Weather Talk

We're having a heat wave...A tropical heat wave...

Just when we here in the northwest thought that autumn has arrived, we were surprised by summertime coming back and pushing it aside for a last hurrah...in full glory! In fact, after a week or so of rain and chilly air, we have now been blessed with a week of glorious weather.

We are talking, throw on the bathing suit, run in the sprinkler kind of days! Yes, my girls actually did this twice this week...having two separate play dates with friends in two separate neighborhood fountains! If it wasn't for the earlier setting sun, I'd be convinced it was July.

If you know anything about the northwest, you know that we are not known for our perpetual sunshine or semi-tropical weather. But the little known fact is that fall is actually sometimes like this on occasion around here.
It's Spring that is always the tricky season. When I'm envisioning running through the fields of tulips after a long, cold winter, Spring usually dashes my dreams and sends damp, chilly air and grey skies. It may throw in a sunny day for a teaser...but you can't give your heart away to Spring around here. She just can't be trusted!

But the winters...here in the northwest, the winters are mostly wet and overcast with a chance of dreary.
Snow is a treat, if it even shows itself at all. Frozen rain... who'd of thought?
And if we get a sunny day between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, it's as if a state holiday is declared. People are mulling about everywhere...smiling...laughing. Sometimes businesses close. (OK...that might be stretching it.)

I personally am a sunshine kind of gal. Oh, I love to listen to the rain on the roof...love a rainy night (sorry, Eddie Rabbitt) and love curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book. But believe me- after a forth straight week in a row without a beam of sunlight, some of us start feeling a little gloomy.

That's where all the coffee shops come in. It's no coincidence that the mochas and the lattes and the espressos all started right here. Ok, in Italy...but then they came here.

But all that dreariness seems so far away to me with this heat wave we've been having. Can October really be just a few days away? My biggest regret is that we've been so very busy this week that we couldn't take advantage of it as much as I would have liked. Plus, with my husband roofing, there's still the danger of nail lurking in the backyard, so no frolicking through our grass for the kids . But we did take some time, here and there, to soak up that vitamin D....after all, it has to last us a good five months!

My only hope- selfish that it may be- is that it we do not have such gorgeous weather and balmy afternoons a few weeks from now. Can you imagine how that might take the edge out of my upcoming family vacation to those faraway islands? (I don't want to mention the name of these islands anymore for awhile in case you all start to think I'm bragging...but just know that there are plenty of "Alohas" thrown around in the area.) Wouldn't it be just so funny if our plane took off from sunny skies and landed just as the beginning of their rainy season kicked in that day? Yes...that would be amusing, indeed. Ahem.

I know so many of you have mentioned how you love fall...and yes, I love that nip in the air. I'm sure that there will be plenty of time for those evenings by the fire soon enough. Nestled under a warm afghan, sipping a hot chocolate. Books and mochas. Mochas and books.

In the meantime, though...I honestly am loving these very warm days and savoring the last of them. I mean...until my vacation, that is. Where there will be lots and lots of sunny days. And just one book. Oh, I might have a mocha while I'm there...I'll just tuck one of those little umbrellas in it. Not a rain umbrella, though.

Aloha!

Wordless Wednesday

Sisterhood ...




At the Beach 2005

The Great Reading Challenge!

I'm a little late hopping onto the bandwagon, but I'm joining in on the fun and participating in the Fall into Reading challenge. Katrina at Callapidder Days has suggested this challenge to perhaps get some of us addicted bloggers back to reading again! (At least that is the case with many of us, anyway!)

I am setting my goals small, however. As much as I have always loved to read, my days now that fall has begun seem squeezed full. And though we will be going to Hawaii during this fall challenge, and that fact brings images of lounging on a beach chair under a palm tree with a good book, I have to face it. I had some of that time on my first trip alone with hubby...but with the children, those uniterrupted hours may be a little fewer. But we'll see!
And I need to preface my somewhat short list also by saying that I'm a little embarressed that I do not have a long list of great epics here. I do sometimes like to get my teeth into a nice, thick book, but I know it's probably not going to happen in the next two months. Also, reading for me is an escape, and most of the time I enjoy escaping to someplace nice and easy. Not all the time, mind you...but most of the time!

So, with all this in mind, I am choosing the following...to be read between now and Dec. 21st:

Fiction:

1)Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn (OK...this really sounds like light reading, huh? But I first discovered her Glenbrook series books, and they are so wonderful in their simplicity. The characters just draw me in and they become my "friends". The Sisterchicks series is much the same way, only it always involves two best friends or sisters on an adventure. Light and funny, but with a Christian message. I've read them all, except for this newest one!

