A Christmas to remember

This year our Christmas was radically different than any year past. Mainly, no family. We decided to go away for Christmas this year. There were numerous reasons; an ailing grandfather we needed to see, a grandmother who was spending Christmas alone, scaled down decorating due to apartment living. About a month ago we decided to head north for Christmas and for the first year ever, spend Christmas day just the four of us....no where to be, no one coming over for lunch or dinner. Nothing. Just the four of us. It was magical.

We headed to upstate New York on the 19th and played in the snow and visited Rick's grandparents for a day. The boys had a great time sledding and snowboarding.

Look at my husband! Snowboarding no less. I tried it and after nearly knocking my arm out of socket twice while falling, I decided to stick to the sled! It's sad my 8 year old can do more things than me!!

We ate a ton of great food - especially at Grandma's house and saw lots of pretty lights.

Here are the boys eating homemade pudding at Great Grandmas!

These were particularly pretty in the downtown part of Rome, New York. They had a whole lights display with music. It was very sweet. We intended to leave Christmas Eve and head to Hershey, PA but the boys wanted to have their first "White Christmas" so we stayed and left Christmas Day.

Here is David writing a note to Santa on Christmas Eve.

I am so glad we stayed. Oswego, New York had a white out Christmas morning....basically a ton of snow in a short period of time. The kids woke up to lots of presents under our little tree in the hotel room and snow falling outside. It was a beautiful day.

This was what it looked like outside our hotel room Christmas Day. The snow was falling so hard you could barely see across the river.

This was Jason opening his Leapster 2. I guess he was happy.....he's so hard to read. :)

David was equally happy opening one of his gifts.

It was a wonderful time and one that we will never forget. I'll post more from Hershey next.

Angels among us

I received an email from a friend of mine about an angel at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Me, being my normal skeptical self, wasn't too sure at first. But this story IS real and has been confirmed. If you don't believe, take a look for yourself. What a beautiful story for this holiday season.

This email is from Katy L. Field. The following is true:

Diane Bynum works at Presbyterian and she told me Sunday at church about this picture and how everyone at Presby is talking about it. I keep up with a little girl who has cancer on Caringbridge and her mother posted this on Ellie's site today. It was sent to her to encourage them as they fight for Ellie's life.

So many of you have heard me tell the story, but I wanted to pass it along anyway to those who didn't hear it and for those who wanted it in email.

A couple of Wednesdays ago, I got an evening phone call from the pediatric ICU at Presbyterian Hospital, where I work as a child life specialist. Usually when they call at night, it means something bad has happened. This, however, was different. My coworker told me that the most amazing thing had just happened and she just had to call to tell me.

We had a patient who has really grown up in and out of the hospital. All the staff knows her and her family. She had been in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for about a month, and had been intubated - on life support. She was not doing well. The doctors had approached mom about taking her off life support the Saturday before. Mom was okay with it, and said that she'd been through so much and if was her time to go she wanted to honor that. So they had taken her off. It was Wednesday and she was still alive. Amazing. The doctors approached mom about taking off her oxygen mask. Mom was supportive, and began praying over her daughter.

The mother of another young patient who was in the bed next to her began praying with her. The nurse practitioner went to the nurses station to chart that she had taken off the oxygen mask. While doing so, she looked up at the security monitor that videotapes the double doors leading into the PICU. It records anyone who may be waiting outside the doors to get in since it is a secure unit. She saw a man standing there, and it looked a little funny to her, so she decided to walk down the hall to open the double doors personally.

When she opened them, no one was standing there. She walked back down to the nurses station to finish charting, assuming he had walked away, but saw him still standing there on the monitor. So she opened the doors with a button near the nurses station and leaned over to see him walk in, but no one was standing there.

She pulled over another nurse and both stood staring at this man on the monitor and opening the doors to find no one there. The nurse practitioner leaned in closely to look at the man on the monitor and said, 'Oh my gosh. That's an angel. You can see his wings!' They said that the sun starting shining so brightly and the whole PICU was strangely filled with light. They said he was a tall man and you could see wings behind him.

They pulled over all the staff of the PICU and the two praying mothers and everyone was staring at this man on the monitor and opening the doors to find no one there.

Crying, everyone pulled out their camera phones to take pictures, but no one could get it to show up on their camera.

The mother of the girl pulled out her camera phone and finally got a picture of the angel who was guarding the doors to the PICU. He turned out as a man of light. I have attached the picture from her phone.

The girl was later discharged from the hospital to go home.

A Miracle.

This story makes me so grateful for the way that God reveals himself to us, and the how Great He is really is. We have much to be thankful for this holiday. :)

-- Katy L. Field, CCLS Certified Child Life Specialist Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic Charlotte, NC

I want it and I want it NOW!!!

