Things I Love: Making Stuff

My friend Sarah is hosting a sewing night for our mom's group.  It's not until June but I'm already scoping out a few projects I would mind whipping up while chatting with the ladies.

Here are some of my top picks!

Summer Flower Tee (which Disney promises is FAST to make.  I like fast).

Photo from Ruffles and Stuff

I'm thinking navy shirt with white and red flower?  Or maybe white shirt with green flower?  What say you?

Then there are these No-Sew Flowers.  Cute, aren't they?  I like the idea of adding them to shirts, shoes, headbands ... really, you cover up a lot of stains with these cuties.  But then again, these are NO SEW--is that against the rule on sewing night?

Photo from Ruffles and Stuff

One Pearl Button posted a tutorial knock off of this Anthropologie shirt.  I like it.  And I like that if and when I screw it up I will be at Sarah's house and she can save me, or--er, the shirt I mean.

Photo Source One Pearl Button

Finally, there is this cute scalloped skirt.  I love it.  Problem is, I'm not sure if I can pull it off in one night.  But maybe I could leave it with the directions and Sarah could finish it.  Maybe not!

Photo Source Ameroonie Designs

So much to make, so little talent time. 

What's your vote?  What should I make on our lady's sewing night?

What I Think About: Beauty from Ashes

Regret.

The R word.

{shudder}

I'm kind of over the good old days of cliche songs and sayings telling us to live with no regrets.

Can anyone do that?  SHOULD anyone do that?

Last Monday I had a blue day for reasons I'm simply too proud to admit.  While I was feeling sorry for myself the worst thing happened--like it always does.

I started to drudge up old regrets.  Not just the "I wishes" but the "I wished I hadn'ts." The list of my regrets grew.  And Grew. AND GREW and by about 8:30 I was on the phone with my sister--nearly crying (which should *really* say something!).

I felt like the worst kind of human possible.

Untrustworthy. Unlovable.  Unworthy.

And no amount of "live in the moment" crap could make me feel better.

I just had to navigate my feelings.

Thoreau said, "Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest.  To regret deeply is to live afresh."

Tend our regrets and sorrows?  Regretting deeply refreshens us?

It's so counter-intuitive.  I mean, it just feels easier to ignore our regrets.  To push past them with an "I can't change the past attitude" feels doable.

But then they come back. On dark days when we are alone and ashamed.  Our regrets come back and they haunt us--when we don't handle them.

I know the Biblical accounts of regrets and how God casts our sin far from us (Psalms 103:11-12) but we can never fully do that.  We can't pretend to have no regrets.

So what if there was a change in perspective?

What if we did tend our regrets?

What if we faced them head on?

What if we felt our way through them--the shame, the pain, the dishonor?

What if we didn't beat ourselves up for shortcomings but we used them--like a mirror--to see exactly why we need Christ?

Why we need forgiveness? 

To see exactly what. grace. looks. like?

What if we let our regrets send us running to the throne room in loving humility to be comforted?

What if our regrets were simply a matter of perspective and instead of letting them paralyze us with fear or self-loathing, what if we simply accepted them, learned from them, and lived from them?

Wouldn't that be living proof that He makes all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28)?  Even our regrets.

What I think is that regrets can have a terrible hold over us.  They can keep us living in guilt and fear.  But I also think, when we work through them, our regrets can restore, rebuild, and redeem us--beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:1-4).

Thanks, Shell, for hosting this post at Things I Can't Say!

Days of Play: Gettin' Around

Nothing is so lovely as a child blowing the puff-ball seeds of a dandelion into the air. 

M.E. did just this as we walked from the library to our car last week.  And then she asked what the puffy things were.  I told her they were seeds and that by blowing on them, she was helping to plant more dandelions (sorry to those of you who hate dandelions). 

It dawned on me that I should show M.E. how plants can be spread by humans, animals, insects, the wind, etc.

To do this, I put a big puffy sock on the OUTSIDE of her shoe (and one on the outside of her brother's because he was insistent) and we went for a brief walk in the little field outside of our house.

When we came back in, I took the socks off and set them on the table (which, by the way, I 409ed before we ate there).  We looked at all the weird pokey things attached to the sock.  I was able to point out things that were seeds (I think) and was able to tell her that insects like bees help pollinate plants because the seeds stick to their legs like they stuck to her socks.

She found this very fascinating for about five minutes.  {Sigh}

Oh well, hopefully this will fun lesson will stick with her in the future.

If you want to do this--get a sock, go for a walk, have a talk.  The End.

F All Y'All! {This is Christian--Trust me}

Okay I first saw this on another blog and it is so funny.

It's pretty naughty but worth a Monday laugh.  I could use a Monday laugh.

Fashion Friday--Hide Your Tummy!

Whether you are generally slender with some leftover "mom tummy" or you are a bit on the heavy side all over, there are ways to hide your tummy.

Be advised, however, that this is all just an optical illusion.  If you really want to look like you don't have a big tummy, you'll need to work that sucker off.  And for that I suggest Elise Gulan's Straight to the Core 10 minute ab video!

But in the mean time,  create the appearance of a smaller tummy by defining your waist with structured clothing.

1. Get the girls up where they belong.  A good bra might cost but will help ease back discomfort, stop bra straps from falling (or crawling) and will help define your bust v. your waist.  It the girls are sitting on your belly button (and you aren't a size 40 DDDD) it's time for a new bra!

2.  Define the smallest part of your waist (generally up higher than the belly button--sometimes right below the breasts) with a wide belt.  Pick a belt made of elastic because it will stay put better than a leather one.  And avoid skinny belts which may actually emphasize your tummy.  Please know you can belt anything--a cardigan, a dress, a white button down top, a blouse, a tunic ...

