Personal Rememberences...9-11

Today, I am participating in Rememberences of 9-11.
Shannon, at Rocks in my Dryer, had this idea (which in turn stemmed from another blog)...

Those of us who felt so inclined, could write about their own memories of that infamous day, five years ago.
Like all earth-shattering events in history, those of us around at the time never forget where we were...how we felt. And hopefully, some lessons that we learned.
So I'll attempt to share mine...for all to read, but mostly- for my little girls.

*I'm also editing to add something important which I had left out. At least it's important to me...
My husband and I were actually privilaged to be in New York City in 1997. He was in the Navy and participating in Fleet Week. I flew up to spend four days with him there- my first and so far, only trip to New York. While there, we went to the very top of the World Trade Center. It was unbelievable...looking down from the dizzying height, our heads literally in the clouds. I still can hardly get my mind around the fact that we were actually there...on the top looking down...where so many people lost their lives just five years later...

My very first recollection of waking that morning, was that I was still blissfully unaware of the chaos on the other side of the country.

In fact, I was hybernating under my covers. Feeling that early pregnancy exhaustion of being eight weeks along, I ignored the telephone that had dared to ring before eight in the morning. And kept ringing...and ringing. My two year old daughter was not apparently concerned about the annoying telephone noise, and continued to baby-snore away. But on the fourth series of rings in ten minutes, I could no longer ingore the persistent shrill. The thought that perhaps it was something important entered my sleepy brain...hopefully my husband was alright...and my mom.
When I picked up the phone, my husband simply said, with a stange note in his voice..."You have to turn on the news."
He knew I was not a news kinda' gal, so this was perplexing. I was relieved to hear that he was fine- but I knew something huge had to be happening.
I asked him just to tell me. He would only answer that I had to see for myself. I kept asking, the nervousness now growing, and after several minutes of his side-stepping, he finally told me.
"One of the twin towers is burning," he said simply. "They think we're under attack."
The jolt of what he said sent a shockwave through me, dispelling my fog. Minutes later, I was in front of the TV...just in time to watch the giant tower tumble to the ground...live...before my very eyes.

We all know the horror of all of these images. Even if we weren't able to watch it happen "live", most of us have seen them over and over, as they played them in the weeks to come.

For the next three days...I sat rivited to the television, being careful to not expose my little one to any horrendous scenes. But she seemed oblivious...to her, whatever flickered on the screen wasn't real, and she simply played with her toys in our little house.
And when I could get away with it, or she was napping, I would just plant myself in front of the TV and sob.

And pray.

I prayed for the families of all those lost...for the ones still trapped under the debre...and for the safety of our country (which during that week, was horribly in question.)
And then, with all my emotional upheaval, I began to be concerned about the baby I was carrying. I had already lost a pregnancy earlier in the year...I did not want to lose this one. So I also prayed for my baby...and after day 3 of living the turmoil, I finally switched off the set.

I simply could not look at the tower falling one more time...see the helpless people waving...and keep myself a constant emotional wreck. Not only did I have a newly growing baby inside of me, but I needed to properly care for my two year old daughter. And I must say...though I didn't stop praying, it was such a relief to only allow children's shows on my television screen during the day from then on. Watching Nick Jr. or Mr. Rogers with my toddler almost made me feel as if maybe the world wasn't coming to an end after all.

I do remember attending a special candlelight church service held by a church we normally didn't attend, just a day after the attack...and we were there, praying with other Christians we didn't even know. It was such a comfort for me to be united with others, in God's presence, praying earnestly for our country.

Interesting, how our country as a whole turns to God in time of crisis...but when the crisis begins to fade, we begin to forget.

I remember walking with my husband and toddler in downtown Portland the week of the attack, purchasing patriotic t-shirts from booths which dotted the streets...and standing in a line that went outside a shop door because that shop carried the only available American flags at the moment. Everywhere else had sold out immediately.

And I loved the surge of patriotism that was evident everywhere for the weeks to come. It was truly uplifting and exilerating.
But of course that, too, fades over time.

Hopefully, though, some of the lessons learned from that day will not. I'm not speaking just now of political lessons, but of spiritual ones. Hopefully, many of the people that sought the Lord during this terrible period, did so in earnest - and it remained. And hopefully God stayed- alive and vital- in thier hearts and lives from that point on. I hope and pray so.

I believe that what the devil plans for evil, God can turn and use for good. And though it's very difficult to see the good in what happened that day, nearly five years ago...we did see glimpses, even amongst the tragic scenes which played non-stop before our eyes. We saw it in the acts of heroism. The acts of mercy. And the hearts that turned towards God in prayer.

But for days, even weeks, I was (like millions of others, I suspect) a bit haunted by the images replayed over and over. I remember sitting with my two year old on the livingroom floor, as she played with blocks that week. She built a tall tower....and then let if tumble to the floor. She giggled, replaying a scene she no doubt accidently saw on television. And it hurt my heart.

I also remember stepping out into our backyard two days after 9-11, and "hearing" the quiet...no planes of any kind painted the skies above with their trails of white. The otherwise beautiful and peaceful day was made too peaceful... eerily so.

But through it all, on a personal level, God was merciful to me...and seven months later, my second little daughter came into the world, healthy and beautiful.
And like so many children who were born from that first tragic day onward, she became a symbol of enduring hope for our future.

One of the main lessons I learned from this terrifying time five years ago, is that no matter how bleak and tragic life may seem at the moment...God is still in control.
He understands our fear, but yet assures us that "though the mountains crumble into the sea", He will still be there...He is still our God.

