as well, as increasing our awareness of missions.

I had the "grand" idea of starting a blog to encourage, monitor, etc our progress. I started that blog today. It took me a while to process my thoughts; and, I already know of things that I should have included. Maybe all those thoughts will be for future posts. Anyway....I am pleased with the outcome. Time will tell if it really is an effective method for encouraging and communicating in my church body.

If you would like to take a look we are here: Walk with the Spirit

If you have any input, let me know. Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for many things. But, I am particularly thankful for God's timing. It seems like I have been more aware of how appropriate God is in the workings of our lives. This morning, as I was getting ready for the day, I noticed that Tim had changed the verse that I had posted on the bathroom mirror. I was a little miffed because the verse I had up there had been so appropriate for my life. In fact, I kind of considered it my motto and banner for my life. Oh I should learn not to be so quick to cast judgment.

Then I get to Moms In Touch this morning. Last night, in my frazzled state, I had chosen for our Attribute of God that God is our revealer. I was in awe how that very attribute that we praised God for seemed to be so appropriate for our concerns that day. God truly is the revealer of all the we need to know. He is so good.

One mother came in with a particularly heavy heart. As we began to pray and praise God for being the revealer of all things, I was remembering that verse that Tim had placed on the mirror. The impression to share that verse with her was overwhelming. As we wrapped up the first half of our prayer time, I was physically ill with the awareness that I was to share that verse. I wasn't nervous, so I don't know why I became ill.

This was the verse that I shared: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesian 2:10. This verse is the verse that I felt that God promised me for Luke. God knew Luke and has prepared good works for him....in advance.

I don't know if the verse meant anything to the other mother....but I was in awe of God's timing today. And for that I am thankful.

What To Say

Today has been long. Today has been busy. Today has been full of this and that and I feel like I have nothing much to prove for my efforts. I washed the sheets on my bed today....so when I finally crawl into bed tonight.....I'm going to revel in the glorious feeling of fresh sheets.

So, when I sat down tonight at the computer, I wasn't sure which thing to write about. I could write about the glories of technology. Technology is great.....when it works. Sometimes it stinks. I could also write about the glories of frugality. Frugality is great....to a point. Sometimes it stinks. Being busy is great....fulfilling at times. Sometimes it stinks.

I thought of titling tonights post something like: Printers: Love 'Em or Toss 'Em off the Porch.
Or: Being Cheap Costs A lot. And my other title for tonight: Too Many Irons In the Fire.

I could elaborate on all those topics....but I think I would be dredging for complaints. Not gonna go there tonight. So, I think I will close with a joke. Laughter is the best medicine for all that ails us. Here it goes.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” grumbled the motorist as the police clerk handed him a receipt for his traffic violation.

“Keep it,” the clerk advises. “When you get four of them, you get a bicycle.”

The Ultimate Prize

Being a parent comes with some fun times. It also comes with some tough times. I suppose that I could have started this post out by saying: It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. So much can be said using those two sentences. It can describe so many things in life. The potential is overwhelming.

Tonight was one of the best of times.

Parents love to give good things to their children. Who, when asked by their children for a loaf of bread, would give them a stone? Not I. My precious Caden can be such a shy little man. I have prayed buckets of prayers for him as he has entered into school. In the last year and a half, it has been a joy to watch as God has worked in Caden's heart and life to help him to break that nasty little barrier in his life. A real joy.

Tonight, I had the wonderful opportunity to watch my son go to his very first sports practice. He had soccer practice tonight. He was beyond thrilled. He has been counting down for the last week. Every day he would wake up and announce how many days he had left until soccer practice. Soccer practice was the great motivator in accomplishing homework in a timely fashion today. Soccer practice was the clincher in attaining good behavior. Soccer practice was the ultimate prize.

But you know, it wasn't the ultimate prize just for Caden, it was the ultimate prize for me, too. To see my son, who had allowed himself to be hampered by his shyness, finally become bold enough to allow himself the pleasure of playing a sport. There is nothing this little man loves more than to play a game. (Well....maybe he loves winning more than he loves playing.) But what a joy to watch my son so giddy with excitement that he could hardly stand still....in fact, he didn't stand still. He was literally jumping up and down as he listened to his coach. I watched him respond excitedly to questions asked. I watch him absolutely loving doing the dribbling skills. I loved seeing him doing his best....and loving every minute of it. In a way, I felt like tonight was the culmination of a truckload of prayers.....the ultimate prize!

