Team Pologeorgis

On waiting

2011-03-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is not my best subject for sure. I don't like to leave things to chance. See how they work out. Nope--that's not me.

I wouldn't say that I'm rushed or hurried (although I'm not saying OTHERS might not say that...) but I like a good plan. In general, surprises are for birthdays and anniversaries. Plans are for every other day of the year.

Plans make me feel less rushed, less hurried, less stressed. Everything has a spot on the to-do list or calendar, so I don't need to worry over it. I can see where I have margin and the times that it will be scarce.

It is enjoyable to me to sit with a problem and figure out a solution: creating space for things when it looks like it won't fit, designing a system to handle a problem spot or consistent issue, taking a pile of nuts, bolts and parts and assembling the cabinet it was designed to be. Logical solutions with step-by-step plans make me happy.

(OK, in re-reading this I sound rather neurotic. Hmm.)

So this season of sitting, waiting, letting it work out? It's been hard on me. Or good for me--whichever way you look at it.

I am in a situation in which I cannot plan. I cannot create a solution. In fact, until this solution is revealed (because I do fully believe that God already knows the answer and the timing), I just get to wait. There are many things that can't be planned in this waiting game.

It's not just that Aris doesn't have a job. It's that without know where/when he'll be working, we cannot really plan ahead. Spring Break? Didn't plan anything not knowing where he'll need to be for interviews. India in June? It's hard to make childcare plans not knowing how much help he'll need. Menus for the month? Kind of holding back on that, not knowing how much money will be in our account in April. 15th Anniversary plans for August? On hold. Heck! Even dinner tonight is iffy, since he's in the East Bay at an interview.

That one, however, is easier to be flexible with, since it may be a stone in the path to the end of this waiting game!

Where have we been?

2011-03-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

For months I have not posted consistently. Some of this was logistical: no time, scheduling changes, lifestyle transitions. But mostly, it has been a processing problem. Too much, and dreading what it takes out of me to process it. But God has kept it all bubbling on the back burner, slowly boiling away the impurities and refining my thoughts. Oh, I am a slow boiler when it comes to these big situations to process. I have tried a few times to get it written out and make sense of it; however, I hit mental roadblocks each time. But today, for an entirely different reason I was able to walk through it. Whether anyone else reads this is immaterial to me. I wrote for me. And it feels good to have it down. To document it for future reference of how God stirred in our lives. What rough edges he's been shaving. My battles against Him; his patient victory.

____________________________

For us, where do I even begin? Last summer seems a good place.

August found us in a whirlwind of God changing our lives by miraculously providing me a teaching job (in a town where a whole school was shut down and 120 applicants applied for the position I received). It has been humbling, exhilarating and surreal. It felt an honor to have our prayers so completely, clearly and quickly answered—as this miraculous scenario was exactly what we had discussed, prayed over and left in God’s hands regarding a three-year financial pledge we had made during a church-wide spiritual journey a year ago. And so we set about adjusting to me working full-time with the motto: We will not hit the panic button.

Those early months of transition were so full of God’s fingerprints—people stepping up in ministry, others were offering help in getting my classroom ready, friends agreeing to take Silas one day a week after school so we didn’t have to pay for childcare, etc. It was clearly God going before us, strengthening us, and providing constant reaffirmation of his leading us to this place. A place where we had clearly felt him leading us away from for almost a decade: me working full-time with kids at home. I am so thankful for those signs and miracles in those first months of the school year. Even though the activities of those months can only be recalled in a blur with a few moments frozen in time that provide perfect clarity, the emotions of those months can easily be conjured up: calm, reassurance, gratitude for His guidance, security from a huge support network around us and awe at how seamless (seriously!) that major life-change had gone.

November came; we were still using our “We will not hit the panic button” motto often, but it was such a reminder that we are just doing what God had laid before us, and therefore, He would provide the time and strength for the tasks. Aris came home one day announcing quietly to me, over a sink full of soapy dishes, that his boss was selling the company and that the new employees from Michigan would be there in the next two days to learn the ropes and pack everything up. I remember that moment vividly, because although we were hurriedly scrubbing and drying dishes and the kids were rushing to get jackets on in preparation for leaving to claim Theo’s Student of the Month award, I was frozen wondering if our life was crumbling around us. There was no more time to discuss. No more chance for me to ask questions. No time to process. Just time moving forward, filled with small, insignificant tasks that must be completed to make life the next day survivable, and so I said what I knew to be reliable, “OK, well, we will not hit the panic button.” And like the walls of water with the Red Sea, real life rushed back in filling up that moment of time. Coats were donned, lights switched off and we left to put on smiles and recognize our child’s accomplishments.

However, in the months since, I have been sorely tempted and have failed miserably to not hit the panic button. We’ve been down this road before. So much so, that we’d already used our emergency fund. And out of that time of waiting came a job that was a blessing in so many ways—close to home, not demanding after-hours, and pretty flexible—but that did not really cover our expenses. On paper we should not have survived the past two years without major debt. But with God’s grace we have—without any debt at all, but we have not been able to replenish our emergency fund. Aris was given three-months salary as severance, which was generous considering he’d only worked there for a little less than two years. But I have tried, somewhat in vain, to not think of that money as a guilt offering from his boss, who knew months before that he was thinking of selling the company, but said nothing so that people would not leave him high and dry. Since we were heading into our second Christmas in three years without money or employment, I was angry. Not that I place a huge value on lots of gifts or expensive gifts, but this year I felt my hand were tied. There was no money, and with this new life God had given me, there was no time nor energy. I really struggled with feeling there was no way to be generous. That felt huge to me. Plus, this economy is not easy for the unemployed, but in ANY economy, most jobs outside of retail are not hiring. It was almost a guarantee that nothing would even be moving till mid-January. Guilt money or no, I could not see it as anything other than God’s provision for us. We would have money to live until February.

These months—December, January, and February—have been long for me. Some days, most days, I have an unmistakable calm from God. I know His plan is best. His words from the middle of the Sea of Galilee, “Don’t be afraid. It is I.” seem to be whispered straight to my soul. On these days, I can hardly understand what I might worry about. His patience fills my being and we are a team. My mental and emotional boat hardly seems rocked.

But there have been others where the fear is so real, my faith so threadbare, my pride so overwhelming, that I feel we have been so forgotten by God. Truth is lost in the storm clouds of feelings. I can’t bear the toll it’s taking on Aris—his sense of provider for his family gone. I secretly weep over my five-year-old offering to do chores at my in-laws house to earn extra money for us. Ugly, untrue thoughts press in—don’t we deserve better? We stepped out in total faith, changing our complete life-style to give 100% of my income over to God’s control? Do I really buy into a health-and-wealth belief system? I feel like disgruntled Cain whose offering has been scorned by God. Me, our lives, my livelihood, that’s not enough for you, God? What are we holding onto that You strip us completely? These are the moments of the spiritual battle that came as we neared the end of February, and our severance money.

We talked about what happens if we need to use the money from my job. In the end, we decided that if it came to that, we’d do it, but neither of us felt released to that. It felt like if we held onto that money at that time, it would be our own lack of faith. I can’t explain it, because I know the story of David eating the holy bread of sacrifice at a time of severe need, but somehow we haven’t heard from God that this is that time yet. And true enough He provides--$500 from my in-laws that I hope to one day repay. A $100 Costco card left at our house while we were gone. Gifts from friends. Almost a month’s worth of food from Angela and Jason, given out of surplus (but really provided from personal sacrifice at a time of no surplus for them). A soccer friend paying for my fees so I can continue to play. An anonymous type-written letter with $1000 in it. A generous soul paying for my trip to India (happening the end of June). And so many small, and not-so-small gifts left weekly by my parents on our kitchen counter: vitamins for the kids, Costco tissues, milk, eggs, meats, etc. These are so completely humbling and overwhelming. There is a weird guilt associated inaccurately to these offerings. I feel like our spiritual journey is costing those around us. I have never, never been given so much in a time when I have so little to offer back.

Somehow, the intense emotional response to that situation alone makes me feel like this is exactly the lesson he wants me to learn. I’m not completely sure on so many levels—that THAT is really the lesson, what that lesson really is, how to walk through that thoroughly other than dying to my prideful nature daily as I eat food given by others and cry into tissues I did not earn. But that’s where we are. Re-learning to walk in real-time with God. Learning that masking inner panic does nothing but scare my children and make me grouchy. I actually have to have peace that passes understanding for us to benefit from it. I actually have to not worry—not just tell my children that.

One thing that I’m learning about myself in all of this is that I have often prayed: “God, I’ll do whatever you want me to do; I’ll go wherever you want me to go.” But in my mind the emphasis is on ‘do’ and ‘go’. I have not often prayed the prayer that I’ll BE what he wants me to be. Because in this season, he’s asked me to sit. Be calm. Wait. Do nothing. Oh, that is so much harder for me that if he’d asked me to sell everything and move to the mission field. Or word harder, or take on more. He actually just wants me empty. Open. Waiting. That’s not something that I can DO; it’s a state of BEING. That’s why it’s been so much easier to step up and add a full-time job to my already filled life. That is something I can analyze, organize, tackle. I can do that by sheer will and determination. But I cannot empty myself with that same formula.

I wish that this was all tied up in a pretty package. Aris has found a job. I no longer struggle with worry. But in actuality, I am glad that it's not. For me, to share in this time of continued vulnerability is a step of growth. Not that I try to hide, but I usually am not able to figure it out before it's all over. I'm usually jumping on board about the time I can see and feel that God has it all worked out. He does, but I can't see that yet. Aris has jobs in the works, but none of them feel like the RIGHT fit. Some of them even feel confusing and opposite of what God has been doing in our lives over the last two years. I don't even know what to do with that information. But I KNOW this is where God wants us. I it is His will that I not panic, but trust His provision and plan.

And I can accept that. I will accept that daily.

Tough Days in Room K

2011-03-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Ebb and Flow...it happens everywhere.

You see it in the waves at the beach, and over hours with the tide.

You can see it in the seasons.

I've felt it in friendships.

And it can happen in a room of Kindergarteners.

One day (minute or moment) we're all on the track to learning. This is a track that includes self-control, listening, kindness to others, strong effort, and good attitudes. I find this a fascinating, exciting and rewarding track to be on with 20 tiny learners. They find it fun and exciting as well, but their understanding of cause and effect is not nearly as developed as mine. Therefore, our tenure on this track is never guaranteed. We might ride on this lovely track for a day or a week. We've even strung a few weeks together. They are glorious. My days are fun; kids are making huge strides; rhythm has been found; joy is there for the taking. It is an amazing thing to behold.

And then.

Ah, yes. The "and then" must always come. You never know what it might be that knocks our proverbial wheels off. It could be sickness--too many kids out, and whoosh! We have no idea how to act. It could be an assembly--something new and exciting and off we go to the land of crazy. It might be an up-coming field trip, or something very predictable like Halloween.

Whatever it is, we have been thrown for a loop, and all that is left to do is reassess and begin recovery.

This was the case on Tuesday. Any ONE of these things may not derail the whole class (and by association, me), but by the end of all of them, that lovely track leading to joyous learning was long gone.

Coming into the class arguing with another student--at a high volume

One poking a neighbor on the carpet
One pulling the hair of the girl in front
One spreading the peelings of two Cuties all over the floor under the table
One being asked to change his card (behavior management system of green, yellow, red), which was already on yellow, but instead of complying, it was changed back to the beginning-of-the-day position
One being removed from the class (and having to sit in the 1st grade class across the hall) in (my) hopes of removing some negative attention and energy
One being sent back from music class
One playing a practical joke in the hallway by moving people's backpacks to other people's hooks

Yep, totally derailed.

Did I mention that every One listed above was actually one student? Holy moley. That was one rough day for that child.

Oh, and did I mention that One was my son? Holy frijoles! That was one rough day for his mother.

A link to Pennywise Platter

2011-02-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

A friend (thanks, Christy!) sent me a link to the Nourishing Gourmet, but I never checked it out until now. "Now" is menu time--and it was well worth it. What's up there now? A post for people to link to healthy, affordable recipes! Now that is amazing timing!

I added my recipe for Split Pea soup, which may conjure up visions of 70's-green muck in a bowl, but this is nothing like that. It's fabulous and I have two ways to prove it:

> All three of my kids LOVE it--ages 5, 7, and 9.
>I gave it as a new baby meal to friends and they RAVED and asked for the recipe.

