3 gifts found in women today
1. A listening ear. When I needed (or at least wanted) to vent about a frustration, my friend R patiently let me do so.
2. A cheerleader. I've received several messages from friends congratulating me on the success of our big fundraiser event last night.
3. A tireless assistant. It's so nice to have friends who will get up early on a Saturday morning to count money from last night's event, then offer to help with the rest of the pain-in-the-neck details.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
March 17
A gift turned, folded, hung
1. My heart. I decided to "be Abraham" and forgive someone without reservation. Knowing that I will never receive an apology or admission or guilt made it difficult for me to fully let go of my hurt, but I decided that I just needed to do it and move on. Life has been so much easier since I made that decision.
2. I am still purging out of our closets for charity. I gave a lot of Jacob's old clothes to one of my friends who has 3 boys, the oldest being just one size behind Jacob. After I folded them all up, they filled a large laundry basket. She was quite excited to receive them. It wasn't too many years ago that I received hand-me-downs.
3. Back in January, one of my friends lent Jessie her poodle skirt to wear to the Father-Daughter sock hop for Girl Scouts. It has been hanging on the banister in our foyer for two months now. I REALLY need to just put it in my car and return it to my friend. But I keep forgetting, and now it's become part of the landscape. Every time I notice it, I smile, recalling how excited Jessie was that evening and how much fun Bret said they had.
1. My heart. I decided to "be Abraham" and forgive someone without reservation. Knowing that I will never receive an apology or admission or guilt made it difficult for me to fully let go of my hurt, but I decided that I just needed to do it and move on. Life has been so much easier since I made that decision.
2. I am still purging out of our closets for charity. I gave a lot of Jacob's old clothes to one of my friends who has 3 boys, the oldest being just one size behind Jacob. After I folded them all up, they filled a large laundry basket. She was quite excited to receive them. It wasn't too many years ago that I received hand-me-downs.
3. Back in January, one of my friends lent Jessie her poodle skirt to wear to the Father-Daughter sock hop for Girl Scouts. It has been hanging on the banister in our foyer for two months now. I REALLY need to just put it in my car and return it to my friend. But I keep forgetting, and now it's become part of the landscape. Every time I notice it, I smile, recalling how excited Jessie was that evening and how much fun Bret said they had.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
March 7
3 gifts in the kitchen
1. The Keurig. I love being able to make just one cup of coffee. And a cup of tea for Bret to enjoy on his ride to work. I know I could steep him a cup of tea the old-fashioned way, but the Keurig is much faster. I would have never spent the money for this gadget if not for the Silent Auction last year, and I'm so glad I did.
2. The dishwasher. It's hard enough to keep up with the dishes as it is. My kitchen would be piled with dirty dishes if not for the dishwasher. I remember about a decade ago, our dishwasher died and we didn't have the money to buy a new one. So for about a month, I washed all the dishes by hand. It wasn't so bad, and I actually liked it. It made life seem a bit simpler. But I had fewer people using dishes and certainly fewer activities to keep me away from the house.
3. The tortilla press/flatbread maker that Bret gave me for Christmas about 8 years ago when I was in my homemade corn tortillas craze. I surely do enjoy homemade corn tortillas, especially when they're still warm. He had bought me a cast iron press and I would cook them on the stove, but this press is electric so it's all one step. I had completely forgotten about it until I ran across it a few weeks ago. The last two times we've had chili, I made some tortillas, and they were soooo good. One of these days I'll make a batch for enchiladas.
1. The Keurig. I love being able to make just one cup of coffee. And a cup of tea for Bret to enjoy on his ride to work. I know I could steep him a cup of tea the old-fashioned way, but the Keurig is much faster. I would have never spent the money for this gadget if not for the Silent Auction last year, and I'm so glad I did.
2. The dishwasher. It's hard enough to keep up with the dishes as it is. My kitchen would be piled with dirty dishes if not for the dishwasher. I remember about a decade ago, our dishwasher died and we didn't have the money to buy a new one. So for about a month, I washed all the dishes by hand. It wasn't so bad, and I actually liked it. It made life seem a bit simpler. But I had fewer people using dishes and certainly fewer activities to keep me away from the house.
3. The tortilla press/flatbread maker that Bret gave me for Christmas about 8 years ago when I was in my homemade corn tortillas craze. I surely do enjoy homemade corn tortillas, especially when they're still warm. He had bought me a cast iron press and I would cook them on the stove, but this press is electric so it's all one step. I had completely forgotten about it until I ran across it a few weeks ago. The last two times we've had chili, I made some tortillas, and they were soooo good. One of these days I'll make a batch for enchiladas.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
March 4
3 gifts hard to give thanks for
1. Jacob's dyslexia. It's so hard to watch him struggle, especially where his confidence is concerned. And Lord knows his Syllables appointments have created scheduling challenges for the entire family, and have a definite impact on our finances. So it would be really easy to wish that he didn't need to go, or have dyslexia for that matter. But ... we have been blessed through this entire past year or so of testing and identification. It has given me so much more confidence in my instincts where my children are concerned. And it has taught me how to be a good advocate for my children. It has given me a better awareness of learning disabilities, and that dyslexia is just as much an ability as it is a disability. I know it has given me more compassion and empathy. And it has given me such admiration for educators who choose to teach special ed. What a gift they have been to us. And finally, it has deepened several friendships with moms whom I knew, but not very well until they shared their own IEP experiences with me as we began the journey. I truly believe that they were placed in my life at just the right time.
2. Josh's sensory processing issues. For all the same reasons I just listed, with a few exceptions. I feel like I have not been the best advocate for him, but I am trying to take the lessons learned with Jacob over the past year and apply them to Josh now. And while it makes my heart hurt to see other people make snap assumptions abut him based on his sensory "quirks," it is such a huge part of what makes him Josh that I can't wish it away.
3. Jessie's highly emotional nature. Boy howdy, can it be a roller coaster ride. And it's about to get worse as she hits puberty. But as exasperating and exhausting as it can be, the flip side to it is that she is exceptionally sensitive and compassionate to others. And I've come to realize that not everyone -- actually, sometimes it seems that almost no one -- shares that trait. I just have to constantly remind myself of that when she's having a meltdown.
1. Jacob's dyslexia. It's so hard to watch him struggle, especially where his confidence is concerned. And Lord knows his Syllables appointments have created scheduling challenges for the entire family, and have a definite impact on our finances. So it would be really easy to wish that he didn't need to go, or have dyslexia for that matter. But ... we have been blessed through this entire past year or so of testing and identification. It has given me so much more confidence in my instincts where my children are concerned. And it has taught me how to be a good advocate for my children. It has given me a better awareness of learning disabilities, and that dyslexia is just as much an ability as it is a disability. I know it has given me more compassion and empathy. And it has given me such admiration for educators who choose to teach special ed. What a gift they have been to us. And finally, it has deepened several friendships with moms whom I knew, but not very well until they shared their own IEP experiences with me as we began the journey. I truly believe that they were placed in my life at just the right time.
2. Josh's sensory processing issues. For all the same reasons I just listed, with a few exceptions. I feel like I have not been the best advocate for him, but I am trying to take the lessons learned with Jacob over the past year and apply them to Josh now. And while it makes my heart hurt to see other people make snap assumptions abut him based on his sensory "quirks," it is such a huge part of what makes him Josh that I can't wish it away.
3. Jessie's highly emotional nature. Boy howdy, can it be a roller coaster ride. And it's about to get worse as she hits puberty. But as exasperating and exhausting as it can be, the flip side to it is that she is exceptionally sensitive and compassionate to others. And I've come to realize that not everyone -- actually, sometimes it seems that almost no one -- shares that trait. I just have to constantly remind myself of that when she's having a meltdown.
Friday, March 1, 2013
March 1
3 gifts at 3 p.m.
1. How interesting that I logged in to do this right at 3:00. Someone told me recently that she doesn't believe in "coincidences" but "God Incidents." I love that idea. Doing the 1000 Gifts has been a gift to me.
2. Inventorying our cookies for booth sales today and tomorrow, and realizing that I do not, in fact, need to drive to the warehouse to pick up more cookies. Today, at least.
3. Engaging in a discussion with a professed atheist (or at the very least, agnostic) about heaven and near-death experiences. I am grateful that I know people who don't believe the same way I do because it affords me the opportunity to explore my own beliefs and faith on a regular basis.
1. How interesting that I logged in to do this right at 3:00. Someone told me recently that she doesn't believe in "coincidences" but "God Incidents." I love that idea. Doing the 1000 Gifts has been a gift to me.
2. Inventorying our cookies for booth sales today and tomorrow, and realizing that I do not, in fact, need to drive to the warehouse to pick up more cookies. Today, at least.
3. Engaging in a discussion with a professed atheist (or at the very least, agnostic) about heaven and near-death experiences. I am grateful that I know people who don't believe the same way I do because it affords me the opportunity to explore my own beliefs and faith on a regular basis.
February 28
3 gifts from the past that help you trust the future
1. My glimpse of heaven through my mom's eyes as she died.
2. Reassurances from my mother-in-law that my son is exactly like his father was when he was in Middle School. It helps me to be less frustrated when he doesn't do his homework. :) Dad turned out okay, so that gives me hope.
3.
1. My glimpse of heaven through my mom's eyes as she died.
2. Reassurances from my mother-in-law that my son is exactly like his father was when he was in Middle School. It helps me to be less frustrated when he doesn't do his homework. :) Dad turned out okay, so that gives me hope.
3.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
February 22
3 gifts that changed today
1. My cookie chair for Scouts. She spent time today and yesterday collecting money from families for the cookie deposit. I really hate doing that, and she saved me a great deal of aggravation.
2. When the schedule for Media Center volunteers came out last month, I told the coordinator that I couldn't work today due to an anticipated hectic evening. But then I forgot and put it on my schedule. So when I went in today, they weren't expecting me. I needed to be able to leave early to meet the termite guy, so it made it easier for me. And after an hour, a friend of mine came in to sub for me. I don't have many opportunities to see her, and she's about to go back to work, so it was a nice treat to have an hour with her. Also, she volunteered to coordinate her class's Bingo basket collection, so it was quite productive to have that hour together.
