Free Spirit

2009-03-07T22:00:00.002-05:00

Daylight Savings Time IS the devil...

Isn't it time to be done with this evil clock nonsense? The farmers don't need it anymore; they have headlights on the combines.

I don't need it anymore....except in the fall when we go back an hour. I suppose there's only so many times you can do that, though. I'm convinced it adds to my dark-circled eyes.

So here I sit at 10:04 p.m. on a Saturday night bemoaning my next move after I click this computer off. 11:04>

Good night, world.

2008-03-24T17:53:00.002-04:00

Today has been a total waste of a day.
Sometimes it's good to have a wasted day, though. I just have to turn my brain off sometimes. Okay, no comments about that last sentence!

Today was an eat-a-whole-bag-of-gummy-bears day while reading a book from the "Bathroom Readers Institute". Hey, it was educational.

I put supper in the crockpot this morning, so nothing to worry about there. Jeff and I are going to the bakery to get a little yummy for my birthday. I don't really want stuff; besides, I just spent some $$ at Coldwater Creek and I can't add to the spending guilt! LOL Jeff picked out a gorgeously cute jacket top for me. He's actually fun to clothes shop with...good eye.

I can't believe I actually did this: I bought a pair of shoes just because they were cute!! I NEVER do this with shoes. But I couldn't pass them up. They're black lace, 2.5" heels, very small, slightly fluffed lace lining the top and a small black bow. I have nick-named them "the shoes of death".

As everyone who knows anything knows: if your shoes don't hurt, they don't look good. I used to wear pumps/heels all the time growing up, but now I mostly wear flats. So, my eyes were saying, "CUTE!", my toes were saying, "OI!", and my brain was saying, "WHAAA...???"

If I die tomorrow, I want to be buried wearing those shoes.

Skinny Tomorrow?

2008-03-15T21:07:00.003-04:00

TV offers us some incredible claims. We're just supposed to believe it's true if it's on TV.

Isn't it funny to watch a commercial with some guy in a white coat waxing elequently about medical matters....and then in very tiny print underneath there is a disclaimer??? Turns out this guy isn't really a doctor, after all.

LOL

Try to pick out a diet-pill aid strictly by watching the commercials. WOW, they're ALL the greatest and strongest. Have you seen the tiny print that says, "Weight loss result not typical"?

But today's claim realllly cracked me up.

Today, "Tony" was excitedly telling me about this fantastic diet, how much weight he lost, his before and after picture, blah, blah, blah.

But THEN, the camera zooms in closely to Tony's face. He points his finger at me through the TV screen and he says, "You do not have to be fat for one more day!!"

Yes, Tony, we do have to be fat for one more day. If I take Tony's fat pill today, I will most certainly be fat tomorrow. I know this is absolutely true because otherwise Tony would be a bzillionaire and not a compensated actor.

It Has to be Organic

2008-03-15T00:45:00.003-04:00

Taking middle-school fun to another height, Jonathan borrowed "The Dangerous Book for Boys". It's crammed full of important things every boy must know to get along in life successfully. Seriously, who could resist such a book?

All sorts of things are in this mystifying book, whose very title alone draws a young man into it and implores him to greedily read every page of its near-contraband subjects.

Subjects such as:
"The Greatest Paper Airplane in the World"
"Making a Battery"
"Building a Treehouse"
"Making a Bow and Arrow"
"Pocket Light" (we built one; it works!)

The most intriguing subject to catch a boy's eye, though, would be the subject entitled "Secret Inks". Oh, yes, innocent...and a bit... provocative.

*****

I came home from a very short trip to the laundrymat; so short, in fact, that I was gone from home a mere ten minutes.

Walking in the front door, I heard the familiar "DING!" on the microwave. I would have naturally thought that another bag of popcorn was going to its great reward, but what I heard made my mother-radar stand on end.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! It's BOILING! It's BOILING!!"

Horrified at what might be behind such raucous laughter, I ran into the kitchen to see my favorite tea cup in the now steamed-up microwave. Such a pretty teacup, she was. Large-sized, white with pink roses, a pink rim and a lone rose on the inside--this cup has been more than a cup to hold hot liquids. This was a friend. This was a little thing of comfort on a cold day full of my favorite hot teas...peppermint, chamomile, orange spice...I digress.

I'm speaking of my teacup in past tense for a reason.

My tingling spidey-senses led me to ask, "WHAT'S boiling??"

"My pee! My pee is boiling! HAHAHAHAHA"

My cup...my microwave...the smell...everything is swirling...

"WHY? WHY would you PEE in my CUP?" I implored, desperate for a sensible answer.

"I'm making Secret Ink, and I need something carbon-based and organic!"
As in, "Duh, mom, like I would just pee in your favorite cup for no good reason."

I pointed out the lemon juice, milk, and egg in the refrigerator. Didn't matter at all. Oh, no, we should use urine. And we should boil it.

I'm mean; I made him dump the steaming pee into the toilet. Jeff told me I could soak my cup in bleach and then wash it through the dishwasher.

I could never do that, not after that event. That cup could be boiled in bleach for a year, and I would never use it. It has since gone to its great reward.

There are a few morals to this story.

The most obvious moral would be:
1) Don't buy a book that starts with the word 'Dangerous' for a middle-school boy.
Following closely behind that would be:
2)Keep more popcorn in the cupboard
3)Take him to the laundrymat with me
...and last, but most importantly:
4)Have a back-up teacup

***

Prayer Request

2008-03-15T00:44:00.002-04:00

Jenna's bedtime prayer tonight:

"Jesus, please bless us all with a big bag of Cheetos"

It's Been a Year?

2008-03-15T00:32:00.006-04:00

Hmmm...wow, where do I catch up?

New job (almost a year--very impressive, indeed --the year part, not the job)
Surgery (I'm fine now; you don't want to know)
Survived a few near-death asthma attack experiences
2 departed society finches (very sad finding)
2 new Lady Gouldian finches--one male, one female (very colorful; just sharing a cage)
Read a couple of books (got to get better at that)
Got into the Funkey's phase (we have them all except Glub!)
Moved my bedroom into the former family room (painted Benjamin Moore's Stratford Blue)
Building a wall for the new bedroom (in the drywall phase)
Gained weight (stupid steroids!)
Singing a lot
Playing keys

Have a newly-appointed favorite movie: "Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium"
New Favorite Quote: "Life is an occassion; rise to it." (from the above)
New "Need": a large, silver moon mirror. Completely rounded circle mirror with part of it filled in with a brushed silver in a crescent shaped moon. Never seen one, but it sounds nice.

I suppose there's much more, but maybe there isn't.

The world may never know.

2007-03-21T23:14:00.001-04:00

In light of the previous post ("...Why Not be a Parakeet?") I'm enjoying this song:
"The Littlest Birds Sing the Prettiest Songs"

I've got no idea who the Be Good Tanya's are, so I just take this song on it's own merit. Hope you enjoy it.

Hmmm.....Why Not be a Parakeet?

2007-03-21T22:16:00.000-04:00

We've been having fun as a family with our new birds. David has been pouring over his parakeet "owner's manual" and we've learned some interesting things about these very common, inexpensive birds.

Along with what we've read, I've had some interesting thoughts myself. Well, they were interesting enough to me.

Yeah, so there's some beautiful and exotic birds out there. The high-pricey kinds with high maintenance attached to them. I can appreciate their beauty, but I don't really want to get all wrapped up in that type of bird.

A little like people, isn't it?

Parakeets come in some beautiful colors, and they're friendly birds. They actually LIKE people and enjoy being hand tamed. They appreciate treats, enjoy their baths and sing along with music that we play. Basically, they are what they are and enjoy their life to its full capacity.

Hmmmm....a little bit like people, isn't it?

Puts a little bit of glamour back in my parakeet life.

I'll take that just fine.

Parakeet World

2007-03-21T22:04:00.000-04:00

David saved up his birthday money and was anxious to buy himself a lizard. He's been wanting an iguana for about a year. I haven't been wanting an iguana for about a year.

After spending some time in the pet store (where Jenna was literally begging for a RAT-eww!), I commented to David, "Boy, those lizards don't really do a whole lot, do they?" Jeff just looked at me and smiled; he knew the point I was trying to make. Hahahaha

That comment made a lot of sense to David as he studied them for awhile trying to make up his mind.