2)The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright. I've seen part of this story made into an old movie, and it looked intriguing, but for some reason, I don't think I have ever seen the end of the film. So reading the book will be a real treat.
*UPDATED...although I hope to read this in the near future, I am changing my #2 to :
Narcissa Whitman- Pioneer of Oregon- by Jeanette Eaton.

3) Dinner with a Perfect Stranger (re-read). We read this earlier in the year in our book club and it was incredible. What if you received an invitation to dinner by the Lord Jesus?This book really is a meaningful look at who Jesus really is- and wants to be- in our lives.
*UPDATED...Although this is a wonderful, wonderful book, for time's sake, I have replaced re-reading this one for:
The Wedding- Nicholas Sparks.

Non-fiction

1) Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp. A good friend told me how wonderful it is, so I need to ask her to lend it to me for this challenge!

2) The Real Maria (the autobiography of Maria Von Trapp) Another re-read, but the last I read it was about 20...so a long, long time ago!

Books to read with seven year old:

1)Heidi by Johanna Spyri(already have begun...she's doing a book report on it for our home school group) Both my mom and I loved this one when we were children!

2)Stuart Little by E.B. White I haven't even read this one as a child, so am looking forward to reading it with my daughter ever since I came acrossed a copy at a yard sale this summer!

And countless other short children's books that we all read- too many to name!

Plus...I hope to squeeze in at least one more non-fiction book in here, but I have yet to commit to that third one! And I admit...I plan on reading one or two more "light" paperbacks for extra reading. Hey, I am not intellectually above a good Christian romance! It's really my favorite read...was hooked at age 3 when I first heard that Cinderella story...

So there you have it! Not a lot, but I thought I'd better take Katrina's advice and not bite off more than I could chew realistically. I mean...and still blog.

A Word Meme (Note to self: not pronounced me-me)

Sue over at Susie's Place tagged me late tonight...(I just love her!) :) ...and though I think I still am harboring an unused tag that I still haven't gotten around to doing yet, this one is short, sweet and light...I think I can handle this! (Short, sweet and light...sounds like a diet strawberry shortcake, doesn't it?)

Anyway...I was given the following four words to describe whatever comes to my mind...

Candy: Even though it's not my favorite in the world or anything, the first image that pops in is red and white striped ribbon candy! I think I love how pretty it is, more than anything else! (But if I were to simply name my favorite...than it would be dark chocolate! A girl's best friend!)

Beach: OK...since I'm getting ready to leave for a family vacation in Maui very soon, it's not hard to guess what comes to my mind. Palm trees...lying on a recliner....reading a good book as the waves gently lap at my feet...(No throwing pillows at the screen, please! We're all going to be eating lots of boxed macaroni after paying for this trip!)

Season: Since today marks the first day of fall, I am also thinking of the autumn season and noticing the first leaves starting to turn in our neighborhood. We seem a little later with this than last year...unfortuately, they'll probably be brilliant just as we leave for vacation...(I know..."too bad, so sad"...as we use to say in Jr. High.)

Pet: When it seems we might all be in for some post-vacation blues coming back right before winter sets in, this will be the time we will be embarking on another new adventure...a puppy. My girls have only known my husband's ancient old dog who passed away this spring at the age of 17. So this will be their first puppy...and I have to say, potty training aside, I'm pretty excited! We haven't decided for sure on the breed at all...only that it will probably be on the big side!

So...that was pretty easy! I do want to try and post my Fall into Reading book list this weekend that so many of you are doing, also. We'll have to see how it goes, though...it's going to be another loud and strange weekend as my husband spends the day on top of the house hammering and stapling...yep, he's putting a new roof on. (He has an expert friend coaching him, but he says he'll be doing almost all the work.)

But a note to my fellow bloggers before I call it a night...Please pray for
Laurel Wreath and Theresa as they each face surgery this coming week. I know it's been a blessing to see how so many of us here pray earnestly for one another. I know God honors that!

A blessed weekend, everyone! Oh- and I tag anyone who wants to do this one! Just let me know and I'll come read it!

Tooth Fairy's Wand Our for Repairs!

We're having a wee bit of trouble with the tooth fairy lately. Just wanted to warn you. I'm not sure if she is just working overtime, but she has slacked off for the second time now...this is just unacceptable!