How totally cool is that.

Complain...complain....complain

I don't typically like to get on my blog and complain. I find that if I start complaining....it is so easy to keep on complaining. I really am trying to put a positive spin on my life these days. It really helps with the overall attitude of my life! But....today....something just bugged me enough that I have to just get it off my chest. I won't complain at the establishment because I find that complaining never works. I will expect change once I complain....and typically change doesn't happen.

Luke has swimming lessons on Monday, so we were at the YMCA. When my boys were littler, I would shower and change them in the Women's Locker room. The changing area is much larger, more convenient, etc. When Luke was 3, I had one of the older ladies complain to me about having a boy in the locker room. I was a little shocked. I said: "Well...he's only 3!" (The signs ask for boys 6 years and older to be in the family changing room.) Her response to me: "Well, he still has eyes!!" At our next lesson time, I noticed that there was a complaint form filled out and posted on the bulletin board in the women's locker room about little boys in the locker room.

Whatever.

So, my boys have grown. It is time to use the family changing rooms....which I have for the last year or so. It really isn't very convenient at all. There are four shower stalls....and the open area is very tiny....kind of like a glorified hallway. I will deal with inconveniences of it...because I am a Mom of a boy....as well as the fact that there aren't any other options. It is frustrating at times when you stand around waiting for a shower while your child shivers in the cold. It is frustrating to try to get your child dressed in the cramped shower stalls where the floor is soaked from other careless people. But...you do what you must do. And that is that.

BUT....I have noticed, since Luke's swim lessons are now earlier in the morning, that there is quite the competition to use the family changing room showers. I have noticed that there are mothers....with just little girls in there. ALSO....I have noticed older women...single older women using the family showers. I have noticed this cute little older couple using the family changing rooms....but that I can understand as I watch them helping each other with their processes.

I think it mostly bugs me to see these old ladies using the family rooms. I know that I should be understanding....but it is so hard when I know how much room is over in the women's locker room...and when I see how little room there is in the family changing rooms. Grrrr. There is a small part of me that just wants to be a little brat and say something. BUT....proper decorum, politeness, and respect keep my little mouth zipped up tight.

I don't know why I had to complain about this today. I guess it just helps to blurt out all the yuckies and then get on with life. I will chalk this up to another one of those things that I hope I remember when I get older.

May I never forget what it is like to be a mother of little ones....been there, done that....empathy....sympathy...blessed to be a blessing...and etc...etc....etc.

Another Crack Me Up Moment

I am sure that some of you have noticed that I have a counter on my blog. It is always fun to see how many visits a day I get. It feels good to see that some people think of me during the day. I count for something!!!

Anyway....part of the fun of the counter is seeing where some people get referred from. I shows me if someone came from one of my friends' blogs or from a google search. Today...it cracked me up how one Google searcher found my blog. When I clicked on the referring address it took me to the google search page. What the searcher had typed in?????

WHAT TO DO ABOUT AN OLD MAN GETTING HUSSLED BY WOMEN

Oh my goodness. I just cracked up. How in the world would that phrase find its way to my blog?? Not only that....but my blog was like #3 on the hit list. So...here are the two phrases that happen through my blog that linked me to the above phrase:

Time to get hussling if we wanted to get to church on time from this entry and Man, I am struggling with my thoughts right now.....

I am not sure where that second phrase came from. I tried to find it but I couldn't. I am sure that since I have now added the complete phrase into my blog....the next person who wants to know about old men getting hussled by women will find my blog as the #1 hit from Google.

Crack. Me. Up.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is almost over. My feet hurt. My eyes are getting droopy; and, I swear I hear my bed calling my name. Yet, even with the thought of sweet sleep in my very near future, I couldn't help but take a moment or two and give thanks.

• Today I am thankful for Caden. He got another 100% on his spelling test this week. His teacher had her baby last Friday, so this week was a new week with a new teacher. A parent graded his spelling test yesterday, and marked one wrong.....but the parent was wrong. Caden had spelled it right. I was overwhelmed to hear him say that he showed it to his teacher and proved he was right. Considering that last year, at this time, he could barely whisper to his teacher....I find that utterly amazing. I must give thanks!

