Bobby and I had a funny conversation this morning. Both of us are constantly telling our kids things like: don't eat that off the ground, don't run out in the street always hold a hand, get that out of your mouth, wash your hands that thing was germy, etc.
This morning there was a little parade near our house. It is the beginning of baseball/softball season (Sarah and Angela are jumping for joy) so all of the little league teams drive down the main street honking and throwing candy to the kids. We heard last year about 15 minutes before the parade that it was happening so we walked up and joined in the fun. Today we were headed out to go get donuts and about half of the parade had passed by already. Bobby jumped out of the car with both of the kids and ran over to the sidewalk. The guy driving the truck saw them and told the little leaguers to throw candy to my kids since they were the only ones at that corner. Several more trucks passed and threw candy. Bobby helped our kiddos clean it up. He also told them to get the ones in the street. He was right with them but it still struck us as funny that we were telling the kids to pick up candy, from strangers, off the ground, and go get it out of the street. It is no wonder kids get confused.
We also went to an Easter Egg hunt at the baseball field followed by a free lunch put on by one of the churches in our neighborhood. Little Man collected about 20 eggs. I knew he was done when he started chucking them out of his basket. Munchkin collected more than he did and got a prize slip. She won a little stuffed dog along with all the candy in her eggs. Our neighbors were also there and gave Little Man one of their prizes since their little guy got 3 slips.
It has been a fun day so far with a lot more to come. But I will leave you with a question: What kinds of contradictory things do you tell your kids?
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
I despise Starbucks
I take that back. I don't despise Starbys as we affectionately call it. I despise the attitude toward children. There are no high chairs for the little ones and no changing tables in the rest room. Those are items we have outgrown but I remember that from not that long ago. That is not even the worst. It is the customers that have no tolerance for children even when they are being angelic.
Munchkin had swimming this morning I wanted to run through the drive thru and get a mocha light frappachino. There were 6 cars lined up and I knew that would take 20 minutes of my time that I didn't have. I drove around front and there was 1 person in line in the store. I got the kids out, gave them the spiel about staying right with me, not running, blah blah blah. The woman in front of me just had an aura of money about her. Large jewelry draped her neck and she had gotten out of a fancy car. She was not the customer that ticked me off.
This woman came in behind us. I had let the kids each get a $5 chocolate milk out of the case and had ordered my drink. The woman pushed up behind us like we were completely in her way or not even there. She looked like she had just eaten a lemon. I probably shouldn't be mean, maybe she was late for work or maybe she just really needed her coffee. While we were waiting for my drink I was standing to one side with both kids standing right next to me. Neither of them said a word and they were being still. That woman pushed past us to the drink station like we had no business being in the store at all. I got my drink and we headed out the door. As soon as I opened the door the woman dropped her change all over the floor. There wasn't much so I stayed there with the door open until she could get out. She just pushed right past and jumped in her car. Its a good thing my kids weren't in the way since she just might have run them over.
This is not the first customer in a Starbucks that has had this attitude with us. Now I know my kids have their moments but the last times we have gone there they have been great. It just seems like these people go in there and think people with children are lower than dirt and should be relegated to places like McDonald's, even if it is just running in for a drink and 2 milks. Grr.
As for that woman, who knows what her deal was today. I don't know her situation and she probably has her reasons for acting like a jerk to us. All I can do is say a prayer for her that she day would be better than it looked like it started out...and maybe I should write a letter to Starbucks about changing tables and high chairs.
Munchkin had swimming this morning I wanted to run through the drive thru and get a mocha light frappachino. There were 6 cars lined up and I knew that would take 20 minutes of my time that I didn't have. I drove around front and there was 1 person in line in the store. I got the kids out, gave them the spiel about staying right with me, not running, blah blah blah. The woman in front of me just had an aura of money about her. Large jewelry draped her neck and she had gotten out of a fancy car. She was not the customer that ticked me off.
This woman came in behind us. I had let the kids each get a $5 chocolate milk out of the case and had ordered my drink. The woman pushed up behind us like we were completely in her way or not even there. She looked like she had just eaten a lemon. I probably shouldn't be mean, maybe she was late for work or maybe she just really needed her coffee. While we were waiting for my drink I was standing to one side with both kids standing right next to me. Neither of them said a word and they were being still. That woman pushed past us to the drink station like we had no business being in the store at all. I got my drink and we headed out the door. As soon as I opened the door the woman dropped her change all over the floor. There wasn't much so I stayed there with the door open until she could get out. She just pushed right past and jumped in her car. Its a good thing my kids weren't in the way since she just might have run them over.
This is not the first customer in a Starbucks that has had this attitude with us. Now I know my kids have their moments but the last times we have gone there they have been great. It just seems like these people go in there and think people with children are lower than dirt and should be relegated to places like McDonald's, even if it is just running in for a drink and 2 milks. Grr.
As for that woman, who knows what her deal was today. I don't know her situation and she probably has her reasons for acting like a jerk to us. All I can do is say a prayer for her that she day would be better than it looked like it started out...and maybe I should write a letter to Starbucks about changing tables and high chairs.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Witching Hour
I know most mothers have this same problem. You get in the kitchen and start cooking dinner. You have a pot with boiling water, ground beef browning, and vegetables to cut up. Daddy is not home from work yet and your children choose that moment of the day to really have it out with each other. It's not just once in awhile, it is every time you get in the kitchen to cook dinner.
Last night I was making Baked Ziti and was actually enjoying the process when I realized that things were far too quiet. No screaming, hitting, blaming, or owies. I thought I should go check on what was happening expecting the worst (lotion spread all over the carpet, nail polish in the carpet, playing in the cat litter box). To my delight and surprise both Munchkin and Little Man were in chairs next to the computer. Munchkin turned when I came in the office and said "I am just teaching him how to play this game on the computer mommy!" They stayed in there playing nicely together until after I had finished preparing dinner. Sweet kids! We'll see if we can have more days like that in the near future!
What do you do with your kids while you are cooking?
Last night I was making Baked Ziti and was actually enjoying the process when I realized that things were far too quiet. No screaming, hitting, blaming, or owies. I thought I should go check on what was happening expecting the worst (lotion spread all over the carpet, nail polish in the carpet, playing in the cat litter box). To my delight and surprise both Munchkin and Little Man were in chairs next to the computer. Munchkin turned when I came in the office and said "I am just teaching him how to play this game on the computer mommy!" They stayed in there playing nicely together until after I had finished preparing dinner. Sweet kids! We'll see if we can have more days like that in the near future!