On a side note, I know it was a risk to give split pea as a give-away meal, but I'm serious that it's that fabulous. And it's so good for you too!

So if you are making menus and need some inspiration--check out the link. There are also some good treats on there too.

Too Long, Too Much

2011-01-31T12:36:00.000-08:00

Ever have something so much (or so many little things that pile up) bigger than you, that you don't have the mental or emotional space to process it or share it? For me right now, it's life. Daily life. I live it, but when I think about sitting down to share the fun (there's plenty of those!) or frustrating (yep, enough of those), or even inspiring (I can think of a few) moments, it's just to much to process.

And I'm ok with that, except...except that is what blogging is supposed to help me do: process.

So what happens to all that stuff that I mentally abandon at 8:30pm when I crawl into bed?

Seriously, where does it go?

I don't feel like it's building up, because I wake up refreshed and ready to hit another day. I feel excited about what God has called me to do. I hear his voice. His comfort is with me every step.

So it's not building up, but where is it going?

Because without the time to sit and process the events/emotions/needs of my day, I sort of feel like they lose their value. Am I learning lessons from my mis-steps today if I don't actually have time to re-walk through them? Am I able to glean the joy out of the treasure-box moments that God sends to lighten my load if I only glance at them as they speed by in real time?

I'm not sure. This is new for me. For years (9 to be exact), my life has been filled with washing dishes, changing diapers, mopping floors and the like. These mindless tasks didn't kill me because that is where I did my mental processing. Even hours of playing cars on the car mat or building with blocks left me able to ponder my responses to my kids, treasure up their yumminess, and hear God's voice in the moment.

But this life he's called me to in this season is filled with mind-bending tasks that leave no space for back-burner ponderings and processing. And I'm wiped at the end of the day. Happily, contentedly wiped.

And so my emotional and physical responses to Aris being out of work for two months have no place to be processed. And I can't bring myself to put my thoughts in order enough to share them. And so you, my friends and faithful prayers, have no idea how to pray for us.

Well, let's start there: we are waiting on God for a job for Aris. The job He wants for Aris. And we I am practicing waiting without worry.

Fortunately, Unfortunately

2011-01-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

Fortunately, we live in the country.

Unfortunately, the country has critters.

Fortunately, I am not a 'fraidy cat.

Unfortunately, that was tested tonight in our kitchen by evidence of a mouse.

Fortunately, I am not the one who found the mouse droppings.

Unfortunately, my husband did find them under the stove, under the sink, and few other places.

Fortunately, the mouse had already gone to see the Big Cheese in the sky.

Unfortunately, it was by means of decapitation in our DISHWASHER.

Fortunately, we found it before we used any of the "clean" dishes.

Unfortunately, we're going to be up all night. Him getting a mouse out of the dishwasher and me washing every lovin' item in our kitchen.

Fortunately, I can sleep in a little tomorrow.

Unfortunately, that means I won't have time to work out.

Fortunately, I won't gain any weight, since I may have completely lost my appetite for the rest of 2011-- because did I mention that there was a dead mouse in my dishwasher?

Ahhh!

Mental Wanderings

2010-10-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Since it's been so long since I've posted, I'm not even sure where to begin, nor where this post will lead, so I may not even try to organize it. In a style slightly similar to my actual life, it may go here and there and everywhere!

Things that I haven't posted on but really want to:

Theo's decision to follow Christ and baptism--August 15th! Yep, I have tried to set aside time to write about it, but haven't been successful, since it's not just something I want to write just a paragraph about and then never return to...yet here I am with just a paragraph!
Silas' soccer debut (and Aris' as a coach!)--classic 5-year-olds soccer team stories, but they seem so much cuter, funnier, and more sentiment-inducing since they are of MY dear 5-year old. Think saggy socks, wild kicks, close calls, and huge smiles. It was so much fun to see him want to do it, follow through and have a fabulous time!
What I am learning through Alexa's most recent behavior cycle. My sweet, cuddly girl is really the one that buffers off my rough edges, discovers my character flaws, and points out my inconsistencies. Oh yes, and she keeps me very humble. The days are tough, but the journey is a joy.
A long time ago, a friend asked me which parenting books I've read and would recommend. I SO WANT to write about this in detail. This is a subject near and dear to my heart and I don't want to short-change it, but at the rate I'm going, she's going to want to know grandparenting book recommendations!

Work update:

Scheduling-wise things are so much smoother than I anticipated. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but God has been so good to us. There has been a lot of sickness around, but we've only had one day where any of us missed school--and my mom was there to be with Silas. I'm saving my sub days because I know that I'll need them eventually, but I'm so thankful we missed the back-to-school bug.
Kindergarten has been a fun surprise. I really thought that it would daily put my nerves a bit on edge or push me to my limits daily, but I find that it's so fun to shape, mold, encourage, and train this bunch of kids that it's not the strain I was mentally gearing up for. Now, don't read in those words that I don't have days that I have to stop, breath deep, and repeat myself for the 30th time in a row without edge in my voice, but I expected that to be more of a daily struggle. I find that God's grace is abundant, available and capable to handle so much more than I give Him credit for.
The amount of assessment a Kindergarten class needs is mind-boggling. Especially since EVERY SINGLE ONE has to be done one-on-one or at most, two at a time. I'm assessing letter recognition, letter production, sound production, positional words, comparison words, sequencing, counting, number recognition, number production, left to right progression, patterning, prediction, measurement, shapes, colors, shape production, letters per minute, sounds per minute, story retelling, and distinguishing fantasy from realistic. The good news about all of this is that while I'm assessing, the others are able to work quietly without distracting or interrupting us--oh, wait! They're kindergarteners! Developmentally, they have an attention span of 5 minutes. It's a little like a 3-ring circus in there at times. However, today I noticed that they actually DID two jobs in pairs, each staying on task, working with their partner, and finishing the instructions. You better believe I was a sticker, compliment and reward chart Queen!

OK, lunch break is over, so I'm off--maybe more next time!

Cooking Day October

2010-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been meaning to sit down all month and write about September's cooking day, but as it's already October 2nd, it looks like that isn't going to happen.

But I did finish a bit early today, so I just wanted to jot down a bit about cooking for the month.

What I prepped today:

Marinated leg of lamb
Two batches of Pork Stew with Coconut and Lime
Two batches of Spaghetti with Meat sauce
Two batches of Fruit-Glazed Pork chops
Mexican chicken
Cajun Beans and rice
Bean burritos
Two roast chickens
Beef stew
BBQ chicken

This month we have quite a few exceptions, with two family birthdays, a trip to San Fransisco, and the kids' school Country Fair, so I don't have so many meals as usual. I also have three fish meals that I don't prep in advance, since the fish is Fresh-frozen and it doesn't take long to marinate. I just like fish better on that same day. Plus, I had two left over from last month, so those will be served early this month. Nice!

My journey here started quite a few years ago, when my mom purchased a cookbook for me called Once-a-month Cooking. I read through it, and it was a blueprint for doing exactly that--from shopping list, to preparation steps to storing and freezing and even a calendar of menus. It was intriguing to me, but some of the meals weren't that enticing and frankly it seemed like a lot of work, for just Aris and I.

Fast-forward a few years, and Angela and I take a course on a Quick Prep ministry at a much larger church. This ministry plans menus, offers sign-ups for their church and helps pre-prep meals people can buy and finish at home. It was FASCINATING to me. And I started looking for recipes that would work for pre-prep.

The big transition came for me a few years ago, and I can't even remember the catalyst, but I was weeks away from May but the calendar was already overwhelming. In a counseling session with Angela (my dear sister who talks me off the ledge when necessary...) she suggested that I sit and plan everything out so that I need not panic about a full schedule. This is such a true statement. I can live with a full schedule as long as everything is planned, but if it's just swirling in the back of my brain, my capacity is much lower!

So that was my first month to cook for 30 days in advance. I felt so accomplished, and it made such a huge difference in our day-to-day operations. I just loved it!

I haven't done it faithfully ever since then, but more often than not, I have a few meals at least prepped in my freezer.

Keep fast forwarding to the last two weeks of July. In the course of 11 days I went from no idea of being a working mom to having a full-time teaching job that was demanding more than its fair share of my time. And there was no respite or lull before we just jumped full-on into the school year.

What was once a nice beneficial way to live is now necessity. Every first Saturday of the month will be Cooking Day and the Thursday before that will be Shopping Night. This is a lot of work and a huge commitment, but the thought of coming home every night after work and standing while I pump out dinner is motivation enough.

Benefits to cooking once a month:

I get to sit with my kids during homework time.
I can swap days if we feel like something different--it's already prepped!
I can plan menus around events I know are coming--finger foods on Silas' soccer nights; crock pot on Mondays since we have Life Group, etc.
It's so much cheaper to shop--I buy a hug cut of meat at a discount, since it's so large, but make it into four meals or so for this same month. Stuff like that is so possible when you do it this way.
Prep time is cut way down--I have everything out on the same day and just go to town, cleaning up as I go. I spent 6 hours cooking today, but in the course of the month, I'd spend way more than that.

Tips for setting up:

Try two weeks at a time (or even one!) before biting this off. There is a method that takes some getting used to.
Put your menus on a calendar that you can write in family events. It's a bummer to do all the prep and still have to punt at dinner time because you forgot it was Parent Conference night.
Cook double portions of meals that are easy and you know you like--and then spread them out in the month. It's so easy, and really cuts down on prep time.
To start the day out, I use my processor and mini processor to chop about 8 onions and a whole head of garlic. So many recipes need this and it's easy to do in the processor and just have in bowls as you go.
I store things in gallon ziplocks with the recipe title and the finishing instructions written right on the front. I also use the aluminum baking pans sometimes, depending on the dish.

Learning Applied

2010-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a book called Calm My Anxious Heart, by Linda Dillow. In a nutshell, it's a journey to contentment. It was sent to me unrequested as a substitute for something I ordered, and since I don't really believe in coincidence, I'm calling it a gift from my heavenly Father. And I am chipping away at it.

In it, the author references a missionary to the African bush in the 60's. I love that the African bush makes it sound like there's only one shrub in the whole of Africa..but I digress. Anyway, this missionary woman was amazingly content in spite of terrible conditions and such. Her adult daughter found her secret one day while helping her mother clean her home...a list of rules for herself.

#1: Never allow yourself to complain about anything--not even the weather. (Keep in mind this woman lived in a place that was so unbearably hot that some days she had to bring in the thermometer since it had a tendency to not register above 120F without breaking!)

Back to present day...I was really impacted by reading that. In a few days of self-monitoring, I realized that I complain more than I thought I did. Pretty tough, I would have said that I was not a complainer. But reality is a bit different, especially if we are counting non-verbalized complaints. And since we're talking about character of the heart, we HAVE to count those. Hmm. And so I've been working on cutting that out.

If you ever want to know if you are truly wanting to learn something, just commit to it. I guarantee that it'll be tested within 48 hours. It's like Murphy's Law of character development.

On that note, here are three reasons to not complain about my newly-sprained ankle:

1. Soaking my ankle in a bucket of ice water made this 100+ degree day seem cooler.

2. No need to worry about shaving nicks around my ankle--the swelling makes everything nice and smooth.

3. My husband is actually encouraging me to sit down and put my feet up!

I'm feeling more content already!

Today included

2010-09-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

one broken piggy-bank

two siblings hitting each other

three children testing all of the boundaries

four spankings

five people putting themselves above team spirit

six sets of apologies

seven "restart" converstions

countless moments of forgiveness from our Heavenly Father

It ended with gales of giggles from said three children at dinner. Apparently, one of the restarts actually worked...by dinnertime.

Thank you, God!

Learning to be a working mom

2010-09-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

If I am nothing else, I am systematic.

This works both for and against me, but for better or worse, that is how I approach life.

And so I know no other way to approach this life change. With that in mind, I analyze, evaluate and am now rearranging the systems of our lives.

Things that have been tweaked:

chore charts for morning routine (Thank God we implemented these last year! Seriously, I often am actually thanking God for feeling the need to get this up and going last year. It took most of the year to train and develop the system).
Early mornings for me...always been an early riser, but now there are checklists that fill those pre-dawn hours. But I don't mind. At least those chores have a time slot to fit into.

