Communion Sunday

The first Sunday of the month, our church partakes in communion together. The Lord's Supper from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 of the bible:

23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Here we sit with Scott who is seemingly distracted when the bread signifying God's broken body is passed. He doesn't notice and there's no issue. Then comes the grape juice signifying Jesus' shed blood and Scott immediately begins to cry. This is to be expected of him. By time communion comes he has sat through Sunday School and then most of the church service and he's hungry. Why does everyone else get to eat and drink? It breaks his heart which also breaks mine. I'm not mistreating my son but he feels left out. Chapter 11 continues...

27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.

Considering the seriousness of this subject, I have an inward battle. One friend suggested that I bring Scott some snack and a drink for him to have during this time. And that works great for a distraction for his little mind. But the battle is that I want Scott to understand the importance of taking communion as a believer, not as a hungry child.

This past Sunday I didn't not bring him a snack on purpose, it never even crossed my mind. As Scott began to cry, I tried to explain to him simply that it was for big people, not little ones. But that isn't exactly true, and he continued to prod me about the juice. I further explained that it was for people who have asked Jesus into my heart. At this point Scott said the words that I would so love to hear: "Mommy, I want Jesus in my heart." I so wish that his little mind understood and that it was the desire of his heart but I'm a smart mommy and know my son. I looked at him and said "Scott, mommy thinks that you just want juice." And with an innocent little grin on his face, he said "yes mommy, I just want juice".

Oh how I long for the day that he wants Jesus in his heart regardless of the juice!

Sweetheart Supper

The Sweetheart Supper was blessed by many hands who served in amazing ways. Kara is a photographer and volunteered her time. These are just a few pictures she knew that I would specifically like:

Thanks for Sharing!

I love it when friends share pictures with me, especially when they're of my kiddos. Both of these pictures are precious in my mind. The first one to the right here is of Bethany and her buddy Steven drinking their juice at the Awana Grand Prix. Bethany adores Steven and gets so excited and yells his name when she sees him. Steven is so sweet with her too. The second picture is actually from Christmas time. It was taken at the Christmas Potluck for International students. Our dear friend Melody joined us for a picture. What I love about this picture is that Melody and Bethany are holding hands. She is such a sweet girl and she loves my kiddos too. According to Ryan, Mongolian women typically are very loving to children. Melody definitely falls into this stereotype. We love having her around our family.

Hiding

I've been in hiding. Last week I had a stomach virus which Scott also got. I was home with my kids for 3 days which was nice. Friday was tough to get back into work mode and I was sure glad when the end of the day came.

Today we did a whirlwind cooking day. I ran off to get groceries all by myself (the kids needed some bonding time with their daddy). That afternoon we cooked until we wanted to fall over. I wouldn't recommend an all day adventure like that when you're still trying to get your strength and energy back. Thank God for bountiful harvest: the freezer full of cooked meals and the fridge full of fresh fruit!

Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is so not healthy but so yummy.  I'd never heard of it until I moved to NE Iowa but its definitely one of my favorites.

 

The crust is made of sugar cookie, the sauce is a mixture of cream cheese and sugar with a hint of vanilla.  Topped with fresh fruits.  It's so simple to make, looks divine and hits the spot although I've learned that one piece is never quite enough.

 

Ingredients

Crust: 1 big or 2 small tubes of sugar cookie dough. (The cheap brands will work but the Pillsbury brand is easier to spread.)

Sauce: 8oz. cream cheese softened, 1/2 c. sugar, 1/4 t. vanilla

Topping: fresh fruit (ie: basket of strawberries, handful of grapes, blueberries)

 

Instructions for Fruit Pizza

Take sugar cookie dough and flatten in out covering a bar pan (aka cookie sheet with edges).  Bake according to the instructions on cookie dough wrapper.  Let cool.  Mix sauce ingredients with blender.  Spread on top of cooled pan of cookie.  Cut and set fresh fruit on top.  Voila!

 

*note: I am NOT a chef or person who cooks all the time, as you can tell by my vocabulary of kitchen items :)

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Celebrate

Today I'm celebrating my 29th birthday. My morning started off great. Ryan snuggled me early this morning before I got up to make a fruit pizza to take to the office. While showering, both kids woke up and came in the bathroom to give me a birthday greeting with a little help from Ryan. Ryan then got both kids ready and made me a wonderful breakfast. Though my family was there, I kinda had the morning to myself as all I had to do was get myself ready and felt like that alone was quite a gift.

I got to the office and finished up my fruit pizza. Shortly after working at my desk, I got an email from my dear friend Michelle about a 2 month old baby in Ghana that needs a family. Okay, I was already on cloud 9 (whatever that actually means), and the news about a family adopting and the need for more families got my heart racing. I just wish I was at home so I could spend the next few hours digging into this story about the two month old.

As bright as the day started, the dark clouds soon rolled in. I had a birthday greeting from a friend that also asked me to pray for Tanya and Jason. Yesterday their sweet son was born and that began the battery of tests regarding his heart problems that they diagnosed while Tanya was half way through her pregnancy. My heart is aching so much for my dear friends. My eyes filled with tears and my heart filled with emotion for little baby Eli who has the odds stacked against him. Will you please take a minute and check out their blog and leave them well wishes for the journey ahead.

Adoption

For those who don't know, God has put it on our hearts to care for the orphans. We are currently taking baby steps of faith through this journey of adoption. Please tag along with us via our adoption blog Journey4Hope through comments and prayers.

3-day Weekend Update

Sweetheart Supper
For those who know about the Sweetheart Supper, it went wonderfully. The church basement took on a fancier look as we served 21 women a free 3-course meal on china by candelight. There was a fancy salad topped with goat cheese, bacon crumbs, purple onion and home made raspberry vinagarette. The main course was a chicken fettucinni alfredo with roasted vegetables (broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers). The ladies had their choice of dessert: chocolate cheesecake (amazing), white chocolate pie and another chocolate pie. Each lady left that night having had the chance to share/brag for a moment with full tummy's, and knowing that they were cared about. Thanks to those of you who participated.

My Own Valentine
Due to the craziness of preparing for the Sweetheart Supper, I failed to get even a card for my own sweetie, even though I reminded myself all week! I love him no less and am so thankful that I have a sweetheart to celebrate with each day!

Sunday Madness
It was an early start to the day when I filled in for the 1st grade boys Sunday School class. I hope they learned something. That was followed by nursery duty with the little ones, and then a women's ministries meeting afterwards. The light lunch they served was perfect and I only wish they would have added one thing: ibuprofen!

Monday Freedom
I was so glad to stay home with the kids. Scott had a little TV time in the morning while I picked up the house. We spent lots of the day playing and having fun. Chutes and Ladders and Candyland are games that Scott loves but have to be played with Bethany is otherwise entertained (aka napping). Scott "helped" with the dishes which means he played in the sink for awhile. We also took a walk outside because we thought 28 degrees with wind was warm. Our walk in the yard turned into playing on his toys - through the tunnels (me included) and down the slide (me included here too). Then followed a walk to the neighbors which meant another hour of playing with their kids while my pj pant covered legs froze in the wind. I eventually pulled the kids away and got them home to have a snack and some hot chocolate before putting them down for their nap 2+ hours late. I almost had supper on the table when Ryan came home but wasn't sure when he'd actually walk in the door (he called to say he was running a bit late). We had an enjoyable dinner, made a quick fruit dip and let Bethany lick the beater before putting her sticky body in the bath! When I finally hit the sack, I was in much need of some sleep but wishing I could have more days like this with my family!