What do you do with your kids while you are cooking?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Letterboxing
Last weekend was so busy for us. Along with all of our company we went to a Letterbox Gathering. If you like to hike, letterboxing is a fun addition to it. For more information and the history of letterboxing you can go here.I had to take Little Man to swim lessons in the morning before the gathering so we met Bobby and Munchkin down at Edwin Warner Park in Brentwood. Most people were already there and a few already out on the trails. The organizers had planted boxes especially for the gathering. They all had to be removed at the end though. After stamping our books Munchkin and I hit one of the trails with another family and another little boy. I guess I must seem pretty trustworthy since the organizer sent his kid with me on the trail. Of course it might be because my sister is kind of a celebrity in the letterboxing circuit. She has planted boxes in Washington and Alaska and has found a ton. Munchkin got to wear my backpack and was really excited about it until it got too heavy. That backpack has been to the top of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Glacier Point and many other highpoints in Yosemite.
This was also the first event we took our dog to. Kelsey did exceptionally well except for throwing up in Bobby's truck on the way down. All of the kids loved her.
While on the trail Bobby hung out with Little Man flying his Aero Ace and playing with a giant inflatable soccer ball. That has become a favorite at our house lately.
Here are a few pictures from "The One In Tennessee" Letterbox Gathering.
Munchkin and her new friend stamping in.
Munchkin and her new friend stamping in.
Cute friends.
On the trail.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Photowalk
Little Man and I hit Sam's club after swimming this morning and they had a camera I had been looking at. I called Bobby and he gave me the OK so I got it. It is a Casio Exilim EX-S770. The camera I really want is this one. I have a Casio from a couple of years ago that Bobby's dad gave me. It was my very first digital camera and has been fantastic. The new one has 7.2 mega pixels while the old one had 3.2. It still works great so Bobby is going to inherit it for his airplanes. :)
To try out the new camera we took a photowalk in our neighborhood. Munchkin brought her Fisher Price Digital as well. I am praying that it is not ruined. Near the end of the walk Little Man chucked it in the stream.
These are some of the flowers we took pictures of on our walk.
To try out the new camera we took a photowalk in our neighborhood. Munchkin brought her Fisher Price Digital as well. I am praying that it is not ruined. Near the end of the walk Little Man chucked it in the stream.
These are some of the flowers we took pictures of on our walk.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Ever After
Today while I was out with my kiddos at the grocery store I ran across the movie Ever After on DVD. I have had the tape for a long time but finally caved and bought the DVD. Munchkin and I just finished watching it together since it is a Cinderella Story.
Can I just say, I LOVE that movie. Every time I see it it makes me smile. Plus, when I was in the hospital waiting to have Munchkin (after the best epidural ever) we sat and watched it. Even better, when I was in the hospital waiting to have Little Man it was on TV.
Bobby and I both like the special features on DVDs. The only one that this included was the trailer for the movie. As soon as I saw it I remember seeing the preview and wanting to go see it. If you haven't seen Ever After you must go get it right now and watch it!
Can I just say, I LOVE that movie. Every time I see it it makes me smile. Plus, when I was in the hospital waiting to have Munchkin (after the best epidural ever) we sat and watched it. Even better, when I was in the hospital waiting to have Little Man it was on TV.
Bobby and I both like the special features on DVDs. The only one that this included was the trailer for the movie. As soon as I saw it I remember seeing the preview and wanting to go see it. If you haven't seen Ever After you must go get it right now and watch it!
100 Things about me
Our friends over at Addisonrd have several posts on this. In the spirit of "Me too! Me too!" here are 100 things about me.
1. For my 16th birthday I got a Cabriolet Convertible. It was an inch and a half long.
2. I have lived in at least 21 different houses/apartments. This includes 6 different places in college (2 dorms freshman year), an off campus apartment sophomore year, The Mods (F7) Junior year, and 2 different apartments in Canyon Gardens.
3. I lived in Scotland for 2 years when I was little.
4. I think one of the most amazing places I have ever been was standing on the diving board on Half Dome in Yosemite. It was the culmination of a summer of cleaning hotel rooms, doing church services in the campgrounds on Sundays and hiking on my days off.
5. A very close second to Half Dome was Clouds Rest. There were not nearly as many people and an amazing view.
6. I have played the flute since I was in 5th grade. I picked it up quickly because I had already learned how to read music taking piano lessons. I was first chair my junior and senior year of high school.
7. I was second to last chair my freshman year of college.
8. Some of my favorite TV shows are or have been: Dawsons Creek, The Brady Bunch, Roswell, Everwood, Heroes, CSI Miami, Friends, ER, Greys Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. I probably could get into the new one that is on after Greys Anatomy but I am not sure it is worth the effort.
9. If you come over to my house on any given day the only room that will probably be clean is the kitchen. With all the running around we do the kitchen is lucky to be the clean room.
10. My bowling team, The Pink Panthers, was 10th in the nation. I was 10 years old. I am now a pro on Wii sports bowling.
11. I love to read when I have the time. Some of my favorite books in recent years have been The Poisonwood Bible, A Prayer for Own Meany, and anything by Steven King.
12. I have the best set in-laws in the land. The very first time I met them we were on a trip on the coast of Oregon. I threw up in front of them on a whale watching trip. I figured once they had seen me spew there was nothing I could be embarrased about again.
13. I like chocolate. A Lot.
14. I think we should hang onto the classic hymns so our children don't lose them. I like contemporary worship I just miss those old songs. I am only 32.
15. My husband thinks I am crazy because I like to make lists with things like "brush teeth" and "eat breakfast" along with "go to the bank" just so I can cross them off. I like this becasue even if I don't get any thing accomplished for the day I at least have a couple of things crossed off my list.
16. I am easily enterained. Unless a movie just really sucks I will probably give it a decent review. So, if you are ultra critical or super conservative I may not be the best person to ask.
17. Jello, pudding and cottage cheese make me gag. I know it is a texture thing. The worst is when there is a dish that looks like a good dessert and you bite into it and it is full of cottage cheese. Yuck!
18. Scrapbooking is a passion of mine. I love preserving our memories for the years to come so my kids and theirs will be able to look back at them and laugh.
19. I am a frustrated perfectionist. I want things to be perfect (especially in my scrapbooks) but I don't want to take the time to make them that way. I have way to many pictures to scrap to spend 3 hours on a page like some people do. Plus, I would rather be hanging out with my kiddos than cleaning my house. They are only thise little once right?
20. I used to be really extroverted but have become more introverted as the years have progressed.
21. In California I would get butterflies in my stomach when I would hear the lyric "when summers beginning to give up her fight" by the Indigo Girls. There was a moment every fall that I could feel that lyric.
