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!