Bethany, it's HOT

For months we've been warning Bethany that the wood stove is hot. Last night, she learned from experience. This child has no fear of the wood stove. She even so much as takes newspaper and tries to throw it in when we're starting a fire. She gets warned and scolded quite often. How do you train a child to stay away from the hot stove? Do you let them touch it?

Last night while fixing supper, the kids were playing in the other room. All of a sudden Bethany started screaming which usually means that Scott is bugging her in some way. As Ryan questioned a confused little boy, Ryan noticed that Bethany would look at her hand, then the wood stove, then her hand again.

Ryan: Bethany, did you touch the stove?
B: yes
me: Was it hot?
B: yes
Ryan: Are you going to touch it again?
B: no

She has a good sized blister on her middle finger. Tonight when we start the wood stove, do you think she'll be right there with no fear of it being hot?

Broccoli

Last night during supper (which I almost had on the table when Ryan got home) Scott didn't want to eat his roasted broccoli. He kept telling us that he didn't like it, that it was yucky, that he would eat the stems but not the top. We were pretty firm with him that he would be eating all two of the small florets that were on his plate. He was also determined. At one point, he wrapped his napkin around his broccoli and promptly sat it on the table. Eagle-eye Dad saw what was happening and removed the broccoli, put it back on Scott's plate and took the napkin away. Bethany on the other hand was begging for more broccoli (a word she says pretty clearly at 19 months of age) and would take more bites of the rest of her meal in order to get another bite of broccoli!

Scott eventually choked down the broccoli.

After I promised that he wouldn't have ice-cream if he didn't eat it.

Dreaming at Night

For the last 4 or 5 nights I've dreamt about adoption. Last night's dream was so detailed and real feeling. In my dream we picked up an Ethiopian baby that needed a family immediately, skipping the paperwork trail, and brought him home. The dream is a little fuzzy now but I do remember bits and pieces. I remember sitting in the airport and for some reason I couldn't remember the baby's name but I already loved him deeply. I wanted to ask Ryan the name but was embarrassed and had this feeling that he'd forgotten too. Finally one of us remembered; his name was Elias. We took little Elias home and surrounded him with other family and friends that also loved him.

Each night the dream is a little different but each night it does revolve around adoption. I'm not sure if that's just how God is choosing to tug at my heart, or if these are thoughts and emotions stored in my subconscience as I pray and read about adoption.

Regardless, I'm well aware that God has called us to adopt. As I typed this, an old friend called me at the office. I congratulated him on his new baby and we got to talking briefly about kids. I told him that I had two little ones and he replied "well, you were the one who always told me that you were going to adopt!" What sweet words to hear, yet difficult at the same time. God, please use me to be Your hands and feet in loving the orphans and the widows.

Closet

Okay, Okay, I admit it... I'm a wanna be graphic designer. Problem is that I can copy anyones ideas but I have a hard time creating my own. With the proper tools I bet I could have a lot of fun... and maybe make enough money to fund our adoption...

Take a Walk With Me

Some memories just stick with you for life. They come to mind easily and bring with them very raw emotions. This is especially true about my friend, Scott. Today, I want to remember him and share a little about him with you. Here are a few memories [in no particular order... as I'm feeling a bit scatter-brained at the moment] that have brought back a flood of emotion the past few days:

• Forking and Ricing lawns. There was probably toilet paper involved with that too. I'll spare you the details but it was a time consuming mess to clean up, and a fun little prank that my friend participated in. The excitement in his voice when he explained the process to me was definitely a teen-ager thing. Nothing particularly important about this but a memory that stands out for me.
• Tuesday night youth group at the river. I vaguely remember playfully fighting over who got to ride the jet ski next. I'm sure this involved a chase and me ending up in the river!
• Scott's toolbelt. This memory might stand out because the tool belt was at the funeral but I specifically remember Scott working on the barn with Dayn and the two of them wearing their tool belts.
• Sunday school class, when I first started attending. It was upstairs above the sanctuary taught by Richard and Teri. I seem to have this picture in my head of Scott sitting in that class but there's no noise to that memory.

At one point Scott and I had a brief time where we liked each other. I have fun memories of our innocent junior high relationship:

• The visit at the pool. We spent every week day afternoon at the city pool. I have a very clear memory of Scott stopping at the pool and talking to me. He was on his mountain bike and stayed outside the pool area. We talked for several minutes with a cyclone fence between us before we went our separate ways. I vaguely remember that the conversation was about a relationship with Christ.
• Scott's sweet sister, Amy, taking me to the youth group at the river. Scott was such a gentleman. He rode in the back of the car with me while Amy chauffeured us. That night, after youth group, he asked me to go to ice-cream with him. I can't remember if he went inside to ask permission with me or if he waited in the car. But we did go to ice-cream that night thanks to Amy for driving us.
• Hume Lake Camp. What a week of camp. I'm sure I'm not the only one who remembers this all too well. I didn't go to camp that summer. Scott called me from camp multiple times during his free time at camp. And I recall that he didn't get a lot of free time that week. The boys, in all their glory, got caught playing boyish pranks on each other and were forced by our soon-to-be youth pastor who worked at the camp to pull lake weed. This was a special treat for being naughty. They had to wade in the water of the drainage ditch leading into the lake and pull the weeds from the bottom. It was entertaining to hear about the pranks and the punishment. I also remember that during that week, I think it was Scott who took my necklace with him to camp (remember, we were in junior high) which would have deeper meaning a few years later.

I also have fond memories of my dear friend beyond the short-lived summer love. [I'm not trying to insinuate that I loved him. We were just finishing up junior high. I chose the word love because it wasn't a fling and couldn't think of another word]. Scott was a true friend, a real friend, a friend forever. Such a good friend that he was like a brother to me.

• Chatting on the front lawn. Again on his bike, he came over to my house. I remember sitting on the front lawn talking. This was the most important conversation we ever had. I remember Scott telling me about accepting Christ and walking me through what that meant. I wish I could have recorded our conversation. Today that conversation holds such value to me but at the time, we had just finished junior high, I'm sure there wasn't a whole lot of depth to it.
• He got his license first. And he made sure I knew it. For those who don't know me real well, I'm quite stubborn. I have this very clear memory of a post youth group conversation with him. It wasn't your typical conversation either. I asked Scott for a ride home from church since he would drive right past my house on his way home. Like the fun-loving jokester that he was, Scott said he wouldn't give me a ride. Off I went, walking the several blocks home when just a block away, he caught up to me. The conversation that ensued was of him driving along side me with the window down telling me that he would give me a ride home. In all my stubbornness, I wasn't about to get in the car. I [probably loved the chase, what girl wouldn't?] wasn't going to let him win. Today, I can't remember if he eventually drove off or if I eventually got in...
• He went to the dance with someone else! I don't think they called it a dance, nor did they dance, but the idea was the same. He went with Kristi, a very sweet girl. I was a bit jealous, as were many of the girls in our church. I remember asking Scott for a picture [that was back in the day when you gave everyone your picture from school sports, dances, etc] and never got one.

