Like a little child...

Part of the reason I so enjoy working with Preschoolers is they are such raw humans. Very little filter--humanity at its best, and worst! They remind me of my baser self and I can sometimes see my own struggles in their honest expressions.

One little girl in my program recently became frustrated with the actions of another. The other child had been continually irritating this little Miss with unprovoked actions of irritation--snatching things from her, only to drop them instantly...stealing her snack and dumping it on the ground...pulling her hair. Finally, this little girl had had enough! She stamped her foot and, splaying her arms, announced loudly, "SHE'S JUST A MEAN KID!"

Yes. I see it. It is where we live in the adult world as well. The driver who cuts others off in traffic...the fellow customer who displays their unhappiness with the Starbucks workers by dumping their drink on the table...the person at work who withholds permission or needed items, just because they can. I also experience many situations in my day when I can honestly say, "THEY'RE JUST MEAN KIDS!"

The other beautiful thing about Preschoolers is they have short laundry lists. The same children who were injured by another, experienced unprovoked harassment, or were engaged in an epic battle over who gets to wield the pole in the magnetic fishing game--are often to be found minutes later playing peacefully, sharing, forgiving and forgetting.

That's what I want to learn from them. How to keep a short list. Despite the fact that, as an adult, I have more control over myself than a preschooler--I do not have control over others. I cannot even predict much of the time when I will be put into a frustrating situation over the actions of another. I want to be able to carry on, to continue my day, to not spend excessive time stewing over injustices. 

I think that is part of what we really mean when we say we long for childhood again--to not only be free of the heavy responsibilities of the adult world...but also the weight of carrying our heavy grudges. It sure would be nice most days to quickly go back to playing peacefully... sharing... forgiving... and forgetting...

Dancing around the "D" word...

The school year is almost upon us...in case it has escaped your attention. I always enjoyed this time of year growing up. Excitement over new clothes and new school supplies and just the anticipation of being back in the classroom--learning. I love learning--and learning comes easy for me.
This year, I am apprehensive about the start of school. There. I said it. I wouldn't use the word "dread"--no that's too strong. But there is another "D" word I've been dancing around. 

Dyslexia. 

See, while we don't have an actual diagnosis as yet, I have an increasing suspicion that one of my kids falls into this category. Not that it should surprise me. My dad, my brother, two of my nieces--they all have it. And now I'm faced with this possibility...and I feel ill-equipped, unprepared, apprehensive.
Please understand--I have no issues with the idea of Dyslexia. I don't see it as some horrible disease that must be cured. And dyslexics have plenty of good company throughout past and modern history--Albert Einstein...Steve Jobs...
No. What I wrestle with about this are more everyday issues. I find I am not as patient as I should be. And if you've ever spent time listening to a dyslexic read aloud--you will know whether patience is a virtue you possess. I find I am selfish with my time. Dyslexics need more time...for learning (every subject is affected!)...for independence....for reaching maturity. Dyslexia is hard work--for the dyslexic and everyone close to them. And I find that I am fearful of how this precious child will navigate situations apart from me. Will the Sunday School teacher call on them to read a Bible verse aloud? Will they be publicly embarrassed? Will other kids laugh and make fun? And how will that land? Are there a lot of teary sessions in my future--where I will need to help pick up the pieces and quell my own anger over the injustice of others--and maybe just a little bit of what feels like "injustice" that this child even has to struggle with this?

This. This is the reality of having a dyslexic child.  

And yet, my child seems not to struggle with these issues. Yes, maybe decoding language presents a challenge--but they just soldier on, with a good attitude mind you. It's as if they just take this particular challenge as a natural part of life--their life. They never complain--and they don't (as yet) avoid all the situations that frustrate me or cause me fear. They don't dance around the "D" word...they dance with it. 

So, maybe when I'm signing my kids up for their extra classes this year, I need to sign myself up, too. 

For dancing lessons...

The Odor of Christ?

