A Dentist Prepares for an Examination

DENTIST APPOINTMENTS

My day began with a reminder from Jason, "Don't forget you have a dentist appointment today."  Ugh!  I inherited many qualities from my mother, one of which is both a psychological reliance on and a slight fear of dentists.  I'm better off than my poor mother, however, due to braces in middle school.  When you have hands in your mouth most of your adolescent life, it is much easier to tolerate the woes of a simple cleaning.

Fortunately, the lady who cleaned my teeth was at once both thorough and surprisingly gentle, so I was able to walk out of my appointment and eat immediately eat lunch!  Hurray!

THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK SACRED INFLUENCE

Because I came out of my appointment about 30 minutes earlier than my ride (Jason and the kids) expected, I had time to stroll around the Dollar Store (how sad is it when you can't afford a few items at the Dollar Store) and to sit down on the curb and do a little reading.  My current "marriage" read is Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas.  I was so impressed with Sacred Marriage that Iquickly insisted that Jason order this one for me.  Unfortunately, my first impression of the book is that it was written with the worst case scenario husbands in mind. . . which, I am happy to say, mine is not.  But, my street-side reading yesterday gave me some hope that the book will do me some good.  I will have to trudge on and see. 

However, those with husbands who really struggle with lack of communications, physical affection, helping with the kids or house, or with sexual addictions of varying sorts will probably find this book extremely helpful.

VEGGIE TALES

A new Family Bookstore opened up in the next town over, and their grand opening events include mega-deal coupons and visits from Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber.  Of course we went! 

Jason's birthday is later this month; and, historically, he never lets me buy him any gifts.  It always frustrates me because I love to make big deals of the birthdays in this family.  However, I wooed him with coupons that were too good to pass by and the promise that he wouldn't have to wait until his birthday to have his gifts.  So, he got himself a Casting Crowns CD and some compilation praise and worship CD.

The kids were highly entertained with the Veggie Tales.  Gordon was thrilled with Bob and Larry (in spite of their inability to say anything -- which struck me as strange, yet understandable).  Teeny just couldn't get enough of them, and even Bud-Jack seemed to like them -- walked right up and stared at them for a while.  I got some pictures, but have yet to see if they turned out really well.  It was a difficult situation as Larry was too tall to fit completely in the pictures with my little ones. 

MORE ADVENTURES OF THE DAY

After the book store we headed to Wal-Mart to pick up pictures to send to the Ging-Gings for Mother's Day, and then over to Rita's for Ice Cream/Custard Cones.

The outings were completed with a trip to the library to get Gordon books on insects and Teeny books on Snails.  Not sure why she wanted books on snails, but who am I to argue?

CINQO DE MAYO

And, of course we celebrated with a Mexican Feast!  Soft-shell tacos, Spanish rice (made from leftover white rice mixed with some tomato sauce), refried beans, and chips and dip.  We topped the celebration off with Cinqo de Mayo slushies.  Yum.    What a way to end a busy day!

Well, we are more than half-way through Lent; and I have to say that I think things are going remarkably well here.  I am so much more satisfied with this Lent than I have been with any other Lent or Advent I have ever celebrated. 

As I wrote several weeks ago, I'm using this "road map to Easter" with the kids, combined with this Bible reading schedule and the symbols that go with each reading.  The chart we have hanging in the kitchen is really helping the kids pay attention to the readings; and it allows for alot of review, since they are constantly asking me to go back over what the different symbols stand for.  So far we have begun special prayers of thanks for the things we are especially grateful for (note later that for a week or so, Gordon or Teeny always thanked God for the TV).  We also talked about forgiveness and the need to both ask for and give it.  Last week we focused on abstinence and went beyond our fast food fast to abstain from TV for a full five days!!!  This week we are working on extra acts of charity.

The week without TV was a wonderful experience for the whole family and has helped form some new, better habits around here.  For instance, the week sorta weaned my children off of the constant TV feed of cable stations like Nickalodian and Disney.  Now I have them watching EITHER Mr. Rogers and Reading Rainbow during lunch OR a DVD in the evening.  Jason and I are also restricting our cable viewing.  I have about three or four "must see" shows during the week, and Jason loves to rent DVDs from our local Redboxes; SO, we only watch those shows and a DVD or so a week.  This may still sound like a substantial amount of TV viewing, but it is a big step for us.  I used to have the TV on every time I nursed as well as for about an hour or two after my favorite shows AND just about anytime I was bored in the evening.  Jason, too, feels the cut-back every time he comes home and catches himself instinctively looking for the remote and the sofa.  But we both realize how nice it is to have our time back.  We read more, talk more, . . .

