Because I Always Love a Good Letter Challenge

Dawn @ Dawn's Diversions had a fun diversion on her blog a couple days ago....

It's the Sesame Street Meme. Dawn was given a letter by Georgie, and she had to think of 10 things that she loves that start with that letter. So, because I love letters and words and challenges, I asked Dawn for a letter and she gave me.... P.




Quickly ruled out, Poison, Poop, Profanity, Peanut Butter (ick!) Partisin Politics (truly makes me angry), Puke, Potsmokers, Potholes, and Pain.

So, here is my list for letter P.

1) Parenthood - there's probably nothing I like more than being a momma. It just rings true in my heart.

2) Penelope's Pitstop - this is an awesome site that has some of the coolest finds out there - what she calls "Praise Worthy Paraphernailia." Since I hate to shop (I know, I'm weird), I love to look at this website for hip and happenin' ideas. I had been stalking this site for awhile before I discovered it's blog author is a friend of mine named PENNY!!!

3) Parties - I love parties! There is nothing more fun that putting together a fun party for your kids' friends or your own friends! I also love attending parties. Oh, and there's a party of sorts for Oklahoma bloggers coming up. I am going to that party! Won't you come too?

4) People - all of you people! I know I say this all the time, but I am totally inspired by you. I am a people person. Some of my favorite people: Kim Nicole Ashley Laura Lori Chere Chrissy Rise Tom Kerry Judy Ida Starla Dawn Amy Traci Laurie Erin Amanda Jessie Linda Suzanne Heather Ronda Kelly Rhonda Carolyn Renee Catherine Clint Kendra Katie Laurie Terri Ginger Julie Bruce Susan Leigh Michelle Paula I love you all!

5) Pictures!!!!! - I have a passion for pictures. I can't stop taking them. I pore over them like a mad scientest. Here is my favorite photographer.

6) Parents - Well, I literally would not be here if it weren't for my parents, but I appreciate them for more than bringing me into the world. Judy and Jim don't get enough blog time really, because they are the epitomy of wonderful parents and I love them so much even though sometimes lately when I talk to them it is like watching Frank and Estelle on Seinfeld. Love you guys!!!

7) Pummelling Opponents - That sounds bad, but most coaches wives will tell you that it is gut-wrenching to watch a close game... I'd rather just beat the bleep out of the other teams. Sorry, but it's true. Last night, when I left our game early, we were up around 25 and all I could think about was yelling at those players to "extend your lead!!" The rest of the evening, I had such a happy feeling in my heart and when I examined it, I realized it was because we had just annihilated the enemy.

8) Pardon - I love being pardoned from sin... the pardon given to us by Jesus when He died on the cross.

9) Palindromes - Words/Phrases that are spelled the same backwards and forwards - how cool are those? Like RACECAR and WAS IT ELIOT'S TOILET I SAW?

10) Pajamas - oooooh soft pajamas and a warm cup of Green Tea? PERFECT!!!

Ok, that was even more fun than I thought it was going to be. I totally enjoyed it and want you to play. Please play? If you want a letter, leave me a comment that you want to play, and I will assign you one!

Three Stockings

This Christmas, I walked into my tried and true friend's house.
She always makes her house smile.
It smelled delicious and the decorations winked at me from the walls.

But when I looked at her mantle, I saw three big, fat teardrops.

Three stockings.
Three stockings instead of 4.

And I could not shake those 3 lonely stockings.
How she had the gumption to hang only three stockings this year.
How she must have felt while doing it.
Knowing that the 4th person was off hanging his stocking elsewhere.

I don't think I could have hung the stockings if it were me.
But that is how my friend is.
Strong.
Faithful.
Mindful of the little hands that will open the stockings on Christmas morning.

I left thinking her stocking must feel pretty empty this year.

So I asked God.... why, how and help.

He reminded me that Mary and Joseph had one less stocking to hang themselves.

