My Heart is Heavy

I feel a great responsibility for my country. I don't consider myself a political enthusiast, but in just a few short days our country is going to have one of the biggest and most important elections of its history. I am going to stand up for what is right and true. I will choose life. I pray that the people of our nation do the same.

Seriously Cute Boys

...and they aren't even sporting their Halloween costumes yet! They are yet a little young for marriage proposals, but I assure you they will be ready in 20 years or so. Here is your morning eye candy.

Aren't those just beautiful baby blues??

He wasn't cooperating, but I still got the pic of his freckles (or Angel kisses as we like to call them).

Why does it seem so hard?

*update* I just wanted to ask if you would be willing to join in a prayer vigil for baby stellan and his family (their link is to the right if you haven't read their story). Stellan is going to be born today and they could sure use all of our prayers. Another blogger has set up a prayer vigil for them. If you would like to participate go to this link.

Why does it seem so hard to get out of bed in the morning?

Why does it seem so hard to motivate myself into cleaning this house? (It's not like its a big house)

Why does it seem so hard to remember important dates like birthday's and anniversaries?

Why does it seem so hard to open my Bible every day?

Why?

Because I am selfish (and lazy). I think about me and what I want to do (or not to do) and I very conveniently find other ways to waste my time.

Today, I am going to do better.

Today, I will put my God first, my family and friends needs above my own. I will even clean the house. And, I know that by doing so, I will feel accomplishment and joy.

Today I will do those things.

Today and hopefully tomorrow.

It's a God Thing...

I have something to say that may shock some of you, others may not be so shocked. OK, so probably most of you won't be shocked, but I am trying to make this exciting - so, please just play along!! The something that I have to say is that... I don't believe in coincidence or the phrase just happened to. Nope, not me.

This morning after I loaded the boys into the van to take Jacob off to school, I put the key in the ignition and turned it. All I heard was hummm, click, click. Not such a good thing. Instantly, I remembered that Ethan had left the car door opened for several hours yesterday before I noticed it and was able to close it. What I should have done right then was go outside (but it was cold and I didn't want to be cold) and try to start the van. That way, if it started I would have known that all was well and if it didn't start, well, I could have Curt do something about it. Instead, I forgot about it.

Until this morning.

When it was even colder.

And, I had someplace to be.

Now, we do try to learn from our mistakes and a couple of years ago, Curt left the door open to his car and the battery went dead and a dear neighbor guy (I still don't know his name) came over and charged the battery with a great new invention - a battery charger.

OK, so they've been around awhile.

Well, we didn't have one and didn't know what to do with one if we did. Anyway, we decided "we should have one" and for Christmas that year we asked for and received a state of the art car battery charger.

It is snazzy.

But the only time we (I say we very lightly) had to use it was when Curt was trimming the bushes in front of our house and listening to the MSU football game on his car radio. Yeah, he forgot the radio was on and ran down the battery. I happened to be inside quite unaware of the goings on outside so I didn't witness the hooking up of the battery charger. But it worked. I was informed of that after the fact.

Back to today.

So I think instantly that all I have to do is hook up the charger (which has a great emergency start feature) and I will still be able to get Jacob to school on time. That was my plan. I popped the hood and I lifted the little bar thingy so the hood wouldn't fall on me and I grabbed the charger out of its box (we don't want it to get dirty or anything), I read the instruction manual and I hooked it to the battery and plugged it in. Nothing, not a twitch on the needle. I switched all the switches and still nothing. I fiddled with it for about 20 minutes (did I mention it was cold). I called Curt (he teaches High School and doesn't ever answer his phone) and left a "Call Me Immediately" message and then, my phone rang.

Here's the just happened to part, read slow, there are a lot of just happened to's.

It wasn't Curt. It just happened to be my friend Rachel and she just happened to ask if I was ready to get the big box out of my sun room because she was on her way to get it. The big box came from my Mom and contained bedding that she just happened to want to get rid of and Rachel just happened to think her Mom would want for her spare room and, she just happened to. Rachel just happened to be coming to my town today (if you saw her to-do list, you would totally get that that is a big just happened to), she just happened to call her husband who just happened to know all about battery chargers and just happened to be able to explain how to work it in girl talk. I got the battery charged and started the van and took Jacob to school, albeit a little late.

