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.

Have you heard?

Just in case you haven't heard yet, I wanted to let you know. My Man has applied for his Masters program. (UPDATE: CHANGED FROM ORIGINAL POST) Our plan was for him to begin his courses in Educational Leadership on Oct. 28th. Classes were going to be on Saturdays during the school year and Mondays & Tuesdays during the summer. After an intense 10 months, he would have graduated with his new degree. Then after a year of training by the school district, he would have been looking for an assistant principal job (shouldn't be hard to come by here in sunny FL). The new plan is to research school prices and revisit this again in Spring 2007.

What else is new here? Well, Little Lady is now trying to say, "Night night." I usually carry her to Daddy and Big Brother for good-night kisses. She always leans over to give (or receive kisses). She loves the affection. And, by the way, her Daddy ADORES her. He told me so last night. So now the record has been set straight. I certainly wasn't doubting or questioning his adoration in the last entry, simply commenting that I'd never heard him express it in so many words. I can never say that again. My Man truly adores his Little Lady.

And our Big Boy, well, let me tell you about how his bloggy name came to be. Grab a cup of tea or coffee as this might be long. I knew I didn't want to use too much identifying information here, like the city where we live, our last name, or even all of my family members' names. So I spent a few days thinking up names for my son and submitting them to him for approval. I was shocked when "Super Boy" and "Hero Guy" were rejected.

After all, this IS the 3 year old who has 2 Batman masks, a pair of Batman gloves, a Darth Vader mask, and a borrowed Superman costume (don't worry he let his buddy borrow the Darth Vader mask). I know Darth Vader's not exactly a hero, but YOU try explaining that to a 3 year old--he wears a mask, so that makes him a hero as far as my boy is concerned. He also has a pair of my red gloves, sunglasses, T-shirts, and a hand towel which becomes a cape once pinned around his neck. He comes up with some very creative "costumes," as we call them around here. Sometimes he wears a football or hockey jersey and becomes Football Guy or Hockey Guy. Or he dons his Cars sandals and tank top and is instantly transformed into Car Man. Oh, and there's his new pair of cowboy boots and straw hat combo he wears when he rides the bouncy zebra. And todays' latest identity: Mario (from Super Mario Brothers Nintendo fame). It's in honor of the "new" toy at McDonald's, a ball that looks like Mario. He picked out some denim overalls (that were shorts) a red turtleneck (because a red T-shirt with writing on it just wouldn't do), a baseball hat, and his blue hiking boots (that we pretended to spray with red paint to be JUST like his Mario ball). He also drew himself an imaginary moustache. Never mind that Thomas the Train was on his overalls or that the cartoon dog Blue was on his hat; he was Mario. Yes, I was a good Mommy today; I took pictures of Mario. One day they will be added for your viewing enjoyment. I thought I had exhausted all the personas of my boy, but I just remembered the basketball player outfit, the Bob the Builder ensemble, the fire fighter get-up, and the Batman boxing gloves (not to be confused with the OTHER Batman gloves that make noises when you move your hands). And, I must be a glutton for punishment. You see today I let him get a Spiderman mask with matching gloves AND a silky purple Bibleman cape that has a velcro closure (great deals,I promise and I couldn't pass up the velcro after a month of dealing with that pesky safety pin). Did you know that Spiderman has an ugly fit when his gloves won't go on like they're supposed to? And that he gets lots of looks in the grocery store (even after the fit has stopped)? But then, maybe it was just the purple cape they were noticing.

Well enough about Super Kid Hero Guy. Those names never made it. I suggested Little Man. That did not go over very well. He knows he's not a man yet. I was starting to wonder if he would ever agree to anything or if I was right in wanting his consent. When all of a sudden, he suggested, "Big Boy." I liked that both words start with the same letters (that's called alliteration: a free English lesson for ya') and could be shortened to BB. So, of course, I wanted the others to have comparable names. I told the story of how Little Lady came to be in yesterday's post. I was delighted to bring it out of recent family history and back into use. And, in case you were wondering, My Man humored me by accepting his bloggy name after rejecting a few other suggestions. No exciting story there. Besides, it's getting late. Take care until we meet again....

A long Labor Day weekend

Our Labor Day started out great. We were with some dear friends at their home on a lake with plans for swimming, boating, and a cook out. My husband went out for a boat ride soon after we arrived and returned to the house some time later a different man. No longer relaxed and carefree, he hobbled to a chair to sit down. Turns out that as he stepped off the boat, he landed in a hole instead of solid ground (disguised by the grassy shore). He hurt his left ankle--badly. He iced it, took ibuprofen, elevated it, and stayed off of it for a couple days. It has remained quite swollen nonetheless.

After a doctor's visit yesterday and x-rays today, we now know it's a "severe sprain" with lots of torn tissue in there. OUCH! As long as he's in bed with his foot elevated, he's fine. But the walking around, even with the crutches I bought him yesterday and the "soft cast" he got today, is extremely painful. The doctor doesn't want him to go back to work until Sept. 18th. That's right. He is getting two full weeks off for Labor Day. Now, I'm sure if given the choice, he would be working instead of nursing an injury. He takes responsiblity seriously and is a dedicated teacher. Thankfully, he can send his lesson plans for the substitute teacher by email, grade papers at home, and access his gradebook on his laptop computer. So when he does return to his classroom, he won't be AS behind as he might have been in a different era. Soon I will bring home some textbooks to help him complete next week's lesson plans and stacks of papers for us to grade together.

So, if you think of it, lift up a prayer for My Man. He'd surely appreciate it.