Then there's the memories from his accident and sudden death

• The news of the accident came shortly after I got home from basketball practice. The anger towards my sister for determining that I couldn't handle the news. The heartache of not knowing earlier and it being too late to go to the hospital.
• The time didn't stop but it did occur in slow motion the next few days. I recall vivid details of the next morning in ceramics class with Jake and Jill, two kids from church who were also friends with Scott. I remember leaving class in shock, not even knowing how to cry.
• I remember being without strength when I heard of his death and my dad having to hold me up. And choosing not to go to the hospital after the game because I wanted to remember the Scott I've been telling you about, not the broken friend in a hospital bed.
• I remember second guessing my decision to not go to the hospital where friends and family gathered.
• I remember not taking off my cross necklace [the one Scott had taken to camp] for a LONG time after he died even though I was required to for sports, etc (yes, not only am I stubborn, but you can add rebellious to the list to).

And as sad as all that is, [and before I start bawling about it], there was so much hope in his death. So much life in his death. I know it may be weird for some to make that connection. It just blows my mind; if Scott's life and death had meaning, and it does, how much more the life and death of a guy who specifically came to die for our sins. Thank you Jesus!

It's amazing to me how the memories of a person can develop after their death.

• Buck Rock Lookout [pictured above] is a fascinating place. But it has so much more meaning to friends and family of Scott. It was a place that Scott loved. The place where friends and family gathered to help carry the burden of Scott's parents and sister.
• The bike ride from Buck Rock Lookout down to Hume Lake may be a nice trail for some mountain bikers but for me, it is a place of sacrifice and thankfulness. Some people can make that ride without problem. Old guys like Scott's dad may slowly make it right up that hill. But for me, it was getting sick on the car ride up, and later puking my guts up while pretending to be in shape and ride the 18 miles to the lake. It represents another memory of my friend, the hope we have that though this journey may be rough, paradise is at the end.

Dear friend. Though 13 years have past, you continue to change lives. I'm so thankful that you took the time to invest in my life, eternally!

Take a Guess

Tonight I'll have 2.5 hours from the time Scott and Ryan go to church to when the get home. In that time I'd like to accomplish several things:

• Finish my dishes from last night.
• Read last week's chapters for our small group study on Love and Respect.
• Read this week's chapters and do the study for Love and Respect.
• Take Bethany up to see my friend Debbie who had eye surgery last week.
• Finish addressing invitations for the Sweetheart Supper.

Do you think I'll get any of them accomplished? I could visit Debbie on my way home but I know that she'd love to see Bethany. I know that my husband would appreciate if I'd read my book so I can learn to better respect him. I know that there are just a few dishes on the counter, some that have been there a few days, that need to get done. Take a guess as what I'll get done tonight.

Wisdom Beyond His Years

That child shows much more wisdom than you'd think a 3 year old would have. Two funny moments from this morning:

1. This morning Scott made some sort of mention that he wanted his daddy to either take him to my mom's this morning or for his daddy to buckle him in. I can't remember now exactly what it was but it was something that was clearly a result of last night's incident.

And the second item I just shared with Scott's Cubbies teacher but it was cute enough that I thought I share here too

2. Scott woke up on his own this morning and was in a good mood (we usually wake him and he's grumpy). He came right down stairs where I was showering and within a minute rattled off his bible memory verse to me. I praised him for it and he explained why he knew his verse already: so he could get a "lovey" [one of the characters in his Cubbies program] sticker. I know he's only 3 but I want him to learn to make it a heart thing, not just a memorization so he can get a sticker like pavlov's dogs. So I kindly reminded him of another verse he's learned: "God's Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you." He smiled and replied "yeah that too" and went on his merry way.

Efficient with Time

Typically I work through lunch and I'm okay with that. Yesterday I had a lunch meeting but I also had a few errands to run so I left the office early to accomplish my To Do list. It shouldn't take me long at all to stop at the court house and renew my license, ask about renewing my passport in another office within the court house and then stop at the post office to get cute stamps for my Sweetheart Supper invites. I planned for an hour originally but ended up with only 30 minutes, which still should have been plenty of time. Of course, it didn't go so smoothly:

Stop in for the license renewal. I'm proud that I'm looking good, and even managed to wear mascara for my license picture. Only the mascara doesn't like my contacts and so my eyes were irritated and I had a problem reading the little line at the bottom of the vision screening. Past that and moved on. The lady at the desked filled out all the information in the computer and then said "that will be $20 please". Twenty dollars? Last time I got my license renewed, it was only $11. I didn't even have to look in my wallet, I knew I had $17 and some change (being on a budget will make you aware of the money you have). I asked if she'd take a debit card and she informed me that it was cash or check. Well I didn't have enough cash and I don't carry checks anymore (too easy for me to spend money that way). Embarrassed I asked the lady if I could run to the bank quick (practically next door only there's a river in between) and get some cash. I drove to the bank. Drove to the bank? Isn't it next door? Yes, I too realized that when I made the corner, crossed over the bridge and stopped at the bank. I went in a cashed a check for the cash I needed. Walked back to the bank. Yes I walked back to the bank even though it was in the low teens with a nasty wind. The vain person in me was a little concerned that all my prep work (I don't usually wear make up) would be worthless if my picture turned out to look like Rudolph. I zipped my coat up tight and pushed it over my nose to keep my face warm and I hurriedly walked back to the bank. The lady kindly put me to the front of the line and finished up my licensing.

She mentioned that it would be a a few minutes while it printed it off so I thought I'd make the most of my time and run down to the recorder's office to ask about my passport. The recorder was very friendly and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I have to get a brand new passport and pay the whole fee because I changed my name when I married. Grr. We chatted about not needing the passport right away cause we've just started the adoption process. She informed that it would be $110 to re-do my passport and asked if I'd like to do it then. Considering the time, and the fact that if I didn't have $20, I certainly didn't have $110 in my wallet, I said that I'd come back another time. I left her office and hurried off to my meeting downtown on foot, in the cold and windy weather. It was actually quite pleasant once I crossed the river and the buildings provided a little shelter from the wind.

After my meeting, I need to make a quick stop at the post office and then I'd head back to work. Only I'd walked and the post office was farther through town and I didn't want to walk to the post office and then all the way back to my vehicle so I asked for a ride to my vehicle at the court house. Only my van was parked near the bank, remember, I drove it the half block to the bank. So my dear friend gave me a ride 1 block over to my van. As I was getting out of her truck, it hit me: I never went back in to pick up my license at the courthouse! Who in the world forgets that. My friend graciously drives me to the courthouse and drops me off. I head inside, retrieve my license, which had since been placed in the waste basket because another lady saw it sitting out and thought it was an old one. I then walked back to the bank, got in my van, drove the two blocks to the post office, got my stamps, and headed back to work. When I walked into my office, my boss asked "so, did you get lost out there?I" I politely answered yes and proceeded to tell him about how efficient I was with my time.

My goal was to get things done in a timely manner. I'm not sure I fully met my goal. What do you think?

