Life According to Curly, Moe & the Other Guy!

2011-06-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

One more day...

There is this breathtaking song by an old country group, Diamond Rio. The title is One More Day. I've always loved this song from the very first time I heard it. It was in 2000 and I instantly thought of her. I'm sure it was intended to be a song written for lovers, yet I thought about the woman who shaped the life of my mom...the woman I was named after.

I lost her in my late teens and to be honest it was such a crummy time in my life over the break up of a high school boyfriend that I took for granted the last moments I had with her. I was too focused on the loss of a ridiculous relationship to focus on what was fading before my very eyes.

I have so many fond memories of her. Our weekends together introduced me to lovely things like piano and coffee. Flowers and the pain that comes from "pickin your own switch." I can close my eyese and take a deep breath and I'm THERE...with my sister Sherry. We are watching Heehaw (which she'd never probably admit to!) I can hear her voice even now "Auther you make those girls some coffee (now let's be clear it was mostly warm milk and lots of sugar but there was a teaspoon or two of coffee and HEY THAT COUNTS!) I remember watching her take her long her out of her bun and brush it for what seemed like forever.

I have to wonder now, what would my dear Grandma Lahti think of me now. There are so many things that we would disagree on quite frankly but wow I am so like her. Stubborn, strong, grounded. What I wouldn't give, especially today as my birthday approaches to have one more day. To have her know me as an adult, better yet as a Christian Woman...as a mom. Oh to have her meet my girls.

"Grandma, I would hold you EVERY second and say a million I love you's...that's what I do, with one more day with you."

You can watch the Diamond Rio video here.

2011-04-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Woman behind the Legend...

Today is her birthday. Most women cringe at the thought of mentioning their age but not her. She's never been one to cringe at the thought of anything...well, I take that back. She hates the thought of losing somebody she loves. But anything else, there is always courage. No fear, no backing down. Today, she is 54 and she's beautiful. Take a look for yourself...My Momma...

I will start this post by saying blogging comes up often in my conversations with my mom. I haven't posted anything in FOREVER. I'm just too busy but it's one of the things she loves most, reading. And for some reason, she loves reading what I have to say, so here is my gift to her. I will resurrect my blog...for her. It seems a small price to pay for all the many sacrifices she has made for me over my lifetime.

My mom is by no means a Saint. She has lived a hard life and paid a very high price for it. She has made a lot of mistakes and I'm sure shed a lot of tears because of those mistakes so please don't read this and think for one second that I place her on some type of pedastool. Believe me, if I even attempted to, she climbed down quick, take me out back, make me "pick my own switch" and get down to the business at hand! She was afterall, raised by Leah Lahti!

However, even in her mistakes she has taught me a lot. She raised four of us essentially on her own and I love knowing that with all of our ups and downs, successes and failures, she looks at the four of us and smiles. She sees success in all of us. She finds pleasure in the small things.

I love that in the last year or so, my mom and I have found restoration, healing. I love that God showed me a part of my heart that was closed off to Him and to her and forced me to open it up. He came in with a broom and dustpan. He cleaned it up and cleaned it out and now there is something beautiful there where something cluttered and dusty used to lay.

My mom has taught me that through it all, even the darkest night, love will shine through. She also shown me that blood may be thicker than water but love is thicker than blood. When you love somebody, THAT is all that matters. It's not the bloodline that runs through your veins or the heritage that runs in your name.

Diane taught me the importance of being a giver, even when you think you have nothing to give, you ALWAYS have the shirt on your back because there is somebody out there who is worse off than you. She showed me the value of the dollar and how to not let money be my master.

I am proud of the woman she is today. I'm proud of the person she still strives to be.

Happy Birthday Mom...I love you.

2009-03-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

And a child shall lead them...

Backdrop - Moe & Pediatrician at 4 year check up.

Pediatrician - draws a "t" and asks Moe, "do you know what letter this is?"

Moe: "mmm, yep."

Pediatrician: "What's the letter?"

Moe: "it's not a letter, it's a cross."

Pediatrician: "Oh, okay, you are right but what letter is it?"

Moe: "it's a cross.."

Pediatrician: "what letter does it look like?"

Moe: feeling un-heard, "It's a CROSS...Jesus died on it for MY SINS and YOUR SINS!"

Pediatrician: "Umm, okay, sweetie but what letter is it?"

Moe: Rolls her eyes, "if you turn it sideways, it's an "x" but that is a cross, okay?"

Well, alrighty then...Mommy wasn't sure whether to laugh at her child being cute or cry at her child's ability to witness to a doctor. Don't try to tell her where she can and can't preach her faith!

Happy Birthday sweet girl, you will do amazing things for our Lord and Savior.

Peace Out!

2009-02-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

Watch out Thunderfoot...Moe's comin' for your job, Dude!

Moe celebrates her 4th birthday this week while Mommy & Daddy are on a cruise to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

So, Uncle JJ & Aunt Tata decided to give her birthday gift to her tonight...what can you say but

THANKS!!! (and revenge is painful!)

Enjoy ;0)

Peace Out!

2009-02-15T18:29:00.000-08:00

I Want to Go to There!!!!

Thanks to my brother-n-law, Jason, I have finally been able to determine my official retirement spot.

Watch CBS Videos Online

All I can say is, I want to go to there (~Liz Lemon, 30Rock)

Peace Out!

2009-02-06T05:17:00.000-08:00

I Stand Amazed...

I know it's been a while but a lot has changed in this chick's life over the last few weeks. I recently decided to go back to work. Shocking I know, but it seemed like the right time and a position was available at my church doing the job I've been volunteering to do for over a year now so...I jumped!

I can totally feel God's presence through all of this but that is not to say that there aren't a few adjustments but hey I'll get there.

So back to the blog post...

I'm not sure if you are a Christian or not but I am and I will admit that sometimes I feel totally alone when I am out there in the big, bad world. I take a look around at school mom's/dad's and people in the grocery stores and on the road and I just get a sense of sadness. It's so cliche, but I find myself asking, "What is this world coming to?" Whenever I start to feel that way, it will generally be followed by something amazing to remind me that while the world may "be going to hell in a handbasket" (as the saying goes) God is still in control. He is STILL ON THE THRONE! And let's just be honest here, I know how the story ends...HE WINS! Satan, sorry but GAME OVER!

This week I received two of those blessings. First, for Christmas, Other Guy and some of my closest friend's hubbies went in together and bought us all tickets for the Chris Tomlin concert. We have all been patiently awaiting February 3rd and let's just say it was AMAZING! To take a look around the Sprint Center and see thousands of people with hands raised high, pouring out their heart's in song, crying, laughing...but most importantly WORSHIPPING GOD!!! Can I get a Hallelujah???? I had a great time, I can't even remember the last time I laughed that hard. I loved being with my sista's and their hubbies. I loved looking down the dinner table and seeing the menfolk laugh and share just like we womenfolk were doing at the other end of the table. My favorite part of the night was singing the part in the song Indescribable, "You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same! You are amazing God!" Over and over we sang that line with the beat of the drums getting stronger each time. Oh thank you Father for knowing me, for knowing the depth of my heart and loving me still!!! You truly are amazing God!!!

As if that wasn't enough to set your week on the right path...yesterday, our staff gathered 'round the table in the conference room for breakfast. A lovely member of the congregation made a mac daddy breakfast for us and delivered it! Now people, I'm not talking about dropping off donuts...OH NO! This was the full spread and I will admit that the diet was broken in a very bad way yesterday. (don't worry, it's back on today!)

During the partaking of this glorious food, one of the minister's told our senior pastor that he had a flat tire. Oh no! Tim got up from his chair, took a look out the window and then sat back down. WHAT? No freaking out? (that's what I would have been doing) No rushing out to fix it? (that's what I would have done) No calling somebody to come fix it? (that's what I would have done if I couldn't fix it) He simply sat back down and finished his breakfast. Oh, okay I get it...finish eating the freak out, fix it, call somebody...

Once again, no go. When I questioned him, he simply stated that he would not let that interfere with his study time and prayer time. He said (and I am paraphrasing here) "I have to make a daily choice to protect the things that mean the most to me. Otherwise, there will always be something to take me away from what is important. The car will be there at the end of the day, the flat tire will be there...I will just borrow some body's car to have lunch with my daughter and fix it later!"

Seriously, did I just hear that correctly!? I had to fight my own desire to go out there and fix it myself because that's who I am, that's what I do! Boy howdy, what does that say about me? I simply told him that he had amazing will power and then we went about our day.

Oh Lord, give me not only that will power but that desire to always put you first! To never allow outside things take away your attention, your praise, your time!

Well, that's it...for now.

Peace Out!

2009-01-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

REALLY?!? with Marie King

There is a skit done on SNL's Weekend Update titled Really and it's pretty funny...it's one of the first thing I thought about when I saw something on the news last night. So here goes...

REALLY??!!!!, REALLY???!!!

The porn industry, yes ladies and gents, I said the PORN INDUSTRY has officially asked the US Government for a FIVE BILLION DOLLAR BAIL OUT!

I'm sorry did I fall asleep and wake up on some whacked out island where the world is totally going to pot? REALLY???!!! REALLY???!!

Mr. Flynt, and I use the word MR very loosely, what are you thinking, REALLY!!!????

Oh, I'm sorry, what was that, "with the economy being so bad apparently the last thing on people's mind is sex!" REALLY, REALLY!!!??? Oh poor baby!

And that's a problem WHY??? My hope is that your industry would crumble along with the mansion that it has put you in. I hope we rise up as a nation and say NO MORE..REALLY!!!!

I hope your company (& others like it) totally go belly up with no hope of ever making a come back...REALLY!!!!

And to our good ole U S of A government, you will have reached an all time low if you even consider giving these scum bags one cent of tax payers money...REALLY!!!!

Peace Out!

2009-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

It's the Most "Difficult" Time of the Year!

Let me first tell you about one of the most difficult days of my life...In the Spring of 2001, the King Family (Just Other Guy & I at the time) met a family that would forever change our family makeup. We finally decided to join a small group at the church we attended...and there they were. He was tall, she...well wasn't, not compared to him anyway. They had two little boys that would melt your heart with just a smile. They were very nice and spoke with a strong southern accent...man, it feels good to make fun of somebody else for that...but they were guarded. I guess looking back they had every right to be. I have seen people come and go in their lives simply because of who he was and who he did or didn't work for. There were few people in their lives that ever took the opportunity to simply get to know her for who SHE was not who she was married to.

He was getting ready to head off to Europe for a couple of months and she was pregnant with their third child. My precious Monkey Doodle! I can't tell you why, but God weighed something so heavy on my heart that night...He wanted me to reach out to them. Not in a normal way, but with such fire and determination that they would never take no for an answer.

There were times that I felt like I was almost stalking them. I always tried to never let more than two days go by without speaking. I dropped in whenever I could, chased kids, laughed at stories, ate AMAZING food and just listened.

After Monkey Doodle was born, it came crashing down why God wanted this friendship to not only form but last. Not so tall chick was admitted to the hospital and tall guy's job basically said "too bad, so sad...hire a nanny!" So, there I was...I helped in whatever capacity I could including letting that sweet baby sleep on my chest every night while his Mommy got better. I cooked, cleaned, whatever they needed I did. Other Guy and I would come over after work and have dinner, etc.

Well, fast forward 10 months and there I stood in their driveway. Other Guy and I were heading to Mexico on a missions trip and they, this adopted family of mine, well they were leaving too. Not just on a trip but for good. His job had called him to another city and they were leaving while we were in Mexico. I tried to be strong but the tears soon began to flood down. I hugged them all and said we would see them soon. They tried to be strong too but as soon as I hugged tall guy's neck...I whispered, "Please take care of my family...I love you guys!" Well, that did it, he was crying too!

I am happy to say that Eight years later, that friendship is still going strong and we now live in the same city. I thought the tough days, the tough goodbye's, the tough "I'll see ya soon's" were over...WRONG!!

My sister Natasha and her hubby, "My Darryl" came to visit for a whole week this Christmas and it was AMAZING!!! You see this was our first Christmas morning together...EVER. We had always spent those holidays with our mom's and tried to squeeze Dad in later in the day and sometimes it was at the same time, sometimes not.

We cooked together, laughed, played, danced...you name it. And before I could blink...the time was over. It was time for them to get on a plane. It was time to say, I'll see ya soon, even though we had no clear clue of when that "soon" would be.

I will say this, I miss my sister and Darryl more than I could ever describe in words and I know we will see each other again. After all, we missed the "tall and not so tall" family so much we just moved to be closer to them...On a side note, if anybody out there in Blog world works for Harley Davidson, maybe put in a good word for My Darryl ;0)

Peace Out!!!

2008-11-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

I Hope You Dance...just don't be a Dancing Monkey!

I know it is shocking to hear but there is this song that truly touches a parent's heart. The title is I Hope You Dance and the lyrics are beautiful. Here is just a taste:

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.

Even before I was a mom, I totally identified with this song. There were times in my life when I wish I had been more of a risk taker. I wish I had stood up for myself but then again sometimes I wish I could have just shut my mouth. Now Fast forward about 15 years...I was reading a new Bible Study book by an amazing speaker, Jen Hatmaker. (On a side note, she was phenomenal at our Women's Retreat and I highly recommend her!) The title of the book is MakeOver and my dear friend Daneen bought it for me over a year ago and I just have not had the time to read it.

A few weeks ago, I stopped by to ask my friend Tracie to pray for me. When she asked what about, I expressed some feelings of "overwhelment" and frustration of an inability to say no. I found myself not being able to do the things I really enjoy because of things I commit to out of a desire to feel accepted and needed. (Anyway, that is a whole different counseling session.) Tracie prayed over me and then recommended this book to me. So, I made the time and began reading.

Let me just say, Thank God for friends that buy you books a year before you will need them and friends that bring something to mind!!!

The title of one particular chapter is Dancing Monkeys. It talks about all the ways we "dance" for people in our lives for just the reasons I mentioned earlier.

There are times we dance for our parents...

Times we dance for our family...

Let's be honest though, whenever we dance and whoever we dance for, we end up tired!!! Makeover quotes a verse in Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Wow! I just love that. That verse tells me that in all we do, God never intends for us to grow weary...he wants us to run...to HIM but not grow faint.

All of that being said, I do hope that Curly and Moe (and all those I love for that matter) Dance but never, ever become Dancing Monkeys.

That is unless it causes somebody to give a good, heartfelt belly laugh...and then I guess it's okay!!

Peace Out!

2008-11-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

"Who wants to be a STUPID Tinker, anyway?"

For those of you without small children, small female children to be exact...the new Tinker Bell movie was recently released on DVD. Now, I have to be honest with you, I am a cartoon NUT! I started collecting Disney DVD's and any other animated movies long before we had children. I just love them. The fairy stories about being a princess, saving a country, being the hero...you get the point. That being said, of course, I went out and bought it for me, oops I mean the girls, the day it was released.

We suffered through dinner and dishes and all cuddled up on the couch for a family night of movies. (I will say that Other Guy did try to make it through, but let's be honest here and say it's just not a Dude flick!)

Strange as it may sound, I was moved by this movie. There seemed to be a hidden agenda to the story line.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the Talents. It tells a beautiful example of using your talent wisely. By investing our time, money and gifts for the kingdom so that when the Lord comes again, we will hear his words, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

The book of 1 Corinthians speaks of our spiritual gifts. 1Cor 12:4 says There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God works all of them in all men.

This is all the example of how we are blessed with talents and gifts. Some of us may only have one or two and some of us have a whole basket full. However, it's not about how "special" your gift or talent is...it's how you use it for the glory of the kingdom.

Without giving too much of the movie away, upon her creation, Bell learns that she is a Tinker. (hence the name, Tinker Bell) At first she is really excited until she finds out exactly what being a Tinker involves. There is no glamour of painting beautiful colors or making beautiful music. The Tinker's aren't famous for any one thing, but the things they create help all the other fairies with what they are created to do. In the end, she answers her own question..."Who wants to be a stupid Tinker anyway...I DO!"

So, what talent has God given you? What spiritual gift have you been blessed with? Are you using them for the one who gave them to you in the first place?

If you are unsure of your gifts, (and yes you have one, we all do!) check out a SHAPE class at Grace Church or another church in your area. It will totally change how you look at ministry when you are doing something you were CREATED to do.

Peace Out!

2008-10-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

How could I ask for more?

There is a song by Cindy Morgan that is an oldy but goody. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and totally put things into perspective for this chick. You can listen to a video on YouTube by clicking here. I wanted to take a moment to list the things that I am most grateful for, things that I am so undeserving of but things that should not go another moment without being said...

Heavenly Father, forgive my "list format" but Lord thank you for all the blessings in my life, for those I have listed and the things I have forgotten...thank you, how could I ask for more?

My Salvation...the thought of spending eternity with you is the greatest joy of my life.
My husband...that Other Guy truly is my better half. He completes me in ways that only you could have knit together so wonderfully.
My girls...Curly and Moe give me a happiness that words couldn't describe. They are such a beautiful combination of Brian and I.
My "nationality"...I am blessed to live in a country where I can freely worship you and express my thoughts and opinions.
My family...I am grateful for the relationships that are there simply because you ordained them to be. Even during the crazy times...you hold us all in your hands.
My church...Grace is everything I never knew I always wanted. Even when the "underbelly" rears it's ugly head, you are there and I thank you for an amazing place of worship, a place where I experience YOU through every pastor and staff member.
My "female" friends...How do I begin to thank you for the women of God that you have placed in my path. They all offer such wonderful colors to my life. They bring truth to the statement that friends are the family you get to choose.
My "male" friends...three in particular, thank you for those brotherly relationships. I love them dearly and love that I can be myself with them and we can all laugh about it. I thank you for the fact that they love me enough to sense when something is not right and either call me on the carpet for it or call their wives to do it ;0)

One of the best parts of the song is towards the end...So many things I thought would bring me happiness. Some dreams that aren't realities today. Such an irony the things that mean the most to me, are the memories that I've made along the way.

I can honestly say that had you asked me fifteen years ago what my life would be like, what would bring me happiness, what would be important...I would of had different answers. Thank you Lord for all of your infinite wisdom. Your reality for me today is more than I could have ever asked for...I praise you for your blessings and love you simply for you, not what you have given to me.

Peace Out!

2008-10-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Much needed break...

Other Guy and I are in the Sunshine State this week. We are in Boca Raton Florida for a National Convention. It is BEAUTIFUL! I went to the beach and the pool today and actually have tan lines. I forgot what those were. (Eat your heart out Casi!!! hee/hee)

I wasn't supposed to come to this conference but Other Guy suggested it and I agreed. It is almost like I have taken a huge breath and let it out slowly. I feel more relaxed and it's only been one DAY!!!

I have to give mad props to the in-laws. They totally make things like this possible and I don't know what I would do without them. Our girls love them so much and were dancing around the house with excitement about Grammaandpapa (pronounced all one word) coming to stay. Now that is a cool baby sitter when your kids don't even care that you are leaving!!

Anyway, thank you so much Tom and Sandy! I could not have hand picked better in-laws or better grandparents. You ROCK!!

Peace Out!

2008-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

"I said to myself..."

Growing up I was generally that awkward kid. I know it's hard to believe but it's true. I was tall and crazy skinny...not the "Oh wow you are so beautiful skinny" more like the "Is something wrong with you skinny!" I had HUGE glasses, trust me when I say huge that this is no exaggeration, and just to keep things kosher in the south, I had the Huge hair to match. My bangs (when I finally got them) had a wall of hairspray in them that could withstand a category 5 hurricane. Those babies weren't movin! Needless to say, I quickly found solace in humor.

I had this friend named Angel who totally got me in those days. We shared a love for big hair, beaches and boys! We would say some of the most ridiculous things just to get a laugh from our peers, our parents...anybody who was willing to listen. We shared a few classes in High School including Honors English...Mr. Bilderback. The way he would roll his eyes at our jokes just confirmed in us that we had something special.

Whenever we were telling a story to somebody and the need arose to use the phrase, "I told myself..." we would always follow it up with "Self!" For example, "I told myself, Self do not be afraid!" Let me guess, you are rolling your eyes right now like our beloved Mr. Bilderback?! Wow, I've still got it!

Anyway, another great past time of mine now that I have gotten older is beating myself up or judging myself. "It's a fear that keeps me wide awake, in the middle of the night. When the expectations are too great and the bar gets raised to high. So I do the best with what I've got and hope that no one knows. That I strain to see how high I can try to stand on these toes until I've measured but you know better...so thank you Jesus even when you see us just as we are."

Shockingly these are song lyrics. It's like this artist peaked into the deepest, darkest parts of a mother's thoughts and some how put them into words. In my bible study this morning it talked about scattered emotions. Days when you are all over the place. However, I discovered something beautiful, something truly amazing in God's word today from the book of Isaiah.

I was reading about how we are the sheep and God is our shepherd. I learned about the reasons we are so like sheep and the different ways that he shepherds us. Isaiah 40:11 says the following, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Did you catch that last part? He gently leads those with young children. Oh my gosh!!! The creator of the universe gets it!! It's like he made us himself.