 
One thing that I look forward to each year at this time is the trees flowering. I love how the buds form, swelling slowly until one or two sunny days makes them burst into bloom and announce that Spring--and its celebration of new life--has arrived! 
A local store has these trees (Bradford Pear) lining the side of the building near where I like to park. They make a lovely row of Spring that brings a smile to my face--until I get up close to them. While the flowers themselves are beautifully delicate, the odor they emit is akin to that of fish that has been sitting out upwards of three days! The first time I encountered these trees, I strolled up to one and boldly reached for a cluster of flowers to enjoy what I assumed--from their lovely appearance--would be a breath of Spring goodness. Boy, did I ever experience the opposite! Yuck!
I got to thinking this week as I saw these trees once again in bloom, that they represent how we can be as Christians. As believers, our lives are to be a representation of new life--a whiff of all that is good. II Corinthians 2:15-16 says, "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ, among those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other an aroma that brings life..." But, too often, we have the outward appearance of all that is good and lovely, but up close, we emit an odor that is a whiff of poor attitudes, pride, entitlement, unclean speech, and gossip (to name a few).  So while we may initially attract others--we eventually repel them!
I remember from Biology class that the main reason for a flower's scent is to attract pollinators. Most flowers carry a sweet smell that attracts bees, birds and butterflies. There are a few flowers, however, whose scent is designed to attract flies and beetles--insects which are attracted to dead things and waste products. Now bees, birds and butterflies are associated with what is sweet and or beautiful. Flies and beetles are associated with filth, death and disease. Hmmm...that gives me food for thought.
I want to be the kind of Christian who attracts that which brings beauty and sweetness--not death and disease. What good is a show of beauty if what I emit repels others--and attracts that which will bring negative things into my life? 
My prayer is that I will be the "...pleasing aroma of Christ...an aroma that brings life..." I want others to not just see the Beauty of Christ when they see me--but to enjoy the lingering scent I leave behind.

 

Swimming pool "solutions"

There's some strain in a relationship in my life. I've pondered this, analyzed it, turned it inside out and truly searched my heart to figure out where things need to change. I've been carrying a mental list of changes that could be made which would really relieve a lot of the stress. Now, if the other party would just be willing to hear my list--things would become a lot easier!
I am reminded of a scenario that occurred to my husband's family while he was growing up. For a number of years, his family lived in Indonesia while his dad worked for an oil company. Living in a foreign country brings with it a number of challenges and inconveniences. It can, at times, be quite stressful--especially for spouses. So, Dad's company began to notice that many of their employees were unhappy in their personal lives--particularly in their marriages. After many hours of deliberation, they determined that what their employees lacked as a key to happiness and marital bliss was....an in-ground swimming pool in their back yards! 

 

Most of these families lived in company housing, so the work was begun right away. Now, mind you, some of the back yards of the houses could barely fit an in-ground pool--but no matter! They were out to achieve happiness and marital resolution--even if it meant their employees would now have no place for their patio set! 

I'm not really sure the outcome of this project on marital bliss and general happiness, but it does make me think: Are their times when I forge ahead in a relationship with things that I think will improve the situation--without regard to the feelings or interest of the other party? (In case you're wondering, the answer is yes.) And like the pool--which did provide some nice refreshment in the hot Indonesian weather--are any of my ideas and solutions good, but possibly inconveniencing or frustrating?(Me, again)

Philippians 2:3-4 teaches," Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

I guess that's the answer to my strained relationship. I need to consider the other person--and what they desire first, before I forge ahead with my own solutions. I may even need to back up a bit and correct some things. Just glad it's not a swimming pool's worth...

Buried Alive

 

Lately, I've been feeling like I've fallen into a hole of my own making...sort of like I've dug my own grave. Sure, other things take a good scoop out of my time, schedule, energy--but it's my lack of time budgeting that makes those things impactful. Why do I do this to myself? Some of it has to do with the genuine enjoyment I get from being involved in many things....and admittedly, some of it comes just from my apparent inability to say "no." I think all women go through these seasons--times when there have been too many yeses and life begins to feel deep, dirty, messy and confining like, well, a grave. The word taphophobia refers to,  "the fear of being buried alive." It actually translates to, "fear of graves." I think I could use some of that in my life--fear of graves of my own making.

So, where do I go from here? I can keep digging. Stupid. I can  sit down and cry. Foolish (but tempting). Or I can put down my shovel, look up and ask God to lift me out of this hole I've made. Psalm 40:2 encourages me:

 "He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand." 

Boy, could I use that....a firm place to stand. I'm ready to put down the shovel.