Shortsleeve Tops by Amy Byer
Belts by Forever 21

3.  Get a structured jacket or blazer.  Okay, this isn't dreamy for summer (except for cool summer nights) but this holds true the whole rest of the year. Get a blazer that fits well and you will instantly look slender!

Jackets by Old Navy
Jackets by Ann Taylor

4. Wear jeans that are slightly higher in rise.  Note: the band should still be BELOW the belly button but should be a few inches above the pelvic bone.  If pants are too low, hello muffin top!  But pants that are too high (the dreaded mom jeans) make your arse look huge and turn your extra tummy into a "front butt."  Not flattering.  Remember this rule: a bit higher but below the button.

5. Opt of empire waist clothing.  This naturally defines the smallest part of your body (waist) and flows elegantly over that which you wish to hide (without making it look like you are actually hiding something).

Plus Dresses by Calvin Klein
Black Dresses at Last Call by Neiman Marcus

WARNING
Avoid clothing that is the wrong size.  Too tight pants=muffin top.  Too big pants=look heavier.  Too tight shirt=too much information.  Too big shirt (especially if it is boxy)=an upper half that looks bigger than it really is.


For more information, watch what style gurus Clinton and Stacy have to say by clicking this link.

What I Think About: Slut Walks

Have you heard of slut walks? 

Essentially, a woman in Toronto was raped and one of Toronto's finest said that women probably wouldn't get raped if they didn't dress like sluts.

Classic.  Blame the victim.

Spoken like a true man (expect that all the "real" men I know would call that line a crock of crap!)

So women in Toronto and the US are putting on "Slut Walks" to bring awareness to the oppressive and hypocritical nature of the word "slut" and challenge the belief that a woman who shows a bit too much skin is "asking" to be raped.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about dressing nicely and modestly. 

If you remember I did a post a while black on Little Black Dress Disasters where I sound off on why I hate "slutty" LBDs.  I don't want women to show too much to cover up for a lack of self-esteem.  However much I disdain these little dresses I simply cannot subscribe to any rule that says a girl who wears barely-there dresses deserves to be sexually assaulted.  Such clothing might make a girl lose a man's respect but it shouldn't cause her to lose her safety!

Confidence makes me sexy--not my lack of clothing. 

However, not every woman gets this memo.

From the time we are little girls we are getting "roped" into the man's world of what women "should" look like.  There are bikinis and thongs for toddlers.  Huge chested "Angels" on pink billboards beckon our men to crave those airbrushed bodies.  Even our beloved princesses are scantily clad sex symbols asking to be loved because of their looks and NOT their characters. (P.S. I go on a princess tirade here).

It appears we first make sluts and then punish them.

Men want to see skin.  They want to see sex.  But if a woman buys into that lie (or has the audacity to grow breasts in 5th grade) she is labeled a slut.  And sluts get what they deserve when the dress EXACTLY the way billion-dollar campaign advertisements tell them to?

I'm calling FOUL!

Women are molested, and raped, and abused for many reasons and there is NOT. ONE. REASON. THAT. JUSTIFIES. THE. PERPETRATOR'S. ACTIONS.

EVER!

I want women to feel safe and secure in who they are.  I want them to feel sexy and empowered in jeans and yoga pants.  I don't want women to EVER feel like they have to wear daisy-duke shorts and barely-there tops to be valued by men.  However, if women want to dress like that, they should still be safe to walk about freely without "asking" to be raped.


So what I think about Slut Walks is that if one comes to a town near me--I'm signing up!  You'll see me there in my normal clothing (plus some awesome stilettos) supporting the right of women to be safe regardless of what they are wearing.


Thanks to Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting my random Wednesday rants!

Days of Play: It's Classified

When M.E. did her kindergarten screening she was encouraged to classify items.  Luckily, she was able to do it with ease.  I like to thank my intense OCD organizing bone for this.  She's been able to tell fairy shoes from Barbie shoes for about three years.

Anyhow, I got inspired to do a classification game with my children.

First, I got all of my shoes and put them into a massive heap on the living room floor.

Can I take a minute hear to say that I do not have a shoe problem.  Shoes have a Reagan problem.

Moving on.

When the shoes were good and mixed up, I had Paxton and M.E. put them into "groups" or classifications.  We did this several times.  One time we classified by color.  Another time by pattern.  Another time by "type" (ballet flat, boots, etc.).  It was pretty entertaining to watch my kids toting shoes and grouping them.

And now I feel pretty good about M.E.'s ability to learn about animal taxonomies.

Happy playing!

Unnecessary Censorship

Need a good laugh this Monday morning?

Then watch this video.



How's that for a dirty mind?!?!

Happy Monday!

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope no one actually reads this post but instead, enjoys a special Mother's Day with the people they love. 

But, if you are dying to hear from me today, check out my guest post on Good Tots.  <--click that link

It's all about what I've learned ... from my children.

Happy Mother's Day!

Date Night {IN}--Drinking Games (spicy but non-alcoholic!)

If you went to college or have seen any "teenager" movies (Animal House, To Save a Life, etc.), you've probably witnessed or played a drinking game or two.

For tonight's date, challenge your husband to a few drinking games (minus the alcohol).

What you'll need:

• 20 plastic cups
• 2 ping pong balls
• long table
• 2 juice glasses
• 2 quarters
• The Princess Bride (the movie)
• TV/DVD and cushy spot to snuggle and watch a movie
• Bar food: sodas, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn ...
• "All Night Long" station on Pandora

What to do:

1. Set up your Pong area.   At each end of a long table, set up 10 cups (in a triangle like bowling pins) filled 1/3 of the way with water.  They should look like this:

2. Explain basic rules to your spouse (if he doesn't know them).

Essentially, you each stand at one opposing ends of the table.  You have to try to throw the ball into the cup of water at the other end of the table (no bounce).  If you sink a ball into the cup, your spouse removes the cup and one piece of clothing. (Oops, did I forget to mention it was strip pong?). Switch turns until one spouse has removed all the cups (and clothes) of the other spouse.

