Hard Hat Zone

Pretty sure Flylady would call this an unmitigated disaster area. Or...instead of a "hot spot", perhaps 25 alarm 30 county "forest fire". I'm just c.r.e.a.t.i.v.e is all. Right.

15 minutes and a prayer at a time, baby.

Quilt and Scrap Land will emerge. For I am always seeing a pony in the...well...you know.

For now, however, I shall avoid the pit of doom and ignore it's pulling vortex altogether as I watch American Idol. Priorities.

But I did vacuum AND mop. And the sink--she is dingy, but as shiny as she gets.

Gladitude Monday

10. I'm gonna be flyin' with Whimzie and the gang. Feel free to join in. Disclaimer: I was emptying my coffee filter into the trash, so that I could make a fresh pot of coffee and fly with clear vision. Um...the coffee grounds jumped out of the filter and all over the under the sink/trash area. Apparently, my first cleaning job is done. Still waiting on the coffee.



9. Glad my friend Mer had fun with her hubs in Seattle. Glad I could be part of the fun.



8. Glad that we're all still persevering on the Wii Fit as a fam. I'm trying to do about 20 minutes each time I'm on it. I did get an email from Nintendo, with a person's name and phone number attached, so I'm going to call them. Read here if you're cornfused about this. I'll keep you posted.



7. Glad I got to sing on worship team yesterday, and got to sing some old hymns that I didn't know. We had a substitute leader yesterday, whom I really like. He and his family are new to our church, and already, I feel like they've been around for a long time. I had to laugh though...he asked the vocalists to do a quick mic check, acapella, of some hymn I hadn't heard of. "Um...I'm sorry, what was that? How does it go?" So he tried again..."What about blah-blah? Let's try that." Um...again...me...deer in the headlights. Finally I said, "I'm not a cradle Christian...do you happen to have something I might know?" "Oh. You're not?" "Nope." "I'm about 8 years into this thing." "Oh...How About Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)?" "Okay". And so we did a mic check. I also learned the chorus to "I Need Thee" and "Oh, The Blood of Jesus. Delicious.



6. Gladdy McGlad that Big is home. For nearly a month. Our family just feels so much more in sync with the 4th wheel. Glad to have a lunch date this Wed with him. So, please...no calls. ;)



5. Glad that Big, though tired from his travels, ran out on Saturday night to buy his wife a 12 pack of Diet Coke. Clearly none of you drinks the elixir, based on the comments of my last post, but surely you can identify with his enabling my addiction thoughtfulness.



4. Glad that David is back in school this week. Not that I'm a mean mom...well, I guess that's not true. Glad he's back for both of us. And because he's adding computer programming and Spanish to his schedule. He'll now have 5 hours of class a week. You see, with 5 hours (they're all taught one on one) of class, pretty much every week is Spring Break, so I'm looking forward for his having something new to do. A really nice TJ Maxx is right near his school. Ahem.

3. Glad to hear our local chapter (is that what you call it?) of 4H is nearby. Thinking of that for both kiddos.

2. Glad that God has me noodling...I think it's Him...on what might be next for me. The kids are by no means raised, but I keep having feelings of something coming down the pike for me. Will I re-cert in speech pathology--stupid me, I gave up my CCCs because it was $200 to just keep them. And I haven't had a job-job since about 13 years ago when I retired due to emergency bedrest. I regret that I gave them up. But only a little. If I go back, I'm going to want some new training. I suppose I'd be glad to go thru a few hoops to see that my patients got the most cutting edge care. Will I investigate learning about becoming a counselor of some sort? Will I use any of my experiences with David to help others? Will I just continue doing what I'm doing, trusting God to use me in different volunteering avenues? There's a good restlessness in my heart right now. Praying that I seek and understand and obey.

1. Glad that this is an ordinary, "boring" week. I lurve those. Can you say "rut" girl? I thought you could.

Stuff that Doesn't Suck When I'm Trying To Be Healthy-like:

