Last week I spent time at Quaker Ridge in Colorado for WYLDlife camp. Ropes courses, horseback riding, shaving cream and flour fights, human bowling, singing, swimming ... I had about as much fun as you can possibly have in one week.
There was only one small hiccup in the whole week (which is pretty darn good).
Our bus burned to the ground.
Yep--you read that correctly. Last Monday our tour bus got a flat which started the bus on fire. We had to get 50 kids/leaders and their bags off the bus. Yours truely was the baggage hero who literally crawled under the bus(remember, it's on fire) to remove all the bags. I tossed them out and the kids--working as an amazing team--formed an assembly line of sorts to pass the bags down the highway to safety.
We got the bags out and ran down the highway right about the time tires and gas tanks started exploding. Aside from a scraped knee (and sore throats/lungs from the smoke) there were no injuries!
Sadly we had to wait for about 3 hours for another bus to come get us but we did eventually get to camp. Some people might call this a tragedy but I love that this experience brought us together as a group. It solidified our trust in one another. It reminded me that my God is mighty to save!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Days of Play--Family Knots
Get all family members into a circle. Put your hands in the center and grab someone else's hands. You should be in a knot. Now, untie yourselves. This is a great activity to practice listening, following directions, and teamwork.
On the downside, this isn't great to do with small children. Check out some previous posts if you'd like ideas of something to do with small children.
Bubbles
Indoor rafting
Color Hunt
On the downside, this isn't great to do with small children. Check out some previous posts if you'd like ideas of something to do with small children.
Bubbles
Indoor rafting
Color Hunt
Sunday, June 5, 2011
MIA
Reagan is MIA this week.
Actually, she's at WYLDlife camp with a whole bunch of awesome middle school aged kids and she's having too much fun to blog.
Not that she doesn't love blogging or the people who read her random thoughts.
To be continued in one week ....
Actually, she's at WYLDlife camp with a whole bunch of awesome middle school aged kids and she's having too much fun to blog.
Not that she doesn't love blogging or the people who read her random thoughts.
To be continued in one week ....
Friday, June 3, 2011
Date Night {OUT}--Bar Games
Grab your guy and head to a local bar--a place that's a real {safe} dive.
Order a beer (if you drink) or a soda (if you don't) and challenge your fella to a couple of bar games. Shoot a round of pool or play darts.
If you are like me, this will be a stretch since I'm not into the bar scene. But sometimes getting out of my comfort zone is the best idea ever. So indulge yourself in some peanut on the floor, country music on the juke box, rack 'em up, fun!
Order a beer (if you drink) or a soda (if you don't) and challenge your fella to a couple of bar games. Shoot a round of pool or play darts.
If you are like me, this will be a stretch since I'm not into the bar scene. But sometimes getting out of my comfort zone is the best idea ever. So indulge yourself in some peanut on the floor, country music on the juke box, rack 'em up, fun!
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| Source |
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Things I Love: Grass
Freshly cut grass, that is.
To me nothing says, "Welcome, Summer" quite like the sound of a lawn mower and the delicious mix of gasoline and newly cut grass.
Of course I'm horribly allergic to all things that grow but I like to stand on the deck, soak in the smell, and let it take me back to the days of Uncle Don mowing his huge yard while Jennifer and I read Christopher Pike novels on blankets in the sun.
Mmmm. Grass.
What's a smell that you love?
To me nothing says, "Welcome, Summer" quite like the sound of a lawn mower and the delicious mix of gasoline and newly cut grass.
Of course I'm horribly allergic to all things that grow but I like to stand on the deck, soak in the smell, and let it take me back to the days of Uncle Don mowing his huge yard while Jennifer and I read Christopher Pike novels on blankets in the sun.
Mmmm. Grass.
What's a smell that you love?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What I Think About: When the Young Die
When I was nearly five I met a girl named Jina. Nearly three decades later she is still among my closest friends. As often happens with friends, I became close to Jina's brother, Jeremy. He was sort of the big brother I never had (he even did irritating things like whipping me with wet towels and hanging me upside down). I love it when that happens--when you get two friends for the price of one. How precious is that!?!
Jeremy--not quite 35--died early on Tuesday from a massive heart attack.
Not believing what I was seeing on Facebook, I called Jina and she confirmed what I had been reading. Jeremy was dead.
I couldn't believe it. I can't believe it.
