Time and Season

Family Friday

2009-01-30T22:33:00.005-06:00

You know those days when things just don't go right? Those days you just want to crawl back under those covers and sleep for years? Those days that bring you to buckets of tears? Yeah, one of those? Well, I had one today.

I fear my family felt it quite well. Although I managed to keep my voice calm and qiuet... didn't yell, didn't show impatience... I burdened them all with my sob story of the vanity of life. I really was a BIG BABY. Ugh! And I'm thirty years old... what's with that?? I never thought I'd actually crave a temper tantrum so fiercely.

Despite my bad day and my crocodile tears, I hope that my kids could see that I am real... I get frustrated, sad, and upset just like they do. But I hope more than that, that I was able to reflect at least a teeny tiny shimmer of God's grace to them.

What a long, long absense...

2009-01-28T08:26:00.009-06:00

You know, it's really not a good idea to start a brand new blog right before getting pregnant. There's the little sickness problem in the beginning, then the lack of motivation to do ANYTHING in the end, then the absolute no time to do anything once the baby is born. But I am determined to give this a go again and stick to it.

In case you're wondering, E was born November 3rd... on my birthday. He was 9 lbs even, 21 inches long, and one week overdue. I guess I'm destined to give birth to 9 pounders and after my due date. (C was 9 lb 4 oz, 17 days overdue.... D was 9 lbs, 3 days overdue.) He's in great health and getting nice and fat as my babies also tend to do. I think he's kinda cute. But then, I'm a little biased.

So, now that E's nearly 3 months old and getting predictable, it's time to get my life back in order. I know today is Wednesday, but I have nothing written up. So, instead I'll just say "hi and welcome back" to myself, since no one is probably reading this anyway. I'm sure all my readers died from lack of stimulation.

Oh... and check this out. Mama Bear, over at Mama Bear Gets Chatty, started a 15% Club for women who wish to loose at least 15% of their weight. I thought I'd join since the budget prohibits Curves this year. I feel good that I am only 10 lbs from my prepregnancy weight, but it's obvious that they're not going to fall off on their own like the first 25 did. And then I still have the 25-30 extra pounds I've been carrying around since my first pregnancy. So, here's to loosing at least 15%!! I am currently 155 lbs at 4' 11". My major goal is to get down to 120. 15% would be 131 lbs. If you'd like to check it out, just click on the cute button below.

I'm ba-ack!

2008-04-16T09:19:00.002-05:00

Well, that was a long 9 weeks of feeling cruddy. I am so tired of physical limitations and am ready to get back to being normal again (well, until I hit about 6 months). So, here's to the next three months! I am glad that they fall over the spring/early summer season, because I absolutely LOVE spring and summer.

On to Write it Out Wednesday...

The assignment this week actually contains no writing for you, but does require you to ponder what constitutes "good writing".

Rachelle Gardner hosted a contest recently, and I entered both phases. It was a ton of fun! I enjoyed every minute of it. (Check out the winner's entry, btw. It's AWESOME!)

So, the assignment this week is to give me some feedback on my first page entry. I would love to know how I can improve my writing. The challenge was to use one of the five first lines provided to write the first page of a novel (300 words max). Obviously, the first page should intrigue the reader enough that they would want to read the rest of the story.

So, critque away, please! I want to learn.

Things were going along just fine until the miracle fouled up everything. The women of the city had loved Rachel and had come to her with every joy, grief, and struggle. Her husband, Simon, had been well known and respected. Nearly every man in Nazareth had, at one time, sought business or personal advice from him. Walking through the city streets had been an enjoyable social outing for both of them. They had been greeted with smiles, nods, and “Shaloms”. Friends had stopped and exchanged small talk and gossip.

But that was then. Now, they were the object of gossip. Friends looked the other way when Rachel and Simon came near. There were no more greetings. No more smiles or “Shaloms”. They were shunned, and it was all because of the miracle.

Rachel wanted to believe her daughter and future son-in-law. She wanted to believe that the child growing within Mary was truly the Son of God, but things like that just do not happen. Even the miracle of Abraham and Sarah required a moment of intimate human passion. She did not understand how Simon could embrace this “miracle” so easily.

Rachel stepped from the stone threshold of their home and onto the dusty street. She clutched the large water vessel closer to herself as if it might somehow protect her from what she was about to face. Lately, her daily trip to the well felt more like walking into a den of lions than a circle of friends.

Write it Out Wednesday

2008-03-26T08:11:00.002-05:00

Well, yesterday went alright. I was not selected for jury, but I found the whole process very interesting. And I think I would love to serve on a jury someday when I'm not pregnant or nursing.

In reply to everyone's comments on Little E... I figured some of you probably guessed, especially those who know me in real life. We don't have E names picked out yet. Cherith's name was chosen while I was in labor, and Daryn's name was decided when he was a couple hours old. So, I'm not getting my hopes up that this baby will be named before he/she is born. Thanks for all the congratulations.

Well, the assignments from last week were:

1) Choose an inanimate object in your house (or better yet, have one of your children or your spouse choose one). Ponder the object for a few minutes, then write a paragraph describing how you reflect this object.

OR

2) Choose a setting for your story and begin researching it to give you a good grasp of the culture and layout.

In the last two years, I have developed a fascination with Israel and the Jews, mostly in how it relates to Christ's being a Jew. So I have chosen to write a story set in Israel during the life of Christ.

I have only done some leisurely study on Israel and the traditions and beliefs of OT Jews. I have yet to really buckle down and get some serious research in. The ideal would be a trip to Israel, but since it's hard enough to fit groceries in the budget, I don't think that will happen. I know that there has got to be lots of information out there and I plan to utilize the internet and the library. And I hope to find a Jew that would be willing to expound on Jewish rituals and beliefs.

How about you? :~)

Measure Up Monday

2008-03-24T07:56:00.002-05:00

In the last four to five weeks, I've gained five pounds, lost an inch on my waist, but gained an inch around my gut. I've slacked on make-up, brushing my hair, and shaving. I don't watch what I eat. I just eat what sounds good. And I have aquired a strange aversion to the computer. Seeing lots of words on a computer screen makes my head spin.

The Reason:

I began feeling sick during our bout of the flu, so I feel like I never recovered and I will have the flu forever. But, only 3 more weeks until I hit the glorious second trimester. YAY!

Tomorrow, I have a jury summons. I really don't look forward to sitting around at the courthouse all day with the way that I feel. I'm hoping I won't be selected. I just don't feel up to it. I probably won't post tomorrow since I'll be gone.

Write It Out 2

2008-03-20T16:11:00.005-05:00

First, last week's assignment...

"You're dating John?!" Sara (left) exclaimed. "No way! He and I were engaged
once!"

"Really?" Clarisse (right) forced a smile. She had heard about Sara and could see
why John dumped her. She was such a ditz.

Elaine (center) was highly amused. This was SO going on the front page of the
college tabloid! Being editor was so much fun.

And next week's...

There are actually two. One for those who just want a quick little exercise and one for those who actually wish to develop a story.

Quick little exercise:
Choose an inanimate object in your house (or better yet, have one of your children or your spouse choose one). Ponder the object for a few minutes, then write a paragraph describing how you reflect this object.

Building a story:

Choosing a setting:
Some tend to look at the setting (where and when) as the backdrop of a story, just as they would see the surrounding scenery as a backdrop to a portrait. However, I believe the setting makes the story what it is. It is the foundation. Take for example, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Change the setting from Civil War era United States to Modern France and you not only change the backdrop, but you change the whole story. The setting, then, is even more important than the characters, for it is the setting that makes the characters who they are.

Choose a setting for your story. Perhaps you already have one in mind or maybe your clueless. If you need a little help, think about a place your familiar with, like where you grew up or where you vacationed. Or how about a place you're intrigued with and would love to learn more about? Study the place you choose. Read up on it. Recall memories. Look at photos. Study maps. Learn the culture. Read up on the history. Get a good all around feel of where your story will be taking place.

Once you are well aquainted with the where, decide on the when. Does the history intrigue you enough to present your story in the past? Perhaps modern times is more suiting. What do you imagine this place to be like in the future?

Whatever setting you choose, learn it well. There will be readers out there who may live there or know the history of the setting. If you are not well learned on the culture of your setting, it will make for a weak story.

