As if...

This post is a ribbon wrapped around my finger, this is heretofore a reminder of the movies I want to see. I tried to remember my mental list of movies to watch last Tuesday night to share with Malerie and could only remember two...so...

Disclaimer: I am a chick.

Disclaimer to the disclaimer: I heart chick flicks.

• Time Travelers Wife
• Julie and Julia
• Love Happens
• My Sister's Keeper
  
• Land of the Lost
• Amelia
• Blindside
• Old Dogs
• Everybody's Fine

I realize a few of these haven't even come out in theaters yet, but I did want to document them before I forgot. Apparently when it comes to pop culture I have the memory of an 86 y/o woman.

Speaking of pop culture but not entirely speaking of pop culture (hmm?) I was talking to one of our youth last night (17 y/o guy). He called W and then wanted to talk to me and was asking relationship advice. I told him some things then to give the girl a call. He said she didn't have cell service at her house so I said "well call her home phone." He sounded as if he fell out of his seat he was laughing so hard. "Home phone? That's the first time I've laughed in days!"

Apparently I have an understanding of teen relationships like an 86 y/o woman would too. Do you think he would have laughed as hard if I told him my high school boyfriend and I talked on AOL back in the day? What a granny I am.

So, movie list is forever engraved on the internet. Any suggestions on any of them (or movies not listed) are more than welcome!

The Pioneer Woman

This summer, I was reading Melanie's blog and she mentioned she had been with The Pioneer Woman at her ranch. I didn't think much about it until she posted a photo of these cinnamon rolls. My mouth began to salivate and I knew I needed to find out more. Needless to say, I quickly fell in love with The Pioneer Woman's website and ALL of her many recipes. I made the cinnamon rolls and gave them out to different friends. They all called me later and proclaimed their new found love for me.

Needless to say, I'm baking those babies tomorrow to hand out as Christmas presents.

Ree's new cookbook came out last month and I quickly ordered it. She has been signing the cookbooks in various areas of the country and last night she made it to our neck of the woods.

My only wish is that we would have been the only ones there so we could have chatted with her the whole night instead of sharing her with 500* other people.

*Strictly a guess. More ideally would been 5,000 because of the crazy line... but I'm guessing between 500-600.

Anyway, it was a much needed girl's night out and I had a great time with great friends. Thanks Ree for coming to our neck of the woods! Hope you enjoyed my Punk's Christmas card!




Also... E and M both have better cameras than mine... hoping their photos are better!

A few of my favorite things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
brown paper packages tied up with strings,
these are a few of my favorite things.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings.
these are a few of my favorite things.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
silver white winters that melt into springs,
these are a few of my favorite things.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings,
when I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
and then I don't feel so bad.

A few of my recent favorite pictures...

Revealing His glory

Where to begin catch up? I have so many thoughts bouncing around my head that it's almost confusing.

First, my brother is about to be start his second deployment. Iraq last time, Afghanistan this time. The reality is harsh. Hope seems unattainable. I am so thankful however that we know the Creator of hope who is the definition of hope. We'll get to spend some time with my brother over Christmas and we are all absolutely looking forward to it.

Can I please just be honest and say that I love The Biggest Loser. Television these days is too often so negative. To me The Biggest Loser is a reality show of redemption. I love watching the people on it fight their way to a "second chance" at life. I watched a DVRed episode of it this morning and cried my eyes out the whole time. They were running a marathon and facing all that a 26.2 mile run entails. T-Pup said "Momma I don't want to run like that!" and I couldn't help but laugh.

I'm such a practical person. It doesn't take much for me to start weeping at the goodness of God. I tend to see Him in the (seemingly) small, mundane things of life. A few weeks ago W wrote a paper for one of his classes that included a section on creation. He quoted the verse Romans 8:19. The ministry we worked with our first year of marriage used this verse frequently. I don't think I ever really understood it until W used it in his paper. It's so easy to see God in the simple things in life because creation WAITS to reveal it. Creation is here to reveal His glory. When I look out over our pasture and see the baby calves nursing I almost always tear up. When I see those same calves bucking their heads up and hitting their mama, I tear up. I've been that nursing mama and when the baby yanks or jerks, UM YES, it hurts. But that mama cow is always so patient to stand there and nurture that child, no matter the what. Creation reveals His glory.

Autumn leaves are now mostly gone. Did you know the true color of the tree's leaves come out when the chlorophyll is no longer produced and the leaves begin to fall? The true color of the leaf comes out only in its death. Creation reveals His glory.

I don't know these folks on The Biggest Loser, but I pray as they are transformed that their spirits will be also. I don't know how you can experience a "second chance" at life and not fall at the feet of Jesus with gratitude.

God longs to transform us into His image. And for that I am so grateful, because I know I NEED IT.

With all of that said.

Amen.

:)

We had a cold rainy day here today. I was feeling tired (Sam was up 2am-5:15) so I let the children take the reign on what to do. They pulled all of my pots and pans out in the kitchen and filled a bowl with water. Needless to say it eventually "flooded" (T-Pup's words, not mine!). I just rolled with it. When wet get in the bath, right? So they continued in water play for a while.

They are both at such precious points right now. Sam has finally gotten a good vocabulary and is quite opinionated. T-Pup is really starting to think about things we say to him, ie "Jesus is going to help me pick up my toys so I can wait to do it." He is also starting to process those decisions he makes and possibly (?) close to understanding consequences.

W has another two weeks of class before Christmas break, with a lot of work to do before then, but we are on the countdown.