There were moments during that first week when I actually felt afraid for the safety of my family...so afraid that it seemed to grip me heart and simply not let go. My normally calm husband would talk about buying gas masks....and then terror would seize my heart...especially for my babies.
But no matter how fearful I became, it didn't change the truth. God was- and is- forever in control. And He will never leave us nor forsake us.

"Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God." Isaiah 41:10

The Bride Goes Wild

Whenever I am asked the question, "What is your most embarressing moment as a mom?"... the scene that always pops into my mind is the same one, time after time. Not that I haven't had other embarressing "mom" moments that have cropped up. But my poor oldest daughter will forever have this story branded upon her...and it's only fair, since after all, it was my most embarressing "mom" moments- and she did it!

For all of my extended family who may be lurking, I know you all know this story by heart! But for other friends, I couldn't resist telling it again. (And perhaps preserving it in writing so that the story will be all that more set in stone!)

It was May 3rd, 2002. My husband's brother, Ben was at long last giving up his bachelorhood and marrying his sweet girlfriend, Shari, in the wedding of the year. It was a big wedding. Bridesmaids everywhere...and my husband was one of the groomsmen. I was not in the wedding, but that was Ok, since my sweet little two and a half year old was asked to be a... minature bride!

So...there was a flower girl and ring bearer...and then a tiny little bride and groom, to boot!
We had purchased a darling bridal dress for her, and even found a veil and gloves...and when she had everything on, the effect so sweet!

Oh, and I should add here that I had just given birth to my lil cherub, just 15 days before. So, basically, my role was tied up with caring for my newborn... and hoping that she wouldn't pick a crucial time in the ceremony as time to let out a wail.

Meanwhile, my husband was dashing in his tux, and did a tremendous job being in charge of the Little Bride.
Someone else, though, was responsible for nudging the Little Bride and Groom down the isle because Hubby was at that point standing with the other attendents on the stage.
And the moment came...my Little Bride with her groom came toddling down the isle. People "Ahhhhed...". Folks laughed sweetly. And you can imagine my pride.

But then, things started going slightly awry. It was apparent that our Little Bride was making good on her "off-hand comment" to her daddy that she wanted to dance on the stage when she got down the isle. When she and her groom reached the end of the trail, she, indeed, let go of his hand and trotted up to the stage, thus beginning her incredible twirls and spins. She just was arabesquing all over the place!

People good-naturedly snickered...then the snickers turned to big, ruckus guffaws. I sat there, frozen...like the quintessential deer caught in headlights. My infant lie in her carrier near my feet...she seemed to be doing OK. Dare I leave and go up to the stage in front of hundreds and hundreds of people and retreive the wayward bride? I seemed glued to my pew, unable to move...but with an incredible urge to crawl under it.

Finally, my husband left his diginified post and escorted said-bride off of the stage. Realizing her moment of fame was coming to an end, she let out an ear-piercing wail of protest all the way down the steps, and into my less than eager arms. And just when I thought I had conjoled her into quietness, she insisted on going across the isle to sit with her cousin. When my answer to her was a no, the wails began all over. Suffice it to say...the little bride left the building.

There's more to the story. But I will say that my husband's brother and new sister in law were wonderful about it- I was apologizing profusely to them but they just thought the whole thing was simply hysterical. To think the real bride was gracious enough to love the whole thing...even when a two year old tried to steal her glory! But that's the kind of gal she is.

Me, on the other hand? Perhaps it was my sensitive new-mother hormones, but I felt as if I was wearing a tattoo plastered acrossed my forehead:
"Mommy of child who dances in front of hundreds of wedding-goers, throws tantrum, and causes general chaos at elegant affairs." It was days (OK, years) before I could laugh about it and mean it.

But you can bet this story in our extended family has lived on.
And just like the many family folklore that all of my husband's siblings like to take turns telling around the campfire on thier annual coastal camping trip, this one will some day be right up there with the best of 'em.

And when my daughter is someday in her teens, and all of us old fogies are bundled up, roasting marshmellows, she will sigh heavily and groan,
"No...please don't tell the Legend of the Dancing Mini-Bride again!"

And I will smile.

(posing with cousin Jessica...oh, how she wanted to sit with her!)

Labor Day Lessons

Where do I begin?

This has been an incredible Labor Day Weekend for me. In many completely, different, unrelated ways. It was made up of some "just plain fun" and some, well... laborous times. I will try to keep it as short as I can and sum it all up as best as I possibly can...but I have a feeling it won't be all that easy!

Each day was so unique onto itself. But I'll start with Saturday...

We all met up with my half-sister and her friend, who had driven up from Sacramento, and along with my mom, went to "Pioneer Days" at a local state park called Champoeg. I have always loved this place! It's a park filled with history, concerning both the native Americans and also for being the location for one of the first real farms in Oregon. But I had never been on Pioneer Day, so the kids got a fun dose of living history...we sewed lavendar sachets, helped make homemade buscuits, helped turn butter- the list just goes on and on. And it was especially nice to see my sister. It was a bit humid for all of us, but an interesting day, nonetheless, and though we couldn't actually "visit" too much, I at least got to see my sister on her whirlwind trip to the northwest.

The following day was spent after church, cleaning and organizing.

And talking.

Not the pleasant, nice everyday chatter...but the kind of marriage-related conversation where issues are addressed and your forced to deal with them...and though not exactly fun in the process (Ok, that is an understatement) the outcome is for our good. That's the way it was for us on this day. It was a very healing thing, and one that brought us closer as a result. It reminds me of giving birth...or Labor! It can be so very painful but the end result is very rewarding!
I say this because not only do I want to be "real" about things...but I know we just can't possibly be the only Christian couple on the face of the earth that love each other but who still have to sometimes "work" at our marriage. But working on it is so well worth it! (OK...more in a separate post for later!)