I am an instant gratification kinda girl. If I work out - one day - I expect to see immediate results. If I eat a salad, my thighs had better be smaller. When I pray, thy will be done...and so on. I'm not this way when it comes to clothes - if I see something I like, I don't buy it all that often. I do have a budget you know. But when it comes to food, and my weight, I have this very unhealthy attitude. So imagine my excitement when I joined Weight Watchers a month ago. My weight has taken a nasty turn this last year....like the last time I put on this much weight in a year I had a living, breathing soul living in me. That's not the case this year - or any year hereafter. So I joined and was psyched! I lost 4.8 pounds in the first week. Then week 2 hit and, well, not such good numbers. Week 3, even worse. Week 4, yikes. I told my husband I was ready to quit. At this rate I was paying $10 a pound......I can buy lobster cheaper than that! He laughed at me (we've been together 22 years......he knows how I am). But I was serious. I was doing everything they told me too. I mean, for crying out loud, I had lunch with a friend at the Cheesecake Factory the other day and I ordered a salad. A SALAD I TELL YOU!!! AND NO CHEESECAKE! I expect to see some serious fat coming off for that kind of sacrifice. Still, nothing. So here I am, a few pounds lighter, a bank account with a few less dollars in it, and me - disappointed. Very disappointed. Why am I like this? Do I really think I am 16 again and if I skip a meal or two my jeans are going to loosen up? Maybe that's it. I just can't accept I am getting older....and fatter....and my metabolism is slowing down. My body just doesn't respond the way it used to. I tell ya, this stinks. I would feel better if I were growing more mature with age and that was the trade off - but I'm not (as you can tell by the title of my post). So I've decided I'm going to give it a few more weeks, ramp up my work outs, and resign myself to the fact that I am older and this is going to take a little longer....or it may never come off. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has any. Anyone have a magic pill or something?

I have a niece!

My first little niece was born last night! Elliana Grace was born ahead of schedule late last night. She is in the NICU so please pray for her. She is doing very well and is expected to come out of NICU tomorrow. We are so thankful the Lord has blessed our family with this precious baby....a girl...finally! After 5 boys in this family we're not going to know how to act!

Thanksgiving

For the major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, my husband likes to find something significant, or scriptural to read before the event. If led, he will share it with our family and it always proves to be eye opening. Here is what he found and shared with us on Thanksgiving. There are many people that believe the first Thanksgiving was with the Pilgrims and the Indians. It wasn't necessarily that way. They celebrated the first Feast of Corn. The first official Thanksgiving Day was designated by President George Washington and the following was what he said about making this an official holiday: George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" "Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. "And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best." Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789. Isn't that beautiful! Thanksgiving and Prayer. That is what this holiday should still be about. Thankfully for many of us, it still is.

Awkward spelling bee words

My son was the top speller in his class and will represent them in his school's spelling bee. This was a really big deal in our house, until we got the list of words. Yikes! I can't spell a lot of these words....all 6 pages of them. I realize that's not saying much...... We are spending 30-60 minutes a night on these words that range from easy to difficult. He's doing pretty well, but some of the words are, well, weird. The faces he makes when I say the word for him to spell have been downright comical. Like babushka...or meddle. The meddle one was frustrating - he spelled it metal, medal and finally looked at me and, in total frustration asked - "just how many ways can you spell it? I mean, really Mom!" Like I am the master inventor of all words and decided there needed to be 3 ways to spell a word! Geesh! I'm thinking Eve gets credit for the dictionary. While Adam named all the animals, Eve got the fun task of making all the words? If someone's going to get the blame, it's always going to be mom, right? Alas, I digress.... The best reaction I got was for one word I will never forget. Abreast. Take a moment and imagine telling your child that's a word in his spelling be and he has to spell it. Imagine their reaction. You get the picture. I won't bother to tell you the fun we had spelling assess.

A sick child....and why I love Harris Teeter

After dropping my son off at school today, I ran into the Harris Teeter for some items. My son's class is having a Pilgrim Picnic tomorrow and I signed up to make a few things so I needed to get going - I had the whole day planned to bake and cook......the best laid plans....... I was in the check out line when I heard my son make a strange noise. Then it started. I've never had a child throw up in public before (that I can recall - maybe I blocked it out). My sweet little boy was throwing up - thankfully just water - as I was trying to figure out what to do. Another mom from our school was in the check out line in front of me and asked me what she could do. I thanked her as I was pulling Jason out of the grocery cart and heading to the bathroom. I yelled back "sorry to leave my groceries there - I have to go!" We made it to the bathroom but not before he threw up all over me and himself. Thankfully he stopped. That's when my HT angel arrived. She followed me to the bathroom and got me wet paper towels and handed them to me, talking to Jason, telling him it was going to be ok. She said how sorry she was for me - and him - and recalled a time it happened to her. Tasha, my HT angel, offered to grab some ginger ale and crackers off the shelves. She then followed me out of the bathroom and asked if she could bring my groceries out for me. I told her I didn't even have time to check out. "I'll get them for you" she said. I tried to calculate in my mind if I should just leave - but I did need some of that stuff - not the baking items - no baking going on in my house today to infect other children. But I knew I wouldn't make it out of the house again today. She took my VIC card and my credit card and told me to go wait in the car. I put my sick baby in the car seat and waited outside in the van. Out comes the manager and sweet elderly bagger. They loaded my car up and hoped my son would feel better. I'll be honest, when some stranger starts throwing up - I run for the hills. No way do I want to be around that. What a selfless thing a perfect stranger did for me today. I'm ashamed to admit I may not do the same. I will never forget her. I pray the Lord blesses her and protects her from the virus. It may not seem like a big deal to her - but to me - it was a "God" moment.

