Punishment

I realize that I left you all in a worried state since I did not tell you the outcome of Mighty Hamster, and I've had several calls about his capture. I'm touched by your concern. Well, since Larry Boy made his escape two days in a row...and being in a family with law enforcement, he is now in lock down at a maximum security facility. He will serve the rest of his lifetime sentence with no chance of parole. Sad times.

Mighty Hamster

You remember a few months ago all the brew-ha-ha (sp?) about our drinking water and the fact that filtration does not totally remove all traces of drugs that are flushed into the system...thereby entering our bodies when we drink the water...a totally gross thought if you ask me. I know that supposedly this affects our children...but I am here to inform you the danger is much greater than originally thought. Oh yes, my friends...even our pets are getting drugs into their system...and in a body the size of a hamster...well you can just imagine, but if you can't...

That's right...obviously Larry Boy has become a hamster with super-hamster strength. Do you notice the problem in this picture? Yes, that's right...the door is open...which means the hamster opened the door himself and is on the loose. And from the following pictures, he has been for quite a while.

You might want to know that the distance between the open bag of food and the corner with the stash of food is approximately 12 feet apart, in a closet behind the dog cage. Oh yes, he was working hard and planning on staying a while. And yet, I, as the mother, am proud because he obviously gets his spirit of overachievement from me. That brings a tear to my eye. He must be a middle child.

A Personal Note

Really...all my posts are personal notes because it comes from me...but this one is just an "update" to my post yesterday. I was telling you in my post about how when I dropped the boys off at school yesterday morning and told them I loved them, and I received silence from them. Last night (actually this morning about 12:30 am) when I was having my quiet time (I know, I know...I should be asleep...but I'm not and it's quiet...and it works for me), God brought that to my mind again...but in the way I wish He hadn't. He showed me a picture of that very thing, but He was the parent, and I was the child. He was saying, "Have a great day...you know I created it for you. I love you." And I just ignored Him, kept talking to someone else and going on about my business, and slammed the door. Silence.

That stung. But I got the message.

School Daze

Well, it was finally here. The first day of school…or the “torture chamber” as BOTH my boys put it. Oh, they so know how to get a rise out of me. Cody did not want me to walk him into class (shocker), but Caleb was still open to it…but NO hugs or kisses mom (again, shocker). By this morning (third day of school), as I pulled up to drop them off, I said my normal, “have a great day…I love you!” And this is what I heard, “…..” Right, nothing. Oh, they were talking between themselves about “we don’t have to go to the gym first” and “what time is your lunch?”, and then the door slams. Nice. I guess I should be happy they weren’t yelling at each other or crying that they didn’t want to go. They are both happy with their teachers, classes, etc. Haven’t heard any negatives yet…except that the 6th grade is not organized enough to go to recess yet. :(

Over the weekend, I felt anxious about school starting…more than the boys and I wasn’t sure why. I think I’ve narrowed it down to the fact that during that first week of school, I will see her. You know “her”…Perfect Mom…and I will feel a little less than adequate at this job of motherhood. I love this description of “her” in the book Your Boy by Vicki Courtney:

“You know her—she started the phonics tapes when her child was in utero, documents every momentous occasion, including first breath, first tear, first tooth, first haircut, first tantrum, first time-out, and first everything-that-follows, with volumes of scrapbooks. Her kids’ socks are whiter than other kids’ socks, and their lunches include something from each of the four food groups. Every item of clothing they own is initialed or monogrammed and has a clean fresh smell. Her kids are well groomed, polite, and say “nice to meet you” on cue while your kids duke it out on the front lawn and scream “shut up” and “stupid” loud enough for everyone within a two-mile radius to hear. Her children never have snotty noses, belch in public, or wear their shoes on the wrong feet. You can’t remember the last time your kids even wore shoes. Supermom’s house is sparkling clean, and always sports a piney fresh scent. She is PTA president, drives on every field trip, and still has time for the gym. She has enough energy at the end of the day to make one wonder if she is doing espresso shots every couple of hours. She is the mom we love to hate…”

Why does this woman bother me? Because I’m human…and because no matter how hard I might try, I could never measure up to that. I’m doing good to make sure the boys have clean socks…much less “white” socks. Seriously, aren’t there five food groups instead of four? My house might have a piney fresh scent if Abby eats pinecones before she farts. What is this “energy” you speak of? Oh sure her kids never have snotty noses, but do they know about the booger cycle? And, no, my toenail polish isn’t chipping off…that’s the new style.

