Connecting

What have I been doing?

Connecting with the needs of my physical self. Going to Weight Watchers, cutting out sugar and adding exercise to my routines. Connecting the dots that what I do now to take care of my body ensures that I will be able to be around to connect with my loved ones in the future.

Connecting with the needs of my professional self. Praying through some challenging work issues, working hard on a big event coming this fall and attending a professional conference for people who do what I do and some who do what I want to do for my organization. Enjoyed connecting with new people who really "get it". The challenge that lays before us in communicating important, life-changing messages in a relevant and effective way. It's a sweet salve to be in a room with the same passions, vision and calling as you. A real gift.

Connecting with my family. Conversations with my daughter about high-school, boys, sex, self-worth, self-image, eternity, serving and so much more. Loving this growing time for both of us. Trying to connect with my growing little boy who I can see is starting to enter the period of his life where things will start changing quickly for him. Trying to encourage him in his strengths and help him work through, around and over his weaknesses. Enjoying the sense of humor that God has given them both.

Connecting with my husband. Appreciating him more and more for the sacrifices he makes. Painted our house together a few weekends ago and gained a new appreciation for all the summers he worked to bring in extra funds for the family. So proud of the new professional direction he is moving in to become and administrator in the education profession. He is so gifted in in inspiring and motivating people to do their best for kids.

Connecting with God. Realizing how much work I have yet to do in my life. Grateful for his love, that is enough (in spite of what I think I must add to the equation). Blue as the sky in spite of storm clouds that might come through. Connecting the dots of my struggles to realize that pride is a big part of the frustrations and anger I carry around like a pack on my back. Asking Him to lighten the load as I give things over to Him.

Connecting with the knowledge that I'm not done yet.

The Boy in the Black Jersey

Photo by Stu Seeger

Encouragement is a powerful medicine to the heart. Our pastor preached recently on how a word of encouragement can change a person's life, how it can cause them to take a different turn, choosing to believe that they are worth more and can do more and be more than they believed before the words of others lifted them to see above the haze of every day to see the "what could be". His words and the testimony of one of our church members to this have been knocking about in my head all week. How do I encourage others? What does it look like?

God showed me this week.

It's football season. I know this because as I walk the track at the middle school while my son practices with his soccer team, there are about a hundred young football players doing drills and practicing for upcoming games. They range from middles school boys with growing "man-bodies" all the way down to little boys that look like they are about 3rd or 4th graders. They come to practice in pads, helmets and jerseys and faithfully run through their drills.

The other night the younger boys were taking a lap around the track. I watched as a tiny little guy in a blue jersey with a number 2 on the back fell further and further behind the track. His little legs looked like pencils stuck in football cleats. The helmet seemed to sway back and forth with the strides as he struggled to keep his head from bobbing forward from the weight of it. My mother's heart broke a bit for this little guy who was so obviously undersized compared to the other boys. Would his self confidence survive the season?

Just then, another of the boys in the back of the pack, a sturdy little guy in a black jersey turned his head and saw little Number Two about 20 feet behind him. He purposely slowed his run down so Number Two could catch up to him. He turned his head and you could tell he was talking to Number Two as they ran together. At one point, as they fell further and further behind the pack, still running, he put his arm around Number Two for just a moment. The two ran together until they finished the drill and joined the rest of the team. The boy in the black jersey said a final word to little Number Two and then disappeared into the mass of boys as they lined up for stretches. It was almost as if he said, "You'll be OK now. You don't need me here right now anymore," and he let Number Two become just another member of the large football team.

Wow - what an incredible real world image of encouragement. Someone to come alongside you when you need them. Not to save you. Not to tell you it's OK to stop or give up during the hard stuff, but someone to run with you, put their arm around you, tell you you're doing a great job and then to give you the confidence that you really don't need to rely on them, you've got it in you to do the job on your own.

I doubt either of these boys will ever play in the NFL but I have no doubt that they will know the power of an encouraging word in their lives. I have been challenged to act on this lesson - as the giver and receiver.

Have I told any of you "thank you" recently for the time you take to comment on my blog? Forgive me if I haven't. Thank you for your encouraging words. Thanks to all of you who encourage me in real life and online to use my gifts and challenge me not to give up when I hit roadblocks real and perceived. Thanks to all of you who make me laugh, make me cry and keep me real as we do laps on the track of life. I hope that there are times I do the same for you and I'll be looking for chances to run with you in the days ahead.