So today I said to myself, "Self, stop beating yourself up! You'll figure out this parenting thing! Just look to the greatest parent EVER...the heavenly father and he will gently lead you."

Peace Out!

2008-10-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

"Is my hair out?"

I just love the Disney Movie Hercules...it is classic humor to which I laugh out loud. One of the main characters, Hades, is voiced by the actor James Woods. There is a part in the end where there is so much chaos going on that Hades doesn't even realize that he has NO hair (in the movie his hair is a constant blue flame.) Suddenly, he stops and says, "Hey, whoa, is my hair out?!" I just die laughing at that part...not sure why it is so funny to me but it is.

I will say that I can finally relate to that statement. No, I haven't done anything drastic to my hair but my life is so chaotic right now that I'm not sure I would even notice if somebody were to sneek into my bedroom tonight and shave me bald.

We truly enjoyed being abroad and it was so nice to just be a family but then we came home. Now stop for a minute and let me clarify...I am THRILLED to be home, wouldn't trade it for the world. However, I am having difficulty adjusting to life here in the good ole USA. Life seems to have snuck up on me and I haven't figured out how to put it all in balance. Is there a lesson in all of this, is God trying to teach me something or force me to grow in some area? I'm not sure but I want to feel like myself again. My friends keep mentioning that I don't seem right and maybe they are right. But how do I find that balance again? I'll keep praying, you keep praying and I'm sure between the two of us (or three or four or eight) He will answer me and life will return to normal.

I will say that I truly believe I have caught a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Have you ever noticed that heaven is always refer to as "going home?" There are so many Christian songs whose lyrics say it so beautifully:

Nichole Nordeman - "When life had begun, I was woven and spun. You let the angels dance around the throne. And who can say when, but they'll dance again. When I am free and finally headed home."
Mercy Me - "I close my eyes and I see your face, if home's where my heart is then I'm out of place, Lord won't you give me strength to make it through some how, I've never been more homesick than now."
Mark Schultz - "So when it comes the time That heaven calls They'll come running to see the ones who've gone before, And made the journey home to find waiting for them at the finish line, Cheerin happily they will run and they will see "

And one of my personal favorites...

Philips, Craig & Dean - "I know there is a place Where arms of compassion welcome me home Sweet mercy falls like rain I know there’s a place called grace"

The people of Grace allowed me to see that glimpse of what heaven will be like when I go "home" someday. There were people with hands held high praising God without pretense or whatever you want to call it. They all welcomed me "home" after a long journey and have helped me regain my footing.

Even tonight, after leaving Ignite, I just PRAISE GOD for my family at Grace. Just as David Phelps sings, "Now they say the only time God sings is when a lost soul believes. And they say that there’s a celebration there beside the Crystal Sea. And God, Himself, directs the choir and the welcome band. And then He sings out once again. Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Build another mansion next to mine. Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne. Set another place at the table. Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time. Hallelujah, my child is comin’ home."

Chaotic or not, I am happy to be home and I get chills at the thought of having a slight glimpse of heaven. If you are ever in KC and want to catch a glimpse for yourself...come on home!

Peace Out!

2008-09-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Good Night and Good Luck...

Well, it's done. We came, we saw, we traveled, we saw some more, we met friends, we chased birds, we fed squirrels, we logged more than one million miles on the stroller, we slid, we swung, we dug, we jumped, we laughed, we chilled, we toured, we sang, we painted, we....

We left! We are heading home tomorrow...it is our final night here in London and we had a great time. The BATS family met for dinner and said our fond farewells.

I will be honest and say that something happened here that I didn't quite expect. I made friends, ones that I will take with me back to KC. I have fully enjoyed getting to know the spouses of the employees here. We jokingly call ourselves the Stroller Brigade and I am sure that the BATS Christmas Party will never be the same.

So, to the friends I leave behind, keep your chin up and enjoy your remaining time here without me. Karen and Rob...I look forward to catching up with you when you get stateside. Sara, I wish you and Jeromy and the boys all the best that God has to offer you here. I know the next two years will be life changing. Know that you will all be in my prayers. Take Care...

To the friends and family waiting in KC...we are on our way...we'll be home before you know it! We look forward to getting back to life with you and hearing all about your summer adventures. In the words of Michael Buble, "Another aeroplane, Another sunny place, I’m lucky I know, But I wanna go home. I’ve got to go home, Let me go home, I’m just too far from where you are, I wanna come home."

Peace Out!

2008-09-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

St. Vincent...

A long time ago, in a land far, far away was a man named Vincent De Paul. He was born into a peasant family. Vincent studied humanities and he graduated in theology. Vincent de Paul was ordained in 1600, remaining in Toulouse until he went to Marseilles for an inheritance. On his way back from Marseilles, he was taken captive by Turkish pirates and sold into slavery. After converting his owner to Christianity, he was freed in 1607. Vincent returned to France and served as priest in a parish near Paris. He was sad to find that many babies were brought to Notre Dame by parents unable to care for them. So, he established a home for these children. A home...I just love that. The word home brings about such a warm, cozy feeling.

The name St. Vincent has always held a special place in my heart but I never knew the story behind the man. Both of my girls were born in a hospital back in Florida called St. Vincent's.

However, it wasn't until I came to London that I had the full impact of the man behind the myth. There is a Methodist church here that is the host to a place called the St. Vincent's Family Project. This place is a cute little center that is open to families. They have "Drop-In"center twice a week and then "creche" the other three days. When you are living in a city where the weather can change at the drop of a hat...and you have small children that need to let their energy out somewhere...a place like St. Vincent's is a true God send.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can go there and play with toys, do art projects, sing songs, have tea, visit with other moms (& dads), read books, play dress up...you get the point. The other three days, there are activities just for parents and you can leave your kids and participate in the activities or run an errand. The amazing thing is that it is all FREE!

I questioned one of the workers as to why and her response was simple. "We want people, just like you, who are away from family to find a place to belong...find a home away from home!" There is that word again, Home.

Although I didn't find it in time to take advantage of the creche program, I did enjoy the Tues/Thurs drop ins and the girls and I loved it. All the BATS families enjoyed it. What a true credit to the name St. Vincent.

That is one thing I will say for the British...they don't seem to be a nations of "what's in it for me?" The majority of the activities in the city are free and people have been so helpful. Even whilst traveling by tube, there is ALWAYS somebody there to help you find your way or carry the buggy (stroller) or offer a seat.

It makes me think of what I will take away from this place..what will I bring HOME with me. Are there new comers to KC that are just looking for a place to belong? How can I impact their life? Will they see Christ in me or will I simply pass them by in my busy life? I hope I have learned something here about what it means to be without a home, away from home...lonely. "Lord, I pray that you will use me to make an impact in some body's life back home. Help me to remember what it is like to be a foreigner and always have an open mind and an open heart but most importantly, an open home. Amen"

Here are some pics of this lovely place and others like it.

Peace Out!

2008-09-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday...

Need I say more???

Peace Out...

2008-09-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

Rule Breaker...

It is strange to think that I am blogging about Paris. As a teenager, I never imagined myself being here but here I am...again. Other Guy and I spent time in Paris on our honeymoon so coming back with the girls is pretty funny to me.

Our agenda in Paris went something like this...

Arrive at lunchtime...go, go, go!
Cover as much as you can the first day because tomorrow we leave for Disney.
Louvre, check...Eiffel Tower, check...Notre Dame, check...Luxembourg Gardens (sister Statue of Liberty), check, check, check

The next morning we woke up bright and early and boarded a train to Disneyland Paris. We had an AMAZING time. In the words of Other Guy, it exceeded our expectations by like 1000%. By the way, that was no typo, that was thousand not hundred. Here are some pics and video. Just a little tid bit..

Dumbo Ride

We spent Sunday and Monday there and then headed back to the city for one more night. Other Guy had some business stuff to do on Tuesday so we stayed in the city on Monday night.

Tuesday left the girls and I looking for something to do, something kid friendly that is. Thankfully there was a park nearby but there was a slight problem. It was closed off with construction tape and barriers. Oh no...what would we do now? Wait though, there are people playing there...there must be a way in! The girls and I searched and searched with no luck.

So, I did it..I broke the rules. I know, I know, you are appalled right now but a mom has to do what a mom has to do. There are some of you reading this right now (Casi!) who are saying, "Marie, break a rule...what? Never!" So, I took pictures to prove it! I lifted the girls over, then the stroller, then myself. The girls got their play time before a train ride back to London and I got a new badge for my girl scout belt...Rule Breaking!

There was a really pretty statue there that, in my opinion, depicted how those of us in love with singers/musicians feel when our loved ones share their gift with us...I swear this lady was swooning. I also love how there is an angel above them. This is how I feel anyway when Other Guy sings...

More later...

Peace Out!

2008-09-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

A Warm Fuzzy Blanket...

If you have read my blog for any amount of time, I am sure you have gathered by now that I am opinionated. That character trait/flaw has extended to all areas of my life including my church life. It is no big secret that I love my church back home, not like, LOVE. The people I have met there have forever changed my life.

That being said, the closer we get to going home, the more homesick I become. When we went to Hillsong this weekend, it was nice to be back in church since we have been traveling so much but it still felt like something was missing. I found myself longing for home. I wanted to see the Gracers leading worship with their talents and their hearts.

Before you say anything, I know that worship is about an audience of One. I know that God is here in London just as He is in Kansas. Please believe me when I say that I in NO WAY worship the singers, musicians, etc. back home. However, there is a connection made when you know people. When you know their heart, know their stories, know the amazing transformation that God has made in their lives. It puts you in a total different place of worship. I find myself not only praising God for who He is and the sacrifice he made for me but also for the wonderful people he has placed in my life. I find comfort and encouragement seeing a person praising God when I know the things that they have overcome through his mighty grace.

Suddenly, the wonderful people at Hillsong broke into a chorus of Hosanna and it was like God reached down and wrapped a warm, fuzzy blanket around me.

"Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest...heal my heart and make it clean, open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like you have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I am for your kingdom's cause..."

When I closed my eyes, it was like I was home and in that exact moment, I have to agree with Dorothy...there is no place like home, there's no place like home...

Peace Out.

2008-09-03T02:46:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

Only On Vacation...

"Oh, you're right, this does draw LESS attention!"

"Somebody told this fella a BIG lie when they told them that these jumpy things would help him meet women!"

"Anybody hungry for some Mac 'n Cheese??"

"Proof that some kids DO start Kindergarten with a paci AND keep it until the 5th grade!!"

"Watch out for weird people in the park...they'll jump out and scare your kids!"

Peace Out!

2008-08-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Care Package from Home...

Today was one of the highlights of Curly's and Moe's trip abroad. Shortly after dinner, I took the trash out and decided to check our mail. (It's not that we get a lot of mail, as a matter of fact we have only received one mail item whilst being here and that was train tickets.) Anyway, there was a little note inside the box that said a package had arrived and we could claim it downstairs.

I was so excited when I got the package and realized that it was for the girls...I raced back upstairs and told them to quickly get in their jammies because they had a surprise. They were moving so quickly that Curly's arm got stuck in her nightgown and Syd's was caught in her panties. It was really cute.

They opened the package and found one of their greatest treasures...something they have been asking for since about week 3. OATMEAL!!! Not just any oatmeal, mind you, the good stuff...peaches 'n cream, strawberries 'n cream, blueberries 'n cream...you get the picture. I brought a couple of boxes over with us but since everything here taste different, they blew through that pretty quickly. They were so excited that they requested it for their snack before bed. How could we say no to that?

Also, included in the box were two stuffed bears. On a side note, my children are obsessed with stuffed animals. I'm not just saying that lightly either. They can tell you every animal they have, who gave it to them, what their name is and how many times Grandma has had to sew together a boo-boo. I once tried to get rid of a few and got busted...boy, did I live to regret that.

Eachof the girls also had a stack of letters in their box from friends in their Sunday School classes back home. I almost cried....seriously! Curly took one look at one of the pictures and said, "that is from my friend C, also know as Posh Spice here. She always colors my curly hair!"

I have to tell you that I just love the Theriot family. They are the one's who happened to be in London when we arrived and also teach Curly's Sunday School class. They arranged all the artwork and bought the bears and oatmeal. I am so grateful to them for taking the time to think of our girls...they lead a very busy life with two teenagers of their own but wanted to make sure that our girls knew they were missed back home. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are very special to us.

Here is a picture and a short video from the girls:

Peace Out and thank you for reminding us that we are blessed beyond measure.

2008-08-28T00:52:00.000-07:00

They call me grace...

There is a scene in the movie Dumbo where Mouse E Mouse discovers that Dumbo can fly. He starts yelling in his best New York accent, "Dumbo, you can fly...YOU CAN FLY!!!" I just love that part, there is such excitement and pride in that little mouse for his giant friend.

Well yesterday, nobody was saying that to me except for that little voice in your head that convinces you to do things that aren't too smart.

The girls and I took Other Guy to a new park that we found close to our apartment. It is a nice little park with lots to do. We played monster chase and climbed lots of things...we slid down the slide and climbed up the pirate ship...then we decided it was time to swing, or I did at least.

I just kept swinging higher and higher. I felt like a kid again, even getting that little tickle in your tummy when you start to come back down.

Suddenly, it came to me...I could jump of the swing, I could FLY! I did it as a kid so what's the difference? I will tell you the difference, about 20 years!!!

So, there I was, swinging, swinging, swinging...higher, higher, higher. I moved my hands in place to get ready for the launch. The excitement was building, my palms were actually starting to get damp.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1...BLAST OFF!

I can FLY...I CAN FLY...I FELL! Yep, I landed on my feet for but a moment only to find myself falling on my knees and hands. The two little boys that were there tried to hide their laughter, but heck, I was laughing. I was laughing so hard I began to snort.

I got up, dusted myself off and debated whether or not to tell Other Guy of my adventure. My laughter gave me away though...I had to tell him why I was laughing so hard and why I was limping!

Okay, I'll give you a minute to stop laughing...

Are you finished yet? No, okay...just a few more moments of laughter at my expense!

Now, fast forward to bed time...I started to think of the look on the kids faces and how I would have reacted at their age watching some old lady launch herself from a swing...

I got the worse case of the giggles...it was so funny!

Oh well, from now on, I'll leave the flying to Dumbo and the Sharpay Eagles.

Peace Out!

2008-08-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Sharpay Eagles and a Zebra with a case of the Tooty Fruities...

This past weekend we loaded a train and set out on our 5 hour travels to Edinburgh, Scotland. Let me just say...HOLY COW! That place is beautiful. Once again, thanks to Other Guy saving up his points, we were in a mac daddy hotel that had a view of the Edinburgh castle...literally! You can see the picture below...that was taken from our window. It was amazing. I can honestly say that this "westside" girl has never been in places as nice as what I have seen on my travels with Other Guy.

We kicked back a little on our first day there and just walked around the city and let the girls play at a playground that was very, very close to the hotel. It was nice just to chill a little. The next morning we set out to breakfast and unfortunately, Moe got her finger stuck in the elevator door. We literally had to pull it out. I am sure you can imagine the screams that followed. However, a special order of pancakes from the hostess at the restaurant quickly made things better. We started at Edinburgh Zoo. This zoo is 800 acres built on the side of a mountain. You spend 1/2 the time walking up the mountain and the other half walking down. It was really neat though. Their penguin exhibit was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. You could reach out and touch the little guys. Of course, they didn't want you to but you could if you are one of those "rule breakers" which I am not. We soon made our way to the zebras where there was a mama and baby that were so sweet. There were also two other zebras...a daddy and a brother according to the girls. There was a zebra that decided to role around in the dirt on his back which had us all giggling but then he began tooting whilst doing it and then we all just roared laughing. Other Guy got it on video, although it's probably shaky considering how much we were laughing.

On a side note, I have mentioned in prior posts that there is just something about me and animals. They all just feel the need to mate around me...not sure why but they do. So, to add to my list of Animals I have witnessed mating...we were able to see lions mating. I laughed my head off. We were peeking through this fence because you really couldn't see them any other way as they were secluded from the other lions. Anyway, you hear a big roar and then the song started playing...Let's get it on...Okay so that part is a little embellished but man o man you should have seen that lioness get ticked off at Mr. Man. She swatted at him and started roaring. The girls said he woke her up and made her mad. Other Guy and I just laughed harder. Other Guy said he was sure the lioness was smoking a cigarette when we left ;0)

The rest of our day was spent at the Castle. It was so cool. We went through a tour and heard some history and then walked around. That place is HUGE!!! The girls especially enjoyed the cannons. They also wanted to wish their grandparents a happy anniversary in a special way...

The next day we went to a place called Hollyrood. This has the castle that is the Queen's residence whilst in Scotland and it also has a large park. There is a part of the park called Arthur's Seat. It is a pretty big, no make that HUGE, climb. We figured what the heck and started out to see how far we could get. Two small children, a backpack, a large duffel bag and no stroller. Shockingly we made it halfway and the only reason we stopped was due to safety. It just became to steep and we worried about getting the girls back down.

Pre Climb

Post Climb

We ended the day back at the park where Curly got to Bungee Jump...well kinda. I've posted a picture so you can see. We promised Moe a ride on the Merry Go Round but she was too little. So, Other Guy cheered her up by offering her a favorite past time of hers. Chasing Sharpay Eagles...what are these you ask? Well, their official name is seagulls but not according to Moe! They will forever be Sharpey Eagles...I guess they can live with the Formingos.

Well, thanks for sharing in our travels...next weekend, it's Paris! Can't wait...

Peace Out!

2008-08-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Wales of Fun and a Wicked Good Time...

This past weekend we took a break from jolly ole London and headed for Wales...to the capital city of Cardiff to be exact. The girls had a great time on the train and it was nice to break things up a little. We were able to visit Castle Cardiff that was really neat. We climbed a really big tower and watched a real sword fight. We were able to tour the rooms of the Castle that were refurbished in the late 1800's.

It rained a lot whilst we were there but that did not stop the fun. The hotel had a large indoor pool with a hot tub. We put on our suits and off we went. The kiddos had a BLAST! Other Guy and I enjoyed just kicking back with the girls and staying in a pretty sweet hotel. Thanks to Other Guy's points, it was all free too, which made it even sweeter. We also took an open top tour bus to see some of the cities sites. We visited some museums and the girls were able to ride a merry go round. We had lunch and then headed to the train station. Here are a few photos...as you can see, Curly was worn out:

This week and last, London does something called Kids Theatre Week. During these two weeks, they lower the age requirements to go to shows and offer lots of different specials. The girls have really enjoyed watching The Wizard of Oz so we decided to take our chances and take them to the musical Wicked. (for those of you who don't know, it's a spin off of sorts from Wizard of Oz) So, we bought really cheap tickets (in case we had to leave), got the girls all dressed up and headed out for a family date night. The girls LOVED IT! It was so cute to hear them talking ninety miles a minute when we left the show. They knew some of the songs already because their mommy loves that show and has the CD. I wish you could have seen their faces all during the show. They were completely taken. Unfortunately, no pics during the show, but here is a little video of them. It is really dark but you will get the point.

Well, gotta run, housework and laundry calls. I'll post more pics soon.

Peace Out!

2008-08-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

No Negativity here...

There is a play park here in London that was built as a memorial to Princess Diana. It's a really cool park and you can only go in if you have kids. We have to take a tube to get there but the girls really love it. Tuesday night before putting the girls to bed, I promised them we would go back in the morning and I kept my promise.

We arrived to the gated, guard watched park in the pouring rain and crazy wind. I asked the girls if they wanted to stay and the quickly said yes. "Please mommy, the rain will stop soon and it will be so much fun!" Don't you just love that optimism? So, we stayed and they were right. The rain went away and we did have a great time. They never once complained about being cold, even though their clothes were damp and the wind was blowing like crazy. I was ready to call it a day and pout the whole way home because our day had been ruined. However, their smiles kept things positive and we stayed for a couple of hours. We built sand castles together that as Moe told Daddy later, looked like mountains. I never said I was the artist in the family, but I did try ;0) The day finished up with a ride in a pink bug and a headdressing. (I bought two scarves to try to use them as a belt but the girls decided to wear them like all the other "people they see!")

You can see some pics by clicking HERE!

We finished up the day with a healthy, all American dinner. If you don't believe me, just read the jar, yes I said jar...it will tell you.

Peace Out!!

2008-08-13T01:55:00.000-07:00

Cantelopes and Honey Dudes...

Lasterday (as Moe calls it!) was pretty laid back, the girls played really well together and every time I suggested a park, they just said no thank you. They were patiently waiting for Other Guy to come home so he could go to the park with us. I think they really miss him when he's gone, what am I saying! Of course they miss him, I miss him! As I have said before that is the only downer to being here. My best friend works long hours and all my girl friends are a million miles away and we are living in a place that is a fraction of space of what our real home is. Other Guy's home arrival is the highlight of the day because they get another playmate and I get adult conversation!

There are a lot of positives here too! First of all, Other Guy and I started a diet whilst being here. Eat to Live was recommended by my doctor to help me lose weight and get my cholesterol and other things back in order. Just to give you a little bit of background...I have been gaining weight like crazy without any real reason. I exercise every day and Other Guy and I eat pretty good. I knew it was bad when Other Guy sat me down one night and said that even though he would love me no matter what, he was concerned about the weight. Not having any paternal medical background, I don't know what types of things might run in my genes! Back to the story though...