As far as my own personal Lenten journey, I have finished Sacred Marriage, have ordered Sacred Influence, and have recommended the former to everyone I can think of (it is the only marriage book I've ever finished -- this goes way beyond the stuff you've always heard).  Jason is now reading the book (and likes it alot -- has already shared much insight gained from his reading), as is a dear family member who is reconciling her marriage.  So exciting.  And, yes, the book has had several practical effects on my marriage. . . but some are rather personal, so I'll opt out of sharing the specifics.

Also, working toward simplicity this Lenten season, I have begun greatly limiting my internet use -- I literally have to TURN OFF THE COMPUTER sometimes, but it works -- and I get much more done and find that my kids are much better behaved.  I've also developed a greater appreciation for the library and have decided to begin passing on those books that I purchase that I just think are wonderful to friends and family (so, someone will be getting a copy of Sacred Marriage once Jason finishes it). 

I think the ideas of fasting and abstinence are sort of misunderstood in some Protestant circles.  My mom likes to say that she gave "everything" up when she became a Christian and therefore doesn't have anything to fast.  However, I've found that giving things up like, say, meat or sugar or television. . . gives me an opportunity to evaluate what sort of a hold these things have on my life and how I might need to simplify my life in areas like food consumption and media use.  Eating more simply (at least some of the time) saves money for more important things -- like giving to charitable causes.  And restricting TV and computer time allow for better use of my time -- like reading, praying, talking with Jason, and spending time with my kids.

. . .speaking of which, my oldest is beconning me to the living room.  So, until the next time I get a long chunk of time during which to indulge in blogging. . . 

As Advent and Christmas turned out to be slightly less than what I had hoped for spiritually speaking, I'm making a concerted effort to focus on Christ this Lent and to draw my children into the meaning of it all.  We've all come up with our fasts and acts of service.  For the kids they are small yet require much toddler effort -- we are, as a family, fasting fast food!  This is difficult for little ones -- maybe more so for their sometimes tired momma.  Additionally we are "helping one another" this Lent.  Gordon is helping Teeny make her bed every morning, Teeny is helping with Bud-Jack's diaper changes, and Bud-Jack. . . well, he's helping daddy smile at the end of those long days at work.  We are using both this road map to Lent as well as these verses and symbols for the Lent Cross in our daily morning prayers and evening Bible readings -- the kids love taping stuff up on the chart, and it seems to really drive home the point, at least with Gordon.  I'm also planning on using these Lenten Sunday bedtime ideas.

On a personal note, I'm trying (as much as a nursing mother can) to eat more simply on my Fridays.  I'm by no means rigid, but I figure I can do what I can.  And, I love food -- LOVE it -- so this is sometimes a struggle.  As far as my acts of service to God, my intention was to read through the entire Bible in 40 days.  Yes, yes, I realized pretty quickly that this goal is a bit too lofty.  So, what will I come up with to replace it?

Well, what I've read is to think about those areas that are struggle areas for you -- areas in which you consistently fall short or sin often -- and then sort of mold your fasting and serving around those areas.  My biggest sins are those of irritability, anger, and anxiety.  Based on my readings in 2006, the best way to eliminate these sort of emotions is to simplify.  So, maybe I'll take a long, hard look at what is complicating and cluttering my life (both physically and emotionally/spiritually) and weed those things out over the next 40 days. 

If you asked my husband what my act of service for Lent should be, he would say. . .  well, I'll leave that one to your imaginations.  And while it seems a bit ludicrous, it really isn't such a bad idea in theory (or even in practice).  The fact of the matter is that we (and some of our friends) are watching marriages crumble to the ground left and right.  It is frightening, really.  And all the sadness of these breaking marriages has led me to really take a step back and take a good look at my own marriage and myself as a wife.  Am I praying daily for Jason, for our marriage?  Am I putting Jason first (second only to God, Himself) in my life?  Does Jason know that he is the most important person in my life?  Do I make myself indispensible to him by nurturing and helping him in every area of his life?  Do I allow him to lead in every situation in our family -- even when I think he's wrong?  Am I looking to Jason to make me happy and getting disgruntled when he falls short of my expectations?  Am I getting frustrated and angry when things are less-than-wonderful or do I forgive and sacrifice my own "rights" and "wants"?  Am I allowing my marriage to make me more like Christ -- giving, forgiving, full of unconditional and limitless grace and mercy?  Or am I allowing my marriage to make me more fleshly -- self-centered, unforgiving, and full of pride and judgement?

I believe that, if I allow God to really work in MY life, this Lent might dramatically improve my relationship with Jason, the atmosphere of my home, and my relationship with Christ.

And for a good book on the subject of marriage, I HIGHLY recommend Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.

I was working in a maternity home when Jason and I got married.  I absolutely loved it there, it was great to minister in such a unique way to such a unique group of people.  Jason loved it too; but, as he was a man, the opportunities for ministry there were somewhat limited.  However, the desire to be in some form of ministry took root in his heart and lead to our moving to a children's home in rural Virginia.  We began working in a girl's cottage, since that was what I was most familiar with; but the Lord quickly arranged for us to move into a boy's cottage. . . and it was great!

