Pen the Tale

2009-10-28T21:25:00.003-05:00

One of the most beautiful expressions of child-like faith is when my children ask simple, probing questions that touch on the eternal. Their hearts are pondering truths that are not too far off from our seasoned thoughts; we all want to know God - know about Him.

So many times these questions come at night when my patience are wearing thin and I become snippy and frustrated. I pray the Lord stops me in my tracks with a sharp rebuke. How selfish to dismiss and disregard my child's budding hunger to know his/her God. I pray for the Lord's mercy in this.

And I smile.

I smile because I love to hear my children try to explain the unexplainable.

"How do we get to God?"

Both children have asked this question. Years ago, Avery's idea was one had to jump on a trampoline really high and God's big hand would come out of heaven and catch you. I guess that's somewhat Biblical if you think about us being safe in God's hands and no one can snatch us away...

Tonight was Asher's turn. "You have to take an airplane or a rocket ship because He's way up there." It was late so I let that one stand...kind of.

To my kids, God is real. He is the boss and He is up there far away. He is the One we pray to and He is the One we trust and He is the One we please when we do what's right. God is present and acknowledged.

And that is sweet to me as their mom. But I long for the day when they know that you get to God only through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. That He is the boss but He's right here and always will be. That we do pray to Him through His Son Jesus because He has made it possible. And we do trust Him and that's only going to get harder as the years go by because the stakes are higher. Yes, God is pleased when we do what's right, but not from a moral high ground but a deep, humble desire to serve a Holy King.

And that is where I express my faith, by trusting the God who made them to be the God who saves them. And it's Jesus who takes them to the Father, via trampoline, airplane or angel's wings...

How quickly pass the days

2009-04-21T11:18:00.003-05:00

and just a word to bring the blog to speed. My hands are sticky with lotion and greatly impeding the typing process. What better excuse than that to close this post with not much said!

adieu.

Happy Birthday to our princess

2008-12-18T10:09:00.003-06:00

Sweet Avery is 5 today.
She's so excited and thrilled to be 5! We love her and are amazed that five years have passed since she came into this world. What a big girl!
We had a princess party this past Saturday. It was a hit!

Moms Make It Happen...

2008-11-06T10:10:00.004-06:00

In the most practical ways. Our lives are about meeting basic needs in a timely manner. That can lead to a rut of the deepest kind but with a little shift in thinking, it can be a great blessing. God has equipped us for the work we are to do. If we fight and struggle against it, that is our own to deal with. But if we look at the big picture of what it means to be a woman under Christ, we are called to serve and in specific ways.

There is no doubt that Christians are called to follow Christ. And what did Christ do but meet basic needs in a timely manner while revealing great Truths?

In 1 Timothy 5 verse 9 and following, Paul is giving his instructions for how widows should be classified, cared for and recognized. The requirements are what struck me and as I listed out what an older widow's life should look like, he lists many things that she should have been engaged in over the years. Apart from being faithful in marriage, the fruits of her life should be:

-raising children (i know not all women have this opportunity)
-giving food to strangers
-welcoming God's people into her home
-helping people in need
-always making herself useful

All practical things, all doable, right? This list resonates with me because within this list, you see a lot of what Proverbs 31, the benchmark of a Godly woman, illuminates as well. We are seeing God's wiring of women put into practice and that is a blessed thing!

When we fall into the trap of feeling invisible or useless or a glorified maid (I was going to say servant but that's kind of the point, right?), we need to pray that the Lord would open up to us an opportunity to practice these practical applications and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Raising children - One day I prayed that the Lord would help me to enjoy being with my kids and not feel burdened by them wanting to play, wanting food, wanting attention...wanting, wanting, wanting. I found myself getting overly frustrated b/c they kept interrupting my tidying, reading, chores, etc. You know what the Holy Spirit said to me in that moment? "Be in the midst of them". That was big, real big. Jesus was in the midst of a bunch of dirty, needy, clingy folks and He loved them. So, now when I feel myself pulled to my computer or the need to cleaning all day for my own sanity or just to eat lunch by myself, I hear that voice remind me to "be in the midst of them".

Giving food to strangers - I'm not sure I've done this to the fullness of it being an absolute stranger. I know that one way I try to flesh this out is to find someone that would be blessed by a meal. Aren't there just days that you wish you just didn't have to think about making dinner? I think about those women who are single moms, working moms or moms that have chronically ill kids. They are always in demand and truly do need some respite. It was a blessing for me to provide them with the chance to sit and enjoy food that they didn't have to prepare. I would challenge you to find a gal that you could do this for. It will speak volumes to her and to you. And imagine what a great way to serve someone you don't really know! I trust that if you ask the Lord to show you someone, a name will come flying to your mind in a second!

Welcoming God's people into her home - I love Cottage Living magazine. I devour that thing when it comes and find myself swept up into the world of restoring, redecorating...and refinancing if we were to undertake even a fraction of the stuff these folks do. But, the point is, my house is my home, my domain. I take pride in it when it is clean and border on insanity when it's not. I get tripped up in the idea that everybody else has a better house than I do and that I am to be pitied b/c I haven't got the house of my dreams. Yeah, that's my coveting coming through loud and clear. The Lord and I are working on that, but in the meantime, He has shaped and encouraged my idea of house vs. home. My hospitality, or willingness to welcome His people into my house, is what make it a home. I want to create a space that glorifies God because my door is open for fellowship.

Helping people in need - I just finished a book called Jim and Casper Go to Church. A guy hires an atheist to go with him to some "popular" churches around the country to get his feedback. The overwhelming thing I walked away with is that this non-believer wants to see Christians following Christ literally in serving others, especially the poor and needy. I think Jesus talked something about the world knowing we are His by the love we show...I know this doesn't come naturally to me b/c it's just a tad too uncomfortable for me but I know that being made uncomfortable is what faith in Christ is about. Faith without works is dead? Yeah, it's hit home and is stirring up some action in my heart.

Always making herself useful - I tie this to a few verses later when Paul is speaking about younger widows and why they shouldn't be added to the list to be provided for. He encourages Timothy to encourage them to marry again because: "...they will become lazy and get into the habit of going from house to house. Next, they will start gossiping and become busybodies, talking about things that are none of their business." We kind of have a problem with some of that, right? So if we are making ourselves useful, we bless others and don't give the devil a foothold. I'm still processing this one. I think it's a practice that grows out of wisdom.

I wanted to put all of this down because I think we should be encouraged by how the Lord has made us to do these good works but also to be corrected in our thinking, self-pity and laziness. We are servants, plain and simple. We serve a most High God that carefully and thoughtfully equipped us for what He has called us to do.

Bless you!
sim

Tutus

2008-11-02T08:28:00.001-06:00

Here are a few more tutu colors.

Clementine Kids

2008-09-30T14:06:00.002-05:00

Clementine Kids is off and running! If you are interested in a darlin' tutu for that precious girl in your life, email us and we'll start working on your custom skirt!
Keep in mind that the holidays are coming up and these tutus make for some great pictures!
Visit http://clementinekids.blogspot.com/ for pictures and to contact us about pricing.

Tutu Cute

2008-09-09T11:12:00.002-05:00

Back from the beach

2008-09-02T07:36:00.003-05:00

Another glorious trip to the Florida Gulf Coast. These pictures are from my mom. Shawn took some too but I haven't gotten my hands on them yet.
A very small sampling...

The richest of blessings

2008-08-17T20:48:00.003-05:00

At the end of the day, when kids are in bed and I exhale (usually in front of the tv), I am moved by the guilt, remorse and regret of my actions or inactions. The barrage begins and I'm it's target for a long duration. Sometimes it's truly lies being fed to me to beat me down in weakness, other times I firmly believe it is correction at the hand of the Holy Spirit. The first is accompanied by a feeling of defeat, the latter brings about a deep sadness in the arms of hope.

It's the sadness I think about tonight.

I love the way the Holy Spirit works. Being that we are all unique, I can only testify to His specific workings in me.

Part of our bedtime routine with the kids is prayers. I am the last one in Ash's room at night. We sing a song of his choosing (ahem, the Bob the Builder theme song), I pray with him and then I kneel at the foot of his bed and pray quietly over him. He likes that I spend that extra few minutes there and I like the purposeful moment of prayer. Tonight, like a wave, the many blessings of the Lord washed over me. Blessings specific to our family. My heart was swelling with gratitude under the weight of "every good and perfect gift". But my heart was at that same moment pierced with my true ungratefulness. How beautiful to be loved so fully that in the midst of blessing you are brought to repentance! That right there is the greatest of blessings!

But my heart hurt and hurt bad at the blackness in me that craves the poisons this world puts before me in such tantalizing array. My heart hurts that I waste precious time bemoaning rusty, moth-eaten junk when the Lord, my God has not only set a place for me at the Great Wedding feast to come but He showers me at this moment with goodness. A goodness that feeds my soul, my very being.

How very sick the heart is! How very grateful I am that He is the Great Physician. How humbled I am that He refuses to take His Spirit from me, that He will not cease to sanctify me until I am whole. How joyous I am to know that my Lord Jesus is right now praying for ME before the Father!

I am undone before the grace of God. And I am learning to love the gutwrenching beauty of being laid bare before the Wise One.

I covet - He overwhelms me with true blessings.
I lie - He makes me to know truth in my innermost being.
I flee from His face in my shame - He waits for me at the well.
I falter in prayer - His Spirit takes over.

Oh, truly, where can we go to escape the overpowering love of God?

I am blessed. In every way. From where I've been to where I am, only a God like our God!

2 Peter 1:19

2008-08-08T12:03:00.003-05:00

"...pay close attention to their message, as you would to a lamp shining in some dark place. You must keep on paying attention until daylight comes and the morning star rises in your hearts."

In this room there is darkness. The still darkness that casts no shadow. There is no light, no point of reference.

And so I sit in this room.

I wait for my eyes to adjust, for even in darkness, a little can be seen.

Not now. Not here. No hope of that.

I cannot sit for long. I hunger to know of this place in which I am. Much can be learned through the senses even when one sense is arrested. Sound and touch are made for spaces such as this.

I grope, then graze, not feeling much. What I do feel, I have trouble understanding. So much can feel this way or that. I have no confidence in naming my surroundings. But why stop? I have to know this place hidden in darkness.

My hands touch upon a cord, a lamp! The light is bright, painful, a bit uncomfortable...but what joy! I can see! Not every nook and cranny, but enough.

As my eyes take in the room, I'm not sure what I see. And still the darkness tries to quench the light. It appears to grow.

I shiver. I look at the lamp.

The light is peace, reassurance, power. The lamp's light makes me to know the truth: the darkness cannot stamp it out!

And so the light becomes my salvation, my hope, my help. I stay close to the lamp, seeing all through its cast. And as I sit, I see more clearly. Clearer and clearer, my room defines itself: beauty and ugliness, happiness and great sorrow. Messes amass, an effort at tidiness, too.

Is the light growing more intense?

No.

There is a window opposite where I sit. I see the morning dawning! The sky is lighting up in an array of colors just as my soul is filling with love.

The darkness is fading fast, holding desperately to the corners. Soon even they shrug the night off and the room is full and bright and fully exposed. Now the beautiful details are known. No more is the lamp needed for I am bathed in Light!

The walls melt away fast.
Glorious beauty!
Fullness of joy!
I am surrounded by love, engulfed, consumed.
I am known.

Adios for now

2008-07-07T21:14:00.003-05:00

Yes, I have fallen off the face of the earth and it's not so bad.

To you friends who are sweet enough or bored enough or something to keep checking in...sorry, my heart is just not in this right now.

I do hope you all are well and I do intend to pop over to your blogs to keep tabs...I'm a nosy gal.

Keitha, my sweet, amazing friend, I'm sorry I missed the chance to bid you farewell. I'm excited to see how things unfold for you all. I appreciate the personal goodbye and with eyes cast down, apologize for not knowing and not trying and not being a good friend.

All you otha' mothas' - keep truckin' knowin' that you are doing what God has designed you to do. He sees and He remembers and He will bless you for the love you share and show to your family!

Love to you and see you when the desire returns (which, b/c Murphy's Law is so true, will be right. about. now!)
sim

2008-06-03T12:32:00.003-05:00

So, the month of May is absent from my blog, but boy was it busy here in the real world!
A trip to West Texas, many birthdays and wedding festivities ushered us through the month and dropped us on the doorstep of June.
This is my offering: My heart is full of the goodness of the LORD and I am so thankful that He is quick to run to me when I look His way. I have spent much time in His word and prayer and meditating on words from wise men from the past. Rich, rich time!

Some photos of my sweeties. Little man turns 2 next Tuesday...

Ash, Caitlyn (my brother's daughter. She's 3 wks younger than ash) and Avery at Gamma and Grandad's house.

