As eager as I was to "officially" start my summer vacay, it seems to be delayed once again. My ear has been bugging me for about a year now. I thought it was from all the swimming I was doing in preparation for my triathlon last summer. However, over the winter it never really cleared up. It kept feeling better then flaring up again, then feeling better only to flare up even worse than the last flare up. Typical for me, these days, I just kept putting it off. Swearing at each flare up, I was going to call a doctor the next day. Only to wake up the next morning and forget, become too busy, or just feel better.
In May it was getting pretty bad. The problem was two fold: I actually didn't have a primary care doctor, and hadn't had one in years, and I really didn't have the time to go to a doctor. Fast forward to our recent trip, where the kids, my parents, and I went to visit my grandma, who lives in South Dakota, and I was back in a bad place with my ear. I mean bad. I decided right then and there, when I got home I was going to call the doctor my mom sees, and I was getting this thing taken care of.
Thankfully, this time I held true to my word. As soon as I got home on Wednesday, I made an appointment for that Friday. That Wednesday night, I noticed that my ear was really starting to hurt down into my jaw. The next morning I realized what I thought was bad was actually just a small foretaste of what was to come.
Good grief! I had no idea how painful ear infections could be. I'm also irritated to be plagued with an ailment that is usually reserved for infants and toddlers. Also, I'm now in a spot where I can start enjoying my summer break schedule wise, but now I can't.
I'm thankful for finding a doctor, and I'm thankful for medications. Now I'm just praying that the antibiotics kick in quick, and I can be back in action soon.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
He Waits There
For the past two years, I have been part of a ministry that reaches out to incarcerated youth in my area. Once a month, I get to have a chance to sit in a small group of girls who are serving time. In that hour I listen to them, I pray with them, I share the Word with them, and, hopefully, encourage them. I hear hard stories, get hard questions, and deal with hard emotions. It's never easy there, but it's always beautiful. I've gotten to witness first hand the softening of hearts, forgiveness, reconciliation, and even salvation. Works that can only be done by The Almighty.
Last night we looked at the parable of the talents in Matthew. In this parable Jesus was teaching about three servants who were all given money by their master. Each one of them was expected to keep the money until the master's return, upon which the master would be asking for it back. Two of the servants took the money given to them, invested it, and doubled the amount. One servant, out of fear, took the money, buried it in a hole, and then waited for his master to return. When the master returned he was elated with the news that two of his servants doubled his money while he was away. However, when the third servant announced that he had done nothing with the money entrusted to him, and returned the original amount, the master was furious with him. He took the amount entrusted to the third servant, gave it to the first servant, and threw the third servant out of his house declaring "If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least?" (Matthew 25:26)
As the girls and I sat and discussed this parable, told thousands of years ago, and what it could possibly mean for their lives now, here in 2013, I could see one of the girls go deep into thought. She sat and remained silent for a while. Fearing I had lost her attention somehow, I asked her if she had any thoughts to what the parable was teaching her. She responded with this:
"I think that God gives us all these opportunities, and He expects us to use each opportunity wisely while we are here. When we waste opportunities, abilities, or the things He has given us, it makes Him sad."
She paused, staring off into nowhere, just long enough for us to notice a break in her words, but not long enough for me to ask another question, or elaborate on what she had said.
She continued with, "I've been wasting my time before coming here. I think I've been given many chances to do wonderful things, but I chose not to. My mom and my grandma have been trying to encourage me in who God is and the plans he has for me, but I ignore them. So I think He brought me here so I would have to sit still long enough, and away from all the distractions, to find Him. I've noticed since being here, that a lot of people have been asking me to pray for them. If I wasn't here, I wouldn't even consider it. Now that I am, I do. I didn't get to be released when they said I would be. I was very disappointed, but now I think that I needed to be here to continue to know Him more."
More silence.
"I don't want my time here to be a waste. I'm tired of wasting my time outside of here too."
And like that, I once again got to see Jesus meet someone face to face. In jail.
Isn't it just like Jesus to wait for someone there? A King who came to this earth not to be served but to serve. A King born to an ordinary woman in a feed trough. Not in a palace, not to royalty, and not with any sort of special ceremony. A King who spent his time not with the most important people, but with the most unnoticed people. People who were sick and dying, people who were outcasts, people who were criminals. A King who came to be with the "least of these".