Okay...I'll confess a big secret that I'm sure surprises none of you. I like food. In fact, I'm a "bulk eater". If one is good, 5 are better. I suspect that this is a result of my hoarding nature. But...onward. What's the quote about we can't stop the wind, but we can adjust our sails??? Something like that. So I'm adjusting. Because, despite my love for all things Reeses Peanut Butter and Macaroni Grill, I realize that m.o.d.e.r.a.t.i.o.n. has GOT to come visit, and needs to stay for quite a while, my friends. It's not about skinny. I'm nevah gonna go there. It's not about "x" pounds. I have a feeling I'd be defeated where I began if it were about "x" pounds. Well, let's just say I have been defeated when it was about "x" pounds. It's about a fruit of the spirit: self control, meeting and cooperating with another fruit of the spirit: patience (or, knowing that another meal WILL be on the way, and I don't have to worry about going hungry). It's also about repenting to Him and forgiving myself when I fall short of treating myself well. So obviously, being healthy starts and ends with God, for me. A race, for me, which has had it's many bumps and potholes. But here's the thing: Oh, dear, I'm starting to sound like Kara on American Idol. No, really, here's the thing: I've found a few things that don't suck about eating more healthfully--and since, for me, quite a bit DOES suck about eating better, I want to share them. Because I'm a sharer. And...because it's affirming and focusing for me to write something which espouses good health and self control.

Lord help me, I've started waaay too many sentences with "and" and "because". sigh.

Without further ado...

I lurve these puppies. They must be in season somewhere on the globe because they are plentiful at my supermarket and Trader Joes. I could eat these in a chair. With a bear, or in the air. Mmmm.

Brown rice doesn't suck for me, Dawg. It's alright. I either have it plain, or mix it with these (below) :

Rosarita refried beans make the others hang their little beany heads in shame. Enough said.


Okay...here's a little Tillamook. A shout out to my little Oregon dynamo. I lurve this cheese. Guess what? I can lurve it by the 1/2-1 ounce as easily as I can by the cup (ahem). I'd so much rather eat this than some fat free rubber stuff. I think I'd rather go without.

If you can't tell, I'm taking you through one of my favorite lunches. A bean burrito with avocados on top. Oh, glory! These tortillas are fairly decent in terms of fiber and decreased carbs. A bonus: they are soft and don't taste like cardboard. I don't even buy the other kind any more.

I am a "drink" person, apparently. I do love the fruit of the bean in the morning, but honestly, I also drink a lot of tea. I just tried this (above) in the last few weeks, and I adore it. I don't even have to sweeten it because of the peach infusion. Seattle is cold, folks. I like something warm in my hand/tummy. This also helps a tiny bit with my afternoon fade.

This is one fat free thing I can abide. I have to race with my son to get to the carton first; and I try not to drink too much because I'd rather have solid food calories, but milk sure does this body good, especially over my morning bowl of colon blow.

Diet Coke, I know you are worldly, chemical crap. I won't judge you though. I promise.


I prefer white wine, but am growing a fondness for red, as well. A 1/2 glass of red or white wine is loverly with dinner at times. Sometimes, it's even loverlier at homework time. And yes, I drink in moderation. And you should too. Unless you choose not to. Which is even better. You can drive when we visit. Oh, I kid.

If I never believed in God, chocolate would be enough to convince me, since it is heavenly. I like to start and end my day with a little something sweet. Because I'm so sweet and all. This is a nice indulgence because it's in PRE WRAPPED PORTIONS. Seeing several candy wrappers in the trash is very convicting. So one in the a.m. and one in the p.m., and I have barely touched 9o calories. Me likey.

So...as CPQ is so famous for, "help a sister out", won'tcha please.

What doesn't suck for you when you're trying to be healthy? Do you have any go-to meals that are edible for the entire fam which are home runs?

For All You Bargain Shoppers: A Two for One

This incredible couple came and made time to get together with me while on a working trip for John.

I cannot tell you how excited I was for this day. Perhaps not excited enough to make sure the collar on my jacket wasn't wonky, but excited all the same.

John and Mer treated me to a lurvely lunch at a restaurant right on Lake Washington in Kirkland. If you can't tell from the pictures, it's "sunny". Well, it's not raining, so it was sunny for Western Washington. I'm even sporting flip-flops to herald the 50 degree temps.

We talked some kid stuff, but mostly, just talked about schtuff. And laughed. A lot. Though no fluid escaped thru noses. Thank goodness.

And we shared dessert. Oh, yes we did. On our "first date", even.

Then it was off to Trader Joes for our after date-date.

I'm not saying that I am directionally challenged, and not very good at the "follow me" types of instructions when I'm the leader. I don't have to say that because John was able to navigate inspite of me just fine. I dearly hope they found their next destination.

I so had butterflies before I saw them, even though I knew it would be wonderful. After all, I've burned up the telephone lines with Mer with lots of important conversation before.

But it's different, face to face.

I needn't have worried.

It was awesome.