So, we started the diet and it has been great! It has helped us both! We have already lost weight, enough so that we are already having trouble keeping our pants pulled up. That brings a whole new problem...I forgot to bring a belt! Oh well, I'll take it. We eat lots of salads and tons of fresh fruit. The girls love it!

Last night at dinner Curly said that her favorite fruits were Honey Dudes and Cantelopes. Other Guy and I just laughed and she said, "Well, they are my favorite fruit!"

The girls do ask, on a regular basis, how many weeks we have left until we see our friends. They are already making plans for what they want to do. I just smile and give them an update of weeks, days, etc.

We are hoping to get back to Princess Diana's Memorial Park again today...we'll see, it just started raining.

Peace Out!

2008-08-11T13:03:00.001-07:00

Don't you ever wish...

Yesterday morning, we were all waking up and starting the day when Curly posed a very interesting question...Don't you ever wish you only had one child? What? Other Guy and I looked at each other...did she just say what we think she said? No, we replied, that would mean there was no you or no Moe. She thought about it for a while and just shook her head.

When Other Guy and I went to bed last night, we just laughed out loud!

Well, for those of you who are sitting by the computer desperately waiting...here is an update on the Londoners.

Last week was pretty laid back. We tried to plan out our remaining weekends abroad. The girls and I went to the parks and the market and the fruit stand and the market and the fruit stand and the park and...oh, you get the point.

This weekend we did some of the "London" things we've been waiting to do. If things work out as planned, we won't be in town for the remainder of the weekends.

Other Guy started out at Parliament and then met us at the Transport Museum. The girls really enjoyed it. This place, boring as it sounds, really did things right for young kids. It gave them something to do and touch and climb on whilst Mummy and Daddy got to read lots of cool history on transportation in London. It was very fascinating and if you're every here, I highly recommend it!

We finished out the very rainy day at home and it was the first time we have ever uttered the words, "I'm bored!" It was nice to just kick back though.

Sunday we headed out to an area of town that closes down an entire street and hosts a flower market every Sunday. It was beautiful. We saw flowers and plants that I have never seen before. Other Guy took some pictures and I'll try to post those some time when he gets them loaded.

Other Guy heard about another children's zoo and well let's just say it wasn't pretty! Poor Other Guy...he tries so hard but in his defense, the advice came from a lady with no kids and let's be honest here, has probably NEVER been there. We walked in and looked at each other and said, "Yeah, we won't be here long...careful girls, try not to touch anything!!!" Just a little humor there!

We grabbed some lunch and then went paddle boating. The girls LOVED it. Other Guy and I were taken aback by how difficult it was, mainly because our feet are HUGE. Our poor children don't have a chance...they will have built-in skis when they are ready and they are usable in water or snow!

We ended our day at Hillsong and once again, we were blown away! There was a minister from Los Angeles and man, was he on FIRE! They do this amazing thing every week and quite frankly, I am moved to tears every time. It's hard to describe it in words without it sounding hokey but I'll try...

After they have sung two or three songs, the minister comes out with a hand full of cards. The cards are praises and prayer requests that he announces from stage so the whole church can rejoice with the amazing things God has done and the miraculous things He is going to do. There is music playing and the whole building is claiming the victory over these needs in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. It is so moving...

The service ended with the minister asking us to pray for a couple of teams that are all over the world. Before I know it, he says a team in Jacksonville Florida...WHAT!! I screamed out loud!! he said, "have you heard of this place?" I shook my head and he said, "are you from there?" YESSSSS, I screamed. There is a team there helping out Celebration Church in my home town. That was such a lift, I suddenly didn't feel so very far from home. Isn't that crazy????

The night ended on a very funny note...Curly was wearing braids that day and when we took them out, her hair appeared to be longer. She was running around the apartment singing, "My hair is longer...it's long like Pocahontas...look at my long hair..Hey Moe, do you want to have a party and celebrate my long hair!" Other Guy and I were cracking up! She is so funny! The best part about it was that Moe was just as happy, jumping and singing and more than willing to attend her big sister's party!

Oh one more thing...here are a couple of pics of the pad here in London.

This one is my favorite, but be careful, object are smaller than they appear!!!

Peace OUT!!!

2008-08-06T00:28:00.001-07:00

Summer Time...

My friend, Daneen, wrote in her blog about a photo contest. The name of the blog is Five Minutes for Mom and you can view it here. The idea behind the contest is Summer Fun. They want you to post a photo that depicts what Summer is to you.

As you all know, the jolly 'ole King Family is in London for the remainder of their Summer. But out time here has already been filled with firsts and lots of memories.

I think this photo is what Summer Time is all about...being outside, having fun, ice cream, popcorn, corn dogs, face painting, laughing, etc., etc., etc.

Here you go...

Peace Out...and enjoy your Summer, it's over before you know it!

2008-08-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

A time of the heart...

When we first heard about the possibility of London, Other Guy's job was presenting it as being an 18 month to 2 year gig. I really began praying, asking God if this was of Him and what the purpose would be of that kind of move.

To put it mildly, I am a do-er. If there is a need, I generally try to fill it, regardless of the consequences. I try to be "that" friend. The one that helps out in what ever way possible.

God soon revealed to me that He wanted our time in London to be a time of growth. A time of family, a time to grow in our relationship with Him. I tried to transfer that answer when we found out we would only be in London for 8 weeks.

After arriving, I wasn't quite feeling the whole kum ba ya! It was hot, Other Guy was working long hours, I kept getting lost, I had no friends, etc., etc., etc. I talked to my friend Addie about it. I told her that I didn't get how this was supposed to be a time about growing my relationship with God and my family and I had never felt so far away from God. She asked some questions, I answered and she reminded me, in her best pastor's wife way ;0), that I needed to get into the Word, even when I didn't feel like it. Blah, Blah, Blah!

So, I took her advice and things began to turn around! Last night, I experienced another first in London and the scene almost made me cry.

Other Guy, the girls and I sat down around our table and painted. We painted rainbows and people with long, long legs. We made clouds and birds. We painted notes to our friends, we laughed and complimented each other on our artistic abilities. It was wonderful! The girls had our undivided attention. There were no distractions of any kind...no TV, no computer, no phone...Just us! It was a memory I will keep forever.

I look forward to what He has in store for me for the remainder of my trip. I look forward to the growth I will have in Him.

Peace Out

2008-08-04T03:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend...6 more weekends to go ;0)

Each weekend, we are trying to do different things. Since this is really the only time that Other Guy has off from work, to say we make the most of it, is an understatement!

We started Saturday off by waking up the girls early, shoving b-fast down their throats and heading for the train. We went to Legoland, which is in Windsor, so the actual train ride is about an hour. We had about a 20 minute walk to the train station though.

The weather did not start off well and quite frankly, I was worried. Other Guy and I were freezing as we walked in the rain (I forgot the umbrella) and the girls were riding in the stroller with their raincoats on but still getting a little wet.

They enjoyed the train ride and before you knew it we were there. The beginning of the day was cold and wet, but finally the sun came out and we were able to have lots of fun! The girls loved it and we had a great time too. The only "downer" to the day was that Other Guy and I broke our diet. It was too difficult finding food that fit in to our plan so we just hopped back on the wagon on Sunday!

Here are a couple of pics, as you can see, Other Guy is not crazy about rides that spin!

Sunday, we had the opportunity of a lifetime and went to Buckingham Palace. Other Guy waited in line for an hour to get tickets to wait in line to go in. The only stinky thing was that the stroller was not allowed. The girls were pretty cute though. We kept telling them that this is where the Queen lives. They loved it and kept asking where she was...on vacation we said. And that was good enough! Towards the middle of the tour, we were able to see the State Rooms decorated for a State Ball. That was really amazing...all the detail, holy cow. As we were exiting this room, Curly looks on the wall and sees some very fancy dishes and such displayed on a wall and table. She asked her daddy what they were and before daddy could respond, the lady standing next to the table told her that this was the Queen's China and it's very, very old.

Pause for a moment...when Curly was first starting to talk really well she started asking about her body parts and their names. When she asked about her girl part, Mommy chose to give her the actual name, vagina, instead of a cutesy name that would have to change later. However, Curly pronounced it her China and that stuck.

Now fast forward to the Palace and try to imagine the look on Curly's face as the lady is telling her these dishes are the Queen's China and it is very, very old. Other Guy and I busted out laughing. It was all we could do to contain our selves as Curly's lips curled up in utter disgust! It was great and I am laughing now as I type!

After that, we headed to the house for lunch and a break before heading to Hillsong for 5pm church. This week was AMAZING! The speaker was out of this world and he really spoke to me. His message was about the middle. He said it's easier to find God on the edges. Romans 8:38-39 says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The things that Paul writes about are all opposites of one another...the edges. Let me explain...

When you are experiencing a low point in your life, that is the moment that you cry out to God and lean on him in ways that you have never done before...and you find Him. When you are on a mountaintop, you are praising God for all of his blessing and wonders...and you find Him. However, when you are in the middle...well, Revelation 3:16 says it best, "So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth"

You see when you are in the middle, lukewarm, God wants to vomit you from his mouth. So I ask you...what edge have you been to?

Well, I guess I should end this long post. Take Care.

Peace Out

2008-08-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

A list of "First Times" whilst in London:

Today, I saw pigeons mating...I always wondered why there were so many of them...I guess now I know. However, I do find it odd that I am always the one who spots this type of thing. Maybe, it's my animal magnetism??? The camels at the KC Zoo sure think so ;0)

I saw a Kookaburra bird today at Battersea Children's zoo, you know from the old children's song (Kookaburra Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree Merry merry king of the bush is he Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra Gay your life must be ) They really sound like humans laughing. It was so funny. Picture below.

I saw a word that you don't usually see in a child oriented establishment. But, there it was right there by the Kookaburra cage...see picture below.

I saw an entire bus line stopped for a man that kept yelling on the bus about Londoners looking at him "queerly" and then saying "they should take a look at how queer they look before they look at me." He then proceeded to make his way to the back of the bus and sit beside us, where he loudly asked Moe, "what are YOU looking at?" The bus driver, stopped the bus, called for the Scotland Yard and told us to get off and hop on the next bus...okay, fine with me...let's go girls.

I ran into an American on the bus ride home from the above mentioned park. He, his wife and young son have been here for about a year and asked where we were from...Kansas, I said but originally from Florida. He said, "Oh I guess your not a big Chiefs fan this season!" and chuckled. I told him that actually we were still pretty big Jag fans but that the NFL played a part in bringing us to Kansas as a friend of our used to play for both teams. He asked who and I told him...to my surprise, he says "Oh yeah, Jon Quinn. I know him, well not personally but I have followed him for some time. I travel a lot so the first time I saw him was in the European League. Really nice guy, but an even better man. I really like what that guy stands for." Well, let's just say I had to pick my chin up off the ground. What do you say to that? "Oh come one, sure you know who I'm talking about...WHATEVER!" But this guy knew about the league in Europe! That was like forever ago. I guess when you make an impression, you make an impression...Well done Big Jon...well done!

Curly and Moe had their first face painting today and boy were they excited. They are patiently awaiting the arrival of Other Guy as I type, they can not wait to show him their beautiful art work. Here's a pic of that too...

Well that's about it for now. We are headed to an amusement park tomorrow so I'll update you later.

Peace Out!

2008-07-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

Oh the shame...

Well, I did it. I can't believe that I did it, but I did. And!!! what makes it worse is that I am admitting it for the whole world to see, right here on my blog.

I keep waiting any minute for there to be a knock on my door and for the fashion police to come busting in. I've been having nightmares about Joan & Melissa Rivers pointing their botox injected fingers at me and saying, "that's the one...she did it, take her in and take her kids from her too!"

Are you ready?

I pegged my kids pants yesterday. Go ahead, suck in your breath at the utter shock of this moment. But, at least, give me the opportunity to explain myself.

We were at St. James Park and the girls were wearing these new cotton pants. (By the way, Children's Place Outlet had them for like a dollar) and they wanted to play in the sand pit but they just kept tripping over their pants. So I called them over and tried to role them up but they just wouldn't stay people! I had to think fast...our afternoon was starting to go down hill...something had to be done. Suddenly an 80 something flashback hit me like a ton of bricks...I could peg their pants and just keep rolling them up that way. That should work, I'll try it and it did. It was like a ray of sunshine came down upon us and I started to hear music and it was beautiful and, and, and...

oh, it was just the royal marching band coming through the park. Oh, well, I lived my moment and thought the fashion gods were on my side.

Please keep it to yourself though, I don't want to damage the girls physique.

Peace Out

2008-07-30T01:47:00.000-07:00

Interesting Oddities...

Other Guy and I were laying in bed a couple nights ago, just about to fall asleep when FLASH!

Again, FLASH! The light was lighting up our whole room.

Other Guy, "Did you see that?"

Me, "Yes, what is that?"

Other Guy, "Not sure...I'll look."

He gets out of bed and looks out of the blinds. Now, keep in mind that our windows open up to a courtyard type of area. Our building is like a a square with the center cut out of it, and there is that courtyard. Well, because of that, you can see straight into other windows and vice verse.

Other Guy, laughing, gets back into bed.

Me, "What was it?"

Other Guy, "You won't believe me...it's two girls taking pics of each other is lingerie."

Me, "Well, then...goodnight!"

Fast forward to the next day, the girls and I are walking through the park and we see a man walking his dog. The dog decides he has to pee and lifts himself into this yoga type position. It was so funny, I laughed out loud. Instead of lifting a leg or squatting, like most dogs. He balances himself on one leg and the lift the other leg straight out forward. It's hard to describe but it was hilarious!

Only in London, I guess.

The girls and I went to the Aquarium yesterday and had lots of fun. I met a nice lady in line who was there with her grandson, Leo. She offered to use her two for one coupon with me and so what should have cost us 24 pounds (48 US dollars) only cost us 15 pounds because that was all she would take! Then we went through the aquarium together and the kids enjoyed having another child around. They really miss their friends.

Anyway, off to the park this morning.

Peace Out!

2008-07-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hot, Hungry & Homesick...

What is it about the word "Diet" that suddenly makes you hungry? Experts say to use the phrase "lifestyle change" but come on, let's be honest here...It's a diet, people! Other Guy and I have started a new lifestyle change today. It was recommended to me by my physician and it really seems to make sense. However, for the first time since arriving here, I woke up hungry. It was almost as if my body was quivering with fear. With this program, you essentially become a vegetarian for the first 6 weeks. (I bet you're laughing out loud right now, especially you Natasha!) The good news is you can eat whatever green veggies you want and as much of it as you want. You can also eat lots of fruits. All of this I am really excited about it but like I said, just the word diet makes me hungry. Most mornings, I forget to eat breakfast and then like an Aha moment, I eat something quickly before heading out. Today was different, like I said, I woke up hungry :0)

Yesterday was filled with stuff! We went to church and that was an experience in itself. The service lasted for 2 hours! And to think we give Tim grief if he goes over...that's a normal service for them. The music was cool and the preaching was okay. I am very spoiled at Grace by Tim & Ben and it's hard not to compare everybody else to them. The kiddo situation was different. You register your kids and then take them into Praise and Worship with you. After a few songs, they flash a message for kids to go to class and then you take your kids. The only problem is that you miss some of the music. Because they are so large and they meet in a theatre, the kids program is more like herding cats than children's church. The girls did say they sang some songs, but they did not know any of them. I'm just happy we have a place to go for the weeks we are here. Here is a picture of the worship, they were singing one of my favorite songs, Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone:

After church, we came 'home' to change and have a bite to eat. Then we were off to a park. Somebody at Other Guy's work told him about a cool place to take the girls. A petting zoo of sorts, similar to Deanna Rose for those of you who live in KC. Well we took 2 trains and walked a million miles to get there and found that they were having an Islamic Festival. Not quite our bag, but we went in any way. The girls enjoyed the play area and Daddy let them ride an amusement ride and then we were on our way home. (Speaking of the Islamic Festival, I'd love to talk to Karen or Tass about that...I have some questions.) Needless to say, I felt very under dressed being in my double tank top and shorts. Some of the women looked at me with a curled up lip but others just returned my smile. I was moved by a recent sermon I heard...Tass (Ben's dad) preached at our church recently and said, "Do not be intimidated, they only wanted to be loved.) I made sure I smiled and made personal contact with anybody I could but it made me wonder if I have ever made somebody feel that way when I am not the minority? Things that make you go hummmmmm!

Like the title says, I am a little homesick today. I'm not sure what it is but it's there none the less. Hopefully it will fade because it's a little early to be homesick, especially with 7 weeks to go. Other Guy and I are working on planning a trip to Paris...I'm pretty excited. It is sometimes surreal to think of little ole me being in a foreign country. I'm just a back woods country girl who never saw herself getting off of Jones Road, much less out of the country.

Well, gotta go...the girls are fighting. I guess the heat is getting to them too. Love you all.

Peace Out

2008-07-27T00:37:00.000-07:00

A bunch of dead guys...

Yesterday was a packed day. We started out the morning at Westminster Abbey. That was AMAZING. I found myself in awe of the architecture. I can not fathom how people hundreds of years ago were able to create this stuff. It is beautiful. The girls did really well. The just rode around in their stroller, completely unaware of where they were or the significance it held.

I will say that all the names start to confuse you a little. What is it with the British? (No offense Alex!) They just keep naming their kids after moms, dads, grandparents, parents...Elizabeth I, Elizabeth II, Mary I, Mary II...who are they really??? George Foreman??? Come up with some original names people!!!

For some reason, it really disturbed me to know that Charles Darwin is buried there. I mean really, the man who claimed we "evolved" from apes. Did he really deserve to be buried in a church? In that church, no less? Oh well, I guess you could say, who's laughing now? I'm sorry, I guess that is a little harsh...the heat is getting to me.

After the abbey, we hopped a couple of tubes and went to Little Venice. Here in London, they have "walks." You pay a guy five pounds and then he takes you on a tour of an area and shows you things and tells you it's history. Although it was a long walk, it was really fascinating. Before yesterday, I didn't even know there was a place called Little Venice in London. Our guide was a really neat guy too.

Then we went back to St. James Park and sat down to watch a brass concert and eat ice cream. We were shortly kicked out of our seats because you have to "rent" them...no thank you, I'll just sit in the grass.

Well, I gotta run...we are headed off to church. There is a Hillsong church here and let me say, I am very, very excited. Music has always been a strong connection for me. I love listening to my Praise and Worship music and not having a car, I miss being able to sing my heart out to God. Did I mention how excited I am?

Peace Out...I'll update photos later.

2008-07-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

So, let's fill you in on the last couple of days...

Yesterday, the girls and I got to spend the day with some friends from our church...Yes ladies and gents, Grace church has come to London. Okay, well maybe not the ENTIRE church but you have to admit it's pretty cool to know somebody here!

Our friends, Kevin & Suzanne and their kids, are here on a European vacation that started here in London. We enjoyed some museums together whilst Other Guy was working. The girls LOVED IT! It was so nice to have extra hands and have adult conversation. I just love them. They are also Curly's Sunday School Teachers so she immediately wanted to know if one of her best friends was with them. I don't think she fully grasps the distance thing.

Any hoo! I'll share some pics with them in a later post, maybe this evening.

Couple of funny stories...

Let me start by saying that I love our worship minister back home. He is like a brother to me and his wife is one of my nearest, dearest friends. That being said, I constantly harass him about odd things, like his choice of shoes. He likes to wear those shoes that make him look like he is still in middle school or maybe just a skater dude (which, to my knowledge, he is not!) Anyway, I think they are called Converse. Anyway, when we were on the plane, Curly sees a cartoon drawing of a guy that is about two inches big and says, "Look Daddy, it's Mr. Ben!" The cartoon figure was wearing a pair of those shoes ;0)

Today, we spent the majority of the afternoon at St. James Park. They usually feed the pelicans that are there but of course, not today. Oh well, we will try again next week. The girls did get to feed a couple of squirrels. A nice man gave them some peanuts to feed them and they came up and took them right out of their hands. Then they sat on their back legs and cracked them open and came back for more. It was really neat.

One other thing before I close. Upon arriving here I laid eyes upon one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Needless to say, I am shocked as I type this that I am admitting this for all the world to read. I haven't even told Other Guy yet. I have fallen in love with a new love of my life. My heart skips a beat at the mere sight of this lovely creature. I am lost without him and think of him often. I think Other Guy is onto me though, the private eye he hired caught this picture of me and my new love...enjoy.

Peace Out!

2008-07-23T02:04:00.000-07:00

Quick note.

Here are a few pics of our trip so far...I'll post some more later. We are off to Princess Diana's Memorial Park. It's cooler outside than inside ;0) Pray for me as I venture out on the tube with the girls by myself.

Peace Out!

2008-07-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Day 1:

Well not complain but here you go...

First off, the so called "full size" washer and dryer is CRAP! It's not a separate unit at all. It's this rinky dinky one use washer dryer combo. It is so small that last night I did a "load" of clothes and all that would fit was one outfit from each girl...did I mention that they are children and their clothes are small! And then to top it off, it takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to wash and dry.

