Two For Tuesday

For the past few months, we have been hosting our Lifegroup (small group Bible study) at our house. I love hosting for a few reasons. First, it's convenient for the kids. The boys can finish their homework if they need to or play in their room if they don't want to sit in on the study. And I have all of Julianna's toys and books to occupy her and can put her in bed at her regular bedtime. Secondly, knowing we are having company insures that the house is clean. It's great to start out the week with a clean house. And thirdly, I like having people in our home. We don't do it often enough since we live out of town and sometimes feel like it's a burden for people to drive so far. But all of our group lives within a few miles of us, so it's not an inconvenience for them. Lately I have really appreciated the members of our small group. We are the youngest members of the group by at least 15 years (the oldest member of our group is 85). We are the only ones with kids still at home. In fact, all the other members of the group are grandparents. But we have this bond that isn't found anywhere else. They all love our family and we love them. I know without a doubt that I could call on any one of them for anything and they would do all they could to help. How wonderful is that? We meet every Monday night to eat together and study God's Word together and pray together. And because of that time spent together, we know and appreciate each other.

Last night we were discussing prayer and what prayer means to us as Christians. We read several scriptures and two of them happened to be two of my favorites. I'd like to share them with you.

Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Break It Down

Last night we were practicing saying words with Julianna. We'd say a word, then she'd say the word...or at least her version of the word. But when we tried to get her to say Julianna, she'd say "mommy" every time. "Say Julianna." "Mommy." After a few times, Arrty slowly said, "Say Ju," trying to break it down into syllables for her. She looked right at him and said, "Mo." We laughed so hard. She totally got him. She was ready for his little syllable game. And she won.

Blessed Sunday

Blessed Sunday is hard sometimes because 1.) I am so blessed that I can't decide what to write about and 2.) I want to write about the same wonderful blessings every week...my husband, kids, family, and friends. So I think today I will just write about how truly blessed I am. I live in a time and place that is comfortable. I have a roof over my head and running water and electricity and a car to drive to grocery stores filled with food. I lack none of the necessities that many people throughout the world live without every day. And I share it with people I love and who love me. Wonderful people who fill my life with laughter and happiness. People who make me a better person just for knowing them. And all this is wrapped up in the amazing grace and love of God. The greatest blessing of all. Is my life perfect? No. But it doesn't have to be. And I wouldn't want it to be. But my life is blessed. Blessed to overflowing.

Tea Party

Julianna and I went to a tea party today.

First we chose our tea cups.

I chose this cute Holly Hobby cup because it reminded me

of Jules when she picks up our cat, Ben. And because it's Holly Hobby.

Here's Julianna with her little pink cup.

And here she is trying to get the camera.

And here's mom, Ada, and Abby. How cute are Abby's tights?!

And our lovely hostess, Marci.

And Jules and Abby playing.

It was a really nice girl's day. I look forward to many more Thanksgiving teas. Thanks for a great day, Marci.

Let's Talk

Today is parent/teacher conference day. I don't mind it since there aren't any major things to discuss about any of my students. The worst part is when parents come in and we talk for 3 1/2 minutes and then we're done. I always feel bad that they came all the way to school on their kid's day off for that. But I guess it's better than taking up the whole 20 minutes talking about how their kid is the only one I hope is sick on art day.

While preparing for my conferences I started to think about what I would like parents to know about teachers. Here are a few of them.

• *We love your kids. We want what's best for them just like you do.
• We work hard. Yes, we have holidays off and are off during the summer, but for those 10 months that we teach, we spend way more hours working than just the 7 we spend with students each day. And even during the summer we often look for new ideas and plan for the coming year.
• We really, really appreciate being appreciated. A card, a gift, even a kind word will make our day.
• We have tons of unmatched coffee mugs and Christmas ornaments that say "World's Best Teacher" and candles. If you're going to give a teacher a gift, be creative. (And if you can't be creative, we love gift cards.)
• We like parent support. If my parents spend time reading to their children or practicing flashcards, it encourages me to do more, too.
• We love being teachers. It's a job that you can't do if you don't love it. We don't love every minute of every day, but we love teaching.
• We don't like it when parents are absent from their children's education. We want to see you at events and in the school. We want you to read the notes we send home. We want you to sign and send back notes and permission slips without having to remind you.
• We know what we're doing. All certified teachers have taken tons of classes about how to teach your kids. And have spent hours and hours and hours with kids. We are experts.
• We learn as much as we teach. I can't even begin to tell you how much my students have taught me over the years about school and kids and life.
• We have stories. Every teacher has a story about "that kid" and "that class" and "that time that the class pet got out and did that funny/scary/weird/gross thing." Ask us. We love to tell our stories.

So, if you are a parent who has a child who has a teacher or will have a teacher, those are a few things they may want you to know. And if you are a teacher, please feel free to add your own things to my list.

*By saying "we," I mean me and maybe teachers in general. Of course all these things may not fit every teacher. Some teachers actually collect unmatched coffee mugs.

10 Things Thursday

10 things that already made me smile this morning...

1. not waking up until 7:00
2. waking up to Julianna's sweet voice saying "mama"
3. a longish, hot shower
4. three little smiling faces waving and blowing kisses to me as I pulled out of the driveway
5. the 25 minute drive into town all by myself
6. being called Sweetpea by the McDonald's drive through lady
7. diet coke for breakfast
8. thinking about spending the afternoon with my family
9. teacher work day...it's almost like a day off from work
10. Kathy walking into my classroom with freshly baked turtle brownies

Check Up

We took Julianna in for her 15 month check up today. (Yes, I'm fully aware that she is 17 months old. I'm a little late.) Here are the highlights.

• The new doctor's office that we went to has a beautiful office and the people are really nice.
• Julianna is finally over 20 pounds. She is 20 pounds and 10 ounces.
• She is 30 inches tall.
• She was really, really mad when she got her shots. Not just, "Ouch! That hurts and I'm mad!" But, "I totally know what you just let them do to me and I'm mad!"
• She is absolutely healthy...and adorable.

In keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to give a big, huge thanks for...

this mini Jason Mraz...

...and this cute sheriff...

...and the most adorable little candy corn I've ever laid eyes on.

How cute are they?!?!

Before Trunk or Treat even began, Julianna talked me into giving her a mini Crunch bar. How could I resist this face?

It took us awhile to get around to all the trunks, because as we walked around to "trunk or treat," Little Miss Candy Corn had to stop and dance whenever anyone was playing music.

And see her basket for candy? She would not let me carry it even though it was probably heavier than her by the time she got done.


Here is our trunk all decorated like a pumpkin patch for the Trunk or Treaters.

Basket of pumpkins and gourds.

Basket of popcorn.

And the most important basket of all.

