Cat's Cradle and other games

My daughter is intriqued by learning to play cat's cradle. So much so, that we've been searching for string/yarn all over the place. My guess is that other girls at her summer school program are playing it, and haven't taught her to play yet. Such a strange and sweet time for her to be totally interested in Barbies, riding her bike, riding her scooter, swimming, singing Disney song lyrics, and learning finger string figures. I don't remember the circumstances, but somehow I remember playing this game with my sister.

Since my daughter doesn't have a sister, her 'best friend' (for now) came to our apartment for their first sleep-over a couple of weeks ago. They both behaved very well, and aside from this friend leaving her swimsuit, a pair of shoes, a pair of shorts, and some hair ties...they played Barbies and watched a mermaid movie. It was some days after this sleep-over that she became interested in the string thing.

So, since I, too, struggled to remember how to play...we kept going around to the same loops again and again...I decided "Let's check the internet."
Here's what I found. So much fun...we may have to check out origami, too.

www.momsminivan.com
www.ifyoulovetoread.com
www.whimsical-workshop.mb.ca/index.html
www.darsie.net/string

What I did on my summer vacation...

Do you remember writing about summer vacation on the first day of school? Reflecting back on riding our bikes, climbing trees, shopping at the mall, lots of swimming, time with family, local festivals and parades... just where did the time go?

One fond memory from teen years (forgive me, I don't remember which year, possibly early 1980's) is watching Saturday Night Live (NBC), as they opened a fall season of comedy. I may have dreamed this, but I could have sworn this really happened. My memory is fading fast, so this is how I remember it. If any of you are SNL 1975-1985 fans, clue me in. Anyhow...That episode the "not ready for prime time players" showed a little video clip (as a skit) of what they did on their summer vacation. That's the summer that Dan Akroyd & John Belushi filmed "The Blues Brothers." Still one of my favorite movies.
"We're on a mission from God."

Anyhow...this summer has been so absolutely crazy, I'm sure any of you checking this blog are amazed to see anything new here. I was one of those prodding commenters who commented on some inactive blogs just to see if they'd post something new. Eventually they did, and I don't think these "friends" of mine actually read my blog...so I can write this. Ha.
But, it took my blogging friend, Erin, to show me that I had been very neglectful of this site. Thanks for reminding me that I AM a blogger. After all, that's one way we came to know about each other...by following the blogs of a group of people at our church (also my place of work.)
I may not comment as often, since I haven't been blogging myself...but I'll be trying to catch up on the summer posts, and you may see the occasional comment from a long-ago post. I apologize for my tardiness in reading your stuff. But, know that I still take interest.

I digress...
Summer vacation...not really a vacation, but it's been a weird break from blogging. So many things are in my head, that would make really great blog posts, I just haven't put them into writing yet. Hopefully, many of them will stay with me, and the creative juices will begin to flow as the temp drops and the leaves turn golden brown. It's shopping time, looking for athletic shoes, new jeans, notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks. It's funny that the school list also asks for things like post-it notes and dry-erase markers. Where will it end? At least I don't have to provide her with a lap-top computer for entering the second grade. Although, that may be a possiblity as my baby boy enters kindergarten in the fall of 2010. Who knows. I never would have thought 5 yrs ago that the price of gas would be where it is today.

So...after being completely wrapped up in work, family, extended family, the cost of living, getting back to health, finding a new daycare, etc. I have to say it has been somewhat memorable. I'll clue you into some of it later. For now, I'll say "Goodnight" and get back to rocking my little ones to sleep. Summer isn't over yet. I'm going to get back to enjoying it.
If you see another post here anytime soon, I'm having trouble sleeping. Otherwise, see you in a few weeks.

Can you sleep when the wind blows?

I don't know who wrote this, but it's one of those email stories that I got from my old college roommate. She's now living in Utah, and I'm still here in MN. Email can be a good way to keep in touch, or a way to send interesting stories...I thought I'd add it here, instead of pressing the inevitable "forward."

Enjoy...

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him."Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.

The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.

To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew. When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?

The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms.

I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.

She did it

After several refusals to remove the training wheels, she finally let me do it.
And...after she screamed and yelled at me up and down the street in front of Grandma's house in frustration and fear, she finally did it.
"Mom, you've got to help me! No, don't hang on...just help me. Let go! Let go! No!!!! Help me, I said!!!NO, don't hang on! I said help me!"

Finally she did it. My little girl learned to balance, hold her arms strong on the handle bars, and pedal her little legs out. Yes, she can finally ride a bike on her own, without it being a "four-wheeler."

I'm so proud of her.

Where have you been?

Hmmm…
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
3 funerals in 4 weeks (2 work related, one work related, but also personal)
Sick baby (cold, then ear infection)
Sick me (cold, then sinus infection)
Daughter’s baseball schedule
Mother’s health – not good, but now improving
Interviewing new daycare – current provider sold her house.

I haven’t even had lunch with Julie in a couple of weeks. Today was the first in a long time.

Sorry, new posts will be coming soon. Thanks for checking on me every so often. You blog friends are the best.

Chuckling Chihuahua

"Mom, what's a Chihuahua?"

That's the question that comes from my 7-yr-old's lips from around the corner of her room.

"It's a dog, honey."

"A dog? A Chihuahua is a dog?"

"Yes, a Chihuahua is a dog. Why?"

"It's such a funny word......Chihuahua....Chihuahua....Chihuahua.....ha, ha, ha, ha, HA!
It's so funny...ha, ha, ha.
You know another funny word, mom?
"What honey?"

"Oklahoma!" "He, he, he, he, he, ha, ha, ha, ha......"

The last chuckles were from me. I just couldn't stop.
We went around saying "Chiuauah from Oklahoma" and laughing all afternoon."
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.....


Are you laughing yet?
:)

Two months

So...if there really is anyone still checking in...yes, I'm still here.

Let's see...so many blog posts have been in my head, and I just haven't gotten back to the computer to jot them down, so I may have a few coming full force in the near future...or not.
My daughter's baseball season is in high gear, with two games a week plus practices, and my husband is managing the team. They are both having a lot of fun, so we're busy cheering them on and manning the concession stand, or umpiring the other teams' games. So...if blog posts come or go, I'm still here.

Thanks for checking in and not giving up hope on me. I'm ready to re-engage in blogworld. Hope you're up for it.

What a bracket...

I did it. I caved into the fun of picking the NCAA men's college basketball finals, and posted them on CBS sportsline.com. I signed up with WCCO's evening team, so we'll see how I fare against Mark Rosen, Paul Douglas, Amelia Santaniello, and Don Shelby. It should be interesting.

I used the same picks for the office pool. First year for picking teams in the bracket. I'll keep you posted how I'm doing. For a gal who knows very little about these teams...we'll see how I do.

First round picks...Duke, UNC-Wilmington, Texas A&M, LSU, Southern Illinois, Iowa, NC State, Texas, Memphis, Bucknell, Pittburgh, Kansas, San Diego State, Gonzaga, Marquette, UCLA, Connecticut, Kentucky, Utah State, Air Force, George Mason, Murray State, Seton Hall, Winthrop, Villanova, Wisconsin, Nevada, Boston College, UW- Milwaukee, South Alabama, Georgetown, Ohio State.

More to come...