After my tooth escapade this fall (which, for the record, we now have dental insurance!!) I decided to volunteer for a free dental day that a local dentist (who W grew up with) is doing in a few weeks. I've enjoyed doing a bit of fund raising and spreading the word about the day. I'm thankful we were able to pay for my tooth drama, but I know so many are not able to. It's encouraging to know people who want to serve others. Ahem, creation revealing His glory :)

Well, it is now 4:14am and I have yet to sleep tonight. Yawn. I will feel the ramifications of this tomorrow, but believe me, I DID NOT VOLUNTEER FOR THIS ALL NIGHTER! Sinus stuff + lack of my sleeping medicine + a full mind = me awake at all crazy hours of the night. And did you catch where I said I was up with Sam last night? I'm thinking today will be a long day.

Well... a wordy post was due :)

Encourage someone today. Reveal His glory.

Peek-a-Boo!

This my friends is a little preview for our Christmas card. I thought we'd head to the church, snap a few pictures, smile the whole time and voila. Not so much. We were able to catch a few good shots, thus the cards have been made and are already in the mail to us. Bless you Shutterfly for making my life easy!

More updates about our life coming soon, I promise!

scattered thoughts

I'm not feeling very bloggity lately. (Random thought: anyone remember the old song "I like the way you work it... no biggity... I like to bag it up?" Bloggity made me think of 'biggity.' Thanks for putting up with my randomness.)

I must confess I am counting down the days to Thanksgiving. W is out of school the whole week, and we are taking a trip to a place called Heaven on Earth, NC. Also known as W's Aunt's mountain house. We'll be there with his whole family. We go every other year and I have come to absolutely love it. That means that this semester is close to being over which possibly excites me more than my husband. That also means that he is completely up to his height in work to be done in a short amount of time.

Have I mentioned my husband is completely awesome? He handles everything he does with such grace. He rocks.

I also must confess I am so incredibly super excited about meeting THE Pioneer Woman next month. I know she is wonderful and lovely and a bag of chips... but I am really looking forward to having a special girl's night out to go meet her. Fellowship, food, and an amazing cookbook author = sounds like a plan to me.

I'm out of little tidbits to talk about I think. I'm praying for God's peace tonight. I worry way too much. I am trying to remind myself to lay everything, no matter what, at the cross. Especially with my family and the world we live in. I would so much rather be in God's hands than be in control myself, yet I find myself trying to control so many things. I pray that His peace which surpasses all understanding would guard my heart and mind. I desire the joy of the Lord.

Thanks for reading :o) And how about a big 'ole PRAISE GOD that Stellan's ablation was successful!

St. Louis Trip

Week before last, our little family took a quick trip to St. Louis, MO to see some precious friends of ours.

We had an awesome time. Thursday night we hung out with them at home, then Friday when the girls were in school, S took us to an amazing place called The Magic House. The kids LOVED it. There were countless activities for them to do, and quite frankly, mom and dad had a blast too.




W and I both forgot our cameras (err!) but did have the trusty iPhones. These were taken at the water works and also at the water organ. W got some cool video on his phone too.

After our outing, I had my very first Red Robin (ummmm!) experience. I had some type of BBQ wrap that was amazing. That night, we all went out to eat together at this little pizza joint called Dewey's Pizza. It was the freshest tasting pizza I've ever had in my life. We had the Bronx Bomber which is likened to a supreme pizza. The bell peppers, onions, and sausage were to die for.

The next morning we had to leave (I mentioned it was a quick trip, right?) so we naturally went to the Arch. Wow. It was so beautiful. I never would have imagined it to be so big, but indeed it is.



We had an awesome time with an awesome family. We miss them so much already!

In which I use the word "dentist" a few times.

I have been awful about updating lately; consequently, this will be a smorkus board of random thoughts. I even told myself that I would not in fact blog today for my to-do list is as long as the Autobahn. I began to get my ironing pile ready when I heard T-Pup jump from an unknown location to his bed. I then grabbed the laptop and now am monitoring his kangaroo tendancies while I update the blog.

Where to start? Ah, yes... Dental Drama.

About two years ago I had a root canal done. I went into the office all but kicking and screaming saying "just don't say root canal." For one reason or six, I never had the tooth crowned. So about six weeks ago I find myself with excruciating pain. I hypnotize myself back to the doorway of dentistry doom and go figure, the root canal tooth. I was so much in denial that I started laughing hysterically, but I think Dr. Dentist thought I was crying because he handed me a tissue and patted my shoulder.

I then went to Dr. Dandy Dentist (better known as the Endodontist) who said only after a course in Endodontics 101 that I did in fact need re-treatment.

I then went to the waiting room and curled up in the fetal position and cried "why me?" for approximately 3 minutes. Just kidding. Maybe.

So the next week I go back to Dr. Dandy Dentist and darling dental assistant encouraged me and even patted my shoulder during the shots. Then I met my true love who shall be known Mr. Nitris (also known as Mr. Nose). Where has he been my whole life? Why couldn't I have him during childbirth? Or family gatherings?

Turns out because of Mr. Nitris, darling dental assistant, Dr. Dandy Dentist and plenty of grace from God the 3 hour procedure all but flew by. And they even gave me coconut lip balm.

The next week I go back to Dr. Dentist for the crown-frown process. I just feel to young to have this done. They all but erase my tooth then put some temporary crown resembling a chicklet over my tooth and tell me to come back in a few weeks to have the permanent one put on. Turns out I went back the next day because said chicklet came off while I was having my morning cup of get me going coffee.

The next one they put on came off last week while I was eating pumpkin bread. So, I frantically borrowed a tube of Fixadent from W's grandmother and squished the thing back on. Um, eww. Will I borrow her Preparation H next?