Thanks God, for the picture of Number Two and the Boy in the Black Jersey. That was a picture just for me and I got it. (You're so cool that way!)

Well that wasn't so bad after all . . .

Two days ago I turned 40. It was looming over me for months (thanks to my baby sister who started asking in January, "What are we going to do for your 40th?" After months of badgering, I finally caved and agreed to a party.

As we got in the car to head to the shin-dig, my stomach was a mess. Literally - I felt sick. I don't have parties, I give parties. I'm not the guest-of-honor, I'm the one planning the thing. This was so out of the norm for me, my nerves were just shot. But it was a lovely evening and I have to say, my parents and sister threw me a lovely party. They all shared memories of me (my sister's memories, not so wonderful as she shared how we used to fight and how mean I was to her - sadly, all true) but they all ended with lovely sentiments of how much they love and appreciate me now. There were embarrassing pictures, embarrassing stories but lots of laughter and fun. Many of my dear friends attended with their kids and it really was a great evening - I had fun and I'm glad I let my sister talk me into it.

I'll admit, I struggled in the days before my birthday. As I approached 40, it really felt like someone was making me a cinder-block necklace to wear. A dusty block of cement that would say to everyone who saw it, "Oh, yes, she used to be the young one, but now look at her. She's 40 now." I saw that cinder-block as a hindrance, something that would slow me down, weigh me down and forever label me as one who had her chance to dance and should now just be happy sitting on the sidelines and watching others have their day.

But now that the day has passed and I can look forward, I think I'll use that cinder-block to stand on. To see further than those younger kids around me. I'll use that better perspective to make decisions that I won't regret. I'll use the weight of that cinder-block to break down walls - ones I've created and ones others use to keep me in my place. I'll thank God for the weight of those years and all of the joy and blessings packed into them. I'll proudly wear the dust of that block in my hair, on my clothes and maybe if the urge hits me, I'll paint that block yellow or bright green or whatever color suits me on that day.

I think I'm ready for my 40's now . . . let me at 'em. Me and my new accessory.

And on the birthday front, today is N.'s 14th! Happy B-day to my baby-girl!

The Little Comedian

This is why I believe you'll see my son on the big screen someday in the newest blockbuster comedy . . .

At the doctor's office, getting a physical, the doctor asks J., "J. - when you're in the car you always wear . . . "

J. tilts his head to the side, furrows his brow and in his perfect "Password Plus" voice says slowly, "Clothes?"

Last night, as we're watching the news, the story about the FCC dropping the fine against CBS for Janet Jackson's unfortunate wardrobe malfunction, J. sees the clip from the infamous super-bowl and starts asking questions about the incident. Here's the conversation that ensues.

J - "Did Justin Timberlake pull her top off on purpose?"

Mom - "Well buddy, there's some controversy about that. He says that they planned it but she was supposed to have another top on under it, but she didn't."

J - "So she didn't have anything on?"

Mom - "Well, she had these little things, kind of like . . . stickers over her, er, eh . . ."

J. "Nipples?"

Dad (in a teasing voice) - "J - I can't believe you just said the word 'nipples' in front of your mom. That's gross."

Mom - "That's OK - I'm glad you used the right word. It shows that you're very mature, J."

J - "So what kind of stickers were they? Were they Superbowl stickers?"

Mom (snorting) - "Well, not exactly buddy. They were sparkly, kind of like flowers or stars . . ."

Dad - "Kind of like 'Perfect Attendance' awards. You know sparkly, shiny stickers."

J (with a smirk) - "Ohhhh, so that's where you're supposed to put them."

Yesterday, I inhaled . . .

I took a day.

For me.

And it was just what I needed. Scratch that. I need about 10 more, but yesterday was a good start.

I walked the streets of my beloved downtown Portland and enjoyed the mild summer day. It was perfect. Blue skies, a soft breeze, warm sunshine, lots of interesting people. And noise. Trucks rumbling down streets, street musicians, the pounding of joggers feet on the riverfront and the hum of a thousand conversations going on around me that didn't include (or demand) me.

It was bliss.

As I sat on the bench, staring at the river in the quiet of my own mind, I thought, "I really need to be better about doing this." As much as brushing my teeth, or exercising or eating healthy nourishes my physical body, I need to remember the importance of nourishing my soul with some intentional alone time now and again doing things I love (not just going to the grocery store alone). Why is it so hard to allow myself this? I know it fills my emotional and spiritual "well" and makes me a better wife, mom, co-worker, friend, etc. but there's just an element of self in it that makes it hard to fight for sometimes.