22. The best surprise of my life was when Bobby proposed to me. I was really frustrated the night before on the phone. I was really missing him and he didn't sould like he missed me that much. I didn't know I would be seeing him the next day. He drove down to Vacaville from Oregon with his mom the day after Christmas, handed out presents to everyone and proposed that morning.
23. Two of my favorite movies are Jerry Maguire and One Fine Day. Bobby and I went to see both of those the day we got engaged.
24. I am who radio sells music too. I don't go out of my way to find new artists and like hearing the same songs over and over again...until I am sick of them. I am always impressed when people "find" a new artist. I don't have the time or the energy to search the tubes.
25. I buy my music (when I actually buy CDs) from Target or Walmart. I saw Joss Stone on Leno last night and thought I would dig her new album. I do.
26. I respect and love people that do foreign mission work but my heart is with the people in my community that need Jesus.
27. The longest mission trip I went on was a week to San Francisco for "Bridges". This was right before I became a Student Orientation Leader my junior year of college. It was kind of strange because I went to the orthodontist in San Fran but saw an entirely different side of the city. This is why my heart is with the people in need here in the states.
28. I am middle of the road when it comes to politics.
29. If I had the time, money, and equipment I would be a professional photographer.
30. I really don't like dogs. This stems from being bitten by a dog while delivering Girl Scout cookies and then being chased by a German Shepherd the next week on my bike.
31. We have a one year old German Shepherd named Kelsey.
32. I can't stand doing fluffy Bible Studies. I am by no means the grammar police, unlike my husband, but I don't like major typos. I can't understand why I can read a 500 page novel and find maybe 1 typo but in a 50 page Bible Study there are multiple. In one particular study the entire section leads you to believe the answer is Jesus while in fact the entire passage referenced is talking about John the Baptist.
33. I think most editors should be required to manually edit manuscripts. Spell Check and Grammar Check only do so much. (All of you editors out there, please don't bother editing this post. I know it is full of mistakes).
34. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
35. My mom is my hero. As soon as she found out what was happening she took every step to make sure I was safe. She also got me into therapy as quickly as possible.
36. It is by the Grace of God (and a mother who would have killed me!) that I never got into anything that would truly hurt me.
37. I have seriously thought about writing a book about my experience but I don't want it to be a trashy tell all novel. I also don't want it relegated to the Christian self-help section of the Christian book store. If I write it I want it to be accessible to people to let them know they are not alone.
38. 2 people I have shared my experience with came to me to share their story. I was the first person that ever knew what happened to them and I was able to help they find resources to help them.
39. I will probably go back to therapy at some point.
40. I am fiercely protective of my children. I am even having a difficult time thinking about school for them but I am not sure I am cut out to home school.
41. My sister and I have a better relationship now that we have kids than we did when we were kids. I once threw a box of saran wrap at her and sliced her wrist open. I convinced her to ride her bike with me to our moms work and tell her she had fallen off her bike because she would be in trouble too for fighting. She finally told on me several years later when it was to late.
42. I have an awesome step-dad and too wacky step sisters. I usually refer to them as my sisters and dad.
43. My sister, my mom and I all got married within a year and a half of each other.
44. When I was about 12 I pushed my bike to the top of a really steep hill. There was a big Greek Orthodox church up there. I careened down the hill on my bike and popped the front intertube at the bottom of the hill. I never did that again.
45. I have thought about sky diving but I am not sure I can bring my self to do it.
46. I did bungee jump though in Southern CA. It was a team building exercise with the JR High Staff at the church Bobby and I went to. I have a copy of it on my conducting tape.
47. I got my BA in Music Education from APU. There is a reason I am not a conductor.
48. I went on to get my Masters in Education as a First Generation College Student I think partially because I wanted to prove I could do it and fall into the resilient category of people.
49. I now have a lot of loans.
50. I do not have a problem with people who drink or alcohol in general.
51. I can count on both hands the amount of times I have ever had an alcoholic beverage.
52. I have never been drunk.
53. Red wine gives me a migraine within minutes of the first sip.
54. My parents set a good example for us regarding alcohol. There was usually a bottle of wine in the fridge but it lasted a long time. I never saw my parents drunk.
55. I think touring winery's is a fun activity even for those of us that don't drink wine. There is grape juice at the end of the tour for the kids and you get to see how everything is done.
56. When I say I am a Christian I am NOT saying "hey look at me! I am perfect and have it all together. I get to go to heaven and you don't!"
57. When I say I am a Christian I AM saying "I am broken, I need Jesus, I want to live like Jesus and show Him to you. My prayer is that you can see Him through me! I want to know you where you are so we can live this life together."
58. I have struggled with my weight since I was in 4th grade and had nothing to struggle with except blooming early and jealous girls who wouldn't bloom until much later/ever.
59. I smoked my first and only cigarette in 7th grade after stealing a pack of my fathers cigarettes. He never missed them because he went through them so fast. I smoked 1 then gave the rest of the pack away. That girl is still a smoker and I feel horrible because I helped her along that path. (She was already smoking at that point)
60. Smoking in my opinion is one of the most horrible thing you can do yourself and others.
61. I can't stand it when people hold their cigarettes out the car window and their second hand smoke blows into my vents.
62. I love to hike but don't get to do it often because Bobby is not a fan. He is the one who mentioned adding this one.
63. I like to letterbox on occasion.
64. I don't like to hear women slamming their husbands at social gatherings or one on one. It shows an issue with their character.
65. I love to go to Girls Nights but don't ever say much. I am never sure I will be heard or taken seriously. I tend to listen until I really have something to say.
66. I like to cook.
67. I am a better baker/dessert maker than cook.
68. I have only set off the smoke alarm in our house once in 6 years. It was while making fish sticks.
69. I really like to make new dishes when we have company. That is dangerous but usually works out OK.
70. I grew up believing that losing your virginity before marriage was just about the biggest sin any child could commit. In order of severity, it was above assault and battery, just below murder, tied with smoking. (This is copied from another persons list)
71. The best I have ever felt about my body was when I was pregnant with each of our children.
72. I wish I was a foodie that loved to try new foods. It is hard for me to really get into the experience if it includes mushrooms, olives or raw tomatoes.
73. Don't ask about the SAT. It was not good. I don't do math.
74. I missed the MSAT test because I was out for a walk with one of my old roommates. For some reason I thought it was the next day when I realized that most tests are not held on Sundays.
