What I Have Learned This Week: Pride and Pruning

For those of you that are new here, this summer I had the privilege of meeting Constance (of FindingBalance) and Travis, co-founders of True Campaign. A ministry that is dear to my heart. A ministry I hope to be more active in when God says the time is right...

Constance emailed me last week to check in and I was finally able to acknowledge, and put into words, exactly what has been swirling in my heart for the last seven months. 

The short story is that I have finally come to peace about the humble ministry to which I have been called. 

For the longer version, here is part of the email I wrote to Constance...it's what I've learned this week:

I have been praying for awhile about what ministry God was leading me to. He has blessed me with many talents: I can (and have) lead small groups, taught bible studies, mentored in areas that I have experience, and led worship.  I loved all of it. However, they are all gifts that bring attention to myself. Most of them all have to do with performing (in one way or the other)...and stroking my ego just a bit. I was approaching them with the idea of helping others, but also with the kickback of "being noticed" in mind.

 

So you can imagine my surprise, when after praying for many, many weeks about my role in ministry, I was surprised that His answer was consistently-- "Your family."  

 

I really think that the Lord is using this time to burn away the chaff.  To break the pride that motivates me to use the gifts he has given to promote myself. 

 

He had to intervene, and teach me how to get out of the way of myself. 

 

There has been nothing more humbling for me than homeschooling (probably because there wasn't anyone more judgmental in the past about home-schoolers than I was!) 

 

There isn't anyone around telling me what a great teacher I am. No one to stroke my ego and let me know I am doing a good job. I am daily having to lay down my wants and desires to serve my family.  My time is not my own, I cannot go to the gym everyday, nor have lunch with girlfriends whenever I want. My days are no longer solely in my control!

 

On top of that, I am an extrovert with deep insecurities. I have hidden those insecurities with a people-pleaser- I- can-do- it -all- attitude for so long, I didn't realize how it controlled me. I am always so afraid of what people think of me, that I let it rule my days.  I find myself battling my own presuppositions regarding home-schoolers, not many of which are true.  But I digress...

 

The most difficult part was God was telling me to "wait". Not just for your ministry, but even the Women's MInistry that I led here four years ago.  He has put the reigns on me like never before, and its hard. But its good.

 

I am learning that I depend far too much on my God-given talents than I do on God. I depend on the kudos and praises of  "man" instead of the love of God. I am learning that the bright lights of center stage aren't as rewarding as the humble position of being the doorkeeper...but I haven't learned that the easy way....I am stubborn, and my ego and flesh have been well fed for many, many years...

 

I should have contacted you sooner. But i just kept hoping God would let me know that I had learned what I needed to learn, and give me the thumbs-up to tell you that I could jump in with both feet. 

I was so CERTAIN it was the right time, because God had so finely tuned our meeting, and the meeting with Travis, and the eight weeks of writing the True Campaign stuff on the blog....and the response and conversation that all those things had sparked (and continues to spark) with people on the net and in real life. I just knew my day had come! 

 

And it has...it just looks a lot different than I thought it would. 

As difficult as yielding myself to the Lord has been, I am finally feeling peace about where God has me.

Learning this lesson still has a bit of a sting to it. Dealing with pride is never painless...but the fruits of pruning are beginning to feel worth it...

I know that there will be a day when I can be more active in FindingBalance and the True Campaign. I look forward to that day. Until then, I am content.

To see what other bloggers have learned head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Federal Holidays on Mondays Never Get me Down

This weekend went by incredibly fast. I needed an extra day.

Luckily today we get one. 

But there will not be much resting today.

When The Mister got home I told him I had drawn up a huge plan for a raised garden that would require him going to the Home Depot, on a weekend (his least favorite time), and buying copious amounts of wood and other supplies. 

He didn't even flinch. He didn't complain, or tell me of his other plans for his extra day off. He looked at my pencil sketch, made suggestions on how we could make my idea better, made his own supply list, and went to the store. 

(Yes, I readily admit that I am spoiled. Its a fun job, but somebody's got to do it.)

Last night he built one of three beds. He will finish the other two today. 

I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

Now, I have to tell you that while I love playing in the dirt, gardening has never really been my forte. As a matter of fact, if plants were people, I'd be in jail. When it comes to plant killing, I'm a multiple offender.

Which doesn't seem right, because my mother (and her mother) both could grow a mean garden. I should be able to keep a garden because my gene pool is heavily weighted in the green thumb department. My mom could grow the most productive garden out of the desert earth that was in her backyard. 

Surely, I can grow a few little vegetables in this beautiful place. Especially with the amazing raised beds The Mister built.

I am going to give it all I've got. I'm going to do everything by-the-book. Then I'm going to pray like crazy!

Pictures to come.

Happy Monday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Mister has been at a conference for six full days, but last night, he came home!

Right now, as I type and sip the best tasting cup of coffee I've had all week, he is sleeping soundly upstairs. 

Best Valentine's gift around.

I love Valentine's Day. Although we don't usually see lots of flowers or elaborate gifts on this day, we do enjoy celebrating it in our own way. 

So that is my question for today...

Other than your Valentine, what are you loving today?

For me...

I am loving the first Daffodil that showed its pretty face this morning.

I am loving watching my kids play basketball on Friday nights and Saturday mornings!

I am loving that The Mister saw a four-story m&m store in Vegas (thats where his conference was) and he thought of me.

I am loving so much that I better make it its own post...I could go on forever!

Happy Valentine's Day!

This Good Day!

The Mister has been gone for six days. 

I cannot wait for him to get home tonight. 