Sadness in the news

Such sad news these days with the passing of legendary Twins center-fielder Kirby Puckett and singer/actress Dana Reeve (wife of actor Christopher Reeve) yesterday. I am sad for their families, and I had even known Kirby's ex-wife, Tonya, from high school. She was a couple years older than I, but we performed in a 3-act play together in 1983. Kirby was such a role model for many, and his time here on earth was indeed full of life. Dana, too, will be missed as she joins her loving husband in paradise. I remember how sad I was after Christopher died, and how that family has definitely turned tragedy to triumph many times.

I work on the Care team at church, and part of my job is to handle funeral and memorial service planning with families, and coordinate details around the day. Now, the strange thing about working in the care department of a mega-church is that you would think we have funerals often. However, we have only had one small (40 person) memorial service in the past year. I returned back to work after maternity leave last year, and they had 3 funerals in the month of March last year. This year, we have heard of one attender who died this week, and another who slipped into a coma as she has been fighting lukemia for years. I'm certain we'd be able to handle anything that God brings, as He has a plan in all of this...but I find it interesting that He chooses the busiest season of Lent to bring us closer to touching the curtains of heaven like no other time in the year.

In talking about funerals with my mom, recently, she noted that she was going to add to her will that we not have a funeral. I was shocked! Mom, how can you think that? The funeral is never about the person who has died...it's all about the memories and mostly about the surviving family. It's about remembering the love and life that was lived. So you mean to tell me that you don't think any of my friends would want to be there for me if you die? So, don't you think your friends would want to be there for you if I died?
She paused, but really didn't get it. I think she was just really uncomfortable with the whole death thing, because she's not a believer in Christ, and because she's not had a lot of experience with death (neither have I.)
It really made me think deeper about what I know to be true about death, and eternal life in Heaven. It made me wonder how to explain that to her, and how my assurance of that is how I can live the way I do.

I'm sad to know that Rio, the MN Zoo's oldest dolphin just died today as well. For any of you that know me well, you know that I love dolphins, and have a zoo membership just to see the lovely Rio, DJ, Ayla, Semo, and Chinook. I was also heartbroken to hear that her baby, Harley, died just in January when he leaped out of the water and cracked his skull on the concrete slab.

Sadness, yes. But peace flows like a river.

Friendly e-mail banter

From: julie
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 1:55 PM
Subject: serviceu.
thanks for putting the registration in the same reservation as the room for the baptism prep class.

Reply from lalimama:
I usually try to. It's easier for me.

Reply from Julie:
exactly. i just wanted to be on the positive side of things with it since so few actually do it like they’re supposed to. so thanks!

Lalimama:
Okay, then. You're welcome.
What is this? Everybody's being so nice to me today. Another co-worker from across the building just sent me a kudos, too. Not that I'm complaining, it just seems a bit unusual to hear the positive. I should pass it forward, I suppose. Great way to start Lent.

Julie:
well, you deserve it everyday. sorry we’ve failed you.

Lalimama:
Sounds like a new blog post...huh?

Julie:
for you or me?

Lalimama:
me, of course.

Julie:
well, i thought it could be an apology blog. you know, i’ve failed, i’ve failed. oh, woe is me, i’ve failed. you know, all about me ;)

Lalimama:
Oh, you are so funny.

Julie:
thanks. :=) (that’s my big toothed grin… it just looks like a crooked nose.)

Lalimama:

There's just something very wrong with this...

As I was searching for some crucifix images for Lent, I came across the following ads...

"Is your mobile phone a testimony to the wondrousness of His grace? Well it should be. Let the world (or at least your train compartment) see Jesus, in all his flashing, multicoloured glory, with the crucifix phone cover."

The bobblehead Jesus banner ran across the top of this ad. C'mon I know you really want one...the bobblehead or the phone cover? Yea...me too...but I just couldn't bring myself to getting one, I was laughing way too hard. No, I'm not going to link it, you'll have to Google it yourself.

In response to the atheist

"They" talk about this line of thinking in that atheist site...but it still makes you wonder, doesn't it? Heard this one on Christian radio, and I just had to remember the cross. Thank you, Nichole, for making your lyrics available on your website to members.

What If (Nichole Nordeman)
For a friend who thinks this Jesus stuff is nuts.

What if you’re right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right?
What if it’s true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That’s all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you’re wrong?
©2005 Birdwing Music / Birdboy Songs (ASCAP), admin. by EMI CMG Publishing

Sharing some U2

Tonya posted this link over a week ago. I had to carry it over here for those that don't travel on my sidebar. If you're into Bono, the Edge and Eugene Peterson...check this out. Great interview.

Anticipation

Because the week started off with President's Day and Tuesday was a staff planning day in my daughter's school district, she spent two days and nights with my mom. What a lovely gift to have a little peace in our home, but I missed her terribly.

On Tuesday after work, baby boy and I waited for my husband to bring big sister home from grandma's house. When she arrived, she buzzed the security intercom of the apartment to be let in, and my little 13 month old and I waited patiently at the door of our apartment in anticipation of her return. This little boy was so patient, and stood very quietly watching the door to the stairs very carefully for what seemed like 2-3 minutes...in great anticipation of someone coming up the stairs. I would say "Who's coming to see us? Who could it be?" He looked at me with such wonder, such curiosity.

It was when she arrived through that door, and he burst into disappointed tears that I realized he wasn't waiting so patiently for her...but he was in great hopes that Grandma was going to appear and bring his sister home. He wasn't so excited to see his sister, but was really looking forward to seeing the one who always makes him smile, gives him big enthusiastic hugs, and feeds him yummy treats. You see, so many times when Grandma has come to visit in the past, she would buzz the intercom, and we would wait for her at the door to come up those same steps. I would say "Who's coming to see us? Who could it be?"

Eventually he got over it, and the two of them played well that evening. Sometimes it's nice to be wanted.

I shared the story with my mom tonight on the phone, and she laughed and wished she could have been there to see his face at that moment. Oh, the never ending wonder of my children's thoughts. It's amazing that he understands so much at this age.

Old photos

Gloria had a sweet post last week, and I just had to bring this one out. My brother found this picture in a box, and had scanned in some photos from childhood about two years ago. I thought I had lost most of my baby pictures, because Dad loved to get his photos printed into slides (as that was the way to go in the seventies.) So, we found a few, that are just too good to miss.

I'm the tall one. Yup, first born. Mom made all our clothes. Gotta love it.

New blog friend

My dear friend Lisa has joined the many here at OD who are blogging. Welcome, friend.

Why do I believe?

I found myself signing out of my blog this evening, and clicking on the Blogspot home page where it chooses a random blog...and voila...I found myself propelled into the world of an atheist.
So, here I am in the middle of the night, typing away at what I think may be the beginning of a bigger and deeper study of why I believe what I believe.

How can anyone simply either not believe in or believe that God (or any god for that matter) is non-existent? To me, it takes a whole lot more faith to believe that science and random electronic brain charges brought me to his blog in the first place, rather than the simple explanation that God is trying to tell me something...and I should pay attention. Now, I know it's not as simple as that, and there are many people out there who really don't care. This blog had me interested, but I haven't had time to read through all of what they have to say, and pull it apart for myself. My Christian world view seems to be diametrically opposed to their Secular Humanistic view of life on this planet, and I don't know enough about their viewpoint to comment intelligently, much less my own.

So, as I ponder why this man (and my extended family) is so resistant to the idea that God as Jesus is real, alive, and living within each of us...here's a little something to think about. Help me to see if I have guts enough to face the devil in his place here on earth.