3. Bret took the afternoon off today to meet with the plumber about the work he's doing at the other house. I was so happy that he was able to take care of that instead of my having to do it. And his being here made my afternoon much easier. He did a load or two of laundry, dealt with the termite guy (when he showed up 3 hours later than expected) and we even watched a show.
1. My cookie chair for Scouts. She spent time today and yesterday collecting money from families for the cookie deposit. I really hate doing that, and she saved me a great deal of aggravation.
2. When the schedule for Media Center volunteers came out last month, I told the coordinator that I couldn't work today due to an anticipated hectic evening. But then I forgot and put it on my schedule. So when I went in today, they weren't expecting me. I needed to be able to leave early to meet the termite guy, so it made it easier for me. And after an hour, a friend of mine came in to sub for me. I don't have many opportunities to see her, and she's about to go back to work, so it was a nice treat to have an hour with her. Also, she volunteered to coordinate her class's Bingo basket collection, so it was quite productive to have that hour together.
3. Bret took the afternoon off today to meet with the plumber about the work he's doing at the other house. I was so happy that he was able to take care of that instead of my having to do it. And his being here made my afternoon much easier. He did a load or two of laundry, dealt with the termite guy (when he showed up 3 hours later than expected) and we even watched a show.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
February 19
3 gifts that were "Plan B"
1. My dad being assigned to Warner Robins when I was in high school. It was a big culture shock, and a bit of a let-down since we had been teased with assignments in Germany and Colorado Springs, and I hated to leave the D.C. area. But if the Air Force had not changed their mind and sent my dad to Georgia, then I would have never chosen the college I did. I would not have been friends with the boy who introduced me to my husband. My parents would not have ended up where they did in Colorado after my dad retired, and I would not have met my friends with whom I worked during the summers.
2. Bret going to engineering school instead of pursuing a career in Hollywood. We both learned so much during our time in Miami, and we were able to spend a lot of precious time with his grandparents. We obviously would not be where we are now, with the children we have and the live we live.
3. When we moved from California to Miami, we planned to go down in August, before Bret started school. But his dad's company had a lot of work so we let them convince us to move there in January. I was not happy about being there, especially when the work slowed down and it turned out that Bret wasn't needed as badly as we thought. It was a very stressful time. But... we had that last spring with Granddaddy before he died in May, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. If we had stuck with our original plan, we would have flown down for his funeral.
1. My dad being assigned to Warner Robins when I was in high school. It was a big culture shock, and a bit of a let-down since we had been teased with assignments in Germany and Colorado Springs, and I hated to leave the D.C. area. But if the Air Force had not changed their mind and sent my dad to Georgia, then I would have never chosen the college I did. I would not have been friends with the boy who introduced me to my husband. My parents would not have ended up where they did in Colorado after my dad retired, and I would not have met my friends with whom I worked during the summers.
2. Bret going to engineering school instead of pursuing a career in Hollywood. We both learned so much during our time in Miami, and we were able to spend a lot of precious time with his grandparents. We obviously would not be where we are now, with the children we have and the live we live.
3. When we moved from California to Miami, we planned to go down in August, before Bret started school. But his dad's company had a lot of work so we let them convince us to move there in January. I was not happy about being there, especially when the work slowed down and it turned out that Bret wasn't needed as badly as we thought. It was a very stressful time. But... we had that last spring with Granddaddy before he died in May, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. If we had stuck with our original plan, we would have flown down for his funeral.
February 18
3 gifts on paper
1. The prescription for Josh's antibiotic. We returned home from New Beginnings last night, and this morning he woke up with a lovely cough. A visit to the doc-in-the-box yielded a diagnosis of strep throat. Yay!
2. The "prayer partner" scrolls that each of us received Sunday at New Beginnings. What a gift it is to know that someone is praying for you. And it was neat to be the one organizing (and in some cases, assigning) the prayer partners for our group from church.
3. The Valentine's Day card Bret gave me. It reminds me of the many cards he sent me the summer we first dated.
1. The prescription for Josh's antibiotic. We returned home from New Beginnings last night, and this morning he woke up with a lovely cough. A visit to the doc-in-the-box yielded a diagnosis of strep throat. Yay!
2. The "prayer partner" scrolls that each of us received Sunday at New Beginnings. What a gift it is to know that someone is praying for you. And it was neat to be the one organizing (and in some cases, assigning) the prayer partners for our group from church.
3. The Valentine's Day card Bret gave me. It reminds me of the many cards he sent me the summer we first dated.
February 14
3 ways you feel the love of God
1. Through the love of my children. Even when I'm impatient, cross or downright "rabid" with them, they love me.
2. Through the love of my husband. For the same reasons I just listed, and more. Where the kids have unconditional love because we're their parents, his is by choice. He chose to love me, and he chooses to love me even when I'm not being particularly lovable.
3. Through the love of my parents (and parents-in-law). Being a parent, I can clearly see the sacrifices they made for us. It humbles me that God loves all of us as I love my children, and as my parents love me.
1. Through the love of my children. Even when I'm impatient, cross or downright "rabid" with them, they love me.
2. Through the love of my husband. For the same reasons I just listed, and more. Where the kids have unconditional love because we're their parents, his is by choice. He chose to love me, and he chooses to love me even when I'm not being particularly lovable.
3. Through the love of my parents (and parents-in-law). Being a parent, I can clearly see the sacrifices they made for us. It humbles me that God loves all of us as I love my children, and as my parents love me.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Walking for Hope
I wrote this in October 2010. It was saved as a draft and I guess I never hit "Publish."
Three years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. It would be another 18 days before we knew that it was Stage 4, but just hearing the initial diagnosis was hard enough.
Hope. It’s the one thing you can’t live without, and unfortunately for most pancreatic cancer patients, it’s the one thing that’s very hard to come by.
Of the “Big 10” cancers, pancreatic is the only one whose 5-year survival rate is in the single digits. Yes, you heard that right – a mere 5% of patients survive 5 years from diagnosis. And a whopping 75% die within the first year.
Over the course of less than a month, I saw my mom morph from an outgoing, vibrant retiree into a feeble, forgetful, frightened old woman in a broken body. She didn’t want people to see her that way, so she withdrew into her shell. It was like she went from 64 to 90 practically overnight. But the biggest change was the feeling of hopelessness. It was insidious, and as hard as we tried to keep it at bay, it was a persistent little bugger. Suddenly Mom looked haunted – and no matter how bravely she kept up a strong front, it was apparent in her eyes. As my brother put it, it was like the smile had left her eyes – and she had the type of eyes that were always smiling.
And that was all because of pancreatic cancer … the cancer ate away at her body while the statistics ate away at her hope. It’s hard to be hopeful when you’re faced with such grim figures. Most Stage 4 patients die within 3-4 months after diagnosis – Mom made it 4 months and 3 days. 126 days. Which was exactly half the time it took for me to grow my oldest child (the one born a month early, even).
The one beacon of light shining hope through the dark is the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. It’s where we turned when we were looking for answers and for information – and yes, for hope. It’s the organization most responsible for raising awareness and much-needed funds for research. They’re the advocates who are tirelessly campaigning within Congress for more federal funding. And they’re the ones who are funding research grants so that passionate and dedicated scientists and doctors can make some improvement in the detection/treatment process.
It’s a race against time, since only a small percentage of patients are diagnosed while their cancer is still in the early stages. And unlike most of the other cancers, there has been virtually no change in the statistics in the past 40 years. Don’t you agree that it’s time to change that?
My family and I will be walking in PanCAN’s PurpleStride 5K Family Walk on November 13th. It’s my greatest hope that the funds we raise will help in the battle to put an end to this cancer – or at the very least, bring hope to other patients and their families through the form of earlier detection and more effective treatments.
In the end, it all boils down to hope. While it was indescribably hard to watch my mom lose her life, it was really almost harder to watch her lose her hope. Because what is life without hope, anyway? No one should have to live – or die – that way.
Through PanCAN, I found Kate Thaxton, a determined young woman who was diagnosed with Stage 4 at age 35. She died in June after a 3½ year battle, but she was an inspiration to so many. In her blog she wrote, “The purple community is small, stubborn, and ever hopeful. We’re that proverbial junkyard dog, scrappy and feisty, not going down without a fight. Help me spread the word about pancreatic cancer. We may not be pink, but we’re just as proud.”
When we walk in PurpleStride on November 13th, we will be doing so in memory of Mom and of Kate. We’ll be celebrating their lives and their spirits. We’ll be proudly wearing our purple shirts. And we’ll be hoping.
Three years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. It would be another 18 days before we knew that it was Stage 4, but just hearing the initial diagnosis was hard enough.
Hope. It’s the one thing you can’t live without, and unfortunately for most pancreatic cancer patients, it’s the one thing that’s very hard to come by.
Of the “Big 10” cancers, pancreatic is the only one whose 5-year survival rate is in the single digits. Yes, you heard that right – a mere 5% of patients survive 5 years from diagnosis. And a whopping 75% die within the first year.
Over the course of less than a month, I saw my mom morph from an outgoing, vibrant retiree into a feeble, forgetful, frightened old woman in a broken body. She didn’t want people to see her that way, so she withdrew into her shell. It was like she went from 64 to 90 practically overnight. But the biggest change was the feeling of hopelessness. It was insidious, and as hard as we tried to keep it at bay, it was a persistent little bugger. Suddenly Mom looked haunted – and no matter how bravely she kept up a strong front, it was apparent in her eyes. As my brother put it, it was like the smile had left her eyes – and she had the type of eyes that were always smiling.
And that was all because of pancreatic cancer … the cancer ate away at her body while the statistics ate away at her hope. It’s hard to be hopeful when you’re faced with such grim figures. Most Stage 4 patients die within 3-4 months after diagnosis – Mom made it 4 months and 3 days. 126 days. Which was exactly half the time it took for me to grow my oldest child (the one born a month early, even).
The one beacon of light shining hope through the dark is the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. It’s where we turned when we were looking for answers and for information – and yes, for hope. It’s the organization most responsible for raising awareness and much-needed funds for research. They’re the advocates who are tirelessly campaigning within Congress for more federal funding. And they’re the ones who are funding research grants so that passionate and dedicated scientists and doctors can make some improvement in the detection/treatment process.