Well, then came Monday...Labor Day itself. And it was by far, the best day of the three, hands down! (At least, it was definately the most fun.)

My husband (yes, he is pretty nice guy!) picked out the place we'd be going all by himself, and I simply knew was that it would somewhere in Washington State.

As it turned out, it was a gorgeous group of lakes, within the forest-laden hills, not far from what remains of Mt. St. Helens. (I still remember when it blew...we lived so far away at the time, and still my parents' cars were dusted with ash!)
Anyway, this was a completely new spot to us...we picnicked, waded in two separate adjoining lakes, and carefully trekked across the rocky shore, watching the boats sail by. The water was surprisingly warm as we inched further and further out in the shallow bay area. We even found some wild blackberries!

But best of all...my husband and I were like sweethearts... the girls were so loving and obedient... that just for this day, it was kind of perfect!

We all know that life isn't always wonderful. There are challenges for all of us, both big and small, that come our way in this imperfect world. But at this moment, I do feel so blessed and thankful for the gift of my family...for the beauty surrounding us...for the way that God can renew us spiritually, personally and relationally just when we need Him to the most.

*photo 1: Pioneer gal shows lil' cherub how to play ribbon toss.
*photo 2: picking out quilt squares
*photo 3: a "pioneer" looks over the large garden
*photo 4: the girls toss rocks into the water
*photo 5: Lil' Cherub in the shallow bay
*photo 6: Sweetie-girl shows she is Strong-girl by lifting a log
*the girls and I pose after the picnic

School Daze

I know a lot of us are taking the Labor Day weekend off from Bloggyland...
I am "mostly" taking it off, too... two of the three days for family fun, and today for doing some cleaning and organizing. Which brings me to my next little point, for which I'm interrupting this little mini-break...

We'll be starting school the same day public school starts around here. Bright and early we'll be trudging down the sta-....I mean... skipping merrily down the stairs for our first morning back to official learning on Tuesday morning. (And because we're in the process of turning the tiny extra bedroom into the school room, after breakfast we might just be skipping back up, again!)
Seriously, my girls are probably even more eager to start than I am! They asked to "play school" all last week- an event brought on by the new-used table that their daddy brought home for the school year. I know the novelty of the table started it, but I about fainted when I saw that they were actually doing their old workbooks!!!
And as for my eagerness, I have been praying for the excitment to re-enter my heart for the new school year and for lots of wisdom...and I know He is already beginning to answer my prayer! Having willing students is, after all, half the battle, right?

But what this all means for me, is that I must now wean myself away from the computer quite a bit and begin to switch my focus. I know that I have also been praying for ways to balance things in my life, so in a way, I'm kind of thankful for the reason to not be able to blog quite so much. I know this sounds crazy! Especially since so many of you have become dear friends to me in these past few months, that truly, if it wasn't for the new school year, it would be nearly impossible for me to stop from constantly checking up and replying to each of you on an almost daily basis! (Or should I say bi-hourly basis?)

But I have to give my children- as all you moms will completely understand- top priority. And for that matter, my marriage, also.
So though I will still be around, I'll probably only be posting three times a week (well, give or take a post!) And I'll still be taking a few nights a week to read up on everyone else's blogs as much as I can...but if you don't find a reply from me for a few days, please don't think I'm being anti-social! It's just going to take me a little longer these days to pay all my visits! (But please... keep that coffee warm for me!)

That all said...you can bet I'll be posting - like a lot of you will- on what we did for Labor Day weekend...and how our first week "back to school" goes....and so on, and so on....
In other words- I'll still be here!

So let me finish this little post by getting just a tad mushy. Even though I have yet to meet any of you in person (outside of my family and friends lurking, of course) - I have come to care about so many of you. I pray for your needs, sometimes think about one of you during my day, and feel blessed when you all say encouraging things in your comments to me. Several of you have become friends in the true sense of the word and I just wanted to take this moment at the end of summer to tell you so! And to thank you!

Blessings!

Edited to say, be sure to stop by Boomama's for lots of great links. She's generously showcasing many of our blogs for some favorite posts! Just scroll down to find her post, Labor Day Link Love Extravaganza.

The Silver Screen

While so many of us are taking a bit of a break for Labor Day weekend, I thought I would give a shameless plug for my
Old Movie Blog.

What do I consider old movies, you may ask? Well, first of all, it has to be made before the mid-60's. And my personal favorites usually have romance in them somewhere - but not always!

Some of you have kindly visited a few of my posts over there already!
I'm sure there are movie rings I could join or something if I wanted to, but I actually do it just for fun- and for the 2 or 3 other people I know that also enjoy the old classics.

I only post a few times a month- my "real" blog keeps me busy enough! But I wanted to extend the invitation to my new blogging buddies to come take a peek if you have time! Especially, if you are one of those people that likes to settle in with a bowl of popcorn, your jammies on, and watch one of those Cary Grant or Doris Day flicks!

So come on by... lots of butter please, just go easy on the salt!

Chatter from Cherub

Four year olds are pretty facinating, don't you think? So many little thoughts brewing just beneath the surface. Here are just two little scenes from this week:
(Not so much hilarious or earth-shattering, mind you...just those simple "4 year old moments"...)

While the girls are watching the episode of Little House on the Prairie, in an episode where Almonzo finally realizes he's in love with Laura...there is a scene where the two characters are being rather shy and awkward with each other. Will Almonzo declare his love...?

4 yr old Cherub: "Say something, Boy...say something!"

and later, with a giddy voice, clasping her little hands...
"Ohhhh, I think they're gonna kiss!"