When he is gone, I cannot sleep. I do not cook. I am generally good for nothing. 

Put I've posted about this before. So I won't repeat myself.

Today is going to be fun. We have one last day of beautiful weather until winter comes back. 

I actually wore capris yesterday. Which reminds me, I shaved. Capris call for drastic measures.

You know, it amazes me how a little warm weather can change my outlook on almost everything. Just when I thought I might go a little crazy with cold weather, it turned around for a bit. The daffodil buds are starting to pop-up and fill my heart with anticipation for spring. 

Hope. 

It's life changing. Isn't it?

I am not the only one excited about The Mister's return. The Girl has been practicing her bike riding skills every afternoon. She asked last night if she could show her daddy how she can ride RIGHT when he gets home. Unfortunately, by the time we get him home from the airport it will be dark, so it will have to wait until Saturday morning. I have tried several times to upload video, but Blogger is being funny...grrr.

The Boy has been able to ride a bike for years, but the bike he is currently riding is The Mister's childhood bike: a Mongoose. When we were living in AZ my father-in-law gave it to The Boy, and he thinks its so cool to be able to ride the bike his Dad rode all over that southern Arizona town.

I've sort bounced all over the place today haven't I...so I'll bounce one more time. I finally caved to peer pressure. I opened a Twitter account: @LaVidaCoffeeGal. I am in the process of getting a new phone. We still have our Texas cell phones from three moves (and six years) ago! But hopefully within the next week or so that will change!

Happy Friday!

A Hairy Tale

My lower left leg looks like a mangy dog.

I guess I should start at the beginning.

It all started almost a year ago when I searched high and low for a plain razor. A no-muss, no-fuss, no extra-moisturizing strip. A plain ole' razor. 

After finding myself looking through every department and drug store within a 2500 mile radius, I've come to the conclusion that they just don't make them anymore.

Ok, maybe that last statement was a bit of an exaggeration. The exact mileage from my front door in Arizona to the front door to where I live now is only 2105.57 miles. And they do, in fact, make razors that don't have a strip. It's just that those razor's are always a generic brand, and they will cut you up like a wood chipper on a good day. 

Oh, and if you leave them in the shower for half a second, they rust. 

I'm not even kidding.

You can imagine I was getting tired of shredding my legs to bits with rusty razors, so I bit the bullet and bought those expensive ones with the lubricating strip. Which I personally feel is a gimmick, but what could I do? The people at Gillette had me by the legs.

I don't like that sneaky, slick strip for one reason alone: I swear they dull the blade quicker, ensuring that I will go through them twice as fast, forcing me to buy more!  I know what you're thinking. Your thinking that my corse, crazy-growing hair could be the part of the problem, but I am telling you, it's just not so. 

I could cry defeat, wave my white flag, and turn my eyes from a scheme, but its the principle, you know? You have to know what to fight for.

About three weeks ago I decided to take a bold stand... if you saw my legs right now, you would know how bold.

As some of you know our home in AZ has yet to sell.  As a result I have resorted to waxing my own eyebrows. My sister-in-law, and AZ hair guru, told me what to buy and it's been working like a charm. 

There were a few times I wasn't sure I would walk out of the bathroom with all my eyelashes, but for the most part, my gig working with wax has been successful, and has saved me a monthly expense. 

I got to thinking... if I could wax my own eyebrows, how hard could it be to wax my own legs?

Famous last thoughts.

Let's just say its not exactly easy. Which is why my left lower leg now looks like a sorry dog with the mange.

Oh, and my fingers keep sticking to the keyboard. Honee Wax is sticky stuff.

So here is my dilemma, do I just call it quits, and go grab a lubed up razor? Or should I go see a professional and ask for a discount since she'll only have to do one-and-a-half-legs? 

What I Learned This Week

Last week seemed like such a long week. I'm still processing really. So I will go with a light-hearted lesson for this weeks carnival of What I Learned This Week, hosted by Musing's of a Housewife.

I learned a new recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches: 

1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, 

1 large cucumber peeled, 

seeded and grated, 

1TBL of chopped chives, 

1 TBL of fresh dill, 

1 tsp of season salt, 

1/2 cup of feta cheese, 

and 1TBL of mayo (omitted, I think y'all know about my mayo issues).

Oh, and one loaf of white bread. With the crusts cut off. Mix, Refrigerate (for at least an hour, overnight if possible), spread, cut into 1/4's and serve.

I learned that I may never get over my Mayo and White Bread issues: even though I omitted the mayo, my mind couldn't get over the mayonnaise look of the filling.  Which made me think it tasted like mayo, although everybody who tasted it said it didn't....I also found myself apologizing to some friends about the two large loaves of white bread sitting on my counter. As if having white bread in the house was a horrible sin. However, the 3 pound bag of m&m's sitting in the cupboard I have no shame over...

I decided that once batch would be good, but three batches would be BETTER. So after many dozens of sandwiches, I still have a ton of this filling in my fridge. If you want it, its yours!

I have learned (again) that meeting new friends takes a pinch of effort, but a big heaping scoop of courage. People assume its easy for me to bring people together, or to make friends because God has gifted me with the talents to do such things. But it isn't easy. As a matter of fact, the older I become the more difficult it is...This week I had my friend (and running partner), Elisa, come over for lunch and invited another gal, Allison, who is a new friend I am excited to get to know better.  They are both homeschooling Mom's and were such an encouragement to me this past Friday. I can't wait to do it again!

I have learned that if you spend 15 minutes typing a post while allowing your puppy to run amuck, you will have a mess of brown construction paper to clean up when you are finished. 