Next week, share with us where your story will take place, and why you chose that place. Begin studying and have fun.

Disclaimer: I am, by no means, an expert writer, nor do I claim to be. I have taken a few creative writing classes, one lasting a week and another four months several years ago. I had a few writings published in my single years, but these hardly count as they were instructional writing at a grade school reading level. I am simply inviting you to join me in my learning and stretching. And I just find it plain fun.

Write It Out Wednesday

2008-03-19T15:16:00.002-05:00

Thought I'd better get this up for those who have already completed this week's assignment. I'll be back with my assignment and next week's assignment late tonight.

Last week's assignment was to write out the dialouge between these girls and to include their thoughts.

Sorry for the Absence

2008-03-17T13:38:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't been blogging everyday. I'm sorry to those few readers that actually keep up. I think I really need a little break, if you all don't mind. I will come back on Wednesday for the Write it Out Wednesday Meme, but other than that, I need to take the week off. Hopefully I'll have an explanation for you next Monday.

The Winner is....

2008-03-14T22:09:00.002-05:00

Ladies and Gentlewomen.... the winner of the photobook design is Jendi!!! Congratulations, Jendi!

Hi!!! Come on in!

2008-03-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

(This post will remain on top for the duration of the Blog Party. Be sure to scroll down for regular daily posts.)

I am so excited you stopped by! I've got lots of "horse devours" (because I can't spell the French word for little party snacks) laid out for you this week. I will continue to keep up my normal daily blogging schedule (see "About This Blog" in my sidebar), but I plan to throw in a yummy little extra each day. So make sure you thrust your hand into that bowl and grab a huge handful.

But before you head off to the food table, sit down and chat with me for a while. I'd like to share a little about myself and hear a little about you. Curl up on the couch. Here. Would you like a cup of hot chocolate (for those that are living where it's still freezing cold out there) or a glass of iced tea (if you're fortunate enough to live where it's warm)? Comfortable? Good.

First, let me give you a few random facts about myself. You can find lots more on my "About Me" page, along with pictures here. And do scroll down to my Family Friday post to read how our little alphabet family started.

My name is Brenda. I am a wife and mother of two young children (almost 3 and 1).
We live in the spring deferred part of the country. Our furnace is still running and my toes are currently cold.
My favorite drink is UNsweetened ice tea... weird, I know.
I need to loose about 25 pounds. I enjoy the tools provided by Curves.
My favorite type of blogs are those with a theme (organizing, writing, etc.), yet with a real person personality. But, I could get into others too. I just like blogs altogether.

Now I'd love to hear about you. Please feel free to leave some random facts in a comment.

Oh yeah, have you checked out the prizes that so many have provided for 5 Minutes to give away? There are a lot of really good ones! I really like...

The ModMum Baby Sling from Sazzyfrazz
The $50 Gift Certificate from Kid's Magical Wonder
The $40 Gift Certificate from Good for the Kids
The Micro Cozie Security Blanket in chocolate from Snuggy Bugz
The Moby Wrap from Dates to Diapers
The Baby Signing Times DVD Set from Baby Can Talk

I will also be providing a giveaway for the party too. Check it out! For a chance to win this or any of the other prizes at 5 Minutes, you must make a comment on their site... not mine.

I am also offering a bonus giveaway in my Snap It or Scrap It Saturday post. This one, is seperate from 5 minutes, and you enter by leaving a comment on Saturday's post.

Grab a free gift offered in my Scripture Sunday post.

Now to hear a bit about you....

Thankful Ten Thursday

2008-03-13T13:16:00.005-05:00

AH!! What a gorgeous day it is today! Today, I am thankful for...

1. Bright, warm sunshine

2. Melting snow

3. A safe neighborhood to walk in

4. Children who love the outdoors

5. A concrete patio for them to play on (the ground is SO soggy and muddy)

6. Fresh Air

7. Open windows.

8. The song of the birds

9. The fresh smell of impending spring

10. Spring, spring, spring!!

What are you thankful for?

Chapter Two - An Alphabet Family is Born

2008-03-12T22:02:00.003-05:00

Chapter Two

Joy, Sharon, and I sat at the head of the double sized dorm room bed and Aaron at the foot, because, of course, Sharon was bedridden, and we couldn’t exactly sit around a table. As Aaron flipped through his pictures, I became more and more impressed. This guy is really something, I thought. He was actually working for agencies like the U.S Forrest Service, FEMA, and NASA. And getting paid by the government. But the greatest thing I noticed… his humility. He didn’t boast about his position training the U.S. Forrest Service men how to conduct search and rescue. He didn’t get all cocky about his big, fat paycheck from Uncle Sam. He talked about it all as if it were your typical young bachelor job.

The entire evening, I found myself gazing at Aaron’s eyelashes. They were long, dark, and curly like I had never seen on a man before. Not girlish, in anyway. They still very much embodied manliness. But they were gorgeous. My! Were they gorgeous! I chided myself several times. Girl, you’ve got to stop staring at this guy’s eyelashes. He’s going to think you’re a forward flirt or something.

When Aaron left that night, I knew I wanted to see him more. Talk with him more. Know him more. There was something inside me, deep inside me, that was drawn to him like a magnet. It was something deeper than I had ever felt. I had to get to know him!

I certainly had plenty of opportunity to do just that during that summer. Aaron’s roommate, Spencer, had been present at the accident, and had sort of taken on the responsibility of looking in on Sharon and Joy from time to time to make sure they had what they needed. However, he was scheduled to be out on deployment a lot that summer. So Aaron kind of took over. Another single guy on campus, an instructor named Doug, worked in the emergency room in Tyler, Texas where Sharon was taken, and actually attended to her, if I remember correctly. He made it his job to check up on any of Sharon’s medical needs between weekly visits from her therapy nurse and her trips to the doctor’s offices. Between the three of them, we were well taken care.

Of course, three girls shut up in a dorm room need more than just light bulbs and small kitchen appliances. They need DVDs, company, and outings on the town (as Sharon’s strength improved). And apparently, Aaron thought we needed a computer, internet, and networking to the guy’s dorm in order to play computer games with them. Add to all this the fact that during the summer months, the campus was pretty much empty. Only the essential staff were there. The staff guys were almost “rule-free”. The staff girls still had a curfew and other rules instated, but since we were not living in the staff grils’ house and were not on staff, we were left “rule-free” too. All this provided more than opportunity to see Aaron, talk to him, and get to know him more.

Write It Out Wednesday - Next Week's Assignment

2008-03-12T20:55:00.003-05:00

Well, Jendi reminded me that I said nothing about next week's assignment. And C. Lewis directed her readers to my blog to get next week's assignment, so it might be smart to actually post next week's assignment. I am so absent minded today.

Ok, next week's assignment. Look at this picture. Notice facial expression and body language. Look at the surroundings. Based on your observations of who these girls are, write a dialogue of their conversation and include what they're thinking.

Write It Out Wednesday

2008-03-12T13:39:00.003-05:00

Last week's assignment was to describe your favorite place using your five senses. It should be five paragraphs long. Each paragraph dedicated to one sense, with the sense of sight last.

Sounds like a wonderful assignment. Did anyone do it? I didn't. Ha Ha Ha!! I'm going to go ahead and put up Mr. Linky, in case anyone did, and wants to link to it, but I have nothing to post. I know that's horrible. What "meme leader" would do that?? Well, me. The one who has had almost 0 meme followers (except last week). So, is it allowed?

If I get a chance tonight, I am going to work on the second chapter of the Alphabet Family, and I'll post that instead.

Love to you all! I'm going to take a nap while I can!!

Tackle It Tuesday or the lack thereof

2008-03-11T08:39:00.002-05:00

Well, I know this is a daily discipline blog and I know this is the week of the party and I promised fun stuff. But the fact of life is that I feel nasty, my house is a mess, and my kids still aren't dressed for the day. My goal for today is simply to survive and I'm ok with that. After all, if this blog overruns my life, it defeats it's purpose. So see ya tommorrow, and if you have a tackle for today, be sure to post your link at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Measure Up Monday

2008-03-10T08:02:00.002-05:00

I've been eating a lot of convience foods lately... you know the boxed processed foods. Not exactly the healthiest or weight loss condusive. I'm also finding that my protien need is increasing. I need to figure out how to adjust my food intake to account for that.