I refuse to go back until my permanent is in. Sadly this means I haven't had a piece of gum in six weeks and my mental age has gone from late twenties to early sixties.

And we have invested approximately 23% of our children's college fund into ONE tooth. Here's to hoping for scholarships.

The End of Dental Drama.

Since that took so much effort I guess I'll save the rest for another day or possibly month.

*Updated to add IT.IS.FINISHED. Dr. Dentist called me yesterday and had the permanent crown. I am amazed. And possibly not hating dentistry as much now... possibly...

Let the photos speak for themselves...

Squeezeee!

Help!

Mom?!

Ok... Deal!

Food

I don't know about you, but for me Autumn brings a whole new level to cooking. Soup and chili become more acceptable, and things you don't want in the summer you suddenly do now.

I may or may not have already made potato cheese soup and chili in the past two weeks. Surely one wouldn't be that excited to bring some warmth in.

I say all of this to say I'm in a slump. A cooking slump. I have 4 very opinionated eaters in my house, including myself. One of which is currently only eating apples and turkey bacon along with a sippy cup of milk.

I'm trying to be creative for my crew, but am at a loss. Tonight? Well, I have some thawed ground beef... but spaghetti? Eh... tacos? Not so much... Hamburger helper? Please don't make me revisit the meals of my childhood.

I saw this meal last week on Kelly's blog and decided to try it out:


Olive oil and lemons were on the bottom, then the green beans, potatoes, and chicken were coated in an olive oil/juiced lemon/salt/pepper/garlic-(which I forgot) mixture. W and I ate it, but my children would not come close.

Any meal ideas that are go-to meals for your family?

Boston

I realized this morning I never shared about our anniversary trip to Boston this summer. We went July 14-17, and had a great time. We flew into DC before flying to Boston, and this is what greeted us from the tarmac: the Washington Monument! It was neat because I haven't been to DC in ten years, and even though we didn't leave the airplane it was nice to have a small glimpse of our nation's capitol.

We arrived in Boston late Thursday night and rode "the T" into town. It was intimidating at first, but we quickly managed to get the hang of their public transportation. We stayed at the Charlesmark Hotel on Boylston Street right across from Copley Square. It is a smaller hotel, but it is authentically Bostonian, which is what we wanted and it fit in our budget. Our room was small but it was perfect for us. If we ever go back with the children we decided it would be better to stay somewhere a bit larger and more family friendly, but again, it was perfect for our little trip.

Wednesday morning we set out first thing for Harvard. We were still figuring out the T, so we walked... a lot. Once we hit the red line, we were on our way to Cambridge. This was taken on my iPhone from the T while crossing the river.



Our Harvard experience was... exhausting. We didn't have a tour, only the Frommer's book, and we just kind of explored. And explored. And walked. And wow, Harvard is a lot bigger than any other university I've ever visited! Can you believe this is the only picture I took in Cambridge?



That was my lunch at Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Harvard Square. It was an interesting lunch because the tables were incredibly close together and there were two men sitting directly beside us. They were speaking another language, so W asked where they were from and they said Amsterdam. It was kind of neat and a little too close for comfort all at the same time.

After lunch we hit the Harvard bookstore for some souvenirs then headed back into Boston. We went to our hotel and literally.crashed. We were exhausted! After our nap we headed down near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. It's a great touristy area with plenty of restaurants. We checked out a few of the Freedom Trail sites in that area then decided to have dinner at Durgin Park. They are known for their grumpy waitresses so we were a little nervous. Ours was awesome though, even instructing W on how to crack open his lobsta'. You got it, in Bwoston you eat lobsta'. This was my dinner:



Boy I sure do seem to take a lot of pictures of food!

We decided Wednesday night that we wanted to be a bit more guided in our jaunt around Boston, so first thing Thursday morning we went back to Faneuil Hall and bought tickets for a Duck tour. We then caught a trolley that would eventually take us to the Duck pick-up, but we were able to get a neat little sight seeing with the trolley first. The duck tour was neat, and they pointed out different key things about certain areas. We were sad to find out our tour guide was from Washington state though. This was our "duck" (and note the Bunker Hill Monument in the top right corner!).



Thursday afternoon we caught a small bite of lunch at McDonalds because we knew we were having a royal dinner that night. And let me tell you. It. Was. Royal. We did our research for our anniversary dinner and decided on Abe and Louie's. I didn't get any pictures of our food, but it was delicious. W and I both had the filet, and it was to die for. It just melted in your mouth. W had a side of broccoli and I had a sweet potato. Amazing. I was so nervous about eating there that I used my steak knife to butter my bread. I suppose our waiter may have known we were from the deep south! :) This was taken after we finished eating.



After our meal we took a ride on the T to go to Fenway Park. I'm not sure what happened, but as close as we got was to the Fenway T stop. I think you actually need to get off at the stop before "Fenway" to go to Fenway Park. We walked around for a while but could never find it. I was wearing flip flops so I wasn't as dedicated to seeing it as I thought I would be.

We rode back into town and then hit the Prudential Center. It is the second tallest building in Boston and has a sky deck on the 50th floor. It was just past sunset and absolutely beautiful. After a few minutes of being up there though, I began to feel woozy. I normally have no issue with heights, so it was weird to be freaked out. We did get a lovely view of Fenway Park from up there and also of MIT.



On Friday we checked out of our hotel then rode the T to the airport. We went ahead and checked into our 5 o'clock flight so we wouldn't have to carry our luggage around all day. We went back into the city and continued exploring. First we walked through the Public Garden and up to Beacon Hill. It was beautiful. We found the beautiful Church of the Advent and gazed upon its beauty. We then stopped for a frappachino at Starbucks on Charles Street and caught our breath. We continued walking through Beacon Hill and checked out Louisburg Square.