Go on and check out what everybody else is learning this week!

The Things I Want To Say...

I have many things I need to write about. 

Deep and important things, like, you know, chin whiskers and why I can no longer find a razor blade without that weird lubricating strip (this is driving me bus-a-louie). 

I want to write about the puppy, and cucumber sandwiches, and how privileged I was to see the little, itt-bitty, teeny-tiny- church I am a member of, show what they're made of this weekend. It may be small in numbers, but they allow God to work within the body in God-big ways. 

I want to tell you The Girl's good news!  (hint: she no longer has to be ashamed of training wheels).

I want to share with you the fabric I am looking at for Easter outfits, and tell you about how in just a few short weeks I will get to sit face to face with friends in Texas, and Michigan, and Arizona. 

I want to tell you how The Mister accuses me of doing the alligator roll with the blankets at night. And to let you know it is not completely true.

I want to tell you all these things...

...but 65 degrees and Carolina sunshine is tempting my senses. It's far too delicious to ignore... 

Happy Monday!

Prayer

My post When Life is Hard, was intentionally vague. I didn't want to bring attention to my friend's (or their blog) before they were ready.

But Tony and Charity have posted asking for prayer. Please pray for them today and whenever the Lord might bring them to your mind. 

This weekend, and the days ahead, are sure to be difficult.

Behind Door Number One: Solitude!!

I should should have cleaned my nest/office/sewing room last night. 

But I didn't.

I should have cleaned, because I have a Fix-It guy (from our church) coming over to hang a door on the aforementioned nest/office/sewing room.

The main reason I want a door on this room is so I can escape. 

Escape from noise, and puppies, and yes, sometimes, children.

Do I hear an Amen?

I want to be able to close that door, and have some time...alone...to read, to craft, to think.

Later this afternoon I will post a before and after view of my nest/office/sewing room. Until then, I leave you with a picture of Sophie because I haven't posted a picture of her in awhile.

When Life Feels Hard

I'm taking a blogging break this week.  

We have friends that are in need of prayer. Their hearts are broken in ways that I haven't experienced, but I know that somehow, even though I cannot begin to understand or remotely see, God will prevail. 

I was reminded this morning that we have the great promises of God in Revelation 21:4:

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Why do bad things happen to good people?  There isn't one good answer that can assuage my heart in this moment...but I do know this: God's word says that He loves us. 

I've been a Christian for a long time now, but that doesn't mean that I don't question trials. Being a Christian doesn't mean I don't ask questions when it feels like God has turned His face away; or wonder what on earth His plan could be. But I know that His promises are true. 

When I see hard things happen to good people, I take comfort in Romans 8:35, 38-39:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...For 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.

We can question. We can cry. We can wonder what God is doing when the unexpected happens, but through all the unknowing we can rest in His love.

I was reading a chapter of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver, and this paragraph says it all:

Trials are real. Bad things happen-to good people and bad people alike. And we who are Christian don't escape life, Paul says. We overcome life: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

In all these things...we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us...

Oh Lord, may it be as you have promised for our heart-broken friends...

The Power of Green

For almost 14 years now, when The Mister and I share m&m candies, he always encourages me to eat the green ones. 

Imagine my surprise when I saw the  all green m&ms on sale in the newspaper a couple of weeks ago. I knew I would buy some for him.

Meaning, I would be a sacrificial wife, and eat them for The Mister...cuz y'all know the story behind the green m&m's, right? They are known around the world for their   "Special Powers". 

Of course in high school that's not exactly how they said it- but this is a family friendly blog.

I quickly ran into T@rget yesterday for a few asunder items, so I moseyed to the Valentines section and picked up a bag of Greens.

On the front of the package is a picture of Ms. Green with her sultry eyes and sassy way. Her tag line reads: Sweetie, it's all true...

I thought it was so funny I was laughing out loud, and for half a second felt a tad self-conscious with a bunch of college girls standing around contemplating what candy they should get for the sorority Valentines Mixer. I'm sure they thought I was a fry short of a happy meal. But someday, when they are married to a man they've adored for fourteen years, they'll understand.

Sweetie, it's all true...still makes me smile just thinking about it.

I picked up a package and brought them home.

The kids were helping me unload groceries out of the car (I had been to Sam's Club too) and the questions started to form: Why are they all green? What's all true? I thought Valentine's Day was about red and pink? Why is green a new color for Valentine's Day?  Is it because they are trying to be green for the environment? Why won't you let us open them? Why are they just for Daddy? 

Oh for goodness sake! You spend all their infancy looking forward to the day when they will be able to talk, and read, and be inquisitive about the world around them...and when they can, you wish they'd mind their own business!

(I told them it was because lots of people really like the greens ones....although I am partial to yellow.)

Happy Saturday!

Two-Cents

Oh bloggy peeps!  I have questions.

Yes, questions.

I know you have answers. 

First, I have a couple of iTune cards that I need to spend. I want to buy a few upbeat songs that are motivating for my work out, and a few worship songs that are motivating for my spirit.

...What songs is your fave work-out song? (I am open to non-christian tunes in this genre, although runnin' and praising is always good.)

...What worship song are you hitting the repeat button on lately?

All-righty, switching gears...

Let's talk macaroni and cheese. 

I need a delicious homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. My kids LOVE the blue kind from a box, and I just have the worst time making it for them. I let them have it for a treat (my mother is rolling her eyes right now) but it kills me to think of all that fake cheese and processed ickiness that I am letting them shovel into their faces. The only thing good that I can say about it is that its cheap.