So to all you “imperfect” mothers out there…I salute you. We’ve mastered another first day of school. And have I done everything I intended to do to make sure the week went off without a hitch? Heck no…but the world is still revolving. There is still laundry to be done…dog hair to be vacuumed up, school forms to be completed, more supplies to be bought…and scrapbook pages to be created.

Now, where did I put that chocolate?

New Family Members

I went to the Women of Faith conference this past weekend, and as always when I return from this conference, I am so full with all the goodness I heard. While there, I decided to bring the boys home something other than a new book or t-shirt…something with eternal value. So I brought them home brothers. Meet the newest members of our family…Thuso from Lesotho and Marinho from Mozambique.

I chose these 2 precious boys to sponsor because Thuso was born on the very same day as Caleb, and Marinho was born just 4 days before Cody. We are sponsoring these 2 precious boys through an organization called World Vision. If you don’t know anything about that organization, I would encourage you to check them out. We already sponsor our little Anny, who lives in Honduras, through Compassion International…also a GREAT organization. When I handed the boys the information packets, they had the reaction I knew they would…they already love their new brothers. They’re very excited about sending them a package when we get all their information from WV. As I thought about these precious children, I could not help but think of my very own precious boys and some things I want them to know…

Dear Cody & Caleb,

You reacted just as I thought you would when I showed you the pictures of the two little boys I picked for us to sponsor. You looked at their pictures for a long time, read their story…and prayed for them. You hung their pictures by your bed so you could think of them and pray for them daily.

As I pillowed my head last night, I was thankful that you will never feel the sheer exhaustion from walking for miles by my side carrying a water jug so that our family could have dirty water to drink…and my heart ached that both of these boys have endured that exhaustion. I was thankful that in the morning when you wake up hungry, I will meet your need and feed you enough food to satisfy your hunger, and my heart ached that these boys have woken up many days hungry with nothing to satisfy theirs. I was thankful that in the morning I will drive you to school where you will learn more knowledge than you’ll ever need in your lifetime…and my heart ached that these boys have no free public schools to attend. I was thankful that when you get sick, with even a minor thing like a cold, I can take you to your doctor for $20…and my heart ached that these boys have witnessed more deaths to waterborne diseases and HIV/AIDS than anyone should have to witness, especially children. And I was thankful that not only do you learn about God from me and your daddy, but we drive five minutes to a church that has been faithful to teach you about God since you were babies…and my heart ached to think that these boys may have never heard about our sweet Savior were it not for an organization like World Vision. I thought about when you asked why they weren’t smiling in their pictures, how I told you they are children with very few things to be happy about.

Boys, these are the reasons why we sacrifice. And yet just saying that it is a sacrifice for us feels almost indignant…because if I’m truthful, it’s not much of a sacrifice for us.…we spend $70 eating out twice a month. When I think of it that way, it feels way too insignificant. I think about the words in the song All That is Within Me, “such a tiny offering compared to Calvary, but nevertheless I lay it at Your feet.” This monthly gift is a tiny offering…a small token, but we lay it at the Father’s feet and pray that it is multiplied by the God who loves Thuso and Marinho more than anyone. I pray that every day in their future they will have fresh, clean water to drink and play in, and bathe with…and that they’ll never go to sleep at night hungry; that never again will they have to witness a family member or friend die for lack of medicine. And most of all, I pray that they’ll have teachers who will teach them not only how to read and write, but also that there is a Heavenly Father who loves them unconditionally and died for them.