Want more info? Click this link for a video (WARNING: video shows drinking)


3.  Now, move on to quarters.  The basics premise of quarters is to bounce a quarter into a glass.  Yep, that's it.  Want to see a video on how it's done?  Click here.

Now for the date-night rules.  Every time you (or your spouse) gets the quarter into the cup, the other person has to give one compliment.  If one person gets a quarter into a glass three times in a row, that person gets to make a rule.  Rules can be: anyone who smiles has to give their spouse a sexy kiss or if anyone talks with their hands they have to remove one article of clothing .... you get the picture.

Play this until you are ready for the most relaxing part of the date (or until you are out of clothing).

4.  Finish off your date by moving to the couch to enjoy a cheesy show.  Pop in The Princess Bride and play this fun game.

• Every time a character says, "as you wish," pick one person to get a shoulder rub.  Switch who is giving/getting the shoulder rub every time this is said.
• Every time a character says "true love" give each other a kiss.
• Every time someone says "I'm not left handed" give each other a high-five.
• Every time someone says, "I'm not left handed either" give each other another high-five.

Source

5.  Enjoy a silly evening of non-alcoholic drinking games!

Things I Love: A Good Teacher {A Gift Idea}

I'm an educator which means I love teaching.

I'm a mom which means I love a good teacher.

Hip Hip Hooray for National Teacher Appreciation week!

If there is a good educator in your life, please take an opportunity this week to THANK him or her for all the hard work that goes into educating your children.

Now, since I've been a teacher, I know what it's like to get too many cookies, bears, and apples in appreciation.  It's not that I didn't appreciate my gifts; it's just so darn hard to figure out what to do with a ceramic bear in modern decor scheme.

Please let me encourage you to make a gift for your son's or daughter's teacher that will go a long way!

Photo Source (this is a stamp!  Follow this link to order it!)

What you'll need:

• A mug
• A gift card to a coffee shop
• Some candy (Kisses, chocolate covered Espresso beans, M&Ms ...)
• Tissue paper
• A thank you card

What to do:

1. Put a $5 gift card in the mug.
2. Fill with chocolate so the gift card is "hidden."
3. Top with tissue paper (so nothing falls out).
4. Have your child write or decorate the inside of the card.  Make sure as the parent you add a personal thank you as well (along with "enjoy your gift card" to make sure the teacher digs into the mug).
5. On the thank you card envelope write "Thanks a Latte."
6. Attach to mug with tape, riboon, etc.
7. Give to the teacher (who might not need another mug but who will love the gift card instead of her seventh plate of cookies).

Photo Source

What I Think About: When to Step In {Advice Ladies!}

Last Tuesday my uber-delightful mom's group had a meet up at our local library (you can read about why I love my mom's group and why I hate Motherbitches here).

While we were there, our children were playing with a giant checker set.  About five of our kids were taking turns sharing the giant foam checkers while building buildings (which is technically frowned upon by the librarians but come on--they are kids!) and pretending to be nesting birds.

Then another girl, similar in age, joined the group.  There was no parent watching this little girl and she slowly took over all the foam checkers--stealing them left and right from our group of kids who had been sharing.

My friend's daughter was pretty bold and said, "Hey, that's not fair!  You have to share!" (and to be fair, our children were trying to share but the other girl was opposed to it!).

Even after my friend's daughter said that, the little girl kept taking checkers.  The other children in our group moved to the side and sort of let the "mean girl" take over.

My friend and I looked at each other.  When should we step in?

I mean, we want our children to stand up for themselves and to fight injustice BUT we also want them to know that we have their back and that we'll stand up for them.

So where is the balance?  Should we have stepped in and told the girl who wouldn't share that she needed to?  Did we do the right thing by letting our kids handle it?

To be honest, it doesn't feel like we did the right thing because all of our children, but one, got "bullied" away from the toys and the one girl who stood resolute, lost all the checkers because she didn't have any support.  She looked at her mom and I with big eyes as if to say, "Is this okay?"

What a tough lesson because sometimes the people with the worst intentions and the worst attitude and who treat people the worst--WIN! 

I hate that.  But at the same time, I don't want my child to be a constant tattle-tale.  I want her to use her voice and her actions to stand up for herself.  How do I cultivate that?

What I think is it is difficult to know when to step in and when to let kids handle a bullying/unjust situation.

Your thoughts?

When do you step in, when do you stay out, and how do you know what step to take?

Please, share your advice.  My friend and I would love to know.

And P.S.  BOO HISS to the parents who, by not watching their child in a public place, put my friends and I in an awkward position to have to "parent" a child we didn't know!

Thanks to Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting my random Wednesday Rants!

Days of Play--Mother's Day Crafts and Gifts

We're at that critical week before Mother's Day so I've scoured the internet to find fun Mother's Day craft projects you can make with your children (perhaps for Grandma).

I know it is easy to get wrapped up in what you can BUY for the mom in your life but sometimes the best gifts are those you can make.  Enjoy some quality time with your children making an easy yet sentimental gift.

First up, this super cute foam-flower picture "album."  All you'll need are photos, foam, pipe cleaners, stapler, tape, flower pot and paint.  To get the directions, click this link.

Photo Source

Here's another "sweet" twist to a home-made bouquet!  Get some DumDum suckers, cute paper out into the shape of hearts and WaLa!  A sweet bouquet.  Want the directions?  Click here.

Photo Source

Finally, here is a card that you could make for mom (or grandma) but I think you could make one a bit larger and make it a small wall or door hanger.  Who doesn't love curlicues? Click here for directions.