Though Jesus did rise from the dead, he very soon separated from his earthly mother and father, who loved him dearly. Regardless of God's higher ways, I feel absolutely positive it was heart-wrenching for them. He completed their family. Then He was gone.

From a very humanly perspective, it makes no sense.

Why would the person who was prophesied to be the ruler of a new Kingdom die a horrible death and then come back to life only to go away again? For that matter, why was the King born in a stable? If you think about it all from their perspectives, it doesn't make sense. But now we understand. There was plan all along.

From an earthly perspective, those 3 stocking are 3 daggers to the heart. It makes no earthly sense for a God-fearing woman to have to hang only 3 stockings to celebrate the birth of her Lord and Savior. I don't come close to understanding it.

However, God whispers that He does have a plan. A higher plan. A plan we don't understand but that will glorify Him to the highest. "Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.'

And as for the three stockings....I feel badly about those images. If (when) my friend reads this, I don't want to leave her with that visual in her mind! So, I'm going to try something different:

They should not be three tears or three daggers, but they should represent from now on, the One who is enacting His plan, and my friend's faith in Him...

The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

What Did Your Husband Get You For Christmas?

Most all of us have our stories.

One year, before we were married, Tom bought me an Industrial Sized Package of Breath Mints. Because I like breathmints, he said.

That was the last year he got me a present that poorly chosen. I make a point to remind him of the breath mint debacle quite often.

If you have ever received a gift like this, you have got to take a couple minutes to watch this video.

It's clean, it's true, it's hysterical.

(listen for the positive subliminal messages being played in the dog house- HA!)

This is What I See...

....When I look into the wide world around me.

LeTTerS.


That bright blue day out on the farm, Christmas Day, I just started taking pictures of interesting images... it started with Z and then T and then O and then before I knew it, Kami, Ellie, Luke, and I were on an Alphabet scavenger hunt....we had to get creative and help a couple letters come to life, namely the manure pile of a G and we were desperate for the bungi cord and stick of a P, but most of them are au naturale. Sorry, I cannot get J and M to rotate for some reason. My favorites? C, D, O, Y, Z....

call me strange.... all LeTTerS have a special place in my HeaRt.

A Few of Our Favorite (Christmas) Things

I am reviving something I did last year... trying to highlight some of our favorite things about the Christmas holiday. There are so very many, but here is what stands out the most.
This is my niece Maggie (2 years old). We were at a party with my sister's family when I looked over at her to find her praying. For no apparent reason... no one had asked her to pray... we weren't eating.... she just found a quiet moment, I guess. Then she looked up and whispered, "Amen." It is so important to our family that we put Jesus at the forefront of all we do over Christmas, though I will admit that I'm not always the best at doing that in the rush and hustle of the season. I should take a clue from Maggie and just make time, regardless of what's going on around me.
We've done this activity for several years now at Granny's house. It is a tradition the kids love. And look at those houses! Too cute and getting cuter every year.
I absolutely love getting Christmas cards. Here is ours, done by the great Kelly Stocksen herself. Pictures were taken on Mom and Dad's farm where I grew up. Tom thinks I'm crazy, but I keep every Christmas card I have ever received... they are a great visual reminder of each family that we love!
The kids got to see Santa several times this year, but this particular instance, he just so happened to knock on Carolyn's (Tom's mom) door on Christmas Eve! The kids were so excited and Ellie's first question was where the reindeer were....
Nothing can replace it. Christmas Eve # 39 for me at Granny's house. We all pack ourselves into her tiny little house, bumping together like too many Christmas cookies on a tiny tray. But we wouldn't have it any other way. There is a talent show for the kids, a round of dirty Santa, and of course, the main object of our affection, Granny herself.
Besides me being exhausted because Ellie kept waiting up for Santa and KEPT waiting up for Santa, it was a wonderful morning for our family! I think everyone was happy (except Ellie did not get the puppy that she asked for from every Santa she saw). I think Santa's feeling very guilty right now.
This year, we stayed all day at mom and dad's house. The weather was so beautiful that we were able to spend some fresh time out on the farm. I don't think the day could've been bluer. We walked in the fields, threw rocks through the ice on the ponds, and Kami and I climbed the silo! It was a fear-facing experience (that silo is tall!), but a great time. Glad we did it. (Also, I dedicated my new blog design to this day on the farm!)
It is always a great time to reconnect! And the snake picture? Had to throw it in... Ellie considers all animals a part of her family.
Something new for us... but the kids LOVED it! The ice rink in downtown Tulsa was awesome. All the kids did very well except Luke. He had rubber legs for about half an hour. I was so surprised, because this is the child, who at 3, got on a little bike with no training wheels and just RODE. But after that 30 minute free fall, he got it and ended up looking like a little hockey player. Roller skating was fun too. Notice no pics of me in skates. Wouldn't have been a picture you'd have like to seen.
This is me getting ready to climb the silo on my parent's farm on a bright and beautiful Christmas Day. I am just trying to soak it all up. All of the Christmas season is so precious and truly a gift from God. Even when my kids are fighting like little monsters or we lost another basketball game (ugh) or things just aren't the way I think they should be, I want to enjoy and appreciate each moment! I try not to take anything for granted. It will not be this way forever. Kids will grow and lives will change. I'm just thankful for my family, friends and for my Mighty God who saves.