But I need it. And I'm not sorry I took it yesterday, and I plan on doing it again soon.

What do you do to fill yourself up?

As if I didn't feel old already . . .

My daughter will be in high school next year.

My daughter - will be in high school next year.

My daughter will be - in high school next year.

I turn 40 next month.

I turn - 40 next month.

I turn 40 - next month.

As if that wasn't bad enough . . .

Molly Ringwald has taken a role in the new ABC Family show, "Secret Life of the American Teenager" . . . AS A MOM!!!

What the heck? The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles sweetheart is the mom of a teenage girl?

I don't know whether to laugh or cry about this one . . . Dear Molly, are we really that age?

On the sunny side, the nice lady at Winco did card me this morning when I bought a six-pack for the husband. This REALLY ticked off the lady in the lane next to me who was around my same age and didn't get carded for her six-pack of Mirror Pond. I joked that I was just a "random" card - like searches at the airport but I must admit, inwardly I was doing a bit of a happy dance thinking about the fact I'm only a month from my 40th birthday and some people still wonder if I'm 21. I must have done something good in my life to deserve such a gift.

Blogging Block

I'm blocked. Can you tell?

Every time I think, "I'll blog about this. . ." my icy cold inner critic who has the voice of the White Witch from the "Narnia" movie says,

"Oh my darling, that is so cute, but do you really think anyone wants to read about that?"

Hmmm, okay. Well, what if I write about ___________

"Well you could, but I'm pretty sure that's a topic that has been written about by hundreds of other bloggers who said that same thing with better vocabulary, and a more cutting wit than you could muster my darling. Why don't you stick with something safe. Blog about your family. Talk about the season of life you're in and how things are changing for you. Keep it light and simple and for heaven's sake, don't blog about anything that might offend someone."

Her words paralyze me and I stare at the keys under my still fingers.

Then she goes for blood. "It's so sweet how you think you are a writer. You just keep on trying dear. I'm sure you'll get there some day."

And so . . . the blog's been empty. Until now.

I've convinced the Inner Critic that the view from the back seat is spectacular to get just a bit of distance. I know she's still around. I can feel her letting out exaggerated sighs behind my shoulder as I type right now. But I can't stand it anymore. I need to write. About something stupid, and cute and meaningless and silly - because I just need to get through the block. I need it to end because I need to write.

And so, I want to tell you about the Jamba Juice boy. Tonight after a particularly crappy day, I was looking for a way to treat myself. Just a glimmer of fun and frivolity in this crapfest of a day. A sweet and frosty beverage filled with calories but with the deceptive marketing of something that's "good for me". A well-marketed and mildly healthy Slurpee. The boy who made my drink couldn't have been more than a few months older than the minimum age for kids to get a job in this state. As he made my "Strawberry Something" drink, he looked up at me and said, "How's your day?" He looked just like the boy from the movie "Juno". And he looked at me like he really wanted to know. I almost cried as I said, "Good. It's good." Pauly Bleaker is making my Jamba, I thought. How cool is that? And suddenly, the crappy day took a turn for the better.

Excuse me. My inner critic is laughing her head off right now and I have to go beat the crap out of her.

Happy Mother's Day

A day late but warmest wishes to all the moms (and ones who will be moms someday).

Here's what my daughter wrote in a little notebook about me. There were different prompts and topics:

Write a poem:
Mom you're rad
better than dad
sorry, I feel bad

Best advice you have given me:
Don't forget sunscreen

Something your mom always says:
Fliberdigibbit (mostly to keep from saying another inappropriate f-word)

What song best describes your mom?
Thriller

Things I admire most about my mom:
You taught me how to say comebacks

A memorable trip with mom:
Disneyland

Words that describe my mom
Daring, amazing (cause you put up with me), kickin', incredible, magnificent

What's the coolest thing your mom did for you?
Put up with me for 13 years

What does your mom mean to you?
You mean the world to me. I LOVE YOU.

Makes it all worth it. Even the teenage drama.

Um . . . hello?

Where did that month go? I can't believe it's been a month since I posted last. My sincere apologies for leaving a cliffhanger for some of you (I'll tell you what book I took in just a minute - go ahead and scroll down if the suspense is killing you.)