Secondly (and this is a BIG ONE!) - there is NO AIR CONDITIONING!!! Yes people read it again and share my pain...THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING! Jolly ole chaps did provide us with a fan (two more should be coming) and hey we are able to crack the windows about 4-6 inches. Now, the high here for this time of year is only 71 but guess what...we are in a heat wave (of course we are!) and the high here is 82! Amazingly, Brian's job knew nothing about this soooooo...I'll try to look at the bright side, maybe I'll sweat the weight off while I'm here!

Enough complaining now - I just had to get it off my chest. There you have it, I can't change it so I'll try to work through it. I'll pull myself up by my boot straps and carry on.

Other Guy is at work today. I'm amazed that he is able to function. I was so tired this morning. Moe slept until 11 and Curly slept until I woke her up at NOON! They both woke up in the middle of the night fighting over covers, confused about where they were and Moe was hungry at 4:30 AM, yes I said AM!

We are hoping to get to the park today..I think it might be cooler outside than inside. It is pretty neat to hear the bells though. I'm not sure if it is from Big Ben or West Minster Abbey but either way, it's really neat.

Peace Out!

2008-07-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

ARE WE THERE YET???

Do you remember that part in Shrek 2 where they are traveling to far, far away? I love that scene where donkey (the child) keeps asking "are we there yet?" Shrek keeps answering no and then says yes only for Donkey to reply, "really?" I love it when Shrek says, "Donkey, really the kingdom of far, far away!!" At this point Shrek becomes frustrated and yells "ARE WE THERE YET?" and Fiona lovingly says yes.

Well, the answer to the girls questions finally is YES! The King's are in jolly ole London. Our trip over went really well. With the exception of security check points, everything was quick and painless. Checkpoints were interesting because you have to remove computers, cameras, dvd players, video games, shoes, watches, fold up the stroller and so on and so forth. As you can imagine doing that with 3...oops I mean 2 children is tricky! The body cavity search was a little frightening but hey whatever you have to do for the FIRM...right??!! (Yes MOM...I'm kidding!)

Unfortunately, the airline this time wasn't quite as posh, but it was nice nonetheless. None of us slept very much, though we did try. We all fell asleep this afternoon in the apartment watching The Wizard of Oz (thank you Daneen!). I kept joking with the girls today saying, "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!"

After our short nap, we ate a little something (Other Guy had me pack some food...good idea!) and headed out on the town. Today was perfect weather...the skies were clear and the air was cool so we decided to go ahead and ride the London Eye. The world's 2nd largest Ferris wheel. I must admit I chuckled a little thinking of my dear friends Ben & Addie riding this...they have an intense fear of heights...poor things. Anyway, last time Other Guy and I were here the weather was never quite right to justify the price so today we took the opportunity before us.

Other Guy and the girls came back to the apartment and I set out to the great unknown to find a grocery store. I was shocked and utterly appalled that there are no Super Walmarts or Super Targets...seriously, what is a girl to do. Also, probably not a good idea to go at the end of the workday. People looked at me as though I had some foreign object coming out of my forehead when the saw the full basket in my hands and the side-by-side stroller loaded down with things....CRAZY YANK!

Now the girls are in bed, I'm writing this and Other Guy is playing Zelda on the Wii...life is good.

I will leave you with two funny stories...and then I'm headed to bed!

Curly turns around in the flight from KC to Chicago and says "Oh no! Mom, did you show the lady how to work the spinning poop machine?" I quickly moved closer to her, surely I had misheard her...let's try that again...same reply. "Honey, what are you talking about?" "You know, Mom, the machine to clean up after the dogs poop...you know they are going to be mad and do it so that lady will need to know how to clean it up!" What can I say, the mind of a 5 year old! "Yes, honey, don't you worry about it, Mommy took care of it!"

Next we are playing chase in the Chicago airport. I wanted to run off some energy before we boarded the 9 hr flight. Moe walks up to her daddy and asks for something to drink. Other Guy tells her to wait until we get on the plane as they have started to board. "Ahhhh...but I'm just so stinkin tired!" How do you reply to that? We laughed our heads off.

Well, I'll post pics tomorrow. I'm tired and my mind can't handle anything to techno tonight.

Peace Out, ya'll

PS to all my friends who helped cook, babysit, clean, whatever...know that you are loved!

2008-07-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ramblings of a crazy woman...

okay, today has been pretty crazy and it's only 8:40 in the morning! My family and I have made the decision to go to London for 8 wks for Other Guy's job. Needless to say, there is a lot that will go into being away from home that long. Combine that with family coming in town, Curly's 5th birthday and just life in general...it makes things pretty crazy.

I woke up this morning instantly feeling overwhelmed. The control-freak in me wants everything in line, in order, packed, perfect and wonderful. Let's just say it's not that way...YET!

After working out (yep, that's a whole other topic that we'll discuss later!), I got showered, put on the war paint and came downstairs for my bible study. I wanted to share with you what God hand delivered to me today! It is soooooooo cool! I am working on a book for the Women of Faith company called Managing your moods. I know, you men out there are saying OH BROTHA! But stay with me...

Today's lesson was entitled Scattered, My spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed." Psalm 143:4 Pretty cool so far, right!

Here is an excerpt from the book: "Sometimes, I can be pretty scatterbrained, but when it comes right down to it, I don't like things scattered. I don't like my house scattered with clutter...I prefer to have all my ducks in a row - organized, neat, tidy and predictable." Does this sound like me or WHAT!?

Then I read in Psalms 102:1-2 Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. I just love that...David in all his "Davidness", a man after God's own heart, cried out to his God, my God, OUR GOD! He even asked that God would answer him quickly.

This week has all been compounded by weight gain, excessive weight gain (even though I am working out!), depression, not feeling pretty, not feeling like enough, FEAR, FEAR, FEAR...I'm sure you get the picture. But even David cried out in anguish! His emotions were scattered all over the place and he just poured himself out and asked that God pick up the pieces and to please do it quickly! (See guys, even men are scatter brained with emotions!)

So as a precious songs says, I am going to arise and be comforted, for the Lord, he is good to the weary. And even the young heart can tire and fall but he knows them all! For the Lord, he will renew their strength and they will soar on wings as eagles. They will run and NEVER grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint. For the Lord, he IS GOOD. Lift your eyes to the heavens for the creator is living in you! Come surrender as you are and know that you never strayed too far let his power within you heal your heart. And lift your eyes to spacious skies, let 'em chart your way to fly, spread your wings and fly...for the Lord, he is GOOD!

Peace Out!

2008-06-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Gospel according to Curly...

We just finished SBO jr at our church. SBO stands for Summer BreakOut and it's our church's version of vacation Bible school. Last year we decided to add a junior version of it that would cater to preschool kids. It was a big hit so we continued that this year.

I must say that Grace is amazing. The SBO team gets together, writes their own curriculum, does their own decorating, writes their own stories, etc., etc.

This year our theme was based on a popular show...Mythbusters. We exploded the truth and busted myths about Christ.

Needless to say, Curly and Moe were pretty tired last night and so was I. During bath time, my eyes began to tear up as I eavesdropped on Curly retelling all the stories to her fully engaged sister.

It went something like this:

Curly - "Hey Moe, this week I learned a lot about Jesus. I learned about how Jesus and a man named Lazarus. Lazarus was Jesus' friend and he died...it was very sad. But Jesus came to his house and yelled at him to come out of his grave and Lazarus listened to Jesus! Isn't that cool?"

Moe - "That is cool, sissy. What else happened?"

Curly - "I also learned how Jesus came from Heaven to help us and then he died and went back to Heaven to save us!"

Moe - "Wow"

Curly - "Then there were all these guys in a boat and they looked out and saw Jesus walking on the water and then this dude wanted to come out on the water with Jesus. - Mommy, what was that dude's name?"

Mommy - (trying very hard not to laugh through her tears) "His name was Peter, he was one of Jesus' disciples."

Curly - "Oh yea, I knew that. Moe, Peter wanted to walk out on the water with Jesus so Jesus said come on! Then Peter started to sink, do you know why he started to sink?"

Moe - "Why?"

Curly - "Because he was afraid, do you know why he was afraid?"

Moe - "Why?"

Curly - "Because there were SHARKS!!!! And then Jesus said, let's get back in the boat! You see Moe, even Jesus was afraid of SHARKS!"

Moe - "Oh my gosh!"

And there you have it, according to an almost 5 year old, even Jesus was afraid of SHARKS!

Peace Out!

2008-05-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Still here...

Well, that title is a little misleading, I guess. No, I'm not still in London. I did make it home, safe, in one piece and in less than 24 hours!

Other Guy and I had a great visit but it is always nice to come home to the kiddos. They were so excited to see us. We had messages on the driveway, a parade, songs and lots of giggles!

This week has offered some interesting extremes. I began my week in church. Other Guy's dad was baptized this weekend so we sat closer to the front of the auditorium. Most of the time we are more middle to the back kind of people because Other Guy and I are usually working so it's easier to slip in and out without being noticed. During worship, we sang the song God of Wonders made popular by Third Day. There is apart in the song where we sing Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. It was amazing hearing the congregation lift their voices to this chorus. It was like experiencing what Heaven will be like. I had to stop singing just to listen...it was very, very cool!

Yesterday, I joined a friend in what was to be an exciting day confirming their family's adoption of a precious baby girl. However, the birth father "called in" saying work wouldn't allow him to be present. This guy has been in and out of jail and wanted the baby aborted when he found out the girl was pregnant. Not to mention, the birth mom says the encounter was NOT consensual. Sounds like a really nice guy. Any way, he does have rights so the adoption did not get confirmed. It's been postponed to give him ample opportunity to show up and prove himself. Yesterday, I was angry, I was hurt, I was confused...I cried out to God to help me understand. This morning, He did just that. I was reading in the book of Psalm. This is what I read...

Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:15-19 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all!

Praise God! I will trust in him for I know his will is better than anything I could imagine.

One final thing before signing off...Curly graduates from preschool today. I have a happy sadness about me today...more on that later.

Peace Out!

2008-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

What do you do in a restroom, anyway?

Before I tell you of my daily happenings, I remembered something that happened that was pretty funny! On Tuesday, Other Guy and I went into a restaurant to have lunch. After walking all morning, we both had to use the "restroom." I, thanks to reading another blog, knew to ask for the toilet so my response was very clear. Other Guy asked for the restroom and received a strange look. He quickly changed his request to the ask for the toilet or the loo. They directed him. Upon returning, the staff was having a good laugh over it and asked, "what did you call the toilet again?" Other Guy responded, "the restroom." The staff member began laughing and said, "so what do you do in a restroom anyway...take a rest?"

Today was my last day without Other Guy...he is on his way back from Paris as I type. Yipppeeee! Thanks to my friend, Addie, I was lead to a blog of a lady named Jeana. She is in London currently with her four children and her husband. He is here to teach for his company for 7 weeks and they all decided to come along. Well, of course I had to meet her! What are the odds that you come all the way from Kansas to meet a mom from Texas?

We had a really neat day, just chatting about life, kids, London. Her kids were adorable and I loved all the stories of the things they have been able to do while visiting. They were even well versed in the tube/bus maps. What a joy it was to spend time with another American! We did, however, get lost and I think I actually saw the "not so well known" parts of London but it was fine because it kept us out of the rain and hail. It also gave me a lesson on finding bus lines, etc. One of her daughters also told me about a website that gives you the origins of nursery rhymes, most of which originate in England. Go visit here, if you are interested.

Thank you Jeana for your help. I appreciate it and truly enjoyed meeting you.

Upon returning, I decided to have "tea" again in the froo/froo lounge. I had not eaten today with the exception of breakfast. So, I grabbed my book, a diet coke...okay, okay and some treats and enjoyed some quite time in the lounge. Only it wasn't so quite today. There is this guy who has been here since Other Guy arrived. He is ALWAYS in the same cloths...every time we see him. And no, it's not a uniform. Same pants, shirt and tie...they are of a pretty colorful nature so it's easy to tell. I will be honest in saying the guy kinda creeps me out and that is hard for me to admit. I am the person who generally never meets a stranger but today something was just weird.

All of the sudden, he started shouting at the lady who works there. She was in the process of replenishing said treats and he was complaining about the fact that there were no plates. Now the redneck in me didn't notice that fact because hey, there were coffee/tea cup plates and frankly a plate is a plate. It's just a mean to get the food to the table so that I can get it to my mouth. However, this oversight was not lost on him. He was downright horrible to her. And then he went back to pacing like a madman between the computer and the TV.

I could tell that this visibly upset her so I called her over and asked if the gentleman (if you can call him that) was a guest. She said that he is one of the regular guests and stuff of this manner happens all the time. I told her it was uncalled for!

As I left to go up to my room, Blue (as Other Guy calls him) had called a manager in to complain about the timeliness of the plates. That's it...I marched myself down to the front desk, asked for a manager and told him the whole story. I did not want that lovely young lady getting in trouble for something so ridiculous. That guy has got some issues...seriously.

Well, I'm going to get cleaned up and wait for Other Guy. I think we are going to ride the London Eye tonight. I'll let you know more later.

Peace Out.

2008-04-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

The rain in Spain, oops I mean London...

I'm sure you can tell by my title that the day started off a little rainy, okay a lot rainy! There was a part of me that thought of staying in and just sleeping but the call of coffee was too great so I decided to start the day.

When I was a little girl, I was a definite people pleaser. I had to excel at everything...if you don't believe me, you can ask my mom! I was a quite child (i know, hard to believe, right!) and I always made the A/B honor roll in school. Right around the time I turned 8, we moved to a place I still like to call God's country...Chattanooga Tennessee! Man, I loved that place. Even as a thirty-something, oops again I mean twenty-nine year old woman, the memories of that place are still fresh in my mind. I sincerely loved it there...that was until I received my first report card. Much to my dismay, you received a letter grade for none other than handwriting. What??? Are you serious??? That was the day it happened, the day I realized that all was not well in the place I loved for I received my very first C. Devastating, I know, I am shedding a tear just thinking of that memory.

So, you are probably asking yourself, what exactly does that have to do with London? Good thing you asked because as always, I have an answer. The way that I felt about handwriting and receiving that dreaded grade is the same way I feel when it comes to reading maps. I am no good at it. No matter how hard I try...I just stink at Geography! Today I set out on a trip to a location that Other Guy wanted me to see.

Breathe, Marie, you can do this! I just kept repeating that to myself over and over. I felt like I needed some type of GPS system with it's own motivational speaker built right into it. "You are an amazing navigator. You can do this! Even Christopher Columbus himself would be proud. You are smart, you are brave, you are talented and gosh darnit people like you, they really, really, like you!"

So maybe that is a little dramatic but it's what I kept telling myself as I braved my way through the streets of London to the main tube stop of Waterloo! I bought my ticket, found my way to the underground station, made my way onto the CORRECT train or tube or whatever it's called and even managed to get off at the right stop! YES I HAVE WON!!!! Take that you evil feeling of navigational inequality! You can not, I repeat CAN NOT hold me back with fear any longer!

I safely made my way back to the hotel after seeing the location Other Guy wanted me to see and even made it back in time for afternoon tea in the Executive Lounge. What is it with this place and their froo/froo lounges. Oh well, can't complain, all the tea, coffee, diet coke, whatever I want to drink and they even had cookies and little biscuits with butter and jam! BRILLIANT!

I was finally able to catch up with the wee ones today...although they fought the entire time we were on line together. The best part is that we have those video cameras so I got to see the whole thing too! Oh well, I miss them and it was so cute that they wanted to give me hugs and shoogies!

Well, this evening I am off to see a show...The Sound of Music. I am very excited as the movie holds a special place in my heart. It is a memory that my sisters and I will always share with our mum! Although as a single parent, she worked two, sometimes three jobs just to support us, she always took off of work the nights that Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz came on TV. We had a date with our mum on those nights and it was wonderful!

Well, gotta run, more later!

Peace Out!

2008-04-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

Day 2, or is it Day 1?

I have had an interesting 24 hours here in the UK. After arriving last night, Other Guy and I took a quick stroll around the town. Well, maybe not a quick stroll but hey, going the wrong way sometimes has it's benefits. I was able to see the palace (which if you are interested, the Queen IS in as the British Flag was raised!), Big Ben, Parliament, a couple of parks, lots of cars, lots of people on bikes, or make that cycles but much to my dismay, not rats. Sorry Addie ;0) I will admit that by this point I was hungry so we settled in for a nice English dinner at none other than the world famous...Hard Rock Cafe. For those of you rolling your eyes right now, after 24 hours of travel and a long, I mean short stroll around London, I wasn't exactly in the mood to try something new. I wanted good ole comfort food!

Sleeping did not go well for either of us! I was having a rough time with the time difference and when I did actually sleep, Other Guy said I snored so loud that I kept him awake. He is currently on his way to Paris for another meeting. He will return on Thursday so maybe he'll get a couple good nights of rest without the sound of a freight train coming in through the window!!! hee/hee

Today we were off to see the town and I had a chance to truly experience London's travel system. I was quite dismayed by the fact that nothing is the same here. After walking a while and riding a train, I was in the mood for a good cup of coffee. However, all we could find was this hole in the wall coffee house that nobody's ever heard of...I took a picture to give you a good idea of what I'm talking about.

I mean REALLY, what does a Yank have to do to get a cup of coffee around this island?

We also had the opportunity to experience England's famed Fish and Chips. Other Guy uttered that words that would make his Pop proud, "At least we know, Captain D's is doing a good job!" What can I say...that's my man.

A few other things before I sign off, this is the million dollar question...Any guesses as to what the following contraption is and/or what it is used for? I had a good laugh over it. Tell me what you think and then I'll tell you the truth next go 'round.

For those interested, Other Guy and I visited some of the garden's outside of London today. They were quite beautiful, some of the "trees" were very American. Since I missed the tour of "trees" yesterday, there are a couple that Other Guy wants me to see tomorrow. They have more of a true London feel. We'll see how that goes...when we first moved to Kansas, my mum (lol) asked me how I was doing getting around in a new city and my reply was simply that I knew how to get to Target and the bathroom...well, here I know how to get to the bathroom. Let's see how an 'ole redneck makes her way around London by herself. If you hear anything strange on the news, just take up a collection and come bail me out!

I tried to call the girls a few minutes ago, only to realize the time difference a second or two later. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. I do miss them terribly but I know they are in good hands. I just hope it has not been difficult for them. Moe was having a tough time this trip with Daddy being gone and then her Mommy goes and deserts her too! I know, I know, let the guilt go! Okay, okay I can hear all of you now and I'm listening or trying to at least.

Take Care...more later!

Peace Out!

2008-04-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Karma...

Although I don't believe in Karma, I learned a lesson about it on this trip. In my opinion, she is a bitter little broad!

The past couple of days I have been having quite a bit of fun at Other Guy's expense. I've joked with my peeps about Other Guy being bumped from the posh/posh airlines that his company booked us to travel on. Other Guy needed to be here sooner than originally scheduled therefore he had to travel with all the common folk on good 'ole American Airlines. I snickered and joked about having the hard decisions to make, what meal would I chose, would I take advantage of the bed, what movie would I watch, who would I meet.

Well, like I said, the bitter lil woman reared her ugly head during my solo travel to London. I left my home at 11:30 am CST only to arrive at the airport and find that my flight had been delayed due to high winds in New York. With each delay, the realization hit harder that I was going to miss my posh/posh flight in NY to London. No problem, I called the airlines, there was a later flight that still had room...they would bump me to that flight with no charge to me. As they say here, Brilliant! I'd still be in London in time to have lunch with Other Guy.

As I sat in said posh/posh airline's private lounge, the departure time for said later flight came and went and went and went and went. Even my strong temper had no influence, it only lost me my seat in the posh/posh lounge. Finally at 2:30 EST, we began boarding our flight. Let me just say that I don't care how nice your "private lounge" is with all it's free food and booze, when you don't drink and you're not hungry it really doesn't help ease the pain. Seven and half hours in an airport is seven and half hours in an airport no matter where you are, what food they are serving or whether or not you have a cappuccino machine!

I finally arrived at the hotel in London at 5pm London time (11am CST). Yes, you read that correctly, that is almost 24 hours in travel and in any country that just stinks!

The only redeeming thing was the relieved look on Other Guy's face and the big hug and kiss that followed. Okay, so that made it a little better!

Well, off to bed, off to bed. We have an early morning!

Peace Out!

2008-04-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Off for a spot of tea...

Tomorrow is Sunday and I believe this is my favorite day of the week. I love, not like, LOVE spending the morning at my church. Whether I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off (for those of you wondering, no we do not sacrifice live animals at Grace!) or just being a normal, everyday church go-er, I love Grace Church.

All that to say that I will be starting my day tomorrow as a normal church go-er before I board a plane to join Other Guy on a business trip to London. Yes, ladies and gents, I said London. In the words of my mother, it's a long way from Jones Road. I am so excited that words simply can not describe it. We will be enjoying a week away...touring the sights...catching up with each other...taking care of business, well he will, not me!