I've been wanting a couple of finches for awhile, so I suggested David and Jonathan pool their money and each get a parakeet--you know, they hop around, fly around, chirp and sing. A whole lot more action than a lizard--and not so much smell. Ick.

So far, they've been fun to have. I've got 4 finches (2 society, 2 spice) that chirp and sing pretty little ditties. Jenna's parakeet (Koochie) is friendly, as well as David's bird (Blueberry). I have named Jonathan's bird "Devil Bird" because he's a little grumpy and bites hard! I wouldn't mind stuffing the little devil back into the Petsmart box and exchanging him for, I don't know, a less EVIL one?

When I decide to do something, I sure don't do it half-heartedly. We've gone from 0 to 7 birds in one Sunday afternoon.

In the Mind of a 10 year old.....

2007-02-26T15:30:00.000-05:00

David asked how old our house was. I couldn't recall exactly without getting up and looking, so I just said, "Oh, about 30 years old or so."

"Wow! You're older than our house!"
"Like 6 YEARS older!"
incredulous stare
"So the people who built this house are probably DEAD!"

He may not live to see his 11th birthday.

And the Insane Mother-of-the-Year Award Goes To.....

2007-02-19T19:25:00.000-05:00

.....Bonnie Forester

Jenna had her 3rd birthday on Dec. 22nd. Way too close to Christmas to invite friends for a party. Then there's New Year. Then there's everybody getting back to school. Then there's mom who just keeps putting it off because her little girl doesn't know she's getting scammed....

But David's birthday is Feb. 18. He's 10. He's too old to get scammed. He's old enough to keep counting down the days. Jenna's a pretty smart little cookie who keeps catching onto the words "birthday party" which David keeps throwing around the house a few times each day.

"Mommy, is it almost MY birthday?"

"Yep, pretty soon. It's coming pretty soon."

There was no getting out of a birthday party for David, and I was still feeling guilty about Jenna. So I had both parties ON THE SAME DAY. I figured we would just trash the house ONCE instead of twice.

It turned out pretty well, all being said. We just kept rotating party groups through some games. A few moms stayed, so the adult company was nice too!

One little girl won an AirHead candy for winning pin-the-tail on the donkey. She said, "Is this all I get?" HAHAHAHAHAHA I laughed so hard. Isn't it great when it's somebody else's kid that says that for once?? (Aren't you secretly happy when some OTHER toddler cries in the store?? See, I'M a GOOD parent! LOL)

Jenna had a princess theme for her party. The boys who came were the brave knights!

Her Sleeping Beauty costume is a little big, so the front really sags down. We thought it was funny she needed to wear her shirt underneath it due to the "plunging neckline" on a 3 year old.

David couldn't decide on a theme, so he just stuck with "birthday party". He got a new game for his DS, and basketball pants from mom and dad.

So.........it's the day after the parties. The house is still trashed.

Oh, well.

The kids are happy, and mommy wants a HOT bubble bath.

Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out

2007-02-19T19:05:00.000-05:00

Every moment is a teaching moment when you're a parent, right??

Sunday was David's 10th birthday! He said he had the greatest party EVER! One friend brought him a spy set which included--among other CIA-type devices--was a marker with invisible ink. The only way a person can read what was "secretly" written is with a special light. Pretty cool.

He had some fun writing secret messages and then turning off all the lights and reading them in the dark with his special light.

Which brings me to.....

Our children's ministry's bowling party on Monday morning!

We never go bowling except for a special event, so we pretty much stink at bowling. We do have a lot of fun laughing, though!

Things were going along quite well for the first half of the bowling party.

Then, they turned out the lights and turned on the black lights for Cosmic Bowling! All the kids were laughing at each other's clothes glowing in the dark.

Then David turned around to talk to us.

Remember that "invisible" marker that only shows up under the special lighting? The bowling alley has this "special" lighting, too! Who knew??

After bed time, David wasn't done using his marker. Hey, if you're outta paper, you've always got your face! Shoot, who's gonna know you went crazy markering yourself? It's INVISIBLE!!

What in the World??

2007-02-19T19:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, I don't know what has happened with this new blogger move. What I DO know is it is a little screwy.

Thanks for your patience!

Jesus and Jenna

2006-11-18T00:21:00.000-05:00

Jenna has been on a big "Jesus" kick lately.
Not that I'm complaining...

She really wanted hot dogs for breakfast the other day. I told her no, I had already made scrambled eggs. She wasn't happy about that.

"Jesus said I get hot dogs!"

Try not laughing right out loud hearing that out of the blue.

It wasn't any better at Wal-Mart. She LOVES Baby Alive. But, for goodness sake, Baby Alive is $40.00. (How about Baby Get-a-Job??)

She pulled it down (thing weighs as much as she does!) and tried to get it in the cart.

"We can't get that today, baby. Let's just look at it. Did you press her bracelet?"

So she pressed the bracelet, and Baby Alive says, "I love you, mommy."

Jenna's little heart melts into an even bigger puddle.

"She LOVES me. I'm hers mom."

....brief pause....

"God said I need her and it's okay"

(No, I didn't buy Baby Alive!)

First Catch

2006-07-24T00:19:00.000-04:00

Looks like we have a fisher in our family.
Jenna caught her 1st fish!

We were on a short camping trip, and Jenna must have asked fifty times to go fishing. We took some slices of bread to the pier with us, and I showed the boys how to make bread doughballs. Breadballs seem to be a sure thing for bluegill. Of course, bologna and hot dogs work great, too.

She enjoyed holding the pole in the water, and I noticed that the line started running. I yelled, "Crank it up, Jenna!" She was trying to turn that crank and I was jerking her pole, and before you know it, she was hauling her (pretty big) bluegill up on the pier.

She was laughing and so happy. I guess I didn't expect that she would be so excited about it. I took a couple of pictures, and then we tried to get the hook out of the poor thing.

The hook had gone through under the eyeball, and it was slimy and wiggly.....and those spines on the fin HURT!

All that to say, along with the panic that the fish would die before we could throw it back, I had to ask a bystander for a hand in getting the fish off the hook.
We put the fish back on the pier, and Jenna got to scoot it back into the water.

I am SO thankful someone else was there to do the fish "handling"!! Fishing is fun, but I hate live bait, touching the fish, and fileting and eating the fish.

Jenna must have re-told that fish story--in her own cute way--at LEAST 50 times!
After releasing her fish, she said, "Let's do that 'gain, 'kay?"

David ended up with a big cut from a bluegill fin. It didn't stop him from a good time and wanting to fish every chance he got!

When God Winks--reposted

2006-07-15T21:48:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, when distance is too great for the spoken word, a look in the eye can say more than you would think.

When I see my kids behaving exceptionally well or perhaps showing kindness to another child, if they happen to look my way our eyes will lock - even if it's momentarily - and I give them a wink, or a knowing look, or an approving smile. It's a parent's way of saying so much by saying so little.

Across a table or a crowded room, sometimes Jeff and I will catch each other's gaze. One look immediately tells the other what we're thinking:

"Did you just hear what I heard??"
"Remember when....."
"I love you"
"I still pick you"

We don't hear the audible voice of Jesus; but He is our ever-present Father.

Sometimes, don't you "see" the wink He sends your way throughout your days?

I was finishing up mowing the lawn today and I felt a couple of big raindrops. It was getting quite dark and windy.
"Jesus, could You just hold it off so I can finish this? I'm hurrying, and You know how I hate to leave a job undone."
I mowed a few more strips. A few more raindrops.
"Ooooh....Jesus, I'm almost done....just a few minutes more??"

I finished the yard, pulled the tractor into the garage, walked out, and as I fastened the door shut it ALL broke loose outside.

I didn't mind at all. In fact, I laughed right out loud. I looked up in the rain, "Thank You; I got it done!"

I feel the same way when I get a close parking space, or just something unexpectedly nice happens.

Silly?

Maybe you'd think so.
But I don't think that way at all.

I just saw God wink.
And I like it.

STUPID DOG!

2006-07-13T16:52:00.000-04:00

We have a 30 pound, black, cocker/lab dog.

He's really cute and friendly (except to strange men!), but he has a need for speed.

He's a Houdini contortionist when he thinks it would be great to get out of the yard and mark the neighborhood bushes.

My latest mistake was putting a tag on him with his name and my phone number on it.

Seems he got out late last night and ran a couple of blocks away. A nice man caught him and kept him in the backyard.

Only I DIDN'T KNOW THIS!!