I know the kids are wanting hot lunches right now because it is so cold. I am thinking if I could just make a big ol'e batch of mac and cheese, and then freeze it in single serving sizes, it would save time and make me feel more inclined to serve it to them. 

I tried a recipe out of an old Cooking Light Recipe and it was awful...it called for Worchestshire, and the kids ate it, but said they didn't think they'd want it again.  I agreed with them. So, if you have a good recipe (and it doesn't have to be "light") send it my way. 

So, here is a chance to freely give two-cents, without hurting your wallet. Talk to me.

Happy Friday!

(Thursday) Things I Love

(its been awhile since I shared Things I Love...so here you go)

...I loved finding the Sugarland Bakery by accident on Tuesday. I split this Creme Brulee cupcake with The Mister. It was absolutely worth $3.95. And y'all know I am a fussy cake eater.

...I love that when The Mister takes the camera he gets real pictures like this:

...I love that cute wool hat I am wearing, but it make me itch. 

(after seeing these picture of me wearing his Air Force issue jacket...) 

...I love that The Mister didn't mention once how "bulky" that jacket makes me look. Nor did he mention the down coat he found on clearance in AZ three days before moved (when it was 102 degrees) or how we had a huge discussion about my ridiculous reason for not wanting him to buy it. It was a good deal, but I didn't like it because it made feel (and look) "bulky", if you know what I mean. He was right. Its been a cold winter. I should have let him buy it for me, because this jacket is ten times worse. 

...I love dinner time conversations. Like the one two nights ago when we were talking about weddings. The Boy said he wanted his wedding colors to be bright green, with purple polka-dots. He was trying to make us laugh. It worked.

...I love that The Girl will have a birthday next week. Our last year in the single digits. I love that what she is most excited about is getting to have lunch and an afternoon of shopping...just me and her.

...I love when I teasingly ask The Mister what he is making for dinner. His answer is usually, "A knuckle sandwich."

... I love this picture of me looking jacket-fat-in-my-scratchy-hat.  Although I am cold, and make-up less, and giving The Mister that "are you crazy?" look, I am so very happy.

La Vida Dulce!

Blog Tour: "Parting the Waters" by Jeanne Damoff

Five days ago I received in the mail Jeanne Damoff's book, Parting the Waters: Finding the Beauty in Brokenness .

I don't often find myself reading a book all at once, but within 24 hours I turned the last page, feeling privileged to peek into the life-changing story of the Damoff Family.

Jeanne's story starts as a typical day in the life of a loving christian family unaware that a phone call would change their life, and test their faith.

Parting the Waters is the amazing account of a tragic drowning that took all the hopes and dreams of a loving mother, sinking them in the depths of a lake.  

Its a story of answered prayer, of lavish love, and hope. 

Jeanne Damoff writes of her dependance upon God in a very real way, acknowledging the Lord's tremendous blessings, even when she could not see them clearly.  She gives a transparent glimpse of the realities of being a mom, wife, friend and child of God, when faced with tragic circumstances.

In short, I enjoyed this book because Jeanne doesn't give a quick-fix solution to the real pain of grief; she doesn't give pithy answers to the hard questions; and her transparency is refreshing. 

I have spent the better part of five days mulling around what it is I want to say about this book, and I got my answer this morning while reading Psalm 30. 

Psalm 30 is written by David and is a call to thanksgiving. 

In twelve short verses he praises God for the work He has done throughout David's entire life. He eludes to times that were difficult; to moments that tempted him to dwell in a pit. He cries out to the Lord, and rejoices that God hears him. 

David encourages those who read his words to do the same...he acknowledges that tears are certain to come, but joy will come in the morning. 

Psalm 30 reveals the reality that life doesn't always play out the way we want it to, but encourages us to keep our eyes on the Lord. 

Parting the Waters: Finding the Beauty in Brokenness is much the same.

Go read it. You won't be sorry.

For more information on Jeanne Damoff, you'll find her website here.

For more info on Blog Tours, go to the Blog Tour Spot.

Carnival: What I've Learned This Week

I am going to participate in Jo-Lynne's (of Musings of a Housewife) carnival this week.

If you haven't heard about it, its not too late to join.

So what have I learned this week?

I have learned that there are many places in which I live my life through insecurity.

Deep huh? 

Well, it is deep. Almost deep enough that I am not sure I can write about it without typing on forever. But I am going to give it a try.

In fifth grade I was in Mr. Pollard's class. 

He didn't like me.

At all.

At this point in my young life as a  student I had already decided I was terrible in math.

I just didn't get it. 

In fifth-grade I had an experience that would start a life-long issue that I am going to spend this year purposefully battling.

In fifth grade Mr. Pollard called me to the board and made me stand there for a very long time, while he belittled me for not knowing what 8x7 was. 

After standing there being yelled at in front of my peers, and not being able to think, much less write 56 on the board, he proceeded to tell me that I had wasted his time, and the entire fifth grade class time. Now, he would waste  my time; I would spend both recess and lunch writing 8 x 7 = 56 on a piece of paper over and over again. 

I do believe that that day, at the age of 10 I decided I would never again waste anybody's time with my incompetence in math. I managed to get through enough math to pass high school and college. How I did it, I do not know.

Currently I am homeschooling a 5th grade boy who is in the trenches with long division. He's getting it, and doing well. But my attitude toward teaching math has been less than desirable. I get irritated (and irritable) because it takes me almost as much time as it takes him to do the math. I have had to break down problems with a pencil and a paper more often than he does. I have had to say, "Sorry Boy, I did that problem wrong. Your answer is correct" so  many times it's embarrassing.

