somewhere along the line...we did good

I do & then think.  As a result there have been many times I've seconded guessed myself or have allowed others to cause me to doubt my parenting.  There have been times as a parent I've been flustered and annoyed, concerned, and wondered IF/WHEN my kids would get it.  And then...

...my daughter says to me "mom, i miss my best friend".  I ask who she's texting and she tells me and it's the ex-best friend.  When I suggest they make a plan she declines inviting her.  Puzzled I ask why?  and she replies "because I know how I felt when *B set out to make her HER friend and come between us, and I don't want *M to ever feel that way.  She knows I miss her and that will just have to be enough, the text messages that is."


& then this...

..."mom if I don't get asked to the valentine dance is it ok with you if I ask *X to go with me? "  me, "sure, why?"  Kate, "because, I know what it feels like to feel like you're never gonna be wanted or asked out, and it's a terrible feeling and I would hate for him to feel that way, when we could go together as friends"


And then today on the way home from school today my son shared this:  '"some one told me today I smile too much.  I'm always smiling and asked me why?  And it got me thinking....I smile because I'm happy.  You know mom how the *D family seems all together, you know sanded on the edges?  Nice house, clothes, good athletes, organized lockers and all and normal family?  and We're all crazy, frazzled and messed up house and I'm not organized and not the best athlete....well, it dawned on me...I like my life and am happy.  I like that you and dad are nuts and we're crazy and I like being home ....I'm just happy and we're FAR from perfect.  I wouldn't change it.  And I feel bad that my classmates find it odd that I smile when to look at them they would appear to have more of a reason to smile than I do"   "I'm just happy with our life".' 

Aahhhh! somewhere along the line...Andy & I did good!  We didn't do it alone, have to thank our church family, and family...we've all done good!  :)  PTL!

what if....

what if...

• welfare could only be received once every 7 years
• for the next 10 years any income in excess of 1 mil. was distributed to public schools
• kids were allowed to be kids
• "whacks" were reinstated as a form of correction in the schools 
• bullies were called out
• political correctness was thrown out the window
• people stuck w/ one face as opposed to two
• kindness prevailed
• smiles were given freely
• respect was given...from the start
• we agree to disagree
• we didn't judge
• love the sinner & hate the sin
• we spoke words of encouragement
• we return value to relationships
• we return value to people

what if...

Louise KLOVE's caller ...

So the kids were dropped off and I tuned in and turned up KLOVE for the drive home.  The DJ's were taking calls from listeners with Christmas confessions.  Next on the line, Louise.  Louise was somewhat difficult to understand and for a bit even difficult to listen to.  Her tone was agitated, angry perhaps.  Her confession:  She had suffered many personal losses this year and this Christmas is missing significant people and she isn't celebrating it without them.  In addition she has a 9 year old who is excited about Christmastime and the excitement is adding to her frustration and sadness. 

As you might imagine the DJ's were somewhat stunned, initially, as was I for her tone didn't seem to match the emotion she seemed to be conveying.  Sadness, is the emotion most would associate with missing loved ones this time of year, yet her voice seemed filled with anger.  Almost immediately the DJ's asked if they could pray with/for her.  Moments later a prayer was being lifted up and I too was praying with them.  All I could think about was how awful she must feel and I personally couldn't imagine.

The next thought that came to mind was 'and the child shall lead them'.  And I thought, if only she could see this time of year through the eyes of her 9 year old.  If only.  Louise didn't go into detail about the who and what of her loss but one would imagine if it was that close of a loved one that her 9 year old also felt the loss.  Yet through the eyes of the child the joy of Christmastime was still being experienced. 

I would assume since KLOVE is a Christian station that Louise is a believer to some extent.  And I would agree with the DJ's prayer was much needed.  I pray in-spite of her loss she'll feel and come to know the Love of Jesus this season.  That she'll be able to know and experience the blessing of the birth of the Christ child.  That she'll experience this Christmas with the eyes of a 9 year old. 

Join in praying for Louise and others who might be struggling with the celebration this season.  Pray that they, with the eyes of a child might enjoy the true gift of this season, and be reminiscent of time with loved ones lost and find joy in those moments that have come to pass. 