We then rode the T to Haymarket and started hitting a few more Freedom Trail sites. We walked through Little Italy (that they coincidentally do not call Little Italy) and went to the Paul Revere Mall. It was just a small tree filled, grassy area with cobblestone and a large statue of him riding his horse. Directly behind it was the Old North Church. I can't tell you how many times we heard the words "One if by land, two if by sea." The inside of the church was so incredibly simple. All white. Not air conditioned. And the pews were not long, instead they have little boxes you sit in. I don't think time has changed it at all. Which I love.

We then tried to find the Paul Revere house, and for whatever reason it was hiding. We had our map and even the Freedom Trail app on W's iPhone, but we could not find it. I'm convinced that it doesn't really exist!

Around this time it was close to lunch. We were hot and hungry and still needed to souvenir shop, so we decided to head back to the airport. We blew farewell kisses to the beautiful New England city that is inundated in historic charm and modern architecture and headed back home.

I think I will post another entry with a few more pictures and a few less words! :)

On the Boston Harbor July 16 celebrating 5 years of marriage!

Catch Up

Let's play catch up! T-Pup turned 4. Wow. Where has the time gone? My little man is literally becoming a little man. His heart is growing and his will is strengthening. From what I can tell this is typical of all four year olds!

He loves to play outside on his "wobbly scooter" and pick up bugs. Recently this almost included a live snake, but his mommy thought it may not be a good idea considering we didn't know what kind of snake it was. The snake problem took care of itself as one of his soccer teammate's father accidentally ran over the snake with his vehicle. Let me tell you, I didn't think it would crunch. I may have thrown up a little.

My little Sam is turning into quite the two year old. She is beginning to talk up a storm and let her opinion be known often. She is a girly girl, wanting a bow in her hair first thing in the morning, but loves to play in the dirt and collect rocks from the road. She is also turning into quite the Daddy's girl. W doesn't seem to mind one bit!

School has started back so W is in his routine of school, commute, and work again. Not always in that order, ha! He amazes me with all that he does. And he never complains, which in itself amazes me. I couldn't be more proud of who he is and what he does.

And me? Well, in between dirty diapers, folding laundry, and reading Jane Austen, well, those hours are called sleep. Haha! I really feel like I can never stay caught up on everything. If my laundry is all done, there is a bathroom that needs to be cleaned. If the bathrooms are all cleaned, there is a ceiling fan to be dusted. Wait, I need to go unload the dishwasher real quick too. Hear me out: I am not complaining! I love that I am able to stay home with our children, and consider it a joy. I just wish I could manage everything a little bit better.

I started doing Pre-K homeschool with T-Pup a few weeks ago. We are loving it. This morning for example, we spent the whole time doing "school" in our pajamas. But, we got it done! It is now 2:35 and I have yet to put the breakfast dishes away, but I have spent valuable time with my children today. And have dinner taken care of (extra points!). The families with so many children amaze me, because they have all the older children to help. I think it has to be the hardest when you have several small children and it's all on you. In those moments of being so overwhelmed seem to be when the Lord speaks to me the most.

So, that is a small catch up on our little brood. I could write more about several things, but maybe saving it will bring you back for more :) haha. One quick story. Last week I was buckling Sam into her carseat as I told T-Pup to get into his, and put his arms in his straps. As I continued buckling Sam, T-Pup was playing with toys in the floor of the vehicle. I said to him "What did I tell you to do?" and he replied "Can't you just be patient with me?" Haha. I had to laugh because how many times do I tell him to be patient for me? Hope you all are doing well and seeking Him.

What would you name this photo?!

Boo!

I just felt the need to let you know I am still here! I have several blogs stirring in my mind, but they will require photos and time. And the photos take time. You know, you know.

As for now, I will let you return to your regularly scheduled programming while I sip on a cup of my husband's fabulous hot Dunkin' Doughnuts coffee.

heavy heart

I've been trying to post for about two weeks now. Each time, something goes haywire with Blogger and it never publishes.

I really don't care though. If you want to know what is going on with me, then I will share with you a few things I have been praying for.

Nick Xiarhos was a close friend of my brother's. He was killed in Afghanistan at the end of last week. He and Matthew were deployed together last year in Iraq, but after returning he changed battalions so he would not have to extend his contract with the USMC. So, he departed in May for the tour in Afghanistan with the 2/8. My brother and Nick's other Marine brothers are all traveling together from Jacksonville, NC to Cape Cod, MA for his funeral at the end of the week. Please pray for this precious family. Please pray for our military. They are fighting for your freedom.

Sweet Stellan is having an awful time with his SVT again. His doctors are trying to figure out what is next. Please pray for his family.

Little Kate is six years old and has brain cancer. They did brain surgery and were able to remove 50% of the tumor and she has now begun chemotherapy. 4 weeks ago Kate was having tremors in her right hand so they took her to the doctor. That is the day their life changed.

My heart is heavy for these and so many others. Please go to your knees and lift these and all your requests to our heavenly father. Life is not easy. Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble, but fear not, He has overcome this world. I wish there were some way to not hurt, but there isn't. I do know we don't have to walk this road alone, which I am so grateful for.

Our anniversary trip to Boston was wonderful. I cherish the time W and I had together. I love him dearly.

The children are well, just growing and playing and growing. T-Pup is officially signed up for soccer. Wow.

I've been watching this the past few days. Some think it is funny, and it is, but moreover I keep thinking of the joy in their hearts and the joy we will have when we dance before our King at the wedding banquet. When their is no hurt in our hearts. When we spend every moment of eternity in His presence. What a joyful day that will be.