Things that have been added:

cooking for the month on the first Saturday of the month. I've done this a few times before, but it's going to be vital for me to have this done monthly. For instance tonight's dinner took 10 minutes to cook, literally. Which was a life-saver since that's about all the time I had!
making lunches the night before. Why, of why, do I detest making lunches so much? Once I get into it, it's not so bad, but I tell you I dread it more than the dentist! At least I'm getting it out of the way the night before.

Things that have been dropped:

personal exercise--this is not good for several reasons. 1) I have a soccer game on Sunday, and I am going to be sucking wind big time. Not looking forward to that. 2) exercise is my stress relief. I'm going to need to find a new method/time slot/style to fit in here.
Margin. Can you live life without margin? I think that it's probably no. So that mean there are a few more values conversations and changes coming our way. Margin is not a luxury. At least not for my character. And if I give that up, what have I really gained anyway?

Why I am not a good blogger

2010-09-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

I love blogs. I read them. I look forward to them. I think up amazing posts in my head...or at least starts of somewhat interesting posts. This is all very fun for me. And I love to write, so it seems like this would be the perfect little hobby for me.

Except.

Ah, yes, the proverbial BUT that comes at just the most pivotal moment.

Except...I am an internal processor.

I don't talk my way through things. I don't call my mom, sister, or friends to wade my way through a situation. There is no desire for me to "get things off my chest" very often. Mostly, I am completely behind the ball in processing because it just slowly happens while I'm unaware. Washing dishes, perhaps. Folding laundry, possibly. Sometimes in those few moments between awake and asleep. (And for those of you who know me well, you know there are very few of those moments!)

Many times I don't even realize that I'm bothered about something, or needing to work through a situation, or that I have my britches in a bunch. Often it's a friend, my mom or sister that asks "How are you doing with _____?" And my standard response is "Um, I think ok." Don't be shocked at the depth of my analytical skills as revealed in that last sentence.

The funny thing is, I am an analyzer, but it just happens while I'm not really focused on it. So sometimes I don't even realize I've been stewing on something, but when the moment comes, it's like a great solution to the present problem will just spit itself out of my mouth. Or in a conversation with Aris, I will suddenly be able to verbalize exactly the hitch in the stage we're in with the kids without having spent intentional time thinking about it.

Sometimes I love this trait. For example, I spend little to no time stewing over things (that I'm aware of...). I don't experience all the ups and downs of emotions that it seems like outward processors do. These are things that I appreciate in my life.

However, it comes back to bite me in the tail quite a lot. Sometimes I just feel emotionally stunted. How is it that I'm unable to tell you how I feel about going back to work? This is a major life change for me, our marriage and our family. It was sudden--in a matter of three weeks it went from a remote possibility, to an interview and a reality. I'm not the last-minute kind of girl most often, so how is this not conjuring up strong emotions? I know they must be there somewhere, but for now I honestly feel fine. Obviously there needs to be more going on than that, but do I feel it? Nope.

So to tie all this back into the title of this post...I often stink at blogging. Sometimes I have daily quips that pop into my head, silly stories to share, life lessons I'm experiencing, photos to document, and much more. But never when I'm in the middle of something major. At that point, this blank screen just sits and mocks me.

So although I have no emotions to report on going back to work, I do know that I am processing it somehow, since all my extra mental space seems to be in lock down. Apparently, I am working hard at somehow working through something, and will be done at some point. But that's all there is until then.

Just dandy, isn't it?

God's sense of humor perhaps?

2010-08-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

That although I've been waiting and praying for hot, sunny weather all summer, it doesn't come until my first day of school?

Sense of humor indeed! I will learn to be content in whatever circumstances...that's my new life verse for this stage.

First Day Emotions

2010-08-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that I step back in time and begin a former life again.

You know how you look back at your wedding, and although it seems only a short time ago, if you were able to actually step back in those photos, you would feel like you were stepping into a former life? Yep, it's like that for me, stepping into a classroom. Writing plans in a planbook. Stapling bulletin board border neatly around the edges of a board.

It seems like another, yet strangely familiar, life that I am walking into. And yet, 21 excited, scared, and possibly crying little people will meet me there today. And their parents will look to me for assurance that everything will be ok. And it will.

Not because I am so prepared. Nor equipped. Nor any other thing that I might be.

It will be great because this job is a divine appointment for me, which sounds overly spiritual to some of you and downright crazy to others. But it's the truth.

And so even though I am nervous about stepping back into this life, while balancing all of what is in my current life--and making major adjustments for that to be possible--I'm not here on my own agenda, strength or wisdom. And His never runs out, so I can rest easy that it will be ok.

And a lot of fun as well!

A Summer LimerickP_o

2010-08-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

There once was a girl from P-town

Her day had been turned upside-down

For nary a minute

Did the sun show up in it

And that poor girl was stuck with a frown.

However, if I could have spent my overcast day pondering barns like this, I might have found my smile...

Nervous

2010-08-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

As with most change, there are stages of acceptance. This transition back into being a full-time teacher is no different.

This weekend was the stage of excitement and disbelief. It was a lovely time of being able to wrap my head around this kind of thing.

Now, days into sorting through piles of stuff, trying to sort out the useful, it's hitting me. The enormity of this job.

I've been at home for 9 years. That's almost a decade, people.

And I've never taught Kindergarten.

So the thought of getting myself, my family, my house, my classroom, and my mind ready for this in 10 days...well, it's a bit daunting.

However, I am finding gems like this in my classroom to help me get ready in time.

So you see, it's all laid out for me. I'll just open it next Monday and follow the directions. No sweat.

And if you're thinking to yourself, "That picture is a bit blurry; does that really say...?"

Yes, yes it does say 1964.

This week has been a....

2010-08-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

If you guessed "whirlwind" you are right! Although God has been working upstream for years on this most recent project in my life, He only let me in on in about 10 days ago.

In those 10 days, I've resurrected the idea of me as a formal teacher--one that actually dresses up for the day, heads out to a classroom and packs a lunch the night before. I REMEMBER those days, but it hardly seemed likely that my past life and my present life would collide/integrate (whatever!) in such a wild day.

Ten days was not very long to put together a resume, gather all important papers--where is that credential again?--and contact long, lost colleagues and principals to ask them to recall events/situations from almost a decade ago. Yes, it was a week filled with catching up with old friends, and thinking about my old life. A life I dearly loved, but traded in for the life of a mom nine years ago.

Within 48 hours of dropping off my resume, I was called in for an interview, shopped for an interview outfit, and prepped my brain for a barrage of questions. If you know me, you know that the shopping was the most nerve-wracking of the three! But God provided exactly what I had in mind, and I felt as comfortable as can be. As a side note, when I was talking to my sis after shopping, she asked if I had practiced sitting in my outfit, pointing out that you don't want things gaping, tugging or just being irritating. I thought that was sound advice, and promptly went out and tried everything on. Good thinking, Ang!

Friday's interview consisted of a writing sample (which turned out to be a letter of introduction to the parents, assuming you were being hired), a sample lesson (to a group of practice Kindergartners), and a panel interview. My goal was to stay relaxed and represent myself well. Angela's goal for me was to relax enough that I would be able to look back afterwards and realize that I had actually enjoyed the process. And I was shocked to realize that her prayers had been answered. I DID enjoy the process. Not so much the nerve beforehand, but once I was there, it was just fun to get to do and talk about what I love to do. Interviewing at 35 has its advantages. Last time I sat in that chair, I was 22 and trying to remember everything from a textbook. Oh, I'm sure if I had to go back and watch those exchanges now, I would cringe.

Anyway, at the end of the interview, I was told that follow-up calls would be made on Monday and we'd know by Monday night or Tuesday morning. Knowing that, I purposely amped things down internally. There is no need to live on pins and needles all weekend. Plus, they had six more interviews to go that day, and there were strong candidates left.

I had a list of things to do, and surprisingly was able to completely disengage mentally. After gearing up for a week, it was nice to work on other projects and let my brain take a break. At 4:30, 1/2 hour after the last interview, I got a call from the principal--and me being so compartmentalized I had no idea why he'd be calling me. I honestly thought that he had a follow-up question or something. And I was in my car (talking illegally on my cell!). And my phone battery was dying. So I warned him that it might hang up--classy, no? But his words were:

"Well, then I'll make this quick, but we'd like to offer you the job of Kindergarten teacher."

I was speechless, and being the articulate individual I am, I said, "I am speechless." Brilliant stuff here, folks.

But all things considered, I am speechless. I told God that I would take whatever he brought me. And for a long while it was a few tutoring students. It was an organizing job once. I've done a bit of childcare. Last school year it was subbing. And now, it's full-time teaching.

I'm not sure how smoothly this two-week turn-around transition is going to go, but considering from start to finish, this has been God's job, I'm sure He'll provide the strength to do it. Right now, I'm just enjoying the ride!

Summer Math

2010-07-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Breakfast!

(oops! didn't get a picture of it 'till it was 1/2 gone!)

And it's only July

2010-07-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

but I've already raised the white flag to my zucchini plant. I can't get out there and pick them fast enough, and even if I could, I'm not able to use them up! I'm already the zucchini fairy to a few neighbors and our Community, but I still have 10 on my kitchen counter as we speak.

Don't be surprised if you start seeing zucchini recipes showing up on this blog in the next few days...I'm going to have to start experimenting!

You know you are old when...

2010-07-27T15:41:00.001-07:00

You are thinking about resurrecting your old resume, only to have it dawn on you that it would be stored on something like this

Prayers Requested

2010-07-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

There is a position open for Kindergarten at my kids' school---and after prayer, Aris and I have decided that I'll throw my hat into the ring.

Yep, after 9 years out of the education field, it just might be time to re-enter. But only God really knows that, so we're praying for Him to be abundantly clear in this time and process. And since I never think that it's in God's plan for us to freak out, I'm trying to breathe normally and not really think that we're less than a month from the start of school. He knows the days and weeks and doesn't lose track of time, so I guess He doesn't think I need more time to process/prepare. I am choosing to trust Him.

But it's a short process for hiring, so if you are the praying kind, and God brings me to your mind in the next two weeks, would you please pray for me?

I'd greatly appreciate it!

July 16th is for Kirstin

2010-07-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Yep, can't write that date without thinking of Kirstin. It's one of those things that I stuck in my brain as a child and it's in my permanent memory. The birthday of my first best friend: Kirstin Hoff. Oh, she was such a big part of my life. My memories of grades one through seven are very dominated by her, her sister and her family. Here are a few as I reflected today on one of the great blessings of my life. (If you're not Kirstin, you may not fully get all of these references, but hopefully, it will trigger some of your own fun, childhood memories!)

Taking Capture the Flag very seriously in PE
Sneaking around Crossroads Church, spying on different people
Learning how to jump from one tower to the other on the playground, and thus becoming one step closer to overcoming our fear of heights (or was that just my fear of heights?) and complete domination of 3rd-5th grade tag at recess.
Slumber parties galore
Being shocked and then lecturing her when she called her mom back to hang up on her
Sharing her sprout sandwich so she could finally have something new in her lunch.
Camping trips to Crater Lake
Admiring her courage
Laughing so hard at dinner that juice came out her nose and all over my brother.
Playing intramural soccer, but never being allowed on the same team
Running to the girls' bathroom to protect ourselves from David and his Lake Toilet water attack
Winning the girls' foosball competition almost every year
Spending summer days at the school while our parents worked
Being coached by her dad when we played basketball
Swedish pancakes at her house every time we asked
And as reminded by her today on the phone...crashing off the ski lift for the first time because she planted her pole between my legs, and in the process losing every pole, skit and glove we had previously attached to us.

Yep, God totally blessed me when He brought Kirstin into my life. We were similar inside, but our approach was often opposite. We lost touch for quite some time, but now through the joys of Facebook, we consistently get to connect. So, Kirstin, here's to a great year. Many blessings to you as you are a wife and mother, and work like crazy. Keep your eye on the eternal goal and never lose your ability to laugh--it's one of the ways you bless those around you!