Technical Support

I'm gearing up to get blogging again (lots of things to blog about!), but have been trying to give my blog a home makeover. When I view my blog on my PC, it looks fine, however, on my laptop, the header gets cut off by my blog posts. Is that what you are seeing? Do you have any tips/suggestions for how to fix this? I will look into it, but I thought one of my brilliant blogging friends may be able to help! Can't wait to blog to my heart's content!

Blogging and other Things on My Heart

How I do love to blog.

I look at it as something I do for myself.
Like taking a hot bath.
Or getting a pedicure.

That's how much I love it.

It's my opportunity to express myself, record my memories and be creative all in one.

I get to write poems, (try to) be funny and extract those emotions that are running rampant inside my heart.

One other bonus: your comments! I love reading them. They make my day sometimes. Did you know that?

I also love, love, love to read your blogs. I'd like to name all my favorite blogs here, but I don't want to leave anyone out... because your words really make a difference!

They influence me.
They make me laugh.
They make me think.
Your blogs are truly wonderful and delightful.
They inspire me in many different ways.

I have this habit of thinking in terms of blog posts. I'm sitting there actually experiencing a moment, thinking... boy, I'm gonna have to blog this. Sometimes, the title jumps right into my head at the very moment.

For instance, today, I was itching to get to the computer to blog about this picture... My wild child daughter decorated herself with a fancy mustache, unibrow and chest hair. Don't ask me where she gets this stuff.



I also have wanted for a long time to share with you about our two aquatic pets: a red eared slider turtle and a catfish. I mean, who has a pet catfish? We even have a stocking for him. I also wanted to tell you that I try to be real careful in the mornings not to wake turtle up. If I come in to the laundry room (where he stays), and I can see he's all tucked up into his shell, I just cannot turn on the light and jolt him into his 10 gallon aquarium of reality. I mean, that's not how the sun comes out, instantaneously, and I guess out of respect for mother nature, I try to tread lightly around turtle in the mornings.

I'd love to tell you that a week ago, I was running up to my sister's door (it was COLD!) and tripped and fell HARD knee-first on the edge of her concrete step. I don't think my knee will ever be the same, but what is really bothering me is that I put a hole in the one pair of skinny jeans I have. Ok, I am not skinny; however, they are the closest thing to a skinny jean I will ever have... they look good tucked into boots and with my BFL diet, I was actually feeling semi-cute in them... and then, the only pair of true designer jeans I own... ripped. I have seen pics of celebrities in ripped jeans, but I guarantee you they paid money for special rips. Sigh.