Speaking of keeping track of not just calories, but nutrition content too, I have found a great tool. Sparkpeople is a sight where you can track all sorts of goals. As you enter the food you ate for the day, it tallies up the calories, carbs, protien, fat, and other nutritients you'd like to track. It does take a little work to look up the food and enter it, but I have found that I do not do good with my diet if I don't track what I eat. And this tool makes it easier for me.

What tools have you found to help you in your weight loss goals?

Scripture Sunday - With a Gift

2008-03-08T22:13:00.009-06:00

This Sunday, in honor of the party, I'd like to give you the gift of a small Scripture Card. Right click and choose Save Picture As. Print, if you like.

Snap It or Scrap It Saturday - Giveaway

2008-03-08T14:49:00.015-06:00

I thought I would post all the pages of D's 1st year Baby book. These are just the first page for each month. The page to the right of each of these will have all the fun information about his size and developments. I plan to print the book through Photoworks. I have a gift certificate and am dying to use it. You may notice that I still haven't gotten his 1 year old page done. That's because I still haven't taken his picture yet. I want to set up the white sheet in the kitchen with the late morning light that comes in the window and get some real pictures. I would LOVE to take them outside, because I love the natural settings and the wonderful light, especially since our camera doesn't do well indoors. But there's still 4-6 inches of snow out there!!! UGH!

Today's yummy extra horse devour is.... a GIVEAWAY!!! If you would like a photo book designed for your baby's first year or for any other occasion, leave a comment telling me what the occasion would be. Make sure there is a way for me to contact you. If you do not have your email address on you Blogger profile, please leave your email address in your comment. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only for the design and not for the book printing. Perhaps next year, I can afford to offer that as well. Giveaway closed.

Family Friday - An Alphabet Family is Born

2008-03-07T01:12:00.005-06:00

I've got a yummy extra for you today, in honor of the big blog party. Usually, for my Family Friday posts, I write about my current joys and struggles of living the family life. This Friday, I thought I'd give you the first chapter of my very own love story and how the Alphabet Family* all started.

But first, I wanted to share something with you that has encouraged my heart, made me laugh, and made my cry. (This is mostly directed at stay at home moms, though it is not dissing working mothers, by any means.) Sometimes, being "just a mom" is hard. People look down on us and think of us as couch potatoes in sweat pants. But the fact is, we're not. Well, we might be in our sweat pants, but that's because we haven't had a chance to get dressed yet. Since the moment our child(ren) demands we leave our bed, we never stop encountering the demands of motherhood. And a lot of times, the demands do not stop when our head hits our pillow. As my friend recently said, "To be honest I can’t think of a single mom that I know that hasn’t struggled with the challenges and struggles of motherhood. Too bad we don’t like to open ourselves up more to share those struggles, huh?"

It has been a rough two weeks as I have struggled with the realization that motherhood is 24/7 for the rest of my children's lives. That others can help with "things", but no one else in this world can take over mothering for me. I will never get a break from being a mother. Ever. It's so overwhelming and sometimes I feel like I can't even be me. Instead I'm just a poop wiping, food making machine.

So, when I heard these Focus on the Family radio episodes (here and here), I laughed, I cried, and I was encouraged. When you get a chance (I know you're busy this week ~~neglecting your kids~~ partying), listen to them. It will do you good. I promise.

Ok, on to Chapter One of An Alphabet Family is Born.

An Alphabet Family is Born
Chapter One

Interesting enough, it did not start with A. It started with an S, but I’m jumping ahead of myself.

In April of 2004, my brother was being promoted from basic training at ALERT (Air Land Emergency Resource Team), and our family had traveled down to Texas to get in on the ceremony. I was very excited. My best friend, Sharon, was going to be on campus. She and several other older single girls were going to be leaders at the first ever “girls’ boot camp” (STEP). I was happy for my brother, but I was mostly concerned with meeting up with my friend. I hadn’t seen her for over a year. We wrote hand written letters and emailed back and forth during that year, but to be able to see her face to face was a treasure I valued highly. We didn’t have a lot of overlapping time to really talk… the deep kind of talks that we loved to have… but we did get to visit a little.

The morning my family was to leave Texas and head home, I asked Sharon what she was going to be doing that day to prepare for STEP, since the next day the girls would be arriving. There was excitement in her voice as she answered, “We're going repelling! To just give it a go before we have to teach the girls.” I don’t remember what I said. Probably something along the lines of “have fun”.

We had just reached Oklahoma City, about 4 hours from the ALERT campus, when Mom’s cell phone rang. I don’t remember who it was, but they said that Sharon had fallen 60 feet while repelling. She was in the hospital and was asking for me.

That sinking, gotta throw up feeling that settles in the pit of your stomach when you’ve just heard bad news hit me in a split second and stuck with me all the way back down to Texas and to the hospital. There were so many thoughts going through my head. Would she live? Will she be paralyzed? I should have told her how much I really appreciated her friendship. And on and on the thoughts went.

After waiting for a while in the waiting room with the ALERT directors, Sharon’s sister, Joy, and another mutual friend arrived. Had it been under different circumstances, I would have been ecstatic. We waited, we cried. Finally, we were able to go in and see her. It was hard to see her in such pain. So much pain that she didn’t even realize I was there.

There was nothing more I could do. With many injuries to her spine and two crushed heels, she would be in the hospital for a long time. So, reluctantly I returned home.

About a month and a half later, Sharon’s mother called asking if I could come down to Texas to assist Joy in taking care of Sharon. She was now out of the hospital and on campus, bedridden in one of the dorms. Her mother wanted to stay with her, but it was hard on the family of youngsters and being away from her husband. She needed to go back home to Indiana. Joy was to remain to care for Sharon, but it was too much for one person. So, the beginning of June found me back in Texas dorming with two great friends. I won’t go into all the struggles and sad times, to protect Sharon’s privacy, but it was not all fun and games amongst three giggly girls.

Just a few days after arriving, Joy informed Sharon and I that one of the guys who had helped with the Space Shuttle Columbia search and recovery wanted to come over that evening and show us his pictures from the recovery. I guess he wanted to provide us with a bit of entertainment.

“Hi. I’m Aaron,” he said as he walked into our dorm room. “You must be Brenda.”

I think I answered, but I don’t remember. I was too busy thinking about his gorgeous eyelashes.

*My husband's name starts with an A and mine with a B. We are continueing the alphabet with each of our children, 1st born C and second born D. No, we do not plan to go all the way to Z.

Thankful Ten Thursday

2008-03-06T10:39:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it? I've been working so hard at preparing my Ultimate Blog Party post for tomorrow that I completely forgot about today's post.

Today, I am thankful for God's provision for our family. Without His fresh mercies every morning, we would easily be on the streets begging for food and trying to stay warm. Thank you, God for...

1. A's job and current income.
2. Your help in our money saving and management endeavors.
3. Healthy food to feed our bodies.
4. Nice clothing to keep us warm.
5. A home.
6. Heat.
7. Luxuries
8. A vehicle.
9. Family.
10. Friends.

Write It Out Wednesday

2008-03-04T21:09:00.004-06:00

I am super excited about last week's challenge. I chose "B" - mother of three, future, on top a skyscraper. And yes, I did choose my letter before I let EXCEL mix it all up, so I didn't know what I would get. To be honest, I really didn't like my combination. I found it rather hard to think outside the past/present time period box. I can draw on history. I can draw on current events. But I cannot draw on future events. It all had to come out of my head.

Let me preface my story be saying, I'm not real big on the whole global warming issue. After all, it's March and it's still freezing over here!!! But, because I'm not into futuristic robots and spaceships, I chose to change the weather.

Some Sort of Clever Title

Erlise looked out over the city. She could see a long way from her favorite perch on top her high rise apartment building. All around her, high concrete buildings rose from the ground. Some, like her apartment building, were topped with a special glass dome with beautiful lawns, parks, or playgrounds snuggly protected underneath.

Things had sure changed since she was a girl. She looked down to the street below. She used to walk with her mother along that very street to the little ice cream shop on the corner. The ice cream shop that no longer existed. She sighed as her daughter’s voice brought her back to the present. “What is it, Shalyn?”