You know, being a parent of school aged kids and the wife of an educator, I know the drill. It really shouldn't surprise me anymore but for some reason, it still does. Christmas break comes and we all breathe a sigh of relief as we get a two week break. Then it seems like a long stretch to Spring Break and we get to enjoy a week of no homework, no projects, a break from sports activities . . . and then WHAM! The next couple of months seem to hit turbo speed and we're racing to the end of the school year , signing up for summer camps and planning summer activities. I know, it's a lame excuse for not blogging, but sorry - it's all I've got for now.

So, my trip to St. Louis was great. The conference was engaging and I learned a lot about multi-cultural ministry. Someone even approached me about possibly leading a break-out session next year! Even if it doesn't happen, it's an honor to be considered. I met interesting folks from all over the country working with people groups from all over the world. One of the most challenging things I heard that keeps bouncing around in my brain was one presentation on Developing Leaders in Ethnic Ministries. The presenter said that statistics say that only one out of every three leaders in the church will "finish well", meaning with productive ministries, no burn-out and no scandal within their ministries. That really shook me. I've been challenged to start praying not just for others but for myself - Lord, help me finish well.

One of my favorite parts of this conference is how they bring in performance groups form all different cultures to come together for worship. I LOVE LOVE this part. It wasn't quite as big a show as last year but this year we heard some phenomenal ethnic choirs including the host church's traditional African American Gospel choir. They were awesome! And let me just say, this white girl would give her left hand to sing like some of those women with their passion and talent. There was a Chinese choir, a couple from a Slavic country (can't remember which now) and a couple of dance troops that performed. So awesome to see people praise God through their cultural gifts and heritage.

Another of the highlights was getting together with my good friend Rene for a couple of days of sight-seeing and hanging out. We took the trip to the top of the arch with my cousins and their two young boys and enjoyed the view of St. Louis from up high. The weather was truly wacky while we were there - it snowed as we went into the arch - IN APRIL! The Mississippi River was over the roadway and has gotten higher since then. It was great to spend time with Rene and catch up without kids and husbands in tow (though we both love them very much). One of my favorite times was a truly YUMMY breakfast at Cracker Barrel! Why, oh why won't the Cracker Barrel people come out west? I guess it wouldn't be the treat it is if I could go to Cracker Barrel every day . . . who am I kidding? I just might go to the Cracker Barrel every day if they were out here! We spent the rest of that day working off our breakfast walking St. Charles and the quaint little shops and historical sites there. After a very busy fall and winter, these few days of relaxing and sightseeing with one of my best friends were like cool water to my thirsty soul.

Here's a few pictures of our time in St. Louis.












And here's what some of you have been waiting for. The three books I took on the plane were:

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn (read this one and LOVED it). I will never look at China the same way again. Prompted me to consider how I take my freedoms for granted on such a large scale.
Closer Than Your Skin - Unwrapping the Mystery of Intimacy with God by Susan D. Hill. I found this book on Madison Richards' site and I'm about half way through. It's a wonderful reflection on the author's struggles in this area and she offers some great insights on making a relationship with God authentic and leaving the cultural trappings of Christianity behind.
My daughter has hijacked the third book I brought, the sequel to Inkheart called Inkspell. I think I'm going to save that one for a summer read (she reads so fast, she'll probably get through it in about a week!)

I came home with only two new books from the conference (I thought I practiced great restraint) and I'm looking forward to reading those soon. Gracism - The Art of Inclusion and Multicultural Ministry, both by David Anderson.

Thanks to those of you who aren't giving up on me and still check my blog. I'll try to do better . . . there's a few funny kids stories that have been happening so I'll try to share those in the coming days. Have a great weekend all!

Auditions

I'm going to a conference later this week. Working for a church in a support role doesn't allow much opportunity for travel, but my boss has graciously let me register for a conference on Ethnic Ministry in St. Louis. So, I'm struggling with a decision that may be very routine to many travelers, but it's throwing me in a tailspin.

What book do I take to read on the plane?

The other night I held open auditions. There were writing books purchased with great intentions with bookmarks somewhere between chapter one and two that came for their big break. The YA novel "Inkspell" heard about the opening and jumped into my shopping cart at Target the day of auditions. The novel my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas pleaded its case, reminding me it had been patiently been waiting its turn on my bedside table since December 26th. Others made their way to auditions with colorful matte covers and titles that cried, "Pick me! Pick me! I will make the hours on airplanes and sitting in airport waiting areas fly by!" All in all, about 8 books sat on my bed Saturday night.

So I did what any booklover would . . . I read the introductions and first chapters of all of the books. Some wowed me with their showiest openings . . . some were definitely holding back some of their best stuff for the main event. When it was all said and done, I had three picked out.