When I think about Jesus, who He loves, and how He serves, it makes sense to me that He'd wait for this girl there. In jail. That terrible, cold place. That place full of people who are outcasts, who society frowns down upon or even purposely looks away from. A jail where few acknowledge (or know) who He really is and how loved they are by Him. When I really think about who Christ is and what He came to do, it makes perfect sense that He wouldn't hesitate for a second to sit and wait for people there. No one is too lost for Him to love and no one too low for Him to serve.
These things that God has allowed me to see and be a part of, thrill me to no end. They deepen my roots of faith, and they make me fall deeper and deeper in love with Him. Him, who chooses to go to the ugly places, the most hurtful times, and patiently wait there. A King. In those places? My heart could burst.
" Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?”
" Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.”--Matthew 9:10-13 The Message
Last night we looked at the parable of the talents in Matthew. In this parable Jesus was teaching about three servants who were all given money by their master. Each one of them was expected to keep the money until the master's return, upon which the master would be asking for it back. Two of the servants took the money given to them, invested it, and doubled the amount. One servant, out of fear, took the money, buried it in a hole, and then waited for his master to return. When the master returned he was elated with the news that two of his servants doubled his money while he was away. However, when the third servant announced that he had done nothing with the money entrusted to him, and returned the original amount, the master was furious with him. He took the amount entrusted to the third servant, gave it to the first servant, and threw the third servant out of his house declaring "If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least?" (Matthew 25:26)
As the girls and I sat and discussed this parable, told thousands of years ago, and what it could possibly mean for their lives now, here in 2013, I could see one of the girls go deep into thought. She sat and remained silent for a while. Fearing I had lost her attention somehow, I asked her if she had any thoughts to what the parable was teaching her. She responded with this:
"I think that God gives us all these opportunities, and He expects us to use each opportunity wisely while we are here. When we waste opportunities, abilities, or the things He has given us, it makes Him sad."
She paused, staring off into nowhere, just long enough for us to notice a break in her words, but not long enough for me to ask another question, or elaborate on what she had said.
She continued with, "I've been wasting my time before coming here. I think I've been given many chances to do wonderful things, but I chose not to. My mom and my grandma have been trying to encourage me in who God is and the plans he has for me, but I ignore them. So I think He brought me here so I would have to sit still long enough, and away from all the distractions, to find Him. I've noticed since being here, that a lot of people have been asking me to pray for them. If I wasn't here, I wouldn't even consider it. Now that I am, I do. I didn't get to be released when they said I would be. I was very disappointed, but now I think that I needed to be here to continue to know Him more."
More silence.
"I don't want my time here to be a waste. I'm tired of wasting my time outside of here too."
And like that, I once again got to see Jesus meet someone face to face. In jail.
Isn't it just like Jesus to wait for someone there? A King who came to this earth not to be served but to serve. A King born to an ordinary woman in a feed trough. Not in a palace, not to royalty, and not with any sort of special ceremony. A King who spent his time not with the most important people, but with the most unnoticed people. People who were sick and dying, people who were outcasts, people who were criminals. A King who came to be with the "least of these".
When I think about Jesus, who He loves, and how He serves, it makes sense to me that He'd wait for this girl there. In jail. That terrible, cold place. That place full of people who are outcasts, who society frowns down upon or even purposely looks away from. A jail where few acknowledge (or know) who He really is and how loved they are by Him. When I really think about who Christ is and what He came to do, it makes perfect sense that He wouldn't hesitate for a second to sit and wait for people there. No one is too lost for Him to love and no one too low for Him to serve.
These things that God has allowed me to see and be a part of, thrill me to no end. They deepen my roots of faith, and they make me fall deeper and deeper in love with Him. Him, who chooses to go to the ugly places, the most hurtful times, and patiently wait there. A King. In those places? My heart could burst.
" Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?”
" Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.”--Matthew 9:10-13 The Message
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Day 27 is Day 1
Here, on June 26th, I'm finding myself on day 27 of summer break, my most favorite time of year. I had such grand hopes for this summer. Well, actually for every summer. Plans of warm days, pools, sleeping in, resting, no shoes, eating out on the deck, and just over-all joy. I was going to document each day of this break with a "Photo-a-day" project. I also had this "home summer camp" idea where the kids would have these activities each morning that would help them to achieve summer goals, learn, have fun, and exercise. Oh, I had plans.