With Grandad (my dad)
Fancy cousins in fancy night gowns
Good looks from dad, eh?
Lovin' the slip-n-slide

2008-04-30T14:23:00.002-05:00

Your Preppy Name Is...

Willoughby Lochridge Pyne the Fourth

But most people know you as Missy

What's your preppy name?

2008-04-29T12:05:00.003-05:00

"Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope"
Psalm 119:49

Whatever your especial need may be, you may readily find some promise in the Bible suited to it. Are you faint and feeble because your way is rough and you are weary? Here is the promise - 'He giveth power to the faint'. When you read such a promise, take it back to the great Promiser, and ask Him to fulfil His own word. Are you seeking after Christ, and thirsting for closer communion with Him? This promise shines like a star upon you - 'Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled'. Take that promise to the throne continually; do not plead anything else, but go to God over and over again with this - 'Lord, Thou hast said it; do as Thou hast said'. Are you distressed because of sin, and burdened with the heavy load of your iniquities? Listen to these words - 'I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions, and will no more remember thy sins'. You have no merit of your own to plead why He should pardon you, but plead His written engagements and He will perform them. Are you afraid lest you should not be able to hold on to the end, lest, after having thought yourself a child of God, you should prove a castaway? If that is your state, take this word of grace to the throne and plead it: 'The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but the covenant of My love shall not depart from thee'. If you have lost the sweet sense of the Savior's presence, and are seeking Him with a sorrowful heart, remember the promises: 'Return unto Me, and I will return unto you'; 'For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.' Banquet your faith upon God's own word, and whatever your fears or wants, repair to the Bank of Faith with your Father's note of hand, saying, 'Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope'.

- Charles Spurgeon

This little piece of blogworld turned three this month!

2008-04-25T15:01:00.004-05:00

In that time:

-we sold our house, moved in with in-laws and built our current home
-Avery was a mere 16 months at the onset, she's now 4
-We got pregnant, then lost that child
-We got pregnant very quickly after that
-Asher arrived in June of 06
-Exchanged the quirky english SUV for the rockin' minivan
-Good friends moved back to the area
-Good friends left the area
-My sisters in law had babies
-My dad had bypass surgery
-My parents moved to Mckinney
-Shawn's parents got remarried
-We began our Neighborhood Life ministry and served for 3 years before it ended this past December
-I've connected with lots of old friends and new through the blog phenomenon

...and that just scratches the surface.

2008-04-24T09:54:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I've uploaded/erased the pictures on my camera. There were photos from the snow days, easter and random stuff. I thought I'd post some up here for the heck of it.

Last week, around dinner time, Asher was roaming around in a bit of a daze. He climbed up on the couch for a bit then got back down. He just seemed out of it. A little bit later I found him on the back porch asleep. It was a gorgeous day and the breeze probably felt great for the little guy. When Shawn got home, he went out back to wake our little sleeping prince. On a side note, I can't believe this little guy is going to be 2 in June.
Avery and Asher like to pretend that they are puppies. I don't find the game all that cute b/c they want to lick me and scratch me and be as authentic as possible... There is a reason we don't have dogs right now! This day I embraced the doggie theme and helped her go the extra mile. Asher followed suit to some degree. He ripped his collar and wouldn't keep his ears on but he did like the mascara whiskers (I don't use eyeliner so that was the best I could do). If he sees me putting on make up (which I try not to do in front of either one - they want to share in the experience), he points to his cheeks.
Our Easter Lamb cake. It was fun to make but didn't get fully consumed. I think a cake covered in marshmallows is a bit overkill. Still, the making of it was the joy for both of us.

Jesus, how amazing You are!

2008-04-22T16:57:00.002-05:00

You need to take some time and read this letter. It has got to be one of the most beautiful things I have EVER read.

2008-04-22T12:26:00.003-05:00

I have just today finished a book by Francine Rivers called "And the Shofar Blew". It felt a bit cheesy at first and I set it aside to read a Nelson DeMille novel. After finishing that book, I went back to the Rivers book. It's a good book...enjoyable and sad and moving and pretty much what you want a piece of fiction to be.

Anyway, it's Tuesday and so I have more time to be pensive. With Avery at school and Asher napping, I drink in the quiet and indulge in uninterrupted thought. Most of the time I fritter away these precious few hours. They could definitely be used in a better form. And it's funny because that's the last thing I want to do...most of the time.

A few minutes ago I was struck with how hard it is for me to "rest". I am by nature a lazy person, so it's quite ironic and comical to think about how I spend my days dashing about the house straightening up the endless messes. It's got to be an outward display of something going on inside, right? And it's so sad that I prefer to tidy up over playing with our kids.

I'm not even sure why I'm writing this. It's not going to make much sense.

I think I have a lot of idols in my life. I think I live in a distinct place called denial. I think I'm terribly self-centered and prideful. I think I've said this all before and that goes to show what a heel I am.

Whether I put all of my efforts into straightening a house, obsessing over diet and exercise or escaping in to a book, it's all the same. I'm running and I can't seem to sit still. It sucks but yet it's so a part of me that it is too painful (or maybe just too hard) to effect true change.

A lot of people are sick and dying. I know that life could stretch for many years before I die. But I also know that my parents are getting older and while they wrestle with their mortality, I briefly ponder mine. We all hear endless stories of sickness and death: cancer rearing its ugly head and killing in short order, senseless tragic accidents. It's out there and waiting for its appointed time.

And that made me think on my brief way home from Target the other day after speaking to a neighbor about his wife's sick brother who has been estranged for many years but now has reached out because he is wasting away from terminal cancer. I don't want to chase after the wind. I don't want to be remembered by my kids as "the mom who stayed home with us...but was always busy puttering around trying to clean up". I don't want to waste hours involving myself in the affairs of others that have no bearing on my life (read: celebrities). I've got enough before me that needs work in the way of relationships of the family kind.

Please pray for me. I am sincere in this request. I need help recognizing the idols in my life. And after that, the strength to crush them into fine powder so they are useless and irreparable. Pray that I would love out of obedience to Christ and that others would know that love. Pray that I would put blinders on when I start longing too much for the things of this world. Pray that I would be brought low when I am lifting myself up. Pray that my world would cease to exist only for me.

The Wind

2008-04-09T09:11:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I laid myself out (literally) before the Lord and asked for Him to meet with me. I have been in such a numb place spiritually. A humanistic view point, really. I had "lost" my spiritual eyes and that makes for very superficial living. I am using the past tense as though it is over and I'm now in a deeply spiritual place. Not so. I'm just being proactive in seeking relationship with God.

I thank the Lord that He stands waiting to meet with us when we call. I called, He responded and that lit a flame of desire.

I pushed through the anxiety that comes so often when I've avoided prayer and stumbled through my jumbled thoughts just hoping the Spirit was interceding on my behalf. I really cling to that truth because more often than not I do not formulate prayers well. My cursed brain runs amok and really has quite the time settling down. Many times I find that writing them out is the only way I can coherently "voice" my prayers.

Anyway, the Lord sweetly brought to mind John 3:8: "Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going."

Ah! It struck a deep chord within me and I'm still meditating on that verse today.

I so often am trying to pluck pieces of God to pull into my world at my convenience and put them in their proper place. In trying to do that I am left frustrated and unsatisfied. Whether it's being interrupted by my kids during a particularly "holy" moment (laughable) or God not speaking to me when I've set aside my few minutes to be fed for the day, I am left angry, not refreshed. My best laid plans would crumble before I could even put them into action. And so a cycle would emerge. I'd try, something would inevitable screw it up so I'd retreat.

There's only so much retreating before the heart hardens and shrugs off things spiritual.

So when God brought me the truth and reminder that His Spirit is like the wind, my spirit leapt within me. Liberating! is the first word that came to mind. His Spirit is active; in me, in the world, in others. He cannot be "grabbed". He won't be plucked only to be put in a box. Neither home, nor kids, nor work will hinder Him. He will move about in complete freedom and we only need to embrace that reckless beauty and stand in the midst of it.

And that looks different, everyday, every moment and for every situation. Praise God for that freedom! We're off the hook to make it work, to conjure up spirituality.

"Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don't ever become slaves of the Law again." Galatians 5:1

Oops, my bad...

2008-04-08T12:45:00.002-05:00

If you happened to click on "daily sips" in the previous post, you were probably a bit confused. I have corrected the link so you should be taken to the right place.

A little each day

2008-04-07T08:40:00.005-05:00

This is gonna be quick:

I am in a dry, dry place...

I need a drink of water.

I know where to find the water, we all do.

I am going to force myself to take daily sips.

I pray this does not quench my thirst, but makes it thrive.

If you are thirsty, come drink with me.

Fashion Show Fun

2008-04-04T22:02:00.003-05:00

So last Saturday Avery had a taste of the glamorous life. She was able to take part in a kid's fashion show at Nordstrom with her cousin Olivia and friend Rory. Big surprise - she loved it!!

Earlier in the week we headed down there and she was able to pick out her outfit. She kept calling this her "Belle" dress. Not sure what about it makes her think that but there you have it.

We got to Nordstrom at Northpark around 7:30 AM and were directed to the dressing room. After donning the chosen garb, we headed to the refreshments so Avery could eat powdered donuts (what???) and I could worry about her getting the dress we were not buying dirty. I also began obsessing about her scuffed up dress shoes and stringy hair. Guess what I realized...I'm not cut out to be a stage mom (and I'm incredibly petty). Yeah, that smacked me right between the eyes as I backed up, told myself to shut up and watched my cutie glow at the chance to be "fancy".

She did great. She smiled and made it down the runway and even gave daddy a big hug to a chorus of "ahhhh"'s. She's ready for the fall show.

Angie and I thought it would be great fun if the girls did this every year and we could capture the changes in pictures. It was a hoot to watch the older (10/11 yr olds) girls strike poses with their accessorized selves.

Just some fun

2008-03-16T16:25:00.005-05:00

Out of sheer need to get something else up here, I now share some photos.

A bit of boredom played out in hairdos.

Yeah, yeah, I know he's a boy. It's still cute.
A little Church Easter Eggstravaganza fun.
And more fun.
And more fun.

Deja Vu

2008-03-06T15:46:00.002-06:00

I cannot believe we are having two huge snow events in one week in March in Texas! We just came back in from playing in the falling snow. I cannot explain to you how HUGE the clumps of snow are right now.

On the way home from the church, Shawn hit Target to stock up on some food, stopped by Blockbuster and made sure we had firewood. The kids are warming up while watching a new Dora and I'm snacking on chips, watching the news and typing while looking out the windows. Greatness!!!

Hope you all are safe and enjoying this. How's it in your neck of the woods?

If you look closely...

2008-03-04T12:25:00.001-06:00

You can see our little "snow angel" in the strip of photos below.

Snowy Morning!

2008-03-04T09:15:00.004-06:00

Ah, what fun we had this morning in the snow! We got lots of it! At least 4 or 5 inches. This was Ash's first taste (literally) and I think he had a good time.
Here are some pics.

If...then

2008-02-29T05:52:00.003-06:00

Breaking my life down in "if...then" statements:

-If I wake up on my own, then I can read my Bible in quiet.
-If I'm in a good mood, then I don't worry about how I look (as much).
-If I'm uptight about my son being such a picky eater, then I make his favorite Annie Shells and Cheese and watch him eat heartily.
-If I keep my house clean, then I like it more.
-If I want to daydream, then I look at houses.
-If the weather is nice and the kids are grumpy, then we take a walk around the block.
-If the weather is not so nice and the kids are grumpy, then we go to the library.
-If Avery is in a good mood, then Asher is her best friend.
-If Asher is her best friend, then I am a happy momma.
-If I'm not careful, then inner-conversation gets the best of me.
-If it were possible, then I would never stop for gas.
-If I'm having a pity party, then I try to bless someone else.
-If I am pms-ing, then I'm a bit of a freakshow (ok, a huge freakshow)
-If I don't have creamer in the house, then I don't make coffee.
-If my parents didn't live so close, then I would be sad.
-If I could live closer to my sibs-in-law, then I would be happier.
-If I could come up with a good story idea, then I might try to write a book.
-If there were a Central Market close to me, then I would be in trouble.
-If I need to get something done or want quiet, then I turn on cartoons for the kids.
-If I have down time, then I would choose to read a book.
-If I could only decide on the right color, then I would paint my family room.
-If I get a goodnight's sleep, then I am thrilled and feel like a normal human.
-If I would only speak up, then I would have more time alone.
-If I have purpose for my day, then it goes much better.
-If I'm too tired, then I don't wash my face before bed.
-If I had the money, then I would buy my husband the tv he wants.
-If I keep thinking, then this list could go on for quite awhile.