Finding the "fun" in Funabmulism

Okay, all you Latin scholars--word for the day:
Funambulism.
Give up?
Here are the roots:
Funis--rope
Ambulare--to walk
That's right! Funambulism: Tightrope walking

 
Recently, I delivered short talk on this. It was, of course, metaphorical--but oh, so appropriate. Keeping balance between all the various parts of my life feels much like tightrope walking!
While prepping the talk, I did some research and came up with a few interesting thoughts...
1. Keeping centered is the most important thing with tightrope walking. One way a funambulist does this is by not looking at their feet! They keep their eyes on the end goal. Looking down at their feet would readjust their center of gravity and throw them off balance. So, I need to keep my eyes on my end goal and not focus on every step!
2. There are a number of different types of tightrope walking, but--for the most part--gravity pulls the same. A fall from 6 feet might be easier on the body than a fall from 100 feet--but the chance of falling is the same! So, I need to not compare my "tightrope" with anyone else's...we all have the same pull of gravity!
3. The lower the center of gravity--the easier it is to balance. One artist in an article I read commented that if you begin to feel off balance, it helps to raise one leg and lower yourself to your knee. This lowers your center of gravity and allows you to regain balance. So, I need to release some of my "hold" on the rope and spend more time on my knees in prayer to regain my life balance!
4. Tightrope walkers often hold their arms out or carry a long pole to help with their balance. It allows them to feel the inertia that is threatening to pull them one way or the other and to readjust their weight to keep gravity centered. You won't see a tightrope walker with their arms wrapped tightly around themselves! So, I need to keep myself open--not closed--to the things in life that press on me!
5. The same artist mentioned above also made an interesting observation about what she does, "You really have to love what you're doing-otherwise it's too hard!" So, I need to find joy in this journey--or it will feel too hard!
6. A final thought I had is that many times, you will see that--especially in training--tightrope walkers have safety nets. This allows learners to feel more confidence in knowing their failures won't be fatal! If they fall, they'll be safe--and they can get back on the rope and try again. So, I need to remember that life is a lesson and God is always there as my safety net. It doesn't mean I won't fall, but it won't be "the end" and I can get back on the rope and try again!

I think, maybe, I might just figure this life balance thing out, after all....
 

That's gonna leave a mark....

"That's gonna leave a mark!" 
 Generally referring to some sort of damage or injury-inducing scenario, it's a common phrase used in comedy sketches, movies and amusing conversation. I got to thinking it could have a second meaning as I was pondering the life of my husband's grandfather, Fred.

Quickly approaching his 90th birthday, Grandpa has seen a lot of life! A German immigrant, a WWII vet, a farmer, a husband for over 60 years,  a father of 9 (born in 10 years--all single births!), a supporter of civic causes in his town...the list really goes on. He has not only seen a lot of life--he's LIVED a lot more life than most of us hope to! 
 
As the saying goes, "There are 3 kinds of people in this world: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened!" He very solidly belongs to the first group. I'm not sure when people began to realize that Grandpa Fred was going to leave his mark on this world--but he most definitely has! 

I truly hope a good measure of his drive and determination has made it's way into my kids' DNA. I would like to believe that one day, when they walk into a room, people will say, "That's gonna leave a mark!"

Where everybody knows your name...

You could barely call yourself a child of the 80’s if you did not watch the popular television sitcom, “Cheers.”  It was about a sports bar in Boston and how the lives of the patrons and employees played out and overlapped.

As popular as the show itself was, what I think we most looked forward to each week was hearing—and singing along to-- the theme song, Where Everybody Knows Your Name. This song has received critical acclaim and was voted as the best TV theme song of all time by both a 2011 Rolling Stones Magazine reader’s poll as well as the editors of TV Guide in 2013.  Recently, that song ran through my head at a place that should provide an even greater welcome than a sports bar—church.

While walking across the auditorium on my way to sing with the worship team that Sunday morning, I spotted a newer friend and called him by name, adding how wonderful it was to see him that morning, then proceeded to take my place among the other background vocalists. Following the service, this gentleman made straight for me and with tears in his eyes, related how much it meant to him to have me greet him by name and say I was glad to see him there that day. He also stopped my husband and shared the same with him.