Lord, give me the strength to go deeper with you, and to reach beyond Your Kingdom into the world of the unbelievers. I don't expect to argue philosophically with this person (I most likely won't even comment on his blog) but to take the website info and put it into perspective in my own life. Care to check it out? I'm curious about what you, my blogging friends have to say about it. The only way I can conquer this fear is to face it straight on...so onward I go. God help me. Philippians 4:13.

The smell of cake

Baby boy turned one this week...and we scrubbed and tidied up the apartment for the relatives to come over on Sunday. I guess I should find him another nickname for blog posting instead of "baby boy". Maybe little man, or??? suggestions?

He's taking a few steps, but tends to drop to the ground after 2-3 and crawls the rest of the way, but at least he's trying. And my favorite words that come from him are "duckityduke, dahdah, gutigik, and nainainai (no real meanings for any of these that we can decipher...but the last one I'm pretty sure comes from lots of No-no's he hears on a daily basis.) He's been climbing up onto the couch, the coffee table, and even INTO his large toy-box in a corner of the living room. It was quite a reality check for my husband when he saw this little one do it. Then, he sat in the toy box for about 15 minutes and just played with the things around him, so content. (My boy, not my husband.) Amazing!

Grandma B., Grandma C., Papa, aunties, uncles, and cousins alike trotted into our place for a couple of hours just to enjoy the musings of this one-year-old and see what he's doing. We opened a couple of gifts, we ate some treats, and the birthday boy got a face full of chocolate cake for the first time ever. At first, he was much more interested in the yellow flame on the candle atop the cake, but as he reached to grab it, came away with four fingers full of frosting. So interesting...it didn't go right into the mouth...but he looked at it, squished it with both hands, and then finally set it against his lips...only to smile gleefully and look for more.

The progression of the photos is darling, from sweet smile, to "Oh my! You really like that cake, don't you?" It was after I got him all washed up, changed his shirt, and was holding him as we said goodbye to everyone who came, that I kissed his cheek, and YES!!! it was there...the sweet smell of chocolate on his skin. Most likely it got into the hair, and I must have missed a spot...but I'm convinced someone should market a chocolate scented baby lotion...because it was so delicious, I'll remember that one for a while. Makes all the labor and sleepless nights this past year completely worthwhile.

Happy First Birthday, sweet boy. I love you.

Snowy sledding fun

The day was so perfect, and with sleds in tow, we trekked down the street to the neighborhood park...a low hill, and deep powder was all it took to see these darlings enjoying what being a kid is all about. But, a bit too much fresh air did-in the little one. He fell asleep on the walk home. Oh, to be able to enjoy the nature of life so much you pass out! Sounds like heaven to me.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Yesterday was my mom's birthday...and in recent years she has gotten smart about how we celebrate. For so many years, she hasn't wanted to celebrate in any way that cost a lot of money, or causes any of her three kids to go out of their way for her.

But, in the past couple of years, she has changed her mind. Each year, the two kids (my brother and myself) who are geographically closest to her, ask if we can take her out for dinner/lunch with the grandkids. We used to do this all as one large group. But, she's figured out that if we each take her out separately, she gets two meals and more social time out of the deal. Not bad.

 

Mom does so much for us. She makes a meal for me at least once per week...usually in the form of ..."Oh honey, I made some soup, and I was going to put it in the freezer, but as long as you're here, why don't you take it home."

She helps us out with laundry...because we live in an apartment, have a baby and my full-time working schedule...her help is immeasurable in this manner.

She picks up my daughter from school twice a week, and saves me lots of money in daycare when she watches her all day when there is no school...like MLK Jr. Day.  Not to mention the wonderful one-on-one time those girls get with each other.

 

So, yesterday my husband and I took her out for some good sushi, and a stroll around the mall with our kids. Not the usual birthday lunch, but something we all really enjoyed. There were no arguments, no temper tantrums, no sour faces...and the kids behaved well, too. After a round at the mall, we stopped for ice cream and then went home. It was really very nice to just be together. It was such a treat for all of us to celebrate her with love, food, and togetherness.

 

I love my mom...but I know sometimes it's hard to break through the mother-daughter judgmental stuff. I'm glad we can talk about things, but know that I take her words for what I can...and then I have to do things my own way. I live my life, in a very different way than she would have it...but I'm happy, and my life is very different than hers.

 

After leaving her country, her family, her home for the man she loved...she came to the USA with different expectations than she lives with today. Now divorced for 18 years, a US citizen, and retired from being self-employed, she is a different woman today. Her mantra is "Only you can make yourself happy." While I admire her strength of character and positive attitude...I have to admit I would change it just a bit. Although you decide your attitude, and choose to be happy, through a rich life and relationship with a loving God, you can feel a deeper sense of purpose on the planet, and have a meaningful life.

 

I pray for you on your birthday, Mom. That your happy life be touched by the maker of your soul. Happy birthday.

Pajama Day

Christmas break (winter break- for those in public school) is a fun time when my daughter and I get to play. I had 5 days off over Christmas weekend, and when we weren't with other family doing traditional family things, we did spend some time reading her new books, playing Clue Jr. and painting her nails. We're so blessed to have my mom (grandma) watch her a couple days so I can work this week, but today she was headed to her school-release-day programming. It's the only day this week that she'll be with her friends, and I recited a little poem to her as she awoke this morning.

    "There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead.

    And when she was good she was very very good, and when she was bad...she was horrid."

What will my little curly head wake up to be this morning? With a smile and a hug, and a "Good morning, mama." I knew the answer.

 

She was all excited to see her friends and get dressed for Pajama Day. They are planning a simple day of movies, games and crafty activities today. So, she put on the new pajamas I bought her for Christmas, and we put her hair in pig-tails. They put 3 schools together for these release days, because there are few kids who need this programming this week. It's not at her regular school, and all the newness was just a bit much for her. She was so excited to go...until we got there.

 

Then, when the parking lot was bare, and the halls of the school were quiet, except for a few children in one room playing video games and building Legos....she clung to me. "Mom, where is everyone?" is what I felt she wanted to say. As I signed her in, I read through the roster of who was supposed to be there. Only two of her regular friends were scheduled to arrive...and hopefully they did later. But, mostly, she kept asking me..."Mom, are you sure it's pajama day?" I think she was worried she'd be the only one wearing pajamas and would be embarrassed. I assured her that if I had it wrong, we could go home and change clothes. I know she must have been very uneasy this morning...but when she saw another girl from her school wearing pajamas, I think that put her at ease.

 

No fuzzy slippers, no big soft bathrobe, and not even a favorite blanket accompanied her to school this day. But, she did bring two small stuffed toys...a dog and a cat. Some days I think she's such a big girl for 6 1/2, but then it's days like this when I remember how small she really is. I love you, Bug.

 

Just checking in before the New Year

It's been a very busy holiday week, with baby's first Christmas and reading cards and letters from friends far and near. I just wanted to post a little "Happy New Year" something to stay current. You, my friends, are in my thoughts this season, as we say goodbye to old things, and hello to new. In so many ways, this new year is marked with lots of symbolism, and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for each of us. May you be surprised by the blessings our Lord brings to you this new year.

 

Happy 2006!