It was a really fun night. We had tons of kids from the community join us and enjoy dinner, games and treating. And I was so glad to see so many of our church members come and decorate their trunks for this fun event. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Saving Thanksgiving

So I went into Target on my lunch hour today to buy some 50% off candy for my classroom prize box. And I was greeted by huge snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. And next to the Halloween clearance aisle, there were aisles of Christmas stuff. Now I love Christmas as much as anyone, but what happened to Thanksgiving? The month of November, and especially Thanksgiving, seem to get forgotten in the shuffle between Halloween and Christmas. Therefore, I am declaring my Nablopomo* theme as Thanksgiving. Each day I will post something to do with Thanksgiving or about something I'm thankful for or what being thankful means to me. (Yesterday's Blessed Sunday post fits right in, don't you think?) So I am starting my own little crusade to save Thanksgiving and get it noticed by the world (or at least by my 3 faithful readers) for more than just a day of stuffing ourselves and the day before black Friday.

So enjoy November and let the countdown to Thanksgiving begin!

*National Blog Posting Month

Blessed Sunday

My blog is a blessing. It may seem strange to non-bloggers and maybe even a few bloggers, but these words I write, these thoughts I put down, help me. They help me sort out all those things that fill my head every day. They help me remember little things that happen that I would probably forget otherwise. And this blog, in the beginning, helped me get through the day. It distracted me from the things I needed to be distracted from. So today, on the first day of National Blog Posting Month, I count this blog as a blessing.

No Show and Tell Friday

We did not have show and tell yesterday. We couldn't. Our class was overrun by strangers. There was a lion and a kangaroo, Batman, a Jedi, a pirate, Cinderella, a princess, and two Hannah Montanas. No time for show and tell with all of us trying to find that glass slipper and deal with Hannah's double personality.

10 Things Thursday

10 ways Julianna is different from the boys when they were her age...

1. She wears pink. The boys pretty much wore jeans and tee shirts everyday. Blue or green tee shirts. Jules has a closet full of dresses and skirts and sweaters and cute little blouses and leggings and ponchos and colorful socks. And lots and lots of pink.

2. She is a dancer. She loves to dance and does it often. It is so much fun to watch "So You Think You Can Dance" with her. She has different moves for each style of music and will stop whatever she's doing to watch the dancing and join in. The boys hated it when I grabbed them and danced with them. They would fight to get down. Sometimes I let them. Sometimes I didn't. Maybe that's why they still won't dance with me. They have also been known to tell me to stop when I'm dancing on my own.

3. She just this morning climbed into her high chair. I took the tray off to clean it, and while my back was turned, she somehow climbed in all by herself. I have no idea how she did it. Neither of the boys ever did that. They never really climbed on anything they weren't supposed to. They also never climbed out of their cribs. I think I better keep an eye on their little sister, though.

4. Her hair is longer now than I've ever let the boys' hair get. For as long as they would let me, I used electric trimmers to cut their hair really short. Even though I've trimmed Jules' hair, I'm letting it grow for a while until I decide on a style for her.

5. She interacts with kids more. The boys mostly grew up with other boys. They all tended to play on their own without much interaction. Girls, though, are way more aware of other kids. Julianna and her friend Lily, from the time they were six months old and in Bible class together, have interacted. I have even wondered what they would say to each other if they could hold a real conversation.

6. She loves dolls. She holds them and hugs them and sings to them. One of her first words was "baby." The boys only used dolls as weapons or to throw...or weapons to throw. And still they do not like to even touch Julianna's babies lying around the house.

7. She only slows down if she's asleep. If she's awake, she's moving. Playing, touching everything, opening drawers and pulling things out. Taking the remote and turning the channel. Trying to get to the keyboard and mouse on the computer desk. Wait...now that I think about it, the boys were like that, too.

8. She is way more dramatic. When she doesn't get her way, she will look at me with puppy dog eyes and cover her mouth and cry. Yes, she covers her mouth. Like those women in old black and white movies. She's also been known to lay in her crib and cover her eyes and cry, then stop to peek at the door to see if I'm there, and then start again.

9. She seems to be more affectionate. She hugs and kisses without being prompted. She hugs us if we get hurt. She jumps off my lap in the mornings to run down the hall to hug her brothers and daddy when they get up. She pats and pets and loves on everything from toys to the cats to her family.

10. She's a girl. Obvious, I know. But raising a girl is just different than raising boys. There are different concerns and issues and joys. There is this spot in my heart that I didn't know existed before Julianna was here. A piece of the mommy part of my heart that was only meant to belong to a daughter. All mommies' hearts are different, I think. Some are meant for boys. Some for girls. Some for both. Some for only one child. Some for a dozen. Some for biological children. Some for adopted children. Some for a mixture of both. My mommy heart, well, mine was made for two boys and a girl. And not only that, it was designed, created, meant to love Josh and Adam and Julianna.

Blessed Sunday

This weekend I was blessed with reminders of what family means. On Friday night I had planned to go to craft night at church leaving the kids with Arrty. But when it came time to go, I couldn't bear to leave Julianna. I miss her so much when I'm at work all day, so when I get home, the two of us are pretty much stuck together. So I bundled her up and took her with me. I didn't get much scrapbooking done, but it didn't matter. Family means being together.

Then on Saturday morning, I was all set to spend the day in my pjs crossing things off my to-do list. But just before 8:00, Arrty called and had forgotten an important dvd at home that he needed for the NIC class he teaches. So I got myself and the kids ready and we made the 40 minute trip to deliver his dvd. Since we were so close, we headed over to Toys R Us and looked around for a while, then had lunch and picked up some Krispy Kremes on the way home. We were out anyway, so we made the most of it. Family means flexibility.

Then on the way home from Spokane, my sister called. She asked me where I was and if I could do her a favor. Without even knowing what it was I said, "Yes." My nephew was sick and she wondered if I would stop at the store and bring her some Tylenol for him so that she didn't have to take him out. Of course I would. I could only love her kids more if they were my own. So I ran into Target and got two bottles of medicine, cherry and strawberry, and gladly delivered them to my sick nephew and grateful sister. Family means going out of your way to help.

I am blessed with a wonderful family. And being reminded of that is a blessing in itself.

Show and Tell

P.--a stuffed kitty from McDonald's that she wants "to play with ever again"
M.--tiny little animals with a tiny little house including a tiny tiger with a tiny little couch
M.--two pet cats that M. loves "so much" whose names are Hannah and Sophia
H.--a hamster named Little Fuzzy that H. got for her birthday. "She eats seeds and water."
D.--a pocket watch that belongs to D.'s dad that is "very old and very breakable"
I.--a purse that is "very special" that "opens like this" and is "made out of straw"
K.--a silver thing with flashing lights on the ends. I'm not sure what it was, but the kids all wanted to try it. Even K. didn't know what to call it.

Update: I just had to catch Little Fuzzy from amidst the feet of a bunch of squealing five year old girls. They were all afraid of getting bit. I was more afraid of having to clean up a squished hamster off my rug!

10 Things Thursday

10 things about Adam (since I've done 10 things about Jules and Josh in the last few weeks)

1. He is funny. He has always been funny. The first time I realized it was when he was about 2 1/2 and he was in the bath. I kept pulling the plug to let the water out and he kept pushing it back down. Finally after about 5 times, I said, "Adam, if you push that plug down again, you're going to get a spanking." He looked up at me and said, "No closing costs, mama." Really. No closing costs. For closing the drain. It was hilarious. (And it made me wonder if he was watching too many mortgage commercials on tv.)