• I am thankful that my parents are here this weekend for a visit. I am thankful that they arrived here safely. I am thankful for the joy that my kids seem to have when their grandparents are here. Granted, they are a little loud and rowdy.....but it's fun!!
  

• I am thankful for new friends for my son and for me. It has been a blessing to me this week.
  

• I am thankful that the modular classrooms for Daria's class are now in....approved by the city....and they are having class in there. It has definitely been a long wait....and I am thrilled that they are finally there!!!

If You Have Nothing Nice to Say....

Post pictures instead.

(these aren't from today....but they were awfully cute and worth sharing.....)

My Girl....My Girl

I'm talkin' bout My Girl!

I've Got Sunshine.....On a Cloudy Day...

One of my all-time favorite pics.....

My Girlie really can be a ray of sunshine. My Girlie turned NINE today. How quickly the years go by. It seems like just yesterday I was that oh-so-very-green Mom who brought home this precious little bundle and cried my poor eyes out. Becoming a Mom was one of the most joyous and the most scariest things I have ever done. I've often teased that the hospital should never have sent her home with me. I had NO idea what I was doing. I thought I did....and then the rubber met the road.

But oh the things that I have learned being a Mommy to my sweet Girlie. I am certainly not the person I was before she was born. Even now, as she grows, I find that I, too, must grow and change. My love for her, and her brothers, presses me onward to be a better person....so that I can be a better Mom.

Back to my Girlie. I am so proud of her. I often find myself watching her and being in awe of the beautiful, young lady that she is becoming. I see the beginnings of grace in her stance and demeanor. I see her being a friend full of compassion. I see her encouraging and uplifting those around her. I see her developing a love and passion for serving Jesus. I would love to take an ounce of credit for the things that I see developing. But, honestly, I feel like it is but for the grace of God that she is becoming what she is. I stand in awe that God has allowed me the honor of being her Mama. I have front row seats to watch the glory of my Jesus in action in my little Girlie's life.

She is a wonderful student. Sometimes it amazes me at her capacity to learn. She has a hunger for knowledge and she seeks it out. She never wants to miss a day of school. I love going to hear her teacher's reports on her at school. They are always glowing. It seems like I always come away with tears of thankfulness.

She is becoming a wonderful athlete too. I think she gets most of that from her Daddy....though I would like to think that she got a little bit of that from me, too. I love watching her play soccer. She seems to get better with every practice and every game. I love to sit still in the crowds and listen to what other people are saying. I swear that my buttons pop all the time. She is amazing.

It seems like I could go on and on. How fun it is for me to sit and reflect on my precious Girlie. She really has been a gift and a joy in my life. I probably don't give thanks for her nearly enough. She isn't perfect. Who is? But, I sure enjoy watching her growing, and becoming all that God intended her to be.


Happy Birthday, Daria!!! I love you.

Wild, Wacky Weekend.

What an incredibly busy weekend. It is 1:30 in the afternoon on Monday and I can finally sit down at the computer and post about the craziness. Granted, my house is a disaster.....but I can breathe a little bit.

We had a busy weekend. Saturday we celebrated Daria's 9th birthday. She turns 9 tomorrow....but the party was Saturday. We had a fun time at the ice arena...and then came home and had some cake and ice cream. I think there were over 20 kids in my house for the party!! Yikes!!! Amazingly, we survived. I will post some pictures after all the prose.

Then, Saturday night, Tim and I dashed over to the auction that was held for the kids' school. I stayed late to help clean up and tally money. I think I got home around 11:45 p.m. It was a long day. The auction was a great success....I think that we are going to finish up with a profit of $15,000. I think that is absolutely amazing for such a small school. God is good!!

Yesterday was full of church things. Nothing exciting to report....but it didn't feel like much of a day of rest. Today has been full of errands and stuff. I am ready to just crash. I think I will in a minute....but I know that my messy house is calling my name.

But...now for the fun: PICTURES!!!!

My Sweet Birthday Girl!!

Caden: I'm sure his tongue is helping with the balance!!

Here is the extent of Luke and I's trips around the ice. He did pretty good. He fell a couple of times....I managed to stay on my feet!! Not bad considering he'd never done anything like it before!!

The Gang!

I'll huff....and I'll puff!

Cousins!! Lovin' that cake!! Yum.