See, this gentleman has been walking a tough path lately. The road of life is often rough and steep and we sometimes feel lost and alone. Does anyone know or care about the burden we may be carrying? Does anyone even know who we are?

The popular sitcom tune’s lyrics read:

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got

Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot

Wouldn’t you like to get away…

Sometimes you wanna go…

Where everybody knows your name

And they’re always glad you came

You wanna be where you can see

The troubles are all the same.

You wanna be where everybody knows your name

And isn’t that what we all want? Isn’t it what church should be all about? Reaching out to people around us, getting to know who they are and part of their story—letting them know they matter. That’s exactly what Jesus did—what He desires of us.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could turn church into a place that is so welcoming that people couldn’t wait to get in the doors? What if church was like “Happy Hour”… a place where people felt welcome, comfortable, able to share their struggles and receive support and encouragement (that didn’t come in the form of alcohol!). I think it would please God if we took more time to make church a place, “where everybody knows your name…” because He’s into remembering things like our names.

Isaiah 49:16 reads, “Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;…” Our names are that important to Him.

A very Brave birthday party

Anyone who knows me very well knows that I love, Love, LOVE to throw parties! I enjoy all the details of planning and carrying out an event--and kids' birthday parties are a favorite. This year, my youngest asked for a Brave themed party. Immediately, the wheels began to turn and visions of tartans and archery danced through my head! The celebration was a tremendous success! Here's how it went down:

Invitations are a fun way to generate excitement for a party. Because we are always watching our budget, I love the challenge of creating a exciting invitation for as little money as possible. Since the Brave theme lends itself to all things Scottish, I immediately thought of plaids/tartans. The invite we created fit the bill beautifully! It was not hard to find some plaid scrapbook paper at our local craft store and I found a Celtic knot stamp as a bonus! The ribbon we had already. I simply typed the invite info in a font that fit the theme and printed it onto colored paper that matched the plaid paper. After gluing the printed info onto the plaid background, I stamped the Celtic knot design for additional Scottish flair, punched two holes at the top and wove a complimentary ribbon color through the holes. 

Included in the invitation information we had decided to invite not just my daughter's friends, but also their families. Since the Brave movie focuses on clans--we thought it was fitting. Side note here: With three kids in our family having summer birthdays, we are accustomed to having a number of invitees unable to attend because of vacations, etc. This particular party was an exception--with around 50 people included in the RSVP's!
To add to the fun, we gave each guest the chance to "choose their clan." I found four different patterns of plaid sheets at the thrift store and cut sashes from each pattern. The guest got to roll a die with pieces of each pattern attached to see what clan they were part of for the day. They then took an appropriate sash and wore it for the party. Everyone really got into this--even more than I anticipated.

Dividing people up by clans made it easier to get people involved in our Highland Games where they participated in various events to earn points for their clan. The guests enjoyed trying their hand at a log toss--made using a large sheet of cardboard I got free from the local home-improvement store. My older son and I rolled it into a tube, stuffed it with blankets, sealed it and duct taped it to hold it all together. I did eventually break, but only after many had fun trying their hand at it. 

We also provided a bean bag toss style game which we called a Haggis Toss. My older daughter painted the faces of Meridah's triplet brothers and their names on it and we made bean bags out of nylon knee-high stockings filled with mixed dried beans. Note: The bean bags were cute but, despite the fact that we doubled the nylons, they were not durable enough for a party where they were being tossed by older brothers, etc. They broke open and we ended up sweeping up thousands of beans from our sports court--lest they sprout!

The highlight of our Highland Games was the archery shoot. We already owned a toy bow that simply needed re-stringing. The arrows we made with 18" lengths of 1/4" dowel with pencil erasers for the tips. For a target, we cut a large circle from cardboard with a hole in the center about 6" in diameter. After painting it white and adding some blue striping, we attached a piece of red flannel on the back behind the cut-out. By attaching it only at the top, the arrows were able to "shoot through" the hole if you made a bull's eye. The line for this attraction remained steady all evening with guests of all ages giving it a try.

Probably the thing that helped motivate the interest in the archery shoot was our special guest. One of my older daughter's schoolmates participates in competitive archery. He is an impressive young man with an ambition to one day be an Olympic archer. After demonstrating his amazing skills, he was kind enough to answer questions about what he does and his equipment. It was definitely a highlight!