2. He has great hair. He is the only blond one in our family. And he has this thick, soft hair that lays down just right. Or sticks up just right, depending on the day. It makes me jealous.

3. He has the bluest blue eyes. I love them. And they make for great pictures.

4. He is hard to discipline. Ever since he first needed to be disciplined, I have hardly been able to do it because as soon as I look at him, he does something to make me smile. At first it was just natural. Then he took advantage of his talent. And even now, sometimes he gets me. But not as often as he did when he was 2 or 3 or 4. He was just so cute!

5. He likes to play. And not just at play time. He likes to play as he learns and as he eats and as he bathes and as he rides in the car. His unspoken motto is, "If it's not fun, why do it." (Not really a bad motto, now that I think about it.)

6. He is a thinker. We will be talking about something and a while later he will ask a very intelligent question about the conversation. He thinks things through and wants to figure things out.

7. He is easily distracted. Which isn't helpful at school. He has told me, "There is just so much to look at." Yes, there is, but you'd think by now he'd be used to it. He's not and still gets distracted. Which leads to lots of homework.

8. He is a perfectionist. He sometimes has a hard time trying new things or starting new projects because he doesn't want to mess up. But like all perfectionists, that attitude doesn't transfer to all areas of life...like keeping his room clean.

9. He is a great big brother. He absolutely adores Julianna. He was the first one to read a book to her. And he is her favorite playmate. They are actually a lot alike.

10. He is a butterfly chaser. Meaning, 1. he figuratively chases butterflies by being distracted by the little things that fly by in life, and 2. he literally chases butterflies...or any other creepy crawly. (He does, however, keep his distance from spiders. Not sure where he gets that.)

Blessed Sunday

I'm not a big fan of grocery shopping. Is anyone? But this week I felt extremely blessed to go to the grocery store and load up my cart with fresh produce and meat and bread and milk for my family. I can pretty much buy whatever I want when I go shopping. And even though I try to be frugal and plan ahead to save money, I can still throw in a bag of chips and a box of Oreos if I want. I can buy a treat for the kids and know that it won't break the bank. So this week when I was able to do this, and remembered that everyone isn't, I felt blessed.

Show and Tell

H--a baby doll who is "very special" and who was spontaneously named Sarah by the class
M--a giant bouncy ball and a puppy that is "very special" and "no one can touch it." The puppy came from grandma and the ball came from the prize box and it's "very special."
D--a model car that he got from the dollar store and he put together which is "very special" and was bought with his own money and a flashing light that is "special" because it came from daddy
P--"Cabbage Patch girl from home" that is "really special" and "no one can take it so that it doesn't get hurt or broken or run over." (Run over?!?!)
I--a stuffed kitty that is "very special" that I. found "a couple weeks ago" that has "a long tail and a bow on the side and it's name is Puff"
M--a toy horse named Kelly that doesn't like getting hurt or getting pulled like "this or that" and who "doesn't like when people pinch her because then she thinks that she is going to get pinched every day."
M--big, green glitter filled bouncy ball that she likes a lot and bounces really high

10 Things Thursday

10 things I miss about homeschooling...

1. teaching in my pajamas
2. reading together on the couch
3. being home with Julianna
4. having no evening homework
5. being able to clean/cook during the day
6. flexibility
7. not having to worry about the kid's missing school because of illness
8. discussions with the boys about Julius Caesar and ecosystems and Van Gogh and Robinson Crusoe
9. spontaneous field trips/snow days/self declared holidays
10. spending all day with my three favorite kids

Guess what I got today? Pictures from the Jason Mraz concert taken by the sweet lady sitting next to us. She saw me taking pitiful pictures with my phone and offered to email me the pictures she was taking. I was so excited to see them and thought I'd share a few with you.

Josh in front of the stage. He loved every minute of it!

Yes, Jason is barefoot. Which only made him that much more endearing.

This was probably my favorite time at the concert. He taught the audience this dance to go with his song and a whole sea of people were dancing together. So much fun!

The lighting was great for being an outdoor concert. And you can see in this picture the big screen at the back of the stage. We had great seats and were even closer than it looks in the pictures.

Oh my goodness. These great pictures reminded me what a fun time we had and what an amazing concert it was. I would go see Jason Mraz again in a second! And will as soon as he's close enough again.

Thanks, Leigh, for your kindness and for the super pictures!

Blessed Sunday

Music. Music is a blessing. From the time I can remember, I have loved music and singing. In high school I was in choir all four years and in jazz choir, too, my junior and senior years. I was also the alto in the girl's trio. So I did a lot of singing. Then when the kids were born I sang again. I sang lullabies and hymns and folk songs and songs I made up during middle of the night rocking chair sessions. And in between I sang with the radio and at concerts and at church. I taught music for several years and still sing with my students every day. And with my own kids every night. I can't play any musical instruments, although I wish I could. But I can, and do, use my voice to make music. I can't sing when I'm sad or upset. I've tried and I just can't. But today...today I can sing. And have. And will again before my head hits the pillow. So music is counted among my endless list of blessings. Yesterday. Today. And always.

Golden--10 Things Special Edition

10 things about Josh on his golden birthday (turning 10 on the 10th). (He is even turning 10 on the 10th day of the 10th month and will be 10 until 10/10/10.)

Josh on his birthday present...a motorcycle!

1. Josh was born at 11:25am by c-section after 32 hours of labor. He was facing up, which apparently doesn't work so well in the whole baby delivery thing. I'm not sure why they didn't figure it out sooner. It wasn't really good to hear my doctor say, after she had cut me open, "Oh, well there's the problem."

2. He weighed 7lb. 3oz. and was 20.5 inches long. That same doctor had told me he would be at least 9 pounds. I really should have found a new doctor before Adam was born.

3. He had tons of long, black hair that stood up all over the place. I loved it! He still has crazy hair with lots of cowlicks. And I still love it.

4. He slept a lot and ate a lot, but only cried a little. But for a long time he would only sleep in my arms. And I've discovered, after two more kids, that he didn't eat so much as nursed.

5. He has always been smart. He was always ahead of the "what they should be doing" charts. And he is still a smart kid in and out of the classroom.

6. He is sweet. He loves with his whole heart and is compassionate toward those he loves. He can read the feelings of others and knows just when someone needs a hug or kind word.

7. He is stubborn. He thinks his way is the right way and will fight for it to the end. Which is both good and bad. I pray that it will cause him to be a good leader, but not cause hardship in his life as he grows.

8. He loves fishing, camping, music, watching tv, chicken and dumplings, being with his friends, baseball, having his back scratched, chocolate milk, playing card games, laughing, and motorcycles. And he still likes to snuggle with his mommy.

9. He doesn't like roller coasters, not getting his way, unfairness, homework, corn off the cob, going shopping, haircuts, or anything to do with medical procedures (dental work, shots, etc.).

10. He has amazed me every day for the last 3,650 days. He taught me how to be a mommy. He taught me what love really is. He teaches me every day that he (and his sister and brother) are my purpose for being on this earth. I loved him on the day he was born 10 years ago. I have loved him every day since. And I love him today.