They are awesome.

Yep...I lurved me some John and Mer.

xxxooo

P.S. Mer has the most gorgeous eyes. I could hate her, but I won't. For that would be rude, and she came all this way...

But I can wish a little wish that Denver International Airport will be closed tomorrow (due to the blizzard in CO) so she and John will have to stay with me and my fam. I can wish a little bit of that...but i won't wish tooooo hard because I know their fam misses them.

5 Things I Lurve About Spring & Dishrags

My friend Cheryl tagged us all for 5 things we love about spring...Since I've long been a joiner in such frolic, and there were only 5 things to think of, I am participating. BTW, if you do nothing else at Cheryl's blog, please note her darling header picture. Lurve pictures of bloggers as wee ones. Of course, you should read her posts, too. Just sayin.





Also, for those (carpoolqueen) who are interested...my dishrags are posted. Rag 1 is "gigantor". I wanted to do a larger one to see if I liked it, since I happen to shrink the regular ones. Rag 2 is "oops I dropped a stitch, but nobody's perfect". Is there nothing i won't share? I wonder...

1. I lurve spring because it's NOT WINTER. Even if the weather pattern repeats, the days are longer, and we have "sun breaks". No lie: I'd never heard of a sun break until moving here. Who knew?


2. Lurve me some Easter decoratin' and celebratin'. I must say, this hails from long before I discovered the true meaning of Easter. I happen to heart anything bunny, and my grandma (Grum) collected egg cups for me from the time I was born. I really enjoy the sweet, gentle, happy colors, too. Easter brunch with friends on the Saturday before Easter is a favorite activity for me to host. I don't even mind the annual cleaning fest which accompanies said soiree.


3. Open-toed shoes and pedicures! Even if they're home pedis, they're cheerful. I will be carried cold and stiff to my grave with pink, red, or coral toes, because HONEY, toenail polish always fits. Can I have an Amen?


4. Daffodils and Tulips. I bought myself (I'm a great date, btw...) a 5 stem bouquet of tulips from my grocery store with a $2.00 off coupon (off $3.50). Every time I look at my table, I smile and think of the amazing tulip festival we are so lucky to have each year in Mt. Vernon, WA/La Conner, WA. We haven't been for a couple of years, but the Netherlands has nothin' on this, baby. Tons and tons and row upon row of (mostly) tulips in April. There are a few fields of daffodils, too. It's worth every scrap and morsel of mud we carry home on our shoes. This picture taken about 3 years ago. See all the mud...squishy!

5. I would be remiss if I didn't say that spring meant Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs.
Y.U.M. I'll try to limit myself to one six pack this year. For I do not heart the elliptical

machine.

Gigantor:

Oops:

Heck, they were fun to make, and I know I'll be better by say...dishrag 5 or 10 or so. Plus, knitting keeps me from my nemesis: mindless TV eating. So...I can enjoy my mindless tripe, but without the calories. All good. :)

If I Don't Share These, I May Forget...

Apparently, Barb from A Chelsea Morning has invaded my body because I bought cleaning supplies the other day. And I have even used a few. There is no other explanation for my compulsion to clean. For at least 5 minutes before taking a break and checking Google Reader. Ahem.





BTW: If you don't have Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner...you're just a cleaning poser. Just sayin'.

Wii Fit, you have some 'splainin' to do...I'm very angry. And I wanted you. So badly that I asked my in laws for you for Christmas. And I've waited for you...I've waited till the stores were restocked.

Does the girl child in the below picture look morbidly obese to you? Look carefully. What I think you'll find is a pre-pubescent, 5'2, size 9.5 shoe-wearing tween-ager. According to Wii Fit, she's in the obese range for BMI, and furthermore, her adjusted age is 45. You read correctly. I have to say, I did email Nintendo. Not only is it insane that my daughter fitness tested at 45 (she works out 3x a week), but her Mii (little mock-person) is rotund. Now when she exercises, she has to look at this Mii and...well you get the picture. I'm horrified on her behalf. David's score was horrid, too, but not nearly as awful as Drama Girl's. FYI, she hasn't given me permission to write her name on the blog, and David has. If I've ever written it, it's been by mistake. :) As I wrote to them, I think they missed a big opportunity to encourage and motivate, rather than mock and crush. Um...yes, there were tears. But I told her to just ignore the readings and work out for fun. Bless her heart, she's been on it twice since then. Trying to get over this.
UPDATE: The girl child is more over the angst than I am. Because I'm the momma. She's working out. We all love the idea of the Wii Fit; I just don't like the misinformation it presents. I feel like they have a population (tweens/teens) which could be more effectively served. Wii know wii fat, which is why wii have the wii fit.

