I'm Baaack!

Months have raced by without a post. In fact, I didn't think I could access my blog anymore as I had forgotten my username and password (who me? absent-minded? nahh!). Then I saw this lovely little tip: I could click "autofill" and it would put my username in FOR me. Then I just had to think of my most commonly selected passwords and try them out. Would you beleive the 1st password worked?! I can make things so much more difficult than they need to be. But, I digress. It's good to be back =) So . . . I will try to post again soon and not to be such a stranger. And I still am dreaming of adding pics to this blog. I wonder if it's not as hard as I am imagining it will be. Maybe one of these days.

What was that sound?

I should know better by now. I really should. I hear some little noise and wonder, "What was that?" I play the part of the optimist, thinking, "Oh, it's nothing," only to discover that it was, indeed, something that I should've checked on sooner. I hope I am not alone. I hope I don't win any Bad Mother of the Year awards for posting this. But I am so incredibly human. Sometimes I think the best--or maybe it's just denial....

Last week it was quiet for a while. (Anyone with young children knows that this is a sure sign of trouble.) I thought to myself, "Ah! A reprieve. Big Boy's playing nicely in his room. What a nice break." Then I heard water running a couple of times. Not for a long time, so I knew he wasn't playing "The Sink Game," where he squirts lots of foaming handsoap into the basin full of water (when he's supposed to be washing his hands, usually after a meal). For the life of me, I couldn't imagine anything that bad happening. But after a while, I thought, "You know, it really has been quiet for a while. Too quiet..." and I went to check on him. Big Boy proudly announced that he was cleaning the tub so that he could take a bath. Nevermind that his baby sister was napping and that he was supposed to be napping soon as well--he had big plans. I surveyed the scene. That new bottle of baby wash I'd bought the night before lay empty on the damp towel. The old baby-bottle-brush-turned-scrub-brush was in the tub. Big Boy was wearing the new yellow scrubbing mitt, dripping soapy water all over the floor. And the bathroom smelled the sweetest it ever had since Big Boy's been potty trained. It was hard to be mad at him. He'd been so industrious, seen a job that needed being done and set to work. Mommy's Little Helper needed some of Mommy's precious time and her watchful eye.

Tonight I heard a sound like a shampoo bottle being squeezed. After last week's incident, one would think I'd be the wiser. But, no. I thought to myself, "Nah, no one is up to anything. Probably just playing with that empty bottle we keep in the tub." Then I heard My bewildered Man ask, "Did you do that?!" Uh-oh! I went to survey the scene. An almost empty gallon jug with some REALLY dark brown milk in it (and a bit of brown oozing down the side). Big Boy stood there, beaming, and exclaimed, "I made chocolate milk." All by himself, at three-years old. I guess I helped him out by leaving the milk and syrup on the table after making him a cupful earlier (yes, I am the absent-minded one). Needless to say, the bottle of Nestle syrup was nearly empty, and the choco-milk needed some diluting to be drink-able (if that's even a word). At least we caught our Big Boy before he attempted to fill his own cup....

Amusing anecdotes. But I know that they point glaringly back to me. My son was just acting the part of a three-year-old. Even if he "knows better," such behavior is not all that surprising. I, on the other hand, am the adult, the one responsible, the one who truly "knows better." I sit humbled, embarrassed that I sometimes choose to sit here at the computer when I really should know that something's amiss. There's a gentle, unintruding thought of, "Hmmm--really should see what's going on," that gives me the opportunity to do the right thing. I wonder if I have dismissed that "still small voice" so often that sometimes I don't even recognize it. Or maybe I really know deep down and just choose to act selfishly? I know that God offers me grace and forgiveness. I also know that I need the Father to have mercy on me, a sinner, as I deal with my own little sinner and strive to lead him in the paths of righteousness.

Have mercy, O Lord. And thank You for Your faithfulness. You are such a loving Father. You cast my sins into the sea of forgetfulness, as far as the east is from the west. Your mercies are renewed every morning. You promise that if I will trust in You with all my heart and lean not unto my own understanding, that You will make my paths straight. Thank You for Your love that endures forever. There is no other God like You. You alone deserve all praise. I am honored to be Your servant. Make me more like You.

In the News

I just received this news update from my mom. I wanted to keep you informed--what with the War on Terror and everything.

NEW YORK -- A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International Airport as she attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule and a calculator. At a morning press conference, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said he believes the woman is a member of the notorious Al-gebra movement.

He did not identify the woman, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction. "Al-gebra is a problem for us," Gonzales said. "They desire solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle'."

When asked to comment on the arrest, "W" said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, he would have given us more fingers and toes."

White House aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by the president.

Okay, okay, I know it's nothing original, but did you at least smile? I know I did. In fact, I think I even chuckled when I first read it. Too good to not pass along, in my humble opinion.

Simple Pleasures...in TV Land?