“Mommy! Danny won’t slide down. He just sits there, and doesn’t let anyone else have a turn.” Erlise drew her eyes away from the scene outside the dome and turned toward the playground. Sure enough. There was 3 year old Danny at the top of the slide and a whole line of children standing on the ladder. He must have gotten too scared to slide again.

“Come on, Danny,” Erlise assured her son as she walked toward the slide. “I’ll stand at the bottom and catch you.” But Danny would not budge. He shook his head vigorously.

“Make him go, Mommy!” shouted Shalyn, and without waiting for a response, shoved Danny down the slide.

Danny screamed all the way down to his mother’s arms. She scooped him up quickly to avoid a doggy pile as all the other children began to slide down in a fury.

“Are you ok, Danny?” Erlise asked.

“Yes, Mommy.” Danny’s scared expression turned into a full grin. “That was fun! I want to do it again.”

Jake, Erlise’s oldest son, reached the bottom of the slide just in time to hear Danny’s request. “No, Mom! Don’t let him. He always gets stuck up there. He’s such a baby.”

Danny scowled. “No, I’m not!”

“Well, technically, you are,” Shalyn explained, trying to help. “Jake is 8. I am 5. And
you’re just 3. So you see, you are a baby.”

Danny didn’t appreciate his sister’s knowledgeable explanation at all. “I am not a baby!!” He turned to his mother for help. “Tell them, Mommy! Tell them I’m not a
baby.”

Erlise smiled, ignoring the situation on hand. “Come on, kids. Let’s go sit on the bench at the edge of the dome and see what’s out in the big world today.”

Jake frowned. “Nothing more than yesterday, of course. Nothing ever changes out there, Mom.”

“Will you tell us about it all again, Mommy?” Shalyn put her hands together, looked up at her mother and pleaded, “Please!!!”

“Story. Story. Story.” Danny chanted as he danced in circles around his mother.

“Ok,” Erlise agreed. “Everyone to the bench!” The kids did not need any more of an invitation. They were off like lightening to obey their mother’s order.

“Look down there at the street,” Erlise began. “Tell me what you see.”

“Nothing,” Jake mumbled.

“The street.” Leave it to Danny to state the obvious.

“You haven’t told us what to see yet, Mommy.” And leave it to Shalyn to state the deep and profound.

“You see how the street has lots of cracks and bumps? Those have been caused by the hot sun over the years. When I was a girl, the streets were smooth and packed with cars. Horns honked. Drivers shouted. Everyone was in a hurry to get home after work. There were so many cars, that it was actually faster to walk and take the subway. So the sidewalk was packed with people too, all walking to the subway station.”

“That’s the tunnels now. Right, Mommy” Shalyn interrupted.

“Yes. The subway used to go through the tunnels taking people to where they needed to go. We still use them to get to places, but we walk or ride the scooters. There are too many people down there now to use the subway trains.”

“That’s why they took them apart and made them into little stores to buy food and stuff while we walk through the tunnels.” Shalyn interrupted again.

“Yes, Little Smarty Pants. They did.” Erlise smiled.

Danny looked earnestly at his mother. “Why can’t we go outside, Mommy?”

He asked this question everyday, and everyday Erlise tried to answer in a way he could understand. She cupped Danny’s chin in her hand and smiled broadly. “When I was 10, just a little older than Jake, my daddy came home from work and said that things were going to change. He took my mommy’s hand and said, ‘Sweetheart, it’s just not going to get any cooler. It’s just going to get hotter and hotter.’ My daddy was a weatherman and he had been worrying for several months that winter just wasn’t coming. It just wasn’t getting cold like it normally did.

“My daddy had lots of meetings with the mayor of the city and a lot of other important men. They finally decided to knock down all the short buildings in the city and build more big buildings like ours. They sealed up all the entrances to the subway station and opened up new ones in each of the tall buildings. They put these special glass domes on top of a lot of the buildings, so we can still grow grass, trees, and gardens.

“And just like my daddy said, it kept getting hotter and hotter. By the time I was 13, the sun had killed all the grass, flowers, and trees outside. It was so hot, we couldn’t go outside during the day or we would get very burned. We could only go out at
night.

“That’s why we can’t go outside now, Danny. The sun is too hot. You would get burned. This glass dome,” Erlise said, tapping it with her finger, “lets in the light, but not the harmful sun rays that would burn us. Now, we can grow green grass, yummy fruits and veggies, and pretty flowers inside our domes. And we go can go from building to building by walking through the underground tunnels. We can still live without having to go outside where it’s so hot.”

Jake looked thoughfully out the dome. He studied the now deteriorated scene below him. “Mom?”

“Yes, Jake?”

“Will it ever get cold again?”

“I don’t know, Son. I don’t know.”

Next week's assignment (once again, inspired by Creative Writing Corner's e-book) is to pick one of your favorite places... a vacation spot, a room in your house, or wherever else you like to be. Describe this place in five paragraphs using all five sense. The first paragraph should describe your spot with only your sense of smell. The second with your sense of sound. And so on, saving the sense of sight for last. This will help train your mind to begin thinking through your other senses, rather than always depending on your sight.

Want to share your story with us? Sign Mr Linky and leave the link to your story post.

Want to name my story? Leave a comment. (I'm not very good at titles, apparently.)

Tackle it Tuesday - UPDATED

2008-03-04T07:44:00.009-06:00

Today, after I eat breakfast and put D down for his morning nap, I am going to tackle this closet. It is located in the dining room. (I don't know why. I didn't build it in.) It has a mix of job. It stores toys (the kind that the kids are supposed to pick up before getting more out - blocks, Little People, etc), stores arts and crafts, stores sewing stuff, stores small kitchen appliances, and houses my pantry. But right now, it doesn't look like it does much of any of that.

Here is the toy section - on the floor and bottom shelf. Where are the toys? They're all over the living room floor. So much for the "put it away before you get more" rule.
The arts and crafts and sewing shelves. Can you tell? I have no idea what all is on that top shelf.

The two shallow shelves that go around the whole closet.

The appliance and pantry side.

D's Tackle It project for the day... (Why is there a diaper on the floor? I don't know. Ask D.)

5 hours, 2 helpers, and 100,000 interruptions later...

Measure Up Monday

2008-03-03T07:29:00.003-06:00

I have a horrible style problem. It's called "grew-up super conservative and now don't have a clue". On a normal day, I wear jeans. I wear a basic t-shirt with them, because I don't know what else to wear.

But, it' getting boring. A new season is coming up soon and last year's short sleeve t's are looking pretty worn. Rather than just replacing the same old basic t with more of the same old basic t, I thought I would try other tops.

The thing is, I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I am short - 4' 11 1/2" - AND short waisted AND I have a blobby gut... a pooch... a hanging bag of fat... you know, one of those. This makes it hard to wear button down shirts, since the size that will fit nicely across the shoulders and bust cannot be buttoned across the lower belly. It also makes things interesting with those cute empire waist shirts. I automaticly look pregnant.

I did some looking around online and found these cute tops. Problem is, I don't know if they would make me look pregnant. What do you think?

On to weight loss goals, I haven't made much progress this week. I still just don't have an appetite back after being sick. So I haven't been eating much of anything, which has drasticly slowed down my metabolism.

How are you doing with your physical goals?

Scripture Sunday

2008-03-02T16:07:00.001-06:00

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice.

Let them sing with joy forever.

Protect them,

and let those who love your name triumph in you.

Snap It or Scrap It Saturday

2008-03-01T10:47:00.024-06:00

One of the things I love about Photoshop is being able to edit photos. I can take a so-so picture and make it really pop and look way beyond my ability just by adjusting the contrast with the Curves tool and by adjusting the color hues with the Selective Color tool. I decided to go through and find some of my favorite photos and give them a bit of a pop. I hope the color and contrast looks good on here. I edited them in CYMK (printer's colors) mode, because I generally want them to look good printed. So, if they're not looking good here, I might need to go back and edit them in RGB (screen color display) so you can see the difference.

Now, if only Photoshop had a tool called, "Crumby P&S Indoors Fix"

Do you have a photo or layout to share? Just sign Mr. Linky.
What are you favorite editing tools on Photoshop? Leave a comment.