Freeze Tag

2008-02-27T18:03:00.002-06:00

I've been tagged by the latest tag wave...I don't have time at the moment to do it. My little man is balancing dangerously on the barstool while stealing his sister's dinner. I will hopefully tackle it tonight because I'm one crazy fascinating person - especially 10 years ago...but after reading Keitha's to-do list, i'm gonna seem like a lady of leisure.

Now the boy has a tire gauge and he's trying to use it as a nasal aspirator, ear plug and fork. NASTY.

Bye!

Sickness, thou art loosed!

2008-02-22T12:45:00.004-06:00

I'm tired. Tired of coughing. Tired of hearing my family members cough (i think we now communicate through coughing - "marco...polo" style). Tired of snotty noses and cloudy days.

Oh yeah, and tired from no sleep.

I know we are a dime a dozen these days but it doesn't make it any easier when the sum of our four parts are sick and miserable. It seems like this has been dragging on for a few weeks now. I just don't know anymore. I do know I'd like a miracle right. about. now!

So, because I've cleaned as much as I can stand and the kids have watched more pbskids than i can stand, and the sun has stayed away more than i can stand, I'll post pics. It's better than dreaming of wonderfully expensive things to do to my house to make it all that and more! (your insanely-talented fault, Keitha.)

Deconstructing Dishwasher (in happier, healthier times)
A little cartoon watching first thing in the morning before deciding they much prefer bickering.
He's ready to throw in the towel...after Caillou.
Same show, different room, comfy couch.

2008-02-14T06:52:00.003-06:00

"We got love, momma!"

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Life Well Lived

2008-02-11T12:07:00.000-06:00

Our ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) completed Tommy Nelson's Ecclesiastes Study, A Life Well Lived yesterday. I am a huge Tommy fan and was extra motivated to make it to Sunday School, er, ABF each week to learn from him. Yesterday he summed up the main points of the book of Ecclesiastes and I'd like to share them with you. Monday seems like an extra perfect day to throw these out - mine has been textbook bad today.

1. LEARN OF GOD AND OBEY HIM.
Dig in. Find out Who you worship, discover the depths, drink in His awesomeness and know Him. But don't stop there. Obey the One you call God. Nothing less will do. The world will do its best to woo and draw you into the shallow enticements it so easily throws around. Learn that partaking is fleeing in fulfillment, dimming your wisdom and hindering your ability to navigate through life.

2. DON'T ASSUME BAD THINGS WON'T HAPPEN.
I think that if you have been walking with God for any significant time, you know this to be true. The fairytale conversion, happily ever after-garbage has been discarded and you now know that it rains on the just as well as the unjust. Also, bad things happening aren't necessarily consequences to your actions or sins. This world is hell-bent and we're stuck, come what may, for the time being.

3. WHEN BAD HAPPENS YOU REST IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
You don't have to be proactive and try to sort through it all, like rubble after a bomb. You have no control, anyway. Relinquish and rest. And remember the God you have learned of. This is not a charge to suck it up, it is a call to submit and remember through your pain, the hope we have been promised. I just love the picture of resting. Think Psalm 23.

4. WHILE RESTING IN GOD, HOLD YOUR COURSE BY DOING RIGHT.
I find this idea profound, and profoundly simple. If the sun has come up another day in your world, you know what to do. Do it. Just because the wheels have come off, your call to morality and obedience and self-control have not been suspended. I find that focusing my efforts on others frees me from the pit I feel I am in. My husband has a proverb on his computer that states, "If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!"

5. LIVE BOLDLY.
Don't worry about what is going to happen. In the wisdom you possess by knowing the True God, grab life and go! It's better to be out there risking it, knowing God has you securely in His hand than cowering in fear at the one life God gifted to you. I gotta seriously work on this one. My backbone is primarily made up of fear.

6. ROCKY ROAD! (Enjoy Life)
Work hard, stay the course, then PLAY HARD! Enjoy what life has to offer. The grace that covers us through Jesus has widened that narrow gate so that we might live freely, with no concern for piety or self-righteousness. Wisdom has revealed to us that we are lowdown, dirty sinners made righteous by Another's sacrifice. With that knowledge, let us embrace that grace and be about the business of living!

Folks, I think people will want to know our Great and Mighty God if our lives reflect these truths!

Alright, alright

2008-02-09T19:48:00.000-06:00

It is

We are watching
While sipping on
And guess who are asleep? Hee, Hee, Hee.

What a glorious family day! We took a long bike ride around the neighborhood b/c yes, I got a new bike! It's the pretty gal in the front. We spent a little time looking at bikes this morning and Shawn and I had two different price points in mind. I know it might surprise you, but I was the one holding the reigns on spending too much for a "good" bike. I just want something that has two tires, pedals and handle bars. I haven't been on a bike since my summer cycling class in '95(and the saying is true: some things you never forget, like riding a bike). It wouldn't take much to qualify as a bike in my head. Not so for Shawn. BUT, fortunately we found this cute number at Target for a very reasonable hundred bucks. PTL!

A short stop to say hi to Cowboy. Since we are not in the market for a pooch, we've adopted some pups around the neighborhood.
The one accessory every girl needs for a good bike ride - pearls.

Now back to my show.

Oh yeah, and the hubs asked me to plug a little CD release party at our church tomorrow night. A band called Dutton who leads our 10:50 service has, well a CD coming out. They're good - used to fill in for Crowder at UBC when he was on the road. I believe it starts at 7PM in a nifty little place called The Brick at The Heights Baptist Church.

NOW back to my show.

bona fide lazy

2008-02-09T07:15:00.001-06:00

I've been lazy on the posting pics front because it's just too much dern work! Get your camera, connect with USB cable to computer, transfer pictures (are you sweating yet?), choose pics to size in Fireworks, actually size them and save them (pause for drink of water). From there, they are mine to do what I please but the whole 5 minutes it takes me to do this seems at times insurmountable. Pa-THE-tic.

Once upon a time, there was such a thing as physical labor. Poor folks caught in that trap!

And now, a few photos.

The hubs and me down in Houston for friend Dom's wedding. Shawn is in tux, beard not out of control at this point.

Avery likes to take pics around the house and comes up with some fun ones. Here is her brother, at close range. He was not willing to oblige the little photog and stay at a proper distance.
A wonderful birthday gift! An umbrella to paint. This is part 2 of the painting. You know, attention spans, four year olds, limited nap time for little, oh-so curious brothers. Our goal was to have it done and dried in time for the chance of rain on Tuesday...come on rainclouds, don't let us down.
I got the boy trained early, future daughter-in-law.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with your families out in the amazing weather. I think I might be getting a bike today!! After much grumbling (and walking) while Shawn rode his bike with Ash in the trailer and Avery on her bike, I think I made my case about being the odd man out and that just ain't gonna happen.

Ever.

Oooh, oooh, witchy woman

2008-02-07T06:55:00.000-06:00

Excuse me, moms out there? Can you hear me? I'm talking to you! Well not all of you, just the ones who's children sleep. Yeah, are there any of you out there? It's me, the haggard, aging faster than humanly possible, racooned-eyed woman over here.

Help me. Help me.

My children apparently think sleeping is for the dead and that time with momma is at a premium in the dark, devilish hours of the night. What they don't seem to recognize, which is completely unfathomable, is that momma is not nice, not really, not in the dark. She is why 3 AM is called the "Witching Hour". So why, dear fruit of my womb, would you want to demand the presence of a strung-out zombie when you could be frollicking in dreamland with nice momma, sweet momma. Momma that is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (Can someone explain that saying?).

Better yet, wait until the sun comes up, she's had a cup of coffee and the wisdom of scripture to guide her.

And wisdom right now says to step away from the computer and tend to the ever-growing morning demands before my computer is taken hostage and held for the steep ransom of chocolate milk and Dora.

The bald one goes beardy

2008-01-27T14:30:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I'm about to out myself...but I hadn't really noticed the hair growth on my husband's face. Okay, he's always had facial hair but it is usually contained to around his mouth and possibly as cool chops, but, well, we've entered new depths of hair production on the face region.

Ladies, my hubby has a full-grown, mountain man beard. It's, um, how do I say it - poufy! And when I say I hadn't noticed it, it just hadn't dawned on me what exactly was going on. My hubby's face is the one I see all the time, so little changes slip past me, but my oh my, grow a chia pet and you've got my attention.

And, now, I'm getting comments from folks at church.

"I didn't know you had a new husband." from an older guy who's attempts at humor, well fall just a tad short of...humorous.

"I saw your husband today...he's sure got..." at this point I tend to pipe in to save the speaker some face since I've got none left to salvage. I say, yes, he is quite hairy and...

One friend said she got her husband to shave his face once she stopped shaving her legs. Said it worked like a charm. Her clean-faced hubby was standing right there, nodding emphatically.

I can't remember others but I know people are thinking things. Thankfully my husband is one of the nicest guys you'll meet so he can get away with fuzzy fuzzy fur face.

Our exchange this morning as he's COMBING it:

Me: "When are you going to shave that thing? Why do you like it?"
Him: "I don't like it, I'm just not done having a beard."
Me (confused): "Uh, that means you like it!"

That has got to be some whacked logic, right? It surely doesn't compute in gal language. I mean, why would you carry a teddy bear around on your face if you didn't like it? It can't be sentiment since facial hair grows at the speed of light. He wouldn't have time to miss it before it would be back again.

And oh what a joy that would be.

A Prayer for Victory

2008-01-21T09:58:00.000-06:00

If I haven't had a chance in the morning to steal away to pray and focus myself, I'll pull out my journal and write my prayers down. I can do that while with the kids when they are watching cartoons. I pray the Holy Spirit inhabits those prayers as much as the ones uttered from my lips. After all, they are coming from the same desperate heart, right?

As I was writing out my prayers, one verse whispered itself repeatedly. It is a verse I call to mind when I'm feeling out of control and wondering how things are going to come together. I read the verse (7) in it's context of Psalm 20 and wanted to encourage you all with it. Today I asked the LORD that He would remind His children that we are remembered. No matter what your circumstances I pray this Psalm for you:

1"I pray that the LORD will listen when you are in trouble,
And that the God of Jacob will keep you safe.
2May the LORD send help from His temple and come to your rescue
from Mount Zion.
3May He remeber your gifts and be pleased with what you bring.

4May God do what you want most and let all go well for you.
5Then you will win victories, and we will celebrate,
while raising banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD answer all of your prayers!

6I am certain, LORD, that you will help your chosen king.
You will answer my prayers from your holy place in heaven,
and you will save me with your mighty right arm.

7Some people trust the power of chariots or horses,
but we trust you, LORD God.
8Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong
and stand firm.

9Give the king victory, LORD,
and answer our prayers."

Can I get an AMEN?

what if???

2008-01-20T12:59:00.000-06:00

On our way home from church today, I witnessed a near miss accident. One car layed on his horn and I muttered, "oh my". Avery, never missing a thing, started in on the "what" rant. I told her there was almost an accident.

That was all she needed to pepper me with a million and one questions. I'll spare you b/c quite frankly, I tend to tune out when she starts tossing out every conceivable and some ill-conceived questions. But I did catch this:

"Mom, what happens at an accident?"

"Well, cars run into each other, people might get hurt and the cars are a mess."

Mom, who comes to the accident?"

"The firefighters, policemen and paramedics."

"Uh, what about the aliens?"

Hmmm, what about the aliens?

"You mean the ambulance?"

"yeah."

"They come too."

I'll spare you our conversation on the way to the movies last week. Let's just say it was a little question something like this:

"Mom, how are babies made?"

I tapdanced my way through that one without having to use cute names or any names for that matter having to do with human anatomy. And arriving at the theater provided the perfect distraction.

Now I gotta get ready for when she throws that one out again. Maybe it'll be daddy's turn to squirm :-)

a very good idea...

2008-01-16T14:48:00.001-06:00

livehealthyamerica.org

check it out.

so comfy

2008-01-15T10:47:00.000-06:00

Just a bit ago, Asher and I did a quick trip to Sam's for some bulk items. As we headed down the aisle, they had the yoga pants pulled out in the middle along with all of the workout stuff - get the new year off to the right start and all that. I paused. I really want those yoga pants. They just might be the motivation I need...and I really do "need" more workout clothes. If you visit the LA Fitness by my house, I'm the one in the sad old sweats and oversized t-shirt - nothing cute about my workout attire.

Now I've been channeling wisdom lately in trying to discern want from need. I know that God will provide for my needs and I know that I apply the word "need" to many "wants". At that moment the pants were a "want" teetering on the "need" side. I tossed them into the cart and went on my merry way.

Fast forward to home. I pull out the pants, so hopeful that they will fit, inspire, transform my very tush. My plan is to put them on and do pilates while Ash naps but if the pants don't work, where will I find myself?