I pray that the image of your new brothers never leaves you…that you’ll develop a genuine love for hurting people and you will spend your life making a difference for Jesus Christ.

Love,

Mommy

Boys Will Be Boys

As another example of how awesome my baby daddy is...Steve took the boys on an outing before school starts to Cooper Lake State Park. There was camping, fishing, biking, cooking, peeing outside, baiting to catch animals, and stories. They encountered all sorts of wild life...raccoons, deer, rats (yuk), more raccoons, armadillo, bunny rabbit (awww), fish, hawk, and vultures (who were feasting on 2 dead raccoons and a dead armadillo... double YUK). It wasn't quite "roughing it" since they stayed in an air-conditioned cabin (it is August in Texas people)...but they did cook all their food over a fire...which they thought was totally cool. They're always up for an adventure...and they usually find one!

Thank you babe...for creating memories for a lifetime.

Quote of the Day

In the car earlier today:

Caleb: Mom, if we win the lottery, can we pay off all our debts, then grammy and pawpaw's debts, then all our families debts, then all our friends, and then take a vacation?

Cody: Yeah, can we go stay at the Ice Hotel?

Me: I don't want to be cold all the time on vacation.

Cody: If we have lots of money, we can go to the best place for vacation.

Caleb: YEAH, ORLANDO!


Observation #1: Can you tell we listen to Dave Ramsey alot?

Observation #2: Is Orlando seriously the best place we can come up with if we have lots of money?

I Let My Kids Run in Church

I know just the title of this blog makes some of you shudder and break into cold sweats. Last year at our church, my boys were racing each other and a friend from one end of a hallway to the other {it’s a long stretch and really cannot be denied a good race}. Someone from our church told them to stop running and they were both like…”what’s the deal?” Not to her face of course, because they know that talking back to an adult like that would get them the “look” as well as a stern speech on respect and all that from me. They asked me later why they couldn’t run…and to be very honest…all I could think of was my “Baptist” answers. I mean that’s right up there with licking the remains out of the communion cup and not bowing your head and/or closing your eyes when you pray. It’s just an unwritten church rule along with learning the books of the Bible in order BY HEART and singing the first, second and fourth verse of the hymns.

Who started that? I’m no Bible scholar, but I don’t remember ever reading that God is displeased by running in church. I know when my boys are running…they’re happy…they’re using energy…they’re competing. All because God made them that way. Yes, they could go outside, but as long as they’re not running over anyone…what’s the harm? It’s the hallway…not even the sanctuary. It’s not holy ground because if it was, I would totally have them run barefoot.

Quote of the Day

Caleb at tonight's prayer time (after telling him we would like for him to list some things he is thankful for):

"Thank you God for the world {slash} universe, except for the devil."

Metamorphosis

I've been a creative being basically my whole life. As a young girl, I remember redecorating and changing the furniture around in my room many, many times. I saved up my money to purchase a matching comforter and sheet set to go with the wall color I picked out. I would sit for hours at a table in the corner of my parents' living room and cut out pictures I liked and decoupage them onto anything and everything I could find (thanks mom for turning me on to decoupage!). I love decorative paper, words, making things, scrapbooking, paints...basically anything that has to do with color, design and creativity.

I'm not really sure why I didn't pursue a degree or a career in the arts. I guess because at that time I never really saw it as a viable way to make a living...and was never really pushed to discover what a future using that passion could look like for me. I started working in an office at the age of 16, and really never veered from that course. I flitted from college to college, earning hours, but changing majors every year...trying to find something that would fit. Where were all the career counselors in my life?

Don't get me wrong...administrative work has served me well. I have supported myself, and provided a good second income after Steve and I married. God was so good to me when He opened the door for me to work for MercyMe. It's neat to look back at all the decisions that had to be made in order to get me to the desk where I took that call. It's a cool, neat, great job...I have flexibility, great perks, I get to work in an industry I love, I work for great guys...I feel like I'm a part in their ministry. I love it.