Here's my little boy - towel and bucket near him - dead asleep. Thankfully no more "incidents" yet. Hopefully there won't be.

Wise words from Benjamin Franklin

In the midst of all that is being said, and felt, regarding this election, I found comfort today as I helped my son study for his Social Studies exam. Benjamin Franklin, as he and many others were writing the Constitution, stated: "I have lived a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?" I pray the leaders of this country will fear the Lord as much as our forefathers did.

Joy or Happiness?

I have had so many things bring me happiness throughout my life, and several things that brought me great joy. It amazes to this day that I can still mistake one for the other. I was reminded of that as we were in the process of trying to decide on a house this weekend. We've been living in an apartment for the last 7 months, and it's been wonderful! Our friends don't believe us. It is kind of hard to imagine being happy in a one thousand square foot apartment after living in a four thousand square foot dream home, but we are. I've taken the whole "be content in whatever circumstances" thing to heart these last few months. Anyway, we found a house after just looking around one day. It was perfect floor plan, the perfect area, the perfect yard, the perfect kitchen....perfect. Have I said how "perfect" it was? I was giddy. So was my husband (as much as man can be anyway). Yet, as we drew closer to having to make a final decision, we couldn't get comfortable. We didn't have peace about it. Yes the economy is sagging and yes, we're never sure about the future, but that wasn't it. We kept trying to convince ourselves we this was right - it was the "perfect" house for crying out loud! How were we going to find a house like this again? Then my husband reminded me that the house wasn't going to make us happy. I knew this, of course, after living in our last house, but it still set me back when he said it. I was, even after having our "dream home" and it not fulfilling me, looking at that house thinking this time was going to be different. Our houses can be vessels for the things that bring us joy - but the house itself is not. I have learned after living in this apartment, that it doesn't matter what my house looks like - whether I have granite on the counter tops or stainless steel appliances in my kitchen; whether my yard is large and full of trees and my neighbors are all loving and helpful. No, what matters is following the Lord's will. Can the Lord grant me all of those things - of course! But will they fulfill me? No. Not one bit. Does God really care what house we live in? I don't think so. He cares about our character. He cares about our obedience. We have turned down the chance to buy the house. For whatever reason, we don't have peace about that house right now. That peace is what brings me the most joy. Going against that peace is like swimming against the current. You will work and work and work and never get it. You can't buy this peace, food won't bring you this peace. Only God can grant this peace. His peace is guiding us right now. He knows the future and I trust him. I trust that he will guide is each day. That's my joy.

The election and "God"

I think back to the previous presidential elections and I was so geared up; so nervous. I would stay up until all hours of the night watching the returns. This year has been different. I've been strangely emotionally removed from this year's election process. Maybe it's because of all the nasty accusations and relentless advertising. Maybe it's because deep in my mind I knew how it would turn out. Maybe it's because, for the first time, I just didn't know what to vote for anymore. Being the good white Christian that I am, I have always voted Republican. Without question. But after watching "my" party the last 4 years make grievous mistakes, I started questioning what "they" believed in. Does the Republican party represent me or just a part of me? And why is abortion the one issue that ranks at the top? What about war? What about financial responsibility? I am not just anti-abortion, against raising taxes, and against hand-outs to those who refuse to work. Weeks before I went to vote, I printed off the sample ballot for my district. I then went through each candidates website from President to Commissioner of Agriculture to District Court Judges. I spent time seeing who was most like me; who I would want to represent me. I was saddened by the results. This election, for me, was the lesser of two evils. For the first time it wasn't about who represented me the best, whose values and voting record would closely match my own - because I couldn't find one. No. This year was more trying to pick the person whose values were the furthest from mine and voting against that. Candidates from the Republican and Democratic party all came up short.

The God of both parties? I watched last night as predominately African-American churches were singing and praying and holding vigils for Barack Obama to be president. For the Lord to hear their prayers. I watched last night as predominately white churches did the same for John McCain. One African-American woman, after Obama was elected president, stated "this is the day the Lord has made!" And from all the emails I have been sent today, you would think that Jesus Christ himself was coming back tomorrow because of this election result alone. How is it possible we are praying to the same God? How is it possible that Republicans believe their prayers weren't answered but "God is still in control" and Democrats believe their prayers were answered and "God is still on his throne". Is this what it has come to? And what does this rhetoric say to the unbeliever? If I didn't believe in God and I saw all this mess, I wouldn't want to believe in Him. I couldn't help but watch and think of my Savior and wonder what He thought.

If African-Americans believe God answered their prayers because a black man was elected President they should be ashamed. If white Americans believe God answered our prayers 4 years ago because George Bush was elected president then we should be ashamed. Jesus taught us how to pray - and no where in that prayer was "oh Jesus, please let the Republican party win!". My son last night was saying his prayers. He knew the election results were coming in and he was strongly in favor of McCain (as much as you can be for 8 years old). When he started his prayer, I knew he would pray like any 8 year old would "Lord, please let John McCain win". I mean after all, he doesn't have the maturity to pray anything greater than that right? He surprised me. His prayer was simple. "Lord, whoever gets to be President, help him make the right decisions. Help him make good decisions. Amen." Amen indeed.

