Saturday, June 27, 2009

My New Follower (of the blog...not my cult)


I have to introduce you to my new follower...my grandma. She is 85 years old, we all call her "Granny", shares a birthday with my second daughter (shown in the photo)and she enjoys Twinkies.

I had the privilege of visiting her in Jonesboro, AR this past weekend. I managed to squeeze in a little one-on-one girlfriend time with her one morning...laughing about my life as a wife and mom, sharing how she managed to raise six kids (only one of them a daughter, my mom). Talk eventually turned to this blog.

I booted up my cousin's computer sitting nearby and shared my posts regarding my birthday gifts. I then brought my sister's blog up on the screen. It was so fun to laugh with her! After reading a few posts, I asked her if she needed a break or really didn't want to know that much about either my sister or myself. She looked at me and said, "I can't know enough about you." Made me weepy...so thankful for technology. So, I promised that my sister and I would keep our respective sites updated (Did you get that, Falula?). This will allow us to visit with her a little more often.

Now, if I could just get her to start a blog...

"We Should Have Named You Grace"

"We should have called you Grace". Yep...that's what my mom said to me upon hearing of another of my clumsy mishaps. You see, I have this propensity...really a superhero-type power...at falling and other crazy acrobatics...over things unseen even. Take yesterday as an example.

I shut my hair in my car door. Now, before I describe what really happened...I am dying to know what you visualize based only upon that sentence. Was I inside the car or outside? Was it the bangs or a side section...or a pony tail? Was the car running? My husband assumed I was outside the car and wondered how I got loose. Anyhow...on with the facts.

I jumped into my van to run an errand. Always trying to live up to the maternal expectation of "multi-tasking"...I decided to close the door while leaning towards the door so that I can remove my cell phone from my front right pocket (another super-hero power of mine...long, run-on sentences). Impressive, eh? Imagine my surprise just after the door closed and the phone had been extracted, when I go to straighten up in my seat and feel the painful tug of my head, by my hair, back to the door. My first thought..."Did anyone else see that?" Of course, I couldn't look around to find out. I quickly opened the door, pulled my barely-hits-the-shoulder tresses out, closed the door, started the car and drove away...to live another day to assault...myself.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

With a Kid's Eye


I love how kids look at things. A couple of days ago, my 3-year-old pointed out to her aunt that she could still see the moon in the morning sky. She then commented that it was broken...because it was only a half-moon.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

I am Blessed

So, have you been keeping up? While I realize that blogging really seems to be a self-centered enterprise, my hope is that my ramblings will help you recognize the blessing that have been placed in your life. As I wrap up this series of entries, there is still the most important gift in my life to be ooohhhhed and aaaahhhhed over...the gift of Jesus.

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul quotes Old Testament scripture to remind us that every person has sinned in some manner through their character, conversation and/or conduct. I know I have failings in each of those categories on a daily basis. Paul goes on to share the Good News, though, in Romans 5:8..."while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

So, I am thankful to God for the many blessings in my life...those described throughout the week and those still unmentioned. But, I am most thankful for God's love for me, a sinner...poured out through the sacrifice of his perfect and holy Son, so that I can look forward to eternal life (John 3:16).

Friday, June 12, 2009

They Got My Back


Well, the birthday celebration rages on...even though the big day was two days ago!!!

Today I want to give thanks for all of the special ladies in my life.

Let me start with my sister. She and I are total BFFs! While it was not always that way (you can read just one incident here), it is that way now. While we live time zones apart, we keep in touch through text messages, pictures on the phone, e-mail, Facebook and good old fashioned phone calls. Every visit is anticipated and relished. We don't necessarily agree with each other on all of life's issues, but we love and respect each other...always willing to listen and learn from each other. Jodi is creative, smart and one of the funniest people I know (second to my dad). (Pssst....don't tell her that I said any of that, ok?)


My two sisters-in-law (or is it sister-in-laws?) are two more special people that I can always count on. While I don't get the chance to spend much time with them, they are always nearby with an e-mail and a prayer. They are quick to send cards and flowers during tough times and I always learn something from them that helps me be a better mom. Remember...they were raised by one of my favorite Titus 2 women!

Then, there are all my sisters (or sistas!) that I'm not related to but could not be closer to. They too have been there in good times and bad. We encourage each other as wives, moms, teachers and followers of Christ. They have character and the courage to live that character out in their daily lives. I appreciate so much their efforts to always be working on themselves and their willingness to serve others.