My stupid cell phone easily turns the ringer off, and when I looked at my phone this morning....I'd missed 9 calls and 4 voice mails.

Shadow got to barking at the other dogs around the man's house and keeping everyone awake. The guy took Shadow to the police dpt. I called the police department this morning and said I was on my way.

I was almost to the station, when they called and said Shadow was enroute to the Animal Shelter.

I made a couple of calls to find out where the shelter was, and the kids and I made a positive ID on the dog.

I didn't have a signed rabies paper or city license. GRRRR!!

side rant: why is there a stinking fee for EVERYTHING!

I asked the lady what his fees would be when I picked him up tomorrow (since there is an overnight wait period with the shots)

She informed that there was a $62 fee for his impoundment, rabies fee and license, and I would have to pay for it NOW.

I said, "Is that so you'll be sure I'll actually come back to get him?"

She didn't that was funny. I did.

I made my check out, and in the memo line I wrote "stupid dog".
So now I have to drive back there again tomorrow to pick him up.

SHEEEEESSSSHHH!

I Exercised Yesterday!!

2006-07-13T16:07:00.000-04:00

Woohoohoo!

I must be getting more coordinated with age. I rode the stationary bike AND played Tetris (GameCube!) AT THE SAME TIME!

I know all my friends are impressed.

Time just flew by; it was great.

Well, as great as exercise gets.

So I celebrated with a (small) piece of caramel nut apple pie.

No word on whether I'll be biking/gaming tonight.

My Addiction

2006-07-12T02:06:00.000-04:00

I've got to stop ordering the Grande size of Starbucks!
I can handle the Tall size PRETTY well, but a Grande-sized peppermint mocha nearly makes me crazy.
Well, actually, it makes the people around me crazy.

I get so fired up with energy that I can't sit still and my brain is going 100 miles an hour....and the later it is at night....the funnier everything seems!
It's my own personal, legal version of cocaine.

Proof of that is that I am posting this at 2:06 a.m. and I still have enough energy left in me to vacuum my gutters.

I can't quit typing, either.

HHHHHEEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPP!!!!

But it tastes so good. Extra whip-cream is nice.

Is there a 24 hour Starbucks around here?

Is there a drink limit?

Wonder what time they open.

Gotta get myself one of those fancy coffee machines for home!

Time for an intervention.

I'm Not Sure My Boys are Really Mine

2006-07-06T11:49:00.000-04:00

The boys look like the kids in the family pictures; but as of July 5, 2006....they look more like a couple of stray Brazilians.

How could they possibly be mine?!

I'm mostly German and I sport a celestial-type white glow about my body at all times of the year. I do get a nice farmer's tan on the lower part of my arms, and the top of my feet tan very quickly.
Other than that, I look like a direct descendent of Frosty the Snowman.

So who are these kids, and why are they calling me "Mom"?

Bouncing, Random, ADD Thoughts on My Mortality

2006-06-11T21:59:00.000-04:00

My grandma died this past August, and it's still really difficult to think about it. But there are a few thoughts bouncing in my head that usually bounce the loudest when the day has finally quieted down. Do you have thoughts like that, too?
I was at grandma's side holding her hand for a couple of days in the nursing home before she died. She was in her right mind most of the time. She was too weak to really even move her head or speak above a whisper. She watched with loving eyes as her great-grandchildren spoke to her and sat on my lap. She said, "I hope you'll have more time with them than I got to have with you".
After she died, my dad and his wife and myself went through her things at her home. I saw pictures from her retirement party. She had worked there many, many years. There was a banner and a cake, and everyone was laughing and clearly enjoying themselves.
Her home was a museum of about any Watchtower periodical you could think of and all her Bible study notes.
But in the end.....
There were no friends at her side.
There were no former co-workers to help cheer her.
There were no members from her congregation to reflect on things they'd learned.
There was no one.
She had instructed cremation with no memorial services whatsoever, and my dad and I were to bury her urn atop her mother-in-law's casket.

Were you wondering when I was going to get to the bouncing thoughts part? Here goes:

Isn't it amazing how many sets of friends we have throughout our lives? We have our childhood friends, high-school friends, college friends, friends that move in and then out of our lives while we're in ministry......
If you died tomorrow, who would come to your funeral? Forget about who's coming because they're compelled to come because you might have some type of a position. That doesn't count; that's a cheap cheat.

Who's going to miss you?
Who's looking forward to seeing you again in heaven?
Who's there remembering how you somehow made a direct difference in their life?
Who's there who could share memories made with you?
In the end, do you think you're going to care that you walked away from friends - or even your family members - because they didn't "believe" exactly the way you do? Do you think you'll be giving a rip that you turned your back on friends and family because they weren't as "conservative" as you were?
You know........our friends and our family members are the only earthly treasures we'll get to take to heaven with us.
My one hope of seeing my grandma in heaven someday, is the fact that she was reared in the old conservative Lutheran Germany. Not that being Lutheran gets you to heaven any more than saying conservative Baptist gets you to heaven.My hope is based on the fact that she was taught and still believed that if there was eternal life in heaven, it was only attainable through Jesus Christ.

For eternity, what matters is that you have trusted Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior. It matters that you have confessed your sin and have repented - or made the decision to turn away from - the sin that has kept you from the forgiveness and relationship for which Jesus died on the cross and then rose again 3 days later.

I was kept away from family members because of the fear that they would influence me with their worldly ways. I understand this to a point. But now as I've gotten older, it's very burdensome to me that those would never leave me weren't permitted to be a part of my life.
Friends come and go all throughout our lives; family is always family.
You may not always LIKE everyone in your family, and we can certainly irritate each other. But there is no retracting family blood line. No matter how much you'd like to disown them or try to convince yourself that you're better than they are, you were given to your family as a gift from God. Who are you to pull yourself out of God's intention?

My grandpa died when I was 9 years old. I have a few fond memories of being with him as he smiled and introduced me to his friends as his "little WXYZ". I loved the smell of his Sir Walter Raleigh pipe tobacco, and looking at his pipe collection. And beyond that, there isn't much to remember of a relationship. This was largely due to that fact that he wasn't a conservative, independent fundamental Baptist and he had a television. Grandma smoked, too. My aunt listened to rock music. They lived 4 hours away from us. We had very, very little money to make a trip to see them. But if we did make the trip (maybe 1-2 times a year), we would arrive late at night and sometimes leave the next day. We always had to be sure to be back to work our bus route at church or attend a work party. We spent our Thanksgiving time at our church because they had a special service which went on for hours and hours.

In the end, attending every work party or never missing a Sunday on your bus route isn't going to amount to a hill of beans.

What are the two great commandments?
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.
The second is like to it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Accept Jesus as your Savior and pursue His will and ways. His ways aren't to alienate people. Jesus was all about people.
What will you do with Jesus?
What will you do with the people he's placed in your life?

I love the friends I grew up with; but where are they now? Many have forgotten me, or were quick to turn their backs on someone as myself who serves the Lord differently than they serve.
I love my family members; the very few I have left I hope I do not alienate but make a lasting impact and leave a Christian legacy.

I love this song, "Legacy", by Nicole Nordeman:

"I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me,
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest.
You can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So and So's
That used to be the best at Such and Such.
It wouldn't matter much.
I won't lie: it feels alright to see your name in lights.
We all need an atta-boy or atta-girl.
But in the end, I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world.
I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering;
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically.
Leave that kind of legacy.

Not "well-traveled", not "well-read"
Not "well-to-do" or "well-bred"
I just want to hear instead:"Well done, good and faithful one!"

I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering.
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically.
Leave that kind of legacy.

Church Signs Along the Way

2006-04-16T22:37:00.000-04:00

I like to read church signs and names along the road. I've got to keep better track of them. Here's a few humorous ones I recall.

Slogan seen under the church name in Texas:
"Intimacy with God and others"

Real church name:
Cut 'N Shoot Baptist Church
in Cut 'N Shoot, TX

An oxymoron:
Friendship Baptist Church

Artistic Update

2006-04-16T22:19:00.001-04:00

Just a couple of days ago, Jenna found got the squeeze bottle of strawberry jelly out of the refrigerator.

And painted the bathroom with jelly.

Two days later.....I caught her flushing whole frozen waffles down the toilet.

****SIGH****

Color Your World

2006-04-06T19:50:00.000-04:00

How do such cute little girls get into the biggest messes??

