There is nothing that makes me feel better than a great compliment. Some people have trouble giving great compliments, and others, are getting better at it;o) But that's for another blog.
This one's about my kids!
Sunday's have always been difficult days. The kids don't want to go to church and complain about class, and church is boring, and yadda yadda yadda. We go to church...it's what we do. End of story!
Last Wednesday, L & E really didn't want to go to class at all. But after a few eye rolls and huffing and puffing, they trotted along. All was well when they got out.
Ian struggles on Sunday's and I haven't figured it out yet. Sometimes it takes a little more effort on my part of looking into why he's feeling out of place rather than just assuming what's going on.
So THIS Sunday....we're sitting in class and Linda comes up behind us and just wants us to know how great L & E were in class last Wednesday and explained to us why they would be helping her during service today. I know I had a look of shock on my face! But I was SOOOO delighted! I couldn't wait to give them praises!
Then...I'm talking to Bobby and he tells me how great Ian is doing in the youth group and how much growth he has seen in him over the past year. I think my head must have spun around 5 times at that moment. But again...I was delighted!
I have great kids!!!! They can frustrate me and delight me all in the same day and sometimes within the same 5 minutes. But there's nothing better to a parent than someone coming up when you're having a day that you struggle with parenting....and compliment your children. That....feels like happiness!!!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Just Stuff....
We went to see Phantom of the Opera last night and I had the best time! I had a headache so it did make the night a bit uncomfortable but it was worth every moment and every penny we spent on going. We went with the best group of people I could ever want to spend an evening with. I hope we can do it more often.
We leave Wednesday morning for Nashville. I'm so excited. But yet....I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO! Not only do I have to get ready, but I have to get Ian's birthday party planned for Sunday afternoon. So I have to have everything done by Tuesday and I still am up to my ears in errands.
It's okay though. If it doesn't get done then that's okay. The world will not end. The celebrations will go on. And fun will be had by all. I get overwhelmed when I have about 5 list of things to do in just a few days, but at some point, I'm going to come up and take a breath of air. ;O)
We leave Wednesday morning for Nashville. I'm so excited. But yet....I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO! Not only do I have to get ready, but I have to get Ian's birthday party planned for Sunday afternoon. So I have to have everything done by Tuesday and I still am up to my ears in errands.
It's okay though. If it doesn't get done then that's okay. The world will not end. The celebrations will go on. And fun will be had by all. I get overwhelmed when I have about 5 list of things to do in just a few days, but at some point, I'm going to come up and take a breath of air. ;O)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Being still
Have you ever wanted to blog and you just couldn't? Very few times in my life am I left just speechless. Doesn't mean I don't have anything to say, or things going through my mind, but...I think it's God's way of helping us keep our focus on Him. Times like right now, I am forced to just be still....and know...He's God.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Things he did....
My dad is an interesting man in many ways. Last night I was reflecting on some of the fun things he did when I was just a kid.
*On Valentines day, he always took a red sheet of construction paper...made a BIG heart on it....and listed out all the things he loved about us. My favorite line was "I love how you keep your bedroom clean" That was far from the truth...but I took the hint!
*While I was in campfire, we had a "father/daughter" banquet every year. He wore this blue suit that I can always remember. We're not talking dark blue...but yes...baby blue. He always made jokes and made everyone laugh and was also great at winning Bingo every year.
*He played guitar and sang silly songs to me that he wrote. I think I get my sense of humor from him and definitely my musical side. There's this song that sticks in my head "Does a chicken have lips" and then it goes downhill from there. Every year when our families gather together, someone always has to break out with this song and everyone else joins in. It's pretty funny cause the song makes NO sense. We both love music...but as we've gotten older, our differences in music have changed quite a bit.
He also sang a song about some mountain and a dad and his daughter. I don't remember the name, but the tune is still in my head today.
*Every year, a few weeks before Christmas, he would go out and buy me the prettiest Christmas dress. You know...the frilly one with tons of lace and made me look like a million dollar princess. I never knew what I would get, but I always anticipated the Christmas dress. No other gift really mattered to me.
*He's a whistler. Everyday coming home...he would never say hello first. He would be whistling a happy tune as he walked through the door. My mom always said he did that so he wouldn't scare us and we would know it was him walking through the door. I knew he did it because he loved to just whistle. He did it everywhere we went.
*He's a great joke teller. Still to this day he loves a good joke. Can't say they are always "clean" jokes, but they are pretty funny. He loves a good story that will make others laugh.
*He always drove us around town at night. Around dusk, at least 3 nights a week, we would drive over to the tasty freeze on 11th street and get a chocolate dip cone. Then we would just drive around the city. Sometimes paying bills so he could save a stamp, but most of the time, just listening to the radio and looking at the sights. We never went farther than 51st street, but we spent hours in the car growing up.