(The first phrase simply blew me away- where did this come from? And the second phrase...at four?? Already, is my baby is showing signs of a romantic nature? I'm in deep trouble...)

Then there was the statement just now...
4 yr old Cherub as she sat on potty: " Mommy, I wish I was a baby again. I just wish I had a diaper to go potty in!" (Yes, sometimes don't we all...) And minutes later... honestly, it was mere two minutes, tops...she walks back in using a library book for a cane, muttering,
"I'm an old lady...I'm an old lady..."

Hmmmm....wish she'd make up her mind! But then, I think we can all relate, can't we?

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*And speaking of growing older (sorry Mom!) ...please take a peek at the post my Mom wrote about memories of her mother. She saw my NANA post and then wrote about her personal, first-hand memories. We're talking about the 1930's here...so if you like history, be sure to visit her site from time to time.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

The Flying Pizza Meme has struck!

I tried to duck, but the flying pizza meme hit me right in the face! Brenda
over at Rocking Chairs and Rainbows tagged me for the infamous
Pizza Box meme! Why is called the Pizza box meme? It's a little game that another fellow blogger, Code Yellow Mom
found on the box of pizza!
But, having done three memes now...where exactly did this "meme" word come from? My non-blogging friends keep asking! And I still don't know!
Anyway, these questions are kind of interesting, I thought, so here goes...

What was your favorite thing about being a kid?
I loved playing dolls, Barbies and doll house. Yet, I also loved building bike ramps in the back of the neighborhood with the boys! I was an only child growing up, so playmates and my own imagination were important to me. Oh, and TV.

What was your favorite subject in school?
Reading, reading, reading.
And recess. One winter, the huge puddle on the playground froze over and we all went "skating" on it...with our shoes. And the teachers let us!

Who was your best friend when you were 10?
I was in "best friend" transition that year. In third grade, it was a toss between Kellie McCurdy and Mavis Lamb. (Don't you love those names?) We got to pick electives at our school in third grade and Mavis and I did a dance routine class. I still remember how fun it was, memorizing steps to "Cherokee People" and if I hear that song today, it all brings it back.

If you could be any animal what would you be?
I think any kind of bird would be nice...but an eagle would be the best, I'm sure.

What would you change about your school, occupation, life right now?
That's a hard one. I love so many things about my life...but I'd probably do it with more organization, and with more joy and peace. And I would like to have a couple more close friends in my life...you know, the ones that you can call on the phone on a bad day and just say, "Ahhhh."

What's your favorite color?
Blue

What's your favorite type of crust and favorite topping on a pizza?
Fluffy, not crisp. Sausage, mushroom, olives with extra cheese, please.

Well....I'm just not going to tag anyone. So there! I just don't know who's done this one and who hasn't...but if you would like to do this, please do...and let me know, so I can read your answers!

WW...My oldest at 2

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*Also... take a peek at the Carnival of the Vanities...Lil Duck is hosting again and one of my recent posts is part of the entries. :)
Lil Duck Duck Carnival

Nana

It's been a few days since my last post...but after the Yard-Sale-Gone-Bad, I need a little time to recover! I think I almost have, now...thank you for all of your kind words- they helped ease the pain...and help me prepare for the upcoming yard sale with...
The mother who wouldn't sell anything...
(Just kidding, Mom!)
Seriously, I wanted to share a couple photos with you, if you don't mind. I have always been facinated with old photos- not just my family history photos, but other people's too! So hope some of you feel the same way...

Some of you know that I have mentioned being a part of the The Sandwich Generation in which I told of how the women in my family have tended to have their children later in life. My mother's mother, whom I called "Nana", had other grandchildren before I came along, but by the time I entered the scene, she was very ancient, indeed. I know to children, all senior citizens can seem older than the hills but believe me...she truly was ancient!

I wish I could have known her...really known her. But as I entered grade school, not only had her body become feeble, but her mind, as well. Most of my memories of Nana consisted of my tagging along with my mom to visit her in the nursing home. The dreadful smell would assault me and the sights of some of the ailing residents were disturbing to my young, sentsitive eyes. Sometimes, on a good day, Nana would would remember us...other times, she would talk in hazy riddles or ask us where her husband was.

Even I knew she didn't mean my grandfather, but her first husband, who had died in an epidemic in the 19-teens. That was the man whom she really loved. She had a small son when her beloved passed away, but my spunky grandmother went to work and raised him the best she could..until she met someone else she was willing to marry. The story goes that she looked considerably young for her age and deceived her new beau into thinking she was much younger than her 37 years. (He was only 25). They had two daughters, the first whom was my mother. And sadly, their marriage was marked with dissention and turmoil. My grandmother was a Christian and a true lady- and she certainly did not believe in divorce...but divorce happened, nonetheless.

So now, she was a single mother again. And her son became a sort of surrogate father to her two girls. He was twelve years older then my mom and both she and her sister adored him. And my spunky grandmother survived.

My mother tells me that for such a tiny little woman, she could surprise people with just how fiesty she could be- especially when it came to sticking up for right- or for the honor of her own loved ones. But in spite of this, she would sometimes cry when she became extremely angry...a trait, I might add, which has been passed down to her daughter- and to me!

There are so many stories about Nana...and I try to picture them all, even though the person I knew personally was only a shell of who she really had been.
Now, my own mother is approaching 80. And though there are times I know she wishes she was younger in order to enjoy her granddaughters in a more active way...I am still thankful she is alive and as healthy as she is- both physically and mentally. I'm happy that she can still read them stories and sprinkle them with gems of wisdom like only grandmas can. And that my daughters can witness, first-hand, the real person that she is, and enjoy her.