Poor Kids

Okay, I'm not feeling super free to give details in fear that it might be held against me at some point but I'll share a little about my scare from last night so that you can remember to buckle your kids in:
Half way down the driveway last night, I made a sudden stop to let Scott get out of his carseat and help me drive. The sudden stop on the hill and Scott fell out of his carseat. I was really confused at how he got his belt off so quickly before I realized that I'd not buckled him in. I was both extremely thankful that nothing happened as I imagined the many things that could have happened and heart broken to realize that I didn't do everything in my power to keep my child safe. I was distraught. Scott had no clue. I apologized profusely and explained to him that any time mommy forgets to put on his seatbelt that I need him to remind me that he needs buckled in. Scott helped me finish our trek down the driveway and we made it into the house where a whole new drama unfolded.

Bethany had been abnormally whiny at my moms and I figured she was hungry. She ate some crackers and seemed fine. We got in the van to go home and she whined some more and said her tummy hurt. Not sure if she was just crazy since she had cotton pants on (vs. the regular jeans) or if the tights under neath were comfortable or if in fact, her tummy hurt. At home, she continued her whiny state and I knew that she needed to get to bed since the night before was a late and crazy night at the superbowl party. But she seemed more than tired so I started paying closer attention. She seemed to not want to sit in her hi-chair and didn't want to finish her meal. The little girl on the go seemed to want to be held. She crawled up next to me at the corner buffet thing and stood next to me eating my food and I continued to watch her. I noticed that she wasn't moving her left arm so I decided to move it for her. She reacted with a whiny cry and her arm was stiff and she said "no touch, mommy" and pulled away. I checked it again and sure enough she was holding it close and not wanting any movement from it. Ryan and I continued our observance while we ate and finally called the emergency room. I just knew that we were about to have another late night, this time in the emergency room. The doctor was sure that her elbow was out of place. He explained to me how to get it back in place, how she would react, and that 20-30 minutes later she would begin to use it again. He told me that if I couldn't or didn't want to do it, I could bring her in and he'd be the bad guy. We hung up the phone and I grabbed Bethany and held her and loved her (already remorseful of the pain I was about to inflict). I did just at the doctor explained and while I held her elbow in one hand, I felt/heard it pop back into place. It was such a yucky feeling. I think it almost made Bethany gag as she made a few gagging type of noises. But she immediately reached both arms up and grabbed me around the neck. Halelujah, she was using her arm. We watched the kids play for a while before going to bed and she favored her arm but used it, especially when I treated her with a chocolate chip cookie for being such a big girl.

And that's not the end of my drama...

As we put the kids to bed, I did the normal bed time routine which includes praying with Scott. I try to enjoy the time rather than rush through it but sometimes get frustrated when I expect my son to say what he's thankful for and he starts asking God when he gets to play the Wii next or when he gets to go to California next. I do have to remember that he's only 3. So we finished our prayer and then I started adding to his list of thankful things, like he's thankful that his daddy loves him and puts him to bed every night, and he's thankful that his house is warm, etc. When I said that he was "thankful cause he has the best mom in the world", he looked right at me and said "but mommy, you didn't buckle me in tonight!" Yes, back to reality... I guess I wasn't the best mom in the world last night. Sorry son.

Laundry Detergent

Here's some more info I found.  This is said to be detergent whereas the previous is said to be soap:
 
Diva Detergent
1 55 oz. box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 cup Mule Team Borax
2 Cups Oxygen Cleaner
1/2 cup Simple Green
1/2 cup Water Softening Powder
Details about ingredients:
Washing Soda – The Arm and Hammer is the only brand I've ever seen. Walmart and most grocery stores carry it. Strong enough to actually change organic compounds (pee & poo) and keeps them suspended in the water so they can easily be washed away. It is a naturally occurring compound free from enzymes, dyes, and perfumes, and is the main ingredient in most powdered laundry detergents.
Borax – Found in the grocery aisle. Whitens and brightens without phosphates and enzymes. Borax is too harsh, both to fabric and sensitive skin to be used in large amounts, and tends to not rinse out well. Less is more with Borax in laundry. (makes and excellent household cleaner, though).
Oxygen Cleaner – I use Sun Brand…it's the cheapest and most pure….Oxyclean brand has additives and fillers. For Oxygen Cleaner…the cheaper the better. Stain remover and whitener. Oxygen cleaners do not react well with extremely hard water and will add to scum build up. If you have extremely hard water, as noted above, add additional water softener.
Simple Green – A concentrated liquid cleaner…most grocery stores carry it….Walmart has it in the automotive section. If you can't find Simple Green, you can use any concentrated multi-purpose cleaner (ie: Lysol 4 in 1). Provides the necessary surfactants-to lessen the water tension and allow the detergent to become a part of the water and actually get into the clothes
Water Softening Powder – This is a key ingredient…and if you have hard water you will want to double it. White King makes a powder, but it can't be found in all areas. If you can't find a water softening powder, use ½ cup of liquid. You'll need to use a 1 lb box of baking soda for each half cup liquid added to offset the additional liquids so you don't end up with a solid mass of detergent in a couple of days. (I can't find powder in my area, so I use Calgon Liquid + baking soda).
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Put all dry ingredients in a large container – (bucket, dishpan) mix with your hands to combine. Put gloves on before adding liquid ingredients as there is a chemical reaction that makes it get rather warm…..and could burn your skin. Drizzle the wet ingredients over the top of the dry ingredients. Mix with your hands until well combined and all liquid is mixed in and there are no clumps. If it still seems too moist, you can add a box of baking soda**. Humidity levels in different parts of the country can make a difference here, as your dry ingredients might have a higher moisture content. Store in a sealed container. I have used Rubbermaid, Tupperware, coffee cans….whatever you have on hand.
Use 1-2 1/8 cup scoops (the kind that came with the oxygen cleaner) per load. You'll have to experiment a bit to find what works best with your water condition and washer size.

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Home made Laundry Soap

For a while, I've been wanting to make my own laundry soap.  Today I found a recipe at Life in a Shoe:
 
HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP

• 1/2 bar of Fels Naptha soap - my local hardware store stocked this at my request.  Very nice, but next I want to try Kirk's Castile Hardwater Soap, because  if our water were any harder it would be a rock.
• 1 cup borax - available at WalMart near the laundry detergent
• 1 cup washing soda - also available at WalMart near the laundry detergent
• 1 TBS glycerin - look for it near the first aid supplies

Just 4 ingredients, see?
Grate the soap; it's easy, really.  It's soft enough to easily grate it on a handheld cheese grater.  Heat til melted in 8 cups of water.  Simmer a few minutes to be sure it's thoroughly melted.  Stir in remaining ingredients until thoroughly dissolved.  Add enough cool water to make 2 gallons.
You're done.  What?  You thought it would be harder, didn't you?
Just pour into a couple of gallon jugs.  Give it a stir or a shake now and then as it cools to keep it smooth and creamy.  It will thicken as it cools.  Ours looks a lot like a thin creamy shampoo, or a jug of heavy cream.  Yummy, but don't taste it.  Just sniff.