No party is complete, of course, without food! Since we had such a large crowd to feed, we decided pizza was our best option, but wanted to keep within the theme as much as possible. This was answered by ordering 10 pepperoni pizzas from our local Little Caesar's Pizza and asking if they were willing to arrange the pepperoni in the shape of a target. They were actually pretty excited to get a special order to break the monotony of their jobs and had fun with filling it! Along with the pizza, we served chips and a veggie tray to complete the dinner meal.

The Birthday Girl isn't fond of the "Everyone gather round the cake, watch me and sing publicly at me" moment of parties, so she requested that we not have just a cake, but rather a sort of dessert buffet. Her older sister truly outdid herself by creating some very noteworthy desserts, including mini cupcakes (yellow cake) with powdered sugar glaze and a red-hot (looking much like to cakes the triplets in the movie are always chasing after), sugar cookies shaped into celtic knots, and bear claw cookies. We added chocolate teddy grahams and gummy bears as well.

As a final bit of fun, we lit a campfire and had s'mores supplies available. Partly as a nod to the Scottish theme and partly because I have recently discovered this as a much simpler way to do s'mores, we used fudge-striped shortbread cookies in place of chocolate and graham crackers. For those who were able to stay through this part of the party, it was a big hit!

So, all in all, we had a wonderful time celebrating our little princess in the BRAVEst way possible ;)

Freckles

(Blogging the list, post 2)

My youngest child has freckles...sprinkled across the bridge of her nose like so much cinnamon on toast. They are adorable, and they make me happy just to look at them! She's a quiet one, this blue-eyed pixie. She often goes somewhat unnoticed by others. She tends to hover around me almost virtually like my shadow. When people do notice her, it's common for them to say how much they like her freckles--a comment that always elicits a quiet smile and down-cast eyes. I think she captures hearts with those freckles and that sweet smile.
I don't know what it is about freckles that is so appealing. Many people who have them spend a lot of time hoping they will go away--even trying to be rid of them. Anyone else remember the classic, Frecklejuice? (It doesn't work, by the way...I had freckles once, too!). Wikipedia reveals that people with freckles have a lower amount of photoprotective melanin in their system, making them more vulnerable to sun exposure.
Hmmm...I feel an analogy coming on! Probably due to the health challenges that this freckled princess has weathered, I think I've always felt her vulnerability more keenly. No one in our family has needed to be quite as brave as she in what she has had to face in her short life. And the evidences of her vulnerability are still visible in many ways...a bit like freckles--sprinkled across her life. But, I also see how she has an overcoming spirit. I admire her strength, in fact.
One day, it's likely the freckles across her nose will fade away, like mine did. And every day, I see her strength growing and her vulnerability fading. But for now, I will enjoy watching the evidence of her overcoming...and those nose freckles, too. Yep, I know she captures hearts with that sweet, freckled smile. She sure has captured mine!

International Sisterhood

(Blogging The List--post 1)

A while back, I found myself  waiting in the sitting area of a department store dressing room. My teen daughter was trying on dresses for her upcoming dance and I--the mom with the feet tired from covering the mall up and down in our quest--was trying out the chairs which were thoughtfully provided for those in my situation.
As I waited, I observed the others around me. Mostly, it was other mothers and daughters on the same quest as we, but one group caught my eye especially.
It was a group of co-workers from the department store, gathered around to see the result of one of their own, trying on some new outfits. It didn't appear to be for any special occasion, but I was struck by how they intereacted. You see, this group was comprised of about half a dozen women from all areas of the globe. Their skin colors and accents varied widely, but they were all women. It fascinated me that they all seemed to share the goal common to women of finding (or helping a friend find) an outfit that achieves the purpose of all good outfits: to make us look good and feel good about who we are in it! I smiled to myself as they all weighed in on the different outfits their friend modeled. They were all encouraging--they were united.
It made me think about how very much alike we are in our hearts. We have similar aims and goals, dreams and desires as women. We are like an international sisterhood. This thought makes my heart happy. It gives a new meaning to reaching out to others not like me outwardly. It makes me thankful to be a part of the world.

Blogging the List

Just over 462 items in to my "1000 Gifts" List and I began to think about how I'd like to interact with some of these items with more than a few words jotted in the journal...to savor them and feel them spread out into my life like a healing oil. So, the idea was born to "Blog the List." This should provide plenty of material...there's so much to be thankful for!