Nana passed away when I was 19. She had hung on until she finally was released from this earth and went home to be with the Lord at the age of 93.
And these days, I like to think of my grandmother not as the ancient, nursing home-ridden lady who only remembered her past but not her present... but as that young, fiesty, warm-hearted woman that I know from family stories, who loved her children fiercely and saw so many changes throughout her life and century.

Because I think she'll be the person that I meet in heaven one day.

*Picture 1...as a young woman
*Picture 2...with her little boy, my dear Uncle Les
*Picture 3...Nana holds me as a baby

**Edited to add...be sure to check out some of the photo details...like the high-button shoes in the photo with her son (1920)...and the beautiful classic pink car behind my grandmother and me. (I'd think I'd love to have that car now!)

Yard Sales and Marriage...like Oil and Water

In the interest of perhaps helping a few others along the way, I'm going to be brutally honest.
You know the old saying... never do a home renovation without expecting to pay for marriage counseling afterwards? Well, the same can be said for having yard sales. Or...at least having them with a certain guy whom will remain nameless (but suffice it to say that he's kinda' cute, loves Fox News, and shares my last name.)

This un-named man... normally a mild-mannered gentleman by week-day... turns into ...

THE GUY WHO WOULD SELL EVERYTHING!!!

You can run...you can hide...but still he'll seep into the smallest crevices of your home and garage... finding those precious keepsakes, tossing them onto the driveway...slapping those price tags on. He may say he is merely putting them out for your approval, as he superglues the "Make Offer" sign on your box of elegant Christmas dishes...but don't be fooled.


OK...maybe I'm exaggerating just a tad. But let me also suggest humbly to my readers (all eight of you) that something sinister comes over my beloved whenever we are having a yard sale. And the syndrome is growing progressively worse.

It wasn't always this way. There was a time, long, long ago...two newlyweds would have a little harmless yard sale at their Virginia apartment...sit side by side...read...laugh...just generally hoop it up and get along like lovebirds.
Nobody knows quite what happened, but somehow along the way, the happy yard sale hormone began leaving his brain. Today, I knew he has run out.

Well, I do have to be honest. Maybe...just maybe mind you...we both got up on rather the wrong side of the bed this morning. Maybe the high humidity in our usually cool northwest caused the flair of tempers.
(Personally, I think it's because he swore off all coffee last year. But that's a whole 'nuther post.)

And granted, having a few things in storage, hanging from the rafters, and up in the make-shift attic might make him a little anxious to be rid of some stuff. Believe me, I want to unclutter as much as the next gal...but, with within reason. My reason.

Alright, so I inherited the "keep" gene from my dear mother. But only- like- half of her gene. Whenever I do yard sales with my mom, who wants to sell her house and move closer...well, the shoe is on the other foot. In her eyes, I turn into...

THE DAUGHTER WHO WOULD SELL EVERYTHING (...so she can move out, sell her place, and live the remainder of her years contentedly near her granddaughers without paying for storage, I tell ya!.)

I knew you all would appreciate this sort of public service announcement, however.
If your normally stable marriage displays any of the following yard sale symptoms, beware:

*When discussing the possible price of various items, whether the hide-a-bed or vaccuum, all of his answers to you are $1.

*Normally sweet and kind, hubby suddenly uses sarcasm for no apparent reason about breakfast and marking pens. (Don't ask.)

*You resort to bringing up the dreaded "broken-motorcyle-taking-up-residence-for-11-years" subject with equal sarcasm. Not good.

*You write a post about it all...start to feel guilty about it...consider deleting it. Then realize that it's just Yard Sale Syndrome and your husband will get a good laugh about it all when he turns back into Clark Kent.


So, now that I've totally vented over my poor, defenseless hubby... let me assure you that I still love him dearly. My husband can be one of the sweetest guys to ever walk the planet. (Just read any of my previous posts!)
And I know what you're thinking... it's not fair to give my side of our little yard-sale-gone-bad without letting him have his say. But I'm hoping those of you that either know me- or are getting to know me- will understand that this is all said with humor and love.
And I do have to admit...in day to day life, I am not always the perfect saint. (No, it's true! I know it's hard to believe, but just trust me on this!)

And at the end of the day, all will be fine. Because if we can't laugh about these little things, then those "little things" can fester and build. Like something that's been in your fridge too long. (Not that I know anything about that.)

So, in order to preserve loving harmony in our relationship, I have decided to no longer do yard sales with my beloved. As with anything in life, you just have to know your limitations. What pitfalls to avoid in the future.
And guess what? The financial success of our yard sale was just plain sad. And I know it was because with all the bickering, God just couldn't really put His blessing on our endeavor. I know others may have other theological opinions on such things, but I really believe this.

On the lighter side, my husband just called. (Yes, he went to go work on his brother's car and to take the girls to McDonald's.
(To quote The Odd Couple openning..."This request came from his wife.")

And I have to say...just being away from the yard sale and having his mechanical therapy has given him back his sweet Clark Kent voice. I kinda' like him again.

And he is so secure that I actually have his blessing to post this. Maybe's he's OK with me revealing that we don't have the perfect family 365 days out of the year- that even wonderful husbands and wives don't always act so... wonderful. (Or maybe is going to start his own blog and is just planning his evil response...)

Actually, we both kind of knew when we spoke on the phone just now that all is forgiven.
And that's one of the very good things about our marriage...even when one of us- or both- are being rather jerky, we can forgive each other, learn something, and go on.

Oh, we still can be like lovebirds and enjoy togetherness...but from now on, I'm solo-ing in my career as a yard sale mama. And I think my sweet husband is just plain fine with that idea. Well, more like... relieved.

Perhaps, estatic might be more accurate.