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Faithfully

When I was in college, my poor mom got to deal with each heart ache I experienced with a guy. And not just any guy, I of course thought each one of them was something special. Mom was great and would give me a new book on relationships each time one of mine ended. I don't remember the exact relationship, but one time mom bought me the book When God Writes Your Love Story. And to be real honest, I don't remember the what the book was specifically about but I do recall that it touched my aching but hopeful heart. What I remember best was there was a cd in the back cover of the book with a song written by the authors of the book. I loved the song and listened to it numerous times. More recently (like the last year or two), I've heard the song on the radio. What a cool reminder of what I learned so long ago and a great time to reflect on what God has done in my life when I let him have control. This morning when I heard the Selah song mentioned in my last post, I automatically thought of this song. I wanted to share it with you today because after almost 10 years, it still touches my heart.

Eric and Leslie Ludy – Faithfully

Tonight I saw a shooting star
Made me wonder where you are
For years I have been dreaming of you
I wonder if you're thinking of me too
In this world of cheap romance
Love that only friends are throught the dance
Say that I'm a fooled away for something more
How can I really love someone I've never seen before
I am long for true love every day that I had lived
And I know real love is all about learning how to give
I pray that God will bring you to me
I pray you'll find me, waiting faithfully.

Faithfully, I am yours from now until forever
Faithfully, I will write, write you a love song with my life
Cause this kind of love's worth waiting for,
No matter how long it takes, I am yours, faithfully

Tonight I saw two lovers kiss
Reminding me of my own lonely ___
Say that I am a full to keep on praying for you
How can I give a pleasure for a dream that won't come true
I will keep believing that God still has a plan
And though I can not see you now, I know that He can
And someday I will give you all of me
Until I find you , I'm waiting faïthfully.

The lyrics aren't perfectly recorded above. Take a few minutes to listen to their song here.

God Bless the Broken Road

I like this song. I heard during my drive to work this morning and wanted to share the lyrics with it. It's sung by a group called Selah. Maybe you've heard of them, maybe not. For those in the blogging world, you may have at least heard of Angie, the amazing wife, of one of the group members. Anyway, be blessed by these lyrics.

God Bless the Broken Road.

I set out on a narrow way, many years ago
Hoping I would find true love, along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
wipe my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign, pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream, led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent, just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost, and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan, that is coming true

Every long lost dream, led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms
This much I know, know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Now I'm just rolling home
Into your loving arms
This much I know, know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes, God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Uncle James

Thanks to everyone who has and will take time out of their day today to pray for my Uncle James. His surgery is at 10am our time. Please pray for the doctors, for my Uncle James and for his wife, my Aunt Janie.

Praise God that the last 6 months have been a blessing on their marriage, probably not something they'd experienced in their 30+ years of marriage so far.

Last night as I prayed with Scott, his precious little 3 year old mind couldn't understand why "cutting Uncle James open" would help fix his heart. My son specifically prayed saying "and God, please don't let the doctors cut him all up tomorrow". Friends, I'm thankful for the heart of my young son, praying the best he knows how. Please join me in praying that the doctors can fix this heart that's physically broken and that God can heal his spiritually broken heart!

Update on 2/4:
Uncle James is doing well. He had some complications with bleeding which scared the family but he went back into surgery and they got that fixed. He also struggled with some fluid on his lungs which affected his breathing rates and that kept him in ICU until later on Monday (his wife's birthday). He's in a normal room now and sounds like he's moving right along with the healing. Thanks for praying!

Breakdown

I'm not sure who was having the mental breakdown this morning: the children or the parents.

Two whiny/crying kids + two rushed parents = chaos real quick

The chaos slowed while we drove to mom's and then picked back up to full speed when we arrived. Neither child could be pacified. Neither child would obey. Crying insued. I stayed at mom's long enough to get each child calmed down. And in the end, I gave in and let them have the cheerios.

Random Thoughts

1. My in-laws bought us an Oral-B sonic care toothbrush for Christmas. It's awesome. Using a regular toothbrush, which I do daily at my office, feels like using an old sponge to get my teeth clean. So not good enough. I'm now a tooth brush snob!
2. My email account is driving me bonkers. The little ads that pop up on the page are prohibited by my [work] server these past few days. This really slows down the process of "quickly" checking my email at the end of the day or during lunch.
3. I have a lot on my mind, and my plate right now: Sweetheart Supper plans, a big service project that I'm beginning to plan with a friend, digging through adoption options (I started a blog about that process which I hope to share in the coming month), discipline/training our children, etc
4. Why is it that all the "not so normal" budget items are going to bust our budget in February or get put on the back burner: eye doc appointment, new running shoes, Valentines Sweetheart Supper, my birthday [do you think Ryan will get me the puppy I've been wanting], propane bill, both kids needing new shoes, etc.
5. I just don't understand why people, including our President, think that abortion is acceptable. That "fertilized egg" is a life! Just browse the net a little to find how quickly those babies develop. Saturday I will attend a baby shower for Elizabeth. She's about 8 months old now. She was born at 22 weeks gestation - at a time that she wouldn't be considered a life. My friends, she is a perfect, living, example of how God creates and grows babies.
6. Oh how I would love to Go to a foreign missions field right now. Lots of news around me of people following God to those places. My friends are using the training that we learned to work with people in need to organic garden and compost so they can feed themselves. I'm hoping [and not yet acting much] on doing that with some locals who were directly affected by the May immigration raid. I also sit on the church missions committee and we're planning a missions conference and a summer trip to either Brazil or Mexico. I'm excited to go on that which then makes me want to go back to Mexicali where I spent numerous Easter Break's serving.
7. what else...

My Little Princess

I'm not sure these pictures do justice to the tantrum my daughter had on Wednesday. I'd share the video but it's over a minute long and a large file to load. Let's just say that on a "normal" day, she wouldn't have gotten away with this fit of hers.

It was probably a good thing that Scott went to his Grandma and Grandpa's to spend the night with them on Saturday. It gave our little girl some much needed only-child time. She may be adorable but she is just like her mamma. Watch out world!

How Old is He?

Last night when Scott got home from Awana Cubbies, he ran to the door with his picture in hand to show me. It was precious. We played a few minutes before it was time to head up stairs to bed. As we stood at the bottom of the stairs, I explained to him that I had a horrible head ache and his daddy would be putting him to bed. He peered up at me with a sly look on his face and said:

"mommy, it's YOUR responsibility!"

He's 3 [and a half] friends. Where does he come up with these big words? This morning on the way to his Grammy's he pulled out more funny comments. When I chose to go down the highway rather than the gravel, he was quite dissapointed and told me:

"mommy, go down the gravel please. If you go down the black road, I'm going to be grumpy!"

When asked where he learned that, it was from a cartoon on TV. Ah, the things they pick up on!

Too Much

Okay, this kid has the cheesiest grin ever. She loves to smile and say "cheese". Unfortunately, the result of her cute grin is a picture where she looks uncomfy or mad. Oh well.

The other night we had some friends over and Bethany latched right on to Zack. She reminded me of the 8th grade girls who are boy crazy. She loved playing with Zack and he was sweet to her even though he probably preferred to be playing the Wii and not worrying about stepping on little feet that were constantly under him.

Bethany wanted to be like her brother and thought she could drink out of a normal cup. Do you think she learned her lesson? Umm, no!



This child loves to crawl in boxes. I can't remember what the box was the other night that she had to be in. It was about 8" wide and 12" tall but she thought she needed to be in it. She brought it to me and asked for help. The box bulged as she squeezed her toddler body into it. Before I could grab my camera, she was wanting out of the box.