Halloween

We had a great time trick or treating with our friends this past Friday. Even though Rick and I were sick, and it was cold, we toughed it out so our children could get a ridiculous amount of candy! It was worth it. Here is a picture of my son (second from left) and his pals. I must say, he was one of about 50 storm troopers!

Here's out little Jason - the white and hold storm trooper with his mask on top of his head. He kept up with his big brother and big brother's friends all night. He ran as fast as his little legs could carry him. He didn't miss a single house!

This was one of the more "elaborate" houses in the neighborhood. Complete with graveyard, masked man with a chainsaw, mechanical half-person crawling on the driveway and a grim reaper on stilts! He stayed there until the last trick or treater left - it was a scary sight at night. I wonder what their house will look like at Christmas?

I'll be honest...I'm glad this "holiday" is over.

Fall Party Week

Last week I was very busy with class fall parties for both our boys. We had great fun and somehow I got put in charge of the craft for both parties! Here are some pictures:

David's party was a lot of fun. The craft was a little hard - tissue paper mache votive holders. The children loved dipping apples in the caramel and decorating them with sprinkles. The craft turned out well. They are such a sweet class.

Jason's party was a lot of fun. I went the day before and took pictures of all the children, and then they decorated frames with stickers. They are a sweet class too. Thanks for my friends Christy and Nancy for the craft idea! I went from a plain wood frame for 80 cents at A.C. Moore (thanks to an awesome 20% off entire purchase coupon!), to this:

I can't complain. The boys helped me paint all 15 frames black, I put the pictures in, got foam stickers for their names and let them decorate it with them - along with some other fall type stickers. (I wrote the 2008 at the bottom with a gold paint pen). The kids had a great time decorating them and the moms loved them. I was so excited they turned out this great!

Our first "Time Out"

My little boy came home from school last week, was barely out of my friend's van and confessed "I got put in time out today Mom." I must admit, this is a first for us. He gets put in time out many times here at home, but never have my boys been put in time out at school. Leave it to Jason to crash through that barrier! As I was asking him in my non-threatening, non-I'm going to die voice about what happened, he insisted he didn't know. He just kept shrugging his shoulders and saying "I don't know what I did". Yeah, right. So I asked him to tell me where he was when he got put in time out. He said he was standing in line talking to Zachary. Well, there you go. I asked him if he was supposed to talk in line and he said "I guess not, because that's why I got put in time out. But Zachary kept talking and I couldn't hear the teacher, so I didn't know we were not supposed to talk". Of course the next time we went to school, I asked his teachers about it. I really just wanted to make sure he understood what he did. His teacher got this sad little look on her face and said "Oh Sherri. I absolutely hated to put him in time out. You know how much I LOVE him. But since he and Zachary were both talking, I had to put them both in." Of course I understood this and wasn't questioning her decision at all, but her reaction to me was comical. To be honest, I'm surprised it hasn't happened before now. I mean, the kid is in constant trouble here at home! Anyway, I had to mark this day. I hope this isn't the start of things to come!

Happy 40th Rick!

My dear husband turns 40 today! We'll be spreading the celebration out over 2 weeks with dinners and nights out and as usual, I am struggling with what to get the man who "has everything he wants" (according to him). Still - 40 - I have to get him something good! I am so thankful to have him in my life. He has been my best friend for 22 years and the best father our boys could ever wish for. He actually is having lunch with David at school today and playing football on the playground with the boys at recess. That is where he wanted to spend his birthday lunch! How awesome is that? Happy Birthday Rick. I thank God every day for you and all you mean to me.

A bloggy slump

I haven't blogged in a while. I'm of the mind set that if you don't have something good to say (or funny), don't bother. So, I haven't. Still don't have a whole lot to say. Been busy trying to keep up with all the BSF homework, 3rd grade homework, and holding the boundaries with my 4 year old. Oh, yeah, my husband turns 40 this week!!! I'll be posting more on that later. I did have lunch with a friend last week that got me thinking. She, like me, does a lot of service for our church. I am taking this year to refocus and reconnect with my Lord. She does a great job of balancing it all, but she did make one comment to me that struck me. She's struggling with trying to cut back and turn stuff over to other people. But, in her words, she finds it's just easier to do it herself. I can relate. It is easier, on the front end, to just keep doing what you are doing and keep serving in the way you've served. The only drawback to that is, someone else misses out on the blessing. Yes, it might be easier to do it yourself, but what if we took that approach with our children? It's easier for me to tie my boys shoes instead of nagging them to do it, but they still have to learn to do it. And where is their sense of accomplishment if I always do it? This conversation struck me because I am like her. It IS easier for me to do it (that's my type A coming out). Looking back, turning over my service duties to someone else was hard. VERY hard. But someone else is being blessed by it now. Looking back, I am grateful boundaries were set that only allowed me to do 2 years of service in a certain area. I miss it like having a child go off to college that never calls. But God is allowing that void to be left empty for a while so He, and only He can fill it. Not service, not stuff, just Him. Wow, that's been different! But good. I look forward to seeing what God will do in my life, and hers.