Balancing act

December has come, and the snow is here as well. The snow should be rain, to hide the tears that just keep coming. Jan will be leaving soon, my friend, my boss, my pastor, my teacher, fellow mother, fellow woman, fellow believer and follower of Christ...and so much more. She has chosen a new path to follow, and I will miss her terribly. She's been around to celebrate the birth of both of my children, to guide me in our ministry of pre-married couples, to listen to my thoughts, to hire me to my current job, to grieve the goings of other work companions, to vision new ways of doing church, to encourage me to start a blog...

We hosted a beautiful communion celebration service for her and her husband last Saturday night, and I kept my emotions together rather well. Most likely because there was so many details to watch for, and so many wonderful volunteers to steer. Friends keep asking how I'm doing, and I say "I'm really good at stuffing my feelings." But, Sunday morning was another matter. I was so terribly angry at my husband for getting up late, because we were running very late for church. I hate being late...although that seems to be something I'm really struggling with a lot lately. I just got so frustrated and angry with him (because I had to blame somebody) that the dam broke...and the floodgates opened wide...first anger, then sadness, then exhaustion. I just couldn't stuff it any more. I must have been PMSing...but the emotions came with other good reasons. Hubby was so sweet to me, and he apologized (although it was my fault as well) and took the kids out of my room for a while so I could cool down. He did everything right (and that's not often.) I just have to say, Thank You, for finally understanding what stuff I've been carrying for so long now.

I wrote my Christmas letter tonight. We'll put it with the pictures of the kids by our little Christmas tree, and it may go out closer to New Year's. But, the thing I keep thinking about as I reflect upon the year in review...is balance. How I feel when I'm out of balance, how well things go when we are all in balance. It's been a year of checking the balance in my finances, checking the balance between work and home, checking the balance in my marriage, checking the balance in my health, my job, my relationship with my kids. Sometimes I feel like I'm on a teeter-totter...othertimes like a tightrope. Either way, it's been about balance.

Praying tonight for more balance, and less weirdness in my life. Will it settle down soon? Okay, I'm waiting...as long as I don't tip completely over. Fragile emotions...but again, bringing me ever so dependent on God. I know He is good, and He will take care of me. Jan put it in her blog on Monday...Do not Fear. I will wait some more.

Preparing for death

Is it really possible to be prepared for death? I work at a church in the Care department, so when one of our attenders dies, the family calls me to make funeral arrangements. We just came off a time of Novembering, where we remember those who have died, and bring healing to issues of dying and grief. Novembering has morphed from a single day event, to a weekend full of workshops, to an entire month of workshops on weekends and Memory Trees in the Gathering Place where people can remember their loved ones by placing the names on leaves and putting them on the trees, as well as leaving pictures of their loved ones on the tables near the trees. I stop by and straighten up the tables every other day, and each time I stop there to straighten up, it feels like I'm walking into someone's living room...so quiet, so reflectful of their families, and so comforting. It makes me think about all the pictures of me and my siblings and our children in my mother's living room. Some of these rememberances come from sudden tragedy, like the 13 year old who died in a motorcycle accident with her uncle...and others from a long illness.

Although I haven't had any close deaths to me in the past, I find myself in a strange place of walking with those who have grief in their life. My mother's parents and family live in Japan, and so I don't have very close connection to them. My father's father died when I was very small, and my father's mother died when I was a pre-teen...but we had a difficult relationship as she was an alcoholic. Needless to say, we weren't close. I have grieved the loss of relationships through the years, but not really any losses to death.

I find myself searching websites with grief resources, to help in my work? or to help me?

So, with all this going on about me, I find myself daily asking what would happen to my children if I were to suddenly die, or be diagnosed with a terminal illness. I wonder what life would be like without my husband to support me and care for our family as he does. What if all the moans and groans are real, and the doctors find something in my husband that we are not prepared to deal with? I don't have a will, or any funeral plans, and neither does he...although Kim has reminded me of the need to do that, too. I have an organ donor stamp on my driver's license, and my family knows it, but really that's all that they know.

As we drive through icy roads in two cars, I wonder what would happen if suddenly one car no longer stays on the road...and all is lost. Could I handle the pain of losing one or both of my children? Is my faith strong enough to sing praises to Jesus even when my world gets turned upside down? Even Peter disowned Jesus in the final hours, when stress was high and he could not stand up for the Saviour that he loved. What would happen if something would happen to my husband? Could I survive with the kids, without his support and encouragement? How would the kids manage? Could I be the strong parent while still grieving my spouse? I think of Job, and wonder if I could have a faith like that.

I see it all the time. Grandparents burying the 2 year old child who fell out of a window...a spouse with two pre-teens who lost the love of her life to a sudden heart condition they never knew he had...a young father with two kids under three who mourns the loss of his soul mate who was killed in a car accident on her way to work one morning. Even one of my favorite TV shows "Extreme Makeover - Home Edition" provides a new home for deserving families...and last night's episode went to a woman who has been diagnosed with a rare carcinoma, and her police officer husband who attended a memorial of his partner's wife, who recently died of cancer. Death is everywhere I look, and I wonder what God is trying to tell me.

The actor Pat Morita died this week at 73 of "natural causes," and my mom was rather shaken since she's going to be 72 in January. She says, "I could go anytime." So, I reminded her that any of us could go anytime. "Mom, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and that may be my end." "Oh, don't talk like that..." But, lately it's all I can think of. A friend from work has an advanced stage of breast cancer, and she's fighting very hard to win this battle. My husband's co-worker just had a lumpectomy done last week after months of chemotherapy, and soon will be going through radiation treatments. They are both so young...and so beautiful. Not that they are going to die from this terrible disease...but that any of us may die before them.

I don't fear death as much as I fear what I may leave behind. How my absence would change the lives of my husband, mother, children, and friends. I think about what a journey through cancer, aids, alzheimers, or any other terminal illness would be like for me...or my loved ones who would care for me. How would my life change if something were to happen to my mother, my husband...or God forbid my children? The mysteries of the unknown are strange things to ponder. There are no answers...just lots more questions.

Friends of mine have lost their parents at young ages, and I wonder how that has shaped them into who they are. What would have happened if their parents were still around? How would that change things? Sounds like an episode of the Twilight Zone, or a Ray Bradbury short story...change one thing in the past, and see how everything is twisted in the present/future.

I know that eternity is for all who believe, and I believe that we really don't know what happens in those final moments of death, especially to a God that can move and bend and be all of time.
But, it's what happens to the survivors that has me puzzled? Can I be more prepared than I am, although I don't know if I'm really motivated to do so? Am I prepared to experience the grief that has evaded me these 38 years? How will I begin to prepare a funeral/memorial service for my father, mother....husband...child...children? Oh, I can't even imagine what a mess I would be.
Death is a strange thing for the survivors. I have to admit, I'm scared.

So...why even go there? Why think about "what if?" Because, I think, it helps me to put perspective on the gifts I've been so generously been given. This life, so fragile, and yet it's all that I have. It brings me to be broken...so all I can cling to is my Heavenly Father, the creator, the King of Kings, the Ancient One, Holy of Holies. Dear God, thank you for bringing me to my knees and reminding me how precious these gifts are, and how completely unworthy I am to receive even one. I thank You every day for another precious day on earth. And pray that as you gift these days to me, that I would honor and glorify the name above all names, of your Son, Jesus. Help me dear Lord, to bring your Kingdom to those around me by following in your son's examples. If the "what if" becomes "why me" may the life that I have lived bring praises to You.

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."
Matthew 24:42

Three more weeks, Mom.