The one thing I am a little nervous about is starting the trip on my own. Although most people think I am this incredibly strong female, inside is just a scared lil' chick who's not quite sure about traveling without her man by her side. So please pray for me that all will go well and I will arrive at my hotel safe and sound to join that precious man o mine!

Well, gotta run...the kids are asleep and I want to make sure I have everything packed.

Peace Out (or should I say, Cherio?!)

2008-04-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

No sweeter name (or thing)

We are singing a new song at our church that I just love. The title is "No Sweeter Name" and I would fully agree with the lyrics that there is no sweeter name than the name of Jesus. However, I will add to that statement that there is no sweeter thing than to hear your children telling each other about our Lord and Savior.

Case in point...

Location: Me & Other Guy in living room, Curly & Moe in playroom right outside of said living room.

Conversation:

Curly - "Hey Moe Moe, did you know that Jesus feeds people?"

Moe - "Are you serious?"

Curly - "Yes, I learned about it at church!"

Moe - (in full awe of her big sister) "Wow!"

Curly - "Do you want me to tell you the story?"

Moe - no response

Curly - no response means YES I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO SAY!

Curly - "Jesus took a little boy's lunch and fed five thousand hundred million people" (Okay, so she's a little fuzzy with the math...but stick with me!)

Moe - "Cool!"

Curly - "And do you know what he fed them with?"

Moe - "What...chicken?"

Curly - "No silly head, with bread and fish...(squishing up nose) do we eat fish?"

Moe - "No, that's disgusting!" (oh, if they only knew. We have a salt water tank in our house so fish are friends...not food!)

Curly - "Jesus made people eat bread and fish because they were hungry and so he fed them. He is so AWESOME!"

Moe - "You are right, sister, Jesus is Awesome!"

Now come on, you would have to agree that although the name of Jesus is the sweetest name, "I could have no greater joy than to know that my children live in the truth."

Can a sista' get an amen!?!

Peace Out!

2008-04-09T06:52:00.001-07:00

Mother of the Year

I can't believe that I have let so much time pass before sitting down and writing this blog. I guess if the truth be told, you and your sister keep me so busy that the blog just doesn't always hold a high priority. The good news though is that you do hold a HUGE priority in my life.

I remember the day you were born. Daddy and I dropped off Curly at her Mother's Day Out school and off to the hospital we went. It seemed to take forever but I guess that's just the way that c-sections go. We played backgammon (sp?) and talked about what our life would be like with two girls. When you are still a new mom, you assume that everything will be the same with the second child as it was with the first.

I should have known better...when they held you up and I saw you for the first time, I just smiled. You were finally here and I knew you would be very different from your sister. You had a head full of hear that was shaped into a mohawk down the center of your head. Although you were a sweet baby, I could see a hint of trouble in your eyes!

You bring such joy to our lives with your stories and your imagination. To be honest, even your temper brings something different to my life. You teach me everyday how to be more patient and loving. There is nothing sweeter than when you climb into my lap and say there words, "I love you mommy, I love you sooooo much!" Be still my beating heart!

So, happy (belated) birthday my sweet lil' Moe. I pray your life is filled with all the joy that you have brought to ours. May God bless you and help you grow into a wonderful woman of God. I can't wait to see the things He has in store for you.

Peace Out!

2008-03-21T07:57:00.001-07:00

Long time, no post!

I know, I know...it's been a while but I do have a good excuse. Life has been a little crazy for our household over the past month. We have had some good news, some not so good news but it all seems to be leveling out now. I'll try to give you a condensed version.

My grandfather passed away. While this was very, very sad, especially for my mom - in a way it was a blessing. My grandfather had a pretty severe accident in his 20's and has never been the same since. He fell on a construction site without a hard hard and lost about 1/3 of his brain. He was cared for by his mom and then my mom. He was a wonderful man who was often misunderstood. He was very smart but sometimes had the temper tantrums of a 4 year old. This left my mom and some members of the medical community with black eyes and broken bones. The good news is that he had already made a decision of faith long before his accident. I know that he is in Heaven and I look forward to the day he will greet me there. A side note on this is that my mom stayed cigarette free through all of it...GOD YOU ARE AWESOME!

My friend finally got a baby. You can check out her blog for more info. I am planning on having a dinner for all the people that bid on my auction. Hopefully, I can get the Kelsey's here too. I had somebody give $50 anonymously...that was really cool!

Moe turned THREE! I can not believe that she is growing up so quickly. I have a special post for her so I won't spend too much time on that. However, I will say that she began potty training the day before her birthday and it doing great. No accidents, sleeping through naps and the night. To all my jealous friends out there, you know who you are...that's right baby, potty trained by 3!!!

Other Guy and I got away, just the two of us, to California! We had such a great time. Thanks to the in-laws for taking such good care of the kids, the dogs, the fish, the house...you are truly a blessing.

We saw Buble in concert - the ultimate crooner totally rocked! We went with our friends Ben and Addie. Unfortunately, I didn't know about their SEVERE fear of heights. Poor Ben watched the concert from the comfort of the hallway...I think he was able to get some texting and work done :0(

Well, I think that will do for now. I promise to be back soon!

Peace Out!

2008-02-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

Auction, anybody?

So here's the deal! My friend is finally (or I guess I should say hopefully, finally) getting a baby. The family has gone through a lot to try to give their precious Maddie a sibling and it looks like it is finally going to happen. The only problem is that it leaves friends (& family) wondering how they can help. Well, I don't know know much but I know I love, oh wait a minute, I got a little caught up in song lyrics...imagine that!

What I do know is that adoption is expensive and they have been working really hard to pay off debts and save money to welcome this new little girl. So, I said to myself, "Self, how can I help? What can I do?" and here is what my "self" came up with.

I would like to auction off a dinner. I will come to your house, bring the groceries, prepare a meal, serve your family and then do the dishes. Whatever you want to eat...if I don't already know how to make it, I'll learn!

Now, here's where you come in! Post a response on my blog and start the bidding. 100% of the money will go to the family. If you live too far away (like my family) and you just want to do something nice for somebody who has been incredibly wonderful to me, then just make a donation. It is NOT, I repeat NOT, a tax deduction...it's just doing the right thing for a family that really deserves it. It's just being able to have the feeling of knowing you did something right for nothing in return!

So, get to it people!

Peace Out!

2008-02-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

What Florida taught me about things like Fourmingos!

I know that it has been a while but it was for a reason. My family and I just took our first vacation alone. Now, this is not to belittle any times that we have been away that included extended members of our families but this time it was just me, Other Guy, Curly & Moe! We spent 9 days in Florida with Other Guy on a business trip. It was so wonderful. The girls did great...we spent time at Theme Parks and the beach and time just chilling out at the hotel. Other Guy had business to do but still cherished every moment he had with us. The girls laughed at us and we laughed at them.

One of the best times was during one of our long trips in the car. Moe was asleep and Curly was watching a movie with her headphones on. It was a dvd of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. For those of you who don't watch Playhouse Disney, the theme song for the show goes something like this..."It's the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, come inside, it's fun inside. M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!" Suddenly, in a very silent moment, Curly starts belting out the song...unaware that we can hear her loud and clear. She is just singing her heart out and then starts the part of the song that spells Mickey's name. Her version went something like this, "M-I-C-K-E-Y How bout U-S-E!" Needless to say, Other Guy and I bust out laughing! She just kept on singing and we kept on laughing, it was great!

Curly had another great moment on the next to last day of our trip. She learned to swim with out a floatie. She was jumping off the side of the pool and swimming to the edge. She jumped off her Daddy's shoulders and swam. They had a great time going under water and looking at each other. It was a bittersweet moment though...suddenly our first born in growing up. I still remember her first time swimming. It doesn't seem possible that she should be big enough to swim but she is and we are thrilled.

Now Moe on the other hand, I wish I could spend just five minutes in that little angel's brain. Some of the stories she comes up with...well, it's just mindblowing. She will pull stuff out of the air and leave us in tears because we are laughing so hard. She and her sister fully enjoyed their time together and would talk all day about the things they had just finished doing.

One of the cool things we did on our trip was visiting with some flamingos. If you leaned down, they would come over and "preen" your hair, like they do their own feathers. Being the animal lover that I am, of course I had to do it and Curly soon joined me. Moe just stood back with Daddy and laughed and laughed about the fourmingos! Daddy and I started laughing out loud and still do at home when out of the blue, Moe starts talking about the fourmingos and her sister tries to correct her speech.

Being a parent is so much fun!

Peace Out!

2008-01-31T22:32:00.001-08:00

Lonely...

It seems strange to be posting at 12:32am. Normally, I am sacked out with drool coming out of my mouth and the sounds of a freight train coming out of my nose!

Other Guy is out of town on business. It is his last night away but I just can't sleep. I miss him when he is gone. He has not had such a good trip this time. The airline lost his luggage...he is sick with a cold...he got a migraine and his meds were in the suitcase! Sadly, every time we speak, I can hear it in his voice that there is no place else he would rather be than home with his girls. While it pains me to hear that, it also brings me great joy. You see, we will be married 9 years this month and there is still no place on earth he would rather be than with me and that is just fine with me.

Peace Out!

2008-01-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

With a Voice of Triumph!

This week has been an interesting one for me. During that blessed annual exam that we women have to endure each year, my doctor found a "thickening" in my left breast. We decided to order blood work and do a sonogram. Unfortunately, both of those events did not occur until last week.

Well, fast forward to Sunday morning. Our praise band did a new song by Hillsong entitled Salvation is Here. And no disrespect to Hillsong but my MAN, my brotha from another motha, Ms. Gina, Soakie, Jimmy Luv, Little G, Dr. John and Sam "I am a rockstar" totally blew it out of the water! Yes sir-re bob, that was me in the back of the worship center with my hands raised, tears streaming, "It's gonna be alright. Cause I know my God saved the day. And I know His word never fails. And I know my God made a way for me. Salvation is here!" Those were my friends, too, with hands raised high praising our Creator for his awesome answer to prayer. You see my sonogram was negative and that moved me in a big way.

Satan has a way of taking something that has the potential to be bad and blowing it out of proportion. He didn't want me to rely on God and trust him for his answer, regardless of what it might have been. Satan wanted to scare me with thoughts of breast cancer and memories of what my sister has gone through and continues to go through. But with the help of Other Guy, my family and my friends, I kept my eyes on the prize and stayed focused on the fact that God had this in the bag and would see me through, regardless. He only wanted me to trust him.

We ended the service this week with another Hillsong praise song and whether they realized it or not, our praise band answered God's call and played a song that enabled me to Shout unto to God with a voice of triumph, Shout unto God with a voice of praise.

Join with me this week, because regardless of what is going on in your life right now...The enemy has been defeated. And death couldn't hold You down. We're gonna lift our voice in victory, we're gonna make Your praises loud. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Shout unto God with a voice of praise! We lift Your name up...We lift Your name up!

And all God's children said....AMEN and AMEN!

Peace Out!

2008-01-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

Fear...

Fear is a mysterious thing that is very hard to put into words. It has a way of sneaking up on you in moments that you think you are immune. It has a way of turning something and twisting it until you find yourself questioning all you know to be true. I must admit that today I am fearful. I am fearful of the unknown, the upcoming, the answers. I won't go into a lot of details but I will say that I need your prayers. I don't want to be afraid, to be fearful. I so desperately want to cling to the promises that God has given to me. I know that He is in control right now but I also know that sometimes His answer is no and although that is His will, it is frightening.

There is a song by Jeremy Camp entitled Longing Heart and it is beautiful. It begins by saying, "What can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ, nothing this world could even change. I thought I once was lost but now have been given grace. It is a mystery that I will not chase! Yes, it's a mystery that I will not chase. You, you, you are what this heart is longing for. Oh, Jesus you are all my soul is pleading for...well I don't understand it, how you love the way you do. Even when I've fallen you always lift me up to you."

Father, you are what I am longing for at this moment. I pray for your mercy and your grace. I plead for an open heart to accept whatever answers you have for me. Help me to crawl into your lap and feel your peace embrace me. Help me to trust in you and to not be afraid. Amen

While researching fear, I found this really cool website that has notes from a sermon on Fear. It's pretty cool and I look forward to reading all the verses.

Peace Out!

2008-01-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

N-Uff!

We just started this new series at church and if I might take the liberty to say...Tim Howey ROCKS!!! I have pretty strong opinions on finances. I have lived the gamut of lifestyles from being flat out poor to doing pretty good. Now before I get any emails or smart comments, I am not, I repeat, am not in any way saying that Other Guy and I are rich. We have struggled with finances just like any other person on earth. We have made some really smart decisions (like our new budget for 2008) and some pretty dumb decisions (sorry no dirt on those!) I am convinced of one thing though, it all comes down to decisions. The ones I consult the Father with first always seem to work out one way or the other. The times when I (we) lean on our own understandings and abilities, well those generally land us flat on our face!

Although we live in one of the wealthiest counties in the US, I don't want my girls growing up never knowing what it's like to long for something. I don't want them to have everything handed to them on a silver platter.

When I was little, my mom was a single parent and I am sure she got tired of the constant complaints of "We never get this or that's not fair!" So, she went out and bought us all composition books. Every week she would bring her paycheck home and divide it equally among us but that also meant we divided up the light bill, the phone bill, the groceries, the gas...everything. We soon had a better grasp on why we couldn't afford certain things. It totally changed our outlook about whining when we didn't get something. We fully understood why we couldn't afford it. It gave all of us an appreciation for each other and that memory still sticks with me. Regardless of our financial circumstances, I want my girls to see their blessings for what they are, gifts from God.

There is a song by Toby Mac (& Kirk Franklin) that just hits home on this subject. It's entitled Lose My Soul. Here are some of the lyrics: Father God, I am clay in your hands. Help me to stay that way through all life's demands 'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me And every little thing I make up my mind to be

Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix. And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit. And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above the road that is wide and filled with self love. Everything that I see draws me Though its only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes - a low blow to purpose And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus

I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul. I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul.

Man, I just love that! There are so many things in this world that call for my attention but I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul. I want to know that when the final curtain falls, I will stand before the one who created me and here six beautiful words. WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!

Peace Out, Ya'll

2008-01-06T13:27:00.001-08:00

New Blog Rule?

Have you ever heard the rule about never go grocery shopping when you're hungry? If you were to take that rule, write it down on paper, do some cool origami trick turning it into a cup and pour water into it, I honestly believe it would hold. Basically, I believe there is a lot of truth to this rule. Equally important, don't ever grocery shop with your kids...I guarantee you spend more money than when you do it without them. Somewhere between the cookie aisle and the cereal aisle, you lose all control and will be tempted to buy 10 bags of powdered sugar doughnuts just to keep them quiet (& possibly feed your stress=food addiction!)

Well, I think there should be blog rules too. For instance, every time something trying happens in my life, I am immediately tempted to blog about it. Right or wrong, it gets my opinion out there for the world to see. But blogs, as other things in life, can be very dangerous. There have been times when I have argued with a friend or my husband or a family member has made a comment or SUGGESTION that just completely rubbed me the wrong way. During those moments, I want to open my computer and type furiously about the offense in some cyber attempt at getting somebody to agree with me or at least hear me out without having to listen to their reasoning or opinions. Pretty selfish, right?

Thank goodness I serve a God who is powerful enough and caring enough to shut my big mouth because in all reality things that bother me one minute don't seem to big a few minutes later. God is AWESOME.

So, I guess in everything, moderation...moderation...moderation. So, all in favor of a new blog rule of never blogging while angry signify by raising your right hand or just right click...all opposed, same sign ;0)

Peace Out!

2008-01-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

Seriously, did I miss something?

I can not believe that it is already 2008. Where did 2007 go? I feel as though I just woke up from some type of freaky dream and I some how lost a year of my life. My girls seem taller and older, my house seems different, I feel different. Am I alone here?

I was recently listening to a Carrie Underwood song and I just love the lyrics...there's some things that I regret, some words I wish had gone unsaid, some starts that had some bitter endings. Been some bad times I've been through, damage I could not undo, some things I wish I could do all all over again...But it don't make no difference, when life gets that much harder, it makes you that much stronger...some pages turned, some bridges burned but there were lessons learned.

Can I get an AMEN SISTA! When I look back on 2007, even the crappy times (excuse my language) I don't know that I would change any of it because I did learn things. I like looking back and seeing the valleys that God allowed me to go through so that I would be stronger, better, some how changed on the other side.

Now let's be honest here, I would love to tell you that I am thinner than I was in 2007 or that I in some way made some grand addition to society but the truth is, I'm still the same person. My only hope is that my friends and family, heck, even strangers were touched in some small way by something I did or said. At the end of the day, that's what matters to me. I want to know that I brought a smile to a face...somewhere, anywhere...maybe even to our Creator's face!

Well, gotta run...I'll post Christmas pictures soon. I'm just happy that for the first time in three years we were NOT, I repeat NOT at the hospital. God is AWESOME!

Peace Out!

2007-12-15T07:12:00.001-08:00

Really? Come on, a fat guy in a red suit???!!

Okay, this is your first and only warning. This blog is about Santa Claus. If you are a child reading this...STOP NOW.

I was one of those kids that bought the story hook, line and sinker! The mere mention of Santa's name at any point in the year would straighten me up faster than the best chiropractor. One of the saddest days in my life was the day I discovered his true identity. Once I pouted for a year or two, (I mean after all, I was entitled, right? The song said, "You better not pout" so I listened and that meant I had a good 12 years of pouting to make up for.) I realized something truly wonderful about the spirit of Christmas.

Let me go back a little and help you understand. My mom spent the majority of her parenting years as a single parent. I won't go into all the details or the how's and why's but just know that my mom worked her tail off to support us. This often meant less and less time with her but that's what she believed was the best thing. It made the time we had were her even more special.

Each Christmas, we would each get a "big gift" and some smaller things from Santa. Christmas morning was wonderful because we all woke up to things we had dreamed about for so long but never fully understood the sacrifice it took to put those gifts under the tree. The year that I was 12 (yes, I said 12! You got somethin' to say about it, punk?) I wanted nothing more than a Hope Chest. I had read so many books that talked about hope chests and all the wonderful things you put in the them to save for your future. I really, really needed a safe place to keep and preserve my Bon Jovi tape and my New Kids on the Block posters. Those were things I wanted to keep so that they would still be lovely for my house when I was a grown up.

That Christmas Eve I just couldn't sleep. Had Santa heard my desperate plea, would I get my self-proclaimed, well deserved Hope Chest? I couldn't wait any longer, I had to get up and see him deliver this gift. As I slipped down the hallway, I could hear something being tapping quietly. Oh, that is how he was going to get it in the house...he would just assemble it here. I was finally going to see the real guy...the real deal...the real..."MOM?!"

There she was, 3:30 am after working her full time job and doing some waitressing on the side, putting together my Hope Chest. She was trying to be so quiet desperate to keep the dream of Santa alive for at least one more year. I ran back to my room and sobbed. To this day, I don't know if she ever saw me but now that I have children I have a new love for that Santa Claus...that person who loved us so much that she would do anything to make us just like every other kid, at least for Christmas anyway.

Thank you Mom for all the sacrifices you made for us. I know that there are times over the years that we have questioned your parenting and swore that given the opportunity we would do this and that differently but this memory will stay with me forever. I saw your love for me that night and even though the Hope Chest is no more, the memory is stored in a chest that will never fade.

Peace Out.

2007-12-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Grown up Christmas List...

Do you remember me? I sat upon your knee

I wrote to you with childhood fantasies.

Well, I'm all grown up now, and still need help somehow

I'm not a child but my heart can still dream

So, here's my lifelong wish, my grown up Christmas list

not for myself, but for a world in need...

This song brings up so many emotions for me...so here it is...My grown up Christmas list.

I want those people in my family and those closest to me to truly find Christ this year. Not simply know about him but really seek him and find him waiting with open arms. I want them to find a church home that will welcome them just as they are and erase their ideas about "religion."

I want my family to be healthy this year. I want a year free of surgeries and headaches. I want Other Guy to be able to enjoy sports again and playing with our girls and not having to pay the consequences of doing something he loves. I want Moe's year filled with deep breaths full of oxygen. I want Curly to flourish and always have her sense of humor.

I want my friend to finally welcome a son into her home. I want that person out there, whoever she may be, to answer God's calling and chose life over abortion and allow that baby to grow healthy in her womb so that they can welcome him into a home of love.

I want my mom have success in being able to quit smoking. D-day for her is December 15th and with the help of a new medication and lots and lots of prayer, I believe she WILL SUCCEED!

I want my friends who are struggling with some of life's biggest questions (you know who you are!) to finally find peace. To find the answers when the seek out our creator. I want them to find the other side and be able to look back on these times with gratefulness at the lessons they will learn through all of the stuff the are going through.

Finally, I want my sister to remain cancer free...plain and simple. I would like her to have a year without worries of tests, treatments or surgeries.

So, there you have it! What's your list this year? I'd love to hear it!

Peace Out!

2007-11-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Receiving His Blessings...even at 5:45am!

It may come as a shock to some of you, but I am not a morning person. I need at least one cup of coffee before I can even begin to form a sentence. Motherhood added a new element to this problem. I quickly learned to adjust to the middle of the night feedings and diaper changes but it was my hope that all of the "needs" in the middle of the night would soon cease and desist.