Thankful Thursday

2010-07-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here are the things I am thankful for this Thursday, in the middle of July:

The sun--it makes me wake up with a smile.
Good-bye Stinky Hoover. Hello, Rainbow Vac! I can't tell you, or maybe I shouldn't tell you how much joy I get out of every bucket of dirty sludge that I pick out out of our carpets. It's a little odd, I recognize, but the carpet feels better, the house smells better, and my husband and boys can breathe. It's lovely.
Our BBQ last weekend that reached so many families. It was delightful to have FUN as a church family. It was the perfect day, and went a long ways to soothe my soul.
Theo's love of reading. He is a perfect book-worm this summer, and it warms my heart.
Aris' job--sure there are things he'd change, but in a time where so many don't have a job, for God to provide one for us right here, 7-minutes from home? Well, that's nothing short of a miracle. And yes, it's been well over a year, and yes, I still am just in awe of how God works things out.

What are you thankful for this week?

Happy 9th on the 4th!

2010-07-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

Theo,

Today you turn 9--our last year in single digits. What an amazing ride this has been, my journey into motherhood with you. Of course, before I had you or any kids, I was a perfect Mother--I had all the right answers, knew how to rely on God in the moment, was sure of myself. With you came reality and a lot of adjustments--I didn't have all the answers, and most of the time I wasn't even sure of the question. The reality of my inability to hear God through intense emotion or confusing circumstances was tough. But there is a reason that God sent you to us first. Your caring, soft, thoughtful ways have worn down my rough edges. Parenting, I thought, was supposed to be about teaching your kids things. And that has been true--how to ride a bike, how to do math in your head, how to organize your things, how to tell the truth. But Parenting's biggest surprise has been how much I have to learn, and how much a child can teach without even realizing it. This has been God's grace in my life for the past 9 years. You, Theo, have shown me God's grace on a daily basis, just by being who God made you to be.

You have a heart that cares. You want peace and calm. You love to orchestrate things for others--Movie Night for Father's day, special sleepovers for Auntie, planning a party for your siblings. Of course, you're also a typical boy that struggles with thinking of others, and such, but I see so much of Jesus heart in you.

This year has been a big transition for you. Independence has never been high on your priority list, and risk-taking even lower. But with steady growth in character comes confidence in yourself, and the result is you heading out of your box more often. You headed to a week of camp this summer at Mt. Gilead. A week of staying in a cabin with boys you didn't know, hanging with a counselor that was new to you, all in unfamiliar settings. I was so happy to have you want to take those risks--and so proud for you to not just survive them, but ENJOY them. You came home with the funniest stories and the best perspective. The mom in me is so excited that you kept track of all your stuff and remembered to brush your teeth. But the Theo-specatator in me is so excited to hear how you included all the boys in your cabin. How you handled conflict. The choices you made during free time. What you learned about yourself and God during this week. You came home a 4th grader.

In talents, this year has been one for developing your dramatic side. You turn out to be a complete natural at puppets and theater. You and Dad did a drama today that was hilarious--and by round #2, you were ad-libbing as much as you were sticking to the script (and it all worked!). The excitement and connection in Dad's eyes was so obvious; to see you grow that talent and use it for communicating God's truth was amazing for him; and to participate in that with you was the icing on the cake for him! I can't wait to see what you do with this. And while this shouldn't be a surprise to me, it always is, since you are one to get embarrassed easily. Yet, on that stage, you are all about deliving the lines to get the most laughs and to connect with your audience. You turn out to be a secret ham! It's so fun to see.

So who knows what changes and developments this year will bring. While you are a kid that thrives on routine, you are always throwing us for a loop with your interests, thoughts and developments. I'm so happy to be sharing this learning curve with you, Theo, our gift from God.

A really bad mom

2010-06-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm riding in the car today with my two boys. We've had a lot of time together, since school is out and I just adore that! Today, Alexa was on a date with Poppy (he's teaching her how to golf!), so it was just me and the boys.

In cleaning out their rooms, we have found all sorts of treasures--which is probably another blog post, but think snotrags, playmobile figures, and a crusted-over sandwich--among them was a tape (yes, we are aware that tapes have not been en vogue for more than a decade. I also realize that cars are no longer made to have a tape player in them. However, we are not in that frightful group of people that have purchased a car in recent years and thus have rendered their tapes extinct--whew, lucky us! ). A tape of Bible stories (and do I dare say that these have not been en vogue for much longer?) no less. The kids were thrilled. Why did this surprise me? We have all sorts of fun stories, movies, interactive games, and such to make the Bible amazingly exciting and relate-able (not a word?), and what do they love? The basic reading of some basic stories: Adam and Eve, Samson, Gideon. No sound effects, no modern-day parallel stories. Just a Burl Eves-type reading of the stories. Sort of the cardboard box-instead-of-the toy issue going on here. Not that this was the point of this.

We've been listening to these stories since we found the tape on June 5. Yes, one tape--which surprisingly doesn't hold very much data. I have become so accustomed to CD-length entertainment. So over and over it has played, each time I vow to remember to take it out when we get home from our errands, and every time I have forgotten. And yes, I could ask them to opt for something else, but so far I haven't.

Until today.

On the way home from lunch with my in-laws, I remembered to shut off the tape in order to enjoy something of more my taste. Which was greeted with this conversation:

Silas:     What is this? Mom, can you please turn on the Bible stories?

Me:       Well, we've listened to hours of that tape of Bible stories, and only two minutes of my radio station.

Theo:     Mom, I don't think you can EVER turn down the Bible.

(see how quickly he is able to turn this to his advantage? Quite impressive that he knows my number so well!)

Me: (chuckling) Oh, Theo, you are so quick to get things to work for you.

Silas:     (catching on much more quickly than I thought...) Yeah, Mom, I just want to learn more about GOD.

I couldn't help myself--I was laughing out loud, so much so that Theo asked what was so funny. The irony of me telling my kids that they can't listen to Bible stories and them trying to convince me to let them learn more about God just struck me as funny! This is how desperate I am to not listen to that same tape over and over!

The best part? I didn't turn on the Bible stories...I just changed the subject and let the radio play in the background!

Wordless Wednesday: Lassen

2010-06-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

OK, I guess not totally wordless...I can't resist commenting on this handsome dude in this last picture!

And we're off!

2010-06-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

Get out the bug spray and let camping season begin!

We planned this trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park LAST year, but with all the rain this year--clear up till last week, in fact--I was wondering if this was such good timing. However, we've had a week of sun, and it's supposed to be 80's in the day (dropping to 45-50 at night!) and so we're headed out.

The kids are beyond excited, and it's times like these that you can really see their change in maturity. It used to be that if they were excited about something they 1) went around the house making messes, 2) pendulum between bouncing off the walls in anticipation and constant complaining that X is not happening now or 3) nope, that's pretty much it. No #3.

But today, they were excited from morning till night, but I could lasso that energy into actual productive help. They buzzed about like little bees sorting clothes, getting swimwear, making sure they had enough underwear, counting s'more sticks, and the like. Not that we didn't have our share of messes--filling the camping salt and pepper shakers is a job for a steady hand that is not shaking from excitement! and Silas is not quite ready to discern what types of things should be packed in his to-do bag (think tubs of blocks, a suitcase full of markers, and a coloring book 2 times the size of the bag--but you could see in them that they knew they were helping us get the show on the road. It's been a fun day.

And so for the next four days we'll be hiking, fishing (we'll see how that goes), sleeping in our tent, and

reading books during the day without guilt! Sign me up for some of that!

Ever wonder...

2010-05-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

...what's in store? I do. I am.

Usually, family circumstances, jobs, school schedules and the like sort of determine the layout of the year. When vacations will be taken, how schedules will be filled. Things start shaping up. Filling in.

Well, our calendar has no shortage of things fighting for a place, but there seems to be a lack of over-arching theme for me this year.

Maybe because I'm not taking on super-large projects.

Foster-parenting a high school senior
Organizing a community-wide Halloween event
Administrating a church-wide spiritual journey over the course of four months
Home-schooling two adolescents--8th grade and 10th grade
Launching a family ministry

Yep, don't have any of those on my list, so it sort of looks a little ambiguous.

Or maybe because I have this feeling that God is doing something big, different. And it's really going to affect me, but I have no idea what it is. I thought I did several times. Once when we felt led to open our home to another family to live here for four months. As I felt that leading, I remember thinking that maybe this was why this year felt ambiguous. He was leaving margin for that. But then they turned out to not need that support. Most recently, I thought he was opening the door wide for a full-time job at my kids' school. Now, that's not what I'm looking for, but it did seem to be a miraculous answer to a few of our specific prayers. Miraculous. And so while it was not how I thought God was going to answer, I began to mentally gear up. But now it seems that isn't happening, and while I'm so happy to not be facing working full time, I am still left with this ambiguous feeling.

I'm not worried about it, but maybe I should just learn to enjoy where I'm at. I feel like I'm just anticipating what God is going to do, but maybe that's a fancy word picture for wanting control. Needing to be in God's loop. Not sure on that one. Sounds a lot like me.

Anyway, all that to say...well, I'm not sure what I set out to say. But this is my new journey into posting before I have everything wrapped up in a neat package with a life-lesson or moral tied on with a perfect bow. I just want to free myself to process and share. And invite feedback.

Just make sure it's not ambiguous feedback...I have enough of that already!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Not quite...Spring Recital 2010

Theo sang and played for the first time ever...very fun!

Alexa played a 3-part, 2-hand piece with Grammy doing two more hands in the bass clef for the first time ever.

Silas sat through it without complaining for the first time ever.

We are proud of all three and so thankful for my mom, who teaches them this amazing skill out of the love in her heart!

Today's Challenge

2010-05-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

Feeling up for a challenge today? I'm taking this one, and I invite you to join me.

It started with me reading in Ephesians today.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

That first part can be tough, but easily brushed over with the rationalization that I'm not cursing or joking coarsely. I've got an ok filter on my mouth--sure it could use a tune up or two on certain days, but... As long as I'm not gossiping and the like about others, I should be fine, right? It's that next phrase that really catches me.

"But only"--this is no filter that is screening out cuss words. This phrase means that it's now introducing the limited diet of words, phrases, and tone that should be coming out of my mouth. Here it is: that which is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

So in summary, what should be coming out of my mouth needs to be:
1. helpful
2. building others up
3. about the other person's needs
4. beneficial to anyone who is listening.

A picture comes to mind for me today.

Seriously, that means I'm not speaking to defend my point. It's not about setting things up for my convenience. Or my timing. Or sometimes even about my feelings.

My words are about others today. And building them up with what Christ wants in them.

So if I confront or contradict, it's only to build in them a likeness to Christ. And in a way that leaves them feeling stronger, more fortified, loved and invested in. And benefited. By my words.

I told you it was going to be a challenge.

His dream, my life

2010-05-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

With eyes getting wider with every sentence...

"You know what would be great, Mom? If there was a machine that went around my room, scooped up all the dirty clothes from around the floor, and then we wouldn't have to put them in the basket. And then it shoots them to the washer and then over to a big bowl that dries them. And then it shoots them into our drawers and folds them on the way!"

-Silas, age 5

Moms of young children, doesn't this sound just a touch familiar? Hm?

Wondering Wednesday

2010-04-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Some questions that have been on my mind lately....

In lighter thoughts:

How is it already Wednesday? Did Monday and Tuesday ask my permission to fly by? No, in fact, they did not.
When are my bathrooms going to be cleaned, since they missed the slot on Cleaning Day. Waiting a week with two, young, errant aiming boys doesn't seem like a good idea.
What is it that makes Nancy Drew such a good read? I'm re-reading them with our eldest, and he finds them captivating, as I did, but what does Nancy have that other mysteries don't? It's uncanny.
How does my garden grow? Well, right now it doesn't. And it won't, if I don't get some seeds in the ground. In other news, for the first year, my herbs and potted plants are doing fantabulously. Hopefully, it's not one or the other this year.

On the heavy side:

Why didn't God intervene on behalf of Baby Noah this week? I know He knows what is best, but that is a hard one to swallow.
While we're on the topic, I'd like to see the grid that shows HOW He makes everything work for our benefit when we trust in Him. I've been alive long enough to experience that one over and over, but in times like these, I'd like to be able too see it in advance for the Whites.
How is my Aunt doing, knowing her husband is seeing Jesus now? She must be torn between missing him and knowing he's out of pain now.
What will the biopsy results show for my friend who had abnormal cervical cells for the second year in a row?
What to do about a relationship that needs some healthy boundaries set? I'm not usually one to balk at this, but I just can't figure out how Jesus would handle it. Is it the "go and sin no more" or "you brood of vipers" that is needed? OK, so glad I'm not Jesus. Probably won't be using either of those phrases, but those of you who know the story of Jesus, don't you agree that sometimes it's just hard to tell what the situation calls for?