We've gone through several artistic phases in our home lately.
The first medium to be used was crayons, followed closesly by Sharpie markers, salt and pepper shakers, and now lotion and shampoo.

Let me be the first to tell you that even the Mr. Clean erasers don't work on Sharpie markers.

I tell you, this little girl of mine is F A S T! She's like a Houdini in her productions of markers. Jeff and I will look at each other and say, incredulously, "HOW did she get that thing?!" About the time we realize she has a writing utensil.....it's too late.

The really bad side to these artistic tendencies is that she doesn't keep her art small or contained to one area. No, she prefers large circles to accentuate her large personality. (Where did she get THAT?) And if the large circles are in red Sharpie markers, well, that just makes it look even better.

She even smuggled a silver Sharpie marker into the truck and made a lovely squiggle line on the armrest and window.

The last two days, however, she has laid aside the weights which do so easily beset her and has taken up lotion and shampoo. It's a bad, bad thing.

I realized, as I was checking my email today, that she was being surprisingly quiet. Then I groaned as I saw that the door to the stairs was shut. I knew she was up to something.

I opened the door, and there she stood....in the middle of a puddle of lotion on the floor.

She knew she was in big trouble. She started sniffling, "ooooohhhh" and backing up.

"Jenna! Did you do this??"

She continued to sniffle and shake her head "No". Then I glanced up the stairs, and saw that almost every stair had lotion on it somewhere.
I climbed the stairs....following the trail of lotion into every room upstairs. There were even very large puddles marking places of interest such as the toilet, the weight scale, the toy box, etc.

I took her hand and we walked to EACH lotion deposit.
"Jenna, did you do this? No! No! No!"

At each stop, she replied (in between snuffling tears) with "No, mommy, no!"
I don't think she was denying that she had indeed done the dirty deed, she just desperately wanted the whole episode to stop.

I made her clean up a lot of her own mess (she did pretty well for a 2 year old).
"I keen it, mommy, I keen it"

GRRRRRRRRRRRR

So far, we have had no more pouring events tonight.
I'm being entertained by a little sweetie-pie with a spaghetti sauce smile, messy curls, a twirly-type dance and an unrecognizable song.

Lotion?? What lotion??

Changing dreams

2006-02-19T22:40:00.000-05:00

Our dreams change over the years, of course. Most little boys want to be a fireman, or a policeman.....or in the case of Jonathan's pre-school graduation there was one boy who wanted to be Obe Wan Kanobi.
Most little girls would like to be a teacher or a nurse.

I've always been a little off-beat, myself. I've never been a conformer at heart although I went through the nurse phase for awhile. Yes, the drummer in my mind sometimes loses rhythm. Or maybe he's just improvising?

I've been a "fixer" forever. Always cheer for the underdog. Always looking for solutions. Always looking for those far-fetched possibilities. And for a long time of growing up, I was wishing it could be true that I could someday be ................. a fairie.

You weren't expecting that, were you?

I longed to be the small, flitting thing that could fit into a doll house, have lots of friends just like myself, live out in the fairywoods and have a magical wand.
As we'd drive through town, I'd look at all the ugly parts of things and wish I had that wand. I'd fix it all. New paint here, tear down a dump there, new clothes for that person, turn empty tables into steaming buffets, turn that car into good-as-new, find good owners for the pets in the pound. It was limitless.

And then I grew up a little bit, and the fairie got replaced with reality.

There was the grind of school, the expectations of performance, making other people happy, keeping other people happy. Definitely fairy-squisher types of things. One thing I wanted to do was join the Peace Corp. I didn't do that either. Now I'm in a place in my life with children and I employ peace-making attempts every day.
Funny thing, though, how God takes your individual dreams and ideals and turns them into opportunities.
God took those little-girl fairie dreams and Peace Corp ideals and turned them into possibilities. He turned the possibilities into opportunities when He saw fit to use me in full-time Christian service. Wow....it's even better when you're serving the Lord. All those dreams of changing things and changing people are more than dreams now. They're all reality and everyday challenges.
It's all just another way God shows us how He loves us as individuals. He takes the desires of our heart--no matter what form--and uses us to bring glory to Him.
And I still have dreams along those lines....someday, I would like to take a trip with Mercy Ships. We'll see.
Always dream. And better yet, always do.

David Vs. the Scarlet Ibis

2006-01-15T01:41:00.000-05:00

We took many day trips to Moody Gardens there in Galveston, Texas.

Moody Gardens is an indoor habitat learning center in the shape of a pyramid, along with a 2nd pyramid in which we rode a "Swimming with Dophins" simulator ride---uggghhh, I feel seasick remembering it---

Walking through the rain forest was a favorite. You could look down and see fish swimming all around, birds just out and about in the open, GIGANTIC fish that looked like they could/would eat you if given the right opportunity, butterflies all around. It was just so relaxing and warm.....aaaahhhhh. I'd love to go back again !

Whenever we had company or family visit, Galveston Island was where we wanted to spend time with them and share one of our favorite places.

In fact, here's Jeff's little brothers: Josh (in the cowboy hat) and Stephen (in the bright blue shirt).

I still can't believe how little and precious all of them look!

This picture is from a night out ALONE for mommy and daddy. We ate at FishTales restaurant and enjoyed strolling down the Strand shopping district holding hands.....

We especially thought the scarlet ibis was a beautiful bird, but after this trip, David wasn't so sure he wanted to see one ever again.

David was about 2 years old on this particular trip and enjoyed his stroller ride through the rain forest. We paused under the branch of a large tree and looked down at the fish. Only we didn't pay attention to what was perched on the branch of the tree and the proximity it was to David.

The infamous ibis

All of a sudden, we heard David say in a horribly offended tone:"Ewwwwwww.......uckkkkkkkk" over and over again and running his hands through his thick blond hair.

Well, it was mostly blond.

Poor David! This was a splattery mess a bird could write home about. I had to take him into the restroom for a complete hairwash with hand soap. It really shocked David, because he remembers it to this day. When we talk about Moody Gardens, he'll say, "Yeah, where that bird pooped all over my head!"

Galveston Island ferry ride

2006-01-15T01:06:00.000-05:00

While we lived in Texas, we took lots of day trips instead of big vacations. Mondays were Jeff's day off, so we'd usually spend the day in Houston at the zoo or museum or we'd go to Galveston Island. We always enjoyed the trip: it was time away with just us. We loved Galveston, and the boys really had a thrill at Moody Gardens every time we went. We enjoyed the trolley rides through town, also.

Taking another trolley ride!

Trivia alert: this was also the home of the infamous Pirate Jean LaFitte!

We almost always took the car ferry from Port Bolivar over to the Island. It was a long enough ride that people got out of their cars (you couldn't leave the engines running) and mostly it would just be too hot to do that, anyway.

At one crossing, we counted 40 dolphins cresting all around and following the ferry! That was incredible! I'd never seen anything like that before, and it was so great to see wild, free creatures enjoying life. Unforgettable!

Our joke is that it never fails that we do something wrong on our trips, and this time was no exception.

We always brought some bread with us to feed the seagulls while we were riding the ferry. The gulls were so used to handouts, that all you'd have to do is hold a piece of bread in your fingers up in the air, and they would swoop down and snatch it from your hand. I've had some nicked fingers, myself, but the experience is so fun, you just have to do it anyway.

We went to the top deck at the front of the boat overlooking all the cars and catching a great breeze and decided to pull out our bread and feed the gulls. What the ferry operators want you to do is feed the birds at the back of the boat. We weren't paying attention, and just started having fun holding our bread out at the front of the boat, oblivious to the fact that the sea gulls were flying, circling, gliding and hovering over top of all the cars at the front of the ferry. Ooooops! It had to be a bird's dream-come-true: free bread and a whole boatload of cars to mark!

Soon, we heard the crackle of the speaker: "Attention! Please, feed the birds at the back of the boat!" We were so embarrassed! We realized immediately that there was going to be a lot of people having to use plenty of windshield washer fluid before driving off the ferry. We couldn't stuff our bread away quickly enough and laugh our way to the back of the boat!

New Braunfels Caverns

2006-01-10T12:33:00.000-05:00

Our second stop on our New Braunfels vacation was at the caverns. We were all looking forward to this. The weather was hot, and the thought of a nice, cool cave sounded so nice. Jeff had geared the boys up with how exciting it was going to be to go waaaaayyy down into the ground that had big rooms in it.