Bringing in the Sheaves

I have to tell you about yesterday at church. There was a visiting couple sitting on the row in front of me during the service, and they have a baby who is several months old. The mom was playing with him, holding him, giving a bottle, and then handed him off to his dad. He gave him a little soft blanky and snuggled him up on his shoulder, and when the baby would resist the dad would gently rock him and sway a bit. In no time the baby was out, letting go of his grip on his daddy's shirt and sleeping. I'm not sure if the dad was hot or what, but he gently leaned forward and took the blanket away. He then put the baby back on his shoulder and continued to hold him while he was sleeping.

You got it. I wept.

The Father holds us. He rocks us with love. Sometimes he takes away things so dear to us for reasons we don't understand, but He is still holding us so close to His heart.

I feared writing this because I'm thinking sure enough I share my heart and what I saw and something dear is going to be taken from me. But, it's as Oswald Chambers said this morning "We say we do not expect God to take us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we do!"

The service progressed and I felt so tender and vulnerable before the Lord. I love that. A few moments later we sang this song...

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Refrain:
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves

You got it. More weeping. He is so faithful, and I can't help but believe no matter where I am sowing in life, He is still good. He is still faithful. I pray I am rejoicing bringing in the sheaves.

Amazing Woven Into The Lives Of So Many

Last week, we celebrated Memorial Day. W had the day off, so we took the opportunity to be lazy, grill out, watch movies, and be lazy. I don't remember us having a day so relaxed and unscheduled since his Christmas break last year.

One of the movies we rented was Taking Chance. I watched this back in the spring and told W how great of a movie it was and how I believed everyone in this nation needed to see it. Hey, you, go watch it.

So we watched it late Sunday night. Monday was Memorial Day, and I kept thinking back to the movie. I kept thinking about my brother. I kept thinking about the blood that has been shed for this country. I kept thinking about Jordan Haerter. Jordan was a friend of my brother's who served alongside him in the 1/9 in Ramadi, Iraq. On April 22, 2008, Jordan paid the ultimate sacrifice. In his sacrifice, he protected a whole host of Marines and Iraqi Police (including my brother). I decided to comment on the message board, not knowing who would read it or expecting any result from it. After all, it was Memorial Day.

Fast forward to this past Thursday night. My phone rings, it was my brother. He says hang on, someone wants to talk to me. A guy gets on the phone and says "Hi, my name is Patrick, I'm from Boston and I hear you're going there. Get a pen and some paper and I'm going to tell you some great things to do while you're there." We talk, he tells me many secrets of Boston and things to do/not do on our upcoming trip, puts my brother back on the phone. I thanked my brother for being so cool and looking out for me. We ended the conversation and I started thinking about this faceless (to me) Marine named Patrick, and what a privelege it is to come in contact with all these men, via my brother.

Next, I spontaneously open my e-mail. I saw a name I did not recognize in my inbox, JoAnn Lyles. Then, I read this.

Dear Michelle-

Thank you so much for taking the time to write.. How very thoughtful of you- Please thank your brother Matt for me. Hug him tightly. Thank him for his service and for keeping Jordan’s memory alive. I had “Amazingly woven into the lives of so many” carved into Jordan’s headstone. Your brother is another example of the ripple effect of Jordan’s actions. There will be a Wounded Warrior/ Soldier Ride event here in Sag Harbor, New York on July 25th held in Jordan’s honor. Some of 1/9 will participate on a volunteer basis. I have started a team called “TEAM JORDAN”- It’s a bike ride or a walk event. One walk starts in Sag Harbor and will go over the bridge renamed The Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge”.
Thank you again. Hello to Matt. I hope to meet him one day.
Semper Fidelis
JoAnn

JoAnn Lyles
Forever Proud Mom of LCpl Jordan C. Haerter, USMC

Wow. What do you say? This was her son, the one she birthed, nurtured, put band-aids on, tucked in at night, read bedtime stories to, cleaned up his vomit, watched ball games, watched graduate, watched him become a Marine, and somewhere in her mind wondered when he left for that deployment "I wonder if I'll see him again..."

Pray for these men and women today. They are serving so my children can play outside without having to worry about roadside bombs. They are fighting and sweating and missing home so we can drive across this nation without having to worry about going through insurgent areas.

If you don't know anyone to pray for, pick a name... because somewhere, there is a Matt, a Jordan, a Patrick, an Anthony, a Mark. We have the opportunity to approach the throne of grace with confidence. We have a Father who knows what it means to lose a son. I'm not so naive to think that another life will not be lost, after all there is a time for peace and a time for war. My brother has another deployment in a few months, and the realities seem to only become harsher. I do know whom I have believed in, and He is able to work in and through these lives. You see, He also is amazingly woven into the lives of many.

ready ready ready, ready to run.

Here it goes. I've had this on my heart for a week now but haven't had the discipline to sit down and write it out. Probably because I am still figuring it out. And will be for a long time. But the concept is so amazing. And I can't wait to fully grasp hold of it.

Last year I completed a half marathon. I say completed instead of ran, because the running part was so minuscule. In college they offered a class called "walk, jog, run." Well my 13.1 experience was more like run, jog, walk...walk, walk... ok, last ten feet, run!

Since then, I've gained back all the weight I lost. Frustrating? Yes it is. Thanks for asking.

I've tried to do this and to do that to lose the weight, but to no avail. A few weeks ago I was talking to a girl at church and she said they will be running in a h/m in December for St. Judes in Memphis and I should consider joining them in training.

Ha. Right. Not going to subject myself to that again.

Except I am.