Curly has done a great job with this. It is very seldom that she ever calls out in the middle of the night. When she does call out, it is usually before Other Guy and I have turned in for the night so it's not so bad.

Moe on the other hand, still has trouble with the complete definition of "Don't call out unless you are hurt or sick." Sometimes the reasons are completely justifiable, at least in a 2 year old's mind anyway. I mean come on, Simba the lion does need covers and there may come a time when I need to know that bats are shy and gentle. The truth is I sometimes forget that I have two children, so I need to be reminded that Moe has a sister and what her name is and that goes for our dogs too! Bless her heart, she's just trying to be helpful!

There have been two mornings recently when Moe has called out before 6am because she wanted to sing a song she learned at preschool and after you watch it, you too will be reminded to be thankful for your blessings, even at 5:45am. In this one, she simply wanted to remind me that our God is so big!

In this one, she wanted to tell me the story of a fuzzy caterpillar...

Before I sign out, Curly was not to be outdone in this performance so here's a story about a little man named Zacchaeus...

Peace Out!

2007-11-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Is there no place sacred?

Today was a beautiful day here in Kansas. The sun is shining, the air is crisp, life is wonderful. We started our day at our beloved Grace...and that is where things took a turn for the worse.

Service was wonderful, we are continuing on our Parenting series which I just love! For additional information, visit Grace's website or our Pastor Tim Howey's website.

Anyway, you remember our Virginia Tech friends? You know the ones whose sons we lovingly referred to as our future son-n-laws. Well, the fell prey to an attack of a Satanic nature today. They succumbed to an evil that was so strong, I feel they may suffer dire circumstances. It's one thing when children deal with these types of things, you simply pray for them and their parents but when it's the parents encouraging such vile acts, you begin to question your friendship!

I feel as though words would not do their hideous act justice, so I simply took photos so that you could share in our heartache!

Well, that says it all...how somebody could vandalize a car in such a manner and at church no less. All I can say is, "It's on like DONKEY KONG!!!!"

Peace Out!

2007-11-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

A fun time had by all...

Create a Free Slideshow

Peace Out!

2007-10-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged!

Well, I almost dropped the ball on this one but my friend Daneen tagged me so here is my response.

Where were you 10, 20, 30, 40+ years ago?

10 years ago - I was the big 21...which was no big deal to me considering that I don't drink, never have, never will. Unbeknownst to me, I was weeks away from being proposed to by Other Guy. I'm sure that on this exact weekend, I was either on my way to Tallahassee or patiently awaiting his arrival!
20 years ago - I was 11! A very goofy looking 11, I might add but hey I thought I had it going on and that is all that matters! I was a big time 6th grader and was part of the very first Middle School Pilot in Jacksonville where 6th grade was added to 7th and 8th to be called Middle School and 9th grade was added to High School. No more Junior High! I was into big hair, Bon Jovi and eating mustard! (If you know the story, I hope tears are streaming down your face right now, if you don't, don't ask cuz I ain't tellin!)
30 years ago - I was 1 (and a few months!) Oh, I was a beautiful baby...if you like chunky monkey's! Dude, I had so many rolls, I looked like the Michelin Man's illegitimate child! My mom will tell you I was an absolute joy to her life, that is of course after I slip her $20!
40 years ago - I was still chillin with God - He was still working on the perfect mold and trying to decide to whom he was going to grace with my presence!

Peace Out!

2007-10-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Just to bring a smile...

In the past week (or so) I had something pretty funny happen to me and also had a hilarious story shared with me by a good friend. So, this blog is nothing deep or thought provoking, it's purpose is only to bring a smile to your face and maybe a laugh or two.

Other Guy and I play on our church's co-ed softball team. Now to those who really know me, this has already made you start to snicker but stick with me. I have not played softball since middle school and let's just say that has been a while! However, in an attempt to do something fun together, we signed up. The season is almost over, just a few "rained-out" games to play but the most recent game we played was a double header. We were a few chicks short so I called my good friend Addie, who totally stepped up to the plate and came out to join the festivities! Because we were a few people short, I was asked to play 2nd Base. (Yes, ladies and gentlemen, me...2nd Base...bring it on!) Addie was asked to play catcher so she had a front row seat so what will go down in softball history.

I'll be honest and say that the second game was not going so well. The team was really good and had crazy good male hitters on their team. Any time one of these left handed players stepped up, I was asked to trade with Other Guy and play short stop. (Once again, me...short-stop...bring it!) When this guy stepped up to the plate, I wanted to make sure that he had a full and complete understanding of my greatest fear so I began to converse with him. After all, softball is NOT just a game but a time to socialize with other members of the Christian sports world! So I simply yelled out, "Hey hitter! Let's just try to avoid this general area right here!" While yelling this, I drew an imaginary box around my face.

This caught the batter so off guard that he started laughing and had to step away from the plate right as the pitch is being released...STRIKE! Suddenly, the whole team is laughing and asking me if I have any more one liners, oh the pressure! I will say that it brought me great joy to know that I add something to the team. It might not be amazing batting or super-man like throws but you need a big hitter out, bring out the big guns!

Now, on to my favorite story of the week.

Since moving to Kansas, I have acquired some pretty amazing friends. They each have their own special gift that they bring to my life and I am so honored just to share in theirs.

My friends from VA Tech, let's just call 'em "Clockies" have three boys and I love them all. They are so sweet and funny. Like their parents, they add something very special to my life and I can't help but smile every time I see one of these precious boys. I often refer to them, especially the younger two, as my future son-in-law!

While riding in the car with his mom, middle son starts telling her how he learned about romance. This caught her off guard considering he is only in kindergarten. So, she asked him where he learned about romance and he replied that his Sunday School teacher, Mr. Otte, taught him. This made Clockie laugh considering that Mr. Otte is newly engaged. She continued to ask middle son what all he knew about romance. Frustrated, he told his mom that romance is in the Bible. Mrs. Clockie explained to her son that she knew romance is in the Bible but still had some questions as to how this would apply to a child of six. So, he said, "Mom, it's in the Bible, right after Acts!"

After composing herself mom replied, "You are right, ROMANS is after the book of Acts!"

I'm just happy my potential, future son-in-law already understands the importance of Romance!

Peace Out!

2007-10-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Call me Patriotic...

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for all things patriotic. Even as a small child, I took pride in seeing the American Flag and would get very offended when I saw it touch the ground or on a flag pole in the rain. In high school, I entered our Miss "High School Unnamed" pageant and for my talent section, I wrote a monologue about the American Flag. I know, I know, it was cheesy and I will spare you the video and the pictures of me dressed up as Old Glory! On a side note, a very embarrassing side note, my monologue ended with me saying the pledge. I had a pretty heated debate right before the pageant about how much it irritated me to hear people say I pledge of allegiance instead of I pledge allegiance...well, guess what I said??? You got it! "I pledge of allegiance!" What a goofball!!!

Anyway, when I became a Christian, my freedom in this county took on a whole new meaning. I realized the importance of freedom...that it was so much more than being able to wear what I wanted, say what I wanted...it meant that I was free to worship our creator in public. I would never be in danger because of doing something I was created to do, worship HIM!

A couple days ago, Curly came home from school and said she had something she wanted to show me. Before I knew what happened, my four year old beauty was reciting the Pledge. Needless to say, I was almost in tears! When did she get so big? How did I miss it?

Anyway, I thought I would share it with all of you as a little reminder to be thankful for the freedom that we share and the flag that stands for that freedom.

Also, to all of those families who have loved ones risking their lives to protect that freedom...Thank you, you have offered us one of the greatest gifts and I know that there will be a special jewel in your crown in heaven for the sacrifice you make everyday!

Peace Out!

2007-09-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me...

This week I had the opportunity to go to a little place called San Fransisco with Other Guy. It was one of those trips that was business for him and all relaxation for me! It was also one of those times that all married with children couples need to remind themselves that they are still great as just a couple...not just as mom and dad!

Right before I left, I received a phone call from my younger sister informing me that my mom was not having such a great day. My mom had surgery on her neck just a few days before and due to the 2+ inch cut on her throat, she was limited to soft foods. Unfortunately, my step dad forgot to take his daily dose of compassion and kinda left my mom high and dry over the weekend. My first inclination was to get fired up mad and to be quite honest with you, I was two seconds away from booking a flight to Florida and straightening things out. Luckily, my sisters (& my mom's friend, Diane) took care of all of that and life is good again. (Don't worry all is well with my mom's marriage - he just needed to listen more and she probably needed to ask more and well, you know how it goes!)

However, on my wonderful four day trip with my husband, it became apparent to me that it all comes down to communication...EVERYTHING does. Whether you are newly married, married with young kids, married for a life time or single, every relationship in your life is only healthy with communication and time spent together.

I loved walking in the evening with Other Guy, just holding hands and being together. I loved being able to focus on each other's conversations without having to say, Hold on a second. Now don't get me wrong, I love our children but it was nice to be reminded that I am still a wife and a best friend...that I'm still fun to be around and needed.

I guess what I am trying to say is that when something is missing in your life, take a poll and see who you are or are not spending time with. Who are you communicating with...Okay, let me rephrase those sentences so that my friends and my husband don't email me because of grammar! With whom are you or are you not communicating? With whom are you spending time or not spending time? Every time life seems to get crazy, it's because life has come before my relationship with Christ. I make every excuse in the book as to why I haven't had time to read my Bible or why I haven't been able to spend serious time in prayer.

Well, that's about it...To all you husband's out there, no pressure but take your wife on a date. It doesn't have to be San Fransisco but you can go out on an evening and just remind her of how important she is to you...not just as the mother of your children.

Peace Out!

2007-09-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Fear not, for I am with you...

This past Sunday was the 2nd week of our Perspective's series at church. Unfortunately, I missed the first week but it was for a good reason...I was scrap booking. I must say that if there is any acceptable excuse for missing church, scrap booking would be it. And to top it off, I got to do it with a very special friend of mine...but I digress.

If you are interested in following this series, you can look at our church website or at our pastor's blog.

This Sunday, I was on my way upstairs to worship when I noticed a dad, carrying his young son down the stairwell. I didn't recognize him but based on their conversation, I assumed they were visiting. The little boy was very nervous and kept telling his dad how scared he was to go to his class. To this his dad replied, "Ya know, I'm trying something new today too and I'm a little nervous but I know it's going to be great!"

I just love stuff like that. There is nothing that warms my heart more than to see a father/child interaction. It just brought a smile to my face.

I then joined the in-laws in service (Other Guy was out of town) and noticed the dad was sitting in the row in front of us. I continued on with worship and absolutely loved the service...music, preaching, everything. At the end of service, Tim took the opportunity to invite people to pray the prayer of salvation with him. The anticipation of this moment always gets to me. The thought of some body making an eternal decision in that exact moment is very exciting.

As the service closed, Tim asked for the people who prayed that prayer for the first time to step out and raise their hands so that we could celebrate with them.

Any guesses who raised their hand?

If you guessed the dad, you would be right. I almost started crying. Oh, if his young son could only grasp how his bravery to go to his class helped his dad to make an eternal decision!

Isn't that AWESOME!!!

Well, I gotta go for now...just remember that we all have to step out on faith sometime and be brave and try something new!

Peace Out!

2007-09-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

How to age...gracefully!

I'm not exactly sure why but Curly has suddenly become obsessed with age. Now before you freak out and panic...let me explain. She hasn't become a psychopath that you'll see on Dr. Phil next week defending her 99+ plastic surgeries to help her keep her girlish 3 year old look. I mean really, I understand that turning 4 is really a big deal but appearance wise, we are still safe! Whewwww, now that I have that cleared up, let me continue.

Curly has lots of questions about who is older and how we get older. Just last week she asked Grandma why her Daddy had such an "old" mom. To this, Other Guy's mom replied that she wasn't always that old. She continued to try to explain how aging works. Papa even chimed in and explained that one day she would be 5, then 10 and then 20, 30 and one day 70. To this Curly laughed and with much assurance told her Papa that 70 wasn't real! Everybody had a good laugh and the subject was dropped...or so we thought.

Yesterday at church, Curly's Sunday School teachers went around the room at prayer time and asked the children if they had any prayer requests. (Let me say first of all that I love her Sunday School teachers. They are the nicest couple with a real heart for children and a strong desire to teach them about the love of Christ. They graduate each year with this particular group of kids so now they are the 4 year old teachers. Other Guy and I play softball with them too!) Anyway, Curly raises her hand and says she would like to pray for her Grandma. Now keep in mind that Grandma goes to church with us, so this couple knows Grandma. Mrs. Sunday School teacher becomes concerned and asks if Grandma is sick. Curly just shakes her head and replies, "No, she's just getting old!" To this, Mr. Sunday School teacher loses it and starts laughing but quickly gains control of himself when he realizes just how serious this issue is to Curly. After a few other requests, prayer time continues and they pray for Curly's Grandma, that she might age gracefully.

So, there you have it...the key to aging gracefully is Prayer, plain and simple!

Peace Out!

2007-08-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

A nod to the man I love...

I read an article today in Parent's magazine that talked about the importance of creating unforgettable moments. Now, I must admit, I am not always THAT parent. Unfortunately, I tend to lean more towards the safe side. You know the type (chances are if you are a mom, you play that role too!) I am usually the one saying things like, "don't do that, you'll get hurt", "get down from there", "oh, honey, that's not safe." On the flip side, Other Guy is the one who encourages those moments. He wants to see how high they can jump, how fast they can run, how much fun we can have without crossing the "dangerous" line. Sometimes my maternal role oozes over to him too and I have a tendency to leave him with a crushed spirit and a disappointed look on his face.

After reading that article today though, I realize that (dare I say it) he may just be right. I don't always want the girls to be scared to try things because mommy said they would get hurt. I want them to experience new things. I want them to have the memories of their mom and dad being silly just to see them smile. I don't always want to do things just because that is the way it should be done. I want to play chase in the house even though every fiber in me wants to say the classic mom statement of "no running in the house dear!"

My prayer is that I might learn to let go a little, you know be more like Other Guy.

Kelly Clarkson co-wrote a song that really touched my heart and I don't want the girls to one day grow up and be able to relate to these lyrics. "Because of you, I never strayed too far from the sidewalk, because of you, I learned to play of the safe side so I won't get hurt."

Lord, help me to find that balance. Help me to allow my children to experience new things without fear of the unknown. Help me to zip my mouth shut when my husband is making those moments with our children. Most of all, help me to be a "funner" mom and a more understanding wife. In Jesus name, Amen

Peace Out!

2007-07-20T16:30:00.001-07:00

Cloud of Witnesses...

This week has been really crazy for me and for my family (half the families in our church could probably say the same thing!) This week was Summer Breakout for Grace and we had over 240 1st -6th graders running their Amazing Race. Our entire VBS was based on the life of Joseph and his choice to always trust that God had a plan for his life. He Chose to Believe no matter what the circumstances.

You could feel it in the air on this past Sunday that God really had something big in store. However, on the flip side of that, Satan was working on stopping that and trying to find every hole in my armor. Like I said earlier, I can just blog about personal experience. I am not in any way trying to set myself apart or diminish anything that other volunteers may have felt or dealt with.

Last week ended with Curly in the doctor's office, she had a double ear infection. No problem, right?! A really good antibiotic and all is well...maybe not. It wasn't long before Moe starting showing signs of illness and the snowball effect began. There were other things too, times where I began to feel parts of me being chipped away. Within a few days, I found myself face down crying out to God, begging him to protect me from all of the arrows Satan was throwing at me.

Something that He revealed to me though, was that I was not alone. Suddenly, there was a phone call, a friend, a hug, a kind word and most importantly a prayer and things began to look up. No big shock that a song came to mind...

Mark Schultz has a song entitled Cloud of Witnesses that is based on Hebrews 12:1, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

The first verse says this (with a few minor changes):

I watched them running down the aisle, Summer Breakout time, Sunday morning
The preacher asked them who they loved, and they all smiled and started pointing to their moms, dads, teachers from their Summer Breakout class. And each and every one had just become...A cloud of witnesses, that would see them through the years. Cheer them with a smile and pray them through the tears. A cloud of witnesses that would see them to the end, and shower them with love that never ends. A cloud of witnesses.

It dawned on me that this is what Satan was fighting so hard to prevent. Foundations were laid in all of these children's lives this week. Some were growing in their relationship and understanding of Christ, others were hearing about Him and His love for the very first time. The cool thing is that every person who volunteered, no matter what the role, became part of that child's cloud of witnesses.

I believe in my heart that some time in the future one of those kids will be drawn to a memory that was formed this week. Maybe it will be that they finally learned all the books of the Bible (Thanks Michelle for adding that song, it helped this 30 something with that too!) or maybe, just maybe, they will remember that teacher, that volunteer that took the time to care. They'll stop and remember all the time and effort that went into making their week AMAZING (huh!) I know that I personally began to appreciate all the effort that the many unnamed adults put into the VBS's I attended as a child and I am grateful to them.

So whatever you take from this blog (or this week for those who attended), please remember that you, YES YOU, made a difference in a child's life! You stood with the full armor of God and told Satan, "Oh no, not this kid! I will help arm them will the love and forgiveness of Christ and you will never win...not this time, not this child!"

Peace Out!

2007-07-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Curly turns 4

I wish somebody would have been able to help me fully comprehend the message they were trying to convey when they said how quickly time would fly. It seems like only yesterday that your daddy and I were off to the hospital, anxiously awaiting your arrival. I remember the very first time I felt you move, the first time you got the hiccups in my tummy, the first time I yelled for daddy to look at your elbow rolling across my enlarged stomach. Most importantly though, I remember the first time I laid eyes on my beautiful first born daughter. You left me in awe. I loved the way you looked at me as though you were just as curious about me as I was you.

I love you my dear sweet Curly headed girl. You have brought your daddy and I joy that could never be described in words. I can not wait to see all the things that come your way in life. I love the way you already have such a love for God that it can be seen in your every move and every time you sing one of your praise songs. I think the group Watermark described it best when they sang, "the tenderness of God is twirling around in our living room tonight...I know your daddy wants to freeze you in time."

Thank you for all of the blessings you have brought to us and Happy Birthday my sweet girl.

Peace Out!

2007-07-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest gifts...

I celebrated an official 30 something birthday a couple weeks ago. Other Guy had some time ago purchased really cool seats for an upcoming concert only to find out that the chick cancelled. I was very bummed but took it okay. On my birthday, he presented my with a totally heartfelt card (I'm sure you can sense the sarcasm although it was really funny!) and inside the card was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

Let me share an excerpt:

"when Natasha gets here, the two of you will have a fun filled day together...

and then I will join you for dinner."

Time, that is what my wonderful husband gave to me, time! Time alone with my sister to have a pedicure and pretzels, time to talk about everything and nothing, time to try on clothes and talk about our dreams...what they were, what they have become and things we still hope for. It was amazing to see how much we have changed since we were kids but how much closer we are as adults. In all of our differences, we find common ground. We both deal with the same fears, same desires but most importantly the same love for each other. To top off the wonderful day, Other Guy joined us for dinner and conversation that didn't include, "Don't touch that...don't climb under the table...leave the knife alone...please don't spill your drink, etc., etc., etc." I also like to give a shout out to the in-laws who enabled me to have this fun filled day minus the kiddos.

In true "Marie" fashion, I think the song Blessed by Martina McBride describes my life best. It's like she took a peek into what my life would be like and wrote the song long before I had the "life" and I'd like to share the lyrics with you...

I get kissed by the sun each morning,

put my feet on a hardwood floor

I get to hear my children laughing

down the hall through the bedroom door

Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing

Just soakin' up the day,

I think to myself, I think to myself,

this world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed

with so much more than I deserve

to be here with the ones who love me

to love them so much it hurts,

I have been blessed

Across a crowded room

I know you know what I'm thinkin'

by the way I look at you

and when we're lying in the quiet

and no words have to be said

I think to myself, I think to myself

this love is a beautiful gift

I have been blessed

with so much more than I deserve

to be here with the ones who love me

to love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed.

When I, when I'm singing my kids to sleep

when I feel you holding me, I know...

I am so blessed.

And I feel like I've found my way

I thank God for all I've been given

at the end of every day

I have been blessed.

Peace Out!

2007-06-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

5 Weird Things about me...

Okay, so I was recently tagged by my friend Daneen, and to be quite honest, I finally figured out what that actually meant. I'm a little behind in the times, but hey I'm figuring things out...slowly but surely.

First off, Daneen, come on! I'm a little offended that you think I have 5 weird things about me! I thought we were closer than that...you know I'm perfect, right??!!!

All kidding aside, where do I begin, thankfully for all of you in bloggity world it only asked for 5 and not 50!