Ah, glory, glory, glory! They are most definitely in the "need"category. These pants are beyond comfy (my new "fat days" go-tos), cute and even a bit flattering. They have this wide band at the waist that is forgiving and slimming at the same time.

I want to make my yoga pants proud! I want to raise that tush, shrink that waist and tighten up those thighs.

Thank you, Bally's Fitness. Thank you Sams. Thank you, Sim, for seeing beyond the "want" to the heart of the "need".

Now go burn some calories!

Also, let me let you in on my new fav breakfast:

1 nutrigrain waffle (70 calories)
1 tbsp dark choc. chips (7o calories)
half a dozen pitted tart cherries (come in water in a can) - not sure the calories, but not much.

toast waffle, melt chocolate chips, smear chocolate on waffle, add cherries and enjoy!!!! Very filling. Let me know if you try it. I saw it on Good Morning America when they did a story on the Flat Belly Diet.

Ponder this

2008-01-11T11:18:00.000-06:00

A couple of weekends ago, Shawn and I were in Katy for a wedding of a dear friend (Shawn had the honor of donning a tux...that makes THREE times within the span of a month that my dear casually-clad man had to wear suit-like clothes. Hee-hee!). Before heading back home, we visited our friend Neil McClendon's church. I had yet to hear the man preach and was looking forward to a good word. Well, I got a few...

First, while visiting in his office before the service, I learned that the week before Christmas is the last OFF-Peak week at Disney World! Eighty-two bucks a night on property! I had us packed and ready to go...for Avery's next birthday. I mean, c'mon - cheap!!

Then I remembered - plane tickets for four, park passes for four, food for four.
Not so cheap anymore.

So we'll save and go in two years, Lord-willing.

Second good word: Neil is now in the pulpit, wonderfully frank, preaching from Luke about the leper asking Jesus to cleanse him - if He is willing. Jesus replies, "I am willing. Be clean."

The challenge? To remember the LORD is always willing. When we ask of Him, worship Him, come to Him broken and despairing b/c we have failed again, He waits with the same response, "I am willing". Neil has taken to repeating that to himself in all situations: "I am willing, I am willing!" Nothing is too great for our Lord.

I liked that. A golden nugget to meditate upon. A simple phrase to repeat, remember, internalize.

Neil asked of the congregation, "what would it take from the Lord to show you that He is willing?" Mmmmm, that's good. I didn't have an answer right then. I never do well, this whole on-the-spot thing. So I left it out there for God to answer when He was ready.

And He did, at about 2 o'clock in the morning, laying in Asher's room, wishing my son would go to sleep. It won't be significant for you, probably. But it was sweet and is sweet when the Holy Spirit plants the words in your head. You know what I'm talking about.

If my God is willing, He will shift my focus from me and on to others in an unconditional, free from expectation kind of way. He will help me forget me.

Ah, that was music and life to my ears. I am an extremely self-centered person and I hate it. I am the victim, I'm never wrong, I have pride oozing out of every pore, I am the one that always has to sacrifice, endless comparison, blah, blah, blah. Ugly, ugly, ugly. I lie to myself about who I really am and then wonder why my marriage is struggling or why I can't get along with my mom, etc. I have to know Truth in my innermost being, like Psalm 51 says. David is desperate for forgiveness and change in this Psalm. He knows God is his only hope. And God says, as always, "I am willing."

And you know how I know God will be true to His word? Four sleepless nights with a poor sick little boy. Nothing gets your focus off of you faster than your children needing you.

I pray that each of you reminds yourself that the Lord is willing. He is so willing. So very willing.

Love to you!

Birthday Part Deux

2007-12-18T16:35:00.000-06:00

Hello again! Avery is out circling the block with my parents on this:

Shawn and I got her a bike for her birthday and she loves it. She got it when she got home from school today, along with the Polly Pockets helmet (chosen b/c it came with a Polly Pocket, of course). She keeps talking about how proud she is of her bike. She's doing a great job too! She's just not little anymore :(

I brought cookies to her class and stole a few pics. Ms. Davis (her teacher) had a cute "Happy Birthday" tiara for her to wear and the kids sang happy birthday. The little boy in the pic is her best friend Braxton. He's a cutie.
Tonight is pizza night with Braxton and his family to round out Avery's birthday festivities. Praise God for his blessings. We adore our beautiful Avery.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Avery!

2007-12-18T09:48:00.001-06:00

Four years old today and an absolute doll!

We had her birthday party on Saturday - an indoor pool party. And yes, it felt insane to put on a swimsuit in that crazy cold weather. But the kids had fun and that's all that matters! Avery hit the princess dressup jackpot. I'll have to get pictures of her in each one and share.

Her school Christmas program last Thursday. I was thrilled that she sang, smiled and had a good ol' time. She is normally on the shy side so this was greatness!

Asher's new favorite pasttime - dressing up in sis's stuff. I do have another picture with him in her "Princess" ball cap.The red mittens on his hands - he's taken to wearing those at bedtime during story/song time and even into bed. After awhile I hear him in his bed yelling "mama!" when he's ready to take them off. He is the most adorable mess.

asher and avery

2007-12-10T15:00:00.000-06:00

My baby boy is 18 months old today...

Also, a few pictures from the "Arboreto". There are more but this is a start (ahem, Creth).

A certain sassy girl turns 4 next Tuesday!
Hangin' with the newly-reweds...
I just think these last two are cool.
So organic.

Song of the Season

2007-12-09T08:44:00.000-06:00

I have come across the most beautiful song for my Christmas this year.

Last Saturday (as in the 1st), our church hosted Behold the Lamb by Andrew Peterson. He was accompanied by a few other singer/songwriters (Bebo Norman, Sara Groves, Jill Phillips and her husband Andy, and Andrew Osenga). They spent the first half of the program doing an Artist in the round deal. After that, they came back and performed the "musical". It really is just a series of songs that tell a story - no acting or costumes or live animals :-)

Having worked in a christian bookstore years ago, I was exposed to Jill Phillips and Andrew Peterson but hadn't heard anything from them in years. I like Bebo but don't have any recent stuff of his and I had no familiarity with Sara Grove's music. I don't make it to concerts too often and spend too much time listening to talk radio. So, this was a great night! I was debating about even going b/c I had had such a crummy day and was stressing about Asher spending the night at my parents for the first time and was feeling guilty about being short with Avery. Shawn had to direct the concert so he was at the church for the day. I texted him at one point saying I wasn't coming. He said to wait until closer to the time to make that decision. Thankfully the cloud lifted and I went. God used that time away from the kids and the music to refresh my soul.

Okay, so Jill Phillips has a gorgeous voice! One song from Behold the Lamb is called Labor of Love and man, it floors me everytime I hear it. I can't sing but there are a handful of songs out there that make me want to sing for all I'm worth. This would be the Christmas song for me.
Go here , scroll down until you see Behold the Lamb and then click on Open Player. Find Labor of Love and click. Take a listen and let me know what you think! (I'm sure there is a much easier way to embed a song on here but I haven't a clue how to do it.)

2007-12-08T21:04:00.001-06:00

I'm avoiding work right now. Our Neighborhood Life ministry is coming to an end and I've more than checked out. It really hits home how hard it is to "finish strong". But I don't want to not complete our commitment through this month. It feels like that would negate three years of work and service.

We spent the day at the "arboreto" (according to Avery) today with Shawn's recently re-married parents (PRAISE GOD!). Despite a diva daughter and nap-less son, we had a nice time and the weather made it very enjoyable. Santa was there as was Mrs. Claus, a rather odd bird-like Snowman and a cute Rudolph. Avery braved a hand-holding drive by of the snow"bird"man but wouldn't touch him. She liked Rudolph and went as far as a high-five. Ash preferred them a good bunch of feet away but would wave and "talk" to them. Shawn took pics so I hope to get a few up here...someday.

There is a chocolate exhibit right now at the Arboretum. You follow the stages of production from tree to finished Dove chocolate. As you leave the Arboretum, you're given a piece of chocolate. You have the choice of milk or dark chocolate. I asked for "four darks please". I guess most folks don't go for that because she said how about 8? and heaved a pile of Dove chocolate into my hands. Oh well, one man's meat is another man's poison, right?

I'm a bit rusty so I'll close for now and get back to my overdue work before my eyes shut (Sleep is a high commodity ever since Asher decided to get all of his molars and front teeth AT THE SAME TIME! Poor kid, poor mom).

Halloween Hangover...

2007-11-01T08:31:00.001-05:00

I wish!!
Our family has been fighting the stomach bug around here. That means no candy overload...boo-hoo.
But man, last night was perfect!! The past two years we've gone to downtown McKinney where they have Scare on the Square from 4 to 6 PM. It's a good time but sooo many folks. We did catch a quick hayride, lots of sweet tarts and asher "lost his lunch" once again all over my dad. Sorry dad!
We had a brisket dinner before heading out to trick or treat old school. With Asher in bed getting much needed rest and my dear parents listening out for him, Shawn, my aunt and I took Avery around the neighborhood. We had a blast!!! We live in a fairly small neighborhood that is still under construction. Because of our involvement in Neighborhood Life the past 2.5 years, we know a ton of our neighbors. So, it made it that much more fun seeing everybody out last night. Perfect weather and a party atmosphere made last night great. It was Avery's first time to go door to door and she ate that up! One of the greatest things about Avery growing up is getting to experience things you loved as a child through your own child. Sweetness!
Here are some pics from Scare on the Square as well as our church fall fest last week.

Best friends and cousins.

Prince Eric (AKA Asher) wouldn't stay still for a true pic.
The Mermaid pose, right? Just imagine a sandy beach, ok?

Way behind the 8 ball

2007-10-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

Sorry, Ang! I should've been a better tag-ee.

Here's the stuff on my man:

1. Who is your man? Shawn Timothy
2. How long have you been together? 9 years total next month. Married 7 years on the 18th of Nov.
3. How long dated? 1 year 8 mos. Engaged - 3 mos.
4. How old is your man? 34
5. Who eats more? I'll say Shawn, okay?
6. Who said "I love you" first? Shawn - on my birthday back in the day.
7. Who is taller? Shawn - 6'2, me - 5'7.
8. Who sings better? nah, don't even want to go there. (that means we're both pretty sad)
9. Who is smarter? Both of us have our strengths. And I know I've dumbed down over the years...
10. Whose temper is worse? MEEEEE!
11. Who does the laundry? me.
12. Who takes out the garbage? i take it out, he makes sure it gets to the curb on trash day.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Shawn, unless it's "that" time of the month and I need my heating pad...too much info??
14. Who pays the bills? I do, except for his business stuff.
15. Who is better with the computer? need you even ask?? Shawn, of course.
16. Who mows the lawn? that's ALL shawn.
17. Who cooks dinner? Me, the majority of the time. Shawn will step up if I ask. He is kinda too creative sometimes...
18. Who drives when you are together? Shawn
19. Who pays when you go out? Does it matter? It's all coming from the same place.
20. Who is most stubborn? That would be a tie. I think he wins more often, though. So, really that's not a tie, is it?
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Mostly Shawn...
22. Whose parents do you see the most? mine - the folks live in the neighborhood across the street - hallelujah!
23. Who kissed who first? i sure tried to be first :)
24. Who asked who out? well, we were hanging out a lot as friends and just started "hanging out" as more than that. Shawn considers a DC Talk concert as our first date back in Feb '99.
25. Who proposed? shawn
26. Who is more sensitive? me - I easily get my feelings hurt...a lot.
27. Who has more friends? I don't know. We are both blessed to have lots of folks in our lives.
28. Who has more siblings? shawn - a bro and sis
29. Who wears the pants in the family? huh???

So, technically...

2007-10-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

It's after the 17th...right??
So, a bit of an update on the Davis clan:

Avery started preschool and loves it! I love that she loves it.

First Day of School

I am HOOKED on this show! (sorry it's tiny...The Office...ahhh, don't ya just love Pam and Jim and the whole crew??)
And THIS show. (House)
Bedtime ritual
A little R&R

My interest has waned from the ol' Grey's Anatomy. I do have it on right now but that's only b/c I was able to get the kids down early and Shawn is out of town.

Speaking of Shawn, he and lots of the guys on staff are in Atlanta at the Catalyst conference. It's been busy but I think he's really liked it. I have to tell ya, a certain Matt Chandler spoke and Shawn thought he "brought it". Shawn has 2 guys that he regularly podcasts and the great Mr. Chandler would be one of those.

I need to catch up on all of you guys!! I think I'll make the rounds now.

yeah, what are you gonna do?

2007-09-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

our internet is down (I'm at the folks' place right now)...and although I miss keeping up with everybody and also want to share more pics from our trip before another year passes...it has been a VERY good thing that this "break" was forced on me. The computer was (and I hope not anymore) becoming too much of a daily, um, obsession. So, thanks to the kind wisdom of God, I've had to step back and you know, live life...