It’s a race against time, since only a small percentage of patients are diagnosed while their cancer is still in the early stages. And unlike most of the other cancers, there has been virtually no change in the statistics in the past 40 years. Don’t you agree that it’s time to change that?
My family and I will be walking in PanCAN’s PurpleStride 5K Family Walk on November 13th. It’s my greatest hope that the funds we raise will help in the battle to put an end to this cancer – or at the very least, bring hope to other patients and their families through the form of earlier detection and more effective treatments.
In the end, it all boils down to hope. While it was indescribably hard to watch my mom lose her life, it was really almost harder to watch her lose her hope. Because what is life without hope, anyway? No one should have to live – or die – that way.
Through PanCAN, I found Kate Thaxton, a determined young woman who was diagnosed with Stage 4 at age 35. She died in June after a 3½ year battle, but she was an inspiration to so many. In her blog she wrote, “The purple community is small, stubborn, and ever hopeful. We’re that proverbial junkyard dog, scrappy and feisty, not going down without a fight. Help me spread the word about pancreatic cancer. We may not be pink, but we’re just as proud.”
When we walk in PurpleStride on November 13th, we will be doing so in memory of Mom and of Kate. We’ll be celebrating their lives and their spirits. We’ll be proudly wearing our purple shirts. And we’ll be hoping.
Transfiguration
This morning's Gospel reading was Luke 9:28-43, which shares the account of the Transfiguration of Christ. Jesus took Peter, John and James up on the mountain to pray.
29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem...35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Wow. What an experience. We know it as the Transfiguration of Christ, but I expect it was also a Transformation of Peter, John and James. This happened about a week after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God and it makes me wonder -- I'm sure he felt great conviction the week before, but that conviction, no matter how strong it was, must have seemed weak by comparison after the experience on the mountain. It's one thing to know something, and quite another to know it.
In his sermon, Father Doug said that the disciples needed that mountaintop experience to be able to go on after Christ's crucifixion and build the church (or something along those lines -- that's when I was fumbling in my purse for a pen). That their experience was glorious enough to overcome their sorrow at losing their Master. And likewise, as we head into Lent in three short days, we need to take our own mountaintop experiences to help us through the "desert of Lent." I love that imagery. The lush, verdant mountain and the desolate drab desert.
Yet there is glorious beauty in the desert, as well. It's not always evident from up high -- you need to actually get down into the landscape to be able to see all that it has to offer. Which, when I think about it, is also a great metaphor for Lent. Yes, Lent is a time for discipline, repentance and sacrifice. But it is also a time for reflection, prayer, contemplation and absolution. We can't access the gifts of Lent from anywhere but smack-dab in the midst of it, on our knees (literally or figuratively).
I was powerfully reminded of my own personal "Transfiguration/ Transformation" experience, which occurred 5 years ago next week. My mother was at the threshold of death, surrounded by her husband and two children. It had been a tortuous hour for all of us, as she struggled to communicate with us before she was released from her broken body. It was far from peaceful, for me at least. Finally, when I could stand it no longer, I got up and put in Noel, Josh Groban's Christmas album which I had given her two months prior. "Ave Maria" had always been Mom's favorite hymn, so I hoped that listening to it would help settle her some.
And it did. It was amazing, how quickly she relaxed and became, finally, peaceful. I was not at all ready to say goodbye to my mom -- really, I don't think I ever would have been -- but I did it anyway. She was staring intently into my eyes, and I told her that it was okay for her to leave. That her job here was finished, and that we'd be okay. We'd love her forever, but she could go. And so she did.
She closed her eyes and almost melted down into her pillows. We knew she was gone -- you can just tell. We all bowed our heads and James started to pray. As he spoke, I lifted my tear-drenched face to look at Mom. "Dear Father, thank you for taking Mom home to be with Jesus...." And suddenly, with no warning whatsoever, she started. She sat forward a few inches with an exclamation that sounded a bit like "Whoa!" as her eyes flew open. I jumped, and probably let out an exclamation of my own. But then I was transfixed by the expression in her eyes. She had always had very expressive eyes, but I had never seen such life and joy in them. They blazed for an instant, and then -- as quickly as they'd flown open, her eyelids shuttered the glory and she rested back into the pillows. And then she was, truly and finally, gone. I think it happened in a matter of seconds, and I'm pretty sure Dad and James missed it. I would have missed it myself if I hadn't been watching her at that very instant.
Now, obviously, this was nothing compared to Jesus' mountaintop experience, but I think what I witnessed was Mom's Transfiguration, from her earthly existence to her eternal life with her Heavenly Father. And that's how I can only speculate at the transformation that took place within the hearts of the apostles. I just know how much my own soul was transformed by my tiny little flash of God's glory.
Oh, my God. And I'm not saying that in an OMG way. :) My mom gave me so many gifts -- more than I could ever enumerate. She gave me life, which is pretty huge. And she shaped my very existence. But nothing can compare to that final gift. She let me glimpse Heaven itself. They say our eyes are windows to our souls -- and her sky-blue eyes were windows to Eternity. I already believed in Heaven, but believing is not necessarily knowing. But now I know without a shadow of doubt that not only does it exist, she is there, waiting for the rest of us. And that continues to bring me immeasurable peace on a daily basis.
So, going back to Fr. Doug's sermon. No doubt about it -- our mountaintop experiences do help us through the deserts of our life, be they Lent, grief, depression or whatever struggles that threaten to suck the joy from our existence. May we all take the time to venture up the mountain, pray, listen for God's voice, and be rejuvenated.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 ... But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Oh, and about the music... A few months later, my brother thanked me for "ruining" the album for him, saying that he couldn't listen to it without remembering Mom's death. Funny how different we are -- I, too, can't listen to it without being transported to that hour. But it brings me joy. Maybe because I feel closer to Mom when I hear it, or maybe because I can just picture that beatific expression on her face as Josh Groban belts out "O Come All Ye Faithful." It was Mom's favorite Christmas hymn, and has always been mine, too. So to me, it was the perfect soundtrack to her departure from this world to the next. We should all be so lucky.
29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem...35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Wow. What an experience. We know it as the Transfiguration of Christ, but I expect it was also a Transformation of Peter, John and James. This happened about a week after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God and it makes me wonder -- I'm sure he felt great conviction the week before, but that conviction, no matter how strong it was, must have seemed weak by comparison after the experience on the mountain. It's one thing to know something, and quite another to know it.
In his sermon, Father Doug said that the disciples needed that mountaintop experience to be able to go on after Christ's crucifixion and build the church (or something along those lines -- that's when I was fumbling in my purse for a pen). That their experience was glorious enough to overcome their sorrow at losing their Master. And likewise, as we head into Lent in three short days, we need to take our own mountaintop experiences to help us through the "desert of Lent." I love that imagery. The lush, verdant mountain and the desolate drab desert.
Yet there is glorious beauty in the desert, as well. It's not always evident from up high -- you need to actually get down into the landscape to be able to see all that it has to offer. Which, when I think about it, is also a great metaphor for Lent. Yes, Lent is a time for discipline, repentance and sacrifice. But it is also a time for reflection, prayer, contemplation and absolution. We can't access the gifts of Lent from anywhere but smack-dab in the midst of it, on our knees (literally or figuratively).
I was powerfully reminded of my own personal "Transfiguration/ Transformation" experience, which occurred 5 years ago next week. My mother was at the threshold of death, surrounded by her husband and two children. It had been a tortuous hour for all of us, as she struggled to communicate with us before she was released from her broken body. It was far from peaceful, for me at least. Finally, when I could stand it no longer, I got up and put in Noel, Josh Groban's Christmas album which I had given her two months prior. "Ave Maria" had always been Mom's favorite hymn, so I hoped that listening to it would help settle her some.
And it did. It was amazing, how quickly she relaxed and became, finally, peaceful. I was not at all ready to say goodbye to my mom -- really, I don't think I ever would have been -- but I did it anyway. She was staring intently into my eyes, and I told her that it was okay for her to leave. That her job here was finished, and that we'd be okay. We'd love her forever, but she could go. And so she did.
She closed her eyes and almost melted down into her pillows. We knew she was gone -- you can just tell. We all bowed our heads and James started to pray. As he spoke, I lifted my tear-drenched face to look at Mom. "Dear Father, thank you for taking Mom home to be with Jesus...." And suddenly, with no warning whatsoever, she started. She sat forward a few inches with an exclamation that sounded a bit like "Whoa!" as her eyes flew open. I jumped, and probably let out an exclamation of my own. But then I was transfixed by the expression in her eyes. She had always had very expressive eyes, but I had never seen such life and joy in them. They blazed for an instant, and then -- as quickly as they'd flown open, her eyelids shuttered the glory and she rested back into the pillows. And then she was, truly and finally, gone. I think it happened in a matter of seconds, and I'm pretty sure Dad and James missed it. I would have missed it myself if I hadn't been watching her at that very instant.
Now, obviously, this was nothing compared to Jesus' mountaintop experience, but I think what I witnessed was Mom's Transfiguration, from her earthly existence to her eternal life with her Heavenly Father. And that's how I can only speculate at the transformation that took place within the hearts of the apostles. I just know how much my own soul was transformed by my tiny little flash of God's glory.
Oh, my God. And I'm not saying that in an OMG way. :) My mom gave me so many gifts -- more than I could ever enumerate. She gave me life, which is pretty huge. And she shaped my very existence. But nothing can compare to that final gift. She let me glimpse Heaven itself. They say our eyes are windows to our souls -- and her sky-blue eyes were windows to Eternity. I already believed in Heaven, but believing is not necessarily knowing. But now I know without a shadow of doubt that not only does it exist, she is there, waiting for the rest of us. And that continues to bring me immeasurable peace on a daily basis.