Photo Source

 

 

Now if you just have to buy a gift to celebrate the occasion, then can I suggest ETSY? I love Etsy stores and here are some delightful, unique, and affordable gift options!

One of a kind earrings from Design Ambition:

Whimsical artwork Blendastudio:

Ruffled Scarf from 2littlefriends:

Happy crafting with the kiddos.

Happy Etsy retail therapy.

Happy Mother's Day.

Sick

Mac is sick.

Really sick.

His software is cabobbled but luckily the hardware is fine. 

If only Reagan knew where she put his utility CD then Mac could start feeling better and Reagan could do actual blog posts.

Until such time, WITMIM? might be on a short hiatus because hey, Reagan doesn't like to work when she's sick so she doesn't want to force Mac to work when he's sick.

Please leave Get Well Soon comments below.  It'll make Mac feel better.

Please leave notes of concern below as well (you know, if you are concerned that Reagan has such a good relationship with her computer that she calls him by his first name and stops blogging when he is ill).

3 Way

To learn more about the 3Way, click here.

This month my challenge was to wear a dress three times.  I chose to rock a little Mossimo khaki dress I got at Target for $12.98.  It is super similar to the one below (minus the front pockets and drawn tie waist).

Day Dresses by Mossimo

First up, a little urban safari with brown boots, belt, jean jacket, and a leopard print scarf.

Look #2 was my Easter wear. Turquoise tights, a bold necklace and a brown grandfather cardigan (because it was snowy and cold in WY).

Finally, on another chilly April day, I wore my khaki dress with American Eagle jeggings, a thrifted orange scarf, self-made jewelry, and some Xhiliration sandals I got at Target for $3.24!

Given the bi-polar nature of Wyoming weather, I'm struggling to pick my next "uniform" piece of clothing to work three ways in May. Part of me says, "SANDALS!" and the other part says, "Be practical, pick a sweater!"

{Sigh}

After much deliberation, I decided that my uniform piece of clothing to wear three ways during the month May is a white T-Shirt.

Things I Love: Turquoise

As you know I've already predicted that bold colors are going to be hot from Spring.  My favorite bold color is turquoise!  Look at all these turquoise lovies I found!

Two-Piece Swimwear by Topshop
Flats at DSW

What's your favorite bold, springy color?

What I Think About: Greg Mortenson

As an avid reader, I devoured Three Cups of Tea when it became popular enough for me to notice it.

As a human, I was moved by the story (albeit somewhat vainglorious) of a bottoms-up approach to literacy and peace.

As an educator, I was inspired by the gentle reminder that what I do makes a difference (even if it looks like I'm failing kids on their high stakes tests!).

I've followed Greg Morentson since his book was published and when he came to my town to speak a few weeks ago, I dragged my spouse and in-laws to watch him.  And then I stood in line for two hours to have him sign my copy of Stones into Schools.

When Mortenson spoke, he was not eloquent.  He did not sound like a shiester buttering me up for a donation.  He talked like a man with a passion and drive to make a difference. He looked tired and unwell.  I was thrilled he seemed so human.

And then 60 Minutes happened and this man who seemed to be doing good, was called a sham.

I went on the defensive because I think 60 Minutes--whose sole purpose of raising this controversy is inexplicably linked to their desire to get more viewers because viewers equal money--did some pretty bad research and reporting.  (I'm not even going to go into the fact that John Kraukauer, who has done some not-so-honest research on his books, was co-leading the charge.)

For instance, they claim Mortenson lied about being held by the Taliban because five men photographed as Taliban claimed, when interviewed, that they were tour guides.

Think about that a minute, will you?

If you were a part of the Taliban in a country occupied by U.S. troops and you had held a U.S. citizen captive for eight days, would you admit to being a part of the Taliban--or would you lie and say that you were a tour guide for Mortenson?

60 Minutes goes on to attack Mortenson for receiving financial honorarium for speaking engagements (wonder if they'll attack Presidents Bush or Obama for this?), for flying on chartered flights, and for not talking to him when they accost him paparazzi style at a speaking engagement (that action in and of itself shows a complete lack of media ethics!).

I will not sit here and say that I know Mortenson to be an upstanding kind of guy because I don't.  As far as I know, he lied in his book and has pilferd some money.   

But I can't deny that he has done good things.  He wants to achieve primary education for girls around the world and he leaves his family and risks his physical safety to do that.  I have a hard time sitting in my comfy living room begrudging a man and calling him a sham because a disgruntled former employee has a different story.

When I sit back and watch Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute attacked like this, I think of the well-spoken words of Mother Teresea and how much they apply in this situation.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway. 

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.  

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.  

The good you do today will often be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.  

Give the best you have and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.  

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

What I think about Greg Mortenson is that he is still an educational hero of mine.  He certainly has faults but he's fighting the good fight and it's going to take more than some sketchy, biased research on the part of 60 Minutes to change my mind.

_____Want more information?_____

To hear "the rest of the story" click here. 

To read Greg Mortenson's response to 60 Minutes questions click here.

The Board of the Central Asia Institute answers 60 Minutes questions here.

Daniel Glick provides a good personal reflection in this piece.

Days of Play: Family Movie Night {The Emperor's New Groove}

To learn more about family movie nights, please refer to my previous post here.

I also STRONGLY encourage you to check out Family Movie Nights from Plugged In for movie suggestions and curriculum!

For this family night, we'll be watching The Emperor's New Groove!

Source

For this family night you'll need:

• Some photos or a website about Llamas
• A family-friendly meal (maybe let your kids choose!)
• Blocks
• Movie
• Blankets/pillows
• popcorn or other snacks

Start your evening off by asking kids what they know about llamas.  Show them photos or funny (previewed) videos of llamas online.