This morning we got up in the usual way, the little one crying because he heard our respective alarm clocks go off only 5 minutes apart after we hit the snooze once each. So, my husband goes to the other room to pick him up, bring him into bed with me, and then proceeds to the shower. I get to experience baby snuggles for about 10-15 minutes, then it's my turn to hit the shower, and hubby gets to snuggle with the sweet smelling boy. Meanwhile, I remember that my daughter wanted to wash the sticky maple syrup that she got the day before out of her hair this morning. Okay, so I go to wake her, and she rolls over and snores at me. I try again...with an offer of shower or 10 more minutes in bed...with no shower. She rises to the occasion, and I wash her hair. Since we were smart enough to set her clothes out the night before, she moves right onto getting dressed. As we move along in the morning, preparing a bottle, changing a diaper...she says with excitement...
"Three more weeks, Mom."
"Yes, honey-girl, three more weeks until Christmas."
"What? There's three more weeks until Christmas? We haven't even seen Santa yet!"
"Honey, if not Christmas, then what did you mean by three more weeks?"
"Three more weeks until my flu shot!"

See, we went to get flu shots for the kids on Wednesday, and because it was such an ordeal for her of not wanting one because she doesn't want it to hurt, then wanting one because her baby brother is getting one and she's a lot bigger than him, then not wanting one because...oh no, that stuff if really cold on my arm, and wait! I'm not ready!!!.Ouch!! (only a couple of tears were really shed)...she remembers all the details. Including the detail that the nurse reminded me to call the clinic in three weeks to see if they had any of the vaccine left, so she could get a booster (this is her first ever flu shot, so she needs a booster one month after the first...which is why we were at the clinic in the first place...for the baby's booster.) She's so excited about getting another shot mostly because I think she was just plain proud of herself (and rightly so)...I'm wondering what she'll do if I call the clinic and they tell me that they've run out, and she won't be able to get one. Will seeing Santa still be such a big deal?

She's growing up so fast. She's getting faster at number combinations, loves compound words - like Thanksgiving, and she's acing her spelling tests. Tonight she was even reading "Green Eggs and Ham" all by herself. (Okay, she asked for help on two words.) Really, looking for a picture of her to put here, was hard. Do I put something when she was so little? Something more recent? Either way...she'll only be 6 1/2 once. I love her so much. It hurts me to think how fast time is slipping away...but how proud I am of how honest, loving, creative and funny she really is. "Yes, honey-girl, three more weeks. Don't worry, I won't forget."

Baby gift for Talia

Congratulations Gloria & Peter!! We've awaited Talia's arrival with you, and now she's finally entered the world as of yesterday morning at a glorious 9 lbs 5 oz, 21 inches. Welcome to the world, baby girl.

I wanted so much to give you a house with a garage for your new van...but a home is where the family is...not where they live...
wanted to out-do Julie's tugboat by giving you an airplane...but it make take a while before mommy will let you get your pilot's license...
So, being the baby of the family with two older siblings, I thought some body armour may come in handy on occasion...

May you be blessed beyond measure in a world that presents itself with ponderings, craziness, and delights all in the same day. Many blessings to the whole family.

Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle

It was my 20th class reunion this year. Although I hadn't checked it in over a year, I had a couple of email messages on classmates.com that were waiting for me. One from the class reunion organizer, and another from someone whom I hadn't heard from since graduation, and yet remembered immediately as the sweet tall blonde boy with the deep voice. I guess it was his way of getting the word out about his new book...but I was intrigued. This friend from high-school actually graduated the year after me, and was part of the barber-shop quartet in The Music Man...where I played Marion the librarian. Randy was always a very nice boy in school...but I really didn't know him that well. But, now I know more.

Randy is currently a Navy chaplain in Jacksonville, FL - an ordained minister in the Lutheran church, and author of the new children's book. His book is the first of a series that rivals Harry Potter, the Chronicles of Narnia, and Alice in Wonderland. I know it's a series, because although this is his first book, the publisher lists his second title as unpublished. I'm guessing they've already commissioned him to finish it. Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle is aimed at 8-12 year-olds, and is apparently Christian in world view. A .pdf copy of chapter one is embedded in the text if you scroll over the words on the front page of the website.

I'm excited to see him at his book signing later this month...and hope to catch up with him about Kingdom things over a cup of coffee...if he has any time in his crazy publicity book-signing tour. He's all over the midwest this month...and he'll be back in Minnesota for Thanksgiving.
Basically, my decision to follow Christ faithfully came after college, although I claimed to know Christ in high school. We didn't talk much about church or Christ when we were in school together, but since we both work in the church, it's hard to ignore the presence of faith in our lives. I look forward to being open and transparent about my faith, yet intrigued to develop a long-distance relationship with him and his family. He and his wife have a two year old daughter, and I look forward to seeing if she, too, carries the blonde-hair and blue-eyes of her father. My husband only barely remembers Randy, and it will be interesting to hear the questions he may ask about his service in the Navy and why he's chosen the life he has.

If any of you are interested in reading the book, I'll have a personally signed copy in my possesion after Thanksgiving. Just ask.

Eight teeth each

We've got dental issues in our household.

The 9-month-old has four on top and four on the bottom, with more distress...runny nose, severe crankiness, sleepless nights, minimal eating and drinking, and lots of whining. The doctor couldn't find anything wrong...so it must be more teeth on the way. He's just not a difficult kid...he's usually so happy...so it must be more teeth.

The 79-month-old is losing teeth all over her mouth...because that's pretty normal for a first-grader. Anyhow...this week she came home with a wiggle and a jiggle, but I told her to leave that tooth alone. Sure enough, after dinner, instead of being in front of the TV or a book, she's in front of the bathroom mirror and wouldn't go to bed until she pulled it out. So...she comes running out of the bathroom with a bloody white spec in her fingers and a grin on her face that could light up the whole room. I can't believe how excited she is to be losing her teeth. I remember how terrified I was as a child...and waited until they were hanging by a very thin thread before allowing it to fall out naturally - usually by means of a toothbrush, or while eating something like an apple.

The tooth fairy has left a dollar for each tooth and the actual tooth for her to treasure (Yeah, I know that's weird...but we forgot to take the first one, so we've got to stay consistent...and I'm half convinced that she thinks I'm the tooth fairy.) So...as each one is treasured, it gets put into a bag and marked with the date in which it fell out (or was pulled out) of her mouth. She got to number eight this week. So strange, and yet so sweet and innocent, that she gets so excited to count them and watch the stash grow.

What in the world are we going to do with all these teeth?
I think my mom or dad saved a lock of hair from my first haircut when I was one. What kind of parents are we to keep morbid, strange, and sometimes unexplained items that belong to our children? How long should I keep them, and should I start the same thing all over when my little son starts losing these teeth that he is so painfully acquiring? Yikes! Do teeth start to disintegrate after a while...how long of a while? Basically, they are hers, not mine...but should I be encouraging her to save these things? Help!!

Blogging for God

I suppose most of you have already seen this article on Foxnews.com about the GodBlog convention at Biola University in California. Frankly, I had never even heard of GodBlog, or Biola for that matter. Interesting stuff. I'm not sure what I think, yet. Still reading and discerning if this is the way to evangelize, or to just express my own ideas amongst my friends whom I've invited to read my blog. I try to stay fairly private, and don't allow anonymous comments, so I only invite in a few connected friends to start their own blogs and chime in.