Family Friday

2008-02-29T08:17:00.005-06:00

Motherhood - The Worst and Best of it

I think if we were all honest, we would admit that there are certianly parts of motherhood that we dislike, could do without, perhaps even hate. And I think that's ok. In fact, I think it's wise to admit it to ourselves.

If we allow ourselves to live in the disillusionment that motherhood is always the most enjoyable thing in life, it will lead to frustration and discontent. Frustration that we must not be doing it right, if we don't find it enjoyable. Discontent with all the sacrifice motherhood requires. These feelings will in turn make us into the mother monster that none of us want to be.

Personally, I hate the interruptions to my sleep. I hate being jolted from a deep and pleasant slumber by the cry of my children, especially when they are no longer infants. I'm always tempted to holler, "Be Quiet!" then roll over and go back to sleep. I don't. But it sure sounds tempting. Most of the time, though, by the time I go into the child's room and begin to find out why they are crying, my love for them overtakes the frustration of sacrificing my sleep. That only lasts until the next outburst, then the temptation to holler at them returns.

I also really dislike pregnancy. In fact, I would skip it if I could. I don't like the sickness and tiredness of the first trimester. The second is alright, but still not enjoyable. And the third... well, who wants to feel like they've got a 30 pound bowling ball attached to their belly? The long and short of it is I don't like it. Sometimes I think I must be weird or something. Aren't women supposed to be happy and glowing during pregnancy? Isn't it supposed to be a magical time? If so, I missed the memo somewhere along the line.

There are more, like hearing my name used in vain. The whining for no apparent reason. The toys all over the house. Crumbs under the table. There are lots more, but the point is they exist. It's up to me to admit it, then move on, remembering that "this too shall pass". I need to embrace the things I do love.... The hugs. The kisses. Watching them learn and develop. Seeing their personalities bloom. The funny things they do and say. The joys of motherhood are just as strong, if not stronger, than the dislikes. And it is definitely worth going through the not so enjoyable, because without the worst, the best would not exist.

What do you like and dislike about motherhood?

Thankful Ten Thursday

2008-02-28T08:49:00.005-06:00

"Weeping endures for the night,

but joy comes in the morning."

I woke up this morning with this verse running through my head, and so many things seem to be reflective of it today. So, today, I am thankful for:

1. Waking up to the chirping of birds outside my window.

2. D waking up happy and talking in his bed for the first time since being sick.

3. C being her normal self complete with her hilarious, know-it-all, preschool outlook on life.

4. Feeling completely better, with the exception of a raw throat from coughing so much.

5. A clean kitchen.

6. Clean laundry.

7. Sunshine.

8. New branch sprouts on my lemon tree.

9. God's refreshing Word.

10. (Saving the best for last) Reading that a friend, who has gone through one of the hardest nine months of her life, has found the joyful morning again!!

What are you thankful for today?

Write It Out Wednesday

2008-02-27T14:47:00.003-06:00

Writing Exercise of the Week: (taken from The Best Of CWC e-book)

Match Characters with Settings
Here's how it works. This can be done with multiple people (more fun) or just yourself (still fun). First, generate a list of random character types. This could include "amnesiac kleptomaniac", "professional lawn ornament salesman", or "international spy". Write the list in a column on the left side of a piece of paper and number each one. Now in the right, make a similar column of random settings. Examples are
"playground", "mayo health clinic", and "in mid-air". Give each of these a letter. Now write the numbers and letters on scraps of paper and randomly pull one letter and one number out of a hat. You must now write a piece about why a professional lawn ornament salesman is now in mid-air. Don't just explain what he's doing there, though; make it into a story, an anecdote that reveals more about the character. Expand and embellish; it's your story, so have fun with it.

I did things a little differently and used the ever handy Microsoft Excel program to do the mixin' it up for me. I also added a time to the list of choices, so you have a character, a time, and a place.

Today, I'm not going to do any writing. Instead I am preparing for next week. I will choose my set of facts and give myself the rest of the week to think and write. If you want to do this exercise with me, then right now, BEFORE YOU KEEP READING, choose A, B, C or D. I know, sounds weird. But really. Choose one. That'll tell you what your set wil be. Got it? Good.

If you chose A, here is your character and setting.
Air Force Pilot
1800's
Africa

If you chose B...
Mother of three
Future
On top a skyscraper

If you chose C...
School Teacher
Medivial Times
On a ship

If you chose D...
Undercover Agent
Modern Times
Paris

And there ya have it. Let yourself think about it for a while and have fun coming up with a great story. Post it on your blog, then come back here next Wednesday to sign Mr. Linky and let us read your story.

Have FUN!!!

Pardon the "Dust"

2008-02-26T19:48:00.001-06:00

If you notice this blog going all weird or haywire... it's 'cause I'm trying to be smart. Pardon me while I stumble through the editing.

Ultimate Blog Party Giveaway!

2008-02-26T13:33:00.000-06:00

For the Ultimate Blog Party giveaway, I will be giving away a custom designed digital layout. I will use the lucky winner's photo(s) to design a layout that they can either add to their scrapbook or frame and hang on their wall. It doesn't have to be baby or kid pictures. It could be family photos, couple photos, pet photos, or even just your favorite scenery photo with your favorite saying. Anything works. Here are a few examples of layouts I have designed.

Tackle-It Tuesday

2008-02-26T08:20:00.003-06:00

Can I just say that I haven't done any cleaning since Wednesday? Being sick wouldn't be half so bad if the house didn't trash itself while you were out of service. And I'm still more tired than is humanly possible.

But... today, I plan to get a load of dishes in the dishwasher. Puney commitment, I know. But, hey, I will feel good if I get that much done.

What would you like to accomplish today? Join the Tackle It Tuesday meme over at 5 Minutes for Moms, and tell us about it.

Measure Up Monday

2008-02-25T07:49:00.004-06:00

Well, thanks to a four day flu bug, I am now down to my pre-D (2nd pregnancy) weight. That bug would also be the reason I was absent all weekend and very uninteresting Thursday and Friday.

I am getting excited about the Ultimate Blog Party coming up in less than two weeks. Wow. I better get busy. I have some great stuff planned for my little corner of the party. I plan to give you all the juicey details of my life (well, maybe not quite all) to give you all a chance to get to know me on a more personal level. I will have some photos of ever gorgeous me (not!) and my handsome family. But, most exciting of all, a giveaway!!! I have yet to be added to the giveaway page, as I'm having a hard time narrowing it down. I hope to decide today and start working on putting together a great party day post. Please do come by and partake of my horse devours (because I can't spell the real french word for little party snacks) March 7-14.

Family Friday

2008-02-22T10:17:00.002-06:00

The only one in our family that even has a desire to stand up and walk is our almost 3 year old daughter. Praise God for Noggin and Curious George.

What do you do in your family to entertain the kiddos who aren't sick? What do you do to insure your own speedy recovery? Have you ever had a time when both you and your husband were too sick to do much to care for the kids?

Thankful Ten Thursday

2008-02-21T07:42:00.005-06:00

I'm thankful for...

1. Vitamin C

2. That I am not as sick as my husband.

3. That I am not too sick to take care of the kids

4. That the kids do not seem to be catching this bug. Yet.

5. That this sickness is not life threatening.

6. That my husband is able to take some sick days at work, so he can rest.

7. That I got the grocery shopping in yesterday before I felt all achey.

8. That I decided to restock the kids' medicines yesterday, just in case.

9. That surely spring will be here soon, and there will be no more colds and flus.

10. That the joy of the Lord is my strength and that His grace is sufficient for me.

What ten things are you thankful for?

Write It Out Wednesday

2008-02-20T13:36:00.005-06:00

Ok, so this is not my normal story genre. I don't really even like to watch these kind of movies. But it was in my head. I have a weird head.

Phantom Child
(Inspired by my children’s toys that turn on and sing all by themselves. Do you have those in your house? Spooky, huh?)

I am Janie. I’m two years old. I live with Mommy, Daddy, Sarah, and Daniel. But they don’t see me. I try to talk to them, but they don’t hear me. I touch them, but they don’t feel me.