Next, make dinner together. This can be an elaborate family pizza or simple mac-n-cheese.  Let your kids pick the meal tonight and spend time cooking together.

After dinner, build a pyramid of blocks.  See who can make the biggest, silliest, tallest ...

Finally, pop popcorn, get snacks, get comfy and settle in for a show.

After the movie, ask your kids some questions (from Plugged In curriculum):

1. How does Pacha treat Kuzco even though Kuzco is mean to him?  How should we treat those who are unkind to us?  Read Matthew 5:46
2. Kuzco grew up having everything he wanted and not being disciplined.  How does this make him act?  Why are boundaries/rules good for children?  Are any of our rules unfair?
3. Kuzco is blind to the needs of others because he is selfish and greedy.  How are his actions different than Jesus'?  Read Philippians 2:3-4 and talk about how to put others first.

Accepting the Bad

Have you ever had something you needed to say but you just can't find the words?

A burning disappointment.  A broken heart.  A repentance.

I've been at a loss to explain my own feelings--even to myself.  But as I've spent time in prayer and thought this weekend, a few feelings have come to my tongue.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like God just didn't. Show. Up?

Let down. Angry. Floundering.

When my mom was diagnosed with CADASIL it broke my heart. When I learned the hideous disease was hereditary, disappointment, fear and anger raged through me.

I like to imagine I felt how John the Baptist felt when he sent word to Jesus that he was in jail and Jesus--THE Jesus who gave sight to the blind and healed the lame and healed people from leprosy--called John great and yet--didn't go save John the Baptist from jail and his impending death (Matthew 11).  How must John the Baptist have felt?  Angry? Disappointed? Hurt?

In prison John the Baptist questioned if Jesus was the messiah.  How could He be the messiah when this bad thing was happening to John? How could Jesus not save the man who prepared the way for him?

Jesus makes a poignant statement--the prophets through John the Baptist prophesied the coming messiah.  Are we willing to accept that Jesus is Him even in the midst of a bad situation (Matthew 11:14)?  Even when bad things happen?  Even in discomfort or death? Even when we don't get what we want, no matter how noble the request?

When you are going through infertility or watching a loved one die or worrying about your health and wondering if you've given your children a disease that will one day kill them, people like to comfort you with words of encouragement.

"This is God's will."
"Keep the faith."
"Keep praying and God will give you your heart's desires."

To these "comforts" I reply:

Even if it is God's will ... It still hurts.  It is still confusing. In fact, God's will seems much more dubious when it is messy and dangerous and not an obvious blessing.

When I'm angry ... God can handle it.  It is a testament to my faith that I trust HIM with my emotions--even the ugly, angry ones.  My faith is not lacking because I question.  My faith is strong because I know He can comfort me in spite of my doubts.

My bad situation is not a result of not praying enough or trusting enough.  And though I pray, God still MIGHT not give me what I pray for.  But He might make my heart soft toward Him and draw me closer to Him and I might come to learn that it is not my selfish desires He wishes to give me, but to line my desires up with His.  And His heart's desire is that I know Him intimately and trust Him so fully that even if everything else falls away, He is still E N O U G H.

Give me that kind of heart.

I want my desires to be so in line with Christ's that in all circumstances I can stand in full faith and with the heart of trust, I can proclaim as Job did so long ago, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21).

It is easy, oh so easy, to proclaim God's will, and God's blessing, and God's grace when things are good.

But right now as I hurt and break and bleed and fear, I cry out to God and plead with Him to help me accept the bad.

The more I cry out, the more I am being intimately drawn to Him.  And though I hurt, I sing praise.  For peace.  For joy.  For knowing that even that which seems bad, is good in Christ.

From a Sigh to a Celebration

The pain. The sacrifice. The sorrow.  All but a sigh on the winds of eternity.

For where there was despair, there is now a song.  A celebration.

Not simply because of a love worth dying for.

A celebration for the resurrection that spurs me on to do the work of the cross, to be disciplined and sacrificial in my love for God and His people.

My song is hallelujah.

Mother's Day {Shutterfly}

Mother's Day is sneaking up on us! 

Whenever I ask my mom what she wants for Mother's Day she gives me the same answer.

"I want pictures of my grandchildren."

Ergo, I head to Shutterfly for photo gift ideas.

Shutterfly has great Mother's Day Cards and Stationary. 

I simply love these personalized notebooks and notepads.  They are super cute and, hello, UBER practical!  Who wouldn't feel a little bit better looking at the grocery list if it had the faces of beloved little kids on it?

Of course Shutterfly offers other fabulous Mother's Day Gifts, like accessories.

I love accessories.  Whether its a necklace, apron, or bag, I love it!  Am I crazy thinking you can NEVER go wrong giving someone an accessory?  I think not.

If you want to get a photo accessory for your mom, may I urge you to consider this bracelet?  It is darling AND affordable; you can't beat that!

And who can resist a great summer carry-all (especially if it has the grandchildren on it)?

Though I love Shutterfly's selection of stationary and photo accessories, what I'm leaning toward most this year is a Photo Book for Mom.

Shutterfly's Photo books come in five different sizes and can be created totally custom for the mom in your life.  There are extensive background options and there are tools to help crop and rotate photos.  What I like best about this option, however, is how easy it is to sit down and create a custom book of memories to enjoy with loved ones!

I've used Shutterfly from everything from calendars to Christmas cards and I am always impressed by the quality of their products.  Shipping is fast and convenient and the website is very user friendly.

If you are searching for that "Oh so perfect" Mother's Day present, may I suggest you hop on over to Shutterfly and check out their selection of Mother's Day Cards and Stationary, Mother's Day Gifts, and especially check out Photo Books for Mom!