The first weekend of summer break doesn't really count does it? I mean, it's the weekend, right. We were going to have those days anyway. Plus, I threw my sister a bridal shower that weekend. Which let's face it, while it was super fun and special, was still a ton of work. Also, that Sunday I spent doing laundry and packing for a trip that was going to take place early the next morning. So, yea, I'll say that weekend didn't really count.
Then we went on this trip. It was a great trip. Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida for eight days. We got up early, we stood in lines, we rode rides, we ate, we drank, we swam, we slept very little. We (OK, it might just be me) came home exhausted.
Then, there's the laundry. Again. Also, the fridge doesn't stock itself and dinner doesn't come together on it's own. Also, someone had a birthday, and we celebrated Dads. I chopped off all of my hair the day after we had family portraits taken. Yup, we did a lot of shopping to find just the right outfits for those babies. Also, for one week, we thought we were moving. They needed to know exactly which model we wanted to build and all the different options we would like to add. I had to make up my mind quickly because I was leaving again. But before I could leave, we needed to have clean clothes packed. Laundry, suitcases, and lists. Lots and lots of lists because at this point, I'm beginning to feel like I can't remember what day of the week it is let alone all the different things the kids will need to make a 650 mile long road trip to visit with great-grandma just that much more bearable.
I'm so thankful for the time spend with my family, for the safety and health we had while traveling. My kids were angels the whole time, as well, and now we are home, and my calendar is relatively clear. And it's day 27, yet it feels like day 1.
My summer break is starting just a little bit behind schedule, but I think it's finally here.
The first weekend of summer break doesn't really count does it? I mean, it's the weekend, right. We were going to have those days anyway. Plus, I threw my sister a bridal shower that weekend. Which let's face it, while it was super fun and special, was still a ton of work. Also, that Sunday I spent doing laundry and packing for a trip that was going to take place early the next morning. So, yea, I'll say that weekend didn't really count.
Then we went on this trip. It was a great trip. Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida for eight days. We got up early, we stood in lines, we rode rides, we ate, we drank, we swam, we slept very little. We (OK, it might just be me) came home exhausted.
Then, there's the laundry. Again. Also, the fridge doesn't stock itself and dinner doesn't come together on it's own. Also, someone had a birthday, and we celebrated Dads. I chopped off all of my hair the day after we had family portraits taken. Yup, we did a lot of shopping to find just the right outfits for those babies. Also, for one week, we thought we were moving. They needed to know exactly which model we wanted to build and all the different options we would like to add. I had to make up my mind quickly because I was leaving again. But before I could leave, we needed to have clean clothes packed. Laundry, suitcases, and lists. Lots and lots of lists because at this point, I'm beginning to feel like I can't remember what day of the week it is let alone all the different things the kids will need to make a 650 mile long road trip to visit with great-grandma just that much more bearable.
I'm so thankful for the time spend with my family, for the safety and health we had while traveling. My kids were angels the whole time, as well, and now we are home, and my calendar is relatively clear. And it's day 27, yet it feels like day 1.
My summer break is starting just a little bit behind schedule, but I think it's finally here.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
My Boy. He's Eight .
I really don't have words. My baby. My youngest child. He's eight.
Gulp.
Oh, who am I fooling, of course I have words.
Little Man,
You are my most favorite boy in the entire world. I don't know that anyone could love another little boy more than I love you. You are the sweetest, most scrumptious, hilarious, loving, compassionate boy I know. I could not be more proud of all the things that make you, you. You have not only been wonderfully made, but you are also purposefully made. These past eight years have been a thrill for me to watch God form you and make you into who you are. When I watch your compassionate heart lead others with gentleness, I feel like I get glimpses of God's plan for your life. It's easy to see that His spirit lives inside you. You have had an amazing year, and you surprise me almost everyday with your wit, love, kindness, and intellect. Thanks for a great year, Buddy. I couldn't ask for a better "job" in this life than to be your mom.
Love you to pieces,
Mom
Gulp.
Oh, who am I fooling, of course I have words.