75. I became a music major because my Liberal Studies advisor did not help me at all.
76. I dropped out of Theory 1 because Bobby distracted me and I was going to fail it. I audited it the next year.
77. I have the sweetest hubby in the world. Even if he did make me fail Theory.
78. I have sold Pampered Chef for the last 2 years. I was fun for awhile but I think I am done. I think Corey said going to one of those parties is like getting kicked in the crotch. Try selling it.
79. I am way too worried about what people think of me.
80. When I have had a Crisis of Belief in my life it wasn't about my faith. That is not something I question, just the circumstances surrounding it.
81. Since about number 50 I have been thinking "what else can I put".
82. One of the highlights of my day is getting the mail. Especially if there is money or a personal note in there.
83. I love blueberries. I wish they weren't $5 for 1/4 of a cup.
84. One of things I miss about California is the access to fresh produce. It is just not as good here as it is in CA.
85. My favorite fast food place is In-N-Out.
86. In order of preference: Mountains, Ocean, Lake, Desert
87. Even though I like chocolate a lot my favorite dessert is Creme Brulee. That might seem weird considering #17.
88. I only like being outside in the fall and the spring. The summer is too hot and humid here and the winter too cold.
89. If we had a lot of snow it would make being outside tolerable. Without snow it is just cold.
90. I have to get a root canal next Monday.
91. I have horrible teeth. Even though I brush at least twice a day a floss I still have problems with my teeth. It's hereditary.
92. I have friends spread out across the country.
93. I really need clean sweep to come to my house and help me get rid of our clutter.
94. Once while I was roller blading in Yosemite a car was coming that couldn't see me. I really didn't know how to stop so this man, that was a round as he was tall, told me to go toward him and he would stop me. I bounced off the guy and did a flip in the rocks on the side of the road. I am sure it looked really funny.
95. I have worked at 3 different Burger Kings. The first one when I was 14 and got my work permit. The third was in Azusa. I was the only white girl there and the guy training me only spoke Spanish. For our Christmas party we went salsa dancing at Acapulco's.
96. I got to go on Walk-About right before my senior year in college when I was going to be an RA in Canyon Gardens. Two of my favorite memories from that trip were sliding down a natural waterslide where I got a bloody nose from the shock of the cold water and my 2 days of fasting and prayer with me and God.
97. I like to think I can sing pretty well. Unfortunately I would probably be in the scary auditions for American Idol.
98. I used to think that you could be friends with anyone if you tried hard enough. I was proven wrong. If the other person is not willing to try it just won't work.
99. Bobby and our two kiddos are my heart.
100. The coolest part about being a rock stars wife is all of the people I have gotten to meet. Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Pat Boone....
1. For my 16th birthday I got a Cabriolet Convertible. It was an inch and a half long.
2. I have lived in at least 21 different houses/apartments. This includes 6 different places in college (2 dorms freshman year), an off campus apartment sophomore year, The Mods (F7) Junior year, and 2 different apartments in Canyon Gardens.
3. I lived in Scotland for 2 years when I was little.
4. I think one of the most amazing places I have ever been was standing on the diving board on Half Dome in Yosemite. It was the culmination of a summer of cleaning hotel rooms, doing church services in the campgrounds on Sundays and hiking on my days off.
5. A very close second to Half Dome was Clouds Rest. There were not nearly as many people and an amazing view.
6. I have played the flute since I was in 5th grade. I picked it up quickly because I had already learned how to read music taking piano lessons. I was first chair my junior and senior year of high school.
7. I was second to last chair my freshman year of college.
8. Some of my favorite TV shows are or have been: Dawsons Creek, The Brady Bunch, Roswell, Everwood, Heroes, CSI Miami, Friends, ER, Greys Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. I probably could get into the new one that is on after Greys Anatomy but I am not sure it is worth the effort.
9. If you come over to my house on any given day the only room that will probably be clean is the kitchen. With all the running around we do the kitchen is lucky to be the clean room.
10. My bowling team, The Pink Panthers, was 10th in the nation. I was 10 years old. I am now a pro on Wii sports bowling.
11. I love to read when I have the time. Some of my favorite books in recent years have been The Poisonwood Bible, A Prayer for Own Meany, and anything by Steven King.
12. I have the best set in-laws in the land. The very first time I met them we were on a trip on the coast of Oregon. I threw up in front of them on a whale watching trip. I figured once they had seen me spew there was nothing I could be embarrased about again.
13. I like chocolate. A Lot.
14. I think we should hang onto the classic hymns so our children don't lose them. I like contemporary worship I just miss those old songs. I am only 32.
15. My husband thinks I am crazy because I like to make lists with things like "brush teeth" and "eat breakfast" along with "go to the bank" just so I can cross them off. I like this becasue even if I don't get any thing accomplished for the day I at least have a couple of things crossed off my list.
16. I am easily enterained. Unless a movie just really sucks I will probably give it a decent review. So, if you are ultra critical or super conservative I may not be the best person to ask.
17. Jello, pudding and cottage cheese make me gag. I know it is a texture thing. The worst is when there is a dish that looks like a good dessert and you bite into it and it is full of cottage cheese. Yuck!
18. Scrapbooking is a passion of mine. I love preserving our memories for the years to come so my kids and theirs will be able to look back at them and laugh.
19. I am a frustrated perfectionist. I want things to be perfect (especially in my scrapbooks) but I don't want to take the time to make them that way. I have way to many pictures to scrap to spend 3 hours on a page like some people do. Plus, I would rather be hanging out with my kiddos than cleaning my house. They are only thise little once right?
20. I used to be really extroverted but have become more introverted as the years have progressed.
21. In California I would get butterflies in my stomach when I would hear the lyric "when summers beginning to give up her fight" by the Indigo Girls. There was a moment every fall that I could feel that lyric.
22. The best surprise of my life was when Bobby proposed to me. I was really frustrated the night before on the phone. I was really missing him and he didn't sould like he missed me that much. I didn't know I would be seeing him the next day. He drove down to Vacaville from Oregon with his mom the day after Christmas, handed out presents to everyone and proposed that morning.
23. Two of my favorite movies are Jerry Maguire and One Fine Day. Bobby and I went to see both of those the day we got engaged.
24. I am who radio sells music too. I don't go out of my way to find new artists and like hearing the same songs over and over again...until I am sick of them. I am always impressed when people "find" a new artist. I don't have the time or the energy to search the tubes.
25. I buy my music (when I actually buy CDs) from Target or Walmart. I saw Joss Stone on Leno last night and thought I would dig her new album. I do.
26. I respect and love people that do foreign mission work but my heart is with the people in my community that need Jesus.