They will start training in September, and I really need to start training to train. It's that bad people. So, I've put my running shoes back on. Last week I started walking 1/2 mile, running 1/2 mile, walking, then running again to complete a two mile stretch. It felt so great.

While I was running, I was listening to Justin Rizzo on my iPod. I was listening to the words "His glory will cover the earth" and taking in the beautiful sunset. This is when it all became so real to me.

Life progresses in forward motion. You can't go back. I will never be 25 again, my children will never be newborns again. When I was in the midst of the h/m, what would the point have been in going backwards? What would the point have been if I had stopped and sat for a few weeks? I kept going. Yeah I didn't run it with fervor, but I kept going.

I kept going.

Life. Hello?

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

It makes so much sense to me. Does it to you?

So, yes, my running shoes are back on. To hopefully complete another h/m, but more importantly with the realization that life is a marathon. You reach mile markers, you rejoice, you hurt, you go through pain, but you continue. You keep moving forward.

this and that.

If I were being paid for blogging, I would concur that I needed to be fired for lack of production. My most sincere apologies. My inbox is overflowing with concern as to where I have been and what I have been doing. Ahem. Now that that is out of the way.

May I tell you what's been on my mind lately? Great, thanks. Coldplay. Yep. Only a few more weeks until we see them in concert with some wonderful friends. I am so excited. We have been listening to them each time we get in the vehicle to optimize our familiarity with all their music.

Also, The Melting Pot. We are going next week with some other wonderful friends to celebrate her birthday and my husband's birthday. I've always wanted to go for a full experience, but have only been granted a peek into the greatness of what is known as The Melting Pot. So exciting!

Our bedroom is coming together nicely. I still need window treatments, so I hope to go to the mecca of fabric stores in our area this weekend to get some fabric to make panels. I'm also looking on etsy at some of the vinyl wall stickers for inspiration. I can have them made a little cheaper here in town, but I'm 75% sure this is the route I want to go for above our headboard.

Alas, W's grandmother had open heart surgery yesterday. The surgery went well but we are still waiting to see how she is today. Please say a prayer for her recovery.

Wild Wild West Week

"Hello, are you there?" is what I feel like someone, somewhere is asking me. My response, "I think so."

Whirlwind. Or, as Will Ferrell would say in Kicking and Screaming, whirling dervish. But I think he was referring to the kids and not to his situation. So, I guess our week has been as a whirling dervish. Point made?

W and I did something on Saturday that we have never done before in our near 5 years of marriage. We bought furniture. Everything in our home has been given to us. We have been so incredibly blessed beyond measure by people who love us. We look forward to the day when a newlywed couple enters our lives and we can show the same kindness we've been shown.

The delivery was scheduled for Wednesday.

On Monday, both of our children came down with some virus. I don't think it was from a swine, but what it produced out of their little bodies was similar to what you may find in a pin of swines. Since that point I have been tending to them. I even forgot to shower until Wednesday.

The virus apparently finished its course on Thursday. This was the scene of our living room all week.



I mentioned we got new furniture, right? Well, we donated all of what was being replaced to our church yard sale. The thing was, the new furniture was being delivered Wednesday. The men from the church couldn't come until Thursday. I can honestly say I loved being able to lay on my bed and watch TV at the same time. I now understand why people have televisions in their bedroom, although I still love that we do not.

Here is a sneak peek of our yet to be decorated lovely new bedroom. I love it.



We are going shopping for a comforter/coverlet/quilt/whatever this afternoon. Quite frankly I'm just excited about getting out of the house and that our children are healthy. Not in that order.

A time to build and a time to tear down.

(Build) I have been glued to my computer this week reading the stories from Compassion's Live Blogger trip to India. There is a special place in my heart for India and the people of that nation. I love reading the accounts of their trip through Angie, Pete, and Melissa. And these pictures will captivate your heart. Maybe one day we will be able to set foot onto the soil of India, but as for now, we pray for those who do (including our friend Megan who is there now).

So, with that said, I can move on to things less relevant and probably of no importance.

But now it seems I can't think of anything. Wonderful.

(Tear Down) Alas, our infamous ugly outbuilding came to its demise yesterday. It had been a long time in the coming. I actually thought it was dilapidated enough that I could take it down myself. I actually asked my father-in-law if a hammer would be enough to do it. He laughed at me. I began to see images of Extreme Home Makeover and wondered if I couldn't just bump it a little with my vehicle and knock it over. He laughed at me again. So, he and W got to work yesterday afternoon and after several hours and much sweating, only 4 posts stand in the ground now. I kept saying as I was watching them take it down "I can't believe I thought I could do this by myself." I surely would have taken a 2x4 to the head. I am excited to put a nicer outbuilding in its place. I think taking the ugly one down added value to our house, in and of itself!

Oh, and my birthday was lovely. It was busy from sunup to sundown, but a great day overall. Sadly my ice cream cake I ordered was much overrated. It must have lost some glory in the last 15 years.

That's about all I can think to write about. Take some time and check out a few of the blogs from Compassion's India trip. And also, take a moment today to let someone know that you appreciate them. I appreciate my husband, and that he has the courage to be out playing golf at sunup:30 in the rain. What a brave man.

The Case of the Bird

I've said over the past ten or so years that weather in the south can be described as the following: where one can experience all four seasons in one week. When my children wake up, the first words are either "Can I have dessert after breakfast?" or "When can we go outside and play?" T-Pup is old enough to know the differences in the weather. When he woke Monday and looked out of the blinds, he said "is it going to rain? is it cold? will there be inclement weather?" (not really, but I just thought I'd add a big word for dramatic effect). I answered "no" to all of his questions, so he began to put on his camo crocs and head for the door. Normally I wouldn't mind, but this day was different.