Even though I feel great about these choices, I still feel a bit bad for the runner's up. Like watching the American Idols tearfully sing their final song or Dancing with the Stars contestants do their final dips, the books that didn't make the cut were put carefully back on the shelf. I felt a little bit like those judges that crush the hopes and dreams of their contestants. Don't worry little books, there's always next season . . . summer vacation.

Important Stuff, People

A few months ago, the kids and I were at the local pool. Just about 20 minutes after we arrived, I was watching J. go down the slide when I saw one of the lifeguards acting a bit strange.

The young high school girl paced back and forth on the side of the pool, her eyes trained on something in the deep end. My internal momma-alarm started going full blare as I realize, something's going down. About 30 seconds later she blew her whistle and shouted for everyone to get out of the pool. With J at that end of the pool, I started to make my way over. Suddenly two life guards jumped in the water while others whistled repeatedly and pulled everyone out of the two pools in the facility.

We waited shivering in the hallway for about 10 minutes as they pulled a young man out of the pool and put him on a back board. About five minutes later, they told us they were going to close the pool so the kids and I got dressed and headed to the car. I gave them the grave lecture about the importance of safety at the pool, swimming with a buddy, being careful, paying attention to your body and resting when you're tired, only diving in water you know is deep enough, etc., etc. That's when we saw the news vans. The local channel even taped us driving away from the pool.

Later that night, I watched the 11 pm local news and there it was, my van pulling out of the parking lot of the swimming pool as background footage for the story of a "near drowning" at the pool. The interesting thing was they reported that the child pulled from the pool was a two-year old! I (along with many others waiting by the pool) saw the lifeguards pull a kid out of the water who was taller than me! No way could he be anything close to a two-year old and what parent would have a two-year old in the deep end of the pool? This facility has a perfectly good wading/kiddie pool.

Bottom line - the news got this detail completely wrong. (But they did report that he was fine and eventually sent home from the hospital.)

As a news-junkie, this was particularly troubling to me and I remember thinking, "How many other times have they been wrong?" Sure, we give the media a little wiggle room when it's disasters of mass proportions. Remember how death totals went up and down from September 11th? The Tsunami? Katrina? In the midst of chaos and mass casualty, we can expect a few hair triggers to put out some erroneous information, but this was a pretty controlled situation. There were over 100 witnesses who could have told a reporter the kid was a 15-17 year old so how could they get this basic piece of information so wrong?

Today a good blogging soul with a heart for truth and justice pointed me to this piece. I want you to read it. Today. It takes about 15 minutes, but it just might save you or someone you love a lifetime of hardship, pain and grief. If you think this isn't an important issue that you need to KNOW the truth about? Ask this blogger, "Why should I care?"

This piece challenges the way we've been trained to trust media coverage to a point that puts us at risk. It uses facts, statistics and historical precedence to do it. If the "news" can make simple mistakes about the age of a kid, what else are they wrong about or even not telling us? I'm not one to wave banners for many causes, but getting the UN-BIASED FACTS and RELIABLE, HONEST information is a cause I'll get behind any day.

Good Things

A weekend away at the beach was just what we needed to recharge our batteries. It was a bit strange to not be at church on Easter weekend, but we loved the slow pace of a weekend without commitments other than relaxing, reading and watching great movies (Dan in Real Life, Enchanted and The Seeker).

Here's some pix of our time. The kids made a glass float for their Nana's birthday gift. What fun to watch them be amazed by the art and science of this experience!









To top it all off - I came home tonight and my husband is making Lamb Kabobs (from Jamie Oliver, the Naked Chef), fresh hummus (yummm) and Monster Cookies. I love spring break!

I knew it all along . . .

Take the Quiz here!

Really, this made the most sense although part of me was hoping I'd be Fanny Price. Especially the one from the new adaptation - she was so sweet! Hope you're enjoying the Jane Austen on PBS. I loved the new adaptations and seeing the old Pride & Prejudice brought back sweet memories. My mother-in-law loaned me that BBC video series right after N. was born and I spent many a 2:00 am feeding with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. There were even times when the baby had long gone back to bed and I was still awake watching P & P - the height of Austen Insanity! Cheerio - I'm off to take a turn about the room while my children play the harpsicord and embroider pillowcases.

You know you got a good haircut when . . .