So there you have it. The whole sorted details. I hope you learn from our mistakes and heed the warnings a bit better than we did. At least we learned something...better late than never!

(And if anyone wants a broken motorcyle, just let me know. It doesn't run...but it's kind of pretty, really blue and...well....BIG.)

These Fleeting Days...

I just wanted to share some pictures I took on Wednesday....more specifically, No-TV Wednesday.

I should confess something...early in the summer, I posted that we were enjoying some lazy days...sort of trying to capture the essence of the season without all the hurry and all the agendas. Hmmm. Although my motives were pure, we had less of those "carefree" summer days than I had hoped for. In other words...my plans for being unplanned didn't work out quite as well as I...well...planned.

However... we actually did get some summer days sprinkled throughout the season where there was nothing pressing on the calendar and errands could wait. And some of these times happened on No-TV Wednesday.

My girls don't even complain anymore about not being able to turn on the TV on these designated days. They just confirm with me that is, indeed, said-day...then go about finding their own fun.

This Wednesday, I have to say that we did have a few things on our calendar...but in those free hours in-between, we just "hung out". In the process, I was observing my children a bit. They are growing up so fast....and so many of us have poignantly pointed out this fact as fellow bloggers sent off their little ones to Kindergarten...or watched their eldest go off to college...or get married.
Mine are shooting up faster than lightening....so you can imagine just how warm inside I felt as I watched them still playing dolls together. I took delight in the fact that they were both still little girl enough to enjoy this simple pleasure...and do it together. In fact, I wanted to capture the moment in my hand and hold it so tightly...knowing childhood is way too fleeting.

So, we enjoyed those moments this week...with dolls and dishes sprawled all out over the blanket and grass and as they pushed dollies on the swings and drank water from their play cups. And enjoyed those simple childlike pleasures as summer passes slowly into fall.


"We have these moments to hold in our hands and to touch, as they flow through our fingers like sand. Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come...but we have these moments right now." ~ The Gaithers

A Novel Idea for a Meme!

I was just tagged by
Brenda
(This is a book meme, started by a new blogger, Violet Voices.)

Here's my question:
If you could write a novel about any subject, what would it be? (Just the subject - don't give away your plot idea!)


Since I have always, always loved writing this is a topic right up my alley! I actually do sort of have a "novel in the works" but I won't give away that subject. I'll try to think of a new one...

I've got it! Perhaps this would be a snipit...

The woman lay on the warm sands of Waikiki, enjoying the sound of the waves just a few feet away. She thought about this long-awaited honeymoon that she and her husband were finally on, after ten long years. She felt so completely blessed.
Suddenly, she could fight the urge no longer! With quick movements, she was suddenly off of her secure beach towel and walking into the gentle surf. Further...further...did she dare go all the way into the ocean?

Back on the Oregon beaches, she could never be so bold. The water was like ice and the rip tides, cruel and tricky. But here...here, others frolicked in the warm ocean- old and young alike.

The tropical water danced around her legs, beckoning her to venture further. She could not ignore their pleas any longer, and as the gentle waves hit her shoulders, she suddenly felt like a young girl, splashing freely in the waves.
She saw her husband capture the moment with his camera, and saw him grin at seeing this side of her - this side of complete, childlike joy.


I guess I kinda' gave away my plot idea afterall...and the novel would be based on true events! What do you think? Does it have a chance?

I'm supposed to tag 5 others, but am not sure who's already been tagged or not. So I'm going to cheat and tag only 3 ....but the other two will be any of those reading that want to do this!
I tag
Glass Half Full

Callapidder Days

Grandmothersmusings-(my mom)

...and anyone else!

Wordless Wednesday.."Just trying to help!"

Miss Whiny, 2006

My four year old cuddle-bug has become Miss Whiny, U.S.A. Oh, she's always been a runner-up in the pageant, but this month, I've officially crowned her the shining queen.

The other night, she fussed so much in the bath that her whine-voice refused to leave for the rest of the evening. Not getting her big, fluffy marshmellow which I promised for good bath behavior sent her even more over the edge. For the rest of the evening, the whines and hysteria were the background noise as I tried to dry and brush her hair (remember this POST....?)
and they continued to serenade us as we readied for bed. Every few seconds, the cries were punctuated with, "I wanna marshmellow! Pleeeeeese can I have a marshmellow?"
Now, I'm not a heartless mama, but really, I just believe that when I warned her that if her behavior continued, she would lose on said-marshmellow...well, I just gotta' follow through! Believe me, my life would have been sooooo much easier if I would have given in!
She would beg, plead and wail..."I just got to ask you something!"
"Yes, I'm listening..."
"Oh, Pleee-eeease can I have a marshmellow?"

After about the 20th time of saying she just had to ask me something, I would then ask,
"Is this question going to be if you can have a marshmellow?"
She would slowly nod her head in defeat. Followed by an answer in the negative.
Followed by more wails.

This morning, there are no hysterics, but there is still that decidedly tone of "whine" to the voice. The kind that makes your muscles tense, your ears ring, and your mouth start to twitch as the listener.
"Where's my cup of milk? It was right here! Mommmm-mmmy!"

Believe me, I have tried all the great mommy lines.
"I cannot hear you when you speak like that."
"Please speak in a big-girl voice."
or the ever-popular,
"No marshmellows until you graduate from medical school!"

Yes, sometimes those actually do the trick. But other times there is no such luck.
Please, tell me I am not alone! Tell me there are other contestants in this lovely little pagentry of the Whines! Because some days I am wanting to put in some earrplugs and just go soak in Calgon for a few hours.

But then, just as I am about to head for the hills, she says, as she did just now while I was typing...
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"I love you, Mommy."