A little bit earlier I scurried down our driveway in my pajamas to put a bill in the mail box. When I noticed our neighbor's deserted tricycle at the edge of our drive, I became slightly concerned. As I walked a few more steps, I noticed it. Ohh, ew. Hard crash landing...

Mr. Bird.

Apparently sometime in the wee hours of the morning Mr. Bird made his final descent into our driveway. The poor guy (or gal, didn't take time to look...not that I could identify it either way...) was apparently sitting on the power line that crosses over our driveway. The details after that are fuzzy, but I can tell you the end result... Mr. Bird is now the former Mr. Bird.

As standing there in my pajamas I'm trying to figure out if W is at school or work today; thankfully, work won out. I ran inside and called him. There's been a tragedy. Not really, but goodness I was on a roll. I told him of the situation and that we couldn't go play outside until it was cleaned up. Thankfully he graciously accepted the call of duty and said he would stop by the house after he went to lunch with some friends.

So, back to T-Pup. "But momma, if it is so nice outside why can't we go play?" I then explained the little blob at the end of our driveway and that it was messy and gross and also that Daddy would be home at lunch to take care of it for us. He then asked if Mr. Bird was stinky and I told him that yes, with the sun beating down on Mr. Bird like it was and would be for the next 3 hours, I suspected that Mr. Bird would be stinky.

He agreed it would be much better for us to stay inside.

W comes home and scoops up the bird with the shovel and tosses it into our back pasture disposes of it properly. He comes back in saying "I got it. There is a little juice left on the drive so you may want to clean that up before taking the kids out."

Ahem.

I go out with the hose and a large container of clorox and get to work. As I was hosing the driveway down, the water pushed something into the street. I went over to look, and it was one of Mr. Bird's organs. My guess from this is that it was the stomach. I blasted that thing clear across the street with my water hose and used enough clorox to make Cher's hair blonde.

Rest in peace, Mr. Bird.

I have recently returned to Facebook, only after a beautiful 40 days without it. It frustrated and overwhelmed me all at the same time, because who are these people and why are they my "friends?" Sure, I have crossed paths at some point in my life with each and every one of them, but that crossing may have only merited a class together or a meeting through a friend of a friend.

So, I've been thinking, not only who are they, but who am I to them? Many of them know me from high school or college, a handful of them know me from junior high, and the rest fall into the friends of friends category where we met once or twice, then the family category.

So, I thought I would give a small peek into who I am/why I am that way. The main parts of my life are God and family, so I will expound most on those areas.

I am the oldest of 3; I have a brother and sister. We have better relationships now than ever before in our lives. My father was abusive to my mother, also a drug addict and alcoholic. They divorced when I was 7; he came back/left again when I was 14; he came back again when I was 17, then died 7 months later of metastatic lung cancer that spread to his brain. My mom injured her back in 1994 and as the oldest, I assumed much of the responsibility.

Because of my unconventional family history, I am a huge advocate for my family now. More on them to come.

I was raised in Southern Baptists churches. I was always extremely judgmental and quick to point out other people's flaws. I was confident in my relationship with the Lord, and was confident that it [my salvation] was superior to my classmates [salvation] who struggled in areas that I did not.

I flew the coop I left home halfway through my sophomore year in college to transfer to a school 4 hours away. For once, I just wanted to take care of myself. It was amazing, and instantly my world was rocked. I decided rather than going home the next summer I would go on summer missions. I worked with a Baptist association that had over 90 churches in it. The Lord really started working in my heart that summer. I would lay in the floor of my room each night and marvel at things in the Bible I had never seen before. I think for the first time in my life, my eyes were truly fixed on Him. I became an advocate for the statement "relationship, not religion."

I came back to school that fall, having released all preconceived notions of what my life was to hold. I changed my major in school and said "take my life and let it be, consecrated only Lord to thee." I started a new job and moved into a new house with new roommates. In walks W into my life. I had met him the semester before, but it stopped at that. Suddenly we were talking to each other and I found myself giddy. I freaked out. But, Lord? I just want to be yours. I told W, and we both concurred it would be only a friendship until further noted. 2 months later it was further noted, and then we knew that the God of heaven and earth had created us for each other.

In the midst of our blooming relationship, I had an encounter with God that I am not vulnerable enough to blog about. I left the Baptist church and began going to a non-denominational church with W. I miss that year of my life; I was so eager to learn of the things of God.

The next summer we marry. We immediately go into full time ministry, even raising our own support for our first year of marriage. Three weeks after we were married we went on a mission trip to Portland, OR and it has not slowed down since then.

Nearly two months after we celebrated our first anniversary, T-Pup was born. We had moved two weeks prior to him being born so W could take the job of a Director of Christian Education at a United Methodist Church. 26 months later, Sam was born.

Letmetellyousomething, I love our church. It makes me love THE CHURCH more! The people there love me, challenge me, make me laugh and make me cry all in the same week. I have learned this: one cannot put God in a box. Whether worshiping in a contemporary or traditional service, or worshiping with chains binding you to a prison cell, God is still the same. Who knew in my ripe old age this once radical gal would love liturgy and singing "O for a thousand tongues to sing" and "Come, thou long expected Jesus."

I willingly and gladly serve my husband, because it does my heart joy. I weep at the fact my children have a father like I never did. I love staying home with our children, pouring into them the Word of God and crazy, silly fun. Who cares that I don't have some fancy corporate job? There are days when I wish I did, but at the end of each day, I rejoice at what the Lord has put on my plate.