Bonus: Joshua was not one of the names we had picked out for him when we went to the hospital. Our boy names were Samuel (which is his middle name) and Douglas (which is Adam's middle name after my dad). Our girl names were Megan and Katelyn (which I totally wouldn't choose for a girl now...which I guess is obvious since Julianna's name is Julianna). He was named on the evening of the 11th after a day and a half of getting to know him. (Yes, it really was the next day. Don't believe those who like to exaggerate the length of time that my first child was nameless.) Joshua has turned out to be the perfect name for him. But these days he likes to be called Josh, not Joshua.

Happy birthday, Josh.

10 Things Thursday

10 words Julianna says on a regular basis

1. Mama/Mommy/Mimi. I love being called Mimi. Both the boys called me that for a while, too. Josh still does occasionally.
2. Dada...usually it's dadadada
3. baby...for real babies or dolls
4. woof woof...which means she sees or hears a dog
5. drink...sounds like dink
6. Adam...usually she says A'am. Sometimes she gets the "d" in there.
7. Josh...sounds like Jo
8. hi...usually followed by mama, dada, A'am, or Jo
9. bye...said while waving, of course (And with a southern accent thanks to Grandma.)
10. ball...which is any round object

Other things she can say...uh-oh, no, Pappy, puppy, meow, kitty

10 baby signs that Julianna uses

1. more...which she uses for eat, drink, more, and "I want that!"
2. eat...if her using "more" doesn't get her what she wants fast enough
3. thank you...thanks to Aunt Ada
4. please...thanks to Auntie Kat
5. frog...although she likes it more when I do it since it involves sticking out my tongue
6. water...at bathtime or if she wants a drink of mine
7. fish...also at bathtime
8. book...which I love
9. yummy...the internationally accepted rubbing of the tummy
10. I love you...which is the sweetest thing ever!!!

Gee...

So today in chapel the two girls on the end of the row were having a little bit of a wrestling match. One seemed to be trying to lean as far as she could to her left to get away from the other. I whispered down to them in my mean chapel whisper, "Girls, what is going on?" The leaner looked at me and said, "She keeps trying to make me smell her hair!" "M., don't make her smell your hair," I scolded. Then I looked the other way to hide my laughter. Smell her hair?!?! Really?



Just heard in kindergarten..."I love kangaroos. But my most favorite animal is the color blue."

Blessed Monday

I totally missed Blessed Sunday yesterday. I stayed home from church trying desperately to get over this horrible cough that is plaguing me. I watched Good Will Hunting and remembered what a good movie that is. Especially on a station that changes all the bad words to "shucks" and "darn." I don't like that bad language. After the movie, I cleaned house including mopping, vacuuming, and doing several loads of laundry. Then I fixed lunch for the family and finished watching The Return of The King with the boys. (I have decided that my favorite character is Sam. He is loyal and brave and just a good guy.) Then I tried to take a nap. The cough prevented much of one though. Then there was more laundry, more cooking, bath time for Jules, bill paying, and all that little stuff that occupies my time. Then bed for me at 9:30.

But what I would have written about had I done Blessed Sunday, is Ladies' Day. The first Saturday in October is our annual Ladies Fall Fellowship at church. Has been for years. It's always such a blessing. We sing and listen to a special speaker and eat lunch together and just enjoy time together as God's daughters. It is uplifting. It is renewing. It is a blessing.

On another note...

HELP!

I have scheduled Josh's birthday party for Friday afternoon at the park. Last week the weather forecast said sunny and 65. Now it's saying sunny and 50. 50 seems kind of cool for an outdoor party. So I need an alternative. Anyone have a brilliant idea for me? Besides snowsuits, I mean.

10 Things Thursday

10 things I'm thankful for today...


1. that Josh's teeth that he injured in yesterday's playground incident are baby teeth (And the one he knocked loose is supposed to fall out around his age anyways.)

2. that the $159.00 bill to fix his chipped tooth is covered by insurance (which is a new policy that I only remembered after writing a check that I then happily was able to shred)

3. that when I drop off Julianna to my sister in the mornings, she happily waves and says, "bye" (I don't think I could handle it if she cried.)

4. that today is jeans day at school (I'm especially thankful since jeans are the only pants I had clean this morning.)

5. that our sweet lunch lady just delivered my free lunch to my desk in a brown paper sack complete with my name and a smiley face on the bag (It's a ham and cheese sandwich, goldfish crackers, a fresh pear, and two cookies.)

6. that this horrible cough and cold that I have had the last few days is starting to wind down (Now if I could just sleep through the night.)

7. that all my kindergartners, for the first time all year, had the right hand on their hearts during the Pledge of Allegiance in chapel this morning (Well, except for one of the girls from my class who was standing in front leading the pledge.)

8. that I have an ice cold Diet Coke sitting on my desk (Actually there are two. But who's counting?)

9. that tomorrow is a teacher work day at school, which is almost like a day off (Especially since we are taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese after we do our "work.")

10. that God provides better than I deserve (And I know it...even when times are hard.)

Got Milk?

Me: A., do you want milk today?
A.: Chocolate, please.
Me: H., do you want milk today?
H.: Chocolate, please.
Me: K., do you want milk today?
K.: White, please.
Me: M., do you want milk today.
M.: I'm staying for lunch.
Me: I know.
M.: My mom packed me a juice. I think it's apple. That's my favorite.
Me: So do you want milk, too?
M: No, I don't think I want milk today. Wait, maybe I do...No, I don't.
Me: *sigh*

Tees

We ordered school t-shirts today. I let the boys choose two each since they have completely outgrown the ones they had two years ago. The shirts have a Christian message on the front and the school name on the back. The kids can wear them on Fridays with jeans. (The rest of the week they wear a uniform.)

Here are Josh's choices.

God Is My Hero (like Guitar Hero)

Bass Your Life On Christ (as in bass guitar)

And here are Adam's choices.

Three nail cross

Mount Up (on wings like eagles)

Could my boys be any more different? Not much.

And here is my choice. (I only get one since I, thankfully, have not outgrown my old ones.)

The light (like Twilight) I couldn't resist.

Oh.My.Goodness.

Last night I had an unbelievably fun night. I took Josh to the Jason Mraz concert in Spokane for his birthday, which is coming up in a few weeks. He is a big fan and I thought it would be something he would always remember from his golden birthday (turning 10 on the 10th). The show was at the Lilac Amphitheater in Riverfront Park. We wanted to get there early to get in line since it was general admission, but didn't get there until 5:00 and the gates opened at 5:30. There was a looong line and I was afraid that we wouldn't get good seats. But once we finally got through, we saw the concert area. The stage is set right by the river and seating is on a hill facing it. I let Josh pick where we sat. He chose a spot on the right side of the stage about a third of the way up the hill. It was a great place to sit and we were both so excited. We still had a while before the show, so we went to the vendor booths and bought noodles and teriyaki chicken for dinner. We sat and ate and watched people and talked. And then at 6:30, Bushwalla took the stage. I had never heard of him until earlier this week when I read about him writing songs with Jason Mraz. He was the host for the night and was so entertaining. Funny and talented. He was actually singing near the entrance when we came in and if I would have known who it was, I would have taken a picture of Josh with him. After a little warm up, he introduced the opening act, G Love and Special Sauce. My sister had told me a little about them, but I had never heard their music. It was great and definitely "dance in your chair" inducing. After about 45 minutes, they left the stage and the crew began transforming the stage for the main event. Josh and I sat and watched with great anticipation. He commented on the bongos and the background. He asked me what time it was. We talked about the lighting and sound crew. He leaned over and hugged me and said, "thank you." He finally asked for his sweatshirt but then said, "Maybe I'm not really cold. Maybe I'm just excited." So was I.