Last night, as my seven year old was brushing her teeth, her 8th tooth fell out. She still gets excited, and we promtly folded it in tissue and placed it gently under her pillow. As I sat with each child's chosen book for the evening in hand, she asked if she could please write a note to the tooth fairy. My eyelids were sagging, but I told her yes, if she hurried. Past bedtime, you know.

She brings in the most adorable note, I read it through blurred eyes, and she places that, too, under her pillow. Finally...two stories later, I say prayers with the girls, and as with our ritual, I lie briefly on my four year old's bed as we listen to a lullaby tape. Seven year old wants to tell one made-up story (as we sometimes do) so she starts in...

"OK, I remember where I left off last time. The zebra was about to dance in the ballet..."
Now, a lot of times, I love hearing my daughter's imagination at work. It's an amazing thing! But ten minutes later, I assured her that it was time to either end the saga or let it go on to Part III.
She relented and finished off with some sort of cliff-hanger...something about the zebra in the tutu being stranded on an island...and before I could even say good-night, both girls were off to dreamland.

I was never so happy to finally go to bed...

I awoke first and went downstairs, and a little later I hear the girls excitedly saying things like,
"Let's look, let's look!" and a disapointed
"Ohhhhh...."

My heart dropped to the floor. Not again!

I went upstairs, and casually asked if the tooth fairy left something or did she forget like that other time...
They answered that she, indeed, forgot.
"You're kidding?" I exclaimed, walking into my bedroom and grabbing a few coins off the dresser. I strolled into their room with a puzzled expression worthy of Meryl Streep, ignoring the imagined "Mommy Failure" tattooed across my forehead. I reach, non-chalantly, under the pillow with my closed hand, asking,
"Are you sure? That's ashame..."
Then my youngest heard a jingle.
"Wait!" She reaches in and both girls get excited. She graciously gives it to the seven year old toothless wonder, who takes the 40 cents with as much joy as if it had been gold.
"I just heard the noise, and there it was!" my youngest proudly annouces.
And I sigh a breath of relief and smile.

But really...this tooth fairy is not on her game at all. Just because it's the 8th tooth and all, there's no need for her to get sloppy. I can't cover for her all the time!

So, I just wanted to warn you...take heed. When one of your own loses their next tooth, don't get lazy and fall into bed before first tiptoing in and checking under that pillow to see if Miss Fairy has done her duty.

Because there's just nothing that can tug at a mama's heart more than a coinless, toothless child.

A Tasty and Healthy Snack...really!

If you're like me, you want to provide some really healthy snacks and recipes for your family, but can do without having to slave over the mixing bowl for a half hour or more. If this is the case, you may just want to try out this easy recipe that I discovered a few months back... It is extremely low in sugar, but yet still manages to taste yummy. Even my picky little eaters love it- and you other mommies know, when your four year old cannot seem to get enough of something healthy, that says quite a lot! So here it is:

Dump in a bowl:

2 cups whole wheat flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1\3 cup powdered milk (optional)

Stir to mix

Add:

1 egg

small amount of olive oil

2 cups cold water or milk (I prefer milk)

Small quantity of molasses to give muffins a golden brown color (optional)

*a couple tablespoons honey

Stir to mix

Place in buttered muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 mintues or until golden brown.

As you can see, it has virtually no sugar! Sometimes I add just a tablespoon of sugar if I want them less plain bread-like and just a tad sweeter.

*Edited to add: I do always add a few tablespoons of honey as well!

But this is the important part: add one more "fun" ingredient, such as blueberries, raisins, craisins, dried cranberries, for example. That extra ingredient of your choosing is what really makes the recipe!

Since I recently read all the benefits that whole grain can give, I love using whole wheat flour whenever possible. We have a mini-muffin tin so our muffins come out tiny and the girls can keep popping those little morsels into their mouths. Much better than chips or cookies...and with my littlest one having a true cavity battle, this is an especially great recipe for us.

I'm not a true gourmet cook nor avid baker, trust me...but these are so easy that even I am whipping them up all the time! (At least twice a week!) Sometimes the girls enjoy helping, too and take turns grabbing for-I mean- taking patient turns adding the ingredients and stirring.

With my small family of four, they are usually gone in 24 hours, a lonely plate of crumbs the only remnant.

Picky-Kid-tested, mother approved!

Updates, News and other non-sensical stuff

I am taking this post opportunity to update friends and family on our little "family doin's". After all...that was what my blog's original purpose set out to be (hence the name...so clever, I know.)
It is so much more than that now...but thought that once in awhile, I'd revert to letting folks now what we're up to...