On another, less hostile note: I finished my first dishrag. It is so misshapen that I will not grace the internet airwaves with a picture. But the good news is, I'm well into my second one, and it's almost recognizable.

If you can spare a prayer for David, he just got his lower braces on and is pretty achy. Now a whole head full of metal. What could make junior high more fun than that? Oh, I know...acne. Wait, he has that too. We played UNO Attack tonight. Quite enjoyable. There's enough violence and surprise in the game to keep him happy, and he's learning to be a gracious winner and loser, which makes me happy.

Hey, anyone remember him????

That's right. Good old Slim Goodbody. I think he hailed from Captain Kangaroo, if I'm not mistaken. Well, anyway, I'm d-y-i-n-g because Drama Girl is actually watching SG videos in science! Currently they're learning about digestion. How I've missed that 'fro. I know what I'm going to be for Halloween this year...That's right...Gretchen Gutbody, complete with stretchmarks, saggy boobs, and a two tier stomach. Better start looking for my costume now. I'm sure Joann's will have sales...Maybe Party City...

Okay...I think that's all that's on my mind. For now. This second.

Oh, WAIT! I knew there was something...T-Minus 48ish hours or something till I see her:

Gladitude Monday

10. Super glad for this post by Bev about these most awesome dishrags (and/or face cloths). Lurve her ideas and her generosity in sharing.

9. Soul Stitches just touched my heart.

8. Jackie's Chasing Bubbles Chasing Dreams also just spoke to me. Especially about how hard it is to lay down my agenda. To not curse interruptions--to welcome them.

7. Dana's schedule works for me.

6. Everso glad about these "first stirrings" from John.

5. Glad that Becky's kids are keeping her on her toes.

4. Completely gladacious about Whimzies White Crack Popcorn. Can you say: Dinner? Oh, I know...not dinner. Not really.

3. The "Boy Named Nick" served as a good reminder that we never know who's watching us. Beautiful.
2. Thank you, Kellie, for making me glad about being present. And for the sweet CO memories this post evokes.
1. Over the moon glad about this visitor. :)

All this to say...I'm very glad about the folks who touch my heart on a daily basis. Next week, I'll get back to a "normal" gladitude, but this was fun and though not exhaustive, certainly gives a peak at some of my favorite smiles or thoughts of the week.

Confessing...

Lord, I confess to you that I've been avoiding and hoarding. Which is to say, I've taken control over my life, and left You behind...out of fear...yes, but that's a cop-out. I've laid aside my trust in You. And in laying aside the trust, the modicum of self control I ever had over any thing is gone.

...instead of starting each day quietly with You...I get to you "a little later". After a bit of coffee and a bit of blog reading. Avoiding.

...instead of looking forward to my times alone or with girlfriends, I feel like they're never enough. And resent the times I'm back in the saddle. For the break was never enough. Like I'll never get another chance to be away from challenging day-to-day daily-ness of life. Hoarding.

...instead of giving you a shout out...I shout at my kids. Or snipe. Avoiding You.

...instead of getting satisfaction at a job well done in cleaning, organizing, mothering, repeat...I avoid all but the necessary tasks. Griping along the way. Work avoiding.

...instead of eating in a self controlled manner, to fuel and love my body...I eat too much sugar, and avoid cooking meals if at all possible. Avoiding. Hoarding.

...I was never taught consistency (she whines)...so it's hard for me to stay on a schedule, put God first, and gut up to responsibility day-by-day-by-day. (Whining further) I have baggage...Poor me. Avoiding.

So, God, I apologize for this. There's really no reason for me to post this on my blog, except that just posting gives me a modicum of concrete accountability. The book I just finished, was such a
gut punch, Lord. I think it no coincidence that I found a copy to read. Life is for living. It is dirty, thanks to Original sin, and thanks to my own sin. It is hard work. Whether charmed or not. And each day...a gift from You. Thank You for the epiphany, gob-smack, 2 x4....whatever. Thank You. I hated every minute of this self reflection except that it brought me back to You. Right where I long, oh, I long to be. Help me to be "strong in the broken places", Lord. Forgive me for pushing you aside. Thank You for your infinite patience, love, and parenting. Thank You for not giving up on me, when I fall so short. Sometimes I really need a parent to "tell me what to do". You do. If only I will listen. And obey.