Those words are foreign on my tongue. How can I grasp this awful truth--that sometimes, the good--the young--the fathers to young daughters ... die?
It was uncomfortable talking on the phone to my oldest friend. What could I say? Words are junk in moments like these. Comfort impossible. Hope feels like an illusion--both to offer and receive. So I said all I could say--that I was heartbroken and loved and her.
What I wanted to scream--to her, to the neighbors, to the wall was, "IT IS NOT FAIR WHEN THE YOUNG DIE!"
Today as I mulled over my memories of Jeremy I thought about death. Everyone tells us not to fear death but how do you not? Even if you have hope and faith, how can you not fear death?
I remember reading once--I think in a John Eldredge book--about death and how it is nearly impossible for Christians to reconcile death because we were never meant to experience death. We were the eternal people. Life eternal was ours but we traded it.
One bite of an apple later and death is all around us and who can be comforted? Sure we move on and it gets easier but every now and then it hits--that memory that makes you laugh so hard you cry; that burning ache caused by loss; the empty chair at the dinner table.
Death haunts us even when we hope in the future.
When the young die, people--myself included--question God. Why Jeremy? Why so young? What now? Where is the redemption in this? Why, God? Why?
I don't have the answers. I probably never will.
What I think about when the young die is that God is still God and God is still good. Though I burn with hurt and anger, I will stand on this Rock. I will believe in Him if I feel it or not. I will not be shaken.
Thanks to Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting my random (sometimes depressing) thoughts.
Jeremy--not quite 35--died early on Tuesday from a massive heart attack.
Not believing what I was seeing on Facebook, I called Jina and she confirmed what I had been reading. Jeremy was dead.
I couldn't believe it. I can't believe it.
Those words are foreign on my tongue. How can I grasp this awful truth--that sometimes, the good--the young--the fathers to young daughters ... die?
It was uncomfortable talking on the phone to my oldest friend. What could I say? Words are junk in moments like these. Comfort impossible. Hope feels like an illusion--both to offer and receive. So I said all I could say--that I was heartbroken and loved and her.
What I wanted to scream--to her, to the neighbors, to the wall was, "IT IS NOT FAIR WHEN THE YOUNG DIE!"
Today as I mulled over my memories of Jeremy I thought about death. Everyone tells us not to fear death but how do you not? Even if you have hope and faith, how can you not fear death?
I remember reading once--I think in a John Eldredge book--about death and how it is nearly impossible for Christians to reconcile death because we were never meant to experience death. We were the eternal people. Life eternal was ours but we traded it.
One bite of an apple later and death is all around us and who can be comforted? Sure we move on and it gets easier but every now and then it hits--that memory that makes you laugh so hard you cry; that burning ache caused by loss; the empty chair at the dinner table.
Death haunts us even when we hope in the future.
When the young die, people--myself included--question God. Why Jeremy? Why so young? What now? Where is the redemption in this? Why, God? Why?
I don't have the answers. I probably never will.
What I think about when the young die is that God is still God and God is still good. Though I burn with hurt and anger, I will stand on this Rock. I will believe in Him if I feel it or not. I will not be shaken.
Thanks to Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting my random (sometimes depressing) thoughts.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Less and More
Less paper work
More ice cream
Less people
More bike rides
Less commitments
More walks
More swimming
More S'mores
More BBQs
Less rushing
More stargazing
Less snow shoveling
More laughter
Or what I like to call
Summer
More ice cream
Less people
More bike rides
Less commitments
More walks
More swimming
More S'mores
More BBQs
Less rushing
More stargazing
Less snow shoveling
More laughter
Or what I like to call
Summer
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wedding Gear
So, as of tomorrow afternoon I will officially have a new sister! My brother-in-law is getting married and I can hardly wait to have a sister-in-law on my husbands side of the family.
HAPPY DANCE
Anyhow, I've been agonizing what to wear to the wedding. This isn't going to be royal so no ridiculous hats are needed (thank goodness!).
Here's what I'm thinking ...
Rehearsal Dinner
Actual Wedding
Sunday Brunch
Yes. I'm going to wear black to the wedding. Black is classic. I am not mourning. I'm celebrating a deep, deep love between newlyweds and Little Black Dresses.
HAPPY DANCE
Anyhow, I've been agonizing what to wear to the wedding. This isn't going to be royal so no ridiculous hats are needed (thank goodness!).