In uncertain times, think of Jochebed

Banks are failing, gas is scarce, the economy is uncertain and the government is working on a bailout plan. In my lifetime, I don't ever remember a time when things seemed so uncertain - other than the days and weeks after 9/11. Where will things go? Is my money safe? Is my retirement in jeopardy? What about our parents? They don't have as much time as we do to recover from a stock market crash - what is to come of their retirement? Our BSF group is studying the life of Moses. I don't find it a coincidence the timing of this. Jochebed was Moses' mother. I have learned over recent weeks what a remarkable, faithful woman she was. I am thinking of her today. We all remember the story of her putting Moses in a basket to float down the Nile. Her daughter Miriam looking out for her little brother, and the Pharaoh's daughter rescuing Moses from the Nile. The rest, as we like to say, is history. It's a great story and one that I remember hearing from preschool on. What I didn't realize, until now, is what tremendous courage it took for Jochebed to do what she did. Pharaoh had commanded all Hebrew baby boys to be thrown into the Nile. Jochebed trusted in the Lord and kept Moses with her for 3 months. After that, she carefully planned a time to put Moses in the Nile. She watched the times for when the Pharaoh's daughters would bathe; she formed a basket out of pitch and tar to secure her most precious son; she instructed Miriam to keep watchful eye out for her brother. She planned. She trusted. She planned. She trusted. These words keep resounding in my mind this last week. We, as believers in Christ, must have faith that God has a plan. He has a plan for this economy; He has a plan for my life; He has a plan for your life. But I am reminded of Jochebed. We also must plan. Plan for things to get worse before they get better. Plan to get gas while we can - and be thankful when we can get it. Plan with our finances, our groceries, our retirement. Plan and prepare as much as we can, then leave the outcome to our heavenly Father. He knows the future. In times that are rough, I trust the only One who holds the key; who knows the future. I also trust that He loves me, and you, and as long as we are in communication with Him, he will let us know what we are to do. Just like Jochebed. The beauty of Moses' story is this: the Lord asked Jochebed to trust Him with her greatest, most priceless thing in her life - her newborn son. The Lord asked her to give Moses to Him and trust Him. Not only did the Lord give Moses back to her, he arranged for her to be paid to be his mom! How awesome is that? Can you imagine giving up your child and then getting him or her back - with pay? God is great. He has a plan. We must plan and trust. He is faithful. He always is.

Things are much better around here

After Daddy laid down the law this weekend with our youngest, he is a changed little boy. No one but our family probably even notices it, but we certainly do. This week has been a gem. I can't remember the last week we have had that was this good. Don't get me wrong, he's always been a good boy. But the arguing and disobedience, with me in particular, was wearing me flat out. It wasn't good for me, and it certainly wasn't good for him. This week, Jason is obeying like never before. He is even doing things for his older brother when asked. His attitude is so much better, and so is mine. He wants to sit with me and play games with me. Out of the blue he will give me a hug and say he loves me. Not that he didn't do that stuff before, but there is a lot more of it. I truly believe it's because his behavior has changed our relationship. I didn't realize until this morning how much more relaxed and at ease I am. It speaks volumes to how much this situation at home was stressing me out. I am sure that annoyance came across to him.

I so appreciate my wonderful husband. If it weren't for him I'd probably still be fighting this. Rick said he never wants to see again the face Jason made when he told him his Doggy was getting taken away. It was horrible and Rick will always remember it, for it broke his heart. The signs are still up, and will continue to be. And if Jason so much as starts to disobey, I remind him of the signs, or ask him if he wants doggy to sleep with me. The atmosphere around are house is very different. And for that, I am so grateful! I am very proud of my little boy.

Obedience 101

In James Dobson's book "Parenting the Strong-Willed Child", he makes the wonderful comparison of children and grocery carts. I'll paraphrase it for you. God, in his infinite wisdom, will give you one child (for me it was my first) like a brand new cart at the grocery store. It basically steers itself, maneuvers around corners well, obeys your every steering command; makes shopping and well, life, much easier. Then, once you think you've got this parenting thing down pat, and as chance to show God has a sense of humor, he gives you the cart from h-e-double-toothpicks (as my friend Melanie likes to call it). You know the one. The cart that has the tire that just won't go straight; refuses to go where you want it, much less take a corner on a dime. You push one way, the cart pulls the other. The one that makes you exhausted by the time your 30 minutes of shopping are up. Sound familiar to anyone out there? I have been blessed with one of each.

This week has been harder than normal with Rick being out of town. One of the things he told the boys was that they were to obey Mommy while he was gone. He wanted to have a good report from me every night he called. Monday night came and the report wasn't so good from our littlest cart. Tuesday was much of the same; Wednesday - ditto. You get the picture. By the time Saturday rolled around and Daddy was on his way home, Mommy had been run over enough times by her little cart she had skid marks on her head. When Daddy called, Mommy had a little crying fit on the phone, begging him to drive faster and to be carrying a big box of chocolates and a large bottle of Chardonnay when he came through the door.