We began our decent, and as you can see, Jonathan was VERY anxious to get going.
As I said, the weather was hot, so we had been drinking much more fluids than we usually drink.
Our group headed down into the caverns with our guide. We made a lot of stops as the guide explained different things we were seeing. When we got as far down into the cave as the tour permitted, both boys announced that they needed the bathroom. Only there are no bathrooms in the cave, and we didn't have those 20 oz. pop bottles like we did in the drive-thru safari! We were just going to have to finish the tour and take as long going back up as it took us to get down.
Every stop the guide made from this point on was just miserable. We couldn't get to the top soon enough. The boys were writhing and complaining. It was useless.
FINALLY, the tour was over and the guide told us the exit was just ahead. The boys bolted for the exit. Only there was a locked gate across the exit which the guide had to open for us to leave. They "stood" impatiently waiting for the guide to get there. I said, "Hey, guys, turn around and wave to mommy!"
This is the picture I got.
I laugh every time I see it;it's priceless!

Cartoon Dedication

2006-01-10T12:18:00.000-05:00

I'm posting this Close to Home cartoon in dedication to my husband, Jeff, and the drive-thru safari. Just replace the bears with kudus and a zebra!

New Braunfel's Drive-Thru Safari

2006-01-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

I was going through some pictures tonight--that still need to be scrapbooked--and I got a good laugh out of these memories.
In 2000, while we still lived in Texas, we took our vacation out to the New Bruanfels area. We visited a drive-thru safari which was a lot of fun and a little scary at times!
There were signs all over the place to stay in your car. Don't have to tell me twice. Roaming wild animals?? I'm staying in the car!! We bought a bag of wildlife food pellets (whatever that is), and hit the wildlife road.
We were supposed to toss pellets out of the car, and maybe an animal would come close and we could take their picture.
Only we were approached by the animals. Apparently, these guys knew a handout when they saw it coming! They came right up to our car window. It was pretty interesting, but then they got a little greedy.

Up walks this huge Greater Kudu (an African animal with tall, slightly spiraled horns).

"Hey, dude, can you help a kudu out? Can you spare some of them there wildlife pellets?"

Jeff slipped him a pellet (he was inistent), but then the urge to touch the animal just was too much to pass up. Jeff reached out and touched the kudu's neck. Wrong move! Mr. Tough-Guy Kudu knocked his horns on the top of our Saturn. But he just stood there waiting for another pellet, and Jeff couldn't resist AGAIN...and WHAM! This happened 3 times. You know, if you keep doing the same thing, you should just expect the same results! After the safari, we had 2 big dents in the roof of our car.

"Just keep driving, just keep driving..."

We drove a little further and met a VERY friendly zebra. He walked over to Jeff's window and reached his muzzle in for a pellet. He pulled his lips back and bared his teeth as he took it into his mouth. He decided he'd have another one. He put both of his knees on the windowsill and looked inside. Jeff and the zebra realized the same thing at the same time: the pellet bag was in Jeff's lap! Zebra guy pulled his lips back showing his very LARGE zebra teeth and began to lunge into the window and Jeff's lap.

"My, what big TEETH you have!"

You've never seen a scuffle like this one! Jeff was frantically trying to keep horse teeth from doing lap damage. YIKES! He was shoving his muzzle and trying to push him back out the window just as frantically as the zebra was going for the pellet bag. Jeff took out a handful of pellets and threw them down outside which distracted the zebra and let us continue our drive.
The boys had been drinking copious amounts of drinks during the ride, and now it was time for a pit-stop. Only there are no pit-stops available and you can't get out of your vehicle. We realized we would soon have a disaster on our hands if we didn't do something NOW. Thankfully, we still had some 20 oz. pop bottles in the car......:) I laughed and told Jeff, "Great! Now every wild animal in here is going to run to our car and try to mark it!"

I had an inquisitive ostrich come over to my side of the car for a pellet. I knew they were big, but when they're in your face, they're HUGE! Now, an ostrich moves its head just like a chicken does: with quick, irratic jerks and darts. That's really uncomfortable when he's sticking his beak in your window. He leaned in and stared at me--and my shaking pellet. "He'll hurt me! He's going to peck me!" Jeff just laughed. "Throw him the pellet." By this time, I'm not fully in my seat anymore; I'm leaning so far over to Jeff's side of the car, I'm practically in his lap. POW! The ostrich zoomed in like lightning, snatched the pellet...yes, I screamed...and slowly sauntered away. It took a little while for my heart rate to go back down.

You know, our family may not have a lot of things, but boy, do we have great memories. I don't know how long we'll be alive to enjoy the memories........

Future All-Stars

2006-01-09T15:45:00.000-05:00

If there's one thing my boys love, it's basketball. Maybe it's because they have some "Indiana" in their blood? I grew up in Indiana, and their great-grandpa, Dallas Ludlow, was a basketball coach for the Orestes, IN "Cyclones".

David started playing at age 4 for the "Hawks". His coach is a good friend of our family, Steve Cutshall. There's nothing more incredibly funny than watching 4 yr. olds try to play a basketball game! It's bodies everywhere and wild shot attempts that make parents wipe laughing tears out of their eyes.

When David made his first basket ever in a game, he stood there and cried with a big smile on his face. When we asked him later why he cried, he said, "I was so happy!" What fun!

Jonathan was 6 when he started playing for the "Jazz" team. He was the youngest/smallest on his team. He tried a wild pass attempt to a taller girl further down the court. He threw with all his might, tripped over his feet.....and accidentally made the basket! Loud cheers came up from the crowd and Jonathan just stood there with a happy "Wow!" expression on his face.

Jonathan went on to play basketball with his school, Baptist Park Christian, in 2nd and 3rd grades. They played against other public schools in the area. It was fun, but not as much opportunity to play since there were so many boys to have to rotate in and out of the game. The senior pastor, Tom Downs, was the coach at that time. He was so great with the kids!

Basketball has been a great experience for our family. We can all be involved--even Jenna goes to the games and claps for her Bubbies! They learn respect for coaches, teamwork, healthy exercise...and the thrill of something bigger than themselves.

The Newest Royalty: Princess Jennarella

2006-01-07T15:56:00.000-05:00

Jenna loves to play dress-up like a princess! She got this Sleeping Beauty dress and DVD for Christmas. Aunt Andrea and Uncle Mark, Uncle Roger and Aunt Tammy gave her all the "baubles, bangles, and bright shiny beads" to go with it. She LOVES the crown!

From the look on her face, I think she believes she IS the princess!

Why My Middle Name Isn't "Grace"

2006-01-06T02:17:00.000-05:00

All this basketball around our house reminds me of a time long ago.....
Looks off into distance as light dims....
Where I grew up, our school had intramural sports for the girls. We were all required to do it. Some girls were just better at it than others. Okay, ALL the REST of the girls were better at it than I was.
We had volleyball, basketball and track.
Tonight is about basketball. The other two are also painful, but I can only handle one bad memory a night.
Calendar pages flip back to 1980's.....
Now, you've got to understand that there wasn't much in the TV department going on for me. It was kind of frowned on to be watching it, let alone owning one. This really cut back on my understanding of HOW to play basketball. I never really watched the game much. I knew it was invented by Dr. James Naismith involving peach baskets. I knew you wanted to get the ball through the hoop.....and you'd better be careful because after halftime, you SWITCH BASKETS.
That's about the extent of my basketball knowledge. Plays? Calls? What??
I'd already nearly reached my adult heighth at this point in my life, so my job was to stand under the basket to catch rebounds. This usually resulted in calls like "Rattay all over the body!" Aren't we supposed to try to get the ball away from the other players?
"Rattay reaching in!" I was just knocking the ball away from the other player!
My nerves were shot BEFORE the game even started. What stupid thing will I manage to pull off tonight?
I must say that I always tried my best. But sometimes "best" is what I do on the bench.
Mr. Yockey, my coach, could tell I tried but was seriously lacking in the athletic department. Hence, the standing under the basket to catch a rebound.
But it got confusing because sometimes it was NOT okay to stand under the basket. Mr. Yockey would yell down the court, "Bonnie, move around! Move around!" I would....always with my hands up in the air. That's another thing people were always yelling at players to do. "Get your hands up!"
Another one of my "positions"? Throwing the ball in from the side. And ALWAYS throw it to Cindy (Brindisi-Simpson). If I ever got the ball, I was to throw it to Cindy.
A few times, somebody accidentally passed me a ball and I CAUGHT it! I was half-panicked, not quite understanding the whole double-dribble concept. "CINDY!!" I would yell. She always got open, and I could pass to her. Shooooo...
My dribbling was unique, to say the least. To this day, I can't dribble without holding out my left hand as if protecting myself from a side attack of some sort. My wrist is held down and pinky up. Yeah, I know....I'm a sissy girlie-girl.
Picture that dribble and a panick-stricken look as somebody passes me the ball to make a fast break to the other side of the court.
There I was, all out in the open, no one around me, running and "dribbling" like there's no tomorrow.
I was thinking, "Oh, no, if I miss this lay-up EVERYBODY'S going to laugh". I was wrong, though.
As these thoughts were racing through my head, I tripped over MY OWN FEET. I caught myself and kept going. I TRIPPED AGAIN, recovered slightly, TRIPPED MORE, and careened wildly across the floor taking a swan dive before the final face plant.
"Oh, THIS is what they're laughing at". I was right this time.
Mr. McNeilly, the referree, blew his whistle so he could regain his composure. I've never been so embarrassed in my life. Wait a minute, yes I have....there's volleyball and track, too.
And THAT is just one of the many reasons my middle name is not "Grace".