Whew. Have been churning with some of these for awhile, just me and God. Feels good to see them written out.

Monday after Spring Break...

2010-04-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

Why do you have to

...come so early?

...be so soggy?

...arrive with such a long to-do list?

Hmph.

Birthday Reflections

2010-04-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Well, my youngest is 5 today. That is hard to believe, and yet it seems like a million years ago that he was an infant and needing my help at all.

You see, my third is an independent soul. I was so happy about that in his infant days, especially with an 18-month-old and an almost-4-year-old. It even worked in the toddle days, since he didn't cry every time I left the room. He had no issues with babysitters or new situations.

But it's been a long time now since he's really needed me for anything. He's all about just taking care of himself.

Picking out clothes? Check.
Packing for a trip? Check.
Cutting his own food? Check.
Zipping his jacket. Check.
Checking himself in at church? Check.

This is the face of one who just fixes things for himself. And I know that it sounds like I don't like it, but really I do. Not just because it's convenient for me, but because of what it represents in him. He doesn't look at life as a series of obstacles, but he just trucks on through, no matter what. I love it.

And since we all know parenting goes in cycles and blogs are often used to journal about the hideous parts of that, I'd like to take this opportunity to (without jinxing myself) celebrate the sweet spot we are in. Not that we don't still have daily struggles and have to push the reset button every now and then, but it's just a fun stage with all three of them.

At 8, 6, and 5, they are close enough to still latch onto the same activity, get lost in giggles together, or be attracted by the same thing. Any two-child combination results in such different dynamics, but there is not one set that is always separating itself. We have weak spots for each one, but for the time being, they are each responding well to our coaching, correcting, guiding and praying with them on those. Add all this up together and we are enjoying this phase. It is a blessing from God, and we receive it as such.

After all, they are His gifts to us. And for that, we truly are ETERNALLY grateful.

Max and Ruby Pologeorgis

2010-03-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

So for all of you without small children, this post may make no sense to you, but feel free to read along. And just so you won't feel left out, I will be your guide to pre-schooler TV.

To your right, you see a cute brother-sister pair of Bunnies, Max and Ruby. This whole slow-paced, simplistic cartoon is based on the funny relationship of a responsible older sister and her mischievous, mess-making little brother. It's quite amazing how witty the 7-minute sketches can get with such few words--Max usually just repeats his one-word mantra throughout the whole story. But each situation is Max trying to get something that is wrong, creates a huge mess, or is not for him and the ensuing efforts of Ruby to distract, entertain, and corral him to make everything work out.

My first two are law-abiding citizens. Rule-followers. People-pleasers. Well, that might be a big of an exaggeration for our dear Alexa, but for the most part she is very black and white in the right and wrong department. When they were preschool and watched this show, they had all sorts of feedback for Max--why he didn't need all the cupcakes, why you can't have ice cream for breakfast, when he should give Ruby alone time with her friends. They were always relieved that Ruby gently put Max on the right path.

Along came Silas.

It's not that he's not a rule-follower. It's just that he's mischievous and a mess-maker. He feels for Max. In so much that he told me the following:

"Mom, if I was Ruby, I'd let Max use the hose. She's always not letting him do things and make things. She just likes to be the boss."

So the score in our house is two Rubies and one Max.

From a sister, well-loved

2010-03-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is about the 20th time I've mentioned 35, so although I claim it doesn't bother me, just the number of mentions alone may point to the fact that my subconscious is not so comfy here. That just cracks me up. But I'm already off track, and I'm on sentence #2. This doesn't bode well for the rest of the post.

Among other things, my dear sister gave me a list for my birthday. I loved her presents--especially since they included a shared date!--but this was dear. And so like Angela. And so I share with you the list. It's a list of joys, fears and tears of all kinds. It may bore you, confuse you, or possibly intrigue you. But to me, it is a walk down memory lane that makes my heart smile. I often thank God for the privilege of sharing life with this particular girl, and if I was really wise I would, just as often, ask his forgiveness for not recognizing her dearest qualities and deep value for the first 19 years.

I will gladly share any of the stories, when asked, if they are indeed mine to share!

35 Memories

Sliding down the carpeted Rodney stairs
Watching you conquer Theo's birth
Learning to chew my nails while eavesdropping on adult-time from the stairwell
Staying up till 5 am to get robbed
Pitting cherries by the hour over the kitchen sink
Kevlar-ing up for the 49ers game
Hearing you speak at Passion For Purity
Watching from teh basement door as raccoons played in our collapsible pool
Seeing you dead asleep on the toilet
Blasting the A/C to slow down the wedding stress sweat and save your makeup
Floating down King's Meadow stream in my inflatable raft with oars
Watching you fight for yourself in my dream
Playing restaurant in the 102nd basement
Sharing the best of our closets for Nationwide
Springing the news you were pregnant with Silas
Having you greet our wedding guests and set the stage for my favorite party ever
Learning that my short, "setter" sister could really spike
Having you speak at my high school graduation
Crying ourselves to sleep over Denton's breakup
Studying for Cadzow's Biology and discovering I was ONLY an auditory learner and you a visual
Having you trust me to help you with infant Alexa's issues
Dressing up as twins for Halloween
Reading your card that told me I was your best friend
Being talked into working with Long Beach's 3rd graders
Admiring your perfect hot-roller-ed curls
Having your help walking away from JD and Joel
Watching newlywed Aris play indoor soccer super late at night, knowing I still had a paper to write
Being so proud that you could keep up with any boy
Hearing you cheer at Powder Puff tourney
Roller skating in the Rodney basement
Bedding down in the back of the Peugot
The flash of you skiing on Mt Hood
Painting our Huntington House together
Crying with you over your children's wonderfulness, struggles, fears, and successes
Knowing heave might affect marital status but it doesn't touch sisters.

Heart Problems

2010-03-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

My father-in-law is going to be 90 this May. Just writing that sentence makes it a little more real. Now, for those of you who don't know Ralph, you may be picturing something that is very inaccurate, for although he walks with a cane to support his knees, he is nothing like what I picture to be 90.

Every Friday, Silas spends the day at their house, and I often arrive for lunch to find them on the floor playing trains. Olga, my dear mother-in-law, made Ralph give his bike away because she thought it too dangerous (which I agree with!), but this is the bike that he bought when he was 86--so he could ride with the grandkids! One last example: a month or so ago their garage door was stuck, and for some reason, only the button on the garage wall was working. Ralph, instead of pushing the button and going back through the house to get to his car, decided to push the button and outrun the garage door. Yeah, he's no average 89-year-old, for sure.

There are times I am reminded of his age, but they are always silly. Like last Friday when there were two types of butter on the table: regular whipped for Silas and I, and a lower-cholesterol version for my in-laws. Well, Silas, of course, is drawn to anything new and different, so he wants the special butter, to which Olga is telling him that it's old people butter. That statement, alone, makes me chuckle. What must his little mind picture with that explanation? Never sure with him anyway, so it's completely up for grabs now!

And so the questions continued, and I decided to jump in to take a stab at an explanation that would help him. Telling him that it was special butter to help people's hearts, I was hoping to keep from insulting my older in-laws, for while it's ok to call myself old, I'm not sure I want to hear it coming out of someone else's mouth. Silas listened to that with pause, a sign that his wheels are turning, and replied with,

"Well, when I'm a little bit mean to Alexa. Well, then I could eat that butter."

Yep, if only it was that easy to clear up heart issues. Please pass the butter.

So much for being green!

2010-02-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

So for a long time now I've been working on using my reusable shopping bags. At first I had none, so I dutifully spent my $.99 at each store--I don't know why but I feel weird using only Trader Joe's bags everywhere I shop. I feel like the clerks always look at me as if I'm Trader Lisa. It somehow feels better if I have at least one of that store's bags in the mix, and since I'm a strictly ad shopper, I end up all over town with bags from all over. On a side note, for those of you who live in this area, I always chuckle when I shop at Grocery Outlet with my Whole Foods bag. I'm sure the bag itself is slightly insulted, but it's even funnier to take my Grocery Outlet bag into Whole Foods. "Are the shades of Whole Foods to be thus polluted?" I just have to smile!

On to my story. Yesterday, Silas and I were headed to Safeway to take advantage of the $1.49 beef roasts and $.99 pork roast and a few scattered on-sale items. We ended with 9 things in our cart. We loaded them on to the conveyor belt and Silas tossed on our bag of bags--there were three in all.

As I paid and collected our stuff, I was shocked what most certainly must be the worst packing job I have ever seen. I wish now that I had thought to take a picture of it before I unpacked everything. But for 9 items, she used my three reusable bags and three more plastic bags! Six bags employed for nine items. That has to be a record!

Each piece of meat got its very own bag, as did the oven cleaner. This must be policy or something, because that is just crazy. But the crazier part is that she used three reusable bags for six other items--cabbage, a bag of zucchini, a bag of cucumbers, a couple of mangoes, and two loaves of bread.

It was a case-study in inefficiency, for sure. And I still have to recycle three plastic bags! That clerk needed a little more emphasis on the "Reduce" part of the three R's!

A day and a half

2010-02-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

...until Girlfriends' Weekend!

I am so excited, but I have so much to do! Yikes! At least I'm not on the traveling team this year!

What we have in store:

Year's Theme: trade-ins
Verses: Galatians 5:16-6:10
Time in San Fran
A trip to Target--doesn't sound like much, but with this group, it's where a lot of our good memories happen!
pedicures, of course (with Angela's wedding in September, my feet aren't going to know what hit them: two pedicures in one year? Inconceivable!).
Gift exchange to go with the theme--we have to give something from our home. Should be fun to hear the stories.
The reading of the GFW journal, my personal favorite!
Late nights, lots of laughs, and priceless friendships renewed.

Gotta go get things done! These fabulous girls are waiting!

Note to self...

2010-02-16T17:59:00.000-08:00

When making poppy seed dressing, be sure you have poppy seeds in your cupboard.

Otherwise, it's slightly anticlimactic.

--Voice of Experience

Date Night Download

2010-02-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've done a Date Night Download, and for those worriers among us, it's not because we haven't been having Date Night. So rest easy--we're doing ok!

It's just been some time since I've remembered on Friday to post or I have forgotten the camera, or we've been sick--that has just seemed quite overwhelming in the past month!

So last night was my turn to plan, and since we are still very restricted in our budget--our choice, but still hard to carry out!--I often try to incorporate a home-cooked meal into the deal.

I was going to have us play tennis or run, and then come home for a meal out of the oven, but since it surprisingly began to rain about 4pm yesterday, both of those options were out.

But dinner was going in, so I just ran with it. Our very large table has recently been brought down to size, which I love. With the leaf in, it seats 12, but I love having it small. For one, it just fits our dining room--low, wood plank ceiling, bay window, and it's just a cozy room. So I love our very old table, shined up with candles.

One of Aris' favorite meals is any form of chicken and rice. So easy, so many options. So I did a baked version that I have come to adore. Threw in wild rice to make it a little more special, and popped the cork on a wine. Red, organic wine. Don't you just love Northern Cali? Who even thinks to buy organic wine? I'm not sure where this came from, but it turned out to be lovely. In spite of the fact that I think this meal is supposed to be accompanied by white, according to the rules. Good thing we don't really know the rules or care to follow them!

Here is the meal as it turned out:

I served it with a fanned out salad of tomatoes, avocado and a slice of feta--topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of oregano.

It was delicious, but the best part was sitting and talking. We get to do this often, but there was something about sitting at our own table, lighted by candles, sipping wine, eating healthy and delicious food, and not nervously watching for the bill to be dropped off.

And so we talked...

...of what makes a great meal.

...of why Aris likes chicken and rice so much.

...of sending our youngest to kindergarten.

...of what we think God is doing in our lives in 2010.

...of our friends that might stay with us for four months.

...of our Life group and the people we've been given to lead.

...of our inadequacies to lead.

...of why I can't leave a lighted candle alone.

...of the start of soccer season.

...of the way things change.

...of what the rest of the evening might look like.

It was relaxing, lovely, and all things that a date should be. We are blessed.

_____________

For those of you wanting that easy chicken and rice recipe...here it is!