About my Children... (tagged!)

I was tagged for this by
Jeannine

Thanks, Jeannine! :) Who can resist a post where we talk about our children?

So here goes...

About My Children...

Name three things about each of my children:

My seven year old sweetie-girl~~~

1) She is very observant, bright, and with a keen memory for facts. (Ok, so I'm packing several qualities into my first number, but hey!) She constantly amazed me this last year as we home schooled for the first time by the way she learned and absorbed so much! And in Awana, she memorized an incredible amount of Bible verses, especially for only being in first grade. Needless to say, her daddy and I were pretty proud!

2) She can be a little stubborn and emotional at times (can't imagine where she gets it!) but each year she outgrows it just a little bit more, thankfully.
(However...puberty should be interesting...)

3) She is always honest with me. Sometimes when she and her sister are squabbling, she will tattle on her. And as I address the issue with sister, she will usually pipe up with a confession of egging her on.
I SO appreciate this quality and hope that even when she's older, she won't be afraid of telling me the whole truth.


My Four Year old Cherub~~~

1) She is extremely sensitive (again, just not sure where she ever got this from!) ;)
When I have to correct her, I have to do it in a much gentler way than I do with my oldest. I've tried the same "voice" with her and she always dissolves into tears. But still, she is disciplined. Just more...sensitively!

2) Like her older sister, she is blessed with a incredible memory. In fact, she recently has bemoaned the fact that "she remembers everything". I never knew this was considered a hardship, but apparently it is.
"Mommy, do you feel sorry for me? I'm poor. I remember everything."
But other times, it's cause for gloating.
"I remember we got that book from the library already. See, Mommy? I told you I remember everything!"

3) She has such a tender heart. Her daddy and I started the tradition with the girls early-on to say a little prayer whenever we heard a siren. Now, she is the very first to exclaim, "PRAY!" In fact, even if she hears it while playing with other kids, and no one starts praying at her announcement, she will start praying, herself.
"Dear Jesus, Please help whoever's in trouble. And help them to know You. Amen."

I so hope she keeps this heart for prayer all the days of her life.

As with all of you who are parents, I could go on and on...it was hard to limit this to just three items! And even though this evening was a particularly frustrating time with them, I love them dearly and am so thankful the privilege of being their mom.


OK... beside all of you who are reading who want to do this,
I tag...Amy at Contemplations Amid Chaos
Mississippi Girl
and...
Poptart Mom

Growing Pains

My seven year old had a bittersweet milestone just a few minutes ago. Well, maybe more bitter than sweet to her tender mind.

On the way home from the park, we stopped at our local Fred Meyer's. (To those not in the northwest U.S., that is big chain of stores selling groceries, clothes, you name it!) They offer, free of charge, to allow your children to play in an open room, called Playland, complete with playhouse and videos. My girls have adored going in there while I shop, even if it's only for 20 mintues.

As I came to the window to pick them up, I noticed the woman in charge filling out a certificate of some sort. Uh-oh.

"She's graduating," she informed me. Somehow, I instinctively knew that the little coloring book, cookie coupon, and certificate was not going to ease the pain which I could see coming. When the girls came over and my daughter was handed the goodies, at first she smiled.
And then the truth sank in. And both our hearts sank with it.

I tried to talk about it all as positively as I could to her, but as we reached the car, she couldn't hold in the tears in any longer. And you know what? I wanted to cry with her. Oh, I did a pretty good job at hiding my emotions in an attempt at cheering her...I explained the benefits of being to able do all the big girl things first before her younger sister...the big kid rides that she'll get to go on first and how she can ride her bike now without training wheels.
(Even her four year old sister tried to comfort her. She actually told her that she was proud of her!)

But she informed when we arrived home,
"This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life."

A little dramatic? Perhaps. She has been a bit of a little drama princess from day one. However, she said this with such a serious tone that I didn't feel any inclination to laugh at her statement, even on the inside...it only made me want to hug her to myself. Hug her for a long time and not let go.

I guess today I am not only feeling sad for what she is going through, but also, it seems I am suffering a little growing pains myself. My little girl is growing up.

Just like so many posts were written recently by other moms sending thier little ones off to Kindergarten, this incident seemed to hit me in much the same way. I know maybe it seems silly to compare being too big to enter Playland to a Kindergarten send-off...but nevertheless, that is how both mother and daughter are feeling today.

But the things I told her on the drive home are all true, I know they are. There are exciting things ahead for her, and privaliges to being the oldest child.
Each year brings new adventures...new abilities...new wisdom. That can be said for all of us.

But still, it's bittersweet.... this business of growing up. For both of us.









(Pictures taken today at the duck park)

13 Years Ago Yesterday...

Yesterday marked the 13th anniversary of the day my husband and I met. We often like to commemorate this day, just as we do our wedding anniversary...se started it when back when were dating and somehow never got out of the habit!

Like with many marriages of ten years and more, we have been through so much together, both good and bad...Sad times, scary times, and just plain frustrating times.

I'll be honest...my husband and I are both stubborn people by nature and perhaps a little moody on occasion.

And though we have these... well, little relationial challenges... we also have a deep love for one another and at the core, a strong devotion. He is always there for me and I know that God brought us together on that day, 13 years ago. I hope to never take God's gift to us for granted.

Someday I might tell the story of how it all happened. This morning, however, I just want to list 13 of the reasons that I love and appreciate him...

1) He loves me.

2) He is completely commited to our marriage.

3) He is a loving daddy to our girls.

4) He is extremely responsible, yet...

5) He can enjoy childlike fun!

6) He doesn't mind spending time with our kids alone and giving me little breaks!