27. The longest mission trip I went on was a week to San Francisco for "Bridges". This was right before I became a Student Orientation Leader my junior year of college. It was kind of strange because I went to the orthodontist in San Fran but saw an entirely different side of the city. This is why my heart is with the people in need here in the states.
28. I am middle of the road when it comes to politics.
29. If I had the time, money, and equipment I would be a professional photographer.
30. I really don't like dogs. This stems from being bitten by a dog while delivering Girl Scout cookies and then being chased by a German Shepherd the next week on my bike.
31. We have a one year old German Shepherd named Kelsey.
32. I can't stand doing fluffy Bible Studies. I am by no means the grammar police, unlike my husband, but I don't like major typos. I can't understand why I can read a 500 page novel and find maybe 1 typo but in a 50 page Bible Study there are multiple. In one particular study the entire section leads you to believe the answer is Jesus while in fact the entire passage referenced is talking about John the Baptist.
33. I think most editors should be required to manually edit manuscripts. Spell Check and Grammar Check only do so much. (All of you editors out there, please don't bother editing this post. I know it is full of mistakes).
34. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
35. My mom is my hero. As soon as she found out what was happening she took every step to make sure I was safe. She also got me into therapy as quickly as possible.
36. It is by the Grace of God (and a mother who would have killed me!) that I never got into anything that would truly hurt me.
37. I have seriously thought about writing a book about my experience but I don't want it to be a trashy tell all novel. I also don't want it relegated to the Christian self-help section of the Christian book store. If I write it I want it to be accessible to people to let them know they are not alone.
38. 2 people I have shared my experience with came to me to share their story. I was the first person that ever knew what happened to them and I was able to help they find resources to help them.
39. I will probably go back to therapy at some point.
40. I am fiercely protective of my children. I am even having a difficult time thinking about school for them but I am not sure I am cut out to home school.
41. My sister and I have a better relationship now that we have kids than we did when we were kids. I once threw a box of saran wrap at her and sliced her wrist open. I convinced her to ride her bike with me to our moms work and tell her she had fallen off her bike because she would be in trouble too for fighting. She finally told on me several years later when it was to late.
42. I have an awesome step-dad and too wacky step sisters. I usually refer to them as my sisters and dad.
43. My sister, my mom and I all got married within a year and a half of each other.
44. When I was about 12 I pushed my bike to the top of a really steep hill. There was a big Greek Orthodox church up there. I careened down the hill on my bike and popped the front intertube at the bottom of the hill. I never did that again.
45. I have thought about sky diving but I am not sure I can bring my self to do it.
46. I did bungee jump though in Southern CA. It was a team building exercise with the JR High Staff at the church Bobby and I went to. I have a copy of it on my conducting tape.
47. I got my BA in Music Education from APU. There is a reason I am not a conductor.
48. I went on to get my Masters in Education as a First Generation College Student I think partially because I wanted to prove I could do it and fall into the resilient category of people.
49. I now have a lot of loans.
50. I do not have a problem with people who drink or alcohol in general.
51. I can count on both hands the amount of times I have ever had an alcoholic beverage.
52. I have never been drunk.
53. Red wine gives me a migraine within minutes of the first sip.
54. My parents set a good example for us regarding alcohol. There was usually a bottle of wine in the fridge but it lasted a long time. I never saw my parents drunk.
55. I think touring winery's is a fun activity even for those of us that don't drink wine. There is grape juice at the end of the tour for the kids and you get to see how everything is done.
56. When I say I am a Christian I am NOT saying "hey look at me! I am perfect and have it all together. I get to go to heaven and you don't!"
57. When I say I am a Christian I AM saying "I am broken, I need Jesus, I want to live like Jesus and show Him to you. My prayer is that you can see Him through me! I want to know you where you are so we can live this life together."
58. I have struggled with my weight since I was in 4th grade and had nothing to struggle with except blooming early and jealous girls who wouldn't bloom until much later/ever.
59. I smoked my first and only cigarette in 7th grade after stealing a pack of my fathers cigarettes. He never missed them because he went through them so fast. I smoked 1 then gave the rest of the pack away. That girl is still a smoker and I feel horrible because I helped her along that path. (She was already smoking at that point)
60. Smoking in my opinion is one of the most horrible thing you can do yourself and others.
61. I can't stand it when people hold their cigarettes out the car window and their second hand smoke blows into my vents.
62. I love to hike but don't get to do it often because Bobby is not a fan. He is the one who mentioned adding this one.
63. I like to letterbox on occasion.
64. I don't like to hear women slamming their husbands at social gatherings or one on one. It shows an issue with their character.
65. I love to go to Girls Nights but don't ever say much. I am never sure I will be heard or taken seriously. I tend to listen until I really have something to say.
66. I like to cook.
67. I am a better baker/dessert maker than cook.
68. I have only set off the smoke alarm in our house once in 6 years. It was while making fish sticks.
69. I really like to make new dishes when we have company. That is dangerous but usually works out OK.
70. I grew up believing that losing your virginity before marriage was just about the biggest sin any child could commit. In order of severity, it was above assault and battery, just below murder, tied with smoking. (This is copied from another persons list)
71. The best I have ever felt about my body was when I was pregnant with each of our children.
72. I wish I was a foodie that loved to try new foods. It is hard for me to really get into the experience if it includes mushrooms, olives or raw tomatoes.
73. Don't ask about the SAT. It was not good. I don't do math.
74. I missed the MSAT test because I was out for a walk with one of my old roommates. For some reason I thought it was the next day when I realized that most tests are not held on Sundays.
75. I became a music major because my Liberal Studies advisor did not help me at all.
76. I dropped out of Theory 1 because Bobby distracted me and I was going to fail it. I audited it the next year.
77. I have the sweetest hubby in the world. Even if he did make me fail Theory.
78. I have sold Pampered Chef for the last 2 years. I was fun for awhile but I think I am done. I think Corey said going to one of those parties is like getting kicked in the crotch. Try selling it.
79. I am way too worried about what people think of me.
80. When I have had a Crisis of Belief in my life it wasn't about my faith. That is not something I question, just the circumstances surrounding it.