Now, I will eagerly tell you my flaws before I even guess at yours. I will tell you no matter what has happened in life, God still so tenderly loves us. Not for what we do, but for who we are; as I don't love Him for what He does, but for who He is. I will be the first to tell you I am not perfect. I love to be sarcastic and often have an off-colored since of humor. I sometimes laugh really hard and snort, then glace embarrassingly around to see if anyone heard. I would love to one day be a midwife, live in Israel and India. I want my children to walk in truth. I want my husband to be proud of me. And I want my dear Lord to delight in me and dance over me. That's me.

Facebook won't allow this many words in the "tell me something about yourself" box.

So, takemeorleaveme there ya go. Now, if you read this (haha, watch my counter say 0 for the next 7 days) I would love to know a little bit more about you.

Of Polar bears and donkeys.

This past weekend we were graced by the presence of Mr. Marine. It was the first time he had visited since his homecoming last October. We had a great time. I paraded him around like the big proud sister should parade little brother around. He said at one point "I'm getting the idea you're proud of what I do" and I responded "not of what you do, but of who you are." Ok, I wasn't even looking for a revelation Lord, but wow, that's good. He loves us for who we are. I know this, but in that moment and even now it seems so much more real.

Mr. Marine is 6'3" and weighs somehwhere over 200lbs. Not an ounce of fat on his body, but all muscle. He was like T-Pup and Sam's own personal playground. They climbed and jumped and hooped and hollered. T-Pup rode his leg like a bull, but somewhere in the weekend the bull became a donkey. It was really funny, and I added the video of it on FB. Honestly though I don't think I've ever seen anyone bucked off a donkey.

Someone sent me a recipe for cookies to go along with the Easter story. You make the cookies Saturday night, and each step chornicles an event that Jesus went through. For example, you let the child crush the pecans then talk about how Jesus was beaten and bruised. You let the child smell the vinegar, then share how Jesus drank some on the cross. You allow them to taste the sugar, and then tell how sweet it was of Jesus to die for us. When it came time to put the cookies in the oven, you talk about the tomb. Well T-Pup asked what a tomb was, and for whatever reason the word "cave" escaped me, so I told him it was a big hole in the side of a mountain. After a few minutes, T-Pup says "momma, were there polar bears in Jesus' tomb?" and I look at W like "what in the world?!" (said it with my eyes, not my mouth :) ) and said "T-Pup why would you think that bud?" and he replied "you know, because polar bears live by holes in big snowy mountains!" Touche my son, touche. I see why you could think there were polar bears in Jesus' tomb.

Easter was wonderful and busy and full of great memories.

I mentioned to W a few weeks ago that I wanted us to get T-Pup this Bible. He ordered it for us and we've been reading in it since. Each day this week at either lunch or breakfast we've sat down and read it while we've been eating. Each day we have read the Easter story over and over again. Part of me is like "Hey bud, let's read another story" but then I think if he wants to read a story over and over again, this IS the one to read. He said yesterday "Momma, why is Pilate wearing a towel?" and so I explained it was a tunic, which is like a shirt, which looks like a towel. He then asked me if Pilate had a helicopter or airplane. We then broke down the difference betweeen Pilate and a pilot.

No one ever told me my children would be so literal! I love it though.

It is a beautiful spring day outside so we are going to go enjoy it now. Hope y'all have a blessed weekend!

Keep praying!

Stellan is going to Boston so the electrophysiologist can care for him there. Please be in prayer for his mom, Jennifer, and the rest of the McKinney family. Pray they can somehow control his intractable SVT without having to do the ablation. He is still so young for that surgery. Please lift this sweet family up in prayer.

Happy Resurrection Day

From our family to yours, Happy Ressurection Day! He arose, He arose! Hallelujah Christ arose!

New Love

I have new found love. And it's not even expensive! I started glancing around Etsy a few months ago, but only glancing. I would search for a particular item and see all the lovely handmade, homemade things that would pop up. We all know I love MckMama. Many of the Etsy sellers are donating proceeds to the Mck family fund in order to support Stellan's medical situation. I thought this would be a great way to help. I placed two orders; one for a little blue and brown hairbow and the other for a flip-flop t-shirt/hairbow combo. The second order came today (from seller Simply Chic Bebe) and it is so adorable. I placed the order on Monday - today is Thursday! I will be shopping Etsy plenty to come in the future! And of course here is a picture of little Sam modeling her new simply chic couture!

Much Ado About Nothing

T-Pup: I need to poop
Me: Ok, go take care of your business.

(20 minutes pass)

Me: Hey bud, did ya poop?
T-Pup: No ma'am, I decided I'll just wait till tomorrow.

Let's say a prayer that he does not inherit my procrastination. Sometimes there is no use in prolonging the inevitable. My brother is coming to stay with us for Easter this weekend and I have a mile long list of things I need to do before then. I am fighting exhaustion and also have some heavy things on my heart, so scrubbing bathrooms and dusting aren't really on my "excited to do list" but they are on the "to do list" so I might as well get 'em done (wow, I was just tempted to write get 'er done. And I just did, parenthetically speaking.).

So why am I still sitting here? And why am I singing the old Garth Brooks song about tomorrow never coming? Geeze Louise... I need sleep.

Family.

Or Fami-LEE. Just wanted to type it out since we're closely nearing 10 years since the good 'ole days.

We spent the day yesterday with my sister and her family, including her precious new son. He is one month old but still so wee little and snuggly. He already loves his dear aunt (in the spirit of Fami-Lee, say it with me: un-tee for aunt; thank you). This is a glimpse of our time together.

PS: W and D are hiding behind the camera.

PPS: Are you surprised?