Thankful Things...3/16/12

~ My favorite teenage boy who makes me laugh.

~ Having a mid-week date with my favorite girl (who will never pass up a bacon -cheeseburger opportunity.)

~ New kitchen toys.

~ Heart felt conversations with women who are brave.

~ A flowery coffee cup that I have wanted for a very long time.

~ The view on my morning run.

~ Things that sparkle and shine.

~ Answered prayers.

~ The thought of painting my kitchen red.

~ My Thursday Night Girls. 

~ Gelato on a warm afternoon.

~ That this weekend is open for the choosing: craft? sew? paint? garden? read? a little of each? Perhaps.

For these things (and so much more!) I am thankful.

As always, I would love to hear what you are thankful for this week...

Emmaus Eight

Sometimes I worry about the future. 

As a natural-born optimist and one who hangs her hat on the Hope that has overcome this world, I know worry isn't the answer... but occasionally I fret. 

Over the last few months I've heard stories of young people in this country who were stealing cars, bullying and abusing others, wielding weapons and generally being a menace to society. If that is our future, then we should all run and hide.

These cynical thoughts are strange for a girl whose glass is always half-full. 

It felt strange to carry a glass so heavy.

Then the Emmaus Eight walked through my door.

About a  month ago our church announced that the Emmaus Bible College Choir Ensemble would be giving a concert and would need a few host families for one night. 

I knew immediately that I would sign-up, and I figured I could take half-a-dozen girls, because it seems my motto these days is: go big or go home. 

All I needed was a place for them to sleep, and an egg casserole for breakfast.

Amazingly, I put out an APB on Facebook for air mattresses (and sheets) and within a week I had more than I needed. 

The concert was amazing, and as I bobbed my head to the music I was thrown back to my college choir days... the black dresses, the heavy choir folders, the wonderful SATB harmonies. 

I was a little challenged by the math when I was computing the dates of my college years: 1990-1994. 

Um, that would be two decades ago. Let's not go there.

I was quickly brought to my senses when they sang my favorite hymn, Before the Throne.

Fave-o-rit.

At the end of the evening I didn't bring home six singers, I brought home eight. 

And it was wonderful. 

We stayed up eating popcorn and drinking hot cocoa until after midnight. I was so keyed up I laid in bed until 2:30am feeling happy and content with my house full of people. 

I learned that these young women are articulate, passionate, caring, smart, talented and amazing beautiful. Every last one of them.

They are the epitome of 'all things new'...some just starting out in college, in marriage, in ministry, in romance, in life. They love their families; they work hard. Some were the first in their families to get through college, and some were walking in the shadows of siblings that had gone before them. Some were quiet. Some were outgoing. All of them were so much fun.

I am pretty sure that not every one had a pillow, nor a hot shower. But no one complained or was ungracious. They were kind to me, my kids and even my crazy dog. 

As I tried to ask questions that would give me insight to each young gal, I was given a glimpse into the hope of the future, and it erased those terribly cynical thoughts and ideas; my worries for the future melted away. 

I think about the Titus 2 admonition that speaks of the older woman teaching the younger and I realized something very important....

I am convinced that the older woman needs the younger equally so. We need the younger to keep our hearts from becoming hardened with the injustices of the world, and instead maintain a healthy, soft and supple heart that is focused on the Hope set before us.

The excitement and energy and enthusiasm of the Emmaus Eight filled my cup and reminded me of the words and promise of Psalm 103.

What else did I learn through this experience?

Becky (an Emmaus alum) and Courtney came for breakfast.
We are trying to keep her from remembering that she is 6 days overdue.

Well, I learned that when eight very attractive college girls come to stay with you, the thirteen-year-old Boy who was a little apprehensive about going to college in five years, will suddenly realize that college might not be too bad. (Look at the grin on that Boy's face.)

I learned that when I had my first baby, several of these girls were preschoolers.

I learned that when people say I have a tendency to talk with my hands, they might be right.