**Disclaimer** I was contacted by Shutterfly about doing a review of their products for Mother's Day.  I will be compensated with a code to receive 50 cards and a photo book.  However, all opinions are my own.  I've used Shutterfly without free promos because I believe in the quality of their products.

“Have a blog? Sign up for a chance at 50 free cards from Shutterfly.” 

 

Quietly Contemplating

I'm quietly contemplating what today means.

What it holds.

Why it is relevant ... 

                                     today ... 
   
                                                          tomorrow.  


From palms to passion.

From Hosanna! to Barabbas!

From desperation to desertion.

Oh how fickle the followers who wanted freedom without sacrifice...

...the crown without the cross.

Today I quietly contemplate.


And though I don't understand, You left PEACE for your followers. 


I receive it.


I believe it.


I will live it.

Out of Jesus' affliction came a new sense of God's love and a new basis for love between men, so out of our affliction we may grasp the splendor of God's love and how to love one another. Thus the consummation of the two commandments was on Golgotha; and the Cross is, at once, their image and their fulfillment. ~Malcolm Muggeridge~

Peace be with you.

Things I Love: Water for Elephants

Have you read Water for Elephants?

It is a fabulous book about a vet-school drop out's foray into the circus and his love affair with the showstopper and elephant.  It sounds sketchy but it is so amazing.

Photo Source

Anyhow, Water for Elephants was turned into a movie.  When I read the book I kept envisioning James McAvoy in the male lead role but the movie people cast Rob Pattinson, which will do.  The lead female, however, is Reese Witherspoon, whom I adore.

The movie comes out on April 22 and I'm so excited.



Have you read the book?  Are you excited to see the movie?

What I Think About: Abundant Life

I can't even begin to count the number of times I think, "there isn't enough time!" or "I'll make time."

Isn't time tricky?  It's the commodity we wish we had more of but if you had more time, what would you do with it?

If I had more time, I'd clean the baseboards.  I'd refabricate a navy blue long sleeved T I bought at Gap for $1.97.  I'd read the novel Beth loaned me.  I'd go to bed before 11:30.

Do you hear what I'm saying? Even if I had more time, it wouldn't be enough.  I'd fill it.  Stuff it.  Smother it with things that need doing and caught up on and finished.

It's mind-numbing.  Even if I had more time, it wouldn't be enough.

How do you negotiate that?  Do you just decide that you'll make better use of the time you do have?

"I won't waste time," I think.  I'll multitask constantly; I'll cut down on phone conversations with my sister; I'll be diligent about starting laundry in the morning; I'll manage my time better.

But the more I hyper-manage and finagle my time, the emptier I feel.  Why is that?  How can a life filled to the brim with preschool and work and homework and diaper washing and soccer practice and ballet practice and church and date nights and ... feel so. darn. empty?

How does none of this stuff that I spend my time on fill me with a sense of accomplishment and peace?  Why do I continue to rush and hurry onto the next task or event when I know it will not fulfill?

In One Thousand Gifts Ann Voskamp ponders how the busyness of your life leaves you with little time for the source of you life.

Ouch.  Truth.

I'll plan date nights a year in advance.  I'll plan meals for the next month.  I'll schedule play dates two weeks out.  I have a "to do" list for tomorrow.

Spending time with God is not on it.

Perhaps why I can't grasp time is because I've lost its purpose.  In a panic to "live" life, I've lost the reason to live life.  Jesus said He came so that we would have life and so we could live it to it's fullest (John 10:10).  He came so we can have abundant life.  Life to it's fullest.  Not so I could rush.  Not to hurry.  But to savor and enjoy--a vapor of breath on a winter day.

When I look at my children they've aged over night.  Surely this fair haired girl with the nose slightly turned up isn't the baby I nursed yesterday.  She can't be.  Can't be five.

I think of memories of her.  Learning to walk. Reading books on her potty. Dropping a watermelon off the kitchen table and laughing as it burst all over the kitchen.  I smile. A happy, sad smile.

It goes so quickly, time.

And I can't hold it.  I can't get more.

Desperately I want to say, "STOP!" and just soak in the beauty of the moment.  To not have that delightful girl get older but to hold her and read Charlotte's Web and to snuggle with Bear Bear under a quilt.

I want to just stop and enjoy the moment--this moment. This moment of tantrums and tears and snot and laughter through clenched teeth holding tight to pacifiers.  This time is ours. But it will not last.

I wonder if I did just enjoy now--if I just savored these small things, these simple moments, if I wouldn't mind if time slipped right past me.

If wonder if I just wouldn't notice because time is no match for a life abundantly lived.

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me Pour My Heart Out!

Days of Play: Resurrection Cookies {Repost}

This is an excellent recipe to teach your children that Jesus rose from the dead!  I cut this recipe out of a Christian book club magazine years ago and love it.  Sadly I can't eat the cookies because of a nut allergy but everyone else seems to like them!


Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon or rolling pin
scotch tape
Bible


Directions:
Make these on the night before Easter!

Preheat oven to 300'.

1. Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or rolling pin.  As children break pecans into small pieces, explain that after Jesus was arrested.  He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read: John 19:1-3
2. Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30
3. Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us tocknow and belong to Him. Read:  Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
6. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. 
7. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
8. Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
9. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read: Matthew 27:57-60
10. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
11. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
12. GO TO BED!  While you tuck your kiddos in, explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight just like Jesus' followers were sad when he died. Read: John 16:20&22
13. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie (for breakfast!  You'll be super mom for allowing a cookie for breakfast!).  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9
14. Turn on praise music or sing a song of praise to Jesus.  
15. Say a prayer with your kids thanking God for sending his Son to redeem the world!

My Feet-Washing Theory

Some people have great, deep thoughts.

I have a theory about people and feet washing.

Brace yourself.