Now, Jason only worked in the cottage for a few months before being offered a job in administration at the home.  I stayed on, sharing the resident assistant role with my dear friend Misty until I became pregnant and couldn't physically handle the long hours any more (it was my first pregnancy, I was a wimp!).

I have so many funny memories from working with those boys.  Jason began with the boys about a month before I did, and I remember him calling for me to come down to the basement of the boy's cottage one Saturday afternoon to see what he and the guys had been doing.  There were just two boys at the time, and they had gone hunting around campus that morning.  They found a shed full of old, half-dilapedated bikes.  They somehow got them all to the basement and set up a little bike shop.  They took off and discarded the rusty and broken parts and pieced together what they had left.  They got dirty and sweaty and, at the end of it all, had about four or five interesting bikes to show for their hard work.  These bikes made me crack up, and they didn't mind my laughing.  They also didn't mind riding these bikes around campus for months to come, showing off their handy work.

I remember taking the boys to see the movie A Knight's Tale.  Of course we all loved the movie, and when we got home they took their funny bikes and pretended to joust in the backyard. 

One boy, I remember, helped me track down and capture a stray kitten at church one Wednesday night.  The cat looked and acted so much like this particular boy that I seriously thought about naming the cat after him.  But, since we already had two cats named after teas, I went with Gingko.

It is funny to me just how different boys are from girls.  I remember the day that this fact really hit me.  I was working with my good friend Misty this particular day.  We were all sitting at the breakfast table.  I'm not exactly sure how the "skirmish" began, I just know that two of the boys began irritating each other some how.  Quicker than I or Misty could think, threats were shouted, ignored, and followed through on.  The two boys were flinging chairs aside and punching eachother in no time.  Horrified, as we girls can get around such violence, Misty and I rushed the presumed perpetrator to his room and quickly retreated to the staff lounge (just next to the dining area) to figure out what on earth we were going to do.  While we were avidly perusing staff manuals and worriedly discussing the horrible beginning to this day we heard two calm, civil voices out at the table.  "Sorry, man."  "No problem."  And with that it was over.  As if it had never even happened!  Misty and I were astonished.  All we could do was laugh at how wierd this was to us.  We were sure we were going to be breaking up fights all day; but, no, boys don't linger as we women do.

This home was in the mountains of rural Virginia.  Many of our boys had never been outside the county lines -- had never seen tall buildings or beaches.  I remember the look on one boy's face the first time he saw the vast expanse of the ocean, and the cries of amazement at his first glimpse of a skyscraper.

I remember reading Tom Sawyer out loud to one boy with a learning diasability.  Those were probably the best hours of that job.  Reading for work.

I remember a new couple of brothers asking me to please make banana bread for them their first night at the cottage.  Of course I willingly obliged.  I also enjoyed playing checkers with the younger brother every night that first couple weeks before he went to bed.

I remember taking them to the 'skate park" just about every weekend and hearing "Watch this, Miss Erika" over and over and over.  I never tired of oohing and ahhing for them, and they soaked it up every time as if they were parched for words of praise and affirmation.

I remember running a covert operation with a group of them in an attempt to go out for the day without attracting the attention of a misbehaved boy.  I let the natural leader of the group know the plan -- I was going to drive the van around back and he was going to lead the others quietly out the side door and run to the van with them.  The misbehaved boy was not to know as he would have surely run out too and hopped, literally,  on top of the van -- in fact, I think he had hopped on the top of the van already that day.  Our plan worked.  Poor Misty had to stay behind.

I remember coming up with a system for our youngest boy in an attempt to encourage more consistent positive behavior.  I also remember the day he got perfect scores on this system.  We had a big party for him with a cake and everything.  All the boys got into cheering him on.

In fact, they always got into cheering eachother on.  There was one evening when a particularly 'chubby' boy decided to "go into training."  I remember the boys out front, running laps around the circle with him, chanting little military "one, two, three, four's" wih him and telling him he could do it.

I remember taking the whole load of them to pick up our cottage's high school wrestler from a meet.  When he got in the car he told us he had won his meet, so we headed straight for the ice cream shop; and then, when we got home, mid-winter, we had him hop out in his little wrestling garb and run a victory lap around the circle as we drove behind honking the horn and screaming out the windows of the 15 passenger van.

And, on a more somber note, I remember 9/11.  I was on my way back from taking our youngest to school when I heard the news on the radio.  I remember all the emotions I felt that week.  I also remember how serious and concerned those boys were.  How they wanted to do something, talk, show their support.  I remember taking them to pray around the flag on the circle.  We lit candles and were slowly joined by other cottages.  I remember their proud, man-like talk of war and defending their country.  I remember some of them talking about knowing how to handle a rifle and being ready to defend us if things got really bad.  So young, yet so brave.