See ya again after the 17th (or so I hear).

Love to you all!

Nearing the end

2007-08-30T07:16:00.000-05:00

We've got until Saturday morning and then we begin the trek home. Here are some more pictures. When we get home, I'll share more "details".

The cottage is greatness. We would for sure come here again. The only drawback is you don't have an oceanview. I would love to be able to sit out on a balcony after the kids go to bed and just stare at the sea. Other than that, we LOVE it! I would highly recommend this place to everybody! Visit http://www.vacationbythebeach.com/ to see the details. Prices are great, house is cute and it is really close to the beach. We've only eaten out once - it's so relaxing to make meals here and then head back out to the beach - all about laid back, right?

I love this pic of Avery. The way she wrote her name looks so cute!
Pure bliss, eh?
In the darling town of Seaside.

Greeting from the beach bums!!

2007-08-27T10:46:00.001-05:00

Yes, we are here! And it's glorious. We left McKinney at 4:15 AM Sunday morning and arrived in gorgeous Seaside FL around 6 PM. It was a long day but went surprisingly well, praise God! Thanks, friends for praying for us. We rented a 3 bd 3 ba cottage that is so cute...and cheap. It's in a little community with a pool. You head out the door and across a road and you're at the beach. Simple as that. When we got in yesterday, we headed over to the beach b/c Avery has been crazy excited to get out there. The sun was starting to set the sky on fire and it was gorgeous. A nice breeze and the sound of waves and I was ready to throw a sleeping bag down right there, sand be darned. Fast forward to a super cool occurence: We are on the beach this morning, playing, hunting for shells and loving it. Shawn is in the water with Asher and he starts calling to me and pointing. I look up and .... A DOLPHIN is like 50 yards away, jumping and doing flips and simply SHOWING OFF for all 10 of us out there. I cannot tell you how cool that was. That guy flipped and flopped for a few minutes and then swam off. Show off!

Here are some initial pics:

Through the lens

2007-08-16T21:05:00.000-05:00

This evening Avery tried her hand at picture-taking. Enjoy.

I wasn't feeding Asher fast enough so he took matters into his own hands. Have you tried the Back to Nature Bugs mac & cheese? We downed it - yum!

The highchair in repose at sunset. I sold our dining table and chairs on craigslist and so it's a flimsy table for us right now. I'm hoping we score this weekend at Trade Days. Random, yes.
Catching a few minutes to read the new Time magazine.
Moms, we just don't get to change enough diapers each day, eh?
Avery arranged this shot. These guys go with her everywhere. Larry sans superhero costume is reclining over the head of Bob. Kinda hard to make out that blob.
I think I hear thunder. Could it be?

Good night!

The great C.H. Spurgeon

2007-08-15T07:28:00.000-05:00

We've begun a home group with 3 other families in our neighborhood. We've met a couple of times and it's good. Shawn is taking us through a book titled Twelve Sermons on Prayer by Spurgeon. Last night we tackled the first sermon.

I wanted to encourage you today with some of it:

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

"Some of the most learned works in the world smell of the midnight oil; but the most spiritual, and most comforting books and sayings of men usually have a savour about them of prison-damp.
"...God's people have always in their worst condition found out the best of their God."

"call to me" - prayer commanded. We are not asked or recommended to pray, but commanded for the health of our soul. A hospital stands with the understanding that those who need it will enter. There is no command to go and be healed. So why do we need a command from God to pray? Because we are very subject to fits of worldliness: we don't forget to eat, we don't forget to pay bills (well, maybe sometimes), we don't forget to go to bed. We are very dilligent in matters of money but spend few moments wrestling with God.

God says "call to me" because He knows we will forget to "call to Him".

When we are burdened, have sinned too much and Satan has us believing we cannot possibly enter into His presence, God's command insists that at all times under all conditions, we drag ourselves if necessary to the throne of grace and "though my words fail me and my heart itself will wander, yet I will still stammer out the wishes of my hungering soul and say, 'O God, at least teach me to pray and help me to prevail with Thee.'

Unbelief also dampens our desire to pray. But still it is commanded! Call to me in every circumstance with every thought be it simple, complicated, worldly, or just too big. God's command is for a Christian at all times for all things, to pray.

So because He commands us many times in Scripture, we know it is sure and lasting. Let us buffet these ol' bodies to answer His command and bow before the One who loves us and will see to the perfecting of our souls through much time spent in our closet communing with Him.

I paraphrased and added much to this but I believe you will see the great truth Spurgeon is teaching. There are two more points: "I will answer you" - an answer promised; and "and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know." -encouragement to faith. I will hopefully share his insight into those as well on another day.

sim

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET FRIEND!!

2007-08-14T08:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, LeRay!

I am blessed to call you friend.

My family is honored to have yours in our life.

You inspire and encourage me in momhood.

Rightly so do your kids "praise you" and does your husband say "There are many good women, but you are the best!"

We love you and your family so much!

We love that you are in our world, making us laugh

and showing all what a family that loves each other looks like!

Thank you, my friend!

Happy Birthday to Joshua too.

The day that led to...

2007-08-13T04:37:00.001-05:00

the day.

Seven years ago on this date, in the presence of his family, in the holy city of Jerusalem, Shawn got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.

It was a hot Sunday afternoon thirteen days into our trip overseas. We had spent the morning going through the 12 Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the life and ministry of Jesus. When we arrived at the place believed to be where Christ was crucified, Shawn proposed. It was significant, he told me, because this is where the ultimate act of love occured - Christ dying for us. He wanted to learn from that example, lay his life down and learn to love me with that sacrificial love. He didn't have a ring, only words of love and willingness to commit himself to me. He asked the same from me.

As we know, my answer was yes and always will be yes.

After a visit to the Tower of David, we spent the afternoon roaming the streets of Jerusalem looking for a ring. We found my ring at the King David Hotel. I knew it right when I saw it. I was only sad that I had to wait a day (a whole day!) to have it sized and ready before we boarded a plane for Turkey. After passing through customs, I put that ring on and that's where it sits today.

Three months later we married.

And so we continue to walk through life together. Peaks and valleys, times of complacency and boredom, times of intimacy and bonding. All, times of growing.

We will probably never visit that place again. Pictures will have to do. But I will always have the memory of Shawn confessing his love for me in the place that Christ first demonstrated the ultimate act of love for all of us, there on the cross, dying so that we might live.

And love.

And be loved.

I love you, Shawn.

Grand Lux Luv

2007-08-10T13:58:00.001-05:00

A little Girl's Night Out fun last night. Great dinner, GREAT conversation, a time that really filled me up AND allowed me to unwind. Thanks Lauren, Kristyn, Natalie, Amanda and Angie for a truly enjoyable evening. You are some hottie mommas with beautiful hearts, cute clothes and a good understanding of your "people group". Need there be anything more? I think not.
Let's hear it for big plates o'food and warm beignets with that amazing sauce. I really wanted to eat that last one...

I had to post!

2007-08-04T07:28:00.000-05:00

Just so I wouldn't have to see that darn picture anymore. It was a moment of weakness that I posted it anyway. Glad to have given all you thrill-seeking blog gals a laugh! Or maybe a groan...

This little "random facts" tag sure has spread. I've been visiting all my fav blogs and some others I don't know and everybody is exposing their deep dark weirdness. Ok, maybe not, but there are some funny factoids.

See, moms are still exciting beings!

I awoke this morning at 5:45 am to get food in the crockpot for lunch today (we have friends coming over). I'm gonna share the recipe b/c this is easy, yummy and well, like I said, easy. I make jasmine rice and a green veggie or salad to round out the meal.

Creamy Italian Chicken
4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
1/4 cup water
1 - 80z cream cheese, softened
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 - 4 oz can mushroom pieces
Rice or fettucine noodles

Place chicken in crockpot. Combine salad dressing mix and water and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
In small bowl, beat cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken. Cook 1 hour longer. Serve over rice or noodles.

That's it! Easy breezy! Let me know if any of you try it and what you think.

After prepping the lunch, I was awake so I made coffee, grabbed my Bible and journal and had me some good quiet time. I'm a morning person, no doubt about it. I love the stillness of the house, the sun beginning to peek over the horizon, no talking at all! I need to get my lazy bootie out of bed early every morning - days go much better, but I have a night owl hubby and more often than not, we're watching a movie until late.

It's 7:40 AM. I've got lots to do before 10:30 AM.

Bye, ya'll!

I've been busted.

2007-08-02T13:35:00.000-05:00

by my bro-in-law. i found this on his blog.

My first one of these...

2007-08-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Nat for this fun little venture.

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (**if you’re a non-blogger, you can email them!)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Random facts about yours truly:

1. I listen to talk radio ALL DAY LONG. Mark, Rush, Sean and Mark L. are the men I share my days with. More often than not, they wear me out. I dunno, I'm a sucker. It is how I keep up with current events and all things political.

2. I too, choke when its time to conjure up lists and favorites. I'm doing it right now. Eight things to think of? UGGGGHHHH! My heart is beating just a little bit faster.

3. I enjoy reading Popular Mechanics magazine. I cannot tell you how funny the response is when people learn this. No bull, I learn a lot from those gearheads.

4. I am in an Aerosmith video. Nah, not the vixen, although I'm flattered you would think that. A well-meaning concert-goer many, many years ago. You can see me, if you can figure out the song and look fast. I think I get like a second of screen time. Nonetheless, it's a resume-builder, n'est pas?

5. My name is from the Old Testament and means "song of the Lord" or "Jehovah watches".

6. I am a crazy and very detailed daydreamer. Always have been, I guess always will be.

7. I was born in Dallas, Texas and have lived in Virginia, California and Massachusetts. All before the age of 14. I've been back in Texas for 20 years. Gawd, how old does that sound!

8. I firmly believe that I missed my calling as a Broadway star somewhere along the way.

Good day to you all and I'd like to hear from Sunni, Creth, Amanda M, Alexis, Courtney, Jen, Vanessa and Mitzi.

He finished strong.

2007-07-30T23:28:00.000-05:00

A good man went to be with the Lord. He lived 93 years on this earth. He dedicated those years to service to our Lord. His life was full. I was a better person for knowing him. Many were better for knowing this man.

George Oakes. A grandfather but not mine.

Married for 51 years to spunky Charlene. They met in language school in Brazil. They had two boys. Those two boys married and each had two children. George's clan.

Never have I met a man so steadfast in his faith. He walked with God. He yearned to do His work. How blessed for his old bones to rest and for God to say "well done, good and faithful servant. You never tired in this race. Enter into My rest and enjoy your reward."

We visited with his widow, Charlene this past Saturday. I teared up so many times as she shared his last days. Even in the throes of a confused mind, he challenged his family, "I am going home to be with the Lord. You stay here and do His work. There is a man in the next bed who does not know our Lord. Share with him."

And his family did. Without a moment's hesitation.

I could go on and on b/c this man and his wife inspire me to love my God more, to fight through whatever sin entangles me and strive for the prize - Christ Jesus, who laid it all down in order to sit at the right hand of the throne of God.

I grieve, not because George is no longer with us. No man would find more joy than being with his Savior. I grieve that Shawn and I did not spend more time in his presence, being spurred on in our faith.

Friends, Christ's love compels us. His servants remind us of that.

One last thing. Charlene shared a George-ism with us that really sunk deep into our hearts. I pray it takes root in yours:

(hear these words in a wonderful deep British tongue) "If you are going to worry, don't pray. If you are going to pray, don't worry."

Simple but profound and so much more - challenging. A God big enough to save our souls from destruction is THE GOD watching over you and me...and the sparrow.

The morning after

2007-07-28T09:19:00.000-05:00

Good Saturday to you!
Thanks to craigslist.com we have a new toy for Asher (and Avery). Thanks for your suggestions!

Right now it is residing in the playroom but I do hope Shawn will agree to moving it out back when the weather turns cooler.

I'm still alive

2007-07-26T21:26:00.000-05:00

And busy. I admire you work at home moms. How do you get it done?

It's intermission in our movie b/c somebody's dad called for a chat and well, it's never really a chat... :-)

So I've checked my email and stopped by to at least post a little something.

I do need some feedback, gals. Because I wasn't sure what I wanted my parents to get Asher for his first birthday, they haven't yet. And for some reason I'm raring to figure out a good "thing" for my almost 14 mo. old boy. Let me say he really doesn't need anything so I'm trying to think forward to when he'll be more active (yes, it's so coming!). AND, none of us need anything with little pieces. I've got pieces comin' outta everywhere, thanks to the curse of the Polly Pocket. So, hook me up, moms! What do your young strapping males love, besides mama?

Have a great weekend!

Oh, and my wheels are spinning - when do you guys want to do Girls Night Out? Soon, right?? and what night is best (this should be the fun part...)?