So, going back to Fr. Doug's sermon. No doubt about it -- our mountaintop experiences do help us through the deserts of our life, be they Lent, grief, depression or whatever struggles that threaten to suck the joy from our existence. May we all take the time to venture up the mountain, pray, listen for God's voice, and be rejuvenated.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 ... But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Oh, and about the music... A few months later, my brother thanked me for "ruining" the album for him, saying that he couldn't listen to it without remembering Mom's death. Funny how different we are -- I, too, can't listen to it without being transported to that hour. But it brings me joy. Maybe because I feel closer to Mom when I hear it, or maybe because I can just picture that beatific expression on her face as Josh Groban belts out "O Come All Ye Faithful." It was Mom's favorite Christmas hymn, and has always been mine, too. So to me, it was the perfect soundtrack to her departure from this world to the next. We should all be so lucky.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
February 10
3 times you heard laughter today
1. Sitting in church, Jessie was making wiggly eyebrow faces at me. She was as giggly as her eyebrows were wiggly.
2. Overhearing Bret having a phone conversation with his best friend. They laugh a lot.
3. At dinner tonight, we were explaining cotillion to Jessie and Jacob (Josh was at youth group). When Bret explained that when he was in cotillion as an adolescent, they were taught many things, including how to call a girl on the phone. For some reason, this struck Jacob as absolutely hilarious. He laughed and laughed hysterically over the thought of calling girls on the phone.
1. Sitting in church, Jessie was making wiggly eyebrow faces at me. She was as giggly as her eyebrows were wiggly.
2. Overhearing Bret having a phone conversation with his best friend. They laugh a lot.
3. At dinner tonight, we were explaining cotillion to Jessie and Jacob (Josh was at youth group). When Bret explained that when he was in cotillion as an adolescent, they were taught many things, including how to call a girl on the phone. For some reason, this struck Jacob as absolutely hilarious. He laughed and laughed hysterically over the thought of calling girls on the phone.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
February 8
A gift broken, fixed, thrifted
1. Bandit's tender hind leg. The other night when he returned from a 36-hour roam that had us worried sick, he was limping and favoring one of his hind legs. Yesterday it seemed to bother him a bit more, so this morning he will be visiting his favorite vet.
2.
1. Bandit's tender hind leg. The other night when he returned from a 36-hour roam that had us worried sick, he was limping and favoring one of his hind legs. Yesterday it seemed to bother him a bit more, so this morning he will be visiting his favorite vet.
2.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
February 7
A gift at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
1. Lunch date with my husband after BSF. I'm thankful that he works so close to home that we are able to have several lunch dates a week.
2. Meeting with the plumber at the old/rental house. There's a water leak and it's going to cost a lot of money. But we've been blessed through this experience -- I posted on facebook that I needed a plumber, and several people recommended him. He goes to our church and does all the plumbing work there, as well as for half the parish, apparently. I didn't know him but I know his wife from VBS. He's a godsend for us, and we're blessed to be in a position to pay him.
3. Studying geography with Josh. Bret took Jessie to dance so I could work with him to prepare for a test. Last time we tackled African countries/capitals and I learned a lot myself. It was daunting because we didn't know about it until the night before, but after hours of drilling, he managed to make an A. This time it's Asia, and there are only 20 countries/capitals to learn -- piece of cake.
1. Lunch date with my husband after BSF. I'm thankful that he works so close to home that we are able to have several lunch dates a week.
2. Meeting with the plumber at the old/rental house. There's a water leak and it's going to cost a lot of money. But we've been blessed through this experience -- I posted on facebook that I needed a plumber, and several people recommended him. He goes to our church and does all the plumbing work there, as well as for half the parish, apparently. I didn't know him but I know his wife from VBS. He's a godsend for us, and we're blessed to be in a position to pay him.
3. Studying geography with Josh. Bret took Jessie to dance so I could work with him to prepare for a test. Last time we tackled African countries/capitals and I learned a lot myself. It was daunting because we didn't know about it until the night before, but after hours of drilling, he managed to make an A. This time it's Asia, and there are only 20 countries/capitals to learn -- piece of cake.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
February 4
3 gifts found when bent down
1. A goodnight kiss and hug from my 8-year-old.
2. A rumbly purr from my attention-seeking kitty.
3. The stray clog for which I've been seeking, hidden under the bed.
1. A goodnight kiss and hug from my 8-year-old.
2. A rumbly purr from my attention-seeking kitty.
3. The stray clog for which I've been seeking, hidden under the bed.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February 3
3 gifts found in writing
1. When I write, things become more clear to me. I am better able to focus and I feel more "me." I have always known this, and intrinsically consider myself to be a writer, but I am terrible about actually putting pen to paper -- or fingers to keyboard -- on a regular basis. Writing grounds me.
2. We sang one of my favorite short hymns after communion today at church. I know the lyrics, but I wrote them down on my bulletin anyway. Just the act of writing them down made my heart sing.
3. Momastery. I found this blog about a year ago -- can't remember who, but one of my friends posted a link on facebook for one reason or another. Every time I read one of her posts, my heart is touched. It's good for my soul, I know.
1. When I write, things become more clear to me. I am better able to focus and I feel more "me." I have always known this, and intrinsically consider myself to be a writer, but I am terrible about actually putting pen to paper -- or fingers to keyboard -- on a regular basis. Writing grounds me.
2. We sang one of my favorite short hymns after communion today at church. I know the lyrics, but I wrote them down on my bulletin anyway. Just the act of writing them down made my heart sing.
3. Momastery. I found this blog about a year ago -- can't remember who, but one of my friends posted a link on facebook for one reason or another. Every time I read one of her posts, my heart is touched. It's good for my soul, I know.
February 2
3 gifts on paper
1. Books. Today I took Jessie and two of our troop to help with a Gold Award project. Our friend built a library in a clubhouse of a community nearby, and she is finishing up. We put labels on the books so they can be organized. She collected over 3,000 books, and it is so humbling to think that some of these families don't have any books in their homes. When she started a year and a half ago, I think the families had an average of fewer than 5 books in their homes -- including Bibles and cook books. Our children have hundreds in their bedrooms alone. So many hours of my life have been spent reading, and I cannot even begin to imagine a book-free childhood. What a gift this library is to these families.
2. Our diplomas -- even though technically mine is printed on sheepskin rather than paper. What a gift it is to have come from families that not only emphasized the importance of education, but also were able to provide them for us. And I just have to say, my college diploma is a work of art.
3. The "Promises and Blessings" scripture verse calendar the kids gave me for Christmas a year or two ago. It sits on my desk just below my monitor, and is a good reminder for me. I don't turn the page every day, and sometimes I will leave it on a particularly fitting verse, but it's always a blessing to see what will pop up on any given day.
1. Books. Today I took Jessie and two of our troop to help with a Gold Award project. Our friend built a library in a clubhouse of a community nearby, and she is finishing up. We put labels on the books so they can be organized. She collected over 3,000 books, and it is so humbling to think that some of these families don't have any books in their homes. When she started a year and a half ago, I think the families had an average of fewer than 5 books in their homes -- including Bibles and cook books. Our children have hundreds in their bedrooms alone. So many hours of my life have been spent reading, and I cannot even begin to imagine a book-free childhood. What a gift this library is to these families.
2. Our diplomas -- even though technically mine is printed on sheepskin rather than paper. What a gift it is to have come from families that not only emphasized the importance of education, but also were able to provide them for us. And I just have to say, my college diploma is a work of art.
3. The "Promises and Blessings" scripture verse calendar the kids gave me for Christmas a year or two ago. It sits on my desk just below my monitor, and is a good reminder for me. I don't turn the page every day, and sometimes I will leave it on a particularly fitting verse, but it's always a blessing to see what will pop up on any given day.
Friday, February 1, 2013
February 1
3 gifts red
1. Red velvet cupcake that the baker gave me for being her 200th "fan" on facebook.
2. Candy cane candleholder that I really need to take over to my newest Girl Scout's house since she was sick during our investiture ceremony.
3.
1. Red velvet cupcake that the baker gave me for being her 200th "fan" on facebook.
2. Candy cane candleholder that I really need to take over to my newest Girl Scout's house since she was sick during our investiture ceremony.
3.
January 31
A gift on a paper, in a person, in a picture
1. My BSF notes/questions.
2. My BSF leader.
3. Today I was telling someone about Josh's premature birth, and I showed her the photos of him that first week. He hates to see the photos of him hooked up to tubes and wires, but I like the reminder. Even though it was a terribly frightening introduction to parenthood for us, it gave us great perspective. Compared to all the other babies in the NICU, he was huge and healthy. I even felt like a fraud, like we didn't belong in there. He just needed an extra week or so to grow. It seems like a thousand years ago.
1. My BSF notes/questions.
2. My BSF leader.
3. Today I was telling someone about Josh's premature birth, and I showed her the photos of him that first week. He hates to see the photos of him hooked up to tubes and wires, but I like the reminder. Even though it was a terribly frightening introduction to parenthood for us, it gave us great perspective. Compared to all the other babies in the NICU, he was huge and healthy. I even felt like a fraud, like we didn't belong in there. He just needed an extra week or so to grow. It seems like a thousand years ago.
Monday, January 28, 2013
January 27
3 gifts that might have never been
It's been 6 years now, so the wounds are healed and the anger is gone. But when my longtime friend of twenty years decided that our friendship wasn't worth saving, my first instinct was to regret (1) ever meeting her, (2) giving it a second chance when things went south the first time while we were in college, (3) rekindling the friendship after I was out of college and married, (4) moving to the town she lived in (completely NOT because she was here but because when Bret was hired in this city, we were familiar with and liked the community after visiting her over the years) where we can still run into each other, and (5) making her Jessie's godmother.
But I can't regret any of those, except for possibly the last. If I had never met her, and been friends as an adult and mother, my life would be unrecognizably different now. What might have never been?
1. She introduced me to the music of Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson, and Sara Groves. Three amazing songwriters and musicians who have brought countless hours of listening pleasure to my life. And who have inspired me to stretch as a Christian and as a person. Their music has basically been the soundtrack to my faith journey. I simply cannot imagine my life without their music, yet if not for her, I very well may have never heard them. Their songs are rarely played on the radio, and none of my friends are big fans.
2. I would never have chosen to live where we do. It's just not on the radar of many people who don't live here. If we had never heard of it when we moved here, we would have likely moved to the other side of town, since that's where most of Bret's coworkers and friends lived, and they all love their respective communities. We'd have heard them talk about what great places they are to live, and we would have been convinced that one of them was the right place for us. But we love our community, our schools, our church, and our home, and can't imagine living anywhere else. It's perfect for us, and the friends we've made are irreplaceable. But I would have never even known about it if we hadn't visited my friend here over the years.