Dancing Leaves

 

One of the unrecognized blessings of having older children is  they are involved in things outside of my influence that require drop-off and pick-up. It is not unusual to have to wait a few minutes at pick-up time. Usually, I bring something to read or occupy myself. Last week, however, I found myself waiting to pick up my daughter with nothing to fill those moments, so I began to pay attention to my surroundings....

It was a blustery day and I found a quiet calm in the warm cocoon of my van as I watched the autumn leaves flying, whooshing, skittering, spinning and dancing about. I found it fascinating how these essentially dead objects seemed to take on a life of their own in their wild ballet--but then it occurred to me that it was actually the wind which was doing the moving and the leaves were only being carried along. In fact, the leaves were merely showcasing what the wind does regularly--but because we cannot see the wind, we remain unaware of the direction it takes.

This thought has been with me a few days...and forming into truth. God's Spirit is like the wind as it says in John 3, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (verse 8) God's Spirit is always blowing in our lives...always spinning and dancing and active--we are just unable to see it generally. But, every once in a while--there is something placed in the path of that wind and we see the effects of God's Spirit. And like the leaves--I find it is often the useless, dead things that go careening about in life as if they are in an uncontrollable dance of abandon. But really, those items are just things placed in the path of God's Spirit in our lives. They are not in control of their own path--God is. His Spirit takes them where He wants them to go.

So, maybe...just maybe...I can be grateful for those things in that they are evidence that He is very much at work in my life...and I am being privileged to see the evidence of it.

Would someone please look behind the curtain

Fear...
I feel it weighing me down these days...
Dread...
of what could, will go wrong or happen...of where I will go wrong...
It all feels like too much...life...chores...the endless struggle in relationships...finances...heck, just getting out of bed...

And through it all--I sense that there are those who look to me to be a savior of sorts....and that scares me most of all.

Saviors are supposed to be perfect....capable...in control...
I feel none of those things right now.

Paralyzed.
this fear of failure makes it hard to just put one foot in front of the other.

Lord! What is the answer here?

Can they not see that the one behind the curtain is not "the Great and Powerful Oz"...just a fumbling human, feet of clay...trying to keep everything in balance and terrified of messing up?

Who hung this curtain, anyway? Was it me, Lord? Was there actually a time when I wanted them all to think I could satisfy all needs...be all-sufficient...grant them all they wanted?

Please help me to point them to "the Great and Powerful God" and admit that the dog and pony show I've been putting on isn't going to do the trick for them...or me...or anyone...

Please show me how to push back this curtain and show them all the truth and not be afraid of exposure.

Actually, Lord...please tear down the curtain and let me hide my fearful heart in You. I am ready to be exposed...

Good Soil

This week our area experienced a window of let up from the rain and "polar northwest" temps long enough for me to start getting the garden beds ready. It felt really good to yank up the weeds and clean things up in general. I thought about rallying the kids and "assigning" garden work, but I have found a much surer way to get them to gravitate out there....I simply put on my gardening shoes and gloves, grab a bucket and announce, "I'm going to work in the garden." Initially, I spend a bit of time alone (and solitude is never unwelcome), but eventually, they begin to come looking for me....and then it gets good. I don't know why, but there is something about kneeling down next to their mom pulling weeds that brings out the heart conversation in my kids. First one will come for a while and talk about things they are struggling with--then another. "When will I ever grow taller--I'm the smallest kid in my class..." "Why do you think this friend isn't texting me like they used to...I miss them and am worried that something is wrong." One after another, the contents of their hearts are spilled out and sorted through while I listen and offer comfort, advice, or simply an ear. All the while, I am amazed at how the process of getting my garden soil ready is working the "soil" of my kids' hearts....
When I finally stand up, dust off my clothes and put my bucket away, I know I've weeded out more than a few garden beds....I feel like a better mom.

A Christmas Gift I can use...

Who peed on the floor, again (I'm banking on it not being my girls, but the boys each claim innocence with cherubic faces)? Who's toothpaste spit didn't get rinsed down? Who has been licking the sliding door? Who left a (used) fork on the stairs?