I'd like to share with you that we're having a rough basketball season. It hasn't been this rough in quite a few years. I guess that's something to be thankful for -that our last few seasons have been good ones-, but it is H.A.R.D. to watch your husband and his players lose game after game. It's difficult to listen to his voice on the phone when we just got whipped and he won't say it... but I know that all he wants is to come home and see his family. It makes me anxious when we start losing so much, but ironically, it's the one thing that consistently gets me on my knees - right where God wants me.

Which brings me to my last point. As much as I love blogging -and tend to obsess-, I am going to take a bit of a break. I am feeling in my heart that as much as I love it (and it's ok to love it!), I need to take a step back from it and focus on the One who makes it All Possible.

I wonder (because of YOUR blog posts)... am I truly helping my children focus on the REAL meaning of CHRISTmas? Am I giving them opportunities to serve others? Am I spending enough time with my King? That's what I'm going to focus my heart upon right now - the birth of Christ - my Father, King, Savior, Protector, Rock. Have a peaceful, relaxing, lovely and wonderful Christmas!!!

Somebody Watching a Little Too Much HSM?

Extraneous Commentary:

Yes, my dog has a Christmas sweater on.

Do you like the new polka dot rug from Pottery Barn?

And, yes, we have a basketball goal in our front room. Do you expect anything less from a basketball coach? Come on now.

Our front room is "under construction" - thus the unhung frames and drapeless windows.... hoping to get it finished up next Tuesday. plllllleeeeeeeeeeassssssee! I feel so undone!

Thanks for your great response on my "living out loud" description of my 2 youngest kiddos. I'm proud to say it's now a LABEL!

He can bust a move. This is only the tip of his iceberg. He can do some pretty impressive head spins and pop and locks (or something like that - help me Nicole)

She Grew Horns

Here is Ellie as Lil' Faun and her friend Cambri as Lil' Centaur. They just finished up their performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe @ the Spotlight Theater. My niece Hallie was also in the cast; she played a fairy. And, she will KILL me for this, but my sister was asked by the director to play grown up Lucy in the final scene of the play. She got to speak in an English accent and everything. It was pretty funny. Not to make light of the fantastic acting job she did; however, it just tickled me to see her up there pronouncing, "Ah, it seems to me a strange adventure awaits on the other side of the lampost!" Love ya sis!

This is What I Meant

Hang out with Ellie for about 5 minutes and you'll see what I meant when I said that she lives out loud.

Tonight @ Blockbuster-
She walks in wearing her Santa hat, safety goggles and a deadpan expression. Not trying to be funny; just being herself. She has an honest affinity for goggles of any kind.

What totally got me, though, was when she walked by the movie Step Brothers, and noticed the guy on the cover (Will Ferrell)... she declared with complete sincerity...(while still wearing her safety goggles and santa hat):














"This guy is the greatest actor of all time."

"What?" I asked "Him?"

"Oh yeah," she replied...
"He played Buddy in the movie Elf!"

She's Here!

She made it! I cannot tell you how great it made me feel knowing she (and I!) had your prayers today. The sweet relief to see her walk in the door! No airport nightmare stories after all. Gotta run... more later!!!!

Solid as a Rock

As I sit here and watch the clock tick painfully by, waiting for airline updates (Kami's flight from Raleigh just boarded - see previous post for Kami's flight problems!)......

I'm thinking about telling on myself, a bad mom story, involving Kami. Rena did it last night, as did Roxanne a few days ago... so here goes...

When Tom is out of town, my strings get pulled a little tighter. I talk faster, I think harder and I don't laugh quite as much.

This was a day that he had been out of town for several days, so I was probably pulled as tight as Grandma's clothesline.

Kami had quite a busy schedule that day:
12:00 - bball game in Jenks
1:00 piano recital @ Barnes and Noble,
2:00 bball game @ Central H.S.

We obviously had to be well-prepared, and I drilled Kami on her bag... making sure she had everything she needed in it. Long story short, the first bball game was running late and Kami was crushed... PLEASE Mom, can I play longer than we planned? A quick call to the piano teacher got Kami last on the recital list and all was well.