3. And as for Jessie -- while it broke my heart to witness her broken heart when her most beloved godmother (her favorite person in the world) "ditched" her (as Jessie so eloquently put it), I think I can't completely regret that decision, either. If we had given Jessie a different godmother, she wouldn't have had her heart broken, it's true. But ... when it happened, we told Jessie that since she was almost 5 years old, she could choose her own replacement godmother. She chose the person who I would have chosen for her, one of my friends who loved her dearly even before they had an official "special" relationship. If I were going to have a fourth child, she would have been the obvious choice. And she is the perfect godmother for Jessie. When I keep in mind that if we'd given Jessie a different godmother, one who wouldn't have "ditched" her, she would not have Miss S. And it is as it should be.
It's been 6 years now, so the wounds are healed and the anger is gone. But when my longtime friend of twenty years decided that our friendship wasn't worth saving, my first instinct was to regret (1) ever meeting her, (2) giving it a second chance when things went south the first time while we were in college, (3) rekindling the friendship after I was out of college and married, (4) moving to the town she lived in (completely NOT because she was here but because when Bret was hired in this city, we were familiar with and liked the community after visiting her over the years) where we can still run into each other, and (5) making her Jessie's godmother.
But I can't regret any of those, except for possibly the last. If I had never met her, and been friends as an adult and mother, my life would be unrecognizably different now. What might have never been?
1. She introduced me to the music of Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson, and Sara Groves. Three amazing songwriters and musicians who have brought countless hours of listening pleasure to my life. And who have inspired me to stretch as a Christian and as a person. Their music has basically been the soundtrack to my faith journey. I simply cannot imagine my life without their music, yet if not for her, I very well may have never heard them. Their songs are rarely played on the radio, and none of my friends are big fans.
2. I would never have chosen to live where we do. It's just not on the radar of many people who don't live here. If we had never heard of it when we moved here, we would have likely moved to the other side of town, since that's where most of Bret's coworkers and friends lived, and they all love their respective communities. We'd have heard them talk about what great places they are to live, and we would have been convinced that one of them was the right place for us. But we love our community, our schools, our church, and our home, and can't imagine living anywhere else. It's perfect for us, and the friends we've made are irreplaceable. But I would have never even known about it if we hadn't visited my friend here over the years.
3. And as for Jessie -- while it broke my heart to witness her broken heart when her most beloved godmother (her favorite person in the world) "ditched" her (as Jessie so eloquently put it), I think I can't completely regret that decision, either. If we had given Jessie a different godmother, she wouldn't have had her heart broken, it's true. But ... when it happened, we told Jessie that since she was almost 5 years old, she could choose her own replacement godmother. She chose the person who I would have chosen for her, one of my friends who loved her dearly even before they had an official "special" relationship. If I were going to have a fourth child, she would have been the obvious choice. And she is the perfect godmother for Jessie. When I keep in mind that if we'd given Jessie a different godmother, one who wouldn't have "ditched" her, she would not have Miss S. And it is as it should be.
January 26
A gift before 9 a.m., a gift before noon, a gift after dark
1. Everyone in the house was up, ready and out the door by 9:00 for the Pinewood Derby. No rushing around looking for parts of Jacob's uniform, no complaints from Josh about having to wear his BSA uniform (with no notice), and Jessie even had her ballet bag ready for rehearsal afterwards.
2. Pinewood derby went well, although Jacob was disappointed to not win a single heat (second place every time). But I'm always nervous that something will happen and the car won't run well.
3. We bought a new sectional for the basement and broke it in watching a movie with the boys. The movie was terrible (the boys loved it) but it was so nice for all of us to be able to lounge on the sofa. Jessie was at a sleepover, but there's still plenty of room.
1. Everyone in the house was up, ready and out the door by 9:00 for the Pinewood Derby. No rushing around looking for parts of Jacob's uniform, no complaints from Josh about having to wear his BSA uniform (with no notice), and Jessie even had her ballet bag ready for rehearsal afterwards.
2. Pinewood derby went well, although Jacob was disappointed to not win a single heat (second place every time). But I'm always nervous that something will happen and the car won't run well.
3. We bought a new sectional for the basement and broke it in watching a movie with the boys. The movie was terrible (the boys loved it) but it was so nice for all of us to be able to lounge on the sofa. Jessie was at a sleepover, but there's still plenty of room.
January 24
3 things blue
1. My mood. Not sure why, exactly, but I need to snap out of it.
2. My purse. I love my little blue purse.
3. Jessie's eyes. They are the most amazing shade of light blue -- sometimes grey, sometimes a bit greenish. People used to say that about mine -- I'll have to compare and see if they're the same shade. Then again, that would depend on the day. :)
1. My mood. Not sure why, exactly, but I need to snap out of it.
2. My purse. I love my little blue purse.
3. Jessie's eyes. They are the most amazing shade of light blue -- sometimes grey, sometimes a bit greenish. People used to say that about mine -- I'll have to compare and see if they're the same shade. Then again, that would depend on the day. :)
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
January 22
A gift wrinkled, smoothed, unfolded
1. My fingers after being in the water for the new Tabata Aqua Gym class. I missed the first two weeks due to strep and bronchitis, but am determined to be more committed this session than I was in the fall. I am blessed to be able to go during the mornings -- I can drop Josh at the bus stop and then head to the pool. It would be a huge challenge to make it to the evening classes.
2. I'm in the process of framing and hanging photos. It's pretty embarrassing that we've been in the house for over 4 years and most have not made it onto the walls. I've run across a few that were creased a bit here and there. Rather than not framing them, I've put them into frames and hung them anyway. I thought it would bother me to see the imperfections, but surprisingly, I don't even notice them because my attention is captured by the smiles on our faces.
3.
1. My fingers after being in the water for the new Tabata Aqua Gym class. I missed the first two weeks due to strep and bronchitis, but am determined to be more committed this session than I was in the fall. I am blessed to be able to go during the mornings -- I can drop Josh at the bus stop and then head to the pool. It would be a huge challenge to make it to the evening classes.
2. I'm in the process of framing and hanging photos. It's pretty embarrassing that we've been in the house for over 4 years and most have not made it onto the walls. I've run across a few that were creased a bit here and there. Rather than not framing them, I've put them into frames and hung them anyway. I thought it would bother me to see the imperfections, but surprisingly, I don't even notice them because my attention is captured by the smiles on our faces.
3.
January 21
A gift in sky, water, memory
1. After a week of overcast skies and rain, we've had 2 days of cloudless, bright blue skies. The trees may be naked but the blue makes me happy. And if it were spring or summer and the trees were filled with leaves, I would see much less of the brilliant blue.
2. My crock pot crock has been soaking for 2 days and I finally washed it out and put it away, ready for the next slow-cooked meal. I rarely use it, but last week I used it three days in a row, for hearty and healthy meals that made my house smell wonderful and were actually enjoyed by everyone in the family. I really need to use it more often.
3. My grandfather's birthday was yesterday. He would have been 95. I have so many wonderful memories of Granddaddy -- and so much of my life was shaped by who he was and how he lived.
1. After a week of overcast skies and rain, we've had 2 days of cloudless, bright blue skies. The trees may be naked but the blue makes me happy. And if it were spring or summer and the trees were filled with leaves, I would see much less of the brilliant blue.
2. My crock pot crock has been soaking for 2 days and I finally washed it out and put it away, ready for the next slow-cooked meal. I rarely use it, but last week I used it three days in a row, for hearty and healthy meals that made my house smell wonderful and were actually enjoyed by everyone in the family. I really need to use it more often.
3. My grandfather's birthday was yesterday. He would have been 95. I have so many wonderful memories of Granddaddy -- and so much of my life was shaped by who he was and how he lived.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
January 20
3 gifts only seen close up
1. (Hopefully) My wrinkles. Like all women, I fret about the appearance of lines on my face. And now I'm beginning to see evidence of sun damage on my hands, my arms and my feet. But so far, I don't think my wrinkles (more like crinkles) are too bad yet. I have the laugh lines around my eyes and think that I'd rather have lines because I've laughed a lot than have a smooth visage. And the summers I spent in Colorado were totally worth the extra freckles on my shoulders. I think those summers are responsible for some of my laugh lines as well.
2.
3.
1. (Hopefully) My wrinkles. Like all women, I fret about the appearance of lines on my face. And now I'm beginning to see evidence of sun damage on my hands, my arms and my feet. But so far, I don't think my wrinkles (more like crinkles) are too bad yet. I have the laugh lines around my eyes and think that I'd rather have lines because I've laughed a lot than have a smooth visage. And the summers I spent in Colorado were totally worth the extra freckles on my shoulders. I think those summers are responsible for some of my laugh lines as well.
2.
3.
January 17
One gift that made you laugh, one gift that made you pray, one gift that made you quiet.
1. Josh has a tremendous, advanced vocabulary. But he constantly mispronounces words, and I threaten to make a book of them. His latest is negotiate -- "Joshized" to sound like nee-oh-she-gate. We shouldn't laugh at him, but we can't help it. Fortunately, it doesn't faze him -- he still argues the logic of his pronunciations. Hilarious.
2. Fellowship with my BSF group. There are some amazing women in our group. Two are from Indonesia, and have been here for just over a decade. One of them was talking about how challenging it is for her to do her homework since she is still not completely fluent in English, so she needs to use her dictionary to translate frequently. Yet she always manages to finish. I am humbled by her dedication, and made the comment that I have no excuses to not finish mine, ever. I pray that I can be as faithful to my study as she is to hers.
3. Listening to Jessie and her friend discuss which camp session they want to go to in June. There are several options and they both had their initial favorite, which were not the same. But they are both sweet, accommodating girls, so I had to smile when listening to them. Neither wants to push the other into something she doesn't want to do. It's such a gift for Jessie to have a friend who doesn't require her to capitulate all the time. Her friend Janae is the same way, and a perfect friend for her, but she's a grade ahead and not in Girl Scouts, and not going to camp.