Time Saver Chicken and Rice

1 1/2 c. uncooked rice of any kind

3 T. minced onion

1/4 c. celery, chopped

1/2 c. white flour

3/4 t. salt

1/3 c. butter

3 c. water or chicken broth (you can use a combo of both)

1 3/4 c. milk

6-8 pieces of bone-in chicken

1. Grease a 9x13 dish. Sprinkle in rice.

2. Top with onions and celery.

3. Dust with flour and salt.

4. Dot with butter.

5. Pour liquids over.

6. Arrange chicken on top and sprinkle with season salt (OK, I changed this a bit. I season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown the skin for a minute in a non-stick skillet--otherwise, it comes out looking a little anemic. I like the brown color for the end product).

7. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325 for 1 1/2 or 2 hours. (If you cut the recipe in half--like I did for two--or use boneless chicken, it's done on the earlier side. So boneless is about 1 hour, mine last night was 1 1/2 hours, but large batch is usually 2.

It's so good, it just falls right off the bone. The chicken is juicy and the rice is so flavorful. It's about 10 minutes worth of work in the early afternoon before I pick up the kids from school. A keeper for sure!

Jump Rope for the Heart...Attack

2010-02-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

Next time your kid comes home from elementary school with a Jump Rope for the Heart activity,

sign

him

up!

Oh, sure every 2nd grade girl in America can do this for a full 15-minute recess every day, but let me tell you, it's kicking my tail!

Yep, I'm jumping rope. With no gym membership, so many weeks of rainy weather, exercising so stinkin' early, and my first soccer game looming in the next weekend, I needed something to simulate the physical activity of an indoor soccer game. I realize, however, that no matter what I do, I will be dragging my heinie off the field next Sunday, but I'd like to be somewhat ready.

So here's how it goes down. I set the timer for 5 minutes, and I begin at the slower pace--you know the with the double hop for each foot. This continues until I mess up, and then I have to switch to the fast pace--the kind somewhat like boxers do only slower and with a lot more screw-ups. As soon as I miss, I am back to the slower pace, and repeat for the rest of the five minutes. Then I have a 5-minute break before the whole thing starts over. This is to help me get ready for the 5-minute intervals that I'll be sprinting up and down the field! The key is that I'm constantly changing speed, and I about killed myself today because I was always so happy to start the slower pace that I would mentally stop concentrating...leading straight to a miss, sending me back to the fast pace.

Whew.

I know it sounds funny, but I have missed the feeling of having to wipe myself up off the floor after a workout. There is just something so rewarding about pushing yourself to that extreme.

We'll see if I'm singing the same song Sunday afternoon.

Mental Tumbling

2010-02-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

I read this today. It has been tumbling around in my mind ever since.

Attitudes actually have three components: behavior, emotion, and beliefs. Each of these components can be useful in the change process. The behavior is the flag that tells you there’s a problem. Emotion adds energy to the situation and helps to determine when’s the best time to address the issue, and the beliefs tell you what needs to be addressed on a heart level.

Many parents only focus on the first component, behavior, telling kids to "stop pouting," or "Don't roll your eyes at me." Furthermore, these parents tend to focus only on what not to do instead of what the child should do. It usually isn't helpful just to tell a child to "Stop having a bad attitude" without giving more guidance for developing a better response.

Remember that the goal of discipline is not just to make your children less annoying. As you correct your children for bad attitudes, you are preparing them for the future. After all, they will experience similar situations continually throughout their lives.

Look for ways to help your children think differently. Listening carefully to your child can help you identify thinking errors that lead to a bad attitude. What hidden belief might Jeremy, age ten, have? He complains and argues when you ask him to do the dishes? Maybe he believes, "Chores are an interruption to my life and not my responsibility." If pressed, he may also reveal a belief, "All work is hard and unpleasant, and I must try to avoid it." A positive attitude about work comes from several new values such as "Work is necessary in order to brings benefits to me and to others" and "My contribution to family life is a statement of gratefulness for what I have."

Changing attitudes requires exposure to new ways of thinking. You can provoke your children to more healthy attitudes through dialogue, modeling, and correction. But remember, heart change takes time. We can change behavior quickly, but heart change goes deeper and lasts longer.

I've known for a little while now that it's so easy to just correct or change behavior and miss the big picture of what is going on inside my kids. OK, actually, this is applicable first and foremost for me. I'm learning to analyze myself right alongside what I'm supposed to be doing for my kids, and the truth is, it's easier to just clean up the outside for me too. That's probably why our nation is filled with churches of people that all look good and seem to have it together. Sometimes I think they are trying to live a lie, but I know for me, I don't make a conscious effort to put on a mask. I really am trying to live right. Do what is right. Respond how Jesus would respond. But as I'm reading this, it hit me that no matter the intention--cover-up job or well-intentioned cleaned up behavior--unless I deal with the faulty beliefs and the resulting emotions, I just end up with hypocrisy.

That's scary to me because looking at my friends who grew up in church and have since left, the common component I saw in their families was often hypocrisy. Many of their parents demanded the kids to live to a certain standard, but then weren't willing to live there themselves. It created such bitterness in my friends. Ever since piecing that together, I have said I would never do that to my kids. Hypocrisy is such an ugly word in my book.

And here I find that my method of changing my behaviors in hopes that my heart will follow can easily produce that very trait. Hmmm.

I don't think I'm completely against that concept, because I've seen it work in me--I arrive home grouchy, but choose to actually make myself smile and respond in kindness, and soon I actually feel kind.

But what about those faulty beliefs? When I actually believe I have a right to be offended? Or I inaccurately believe that I am the one shouldering the burden in the home/marriage? Or the belief that if I was doing parenting right, I shouldn't have to reteach my kids so many things? These beliefs sneak up on me, and apparently take residence in my heart--and affect my attitudes. This is so evidenced when I start out a correction with an annoyed voice. This belies my belief that I am being inconvenienced or overworked because I, once again, have to steer a course-change for one of my kids. Red flag!

So that points me to my next question: how do I know where I have faulty beliefs? After mulling on it a bit now, I realize that whenever I find myself struggling with my attitude, I should take inventory. There's probably a fault there somewhere and it's causing waves of emotions that are sinking my proverbial ship.

See why I have been tumbling this over in my mind so much? I think it's only fair to share it with you.

Happy tumbling!

Our Motto

2010-02-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

Part A:
A long while back, we were given a poem (of sorts) that really summed up our family values. We've had a cheap version of it on our kitchen wall for a long time. It doesn't look pretty, but I love the words and that's what counts.

Part B:
While cleaning out the church storage, we found an old window that had been made into a winter decoration. The window was gorgeously antiqued by years of real life, but the cotton/fluff snowman on a plaid background was pretty hideous. On a side note, right after we found this, I lost a bet to Angela and had to hang it in my house for one month, but that's a story for another day! However, I have dismantled the scene and have been waiting for inspiration to strike me as to what to do with this lovely window.

So now enters this lovely math equation:

A + B =

It says (from top to bottom, left to right): "In this house we do love, hugs, grace, family, loud, mistakes, real, "I'm sorry", and second chances.

I made this for Aris for Christmas, and I love walking through our sitting room and seeing it above the dry sink. I hope we get to add to it as the years go!

Homework Assignments

2010-01-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

Aris and I are part of a small group at our church that is called Marriage Matters--and I can honestly say that being in a group that forces us to focus on our marriage has been pivotal to us staying married. We've had seasons where we have taken a break, and let me tell you, it isn't pretty. But that's not the point of this post.

We just started a new series last week with a new small, small group (our group is now large enough that we've created smaller accountability groups within it). One of the things we did last week was choose out homework assignments from an envelope of possible assignments. The rules were 1) you needed to choose something that challenged you but not so much that it pushes you over the edge, and 2) you can keep drawing slips until you land on one that fits the criteria.

So the four girls in my group chose from the girls group and shared with each other, so we can keep encourage one another, and the guys did the same. We didn't tell our spouses what we drew.

Mine was: stop whatever you are doing when he walks in at night and greet him with a smile and kiss.

This is a challenge for me, since Aris usually walks in nanoseconds before dinner is being served. It's mass chaos. Plus, we've been all 5 sick this week. Translation: I crashed and burned. I remembered last Thursday, and then did a make-up greeting about 10 minutes after he walked in on Friday. Since then, it hasn't even occurred to me.

Until today...

Yep, this was waiting for me in my car when I got in it from Mom's Mornings group.

This means that he:

1. left work to buy a rose

2. drove to the church where he knew I would be on Tuesday morning

3. remembered his own set of keys to my car

4. timed it so that I would be surprised.

Feeling quite small in my own homework assignment now.

Feeling quite blessed by my lovely husband daily!

Cure for the Birthday Blues

2010-01-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, we spent the day at the Oakland zoo. It was just what the dr. ordered for me--something new, family time, sunny skies, and a low-key agenda. Our friend Mark, and a funny Community member, also came with us--and did a little recording on his fancy phone. I am attempting to post it for your enjoyment (even though it's very short!). Without further ado, I give you our entrance to the Oakland Zoo.

Getting Old...and other thoughts

2010-01-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

I just passed my birthday.

It took me about 33 years to learn to like my birthday in January. When I was young, it might have been about the presents, but then as a young adult, it wasn't that, but I just didn't like it here. Maybe it was the weather--I'm not a fan of winter. But then I realized that no one really feels like celebrating, planning, or doing anything big in January. Not even me.

Or especially me.

But with age comes wisdom, hopefully. And I realized about myself that I'm not about big. I'm not about over-the-top, and I'm not about wild. So who the heck cares if I ever get a big party? Given the opportunity, I wouldn't choose it anyway! So all these years were spent mourning something because others didn't feel like doing it, even though I didn't really want it to begin with. Sigh. There's a life lesson in there somewhere, I can feel it.

So the past few years have been celebrated with multiple mini celebrations. Time with friends, a date with Aris, a family dinner, or tea with a friend. I have enjoyed it to the fullest.

Did I mention it's my 35th?

Have had ambiguous feelings about this. Sometimes I process things so much like my dad it's scary. Certain things--like decisions, etc.--come with quick clarity, but when it comes to processing my personal feelings, sometimes I am months removed before I muddle through. It's actually quite ridiculous, and I don't realize it until my sister or mom will say something like, "Sounds like you're ___________." In just a few sentences or conversations, they can see me heart and soul. Total side-bar, so back on track.

In all of my processing, I have discovered the burr in my saddle, so to speak. I miss the sport-side of myself. I miss having that outlet. I'm afraid of saying good-bye forever to the appropriate arena for my over-the-top competitive side. Petty? Maybe. Superficial? Probably. True? Absolutely.

And so I signed up for an indoor soccer league.

In fact, it was like it was a gift from God--they came looking for players. It's on one of the two nights that would work for me. It's with girls I have been wanting to connect with.

It's like he gave me the desires of my heart.

He's so good like that.

And I can now take turning 35 in stride.

That is, until I can no longer walk and have to ice every joint in my body.

Oh well--it'll be fun while it lasts!

A Tall Order

2010-01-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you're a Bible reader, and I'm not sure it really matters for this post. But these words really struck me.

Our church is doing a 30-day Spiritual Journey, in which we're all reading the same verses each day. There is something really amazing about knowing that hundreds of people are reading the words you are reading and asking, "How does this change my life today?". I'm reading them daily; however, I'm still stuck on last Thursday's verse.

The theme was Changing My World, and here are the verses:

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate was is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Romans 12:9-16

I don't know about you, but the first two sentences alone really tackled me. So as I sat and soaked in this, God was just bringing instance after instance of ways these verses could change my world. Here they are again, with my to-do list interspersed.

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them.(Don't say you love your children and then make them take the brunt of it when you're tired and short on time) Hate was is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. (Don't settle for the huge, gaping holes in your character. Use the good passed down to you as a springboard to dive in deeper.) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Stop mentally complaining about the work you have to do. Feel honored that you have socks to pick up. Consider it a joy to put away the dishes for others--because you love them) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Show up on Sundays ready to give--prepared heart and mind) Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (The problems you are facing are temporary, so don't get stuck on them. Keep your eyes on what is true--faith wins out--and on the eternal horizon) When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Your home is a gift, so use it often as a gift for others) Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. (Who is this really? But not everyone needs to have the same opinions as you--ask God to bless them in their differences!) Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. (Partner with people in life--walk the journey together.) Romans 12:9-16

That's going to keep me very busy this week!