Listening. And...God help me...obeying one minute at a time.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easiliy entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Unplugging and Thanks

Wanted to tell you I'm unplugging for today, but also to say...I really do "get by with a little help from my friends." Your responses to my musings yesterday were so encouraging and right what I needed to "hear". Lurve this community.

Just...thinking about stuff...

I'm in a real funk after Natasha Richardson's death. Why? People die every day, leaving spouses and children behind. Maybe...maybe I'm a bit mad at her for not wearing a helmet. My days as a brain injury therapist showed me all too well how a) we only have one brain, and b) helmets do work. Maybe...I'm worked up because my dtr just took ski lessons for the first time ever. Maybe...I'm sick for her family and remember going up and down those in Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, what-have-you, and wearing a helmet was the last thing on my mind or list. Who wore helmets? Maybe I'm pissed off because those little boys (yes, I know 12 and 13 aren't little, but yet, they are) won't know their mom's embrace or voice or kiss ever again. Neither will her husband. Perhaps...as I work this all out in my head...I think seeing a tragedy like this, in a woman nearly my age, with a seemingly untouchable life is just a lot to bear. I need to move on from this. I do. It's sort of sick, actually that I care this much...

Other musings...

Heard this a.m.: "Mom...I uh...really appreciate all the laundry that you do". I find this so sweet because a) He noticed! and b) He-who-wears-the-same-thing-until-urged-to-put-it-in-the-dirty-clothes has very little in the volume of clothes I wash. Still...so nice that he noticed.

Usually I have to get on him for inappropriate noticings. Yay David. His inappropriate noticings are quite funny though...yes, again, I say, I'm sick-sick-sick. But that's another post.

Big leaves for China in about 20 hours. Trying hard not to go "there" in melancholy. The sooner he goes, the sooner he gets home.

I never get used to it.

But I'm glad for him.

Can you imagine opening a new (health insurance) business in a country you know fairly nothing about, and can't speak the language? He likes to call this: challenge. I call it: crazy. Still. It's his crazy challenge, and it floats our boat, while stimulating his mind. Perhaps I prefer boredom...?

We might go with him in October...

Is there really any way out of the 1-4 p.m. slump? I'm eating better, exercising better, and still. So exhausted in the mid-afternoon that you'd think I actually had a physical labor job.

I'm reading a memoir by Richard Cohen, who wrote Blindsided. It's called, Strong at the Broken Places: Voices of Illness, A Chorus of Hope. I like it, but am not enjoying it. You know how that is. He gets to know/follow 5 folks with chronic illness (ALS, MD, Crohn's Disease, Lymphoma, and Bipolar Disorder). Makes me want to march in every fundraising event ever, and delete all my mamby pamby complaints above. Perspective is a good thing. And Richard, himself (a.k.a. hubby of Meredith Vieira) writes with the poignancy that only one with his own chronic disease can write (he has had cancer 2x and has MS).

I think for every serious book i read, I must fill the coffers with 5 lighter ones. I take things far too personally.

Okay...musings over...time for lunch. Yay! Will it be buttered popcorn or left over spaghetti? Stay tuned.

Am I the last on the bandwagon?

I saw this type of meme at Jenster's, Tiffani's, and Meredith's. Time for my fam to have a go. I was surprised by some of the answers, and think that perhaps this type of "interview" is useful for staying on the same page. It's amazing what we perceive about ourselves, and what others perceive about us.

1. What's something I always say to you:
Big: Put on your snorkel-00 (his c-pap--when he falls asleep watching TV, he snores too loudly)
Son: Do your homework.
Dtr: Did you take a shower?

2. What makes me happy?
Big: Respect (you'll see a theme here--the kids had recently been lectured...)
Son: chocolate
Dtr: massages

3. What makes me sad?
Big: Sass
Son: When you see dead animals
Dtr: When kids fight.

4. How do I make you laugh?
Big: Amateur dermatology (going after zits. Guilty. On everyone. Blushing)
Son: When you point out stuff that is very funny
Dtr: When you poke fun at us (nice...)

5. What was I like as a child?
Big: I hear you were stubborn
Son: Chubby. (thank you!)
Dtr: A girly girl.

6. How old am I? This one was easy, since I just turned 40. I'm probably 40 ad nauseum to them by now.

7. How tall am I?
Big: I believe the answer is 5'5". (the real answer? 5'5 or 5'6, I've had both measures in the last year. I'll spot it at 5'5 and 1/2)
Son: Short. 5'8"--no 5'6"
Dtr: Average. 5'8"...no 5'6" ...I don't remember.