81. Since about number 50 I have been thinking "what else can I put".
82. One of the highlights of my day is getting the mail. Especially if there is money or a personal note in there.
83. I love blueberries. I wish they weren't $5 for 1/4 of a cup.
84. One of things I miss about California is the access to fresh produce. It is just not as good here as it is in CA.
85. My favorite fast food place is In-N-Out.
86. In order of preference: Mountains, Ocean, Lake, Desert
87. Even though I like chocolate a lot my favorite dessert is Creme Brulee. That might seem weird considering #17.
88. I only like being outside in the fall and the spring. The summer is too hot and humid here and the winter too cold.
89. If we had a lot of snow it would make being outside tolerable. Without snow it is just cold.
90. I have to get a root canal next Monday.
91. I have horrible teeth. Even though I brush at least twice a day a floss I still have problems with my teeth. It's hereditary.
92. I have friends spread out across the country.
93. I really need clean sweep to come to my house and help me get rid of our clutter.
94. Once while I was roller blading in Yosemite a car was coming that couldn't see me. I really didn't know how to stop so this man, that was a round as he was tall, told me to go toward him and he would stop me. I bounced off the guy and did a flip in the rocks on the side of the road. I am sure it looked really funny.
95. I have worked at 3 different Burger Kings. The first one when I was 14 and got my work permit. The third was in Azusa. I was the only white girl there and the guy training me only spoke Spanish. For our Christmas party we went salsa dancing at Acapulco's.
96. I got to go on Walk-About right before my senior year in college when I was going to be an RA in Canyon Gardens. Two of my favorite memories from that trip were sliding down a natural waterslide where I got a bloody nose from the shock of the cold water and my 2 days of fasting and prayer with me and God.
97. I like to think I can sing pretty well. Unfortunately I would probably be in the scary auditions for American Idol.
98. I used to think that you could be friends with anyone if you tried hard enough. I was proven wrong. If the other person is not willing to try it just won't work.
99. Bobby and our two kiddos are my heart.
100. The coolest part about being a rock stars wife is all of the people I have gotten to meet. Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Pat Boone....
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
A Week and Beer
How on earth has it been almost a week since I posted a blog? I suppose it could be that it has been a busy one. Nothing earth shattering just busy.
I had a Pampered Chef order come in and had to pick up and deliver some of it Monday. That was a fun day. I got to hang out for a bit with my friend Melanie. My kiddos had fun playing with her little girl on the swing set while we chatted. Then I got to see one of my friends (I think I know at least 6 Amy's) named Amy who was at her parents house (a lot closer than her house) along with her 2 little girls. THEN, I got to hang out with my friend Beth when I delivered her PC stuff and Munchkin and Little Man got to play with her boys. I think I got to visit more in one day than I do some months!
I hosted an Arbonne party on Thursday and got a bunch of cool free goodies. That was after a day of swimming lessons and scrapbooking with Angela.
Tonight my friend Patti was here from Alabama. I haven't seen her in 7 years so it was so much fun to catch up with each other. It was way too short and Munchkin was very disappointed that she didn't get to play Uno with her. After having a meltdown Munchkin passed out in her bed. She was way too tired from staying out with daddy last night.
Now for the beer. I went to a Tastefully Simple party not too long ago and ordered some beer bread. You can make it with soda or beer but it tasted really good with the beer in it. Now, I myself am not a beer drinker. I can't stand the taste of it and couldn't stand driving past the beer factory when we lived in CA because of the smell. I don't buy beer. BUT, I wanted some for my bread. While I was in the grocery store one day I was by the beer case and couldn't figure out if I could buy just one. So I talked to a friend and she recommended I go to the gas station to get one.
The next day we had to get gas and Munchkin of course had to go potty right away. We pulled up, ran in to potty and when we came back out I noticed there was a whole section of mismatched beer. So I picked one out and took it to the counter. I really try not to take my children into gas stations. Why? Must I remind you about the dish soap once again? You can't contain children in a gas station! There are no carts! While I was at the counter buying my one lonely little bottle of beer my children were trying to get bubble gum out of a bucket, asking me what you use pads for, and asking me if we needed a quart of oil. The guy at the counter looked at me and asked "Do you NEED a cold one?" I sheepishly looked back and told him it was for bread...which it really was. I guess he thought I really did need a cold one with all that was going on behind me!
It sounds like my kids are hellions and they really aren't. Please don't be afraid to go places with us...
I had a Pampered Chef order come in and had to pick up and deliver some of it Monday. That was a fun day. I got to hang out for a bit with my friend Melanie. My kiddos had fun playing with her little girl on the swing set while we chatted. Then I got to see one of my friends (I think I know at least 6 Amy's) named Amy who was at her parents house (a lot closer than her house) along with her 2 little girls. THEN, I got to hang out with my friend Beth when I delivered her PC stuff and Munchkin and Little Man got to play with her boys. I think I got to visit more in one day than I do some months!
I hosted an Arbonne party on Thursday and got a bunch of cool free goodies. That was after a day of swimming lessons and scrapbooking with Angela.
Tonight my friend Patti was here from Alabama. I haven't seen her in 7 years so it was so much fun to catch up with each other. It was way too short and Munchkin was very disappointed that she didn't get to play Uno with her. After having a meltdown Munchkin passed out in her bed. She was way too tired from staying out with daddy last night.
Now for the beer. I went to a Tastefully Simple party not too long ago and ordered some beer bread. You can make it with soda or beer but it tasted really good with the beer in it. Now, I myself am not a beer drinker. I can't stand the taste of it and couldn't stand driving past the beer factory when we lived in CA because of the smell. I don't buy beer. BUT, I wanted some for my bread. While I was in the grocery store one day I was by the beer case and couldn't figure out if I could buy just one. So I talked to a friend and she recommended I go to the gas station to get one.
The next day we had to get gas and Munchkin of course had to go potty right away. We pulled up, ran in to potty and when we came back out I noticed there was a whole section of mismatched beer. So I picked one out and took it to the counter. I really try not to take my children into gas stations. Why? Must I remind you about the dish soap once again? You can't contain children in a gas station! There are no carts! While I was at the counter buying my one lonely little bottle of beer my children were trying to get bubble gum out of a bucket, asking me what you use pads for, and asking me if we needed a quart of oil. The guy at the counter looked at me and asked "Do you NEED a cold one?" I sheepishly looked back and told him it was for bread...which it really was. I guess he thought I really did need a cold one with all that was going on behind me!
It sounds like my kids are hellions and they really aren't. Please don't be afraid to go places with us...
Saturday, March 10, 2007
A second note on links
Since this post I have reorganized a little bit. I switched over to the new blogger and added some links. I just wanted to add in some info about the new links that have been added.
Rapture Song- Kacey
I heard about Kacey when she started dating Bobby's best friend Geoff. Bobby got to be their best man in Oregon and then they moved down to So. Cal not too far from us. We got to hang out during the summer at the pool at their apartment and do all kinds of crazy things. Kacey is a genuine solid Christian wife and mom that is honest and loving. She and Geoff actually got up with us at 4 in the morning to eat breakfast with us at Denny's before we moved across the country.