Last night, I followed Big Boy as he went to tell his Daddy, "Good-night!" My Man was watching Wheel Of Fortune in the master bedroom. I didn't think much about it at first, but our son was very interested in the show. Of course, it was bedtime, so maybe it was just a stalling technique.... Regardless of the motive, we joined his Daddy on the king-size bed to watch the last 15 minutes or so. I know that watching TV doesn't necessarily qualify as quality family time, but we muted the commercials (just like my Granny does) and tried to solve the puzzles together--preschoolers come up with some pretty funny things! I solved one and My Man and I solved one together (I figured out one part and he, the other). What a simple pleasure and what a nice little rush.

When the show was over, I walked my contented Big Boy to his room for bedtime stories. And wondered how long it's been since I watched that show. Too long.... I recall watching it when I was younger with a parent or grandparent, maybe even a college roommate. Of course, it's even better if I can catch Jeopardy!, too. But experience has shown me that it's much harder to field questions from a chattering 3-year-old and keep up with the pace of Jeopardy than Wheel of Fortune. Getting answers right on game shows has always been an ego booster for me. I am sure I am not alone--or these programs would have gone off the air years ago....

Not sure if watching one or both of these will become part of our routine or not, but it's something to consider. Just wish the timing of it was different (so close to bedtime, storytime). I guess I could dig out the manual for our VCR and figure out how to record the shows (so 80's, I know). To set the record straight, it is not just a VCR, but a VCR/DVD combo. Impressive, huh? I know--it's not. But just in case someone's going to think we never made it to the 90's....

Go Speedracer Go

For some of you, reading this title will be nostalgic, to the others, you had to be there. I guess you'd call it a bit of pop culture history--the cartoon that featured this song (I'm guessing early 80's, yes, that's 1980's to anyone young enough to ask). Funny thing is, my only real memory of the show is a few words from the song....

Go Speedracer Go! Little Lady is getting good with her push toy. She zooms across the room until she bumps into a wall, a piece of furniture, a fish tank, or her brother, whichever comes first. Then it's shrieking or screaming (anyone want to listen in & help me decide?) until I help turn the push toy back around for her. She manuevers herself pretty well. And she likes to take breaks and hold onto the computer desk, walls, cabinets, pretty much anything sturdy enough to not slide when she puts her hand and her weight on it. Big Boy is ever so proud of his baby sister. "She's walking! She's really walking! She's walking for the first time, Mom!" Now, today wasn't the first time, but the newness and excitement certainly hasn't worn off. I guess that Big Boy has picked up on my enthusiam and the way I love to announce the "first time" she does things.

I would love to be a supercool scrapbooking mama or even a faithful babybook writing mama, but right now writing things in pencil on the big family calendar works for me. (Just writing that made me question: why aren't I using PEN? Pencil could fade away into oblivion.) I like to think that one day I'll take the time to transfer these milestones to a more worthy locale. And I'm sure some of the firsts I've recorded won't make the cut. Like this one from yesterday, I kid you not, "[Big Boy] asks for a tissue." Anyone with an almost-4-year-old-boy should be able to relate to my excitement that instead of instinctively picking the big boogie, he asked for a tissue. Then complained it was just too big and that it wouldn't come out. There was never anything about coaching noseblowing in any of the parenting books I've read thus far, but let me tell ya--it's a valuable skill. My Big Boy's growing a tad more civilized. I'm one proud mama.

Growing

Yes, our kids are growing like weeds, as people love to say.

Little Lady is saying a new word every day or two. Just last week she started to actually take steps holding my hands. Oh, and she took her first steps on Saturday. Am I proud? You bet! I am in a hurry for her to master walking and get into more mischief than she can as a speed-crawler? Not on your life! Some have expressed concern that she was not walking yet, but I have been reading the developmental charts and articles that abound online. She has been progressing just fine. In fact, according to one I read, she's ahead. It said after they are walking, toddlers will practice squatting and stooping. Yet, our Little Lady has been at that for weeks. Picking things up, putting them down, back and forth, back and forth. She seems quite proud of herself really.

And Big Boy (Super Kid Hero Guy)? Here's his latest deep ponderings over his PB&J breakfast. "You know, I was thinking, if I was a hero and threw a volleyball, it would go all the way to God." Ahhh...the theology of a 3 year old. And this weekend a family member told him she loved him all her heart. Big Boy's response: "No! No! You have to love GOD with all your heart--or else you'll be thrown into hell!" Wonder what he'll come up with once he turns 4. That's the 26th of this month, the big birthday.

I look forward to sharing more later. So many stories. So much life to live. So little time to blog about it all...

Today I Choose

When I was initially naming this blog, a song ran through my head. Here are the lyrics, as best as I can remember them.

Today I choose
To follow You
Today I choose
To give my "Yes" to You
Today I choose
To hear Your voice and live
Today I choose
To follow You

As for me and my house
We will serve You
As for me and my house
We will spend our lives on You
Today...

Sometimes singing a song is like saying a prayer for me. Many songwriters can put into words what I have difficulty expressing. This song is both a prayer and a proclamation of how I want to live my life. Notice I said it's how I WANT to live my life. I am not claiming to have arrived--far from it! I am a work in progress, just like everyone else is on this side of eternity. I do not claim to have all the answers, but I can rest easy because I know the One who has all the answers.