Love to you all!
sim

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS!

2007-07-19T08:15:00.001-05:00

Today, a special someone turns 30!

Happy Birthday, Angie.

A sis by law, a true sister to me.

You are a joy and a treat to know.

I love you.

When I think of Angie, this is what comes to mind:

-big smile that never goes away

-encouraging words for everyone

-never meets a stranger

-honesty and transparency in life

-always looks cute

-desire to love God

-desire to teach her kids to love God

-servant-hearted, big time!

I'm a better person for knowing you, Ang!

The Final Countdown

2007-07-17T14:51:00.000-05:00

This is the last week of travel! We are so ready to have dad home and he's even more ready to be home. C'mon Friday!

A tasty "welcome home" treat - completely from scratch. It turned out perfect and tasted even better!

Our giant pillow pit. Every pillow in the house contributed to the fun.
Just a cute pic of a cute girl.
It's been quiet around blogsville. Hope you all are enjoying your families, friends and the sunshine!

Thursday love

2007-07-12T14:37:00.001-05:00

Two more days and my hubby comes home for a pit stop. He's been gone since 4th of July. The plane gets in Saturday afternoon, we get him for Sunday and then he's back on a plane headed to Maryland. BUT, come the 20th, he's home and done!

The end of August we are headed to the Florida Gulf Coast for a week! We found a darling 3 bd/3ba beach cottage that will be ours for 6 - count 'em, 6 nights! We'll be staying right between Seaside and Rosemary Beach. I AM EXCITED! Let's start prayin' that those hurricanes will tarry.

Natalie is initiating a wonderful project...be a part of it! I'll collect and get them to her, if you'll let me know you want to do it! An easy "teachable moment", moms! Thanks, Nat, for getting this started! You're gonna blow that "goal" away!

I'm hooked on Solitaire right now. I hadn't played it since I worked full-time in the days before Avery was born. I was watching The Office and Pam was wastin' time playin' Free Cell. Right then and there, I got my computer and proceeded to waste 2 hours. I could've been sleeping. I'm taking a break right now to write this (the kids are sleeping so I'm not neglecting them...yet).

Mindless, mindless activity.

My heart hurts b/c everytime I turn around, I'm hearing of another marriage falling apart. The pain and loneliness, not to mention the kids is just devestating. Pray, girls! The enemy is gaining way too much ground on this!

This week I've been camped out in Psalm 25. Read it, it'll do your heart some good!

Peace and conditioned air to you all!
sim

Sunny Saturday

2007-07-07T15:32:00.001-05:00

Is it bad for me to want the clouds back? Man, is it hot or what? Bring on the high energy bills! On the other hand, my, it looks nice and cheerful inside my house.

This morning I got out and to the grocery store early with Asher. Avery spent the night with my parents last night. We picked up a few things at Market Street and I decided to go "garage sale"ing for a little while in old McKinney. There are always tons of garage sales at these great old houses. It gives me an excuse to visit our old stomping ground (even though to get to the library or the square, I take our old street, so I guess I hit the old neighborhood quite often. Way besides the point!).

I had to call Shawn this morning and confess the lust in my heart. I came upon a garage sale at a beautiful home that is for sale. Oh, what a perfect remodeled Craftsman home. Green, with a beautiful big yard, an upstairs, the big wooden door with glass panes at the top, BIG front porch. I almost got out of the van to see if I could take a tour. I wanted to see that house so I would have details to add to my daydreaming. I waffled, smelled my poopy son and pulled away...slowly.

When I got home and put Asher down for a nap, I started hunting the internet for this home, this perfect home on a good street next to other perfect homes.

$315,000 worth of perfect was that Craftsman creation, so lovingly and carefully restored.

Dang, I can't even fantasize in that price range.

CPKs

2007-07-05T11:08:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, Sunni posted about Ava receiving her first Cabbage Patch Kid. That got me to thinking about the years gone by and my time with my "kids". I had two: Amanda, a redhead and Simon, a bald preemie.

Funny how life imitates mass production...

Thankfully my mom held on to Mandy. Avery has added her to her never-ending pile of "special" animals. I think she thinks we are calling them "special" when we are really saying "stuffed". Whatever.

When I was in the third grade, CPK love was at a fever pitch. You could not find the dolls anywhere (excuse my use of the term "doll". Back in the day, I had a few friends that would give it to you if you called them "dolls" and not "kids". I think I've finally outgrown the need to make them happy.). We lived in S. Cali at the time, but it sounds like it was a national crisis. I had a beloved JC Penney catalog that I would pour over day in and day out, dreaming of my sweet kid just waiting for me to bring him/her home. I would wonder what the name was, what they looked like, how sweet they would feel in my arms.

A dream, shattered, day after day. Are you telling me Mattel couldn't up the production just a bit?

Anytime my parents would leave without us I thought for sure they would return home with my precious cargo.

They never did.

Finally, my grandmother back here in the Lone Star state was able to get her hands on one. I think she shipped it. I don't remember if it was for my birthday, Christmas or Yeehaw, we got one!

After the craze tapered off, I added to my CPK family. Simon, the preemie came home. He was a bit special. His buttstitch didn't take, so he had a hemorroid-like string hanging, no dangling from his unsectioned rear. Not sure why I never snipped it. Also, one of his knee stitches came out so he looked like he had a club leg. That poor kid...

He did get married, though. To another preemie. A match made in heaven.

My best friend and I planned an elaborate wedding. We set up a cardboard stage, tossed flower petals and invited other "kids" to be attendents. I have polaroids of it somewhere. I don't remember if we sent them on a honeymoon. We were, what, like eight? The finer workings of wedded bliss were all but lost on us.

Praise the Lord.

I've got to find those wedding pictures.
Got any CPK tales for me?

Some of my all-time favs

2007-07-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

In the nostalgic mood that I am, I went looking around on our desktop computer for old pictures of Avery. You just seem to take so many pictures of the first child. Anyway, here are some of my very favorite pictures of her during the first 1 1/2 years of her life. Let me tell you, if you are worn out by "big kid" attitude, spend some time looking at pics of them before they decided to exert independence. It helps put things in perspective and remind you how much you love those little toots!

Around 2 months old. This picture just makes me laugh.

Fourth of July 3 years ago! My sweet 7 month old sitting pretty.
10 1/2 months old at a pumpkin patch in Rockwall. This pic is a magnet on our fridge. I really remember how stinkin' hot it was that day.
Mmmmmm! Sweet kisses from Avery (15 months old)
This is hands down my fav pic. I can't believe I caught this moment. The complete joy of being tickled by daddy. We have this one blown up in Shawn's office.

Ya'll post some of your fav pics of your kids and leave me a comment so I can check them out!

Because no words are coming to me

2007-07-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

Run Around

2007-06-30T20:44:00.000-05:00

Today was a busy day, a day of festivities, a day of supreme sugar intake (Amanda J., I think I might have you beat. I know Avery does.)

Do you have one of those friends that you adore that never dated much and you just couldn't figure out why and you couldn't wait to see who they ended up with? That is Dom. Dom is a gem of a guy. A true gentleman, a wise man, a man that we were forever curious who God would bring to him.

She's here and she's perfect!
Dom and Megan are getting married this December. Shawn will be a groomsman...hee, hee. They live in Houston so I hadn't met Megan yet. I'd heard bunches about her but no face to face. Dom's family held an engagement reception for them today and that was our first stop. I snapped a pic of the bride and groom and groomsman-to-be. Look at Dom, he's glowing!

A quick stop at home for naps and then we were off to Lewisville for our niece, Caitlyn's, first birthday. She is my brother's daughter, three weeks younger than Asher and a total hoot. That girl was THE perfect birthday girl/hostess. She made her way from room to room with a big toothy grin for all the party guests. My brother and sis-in-law loved it b/c there were folks in every room to corral that busy gal. She's probably 17 pounds and I don't know 2 feet tall. She's a tiny toddler toddling. It's the cutest thing. Avery adores her and she and Asher already seem to be buds. Oh and she had the perfect party dress. She looked like a bunch of balloons, so festive!

Cake smashed, gifts opened and it was time to hit stop number 3. Dave the drummer is in town b/c the guys are playing at First Dallas tomorrow morning. We met him and the greatest sound guy on the planet, Bobby and his wife Brooke at BJ's. YUM! Shawn and I held off eating at the party so we could stuff ourselves right.

Isn't it great when you make a wise choice? I tell you what, I could've past over dinner and moved straight to the pizookie. I don't know if I spelled it right, I don't even care. It's so good, it covers a multitude of wrong spelling. A warm chocolate chip cookie (big, I say) in its very own tin with a big ol scoop of ice cream. Shawn, Avery and I were like pigs at a trough. Shawn would scoop some cookie and Avery would swoop in with her spoonful of ice cream and steal his cookie. Yum, double yum.

AND, Bobby and Brooke picked up the tab! Hallelujah!

And now I'm fat and happy on the couch about to dive into an episode of House (it's actually work I have to do! Love those random research projects.)

Oh, and tonite while I was getting Avery ready for bed, she informed me that she has a sister named Emma who lives in China...??? Prophetic, maybe? Who knows.

Also, I'm glad to see some new "faces" visiting here. Welcome and thanks for the sweet comments!

sim

From pleasant to the pits in no time

2007-06-29T16:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a day where you are teetering on the edge? Of course you have...right? Right?

A seemingly harmless beginning to today has continued to unravel with each passing hour. The saddest thing about it? I'm the one pulling the thread.

I cannot shake the funk that has me in a stronghold.

The words, "Get out of that pit!" are on replay in my head. Maybe because I just saw Beth Moore's book on the shelf at well, a bookstore.

This morning, we were invited to "bring a friend" day at The Little Gym. Okay, sounds good. We won't be signing up but a free hour of play should be fun for Avery.

Ah, see the fray...

Our "friend" that invited us is nowhere to be seen. Avery is hesitant to join in the group activities without a parent in tow. Partly because her "friend" is not there, partly because that's not how she rolls. Daddy finally persuades her to go in there by telling her he'll sit on the side up against the wall. Deep breath and she agrees.

And does well. She and Shawn keep exchanging these looks that same something like, I don't really get this. Avery, because she's never been to one of these. Shawn, because he's one of the few objects emitting gross amounts of testosterone.

So, I want in there. Asher won't sit still, getting into everybody's business. I wave Shawn down and we do the swap.

And I yank on that thread.

Avery doesn't see me come in, doesn't notice me sitting there for a few minutes. I'm beaming with pride at my redhead beauty doing her warm-ups.

She sees me.

And her face crumples.

And I feel like absolute crap.

She breaks from the group, ignoring the exuberant calls from the bubbly teachers and plants herself firmly in my lap and lets the tears flow. I try to talk her into going back out there, having fun, you know. But she won't do it. I figure, oh well, we're not signing her up, this isn't a test run and I need to go to the store, so let's go.

We walk back out to the lobby and she makes a beeline to the blocks that Asher is playing with and Shawn makes a beeline to me. Frustrating conversation occurs between said hubby and myself. He doesn't see my side of it (let's just leave) and I don't want to see his side of it (you just shut down and now she wants to shut down. That's stupid).

More threads come tumbling out. I'm fighting back tears b/c I've screwed up again. I don't know how to persuade a 3 1/2 year old to "have fun".

But daddy does. He gets her back in there after awhile and attaches her to a friendly teacher, sits back with an encouraging smile and watches Avery have a blast.

I lose it. All I can think is get me out of here now! Mom = tears, fear and escape. Dad = encouragement, patience and stick-to-it-iveness.

I cry the whole way home. Someone please tell me hormones are at least a little at work here. Please.

I've now successfully unraveled the better part of my day. I'm stuck in my self-pity pool and can't seem to muster the energy to get out. And I sure don't help things by denying myself proper sustenance to raise that blood sugar. A few slices of turkey does not a healthy meal make.

I did hear some great words on the radio from Alister Begg. He was speaking on reaping/sowing. Right before getting out of the car I heard him say, "when you remain in your self-pity, you are sowing self. When you don't read what you should, you are sowing self. When you read what you shouldn't, you are sowing self."

That leads me to this:

I have a chance to run to the store by myself to grab milk. Two separate gallons, no less. Skim for the majority of the family, whole for little man. While in there I want to grab a diet soda and read some entertainment mags. Gorge myself, if you will.

And as I'm joyously looking over the covers and deciding what I want to get my grubby paws on, what nugget of Truth rams itself into the forefront of my mind?

Grrrr. I know I shouldn't waste time reading and investing energy in the lives of celebrities. For me, it's an escape and a worthless one at that. On my walk to the back of the store for the milk, I wrestled with if I would obey and move on or ignore that little itch of Holy Spirit.

Hey, I had already shredded my day, so...