Well, enough reminiscing.  I have hundreds of memories I could share, but I would only bore you.  So I'll sit here and savor them myself.

Boys Climbing a Tree, Cartoon for a Tapestry, 1790-92

While I finished Little Men some time ago, I'm just now getting around to posting my favorite quotes -- you know, raising kids and Christmas and all. . .  I really loved Little Men.  While it may not be the "great work of literature" that Little Women is regarded as, it really hit a soft spot in my heart.  I have worked with pregnant young ladies, girls of varying ages, and boys of varying ages, all at different times in my life.  While I know God has called me to minister to pregnant girls or women in crisis pregnancy, I truly enjoyed my time working in a boys cottage of a children's home.  Boys are just great -- so unique and different from girls.  While girls can be petty, manipulative, and emotionally crippling; boys are pretty up-front, forgiving, and friendly.  As I read Little Men I was filled with memories of my time in the boys cottage, and I plan to share some of those memories in the next few days.  But, for now, here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

HONORING HUSBAND

". . .Mrs. Jo felt that she had received the best her husband could give her, by saying that he found his truest rest and happiness in her society." (pg. 221)

"Daisy knew nothing about woman's rights; she quietly took all she wanted, and no one denied her claim, because she did not undertake what she could not carry out, but unconsiously used the all-powerful right of her own influence to win from others any privilege for which she had proved her fitness." (pg. 251)

RAISING CHILDREN

"His uncle was fitting him for college, and his aunt for a happy home of his own hereafter, because she carefully fostered in him gentle manners, love of children, respect for women, old and young, and helpful ways about the house." (pg. 19)

". . .Grandpa March cultivated the little mind with the tender wisdom of a modern Pythagoras -- not tasking it with long, hard lessons, parrot-learned, but helping it to unfold as naturally and beautifully as sun and dew help roses bloom." (pg. 20)

"There were no rewards in school, but Mr. Bhaer's 'Well done!' and Mrs. Bhaer's good report on the conscience book taught them to love duty for its own sake, and try to do it faithfully, sure that sooner or later the recompense would come." (pg. 120)

"July had come, and haying begun; the little gardens were doing fine, and the long summer days were full of pleasant hours.  The house stood open from morning till night, and the lads lived out of doors, except at school-time.  The lessons were short, and there were many holidays, for the Bhaers believed in cultivating healthy bodies by much exercise, and our short summers are best used in out-of-door work." (pg. 150)

". . .she believed that the small hopes and plans and pleasures of children should be tenderly respected by grown-up people, and never rudely thwarted or ridiculed." (pg.189)

". . .she liked to have her penalties do their own work and did not spoil the effect by too much moralizing." (pg.213)

MANAGING HOME

". . .he loved these simple domestic festivals, and encouraged them with all his heart, for they made home so pleasant that the boys did not care to go elsewhere for fun." (pg. 351)

TIME FOR SELF

"I shall devote the whole of my plot to the largest crop of patience I can get, for that is what I need most." (pg. 45)

Oh, my.  January simply slays me.  It literally becomes an month of anxiety and stress over night.  Yes, around December 31 the wicked wheels in my brain begin spinning at an uncontrolable rate.  I spend countless hours coming up with ways to change, to iimprove.  My list quickly becomes insurmountable, and I loose precious sleep and allow my house to become a mess and neglect my children a bit as I attempt to figure out how to accomplish all my new goals -- things like get more sleep, get the house clean and organized, and spend more time with the kids.

A few years back, while I was telling a friend of all the Christian "self-help" books I was reading and all the lists I was making, I was introduced to a wonderful book.  My friend meekly smiled and said that she had just the book I needed -- the only one, outside the Bible, that I needed to read for a while.  I was so excited, convinced she had found a book that covered all my weaknesses and a step-by-step plan to overcome each one.  I must admit I was a bit dismayed when she handed me what looked just like a children's book.  It was a small, square, hard-backed book.  The cover was green, and the slip-jacket bore a watercolor of a fruitful vine.  I thanked her for the book and waited until I got to my car to roll my eyes. 

But, I did look through the book a few days later, and it absolutely changed my life.  The book was a story based on John 15:1-8.  It told of a small, sickly plant who would look out his window every day at the strong vine across the way.  He wished he could be strong like and was so sad that he wasn't strong and flourishing.  One day a gardener takes the sick little plant and grafts it into the strong vine.  The plant is so excited and immediately begins to feel strong and healthy.  It doesn't take long, however, for the plant to get a little, shall we say, bummed out.  He looks at the other branches on the vine and notices that some of them are bearing lots and lots of fruit.  He knows this fruit makes the gardener happy, and he wants to bear fruit like that too, so he will please the gardener.  He begins to strain and struggle to make himself bear fruit; but the more he strives, the weaker he becomes.  It is at this point that the gardener tells him to stop trying; all he has to do is "abide" in the vine, and the vine will give all that the branch needs to bear fruit.  As soon as the branch stops striving, and just abides, he begins to get strong again and eventually bear fruit and then more fruit.