Surprisingly enough, these are not uncommon questions I voice in my own home....but I rarely get anyone owning up to the offense. We are--like many other families--plagued with those household mischief-makers, Not Me and Ida Know.

Well, I have an answer for that...I want an at-home, do-it-yourself DNA kit for Christmas. A quick swab and I have an answer to the above questions and get to save myself time and effort trying to determine who is responsible to take care of said issues.

I think I'm really on to something here. Parents everywhere will be lining up. It'll be bigger than "Tickle-Me-Elmo!"

for Friday

Feeling thankful

So, before I can post about our trip to the peninsula, I have to fetch pictures from another computer--maybe tomorrow.

Tonight--I'm just feeling thankful....We got to visit for the afternoon with some old friends (old meaning for a long time--10 years!). The kids had a wonderful time and we moms laughed and cried and visited. See, this is a friend of mine who understands about having a sick kid. And while I am slowly moving past all we went through with Jennifer, she is still very much in the thick of things due to her son's long-term, ongoing condition. But, both of us know what it is to be "in the trenches" of waiting with an aching heart by the hospital bed of a sick child--praying desperately for healing, comfort, relief...release. This is the first friend I would call every time I was on my way to Children's Hospital Emergency room--because she knew precisely the emotions roiling inside me. This is the friend with whom I traded and refilled a Tully's card--because she knows how hard it is to keep vigil in the hospital while sporting a killer caffeine headache!

I'm thankful for where Jennifer is right now in her health journey...and I'm thankful for my friend whom God provided as a support for me when I really needed it.

Thankful is a good place to be....

Re-entry is bumpy

We just arrived back from a week-long vacation to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. While there were some nice highlights (future blogs with pics coming!), I have to admit, vacationing with 4 kids in tow is hard on a family! For me, there are moments it doesn't feel like a vacation at all--I'm still doing the same cooking, tidying, laundry, etc.--I just have to do it away from my comfortable environment! And then there's the return from vacation....

No matter how hard I try to prepare for re-entry, it's usually bumpy on a number of levels. This vacation was no different. We returned 3 days ago. I think in a couple more days, I'll feel somewhat recovered! I guess transitions aren't always easy.

I'm at the point in the year, too, where I am longing for the "school year" to end (although we usually do some school through the summer). I guess it's really the commitments that I'd like to be done with. I long for the weeks where several days in a row are free of "gotta go here" and "hafta be there." This is one transition which I think will feel like smooth sailing!

OnStar Toy Division

My ten-year-old, Alex, has shared that he'd be interested in learning to skateboared. There are few toys on the market that conjure up pictures of blood quite like a skateboard. To be fair to Alex, it's really his younger brother, Garrett (age 8) that I worry about. Garrett has always had trouble defining his own limitations. In a word, Garrett is: Dauntless. This will someday turn in to a tremendous character quality that will take Garrett far, but until then, it mostly just causes me to cringe!

I have come up with a solution, however. OnStar. Yep, that's right. I think toymakers should consider equipping toys--particularly fast-moving ones with wheels--with OnStar as a courteousy to parents of kids like Garrett. It would be a simpler version with a couple of differences. I imagine it this way:

First, there would be no need for hands-free calling. "Look, mom, no hands," is a phrase I already have to hear--I don't need it to apply to wireless communication in addition to reckless tricks performed at high speed by my beaming boys. Second, I would keep the blue diagnostic/information button with some small changes--I would give it to the parents on a remote and also allow OnStar to call parents if they determine an approaching disaster. That way, periodically, I could could push that button (or be automatically notified)--even if I am not in view of my boys and a friendly OnStar operator would come on and tell me--based on the position, etc. of the toy--whether my boys are trying tricks that will likely lead to injury and blood. "Well, Mrs. Graf, based on our satellite readings of the global positioning, altitude and general angle of your son's skateboard, we advise you to instruct your son to rethink his course of action." Finally, the red emergency button. Yes--only the one on the toy would notify the parent first and then we'd have a button on our remote in case we needed to bring emergency services to the scene (no sense paying for an ambulance ride you don't really need--no matter how exciting your kids might find it!).

Yes, I think I've hit on a winner here. I think it would be a big hit among parents. Sure there would be a cost involved, but it would probably be cheaper than your average emergency room visit! Maybe I should contact GM. They could use something to rev up their flagging industry....