I don't believe in just happened to's because, well, it just takes too many just happened to's to get to where we need to be. It was most obviously, to me at least, a God thing. God has plans and He isn't going to let a dead car battery or anything else for that matter, stand in the way of His work being done. Whatever His work for today may be.

I Was Tagged....

by my dear friend Rachel so here goes.

The rules of this game of tag are as follows:

1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post (or as many as you want)
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!
(Personally, I think this is a great way to learn things about people that just wouldn't normally come up in conversation!)

My 6 Random Things:

1. I sneeze 2 times every time I get up from the massage table.
2. I am not a morning person, but have recently found that coffee helps (exhibit A).
3. We have an obscenely large movie collection.



4. I have long legs and a short torso which makes buying pants tricky. They are either too short and I look ready for the flood, or the waist is up to my armpits. A big shout out to the creator of low-riders. All I have to do is take a tuck in the waist (which is really supposed to be by my hips) and I have a perfect fit!
5. I cried the other day when Jacob told me that he makes pinkie-promises with his friends at school. It is just a reminder that he is growing up before my very eyes.
6. I love color. I live in Yellow House and the inside is as happy as happy could be.

the kitchen

the dining/sun room

the living room

the bathroom (we do not have a shower it is tub baths for us!)

our bedroom

the boys room

as much as I would like to say that I painted that tree, I must admit to using a Popsicle stick and just
rubbing on a wall transfer (but, I did it all by myself!!)

I am also including some pictures of me I was unable to upload last time I was tagged because I didn't have a scanner (but, now I do). If you didn't read my random things last time, click this link and have a good laugh.

this is me and Rusty(yes, he became burgers and I enjoyed them)

this was my first cow, Bessie (she is also the only one that I would ride, I called her my racing cow)

I am tagging: Rachel, Wendi, Sarah, and that will have to be all because, I just don't know that many bloggers.

Have a great day!!

The Concert (and meeting Angie)

A couple of months ago Angie Smith from the Bring the Rain blog announced that she was going to be attending a benefit concert here in Michigan that Selah (her husbands singing group) was going to be headlining for Laban Ministries. My girlfriends and I are faithful readers of Angie's blog and wanted so much to meet her in "real life". With our husbands permission and full cooperation (thank you guys!!) we planned our girls night out. First, we stopped at Panera Bread for some warm soup and sandwiches (and caffeinated beverages). Then we set out on our hour long trip to Northville. I still don't think I could find Northville on a map, but I can get you to the Nazarene church if you need a ride. The concert started around 7pm and it was great. Not only did Selah perform, but so did Todd's brother, Jack, and his wife, Molly and also Todd's sister Nicol (who was in Selah for 8 years). We also got to learn all about Laban Ministries and the wonderful work they are doing to help reach the people in Congo, Africa with the Gospel. After the concert was over we were able to wait in line to meet Todd Smith, Amy Perry, and Alan Hall (the members of Selah) and get their autographs. Now, I don't want to imply that that wasn't cool or that we weren't excited about that prospect, but we really wanted to meet Angie. So, my dear friend Wendi told Todd, as he was graciously signing our little bulletins, that we were really there to meet his wife. He just chuckled and wasn't at all surprised. He also told us that she would be out soon. Being the non-stalkers that we are, we very covertly started scoping out the (is joint an appropriate pseudonym for church? We'll just go with church) church and found her already surrounded by her bloggy fan club. Again, very nonchalantly we made our way to within touching distance and waited patiently (OK, so we were a little giddy at this point, but we'll just keep it between us!). After a while "her crowd" dissipated a little and she included us in the conversation. She was just as cute and vibrant and funny and humble as we thought she would be. We were able to talk with her for a while and of course get some pictures during which she shared her "skinny pose" secrets with us. And then, as if the night hadn't already met and exceeded our expectations she asked us, (yes, us!!) for our blog addresses. At that point we were all REALLY giddy and Rachel, shouted "It's a dream come true!!", which it was. I am sure that if we lived near Angie we would all totally be BFF's and that Todd doesn't really think we are all crazy. At least that's my story and I am totally sticking to it!!