I learned that above all things using my home to lift up others isn't just something I like to do, its a gift I've been given to give to others...and it fills me with a joy that lends to weepiness and laughter, all at the same time.

To my Emmaus Gals, 

Thank you for the opportunity to spend a few hours with you. You were a blessing to me...and I meant what I said: You always have a home in North Carolina.

When I Cannot See The Way

I'm alive.

I didn't get sucked into the vortex that was my pantry/laundry room project. But the deed is done, and I am glad.

The blog has been silent this week as I have slashed and dashed a very big "to do" list.

But the biggest thing that needed to be done has been accomplished - the one thing on the list that has plagued me for ten years: I applied for a replacement Social Security card.

My original one was stolen 10 years ago, three days before I gave birth to The Girl. Someone took it from my Target shopping cart. The purse was never found.

So I sat in the crowded SS office with a young women to my left who had just gotten married. Behind me sat a women who held her 3 month old son, who made the sweetest little sounds.

To my right was an African American grandmother, whose blindness and braided silver hair told me she had lived many years. She would giggle when she heard those sweet baby sounds coming from the seat behind us...and she would lean into me and say in a wise and tender voice, "Sweet sounds...reminds me of my baby who is sleeping."

Brings tears to my eyes...

There I sat, in that crowded place of humanity that was both bitter and sweet. A reminder of the days that have been, and of the days that come.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Gods providence, how God continually, unceasingly takes cares of us. I've been thinking about how hard it is to understand.

This morning I read 1 Thess 5:7:

Be joyful always;

Pray continually;

Give thanks to God in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ten years ago, I couldn't understand why, three days before a planned c-section, my purse had to be stolen. 

In that bag was (among other important things) my military ID and my medical cards. I'm serious when I say, the hospital would not have allowed that baby to be delivered without those two cards. So I spent three frantic days pulling strings to get them replaced...and I've spent the last 10 years dreading that visit to the Social Security office.

And yet....

Had that bag not been stolen, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to sit next to those three beautiful women. Sharing in their joys. Sharing in their sorrows.

It was only an hour and seventeen minutes of my life. How sad I would have been to have missed it.

Today, with the vision of 20/20 hindsight, I can look up and gratefully say thank you. 

May this be a lesson to choose joy and gratitude when I cannot see the way.

Two Words: Choose Courage

Parenting well,

My desire.

Letting go,

It's hard.

Trusting others,

Harder still.

As babies,

Held close,

Under wing,

On breast.

Always near.

But kids 

Grow upward,

and outward,

and independent.

Healthy. Good.

Time's come.

Dreaded most.

Feelings rule,

Need prayer.

Sending Girl,

To camp.

Two days.

Only two.

She's Excited, 

Happy, Nervous. 

Not afraid.

Not Afraid.

I am.

This fear,

Not hers.

My baggage.

My experience.

Never mentioned,

On blog,

I'm survivor,

Many years.

Sex abuse.

Words look

ugly here.

Truth is,

Ashes - Beauty. 

My story.

I'm OK.

Worked hard,

Twenty-Years.

Healthy, Happy.

Grateful. Loved.

Much support.

Even so,

Some times,

Fear reigns.

Robs joy,

Steals focus.

Tempts me,

To despair.

Lies dormant

for awhile.

A week.

A month.

A year.

Wakes up,

Sneaks in,

Takes over.

Brown eyes.

Tender heart.

Innocent face.

Bring back

Irrational desire

To protect.

God Loves,

He protects.

He holds,

Them. Me.

Under wing,

On breast.

Always near.

Little girl,

Have fun!

Be free!

Don't fear.

Trust God.

Experience life.

Climb trees.

Eat smores.

Laugh hard.

Make friends.

Sleep well.

Come home.

Ask to

Go again.

I'll pray,

And trust.

Walk proud,

Face fear.

In courage.

Choosing life.

Really living.

A Walk in the Woods

Today is overcast and a bit on the cool side.