You are probably wondering what this has to do with what I have learned, so I will just get to it: I have learned that I been teaching from an attitude of pride and insecurity, rather than teaching from a willing spirit.

I have learned that this attitude toward math doesn't just happen during the school hours either. 

I have avoided doing math (without a calculator) in almost every aspect of my life: from eating out with friends at lunch (I make them figure out how to split the bill), to coupon-ing (if it's too complicated I won't sit down and figure it out), to buying a home or car (I make The Mister handle all financial stuff)...I have avoided doing math that I could not do quickly. And I cannot do most math quickly.

I have compensated for a weakness by avoiding the problem instead of facing it; I have been allowing my insecurity to lead my life in this area, which makes me feel like a poser and only leads to more insecurity.

I am amazed at how I have limited myself because I have carried a lie deep within me that has hindered me for over 30 years: That I am not good at math.

The TRUTH is that I have never tried to be good at math. I'd given up long ago.

So what have I learned this week?

I have learned that it will take the power of God to get me over my Math Issues. 

I have learned that its OK to relearn math with your fifth grade son. 

As a matter of fact, its better this way. He is an amazing study partner. 

That is what I learned...

Awards and Random Bloggy Business

I received a couple of awards over two weeks ago that i wanted to acknowledge.

First Kathalog gave me the Butterfly Award.

Thanks Kathy!

I thought somebody had awarded me another award, but i cannot find it on any of the blogs that I am subscribed to...so I might have imagined it.  But thank you! I did appreciate it! I did!

I am going to be a rule breaker and not pass this on to seven people because I read so many awesome blogs. Having to pick the coolest blogs I read makes me feel like I am picking for the dodge ball team in grade school P.E.  

If I read your blog then you know that I think you are cool, other wise I just wouldn't read!

...if I don't read your blog. Then you either haven't ever commented or I lost you somewhere in the switch between readers.

...if you write a blog at all, I think you are cool.

...because all bloggers are cool. Right?

...can I stop now?

On to other things....

...Do you know how hard it is for me to NOT participate in this quarters Bloggy-Giveaway???

It's KILLING me. 

But I have absolutely nothing handmade to give away. And not a whole lot of time in which to make something. (I have two "baby" projects in the works that must be finished before I start anything else!)

I have participated in almost every Giveaway for the last 18 months!!!!!

Deep breath.

Next time, I will participate. And it will be BIG!  

...I woke up this morning thinking about chocolate chip cookies. 

...I cannot stop thinking about them. I guess I will have to go make a batch.

Oh, one last piece of useless information. I have decided to use the time between 2:30-4:30 as scheduled computer time.

Meaning that I cannot under any circumstance check blogs or email (or respond to them) unless all other things have been done. Unless, its between the time of 2:30-4:30. 

Scheduling things in my day has always helped me to be more efficient, but I have never (consistently) tried to use self-control scheduling with regard to the computer. I am hoping that this will help me to maximize my time on the computer and keep me focused.  

We'll see. 

All righty then, Happy Monday!

Love

Last week, at the baby shower I met a woman that I cannot stop thinking about.

When I walked up to her and said, "Hello. My name is Kellie", her formal reply surprised me: 

"I am Mrs. Delansky**, nice to meet you."

I thought it was funny that she introduced herself by her last name. 

Now, I would never embarrass myself by trying to guess what this beautiful woman's age was, but since she will be the great-grandmother to the baby about to be born, its safe to say that she's far more wise than my thirty (and six) years. 

To start the shower I found an ice breaker that would help us to get to know each other a little better. 

I asked each guest to take a small scoop of M&M's, and then explained that they had to give as many facts about themselves as they had candies in their hand.

After most of the women in the room had talked about themselves it was Mrs. Delansky's turn. 

She said something that went like this, "I am Mrs. Sally Delansky. I had the pleasure of being married to Mr. Delansky for 53 years, 4 months, 3 days, and 6 hours. The Lord brought us through the very best of times, and he brought us through the very worst of times. God is so very faithful. And that is what I want you to know."

Her words were so sincere that I had could not keep from weeping.  I quickly wiped my leaky eyes and tried to move on. After all we had a party to run...

But I have not stopped thinking about her words. 

Mrs. Delansky did not introduced herself to me by her last name to be formal. 

She did it because she loves to honor her husband. Even after death.

She did it because she loves to honor God. She knows that He is in control. 

She did it because she knows God's love is real. And tangible. And more than enough.

I was so grateful for Mrs. Delansky because there is so much going on the the world today that could make us feel forgotten, or bitter, or lonely, or frightened...but her words remind me to hold on to Truth, and to express gratitude for all in life that's good. Even when the good is hard to see.

Mrs. Delansky most likely has no idea how her forty-five second introduction revealed such true and profound wisdom, but it makes me want to spend the rest of my life loving my God, and loving my man, because life will be made richer for it. Not just for me, but for those who live around me.

**Name has been changed since I didn't exactly ask Mrs. D if I could write about her!

Stuff

Listen, I am about to drop off The Girl at a friends house. Then I am going to come home, brew a pot of coffee, curl up under a fuzzy blanket and read blogs for the first time in over a week. (I miss you guys!)

I am going to see if just sitting and reading will help me to feel better. I seem to have this lingering start to a head cold that won't move on....it just lingers enough to make me feel grouchy, but not enough to make me appear sick.  I've been feeling this way for over two weeks and its making me crazy!