1. Josh has a tremendous, advanced vocabulary. But he constantly mispronounces words, and I threaten to make a book of them. His latest is negotiate -- "Joshized" to sound like nee-oh-she-gate. We shouldn't laugh at him, but we can't help it. Fortunately, it doesn't faze him -- he still argues the logic of his pronunciations. Hilarious.
2. Fellowship with my BSF group. There are some amazing women in our group. Two are from Indonesia, and have been here for just over a decade. One of them was talking about how challenging it is for her to do her homework since she is still not completely fluent in English, so she needs to use her dictionary to translate frequently. Yet she always manages to finish. I am humbled by her dedication, and made the comment that I have no excuses to not finish mine, ever. I pray that I can be as faithful to my study as she is to hers.
3. Listening to Jessie and her friend discuss which camp session they want to go to in June. There are several options and they both had their initial favorite, which were not the same. But they are both sweet, accommodating girls, so I had to smile when listening to them. Neither wants to push the other into something she doesn't want to do. It's such a gift for Jessie to have a friend who doesn't require her to capitulate all the time. Her friend Janae is the same way, and a perfect friend for her, but she's a grade ahead and not in Girl Scouts, and not going to camp.
January 16
3 ways you witnessed happiness today
1. Jacob doing well at his Syllables session. He beat his teacher at a game and was on a high for the rest of the evening.
2. Josh and I went to the dermatologist this morning. He had a wart on the arch of his foot and the doctor had to cut it out. He was a real trooper, even though he was scared and it hurt. He couldn't walk on it so I let him stay home from school. He was quite happy to have a day off. He gets sick so rarely that he almost never misses school -- I think he's been out maybe 5 days since starting kindergarten. So it was a treat for him to be out and not be sick.
3. I had to run in to the elementary school this morning, and ran into Jacob's class. Every time I show up, they make me feel like a rock star. I get hugs from half the class, but Jacob's face lights up when he sees me and he always gives me a huge hug. I have to pry him off of me. I know that I don't have too many more years of this sort of reaction, so I savor it when I get it. I still get it from Jessie, too. :)
1. Jacob doing well at his Syllables session. He beat his teacher at a game and was on a high for the rest of the evening.
2. Josh and I went to the dermatologist this morning. He had a wart on the arch of his foot and the doctor had to cut it out. He was a real trooper, even though he was scared and it hurt. He couldn't walk on it so I let him stay home from school. He was quite happy to have a day off. He gets sick so rarely that he almost never misses school -- I think he's been out maybe 5 days since starting kindergarten. So it was a treat for him to be out and not be sick.
3. I had to run in to the elementary school this morning, and ran into Jacob's class. Every time I show up, they make me feel like a rock star. I get hugs from half the class, but Jacob's face lights up when he sees me and he always gives me a huge hug. I have to pry him off of me. I know that I don't have too many more years of this sort of reaction, so I savor it when I get it. I still get it from Jessie, too. :)
January 15
One thing you wore, one thing you gave away, one thing you shared
1. My fire opal ring from Sedona. I bought it when I met Jen there in January '11, with a gift card that my dad gave me for my birthday the month before. I specifically saved it to buy something for myself on that trip, and every time I wear it, I remember what a great trip it was. And it makes me think of my dad, which is appropriate, since he grew up in Arizona. So it makes me remember stories from his childhood, as well as my grandparents.
2. We are purging and clearing out as much "stuff" as possible. Every week there's a box of clothes, books, miscellaneous items going to one charity or another. We still have a ways to go, but it feels good.
3. I had lunch with Kim today. I miss having her in Scouts with me, but I am thankful that we are still able to get together. I'm thankful that they didn't move away, and I'm thankful that our friendship is based on more than Scouts.
1. My fire opal ring from Sedona. I bought it when I met Jen there in January '11, with a gift card that my dad gave me for my birthday the month before. I specifically saved it to buy something for myself on that trip, and every time I wear it, I remember what a great trip it was. And it makes me think of my dad, which is appropriate, since he grew up in Arizona. So it makes me remember stories from his childhood, as well as my grandparents.
2. We are purging and clearing out as much "stuff" as possible. Every week there's a box of clothes, books, miscellaneous items going to one charity or another. We still have a ways to go, but it feels good.
3. I had lunch with Kim today. I miss having her in Scouts with me, but I am thankful that we are still able to get together. I'm thankful that they didn't move away, and I'm thankful that our friendship is based on more than Scouts.
January 13
3 things about yourself you are grateful for
1. My love of reading. I have friends who don't love to read, and they are fulfilled, and their lives do not feel like they are missing something. Yet I can't imagine having that life. True, I don't read as much as I used to, but I miss it. I love getting sucked into a great book. And I love that my husband and children share that love.
2. My blue eyes. I know it sounds shallow, and Lord knows my husband and first-born are beautiful with their chocolate-brown eyes. But I love my eye color. And if I didn't have blue eyes, neither would my two youngest children. And I love their blue eyes. They're distinctly different colors, but they're perfect for them.
3. My ablility to see things from other peoples' perspectives. It gets me into trouble sometimes -- it makes it easier for me to be taken advantage of -- but I think it's a valuable skill. And, in my opinion, a bit too rare. If only everyone were able to look outside of their own perspectives.
1. My love of reading. I have friends who don't love to read, and they are fulfilled, and their lives do not feel like they are missing something. Yet I can't imagine having that life. True, I don't read as much as I used to, but I miss it. I love getting sucked into a great book. And I love that my husband and children share that love.
2. My blue eyes. I know it sounds shallow, and Lord knows my husband and first-born are beautiful with their chocolate-brown eyes. But I love my eye color. And if I didn't have blue eyes, neither would my two youngest children. And I love their blue eyes. They're distinctly different colors, but they're perfect for them.
3. My ablility to see things from other peoples' perspectives. It gets me into trouble sometimes -- it makes it easier for me to be taken advantage of -- but I think it's a valuable skill. And, in my opinion, a bit too rare. If only everyone were able to look outside of their own perspectives.
January 11
3 yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy.
1. Sunlight after an overcast day (or week). Or, for that matter, any time, but it seems that I only really appreciate the sunlight after being without it for a period of time. Isn't that really true of most things?
2. The tart, fresh smell of a lemon. There was a funky smell in the garbage disposal, so when I had juiced a lemon, I put the remains down the disposal. The funky smell was replaced with the clean, citrus aroma of the lemon.
3. Daisies. I have always loved daisies. Simple and sweet, and timeless.
1. Sunlight after an overcast day (or week). Or, for that matter, any time, but it seems that I only really appreciate the sunlight after being without it for a period of time. Isn't that really true of most things?
2. The tart, fresh smell of a lemon. There was a funky smell in the garbage disposal, so when I had juiced a lemon, I put the remains down the disposal. The funky smell was replaced with the clean, citrus aroma of the lemon.
3. Daisies. I have always loved daisies. Simple and sweet, and timeless.
January 10
A gift that's sour, a gift that's sweet, a gift that's Just. Right.
1. Leigh gave me a bag of Meyer lemons from her mom's tree in Florida. Yum. I made lemon poppyseed muffins and lemon pound cake with them. The juice was tart, but a bit sweet, too.
2. The kids gave me a box of chocolates in my stocking for Christmas. I don't ever like all the varieties in assortments, but some of them were truly delicious.
3. As always, I made toffee at Christmas. As a matter of fact, I still need to make one last batch. One of the batches turned out a bit soft, but the rest were just perfect. I love to keep our tin in the refrigerator and then every other day or so treat myself to one. Yum.
1. Leigh gave me a bag of Meyer lemons from her mom's tree in Florida. Yum. I made lemon poppyseed muffins and lemon pound cake with them. The juice was tart, but a bit sweet, too.
2. The kids gave me a box of chocolates in my stocking for Christmas. I don't ever like all the varieties in assortments, but some of them were truly delicious.
3. As always, I made toffee at Christmas. As a matter of fact, I still need to make one last batch. One of the batches turned out a bit soft, but the rest were just perfect. I love to keep our tin in the refrigerator and then every other day or so treat myself to one. Yum.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
January 9
A gift in your hand, a gift you walked by, a gift you sat with
1. For the past few years, Josh has gradually become less inclined to show any physical affection, especially to his mom. But every so often, we'll be walking somewhere and his hand will find his way to mine. He won't actually make it to full-fledged hand-holding, mind you, but he might hook a finger around one of mine. And for that fleeting instant, I am transported back to when he was a snuggly little boy who wanted nothing more than to climb into my lap or snuggle up next to me on the couch, pressing his warm body to mine. Sigh.
2. I'm in the midst of purging and decluttering. The closets, the basement, the kitchen cabinets, my office.... As a result, we have pictures and posters leaning up against random walls throughout the house, waiting for me to decide where they will be hung, or whether, in fact, they will be hung. One such item was a gift when we had Josh. One of Bret's co-workers cross-stitched "Joshua" and framed it. It hung in his bedroom until we moved into this house. Now, I don't know what to do with it. I expect I'll hang onto it, although the odds are probably pretty slim that any of the children will have a son named Josh (or even if they did, they may not want this particular piece of art).
3. My BSF study is a real treasure, and I love the time I spend sitting with the Word. I need to devote more of my time to that.
1. For the past few years, Josh has gradually become less inclined to show any physical affection, especially to his mom. But every so often, we'll be walking somewhere and his hand will find his way to mine. He won't actually make it to full-fledged hand-holding, mind you, but he might hook a finger around one of mine. And for that fleeting instant, I am transported back to when he was a snuggly little boy who wanted nothing more than to climb into my lap or snuggle up next to me on the couch, pressing his warm body to mine. Sigh.
2. I'm in the midst of purging and decluttering. The closets, the basement, the kitchen cabinets, my office.... As a result, we have pictures and posters leaning up against random walls throughout the house, waiting for me to decide where they will be hung, or whether, in fact, they will be hung. One such item was a gift when we had Josh. One of Bret's co-workers cross-stitched "Joshua" and framed it. It hung in his bedroom until we moved into this house. Now, I don't know what to do with it. I expect I'll hang onto it, although the odds are probably pretty slim that any of the children will have a son named Josh (or even if they did, they may not want this particular piece of art).
3. My BSF study is a real treasure, and I love the time I spend sitting with the Word. I need to devote more of my time to that.