Its a perfect morning to put on a sweatshirt, grab a cup of coffee and go for a walk in the woods of our happy little acre.

Wanna come with me?

Right out the front door...

Azalea's galore...

There are some in the back too, in colors of light pink, lavender, and these...

You can't tell in this photo, but they are an amazing orangey pink (salmon color)....

Last weekend while The Mister was building the swing, The Girl and her friend built a "girls-only fort" in the yard, using some wood and some tree branches.

Please take note that their "vase" is a good glass from my kitchen. 

I had to bite my tongue from protesting...after all, it is beautiful on the mantle of their little house.

Let's move on...

Can I tell you what surprises me every year?

The irises: I did not plant them. I cannot make them grow . As a matter of fact, the bleakness of winter and the harsh reality of cold completely erases them from my memory.

At first that may sound sad, but its not.

Every year I give thanks, because it feels like a gift I forgot to ask for.

A beautifully wrapped...

...perfectly made gift.

I am amazed by it all.

Amazed....that in just the span of 20 days my yard can look like this:

...and turn into this:

Amazing.

What amazes you today?

Swinging From Trees

The Girl has been wanting a swing for the longest time.

Not a swing set, but a swing among the trees.

Her Dad was happy to oblige and while he thought and planned and came up with ideas, the kids tied ropes in other trees and generally behaved like monkeys.

I tended my garden and tried not to watch as The Mister balanced on ladders all too high, with heavy lumber in one hand, power tools in the other.

I had to choke down words that were not really meant for him....words of affirmation, such as "Be careful. Don't slip! Do you think that ladder is secure?"

Saying them makes me feel better, but don't really help him.

But when I saw this:

I'll admit, I panicked.

I yelled, "Your Dad may have let you climb up there but this will be the last time!"


"Oh, and also... Be careful! Don't slip!"

Here's the reaction I got.

He looks scared doesn't he?

Turns out, I'll be losing that battle. Word from The Misters Workbench is that there is a zip line and a modified tree house in the works. Its a secret, which is why I'm telling you.

I'll pretend to be frightened.

Yes, I'll huff and puff like good mama's do.

And then I'll sit back in my yard and watch the monkeys play.

Conversation with The Mister

I'll admit that I tend to have a playful spirit when it comes to those I know well.

That is never more true than when I am interacting with The Mister.

I always enjoy teasing him, especially when he is unable to reciprocate.

For example, last night as he was washing dishes--with his soapy hands washing bits of scrambled egg from the pan, I walked passed him and gave his rump a little smack, a bit harder than I had intended.

"You think you can spank me and get away with it?" he asks.

"Uh... yup." I say (from across the room) with an impish grin.

Then I boldly add, "I can spank who I want, when I want."

"Oh yeah?" he says, calmly.

"Yup."

"Can you spank Brad Pitt?" he asks like he knows he's stumped me.

I start to giggle thinking about spanking Brad Pitt.

He starts to laugh like its the funniest thing he's said all week.

Still makes me laugh.

It reminds me of this post when the kids revealed something about The Mister and I that was a bit revealing....No wonder they think the things they do!

Let's change the subject...how about a recipe?

This is a recipe my dear friend Jen with One N made for our Mom's Group retreat back in the Texas Days...love this recipe, but those girls? Love them WAY more!

Creme Brulee French Toast
1 stick unsalted butter (if using salted butter omit salt below)
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbls corn syrup
8-9 inch loaf of french bread --sliced into 1"-1.5" slices
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups Half-in-Half cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp Grand Marnier (optional)

IN a small sauce pan melt butter , brown sugar and corn syrup over med. heat, stirring until smooth. Pour into a greased (BE SURE TO GREASE THE PAN!) 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Place six- eight slices of bread in one layer, squeezing to fit, into the pan (on top of caramel mixture).