Weight Loss Blog
Just a little blog about weight loss
The next group are all friends from church. Our Sunday School class/Connect Group is going through some changes right now and it is nice to be able to keep up with each other this way.
Roots - Jenn Cady
Jenn has 2 kiddos. Her little girl is a little bit younger than Munchkin but they get along great. She is fun to hang out with, and if you get the chance, you should hear her sing! Her posts are always very insightful and inspiring.
The Mysterious Mind - Katie Carmen
Katie has been in the Connect group for quite awhile now. Her husband Ray is Ray of Razor Rays World. She has two sweet girls that like to play in the dirt.
Laura Horton
Laura and Aaron came from another church a couple of years ago and have been a huge blessing to our Sunday School class.
By Naomi Blog - Miriam
I think that Miriam is using her blog to post pictures from her photo class. She and her hubby moved away for a little while but are back now and we are so glad. They were missed!
Sarahisms - Sarah Andrews
Sarah is brand new to the blogosphere. She has been reading for awhile and finally took the plunge. This girl will tell ya like it is (and that is a good thing)! :)
Looking Glass - Sarah Meek
Sarah is also pretty new to the blog thing. She is a sweet friend with a sassy streak!
The Juillerats - Stephani and Ben
We have known Ben and Stephani almost since we started going to Longhollow. They were Daily Planet fans when Bobby was in that band but more importantly are still our friends now.
Aaron' Ramblings - Aaron Horton
See Laura :)
Pour Out - Chris Thomas
This is Chris' techno/work blog. He is married to Kim who is updating their other blog The Thomas Report.
I think those are all of the new links for now. If you have a blog you update fairly regularly and would like to be added to my list let me know!
Also, if you would like to add anything to the info about your page you can do that in the comments as well. Or, you can let me know in the comments which is your favorite to visit when you link from my site. :)
Rapture Song- Kacey
I heard about Kacey when she started dating Bobby's best friend Geoff. Bobby got to be their best man in Oregon and then they moved down to So. Cal not too far from us. We got to hang out during the summer at the pool at their apartment and do all kinds of crazy things. Kacey is a genuine solid Christian wife and mom that is honest and loving. She and Geoff actually got up with us at 4 in the morning to eat breakfast with us at Denny's before we moved across the country.
Weight Loss Blog
Just a little blog about weight loss
The next group are all friends from church. Our Sunday School class/Connect Group is going through some changes right now and it is nice to be able to keep up with each other this way.
Roots - Jenn Cady
Jenn has 2 kiddos. Her little girl is a little bit younger than Munchkin but they get along great. She is fun to hang out with, and if you get the chance, you should hear her sing! Her posts are always very insightful and inspiring.
The Mysterious Mind - Katie Carmen
Katie has been in the Connect group for quite awhile now. Her husband Ray is Ray of Razor Rays World. She has two sweet girls that like to play in the dirt.
Laura Horton
Laura and Aaron came from another church a couple of years ago and have been a huge blessing to our Sunday School class.
By Naomi Blog - Miriam
I think that Miriam is using her blog to post pictures from her photo class. She and her hubby moved away for a little while but are back now and we are so glad. They were missed!
Sarahisms - Sarah Andrews
Sarah is brand new to the blogosphere. She has been reading for awhile and finally took the plunge. This girl will tell ya like it is (and that is a good thing)! :)
Looking Glass - Sarah Meek
Sarah is also pretty new to the blog thing. She is a sweet friend with a sassy streak!
The Juillerats - Stephani and Ben
We have known Ben and Stephani almost since we started going to Longhollow. They were Daily Planet fans when Bobby was in that band but more importantly are still our friends now.
Aaron' Ramblings - Aaron Horton
See Laura :)
Pour Out - Chris Thomas
This is Chris' techno/work blog. He is married to Kim who is updating their other blog The Thomas Report.
I think those are all of the new links for now. If you have a blog you update fairly regularly and would like to be added to my list let me know!
Also, if you would like to add anything to the info about your page you can do that in the comments as well. Or, you can let me know in the comments which is your favorite to visit when you link from my site. :)
Things I LOVE about Spring
Daylight Savings Time
T-shirts
Sunglasses
Driving with the windows down
Swinging at the park
Running around the tennis courts (not playing just running around on it)
Staying outside until after dark with no mosquitoes
Daffodils
Tulips
Seeing how big the neighborhood kids have gotten since the fall (we all hibernate during the winter)
Not having to rush into stores because of the cold
Our porch swing
Sidewalk Chalk
Riding bikes up and down the sidewalk
Tree house Picnics
Reading books outside
The nice warm breeze
No humidity
The one thing I do not like about spring:
The brown recluses that come out of hiding in our house
Friday, March 09, 2007
Inspired by Jenn
These 2 pictures were inspired by the pictures in Jenns post. The first one was after we had been playing at the park while Bobby was flying his airplane. He was just putting everything away while I snapped it. The second was at Little Mans therapy appointment. He had just walked down a balance beam by himself and had to throw the bean bag through the hole.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Photography
I love to take pictures. Someday I will get to take some classes for it but for now I just get to play around. This was my very first attempt with altering the photo like this.
Food Fight!!
Our friends, the Gustafsons, little boy turned 3 last week. His birthday party was on Sunday at their house. I have never been to a more unique party! We did all the things you normally do like cake and ice cream, presents, and playing. But, there was an added twist. The kids (and by kids I mean some of the adults) got to have a food fight!
Here is their big 3 year old getting ready to blow chunks of cookies all over the cake.
All of the kiddos before the fight. Like those ponchos?
The food table.
Here is their big 3 year old getting ready to blow chunks of cookies all over the cake.
All of the kiddos before the fight. Like those ponchos?
The food table.
Just starting to throw a little bit of food. The kids were a little uncertain at this point.
Getting a little more active.
This would be Scott. I think he was the first adult to really get it. I would have had a lot more pictures but my camera died right after this.
I didn't really know how our kiddos would do with a food fight. Munchkin and Beth's oldest were still standing throwing food at each other after a lot of the kids were done. Another one of the little girls did not participate because she doesn't like to get messy. Little Man stood on the deck with Bobby's jacket on and watched. I am sure his sensory issues were on overload. Another little boy threw a pie tin right on Munchkins head. I am not sure she even really noticed. We ended up staying over until 9:30 ish along with 2 other couples. The guys all hung out in the basement playing the Wii. They were laughing really hard and we found out that Little Man was kicking one of the guys hiney on Tennis!