Why blatantly disobey? Me, who asks God to allow me to hear His voice. He complied, I left without so much as a clue as to how Paris's life has changed post-jail time and here I am, sharing this wordy account with you.

I feel better already.

By the way, the "friend" showed up an hour late...to his own class! Seems there was some miscommunication between mom and dad. I just can't imagine...

A thank you.

2007-06-28T20:00:00.001-05:00

I really have nothing to say but sat down anyway. Asher is in bed, Avery and Shawn in the tv room, playing the piano. I am perched on the stool in the kitchen, typing away, hoping inspiration will show it's flighty face.

So far, no luck.

Today was pleasant on a few levels. I like pleasant days.

From time to time, the kids and I meet a few other moms at Willow Bend for playtime/lunch and any visiting we can squeeze in. These are women I don't see regularly but respect and enjoy and look forward to seeing. Today, two moms I have only known through blogging came and what a treat to meet them. And the kiddos? TOO CUTE!

I love knowing about people. I'm working on the whole "love knowing" people deal and "love people" command and well... Not that I don't want to know people, I'm just not so good at it. I spend way too much time wondering what MY dork factor is, not engaging others in conversation, yada-yada. I kinda freeze when it comes to small talk.

But, finding out about peoples' lives I love. I want to find a connection, a common ground, interesting tidbits. And, it really is a small world! The six degrees of separations is alive and well. So, all that to say, I found some common ground with my new "face to face" friends.

And, let me say, its crazy how much we learn about each other through blogs before even laying eyes on one another.

So, girls, thanks for a good day. I look forward to more visiting...I'm thinking at a yummy restaurant sans kids one evening so we can really talk, uninterrupted.

What'd ya say?

True Obedience

2007-06-25T08:16:00.000-05:00

The LORD God has told us what is right and what He demands:
"See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God."
Micah 6:8

Pathetic, but hey!

2007-06-22T14:51:00.000-05:00

So I didn't take too many pics this week. I kinda stink at that. Here is my humble offering:

Hang on, bub! We're so close now. Avery looks happy here...she took a break from seeing if she could scream louder than Asher to offer a semi-smile.

In the hotel room. Do they make rooms smaller now? I swear the walls were closing in on us. Notice Avery watching the tv. We don't have cable or satellite or anything much besides channel 8 and 13. She got her fill of Disney and Nick.
Avery and Kennedy. Kennedy is the daughter of Drummer Kevin. She is a year younger than Avery and every bit just as girly. See her camo purse and sippy held just like a Starbucks?
Sweet Cindy Foote and daughter Liberty Song. She is a very busy 19 month old...Libby, not Cindy. Poor Cindy just wanted some sleep. Amen, sister.
And...the final touch. Last night as we drove home, God told us He loved us THIS MUCH. I don't think I have ever seen a perfect rainbow from end to end. Avery hadn't and we enjoyed this so much. It was vibrant and perfect. I did my best with the camera while driving too fast on a windy road. Hey! I just wanted to get home!

Ahhhh...

2007-06-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

We're home!

After some serious meltdowns Thursday, we threw in the towel.

It's Thursday around 6 PM. We get in the car to head to the school to watch the guys play. Avery is mad (and I mean MAD) that she doesn't have like 30 dolls to play with and screams the whole way from the hotel to the school. She is beyond exhausted and just wants to be done. Asher is sitting in his seat with a glazed look like he's about to nod off and I'm thinking, why are we still here?

Shawn calls as we are in the parking lot at the school. I'm planning on sitting there until Avery quits. He comes out and I tell him we're going home. He balks, which is understandable since we won't get on the road until close to 7PM and it took us 6 hours to get there. Still, We are soooo done. Shawn agrees and helps us load everything up. After getting gas, we hit the road at 6:47 PM.

The kids are in diaper/pullup and pjs so we shouldn't have to stop for potty breaks. My hope is that they'll sleep most of the way.

And...it seemed to be a great decision. We made great time, getting home at 11:30 PM (one drive thru stop to get a diet coke and fries)! Once we got home, it got hairy for a little while. They both woke up and were both groggy and Asher had a messy diaper, Avery was crying and being dramatic in her half-conscious state and that threw me in to psycho mom mode.

Ten minutes after midnight and we were all in bed, close to asleep. I was dead to the world for a glorious 5 1/2 hours before Asher woke up. I fed him and put him back down and went to check on Avery.

Guess who was awake. Are you kidding me? The girl is sneaking caffeine somehow.

I let her finish out the morning in bed with me and we both managed to drift off until a little after 8.

They are napping now, catching up on much needed sleep.

I'm so glad we came home last night. Shawn is not too far from arriving too! Yeehaw. I'll get to hit the grocery store by myself.

Gonna get some pics up here in a second.

Howdy from San Angelo...again

2007-06-20T10:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the encouragement and prayers. Last night went well. Asher was so tired he couldn't put up a fight. Avery took a bit longer to settle down but at least there were no tears...or screaming...or other guests knocking on our door asking if we are okay.

That was humbling. And a slight bit embarrasing. The worst part? The guy wasn't even staying next door but DOWN THE HALL!

At least he was nice about it.

Okay, so I've heard the guys play now. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Shawn has been blessed to lead with them. Billy is an incredible songwriter and Cindy? That girl can sing and then some. The only downside? I just can't worship when a girl is singing...I spend too much time in awe of the beautiful voice. I do try to at least read the words. And God still gets the glory for giving her such an amazing voice...even though He passed me up...

No bitterness here...much.

Speaking of words, there is a new song that they have been doing and man, it's incredible! I can't keep the name straight. Something like All Praise to God. Ah, it's the next Not a god.

And little Libby, their daughter from China...too cute. It's a busy time in the green room with kiddos everywhere but we're having fun. Some great folks we have here!

Still haven't heard Neal. He gave me a rundown of what he would cover and it sounded like greatness, but bedtime prevailed. Here's to hanging on to hope.

Signing off now. I'm in the lobby again with Avery while Asher is napping and Shawn is doing some work.

I've taken a few pics of the kids. I'll get 'em up when I'm on my computer.

How's the weather in the Big D? We've had crazy rain which has made it nice and cool. I can dig that.

later ya'll.

We made it.

2007-06-19T06:43:00.000-05:00

So while other blog friends have been dashing off to exotic locale, and others are headed up north, I am spending the week in the lovely San Angelo. With the kids. Because of the hubby.

The guys are leading worship at a Student Life Camp at Angelo State. Since this is the "closest" deal they have this summer...here we are.

Six hours in the car by myself. With the kids.

Not fun.

I so feel for single parents.

Stopping for a potty break takes serious forethought.

But, we made it. And the kids actually slept last night (for the most part). I snuck down to the lobby around 6:20 AM for a quiet breakfast before getting them up. I spotted the computer and figured I'd hop on here for a few.

Today we begin our fun. We'll go to the camp to hear the guys play. I haven't seen Shawn play with Billy Foote yet, but he's lovin' it. We'll swim. Someone will hopefully get in a nap at some point. And we'll enjoy being together as a family.

Also, Neal McClendon is speaking and I have as of yet, never heard him...though I've heard ALL about him. I might actually still not hear him but I'll give it a shot.

Please pray for me. I want to have fun and that requires relaxing and bringin' in the ol' flexibility that I so don't possess. I swear I will give God ALL the glory and take none for myself if I not just survive the week but really enjoy it.

Have a great day, ya'll! I'm off to see what the troops are up to.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T20:47:00.000-05:00

My dad. The man who instilled in me a love of reading, deep conversation and softball. His daily reading of the Word was a true testament to his faith and an important example for mine. His love for my mother showed me commitment, no matter what. He now loves my kids like he loved us. I am blessed to have a dad like him.

And this man stepped in and has loved me more like Christ than I have ever deserved. Through him I have learned to live out commitment. I am forever amazed at his integrity, wisdom and love of people. He is a tremendous father: consistent, loving, fun and deeply committed to family. God knocked it out of the park with this one.

And of course,

God the Father.

Abba.

Daddy.

His mercies are new every morning.

He is the Giver of all good things.

The Father of Light.

A Great Comfort.

The Example.

Decisions are the worst!

2007-06-13T06:43:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I tell ya, it's too early.

So this morning, I scheduled a neighborhood event. In retrospect I'm not sure what I was thinking. Cinemark does a series of kid movies for $1 each Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Sounds fun, right? Sure, if someone can watch your 1 year old who should be napping at precisely that same time. Did I find a babysitter (meaning my mom)? Noooo, not so much. Am I stressed about how this is going to go? Yesss. Did Avery wake up at 5 this morning? Mmm-hmmm. Did I go to bed too late last night? I think you know the answer to that.

Not looking like a promising start.

I will throw myself at the mercy of my mother and ask for a last minute pardon (if she doesn't have any meetings) and beg that she hang with little man while Avery and I spend some time with Clifford that big ol' red dog.

I dunno what's going to happen if ALL of us hit the theater. My mind has been trying to map out different scenarios, preparing itself for all things stressful. There are only so many crackers that a baby will let you shove in his mouth in attempts to keep him busy. At least this is a kid movie and stress is a given. I bet we won't even be able to hear what sweet Emily Elizabeth has to say.

Maybe we should just save our dollars and watch PBS this morning.

Darn you, girl, for thinking you could be ubermom. I could so go for a nanny right now...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHER!

2007-06-10T09:49:00.000-05:00

This little man loves life...and cake!

We love you, Asher!

Tidbit Wednesday

2007-06-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

Once again, naptime has been given over to blogtime. You'd think with all the witty writings I've read, I would be spurred on to spew my own.

Guess it's just not that time of the month...biorhythms and stuff.

I do have to say that I think blogs are so nifty. A labyrinth of fun, so many girls separated by a mere few degrees.

another tidbit - my little man is turning one on Sunday! We'll be having family celebrations on Saturday 'cuz Shawn becomes a travellin' man on Sunday.

On that note, we'd appreciate prayers. Lots of travelling, a new band, no practice...good thing guys roll with the punches a bit better than we do.

I'm reading Bringing up Boys by Dobson. Shawn's mom bought it for us back in 2002 (good thing she inscribes her books to us)...honestly, we laughed and thought it a bit odd. Kiddos weren't on the horizon...or so we thought. I actually picked it up one time to see if I could make heads or tails of my husband.

I didn't finish the book.

This morning, while sitting in the study, half-groggy at 6:20 AM (but hey, I got close to 9 hours of sleep last night!!), I decided I would give it another shot b/c, after all, I am bringin' up a boy now.

Did you guys know that boys and girls are different? :-) Wonders never cease.

take care, my blog fam...

2007-06-06T14:57:00.001-05:00

I just have to say that it is impossible to be a nice mom and suffer Texas summers.

Pray for me and I'll pray for you - it's begun.

Family Ties

2007-06-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

Last year at the World Aquarium. Avery - 2 1/2, Olivia 2

Yesterday at the Dallas Aquarium. Avery 3 1/2, Olivia 3
These two are the best of friends and too funny. They both rode with me to the Aquarium and I had a hard time keeping a straight face listening to their conversations. Sleepovers are right around the corner. I am so thrilled that they have each other and that the boys have each other.

Even though we don't live within minutes of each other, we're near enough for the kids to be very involved in each others' lives. And I get to see my sweet sis in law (more like a sis).

We love you guys!!

uh, uh, no you diint!

2007-05-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

My day was going along just fine. Had my coffee and Kashi cereal for breakfast. Got myself, the kids and my parents to church in time for donuts, coffee (none for me, thanks), potty breaks and service with no meltdowns. Heard the greatness of Voddie Baucham, guest speaker. Got out of the building at a reasonable time and headed to lunch.

Here begins the foundation of my sad tale.

Mom wanted Luby's - line too long. Across the parking lot - Freebirds! It's been awhile since I've had me some yummy Freebirds. In college, my roommate was a manager at the one in Northgate, so needless to say...

Line was just as long at Freebirds, but, well, it's so worth it. As I wrestled with my order (side info: Since Easter, I've been very careful with my food choices - losin' weight and all - about 15 lbs worth!), I was torn between getting nothing but lettuce and some chicken and enjoying a decent burrito. I opted for the decent burrito. Initially I was going to get a 1/2 burrito but Shawn decided that I should spend 75 cents more and get a Freebird. He would finish the rest...or so he thought.

Aside from a few bites I shared with Asher, I downed that thing! Yum from beginning to end! And I didn't feel too guilty because I passed on sour cream and all, until...

I got home and looked up the nutritional info. I am reeling, profoundly shocked. Did you know that the bbq sauce on a Freebird is almost 200 calories and 11 grams of fat?? What the..???

So, as penance for eating a thousand-plus calorie burrito for lunch, I must write about it. Call it a public service announcement or something.