 

I do have to admit, I'm interested in doing more blog surfing...but really how do you people find the time? I'm a full time working mom, full time wife (okay that's probably suffering a little...honey, I think it's time for a date night.) and then I think I can blog...YIKES! It's the late nights on the computer that are really getting to me physically...but alas, it's just a season. I'll keep blogging, and keep being the best mom and daughter, and wife that I can be. Please bare with me as I adjust to this new season...and let's talk about the GodBlog thing. Is it just about getting on the bandwagon, or really about checking the temperature of where we are at.

        "There is so much information out there that all of us feel like we're drinking out of a fire hose [when it comes to news],"  "[Bloggers] tend to be filters for like-minded people since you can't read everything."

    With that in mind, the social structure of blogging appears to fit perfectly into religious structure since just like pastors try to distill meaning from the Bible, blogs try to direct their audiences toward certain ways of thinking about issues."
        Carol Darr, director of George Washington University's Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet.

I look forward to reading your blog. I don't always comment, but I am reading. It's surprising to see how many come up to me and say, "Hey, I like your new blog's look." Very fun to know others are interested. Just know, I'm reading yours, too.

New water baby

Although Harley's growing fast, he's still the new kid in the pool. Check out MN Zoo if you're interested. Keepers update the site periodically.

Just Barney - no Betty here...yet.

Jan and I were talking at work the other day, that blogging is such a new thing, you don't hear about it much in mainstream media. Really, I've only heard it from her, the local newscasters who blog on the station's site, and on this Monday night show called "How I met your mother."

So...I put in the words Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser) into the blog search, and others have wondered, too. Follow the links, and follow him to a different network. (Doogie was originally aired on ABC in 1989.)

Yes, CBS.com does have a Barney blog, named for Neil's character who is also a blogger. Are we all doomed to be saying "Oh... now that's definitely going in the blog" and "That story sounds like a post." Well, continue with the scanning of his blog, because I laughed so hard at the post dated 10.3...well, you can guess what happened. My blog and those that are linked here aren't nearly that out there.

Way back when...

I finally got together with a friend from high school this morning for breakfast. We haven't seen each other in at least 10 years, so we had a lot of catching up to do. I guess I was a bit unsure about the visit, since the last time we spoke on the phone she was interested in going to the Prince concert. She tends to live a lot in the past, but our time together wasn't anything like that, thankfully. We caught up with where our families are, and how everything is going in our relational worlds. Actually, it was very nice...and I actually wouldn't mind seeing her again in the next year or so.

It's been 20 years since graduation...and I chose not to attend the official reunion last month. Interesting reasons behind it...but not here. I still keep in touch with a few people...okay, maybe 3-4...on a regular basis.

In response to Jeff's post, and Ashley's, I have to admit I was a bit curious...especially since this is a significant reunion year for me. This was also the year of USA for Africa, Miami Vice, the Breakfast club, and Back to the Future. Okay...here goes...just a few of my favorites way back when. Scary to think how many of these come right back to ya.

3. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Wham!
4. I Want To Know What Love Is, Foreigner
5. I Feel For You, Chaka Khan
7. Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Tears For Fears
8. Money For Nothing, Dire Straits
9. Crazy For You, Madonna
10. Take On Me, A-Ha
11. Everytime You Go Away, Paul Young
13. Can't Fight This Feeling, REO Speedwagon
14. We Built This City, Starship
15. The Power Of Love, Huey Lewis and The News
16. Don't You (Forget About Me), Simple Minds
18. St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion), John Parr
19. The Heat Is On, Glenn Frey
20. We Are The World, U.S.A. For Africa
21. Shout, Tears For Fears
34. Sea Of Love, Honeydrippers
35. A View To A Kill, Duran Duran
41. Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones
45. Sussudio, Phil Collins
51. Raspberry Beret, Prince and The Revolution
53. The Boys Of Summer, Don Henley
54. One Night In Bangkok, Murray Head
55. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, Sting
57. We Don't Need Another Hero, Tina Turner
58. Material Girl, Madonna
59. Better Be Good To Me, Tina Turner
62. Smooth Operator, Sade
67. Glory Days, Bruce Springsteen
68. Voices Carry, 'Til Tuesday
70. Would I Lie To You?, Eurythmics
71. Be Near Me, ABC
72. No More Lonely Nights, Paul McCartney
75. Walking On Sunshine, Katrina and The Waves
77. Too Late For Goodbyes, Julian Lennon
79. Some Like It Hot, Power Station
88. California Girls, David Lee Roth
92. Born In The USA, Bruce Springsteen
93. Private Dancer, Tina Turner
96. Penny Lover, Lionel Richie

Updated look

No, not me...my blog. Okay, I don't know who even reads my blog anyhow, since I'm linked to friends' blogs...but I wanted a bit of a change for the change in season. Toying with the look...and trying out new templates as I go.
Bare with me...and humor me just a bit. Laugh with me, and let me have just this.

Thanks, Julie, for helping me with the photo. I guess you earned that Pudding Pop.
Now that my home computer has internet access, I'll be learning more about HTML, and maybe, just maybe...I can post more.
Okay, getting back to work, now.

Slow down and breathe

I'm 38 years old, married, with two kids, living in suburban outskirts of Minneapolis, MN. Typically, moms with kids in grade school listen to nursery rhymes, Boo Bah, and cartoon theme songs. I'm into lots of different kinds of music...jazz, classical, contemporary Christian music, the Beatles, current rock, 80's dance music, and so on....but I'm hooked on one song in particular. It's been out for about a year, but I've just been hearing the lyrics in the past couple of months. I guess I can relate to the lyrics that twenty-one year old Anna Nalick uses in her song "Breathe (2am)." It's like life is so busy and crazy sometimes, that all you can do is remind yourself to slow down. Slow down just long enough to look up and outside yourself. I'm making some time this week to just breathe.

2 AM and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake,
"Can you help me unravel my latest mistake?,
I don't love him. Winter just wasn't my season"
Yeah we walk through the doors, so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize,
Hypocrites. You're all here for the very same reason

'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl.
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe

In May he turn 21 on the base at Fort Bliss
"Just a Day", he said down to the flask in his fist,
"Ain't been sober, since maybe October of last year."
Here in town you can tell he's been down for a while,
But, my God, it's so beautiful when the boy smiles,
Wanna hold him. Maybe I'll just sing about it.

Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table.
No one can find the rewind button, boys,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe

There's a light at each end of this tunnel,
You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
And these mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again
If you only try turning around.

2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to

But you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand.
and breathe, just breathe
whoa breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe.

"Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick

Pink lids

For the past couple of years, I've fallen victim to the marketing ploy of Yoplait yogurt, and their Save Lids to Save Lives campaign. Each year they put pink lids on their yogurt cartons, and vow to donate 10cents for each lid to the Susan G. Komen foundation. I not only become a yogurt-a-day kind of person, but I also encourage my friends and co-workers to bring in their pink lids to send in together. Anyhow, after about 200 lids last year, and about 50 or so already this year, I guess I'm still promoting it. I should get a cut...and then donate that to breast cancer research. Any of you who can find my desk...this is your official reminder to save those lids and send them in. My dear friends, who don't work here anymore, still have been dropping off their lids for me, and I think it's kind of neat. It's nice to know they are thinking of me, and remembering to help others by doing such a small thing.