Embarrassing Moments This Weekend

1. We were the greeters at Church on Sunday. When Bethany ran off into the sanctuary Scott offered to bring her back. Grammy hauled the children back after the Church watched Scott put his arms around Bethany’s neck and “bring her back to where she was supposed to be”.
2. “shutup” is a naughty word at our house. Ryan and I used it in a playful manner and had to remove it from our vocabulary. Yesterday on our way home after a long day of shopping in Rochester, Scott reached for Bethany’s toy and she voiced her irritation with a squeal. He looked at her and adamantly said “shutup Bethany”. Where do they learn these things?

Update on weather

Friends, it was -38 this morning when I drove to mom's.  A little warmer than that on our little hill top, but as I got down into the valley, the temp read -38.  Fortunately, it was only -35 at mom's.  Whew, it was cold!  I seriously drove to work wearing my coveralls and never got too warm!
 
As I drove down the road, I thought to God, "God, if it gets to -40 I'm telling Ryan that we need to move."  And as quickly as I thought that and realized how quickly the temperature continued to drop while down in the valley, I thought again to God, "God, I better not say that or I'll have to keep my word, won't I.  Yes God, I'm not ready to be that stubborn!"

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For my West Coast Friends

This morning I left the house and it was -23 degrees.  If it wasn't so darn cold, I would have taken a picture of the thermometer reading.  Not only was it -23 degrees but the wind was blowing so we had wind chills of -45 to -54. 
 
This morning it occurred to me why so many people asked me why in the world I would move from California to Iowa.  Believe, I've been asking myself that same question today :)

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God made Iowa

from my friend Kelly:

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said:

 "Today, I am going to create a land called Iowa."

   "It will be a land of outstanding natural beauty; a land of countless glaciers, pure lakes, each one full of fish. It shall have tall majestic pines, peacefully flowing rivers, landscapes full of buffalo, tall grass, and eagles, beautiful blue skies, forests full of bear, elk and moose, rich farmland and fair minded people."

   God continued, "'I shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and they shall be known as a most friendly people. A warm Iowa Welcome is practiced here every day."

   "But Lord," asked Gabriel, "Don't you think you are being too generous to these people of Iowa?"

   "Not really," replied God "Just wait and see the winters I am going to give them."

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You Know Its Cold...

You know its cold outside when the snowmen you built a few weeks ago are knocking at the front door asking to come inside and warm up a little!

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Mine Eyes Have Seen

While dropping off the kids this morning, my step-dad was blowing snow and could hardly see since his glasses were fogged up.  I was so thankful to be wearing contacts and not deal with that issue.  Thirty minutes later, and almost to my office, I realized that I neither had my contacts in or my glasses on.  This is typically no big deal since my glasses are kept in my purse.  However, last night while falling asleep on the couch, I pulled my glasses off and set them on the table. 
 
I can see well enough in general that I don't need glasses.  In fact, most Saturdays I don't deal with glasses or contacts.  It's when I have my head stuck in a computer that I need those little buggers to keep my eyes from straining.  Today is one of those days and I find that I've been light headed the past few hours.  A quick break to the bathroom reinforced my dizziness.  Now I'm wondering how long it will take to finish the "must finish" items before I can leave the office and head home to get my glasses... this is not how I want to use vacation time...

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another story from Christmas

Ryan read my blog and suggested I share a cute story from Christmas:

We were at Ryan's grandparents opening gifts and my kids quickly figured out it was fun to help everyone open their gifts.  Bethany's Great Grandma had just opened a box of cookies and over the next few minutes she proceeded to with a fight/tug-o-war with Bethany for the cookies.  It might have been a you had to be there moment but it was hilarious to see a 18 month old tug and tug for a box that she wanted, and to see an 80-something year old try so desperately to hang on to the box.  I wish we would have had the camera out cause it was hilarious!

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He's Perfect... for me!

20 minutes ago I realized that in the rush this morning I forgot my lunch.  I was going to post about that but didn't.  Two minutes ago my hubby called and I jokingly asked him if he was buying me lunch since it is noon.  I was surprised when that was the reason for his call.  Ah, he's so sweet.  My hungry tummy and the rest of me loves him so much!
 
The rush this morning:
  4am: crazy coughing.  Potty break while hubby got me the lovely cough syrup with codeine.
  after 4am: I was out!
  6am: didn't hear the alarm clock and apparently Ryan fell back asleep
  7am: Ryan woke up and jumped out of bed.
  710am: I hurried out of bed.  Fortunately I showered last night so my hair isn't oily this morning :)
I managed to wash and refill my water bottle, only to leave it on the counter.  At least I remembered to take my antibiotic!  Was 5 minutes later than usual to work... ouch!

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New Year's Resolution

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions really. But each year the holidays seem to take my time and if I've been spending a good amount of time with God reading His Word and praying, this is when I slip. Post holidays become the time that I get back on track. I've been reading in Matthew this week and am loving. No matter how many times I've read through this book before, I forget the details. Why don't I memorize them???

Speaking of reading, Ryan got a few books for Christmas. One called "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" caught my attention. I picked it up but when Ryan came to bed, he wanted his book so I had to choose another. That night I finished "Who Moved My Cheese", a good read and refreshing reminder that change happens, make the best of it. The next Ryan once again wanted his book back and I had to choose a new one. I picked up "There's a sheep in my Bath tub", a book written by a guy who started the missionary movement in Mongolia. I have been amazed at how much I've enjoyed the book. Thanks to Tanya for recommending it. I did have to remind myself and Ryan that I bought the book for him, not for me. As a person interested in missions, and with a connection to Mongolia, this book fascinates me. In the past two days, I've read most of the book. I love to read but don't find the time often so I've actually enjoyed being sick the last few days (with a little help from my cough syrup with codeine in it). Maybe I'll finish the book tonight, the dishes can wait another day, right?!?!

Christmas Un-decorating

As we began taking down Christmas decorations, I was reminded yet again that we have done our traditional Christmas letter (yes the one that is 2 pages long, filled with picture and uses a small font). I thought I was past that this year. And to be honest, life was too busy for me to sit down and put it together. Eventually though I was bummed that I hadn't gotten a letter out and wanted to share something. I thought about doing a cute card on shutterfly but after looking at the discounted prices, I decided against that. With all the excitement in our budget lately, I was thinking that I wouldn't spend the money to send a letter out. Today though as I picked up around the house a little (after I woke up at 11am), I saw our wall of Christmas Greetings and thought that I really need to get one written and shared...

Bethany just pooped in her diaper and needs my help... yes life does get busy with these types of things which is why Christmas letters and thank you cards don't get sent.

$1500 "Moment"

In case you were wondering, that $1500 moment between Ryan and I... he backed into my new van with his vet truck. Wasn't a good start to our New Year. Since then we've had other drama and the van issue is what it is... life goes on.

Here Am I am Lord

I'm finishing up day #2 of missing work. It has been a nice break but I enjoy my work and am eager to get back at it. Last Tuesday I developed a sinus infection which turned into a head cold, I think. Thankfully Wednesday was a quiet day at the office and Thursday was a holiday. I made it through a very long day on Friday and was out for the weekend. I don't like being sick at all so even a nasty little cold isn't fun for me. I'm hoping to be back at the office tomorrow.