Here's what I'm thinking ...
Rehearsal Dinner
Actual Wedding
Sunday Brunch
Yes. I'm going to wear black to the wedding. Black is classic. I am not mourning. I'm celebrating a deep, deep love between newlyweds and Little Black Dresses.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Things I Love: My Million Dollar Jeans
Every girl should have a pair of million dollar jeans.
Of course I don't necessarily mean a pair of outrageously expensive jeans.
I mean jeans that make you feel like a million bucks.
Jeans that fit your legs and your hips and your derriere so well it seems as though the jeans were literally made for you.
When I know I have a tough day ahead, I put on my million dollar jeans and somehow, just the comfortable feel of slipping into a pair of jeans that melt against me gives me courage to face a day.
So thank you, American Eagle Boyfriend 77 jeans for hugging my curves, boosting my bum, and making me look hot--even if I'm only in my slippers and a t-shirt.
Tell me about your million dollar jeans!
Of course I don't necessarily mean a pair of outrageously expensive jeans.
I mean jeans that make you feel like a million bucks.
Jeans that fit your legs and your hips and your derriere so well it seems as though the jeans were literally made for you.
When I know I have a tough day ahead, I put on my million dollar jeans and somehow, just the comfortable feel of slipping into a pair of jeans that melt against me gives me courage to face a day.
So thank you, American Eagle Boyfriend 77 jeans for hugging my curves, boosting my bum, and making me look hot--even if I'm only in my slippers and a t-shirt.
Tell me about your million dollar jeans!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
What I Think About: Selling My Children
You know, I would never put a "For Sale" sign on my kids and put them in the front yard to be purchased by the highest bidder.
Even though they can be cranky and sassy and down right disobedient, I love them. They are mine. I'm gonna keep them.
But sometimes when I let my children watch TV, I sort of feel like I'm putting my kids--or at least their minds--up for sale.
Have you noticed how grossly advertisements target children--even babies--through commercials and product placement? It's actually quite disgusting to me.
I mean, do my children really need Sketcher Twinkle Toes to go to school? Does a Happy Meal actually make them happy? Does M.E. need that Easy Bake Oven to make her a successful professional and will that Thomas the Train engine ensure Paxton will be a man's-man engineer?
I think not but millions of children don't understand the hidden messages and context of commercials.
I'm prone to taking a pretty critical look at "stuff" like this and I'm not exactly pleased with what my research is showing me.
For example:
The short answer: They wouldn't!
Whether you want to believe it or not, these ads have an affect on buying habits, values, and even self-worth (you should see the data of eating disorders being linked to perceived beauty ideals promoted through TV shows, movies, magazines ....{Shudder}...).
Have you ever seen a toddler scream to buy a box of Mac-n-Cheese because Woody is on it? The child doesn't know what s/he is buying but still "needs" it because Woody is selling it.
Does your child need this brand or that character for the start of a new school year?
Has your 5 year old told you she needs to diet to be skinny like Ariel?
These ads--these "harmless" product placements in TV shows---they matter. They affect our children whether we want them to or not.
What I think is that every time we turn on the TV, we put our kids up for sale!
Want to stop selling your children? Get the facts. Get resources. Get involved.
Start here at the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood. <---click that link. I double dog dare ya!
Thanks for hosting, Shell!
Even though they can be cranky and sassy and down right disobedient, I love them. They are mine. I'm gonna keep them.
But sometimes when I let my children watch TV, I sort of feel like I'm putting my kids--or at least their minds--up for sale.
Have you noticed how grossly advertisements target children--even babies--through commercials and product placement? It's actually quite disgusting to me.
I mean, do my children really need Sketcher Twinkle Toes to go to school? Does a Happy Meal actually make them happy? Does M.E. need that Easy Bake Oven to make her a successful professional and will that Thomas the Train engine ensure Paxton will be a man's-man engineer?
I think not but millions of children don't understand the hidden messages and context of commercials.
I'm prone to taking a pretty critical look at "stuff" like this and I'm not exactly pleased with what my research is showing me.
For example:
- Companies spend $17 billion dollars marketing items toward children in hope of producing life-long consumer loyalty.
- Children under the age of 12 influence $500 billion dollars in materialistic purchases each year.
- Children 2-11 see 25,000 commercials per year (which affects point 2).