Home school time has started with a slowwwww crank of the wheels, so to speak. The girls and I are all getting back into the swing of things- cleaning out those cobwebs of the mind and getting the feel of things. My biggest challenge has been juggling the preschool learning with second grade. Although both girls home schooled last year, my youngest was also then in preschool two mornings a week...somehow it just seemed easier. But we're figuring it out!
It's been a wonderful thing to have a small room now dedicated to "school". Although we don't always restrict ourselves to only learning in the school room, it is a nice haven. (I'm thinking of posting a picture of it soon!) Thanks to my sweet husband for this idea.

Four year old cherub starts a Spanish class this week! When I reminded her, she answered, without missing a beat, "Hola."
Perhaps, I'm wasting my money on this class. After all, we've all had Dora in our livingroom for years. I'm not ashamed to say that I learned half of the Spanish I know from her Exploring ways.
Still, it should be fun and educational and we've requested that she teach the rest of us everything she learns.

Seven year old Sweetie-girl asked to take....an acting class! Some of you who know her in person may be surprised, since she can be so shy at times. But she has this other side of her...dating back to the Bride goes Wild incident. Sometimes she actually likes to be the center of attention, and ham it up too- such a paradox! So this may be a great outlet for her on both accounts!

My mom and I had a yard sale last weekend, and I'm glad to report that it went much more smoothly than the one with my sweet hubby. My mom even rode with me as we donated a lot of our unsold items at the end of the tiring day! We're hoping she is able to put her house on the market soon! Like a lot of other endeavors, this whole process has taken much longer than we originally thought. *sigh*

We're also a part of what seems to be a neighborhood roofing boom. My husband helped a neighbor roof his, will be helping several others, and is doing our own with a co-worker next weekend. Lots of banging noises going on! But not only do we get a new roof at minimal cost, we can offset the cost further by the extra roofing jobs! God does provide!

Some major news for us...we are in the midst of deciding about changing our home church. We've attended the same large church for almost three years, so we have put down a root or two. But we both feel that it may be time...so please pray for us for wisdom and direction.

On a lighter note...we all can't believe that our Hawaii trip is so fast approaching. Only a few weeks away and it hasn't really sunk in yet with any of us! There really isn't that much for us to do to prepare...but for some reason, I keep thinking there must be something...(If you all think of something, please let me know!) No wardrobe shopping for me this time around...but that's OK. Give me a swimsuit and towel and I'll be happy!

And I'll end with this final word from Lil Cherub - news from just the last hour...

"Mommy, I know how many girls I'm going to have."

"How many?"

"Two."

"Two girls? Just like Mommy did?"

I'm hugging her to me, she just looked so sweet...

"Yes, and you know how God's going to make them?"

"How?" I ask, tentatively.

"Out of wood!"

So, I'll leave you with that bit of information to think on...Hope you all have a great week!

Worth Waiting For

Barb at A Chelsea Morning suggested writing about how we met our spouse. So this is our story...


Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be married and have children. And if that wasn't enough, I was a hopelesss romantic, as well. So, when my friends began to find serious relationships and pair off one by one, in their early 20's ...and yet I remained alone, I began to feel a profound sadness. Yes, I suppose I was feeling a bit left out. But it was more than that. I seemed to pine for "that certain someone" whom I had not yet met. I could almost feel that "in love" emotion, but it was attached to an invisible guy out there...somewhere.

Oh, I dated. In my 20's, I sort of bloomed late, and began dating several different guys (usually one at a time!) from my church single's group. I sometimes had "feelings" for a few of them. But still, they just weren't right, for one reason or another. I still hadn't met..."him".
People would say, "You're so pretty! I can't understand why you're not married yet!" As if the two things automatically went hand in hand.

As time went on, I began to suspect some of my friends' concerns were based on fact. Maybe I was too picky? Maybe I was just in love with love.

So, when a sort of dry spell occured in my dating life, and no potential mates seemed looming on the horizons at church or anywhere else, I began to find my eyes lingering just a bit longer on the pages of the newspapers that posted dating ads. (Yes, you read that right. I was actually letting my eyes scan the dreaded lonely heart singles ads!)
At first, I read them out of amusement. It was facinating to read what people put in those things! Some made me laugh outright...some just made me cringe. After awhile, though, I found myself spending more and more minutes reading some of those ads "just for fun". Especially, the ones that stated, "Christian man seeking...". And even better when they were between 28 and 38, relatively good-looking...and so on. I use to read them to a friend of mine over the phone (who was married and had toddlers) and we would giggle together over them all.