As I sit here reading through my emails I am reminded of my dear friend, Maxine. She was an older lady in our church. A wonderful lady who loved the Lord and was full of joy. She had a servant's heart for sure. Monday, Maxine went in for a heart surgery. That evening they alerted her church family to pray as her heart was not pumping on its own. That night I sat and held Bethany in the rocking chair in her room as she'd been screaming. We prayed and prayed for Ms. Maxine and although my little 18 month old doesn't have a clue what was going on she lay perfectly content in my arms as we prayed. We prayed for our dear friend and through that time I was sure that God again would heal her heart and she'd walk away from this "routine" surgery. The next morning, Ryan called me to let me know that Ms. Maxine died at 4am. I was so surprised. We prayed for God's will ultimately but made sure to ask God to heal Ms. Maxine.

The past two days as I've been home getting over this head cold / sinus infection I've thought a lot about a little lady in rural Northeast Iowa who has been such a giant for God's Kingdom. My heart aches for the loss and of course I think of how we'd not seen her lately, how we didn't take the kids to see her on Halloween this year, how she always had a smile in her face even when I had an attitude, and I will miss our precious friend. But on the flip side, how amazing it would be to stand at the feet of our Creator and King and hear Him say "well done my good and faithful servant" and to be in a place where there are no more broken hearts!

Our "Moment"

I just found out that our little "moment" that Ryan and I had yesterday will cost us almost $1500 to fix. At least we got a good deal on the van to begin with

Sorry Honey

Yesterday Ryan and I had one of those moments where we didn't agree at all. I wanted an apology for his dumb mistake and for him to acknowledge that he needed to pay more attention to the small details. He knew he made a dumb mistake and didn't need a reminder. Of course I reacted and even raised my voice quite a bit (maybe even to a yell which I don't think I've ever done to him before). We were both a little on edge at first and he went right downstairs to either let off steam or avoid me! By evening, we were just fine and made sure to discuss it again before we hit the sack. Sorry honey that I reacted. Would it be better for me to just tell you what I wanted?

Playing with Gifts

Scott loves to help in the kitchen so I thought a little apron would be a perfect gift. He was less than thrilled when he opened it but as soon as it was time to serve dessert, he grabbed his apron and was the cutest little server. He left it on for hours and loved it.

Bethany got a little kitchen set that she just loves. Here she's feeding her Grandpa with a spoon. She has played non-stop with that thing, even when it was dark in the living room and the rest of us were in the kitchen. She is ADORABLE!

Uncle Eric is so great with the kids. Both Scott and Bethany love getting attention from him. Here Bethany and her Unky Eric are playing in a box and using it as a drum. This child is easily entertained if you refer to something as a drum. She loves music and noise in general!

Gift Opening

I make an honest effort for my kids to know and understand that we're celebrating Christmas as a holy type of day... the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the son of God who came to sacrifice. With that said, I like the idea of gifts because the kings brought gifts to baby Jesus. I love to buy gifts and spoil my children but we make a point not to do that. This year was difficult as I was out shopping numerous times and found some really good deals. I went just a tad over budget but we didn't do anything extreme for our kids. No BIG and spendy gifts, not loads and loads of things to unwrap. A little bit of effort can teach young kids a lot. Unfortunately, I'm not sure they learned what its all about this year. Scott was totally selfish and wanted to open another gift and didn't appreciate it when he unwrapped "just another box". Bethany was so tired she didn't care much. If it was a gift in a bag, she'd throw a fit. In her little mind, all she knew was that she wanted to tear paper off a box. Though we did the advent calendar, the advent wreath and other things to help influence their little minds, we have lots of work to do. I wanted to make a birthday cake for Jesus with the kids to try to help them understand the purpose of all this celebration but in the craziness of all the activity, we didn't get it done.

Here are a few pictures of the kiddos opening gifts (they managed to help everyone who had a gift to open):

Ryan said he's eager for the day when he gets to open his own gifts again. Since I don't like an audience when I open gifts, I enjoy the kids' help so they take the focus.

Bethany and Scott opened their stockings Christmas morning before we headed to Ryan's grandparents. You would have thought that Bethany was a poor child who'd never had a toy or a gift before. She grabbed up as much as she could in her arms and was not going to let go!

Nothing beats a crying kid when you're trying to take a cute picture. Little Miss Attitude was ticked that we wanted her to sit down in front of the Christmas tree. Apparently there was something else she wanted to be doing!

DX Family

Ryan's Grandpa B owned the DX gas station in his home town for many years. To my knowledge, Grandpa B's dad owned it before that. In our home, anything with a DX logo has special meaning. The other night while waiting for Scott to be done on the toilet in the basement at Grandpa's house, I found this old hat. While it doesn't get much use any more, I thought it would make for a few cute pictures:

(this picture is of Ryan's cousin, Tyler. He really liked the hat.)

Beautiful

On a regular basis I make sure to tell Bethany that she's so beautiful. Also on a regular basis, after I've done her hair, I let her look in the mirror to see herself. Last night as we were getting ready to go to the Christmas program, I put a clip in her hair and picked her up in front of the mirror. In her small voice I heard her say "beautiful". It so precious to hear her say as I had not said it this time. Here's Bethany in a basket of clean, folded clothes. She never gets in a basket of dirty clothes and I've never seen her in a basket of clean unfolded clothes. She seems to only like the clean, folded clothes to rest her bottom on!

Snow people

What kid doesn't want to make a snow man on his front porch. We had 9 inches of fluffy snow during the night which is not the right kind of snow for packing a snow man creation. But for some reason, the snow on the South porch was wet enough to shape up. Of course, we also had to make one for Bethany too!

Star of the Christmas Program

My sweet little son was the star of the Christmas program last night. Not because he was an amazing shepherd or because he did the best at saying his lines. He's 3 1/2 and had one simple role. Carry the shepherds hook with you onto the stage and stand there. If only it worked so simply...

As the program was getting started, Scott wanted his shepherds hook and about hooked one of the adults as he moved it in front of him. Cute but no big deal. When he did get on stage, he made sure to grab everyone's attention by picking his nose. No, not a simple and discreet pick, the kid was digging and at one point had each of his pointer fingers in his nose holes! And when that was over, Scott couldn't stand there politely like every other child. He was turning in circles, facing the wall with his back to everyone, checking out the gifts under the tree, peaking under the blanket at baby Jesus, covering his eyes because the spot light was too bright, or something else. We mostly saw the back of his head the whole time. Who knew!

Lesson learned: Next time Scott will be before an audience, make sure his nose has no boogies in it!

Thanks to Scott's grandparents for catching this picture:

oh and more info on the car

Oh and the car.  Just want to point out that we did is the "dave ramsey" way.  Received $4490 on the car for insurance.  Have more than that in our "emergency fund" that we could use on the car.  Instead, Ryan found a great deal.  We paid $4590 for it, only having to use $100 out of our emergency fun.  Its a 2001 Chrysler mini van with 62k for miles.  An older couple owned it and it was super clean.  I may not be a fan of mini vans but I'm excited to have a nicer looking vehicle with 50k less miles and seats more people for only $100.  Woo hoo!