Daddy was none too happy. He was glad to see the boys and didn't bring it up until after dinner. But when he did, Jason tried to play it off like he was a good boy. When Daddy asked if he obeyed, Jason looked right at me to see if I heard the question, then nodded his head yes. It didn't take long for this facade to crumble, and within a few minutes he was headed to his room, sure he was going to get a spanking. Instead of a spanking though, Daddy took away his beloved Puppy for the night. It broke Daddy's heart more than anything, but as he put it, "something has to get to him". It did.

The next morning Daddy and Jason worked on signs to put up around the apartment that say "Obey". He wanted to make sure Jason had every opportunity to remember what he is supposed to do. He even put scripture on it to back it up! Ephesians 6:1 "Children obey your parents......"and he and Jason are saying it throughout the day.

These cute, colorful signs are all over the place. (You'll have to pardon the post-it's, we ran out of tape!) I am happy to report, they are working! I realize it's just the first day, but it's a start. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Happy Birthday Christy and Lexi!

Yesterday my friends and I celebrated our friend Christy's birthday at the Cheesecake Factory (man I love that place!). We had a great time.....well, at least most of us did (as you can see by this picture). Jason was none to happy to have his picture taken. Maybe it was the fries - if you look close to the picture, that big plate of fries is his. Yes, I know, I won't be up for any "Mother of the Year" awards this year. Maybe it was a male thing - being the only male at a table of 6 girls? Who knows. But we had a great time anyway and little Lexi and at the end of the table in pink turned 1 this week. She is a cutie that one! So is little Hannah on Christy's lap. It was so cute to watch the two of them talk to each other! I am so thankful for these friends God has placed in my life. I am especially thankful to have celebrated the last 3 years with Christy on her birthday (one in Nashville, one in Orlando and now here at home). Happy Birthday Christy!

It takes a village......or a church?

Yesterday, our family had the privilege to watch our oldest son, David, get baptized. It was a moving experience and from beginning to end, I was struck at just how many people played an important part in our son's life, and his decision to give his life to Christ. The minister who baptized David yesterday, Rev. Bill Smith (Coach Bill as David calls him), baptized Rick and I when we joined the church a decade ago. He also runs the sports ministry where David played baseball in the spring. It was shortly after that season ended that David prayed the prayer of salvation. Bill, the coaches and the parents who helped out, no doubt played an important part in that decision. His first Sunday School teacher, Aaron, came up to him and congratulated him yesterday. I remembered many Sunday's when David was a toddler, dropping him off at Sunday School as he was crying all the way in, and Aaron would pick him up, set him on his lap, and that is where he would remain until we came to get him. How grateful I am for the years Aaron so lovingly cared for David. It was there, in Aaron's arms, he first learned of God's love for him. He also learned in those early years that church is a safe and loving place. So many of David's teachers were there. From school teachers to Sunday School teachers; to ladies who taught him in Vacation Bible School. Lyn Smith, his 2nd grade teacher from last year, came to see him in the baptistery before we went in to tell him she loved him and was going to be watching him. How grateful I am for Carmel Christian School and the lives they are shaping there at this very moment. They have made a huge impact on our family. All of our family and friends who came from around the area to support him yesterday. How often they have prayed for him, loved him, and encouraged him. Rick had invited many of his co-workers to come and they did. He had asked me why I didn't invite anyone and I thought about it for a moment and I said "Most of my close friends are already here!" Through MOPS, WEE School, mission trips and so many other areas of our church, our family's closest friends are at Carmel. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I don't know about that, but I do know it takes a church. Some days when it doesn't seem like what I do as a mom matters, or as a Sunday school teacher matters, or if going to church even matters, I will remember this day. Because on this day, all the things that many people have done over the years mattered in my little boys life. For my child's name is written in the book of life forever. Forever. What an awesome feeling that is!

We'll see

"We'll see." Do you ever say that in response to something your children have asked you? I remember hating this as a child. Whenever I wanted pizza for dinner: "we'll see" my mother would respond. Or if I wanted to go to the junior high dance...."we'll see" my dad would say. That usually meant no in my house.

I admit, I am the first one to give the "we'll see" answer to my boys whenever I deem necessary, and like my parents, it usually means no in my house as well. But I use it usually during those times that they really want to do something and I: a) know the answer is no but don't feel like listening to the "why?; but why? why not?" responses; or b) I'm not sure what the next hour is going to look like or if I'm going to get done what I need to get done so I don't want to commit to something I honestly can't do or c) I just plain don't have the answer. I think my boys are catching on to this.

Jason has been asking me to ride bikes for the last 30 minutes. "We'll see" has been my answer, as I have been waiting on Daddy to call to see what we are doing for dinner (it is Friday after all - my night off!). Anyway, after about the 3rd "we'll see" answer to him, he marched his little hiney in my office where I was working and said "you know Mom, we'll see is NOT an answer". I looked up from my computer and said "it most certainly is an answer". "No it's not" he responded curtly. Followed by "is falling off a bike an answer. NOooooo"! To be honest, I'm not really sure what this meant, if you have any clue, please fill me in. Here's the face he makes when he challenges my parenting skills:

Your kids ever give you that look? Yep, I thought so.