Whisk together eggs, creamer, vanilla salt and GM in a bowl. Pour over bread, cover and place in the fridge for at least 8 hours up to one day. I usually make this the afternoon or evening before I want to serve it.

Place in the oven uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serve with strawberries and whip cream for extra fanciness.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year's Eve!

 I couldn't let this day go by without posting one last word for the year.

So I leave you with these thoughts....

This year has had so many wonderful moments in it:

A great year for traveling to see dear friends and family-- from Michigan to Washington (and Texas in between.)

It's been a year of blessings: finding good renters for our Arizona house; family members making it through surgeries and accidents without too many complications. There have been engagements and weddings and births.

Its been a year of growth: creatively, personally, spiritually and physically.

Its been a year for re-connecting with friends I love.

It's been a year for good things.

Its also been difficult...

Two dear friends lost children this year.

Three of my friends lost a parent...all to cancer.

I've got people I love who are struggling in their marriages.

Some friends have dealt with unexpected health issues, some with chronic illness.

There have been messes, some of my own making.

Yes, there has been unimaginable joy and deep, deep, sorrow.

Sometimes, when the weather get colder and the days get longer, the sorrow is what lingers in my mind... My heart... My focus...

Until I read this:

One day we shall see that nothing - literally nothing- that could have increased our eternal happiness has been denied us and that nothing - literally nothing - that could have reduced that happiness has been left with us.      

-J.I.Packer

God is in control. In 2009. In 2010.

As I look back at all the sorrows and blessings of the year that has past. I am reminded that life isn't temporal, there's so much more...but in the meantime we have a full life to live, and we aren't left to ourselves in times of joy or sorrow:

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:37

I am humbled and grateful as I look to the year ahead, with trembling anticipation, knowing whatever comes, blessing or sorrow, I can hold Gods truth close to my heart.

I am convinced that neither death nor life, 

neither angels nor demons, 

neither the present nor the future, 

nor any powers, 

neither height nor depth, 

nor anything else in all creation, 

will be able to separate us from the love of God 

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

 One day we shall see....

Happy Day

Hola! Peoples!

I cannot begin to tell you how much I have missed blog writing and blog reading and tweeting. 

However I feel lighter having taken the time to focus my mind and energy in preparation for last nights Salad Supper event at my church.

Although I missed all my social media buddies I loved some of the other things I was able to accomplish in the last ten days.

For instance I've read three really good books (Days and Hours by Susan Meissner; Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore; And a biography of George Washington Carver (whose author I can't think of at the moment). If you are unfamiliar with Goerge Washington Carver, his story is amazing! I had known he was the inventor of peanut butter  but he was actually an amazing scientist that God used to change the course of agricultural history for all of us.  He overcame great and amazing obstacles!

I also spent a lot of time writing for the benefit of my own personal journal and preparing to speak to the ladies at my church last night. 

Speaking of, can I just give a big ole' cyber hug to those of you who prayed, commented, emailed, and tweeted (for) me this week? 

Normally before I do these kinds of things I am so tremendously nervous I can hardly function. But yesterday I felt calm all afternoon. I felt ready, and in complete peace. That is nothing short of answer to prayer, and don't just appreciate it, but feel unbelievably humbled by it..

You know what else I appreciate? My mom and dad. Often when I share the story of Gods work in my life I am reminded of how much I love them. When God was handing out parents He gave me good ones.

I also was so excited the Carpoolqueen came to eat some salad and cheer me on. She has had quite an exciting life as of late and it meant a lot to me that she was there. 

(Also, just between you and me, I had asked her several months ago if she would be willing to come speak to the ladies of our church for next months Salad Supper. She graciously accepted. So if you're local, mark your calendar for July 14th.) 

We took several pictures, but CPQ was feeling the need to be incognito because of her top-secret job in the CIA that she never talks about. No, I'm kidding, that was just a rumor. She felt she was suffering from a bad hair day and after our photo session churned out a couple of rejected shots, she opted to show us that cute little flip her hair does at the back of her head.

Listen, you saw it here first. 