Then the lights changed and Bushwalla came back on stage. The band began to come on stage and Bushwalla said, "Now here's my good friend, Jason Mraz!" As expected, the crowd exploded and everyone all over the hill stood up and began to move. Josh was yelling and clapping. I was watching him more than the stage. I couldn't help but smile. He was loving it! His face was beaming and he was dancing. So was I. So were a few thousand other people all around us. It would have been impossible not to. The music was amazing. The atmosphere was electric. The setting was perfect. We loved every single minute. Josh was most looking forward to "I'm Yours," his favorite song. After just a few notes, he recognized it and turned around and looked at me with a huge smile. He sang along to the whole thing.

I'm not sure who loved it more--Josh or me. I loved the music. I loved Jason. I loved how he got the whole crowd involved and even got me to dance. I loved sitting outside under the stars and fall moon and experiencing it all. I loved sharing it with my almost double digit aged son.

I couldn't help but think, after the show...

Concert tickets...$80

Dinner at the show...$16

Souvenir hat...$20

Sharing my son's first concert with him...Priceless

(I didn't take my camera because the park website said they weren't allowed, but they were. The one of Josh was taken with my phone. I was disappointed but the lady sitting next to us got my email address and said she would send me some of her pictures. She even took a few of Josh for me. I'll share some when they come.)

10 Things Thursday

10 things I thought about today...

1. tomorrow's field trip
2. books
3. music
4. money
5. naps
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. a friend I haven't seen for a while
8. a friend I saw yesterday
9. humility
10. plans for the weekend

Wordless Wednesday

This post has nothing to do with a picture with no words. It has to do with 15 minutes of actual wordlessness. On the way to school this morning, I didn't turn on the radio. The boys were reading. Julianna was looking out the window at her world. And it was quiet. Wonderfully, refreshingly quiet. This does not happen often in our car. Someone is always talking or singing or making sound effects of one kind or another. And the radio is usually on since we (especially Josh and I) love music and singing along. I even reached for the power button this morning, but realized just in time that it was quiet and didn't push the button. Instead I took advantage of these few minutes of peace and prayed. I prayed for all the things I pray for everyday--my family and friends, protection, guidance. I had a quiet conversation with my Father and enjoyed the wordlessness...because I know from experience that it won't happen again for a long, long time.

Blessed Sunday

Yesterday I told my husband that I had a free movie ticket that was about to expire and that I was thinking about going to use it. He said that I should. He knows how much I love to go to the movies by myself. He knows that every once in a while I just need to take a break. So he told me to go. He would take care of the kids and feed them dinner. I ran a few errands on the way into town and called on my way to the theater to make sure everyone was okay. I told him that I was feeling a little guilty. He told me I shouldn't. It helped a little. I had a nice time watching The Traveler's Wife. I laughed out loud at the previews. I drank my Diet Coke all by myself. I cried at the movie and didn't worry about who saw. I enjoyed it so much. Then on the way home, I thought about my dear husband and how well he knows me. And how much he loves me. And what a blessing he is to me every single day of my life.

The Return of Show and Tell Friday

Today was our first official show and tell day. Here's what came to school.

• Great grandpa's compass that is "very old" (Upon further inspection, it was, in fact, very old. It had US engraved on the front which made me think that its original owner got in while in the military. D. didn't know any more about it, but I would imagine it has quite a history. Pretty cool show and tell.)
• a stuffed cat named...Cat
• two tiny little dolls with a tiny little horse that "came from my birthday"
• stuffed doggy named Meadow like I's other dog (A real one, I assume.)
• a pink camera. "It's real."
• a green stuffed bear named Bobear that apparently sleeps in a cage with all M's other stuffed animals but was allowed to come out especially for school today
• a(nother)tiny little doll that came from a treasure box and is "very special"
• a dog named Murphy (a real dog, not stuffed) who was very patient with 7 very friendly kindergartners (The 8th kindergartner was friendly too, but from afar since he is allergic to dogs.)

10 Things Thursday

10 random things...

1. Julianna has an ear infection. She had a temperature of 103.5 when I took her to the doctor this afternoon. Yikes.

2. I ate a banana for breakfast, a turkey sandwich and some Sun Chips for lunch, and two of Kathy's yummy coconut chocolate chip cookies for dinner.

3. I have 8 students in my class. 5 girls and 3 boys.

4. All 8 of my students brought their parents to open house at school tonight. That's 100%! I think it's a record.

5. My desk is perfectly clean at the moment. If you go to my classroom right now you can see it. If you go at 8:31 in the morning, it will be covered with kindergarten. Yes, things can be covered with kindergarten. Believe me.

6. I am drinking a Diet Coke as I type this. I like it on ice in a plastic cup.

7. There are 4 families at school whose mom's I knew in high school.

8. My new favorite website is Education World. It has tons of great teacher stuff.

9. The lady working the drive through at McDonald's this morning paid for the boys' sausage biscuits. She's super sweet and always calls me sweetie or honey. (We really don't go there very often anymore. She must remember me from when I was pregnant with Jules and went there every couple of days. Okay, pretty much every day.)

10. I really wish I had a piece of coconut cream pie right now. Must have been the coconut in the cookies.

Kathy, Read This!

A while back I got an email from my sister that asked me if we were in a fight since I hadn't been commenting on her blog for a few days. I replied that we weren't in a fight, I'd stopped by but had been too busy to take the time to comment. So today, after the obviously adorable pictures of Julianna, who I know Kathy loves like her own, and she still didn't comment on the cuteness, I had to wonder if we're in a fight. I don't think we are because she and I were in each other's classrooms numerous times today and she talked to me and there was some kind of a conversation yelled down the hall about how to spell aardvark (what's that about, anyway) and all seemed normal.

So, Kathy, where are you? Are we in a fight? Are you too busy with your Facebook friends to comment on my remarkable and entertaining posts?

Wait. I know a surefire way to get her to comment.

Kathy, I DARE you to comment on this post!

Two for Tuesday

Julianna at the beach in September 2008.

And at the beach in September 2009.

What a difference a year makes.