I'm clearly a Type-A personality.  I micro-manage the micro-managing Apps on my IPhone.  I get irritated when the weather doesn't listen to me. 

I would never, and I mean NEVER, get out of the shower without washing my feet.  Not the proverbial "washing" which is actually code for, "I let the water run past it--doesn't that count as clean?" but really washing my feet.  With both hands.  With soap.  I'm not getting out of the shower until I'm convinced my 10 little piggies are squeakly clean.

My husband (the reason for this theory), on the other hand, is content to let the water wash away his foot grime.  {Yes, I did just admit to seeing Matt shower before.  Sorry.  I'd tell you he was in a swimsuit but that would be a lie.  And if I'm admitting to my foot-washing theory, there's no need to lie.}  But seriously, he doesn't bend over to wash his feet.  He doesn't use soap.  He just assumes that the water will do a good enough job (and that no one is looking that closely).

Matt and I approach people the same way we approach our foot washing. 

I don't trust people, like I don't trust water to do the job.  If something needs done, I do it.  Or I at least set it up and manage it to death.

Matt is more trusting.  He gives people leeway.  Time.  He trusts that it'll all work out in the end--whether he gives it effort or not.

I've been on a mission to see if this theory works for others too.  Most of the people I ask line up.  Type A's wash their feet.  More laid-back people trust the water to do it.  One way is not better than the other; they are just different. 

Now I'm convinced that your foot washing preference says a lot about your interactions with people, your trust levels, your personality ...

Does it hold up with you?

Are you a foot washer or a water truster?

Fashion Friday: Ruffles--Goin' Nowhere!

Some trends come and go and others stick with us for a while.

I'm hoping the harem pants obsession leaves fast.  Ruffles, on the other hand, are feminine and classic and I'm glad to see they'll be hanging with us again this Spring/Summer.

Here are some great ruffle tops to drool over:

Tees by Merona
Button Front Tops by Forever 21

Want the look but prefer to make it yourself?  Why, here you go!

A ruffle skirt you can make.

Source Ruffles and Stuff

Or maybe you'd like to make a ruffled shirt?  Here you go!

Source: Ruffles and Stuff

Here's a ruffle scarf you might love.

Source: Make It and Love It

Ruffles--they even work for the home!

Source: Ruffles and Stuff

 Go Team Ruffles!

Things I Love: Easter Egg Burlap Pillow

I saw this on the blog A Little Tipsy a year ago and loved it.

Source: A Little Tipsy

How cute is that?  Oh, and it's a NO SEW project!  YAY!

Want the directions?  Click here!

What I Think About: God's Will and Decision Making

Have you ever heard people talking about God's will?

When someone dies, we say it was God's will.  When someone is sick or disappointed, we say that what is happening is God's will or that God's will will prevail.  We pray for God's will.

But have you ever heard people say, "This situation is God's will for me" but then they don't go through with the situation?  Or maybe, "God is opening all the doors, this must be His will" but it ends in destruction?

I do believe God has a plan for our lives and that He clearly laid them out in His Word.  But sometimes, I think people use "God's will" as a cop-out to either do whatever they want or to keep from doing what He really wants when it requires sacrifice.

Perhaps there's a calling on your life and you go for it because it's "God's will."  Then you meet with resistance and determine that there is no way that path could be from God because there are too many obstacles.  So you give up.  But have you ever wondered if there are so many obstacles because that path is God's will and the enemy doesn't. want. you. on. it?

Or perhaps there is something you want to do.  So you find "signs" everywhere that it is God's will.  And you do it.  Without praying about it.  Without seeking guidance.  When others question you, you say it's God's will.  But is it?  Is it His will, or yours?

Have you ever done something you told people was "God's will" and it ended in complete, utter disaster?

This past week, Matt and I were both presented with huge opportunities.  They both have the potential to be life changing.  But now we are stuck.  Do we want to do these opportunities for our own edification or will they bring glory to God?  Are these opportunities His will.... or ours?

When I make decisions, I want to do so with faith.  I want to say, "I will walk this road, whether it is straight or jagged, downhill or uphill, in rain or shine, in light or darkness ... I will walk this road if you walk with me." I want to make faith based decisions.

However, what I often feel like I make fear based decisions.  "I can't do that.  Who will care for the kids?" "I'm not sure that is the best decision ... it might cause financial strain.  It might make us change our schedule.  We might have to give up some time or a luxury."  Fear. Fear. Fear.  Does fear keep me from doing God's will?

When I share situations like this to others, I'm often "comforted" by quips about God's will.  I believe God has a will for me but please, don't throw it about so carelessly lest I construe God's will to be the easy path when the path of least resistance wasn't the one Moses took. Or Joshua.  Or Esther.  Or Paul.

Or Jesus.

Do you see what I'm saying?  Sometimes God's will isn't the one that's easy or that has all the "signs" pointing in the right direction.  Sometimes God's will is the hard path with resistance and obstacles and pain and sacrifice. In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus said, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it."

How do we find the will of God? Does it just fall into our laps in the form of "signs"?  Or do we have to seek it.  Through prayer.  Through digging in the word?  Through waiting patiently (and not so patiently) through difficult and stressful situation? Through being still and listening?

God had a will and a plan for my life but am I missing it?

Am I missing it because I'm too busy looking for "signs" than praying?
Because I'm too busy seeking advice and commentary from friends than reading His word?

Or perhaps I'm missing it because what I really want is my will, wrapped in the verbal cloak of His will.  I want the wide open gate.  The easy path.  The one He says ends in destruction.

I would rather rely on my intuition, the advice of family and friends, my circumstances that to seek His way. The gate is too narrow for my pride. But if I humble myself, if I follow Him, I will find life.