With or without those we love and those we've lost Christmastime is here and the joy of the reason for this season is cause to celebrate!  May there be JOY TO THE WORLD.

some favorite things

just thinking about some of my favorite things and new things that have come my way over the course of 2010:

books: Luxe series; Mother Daughter Book Club series; Jen Lancaster memoirs; a few good ones by Hope Bauer; Lock & Key by Sara Denssen (sp?) 

food:  nachos mexicanos @ lachas; Moes - (thanks heather!); pizza huts soup, salad and bread stix - mostly their salad w/ their wonderful italian dressing!  YUM!!  can't get enough; CW salad & wings well done; maggianos!

new & old relationships/friendships & acquaintances:  crauns, powells, halls, nevers', heather, heather, jessica, doretta, randi co-workers, this list can go on & on ...pretty much if you're reading this you're among my fav's!

technology & social sites; blogspot & blogging; Christian radio stations; the resurgence of GOD! my church and church family; our newest addition PJ the amazing mini schnauzer!  my amazing GE crockpot; advocare & it's 24 day challenge.

I'm sure there's more and without a doubt i'll be back with more to add.  Just curious...what are YOUR favorite things?

Good Tuesday morning

Freezing & beyond! It's a whopping 16 degrees out and not expected to get much warmer! I can't say I mind as this is my favorite time of year. But I would really prefer if SNOW were falling as well. (of course it would be warmer if that were to happen) There's a slight promise of a snow storm this weekend! The weather models are a bit up in the air as to what is REALLY going to happen (haha) so according to the weather guy "we'll just have to wait & see". Hummm go figure. I love weather & most weather reporting folk. So much so I've been encouraging Matt to strongly consider that line of employment. I figure with his curly hair, dimples, big brown eyes, and just over all good looks folks will be forgiving when he doesn't get it right! haha! He said if he does it he's gonna use the white board like Jim O'brien does and write random phrases just for fun. ...too funny!

Do you ever have that one thing you wish you were better at? I do. For me I wish I was better at letting others know when I'm thinking about them. There's a lady here in Swayzee whom I became acquainted with at church who is awesome at her card ministry. I so wish I was good at that. Every year I say I'm gonna do it and year after year I don't get it done. Nonetheless I'm still thinking, praying, wishing & rejoicing with so many through out the year. I just wish I was better about letting those who cross my mind know they're thought about. Who knows perhaps 2011 is the year to make it happen.

Took kate to the dr. yesterday, she has pleurisy again. She's taking a round of steroids and is on the mend. Dr. says she's just prone to it. :( not fun. Matt had a game yesterday, they lost, and has an away game tonight. Sure hope he's in a better mood for it. Andy is away this week. He's in the part of Indiana where it's snowing. Wish I was with him. Good news is he'll be off work from 12/21 until the first of the year! Can't wait...but will have too.

My Christmas shopping is done. Now to wrap! Thanks for stopping my. I encourage you to do a little random act of kindness today or tomorrow! :) make someone smile. I certainly hope so as it's become my passion.

quckie

saturday got to watch me great niece ball it up at MGYbL. so cute. you could tell she was having fun. then over to moms to say "hello" and see how her open house was going. it's been a beautiful morning as the ground is covered with snow and it continued to fall all day. mom was interview by the chronicle for her crafting abilities. such an honor for her. perhaps now is a good time to "retire"! lol ...i can only hope. matt went to watch the boilers w/ ed. and kate rested at home as she's not been feeling well. evening brought about dinner @ the chuckwagon with the powells and then boys basketball at oak hill. victory! it was a good game.

sunday has been a lazy day. church, angle tree shopping, watching the lady boilers and later on the colts and the amazing race. :) andy will be gone ALL next week :( that means my parenting duties will be doubled and it's a crazy busy week as it is. 3 ball games (m, t, tr) for matt and kate will be cheering friday night as OH takes on ole miss.

let it be known i'm hoping for snow, and many 2-hour delays this next week.

also just want to say i've really been blessed recently with new friendships that i really enjoy, andy & i both. thank you God for those people in our lives.