Blessed Sunday

It's Sunday. Which means that tomorrow is Monday. Which means that I start a new work week. Which means that I will drop my super sweet baby girl off with my super sweet little sister. Which reminds me that Ada is a huge blessing in my life. Not just because she takes care of my daughter so well and loves her almost as much as me. Not just because she changes Julianna's diapers and feeds her snacks and carries her around and hugs her when I'm not around to do it. But Ada is a blessing because she is, and has been since I was almost 6 years old, my sister and my friend. I don't remember much about when my parents brought her home. I don't think I was jealous. I'm smiling in all the pictures of us. When I was 10 and she was 4, I began babysitting her while mom and dad were at work. I remember that she wouldn't take a nap and 10 year old me tried to force her to. I learned quickly that you don't force Ada to do anything she doesn't want to do. I remember those summers when it was just she and I and we rode our bikes to the beach and I laid in the sun and she did tricks in the water. I would score her like it was the Olympics. I always scored high. I remember taking her with me and my friends when we went to the movies or skating. She was always good company and it didn't bother me that she was so much younger. I remember driving her to school when she "missed" the bus and now wish I would have driven her everyday so that she didn't have to worry about the bus. I remember all the times she's made me laugh. More than anyone else in my life. I remember the day her first baby was born and how proud I was of her. And I remember the day her second baby was born and how I prayed every minute. And how proud I was again. I remember the day she married her husband and how happy I was that she was happy. And how much I knew that she deserved that happiness. I remember last week when I went to pick up Jules and there she was standing in the kitchen with Ada as happy as can be. And for the millionth time since I've had a sister, I counted her as a blessing.

10 Things Thursday

10 things that happened at school today...

1. I thought of a new chapel rule that I've not had before. Do not play with your ponytails, shoelaces, or tongues in chapel. Yes, I said tongues.

2. A little boy in my class asked me what the urinal was (by calling me into the boy's restroom and pointing) and was very excited when I told him what he could do in it.

3. I remembered, for the fourth time, that when I tell my students to color the "I's" I have to say "the letter I's" or kindergartners will color the eyes.

4. When I was reading a book sideways at story time, the word "Rubi" looked like "Rabbi." And only after saying "Rabbi" did I realize that it couldn't possibly be. Um, there is no Rabbi in The Abominable Snow Teacher.

5. One of my students asked me if I'd buy her a puppy. When I told her no, she asked why. Then a little later she asked me if I'd buy her a chicken. Still no.

6. My afternoon students actually rested at rest time. It was very restful for me, too.

7. When Caleb was praying this morning in chapel, he said, "Dear God, thank you for this day. It's the best day of my life!!" It made me smile.

8. At afternoon recess I had to tell two of the older boys to stop aggravating the bees. Who in their right mind aggravates bees? Oh, right, they're 7th graders. They aren't in their right mind.

9. A student in my class sneezed and I really, really, REALLY wish he would have had a Kleenex.

10. Kathy and I had the occasion to quote Seinfeld. But I can't talk about it because it's in the vault.

2 down, 178 to go

Well, I made it through the first two days of school. I am teaching kindergarten in the mornings (with a few 4 year olds who overflowed from the preschool class) and staying in the afternoons with 5 or 6 preschool and kindergarten students who stay all day. The class is small, only 8 students. But they have the energy of my normal 12 students. There's still the boy who can't sit still. And the girl who can't stop talking. And the girl who wants to be the teacher. And the one who has to be watched every second. But I've taught long enough to know that was all coming. Here are a few reflections from the last two days.

I missed teaching. I am a teacher at heart and it feels good to be back in the classroom. It's like riding a bike. It comes right back to you.

I miss Julianna. I leave her with my wonderful sister and super sweet niece from 7:45-12:15 and miss her every minute we're apart.

I am blessed to be able to have Jules with me in the afternoons. Since all our curriculum is done in the mornings, she gets to be there for rest time, story time, play time, and art. She seems to like it and the students love her.

My job is an answer to prayers. I was hoping to teach all day to help out the family financially and it worked out just the way I'd hoped.

My students are super cute. They are funny and energetic and ready to learn. I love them already. But I also know that there are 3, maybe 4, who are going to need "special attention." (Which in teacher speak means that they are trouble.)

Their parents seem really great so far. They are nice and helpful and want what's best for their kids.

Being a working mom is hard. Start at 5:45am and stop at 10:30pm. Non-stop. (By the way, being a stay at home mom is hard, too.)

Life is a roller coaster. I never know which way it will twist and turn. But it's all a path to my ultimate destination. I just have to hold on and scream every now and then.

Blessed Sunday

Today as I sit behind my desk to write this short post, I am feeling blessed to have a job. I wish that I didn't have to work yet and could stay home with the kids a while longer, but since for economic reasons I do, I'm glad I have this job. This job teaching 4 and 5 year olds how to read and write and add and learn. This job where I get to read picture books everyday and play with playdoh and paint. This job where I can be close to the boys and only have to leave Julianna for half a day and can bring her with me the second half. This job where I work with people who are my friends. This job, this exhausting, challenging, rewarding job, is a blessing.

10 Things Thursday

10 Things about my mom...

1. She is good. She's just good. Whenever I have been in a class studying the fruits of the spirit and they ask what "goodness" is, I always think of her. Heart, soul, and mind. She is good.

2. She is industrious. She does more before breakfast than most people, including me, does all day.

3. She has a green thumb. She can keep plants alive indoors, which is something I can't do. And she grows an amazing garden every summer. You should see it. It's beautiful. And she shares all the things she grows--corn, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and more.

4. She is funny. She's a normally pretty quiet person, but sometimes she says or does things that are completely unexpected and hilarious. And she just keeps getting funnier.

5. She is domestic. She cans and sews and crochets and refinishes furniture and cooks from scratch. And she does it all well.

6. She loves antiques. I always know if she finds something interesting, because she turns it over to see what's written on the bottom. She reads antique books and watches Antique Roadshow for fun.

7. She is the world's best grandma. She loves her grandkids so very much and they all know it. She has fun with them, teaches them things, lets them be themselves, and makes them feel at home in her home. I'm pretty sure at least one of mine would move in with her if I'd let him.

8. She is a rock. She is the reason that our family is what it is. She has held us together through ups and downs and continues to be our strength.

9. She is my friend. She and I have a unique relationship for a mother and daughter, I think. We have never had a fight or argument. Not in all my 37 years. She had never said an unkind word to me, and I've never even had a reason to say an unkind word to her. I can talk to her and she understands. I can count on her no matter what.

10. Today is her birthday. Happy birthday, mom. You are amazing. I love you.

At school...

...no time to post.

Have a great day!

Blessed Sunday

I am blessed to have 4 of the best friends ever. We laugh together and cry together and have more fun than a bunch of 30 and 40 somethings should. I count each one of them as such a blessing in my life.

Kim. Kim makes me laugh. She knows everything there is to know about what's going on at church. She is amazing because of what she's lived through and the way she's grown through it all. She knows what she wore the first day of kindergarten and probably still has the outfit in a box somewhere. She loves Donny Osmond, which I totally don't get, but love her for it anyway.

Marci. Marci is one of my favorite storytellers. She has a story for everything which I love. She is also our encyclopedia for all things nature. She can tell us what flowers and trees we are taking pictures of and would be our tracker if we ever got lost in the woods. She is also the queen of birthday celebrations and started a great tradition of doing something other than dinner and a movie on our special days. And she has the best tea parties.

Katrina. Katrina is amazingly sweet and strong. She is smart and funny and kind. She knows all about books and movies and history and politics. She starts the conversations that make us all feel a little smarter. She recommends the best books and can tell us all about them including the story, setting, and characters--and who we would each be if we were Jane Austin characters. She sometimes uses big words that I don't understand. She is one of my favorite people.