. . . it actually looks like the picture you showed your hairdresser (thanks Michelle!)
. . . your 10 year old son calls your hair "funky"
. . . your 13 year old daughter gasps and says "I LOVE it!" with all the expression and drama of a 13-year-old girl
. . . the young man at Costco with the mohawk calls you "Miss" instead of "Ma'am"
. . . your husband who loved your long hair and didn't want you to cut it in the first place, looks at you and says, "I like it!"
. . . your co-workers say it makes you look younger
. . . you wake up the next morning and can style it almost as good as your hairdresser did the day before

Here's the before picture from this past weekend. I'm standing with my good friend Susan and her daughters, Lacey and Molly at Lacey's bridal shower. Lacey (standing between me and Susan) was my flowergirl when she 3 and a half. They are both incredible young women and it was a joy to be at this special event (even though I crumbled into an emotional ball a few minutes into the event and spent much of the time between snapping pictures, dabbing my eyes and blowing my schnaz!)















And here's a shot from today. It only took about 20 tries to get one with only one chin, a smile and decent light! Hope you appreciate all the work I've gone to for you!

Seriously, it was a bit of a step of faith for me to take this jump. My hair has been my security blanket through much of my adult life. My mom always made me cut it when I was little (the curls and frizz annoyed her) so I guess it was passive-aggressive rebellion as an adult to keep it long. Shhh, don't tell her, but I love my sassy new cut!

Time Warp

It's been hard to think of what to say lately, but today - there's something to talk about. Call him a guy that is blogworthy.

See Oprah today? OMG (as the young ones are known to say) did you see Rick Springfield? It was like a time warp. I just about wore out the groves in my copy of "Working Class Dog" and "Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet". I stared at his pictures as a young 14 year old brace-face, glasses wearing, frizzy haired girl and watched him as Dr. Noah Drake on GH with my friends. How can it be that the man has NOT AGED A DAY in almost 25 years?! How can that be? The guy took five years off to stay home with his kids when they were babies and oh my gosh, when he got misty-eyed up talking about how much he loves his family, you could have mopped me up off the floor like a puddle!

OK - I did laugh a bit at the totally middle-aged crowd of women hooting and hollering over the guy but let's face it, if I'd have been there, I would have been right there with them. I'm totally going to load his songs on my MP3 player today!

Thanks Rick - thanks Oprah. You have given this middle aged woman a spring in her step today!

The Birthday Boy

Sorry ladies, this gem is off the market. Yes, that's my guy preparing home-made Christmas cinnamon rolls for my family using his new Professional series Kitchenaid mixer that he's so proud of. Today is Brad's birthday and on this day I'd like to share with you all just a little bit of what's so great about my guy. Here's the very abbreviated list just to give you a taste of the good life I've got:

1. The man cooks like a pro. Seriously. I think he secretly dreams of leaving the teaching profession and starting his own catering business someday. He'd probably make a fortune doing it.

2. He doesn't get upset with people (most of the time). He's super patient with difficult people and always knows how to bring out the best in others.

3. He's very generous with compliments. Any self-esteem problems I may struggle with certainly don't come from him. He is constantly telling me how beautiful I am, how good I look, etc. I am wickedly spoiled when it comes to this guy.

4. He sacrifices for our family. He is the one who will wear old torn jeans, socks and underwear that should have been retired in the 80's and shoes that are way past their prime so that we have more money in the family budget for the kids and other family items.

5. He works hard. Long hours, summer jobs and almost always takes opportunities to bring in a bit extra for our family when given the chance.

6. A great sense of humor. He is always ready to make us and others laugh. Sometimes gross and inappropriate but always within the walls of our home or with close friends who won't hold it against us.

7. A great partner in parenting who believes in building our kids up in love but setting realistic boundaries and consequences for the punks when they get out of line. Always supportive of me and a great model of respect for my kids to follow.

8. Brad always encourages me to take time for myself and build up the parts of me outside of being a wife and mother. He's extremely supportive of the creative endeavors of my live and has never been critical of the money and time invested in these areas. For over 18 years he has challenged me and supported me in my personal spiritual, mental and emotional health. He was an incredible help-mate when I went back to school with two young kids to get my degree. And even as we recently discussed him going back to school to get an administrative degree to advance his career, one of his main concerns was, did I want a chance to go back to school instead. (Really, he just isn't crazy about writing papers again - don't worry honey, I know someone who might be able to help you with that!)

9. Did I mention the guy cooks? And he's a great host! He throws a great party and always makes everyone feel like they are the reason he went to all the trouble.