It just ain't right, but it's oh so good.

highlights

2007-05-26T10:14:00.001-05:00

Nothing like my voice magnified and echoized.

Good stuff.

highlights from our week

2007-05-26T10:11:00.000-05:00

A little swimmin' with our friends!

Asher's first time in a pool - it's ALL good.
I'm cold but momma is warmin' me up.
Bring on the sparkles, I'm a happy gal.
No pictures please. I'm not dressed yet.

the sweetest things...

2007-05-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

It's a good stage right now. I love it. Avery is a funny, smart, sweet big sister. Asher is getting around on his own, fascinated by his big sister and curious about everything. They both have the greatest smiles. We love these kids!

summer reading

2007-05-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

A friend asked me to list my top faves for summer reading. I'll share a few I think are worthy of checking out - you do the same!

1. Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty - I found this book delightful. A story of triplet sisters during their 33rd year. This is the first book by this author and I think she knocked it out of the park. If I were to ever write a book, this is what I would hope for.
*L, S, comical V*

2. Aunt Dimity Series by Nancy Atherton - A true "cozy" novel. Nothing profound, nothing "R" rated - just a good snack book. Lori, a thirtysomething mom to twin boys and wife of lawyer Bill, gets into trouble and finds adventure in small town Finch. Aunty Dimity is a...well, you'll have to read to find out. I have read most of them and really enjoy their simple, sweet small English town feel.

3. The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas - Not for the faint of heart. AMAZING! One of my all time favs. It is LONG but holds you until the very end. Told from the point of view of a Roman soldier at the crucifixition, we journey with him as he seeks to learn about this man called Jesus.

4. Any chick lit book from Kristin Billerbeck. She sets her stories in the Sillicon Valley. Single gals navigating through life, love and the occasional spa trip. Fun! Fun! Fun!

5. Lord Peter Wimsey series by Dorothy Sayers - my hands down favorite books. I love Lord Peter, I love the time period (20s and 30s) and I love the location (England). She is a smart writer, dripping with dry wit - that wonderful british humor. She was a contemporary of CS Lewis and one of the first women to attend Oxford. She has written both fiction and nonfiction. I have read all of the Wimsey series and always hope to stumble upon an undiscovered one.

I'll start there. Those at least have stuck with me. So often I read a book and never think about it again. And I'll have to be honest - I never make it through self-help books nor do I choose non-fiction too often.

Alright folks, start posting your faves!

*UPDATE* - Just finished The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Very very good! I had a good cry.

birhtday schmirthday

2007-05-10T06:33:00.000-05:00

i'm still in that fuzzy wake up haze. my eyes are bleary, the zit on my chin hurts and i probably should get back in bed.

but here i am.

i've got a bit of a birthday hangover. i wish it were from cake, ice cream and receiving lots of presents. no, its from unmet expectations.

i hate expectations. they always seem to let you down.

not that my birthday was a bad day - it just wasn't the stuff that dreams are made of. a sick child, no luck shopping, needing to say, "i need some me time" but feeling guilty for even thinking it. losing my temper. of course, ALL of this spurred on by raging hormones from my good ol' aunt flo (i feel positively adolescent using that term!).

last night, as my day was coming to a close, i told shawn that i wanted to celebrate on another day, a happy simri day. no water weight, no expectations, no problem finding something to buy. he sweetly agreed that was a good idea.

i've got 364 days to make it happen.

there were some silver linings:

- Cheesecake Factory for lunch
- trying on Lucky Brand jeans in a size I haven't worn in many moons. How great to walk in to a store, have the young sales guy look you up and down and declare, "you're long and lean, so we'll try these jeans." He also mentioned my "Cute figure" (hey bud, i'm old enough enough to be your...aunt!) and brought me lots of skimpy tops and jeans with the price tag tucked neatly out of sight. I applied good ol' biblical wisdom and "guarded my heart". no matter how good i felt, i just can't bring myself to pay over a hundred bucks for any one piece of clothing. I think Shawn actually would have let me get them. Or maybe I was a victim of reverse psychology. Either way, i left empty handed but feeling good.
-Chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. For me, cake just doesn't cut it the way warm chocolate chip cookies and milk do.
-Avery sang "Happy Birthday" to me. That might seem simple but the girl has an aversion to that song. She bursts into tears when it's sung to her on her birthday. She hides her face at other birthdays when the song is begun. But for me, she sang proudly, loudly and with gestures!
-Being remembered by friends and family! Thank you!

So, in hindsight, it was a good day.

too cold

2007-05-03T22:39:00.000-05:00

The excitement wore off quite fast after i moved the pool onto the porch and refilled it with fresh cold water. Sorry, kid, you got mom's super-fair, quick-to-fry skin. I promise, it'll be hot enough soon enough and you'll be glad for the shade.

salad perfection

2007-05-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

this is greatness...

Romaine lettuce

grilled chicken

mandarin oranges

feta cheese

pecans

balsamic vinagrette

mmmmmmmm! so tasty! didn't even wait for the kids to go down for a nap to tear into this. (i like to eat in peace)

Egads!

2007-04-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

I didn’t shop for a swimsuit last year. It was a glorious year. One that will go down in the annals of “I’m not so bad”. It’ll also forever live in the “Denial” file. Just because one doesn’t try on swimsuits in bad lighting does that mean the fat isn’t there? I mean, “if a tree falls in the forest?”…and all that.

Never mind that I was carrying 35 baby pounds (baby included) and people have pity on a swollen beached whale in a cute maternity suit. I think you actually earn points for forsaking your pride to enjoy a dip in the pool.

Never mind that I would be wearing that maternity suit all summer (baby not included). Sympathetic glances turn into questioning stares and then downright disgust. Hey, it’s not my fault the doc didn’t tell me not to eat for two.

Fast forward to now. Now - when the baby is old enough to wear his own suit and play in the water. I am proud to say all of the baby weight is gone. But, before you hate me because I’m one of those women (ah, to be one of those women!), let’s just say the tenant may be gone, but he left behind a mess.

Do we really need to continue this conversation? I mean, do I have to subject myself to the mental and emotional turmoil that even talking about a swimsuit evokes? As a matter of fact, let’s just call it a day. I’m beat, worn out from the walk down memory lane. And really, who needs to cool off in the wicked Texas heat?

My three year old, that’s who.

Her ambitious summer plans include a trip to the beach. Not sure where the idea came from but daily I hear, “when we go to the beach…”. So, I guess we’re going to the beach. And I guess I’m finding a suit. A swimsuit. And I’ll join the ranks of women grumbling in their own private hell in their own private dressing room under the glare of cellu-light.

Now that’s a thought. You would think that if a store actually wants to sell its clothing, it would go out of its way to do the dressing rooms up right. No horrendous “accent” lighting – just a candle and a funhouse mirror. I bet the merchandise would be flying off the shelves.
Just make sure there’s a strict return policy. Or work out a deal with the sun. Tell him the moon would do just fine this year. Everything looks better in the moonlight.

mmmm...

2007-04-24T09:53:00.000-05:00

Asher discovered the greatness of the straw sippy cup and apple juice. He drained that cup in no time. Have I mentioned the boy is passionate about all things food?

Seeing your kids day in and day out leads to not noticing how they are changing and then one day, you look at them and they look so different! That's how it's been with both of my kids. Avery is so tall! I look at her body and am amazed that all things baby are gone. She is witty and funny and a smartie pants and just a doll. Asher looks more and more like a big boy - I can't believe we are approaching 1! He's "talking" and moving and just being a cutie pie. He always has a smile for us and now does his best to look precious with a big ol smile and squinty eyes.

Funny little conversation between Avery and Shawn last night:

Avery: "Hey dad, bring that spanky hand over here!"

Shawn: "What?"

Avery: "That hand that spanks me - bring it over here and sit down with me."

2:33 PM

2007-04-23T14:32:00.000-05:00

As I sit here sipping a strawberry banana smoothie, Rush Limbaugh is jawing on the radio, Avery is playing in her room and Asher is napping. The windows are open and I hear the sounds of construction all around. Two houses are being built to the left of us, one to the right and another behind us. Fortunately, none of them are immediately next to us. Still the noise is well, noisy.

Our internet has been out of service since midday Friday. I have not been on the computer since that point. Tough going. I see how attached I am to being plugged in to my world through a few strokes on my computer. We don't have cable so we get about 1 1/2 channels. That leads to not much tv watching. Being online keeps me connected. Being offline leaves me floundering. Not that i missed much.

The repairman rang the doorbell before 8 this morning. Glorious since we were quoted the standard "sometime between 8 and 12". Too bad for him that he was greeted by a pajamed, newly awake 30-something female. Turns out that when another AT&T work crew was trying to fix another problem, they put the lines back together wrong and we ended up with someone else's number ?? I guess it was an easy fix b/c we were back in the saddle in no time.

It's now 2:45 PM.

"f" or "p"?

2007-04-18T14:08:00.000-05:00

I'm in the kitchen making dinner. Avery is watching Tom & Jerry. Asher is napping.

Avery: "Hey mom, I want Spiderman noodles with dinner!" Can't possibly peel her eyes away from the pseudo-violence playing out on the tv.

Me: "That's fine. We'll have it with the pork."

Avery, eyes still glued to the tv: "No, I want a spoon."

Me: "Huh? Oh, yeah, but we'll eat it with pork."

Avery: "MOM! I want to eat it with a spoon!"

Me, about to open my mouth with a "READ MY LIPS" but think better of it. Why bother? She'll eat the pork with a fork and the noodles with a spoon.

out of the mouth of babes

2007-04-13T20:45:00.000-05:00

I headed to the shower after coming home from the GYM (remember that) this morning. Avery invited herself to join me. Upon taking my clothes off and entering the shower, she encouraged me with these few precious words:

"Mom, you have a lot of room back there."

Whaaat? "Are you talking about my bottom?"

"Yes."

Crap.

I should be paid to endure this verbal abuse. And why can't a girl get a shower alone?

what a sense of humor!

2007-04-13T12:47:00.000-05:00

Life comes full circle in well, not much time.

A while back I wrote about transition in our lives. The whole out with the old, in with the new blah, blah.

Little did I know that old and new are cut from the same cloth.

Transition - The Jeff Berry band came to an end. Okay, no problem. I was excited - no more extensive travel! I did feel for Shawn not having the opportunity to play music any longer. But hey, he'll get over it and we'll be together...lots.

God's sense of humor - Billy Foote comes a'callin'. Can you say "on the road again"? Not to sound like the shunned other woman, I did give my blessing (which Shawn sought immediately - kudos, babe!). He's excited. I'm becoming excited. Billy has written some amazing worship songs. I look forward to meeting him and his wife Cindy.

And I'm confident God has my back. He's led me to pray that He would meet my needs. I know He will. He kinda has a way of being faithful, ya know? I try to remember that He's all for family and He'll make sure we're good.

So, back in the saddle again....AND, God has amazed us with how much work He's brought Shawn through The Whetstone. It's crazy busy. Shawn's been landing lots of jobs - now he needs to do the work!

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. Keep 'em comin'.

this is the day that the Lord hath made!

2007-04-11T16:26:00.000-05:00

Ah, sweet moment of silent, self-indulgence, how I love you! Redhead with Gamma, little man asleep. Hubby at a meeting. I am sitting on the couch, computer in lap, diet coke in system. Does it get much better than this? Let me hear a "yeehaw" from the mommies!

Today is perfection:

- a good AM workout
- a trip to the playground with daddy
- naptime
- a visit to the library
- an afternoon stroll around the square. I LOVE downtown McKinney!
- peppermint ice cream at Herby's Old Fashion Soda Fountain for Avery, orange sherbet for Asher, cherry diet coke for me, Turtle torture for Gamma and a fried apple pie to go for Shawn
- Shawn stopping by the square to pick up his treat
- Avery staying with Gamma
- Asher napping right now

*smiles*

and you?

ever have one of those days...

2007-04-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

when you've got nothing to write? Yeah, well I'm having one of those weeks. Last week I blamed it on pms and then the real deal. Now I don't have anyone or thing to blame. My mind feels like jello, i've had headaches for the past three days and none of me wants to work together. I'd form a picket line...if I felt like it.

I do need your help, though. Last month I sold two articles to local McKinney magazines. It was thrilling! Can I call myself a writer now? So, I've been trying to think of new article ideas and am (surprise, surprise) drawing a blank...lots of blanks. I'm trying to overcome my "one-hit wonder"itis. The editor has emailed asking if I have ideas for the May/June Issue of McKinney Woman mag. Yeah, you know the answer. So, HELP ME! What are articles of interest for women that I could tackle?

My eyes are crossing. It's 3:07 PM! What is up? I need a vacation.

Easter Finery

2007-04-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hope your Easter was a blessed reminder of our HOPE!