Kathy. Kathy makes me happy. I love her phone calls and emails because they always hold something unexpected and entertaining. We have been friends for a long time and have shared many, many laughs and several quarts of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. We have gone through school years, pregnancies, babies, and book fairs together. We know that things are always more fun if we do them together. She is fiercely loyal and can always be counted on to be there for me. She is a true friend.

I am truly blessed to not only know these amazing women, but to call them friends...and sisters.

I love you, girls.

10 Things Thursday

10 things I will do today...

1. Take a shower. Always a good start.
2. Change diapers. This one's a given.
3. Feed children. Also guaranteed.
4. Go to a work day at school to clean up the playground and pull weeds. One of the perks of working at a private school. You get to be a part of everything.
5. Chase Julianna all over the playground. She is a mover, I tell ya.
6. Go to the fair. We are taking the kids to motocross which the boys love.
7. Go look at the quilts with Jules while the boys watch more motorcycles.
8. Eat junk food. Isn't that part of the fair experience?
9. Take pictures. I love taking pictures at the fair. There is so much to see and it will especially be fun this year with Julianna being old enough to enjoy it.
10. Laugh. How can I not? Think about who I spend my days with!

Also, today Julianna is 1 year, 2 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days old.

Toro! Toro!

Adam and I were driving home the other day when we passed a tattoo parlor. He read the sign and asked me if that was where they did real tattoos or just rub on ones like he has had before. I told him that they did real tattoos. Now, we have had the conversation before where I told the boys how they do tattoos. They both agreed that they did not ever want a tattoo because of the whole needle thing. So I was surprised when a few minutes later, Adam said, "Mom, maybe I want to be a tattoo artist when I grow up." "Really," I said, "Will you give me my tattoos for free*." "Sure," he answered. "You know," I said, "Most tattoo artists have lots of tattoos of their own." I thought that would put an end to the conversation and send him right back onto the entomologist path. But much to my surprise, he said, "Well, I could get a snake on one arm...and a tarantula on the other arm............and a BULL on my CHEST!" I laughed so hard that I almost had to pull off the road! Oh, that kid cracks me up!

*In case you're wondering, I do not have any tattoos. But if I could get them for free, you never know.

Revelation

I was called in to school today to meet with the administrator. And I got all nervous. Which is really weird because he's a really good friend and I can talk to him about pretty much anything. And I even already knew what he was going to say--that I will have a combined classroom this year. Kindergarten with a few 4 year olds thrown in for good measure. I was ready, so when he told me that that's what needed to be done, I smiled and told him that I would do whatever he needed. Now, what I thought Wednesday night during Bible class when I read his mind without him knowing it, was, "NOOOOO!" But I've decided to be a non-complainer. At least at school. You want me to have a combined class. Okay. You want me to have 14 students when I only have room for 12. Okay. You want me to teach them to play the accordion. Bring it on. I'll do it. I might not like it. But I'll do it. And not complain.

So, this whole business has made me start to think about school starting in...I'll not say how many days for fear of causing any teachers out there to hyperventilate. But it's soon and so I've started to think. About curriculum. And discipline. And my classroom. And scheduling. But mostly about students. My students. The little ones who will walk into my classroom on September 8th with wide eyes and open minds. The ones who will soak up my words like sponges. The ones who will challenge me and teach me more than I teach them. The ones whose parents love them as much as I love my own children.

And that line of thought is where today's revelation came from. The revelation that I need to treat these kids, love these kids, the way their parents would want them to be treated and loved. The way I want others to treat and love my own children. So this year I will spend more time on my students and less time worrying about all the other stuff. I only get a few short months to plant seeds that will not be planted by anyone else. A few short months to make a difference.

Okay, now that I've said all that, I'm going out to play. It's still summer you know.

10 Things Thursday

10 things I've never done...

1. Had a manicure. My sister probably thinks this is just crazy. And I could actually use one right now after a morning spent pickling beets. My nails are pink and not the good kind of pink.
2. Had a pedicure. My toenails are tiny, so is there any point?
3. Colored my hair. 37 years of natural color.
4. Pierced anything. Not even my ears.
5. Kissed anyone but my husband. Everyone together now...awwww.
6. Been to another country. Canada doesn't count when you live this close to the border.
7. Been snow skiing. I don't like to be cold and I don't like to fall.
8. Been water skiing. I can't swim well enough to enjoy it.
9. Been fired from a job. And I hope I never do.
10. Tasted pickled beets. But I guess after all my morning's work I should at least taste them. Maybe.

Two For Tuesday

Two sweet, funny, adorable boys.

Two blue eyes and two tiny hands.

Three gifts from above.

Blessed Sunday

This morning I taught Julianna's Bible class. I have been doing this every Sunday since June (as well as last December, January, and February). In the last three months, she has gotten two new teeth, grown an inch, and learned several new words. And although I see those things every day with her, on Sunday mornings I get to spend an hour with her that's different from the rest of our hours spent together. In class, we talk about God's creation. We sing all kinds of silly songs. We play with little plastic animals. We flip through the pages of mini Bibles and sing the B-I-B-L-E. She hugs Winkie the bear and laughs. She plays with Lily and they eat each others Cheerios (which she won't touch at home). And I love every minute of it. The difference between the baby who sat at the table in December and the toddler who sat there today is amazing. And wonderful. And a good reminder to cherish every single day. Because tomorrow, she'll be getting ready to turn 10 and start 4th grade.

I am blessed to be able to watch her grow and know, more clearly than ever, to take it all in and treasure each moment in my heart.

10 Things Thursday

10 jobs I would like to have for a week (*or longer).

1. Marine biologist. When I was 13, we went to Sea World and I fell in love with all things fishy. I totally wanted to be a marine biologist until I remembered that 1. I hate getting my face wet and 2. I can't swim. But if I didn't mind getting my face wet and could swim, I would like to study God's ocean creatures.

2. Professional singer. I love to sing and do often. And sometimes it sounds pretty good. So for just a week, I'd like to go on tour and be able to sing for adoring fans across the country. And then I'd want them to forget about me. I don't want to be famous.

3. Dancer. Dancers are amazing athletes and their art can be so beautiful. I think it would be really fun to be able to dance on stage with absolutely no inhibitions. And after the week was over, I'd definitely want to keep the dancer body.

4. Academy Award seat filler. You know how they hire people to sit in the empty seats when someone goes to the bathroom or is on stage during the Oscars. Well, I think that would be a great job. First you're sitting by Meryl Streep. Then Brad Pitt (take as long as you want, Angelina). Then Stephen Spielberg. Cool. Very cool. (And I know it doesn't last a week, but still.)

5. Missionary. I think very highly of those Christians who sacrifice so much to spread the gospel all over the world. What a blessing they are to God's kingdom. And how rewarding their job must be.

6. *Professional Photographer. Another beautiful art form. What a great job to travel the world taking pictures of tons of interesting subjects. (Bonus: 10 things I'd want to photograph--Irish highlands, old European castles, Hawaiian volcanoes, Appalachian culture, African wildlife, rainforest flora, the pyramids, sunsets around the world, butterflies, and tropical beaches.)

7. *Book editor. Getting paid to read all day? What could be better?