But one day, something clicked in my brain and I actually started dialing the phone. It was one of those setups where for a dollar or so, you can hear a voice message of your potential date, and if you like what you hear, leave one of your own. Well, the first time I did this was at the ripe old age of 28.
To make a long story short, I actually went out with two guys...the first, had a great little sports car, but was definately not my type at all in person.
The second one, was a divorced man with three children, who told me that his wife had wanted to get marriage counseling but he had refused. Um...that was the last date with that guy.

So with such wonderful luck such as this, I actually found myself being desperate enough -I mean willing- to pick up the phone again two years later when, during another "dry" dating period,I let my eyes peruse the dating section once more. There were a couple that really stood out...so I boldly called one and left a message. Then, I dialed again and heard one more voice message. Hmmm....he sounded nice. But his bio said he wasn't very tall...I'm use to dating tall men. But I am only 5"4 or so....
And even better still, he hasn't been divorced- like all the other 32 year old men I meet!

I started to hang up, but at the last minute, I decided to go ahead and finish listening. He does sound kind of sweet...if he's for real.
So, I left a message of my own- but not before honestly offering up a quick prayer. (I really did!)

Well, this guy that I almost hung up on called. He lived an hour away- and was a city boy. (I was a suburbs girl who always wanted to end up on a farm, milking cows.) We ended up talking on the phone for two hours...a stranger- yet we just sort of clicked, somehow. I remember hanging up, after we had arranged for a blind date on a Saturday night, thinking that if there turned out to be no chemistry between us in the romance department, I would really hope that at least he and I would become friends. Real friends.

The big day arrived. I was so nervous, but I was determined to play it cool. We had arranged to meet by one of the entry ways to a shop at the mall. It was a late afternoon in mid-August, 1993, but the summer skies had openned up and were letting down a torrent of pouring rain. Luckily, there was a nice shelter at the entryway while I waited. And waited.

And waited.

A young guy about 20 started chatting with me under the shelter as he waited for the rains to let up. He told me if this guy never showed up that I was waiting for, that I should go hang out with him. Flattered, I politely declined.

A half an hour or more went by...(yes, I pethetically still stood there...but I just didn't believe the guy I spoke with for two hours would stand me up) and just as I was thinking of going home, a small car inched in front of the shelter, the driver searching intently in my direction. I knew in an instant that it was him. I went over and asked his name and when we confirmed who we were. When I looked at him, it was as if I had known him all my life. And though I had safely planned on driving in my own car to the movies, I promtly just openned his door without thinking and hopped in! I would never do this ordinarily...I don't know what came over me! (Kids, please don't do this at home!)
He told me that he had been waiting at the entrance all this time...it had been the other entrance! We forgot to specify which entrance- so each of us had been standing on opposite sides, thinking that maybe we had possibly been stood up! Good thing, he decided to drive around slowly, before going home...

The movie we went to see was a new "date" movie called..."Sleepless in Seattle". Afterwards we went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and ended up talking very late into the evening. He told me a few days later that he was so nervous that night...and I could tell that he was, just a bit. But I still thought there was something incredibly special about him

Oh, and yes...though we didn't have our first kiss until the 5th date, I could tell that there was, indeed, that chemisty.

There would be some future snags along the way in our relationship and he actually joined the Navy and left me one year later. It was a crushing time. Add to that, his mother was dying and he had been layed off earlier from his job. But after several months of misery, we both realized we did not want to live with out each other and became engaged during Christmas break...sixteen months after that first blind date.

It may have not been in my timing, but God's timing was perfect. He brought me the desire of my heart. I had finally met that someone I had been waiting for. I had finally met... him.

Picture 1: About the time we were engaged
Picture 2: at my 40th birthday...he wore his sailor uniform for my "1940's" party.
Picture 3: 10th anniversary in Maui last year
(we he takes off his glasses, look out, honey!)
Picture 4: Our family this summer

Wordless Wednesday... Like Mother, Like Daughter

Please Pray For...

*Important* Please pray for Susan Godfrey . She is delivering her baby today, who is diagnosed with Potter Syndrome and her baby is not expected to live past a few hours. They chose to carry their baby to term. This has got to be so incredibly hard. She needs all of our prayers today!

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?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*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.)