8. What is my favorite thing to do?
Big: Blog and quilt.
Son: Yeah...quilt...or scrapbook
Dtr: Quilt

9. What do I do when you're not around?
Big: You work very hard...or should I say...lay in bed and eat bon bons?
Son: Get botox (he noticed! right)
Dtr: You work.

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?
Big: (first response) For being my wife. no...no...no...for your humanitarian causes
Son: Winning the lottery, I guess
Dtr: singing (really? oh, I get it...reality show. or singing TV jingles. That IS a talent)

11. What am I really good at?
Big: Providing the emotional/loving foundation of our home.
Son: Talking on the phone.
Dtr: Quilting

12. What am I not very good at?
Big: organization. (ouch)
Son: Giving money to her son. Cooking.
Dtr: patience (sucking in air very quickly)

13. What do I do for a job?
Big: she blogs
Son: lie in bed eating bon bons
Dtr: nothing
(Can you feel the love tonight???)

14. What's my favorite food: We have a trifecta: Chocolate. This is sort of correct. Though I like my chocolate best after a good Mexican or Italian meal. Oh, I kid. In between meals is groovy, as well.

15. What makes you proud of me?
Big: The fact that you get these 2 rascals moving in the right direction
Son: You brought me into the world. (and here I thought his self esteem might be suffering)
Dtr: You're my mom and only mine...successful and special.

16. If I were a cartoon character, who would I be?
Big: Charlie Brown's Sally or Cathy (comic strip)
Son: Donald Duck
Dtr: Minnie Mouse

17. What do we do together?
Big: Pretty much everything
Son: Argue. No...wait...we talk...we talk...I was joking about arguing, Mom.
Dtr: We talk, and watch TV, and cuddle.

18. How are we the same?
Big: We both...celebrate with food (ouch. he's right. yum)
Son: We look a lot alike, except for the obvious
Dtr: We're both strong-willed. (Amen.)

19. How are we different?
Big: You're more emotional. I'm more analytical
Son: I know a lot about Star Wars, and you don't.
Dtr: You are a woman and I am a child.

20. How do you know I lurve you?
Big: Through your actions (can you guess his love language?)
Son: You give me money...hint...hint
Dtr: You hug me...say you love me...kiss me good night...you're nice...

21. What do I like most about Dad?
Big: I'm your best friend. (so true)
Son: He gives YOU money so you can shop
Dtr: He stands by you in your decisions (I'm so glad she sees that)

22. Where is my favorite place to go? Another trifecta...Maui!

Welcome Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Glad 10:

10. Glad for birthday month...Well, actually, I wish it were a month-long celebration...seems only fitting...Seriously, here are a few last shots which complete the Gretchen-is-40-already-and-enough! journaling:





Starbucks in bed:


See? I'm almost smiling. Almost awake. Almost smiling.





Brought to me by:
My 10-age daughter. Today, she loves me. ;)

A night out with Big. He took me here for the b'day. The second picture, at request of Drama Girl photographer. Ooooh, ookaaay.


9. Glad for my man hands. Without them, I would have no where to place this adorable spring bracelet which I won from my new fabulous bluddy, Susan (Carpool Queen). She should a.k.a. be the coffee queen, which is another reason I lurve her. THANK YOU! Because of her, I'm no longer terrified of trying felting. Just mildly frightened.

8. Glad that science fair projects are only a year or 3 from being a thing of the past. Don't get me wrong. I lurve science in a most excellent way. However, doing experiments at home during my naptime on a Sunday afternoon , trying to pull out salient questions and assist, but not direct the entire process from research to purchasing needed objects--aren't there always "needed objects"? Well, it leaves me d.o.n.e. Learn the scientific method in high school. There are labs there. Needed objects included. "Our" project was comparing tea, coffee, and cola in fabric dyeing. If this doesn't ignite her fire for further research in the field, I don't know what will.

7. Glad for an email which told me that the prayer ministry was praying specifically for me this week, and asked for my requests. In a 600 person church, this felt all personal-like, and I really appreciated it. My list was long, but distinguished. Think they'll ask again??

6. Glad that I have a working brain. You see, my frontal lobes are telling me, "Don't kill the dog, Gretchen. She's made to bark. She doesn't know it's an ungodly hour. Remember how you wanted to get her so badly??? Huh? Remember how cute you thought she was? Don't kill her today. You can make it for today, right? " What is it about barking which makes it more forceful and strident before coffee?