8. Talk show host. I'm really not much of a talker, but I've always thought it would be interesting to interview people from all walks of life. Kind of like Barbara Walters except without the tell all book...or anything to tell all about.

9. *Discovery/Travel Channel show host. These people get paid to travel/blow stuff up/go fishing/look for Bigfoot/eat. How do you get a job like that?

10. *Baby namer. I am good at naming babies and I love to do it. I would get paid by expectant parents to choose their child's name for them. I would need a few weeks notice (because it's well known that it takes me awhile) and I would have to know about the parents. But I would guarantee the results. (If you're expecting or expect to be expecting, let me know. I work cheap.)

Play Ball!!

Otto, the Spokanasaurus.

Last night we went to a Spokane Indians baseball game. We love going to the games and usually go a few times a year. We hadn't gone yet this year and had just been talking about it when some friends from church called and offered to take our family with them. (Thanks, Ivan and Sally!) The senior group from church was going and had a few extra seats. Our family was thrilled and readily accepted. So the five of us and my nephew, Aidan, were off to the game yesterday evening. The boys all had their mitts ready for foul balls and were in a hurry to be one of the first 1000 fans so that they could get a set of Indians baseball cards. Adam kept asking if we were going to be there in time to get the cards. I assured him that we would. He said that it would be bad if we were #999. I told him it would be worse to be #1001. He agreed.

We got there in time to watch the team warm up and the boys were able to take their cards down to the field to get a few signed. They thought that was great and were very polite. I was also impressed by the players. They were kind and patient with all the kids as they flipped through their cards trying to find the right one. It was all very exciting.

We had great seats on the first base line three rows from the field. We were sitting with the seniors (all of whom we love), and they were all so good to the kids. They helped Julianna up and down the steps by our seats and shared their peanuts and popcorn with us. We all rooted on the home team and cheered loudly when there was a home run. Josh even got a foul ball when it rolled near our seats and one of the players tossed it to him. And he was able to have three players sign it after the game when the boys got to go out on the field and run the bases. It was a great time with really great people.

On the field after running the bases.

Josh getting his ball signed.

We were thinking on the way home that our family has been to 5 (maybe 6) games and that Arrty and I have been to a few before the kids were born. And we all agreed that this was the best time yet.

So thanks to the seniors for letting us "youngsters" crash your outing. And thank you, thank you, thank you again to Ivan and Sally for the tickets!

A Letter To Mom and Dad #1

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm sorry about all those Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights when I asked you if Marla or Angie or Val or Brenda could spend the night. I'm sorry that I asked on the spur of the moment without making plans ahead of time every single week. I'm sorry that I didn't listen all those times you told me not to ask with my friend standing right there. I'm sorry that I said, "Her mom said it was okay if you say it's okay." I'm sorry that I put you on the spot and asked you to give up your Sunday afternoon nap and instead listen to giggling girls all day.

I'm sorry. Because now I know just how you felt. Josh has started doing the same exact thing to me. And Sunday, as I said, "We need to make plans," I smiled and thought of you.

Love,
Jen

P.S. Thanks for saying "yes" so often. :)

Blessed Sunday

There was a time, not so long ago, when I could barely get out of bed to take care of my family. My body was failing me. My brain was failing me. My heart was failing me. I would somehow drag myself up and get on with the day. It was accomplished by sheer force. I would get up and out the door, if I had to, and count the minutes until I was back home and could lay down exhausted from what should have been a normal day. If it was Saturday, I'd get up and feed the boys, and then lay on the couch until I had to get up to feed them again. It was on a day like this that I realized that I needed help. I realized that I was no longer in control of my mind. If I had been, I would not have been living the way I was--completely unable to be the kind of wife and mother that I have always tried to be. It was also that day that I started to get better simply by acknowledging the situation and seeking help. For some reason I thought of those days this morning as my sweet daughter called for me over the baby monitor and I smiled, knowing I was ready to start the day.

So today, I am blessed that I am physically and emotionally able to get out of bed looking forward to a day of taking care of my family the way I'm supposed to.

Me too

Watching Jason Mraz on the Today show.

Saw a woman wearing a tee shirt that says,

I used to be 21.

Love it.

10 Things Thursday

10 words I would like for people to use to describe me...

1. gentle
2. loving
3. compassionate
4. funny
5. smart
6. dedicated
7. passionate
8. faithful
9. organized
10. joyful

Rambling

I made $44.75 at the yard sale this weekend. That's around $1 an hour since I spent hours and hours finding, pricing, setting up, selling, cleaning up, and transporting. And again I will say, please, please don't let me have another yard sale. It's just not worth it. (Kathy and Ada, that goes double for you since you not only let me, but brought your stuff, too.)

The boys made $17 each which made them happy. It was fun to watch them sell lemonade. (By the way, everyone should always buy lemonade from kids.) Spending time and working with them made it almost worth it.

I found a yellow post-it this morning which said,
"We're the boys"
25, 25, 25
The sun changed his mind
I know that these were all things said by the boys when they were little that I intended to write stories about but never did. Now I don't remember the stories.

Wait, I do remember the "we're the boys" one. Adam said to Josh in the car, "He's 'dad' (pointing at Arrty), she's 'mom' (pointing to me), and we're 'the boys'." I've always called them "the boys" I guess.

I did, in fact, take 50 things out of each room in the house. And could probably take another 50 if the other members of my family weren't watching.

The girls and I went to Summer Theater Friday and saw "Dames At Sea." I loved that it was so corny and funny and used every Broadway cliche. And Ellen Travolta was great. We had dinner at Red Lobster and I had Maui Luau Salmon and Shrimp. It was good, but the salmon wasn't as good as dad's.

I have to go put Julianna down for her second nap. And I haven't even had my first one yet.

Blessed Sunday

The preacher has been doing a series of lessons on Heaven on Sunday mornings. I have really enjoyed them because he has given a lot of insight about what Heaven is like according to scripture. I have always had this idea of Heaven being a place where you can do whatever makes you happy. If you love sitting on the top of a mountain looking out over a crystal clear lake, there will be mountains and lakes. If you love fishing, there will be boats and poles and catches better than you can imagine. If you love chatting, there will be plenty of interesting people to converse with. I love history and movies, so I have always believed that there will be this big screen on which I can watch time from the beginning. I can watch the world being created. I can watch Noah see the rainbow for the first time. I can watch Jonah get spit on the beach by a whale. I can watch Mary get a visit from an angel and deliver her son in a barn. I can watch the Sermon on the Mount and look at the face of the Savior as he taught about his father. After all, I will have all eternity to watch home movies of the last few thousand years. Now of course, I don't know what Heaven and eternity is really going to be like. I don't even know that I will care about any of the things I care about on earth. (Except the people. I will care about the people, and hope you're all there with me.) But it doesn't really matter if there are mountains or lakes or boats or fish or Heavenly movie theaters with no calorie popcorn. What really matters is that God will be there. And Jesus will be there. And I can look into their faces and say "thank you." That's it. For the first few thousand years I will just say "thank you." Then I will ask just why they created the platypus.

So today, I am counting as a blessing Heaven. The place. The idea. The reality. And the hope that I have every day of spending all of eternity there.