And here's something my son said when his Daddy was gone for x-rays today. "Daddy needs to go back to work so he can make money." He may have also said "so we can eat," but I can't be sure. We've talked so many times about the Scripture that says, "If a man will not work, then he shall not eat", and my son definitely grasps the meaning of that. I was more than happy to explain the concept of "sick days" and how his Daddy had lots of them saved up so he would still get paid even though he won't be working for a while. He was quite relieved to hear this; in fact, he grinned really big--and he probably jumped in his excitement (because that's the way he is when he gets excited). My son then commented that he felt sad for "the kids" (AKA Daddy's students) because they would miss Daddy, their teacher, but he was equally delighted to have Daddy home for another week. My boy lives so "in the moment" and feels things deeply. He is both passionate and compassionate. Thank you, God, for my Big Boy.

While I am talking about my son, I will share about my daughter, too. She adores her Daddy. And I suspect that he adores her, too. Though he doesn't come right out and say it. When she sees him, she whispers, "Dah dah" and giggles. Or giggles first and then whispers his name. So precious is the way she looks at him and the way her eyes light up when he enters a room. Every time she hears the garage door opens or closes, she thinks it's him leaving. She says, "Bye-uh" instead of "Bye", which is so cute. I am pretty sure she got that from a video she watches with her brother. When she was a newborn, someone said that she was a little lady. Then one day Big Boy called her Little Lady in the sweetest, most affectionate tone. For a while, that was her name, as far as he was concerned. Though he now refers to her by her given name (and an abbreviated version of it), she will always be our Little Lady.

Hopefully, while My Man is stuck at home in bed, he can help me figure out how to add photos to my blog. I know there's at least one aunt who is eagerly awaiting some pictures of her favorite Big Boy and Little Lady.

I'm not perfect, and I hope you like me that way

We have limited cable channels, which is a good thing for us. Not only does that help our budget, it also encourages us to have more time together (although this could be argued as we sometimes spend too much of that time on the computer). If we had more channels, my dear husband and I would be fighting over whether to watch sports coverage & documentaries or home decorating & gardening shows. Our son, who will turn 4 later this month, really, really, really enjoys watching TV geared to the preschool set (such as the Noggin Network, Playhouse Disney, and Nick Jr.).

When at home, he usually watches limited amounts of PBS Kids and DVD's/videos that we own. However, when visiting grandparents or aunts & uncles at their homes, our son "binges" on these cable TV kids' programs. He especially likes the Noggin channel, and I do, too, because there's very little questionable material. I am selective about what he watches; every family draws their own lines regarding what's allowed. Sometimes it leads to being misunderstood, especially if I am not in a good frame of mind to explain the reasons (which for me usually is the case when my children are at someone else's house and I am trying to monitor their behavior--like not breaking pretty things, being too rough with the animals, taking toys from each other, etc.).

The other day while we were visiting family, a song came on Noggin. I have overheard it in the background before, but this time I chose to sit with my son and soak up every word. The message was simple, but powerful. As you read the lyrics below, imagine children's voices singing them.

I'm not perfect
No, I'm not
I'm not perfect
But I've got what I've got
I do my very best
I do my very best
I do my very best each day
But I'm not perfect
And I hope you like me that way

Then a lady (Laurie Berkner?)comes on and sings this verse:

You're not perfect
No, you're not
You're not perfect
But you've got what you've got
You do your very best
You do your very best
You do your very best each day
But you're not perfect
And you know I like you that way

My son and I have been singing this all week. Of course, we don't ALWAYS do our very best each day. We get lazy and grumpy and selfish sometimes. This song encouraged me to accept myself with all my imperfections. This song also made me think: I wondered if my responses communicate this message to my son. Of course, this does not negate the need to improve in areas nor does this absolve me from my responsibility to "train up my children in the way they should go" (as the Bible commands). But this does remind me that God accepts me as I am and that I should be more accepting of others, "warts and all."

I am a pretty responsible and serious person; some may say I am intense. I need to be reminded to relax and laugh and have fun sometimes. I do love to get down on a kid's level and play WITH them. I am easily side-tracked and a bit absent-minded, and I require quiet to think things through. I am both an idealist and a pessimist at the same time. I tend to have clear ideas of how things SHOULD be (nothing wrong with high standards, right?). And I tend to focus too much on what needs to be improved.

Today it occured to me that I need to let go of some of my notions of what I SHOULD be. My striving often leads me to feeling discouraged. I need to show my "list" to God and my husband, get their input on what's realistic for this season in my life and keep doing what I do well. Like reading piles of books, serving picnic lunches in the living room, playing legos and Lincoln logs, building block towers to knock down, doing art projects, singing silly songs, and dancing with my little ones.

Can you read me? Can you read me now?

I did it! I created my own blog last night. I also managed to lose my opening post--twice! So today I am trying again. Some of the initial excitement has already worn off as I am seeing the work this will require. (UPDATE: I was ready to blame the speed of my computer and the battery operated mouse, but it was user error in its simplest form--I found my "missing" drafts. Thanks, Lord. I am learning as I go.)

I have some specific goals for my blog. First, it's a place to connect with family friends near and far away. Busy lives and great distances don't have to keep us from "catching up" with one another. Also, this is a special place for me. I enjoy writing, and now I have my own place to record my reflections, an online journal of sorts. I need to write, not only because it is so fulfilling, but also to experience my life more fully. I tend to live in the moment and move on to the next moment, often without savoring the beauty of the moment. I believe that keeping a blog will give me some perspective, to think through things as I am writing about them. Finally, I desire this to be a place where God is honored and glorified. I pray that you are blessed by your visits and feel "at home" here.

Oh, and if you would, please leave a comment to let me know you were here.