I am pretty sure that Rachel and Rachel and Wendi are going to be posting about this wild (by our standards) and wacky night. If you want to check them out, just click on their names and you will go right to their blogs.

Rachel, Me, Angie, Wendi and Rachel

Toothpicks and Other Random Goodies

I think I am going to start a weekly blog entitled "The World According to Ethan". I have in the past couple of days started to really listen to what he says and try to remember it because if it doesn't give me a headache, it makes me laugh. I should probably start carrying a tape recorder.

This morning Ethan brought up toothpicks. I know, what on Earth inspired this burst of randomness? Anyway, this was the conversation:

Ethan: Mom, did you know that Papa doesn't use your toothpicks because he has stuff in his teeth?

Me: No, why does he use them?

Ethan: Because he just wants to use all of them up.

Me: Are you sure he doesn't have stuff in his teeth?

Ethan: Yeah, he told me so. He just wants you to buy more.

Me: (in my head) Is this some diabolical plan to put me into poorhouse? Could it be true that my dad has it out for me and he's using this toothpick scheme to bring it to fruition? Was I that bad as a teenager? Oh, yeah, I was. Ooops.

Ethan: What are those toothpick things called? You know, the things you stick in the cakes?

Me: They are called toothpicks.

Ethan: Oh yeah, but we don't use them to pick teeth, we use them to make cakes.




Kids in general are loads of laughs. On Wednesday nights I work with the Cubbies group at Awana. The Cubbies are 3 and 4 year olds (just so you are aware). Last night during our Bible story time Mr. Martin (our Bible story time leader) asked if anyone knew where Jesus was born. The first answer shouted out was...."Florida". Yup, I said Florida. A few minutes later Mr. Martin asked if anyone knew what a Jew was. Another child (I'm sure it wasn't the same one) said "I want some juice!" and his neighbor said "I'm thirsty too!". Seriously, I couldn't make it up if I tried. It makes me wonder if we are having an impact at all. But then, someone does something that makes me realize we are.

Lastly, tonight me and a few of my friends, Rachel, Rachel and Wendi are going to meet Angie and see the group Selah. I am really excited (I'll try to stay away from caffeine today so I don't scare any of you!). Hopefully we'll get some pictures to post tomorrow (it shouldn't be a problem because we all scrapbook and we all blog which means we all will have our cameras). If you haven't checked out Angie's blog (and if you are reading this here, you probably have because only the three of you listed at the beginning of this paragraph read my blog anyway) you really should. She and her family have gone through a huge loss this year but she is using her grief and her words to bring glory and honor to our savior, Jesus Christ. Her words are inspirational and honest. You will be richly blessed by what she has to say.

Anyway, that's all I've got for today. I hope you have a good one.

Conversations with Ethan

Every morning during the ride back home after dropping Jacob off at school Ethan starts talking for the day. Once he starts he doesn't stop (unless it is naptime, which is strictly enforced for my sanities sake). Our conversations range from the beauty of the morning to the "whys" of life. Today our conversation started with Ethan wondering if the pigs that turn into bacon get shot or stabbed. I know, such a great way to start the morning (thankfully, I had already drank a half cup of coffee). Anyway, the conversation took a turn and this was part that struck me as funny (as if pig slaughter is normal)...

Ethan: Mom, do we have guts?

Me: Yes.

Ethan: What are guts?

Me: Guts are all our insides, like our heart and lungs and stomach and intestines.

Ethan: Where does our food go?

Me: Into our stomach.

Ethan: Why doesn't it go into our legs?

Me: Because God made us so our food goes into our stomach.

Ethan: Does it become poop?

Me: The part that our body doesn't use.

Ethan: But why doesn't it come out our leg instead of our bottom?

Me: Because that's not how God made us. Time to be quiet now, Mommy wants to listen to this song. (and get rid of the headache that I've gotten in the last 5 minutes talking about guts.)

Ethan: But, I think it should come out our legs.