Little Man,
You are my most favorite boy in the entire world. I don't know that anyone could love another little boy more than I love you. You are the sweetest, most scrumptious, hilarious, loving, compassionate boy I know. I could not be more proud of all the things that make you, you. You have not only been wonderfully made, but you are also purposefully made. These past eight years have been a thrill for me to watch God form you and make you into who you are. When I watch your compassionate heart lead others with gentleness, I feel like I get glimpses of God's plan for your life. It's easy to see that His spirit lives inside you. You have had an amazing year, and you surprise me almost everyday with your wit, love, kindness, and intellect. Thanks for a great year, Buddy. I couldn't ask for a better "job" in this life than to be your mom.
Love you to pieces,
Mom
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Crossing The Finish Line
We made it! Today was the last day of first and fourth grade. Also, the last day of the fastest school year to-date. No kidding, this crazy train gets faster each year. I never knew days, weeks, and months could accumulate so quickly until I had kids. And just when I think time can't possibly go any faster, it does. This year, especially, I feel like we were just getting into a good groove, and then it was over. It must have been all the extra activities we were involved in after school. Or maybe that they were both gone all day? Whatever it was, it was good.
Summer? I need you to put on the breaks. I can't believe you are here already, and I want to soak up every glorious second you have to offer us. Also, I can't face the fact that my babies are now second and fifth graders. Middle school is breathing down our neck with her hot breath. To say I'm uncomfortable would be an understatement.
In the meantime, I'm starving for some late nights, later mornings, warm days, dips in the pool, flip-flops, no schedule, short hair, painted toenails, lots of reading, and tons of family time.
Summer, we welcome you!
Summer? I need you to put on the breaks. I can't believe you are here already, and I want to soak up every glorious second you have to offer us. Also, I can't face the fact that my babies are now second and fifth graders. Middle school is breathing down our neck with her hot breath. To say I'm uncomfortable would be an understatement.
In the meantime, I'm starving for some late nights, later mornings, warm days, dips in the pool, flip-flops, no schedule, short hair, painted toenails, lots of reading, and tons of family time.
Summer, we welcome you!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Small Talk
Recently heard in conversations in our home:
As I looked over at The Little Man's place mat, I notice a very large mess. Especially when you consider the smallness of what was eaten. Just one cookie. That was it. I called The Little Man into the kitchen, jumping on the opportunity to teach neat eating habits and cleaning up after yourself. As I looked at his face, COVERED in chocolate we discussed:
me: Buddy, can you please take a look at your place mat?
p: Yea.
me: What are you seeing there that you aren't seeing at the other spots around the table?
p: Lots and lots of crumbs.
me: Yea. I noticed your face is quite the mess as well.
p: Mom! What do you want me to do? Seriously! I just really enjoy my food, OK?
I love food too, so it was hard for me to continue in this conversation. I simply told him after he was done "enjoying his food", he needed to remember to clean up.
And I hugged him because we share the common bond of food love.
At the breakfast table:
d: You know we only have a few days left before we are in Orlando at Harry Potter World!
p: I know! I can't' wait. Maybe we should watch 1 movie every night before we leave and then we will be all caught up.
d: Don't forget, we need to be reading the books, buddy.
(Oh how I love that girl!)
p: I know, sister! I'm already on book 4. I'm reading the fastest I can, but I don't know if I'll get it all done before we leave.
d: Oh! You can get it done. You just have to make a commitment. What I do is just plan to carve out about 4 hours a day and just commit to read during that time.
p: You just read the whole time?
d: Yup. It's the only way to get any amount of large reading done.
p: I don't know if I can read that long. (Or stay still that long (Oh wait, those are my thoughts))
d: Well, you won't know if you don't try.
And upstairs they went. Each to their own rooms. It wasn't for four hours, but I'm not complaining about any amount of time of total peace. Plus, seeing both of my babies with their noses in Harry Potter books made my heart swell just a little.
Me. Talking to myself. Early in the morning this past Wednesday. (Oh. Don't act like you don't talk to yourself!)
me: Just think. This is the last lunch you are packing until August. The VERY LAST ONE.
That might have been the best conversation all week.
As I looked over at The Little Man's place mat, I notice a very large mess. Especially when you consider the smallness of what was eaten. Just one cookie. That was it. I called The Little Man into the kitchen, jumping on the opportunity to teach neat eating habits and cleaning up after yourself. As I looked at his face, COVERED in chocolate we discussed:
me: Buddy, can you please take a look at your place mat?
p: Yea.
me: What are you seeing there that you aren't seeing at the other spots around the table?
p: Lots and lots of crumbs.
me: Yea. I noticed your face is quite the mess as well.
p: Mom! What do you want me to do? Seriously! I just really enjoy my food, OK?