Friday Funnies

I was looking for something fun to post for Fridays, and lo and behold my sister in law sent me this doozy last night. It was so funny, I just had to share it. Thanks Claire for making me laugh so hard I cried. Have a Fun Friday! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter. Dear Mr. Thatcher, I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants. Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from 'the curse'? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing? As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy! The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.' Are you kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory. For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong', or are you just picking on us? Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending messages. And that's a promise I will keep. Always. Best, Wendi Aarons Austin , TX

The passage of time

Today is September 11th, and like most of the country, I am remembering where I was and how I felt 7 years ago today. David was just a year old, Rick was a work, as was my mother who works on the 30th floor of a large skyscraper uptown. I remember being glued to the television, unable to move, wondering what had happened. And then, finally when the awful conclusion of what had happened came, I knew this country would never be the same.

Looking back, I would have never imagined just 7 years later how much we are back to normal. Yes our airports are a mess, and you truly wonder if the screening process really does it's job or is it just the fact that no one is attempting to replicate that fateful day with airplanes this time. We are more irritated by this process than grateful for it. I also find it ironic that we have an opportunity to put someone in the White House whose name is similar to "Osama". How many times we heard this name, correlated it with terrorism and fear and death and all things we as Americans don't stand for. It may seem like a silly thing, but I think it is worth mentioning.

Then there are those whose lives will never be the same. Those family members who lost a loved one in the attacks, and those who have lost ones in the wars that followed. Children who will never remember their father; husbands who lost wives; mothers and fathers who lost a child. It's unthinkable the pain and suffering those families went through 7 years ago, and are still living with today all over again.

The passage of time means that bad memories are less fresh, pain is less harsh, and hopefully many good moments have come to provide distance and comfort from what was once so unbearable. My children will never know what it was like to witness September 11th. And soon, generations will follow that will mark this day, but never cringe at it's mention the way we do.

Whether you approve of our President or not, it's at least worth giving him credit that the plans he put into place have prevented anything like this from happening again on our land. I commend him for that. And it's fitting that we remember this day as election day looms ahead. What if this does happen again - who would you want in office to handle it? What if the terrorist, or someone else, goes after the President and the Vice President has to take over? Are you comfortable with the choice you are about to make? There are a lot of issues in this election, and this is one of them. It's important to remember that.

Lord, may you be with those that are suffering in remembrance today.

Yearbook pictures

Ok, so after Nancy did this I just had to check it out myself! I wasn't planning on posting these, but someone insisted. Here they are. This is about the age I started dating Rick! This picture looks eerily like my mother.... Yet another reason I am NOT a fan of short hair! See why? I had to laugh out loud at this picture. I swear they took this from my best friend in high school's year book. I am not kidding, her picture looked just like this - hairstyle, fuzzy sweater, gold chain necklace. Hysterical!

I think my child needs therapy.....

How else can you explain this self-portrait: If there were a title for this little artist's work I would name it "The Angry Child". Jason had a "homework" assignment over the weekend and this was it. He had to draw a picture of himself. Now, this simple task started a great discussion in the van on the way home on Friday. I hadn't read the instructions all the way through when he informed me he wanted to draw Superman. "Superman?" I exclaimed! "You're supposed to draw a picture of yourself". Now Jason, never being the one to back down from a good argument, rebutted with "Yes I can draw Superman. Teacher said!". Of course, after reading the entire letter from the teacher, he, in fact, could draw a picture of himself dressed up like someone. Ok, I give. So we started our little project on Saturday. Starting with the eyes. Ok. Then the nose - a bit like Frosty, but again, it's his drawing. Then came the mouth. Oh my Lord. I don't know if you can tell from the picture, there is not ONE frowny mouth, but TWO, count 'em TWO frowny mouths. He drew the first one and I said "OK, that's great" gritting my teeth....."but you look mad with that mouth, can you try to make it look like a smile?" I said in my cheeriest voice. So he quickly took his little Sharpie marker and drew the same thing right below it. I can't tell if it makes him look even more angrier or like a small child with a double chin. As he finished coloring outside the lines and scribbling all over, I bounced between holding back my right arm to keep from correcting the picture, to wondering what I had done wrong as a mother. I mean, how can a child of 4 years old draw himself this unhappy? And how in the world is a type-A mom like me going to turn this in to the teacher? I am, after all, expecting him to go to Kindergarten next year! I left the picture as it was so Daddy could see it to give me some clue as to what I've done wrong as a mother. He took the picture in hand and asked Jason why he had such a mad face in the drawing. He replied "because I don't know how to draw anything else". Well, there you have it. I'm not a failure as a mother after all, except for the fact I've never learned to teach my child to draw fuzzy, happy bunnies. So I will turn his little "self-portrait" in tomorrow - all smiles as if my child's picture does not reflect some dysfunction at home. It doesn't, (really, it doesn't) but if I were his teacher I would wonder...... One of these days I'll look back on this and laugh. Not today. Probably not tomorrow either - or the entire week or month it is posted in his room at school.