UNTIL... we were about 3 miles from the bookstore and Kami realized THAT SHE HAD FORGOTTEN HER SHOES!!!!! All she had to wear for her recital were her Nike high tops OR bare feet.

To a piano recital @ Barnes and Noble? Oooh Hoooo. I don't think so. (Pride speaking)

At this point, I was pulled so tight, I was about to break and I started yelling (yelling!) WHY DID YOU FORGET YOUR SHOES? We are NOT GOING TO MAKE IT!

Unfortunately, as I raced the streets back to our house to pick up her silvery little flats, I continued to harrass her. I now cringe. But I truly thought it was over. I thought there was NO WAY we could make it back to the bookstore on time. (especially given 71st and Memorial traffic!)

And only by the grace of God did we. I drove up to the bookstore, tires smoking, only then realizing that my poor child who I had been so angry with for the last 10-12 minutes, was supposed to play 5 piano pieces in PUBLIC! Something she had never done before. How could she pull off such a feat?

With a minute to go and memories of mom's words certainly ringing through her ears, the sweet baby walked up to the piano and pounded out 5 pieces, some by memory.

Not a mistake made she. Solid as a rock. A testament to HER strength of character, not mine. Excuse me, I need to go eat some humble pie now. In front of the fire. As I wait for that sweet baby to come home.

I am Not Getting Emotional

I am Not Getting Emotional.

I am Not Getting Emotional.

Kami was not allowed on her flight tonight.

I won't bore you with the fine print, but....

well, maybe I WILL bore you because I'm not a happy momma.

fine print:
Unaccompanied minors cannot fly on the last flight of the night.
Ok, got it.
So, I booked her on a flight. (didn't look like it was the last one of the night... how am I to KNOW?)
Called the airlines (as instructed) and gave them her information.
They logged her info, looked at her flights and said to check her in at the desk on the morning of her departure.
(thought for sure they would tell me if it were the last flight of the night!!!)
No one caught she was booked on the last flight of the night.
I should have. They should have.
No one did.
Now they are charging us to rebook her on to another flight that is not the last flight of the night!!!

Sooooooooooooooo, my baby is still in North Carolina
(safe in the hands of Tom's wonderful cousin) , which was still ok by me...

until I heard the sleet spiraling down on our roof this evening.
I have never gotten so upset about sleet. Until tonight.

Then, I started getting emotional. (freaking out?!?)

Visions of Kami being stuck in the airport for days on end, airports gridlocked by a winter monster storm, all alone with nothing to eat. Scared, and sleeping on the hard tile floor. Strangers breathing down upon her. Mom and dad being hundreds of miles away.

Big breath. Eyes on Tom. He smiles.... everything is going to be fine. OK.

I am not getting emotional.

She is flying out of Raleigh at 8AM Eastern time tomorrow morning.
Then, she has a THREE HOUR layover in Cincinnati,
and should arrive here at 2PM tomorrow.

Pray together now with me, will you?

It's How She's Wired

I've been thinking a lot about Kami while she's been away in North Carolina. Here she about 9 years ago. Wow.

Out of my 3 kids, you hear a lot about the (mis) adventures of Luke and the wild ways of Elle Belle, but Kami may be a bit neglected on this blog.....

As Luke and Ellie live their lives out loud....

so Kami goes along in her quiet way, making little waves....

but what she is making is.....
purposeful decisions
goals with determination
wise choice of friends
good grades
as little drama as possible
competitive moves
a choice to be the best she can be

It's amazing at 10 to have this outlook.... (I still strain to be these things myself!)

But I do believe it comes naturally to her... a gift to her from God!

I remind her a lot though her abilities seem "natural," she should not forget that without Him, she could not accomplish anything... and never to take for granted what she has... but to thank God for each and every positive event that happens..,

-all good and perfect things are from above....

I clicked on Kami's blog label: Queen Kamryn the First, and it was fun to see what I saw. I had to pull some of the pictures from the last couple of years... because they are so typically... Kami.