They’re not my real family. I was born 20 years ago. I think there was something wrong with me, because the doctor shook his head, and my mommy and daddy cried. I never learned to sit up or crawl or walk. Mommy would carry me to the room she
needed to be in and lay me on a blanket. She used to sing to me and tell me I was special. I would cuddle with Daddy on the couch in the evenings. One day, I felt pretty sick and Mommy carried me to the couch. I stayed there for a week still feeling sick. I must have been real sick, because Mommy and Daddy cried a lot.

I watched them get all dressed up in black one morning. Daddy kept holding Mommy and they cried together. They talked about me being dead and about going to bury me. I didn’t understand them. I called for them, but they didn’t hear me. As they walked out the front door, Mommy whispered, “Goodbye, Janie.”

I jumped off the couch and ran to the door and tried to call them back. But they didn’t hear me. That’s when I realized I didn’t feel sick anymore. I could walk and run. At first I was happy, and I ran all over the house. But then I remembered that Mommy had said “goodbye” and I wondered where they went.

The next day, some strange men came and packed up all our stuff. I watched as they carried my toys to a big truck. I was scared. I didn’t know why they were taking our stuff and I didn’t know where my mommy and daddy were. The last thing they carried out was our couch. I cried. I loved that couch. It was big and soft and that’s where I sat with my daddy.

Since that day, lots of different families have come to live in my house with me. I have always just sat in the corner and watched them. I remember one family that yelled at each other all the time. They scared me. I hid in the closet a lot. Another family had three dogs. They barked at me. But I like this new family. They remind me of my mommy and daddy. But what I like most is their couch. It looks a lot like the couch that Daddy would snuggle me on.

I like their children too. Sarah is my age. Daniel is one. They are a lot of fun. I play with them a lot, but they don’t know it. I sit next to them and watch Curious George with them, but they don’t see me.

They have very fun toys. Some of them have buttons. When you push them, the toy sings or makes noise. I didn’t have toys like that when our stuff was still here. I really like the little piano they have. Today,I went into the closet where it is kept and started to play it while the family was napping. I think “mommy” was annoyed, because she opened the closet door,turned it off, and said, “STUPID toys!!!”

My favorite though is a stuffed dog that has buttons on it’s paws, tummy, nose, and ears. It sings lots of different songs and has lots of different noises. My favorite is the ABC song. One night, I went into Sarah and Daniel’s room when they were asleep and pushed the dog’s button. I wanted to sing the ABC song. It woke up Daniel and he sang with me and clapped his hands. Daniel and I played for about half an hour
before “mommy” came in, grabbed it, and took it to the living room. She growled at the dog and told it to shut up. Daniel was sad that he couldn’t keep playing, and he cried. “Mommy” had to come back in and rock him for a while so he would get sleepy again.

I don’t try to make “mommy” frustrated. But the toys are so fun. And since I never sleep like the family does, I get bored at night and during naptime. Speaking of which, I’m kinda bored now. I think I’ll go play with the fire engine. It has sirens.

Have you done any writing lately?

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-02-19T10:43:00.007-06:00

Today, I've got all sorts of things to do. Make a grocery list for tomorrow. Take a shower. Go to A's Grandparents' house for dinner. But... the biggest thing of all is laundry. I hope by the end of the day to have it all washed and most of it folded and put away. I say most, because I want to be reasonable with my self expectations. :~)

Before Pictures:

_______________________________

Well, I didn't quite meet my goal. I got all the laundry washed except for one load of towels and one tiny load of reds. My MIL was watching the kids for me this morning and folded most of the clean laundry. Wasn't that nice of her?!

What would you like to accomplish today? Join the Tackle It Tuesday meme over at 5 Minutes for Moms, and tell us about it.

Measure Up Monday (but first, a change announcement)

2008-02-18T14:35:00.001-06:00

I have noticed that 5 Minutes for Moms already has a housecleaning/project Tuesday meme, called Tackle It Tuesday. So as not to "copy" them, I will just play along with their meme. I will still post here, but I will be linking to their meme, instead of posting the Mr. Linky at the bottom of my post. Since no one has yet participated here, I reckon no one cares. So... that's the way it'll be folks. Like it or not. :~) Hee Hee!

And on to Monday's Topic... I am so so excited!! I weighed myself at Curves on Saturday. I just couldn't wait until Wednesday. (My MIL, who usually would watch the kids, was sick and I wasn't able to make it to the nutrition class last Wed.) I have dropped down to just under 147!!! YAY!!! Still a ways to go, but hey... I like progress. I have done very well with my food intake, but with what I eat and how much. I am also grateful that I am on the higher carb diet, rather than the higher protien diet. Apparently, the majority of women are carb intolerant, and thus need more protien than carbs. But I'm one of those weird folks that is just opposite of the rest of the world. But you know, I don't mind. I like eating lots of whole grain bread. :~)

Does anyone have any great shampoo reccomendations? I am currently using the cheap $.97 Suave stuff. But my hair is greasey every morning to where I feel I need to wash it everyday. I've had lots of people tell me it's not good for your hair to wash it everyday, but I hate having a grease head. My SIL reccomended an Equate shampoo that I might try. But I wondered if there are others out there that have found a great solution.

How are you doing with your physical goals?

Scripture Sunday

2008-02-17T19:15:00.001-06:00

"I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High." -Psalms 9:2

Yesterday, as I was driving to Curves for my workout, I was singing along with the radio, praising God at the top of my lungs. (I am a "crank up the radio" kind of person when I'm driving by myself.) As I sang and praised "the God who gives and takes away" my spirit was lifted and true joy settled into that grumpy spot inside of my heart.

Thinking of David tonight, I realized how often his heart was down, hiscircumstances more than undesirable. Yet, when he was down, he would begin to praise God both despite and because of his circumstances. When he didn't feel like praising, he would choose to praise. Choose to rejoice. "I will be glad and rejoice... I will sing...."

And you know, I'm starting to notice that when I choose to rejoice, be glad, and sing, I begin to feel glad as He blesses me with His joy.

What has God taught you this week?

Snap It or Scrap It Saturday

2008-02-16T13:45:00.001-06:00

Ok, so I didn't actually design this this week. I think it was last week, but I've got company coming tomorrow and a house to clean today. So...... this will have to suffice. :)

Daryn's 11 month layout. I need to take his 1 year picture, so I can finish up his baby book.

Have you got a photo or scrapbook layout to show off?

Family Friday

2008-02-14T20:36:00.001-06:00

I come this week with a sad heart. Sad at my downfalls. Sad that it's so hard to change my attitude. Sad that loving my children actually grinds against my very nature.

I mean love as in self sacrifical love. I do love my children very much. It's my desire to nuture them and cause them to know in their heart that their mother loves them dearly. But to sacrifice my own plans to accomplish just that goes against human nature.

It has become increasingly plain to me this week that I am much more concerned with what I want to do, than I am with the wellbeing of my children. Sure, I feed them, I change their diapers or help them go potty, I give them baths. I even smile and talk to them as I do. But I don't enjoy with them. I don't pay attention to them. When they come to me with requests to play, frustration begins to boil inside me. How dare they interrupt me from my plans!? When they request a drink or help with something, I give an absent minded "just a mintue" and go on with my plan. When they don't nap as long as I think they should or refuse to nap at all, I don't see it as an opportunity to spend more time with them, but instead I see it as throwing a wrench into my plans.

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." -John 4:34

"For even Christ pleased not himself" -Romans 15:3

Christ has given me the perfect example of self sacrifice. Phillipians two tells how He literally laid aside the glory of Heaven - more glorious, rich, and amazing than any human mind can conjure up- to live the life of a lowly human. To perform the menial tasks of a lowly man. He set aside the power to do what He wanted to do the will of His Father.

The will of my Father is to serve my children (no, not be their slave), love my children, nurture my children, play with my children, bond with my children, enjoy my children. But in order to fulfill the will of my Father, I must, like Christ, set aside my own will... my own plans on a moment by moment basis.

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." -Philippians 2:4

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." -Romans 15:1

I am definitely strong than my alomst 3 year old and my 1 year old, and they certainly have a pascal full of infirmities in the course of one day... scraped knees, hurt feelings, toy frustrations.... What am I doing to bear these for them? Merely a pat on the back while fighting the urge to push them away? What shame!