But always in my heart, I've been missing something...for there is nothing creative about accounting (well maybe when some people do it...but not me!). I told myself that art just had to be my hobby...and only done when I could go away for a weekend to do it. Never time at home...after working full time, family time, laundry, bills, and all that goes with that.

I began pouring my heart out to God about the fact that I feel like I'm not participating in any creativity in my life except for music. And I would read the Bible and see what a creative God we have...and how He made me that way. I began to read books on art and more blogs than I care to admit. I picked up and read "Chasing Daylight" again and felt inspired to "do." Then our Pastor brought a sermon one Sunday on vision...and how God places things on our heart for a reason. I know this...I've been going to church and hearing about God from the womb...but hearing it and taking action are different.

I began thinking about how art inspires me, and when I "do" art about my life and what God has done in my life and the life of my family, I feel more blessed and thankful. I began considering what that could do for other people too...and my vision took wings. Not at first of course, because you know I had to get 22 assurances from God before I would step out...I'm sure I exasperate Him!

But it did take wings, and I'm so excited about a class I am leading at my church this Fall called Legacy. We all have a story to tell...and we're going to put that story into words in this class. Please pray for me as I prepare and seek how God will use this for outreach, relationships, healing...

Psalms 119:10 (The Message)..."I'm single-minded in pursuit of you; don't let me miss the roadsigns You've posted."

This mess...

led to this.

Taking Over

Abby's all..."don't disturb me...I'm tryin to sleep here."

And I'm all..."thanks for leaving your hairprint everywhere."

Blessings and Miracles

The boys arrived safely at home yesterday from a week at church camp. They, of course, had a blast and admitted to one shower/one teeth brushing (Caleb), and 3 showers/3 teeth brushings (Cody). Okay (deep breath)...I'm past that.

The most amazing blessing of camp was the fact that a friend that went with Cody to camp received Jesus! Cody explained to us that his friend was very interested in Bible stories so he told him "the big ones...Moses, Noah, Cain/Abel, the Rapture." Then he asked him if he was a Christian which led to a conversation about what a Christian is, what a sinner is, and what you have to do to be a Christian. They were interrupted, but that evening during worship, my precious friend, Sarah, led him through the steps and he made the decision.

I am so proud of his friend for making the decision...and I'm so proud of Cody for his testimony and words. You know as a parent, you tell them how important it is to be a witness and tell others...and you hope they get it. But you really don't know until they have the opportunity to share it with someone...and we're so thankful that Cody gets it. My heart could not be more full. I have so much more to say...but a blog just can't contain it. I must CREATE!

Another *sweet* blessing this week, is that Cody won a Wii. Everyone who brought a friend to camp and the friends who 'got brought' (grammar anyone?) got to put their name in a hat to win one of two Wii's they were giving away. They drew Cody's name on Thursday night! We received a phone call from a very EXCITED Cody that night to let us know. Mr. Don brought it over today and of course, it is already in use.

Do you think this does me justice?

Birthday Binge

For Steve's birthday, we went out to eat...really, no different from any other night this week while the kids were gone except we went to Simply Fondue. Omg...we totally out-fondued ourselves. It was fun...playing with a pot of boiling oil over a scorching hot table. If you haven't been before, you must have the experience. Fair warning: You will spend way too much money and you will want to barf when you leave. That said...Enjoy!

If Only...

...I'd own at least 100.

*Picture credit: Matt Logelin of mattlogelin.com

Happy Birthday Babe!

This man is amazing. He's full of talents...like cooking, woodworking, shooting (yes, shooting is a talent in his line of work), fixing things, i.e. bikes, fences, and a million other things, all things camping, all things police, all things ...yes, all things basically. Probably the most amazing thing about him though is the way he loves his family. He puts us first in his life, right behind Jesus of course. He makes me laugh...he lets me cry (and I cry ALOT)...he is passionate about life...he is passionate about God...and he encourages me and the boys to live our dreams.

And no, you cannot have him...he's all mine.

Tears and Joy

This was my today.