We girls stayed upstairs and just hung out and talked while the 9 children between the 4 of us ran through the house like banshees!
Munchkin and Little Man were asleep before we got out of the driveway. That has to be a sign of a good party!
This would be Scott. I think he was the first adult to really get it. I would have had a lot more pictures but my camera died right after this.
I didn't really know how our kiddos would do with a food fight. Munchkin and Beth's oldest were still standing throwing food at each other after a lot of the kids were done. Another one of the little girls did not participate because she doesn't like to get messy. Little Man stood on the deck with Bobby's jacket on and watched. I am sure his sensory issues were on overload. Another little boy threw a pie tin right on Munchkins head. I am not sure she even really noticed. We ended up staying over until 9:30 ish along with 2 other couples. The guys all hung out in the basement playing the Wii. They were laughing really hard and we found out that Little Man was kicking one of the guys hiney on Tennis!We girls stayed upstairs and just hung out and talked while the 9 children between the 4 of us ran through the house like banshees!
Munchkin and Little Man were asleep before we got out of the driveway. That has to be a sign of a good party!
One more sweet picture of Little Man.
Monday, March 05, 2007
+ and -
+It is a beautiful day in Tennessee. We got to play outside for over an hour after Little Mans nap.
-We may die from smoke inhalation. My neighbor decided this afternoon would be a good time to burn all of her sticks in her back yard.
+We have a beautiful shade tree in our front yard
-It may have Silver Maple Canker Disease. When we got home last night it looked like someone had killed something and wiped it down the tree. This morning it doesn't look that bad but it is bleeding a copious amount of a watery substance.
+I get to meet Bobby with the kiddos for dinner at a brand new Mexican place
-I know it will taste great but I will probably have a stomach ache later...but maybe not. :)
+Did I mention the sun is out and it is beautiful here!
+Girl Scout cookies (especially samoas)
+I have found some great deals at consignments sales in the last week
-I am trying to sort stuff to consign and we have A LOT
-We may die from smoke inhalation. My neighbor decided this afternoon would be a good time to burn all of her sticks in her back yard.
+We have a beautiful shade tree in our front yard
-It may have Silver Maple Canker Disease. When we got home last night it looked like someone had killed something and wiped it down the tree. This morning it doesn't look that bad but it is bleeding a copious amount of a watery substance.
+I get to meet Bobby with the kiddos for dinner at a brand new Mexican place
-I know it will taste great but I will probably have a stomach ache later...but maybe not. :)
+Did I mention the sun is out and it is beautiful here!
+Girl Scout cookies (especially samoas)
+I have found some great deals at consignments sales in the last week
-I am trying to sort stuff to consign and we have A LOT
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Just say NO!
This will probably be a little bit of a whiny post but maybe not. I go to a huge church. I LOVE my church. It is now considered a mega church. When we started going there 5 1/2 years ago there were about 800 members and it is now up to 4000. That is wonderful! People are in church and it is good but that means that more people need to help out to keep it running. I think last year the median age was 32. Many many many of the families have children that are in the nursery, preschool, or school age. Not to mention our ginormous Jr high/high school group. We hear all the time that 20% of the people do 80% of the work at the church and I can believe it. Those people that are volunteering are probably working in at least 2 other ministry areas. Does this make a person a better Christian? Nope! It just makes them feel burned out and restless and used. This is why people need to be able to say no and not feel guilty about it. Guilt is not from God!
At church I am a table leader for MOPS, do music for 3 and 4 year olds once a month, teach Munchkins class Wednesday nights, and make phone calls for the new women's shepherding ministry. Do I write this all out to say "Hey look at me and all of the ministry I am doing!" No. Right now I am quite content in what I am doing for church. I like these rolls and feel like I can do a good job in them. But also to say, I guess, if I get called to work in the nursery on Sunday morning I probably won't say yes. I know there is a need but I have to get fed sometime too.
I have heard people say don't be so over committed outside of church that you can't serve at church. How about the people that are so over committed at church they can't serve the community. They can't reach people for Christ because they don't know anyone who is not a Christian. They can't take the time to serve at a soup kitchen, go to a nursing home, or have a playgroup outside of church because they have to be there every time the doors are open.
I guess all I am saying is if you are uncomfortable in all of your commitments get out of some of them, say no and don't feel guilty about it. If you are not serving anywhere it is good to be serving somewhere that God wants you not people. Listen to what God wants you to do and serve there be that at church, Habitat for Humanity, or The Crisis Pregnancy Center to name a few.
I know as a mom that it is really difficult to commit to things sometimes. But there may be things we can do with our kids to show them ministry as well. What ministry looks like. I know I want my kids to value helping others and showing Jesus to others. That means I need to get on the ball with ministry opportunities for them. Right now that is being kind to others on the playground, including ALL others not matter race, color or creed.
This is really rambly. My main point is serve where you are called wherever that may be, say no to overcommitment and don't feel guilty about it.
At church I am a table leader for MOPS, do music for 3 and 4 year olds once a month, teach Munchkins class Wednesday nights, and make phone calls for the new women's shepherding ministry. Do I write this all out to say "Hey look at me and all of the ministry I am doing!" No. Right now I am quite content in what I am doing for church. I like these rolls and feel like I can do a good job in them. But also to say, I guess, if I get called to work in the nursery on Sunday morning I probably won't say yes. I know there is a need but I have to get fed sometime too.
I have heard people say don't be so over committed outside of church that you can't serve at church. How about the people that are so over committed at church they can't serve the community. They can't reach people for Christ because they don't know anyone who is not a Christian. They can't take the time to serve at a soup kitchen, go to a nursing home, or have a playgroup outside of church because they have to be there every time the doors are open.
I guess all I am saying is if you are uncomfortable in all of your commitments get out of some of them, say no and don't feel guilty about it. If you are not serving anywhere it is good to be serving somewhere that God wants you not people. Listen to what God wants you to do and serve there be that at church, Habitat for Humanity, or The Crisis Pregnancy Center to name a few.
I know as a mom that it is really difficult to commit to things sometimes. But there may be things we can do with our kids to show them ministry as well. What ministry looks like. I know I want my kids to value helping others and showing Jesus to others. That means I need to get on the ball with ministry opportunities for them. Right now that is being kind to others on the playground, including ALL others not matter race, color or creed.
This is really rambly. My main point is serve where you are called wherever that may be, say no to overcommitment and don't feel guilty about it.
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