No where else on the Internet is there a close-up of the back of CPQ's head. 

Today I have very few things on my To Do list...I hope to make some of these, to make carrying the swim towels a little easier. I am going to get the fabric ready for these. And I plan to catch up on at least half of the 350 unread blog posts that sit in my reader. 

Its going to be a good day. 

Lots of stuff I want you to know

Happy Thursday friends!

It will be a busy day today. We have a field trip tomorrow, so we are going to accomplish two school days into one. Which is totally do-able...we just may have to do school until (gasp!) 3 o'clock! Like every one else in the world.

I just want to share a few things with you this morning! First, and most importantly, will you pray for my friend Charity today. I am certain that our prayers are going to be what carries her as she goes back to her first graders today. I am praying for God's peace and comfort to be with her, not only strength in spirit, but strength in body. If you do pray for her today, click the link above and tell her you have done so...I know that will be such a blessing to her. AS a matter of fact, you can skip commenting here and go over there instead!

Second, I really enjoyed this post by Mer's hubby. The Mister and I read the post and both shouted AMEN!

I am saying "no" this Lenten season to computers on Fridays, and will be going "dark" for Holy Week. Anyone want to join me?

Last (ly?), and very certainly least....I have a door on my office/nest/craft room! Or what I like to call The Nest.

Here is a before picture:

And here is the glorious after:

And now for some reality...

As you know I am the clean counter queen. I like things streamlined, efficient and most importantly, clutter free. 

Of course if you looked inside my min-van, or The Nest , you would wonder why I sound so brag-idocious. Clearly, I have very selective needs for control, that are not hard fast rules in every area of my life. This is what it looks like just left of the door...

And this is what it looks like when you stand at the door looking in...

I never said I didn't have issues.

When we moved here six months ago, The Nest in many ways has become the room that everything gets put into until we know what to do with it. It is also the room that I can be creative in, and (now) can shut the door when in the middle of a project, or when I need a moment to be blessedly alone.

I use this room to study in, to read my bible in, and The Girl and I spend most Friday nights in this room snuggled up on that one chair watching movies (I am actually looking for a couch or love seat to replace it...we are outgrowing the ability to sit in that one!)

Anyway, this room is next on my Attention List. I want to reorganize it to get it streamlined, efficient and clutter free. This summer I am going to paint it, girlify it, and make it completely my own. 

After pictures to come!

Oh! I forgot that there is one more thing!

Yesterday I didn't post, and there was a very good reason. I had to skip the internet party in favor of a party in honor of my K sisters (and birthday girls!), K1 and K2. 

Aren't they cute? See how happy they are? They are about to cruise together to the Cayman Islands...no wonder they look happy!

Happy birthday friends! And happy sailing!

Movin' on Up, To The East Side...

...Of the Country.

In the last few months I have hinted around about big things happening in the La Vida Dulce household. 

The Mister and I have been praying over some big decisions that we needed to make since before the New Year. 

I have been wanting to write about them, but because of the sensitive nature of my husbands job, (and the fact that he works for an often slow moving government: and all the military wives said "Amen!") I didn't want to bring y'all in the know until everything was completely official.

If you are new to La Vida Dulce, then you may not know that we are a military family who has moved all across the southern part of the country. Since 1996 we have moved five times. 

In less than seven short weeks, we will move again.

Sixteen months ago we jumped on an opportunity to move to The Desert Town where both The Mister and I had been raised.  We were excited to get back, but we were also very sad to leave our home in North Carolina. 

We knew that this is where we needed to be, and yet were very confused when our house in NC wouldn't sell. We prayed and hoped, but things never worked out the way we planned.

God orchestrated the renting of our NC house to an empty-nester couple who are friends of ours. It worked out perfectly, unlike anything we could have put together our self (as God's plans tend to work). 

I am intentionally being vague when I tell you that after several months of working at this job, it became clear that The Mister didn't want to retire here, so he began to see what opportunities would open up within the next year. 