Recipe of the Week: Bolognese

2010-01-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know that it's been more like a month, but well, it's the name that I've chosen and I'm going to stick with it.

Today's recipe is going to combine two things I love--meat sauce and the crock pot! It comes from Cuisine at Home, and it's lovely (like pretty much everything they do!) Don't panic about the list of ingredients--most likely you have most of the spices (except maybe the fennel seed), and you can leave out the wine if you want. And I love their idea about using a food processor to mince your veggies--that saves SO much work!

Bolognese Sauce

1 T olive oil

1 lb ground beef (sirloin makes a less-greasy sauce)

1/2 lb bulk Italian sausage (you can use link, but remove the case)

1/2 c minced onion

1/2 c. minced celery

1/2 c. minced carrot

1 T chopped garlic

1 large can whole tomatoes, cut up

1/2 c. milk

1/3 c. red wine

1/4 c beef broth (sometimes I just use bullion)

1/4 c. tomato paste

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1 t. salt

1 t. dried oregano

1 t. dried basil

1/2 t. red pepper flakes

1/2 t. fennel seed

1/2 c. cream cheese or mascarpone cheese (you can use the neufchatel cheese for less calories!)

Heat oil in saute pan and then brown beef and sausage. Drain and put meat aside.
Use a food processor to mince onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Transfer to slow cooker.
Add meat and rest of ingredients except cheese.
Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on low (I did a triple batch for our Life Group, so I did it much longer).
Immediately before serving, stir in the cream cheese or mascarpone.

Soapbox Alert!

2010-01-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

Can I just mention how appalled I am by a commercial I heard on the radio today?

I'm not generally one to jump on one specific show/commercial/trend and use it as evidence of our society going to Hell in a Handbasket, but this 30-second snippet really got my britches in a bunch.

First off, it was hyped-up with energetic music and a Radio Voice that sounded somewhat like a over-excited car salesman that had the deal of his life to offer me.

Wanna know what his deal was?

Bankruptcy.

You see, it's time for me to no longer feel the weight of those nagging bills. If I've wanted to be free from that stress, it's time to get out from under those payments right now.

Yes, this opportunity could be mine. That's right. Bankruptcy is now billed as an opportunity.

By this lovely company whose noble goal is just to help families like yours and mine stay in their homes. They want to help me keep my house, my car and my possessions!

Because I deserve to be free and still maintain all my stuff. And they have my best interest in mind.

Now, this is not a Bankruptcy Soapbox per se. I've never had to walk that road, and the stress of it must be excruciating. Maybe there is a time and a place for bankruptcy, and no doubt there are lots of people finding themselves facing that very situation. My intent is not to point fingers at the individuals going through this.

However, I AM pointing a finger at a company who is telling us that walking away from financial commitments I have made via bankruptcy is freedom. There was no mention of the consequences of having to file for bankruptcy. This was made to sound like a quick phone call would just cut the strings on any and all debt I have accumulated. And I have the RIGHT to keep all of the stuff--that I don't actually own. Because I haven't actually paid for it. This I have a problem with. Because if I don't think through this commercial to the reality behind it, I might easily pick up the phone and barter my Word of Honor for the ability to keep my flat screen tv.

It's Impossible...

2010-01-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

to wash,

dry,

fold and (here's the kicker!)

put away a load of laundry in one day.

Irritating, though, isn't it?

A funny interchange between brothers

2009-12-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

We were the land of the sleepovers last night. Shipped off the middle, and only girl, to a friend's house, but gained a boy for each of ours at our home. It went swimmingly--seriously the best sleepover to date. We don't have that many, but usually they are marked by really hyper children, way too much noise, and a mess in every room. I'm not a huge fan.

But Christmas break is the time to test the waters again, since we have the margin to handle sleep-deprived, boundary-starved children. One thing I've learned as our children have gotten older is that they really aren't ready to handle all that much more in the way of over-stimulation than they did as 2-year-olds, but they are tricky because they now have a melt-down delay button that they push somewhere in the over-stimulation process. Before this sneaky trick, our toddlers would melt down half-way through whatever life-changing, special event we were attending--parades, weddings, staying up late, birthday parties, etc. We got smart and began to weed out, plan better and work on their skills. And they improved as they grew. Soon, they made it to the very last note of a recital before pulling out all of the stops. We got smarter and began scooting out the door at the tailend of any event we possibly could. And still gradually matured until they could even make it all the way through the car ride home before becoming a puddle of tears in the pj's process, a mere two feet from their beds! And look at us now--we even take pj's with us to most evening events! But today I've realized that the meltdown delay button is firmly installed, as the post-over-stimulation melt-down is now postponed until the next morning! Ah, I thought we were in the clear.

All this to say, that we've had a few re-starts this afternoon, even with a long nap having taken place. But it seems to have taken. I sent the boys to find something productive and active, but it took a few tries. It was worth the wait to hear the following conversation. It cracked me up!

Me: Silas, that's not what I said you could do. You need to put it away (referring to a large, long, messy project that isn't suitable for a short bit before company comes).

Silas: Oh. (The response of a child who NOW remembers the instructions that had been given, but just as easily forgotten.)

Me: (over his shoulder to Theo in the other room) T, put it away. That doesn't fit the criteria of my instructions.

Theo: (from the other room) Huh? What did you say?

Silas: (clunking in his cowboy boots towards Theo's room, but still in the calling voice of someone who has distance to cover) It's cwy-tew-ia.

Theo: What's criteria?

Silas: (still clunking, but voice coming down in direct correlation to his proximity to Theo) I dunno, but it means we have to put the shirts away.

I love those boys.

The 2009 Recap

2009-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

For those of you who didn't receive a Christmas card--or New Year's letter--here is what we sent out. I started this process in November, but alas, here we are three days from the new year with a stack of cards on my desk. Maybe I should've started with the blog and worked the other direction! Oh well, we have enjoyed the season thoroughly as a family, and I don't think anyone's season was hindered by not having this lovely picture at their house yet. Well, now that I really look at it, it's such a great picture, that maybe your holiday didn't shine quite so brightly without this gem! This was taken in September, just a few days before my sister, Angela's, wedding to Jason Lam. It was a lovely day in the park!

So merry post-Christmas, Friends, and have a happy New Year!

Dear Friends,

Well, the time of year has come where we all sit and review our year to put it down on paper—and then work to modify it to sound as amazing as possible! Because who feels good about sending out a letter saying that family dinners are rushed and we go through the homework hassle each night? But in reality, the stuff that is usually put in these types of letters represents about 2% of the year. So in an effort to keep our feet on the ground and the humor in this Christmas letter, there may be a bit of the regular life of the Pologeorgis household mixed in with the accomplishments that 2009 brought us!
January started out with Aris still trying to hear God in his year-long job search. With great relief to both of us, God brought him a job in our own backyard—well, not exactly: the only job waiting for us in the Back 40 is a lot of weeds and an unfinished clubhouse! But he did bring us Newmatic Medical, right here in Petaluma. Aris has certainly enjoyed learning the field of MRI equipment, and adores his 7-minute commute. We adore having him home and a lively participant in the above-mentioned family dinner (which is usually not rushed since we have three children who love to talk more than eat!)
January, April, July, August and November brought each one of us a birthday in which we usually had a fun family gathering, complete with too much food, lots of laughter, and maybe a disagreement or two but nothing that wasn’t smoothed out with a huge dose of sugar in the form of cake! We do love living in the same town with both sets of family. And the three youngest Pologeorgi love to gain another year!
School is a full-time venture for Theo and Alexa now—and by association: me! 3^rd and 1^st grades are a big academic jump, but both have made it well. Alexa turns out to be quite the math whiz, and Theo devours books as fast as Silas devours eggs (we might have to get some chickens in 2010 to keep up!)! That’s not to say that it’s been without hitch: not having a nap about killed Alexa during the first two months of the school year, and the group projects are stretching Theo, who is certain that his ideas must be the best! They both are still taking piano, and while we love the music, I think the character development alone is worth it. Alexa is conquering the “I can’ts” and Theo is learning to focus his brain on a task. I am learning that character development for kids is usually also character development for parents.

Silas might be counting down the days until he starts school, but I think he’s going to really miss his mornings with Grammy (Wednesdays) and his Fridays with Yiayia and Pappou—I know that we’ll all be a bit sad to see him bounce off to school. He turns out to be a practical joke whiz, a trait that doesn’t usually get high marks on a school report card. It does, however, lighten the mood at our house to find a plastic cockroach in our shoes or our pillowcases stuffed with clean underwear. And no matter how much we laugh, no one enjoys it as much as Silas—the planning, the implementing, the anticipation of our reactions. At every stage he shrugs his shoulders up, covers his smirking mouth with his dimpled hand, and his eyes disappear with the giggles that shake his shoulders. It’s a joy to watch. I try to remind myself of that when I get sprayed with water or find something floating in my glass at the dinner table!

Our most enjoyable moments of 2009 were spent in our church community. God is stirring up Petaluma through New Life, and we are humbled to be a part of that. I get to work with 1^st-6^th grade kids, and it is a joy, a challenge, and a privilege all in one! Aris is leading and coaching Life Groups, and is sprouting leadership wings all over the place—however, I think that it’s also bringing a fair share of gray hairs too! Pastoring people in the context of relationship takes a huge investment of the heart, but the rewards are so great. We get amazing relationships and all of our lives are changed. The kids are starting to find their passions in serving, too. Theo is the newest puppeteer, and is hilarious! He is a natural—adjusting to Ollie the Octopus in no time. Alexa and Silas get to help with music for the smallest kids, and while Alexa really likes the music, I think Silas just likes to be in charge of kids younger than he is! However, it is so amazing to watch them learn the art of service alongside Grammy, a legacy handed down generations.

As for me, my life is a continuous string of glamour: laundry, mopping floors, family calendars, finding brotherless socks, monitoring illness, a bit of substitute teaching, and the ever-popular Christmas letter writing! We hope this coming year brings you closer to those most important to you—your family and your heavenly Father!
Merry Christmas!

Sorry, Mr. Snowman

2009-12-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

So this morning, my kids and I were enjoying a lazy breakfast by the fire, since school is out and the chill is on! Aris had already left for work, since he doesn't get the benefit of a two-week Christmas break with his work. We had already eaten and then dutifully made our guesses as to what was in the 23rd drawer of our miniature Christmas tree countdown. So far, I've guessed 'wreath' 13 times and have been wrong. We only had two drawers left, so I stuck with my wreath guess, because I'm now down to a 50-50 chance! Nevermind that Theo's been right 6 times already, but I think he's peeking because who is that lucky? I'm just sayin'.

Back to the story--Theo pulled out the drawer, and lo and behold! It's my lucky day. I got my wreath! But now that I think of it, that's not even the point of this story. It all happened after my jubilant dance of victory.

We were all suggesting different ways of doing the countdown next year, and I brought up that maybe whoever is pulling out the ornament for the day has to make up a Christmas song about it. And to demonstrate, I looked at the tree, saw a tiny stuffed bear and sang (to the tune of O Christmas Tree), "Oh teddy bear, oh teddy bear, your stuffing is so special." Well, there was tons of giggling, and then everyone had to try their hand at it. Theo helped me finish my Ode to the bear, and then Alexa pulled out the silliest version to the Jack-in-the box, and more giggling ensued. So Silas is not one to sit by and watch a silly game happen without him joining in, so he butts in, "My turn! My turn!"

Amazingly, the other two stopped their frivolous songs and actually gave him their attention, which he soaked up with great joy. And he was off, "Oh sno-o-man, oh sno-o-man..." Big pause as this is where the adrenaline rush wears off and the creativity kicks in. But it's so hard to think straight when you're 4. And you're showing off. And you have the stage of the older siblings. And your vocabulary is limited. And you've tied yourself to singing about a frozen ball of snow. And so you just do what you have to do--and when he creativity kicked in and he realized that he could finish the verse, his eyes lit up and he came out with...

"your ba-alls are fro-zen."

In all seriousness.

It is the funniest verse to date, even if he has no idea why.

Unfinished Projects...

2009-12-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

weigh on the back burner of my mind. I don't really think about them, but when I think I have free time, I just don't quite feel free. But of course, at that moment, I really can't remember what is weighing on me.