*Vacations were always fun. Even if for a kid they were boring, he made them fun. They were always road trips with my brother and I constantly fighting about silly little things. Probably because we owned an ORANGE car!
I road my first upside down roller coaster with my dad and I remember his huge arm coming across my chest as he thought I was going to fall out! I was so little I came out of the seat. I remember that he would have never road anything like that, but I really wanted to and he wasn't going to let me down.
Memories like these are fun. I have many more as I sit here and think about it but the blog is long enough. Things change as life goes on so I think it's important to stop and remember the good times that you've experienced together. My dad won't be around forever, and at times, our relationship is rough. More than I would like it to be. But it's never changed my heart and how much I really love him. I may never hear those words from him, and he's not always been the best at saying it, but somewhere deep inside, I believe he does.
*On Valentines day, he always took a red sheet of construction paper...made a BIG heart on it....and listed out all the things he loved about us. My favorite line was "I love how you keep your bedroom clean" That was far from the truth...but I took the hint!
*While I was in campfire, we had a "father/daughter" banquet every year. He wore this blue suit that I can always remember. We're not talking dark blue...but yes...baby blue. He always made jokes and made everyone laugh and was also great at winning Bingo every year.
*He played guitar and sang silly songs to me that he wrote. I think I get my sense of humor from him and definitely my musical side. There's this song that sticks in my head "Does a chicken have lips" and then it goes downhill from there. Every year when our families gather together, someone always has to break out with this song and everyone else joins in. It's pretty funny cause the song makes NO sense. We both love music...but as we've gotten older, our differences in music have changed quite a bit.
He also sang a song about some mountain and a dad and his daughter. I don't remember the name, but the tune is still in my head today.
*Every year, a few weeks before Christmas, he would go out and buy me the prettiest Christmas dress. You know...the frilly one with tons of lace and made me look like a million dollar princess. I never knew what I would get, but I always anticipated the Christmas dress. No other gift really mattered to me.
*He's a whistler. Everyday coming home...he would never say hello first. He would be whistling a happy tune as he walked through the door. My mom always said he did that so he wouldn't scare us and we would know it was him walking through the door. I knew he did it because he loved to just whistle. He did it everywhere we went.
*He's a great joke teller. Still to this day he loves a good joke. Can't say they are always "clean" jokes, but they are pretty funny. He loves a good story that will make others laugh.
*He always drove us around town at night. Around dusk, at least 3 nights a week, we would drive over to the tasty freeze on 11th street and get a chocolate dip cone. Then we would just drive around the city. Sometimes paying bills so he could save a stamp, but most of the time, just listening to the radio and looking at the sights. We never went farther than 51st street, but we spent hours in the car growing up.
*Vacations were always fun. Even if for a kid they were boring, he made them fun. They were always road trips with my brother and I constantly fighting about silly little things. Probably because we owned an ORANGE car!
I road my first upside down roller coaster with my dad and I remember his huge arm coming across my chest as he thought I was going to fall out! I was so little I came out of the seat. I remember that he would have never road anything like that, but I really wanted to and he wasn't going to let me down.
Memories like these are fun. I have many more as I sit here and think about it but the blog is long enough. Things change as life goes on so I think it's important to stop and remember the good times that you've experienced together. My dad won't be around forever, and at times, our relationship is rough. More than I would like it to be. But it's never changed my heart and how much I really love him. I may never hear those words from him, and he's not always been the best at saying it, but somewhere deep inside, I believe he does.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Varities
I LOVE a good sandwich! Growing up I remember every Sunday night after church (yes...Sunday night church) we had Campbell's soup and sandwiches. I remember the smell and remember my mom opening the can of chicken noodle that I couldn't wait to eat. I always wondered why she bought so many cans when we went to the store. Now I know...that little bit, doesn't go very far.
I've often been complimented on the varities that I have chosen to make for my family and friends over the years. Most of my friends know they can come over anytime for a good sandwhich...or a loaded baked potato!
So today for lunch, we enjoyed some of my finest with what we had in the fridge. Ham, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato (without salmonella), pickles, white bread, salt and pepper. Sounds pretty simple...but maybe it's in the bread...but whatever it is...it is simple and good on a summer day. Lukus chose to eat the traditional PB&J and that's okay. Apparently when mom makes it....it's pretty good.
The sandwich...it's a simple little thing. I don't really know what makes it so special...or so good....but most people enjoy them and they bring a smile to their face. Maybe it's the fact that it's easy....or then again...maybe it's that good memory from home that just hits you right every time.
What's your favorite sandwich??
I've often been complimented on the varities that I have chosen to make for my family and friends over the years. Most of my friends know they can come over anytime for a good sandwhich...or a loaded baked potato!