In the past year, I've been made aware of a co-worker who has an advanced stage of breast cancer, and one of my husbands co-workers who, too, has been battling the disease. I most recently weaned my son from breastfeeding, and so, I guess I've been a bit more aware of my own body and imagine how scary and strange this disease can be. Getting cancer changes your entire lifestyle, and I can't imaging what might happen if I ever become one of the millions of women (and men) who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. So, for the little bit that I can do, I choose to support this organization. Michele & DuAnn, we're praying for you.

Each year in the Twin Cities they hold a Race for the Cure (usually on Mother's Day)...and a close friend likes to run it annually. My sister in Seattle also has chosen to run the race each year, and I'm wondering if I shouldn't give it a shot. I've never been much for running, or any form of exercise, but I feel I need to do something. Winter is quickly approaching, and it's time for me to move the body to a new beat.
The Susan G. Komen site also led me to Lee National Denim Day...which is this Friday, Oct 7th. Great, one more excuse to wear jeans, and donate to the cause...

Okay...now let me know...can you stand to lick the lids off your yogurt, or does that just creep you out? I have friends on both sides of this one. I don't mind licking the lids, and the Yoplait commercials show lots of people (okay, mostly women) doing just the same thing. But, a friend of mine was so grossed out by it last year when we started this, that she insisted on grabbing a napkin to wipe them down instead. I don't care how you do it, just send in your lids. Or go to Susan G. Komen foundation and click on Support the Cause. Friends, send me your lids...I'll be glad to pay the postage on a very large package to Yoplait.

Lalimama's baby boy

This boy will be dedicated to the Lord tomorrow. His sister, his mother, and his father have all been dedicated or baptized in the fall of the year...so it's only fitting that the fall time is his time, too. What a special day to celebrate this gift from God.

I'm a bit nervous, though, with family dynamics as they are...and none of them who are regular church-goers. Of course, it's a special weekend, and grandparents want to be there for our boy. It sounds like they all want to be there, so I guess that's something. But, it's always a little weird inviting people into my world, my workplace, my church, when their opinions and how they think of me has mattered so much over the course of my life. I'm totally happy with the way I live my life, but I always wonder what God could be doing in theirs, or what strange things could be said or done when I'm feeling vulnerable like this. How will a sharp or off-the-cuff criticism affect me? Why do I care? I'm proud of my boy, my girl, my husband, my life...what does it matter what my extended family thinks? Well, maybe it's not what they think, but how the in-laws and relational piece will work out.


I'm so excited, and curious to see what God will unveil tomorrow. We publicly declare our love for Jesus, and in obedience to Him, we dedicate our son, as we did our daughter 6 years ago, to raise him in a loving home that follows the ways of our Lord and Savior.

In an answer to the blog

Okay, Jan (Sacred Threshold), It's my turn to answer the tag. I should have known you'd pick on a newbie blogger. Like I have time for this? It's taking me a bit of an effort, so I've spread this out over the entire day, so I can really think of things I want to say. For those of you who want to track...check out the links to my blogging friends, and follow their links..

Okay, okay, I'm on it....here goes.

 

Getting to Know Me...

 

Things I plan to do before I die:

1) dance at my daughter's wedding and/or graduation

2) travel to Japan again

3) dance at my son's wedding and/or graduation

4) travel to Europe again...but this time to Greece, Israel, Italy, France, England.

5) take a gourmet cooking class

 

Things I can do:

1) walk, talk, and chew gum at the same time

2) play with my kids for hours on end

3) hide the grey just a little bit longer

4) change a diaper and entertain a 6 year old in a single bound.

5) multi-task just about everything (not that I should...but I can.)

 

Things I can't do: (yet)

1) eat weird stuff, like on Fear Factor (that's the only reason I haven't done a Survivor try-out yet)

2) play electric guitar

3) pilot an airplane

4) parachute from an airplane - or tall building

5) stay away from my family for more than a month

 

Things that attract me to my husband:

1) when he's confident about taking on something that scares me

2) how he loves our kids...he's such a great dad.

3) his passion for the USA and his military

4) how he looks at me with those hazel-brown eyes and says "I love you."

5) how his weight actually matters to him, even though he loves his sweets.

 

Celebrity crushes: (in no particular order...depends on what you mean by crush...I choose guys with character.)

1) Matt Damon -- in Goodwill Hunting, and the Borne Identity

2) Chris O'Donnell - in Circle of Friends

3) Nicolas Cage -- in Conair and National Treasure

4) John Travolta -- in Michael and Phenomenon

5) Harrison Ford -- in Air force One, and Indiana Jones

 

People I want to do this next:

1) my husband, Todd...that means you'll have to venture into blogland.

2) Christi...wake up from the bakery

3) Gloria....gather in this room

4) Scottie...latnnemele

5) anyone reading this who hasn't been mentioned on another blog...if you're a newbie like me, let's hear it, and comment here so we can find you.

I get by with a little help from my friends

I promised myself that I'd try to blog at least every 7 days, and it's been 20 days since I last posted. So much has progressed, and I'm finding that the prayers of others are so much more powerful than my own pleas for mercy and forgiveness.

 

Something miraculous happens in intercessory prayer, and I know that from times I've interceded for others, and they say that they can "feel" the prayers. I pray on a daily basis, and it's always different. I guess that's part of my relationship with my Heavenly Father. He knows me so well, and actually shows me ways in which my prayers make a difference in the lives of others. I work in the Care department, so I'm hearing prayer requests and taking things to the Lord over and over each day. I especially feel called to pray when we see the world changing and shifting before our very eyes on the TV, radio, and at the gas pump. I've been praying for the hurricane Katrina victims, and especially praying for a co-worker and one of my husband's co-workers...both of whom are fighting advanced stages of breast cancer. I know that God listens when I pray...I just wonder sometimes how He's meeting each of those people in their place of need.

 

But, I'm especially experiencing the "feeling" of others prayers for me this week.

It started out with a crazy week last week, when I took two days out of the office to "waste some time with God" and the rest of the staff here at church. I spent those two days in scripture and reflection, and left my busy life of working mom to get away from family for one night. Things at home went swimmingly well, and my husband had absolutely no trouble getting both kids off to daycare, and back home again safely, well fed, and happy. Wow, I mean really, if I knew it would go so easy, I should get away more often. Then it occurred to me, my friends are praying. When I returned to the office on Thursday, there were only two days left of the workweek, and I felt completely swamped with phone calls I had to return, and care situations that needed my attention, not to mention the promotional deadlines and room reservations needed for events that are fast approaching. So...my fast paced rat race picked right up where it left off on Monday. But, in the busy-ness, I felt cared for and comforted...just a little hectic. Then, after the long Labor Day weekend, I returned to the office, still a bit feeling like my plate was very full. Well, my plate is still full, with phone calls and emails, and daily caring for the body of this church. Yet, with the stuff that's going on...I really feel cared for and loved, and most of all like people are praying for me. Thank you prayer warriors. I so appreciate the prayers, and how God is meeting me this day.

Prayer for light

"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."   1 John 3:18

 

Time to look deeper, and shine that light on another spot in my soul.

Love one another...that's what He said. I thought I knew how to do this...but He's calling me to love others in a different way. To see their "stuff" as part of their brokenness, that all of us have and all of us need. To see my "stuff" as part of my own brokenness, that I have and need. That brokenness shows my need for the Father, and brings me less of myself and more of Him.