Imagine our surprise when there was an opportunity in NC, in the same town we had lived in before!

I am excited to tell you that we are moving back to NC in less than seven short weeks.  Back into The House That Would Not Sell; The home I adored.

One of the things that is hard about moving is leaving family and friends behind. There is an excitement on our part to look forward to a new adventure (especially this time when we know a little bit of what that adventure looks like), but we are also awesomely aware that those who are left behind are often left with a void that isn't easily filled. 

Many years ago, when I realized that my marriage would most likely require a lot of moving, I made a decision to make my home "any place The Mister had to go." Because home is not really about where you are living, but who you are living with. 

I believe that this attitude (which came through learning the hard way) is why I have enjoyed friendships all over the country. Getting involved in the lives of others is sometimes painful, and yet it is one of the greatest joys of being a military family.

So now begins what I call the "Time for Goodbyes".  It's a bittersweet time. Although this time it doesn't seem quite so bad because I know I will be back here to visit, whereas the other places we have lived I never knew when the opportunity to go back for visits would come.

It's at times like this that I am grateful for this platform, because things here will be the same...and my friends around the country can still have a cup of coffee with me as they visit the blog...

Now comes the busy time as we plan logistically for another trip across the country. It is certain to bring lots of blogging fodder and excitement!

La Vida Dulce!

First Day

Well, they are both at school. 

At this very moment one of them should be right in the middle lunch. 

It was a good morning, although it wasn't void of wailing and clinging and tears. 

But I'm good now.

I went to the gym with a friend, and then came home to clean, so I've kept busy. Which is good when your a tad bit weepy.

Speaking of busy...before I was a stay at home mom I had visions of lounging in front of soap operas and eating bon-bons.  What ever happened to that?

No really, I'm not a soap opera fan. As a matter of fact my TV is never on during the day...but I used to be a HUGE General Hospital fan in high school and college. I totally could have used TiVO. It wasn't invented way back then, and my VCR wasn't trusty, so in college I would orchestrate my entire school schedule in order to be near a TV by 2pm. 

Ok, sorry...that was like a really scary random memory from my head...what was I saying?

School. Yes. The kids are there and I am here drinking a smoothie and typing away at you. I have managed to get quite a bit accomplished this morning: the kitchen, the living room, and the bathrooms, are all clean and now I just need to finish my lunch, read some of your blogs and go get my little peeps (who aren't so little any more...when in the world did that happen!)

It occurred to me that this year will be my oldest's last year in elementary school...it seems like just yesterday I was hovering outside that kindergarten room. The principle literally patted me on the shoulder and told me to go home. 

Oh the memories...I don't have any Kleenex in the house, and since I accidently forgot a few key items while shopping last week, we are rationing toilet paper...I can't waste it on nose blowing. 

Let's talk about something happy.

Since I have managed to make every single birthday celebration (and subsequent present) late this year, it is appropriate that I missed my 3rd Bloggy Birthday on Saturday July 12th.

It is unimaginable that I have blogged for three full years.

It's on days like today, when I might be tempted to feel sorry for myself, that I am filled with joy over a community whom I dearly love. I was talking to a friend the other day and she said she thought that this blog was like a ministry. That surprised me. Especially since I had received two emails from different people saying the same thing...

(Oh here comes the weepiness again!)

I never really thought about this blog in that way, but I do believe that ministry is being who you are, where you're at...so I guess this qualifies. 

I often find myself typing and wishing I could tell you these things face to face, but I will take what I can get...I am so grateful for the blogging community; both those who are just readers, but also those who are bloggers.

Thank you for reading and sharing your lives through this amazing thing we call social media. It truly makes my Sweet Life, that much sweeter!

La Vida Dulce!

PS: Here are the posts from the last Four July 12ths! 

July 12, 2005: Big Blogging Blueberry Day

July 12, 2006: Blogger Birthday

July 12, 2007: Blogiversary