So today for lunch, we enjoyed some of my finest with what we had in the fridge. Ham, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato (without salmonella), pickles, white bread, salt and pepper. Sounds pretty simple...but maybe it's in the bread...but whatever it is...it is simple and good on a summer day. Lukus chose to eat the traditional PB&J and that's okay. Apparently when mom makes it....it's pretty good.
The sandwich...it's a simple little thing. I don't really know what makes it so special...or so good....but most people enjoy them and they bring a smile to their face. Maybe it's the fact that it's easy....or then again...maybe it's that good memory from home that just hits you right every time.
What's your favorite sandwich??
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Conversations with Lukus...
Lukus: You know you can get baptized in HOLY WATER???
Mom: Really? What makes the water Holy?
Lukus: Because they stood over it and sang "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY"
Mom: Really? What makes the water Holy?
Lukus: Because they stood over it and sang "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY"
Friday, June 20, 2008
Pinball Number Count
I have to confess something....I never watched Sesame Street as a child. My children did not either. So I guess I can't appreciate the true value of the show. However, there are some out there that have some favorite things about it. One of them being this song below. I can see why. It's pretty catchy!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Reasons....
Reasons not to work an insane amount of hours in 3 days:
* You get absolutely no sleep
* You miss getting to be with your kids.
* After a while, you start to see things that are not there.
* It puts a strain on your 5 senses.
* It adds stress to your heart.
* You eat at hours of the night that you usually don't.
*It puts a strain on your marriage.
*There's no possible way that everything will ever get done...so you might as well try to rest.
30 hours worked....in 36 hours....not enough sleep.
* You get absolutely no sleep
* You miss getting to be with your kids.
* After a while, you start to see things that are not there.
* It puts a strain on your 5 senses.
* It adds stress to your heart.
* You eat at hours of the night that you usually don't.
*It puts a strain on your marriage.
*There's no possible way that everything will ever get done...so you might as well try to rest.
30 hours worked....in 36 hours....not enough sleep.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Enjoying a night out!
Okay, so Chad and I love to have romantic nights out. HOWEVER, we do have children! But the funny thing is, our kids love to see that side of us. Guess they want to know that we are still "in love". So tonight, we went down to the river and then out to dinner. We had a fabulous time, even with them there! Here are a few highlights! (*disclaimer: the best part of the above photo was not exactly the OU shirt)
Emilie is getting great in her photography skills! She shot this one in the dark on the bridge while the wind was blowing!
I have no idea on earth what this was about. I heard "Hey take our picture" and then here ya go. I didn't even notice the dew bottle until I got home and laughed uncontrollably!
What you don't see in the backgroud is Emilie is sitting on the ledge praying not to fall in the water. We didn't hold this pose for very long!
Toe Pick
I can say now the secret is out. (Thanks to my mother) The kids now know about my ice skating days. So we had an afternoon of "dress up" as Emilie now decides she wants to follow in my footsteps! Yikes!
I think I must have worn this outfit when I was about 8 or 9. I can't remember. Of course...the skates were my last pair so they didn't fit her.
This was the team USA jacket for the 1992 winter olympics in Albertville, France. I have pants to match too, but we were just playing with the jacket.
The last moment was a photo opportunity caught by Lukus as we were playing. He's always willing to jump in and take some candid moments! Notice that HIGH arch in my foot??? I got that from wearing those skates! Ouch!
I think I must have worn this outfit when I was about 8 or 9. I can't remember. Of course...the skates were my last pair so they didn't fit her.
This was the team USA jacket for the 1992 winter olympics in Albertville, France. I have pants to match too, but we were just playing with the jacket.
The last moment was a photo opportunity caught by Lukus as we were playing. He's always willing to jump in and take some candid moments! Notice that HIGH arch in my foot??? I got that from wearing those skates! Ouch!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Conversations with Lukus...
Lukus: Oh my goodness....my stomach hurts like a rock!
Mom: HUH??? A rock hurts???
Lukus: Want me to hit you with a rock and see?
Mom: Nevermind!
Mom: HUH??? A rock hurts???
Lukus: Want me to hit you with a rock and see?
Mom: Nevermind!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
screwed up!
One thing I find fascinating is that we are all messed up in some way or another.
We all have faults. We all hurt people. We are all sinners. I find this fascinating. Mostly because there are people in this world that would rather find fault within others, than look at themselves.
I have no place in my life to ever judge anyone for mistakes they have done in life. I make mistakes everyday.
Judgement is such a strange word. Judging goes so many different ways.
My biggest judgement against others is I judge what others may think of ME before giving them a chance to think of me. I don't expose my life for fear of judgement. So really I'm judging them and their reaction before they have a chance to form an opinion of me. That's only hurting me.