The book (the name and author of which I cannot remember, unfortunately) does not end there, but that was what I needed at the time. . . and what I continue to need every January.

I had a long list of "New Year's Resolutions."  Of course my biggy is to get organized, but somehow that seemed to simple.  But what is wrong with simple, for it is simplicity that brings with it peace and freedom from anxiety.

So, I'm trading in my list of twenty some resolutions for one big project (get organized) and a handfull of prayer requests to seek God's guidance and strength in.

Lord, help me this year to talk to You more.  Capture my attention through the day, so that I am brought to my knees in prayer and praise often.  Help me to take better care of myself, my body and emotions.  Help me to make Jason feel more important to me.  Help me to nurture my kids and provide for them a more consistent and healthy life style.  I can do none of this on my own, so stop me in my tracks when I start my manic listing and planning.  Help me put down my pen and turn to You in prayer.  Help me to listen to You.  In Jesus name, Amen.

I found out the day after Christmas that my Grandma L. passed away Christmas Eve.  My parents are up visiting on their way to and from the funeral, and it is nice to get an unexpected Christmas-time visit from them.  I know the kids are enjoying their company.  It is a strange thing when someone you were related to, yet not at all close to, dies.  There seems to be a feeling of obligation to mourn their passing, a little guilt over not attending the funeral.  Unfortunately I was never very close to this particular Grandma.

However, I do have some fairly nice memories of Grandma L., and the least I can do is honor her memory by sharing those with others.

Big blonde wigs.

Soft, wrinkled skin.

Eyes that showed excitement at the mere sight of a child.

Strong Philly accent.

"God bless ya," "Isn't she precious," "God love ya."

The strangely woodsy smell of a city backyard.

Blueberries in milk, triscuits, London broil, and sloppy pizza.

Tight hugs and excited pinches on the cheeks.

Rigorous, welcoming kisses.

Shopping -- oh how she loved to shop.

And the family favorite. . .

Grandma L. came to visit while I was potty training.  I was very intrigued with the bathroom habits of others at the time; so when she went in the bathroom and shut the door, I laid down on the ground outside the door to listen.  When I heard that Grandma L. was successfully potty trained, I cheered from the hall, "Good girl, Grandma!"

. . .she loved to tell that story.

I've been feeling like I'm stuck in a whirl wind lately.  So much activity both physical and mental. . . feels like mostly mental. 

My high school buddy, Debbie, came to town with her three children for a few days.  We had a great time shuffling six kids (all under the age of 6) around town, shocking people's socks off.  It was certainly a challenge at times, but we had some good laughs, good conversation, and I know the kids loved getting to play with eachother.

After Debbie and her crew left for home, I began preparations to go to a wedding in Virginia.  My good friend, Misty, who worked in the boys cottage at the children's home Jason and I used to work at, FINALLY got married to the man of her dreams -- our old director, Ronnie.  CONGRATULATIONS AND PRAISE THE LORD!!!  It required a 7hr. drive there, two nights at a hotel (during which Gordon and I both came down with quick fevers), and a 7hr. drive back; but it was so worth it.  We had an absolute blast catching up with old friends and co-workers -- it was like getting together with family, we just started right back where we left off, as if we'd never left.  And, of course, it was such a blessing to see my friend's prayers answered.

Now, I'm preparing for an out of town dinner guest tomorrow, so I'm cleaning alot.  There are also grocery lists and shopping trips, holiday preparations and plans, a wonderful mother-in-law on her way to town next week for the holiday. . . and, most pressing, Gordon's fourth birthday!  He turned four yesterday, but has no idea.  We decided to hold off on celebrating till Saturday when we are making a trip back up to the Poconos so Gordon can celebrate with his "best friend, Ethan."  I'm so excited for him, so thankful to Ethan's mom, Kolleen, and so busy trying to get the house in order before we leave. . .

But, in honor of Gordon's birthday, here are some then and now pics for you.

Gordon's first couple hours spent with his daddy. . . and he's still a daddy's boy through and through.

Gordon's first birthday.  He had a face only a mother could love!

Gordon's second birthday.  Look at those curls!  I could just cry.  Hold on while I get a tissue.

Gordon at three years old.  Not sure why I don't have pictures from his third birthday; but I know we always celebrate big, so I don't really feel too guilty.