- Many advertisements promote sexual stereotypes (girls should be sexy and cook; boys build with Legos) and violence.
- 63% of parents believe that their children's self-worth is defined by what they own.
The short answer: They wouldn't!
Whether you want to believe it or not, these ads have an affect on buying habits, values, and even self-worth (you should see the data of eating disorders being linked to perceived beauty ideals promoted through TV shows, movies, magazines ....{Shudder}...).
Have you ever seen a toddler scream to buy a box of Mac-n-Cheese because Woody is on it? The child doesn't know what s/he is buying but still "needs" it because Woody is selling it.
Does your child need this brand or that character for the start of a new school year?
Has your 5 year old told you she needs to diet to be skinny like Ariel?
These ads--these "harmless" product placements in TV shows---they matter. They affect our children whether we want them to or not.
What I think is that every time we turn on the TV, we put our kids up for sale!
Want to stop selling your children? Get the facts. Get resources. Get involved.
Start here at the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood. <---click that link. I double dog dare ya!
Thanks for hosting, Shell!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Days of Play: Goodbye School
M.E.'s last official day of preschool is Wednesday.
I'm a little emotional. :(
Moving on.
Today for our special time, M.E. and I are going to pick out a nice book to donate to her (soon to be former) classroom. This just feels like the gift that keeps on giving.
If your child is in school, let me encourage you to do the same.
Go to a bookstore and purchase an age appropriate book.
Write the date and a brief note of thanks to the teacher on the inside of the book.
Let your child color the inside cover to "personalize" the gift.
Wrap it up and give it to your teacher (though you might want to read it first!).
I'm a little emotional. :(
Moving on.
Today for our special time, M.E. and I are going to pick out a nice book to donate to her (soon to be former) classroom. This just feels like the gift that keeps on giving.
If your child is in school, let me encourage you to do the same.
Go to a bookstore and purchase an age appropriate book.
Write the date and a brief note of thanks to the teacher on the inside of the book.
Let your child color the inside cover to "personalize" the gift.
Wrap it up and give it to your teacher (though you might want to read it first!).
Monday, May 23, 2011
Confession
Deep down in side, I'm a girl who likes comics and super heroes. Give me action!
This actually works out really well for Matt and I because we can go to these movies together and both have fun. He's not suffering through a chick-flick and I'm not pretending to think Between Two Ferns is funny.
On Saturday night my sister and I went to the movies (can I hear a WooHoo!) and saw this preview.
Kill me now for two reasons:
1. It's another X-Men movie and I love X-Men!
2. James McAvoy is Professor X. Have I ever mentioned that in the scheme of celebrities I love, there's Robert Downey Jr. and then there's James McAvoy? You ladies can keep Gerard Butler and George Clooney--these are my fellas!
Anyhow, I confess to loving Marvel Comics and James McAvoy.
Phew. My conscience is clear now.
This actually works out really well for Matt and I because we can go to these movies together and both have fun. He's not suffering through a chick-flick and I'm not pretending to think Between Two Ferns is funny.
On Saturday night my sister and I went to the movies (can I hear a WooHoo!) and saw this preview.
Kill me now for two reasons:
1. It's another X-Men movie and I love X-Men!
2. James McAvoy is Professor X. Have I ever mentioned that in the scheme of celebrities I love, there's Robert Downey Jr. and then there's James McAvoy? You ladies can keep Gerard Butler and George Clooney--these are my fellas!
Anyhow, I confess to loving Marvel Comics and James McAvoy.
Phew. My conscience is clear now.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Date Night {OUT}: Progressive Dinner
I love progressive dinners!
Here's the main concept: you eat a different course at different restaurants/houses. That's it!
This date can be done two ways: solo or with a group of friends. Read on!
SOLO:
If it's just going to be you and your husband, map out some restaurants you'd like to eat at. Go to restaurant #1 for an appetizer. Go to restaurant #2 for soup or salad. Go to restaurant #3 for a main course. Go to restaurant #4 for dessert. Go to restaurant #5 for drinks/hot drinks.
You can choose to do this fast food style to keep it fast and cheap OR make a night of it and go to sit down restaurants. Sure your servers might think you are nuts but leave a good tip and they'll forgive you!