Java...

I haven't always been a big coffee drinker, but lately I've been dabbling with iced or hot, mocha or regular. I have friends and relatives alike that don't start the day (or end it for that matter) without a cup of that hot, uplifting, comforting gift of goodness. Since fall has taken hold we have been having damp, cold weather and nothing sounds as good as a hot beverage (especially one that will help me wake up and get out of my warm and toasty bed). So, yesterday I took my coffee pot (which was stored in the box in the basement and only brought out for parties) out of its box and made a special place on the counter just for it. My Dad (love him) gave me a wonderful box of Gevalia Pumpkin Spice coffee and I used one of the filters that came with the machine (did I mention I've had it for five years or so?) and made myself some coffee. Now, I am not one to miss an opportunity to make a good thing better so I added some Pumpkin Spice Creamer to my Pumpkin Spice Coffee and what did I get?? A slice of Pumpkin Spice Heaven. I think I may be like those friends and relatives I mentioned above. A good cup of coffee to start morning or end the day (of course this would have to be decaf version or I won't sleep a wink) seems to me a very good idea.

Flying High

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to go flying over the town that Curt and I grew up in. This opportunity came about when Curt's parents won (through a silent auction that was raising money for their church) a one hour plane trip. They very generously asked us if we would be interested in splitting it with them. That gave each of us a half hour. The pilot is a sweet lady that goes to their church and also is a flight control director at a nearby airport. She is also the host of the pool party that we have gone to the last two summers. She is really neat and kinda spunky (I like that in a person) and very adventurous (at least by my standards).

This is us before we took off. It was only a four seater plane, so Ethan rode with Joanne and Gary.

Curt was co-pilot. I think the highlight for him was when he was asked if he wanted to drive. It was great for him, but as the driver he decided to play a little and with me being in the back seat, my tummy wasn't too happy with his up and down and right and left manuevers. But, I was glad he got the opportunity. It was a once in a lifetime moment.

We had hoped to catch all the fall color when we scheduled the date for the flight, but up until last week we really hadn't seen much color change. But, fortunately it came on strong this last week and we saw some magnificant beauty.

Curt took a great shot just as we were landing on the runway.

I love that you can see the propelor. When we were flying it was going so fast that I forgot it was even in front of us. It took the camera to capture it.

Thursday Night Football

A couple of weeks ago I was able to take the boys over to watch my nephew Michael play football. He plays both offence and defence and he is doing really well. Fortunately, he had a home game on a night that wasn't going to be too cold. I made up some really snazzy t-shirts that had his mascot name on the front and his nickname on the back. He thought it was cool to have his own cheering section and I had fun cheering for him.

Here are our snazzy shirts. You definately wouldn't be able to miss us!

Here is the back of the boys shirts.

Here is Michael. He is number 58.

I love this part of the game.

The Trojans won in the last few seconds with a field goal. It was a great game!

After this game was over we stuck around for a while because my other nephew Cam plays flag football and they had a scrimage during the following halftime. He is in second grade and looked so cute down on that big field.

Cam is the one in the middle with the black shirt and shorts.

A Sassy New Purse

For my birthday (which was in September) my Dad and Mom came down and she fixed me dinner. They also brought me some lovely gifts including my favorite hand soap and some minty lip balm, however the highlight was this lovely green handbag. It is big enough to carry all of my junk, but very stylish and hip. I love it.

I know you are looking at the handbag, but can you also find Waldo??

As for other birthday gifts. I need to mention that strangely, almost all my gifts had something to do with the color green. My friend Rachel made me a bag (I'm using it to carry my bible) out of a place mat (but you would never know it) and it has a very sassy green satin ribbon on it. Love it. Curt bought me the novel Wicked (you know the wicked witch is green) and also the movie Finding Neverland (which is the story of the man who wrote Peter Pan, who happened to wear a lot of green). Isn't that just funny. Anyway, it was a great birthday. I got some other great gifts including a gift card to Panera Bread (Hello Bread bowl) and an extension for a scrapbook magazine that I love. I was really quite spoiled and I loved every minute of it. Thank you everyone. I really, truly felt loved.