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real quick

Life is beyond "holiday" crazy right now but a few things real quick:

1. Family is done puking

2. Kids are finishing up meds for pink eye

3. Much to my vain choice, we are proud owners of a used mini van

4. Salvage yard will pick up old car tomorrow.  How long does it take to siphon a full tank of gas out???

5. 80 miles of driving in "blizzard" weather in a new-to-you vehicle is not fun

6. Financial audit at work is tedious

7. Work, oh yeah, a place I go when I can get out of our driveway

8. My favorite family gifts to be handed out at Christmas are still in the design process and have little hope of getting done... are we seriously 3 days away from Christmas???

9.  My tailbone may be sore and my contacts may feel dry but I'm dressed cute today, dangit!

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*wishing*

If I can't adopt a child by this summer, shouldn't I at least be able to go to an orphanage and rock the little babies? I better get that passport updated!

Dear Cori

This started out as a note to my friend but I thought I might as well post it on my blog and so I added a few more details and have copied it below:
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If I wasn't in the middle of this darned audit and WORKING all hours of the day, I'd totally call you.

I had a "I wanna go back to CA" moment last night. Left the office but not before sliding around in the parking lot first. It was glare ice! Thought the road would be a little better, it wasn't. By the grace of God (and you can bet I was praying like crazy) I made it up the hill out of town for smooth sailing, or should I say sliding. Got a mile down the road and thought I was crazy for driving but I certainly couldn't turn around. Debated on stopping and asking one of my farmers (Ryan is also their vet) if I could stay with them or drive a truck of theirs home. I continued on because God's perfect love casts out all fear, right?!?! I drove in 2nd gear at 10-15 miles an hour with my passenger side tires on the shoulder for some traction. They just re-did and widened the road which means there's no more gravel shoulder but fortunately the snow from Saturday hadn't been cleared off the edge and it was just enough to make the ice uneven and provide a little traction. I made it to Gunder in 45 minutes, usually a 12 minute drive, and was scared and without confidence. The next 4 of 8 miles would all be downhill curves which in my mind spelled suicide. I stopped at Gunder (town of 6-10 houses and 1 restaurant). Got out of the car, checked to see how icy the road was and sat in disbelief. How was I going to get home to my husband and children? Well, home wasn't an option with our wild driveway, but how would I get to my mom's and see my family? Thought, debated, prayed some more and called a friend who lived just down the road. No one answered the phone. I walked inside the Shanti, a place I'm very familiar with and owners that I know (Ryan just "saved" their dog last weekend). They offered me a warm drink and some soup but I was so stirred up emotionally that I declined.

Cori, you know me. I have the type of personality that no one is a stranger. I had no problem thinking that I'd have to spend the night at the Shanti or with a nearby farm family. Only, there was one problem. Aunt Flo is visiting and I didn't have enough "stuff" to keep her entertained. With Aunt Flo comes too much emotion for me and so I sat at the counter in the quiet Shanti where Kevin fixed a vacuum and Elsie put things away thinking that I was helpless. Ryan was miles away running veterinary calls (his 4WD truck with the weight in it can make it around much easier than my little dinky car). I couldn't get a hold of nearby farmers I knew, or Ryan or the other vet who lives down the road. I was stranded. At this point, I don't think I even considered praying unless it was me asking God to help me be strong and not cry in front of Kevin and Elsie (I don't know them well enough to ball like a baby in front of them). Kevin and Elsie were ready to close up shop and head home when a guy pulled in the parking lot.

He was a familiar face to the Shanti but not someone I knew at all. Kevin proceeded to ask him if he had 4WD and if he'd be willing to take me to town. All the while my cell phone was ringing with my mom calling to say that she'd send Ralph to get me. Jim would be more than happy to take me and I figured I'd let him deal with the roads since he was a native Eskimo, I mean, Iowan and more familiar with these driving conditions than us transplants from CA. We walked outside and the ground was covered with the most beautiful snow. Jim opened the door of his truck for me, cleared the seat, and off we went.

You know, its funny how God really does provide for us in big and small ways. I was safe, even if it was a bad idea to try to drive home. God did provide safe travels for me (no deer in site last night), calmed me a little, and even brought snow in the perfect time. As I neared Gunder, the freezing rain was turning to sleet and I could see the sleet on the road which was why I got out and checked to see how slippery the road was. As I sat inside the Shanti, the sleet turned to snow and beautifully covered the ground. It was likely safe for me to drive down the Reierson Hill which I had previously deemed suicide. The snow cover would provide traction. But it didn't matter, because God knew how little confidence I had in driving down that hill and provided a perfect stranger who didn't want anything in return but asked me to "next time make sure to do the same thing for someone else". God knew. God orchestrated. God be glorified!

I did not make it home last night but I did make it to my mom's where my two beautiful children greeted me with hungry mouths and open arms. Thanks to mom and Ralph for opening their home when our driveway prevents me from getting there. Thanks to Ryan for going home and packing items for the family (including entertainment for Aunt Flo) after a long day at work.

Thanks to Jim for getting me to Elgin even though he wasn't headed that direction. And thanks to God for being Jehovah Jirah, my provider!

RE: [tuh-mar-uh] New comment on Let them cross, then go mommy.

A quick reply to Amy's comment:
you think you were being funny when you said mount it or freeze it.  What I find funny is that people would seriously do that around here!  First thing I got asked by several people was if it had a "rack" on it.  And a few others suggested tagging it and cutting it up.
 
It was a girl deer so no antlers.  And, I don't care for deer meat so I don't want to freeze it.
 
Last night it was pushed off into the road ditch a little.  For anyone who's interested, I'm sure the meat has been kept cold!  High of 29 today and it was 2 degrees when I left this morning!

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Let them cross, then go mommy

On the way home last night, I was carefully driving on the snow packed roads and out of nowhere I was seeing eye to eye with "property" of the state of Iowa. Seems as though one of the state owned white tailed deer had a death wish and was trying to take me down with her. The doe didn't get to cross the road. I nailed her with the front corner of my car where she wiped out my headlight, folded my front quarter panel in half, dented up the hood with her head, and shoved her body into the drivers door.

Poor deer. I don't feel too bad.

I was startled but perfectly safe. I stopped about 100 yards down the road to check on my car. The bumper and headlight were dragging on the ground. It took me about a minute to unplug the wiring harness from the headlight to remove it (thanks dad and Ralph for teaching me about cars) cause I was still shaking.

Went on to mom's, then to Awanas then back to mom's before I called the Sheriff's office. It's quite a site to watch me open the driver door from the back seat. I'm just glad nobody was harmed.

Damage estimates over $4,000. Thank you Lord for insurance. I don't even know if the car is worth that much!

Drove by the scene of the accident. There was a dog checking out my dead deer. Good riddens pest!

Scott has had a few interesting comments after seeing my car:
1. Mommy, you're supposed to let the deer cross the road, then you go. Why didn't you let the deer cross the road?
2. Mommy doesn't have a light anymore. Daddy can you fix mommy's car? (Daddy "fixes" animals all the time so it makes sense to Scott that daddy can "fix" everything I guess)
3. Look mommy, the sun is coming up. It will help give you light since you don't have a light.

Friends, feel free to go online now and try to get licenses and tags to kill the deer, especially on the roads I travel to go home which are thick in deer!

Drive safe and like Scott says, "watch out for deer". (Yes, he indeed did tell me that very thing this morning with quite a smirk on his face)