GROUP DATE:
Get together 3-5 other couples. On five slips of paper, write down a course (appetizer, soup/salad, main, dessert, drinks). On another five slips of paper, write down a theme. For examples, you could do countries (US, Mexico, France, Italy, China) or colors (red, white, black, yellow, green). Put the slips in two different bowls.
Now, have one person from each couple grab a slip from each bowl to let them know what course/theme to follow. For example, you could have to make a Italian dessert or a red main course. Encourage couples to go ALL OUT decorating in their theme.
Finally, schedule times to be at each others homes. For example, start appetizers at 430. Move to soup house at 5:15, etc. Whoever has the final course should prepare games for people to play or provide another form of entertainment.
Here's the main concept: you eat a different course at different restaurants/houses. That's it!
This date can be done two ways: solo or with a group of friends. Read on!
SOLO:
If it's just going to be you and your husband, map out some restaurants you'd like to eat at. Go to restaurant #1 for an appetizer. Go to restaurant #2 for soup or salad. Go to restaurant #3 for a main course. Go to restaurant #4 for dessert. Go to restaurant #5 for drinks/hot drinks.
You can choose to do this fast food style to keep it fast and cheap OR make a night of it and go to sit down restaurants. Sure your servers might think you are nuts but leave a good tip and they'll forgive you!
GROUP DATE:
Get together 3-5 other couples. On five slips of paper, write down a course (appetizer, soup/salad, main, dessert, drinks). On another five slips of paper, write down a theme. For examples, you could do countries (US, Mexico, France, Italy, China) or colors (red, white, black, yellow, green). Put the slips in two different bowls.
Now, have one person from each couple grab a slip from each bowl to let them know what course/theme to follow. For example, you could have to make a Italian dessert or a red main course. Encourage couples to go ALL OUT decorating in their theme.
Finally, schedule times to be at each others homes. For example, start appetizers at 430. Move to soup house at 5:15, etc. Whoever has the final course should prepare games for people to play or provide another form of entertainment.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
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).
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?
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.
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!
So much to make, so little talent time.
What's your vote? What should I make on our lady's sewing night?
Here are some of my top picks!
Summer Flower Tee (which Disney promises is FAST to make. I like fast).
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| Photo from Ruffles and Stuff |
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?
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| Photo from Ruffles and Stuff |
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| 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!
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| Photo Source Ameroonie Designs |
What's your vote? What should I make on our lady's sewing night?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, May 16, 2011
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.
It's pretty naughty but worth a Monday laugh. I could use a Monday laugh.
Friday, May 13, 2011
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 ...
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!
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).
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.
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 ...
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!
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).
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.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
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.
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Unnecessary Censorship
Need a good laugh this Monday morning?
Then watch this video.
How's that for a dirty mind?!?!
Happy Monday!
Then watch this video.
How's that for a dirty mind?!?!
Happy Monday!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, May 6, 2011
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:
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:
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.
5. Enjoy a silly evening of non-alcoholic drinking games!
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
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:
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.
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| Source |
5. Enjoy a silly evening of non-alcoholic drinking games!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
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!
What you'll need:
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!
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| 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
- Put a $5 gift card in the mug.
- Fill with chocolate so the gift card is "hidden."
- Top with tissue paper (so nothing falls out).
- 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).
- On the thank you card envelope write "Thanks a Latte."
- Attach to mug with tape, riboon, etc.
- Give to the teacher (who might not need another mug but who will love the gift card instead of her seventh plate of cookies).
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| Photo Source |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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| Photo Source |
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| Photo Source |
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| Photo Source |
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.
Monday, May 2, 2011
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).
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).
Friday, April 29, 2011
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).
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.
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).
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.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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!
What's your favorite bold, springy color?
What's your favorite bold, springy color?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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 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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
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!
For this family night you'll need:
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):
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!
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| 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
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):
- 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
- 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?
- 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.
Monday, April 25, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
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.”
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!
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.”
Friday, April 22, 2011
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.
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.
Peace be with you.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~
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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.
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?
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.
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| Photo Source |
The movie comes out on April 22 and I'm so excited.
Have you read the book? Are you excited to see the movie?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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!
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'.
- 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
- 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
- Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
- 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
- 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
- Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
- 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
- Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
- Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read: Matthew 27:57-60
- Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
- Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
- 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
- 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
- Turn on praise music or sing a song of praise to Jesus.
- Say a prayer with your kids thanking God for sending his Son to redeem the world!
Monday, April 18, 2011
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?
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?
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