5. Glad about my intro to systematic theology class. Our pastor is a professor, and i feel like i'm in college again. But we're not studying neurons, phonemes, and augmentative communication. No. This week, we're studying 1 Peter. Our assignment is to read it in 3 different translations, and then we'll complete an exegetic exercise (pulling from the text that which is there) during class. Very cool. When we did this before, with Colossians, my head hurt at the end of the class because so much of what we hear as Christians is not actually in the text. E.g. God helps those who help themselves (can we BE more anti-christian than that?), or spare the rod/spoil the child. Not.in.there. Looking at the Bible with a fresh perspective--exegetic vs. devotional--is growing my faith. Not that there's anything wrong with devotional studies. I lurve them, in fact. I find that they'll be even more powerful for me as I learn more about their context. I can say, "Look! It's in there!"

4. Grateful for the snow, sun, rain, sun mix yesterday. Spring is here. My little tulips are about 4 inches long. Yay. Forsythia (sp?) bush is coming into her own, too. Allergies can't be far behind. :)

3. As much as I like to serve and be on the choir and worship team. Y'all know by now how much I love those things...it was nice to go to church for one service and leave. A little rest never hurt anyone.

2. Glad for a meeting with David's teachers this week, to discuss his schedule for the end of this year and for (gulp!) 8th grade. So far, we really do think this school is a fit. Though nothing is perfect, the litmus test for us is that he's happy there, and his grades are good. Friends, I guess, will come later.

1. Gladdy-glad-o'glad that my hubby and I had a sweet, quiet, not much, but a lot conversation yesterday. Perfunctory pecks on the lips and 5 minute chats become the norm with a busy family. This was nice.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, a little bit early!

10 on the 10th: Seinfeld Style

It's the best of times and the worst of times...Much to say (as always) and not much in the way of organization. Perfect. I'll do a post about nothing in particular! If you're game to join in, Mer would lurve to have you!

1. I have no idea why I say "lurve". Just feels good. I saw it in print a couple of years ago and was hooked. Why I'm attracted to such a word? Who knows. But y'all know I'm wordy.

2. My S-I-L called me the other day and noted that Seattle has seen more snow this year than her town (Thornton) in CO. Not. r.i.g.h.t. Isn't rain bad enough? Oh, I belly-ache. I know. It really is beautiful. On a postcard. Don't know if you can tell by this little comment that we had snow yesterday. And sleet. And I'm done.

3. My dtr (10.5) is interested in trying track and field this year. I have 2 thoughts on this: First, good for her for trying something new. She has my enthusiastic, unwavering support. Second, why? Whose daughter is she? Does she not know sweat is b.a.d.?

4. I about dropped my teeth when Kristy Kiernan commented on my comment on her newest book. Wow. Now I must go read Catching Genius, which of course I told her. Because I'm all about hobnobbing with authors. I also told her that finding a new author to read is tantamount to the perfect cuppa coffee or a great pair of shoes.

5. I believe in God, and love Him dearly. I know He answers my prayers. I happen to also know that I'm not always skilled in reading His responses. But get this: I had an answer to prayer yesterday which was so bold and incredible that I understood it for what it was. Can I have a woo hoo and then an Amen?!! Okay...I'll spill...a little. Essentially, I'd been praying about the fact that I was lonely; not quite feeling like I had anyone with whom I was growing and confiding in within my church. It's easy to have a lot of friends in church, but a true and special friend comes along rarely anytime, even in church. Guess what he dropped in my lap yesterday?

6. Dancing with the Stars was a welcome relief to the Bachelor. But sadly for sweet-as-can-be Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple), he has not proved that geeks can dance. My husband knows this to be true and didn't even have to go on camera. ;) Oh, I lie. Big can dance a slow dance...kinda.

7. I have never been able to grow my nails out past the tips of my fingers.

8. I made oatmeal scotchies last night for the kids' lunches. Ahem. I find that they are such a treat because they taste great, and they represent (the butterscotch pieces) something I longed for as a kid, but were "too expensive".

9. On my Easter post, I wonder if I have given anyone the idea that I don't have a wonderful marriage. Not that I should care what anyone else thinks, but...I have a great man. A sweet marriage, complete with bumps, thorns, angst and the most amazing friendship and full relationship you can imagine. My only sadness--and it's one for both of us--is that I feel like I have a huge present and want to share it with my hubby, while he's standing beside me saying, "it's okay...you go ahead...but I'm here for you and support you in what you do". Life could be worse. A lot worse.