So, here goes:

I have a lazy eye...not one of those things that you notice right away. It's something that is only REALLY apparent when I'm tired. So, if it ever seems like I'm winking at you, just smile and know that it was a night of little sleep and wink back!
I am an animal freak! Now, some of you are saying, "Oh, that's not weird, that's sweet!" but you don't get it. I once stopped my car in the middle of a major road to save a turtle that was crossing the road...Did I mention that I was 8 months pregnant?
I have an organization addiction. I attend regular OA meetings and I am getting better. I have not tried to organize my friend's things in at least 5 hours now. Seriously, I like things color coded, alphabetical, numerical, you name it - I want it in some sensible order. Kids really threw me for a loop and right now my house doesn't completely reflect that, but it's there, make no doubt about it, whispering to me, calling to me in my sleep, "Marie, you know there is filing to be done, do you remember that the plastic lids aren't all in order..."
I had a form of hip displatia (sp?) when I was born. My hip bone wasn't quite connected to my leg bone, but my leg bone WAS connected to my ankle bone and my typing bone WAS connected to my funny bone! I wore a brace on my legs and my mom helped me to work things out and now I walk just fine. Thanks MOM!
I love ELEPHANTS! I collect them, like to watch them...matter of fact, one of my dream vacations would be to work at an elephant rescue. I would honestly own one if it weren't for my husband...thanks, other guy!

So, there you have it...in the words of Beth Moore's daughter, you are probably dumber for knowing this about me but I can assure you that I love you none the less!

Peace Out

2007-06-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Excited just doesn't quite cut it!

Okay, here's how the conversation played out...

Phone rings, I answer...

Me: Hello

Sista: What's up?

Me: Oh, not much. How are you feeling? (sister just had full hysterectomy on June 4th)

Sista: Well, this has really kicked me in the butt, but I'm hangin in there. Hey, remember when we joked about me coming there during my recovery?

Me: (heart starts beating out of chest) Yes?????

Sista: Well, how about these dates...

Me: (Telling myself calmly, just breathe, keep control...it's not a definite) Oh that would be great but we are going to be out of town for part of that.

Sista: Oh, well...let me call you back.

Me: Uhhh, okay (trying really hard not to sound to disappointed or desperate!)

Phone rings later:

Me: Hello

Sista: Hey you! What about these dates...

Angels: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Me: That is AWESOME, OH my gosh, I'm so excited...my heart is racing, I think I'm sweating!

Sista: Calm down, calm down, it's just me.

Me: It's just you, just you...WHATEVER!!! I am putting the dates in RED in the calendar, you are officially obligated to visit me...oh, wait, guess what, the dates you are coming Other Guy is leading worship at our church!

Sista: SWWWWWEEEEEEET!

Me: I KNOW! Okay, well let me go get some oxygen or something...I'm actually light headed!

Sista: Okay, well I'll talk to you later

Me: NOOOOO, make that I'll see ya later!

All that to say, MY SISTER IS COMING TO VISIT ME (& the rest of the family too) BUT REALLY TO VISIT ME and I'm very pumped!

Well, gotta run, I'm helping with SBO jr this week (Our version of Vacation Bible School) and I've got to get some sleep. I am T-I-RED!

By the way, be in prayer for Other Guy tomorrow he is having Lasik. Also, remember my friend's the Allen's who have welcomed a new little one to their family. May she bless them in ways that only a little girl can.

Peace Out!

2007-06-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

I LIVE...I LIVE

Oh my stars, it has been too long my blogger friends, too long. I am happy to report that I am with computer again. Praise God from whom all technology flows, praise Him all Bloggers here below, okay, I'll stop...I'm just really excited!

So much has happened in the last couple of months. Babies, weddings, friends, families, you name it.

I will give you a brief synopsis (I know honey...that's a big word and you are so proud of me, very FUNNY!)

First and foremost, my sister got married to the most perfect man (for her of course!) I don't know that you could look at the two of them and their relationship and not know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God ordained this relationship. They are perfect for each other and to see them say their vows to one another, I truly saw LOVE. It was beautiful.

As I think back on the ceremony, I was reminded of a song from a long time ago. It's a country song but I'll share the lyrics with you and some pics.

He never had given much thought to dancin', but she gave a lot of thought to being asked. Well, he'd never been good and comin' right on out and askin' and she'd never been given the chance. But something moved him across that ole dance floor when fear was holding fast and to his surprise, the words came at last. And she said yes to his half hearted request and they held on for dear life until the last song played. No they won't let go, it's beyond their control. They lit a flame with the match God had made, when she said yes. From that night on the fire was burning and they sure did shine in it's light. And he knew as long as this ole world kept turning, he wanted her by his side. So with a ring and a nervous smile, he said the sweetest words that she'd ever heard. And she said yes, to his WHOLE hearted request and they'll hold on for dear life til the last star fades. No they won't let go, it's beyond their control. They lit a flame with the match God had made when she said yes!

They went on their honeymoon, an Alaskan cruise, and had a great time. That was followed up by a full hysterectomy and more recovery time. But God is still amazing and still in control, you see because God put the two of them together and they will make it through all of this too!

My friends Missy and Eric welcomed their first child, Emma Nicole and although it was followed by some scary moments and a week in the hospital, all is well now and Emma is doing great! I can't wait to meet her! (sorry, I would share pics but I didn't ask the parents sorry :0( but still wanted to share the great news)

I got to see my mom and my step dad and my sisters and their children. We had an amazing Mother's Day lunch and it felt as though time had melted away and we were all young again, laughing and sharing stories.

We went to Disney and Seaworld and let's just say that Curly and Moe may never recover. They are still walking around the house singing, "Shamu, Shamu!" and asking when we can go to the beach! It's hard to teach geography to a toddler and explain that there are no beaches in the Midwest!

Oh well, I guess I should sign off for now, but I promise more later.

Peace Out!

2007-04-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Dancing Cracker...

Okay, so here's a story that had me laughing so hard I almost wrecked my car on Easter Sunday. However, if this post in any way offends any body, please accept my sincerest apology as it is not posted with any malice intent.

It's Easter Sunday and the girls and I are on the way home from a long morning. Other Guy is still recovering from back surgery (please be in prayer for him because I am really starting to worry!) so is only able to attend one of the three services. He is unable to lift anything over 5 pounds so that means the girls stayed in nursery for 2.5 services. I know, I know, it's a long time for young kids, but duty called and I answered and hey, they survived. But I regress, let's get back to the story.

Upon leaving church, a very nice lady in Moe's class gave her a graham cracker for the road which she gladly accepted and began eating. Flash forward about 10 minutes and we are on our way home, jamming out to Nicole C. Mullen's Sometimes, when suddenly I hear a little voice saying, "Mama, mama...look, look!" So, I respond, "yes, honey?" And here it comes...the comment that almost made me wreck my car...

"Look, mommy, I'm a cracka dancing, a cracka dancing!"

In her defense, she was referring to the graham cracker as the girls always make their animals, food, whatever, dance to the music. This will DEFINITELY go in the baby book!

Peace Out!

2007-04-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Attitude

I think all of my life I have heard the poem by Charles Swindoll...you know the one...

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on my life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past ... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our attitudes."

Although I have always heard the words, mostly quoted to me by my mom or some teacher, the words have been brought to a whole new light this week. Stay with me for a moment while a ramble and hopefully it will all tie together in the end!

A couple of weeks ago, our minister Brian Gann preached during our Reel Faith series. He used a movie clip from the movie Remember the Titans, so of course it gave me a desire to see the whole thing again...and I did! This time though, a scene really struck me. It's a scene when the players are "forced" to get to know one another or continue doing three-a-days. Two of the lead characters come together and try to make the conversation quick and to the point. "I'm Gerry, you're Julius, let's get some particulars and get this over with!" Well needless to say, things don't go real well and although Gerry has a lot to say about what Julius is doing wrong, Julius makes a strong point in the end. "Attitude reflect leadership, captain!" WOW!! I can only imagine how this real life scene must have played out and the things that went unsaid.

These past couple of weeks have been rough for me, there have been some really high HIGHS and some really low LOWS...but I'm called back to this scene, this comment, this poem. How is my attitude? How is my leadership? Am I stepping up where I should or simply allowing my attitude to play a role and not follow the calling God has placed upon me?

We will all find ourselves in moments like this and unfortunately, we will all serve under poor leadership at some point in our life...but how do we deal with it? How do we rise above? I think Philippians 2:5 says it best, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus!"

Heavenly Father, help me to walk that walk, to talk that talk, especially this week. You know my heart, my hurts, my hangups and you love me in spite of them. Help me to show that love, that forgiveness to others. In your son's most precious name, Amen!

Peace Out!

2007-04-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Meet Obi-Wan!

In the words of Lena Horne, "I can't help lovin' that man of mine!" After suffering through the SINGLE most difficult moment of my life thus far (putting my dog down), my knight in shining armor gave a new ray of sunshine in my life.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce Obadiah (which is a book of the Bible and all of our dogs so far have had a Biblical name), or Obi-Wan, my 13 wk old Scottish terrier. We "rescued" him for the Scottish Terrier Rescue of Kansas City and he is too cute...trouble with a capital T, but sweet and cute!

He is such a sweet boy and has helped to fill a large void in our home. However, I must give credit where credit is due and say that his name was inspired by our music minister's strong love of Star Wars. Ben recently had to opportunity to preach at our church for the first time. It was a perfect opportunity since the sermon series was, Reel Faith, and used movies in every sermon. It was Ben's life long dream come true, to stand on a dark stage, just a man and his light saber...oh what a wonderful day it was for geeks everywhere!

Peace Out!

2007-03-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

And again, I say, Cry out to Jesus...

"When you're lonely, and it feels like the whole

world is falling on you,

You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus,

cry out to Jesus"

~Third Day

For every woman out there, there has always been "that" man in your life...you know, the one before your husband. For some it is a father, for some a grandfather or an uncle or a brother but for a lucky few of us, it is a red head with big brown eyes and a white patch on his chest...for me it was my dog, my beloved Amos.

After 12 years together, I had to put my dog to rest and I am really hurting. That sweet boy saw me through everything...through crappy times of dating to the wonderful life of marriage and even the birth of my girls.

On Saturday, I took our dogs in for their routine haircut and wanted to talk to the vet about a couple of strange things Amos had been doing lately. Much to my dismay, she thought Amos had a brain tumor as well as advanced heart disease.

I cried my eyes out yesterday...I miss my dog, my girls miss him, my other dog misses him, even "other guy" misses him (well, let's be honest here, I'm not quite sure he misses the dog that bit him on occasion, one time even drawing blood - but hey, he knew we were a package deal, get me, get my dog!) but he is hurting for how it affected our family.

So, I am going to hold fast to the movie theme, that All Dogs DO go to heaven!

Peace Out!

2007-03-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Cry out to Jesus...

"for every one who's lost someone they love, long before it was their time.

You feel like the days you had were not enough when you said goodbye...

there is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary

Love for the broken heart There is grace and forgiveness,

mercy and healing He'll meet you wherever you are

Cry out to Jesus, cry out to Jesus" ~Third Day

It has been a very sad week for me. On Monday night/Tuesday morning, my best friend Casi lost her brother in a car accident. Although I had only recently met Chase, I loved him like my own brother. I have listened to many stories about him, great stories of their growing up together, his antics, his love of fishing and his love of University of Tennessee football. Because of my love for Casi, I feel as though I knew him better than I actually did.

Needless to say, my friend is hurting and I feel helpless. There is so much going on right now with her family during this sadness and I hate that I am not right there with her. I wish I could do something really ridiculous right now just to make her laugh out loud, you know one of those really good cackles. I wish I could some how go back in time and wrestle the keys out of Chase's hands, I wish I could chase away the demons he faced in his life, I wish I could ease the pain that his family is feeling right now. I wish I could offer some sense of healing that will only come with time. Mainly I wish I could wrap my arms around my friend, no my sister, and tell her that everything is going to be okay. But in the mean time, say a prayer for her and for the entire Clower/Quinn family.

I saw this quote today and thought I would share it with you..."Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Peace Out!

2007-03-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

And on the 8th day, God created CHOCOLATE!

Well, let me just tell you that it has been one of those weeks. You know the kind where you meet yourself coming and going. In the south we have two ways of describing these times, (1) Busier than a one armed wall paper hanger (2) - my personal favorite, Busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest!

I have been stressed and indulge me by letting me tell you why. Both Curly and Moe have been sick. Curly has done amazingly well, nothing a little antibiotic and a good round of chase around the living room won't cure but Moe on the other hand is a different story. You know those tubes we had put in about 8 wks ago, well something is WRONG! I took her in on Thursday because frankly she wasn't herself and was being meaner than a rattlesnake. Low and behold, she has an ear infection. In the words of my pediatrician, "that's the worst looking ear with tubes that I have ever seen and I've been in practice for a while!" Now WHAT? We are giving her antibiotics and we'll see what happens.

Also, Other Guy is not doing so hot either. We found out that he has problems with multiple discs in his back and is facing surgery.

This on top of just an over all feeling of unimportance and a case of the "not good enoughs" can really get a girl down. But help is on the way...the in-laws are coming. They are en route as I type and words can NOT EXPRESS how EXCITED I am. Let the date night return my friend.

However, I must admit that this is not the only thing that has me giddy right now. Friendship does! Today, I have had two people reach out to me in BIG WAYS! The cool thing is that these gals are doing this with no ulterior motive. Just simply acted on God's gentle pushing. One person I don't even know, she is my Mystery MOP from MOPS and this morning she gave me a card that told me to relax and have some ME time and if that wasn't encouraging enough, she gave me chocolate, yes ladies and gents the cure all...CHOCOLATE.

The other gal simply knocked on my door. I have only recently met Bekah through a dear friend of mine, Addie. She and Addie grew up together and I must admit, I like this chick! Although, don't play SKIPBO with her because SHE CHEATS!!! Just kidding, she just beats me and so I am bitter.

All on her own, she took the time to call Addie, get directions to my house, which I might add isn't exactly around the corner from her, and drove over here with CHOCOLATE! She rang my doorbell and left it with a note saying this, "I know you seemed stressed on Thursday and you still seemed stressed yesterday at church...soooooo...I figured some medication was in order! Enjoy, Bekah!"

HELLO....is that cool or what? Am I that kind of friend? I sure hope so.

So to all of you out there in BLOG world, may somebody bring you chocolate to brighten your day...or whatever your poison may be.

Peace Out!

Marie

2007-02-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

And then it happened...

Just a quick note to say that my sweet little Moe turned two yesterday. Suddenly, I am sad over not having a "baby" any more. I now have a strong willed, very opinionated, toddler. It's weird how she even woke up looking different to me...no, no, no, wait a minute...

That's right, it's all coming back to me now. That was just the sleep in my eye from being up all night because my precious little toddler thought she should be able to stay up all night for her birthday and the next night too! I thought the all nighters were only in the beginning and then at the end. Both causing stress and heart ache!?

On one hand, I'm weepy about not having a "baby" any more and then the very next words out of my mouth are, "Please, go to sleep, you're a big girl now!"

There are times when I think I might want another baby, and then in the words of Other Guy, the powder for my itch comes in the form of a small body, screaming at top of her lungs because she can't just eat the icing out of an ENTIRE BOX OF OREOS! Heaven help me, the hormonal surges are happening early!

Well, Happy Birthday, my precious little Moe, Moe. Know that your are loved more than you will ever be able to imagine. We love you very much and wish you a Happy Birthday! May you have a hundred more!

Peace Out!

2007-02-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

One is the loneliest number...

Do you remember that song? I know this may come as a shock to some of you but I can't remember who sang it or the year it came out or now that I think about it, I really can't even remember all of the lines but I think he had it wrong! If you talk to any mom whose husband works out of town or any dad who has a wife that works out of town...one is NOT the loneliest number, sometimes it's two or three or four or even more (God Bless the parent of that many, or more, children!)

Other Guy has recently taken a job that takes him out of town sometimes. At first, I thought, hey that will be pretty cool. You know, catch up on my reading, organize the pantry, etc., etc. You all know what I'm talking about, the things that you want to do or need to do but don't really take the time to do because given the choice, you'd rather spend time with the person you love. Well, being alone STINKS! I love being with my girls, don't get me wrong. Speaking of which, Curly said the thing tonight that every mother longs to hear someday and she said it all on her own with NO PROMPTING! "Mommy, you are the best mommy in the whole wide world!" Boy howdy, I almost cried. But as sweet and wonderful as that was, it doesn't take the place of "Other Guy", the person that completes my thoughts, knows when something is bothering me, makes me laugh after a hard day, reaches for my hand in bed simply to tell me he loves me and that he hopes I have sweet dreams. I miss his scent and oddly enough, I miss the little snore he makes while he is sleeping peacefully next to me. When I wake up in the middle of the night after a bad dream, I simply need to hear that snoring man to know that all is well in the Kingdom known as our family.

I mean really, who wouldn't miss this face...

All that to say, I may not be "one" tonight but that doesn't change the fact that I'm lonely and I miss my husband. So, hurry home love of my life...I'll be here, waiting patiently for your return.

On a side note, God Bless all of the military families out there. To the ones who sacrifice so much for somebody like me. While I only suffer a night or two or three, I can not imagine the loneliness you face for months on end. Stay strong and I pray your loved ones come home safe and bring their scent and snoring sounds with them.

Peace Out.

2007-02-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

Little Old Ladies...

I once received a card from a dear friend of mine that I still have to this day. I save it in a special place in my home that has cards and letters that I have saved from my husband, friends, family, etc. I came across that card the other day and had to laugh...the part that made this card so funny now is that our daughters are growing up together to be just as close friends. That particular day they were playing dress up together and I snapped a few pictures.

Here's the poem from the card and some photos to make you smile. In the words of my friend Christine & Tracie, "Have you found somebody to DO life with?" I love the fact that I have friends that I can call at any time of day for any reason at all but I also cherish the fact that I can simply grocery shop with them and it be meaningful!

Let's become little old ladies together - we'll stay up late looking at photo albums,

telling "remember when" stories, and laughing until our sides ache.

Let's become eccentric together - we'll be the kind of old ladies

who wear silly hats and get away with behaving badly

in public places.

And if anybody should ask how long we've been friends,

we'll say, "Oh forever - since before you were even born!"

Let's become little old ladies together - because a

friendship like ours can only grow better through the years.

-Jennifer Fujita

Peace Out!

2007-02-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

If CANCER was a person, I'd like to meet him in a dark alley with my shoes off...maybe I could introduce him to a good ole' fashion southern woopin'!

This week has been pretty interesting for me. I have had two of my close friends call me this week to tell me that their father/father-n-law has colon cancer. Now, anybody who knows me knows that I have a big place in my heart for people struggling with cancer. My sister, Natasha, has fought the fight once and is currently fighting and winning the battle again. These phone calls really got me to thinking...how could I turn the word cancer into something positive, something with hope. So, this is what I came up with...

God is bigger than anything and everything and that includes cancer. That is really great news for those struggling with this disease. So, when you get that news remember...God is...

C - the Conqueror
A - the Almighty
N - the Name above all Names
C - the Comforter
E - Ever-Present
R - the Rock

In the words of S.M. Lockridge, "Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him!"
You can listen to that speech if you click on his name. It is amazing...and I agree with him...THAT'S MY KING!

Just some more food for thought as I close, remember that your words have power and sometimes it's tempting to hurt the ones who are closest to you during your pain. Sometimes pain and jealousy cause a person to lash out, but don't do this. Please resist the temptation to hurt intentionally...it's just not nice, especially to the people closest to you, like your children. Be honest with one another and let God into the situation, He'll help you through it without a casualty of the heart.

Peace Out!

2007-02-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Long Time...no talk to!

Before you say anything...I know...I know! It's been a long time and I pledge here and now to be more proactive about posting. What can I say life just calls sometimes and it's called a lot here lately so the little bit of time I actually have on the computer goes to stuff like bills, email, Summer Break Out (our church's version of VBS) and MOPS (Mother of PreSchoolers).

Anyway, we are doing a sermon series at our church right now entitled "Dave" and it's on the life of David. Let me first say that Tim Howey and all of the staff at Grace Church are amazing. This series has really touched my heart. It has also brought to my attention the fact that we are not perfect. I know that may come as a shock to some of you, especially when it comes to thinking of me but it's true, I AM NOT PERFECT. The good news is though that even the person that the Bible refers to as "a man after God's own heart" wasn't perfect either! Going through this series has really brought my mind back to thinking of when I first gave my life to Christ. The timing in my life, the circumstances, everything all part of a bigger picture with a bigger purpose.

I have also recently listened to the words to a song by Third Day called "Mountain of God" and there is a part that says, "I thought that I was all alone, broken and afraid but you were there with me, always there with me. And I didn't even know that I had lost my way but you were there with me, always there with me...Even though the journey's long and I know the road is hard, you're the one who's gone before me, you will help me carry on. And after all that I've been through, now I realize the truth, that I MUST go through the valley to stand upon the Mountain of God!" Isn't that GREAT!

So much of this has led me to the point of wanting to share my testimony with you all. You see, I too didn't know that I had lost my way. I was a pretty good person. I never got into trouble, I never drank or did drugs or anything crazy like that and I thought that was good enough. It was only the bad people that really NEEDED God.

A lady that I worked with, Sherrie Lester, invited me to church with her. I was freshly out of high school and never wanted to hurt any body's feelings so I agreed to go...Once, that was it, ONCE! Thank God Sherrie quickly figured out that the key to my heart is children. So, she knew that if her girls asked me to go, I'd go. The girls kept asking and I kept going. Finally, on Father's Day of 1995, there I sat in Lake Shore United Methodist Church...listening, just listening.