 

Father God, today I come to you with a heart of repentance. Forgive me for not loving others as You would have me do. Forgive me for looking so much at my own grief and my own needs, that I've hurt those close to me. Forgive me for not bringing my burdens to the cross; for only the Son can carry this bothersome emotional weight that I haul. May Your love for me resonate in and through me to those around me. Please help me to stretch further today the hand that I have timidly kept at my side. Please help me find rest and patience for the grief and loss that I feel, as well as find refreshment in your Holy Spirit. Wash me dear Lord, as I look to You as my source. Help me to focus on what is important, and only be distracted by the glimpses of You and Your vision for my life. Thank you, Father God, for your blessings in my life, and for reminding me of the things that bring Your glory. Help me to show my gratitude to those I love, by being authentically who You have created me to be.  ~ Amen

 

I look to live out my belovedness, by showing the love, not talking the love. It's so easy to talk, talk, talk...but how have I shown my love for my family this week? How do my friends know I care for and appreciate them? How do I simply live out what is implanted within...the reality of my brokenness, and my need for rest and refreshment? Lord, I leave this to you to help reveal to me. Show me the dark places that I'm ignoring, and bring them to light. Humble me, God, and help me see the ways that I can show others real love.

 

 

My lovely daughter

My daughter is 6 years old, and quite imaginitive, if I do say so myself. She's quick-witted and has a line for anything. She carries on conversations with her girlfriends on the phone like she's a teenager, and does complete makeovers (pretend) at her in-home salon with any guests we have in our home. She loves to play dress-up in her dresses she wears to church, and dresses up in her grandma's nightgowns when she's at her house. She trys on one, then another, then another until she's gone through them all. Then, she chooses her favorite one, and stays in that the rest of the time we're over there.

Just thinking of her puts a smile on my face. New top teeth are coming in, and she's getting ready for first grade to start in a few weeks. Just something I'm thinking about today. She stayed overnight at her grandma's house last night, and called me this morning. She slept in late, and was very sweet on the phone.I'm looking forward to a fun weekend as a family just to spend time loving each other and laughing together.

Lovely, just lovely.

So What's the buzz about McDonald's?

Have you seen the new Red Box? A wholly owned subsidiary of McDonald's Corporation, Redbox is a leading renter of DVDs through automated kiosks. Redbox continues to revolutionize the DVD rental industry as it expands its footprint inside grocery stores, McDonald's restaurants, and other locations.

According to the website, Minneapolis has the second largest number of Red Box locations in the country, second only to Houston, TX. Rent a DVD for $1 and return the DVD to any redbox anywhere. You swipe your credit card, and it charges you $1 per day for rental up to a specific amount of days (I think it's 25) and then if you don't return it, they charge your credit card $25, it's yours...you've purchased it. They also take your email address to send reciept of rental and return. Amazing, how each RedBox is connected to another, and can identify you by your email and credit card number. You can return the DVD to any other Redbox location. According to my friend Cathy, who is so excited about each of her family's past 6 purchases made at RedBox, she stared at the machine in amazement for at least 15 minutes before renting her first DVD from it. She said they look like first run family type films that come to Redbox before they even hit Blockbuster. How do they do that?

At lunch the other day, Jan mentioned that McD's is experimenting with the drive-thru ordering being centralized, or even taken at an off-site location across the globe (like India) so the person that you order from is not necessarily at the location you order at. It's all automated. Cathy mentioned that she heard they're trying this in California, and that's how they're able to stay open 24 hours, because they only have to staff a cashier and a cook, not a cashier a cook and an order person. I mean, really. As long as I don't have to get my fries from a vending machine, I suppose it's okay.

Then...on our way home from the lake last Saturday, we stopped in Monticello, MN to fill up with gas, and there's a McDonald's right on I-94 next to a gas station. So...as I fed our infant son, my husband and daughter stopped into McD's for some much needed soft serve. As my hubby came over with his shake, I thought he ordered strawberry, which is very much like him. I'm more the chocolate kind...but I digress. He asked if I wanted to try some...which when I sipped on the yummy and unfamiliar concoction, he said "It's mango raspberry." I gave him a quizzical look and sipped again. "What? Mango Raspberry? In rural Minnesota? At McDonald's? How cool is that?" I almost confiscated the whole thing right then. It's probably a trial kind of thing, but I definitely will check out our local McD's to see if they also carry it. Very yummy.

I suppose McD's will be coming out with other new snack-type food to take home with your DVD's. I wonder if they'll carry popcorn and Jr. Mints or just the Fruit and Walnut salad (which is really not a salad...but more like a snack.)Kudos to McD's for getting our kiddies interested in the playland, and getting us interested in coming back day after day to rent and return movies, as well as getting us to think that we're snacking somewhat healthy (not).

What else will they think of? Car wash drive thru..."Wash, wax, and hold the pickle."

How To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity

I got this email over a year ago, and as I was cleaning out some files, ran across it again. Okay, not original stuff, but definitely worth blogging about. Once I get past #2, I just can't stop laughing. I mean, laughing so hard that my cheeks hurt. If you can keep a straight face while reading these, it may be time to change your underwear.  Laughter is the best medicine...so have a little chuckle with me today.

 

 

 1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.

3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "in"

5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.

6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors".

7. Finish all your sentences with "in accordance with the prophecy."

8. Dont use any punctuation marks

9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

10. Ask people what sex they are. Laugh hysterically after they answer.

11. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go".

12. Sing along at the opera.

13. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.

14. Put mosquito netting around your work area. Play a tape of jungle sounds all day.

15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're not in the mood.

16. Have your coworkers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Hard Kim.

17. When the money comes out the ATM, scream "I won!", "I won!" "3rd time this week!!!!!"

18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling "run for your lives, they're loose!!"

19. Tell your children over dinner: "due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."

White Squirrels

About a month ago I dropped my son off at daycare, and went back to my car where the city had dug up all the streets around the suburban neighborhood for, you guessed it...Road Construction.
So, as I put the car into drive, and turned around a corner, I saw a white squirrel chasing after a grey squirrel as they darted right out in front of my car. So, what does it mean to have a white squirrel cross your path? I wonder if it's like having a black cat cross your path. It could be as fun as a white rabbit..."I'm late, I'm late." Alice knows the truth in that. I've only noticed cute brown and grey bunnies and the occasional red fox in the suburbs.

Now grey squirrels are pretty common here in Minnesota, and fairly pesky. They confiscate the large seeds from my mom's buckeye tree and carefully nibble away at the outer shell. Then they tuck away the inner nut under the large maple tree and other inconspicuous spots in the front yard. When they don't capture them all during the winter months, we see buckeye sprouts in the springtime. But, how is it that I've lived 38 years of my life and I don't recall ever seeing a white squirrel before. Then, just about a week later, in a different neighborhood, I saw another one. It could be the same one...I mean how many can there be? So, I had to Google it. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/squirrels.html...try it. There's actually five cities in North America that claim to be the white squirrel capital. So... I don't know. Do we watch for this budding population in the coming years here in the Minneapolis area? I'll be watching. If you think there's any other significance to this white squirrel sighting, let me know.

Road Construction

They say there are only two seasons in Minnesota, winter and road construction. So much of that digging up the ground stuff, it's reflective of what's going on inside me, and what we've been calling "restructuring" here where I work. Sometimes I find it strange, though, that they close down complete sections of very busy highways and reroute everything into the side streets. Then, when the job is complete, depending on how long traffic has been rerouted, the side streets become the ones in need of repair. Hmmm...maybe it's season for me to find out more about the scenic routes in my life.