Anyway, if you need a REALLY good laugh go read meh's post from yesterday. 

It's funny, y'all.

Snow Day!!

The kids and I prayed for a white Christmas since the day we drove into the North Carolinian border.

Imagine my surprise when the snow fell in Arizona over the holiday. 

Had I not known better, I would've thought that maybe the Lord hadn't received our forwarding address...

No, there wasn't a white Christmas in this neck of the woods. 

Still, I didn't stop praying.

This morning I got my answer. A glorious, resounding (although magnificently peaceful)

 answer.

We already have about two inches, with more falling as I type. 

I am sipping piping hot coffee. The kids have come in for some hot chocolate. The Mister is upstairs tucked warmly in bed.  

Later we will all sit and watch history unfold, and pray for our new President. We will give thanks for the privilege of living in a country that is free. 

Its going to be a great day.

I just know it.

Baby Shower Fun

I have been a delinquent blog writer (and reader) this week. I have been hard at work preparing for a baby shower for a sweet gal at church. I love parties! And I am especially grateful for the ladies at my church...

As people around town heard about the shower, the guest list grew. Which is really fun, but required the shower to be moved to a different location...one that could accommodate more than 30 people. 

NC Mama gladly offered her home.

Which turns out to be am even BIGGER blessing, as the people in this house are dropping like flies with a nasty head cold.

Then, the ladies at church began to ask what food they could bring. So I showed them my menu, and six ladies took the list and are bringing the food!

Which completely opened up time for me to play with the cake! My inspiration was the pink/brown polka dot invitation that was sent out. Here is a picture of my first try with marshmallow fondant:

Listen, if you have thought about using fondant but haven't because it looks scary, forget it! I used this recipe and tutorial, and it was as easy as pie cake!  I also used this video on how to make bows. 

The roses were made to cover up an accident. Remember last year when I decided to make paper flowers...well, you can use that same technique when making fondant roses. Only when it doesn't turn out just like you want it, you just roll the fondant up, and out, and start all over again!

I cannot wait for The Girls birthday party in February. She is having a Tropical Paradise theme and I am certain I will be making another fondant cake!

La Vida Dulce!

Uh, It's Actually Thursday?

In my last post I closed with a Happy Wednesday.

When I posted this morning, I did in fact believe it was Wednesday.

But now, after a sweet friend informed me of the correct day and, also, consulting a calendar, I do believe I have entered Thursday.

Whew! This is a relief to me. Cuz my Wednesday was shaping up to be a little wacky...but two minutes into my Thursday...it's like a clean slate.

Happy Thursday!

A Lesson in Spinning

Remember the post I wrote last year about drying my washed lettuce on the spin cycle of my washing machine?

And do you remember how that post led Mrs. Moofish to gift me with this?

Well, spinning your lettuce on the Spin Cycle is all well and fine, but let me be the first to tell you that the reverse is NOT true.

When your ten-year-old washing machine goes out mid-wash, and refuses to Spin and Drain; and you are trying to figure out how to unload a full load of clothes that are swimming in soapy water, the answer is NOT to use the salad spinner.

It just. Won't. Work.

Not for lack of trying. One piece of clothing at a time.

So it looks like I will be getting a new washing machine. Which is kind of a bummer, because I was just telling The Mister that I thought we "needed" to get a Wii with Wii Fit (for our P.E. Curriculum, you know? It's for educational purposes.)

When I showed him the washer he said, "Well doing the laundry by hand is probably more exercise than a Wii Fit anyway!"

I didn't find the humor in that. 

At all.

But I digress...

So the La Vida Lesson for today?

Salad Spinner-- An awesome invention!

Spinning laundry in that spinner?  

Not so much.

Happy Wednesday!

Sadness

I had a happy post ready to submit. But the wind has just been stolen from my sails...

The Mister just called to tell me that a friend of ours has died in Arizona in a tragic murder-suicide.  They leave behind a beautiful school-aged girl.

Please pray for this little girl. Tragically orphaned...