I am thankful for each and every one of these special women...they have certainly played their part in building this cathedral (she's a brick...howwwse....oops! sorry! could not resist), whether they know it or not.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

His First Builders


Remember my top earthly priority? (If not, go here.) Well, two of the major reasons that he is the man that he is are my in-laws.

Many of my friends have had distressing in-laws issues, but God has blessed me in this area of my life too. My father-in-law is the friendliest guy you will ever meet...in fact I don't believe he has met a stranger yet. And my mother-in-law is the picture of a Titus 2 woman. I always learn something when I am around her. They have been loving towards me from the moment that I met them. I never feel as though I am being judged or am falling short of any expectations they may have for the wife of their son and mom of three of their grandchildren.

Speaking of the grandkids...they are adored by all of them. Grandpa and Grandma grab the kids and dash away with them for a long weekend. They spend their days celebrating "backwards day" where they start with dessert for breakfast and end with breakfast for dinner...going fishing...swimming...having a birthday party for everybody. This is on top of them attending school and sporting events...going garage saling with Grandpa...making cookies, having tea parties and playing games with Grandma. They, too, are setting the bar high for us as future grandparents.

They will be celebrating their forty-fifth wedding anniversary this year. They continue to serve others in countless ways...such a wonderful example for the rest of us. I thank them so much for the man they raised to be my best friend and I thank God that they are a part of my life.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

My First Builders


Just as I was sitting down to think about this particular God-given gift, I received a phone call. It was my dad and mom. They were singing "Happy Birthday". Perfect timing!

I am blessed to be their daughter. They are the only ones who have known me my entire life, with the exception of God. They were chosen for this assignement by the Creator himself. Their love has always been encouraging, nurturing and unconditional. They have held the bar high for me and did all they could do to prepare me for life. They've been with me at the hospital, attended countless school events, taught me to ride a bike and drive a car. And now it is my privilege to watch them as grandparents in action...once again setting the bar high.

This summer they will celebrate their forty-fourth wedding anniversary. I've seen them weather many storms together and I am thankful that they are now able to enjoy life in the manner they choose.

I love still being their "little girl" and am thankful to God for sending me to them. It is a privilege that I didn't earn, often haven't appreciated enough and wouldn't change for the world.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Three of My Best Friends


They are a collection of giggles, freckles, curls and eyelashes. Each one is different from the other two in countless ways...interests...sensitivities...sense of humors (or is it senses of humor?). God uses them each day to teach me something about others and myself. And it is my pleasure, privilege and blessing to spend each day with them as we learn about the Creation together.

When I consider my own friendship with my sister and my mom, I look forward to what the future holds for us and our relationship...just don't rush me. I am enjoying being employed in the oldest profession...motherhood.

My Top (Earthly) Priority


As I consider the gifts that God has given to me, I have to start with the my husband. He's my best friend...hero...partner in life. We have known each other for 21 years now (over half my life) and been married for almost 17 of them. We have faced some of life's challenges, learning what each of us was made of. He is a man of integrity, loyal to the end, has an amazing ability to assess a process and immediately formulate improvements/solutions. He is a hard worker, a kid at heart, a man of faith. I learn from him each day and am thrilled that he is the dad to our three beautiful daughters. He may not be perfect, but he is perfect for me...God thought so first!

You can read more about him here and here.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Happy Birthday to Me!

So, this is my birthday week and I...What?...What do you mean "Weeeeek?"...Don't you have a week long festival in honor of your birth?...hmmmm...Well, you are certainly welcome to join all those that adore me in their celebration of me (she said with humility).

Now, where was I?...

Oh, yes..

I plan to celebrate my birthday this week by exclaiming thanks for the gifts given to me and my gratitude that I am starting a whole new year of enjoying them.

So, sit back and enjoy as I unwrap each one...and join me in the "oooohhhs" and "aaaahhhs".

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Is 3-years-old Too Early?

Too early for what?

Doing your own laundry. Marrin is on her fifth shirt today and it is not even noon. And there was nothing wrong with the first four.

I should add that she was wearing black pants throughout the changes. One of the shirts was black with "LOVE" written in bright balloon letters. When she appeared later with a green shirt, I asked her "Why are you not wearing your black shirt anymore?" She promptly answered "Because I'm not a ninja now".

The Heavens Opened...The Angels Sang!

This may be premature, but...

This week, when asked to vacuum a room, one of my kids moved stuff out of the way without being asked! I know! It was a beautiful thing! She was heaped with praise...in front of the others...to her dad (that was a huge deposit into his love tank).

One time in a row counts as a new habit...right?