Here's what I know and struggle daily to live out. Every day (and every given moment of each day) I have a CHOICE.

What am I going to allow to direct my thoughts?

Am I going to be controlled by my feelings?

Defined by my circumstances?

Worried about my future?

Anxious about tomorrow?

Concerned more about what other people think about me than what God thinks about me?

Will I listen to the many voices competing for my attention rather than the very Word of God and His still small voice?

Will I "be still and know that He is God," as Scripture commands?

Will I think about what the Bible says?

Will I ask God how He sees my circumstances?

Will I ask Him for wisdom and guidance?

Will I trust Him to provide for my all needs, knowing that He knows best, that His thoughts toward me are those of a loving Father and believing that His resources are unlimited?

What will I choose today? Well, today, I choose to post this entry and reconsider the name of my blog. Today I choose to wash my face before I go to bed even though I am exhausted. Today I choose to go to bed soon, letting any "loose ends" around the house wait until morning.

Today I choose to believe that although I feel "out of sorts," God's Word is true:
1. His mercies are new every morning.
2. He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed upon Him.
3. He will give rest to my soul.

Today I will cast all my cares upon Him because He cares for me. I will believe the words of another song that is running through my mind (a proclamtion of truth):

I am Your beloved
Your creation
Yes, You love me as I am
You have called me chosen
For Your kingdom
Unashamed to call me Your own
I am Your beloved

Ahhh....How grateful I am for the love of God, the peace of God, the reality that He is with me always and will never leave nor forsake me. How thankful I am for the believers in my life who speak the Words of God to me and remind me of what is really true. I feel warm, safe, secure, and loved--like a baby cuddled up next to her mama, who sings her a lullaby and rocks her to sleep.

Thank You, Heavenly Father for Your sweet embrace. A holy hug. I receive your love for me.

"Today I choose to hear Your voice and live. Today I choose to follow You."

John 3:16

I would love to credit the author of this beautiful story, but this was forwarded anonymously. How beautifully this conveys the Truth and Good News of the Kingdom of God. Be blessed!


A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and
out of the cold.

The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know
where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you?

You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and
it's awful cold in there for tonight.

Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the
street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out
the door you just say
John 3:16, and they will let you in."

So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady
answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in,
Son."

She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a
great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and
thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it, but it sure makes
a cold boy warm.

Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?"
He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I
guess I could stand a little bit of food,"

The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of
wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he
thought to himself: John 3:16...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure
makes a hungry boy full.

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water
and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to
himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty
boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The
only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant
as they flushed it out.

The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big
old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight
and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't
understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.

The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same
big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old
split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible.

She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face.
"Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I
don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told
me to use it."

She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus.
Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life
to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 -- don't understand it, but it
sure makes a lost boy feel safe.

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was
willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such
a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in
heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense
love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it
but it sure does make life worth living.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Just call me Grace

Grace Kelly, that is. At least, according to this "Which Movie Star Are You?" little quiz I just took. Since I'll probably never get around to responding personally to everyone who sends me these little Q & A's, I thought I'd post them from time to time. I promise, this is painless and quick. So ladies only, grab a pen & paper and be sure to comment to let me know who you are.

Which Movie Star Are You?

Ever wonder which movie star you are most
like?

Don't read ahead please!

Well, a team of researchers got together and analyzed the
personalities of movie stars. The gathered info has been incorporated
into this quiz.

There are only 10 questions so it doesn't take long.

Number your paper from 1 to 10, then Answer each question with the
choice that most describes you at this point in your life, and then
add up the points that correspond with your answers.

Send this to all of your friends (including person who sent it to you)
with your star's name in the subject line. Don't be a butt (Not ny word)mv
and
ruin the fun by not responding.) Don't look ahead or you will ruin
the fun!

1 Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner for two..
b) Amusement Park
c) Rollerblading in the park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have dinner & see a movie
f) Dinner at home with a loved one


2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical
e) Christian
f) Jazz


3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery



4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given
only these choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person


5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read


6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red


7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail


8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July


9. If you could go to any of the following places which would
it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia


10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with


Now total up your points on each question:

1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6

2. a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 f-6

3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6

4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6

5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6

6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6

7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6

8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6

9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6

10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6


NOW, take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:

(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:
You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but
you may take it to extremes.You know what you are doing though, and
are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things
your way, but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your
beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting
yourself and others.

18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:
You are fun, friendly, and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser.
You have probably been out on the town your share of times,yet you
come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and
children are very
important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people
you please influence you to stray.

(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:
You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one
takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom
have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and
calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are
worry-free.

35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:
You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy
yourself. You are serious about all commitments and are a family
person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a
Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the
real thing.

43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:
You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a
plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from
anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider "real
friends". You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in
them but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.

(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it.
You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is
your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the
bank.You attract the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most.
Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you
because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life
and treat people right.