A cupcake sorta day...

Today I had a huge craving for cupcakes (no I'm not pregnant!). So I took myself to the store and bought 1 box of cake mix and 1 can of frosting (I don't think I've ever gone to the HT just for that and came out just with those 2 items). After picking up Jason from WEE School, we came home and made them. Jason exclaimed "this is the best day of my life!". Mine too! They are yummy!

First day back to WEE School

Jason went back today to WEE School for what, most likely, will be our last year there. We plan on sending him to Kindergarten next year if all goes according to plan. He complained on the way there he didn't want to go, and he had a few tears at drop off (as you can see by the hat in his face). Oh yes, he had to wear his new Oak Ridge Boys hat to school today to show it off!

But at pick up he was his happy little self and was telling me about his day all the way to Wendy's. (He got to pick where he wanted to go to lunch today). I love those moments in the car when it's just him and I and he's talking non-stop about his new friends and his old friends he saw on the playground. What a sweet boy he is - I love this age!

Of course after drop off, I got a little "me" time and met Nancy at the Flying Biscuit for brunch. What a lovely morning of no children, great conversation, wonderful company and excellent food! I'm ready for Thursday!

The boys first concert

When my husband and I were dating, there was a bit of a rivalry between us from the get go. I was a huge Alabama fan (the country group - not the football team). He, on the other hand, was a devoted fan of the Oak Ridge Boys. Rick didn't really care for Alabama - he always thought the Oak Ridge Boys got jipped at awards ceremonies by Alabama (like it was some sort of conspiracy). Anyway, I quickly became a fan of these guys as well and we have attended several of their concerts over the years. They sing beautiful harmony - especially in the gospel songs Rick and I love to listen to. We've met them a few times and they are wonderful guys. So this weekend they were playing at Myrtle Beach - the Alabama Theater no less - so Rick took David and Jason to see them. I had already committed to a wedding reception and didn't feel right backing out on my commitment, so I reluctantly stayed behind.

The boys waited for them outside their bus, and sure enough, the Oak Ridge Boys came out and signed David and Jason's books for autographs and took pictures with them. Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen and William Lee Golden all took time to talk to our boys - asking them how old they were and getting down on their level to talk face to face. They are a great group of men and I am thankful this was David and Jason's first concert to witness.

Needless to say, they have been singing, playing the drums and guitar here at the house, and even making me do an introduction for their new "band" - The Cross Band. Of course, I have to announce them just like the Oak Ridge Boys were introduced at the concert. They even are signing autographs for me. Who knows, maybe this could be a start of a budding career. At the very least, it has given them a renewed love of music. For that, I am grateful.

The boys will always remember this day, and no doubt so will Rick. How neat is it that a group he enjoyed so much as a kid, he now gets to share with his boys!

And how sweet that he remembered his wife on the trip.

Look what I got when he came home:

an Alabama greatest hits 2 cd set and book by them. HUGE deal for my husband to spend this much money on Alabama merchandise. He must really love me!

Murphy's Laws for Children

(I saw these on line and had to share)

Murphy’s Laws for Children:

• When you need to carry a child they will want to walk.
• When you want them to walk they will want to be carried.
• When you bring the stroller they will want to walk.
• When you forget the stroller they will want to ride.
• The more potential a food has for stains the greater the coverage area when it is hurled by a child.
• A child's favorite one day is never a favorite the next day (especially food). The intensity of the tantrum is directly proportional to the amount of people around to witness.
• If it's mine it's mine, if it's yours it's mine, if I like it is mine, if I can take it from you it is mine, if I am playing with something ALL of the pieces are mine, if I think it is mine it is, if I saw it first it's mine, if I had it then put it down it is still mine, if you had it then you put it down it is now mine, if it looks like the one I have at home it is mine, if it is broken it is yours.
• If I make a mess you must clean it up
• If I broke it, its your fault
• Soccer, Dance, Basketball, Softball, Piano, Girl(Boy)Scouts (etc.) is always on the same day with less then 5 minutes between.
• The more preparation time for the meal the less likely a child is to eat it.
• As soon as the child is in the car and the car has left the driveway the child will have to use the bathroom.
• The clothes/shoes you bought last week will not fit this week or will not be "cool" enough for this week.
• The greater the importance of the phone call the louder the tantrum the child will have.

and for my friends Nancy and Christy......as soon as your children get settled in to school, they will get sick and have to stay home.

The best granola snacks!

In my feeble attempt to get my boys to eat healthier, I found this recipe on Allrecipes.com for granola snacks. They are great and easy to make! Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups crispy rice cereal 2 cups quick cooking oats 1/2 cup raisins (my kids won't eat them, so I substituted mini chocolate chips!) 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: 1. In a large bowl, stir together the rice cereal, oats and chocolate chips. Set aside. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. Combine the brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat just until boiling then remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the cereal and oat mixture and mix well. 3. Press into the prepared pan using a spatula. Allow to cool, then cut into squares. Yummy! This is my boys attempt at being funny. Trust me, they DO like them!