Basketball/Skills and Thrills

2006-01-06T01:33:00.000-05:00

Basketball season is here again for the boys. This is their third year to play in a Christian basketball league for boys and girls called "Upward".
It's a very well done program for children. You can check out the details at www.upward.org

A church near to us is the one who has sponsored Upward for the past three years. I was so thrilled to have found it!

David had his first practice tonight and got his (reversible!) jersey. The boys weren't thrilled about this year's uniform being the Laker's colors, though. They HATE the Lakers.
Jonathan informed me that if his jersey number was "8"; he was trading! He can't stand Kobe Bryant. He also said he was going to ask to be traded if his team name was "Lakers". I'm getting the drift that he doesn't care for the Lakers much. :)
Fortunately, the basketball gods were smiling at Jonathan because he's on the Heat team this year (but mommy can't stand Shaq....oh, well). AND he's number 55. Shoooooowheeeeee.
David was nearly raptured to heaven when he heard he was on the Texas Longhorns team. He's number 35.
They are both really good players. David plays well as a power forward, and Jonathan does well as point guard.
Both the boys put their uniforms on right away--including their new basketball shoes and sweat bands--and were air-shooting around the house.
It's fun to see them so excited.

Then they held "Skills and Thrills" night for me, Jeff and Jenna.
What? You've never heard of "Skills and Thrills" night?

The boys set up an obstacle course in the living room (suitcases, wagon, cushions, etc.) Then they stood at the top of the staircase. My job was to turn off the living room lights and give an announcer-type intro for each of them. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, I would flip the lights on while Mom and Dad and Jenna cheered and clapped.
Daddy had a judge's table set up in a corner and they each got three attempts at some incredible obstacle-jumping feat. He would yell out, "OHHHH....That's a 9.5!!" Think dunk contest.
They even named their stunts.
As Jonathan jumped over the wagon LONGWAYS, he kicked his feet clear back to his rear. It was called the Double Butt-Kicker.
David wouldn't be outdone.
As he jumped over the wagon, SIDEWAYS, he kicked his feet clear back AND smacked his rear with both hands. It was called the QUADRUPLE Butt-Kicker.
It was a close competition, but they both tied. Imagine that! Thank you, Daddy!
What do tonight's winners get?
Burritos!!!!!
Jenna was anxious for her turn to be impressive. She jumped off of Daddy's lap saying, "Hey, wooky me! Wooky me!" as she ran circles around the suitcase. We all cheered!
She got a burrito, too. :)

Just TRY to Take it Away

2006-01-05T00:21:00.000-05:00

I was in the laundry room doing the usual 13 loads of laundry a day. I was robotically pouring in my laundry soap, staring at the water filling up, putting wet stuff in the dryer and folding the dry stuff.

Then from out in the living room there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my laundry to see what was the matter...Oh, sorry, wrong poem...

But there was quite a clatter.

David is 8 years old (9 in February!) and David is a solidly built boy. He is not overweight; he's just solid. Jenna is 2 (just turned 2 a couple of weeks ago).

Physics alone would tell you who's gonna win this one!

I didn't know what I was going to find when I heard David screaming, "NO! Jenna, STOP! NO! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! NO! NO! NO! PUT IT DOWN!!! GIVE THAT TO BUBBY!! MOOOOOMMMM!!"

Each of these phrases were flourished with interjections from Jenna: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO! NOOOOOOOOOO! MEEEEEEE! NOOOOOO!"

Oh, my goodness! What's wrong? Whaaa......? The scene I ran in on wasn't pretty. David was trying to wrench something out of Jenna's hand. Jenna was hanging on for dear life with both hands and pulling her body down to the floor to keep her precious possession. Now she's on her back....screaming.....legs flailing..."Nooooooo"...crying.

David is wrestling her down to the floor (trying not to squish her) "Give it to bubby RIGHT NOW!" "Give it! Give it!" "You can't have it!"

(Enter Supermom)

"Stop right now! What's going on here?!"

The screaming and flailing stops, but not the struggle. David looks at me with a horrified, desperate look on his face. Jenna looks up at me with brown stuff smeared across her face and dripping in her teeth.

"Mom!! She's got poop in her hand and she's EATING it!!"

All time stood still as I moved, in what seemed like slow motion, over to Jenna.

It was a chocolate-dipped sucker.

"Ooooohhhhh...."

Jenna points at David and says "No, DaDa, No, No, No!"

Ain't nobody gettin' this girl's chocolate sucker--even if it does look like poo-poo on a stick.

I'm so proud of myself. I'm doing a great job with this little girl.

smiles smuggly to self

That's right, Jenna. Ain't nobody gettin' your chocolate--just like nobody's gettin' mommy's.

Which reminds me, I've got a chocolate Lindt truffle hidden in my purse......

PS: David, good job, son! Next time you might be right!

Forwarding a Forward

2006-01-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

A special thanks to Michele Payton for "forwarding" this to me. I had to share it here; it's perfect!

END OF THE YEAR THANK YOU!!! (FUNNY) AND SADLY TRUE.

I just wanted to thank you all for taking the time and trouble to send me"forwards" over the past 12 months. Having to open 12 "forwards" to get tothe joke or cartoon is a great exercise in self-discipline for me.
Extra thanks to whomever sent me the one about rat crap in the glue on envelopes,because I now have to go get a wet towel every time I need to seal anenvelope.
Also, I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
Because of your concern, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper, since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.
I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants, even though I smell like a waterbuffalo on a hot day.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone might drug me with a cologne sample and rob me.
I no longer receive packages from, nor send packages by, UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al-Qaeda in disguise.
I no longer answer the phone, because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore and Uzbekistan.
I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible Mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.
I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.
I no longer have to buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
I no longer worry about my soul because at last count I have 363,214 angels looking out for me.
Thanks to you, I have learned that God only answers my prayers if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
I no longer have any money because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 258th time), but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special email program.
Yes, I want to thank you so much for looking out for me that I will now return the favor!
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 7minutes, a large pigeon with a wicked case of diarrhea will land on your head at 6:00 p.m. Michigan time this evening. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next-door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician.

Hey, it could happen.....Forward this now

Family Visits World's Greatest Aunt, Uncle and Cousins!

2006-01-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

All of "The Incredible Shrinking Vehicle" was worth it when we got to see Aunt Nelda, Uncle Alan, Abby and Marty--and Lucy and Bear, the dogs and Chlorine, the cat.

Here's Abby with Jenna!

It's been 3 years!!

They came and met us at Spring Mill Inn and we had a great visit down in the rec room. Jenna kept us hopping by running off several times. GRRRRR! Abby kept Jenna busy with "Appy Dooce" (apple juice). Jenna loved everybody and was completely herself with Aunt Nelda. The boys have grown incredibly in 3 years and were so excited to see everyone. We caught up and had some good laughs and made plans to meet again the next day.

We slept in and Jeff started to feel a little better. Our room grew by several feet. :) The boys made a new friend, Cole (10), who also had his Nintendo DS and they just hit it off right away. David came and happily told me that Cole was a Christian, too! I asked him how he knew that and he said "Cuz I asked him!" Little evangelists in our midst. They've led 3 other children to Jesus during previous camping trips and always ask the other children they make friends with about it. All without our prompting. I think that's what makes it extra special because it's all their own idea.