January 8
Light that caught you, a Reflection that surprised you, a Shadow that fell lovely
This one hung me up a bit, so I put it off for the next day. And then I got sick and lost the next few days.
1. I love the dusky light just before sunset. I love the way the sky is tinged with pink and blue and violet. There's a certain intersection where I always get stopped by the red light, and it seems like the light always just hits a church steeple in that perfect way. I'm actually happy to be stopped for a few minutes, so I can admire the rosy tint on the cream-colored paint.
2. People tell me that they think Jacob looks just like his big brother did when he was the same age. I never see it, becuase they have such different looks. But every so often Jacob does something and I am transported back 5 years to when Josh did the exact same thing. He definitely has acquired some of his brother's mannerisms.
3. Back in September, Jessie and I went to San Francisco for a girls' weekend with friends. That first afternoon, we ended up at the national cemetery at the Presidio. The girls spent about 30 minutes examining and exploring the various gravestones, and I took some photos. One of my favorites shows a hillside of graves -- some shrouded in shadows and others shining brightly in the sunlight. I love the contrast.
This one hung me up a bit, so I put it off for the next day. And then I got sick and lost the next few days.
1. I love the dusky light just before sunset. I love the way the sky is tinged with pink and blue and violet. There's a certain intersection where I always get stopped by the red light, and it seems like the light always just hits a church steeple in that perfect way. I'm actually happy to be stopped for a few minutes, so I can admire the rosy tint on the cream-colored paint.
2. People tell me that they think Jacob looks just like his big brother did when he was the same age. I never see it, becuase they have such different looks. But every so often Jacob does something and I am transported back 5 years to when Josh did the exact same thing. He definitely has acquired some of his brother's mannerisms.
3. Back in September, Jessie and I went to San Francisco for a girls' weekend with friends. That first afternoon, we ended up at the national cemetery at the Presidio. The girls spent about 30 minutes examining and exploring the various gravestones, and I took some photos. One of my favorites shows a hillside of graves -- some shrouded in shadows and others shining brightly in the sunlight. I love the contrast.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
January 7
3 Graces From People I Love
1. Bret and I had a discussion the other day that could have evolved into an argument, and he dropped it before it was able to progress.
2. On the way to Syllables, I received a phone call from a friend I hadn't connected with in a while, and Jacob was content to be silent in the back seat during my conversation. He had been telling me a story and he quite graciously picked up where he left off after my phone call.
3. Sorting through all of Mom's old Red Cross paperwork (that Dad brought to me "in case I wanted it"), I was reminded of all the times when she nagged me about keeping good records. Then, I saw it as nagging -- now, I see it as her "having my back."
1. Bret and I had a discussion the other day that could have evolved into an argument, and he dropped it before it was able to progress.
2. On the way to Syllables, I received a phone call from a friend I hadn't connected with in a while, and Jacob was content to be silent in the back seat during my conversation. He had been telling me a story and he quite graciously picked up where he left off after my phone call.
3. Sorting through all of Mom's old Red Cross paperwork (that Dad brought to me "in case I wanted it"), I was reminded of all the times when she nagged me about keeping good records. Then, I saw it as nagging -- now, I see it as her "having my back."
Monday, January 7, 2013
January 6
One Thing in Your Bag, Your Fridge, Your Heart
1. To be precise, this item is currently in the pocket of my jeans. But it is supposed to be in my purse, and it will be by the time I head out at lunchtime. I bought this new lip color last summer -- Maybelline's Super Stay 24-Hour Color in Always Heather. I love it, because it's designed for people like me. I am terrible about remembering to put on my lipstick, which is funny because lipstick is the one bit of makeup that my mom never left home without. Anyway, you apply the color with a wand like lip gloss, then let it dry for about a minute before applying the clear balm-like gloss over it. And it stays all day long. If your lips get dry, you just reapply the balm and voila, new lips! The other night Jessie and Bret went to the Father-Daughter Sock Hop hosted by our GS Service Unit, and I put some of the lip gloss on her. She loves to wear lipstick, but it inevitably smears and her lips are already full enough without the expanded lip lines. This was perfect, and the color looked great on her. It's amazing how just lip gloss, even with no other makeup, made her look so much more grown up. Sigh.
2. The last tiny bit of my annual Christmas toffee is in a little tin on the top shelf of the fridge. I don't think anyone else in the family knows it's there, and I'm not inclined to remind them. I wonder how long it will last ...
3. My heart is full. I have a full life and it is exactly how I want it. I may wish for more time or better organizational skills, but those are within my control and I'm working on achieving both. My heart is ... well, troubled might be the best word ... for both my boys. Jacob for his dyslexia and the frustration that he feels as a result. And Josh for his challenges at school. I want to get to the bottom of his handwriting and organizational issues. And I still feel guilt over not addressing the SI issues years ago, but right now the academic issus are outweighing it. I need to get going on the paperwork and see what we can learn before school's out, and to be honest, I'm a bit overwhelmed by it.
1. To be precise, this item is currently in the pocket of my jeans. But it is supposed to be in my purse, and it will be by the time I head out at lunchtime. I bought this new lip color last summer -- Maybelline's Super Stay 24-Hour Color in Always Heather. I love it, because it's designed for people like me. I am terrible about remembering to put on my lipstick, which is funny because lipstick is the one bit of makeup that my mom never left home without. Anyway, you apply the color with a wand like lip gloss, then let it dry for about a minute before applying the clear balm-like gloss over it. And it stays all day long. If your lips get dry, you just reapply the balm and voila, new lips! The other night Jessie and Bret went to the Father-Daughter Sock Hop hosted by our GS Service Unit, and I put some of the lip gloss on her. She loves to wear lipstick, but it inevitably smears and her lips are already full enough without the expanded lip lines. This was perfect, and the color looked great on her. It's amazing how just lip gloss, even with no other makeup, made her look so much more grown up. Sigh.
2. The last tiny bit of my annual Christmas toffee is in a little tin on the top shelf of the fridge. I don't think anyone else in the family knows it's there, and I'm not inclined to remind them. I wonder how long it will last ...
3. My heart is full. I have a full life and it is exactly how I want it. I may wish for more time or better organizational skills, but those are within my control and I'm working on achieving both. My heart is ... well, troubled might be the best word ... for both my boys. Jacob for his dyslexia and the frustration that he feels as a result. And Josh for his challenges at school. I want to get to the bottom of his handwriting and organizational issues. And I still feel guilt over not addressing the SI issues years ago, but right now the academic issus are outweighing it. I need to get going on the paperwork and see what we can learn before school's out, and to be honest, I'm a bit overwhelmed by it.
January 5
Something You're Reading, Making, Seeing
1. My list of To-Read books is getting longer by the day and I haven't taken much time to read for myself lately. Well, actually, for the past few months, when I think about it. I love books, love to read and am terrible about neglecting everything when I'm immersed in a good book. Right now most of the books I'm reading have to do with dyslexia, and I still can't seem to wrap my brain around what it's like for Jacob. I just started The Dyslexia Advantage by Fernette and Brock Eide. And I ran across The Inheritance by L. M. Alcott the other day. I can't remember much about it, so I'm re-reading it. As well as Uh-Oh by Robert Fulghum. But the main thing that I'm reading is Bret's first draft of his new kid-lit novel. Josh really likes it, so you never know -- maybe this will be the one that launches his career as a novelist.
2. I have a list of things I need to make today. Most of them involve Meyer lemons, since Leigh gave me a bag from her mother's tree and they only have a few day left in them. Lemon poppyseed muffins for Josh, lemon pound cake and perhaps some lemon curd? I'm a bit intimidated by the curd, but I want to try it. Oh, and I'd really like to try my hand at some home-made limoncello. Lemons make me happy. Just the scent of them restores my spirit and my mood.
3. Sitting at my desk, I look outside to the front yard. In August we had sod put down, and it made us so happy to have pretty, green Bermuda grass growing, rather than sparse Fescue and weeds. Now it's all dormant and brown, and you can still see some of the lines where it still needs to grow together. But by summer it should be gorgeous. Who knew something so simple as grass would make me happy?
1. My list of To-Read books is getting longer by the day and I haven't taken much time to read for myself lately. Well, actually, for the past few months, when I think about it. I love books, love to read and am terrible about neglecting everything when I'm immersed in a good book. Right now most of the books I'm reading have to do with dyslexia, and I still can't seem to wrap my brain around what it's like for Jacob. I just started The Dyslexia Advantage by Fernette and Brock Eide. And I ran across The Inheritance by L. M. Alcott the other day. I can't remember much about it, so I'm re-reading it. As well as Uh-Oh by Robert Fulghum. But the main thing that I'm reading is Bret's first draft of his new kid-lit novel. Josh really likes it, so you never know -- maybe this will be the one that launches his career as a novelist.
2. I have a list of things I need to make today. Most of them involve Meyer lemons, since Leigh gave me a bag from her mother's tree and they only have a few day left in them. Lemon poppyseed muffins for Josh, lemon pound cake and perhaps some lemon curd? I'm a bit intimidated by the curd, but I want to try it. Oh, and I'd really like to try my hand at some home-made limoncello. Lemons make me happy. Just the scent of them restores my spirit and my mood.
3. Sitting at my desk, I look outside to the front yard. In August we had sod put down, and it made us so happy to have pretty, green Bermuda grass growing, rather than sparse Fescue and weeds. Now it's all dormant and brown, and you can still see some of the lines where it still needs to grow together. But by summer it should be gorgeous. Who knew something so simple as grass would make me happy?
Friday, January 4, 2013
January 4
A Gift Old, New and Blue
Hmmm. I didn't read the list this morning so I didn't go through the day with these particulars in mind.
1. Last year Mema downsized when she moved into a new community, and she gave us some of her treasures. The bronze bust of William Shakespeare now greets people when they enter our house, and Granddaddy's Tiki Bar is in our newly tiled great room downstairs. When we were going through all the boxes in an attempt to organize the storage room in the basement, we ran across a huge box containing her silver tea service. I already have one from my own grandmother, stored neatly in its custom case. But I brought this one upstairs, spent an evening with the silver polish, and now it resides on a table (also inherited from Mema in the Great Purge) in my living room. Yes, it's a bit fancy for my house, and it takes up the entire table top, but I love it. It reminds me of the many dinners at their home, which were a huge treat for me when we lived near them in Miami, since I'd never lived in the same town as my own grandparents.