What I think about God's will is that He has one for my life.  But it isn't easily seen.  It doesn't always match my will.  It is life-giving ... if I'll take courage to walk that narrow path through the small gate.

Pray for Matt and I this week as we make some pretty big decisions.  Please pray that we would make faith-based decisions.

Thank you Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting a platform where I can Pour My Heart out and tell you What I  Think!

Days of Play: The BEST Easter Eggs EVER!

I've gushed about how much I LOVE Our Best Bites a time or two (or nine million--whatever).

Anyhow, I saw these eggs last year and didn't make them but you can bet your sweet biscuits I'm making them this year!

Source: Our Best Bites

Um ya, aren't those the most B.E.A.utiful eggs ever?  They look floral and tie-dyed.  I mean you'd never guess they were totally made from these--but they are!

Source: Our Best Bites

If you are uber impressed by these amazing eggs I encourage you to make some.  Today.

Here's what you'll need to pull off the best looking Easter Eggs in your neighborhood!
-Raw Eggs
-Glass or enamel pot (but pretty much any non-aluminum pot will be fine)
-Silk ties, blouses, or boxers, cut into pieces large enough to cover an egg
-An old white sheet, or pillowcase, or tablecloth, or random fabric, cut into pieces to cover silk-wrapped eggs
-Twist ties or string
-4 tablespoons of white vinegar
-Warm water
-Vegetable oil
-Paper towels
-Tongs or spoon

Oh, and you'll need the directions so head to Our Best Bites Silk Dyed Easter Eggs and get those! 


Enjoy! 


By the way, if you make a rockin' Easter Egg, be a dear and send me a photo so I can totally brag about your awesomeness on my blog!

What My Dishwasher Taught Me

My house is new(ish).

My appliances are new(ish).

But the epoxy that holds my appliances in place didn't stick so my dishwasher has been falling out of place for nearly a year and a half.  And when I say, "falling out," I mean leaning forward a couple of inches when the door is open. Of course this makes the top and bottom racks fall out.  For some reason this is a huge inconvenience.

The door of the dishwasher drives me crazy.  Huffy crazy.  Eye-rolling crazy.  Explicative crazy.

Silly isn't it?

I mean, my best friend of a decade hasn't had a dishwasher since I've known her.  And I have one that cleans and I complain that it falls forward a bit.

She spends time literally washing dishes; I think it is the worst chore in the world to put away the dishes that my machine cleans.

In ten years, my best friend hasn't lamented to me once about having to wash dishes.  I don't think I've gone a week without reminding Matt how awful my dishwasher is.

Six weeks ago I asked my dad or Matt to fix my dishwasher; they didn't.

Calm asking turned to critical hinting.

Hinting turned to nagging.

Nagging turned into a full-blown adult meltdown over the top dishwasher rack falling out when I was trying to put a fork into the dishwasher.

Meltdown=Matt rushed to fix the dishwasher.

Sad to say, I felt justified in my anger toward Matt for not fixing my dishwasher.  I mean, hadn't I waited long enough?  Hadn't enough time past?  If he couldn't remember, then surely my nagging would help.

While Matt fixed my dishwasher, I sat down with One Thousands Gifts and started reading.  Two pages into my chapter, Ann Voskamp says this, "long I am woman who speaks but one language, the language of the fall--discontentment and self-condemnation, the critical eye and the never satisfied."

I tried to read right past it but that quotation just pierced me. 

That was me.

Surrounded on every side with every luxury; so use to my comfort that any inconvenience, any disruption, sent me into a tail spin.

My lips trembled in the way that only on-coming tears could foster.

How could I be so ungrateful when I have so much?

I kept reading.  I ignored the tears.  And the shame.  And my husband fixing my dishwasher.

And Ann got me one more time at the end by stating, "life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change."

I'll be a work in progress ... I'll always be a work in progress.  But I'm starting to see how wonderful this life really is.  And if I keep looking, I have a feeling, I won't ask for better dishwashers or new cars, or new this or new that.

I'll just be content ... grateful, even.

Daniel Fast Menu {Week 3}

We made it through our final week of the Daniel Fast!  YAY!  Tomorrow we begin eating normally again.  I kinda can't wait to down a bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup!

Here's what we ate the last week.

Monday
Breakfast: Hot oat meal with natural apple sauce, apple chunks, cinnamon, and cloves
Snack: rice cakes with peanut butter and bananas
Lunch: hummus, flatbread, and veggies
Snack: raisins
Dinner: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup with salad and flatbread

Tuesday
Breakfast: Coconut, banana, and mango smoothies
Snack: apple slices
Lunch: peanut butter and apple butter rice cakes, veggies, and a banana
Snack: trail mix
Dinner: Spinach pesto over pasta with salad, flatbread, and garlic herb dipping oil

Wednesday
Breakfast: oatbran with strawberries and bananas
Snack: orange
Lunch: Greek Salad
Snack: Peanut butter stuffed apples
Dinner: White chili with wild rice

Thursday
Breakfast: Breakfast potatoes and fruit
Snack: orange
Lunch: Temphe tacos
Snack: ants on a log
Dinner: Pan grilled portabella mushrooms with mixed greens

Friday
Breakfast: Peanut butter and banana smoothie
Snack: hummus and carrots
Lunch: black bean nachos
Snack: banana
Dinner: Fettuccine Alfonso with mushroom-black olive salad

Saturday:
Breakfast: Breakfast potatoes
Snack: apple
Lunch: hummus and veggie wraps
Snack: rice cake with apple butter
Dinner: Black bean, brown rice, and asparagus enchiladas with guacamole

Sunday
Breakfast: Mixed berry smoothie
Snack: peanut butter and banana rice cake
Lunch: baked potato and salsa
Snack: organic corn chips and salsa
Dinner: Spaghetti squash with marinara, salad and flat bread