Yesterday, I worked real hard at changing all this. But you know, it was hard. Harder than a lot of things I've had to do. And though the actions were there more, my heart still wasn't there. I didn't feel love and compassion when C was crying over the piece of kleenex she had stuffed up her nose. I didn't feel joy at the thought of spending one on one time with D when he just would not nap. I didn't feel excitement and enjoyment when I answered C's, "Come on, Mom. Play store with me." I just plain didn't feel anything but the grating of sacrifice against selfishness.

I've contemplated the saying, "Just do, the feelings will come." Should it be that way? I don't want to grudgingly perform duties. I want it to come from the heart. Perhaps it boils down to trying to do things in my own strength. My own strength is weak and does not bring joy. It is heavy and tiresome. But the joy of the Lord is my strength and His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
_________________________________

How did you display love to your family this week? In what ways do you want to change to show them a greater love?

Thankful Ten Thursdy

2008-02-14T07:29:00.002-06:00

Today, I am thankful for:

1. A husband who loves me.
2. A husband who supports me in my everyday endeavers.
3. All our special memories that we love to remember together.
4. The way God drew our hearts together, so that we had the assurance that we were the ones for each other.
5. The kisses he gives me every morning before leaving for work, even when he has to wake me up to give them. I like that a lot.
6. His determination to provide for his family.
7. His dreams and his working toward them.
8. His desire to share life together, rather than just living two seperate lives in the same house.
9. That we are each other's best friends.
10. His attraction to me, despite my "flaws".

What are you thankful for today?

Write-it-Out Wednesday

2008-02-13T14:03:00.001-06:00

Inspiration for today: "Draw on your own experiences."
______________________________

The wail started softly, unnoticed by Kristin. Yet, within a short 15 seconds, the velocity built to an ear piercing screech, much like a fire engine’s siren. Kristin pulled her pillow over her head and moaned. Not again! The baby was just up and nursed an hour and a half ago. She could feel the heat of anger building up inside her chest. Why did she have to sacrifice her sleep? Why did she have to nurse the baby, walk the baby, soothe the baby? Why? Why? Why? Did the simple word “mother” automatically mean that she would be doomed to sacrificing her sleep, her time, her emotions, her life??

She pulled her head out from under her false sound barrier and looked at her snoring husband. It wasn’t fair! John could sleep through anything. ANYTHING!! For a second, she entertained the thought of waking him and pleading that he sooth the baby back to sleep. But she sighed and shook her head. No. That wouldn’t work and she knew it. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t be willing. He had said many times that he wouldn’t mind getting up with the baby. But she knew he would go into the nursery, pick up the screeching baby and that screech would turn into horrific angry baby cries, because Mommy hadn’t been the one to pick him up. For 30 minutes or more, the angry cries would continue. Kristin would toss in bed, throw the pillow over her head, cry, and moan, until finally John would come into the room and say, “I’m sorry, Honey. He just won’t stop. Would nursing him help?”

Sighing again, she angrily threw her legs over the side of the bed. “I need sleep!!” she whispered to herself. She hesitated at the nursery door and took a deep breath. Slowly, she let it out, hoping it would expel the anger along with it. She walked to the crib and looked down at her son. He was so little. So helpless. SO NOISY! “I must look like that to God when He looks down from heaven on me,” she thought.

As she scooped her baby up into her arms, his screeching cries turned into mere whimpering sobs. He felt his mother. He was safe. And he was loved. “Father,” Kristin prayed. “I am little and I am helpless. My heart is crying loudly for you. Hold me close and quiet my soul.”
_______________________________

Now, it's your turn! Just sign your Johnny Hancock to Mr. Linky down below and leave the link to your very own Write-it-Out Wednesday blog post.

Take it On Tuesday

2008-02-12T10:28:00.001-06:00

Today, I plan to reorganize the freezer so things will stop falling out when we open the door. I really need to clean up the whole kitchen as well. Here are some before pictures. I'll be back with after pictures.

Oh, yeah, and I took the front grill thing off the fridge over a month ago so I could clean it. Ummm... it's still sitting in the laundry room dirty as ever. I guess I'll add that to the list too.

____________________________

Well, today was not my day. Seriously, it has been one dissappointing thing after another. Daryn only took a 45 minute nap which did not give me a chance to do much of anything. I did get the freezer reorganized and one load of dishes in the dishwasher, though, so I guess that's good.

Which reminds me, you know those plastic cutting mats? Yeah, well they don't do well at the bottom of a dishwasher, on top the heating element. Don't ask.

I attempted to use several odds and ends that I found in the freezer to make soup. It consisted of water, some beef broth, and two cans of tomato sauce, some corn, some green beans, a little bit of pasta that was leftover, and breakfast sausage patties cut into small pieces. I think it was that last ingredient that made it entirely too strange for my consumption. I didn't much care for it, so I fixed something else for the kids and I for dinner. When Aaron came home, I offered it too him, with a warning that it was kinda wierd. Apparently, he really liked it. He said he was going to pack some for work tomorrow.

The finished freezer:

Measure Up Monday

2008-02-11T08:36:00.001-06:00

Well, only two days left of the first week of my Curves diet (which is more like just learning to eat healthy and watching portion sizes). I know I have lost weight, my scale is now reading 14_, instead of 15_, which is so exciting. I always love hitting a new second number. So far, in the last year, I have lost at least 15 pounds. I will weigh in at my Curves club on Wednesday with a proper scale, so I'll know for sure how many pounds this week dropped.

This first week limits your calories to 1200 a day to jump start your metabolism. I must say, I have eaten a little more than that each day, just because I've been so hungry. But that's ok with me. I know the things I am eating are healthy and the portions are not oversized, so I'm fine with that. Weight loss isn't worth getting irritable and shakey to me. Besides, I don't think that is the goal, either.

I tried out some eyeliner. I'm not sure what I think. I like having more definition, but I'm having a hard time getting a smooth thin line. Maybe it's the pencil? It just ends up looking like a thick smudging, powdery line. Maybe the pencil's not sharp enough? I don't know. Anyone have any tips or eyeliner reccomendations?

Scripture Sunday

2008-02-10T14:06:00.001-06:00

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves" (Phil. 2:3)

Looking back on this past week, I see a lot of selfishness in my actions. Seriously, much of it has been done for me. I haven't thought much about the needs of my children, other than the obvious diaper changes, food, sleep, etc. I cannot think of one thing I have done for them that has not been beyond my obligatory duties.

Love for self is a strong pull. One that I cannot break on my own. I need Him and His strength every minute of everyday to pull me from my selfish little world and back into the world of genuine love... the giving of myself for the joy of those around me.

"God, I cannot break this pull of selfishness. Please put in my heart Your love for my family and those around me. Give me Your joy, for it is my strength."

Snap It or Scrap It Saturday

2008-02-09T14:24:00.001-06:00

I took about 25 photos of Cherith sitting on the couch yesterday. I loved the the color of her lips and her shirt with the couch and pillows. But what my eye could see was not delivered by my camera. Really, the more I learn about photography, the more I hate our little point and shoot. It's a great point and shoot, but does not deliver the results I want, like an SLR would. All my indoor pictures are always blurry, grainy, or washed out. Anyhow, here's two of the best. One with the flash and one without. They have been majorly doctored in Photoshop to clean up the over exposure and under exposure, brighten the colors, and sharpen them a bit. They are still grainy. I don't know of a way to fix that. And the colors still aren't true to real life.

Family Friday

2008-02-08T09:56:00.001-06:00

I've tried to get more rest this past week and it has helped with the frustration level. I still need to work on going to bed earlier though. I am such a night person, so it's hard. Knowing that I'll have to get up at 6:30-7:00 with Daryn doesn't make it any easier, for some reason.

I've got some wonderful plans for Valentine's that I am super excited about. But I will say no more lest I spill da beans.

This week, I want to work on not ignoring the kids so much. It's just so easy to get wrapped up in "my" stuff, and just ignore them, then get annoyed when they wake me from my spacey stuper. It usually goes something like this:

Me: Engrossed with cleaning or computer stuff, etc.

Cherith: "Mom, Mom, Mom"

Me: Slightly annoyed with the way she spits forth my name in rapid succession. "What, Cherith?"