We went over to Aunt Nelda and Uncle Alan's house and the kids stayed and played with Abby and the dogs while the adults went to Casa Brava for supper. It was a great meal and just a great time. I was impressed with these waiters wearing hot pad mitts that went to their shoulders, with about 9 plates of food clear up their arms. Whoa! I should NEVER try that. People will be hurt!
One unfortunate waiter lost his load of drinks as he rounded a corner that was slick with food tossed there by a little girl (not mine this time!!). Poor guy. He was so embarrassed. We all felt badly for him. Especially when the guy at the table which took the brunt of the flying drinks got upset.

We went back to their house and had more laughs--and got to see Marty, too! Marty is a legend to the boys because when he graduated from high school, he took the boys for a ride in his red Mustang convertible. They'll never forget that! Marty gets the official "cool" status.

All too soon it was time for good-byes. This was the shortest 3 days I can remember in a long time. I ran out of time to visit Papa and Grandma Lois' graves. We want to plan a summer visit this coming year. Southern Indiana is one of the most relaxed and beautiful places I've ever been. And let me tell ya, I've been places!

We'll be back to visit, stay at Spring Mill....and plant letterboxes. If you don't know what a letterbox is, check out: www.letterboxing.org It makes for some great adventures.

The Incredible Shrinking Vehicle

2006-01-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

It was a cold, drizzly day. Yeah, you know where this post is going! :)

Grandma Forester was wonderful to keep my 3 kiddos while Jeff and I went to a rehearsal at Heritage Church. One thing led to another, and it was 2 AM before we arrived back at grandma's to pick up the kids.
We were so fried from driving and the kids were asleep, so we just crashed there, too.
We rolled out of bed pretty early considering what time we passed out and woke the kids up---we're going to visit Aunt Nelda, Uncle Alan, Abby and Marty!!

Woohoo! Oh, the excitement! Oh, the questions: What time are we leaving? Are we leaving right now? Can I pack my Nintendo DS? But I didn't pack Big Babe (stuffed dog)! Does our hotel have a pool? Can we swim in it? A lot? When will we get there? Will it be dark? Are we going to see them today?

Jenna just looked at us and soaked in all the excitement. "Wahooooo!" she exclaimed with gusto, throwing her hands up in the air for extra punctuation.

That's about where all the "Wahoooing" stopped for mommy and daddy.

Our late/early night before had thwarted our plans to pack everything up and leave at a decent hour. By the time we had driven home and packed just about everything we owned, it was after 2 p.m. before we hit the open road.

We sailed along pretty well---for about 2 hours--and then Jeff got sick. He was so nauseous he couldn't keep his eyes open, his body hurt, and any bump in the road made him clutch his plastic "just in case" bag a little tighter.

When you get sick like that, your vehicle feels like it just shrunk a bit. He insisted we should go on ahead and I would drive.

So now Jeff is sick....and Jenna is LOUD. God has gifted this little girl with lungs that WORK! We should change her middle name from Hope to Gusto. She's happy LOUD, she's mad LOUD, she talks LOUD, ....she's just LOUD! We try to shush her down with "Use your princess voice". She just smiles at us like a little princess.

When you get sick like that and you have loud children 2 feet behind your head, your vehicle seems to shrink a little more.

Jenna dozed a while....thank you, Lord!....and then the boys began grumbling with each other. Somebody forgot to bring their charger cord for their DS. There were several, "Too bad, you should have brought your own" comments and then "You're just mean" retorts tossed around.

When you get sick like that, you have loud children 2 feet behind your head, and the grumbling starts....your vehicle loses 9 cubic feet of space.

Jeff was groaning and clutching his bag, the kids are groaning and trying to clutch each other.....Mommy NEEDS a Starbuck stop. Actually, mommy needed 3 Starbuck stops.

When you get sick like that, you have loud children 1.5 feet behind your head, the grumbling starts, mommy makes 3 Starbuck stops, and everybody has to go potty.....your vehicle loses any aerodynamics it may have possessed and becomes an even smaller-sized box.

We finally arrived at Spring Mill Inn--it's an Indiana State Park lodge in Mitchell, IN--about an hour or so south of Bloomington. Definitely recommended! We've camped here before, but this was our first time to stay in the lodge.

We pulled in about 10:00 p.m. in our matchbox GMC Jimmy. Jeff dragged and shuffled his way inside and we checked in. One of the boys said the "S" word. Yes, you guessed it. He said, "Can we go Swimming now?" There's only a couple things Jenna loves more than Cinderella and swimming is one of them. In her mind, nothing beats a good Noo-Noo. (noo-noo is anything wet--including drinks).

You can now smile and envision us barely standing at the front desk with baggage hanging off of our baggage...and LOUD Jenna very excitedly jumping up and down "Yea! NOOO-NOOOO! ME!" "ME? Noo-Noo??" Amazingly enough, they gave us a room at the very end of the hall.

Daddy crashed in bed, and we proceeded on to Noo-Noo land for an hour. Then it was sleep.....oh, blessedly sweet sleep. But somehow...

When you get sick like that, you have loud, excited children hanging off your body, you've unfolded your body from a matchbox-sized vehicle and feel sleep-deprived......your room shrinks into a closet with a bathroom.

Previous thoughts about Tornado Watch/Warning

2005-12-23T23:47:00.000-05:00

A little while ago the tornado sirens went off and we had to try to console 2 hysterical boys by watching basketball. This is not easy to accomplish, because they are now old enough to read the right-hand corner of the TV which clearly reads (in red, of course) "Tornado Watch" and "Tornado Warning".
At this point I have to again ask myself what the difference between Watch and Warning is. I am not the only one who wonders this, because the weatherman always has to clarify it, usually showing a graphic of some sort. Maybe it's just me, but if it's so confusing, why don't they just come up with new words? I mean, we Americans have NEVER been able to figure out that ridiculous metric system. So, we just stick with our very own units of measure that apparently only we Americans use. Maybe they should use "Stay In Your Basement" and "Your Neighbor's House Is Now In Oz". I have no trouble differentiating the two. I don't need a graphic or explanation for that. If they would just switch to those very understandable phrases, the weathermen wouldn't need to keep explaining Watch and Warning. Just think of the on-air time that would save. There would be much more time to show previous clips of death and destruction-inducing tornadoes during a break-away segment of the basketball game...which two, hysterical boys are watching to console themselves.

I am somewhat optimistic about the idea of very fast, circular winds which, well, which....suck. I'm no scientist (see above explanation for Watch and Warning), but if we did leave all the windows and doors open wouldn't it just be logical that my need to pick up around the house would be drastically reduced?? See? There is a silver lining on every cloud.

SOME people would be upset about all that bad weather and such. They're just those "the-glass-is-half-empty" type of people. I happen to be one of those "my-half-empty-glass-won't-need-to-washed-in-about-15-minutes" type of people. It's just all in how you look at it.
Well, I have to go now. Jeff says there's a clip of a tornado from a couple weeks ago on TV. I haven't seen this one yet, but I'm sure there's a lot of mobile homes strewn across Kansas. At this point, I have to ask myself why mobile homes are even allowed in Kansas? I mean, come on, we've ALL seen the movie.....

Christmas Eve is Almost Here

2005-12-23T11:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the day that everything is supposed to be done and ready for Christmas day. In that case, I'd better get myself in gear today!
We're going over to a friend's house for fun and dinner tonight, then we're letting the boys be Secret Angels to a family. It's so exciting!!!
We had a mysterious benefactor call Antioch and offer to pay our monthly premium for our health insurance! WOW! What a blessing!! I feel like I won a spiritual lottery!! Thank you, Lord, for laying that gift on someone's heart. I'm still at a loss for words.
Sometimes, I don't know if I'm a "ye of little faith" or a "ye of great impatience". I'm probably like a combination of both! Know what I mean?

Okay, no more posting for now.....gotta run and make memories.

What Mommy Would Like For Christmas

2005-12-22T23:39:00.000-05:00

Dear Jenna,
For Christmas, I would really, really like for you to use the big-girl potty. Please. I know how much you like to pretend about using the potty, but maybe you could do it for real.
I know how much you love to dress up, and I hate to say it, but the crinkly diapers are just killing your fashion look. It really takes away from your Cinderella bead necklace. Actually using the big-girl potty affects so many areas of your life; you're going to love it. It's really liberating.