A recent picture of a not-quite-four-year-old Gordon.  He has become quite a big boy.  It happened so quickly, I hardly noticed.  And I guess that is the moral:  pay as much attention to those kiddos while you can because time really does fly.

I Love Lucy

Ah, yes.  It was just filled with angst, stress, annoyances, irritability, dirty looks, mean words, and wretched thoughts and feelings.  Why does that happen?  I really think that the more I try to be a humble, patient wife, the more I fail at it.  Actually, I like to think it is Satan attacking me; but I have a feeling that, now that I'm paying closer attention, I'm noticing my typically nasty behavior more often than I used to.

A few conclusions I've come to:

1. Kid's need sleep -- even on the weekend.  It is amazing how LITTLE sleep Gordon and Teeny got.  Shopping trips and birthday parties had them going to bed late and/or skipping naps. . .  And it made them absolutely obnoxious (I can say that because I admit to their obnoxious behavior being 100% my fault) which made Jason and I crazy!
2. If shopping cannot be done at one time during the weekend, it doesn't need to get done.  We spend so much time in stores, it is ridiculous.  It was Kohl's and Target on Friday night, K-mart and the grocery store Saturday night, and The Dollar Tree, K-mart, and the grocery store AGAIN on Sunday afternoon.  Add that to a birthday party Saturday afternoon and church on Sunday, and you are destined to find little peace and relaxation over the weekend.
3. Marriage (and childraising) is all about grace.  To have a pleasant time over a few short days, you must, must, must be willing to let things go quickly.  If you hold on to anger over something that happened Friday night, you will find yourself wishing on Moday that you'd been able to enjoy at least a few moments with the family.

All that said, I did enjoy parts of the weekend.  Jason, my wonderful husband, brought me home a Shoo-Fly Pie and vanilla ice cream from his out-of-town trip Thursday that I was able to enjoy all weekend.  He also did ALL the laundry for me yesterday and picked up the laundry room.  And, we enjoyed laughing together at the kids antics. . . among other things.  Gordon went to his first birthday party here in MD.  This had it's good and bad aspects, but overall it was enjoyable and he remembers the experience fondly.  Teeny and Gordon both got a new pair of jammies (thanks to the cursed Kohl's trip) and were elated to show them off last night.  Teeny even "took to the stage" in hers and sang a few solos -- the first line or two of Amazing Grace, Twinkle Twinkle, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game.  And Bud-Jack -- well, he's always fun to watch and talk to and laugh at.  In fact, when everything is nuts and everyone seems to be on my last nerve, I can always look at that baby and smile -- he's just too darn cute.

So, I'll blog!

Here's a list of a bunch of stuff that supposedly indicates how adventurous a life you've led.  You are supposed to copy, paste to your blog, and highlight the things you've done.  So, since I'm bored and aimless, here goes. . .

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath
08. Said “I love you’ and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten tipsy on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to a charity (That's Jason's thing, not mine.)
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

27. Had a food fight (Nothing dramatic, just a little throwing of food in
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run

36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched the wild whales

45. Stolen a sign

46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow

56. Alphabetized your CDs

57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. *edited* (I'm sure I've done SOMETHING worthy of being edited.)

61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Taken a martial arts class

70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie (Does it count that my dad's been in a couple?)
74. Crashed a party

75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”

83. Got flowers for no reason

84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. *edited* (Wonder what all this editing is about?)
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents

93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (Raising, not yet raised)

97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication

106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart

111. Helped an animal give birth (not an animal, but a person, several actually)

112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery

120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school

131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach (I lived in Savannah, GA for quite some time, but I wouldn't call what I did with the roaches "petting".)
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (Does it count that Jason has several times?)

137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office (Yeah, senior class secretary)

140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair (I've helped run a booth at a "street fair".)
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident

150. Saved someone’s life (I'm sure that catching falling babies counts, right?)

Classic Children's Authors - Louisa May Alcott

I've just finished Little Women for what is probably, surprisingly, only the second time in my life.  What kind of girl am I!?  An avid L. M. Montgomery and Jane Austen fan, that's what kind.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really enjoyed this book.  The story was great; the characters were fun; and, best of all, I "got something out of it." 

I typically get so caught up in my reading that I end up later beating myself in the head trying to remember that great, all-important quote.  This time I took to turning down page corners and then going back and highlighting my favorite lines (yes, I own the book). 

Here are a few of my favorites.