7) He is incredibly intellegent and bright.


8) He has a poetic and artistic side (he was an art major and graphic designer)



9) He's one young-looking, handsome guy, who's always been able to make my heart beat a little faster!

10) He is a very, very hard worker.

11) He'll sit through many a romantic movie with me.

12) He's not afraid to say that he's sorry.

13) And most of all... he loves the Lord with all of his heart.

Happy Anniversary of the day we met,
Honey!


*By the way...he surprised me with roses last night! Did I not say he was quite a guy?

Weekend in the Wilderness

I'm sitting here with my cup of caffeine jolt this morning and my sore, rubbery legs. We had quite the adventure this weekend! First of all, thank you for all the well-wishes (especially since you know that tent camping isn't usually my speciality.)

You know that famous quote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Well, that might be a slight exageration on both sides, but it did have a little bit of the good, bad and ugly. But all in all, if I were to pick an adjective, it would really lean more on the positive...such as beautiful, fun, exciting, adventurous. And yes...tiring.


Lil Cherub helps by carrying load on her trike In case you're curious about "where"...the camping trip was near Estacada, Oregon. It was incredibly large and gorgeous state park which none of us had ever been to before, so it was fun to discover it! In fact, it is amazing how so many of us can side-step such wonderful destinations so close to our own hometowns. Like the people you hear about that live next to the Grand Canyon but never go.

Once we arrived, we staked out our little claim of land in the designated area and pitched our tent...and what was nice was that it wasn't in the usual camping area, but the day area, so that it all seemed a little more rustic.

The organizers couldn't have been more friendly and both hubby and I were extremely impressed with the fellow campers. They all were such mannerly polite folks, either young families or quiet adults and it was a true pleasure camping with all of them. (We have some rowdy neighbors living near us, so it was so refreshing!)


There were crafts for the kids, a demo on how make fire rubbing those two sticks together, and on Sunday, a couple fun games- one where the kids got to pretend to be salmon swimming through all the obsticals...they had a blast!

Oh- and sleeping in the tent was wonderful. Nice and warm and comfortable on our little mattresses as the crickets sang around us.

There were no showers, however. NO SHOWERS. But we did our best to clean up, deciding to not worry too much about perfect hygene and just be stinky pioneers.

Before leaving the park, we sat down at the picnic table and read one of the stories from our girls' children's Bible. We then thanked the Lord for this beauty all around us that He created. Since we weren't going to church that day, it was our little family devotion out in the open air. Although it lasted only ten minutes, I was hoping to instill the importance of remembering to honor God no matter where we are...but it blessed me, too.

Afterwards, we rode our bikes do the river where a few of our fellow campers were already enjoying wading around and catching crawdads. It was so beautiful there and the water felt so nice and cool to our overheated feet! Already the temperatures were climbing to 90. Finally we tore ourselves away and headed to our next destination- Mt. Hood! Notice chipmunk peeking on railing

I had only been there in the height of snow season, so this was a new experience for me...and it was incredible. The scenery that unfolded before us was wonderful...and when we reached Lake Trillium, the sight before us simply took our breath away. My words can not aptly describe it, so hopefully the pictures will give you some sense of the beauty. But even these probably can't truly capture it!
And the butterflies! I had never seen such a large population of butterflies in all my life, fluttering through the air and landing in clumps on the shore.

We spent the remainder of the day wading in the water and hiking through the scenic trails surrounding the lake.

So...where's the bad stuff I eluded to earlier in my post? It was in there, sprinkled throughout the weekend. One or two misunderstandings between my husband and I (all was forgiven)... a slight burnt finger as my seven year old touched her hot marshmellow with tears following... and towards the end of our hike around the lake, the girls began running and my four year old fell and got new owie on top of her old owie...resulting in MAJOR tears...had to clean up owie, followed by such shrieks that all of the wildlife ran for higher ground.

As our weekend began to come to a close and we headed back down the mountain, though, we talked about our good and bad experiences and we all agreed that the good seemed to outweigh the bad, as we each named our favorite times. The little adventures we did, the hurdles we overcame, and the astounding natural beauty we encountered all served to give us an incredible weekend experience that we all will probably remember for years to come.

I know that I will.

Mommy goes...Camping!

I'm popping in to say that we are about to embark on a little weekend camping trip in the morning! Yes...camping...ME! (See This post )

But this time, it is just our little family (not to imply that I don't like camping with extended family of course- I just mean, it's well- more simpler, I guess. Hey-I know a few of my family are reading this, even if they are lurkers!)
It's not at the frigid coast, and it's for only one night. In fact...the whole crazy scheme was actually my idea!

I signed up through a local state park, and it's partly sponsered by a camping gear shop. Up to ten families can sign up, and borrow at no charge whatever equipment they need. A whole meal is provided...and the whole trip is all for about $15 and the price of gas (which will be twice as much, I realize, since the actual camping spot is 45 minutes away!) But not bad for a weekend away, right?
I figured I could rough it for one short night at these prices! So look out s'mores, here we come!

And Sunday, after we pack up, we plan on stopping at Mt. Hood, which I'm really excited about! I've never been up there in the summertime, so this will be a first for the girls and I. (Hubby's been years ago.)

So...to make a short story long (as usual) I will be absent from blogland for the duration...which may be a good thing, since my addiction has been oh-so-consuming of late! But I will be back in a couple days to see all the incredible stuff you blog friends have posted while I was away...(no pressure though!)

I'll let you know how it goes, maybe with even a picture or two to share. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend, whether it's spent curled up at home with a good book or out hiking the mountain while simutaniously swatting away pesky "skeeters"...

God bless and I'll "see" you soon!