I love food too, so it was hard for me to continue in this conversation. I simply told him after he was done "enjoying his food", he needed to remember to clean up.
And I hugged him because we share the common bond of food love.
At the breakfast table:
d: You know we only have a few days left before we are in Orlando at Harry Potter World!
p: I know! I can't' wait. Maybe we should watch 1 movie every night before we leave and then we will be all caught up.
d: Don't forget, we need to be reading the books, buddy.
(Oh how I love that girl!)
p: I know, sister! I'm already on book 4. I'm reading the fastest I can, but I don't know if I'll get it all done before we leave.
d: Oh! You can get it done. You just have to make a commitment. What I do is just plan to carve out about 4 hours a day and just commit to read during that time.
p: You just read the whole time?
d: Yup. It's the only way to get any amount of large reading done.
p: I don't know if I can read that long. (Or stay still that long (Oh wait, those are my thoughts))
d: Well, you won't know if you don't try.
And upstairs they went. Each to their own rooms. It wasn't for four hours, but I'm not complaining about any amount of time of total peace. Plus, seeing both of my babies with their noses in Harry Potter books made my heart swell just a little.
Me. Talking to myself. Early in the morning this past Wednesday. (Oh. Don't act like you don't talk to yourself!)
me: Just think. This is the last lunch you are packing until August. The VERY LAST ONE.
That might have been the best conversation all week.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Living On My Hard Drive
Photos that tell the story of our days have been collecting dust on my hard drive. Most taken with my phone, on a whim, others a bit more planned. Just a bit. What's been missed with words, will now be spoken with images.
Suffering through a cold soccer game...I know I've mentioned this once or thirty nine times.
A day of tubing in the mountains with our Aunty and her fiance:
Someone made it into the Spelling Bee for first grade. They took the top 15 spellers based off of test scores. He made it to the third round before forgetting the second "p" in "slipper". Dang! Ironically enough, the one word he missed on his written test was "stopped". He forgot the second "p" in that word as well. We are proud of our hard-working student no matter how far he made it!
Yup, that's eight kids. EIGHT. In a Museum. Here we are destroying sitting on a mammoth tusk. The group behind us thought this pose would be a great idea as well. Apparently, it's not OK with the museum curators. This shot may or may not be illegal.
My sweet littles also earned their second stripes in Jiu Jitsu. They continue to work hard and love it!
It's been busy and full...and wonderful. Thankful that this school year is wrapping up. We are ready for the break. However, I must say, it feels like I blinked and it was over. I think this has been the fastest school year yet. So much to be thankful for!
Suffering through a cold soccer game...I know I've mentioned this once or thirty nine times.
A day of tubing in the mountains with our Aunty and her fiance:
Oh yes I did. I snagged this pic of the soccer team right behind the professional photographer. I'm bad like that sometimes.
The Girl did a Revolutionary War re-enactment for a field trip. She was THRILLED to be an Indian Warrior. They got the most make-up. Priorities, people. Priorities.
The kids and I went to see Mary Poppins at the theater downtown when it came. What a wonderful show and special treat for us!
Someone made it into the Spelling Bee for first grade. They took the top 15 spellers based off of test scores. He made it to the third round before forgetting the second "p" in "slipper". Dang! Ironically enough, the one word he missed on his written test was "stopped". He forgot the second "p" in that word as well. We are proud of our hard-working student no matter how far he made it!
I chaperoned a field trip to the Nature and Science Museum for The Girl's class. It was me and these crazies:
My sweet littles also earned their second stripes in Jiu Jitsu. They continue to work hard and love it!
Here's The Little Man getting ready to serenade me with the rest of his first grade friends (OK, and their moms too) for Mother's day. It was a very sweet performance.
 |
| That's one blurry pic! |
If the museum wasn't enough, I thought, heck, why not chaperone a zoo field trip. GAH! At least they were all outside and nothing was breakable. Plus, it was super fun to hang out with The Little Man for the day. There also was an unfortunate incident that involved bird poo. Thankful that his momma was there to calm, clean, and move forward.
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