SERVNG GOD

"Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety; it shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies and protestations." (pg. 362)

". . .with eyes made clear by many tears, and a heart softened by the tenderest sorrow, she recognized the beauty of her sister's life -- uneventful, unambitious, yet full of the genuine virtues which 'smell sweet, and blossom in the dust,' the self-forgetfulness that makes the humblest on earth remembered soonest in heaven, the true success which is possible to all." (pg. 402)

"It's highly virtuous to say we'll be good, but we can't do it all at once, and it takes a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together, before some of us even get our feet set in the right way." (pg. 420)

RAISING CHILDREN

". . .remember that children should be children as long as they can." (pg.62)

"The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms wre very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlid here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter." (pg. 165)

". . .mothers may differ in management, but the hope is the same in all -- the desire to see their children happy." (pg. 322)

"Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage." (pg. 421)

"If he is old enough to ask the question he is old enough to receive true answers.  I am not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those already there." (pg. 446)

KEEPING HOUSE

"There were no marble-topped tables, long mirrors,or lace curtains in the little parlor, but simple furniture, plenty of books, and a fine picture or two, a stand of flowers in the bay window, and scattered all about, the pretty gifts which came from friendly hands and were the fairer for the loving messages they brought." (pg. 236)

TIME FOR ME

"Have regular hours for work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you know the worth of time by employing it well.  Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success. . ." (pg. 121)

Well, now is the bit where I succumb to "peer pressure."  Yes, "all the bloggers are doing it," so why shouldn't I.  Actually, the idea stressed me out at first, but I came up with a nice looking list.  It makes me a bit nervous really.  Some will cost a pretty penny; but I figure, worse comes to worst, I can adjust them to make for some cheaper alternatives.  So here it is, my list -- to be completed by June 4, 2009!

SERVING GOD

1. Read and apply Gate Keepers of the Home.
2. Listen to Nancy Campbell’s Beautiful Homes tapes.
3. Go to a ladies retreat.
4. Study the book of James.
5. Memorize the book of James.
6. Identify my favorite version of the Bible.
7. Buy a new Bible.
8. Create a meditation/prayer spot for myself.
9. Study the book of Philippians.
10. Memorize the book of Philippians.
11. Get involved with foreign missions at church.
12. Start a prayer journal.
13. Read a book about Catholicism and Protestantism.

TAKING TIME FOR SELF

  14.   Read Les Miserables.

  15.   Read through and make changes according to What You Don’t Know May Be Killing You.

  16.   Read 20 fiction books.

  17.   Read 20 non-fiction books.

  18.   Visit the home of Louisa May Alcott.

  19.   Go to the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Vermont.

  20.   Finish my bachelor’s degree.

  21.   Go to a day spa for some pampering.

  22.   Buy an ink cartridge for the printer.

  23.   Print out my favorite blog posts and articles and file them neatly in a binder.

  24.   Start a Tradition website.

  25.   Learn calligraphy or the like.

  26.   Make a new good friend.

  27.   Get at least 6 hours sleep a night (or try).

  28.   Give up soda.

  29.   Take a day off from the computer every week.

  30.   Replace my favorite old broken or scratched CDs.

  31.   Watch Pride and Prejudice (AGAIN!).

  32.   Go to a bed and breakfast or inn or nice hotel for a night alone.

  33.   Buy a new bathing suit.

  34.   Keep my toenails painted.

  35.   Buy some new tennis shoes.

  36.   Improve my overall complexion.

  37.   Learn another language.

  38.   Learn the identity of the birds in my backyard.

  39.   Stop biting my nails.

  40.   Write and send one letter (snail mail) every week.

  41.   Take a bath or shower every day (even with newborns).

  42.   Learn to write biographies and memoirs.

  43.   Stay at Tybee Island for a week with the family.

  44.   Buy a journal and begin writing down my thoughts and days events again, for posterity’s sake.

  45.   Go crabbing.

HONORING MY HUSBAND

  46.   Go on a weekend out of town trip with Jason and without the kids.

  47.   Write Jason a love letter.

  48.   Visit two historic prisons with Jason.

  49.   See Rent on Broadway with Jason.

  50.   Go to an L/P homecoming.

  51.   Set aside time every day to sit and talk with Jason.

  52.   (Personal).