And please, if you are experiencing domestic violence of any kind (as the victim or the offender), please, please seek help. Your life may depend on it.

~~~

Oh Lord, I do not understand. 

But today, when I am completely at a loss for words and my heart aches in the wake of tragedy, I will put my hope in You. Be with this family. Comfort them with your power of the Holy Spirit; with the strong love of Christ; and the fullness of life that only comes from God. May you be a refuge for this family, a stronghold, during this time of serious trouble.

"May your unfailing rest be upon them, Oh Lord, even as they put their hope in you."

(Psalm 33:22)

De-Lurking Day

I just heard (from Beth @ Total Mom Haircut) it's De-Lurking day and I thought I would play along!

How I wish that I could have been prepared to celebrate this day! I would have gotten out some party favors and put out a little food.

In lieu of a decorated table and cake and ice cream, here is the little flasher guy that makes you want to run to the comments button and say hello!

Next year, there will be cards and merchandise, I'm sure.

Happy De-Lurking Day!

What Spoiled Looks Like

This weekend I ran up to The Girl's room to remind her to take Sophie outside.  This is what I found.

La Vida Dulce!

Your Burning Questions Answered

Good Morning Y'all!

This week went by so quickly!  Or is that just me?  Anyway, I didn't mean to take a blogging break but I did...

So let's get your questions answered!

Michelle at Life with Three asked: 

Would it be off limits to ask about the story behind the tattoo?

Of course not!  It's actually a fun little story.  About six years ago I began to anticipate my eighth wedding anniversary.   One of the ideas I had was to purchase these rings in a matching set for The Mister and I.  At first The Mister said he thought that would be a good idea, but later he came to me and said that he would buy one for me but that he probably wouldn't get one for himself. His excuse was valid. His profession as a Physical Therapist requires lots of work with his hands (and lots of washing) so he preferred not to wear another ring. 

Understanding his dilemma, but not wanting to wear the ring alone, I scrapped the idea.

Just as spring was beginning to bloom we began to make plans to go to Arizona for a visit. The trip landed on our anniversary date, May 13th. 

One night, laying in bed, we were discussing how nice it would be to be vacationing in AZ on our anniversary so we could take advantage of free babysitting at Grannie and Paw's house. As a joke I suggested that in lieu of the rings we should get matching tattoo's of the Song of

Solomon verse.  

To my ABSOLUTE surprise, he agreed, and was actually excited. 

So I did some research and found a tattoo guy in my hometown and on our anniversary we tattooed ourselves with: 

Song of Solomon 2:16 -

My Beloved is mine, and I am his...

(His tattoo, obviously says "I am her's")

So that is how I acquired (what my middle brother refers to as) my Tramp Stamp. For the record, The Mister would like it to be noted that he did NOT get his tattoo on the small of his back. His is on his left arm.  

(About the picture: My "baby" brother Dan, who wears a tattoo himself, stopped by while we got our tats. That is him looking on in the pic.)

The finished project.  (The Mister didn't get the flower symbol either.) 

Jen with 1 "n" (my real-life friend, and fellow shoe afficianado) asks:

Are those black patent leather dansko clogs I saw on your feet in the photo on the last blog post??!!!! 

Yes, Jen with 1 "n", they are!!!  And thank you so much for noticing!!! Although, its totally like you to notice details. Here's the story....

While Trick or Treating with the kids, a woman opened her door and had this huge bowl of all my favorite candy. However I was instantly drawn to the beautiful shiny shoes she was wearing. Of course I complemented her on them and she informed me of their make and model. 

I OBSESSED about these shoes for weeks, calling stores around town to see if they had my very large size shoes in stock. They didn't. Finally, I found them at Nordstroms.  

My mom had given me a nice chunk of change for my birthday. So essentially, they were from my mom. 

Buying these shoes brought me back thirty years to that first pair of black patent leather shoes my mom bought for me at the old department store, Diamonds. Do any of you remember that store?  

It just goes to show that a girl never outgrows her love for shiny shoes.

BTW, if you are interested Dansko is holding a contest for a free pair of shoes.

And last, but certainly not least, meh of Biding My Time asks:

 If you had to, which would you give up: blogging or coffee? Can't wait to hear...and you HAVE to choose one or the other. 

First, I must tell you that meh (and Jen with 1 "n"), are real-life friends who tend to ask me the hardest questions. They are the gals who keep me honest. But really, meh, isn't this question a little harsh? ;)

All jokes aside, of course, I would give up coffee. (Did I just type that?)

If there is one thing I have learned in my life, its that relationships are far more important than any thing. This blog has served as a means to keep up with old friends and establish new friends. I could live without coffee (although I am grateful I don't have to!), but I couldn't live without my peeps (especially those who ask ridiculous questions).

With that said, I guarantee that after a few days of blogging without java you would be throwing coffee beans at me. 

Thanks for playing guys!  Have a great weekend!

Random Thoughts From Kellie's Brain

The kids are taking a test. I have thirty minutes to type at you. Which means this post will probably not be re-read, spell checked, or even interesting. 

It will be random, and assuredly light-weight.

- It is raining here for the bagillionth day in a row. I need some dry ground and some sunshine.

- Puppy training in the rain, day and night, is exceptionally trying.

- Speaking of puppy training, the night before last after Sophie had done her "biz-ness" at 2:30am, I sleepily trudged up the stairs.  Only I missed the second to the last step and fell down hard on my knee. However it has been my lower back that has been barking ever since.

- Oh! The sun just popped out! Hooray!

- I had mentioned here that The Mister bought me an "illegal" Christmas present after we had decided to not exchange.  I am so glad he did!  He bought me this. I have wanted it for so long now!  

- I miss Chex Mix.  OF all the cookies and candies and treats I made over the holidays I consumed Chex Mix in massive quantities. As a matter of fact, I gave more than half of my cookies and mix away, but I still have DOZENS of cookies and baked goods in the freezer. The Mix? Completely out. Rats! I use this recipe. 

- I am usually a "sweet" girl. Not a "salty" girl.

- Janel of DandylionDayz emailed me and asked how the puppy training was going? I wrote back early this morning and told her that it was going pretty well, and that we hadn't had too many accidents.  Since that email, the puppy has peed on the kitchen floor 4 times.

-The sun just left again.

- At this very moment I am completely caught up in laundry. Perhaps it is the emotional out burst I had on Sunday afternoon.  I actually cried y'all. Which is weird for me.  