Cherith: "Can I watch a movie?"

Me: Distracted with what I'm doing. "Ummmmmmm...."

Cherith: "Mom, can I watch I movie? Mom, Mom, Mom."

Me: "Just a minute, Cherith." Continuing to think about what I'm doing rather than her.

Cherith: Gives up and takes off to play.

It's only a matter of minutes before the poor ignored child decides to get attention by throwing toys or beating on little brother.

You get the picture. I need to remember my priorities. My children are more important than my computer or any of my projects.

Thankful Thursday

2008-02-07T09:32:00.002-06:00

Today, I am thankful...

1. That Daryn sleeps through the night (despite his crazy notion to wake at 6:30).
2. For the comradery of my husband.
3. For Cherith's sweetness (even when she has "rough days").
4. For our little home and God's provision as we strive to beautify what we DO have.
5. For my husband's job (even if it's not ideal).
6. For the ability to loose wieght (despite the work).
7. For my computer friends.
8. For my wonderful sister and sister in laws.
9. For my children's grandparents who love them very much.
10.That spring WILL come (even though it seems it never will).

Write-It-Out Wednesday

2008-02-06T19:37:00.001-06:00

Descriptive Writing

She stood at the top of the hill overlooking the prairie, letting the warmth of the evening sun thaw her chilled heart. The wind dispersed her troubled thoughts as it gently wisped through her hair. She watched as the rustling grass danced in perfect unity. For a moment, she wondered why relationships couldn't be more like that. Perfect unity. But as she inhaled deeply to let out a sigh, the frangrance of the prairie overtook her. Ah! It was good to be home!

Is wisped a word? Hmmmm...

I am getting my writing "assignments"/ideas from Creative Writing Corner.

Oh, yes... I still haven't uploaded the bathroom pictures yet. Today was a lll-ooo-nnn-ggg day! I left the house at 7:45, came home at 4 to give the kids a short nap (which they didn't take), then left again at 5:45 to return home at 6:45. Fed the kids and put them to bed.

Take It On Tuesday

2008-02-05T13:08:00.001-06:00

Today, I plan to attack the bathroom. It has been neglected since returning home from vacation a few weeks ago. Besides, the cleaning, it just needs some sorting, and finishing of projects. I am using this link as an inspiration.

Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa

I will be back with photos. Hi-Ho! Hi-Ho! It's off to work I go!!

Measure Up Monday

2008-02-04T12:12:00.001-06:00

Well, Wednesday marks a starting point for me. After two months of extreme busy-ness and no great headway in my weight loss goals, I'm jumping into the nutrition class at Curves. This will take me through a six week diet that I am excited about. I started it once, and lost 3 pounds the first week, but then stopped. I am excited about the accountability the class will give me.

The diet is well rounded and healthy. You don't cut anything out, like a low carb diet or such. It's just learning to eat healthy and manage your metabolism by keeping track of your calorie intake. The first week they cut you down to 1200 calories a day to jump start your weight loss, then you go back up to a about 1500-1600 calories. They also help you figure out whether you need a more carb/less protien diet or a more protien/less carb diet, so that you can balance your protien and carb intake based on your needs.

My current weight is 151. My goal for the six weeks is to loose 8-10 pounds. My over all goal is to loose 30 pounds, though I may not get that far before baby number three makes it's existence. But I want to steadily keep working at it, so I don't keep stacking baby pounds.

On to other things...

I think my eyes need more definition. I've decided to try eye liner. But I have no clue how to wear it, so I checked out a few links and came by this one.

How To Apply Eyeliner

I think I'll pick up some eyeliner when I run errands on Wednesday.

Scripture Sunday

2008-02-04T07:56:00.001-06:00

I guess I'm a bit late on this. Oh well.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His will my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

-John Newton, Amazing Grace

Sometimes it so easy for me to only see the problems and frustrations in my life. God has promised good and it is there. I need to look for it and embrace.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jer. 29:11

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Rom. 8:28

His will is a light load, not a heavy slavery. I need to rest in it. Take hope in it.

"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Mat. 11:30

And He will be my protector and provider. He is all I need.

Snap it or Scrap it Saturday

2008-02-02T15:04:00.001-06:00

I am working on completing Daryn's baby book. Here is his 10 month main page.

Family Friday

2008-02-01T21:25:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about all the special little things Aaron does to show just how much he cherishes me. The most special to me is his habit of writing a little note with a red ink pen on a bright yellow, square post-it then leaving it somewhere for me to eventually find during the day. I look forward to my note search every morning.

When I think of all he does, it makes me feel like a moocher. I get so much from him, but what special thing do I do for him on a regular basis? I know marriage isn't about keeping tally of "favors", but I do wish I could think of something that would be "my special little thing" to do for him. I'll have to think on that one.

On another note, looking back over the week, I've let my tiredness come out in exasperated shortness toward both the kids and my husband. I haven't yelled or gotten mad... just that frustrated exasperation. But none the less, I don't like it. This next week, I want to rest more and remember that they are not the enemy.

About Me

2008-01-26T19:27:00.005-06:00

It all started when I was born at a very young age.... Wait, that sounds corny. Let's try again.

Once upon a time, in a faraway land.... No, too fairy tale-ish.

Well, I was born very young, and it was in a remote location... Clay Center, KS. I mean how many people have ever heard of that? I don't remember much of my infancy. Watching my children's infancies go by, that's probably a good thing. Way too traumatic!

I had a normal childhood, I guess. The whole divorced parents thing. I got into trouble sometimes, but I wasn't an evil child. My constant gabber probably got me into more trouble at school than anything. And at home, the things I got in trouble for were the things my older brother told me to do. So, see it wasn’t my fault.

My mother became a Christian when I was five, and I remember her putting my brother and I to bed one night. She was telling my brother (on the top bunk) about how Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. I listened very closely, then prayed quietly to myself and told Jesus thank you for dying for me, then asked Him to live in my heart. When Mom leaned down to talk to me, I told her what I had done. Mom says that over the years in my childhood, I often came to her saying that I had just become a Christian, but this is the only time I remember, so I reckon it was the moment of truth.

My parents remarried when I was seven. I continued my normal childhood along with my eventually five other siblings.

When I was thirteen, my family became acquainted with IBLP/ATI (Institute in Basic Life Principles/Advanced Training Institute* -see footnote). It became a family rule that we would only wear dresses and skirts (just the girls, not the boys, of course), that we would listen to only hymns, classical, or other Christian non-beat music, and other conservative standards. We eventually enrolled in the ATI program and so began my "apprenticeship years", teaching character in the OKC public schools, teaching children's seminars, attending a two month girls' "school"... all within the "Institute".

I look back on all that and realize that it is a legalistic following of man (Mr. Gothard). I do not have any more connections with it (except for some wonderful friends I met through it). I do not, however, regret having gone through it, since God used it to mold me into who I am. Though I have had to go back and undo a lot of my thinking on issues and a lot of my beliefs, my faith has been strengthened and my sense of God's love of the individual has been heightened. Besides, I would never have met my husband, if I hadn't been involved in ATI. (Story coming later.)

I married my best friend and the love of my life May 1, 2004. Gave birth to C, April 11, 2005, and then to D, January 28, 2007. I love my family more than anyone in the world, especially my husband. We have a lot of fun together.

Since my husband's name starts with an A and mine with a B, we decided to name our children with the alphabet. Which is why I refer to them by their letter in my posts. When I sign cards or put our return address on an envelope, it usually looks like this: ABCD Lastname. I certainly hope we never make it to Z, nor am I planning on it.

Currently, I am a stay at home mom, having a blast (most of the time) taking care of my family, our home, and running my small graphic design business, BP Digital Creations.

Well, that's the longer than the short of it. I will be writing installments of my love story in the future, probably as part of Write It Out Wednesday. So keep your eyes peeled.

*Mr. Bill Gothard's seminars and homeschool group.

Photos

2008-01-26T18:30:00.001-06:00

Our Family (ABCD) -Fall 2007

A (husband) and C (child #1) - Summer 2007

Me (B) - Spring 2007

C - Fall 2007

D (child #2) - Fall 2007

Favorite Links

2008-01-26T17:35:00.002-06:00

Creative Writing Corner

Money Saving Mom