Jenna's a Big Girl Now

2005-12-22T23:32:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HoneyBear!
Jenna got a Radio Flyer wagon with 2 flip-up seats with buckles and 4 cup holders. She can hardly stay out of it, and she loves to put on her seat belt ("Buck-o's"). We also got her the Elefun game. It's an elephant with a blower inside; the trunk expands to 4 feet and blows little butterflies out of the trunk. The kids try to catch the falling butterflies with nets. You've never seen such excitement! It was like DisneyWorld in a box. Yeah!! Mommy scored on this one!! Her little friend, Mychaela, gave her a Birthday Dora, which she also loves.

We had a little "party" at our friend's house. Every year they make a birthday cake for Jesus. This year we celebrated with a Jesus AND Jenna birthday cake. CUTE!

I can't believe she's 2 years old; what a happy little surprise she was for our family. Thank you, Jesus!

The Hot Spots

2005-12-20T09:47:00.000-05:00

The most desired businesses to sell candy in are:

Beauty Salons--it's all about women, chocolate and peer pressure.

Car Dealerships--walk straight back to the mechanic's garage, then take your chances in the showroom b4 you get kicked out.

Bowling Alleys--nothing says chocolate like a smoke-filled room.

Falling Down

2005-12-20T09:45:00.000-05:00

I believe I was in 7th grade when I sold candy across the street from the Daly Plaza. I'm thinking it was the Tokyo Bank Building, but I could be wrong.
There's no one alive on this planet who was more uncoordinated with knees and elbows like I was at that age.
Combine those knees and elbows with 25 boxes of candy stuffed into 2 white bags. Now throw in an escalator. And you come up (or down) with:

A scrawny 13 year-old, falling and sliding down moving stairs with sliding candy boxes.
Legs and arms flailing, skirt a-sailing.
It wasn't pretty, folks.

Robbed!

2005-12-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

This happened while I was selling on the Tallman Holmes Building Corner of Wacker and whatever. Tina was across the street at the Opera House corner.

Sometimes, I'd just be in kind of a trance out there. Thinking about whatever, just lost in my own little world. I'd robotically ask people to buy candy and be somewhat surprised when they'd stop to look at what I had to offer.

All my candy was in those (in)famous white, crinkly bags....think big Wal-Mart type. I had them stashed in a corner of the building, out of the way of people traffic, but where I had easy access for a refill on my show boxes. Apparently it was just too much for a couple of thugs to resist.

I had just finished a show-and-tell session with a buyer. That's where you show them each individual box and tell them what's in each box. As I stepped back to replenish the box I'd just sold, my heart dropped into my stomach. My bags were gone!

I was starting to panic and get mad at the same time. Also in front of the Tallman Building was a CTA bus stop. I stepped further out on the sidewalk, and checked out the people waiting for the bus. There were two big guys waiting there. One of them had a bag stuffed back into the side of his coat under his arm. The other one had a bag just in front of his knees between his legs.

I got all fired-up in a hurry. How dare they??!! What jerks!!
I gave them my dirtiest look, which wasn't hard to come up with since I was sooooo mad. I hissed at them with disgust:
"What do you think you're doing?! Give me back that candy; I need it!"

They didn't run away with my candy. They didn't leave the candy and run away. They laughed. Yes, they laughed right at me and let me snatch my bags from their hands.
"She needs her candy....bwaaaahaaaahaaaa!!"

I guess a mad, scrawny 14 year-old demanding anything from 2 thugs came across as hilarious.
The bus pulled up and they got on and rode away-----without my candy!
And the mad, scrawny 14 year-old was victorious!

Selling Downtown with Michele

2005-12-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

Another funny incident was downtown Chicago. Usually, we girls took our candy in those white plastic bags. Today, though, a few of us were just going to carry the case. I had it all loaded up just like I wanted it: two rows of the turtles (HOT seller!), 1.5 rows of peanut butter cups, and .5 row of mints (NOT seller). **At this point in my post, anyone who grew up with me and/or helped me thru math class should be pleasantly surprised at my correct use of fractions.**I don't remember the other girls who were walking down the street with me--except one: Michele Edwards.
Why would I remember Michele?
Imagine downtown Chicago. Think of the backed-up traffic at every light. Think of the horns that start honking BEFORE the light turns green. Think of those cab drivers. Think of the bike messengers with a death wish. Think of the swarms of people waiting to cross the street. Okay.....got it?Just as I took a few steps out into the intersection to cross the street and beat the light, Michele comes behind me and shoves my case out from under my arm.
It was a turtle/peanut butter cup/mint patty fiasco all over the intersection AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. Horns were honking everywhere, people were tripping over me and my candy, cabbies were cursing, and I was frantically grabbing boxes and screaming, "MICHELE, YOU IDIOT!!". As I looked up for a split-second, all I saw were teenage girls sprinting away laughing their heads off. I recall being pretty steamed about that for the afternoon. Now, though, it is kind of funny--mostly because I wasn't run over or crushed. Hey, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Getting Past Security

2005-12-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

I remember how we would try to sneak past security guards to get into buildings to sell candy--what a giggly "rush" it was to make it to the elevators, etc. I remember being picked up by the police in Niles? Michigan with Ronnie Bostian as my partner for selling without a permit in the city. He dropped us of at McDonald's to wait for our van which was going to pick us up at the end of the afternoon. We waited awhile, and when we thought the coast was clear, we took off again to a strip mall.He was waiting for us when we walked out of a business. Man, he was mad! "I told you....blah...blah....yelllllllll!" We were mortified, of course, and he took us right back to McDonald's. This time we stayed put. And what an exciting story we had---and,boy, did we laugh as we talked about what happened over and over with each other.

Getting Lost

2005-12-19T09:45:00.000-05:00

Our parents or drivers would drop us off at some point in a business strip, and we would walk (miles some times) to our meeting destination. One time, I believe I was 3rd or 4th grade--my mom dropped me off at a strip there in St. Joseph, MI (I think this was before "territories" were established---so don't yell at me for selling in your spot ). Well, I did a few stores, and when I came out of one, I panicked because I didn't know where she went. I ended up at a pay phone in a restaurant vestibule, afraid to dial the "0". I didn't want to involve the police--they were mostly "after us", you know. BUT I was lost. So I called the operator. I was choking back tears and asked her "Do you have a thing where you look for people?" I laugh now when I think of how I asked that! "Honey, we're looking for a lot of people; is there something you need to tell me?", she asked. I burst out in tears "I CAN'T FIND MY MOM!!!" She talked me through the name of the restaurant, did I see a street sign?, and just talk to her until an officer arrived to help me. I was FREAKING OUT! AN OFFICER??!!! Oh, man, they're going to arrest me or my mom---maybe I should just bolt and take my chances on the street!I hung on to the phone anyway and waited for my doom,er, the policeman. I remembered we had parked in the parking lot of a mall, so I took the officer to where we had parked. He pulled up behind our car and read our license plate numbers over his radio. I panicked again---Oh, no! The plates are EXPIRED!! I knew he could catch me if I jumped out his door. I was trapped and going to prison now; I just knew it. Well, sometime after that, my mom walks out of the mall, looking around like she doesn't see the police car (expired plates, you know!) I crack up to this day seeing her face looking so innocent Well, it all worked out okay; no jail time for either of us. And then we drove off to sell candy in a different spot.

Happy 13th anniversary, Sweetheart!!

2005-12-19T09:42:00.000-05:00

Time flies when you're having fun! You're my best friend and I love you so much. Thanks for all your encouragement and support....and just being you.

2005-12-18T21:47:00.000-05:00

Okay, you're all going to have to have a little patience with me. This is a brand-new adventure for me! I imagine I'm going to end up with posts not where I want them to be, but I hope you'll enjoy them, even if they're all over the place.

Early Candy Sale Memory

2005-12-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

One of the earliest memories I have of selling candy is from the first grade. I was standing outside of a bank asking those coming in or out if they would like to buy candy for my school. I did try to use my good manners, which included being respectful with "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Sir". One particular lady, I recall, just could not get over the good manners. She bought some candy from me (I believe this was when we were selling the peanut brittle in the little cans). But she was a bit flustered at the "ma'ming" I was giving her.

"You don't have to keep saying, 'Yes, Ma'am' to me, you know?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I know."
I put my hand over my mouth.
"Ummmm, I mean, 'Okay, Ma'am."