- I should have emotional outbursts more often.  They are quite productive.

-For those of you who played the One Word challenge,  I am still thinking of One Word that I want to be my focus in the coming year. If I have to keep it all year, I want it to be the right one.

- I am still sending Christmas Cards....there are about 5 or 6 people who were on the list, but I didn't have updated addresses for. There are some that are going to end up with an e-card because I ordered them without consulting THE LIST. So I didn't order enough. I kept telling myself I'd "get to" the last few cards, and i haven't "gotten there" yet.  

- I have had a few people ask about True Campaign and if I will be writing anymore about it. The answer is that I hope to in the future.  We have gone through so much change in the last four months that my head is still sort of spinning. I thought about writing my thoughts between Thanksgiving and the New Year (which can be a difficult time for those with food/body issues) but the days just got filled up and I didn't take the time to sit down and write out any cohesive thoughts. If you read this blog because you found me through True, I have not forgotten about you! 

- I think my time is up. But one last thing....

- On New Years Day I posted my 800th post! Can you believe it? I am sorry I missed it! To celebrate I am going to go on a Blogger's Limb and do something I have never done before: open up the blog to questions you have wanted to ask. If there are questions you have just been DYING to know, but you are waiting for an invitation...ask away and I will try to post answers by The Weekend.

La Vida Dulce!

Lunch, and Good News

In my quest to be productive in my New Year, I have failed to mention what I did on the first day of 2009.

As I have mentioned on this blog a time or two, I enjoy lunch with a friend. For the record, I like having dinner, or coffee with a friend too. It's just that lunch is kind of fun, being right in the middle of the day and all. 

I have group of friends here in NC. We like to call ourselves NC Mama and the 5K's.  Since K3 and K5 live out of state and far away, it's rare to get a picture of us together.

But this year, we were all at the same place, at the same time, eating lunch and taking pictures.

From the left: K4 (that's me!), K3, NC Mama, K1, K2, and K5

K's 1,2 and 3, are all sister, and NC Mama is their real life mom. K5 and I were adopted along the way. She's our real life NC Mama.

Surprisingly, we were a bit subdued on this January 1st.  We were happy to be together, but I think we were all a bit on holiday-overload. We were all plum tired.

Also joining us was two good friends from church. Very much loved as a K, only there names start with V and L.  We like being the K's, but we are far from exclusive. These ladies would make you feel at home, had you been there.

We wanted a picture of us all together. So I set the camera on the top of the car and set the timer. I had no idea that the hood was taking up half the frame...but it turned out nice anyway!

You can't even tell that our teeth were chattering.  It was a cold day!

And now, good news!

In my last post I may, or may not have, blamed my children for the loss of a certain pair of scissors. 

Amazingly enough, while typing that post I was so focused that I didn't take note of the wobbly keyboard that wasn't helping my sad typing skills.

Later on that day, I lifted up the wireless key board to set it in my lap for ease, and lo and behold, there were my scissors - kind of shoved partly under the key board, and partly under the plethora of paper goods that live around my desk. How I missed seeing them while tearing this house apart, I have no idea. I'm just glad that what was lost, has now been found! 

Happy Monday

An Open Letter to My Children

Dear  Precious, Darling, Boy and Girl,

How can I say this in the nicest possible way?

You have misplaced my favorite pair of scissors!!!!!!!

These are not just any blunt-edged, run-of-the-mill, school-girl scissors. 

These are my beautiful orange and gray, soft grip, extra sharp, scissors.

It was against my better judgement to allow you to use them for gift wrapping two weeks ago, and now it has come to bite me in the rear.

You know, this reminds me of a story. 

When I was a kid your Paw would say the strangest things to us when he was frustrated.  Like the time he was cleaning up four or five pairs of socks that had been living on the family room floor (probably for several days). One time he looked at your uncles and I, and said, "Someday, when you are grown and living in your own house, I am going to visit you and throw my dirty socks on your family room floor." And he walked out of the room.

As a kid, I thought that was a weird kind of funny. Why would he want to do a silly thing like that?

For the record, your Paw has never (not even once) come to our home and thrown his dirty socks on my floor, but today I have clarity. 

I COMPLETELY understand what he was talking about 25 years ago.

There is nothing I look forward to more than coming into your home, stealing your best scissors, cutting up toilet paper rolls and sandpaper, and then hiding them in some random place. 

And then, then, when you come to me and say, "Hey, Mom, have you seen our good, sharp scissors? You know, the ones that cut beautifully every-single-time. The ones that don't have glue, or duct tape stuck to the blades. The ones that open and close with precision and ease. The ones that make me happy because I know that they will be there for me when I am putting together 20 invitations for a baby shower in two weeks?"  

And I will look at you and say, "Welllllllll, the last time I saw them, they were on the sewing table in your office. I didn't use them. It wasn't me. Nope."

Then I will skip off as if I didn't realize that you are about to pull out all your hair and throw a hissy fit like a 3 year old.

Yes, its happened. Your mother is loosing her mind over a pair of scissors. 

I have looked high and low for my good scissors. I have torn apart my office; Dad's office; the kitchen; the schoolroom. I even looked in the van, to no avail.

Now, I am not a high maintenance person. There are precious few things that I won't share with you. But I swear, if I don't find those scissors within 24 hours its going to drive me to drink another pot of coffee and pull out the frozen Christmas cookies. 

I know you don't want that.

So please. Help me find my scissors, and then, keep your sweet little mitts off  'em.

Love,

Mom

Happy New Year! And the First Random Poll of 2009!!!

I tried really hard to stay up so I could post at exactly midnight. (I thought it would be cheating to try schedule a post!)

The kids have never stayed up until midnight and New Years Eve and they wanted to try.

So we ate M&M's and watched Survivor Man together. 

The Mister was dozing by 8:30 pm.

The Girl was out by 9:15.

So it was just The Boy and I, snuggled under blankets, watching Survivor Man try to survive a tropical island. 

Next thing I know, The Boy is shaking me out of a sound sleep, saying he was throwing in the towel.  It was 10:20.

Oh, we are such wimps!

Anyway, I pray that your New Year is fantastic. Full of good health and happy times!

So the Random Poll is: Did you stay up to ring in the New Year?