  53.   Get Jason’s Alcatraz poster framed.

  54.   Kiss Jason every day.

  55.   Go camping five times with the family.

  56.   Learn 5 new curry recipes for Jason.

RAISING MY KIDS

  57.   Make sure my kids see all their great grandparents one more time (at least).

  58.   Have another child.

  59.   Begin and keep up with memory journals/scrapbooks/keepsake boxes for each child.

  60.   Buy and start filling a hope chest for Teeny.

  61.   Take Teeny to a tea room for her birthday.

  62.   Take Gordon to a movie.

  63.   Take my kids to Sesame Place.

  64.   Go to a good beachcomber shore and hunt for goodies with the kids.

  65.   Go to every Smithsonian Museum with the kids.

  66.   Take Teeny to see the Nutcracker Ballet.

  67.   Print out new pictures every month to put into photo boxes and kids memory books.

  68.   Watch Little Women with my kids.

  69.   Help my kids start a leaf collection.

  70.   Teach my children 10 hymns.

  71.   Teach Gordon “The Lord’s Prayer.”

  72.   Wake my kids for the first snow of the winter.

  73.   Watch Anne of Green Gables with the kids.

  74.   Take the kids to a parade.

  75.   Potty train Teeny.

  76.   Begin a keepsake journal for kids about myself and Jason.

  77.   Begin a Grandparents journal for kids.

  78.   Give or get Gordon and Teeny swim lessons.

KEEPING MY HOUSE

  79.   Grow a small vegetable garden (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots).

  80.   Grow a fruit or two.

  81.   Learn to can.

  82.   Learn to sew.

  83.   Finish “the quilt” or do something with the squares.

  84.   Grow a garden of annuals.

  85.   Write out and organize my favorite recipes for easy access.

  86.   Make some beaded Christmas ornaments.

  87.   Make a nicely written, embellished, and framed Bible verse for every room of the house.

  88.   Learn to whip up egg whites right.

  89.   Organize all my pictures into photo boxes.

  90.   Grow a houseplant.

  91.   Go for a walk with my family after dinner at least 3 times a week.

  92.   Read Hidden Art, discover my hidden arts and use them.

  93.   Put a birdfeeder out back (squirrel proof).

  94.   Put a bird bath out back.

  95.   Build and hang a bird house or nesting box.

  96.   Check out (and become a frequent shopper?) at the local whole foods market.

  97.   Go shopping for goodies at a flea market.

  98.   Find a recipe for pralines that are as good as Savannah Sweets’.

  99.   Check out (and become a frequent shopper at?) the local farmer’s market or farm stand.

  100. Grow basil, oregano, sage, and thyme.

  101. See if I can buy a week’s worth of groceries for $75.

This is one of those pictures I've only sent to family.  Why?  Embarassment and worry.  I figured I'd look like a horrible mom to anyone who saw this picture of my baby covered in "cauliflower" (that is what Gordon calls batting).

Silly, isn't it?  Especially since the friends and family who I know will be reading this (and probably any other curious eyes that happen upon this blog) have confessed having kids that draw on walls, cut holes in linens, jump and climb on and off of furniture,. . . 

Saturday I read this post about mommy guilt by Jenna at Choosing Home. It was an immidiate encouragement, and it reminded me of a few other blog postings and articles I've read recently on the subject of being yourself and not being ashamed.

I call myself "Real Momma" because I'd like to think I'm open and honest with others about my struggles (and victories) as a Christian, a wife, a mother, a homemaker, and a woman.  I want to be this way as an encouragement to others -- as a way to let other women know that they aren't that bad, they are just normal, they are who God made them to be. . . I'M who God made ME to be.  Unfortunately, as Jenna points out, I apologize all too often.  Not in the sense of, "Sorry, all, I feed my kids too much sugar, let them watch way too much TV, don't exercise,. . ."  What I do tend to do is EXCUSE.  And, I suppose, excuses are the most passive form of apologies.

So, check out these blog postings and articles, be encouraged, figure out who you are (not what someone or everyone else seems to be telling you you ought to be), and STOP MAKING EXCUSES (aka apologizing). 

KEEP IT REAL!

Lightening the Load of Motherhood by Jenna @ Choosing Home

Dealing with Opposition by Deputy Headmistress @ The Common Room

Mothering Free by Evangeline Johnson @ Above Rubies

Being Moderate in an All or Nothing Kind of World by Lindsey @ Enjoy the Journey

Homemaking on Purpose by Deputy Headmistress @ The Common Room

10 Things We'll Miss about the Poconos

1. Wonderful friends, of course.
2. Plenty of forest, pond, and open fields for nature study.
3. Plenty of trails for walks.
4. Summer camp season (Jason has been working at a camp, conference and retreat center), campers, and camp counselors.
5. Gables -- the outdoor ice-cream and fast food joint with the big playground.
6. My midwife, the kids pediatrician, and our dentist (finding new doctors is such a pain).
7. The view from the living room window.
8. The sweet, fresh smell of the air in the evening.
9. The quiet.
10. Good ole diner food.

10 Things I Think We'll Love about Maryland

1. Living near the ocean/bay.
2. Living near the National Zoo (FREE!).
3. Living near all those wonderful free museums in DC.
4. Cultural events on The Mall.
5. Finding a great church.
6. Who I THINK I will choose as my NEW midwife (and the accompanying, home-like birthing center).
7. Access to Popeye's chicken and Chic-Fil-A.
8. Young families for neighbors.
9. Daddy home for about 60hrs. STRAIGHT EVERY weekend and at home FOR GOOD BY 6:00pm EVERY evening (not to mention "Family Hours" in the summer!).
10. Smaller house + smaller yard = simplicity of sorts.