Pastor Frank Seghers gave a real "to the point" sermon to all the fathers in the congregation. He explained to them that it was their job - their God given command - to be a Father! And not just any Father...a Daddy. My mom always used to say that any man can be a Father but it takes a real man to be a Daddy! I sat there in that pew in all my bitterness towards my own absentee father and wanted to shout out, "Amen Pastor Frank...you give it to 'em, you tell 'em!" Then that wonderful man said the words that to this day I will never forget. I'll give them to you in my translation because this is what I heard that day, the words God placed on my heart, whether or not they were the exact words that came out of my beloved pastor's mouth or not. He said, "For all of you out there with no father or with the one's that aren't answering their calling, it's time for you to suck it up! YOU are a child of God! He loves you and He can fulfill all your spiritual and physical needs if you will only trust Him!"

Did I hear that right? Me, a child of God? But what if He knew the real me, would He turn away? Did He really care about me? Want a relationship with me? I cried out to Him that very day and do you know what happened then? God ran to ME, yes ME! He embraced me and whispered in my ear the words I had longed to hear...I love you and I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU!

So, my question to you is this...have you answered His call? Are you listening to the words that the almighty God wants you to hear from a friend, a pastor, a blog? He loves you and take my word for it, He will fulfill EVERY need if you trust Him, if you truly take it all to the cross and leave it there. I hope you all have already found your way there but if not, talk to Him, seek Him out, He's been reaching for you a long time!

Peace Out!

2007-01-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

The other side...

All is well in the life of Moe. Her procedure went really well this morning and she is happily sleeping in her crib as I type. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your calls. It means more than you will ever know.

On a side note, I thought I would share a wee bit of humor with you. Last night we decided to go out to dinner so that Mom didn't have to cook. Well the girls and I met other guy at the restaurant and before other guy could get there the server asked us what we would like to drink. Well, my beautiful, sassy little Curly sat up straight and in her prettiest big girl voice said, "I'd like a glass of diarrhea!" Yep! You read that correctly...diarrhea! Well, my hands went over my mouth and I tried to compose myself. The server was so sweet because she looked at me and replied, "Was that a Dr. Pepper?"

I am happy to report that the restaurant did not serve diarrhea but Curly settled for a Sprite instead. I guess even at 3 1/2, one must still be careful of what one asks for!

Peace Out!

2007-01-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

D-day!

Well tomorrow is finally the day. Moe will have tubes put in her ears at approxiamately 7:30am CST. I know that this is a "routine" procedure but nothing is routine when it comes to your own child. I must admit that I am scared. I don't like the idea of my precious child being put to sleep even for a brief moment. Please be in prayer for our family. Pray that I will be able to trust God completely tomorrow with a "child-like" faith. Once again, I am posting lyrics to a song that has touched my heart in a way that is unexplainable. It has helped me through some dark moments with Moe.

Small Enough by Nicole Nordeman:

Oh, Great God, be small enough to hear me now.

There were times when I was crying from the dark of Daniel's den;

And I have asked you once or twice if You would part the sea again.

But tonight I do not need a fiery pillar in the sky.

Just want to know you're gonna hold me if I start to cry.

Oh great God, be small enough to hear me now.

Oh great God, be close enough to feel You now.

There have been moments when I could not face Goliath on my own.

And how could I forget we've march around our share of Jerichos.

But I will not be setting out a fleece for You tonight.

Just want to know that everything will be alright.

Oh, great God, be close enough to feel You now.

All praise and all the honor be;

To the God of ancient mysteries.

Whose every sign and wonder turn the pages of our history.

But tonight my heart is heavy,

And I cannot keep from whispering this prayer.

Are You there?

And I know You could leave writing on the wall that's just for me.

Or send wisdom while I'm sleeping, like in Solomon's sweet dreams.

But I don't need the strength of Samson or a chariot in the end...

Just Want to know that You still know how many hairs are on my head.

Oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now

Peace Out!

2006-12-29T12:38:00.000-08:00

I think the Fat Guy in the Red Suit misread my letter...

Merry Christmas everybody! I hope your Christmas was absolutely magical but most importantly I hope it was Christ centered. Now for mine...

The whole thing got a little tipsy and the only thing I can credit it to is that somehow Santa got things a little mixed up! Maybe I should start by showing you the original letter that I sent to him:

Dear Santa:

I know it probably seems a little strange getting a letter from a thirty, I mean 29 year old but I figured what the heck. As they say, ask and you shall receive. Outside of the normal things that any mother wants for Christmas, you know world peace, reversal of global warming, a flat stomach...well, there are some specific things I'd like this year. I've outlined them in bulletpoint fashion to make sure we are on the same page.

Healthy children. Not anything crazy, just healthy in general. I can handle the every now and again snotty nose but that's about it. Let's just cancel out the rest this year, deal?
A good night's rest. I don't need to wake up looking like Faith Hill or anything but I would like to wake up without the dark circles under my eyes and while you're at it can you do something about that lazy eye that plaques me when I'm tired. My husband thanks you too.
A clean house. Don't feel obligated to send Martha Stewart herself but maybe her understudy. Just somebody that can make me feel like I have a grip on my obsession with cleanliness and organization.
A nice Sunday at church. You know one of those weeks where the music is AWESOME! Tim preaches on something that really gets you pumped up and you walk out of there feeling like you are on top of the world and can't wait to tell somebody about it.

I think that just about covers it, Santa. I know you are busy but hey so am I and that never stops anybody's expectations of me so just do what you can.

Sincerely,

Marie

Well, let's just say it didn't happen EXACTLY that way. For starters, I started Christmas morning at the local Children's hospital with Moe...ANOTHER EAR INFECTION! That just sent everything down hill. Not the "healthy children" gift I asked for which lead to the next gift of a good night's rest being thrown out the window which ultimately lead to a not so clean house because who wants to clean after not sleeping and did I mention that I haven't been to church in a couple of weeks! Yes, I said weeks! Now, I've been but with Moe in my lap to keep her out of the cesspool of germs sometimes referred to as nursery! (No offense to the people who diligently take care of our nursery and our children...it's not you, it's just my child and I appreciate you more than you know!) So, you can imagine that even if St. Peter himself was leading worship (no offense Ben!) and one of the great disciples was preachin, I still didn't get much out of it between the "No, honey don't touch that! Moe, sit still! Yes, that's Daddy on stage! Yes, honey that is a basketball hoop!" that I didn't get much out of it!

All that being said, I think I will return to the more reliable source of prayer next time than a letter to Santa. You can't fault a girl for trying!

On a serious note, please be in prayer for our family this week as Moe will have tubes put in her ears on Wednesday.

Peace Out!

2006-12-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Blog therapy, anybody?

This has been an interesting week for the three stooges and me. Last Thursday night, I realized that Moe was having a little difficulty with her breathing. She was coughing and wheezing a lot. After a long night, I took her to the doctor on Friday only to find out that she has pneumonia. We have been taking lots of precautions to keep her well so that she won't spend her 2nd Christmas in the hospital. So far, so good! God has been awesome and Moe is on the mend.

The down side to all of this is SHOPPING! When do you get it all done when you have waited until the last minute and now your child is sick and really shouldn't be out amongst the crowds? We have it all pretty much accomplished but it really didn't happen the way we had hoped. You know, me and other guy out to a nice quiet meal, a little shopping, a little coffee, a little wrapping and POW, it's all complete. Does that really happen that way for anybody? We have promised ourselves (again) that next year will be different. We will take advantage of the girls being in "school" and get it all done early. That should work, right?

Well, I guess I should sign off...all those gifts aren't going to wrap themselves and unfortunately my children still aren't taking care of themselves yet. Really, is it too much to ask that they do their own laundry? Okay, maybe their own dishes? (you know that I'm kidding, right?)

Peace Out!

2006-12-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

"It's the final countdown!"

Can you believe that there is only 14 days until Christmas, 14 DAYS! Holy cow, I just had this realization and suddenly the hustle and bustle begins. I haven't sent out Christmas cards yet, I don't have any of my shopping finished. Did I mention that I have family out of town...I've got to get BUSY!

It's in the middle of all of this that it has come to my attention that I have friends, close friends, who are hurting right now. I won't go in to all the details but they range in all different kind of hurts: where do I fit in, will I ever get a baby, how will I pay for everything, how do I address somebody who has wronged me?

These are all valid hurts and to all of my friends I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all disappear but unfortunately, that wand is in the shop so I'll have to offer you scripture to get you through.

Psalms 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest

Enjoy this time of year and know that your heavenly father loves you more than you could ever comprehend and he cares about everything in your life. Call to him, knock and the door WILL open!

Peace Out

2006-12-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

She said YES!!!!!

Okay, okay...I know. It's been a while. What can I say life calls sometimes and then other times, it screams at you!

So what's new in my life...well for starters, my sister, Natasha, is engaged. That's right, ladies and gents...her man Darryl proposed on Thanksgiving Day in grand fashion and she said yes! I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am.

On a personal note, I would like to tell you a little bit about a man named Darryl. He is an amazing person who has stood by my sister in good times and bad. Now, he doesn't walk on water or anything. I'm sure they have had their ups and downs just like anybody. But the difference is, when the going got tough, He didn't get going. He was there when the diagnosis of cancer came rolling in and he was there when her breasts were removed, whispering sweet things to her. He wiped away her tears and told her how beautiful she was. He made her laugh when she felt self conscience and reminded her to find the joy in everything. He was even there to sponge bathe her nasty body, oops, I mean her glistening body that had not seen a shower in a couple days. (Just a joke!) Bottom Line...He is an all around good guy and it will be my pleasure to call him brother come May of next year!

In honor of their engagement, I would like to type out the lyrics of a song I played for my sister a while back when she questioned whether or not she was even worthy of somebody like Darryl. We both cried when we listened to the song and now it's finally coming true.

White by Martina McBride

Phones were ringing, tongues were wagging, hot gossip was flying all around town

She'd heard the talk, the low down was the shameless color of her wedding gown

It's white, I mean really who's she trying to kid

Everybody knows the things she did

It just isn't right, won't that be a sight

To see her wearing white.

She was wild, a wayward child, to put it midly she made her life a mess

But she was young, the past is done now she's in love and putting on a new dress

It's white and it's nobody's business what she wears

Anyway the truth is she don't care

Baby, it's her life and she likes wearing white.

He's all nerves when he sees her, as far as he's concerned she's an angel.

In white

He just can't believe that she is his

What a crazy miracle this is

Who she was he don't mind 'cause on their wedding night,

She'll be wearing white!

Well, that's it folks...

Peace Out!

2006-11-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

Are you serious?

This week has been a little crazy for me. Meetings, doctor's appointments, laundry, housework, did I mention laundry? I love all that I do and all that I am involved in but as with anything, life can get a little overwhelming sometimes. It's in those moments that I think my Creator decides to send a little humor to my life to make sure I'm still on my toes.

This week at our MOPS meeting (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) things were a little crazy. Our table was scheduled to bring food so I got out of bed really early. I am also the coordinator for Moppets, this is the childcare portion of MOPS. Now this is a really important job, if I do say so myself. I am responsible for all the kids and all that this entails:

What they are going to learn?
What are they going to eat for snack?
How to get them surgically removed from their mom's leg.
How to remove first time moms from their children and assure them that little Johnny really will be okay for a couple hours.

As I said this is a tough job! Well, on meeting days I am busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest. (work with me here, just picture it) This week to add a little stress to the recipe, I had a couple teachers that were out for different reasons. So, I was a little taken back when a mom finds me in the hallway and says to me, "Was that your husband on stage this weekend?"

On a side note, Other Guy is a singer. Not just a run of the mill singer, I mean a real singer. The kind of swooner that makes you weak in the knees. He majored in music in college so I'm not just bias!

Back to the story, I looked at her and smiled and told her yes. And then I prepared myself for some really nice compliment about other guy. After all I'm used to it, he is a great singer. However, I was not prepared for the next statement to come out of her mouth. "Did you know that he could sing that way?" I had to suppress a smile. All the sudden the little devil and little angel pop up on my shoulders. The dialog went something like this:

Devil: Are you kidding me...did she really just say that?
Angel: Awww, isn't she so cute?
Devil: Come on, let's say something clever like, "Noooooo, are you serious? The man I have been sleeping with for almost eight years is a fraud. How could he keep something like that from me?
Angel: Now, let's be nice. It's a legitimate question. Some people don't know EVERYTHING about their spouses.
Devil: Pppppllllease, let's say something really, really funny. I'm dying over here!
Angel: Well, if you must say something funny, let's at least compromise and keep it nice!

Let's just say that the Angel won out because I just looked at her and said, "yeah, I think I might have known something about it. He's really good, isn't he?" She smiled and said yes and then added the comment that I have heard over and over for years, "he's pretty cute, too!" Oh no, here they come again...and so goes on the battle between good and evil!

Peace Out!

(On a side note let me just add that I don't believe this person reads my blog, but should she come across it one day, know that you are precious to me and I truly appreciate you adding some humor to my very hectic morning. You were part of God's plan to calm me down!)

2006-11-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Every Season...

I just love this time of year. Being from Florida, this is really my first time being able to experience all four seasons and it has been great! I love the way that the leaves are changing and the crispness in the air. It is really cool. Living in Kansas has given me a whole new perspective on the song by Nicole Nordeman, Every Season. I hope you don't mind but I have written out the lyrics:

Every evening sky, an invitation

To trace the patterned stars

And early in July, a celebration

For freedom that is ours

And I notice You In children’s games

In those who watch them from the shade

Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder

You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September

And sending us inside

Still I notice You when change begins

And I am braced for colder winds

I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come

You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation

Shivers underneath

And still I notice you when branches crack

And in my breath on frosted glass

Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter

You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced

Teaching us to breathe

What was frozen through is newly purposed

Turning all things green

So it is with You

And how You make me new

With every season’s change

And so it will be

As You are re-creating me

Summer, autumn, winter, spring

I hope you all find comfort and strength in this fall. I look forward to time with family and friends and having a moment to just be...and the best part is that He does re-create me at every turn. He offers me strength when I am weak and comfort when I am low and then He shows me the other side and gently whispers, "Now, go, and be this for somebody else as I have been for you!"

Peace Out

2006-10-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Babysitter's Club...

Okay, so I try not to climb up on the soapbox often but this is a time when I need to. So, that being said, I apologize for taking a moment to vent!

What is up with Babysitters? When I was a teenager, I loved babysitting. That is how I earned extra money for myself. I had a steady babysitter for almost a year but in August she when away to college. Now I must say that before this moment I was all for higher education but come on did that HAVE to include my sitter? Couldn't she just be happy babysitting my kids every now and again? That should be enough to sustain anybody through life...who needs college. ha/ha

Now I am on the lookout for another babysitter. Somebody who can be a regular because Curly and Moe do better with consistency. Due to Moe having some previous breathing issues, I really don't want a young teenager because I have to have somebody who is responsible enough to know when something calls for an extra breathing treatment or 911. Let's face it, there is a difference...can I get an AMEN!

My problem, however, is that I cannot get anybody to call me back! I've started reaching out to people in my church and community, no return phone calls. Okay, be honest, do I have a reputation for being to overbearing that I don't know about or something? I really am a nice person; just ask me, I'll tell you!

All I want is a date night with my husband, not every week just every now and again. Is that too much to ask? I will say that due to circumstances, I am counting down the days until Grandma and Papa move here. That's right ladies and gents, free babysitting with somebody that my kids actually enjoy spending time with. The way I look at it, we are doing the grandparents a favor. Hey, maybe they should pay us...there's an idea. (Once again, only joking!)

Where for art thou, oh great house buyer in North Carolina...
How I long to hear thine sweet words of sold.

Well, I better go for now, the shower calls. You know how that is for mom's of young children. Hey wait a minute, the kids are generally okay when I take a shower and they are left to their own creativity for entertainment so they would be fine for say a couple more hours. They are old enough to watch themselves, right???

WRONG!!!

Peace Out!

2006-10-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Update on the Sis and Life in General...

Boy howdy, where has the time gone? Where did October go? I feel like I am is this whirlwind that just doesn't stop...Can I get an Amen Sista!

Anyway, life here is good. My sister, Natasha is doing really well. She began her chemo treatments on Friday and so far, so good. She is facing a year of chemo. She will have one treatment a week for 3 months and then 1 treatment every three weeks for 9 months. So, as they say, she's got a long road to hoe but she's getting there. One prayer at a time.

Natasha is due to start back to work on Monday, so please keep that in your prayers. I can't imagine taking on all that she has to, but she does it with amazing strength and very few complaints.

I just returned from a girls weekend away and for those of you who have never taken such a weekend, I highly recommend it. We laughed, we talked, we shopped, we ate but most importantly, we prayed! One woman said, it was a trip about iron sharpening iron. I love that! I must also give a very big THANK YOU to my husband. He was great and even ended up taking care of a sick child. But, he is the man, he got it all done and everybody was in one piece upon my return.

Well, life calls...oh does it ever call!

Peace Out!

2006-10-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

New Pics...say no more!

The Family

"The girls hold their DOGS up!"

"Don't you just hate bad hair days!"

"Mama said there'd be days like this!"

"Oh, my beautiful Ballerina Girl, you are so lovely."

2006-10-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Look and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened!

I had three really important meetings this week. Some I was looking forward to and some, well not so much. But the cool thing about all of these meetings was that I met God there. Even at the meeting(s) that I wasn't too sure of the outcome, He grabbed my hand, pulled me in the door and helped me through and I am so glad that he did.

I am happy to say that about six months ago God led me to a little place called Grace Church. I was a southern girl who was a long way from home with a heavy heart and a sick child. I was longing for the family I once had through my church back home. I missed going to services with my husband. (We were attending different services due to Moe being sick!) So, I called back home to my beloved Nursery Director, Phyllis. For those of you who don't have a Phyllis in your life, oh how you are missing out...she is who I long to be when I grow up! Anyway, Phyllis listened to my tears and then ever so gently found a way to say, "It's time to suck it up girl! Let's find you a group of moms. Let's see, something national...aaahhhhhhaaaaa, MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers)!" I went that very moment to the MOPS website and found Grace. I called and they didn't have a MOPS group yet, they had actually just turned in their application that week. I knew God was trying to tell me something so we visited and my life has never been the same.

There is a group called Phillips, Craig and Dean that has a song that says to a "T" all that Grace is. The words were not written for my beloved church but they should have been. I know it's a little bit of a play on words but just read it and you'll see.

"I know there is a place

where arms of compassion welcome me home

Sweet mercies fall like rain

I know there's a place, called Grace."

Don't you just love that! My husband and I are now part of something that is so great that sometimes I have to pinch myself. I have found life long friends in a matter of days, began serving, but most of all these group of people have welcomed my family. They have seen our needs and gone out of their way to meet them. I have been inspired in a new way to share the gospel of Jesus Christ simply because of their willingness to be like Him.

If you don't have that type of church home, please know that you will be in my prayers. Keep searching, find it because "I know there's a place, called Grace!"

Peace Out!

PS If you have a child that is pre school age, meaning under the age of entering Kindergarten, please go to http://www.mops.org/ and find a local group in your area. You will find comfort in knowing there are other women who struggle with the same issues, laugh at the same things and occasionally forget the diaper bag too!

2006-09-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

The mother ship has landed...said the husband to his children!

Well, I am so sorry that it has been so long since I last blogged. My most recent one was something I actually typed August 31st but never got around to posting. So, I posted it tonight and I am starting with another.

I have recently returned from my trip to see my SISTER, Natasha. (Yes, the word SISTER is in all caps and bold for a reason, you know who you are!) She is doing amazing. I love the fact that her boyfriend wrote a message on a plaque to her that said, "You have become my strength!"

She is a person that leaves you standing in awe of her and her ability to take this on with such dignity and grace. I was reminded of a song by Casting Crowns that says, "...oh, what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant with just a sling and a stone. Surrounded by the sounds of a thousand warriors, shaking in their armor, wishing they'd have had the strength to stand." That's how I feel coming back from seeing her. She has stood before the giant of cancer and said, "no sir, not me, not now...I will fight and I will win!" She has had the ability to praise God through all of this and still witness to other people around her when they question her joy and strength in light of such a (excuse my french) crappy situation.

I once heard a man preach on the story of David and Goliath. He asked the question, "Do you find it strange that David picked up three stones? He was following God's command and the Bible even refers to him as a man after God's own heart and yet he still chose three stones! He went into that situation with the faith that God would see him through but the knowledge that it may not happen the first go-round!" Isn't that GREAT!

This weekend our pastor, Tim Howey, reminded us to never give up on ANYBODY. I never gave up on my sister and to see how her life is transformed leaves me speechless. I'm not fit to stand in her shadow and I was humbled to simply be in her presence...even if only for a week.

Please continue to pray for her...as we say in the south, she has a long road to hoe but she'll get there. One prayer at a time and I will be there with her every step of the way, cheering her on. Cracking jokes when she needs to smile, building her up when she feels deflated, poking fun at her when her head's too big but most of all loving her with a love that only sisters can share.

Peace Out!