2. In 3 months we're going on a Disney Cruise over Spring Break. It was our big "family gift" at Christmas, and for my birthday Bret's mom gave me a spa treatment on the trip. I can't wait. It's going to be a fantastic trip for all of us, and I will quite happily spend some time in the spa. Last night Josh went exploring on the web site and informed me that the spa is directly above our cabin, so it will be about 100 steps for me to get there. Nice to know, I guess.
3. For Christmas last week my boys gave me a Willow Tree figurine. I already have a lot of the angels and family figurines, as well as the Nativity, but this is one of her new ones -- the Holy Family. It's not really a nativity, so I think I'm going to leave it out year-round. And unlike most of her other figurines, this one has color. Mary's robe is a beautiful shade of blue. I just love it.
Hmmm. I didn't read the list this morning so I didn't go through the day with these particulars in mind.
1. Last year Mema downsized when she moved into a new community, and she gave us some of her treasures. The bronze bust of William Shakespeare now greets people when they enter our house, and Granddaddy's Tiki Bar is in our newly tiled great room downstairs. When we were going through all the boxes in an attempt to organize the storage room in the basement, we ran across a huge box containing her silver tea service. I already have one from my own grandmother, stored neatly in its custom case. But I brought this one upstairs, spent an evening with the silver polish, and now it resides on a table (also inherited from Mema in the Great Purge) in my living room. Yes, it's a bit fancy for my house, and it takes up the entire table top, but I love it. It reminds me of the many dinners at their home, which were a huge treat for me when we lived near them in Miami, since I'd never lived in the same town as my own grandparents.
2. In 3 months we're going on a Disney Cruise over Spring Break. It was our big "family gift" at Christmas, and for my birthday Bret's mom gave me a spa treatment on the trip. I can't wait. It's going to be a fantastic trip for all of us, and I will quite happily spend some time in the spa. Last night Josh went exploring on the web site and informed me that the spa is directly above our cabin, so it will be about 100 steps for me to get there. Nice to know, I guess.
3. For Christmas last week my boys gave me a Willow Tree figurine. I already have a lot of the angels and family figurines, as well as the Nativity, but this is one of her new ones -- the Holy Family. It's not really a nativity, so I think I'm going to leave it out year-round. And unlike most of her other figurines, this one has color. Mary's robe is a beautiful shade of blue. I just love it.
January 3
Three Graces Overheard
This one was tough, especially since the kids went back to school today and I spent most of the day in solitude.
1. In the car on the way to Josh's orthodontist appointment, I told the kids that since our "babysitting experiment" went so well the other night (we went to a party and left Josh in charge since none of our regular babysitters were available), we might actually be ready to make it a more frequent occurrence. And since they'll be saving us quite a few babysitting dollars, we would put the saved money into a special jar -- and they can collectively decide how to spend it. Maybe they'll want to save it for spending money on vacation, or use it to buy an XBox -- they can decide. It will be an interesting experiment in cooperation, but I enjoyed listening to them debate the merits of each option.
2. In the car on the way home from the afore-mentioned orthodontist appointment, Josh was surly and snarly with all of us, but especially his sister, who was sharing the back seat with him. But even after he snarled at her and accused her of "enjoying his torment and pain," she didn't lose her temper and lash back. That was definitely grace.
3. I love to hear Josh say grace at dinner. His are short and sweet and to the point. There's food on the table, after all, and we'd hate for it to get cold. But they always end with "please bless us, everyone we care about, and even those we don't." It always tickles me, and he gives me dirty looks every time I giggle during grace, but I think he's gotten the real point of grace. After all, it's easy to ask for blessings for those we love, but we need to remember those we don't, too.
This one was tough, especially since the kids went back to school today and I spent most of the day in solitude.
1. In the car on the way to Josh's orthodontist appointment, I told the kids that since our "babysitting experiment" went so well the other night (we went to a party and left Josh in charge since none of our regular babysitters were available), we might actually be ready to make it a more frequent occurrence. And since they'll be saving us quite a few babysitting dollars, we would put the saved money into a special jar -- and they can collectively decide how to spend it. Maybe they'll want to save it for spending money on vacation, or use it to buy an XBox -- they can decide. It will be an interesting experiment in cooperation, but I enjoyed listening to them debate the merits of each option.
2. In the car on the way home from the afore-mentioned orthodontist appointment, Josh was surly and snarly with all of us, but especially his sister, who was sharing the back seat with him. But even after he snarled at her and accused her of "enjoying his torment and pain," she didn't lose her temper and lash back. That was definitely grace.
3. I love to hear Josh say grace at dinner. His are short and sweet and to the point. There's food on the table, after all, and we'd hate for it to get cold. But they always end with "please bless us, everyone we care about, and even those we don't." It always tickles me, and he gives me dirty looks every time I giggle during grace, but I think he's gotten the real point of grace. After all, it's easy to ask for blessings for those we love, but we need to remember those we don't, too.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
January 2
A Gift Outside, Inside, On a Plate
1. The big red dumpster that is taking up space in my driveway. Even though I backed into it last week, it has been a real gift for us. It is filled with debris from the basement pre-tiling demolition and purge, and it made our project much easier. I'm ready for the company to come pick it up, though.
2. My Christmas trees, which will be coming down this weekend on Epiphany. I love the family tree in the sun room, with the ornaments we've collected throughout our 22 years together. It's filled with ornaments made by the kids, as well as some from our own childhoods. Whenever we travel, we buy an ornament to put on the tree, and we love to reminisce as we hang them up every Christmas. And my "Angel Tree" in the foyer makes me so happy. When we bought this house, Bret bought me the tree for my birthday to put in the foyer. It's on the smaller side, but it's the perfect size to display all of the angel ornaments I've accumulated over the years. I also hang all the photo ornaments there, even though the kids don't always act like angels. Every time I come down the stairs, go into my office or in and out of the front door, I am welcomed by my tree, and it makes me smile.
3. I try to have a dinner date with Jacob after his Syllables session at least once a month. It's difficult, since usually we take Jessie with us, and Mondays are out due to Josh's Boy Scout meetings and Bret's BSF. But today we left everyone at home and went to Chili's for dinner, just the two of us, after Syllables. Chili's is one of his favorites, because of Paradise Pie (he's a boy after my own heart). While we waited for our meal, we played a game he'd just learned at Syllables and he was so proud to explain how it worked, before beating me. As we shared our Paradise Pie, he beamed at me and told me that he couldn't stop smiling because he was so happy we were on a date. And also because he had such a pretty mommy, and also that he really liked the shirt I was wearing. He's pretty good with the compliments -- he's not embarrassed to show affection the way his big brother is, and I pray that he stays that way. Unabashed love and Paradise Pie. Yum.
1. The big red dumpster that is taking up space in my driveway. Even though I backed into it last week, it has been a real gift for us. It is filled with debris from the basement pre-tiling demolition and purge, and it made our project much easier. I'm ready for the company to come pick it up, though.
2. My Christmas trees, which will be coming down this weekend on Epiphany. I love the family tree in the sun room, with the ornaments we've collected throughout our 22 years together. It's filled with ornaments made by the kids, as well as some from our own childhoods. Whenever we travel, we buy an ornament to put on the tree, and we love to reminisce as we hang them up every Christmas. And my "Angel Tree" in the foyer makes me so happy. When we bought this house, Bret bought me the tree for my birthday to put in the foyer. It's on the smaller side, but it's the perfect size to display all of the angel ornaments I've accumulated over the years. I also hang all the photo ornaments there, even though the kids don't always act like angels. Every time I come down the stairs, go into my office or in and out of the front door, I am welcomed by my tree, and it makes me smile.
3. I try to have a dinner date with Jacob after his Syllables session at least once a month. It's difficult, since usually we take Jessie with us, and Mondays are out due to Josh's Boy Scout meetings and Bret's BSF. But today we left everyone at home and went to Chili's for dinner, just the two of us, after Syllables. Chili's is one of his favorites, because of Paradise Pie (he's a boy after my own heart). While we waited for our meal, we played a game he'd just learned at Syllables and he was so proud to explain how it worked, before beating me. As we shared our Paradise Pie, he beamed at me and told me that he couldn't stop smiling because he was so happy we were on a date. And also because he had such a pretty mommy, and also that he really liked the shirt I was wearing. He's pretty good with the compliments -- he's not embarrassed to show affection the way his big brother is, and I pray that he stays that way. Unabashed love and Paradise Pie. Yum.
January 1, 2013
3 Gifts Heard
1. "Happy New Year" shouted in chorus by four children as December 31, 2012 became January 1, 2013. I think this was the first time my kids have all stayed up until midnight, so it was a new experience for them. Josh proclaimed the dropping of the ball at Times Square "anticlimactic" but they all had fun setting off fireworks and playing with sparklers, so I expect this will not be the last time for them.
2. The sweet sound of giggles as Jessie and her new friend enjoy just being together, whether it's eating dinner with the family, playing Just Dance on the Wii, watching a movie, giving each other makeovers or snuggling in bed sharing favorite parts of books with each other.
3. The sound of video games from the basement. After spending last week tiling the basement, we are all very happy to have a place where the kids -- and Daddy! -- can go to play games or watch movies without being in the middle of the living room. It's time.
1. "Happy New Year" shouted in chorus by four children as December 31, 2012 became January 1, 2013. I think this was the first time my kids have all stayed up until midnight, so it was a new experience for them. Josh proclaimed the dropping of the ball at Times Square "anticlimactic" but they all had fun setting off fireworks and playing with sparklers, so I expect this will not be the last time for them.
2. The sweet sound of giggles as Jessie and her new friend enjoy just being together, whether it's eating dinner with the family, playing Just Dance on the Wii, watching a movie, giving each other makeovers or snuggling in bed sharing favorite parts of books with each other.
3. The sound of video games from the basement. After spending last week tiling the basement, we are all very happy to have a place where the kids -- and Daddy! -- can go to play games or watch movies without being in the middle of the living room. It's time.
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