10. One of the many perks of having my husband home is watching our 2 dogs get their fill of peanut butter English muffins in the morning. How they starve in mind, body and spirit when he's away.

Okay...maybe next month, I'll go with a theme. :)

Easter Carnival

If you click on the link above, you'll be taken to a carnival at Becoming Me. Angela is hosting this carnival from today through Wednesday, and asks us to post a favorite tradition, craft, recipe, or special Easter story.

In wracking my brains, I can't really come up with a story. I grew up with the Easter Bunny being the primary reason for Easter. We colored eggs, and I searched for baskets...and jelly beans. And went on Easter egg hunts. I grew up loving Easter, and knowing the Easter story, but not celebrating it.

I guess Easter didn't become a significantly different holiday until about 6 years ago, when I participated in the choir in my first Easter service at church. I started going to church and really recommiting to my faith almost 8 years ago. Since then, I have been taking the 3 out of 4 of us to church on Easter Sunday. I'll be honest. Sometimes I don't like going to church on Easter. Or Christmas, for that matter. While I'm thrilled to be there because I love God, it's more crowded than usual, and the sermon always seems to be religion-lite, seeminly seeking to edify the Christers of the congregation. I don't resent this--I realize that this is how it is on the 2 biggest Christian holy days of the year. And saying I don't like to go to church on Easter isn't the same as saying that I don't like Easter. I loooove Easter. Easter for me is about sacrifice. Which, I think, is perfect when we realize that Easter represents God's sacrifice in Christ for us. I don't like going to church without my husband. Especially on a holiday/holy day when a) I sure wish he'd love to be there with me, and b) I'm at church which means I'm not at home doing the holiday with him. Lest you think I'm bitter about this, I'm not. It's work, yes. But work is good. Sacrifice is good--even pleasing to God, I think--when it's done in a manner which glorifies Him.

So, at this point, our story is this: The children and I go to services on Sunday and rejoice in His eternal life and gift of salvation to us. We still color eggs and the Easter Bunny still visits. Some traditions are just fun and also remind us of the coming of spring, which is a resurrection of the earth in it's own way...And, we tend to have Easter brunch on the Saturday before Easter. Too much choir and 2-service hullabaloo to do anything but nap on the afternoon of Easter Sunday. And that's about it.

God's blessings to you all throughout this season of Lent and Easter.

Go forth ye, and participate!

Gladitude Saturday--40th B'day Edition.

1. Glad for my life, and for Ellie, the pink elephant, as well.

2. Glad for good hair days. K.a.r.o. syrup is holding this bow. Beauty: whatever it takes.

3. Glad for walks in the sunshine...

4. Glad for fabulous fashion sense.

5. Again with the fabulous fashion sense. Yes, my mom made these in 1973ish.

6. Glad for some exercise with a friend. Don't remember this friend, but her name is Lisa.

7. So very thankful that my mom had pretty legs and that I apparently was listening very intently and obediently to her lecture.

8. Glad for parents who always loved me despite not loving each other.

9. Glad my mom knew the importance of her kindergartner's wearing macaroni AND paperclip necklaces. My grandma was horrified. Oh, yes she was. But now she sees that mom was right. :)

10. Glad for opportunities. Even opportunities to wear excessive fringe. (3rd grade)

11. And opportunities to be in the band, man. (7th grade)

12. Exceedingly glad to have met the man of my dreams in 1981. And to have dated since 1984. This is my senior prom (1987). Not that I recommend this way of falling in love to my children. No...they're waiting till they're 25 or I'm dead--whichever comes first.

13. Glad I clawed scraped and worked my way through for a college education and master's degree. They're both sitting on a shelf right now. But the opportunities were seized and the knowledge and training cannot be taken away. Even if I was a negative net worth in my marriage to begin with.

14. Grateful for June 2, 1990.

15. Glad for July 13, 1996.16. Glad for June 19, 1998.

17. At forty, the inverse relationship between cuteness and wisdom is about at its balance. And it's a good thing...because if all these new sags and bags had no wisdom to go with them, I'd cry. Well, I still might cry, but I'd cry for a longer time. And be bitter.

18. A great journey with my BFF. I've now spent much more of my life with you than without you, and I can't tell you how grateful I am about that. xxxooo

19. Glad for girlfriends. IRL and Bluddies.

20. Glad for today.