10. He's incredibly handsome! His silver hair and blue eyes still melt my heart!

Happy Birthday sweetie! I love you!

And now for your viewing pleasure . . .

Thankfully, our family in the Nashville area were spared from yesterday's tornadoes but as I watch the news tonight, my heart goes out to those who are suffering. With family in Oklahoma and having lived in Nebraska for part of my life, the power of tornadoes is something that is unfortunately familiar. Some of my early memories are sitting under the stairwell in our basement listening to the radio and for the "all clear" sign. Pray for those rebuilding their lives and pray for those facing the loss of a loved one.

I wish I had some interesting story or engaging political comments that would make you roar with laughter or cheer with abandon, but instead, today, I'll just offer you some pretties to look at. What is this world without a bit of pretty anyway?

My First Love

I wrote a post ages ago about my first childhood memory. It was a warm spring day in Omaha, Nebraska and I'm sitting on a small version of those old lawn chairs - the ones with the plastic woven straps that stick to your sweaty flesh and leave patterns on the backs of your legs. My mom and my aunt are in their bathing suits and we're on a roof-top patio of an apartment building soaking up the rays of sunshine before we knew it was bad for us. My aunt and mom have big Jacki-O type glasses perched on their noses and one of them (I can't remember which) is wearing a sun hat. Each woman has her own harlequin romance novel and I sit with my stack of Golden books by my chair - not able to really read yet, but carefully turning the pages and absorbing the stories through the colorful pictures of bears, bunnies, puppies and fairytale characters. It was the beginning of my love affair with the written word . . .

Lately, all I have really wanted to do in life is retreat to that quiet spot that only a good book can provide. The drive of my heart and spirit is leading me to stare longingly at bookshelves of books - in my home, in the stores, at the library and wish for more time to read. I'm on book #2 for 2008 and I just feel like time is going much too quickly for all the things I want to get read this year. I promised you my 2007 list but have been struggling to tear myself away from the current book to post but someone called me on my promise (thanks Michelle!) so here's some that I can remember.

The first book and the last book I read in 2007 were actually by the same author. I didn't plan it that way, but it was kind of fun to bookend the year with someone I really respect as an author. I started the year with "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. An awesome memoir of a difficult and joyful time in her life. I loved it (mostly) but must admit, some of the meditation sequences made me a bit uncomfortable. I consider myself a pretty open person but sometimes those passages made me wonder if other spirits were involved in some of those experiences and being called "God". I appreciated her honest, raw voice and hearing about her cross-cultural experiences with so many different kinds of people. It was certainly confirmation in my eyes that God uses others to minister to the needs and hurts in our lives and bring us closer to Him. I ended the year by picking up Gilbert's collection of short stories called "Pilgrims" at lunch one day and really enjoyed those. I'd give both books two thumbs up.

Another of my favorites of 2007 was "The Twentieth Wife" by Indu Sundaresan. But unfortunately, I tried another by this same author later in the year and put it down after about 50 pages. I usually give a book that long and if it hasn't grabbed me by then, I will often put it down for other options. I figure there's way too much out there to read anyway.

2007 was supposed to be the year I abstained from buying books. My resolution was not to spend any money on books but to read the ones I already had. That lasted until about February - President's weekend to be exact. At our women's retreat I was the lucky winner of a big discount at the conference center's bookstore. Enter, "The Women of the Ark" a fictionalized account of Noah's wife by Jean Holmes. Very interesting and an inspiring book of faith. If you've seen "Evan Almighty" this year, you can just get a small glimpse of what Noah's wife must have had to put up with as she watched her husband take on this task from God.

I could go on and on with descriptions, but to keep this short and sweet - here's the rest of the list (what I can remember) with some quick endorsements.

"Epic" by John Eldredge - A great inspiration for writers about the Larger Story being written by a loving God. Short devotional book - great to keep in your purse or in the car.

"Plan B - Further Thoughts on Faith" by Anne Lamott - Great book but "Bird by Bird" is still my favorite.

"The Whole World Over" by Julia Glass - Somewhat of a disappointment (LOVED her first book "The Three Junes") but still a good story and kept me hooked and reading for hours at a time.

"Transformation - How Glocal Churches Transform Lives & the World" by Bob Roberts, Jr. A book I read for work, but has inspired me personally in my efforts to make sure that my church is a "colorful" one where people of all ethnic traditions and backgrounds feel like they are an EQUAL and necessary part of God's family.