I believe I'm not the only one who does this. What about the person that judges the visitor who comes to church dressed in a provocative manner? What about the homeless man on the side of the road begging for money or food. What about the couple in church divorcing and everyone judging without knowing the whole story? What about a teen who comes to church pregnant? What about the member who got caught in a lie? What about the gay man or woman? What about....what about...what about. It could go on and on.
I can't judge these people because I did not die on a cross. But because of His death and resurrection He has empowered me to teach His word and to help those that are in need of help. It is not about creating division. It is not about choosing sides. It is not about denying anyone but it is about love. We are required by His law and his commandments to love one another.
We are accountable to God for our actions. I belive as fellow brothers and sisters that we too are to help each other with accountability for our actions. Reminders of how our actions are affecting others and how we as a family can help those that are truly in need.
We have such a hurting nation. Our loved ones and those we don't even know about are crying out and need a helping hand. How can we help today? Can we admit we are just as screwed up as the others? Is one sin far greater than another? Do we sin just by our omission to admit that we sin in the first place? It's one thing to say
"I'm a sinner" it'a another thing to be big enough to share it with the world.
I want to be that person!
We all have faults. We all hurt people. We are all sinners. I find this fascinating. Mostly because there are people in this world that would rather find fault within others, than look at themselves.
I have no place in my life to ever judge anyone for mistakes they have done in life. I make mistakes everyday.
Judgement is such a strange word. Judging goes so many different ways.
My biggest judgement against others is I judge what others may think of ME before giving them a chance to think of me. I don't expose my life for fear of judgement. So really I'm judging them and their reaction before they have a chance to form an opinion of me. That's only hurting me.
I believe I'm not the only one who does this. What about the person that judges the visitor who comes to church dressed in a provocative manner? What about the homeless man on the side of the road begging for money or food. What about the couple in church divorcing and everyone judging without knowing the whole story? What about a teen who comes to church pregnant? What about the member who got caught in a lie? What about the gay man or woman? What about....what about...what about. It could go on and on.
I can't judge these people because I did not die on a cross. But because of His death and resurrection He has empowered me to teach His word and to help those that are in need of help. It is not about creating division. It is not about choosing sides. It is not about denying anyone but it is about love. We are required by His law and his commandments to love one another.
We are accountable to God for our actions. I belive as fellow brothers and sisters that we too are to help each other with accountability for our actions. Reminders of how our actions are affecting others and how we as a family can help those that are truly in need.
We have such a hurting nation. Our loved ones and those we don't even know about are crying out and need a helping hand. How can we help today? Can we admit we are just as screwed up as the others? Is one sin far greater than another? Do we sin just by our omission to admit that we sin in the first place? It's one thing to say
"I'm a sinner" it'a another thing to be big enough to share it with the world.
I want to be that person!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The More I Seek You...
The more i seek you,
The more i find you
The more i find you,
The more I love you
I wanna sit at your feet
Drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breathe, here your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
Click on it to hear it on the left!
The more i find you
The more i find you,
The more I love you
I wanna sit at your feet
Drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breathe, here your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
Click on it to hear it on the left!
Deeper moments...
I want to blog....but don't know what to say.
I have so much to say and no way to get it out. Blogging it would not be beneficial.
This is where prayer is so beneficial. I can speak softly, cry, yell, or not speak at all and God knows the throughts that go through my head. He's the only one that matters. We sing songs like "When we all get to Heaven"..."Everybody will be happy over there"..."Paradise Valley"..."Heaven Came Down"..."I walk with the King"..."He still came"....just to name a few. And so many times I pray "Please God, hurry up...I'm waiting" I'm ready for the day that we can spend eternal life with Him.
But while I'm here, I love that we sing songs like "His Grace Reaches Me"
All else....doesn't matter.
I have so much to say and no way to get it out. Blogging it would not be beneficial.
This is where prayer is so beneficial. I can speak softly, cry, yell, or not speak at all and God knows the throughts that go through my head. He's the only one that matters. We sing songs like "When we all get to Heaven"..."Everybody will be happy over there"..."Paradise Valley"..."Heaven Came Down"..."I walk with the King"..."He still came"....just to name a few. And so many times I pray "Please God, hurry up...I'm waiting" I'm ready for the day that we can spend eternal life with Him.
But while I'm here, I love that we sing songs like "His Grace Reaches Me"
All else....doesn't matter.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Moments at the park
My kids just don't really like going to the park for the toys. They go for the nature! I love it!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Hold On!
I have several friends who are facing trials in life right now. My heart aches for them. It's hard not to carry their burdens for them.
If you have not heard this song, it's worth listening to.
If you have not heard this song, it's worth listening to.
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