"1000 Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini - A second novel as good as, if not better than his first ("The Kite Runner"). Read it now. Really. Now. It will make you amazingly grateful no matter what crappy situation you are facing in life.

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen - One of my favorites of the year! Outstanding research and character development. I re-read the introduction three times - it was so riveting! (I love books that start strong!)

"Read the Bible for a Change" by Ray Lubeck - Awesome help for understanding the Bible and how to read it.

"The Rest of God" by Mark Buchanan - An awesome book about the need for Sabbath. Very practical and full of good insight and wisdom about the concept of rest and its importance. Read this after I just about killed myself with work, family and other obligations this past fall. Loved Buchanan's writing style and I'm hoping to read more of is work in 2008.

And how could I forget this magical book? One of the best I read all year! Others agree - nominated as an ALA Best Books for Young Adults! Congrats Laini! Now get back to work on Silksinger!

That's my meager list, I wish it was twice as much - but there's always room for more. Of course this list doesn't include the many books that I started or bought in 2007 but haven't made their way into the "finished" category. Sadly, there's lots of those. Right now I'm following Laini's prompting and reading a YA book I bought for my daughter that I'm LOVING! (The "Book Thief" by Markus Zusak - awesome!) and J. and I are going to read "The Spiderwick Chronicles" as soon as he finishes his current book.

Here's to happy reading for all of us bookworms in 2008!

Happy New Year!

Hello bloggie friends. Yes, I have crawled out from under the Christmas wrapping and have come through the holiday season with my body in tact and a few pounds heavier thanks to Mr. G's awesome cooking. I hope you all had a joyous holiday season and that you were granted your Christmas wishes and are off to a New Year filled with blessings and expressions of goodness.

Where to start? The inner-critic has been working overtime as the lack of blog posts testifies so I'll start with the incredibly mundane details of life around the G-house just to warm up my writing muscles. We were so blessed this year to be able to spend time with friends and family in so many ways. Serving at holiday events at church, meals with family and friends and even a Prom! You read right - one of our dear friends turned the big 4-0 on December 29th and rented out the local grange hall for a back to the '80s prom complete with big hair, heavy make-up and lots of fun! Brad and I are not usually dancers (we prefer chair-warming duties at most wedding receptions) but the lure of Duran Duran, Billy Idol and the Go-Go's were just too much for us. The next morning my muscles ached from all the dancing but it was a blast. Here's our prom shot, a shot of the birthday girl and her prom "king" - her wonderful husband and a group of us girls who found lovely outfits at thrift stores and a costume closet. Don't you just love Brad's "Flock of Seagulls" hair?



The next night it was dinner with friends from my childhood neighborhood. Here's a shot of all of our kids - one already in high school and a couple more getting ready to start next year. So odd to see some of the kids I used to babysit now parents. Made me feel a little nostalgic.

After all the business of December, New Year's eve was a quiet night at home with the kids playing one of our new games, Apples to Apples. If you don't have this game yet, go get it. Now. Really - it's a blast.

What did I get for Christmas you ask? (OK - maybe you didn't ask but I'll tell you anyway.) This was the Christmas that there were very few surprises for me under the tree - and I actually liked it that way. My mom's recent knee surgery made it impossible for her to do her normal Christmas overload shopping so instead, she wrote us a very generous check and told me to shop for our whole family. Mr. G used his money to buy the family a new Professional series Kitchenaid Mixer (hence the extra pounds I'm toting around today). I used some of the money to buy a MP3 player - finally. I'm loving it and have taken walks with my music and NPR for the past few days trying to get this chubby body used to moving again. A couple of CD's and a new book rounded out my gifts. I had fun surprising Brad with a new Bible (filled with archaeological stuff that he eats up like candy) and the kids loved their gifts as well. We are so blessed and it was good to participate in some special giving opportunities this season sponsored by our church (gifts for homeless kids, finances for Iraqi refugees, donations for Vernonia flood victims) and we are so very aware that all we have, including these new shiny gifts are an encouragement to share and give more to those in need. I really am feeling like at this point in my life, there's very little I really need anymore. One of my "goals" this year is to really try to avoid unnecessary purchases just because something is the coolest or latest thing. I'd love to be able to use more of our resources to help others but have to work on the personal discipline to control the magpie within me who loves shiny, sparkly, pretty things around me.

Speaking of books, I'll try to do my 2007 reading list in a day or two. It might take me awhile to recount the list. This year, I'm going to try to write them down so I have a record of them at the end of the year.

Back in a few days my lovelies. Until then - be well!