Take this beauty:

We inherited this amazing cabinet with our house. The whole thing was that beautiful seafoam green color, some of the doors were cracked, and it had no top. But you could easily see the potential of this piece of furniture.

Unfortunately for this lovely piece, I moved into our house 9 weeks before having our second child. We undertook two other construction projects in that time, got a dog, and helped his parents move. It was a little busy to think about refinishing furniture. And then within a year, I was pregnant with our third child, eventually giving us three children under the age of four.

And so my green cabinet moved from the Shack, to the carport, and finally to the shop. This fall our goal was to empty the shop for my dad's use, and so it was time to address the cabinet. I couldn't wait.

It was decided that we would use it to replace our bookshelves and the 90's tv entertainment center that we got right before our wedding (and it wasn't any sort of classic piece of furniture, to say the least!). That made me even more excited, since I love this piece and it would add a bit of antique charm to our room. In fact, our room has been our last priority in the house and is in sore need of some attention. So our long-time-ignored furniture is used to begin the make-over of our long-time-ignored room. A match made in heaven!

However. However. However.

It is not done. The hinges were broken. So I got new hinges. I gathered tools to complete the door installation. They are set-in doors, and they have no handles. Sigh. I tried to put the hinges on without the handles, but alas, the doors are so tight, that if I do that, I will have no way of opening the doors again. So I have to buy the handles. They don't have any antique ones in town. Sigh again. But here's the kicker--our tv doesn't fit in this piece of furniture! Nope, it's too deep. Arg.

And since there is no money for a new tv, even when I get the door issues resolved, it will sit mostly empty. I can't bear to think of cutting out the back of this vintage piece for a television. It seems sacrilegious somehow.

And so it sits, with it's doors leaning against it's newly refinished, repainted, and re-antiqued sides, like a tired hiker who has stopped to find refreshment and rejuvenation against the trunk of a sturdy tree. Hopefully, we'll find the missing pieces and a solution soon!

My back burners need a break!

We don't let them out of the house much...

2009-12-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

I realized this today when my youngest accompanied me to Target.

Well, first you must realize that I am not a shopper. I was raised by a non-shopper. About two times a year, I need to go shopping, and those few times, I enjoy it--but I have a list of things I need and I've usually convinced my sister to tag along because misery loves company. And anything with Angela is fun! So I don't frequent any store much, and when I do, the kids usually aren't with me. So now, on to the story...which really isn't that long, and this introduction might just have a longer word-count than the story itself!

Anyway, dear little 4-year-old Silas was with me, eyes wide with excitement! He was enthralled with everything there--the dollar section, the decorations hanging from the ceiling, the Christmas section. It all captured his attention. At the point that we had moved from the toys to the sports equipment, and turned into the lunchboxes (only looking, mind you; no buying) he says, "Oh! They have lunchboxes and water bottles too! (emphatically) Mom, this store is packed out! They have filled it up with every Christmas thing!"

I didn't let him in on the secret: Target has all that stuff. Everyday. We could come more often. Nah. We just enjoyed the magic of Christmas in Target!

Recipe of the Week: Coconut-Cranberry Chews

2009-12-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I missed out on all the fun pumpkin recipes I tried this year and had to share...but not the Christmas stuff!

This is a recipe that came from Sunset Magazine, and it's the Cookie Contest Grad Prize Winner from 2001. I figured it was just about time to getting around to try it. Maybe you will too (please don't wait 8 years...).

Coconut-Cranberry Chews
1 1/2 c     butter (3 sticks--how about THAT for starters!)
2 c           sugar
1 T           grated orange peel (don't shy away from this--it was easy and it really helps the flavor)
2 t.           vanilla
3 1/4 c     flour
1 t.          baking powder
1/2 t.       salt
1 1/2 c    dried cranberries
1 1/2 c    sweetened, dried coconut

In a large bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, beat butter, sugar, orange peel, and vanilla until smooth.
In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture, stir to mix and then beat on low speed until dough comes together, about 5 minutes (if the dough is too crumbly, it just needs to mix longer. It should be smooth).
Mix in cranberries and coconut.
Shape dough into 1-in balls and put 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350 for 8 minutes or until edges just begin to brown.
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing them (except for the one(s) you eat!)

OK, so let the baking begin--you won't be sorry!

This'll Get You

2009-12-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a verse I was reading this morning, and every time I read it, it hits me so hard.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who hear. Ephesians 4:29"

See? That's killing me! How is it that I made it this far without an "only what is helpful for building others up" filter? Because I have to confess that when I open my mouth, I rarely am viewing my words as bricks. Well, sometimes I might be using them as bricks to sling at Aris when I'm frustrated, but I'm not thinking, "Is this something that they can build their life on?"

So after pondering this a little while, I jotted a few things down that this means to me.

That means no mumbling to myself after a conversation ended in a way I didn't like.
It means not using sarcasm to highlight my point.
It also means not exaggerating to capture attention.
It means phrasing my corrections of the kids in a way that leaves them feeling strong and actually becoming stronger.
It means not talking down to myself.
It means to cursing to myself.
It also means that I have to keep my tone pleasant, even when I have to repeat myself.
And all this means I need to talk less and think more.

So after that list, I'm also glad that I know there's a verse that God says, "It's not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit..." Yep, going to need that Spirit today, because this is over my human nature's ability, for sure!

My Cup Runeth Over

2009-12-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Does this ever happen to you--within a few days every cleaning product you own runs out? Or all of a sudden, you are putting flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda on the grocery list? Things like that run in such waves at our house and it always surprises me because they are different shapes, have different uses, and nothing is ever the same from week to week around here, but somehow they all converge at the same moment. I don't know why I like noticing these kinds of things so much, but my brain just goes there.

Well, some things are converging on my calendar this week. I'm not sure why, but there is a possibility that I was working to protect the second half of December from getting over-full, and so I booked everything in this first week. Whatever the reason, as I sat to organize my calendar for the week last Sunday evening, it was appalling. I had been keeping track (sort of), writing it all down (sometimes), and planning time slots for everything (well, almost), so I was a bit shocked to look at what sat on these next 6 days:

An extra class of gymnastics for Silas
Ministry leader's meeting--with time to prep the agenda and troubleshoot some issues
Drive for a fieldtrip for Theo
Create and print a 4-page newsletter
Review the material for Life Group Wednesday night
Plan a Life Group Christmas party--actually develop a group to get this going
Two drama practices
Grocery shop
Prep curriculum for Sunday's Kids' Zone and email the team
Sub for 1-2 combo class on Thursday and Friday
All of my regular life stuff--feeding family, cleaning, and laundry and all other luxuries as these!
Oh yeah, and Aris is out of town this week.

The good news is that we're making it, and although I'm taking a few minutes to procrastinate, I know that the crazier things get for me, the more organized I get. I don't mind doing this sometimes, but I am SO glad that my normal life looks nothing like this. I think I'm going to get myself a good book and schedule in a few hours each day next week to recuperate! And let's all take mental notes for me that protecting the last part of December by overwhelming the first part of it doesn't really help!

PS: I had three really great pumpkin recipes that were supposed to be put on here last week, but bummer, I've missed all of the Thanksgiving pumpkin season...arg.

What a Game!

2009-11-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a marathon for our family. So when we finally sat down, late in the day, to cheer on the Colts, it felt like a real reward.

Who doesn't love a cozy blanket on the couch, a husband and parents who love football, and the Rivalry of the Decade on tv? It was glorious!

Until the second and third (and most of the fourth) quarters. Of course, being a Colts' fan, you don't panic easily, but it's hard to imagine closing a gap that big on a team that is easily marching down the field on almost every drive--in spite of pretty solid defense. And even though we were losing in the points category, I had to admit that even to that point, it had been a fabulous game to watch, made only better by the giddiness of Al and Chris in the booth! They were eating it up and really pointing out great tips and strategies that I love to learn.

But those last four minutes were glorious. The precision. The effort. The concentration. The consistency. The heart. The teamwork.

I love the Colts.

And it was icing on the cake for me that it was Belichick that they took down!

Heavy

2009-11-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

I read this on FB today. It was a friend's status update...

"prayers for my friends The Olson's this am as their 12 yo Jake loses his sight today in his fight against cancer..."

I have no words.

Only tears.

I don't know the Olson's and I don't know Jake. But I have been 12, and I was worried about bangs and Keds shoes and looking dorky in front of my friends. I wasn't trying to remember what my mom's face looked like, wondering if I was going to live to be an adult, or if I would find someone to share my life with even though I was blind.

Can we be in heaven already? This is so much for them to bear, and yet, we are never given more than we can handle in God's strength. All I have to say is, He has great faith in the Olson family, and from my friends' comments, they have great faith in Him to carry them through.

May it be so today and in the days to come.

What I learned...

2009-11-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

...from watching Swiss Family Robinson with my family this weekend:

my memory was not exaggerating the fantastical nature of the treehouse. That thing really is AWESOME!
My youngest resembles Francis in a lot of ways. He would be the one catching the tiger for sure!
Roberta is quite manipulative. Missed that whole sub-plot as a 10-year-old.
Alexa does not want to be caught off-guard by the end a movie. Every time any scene ended peacefully, she would ask, "Is that the end?". She finally relaxed when "The End" showed up on the screen.
The Robinsons are very hard workers--they get quite a bit done in very little time. I wish I was as efficient!
I still don't like the water snake scene.
Theo needs many fiddlers to make it through a movie like that, or his fingers would be bleeding! But he loved it.
Silas has many more ideas on how to protect the fort. They might've worked.
I still would choose Fritz. He's the man.

Recipe of the Week: Hyper Veggie Stew

2009-10-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

OK, so I realize that some of you may have not made it past the title, but for the few, the healthy, the vegetarians: this is SO good! It comes from one of my mother's college friends, Cathy. Where she got it? I have no idea. Maybe she made it up! No matter, every time I make it or give it away, I think, "Man! I forgot how GOOD that is!" Now, don't get discouraged when you see the list of ingredients, because it's a flexible soup to say the least. I'm not sure I've ever made it the same way twice. I just get the main idea and then throw in whatever I have.

It's best to do this on a day where you're around, because although it's super easy, there are four different simmering times on this, so it takes 2 hours or so. Still reading? You won't be sorry! Here's a hint: do all your chopping and measuring at the beginning (it just took me 15 minutes total, so it's not really that bad!) and leave it all out on the counter. Then when it comes time for each stage, you pop in the kitchen, drop the next section in the pot, and you're off--of course, I have to set the timer, so I don't lose track of time! Enough with the build-up, let's get started.

Summary of ingredients

onion
celery
water
bullion
Worchestershire sauce
ginger
garlic
season salt
pepper
cumin
carrots
stewed tomatoes
cabbage
Great Northern beans
potatoes
barley
burgundy wine
(ok, that seems like a lot, but it goes fast!)

In large soup pot or dutch oven, saute 1 medium chopped onion and 3-4 celery stalks chopped (and leaves too) in 1-2 T of olive oil.

Then add:
4 c. hot water (really? it doesn't need to be hot)
4 bullion cubes (or you can just use 4 cups of beef broth if you have it, but I usually don't)
2 T. Worchestershire sauce
1/2 t. ginger (can use powdered or fresh)
1 t. minced garlic
1/2 t. pepper
1 t. seasoned salt
1/2 t. cumin
6-7 medium carrots chopped
3 cans stewed tomatoes

Simmer about 30 minutes. Then add:
1/2 medium head of cabbage, chopped
3 cans of Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed (or you can cook your own--or use different beans).

Simmer another 30 minutes and add 8-9 medium red potatoes, cubed (again, whatever potatoes you have on hand. I'm using golds today).

Bring back to a boil and simmer 20 minutes. Add 1/3 c. of pearl barley and continue to simmer 30-45 minutes until barley is tender. Add 3/4 c. burgundy wine and simmer until you're ready to eat--but at least 20 minutes.

This is a lovely pot that will feed a whole bunch! If you are a small bunch, stop before the potatoes step and cool the soup. Then you can freeze it. I usually put mine soups in gallon bags and freeze flat. They are easier to store, don't let air in and then easier to thaw in a flat layer (rather than a plastic container). Then, you can pick up the recipe from that potato step another day when you crave this soup (and you will!) but don't have 2+ hours!

All right, I'm at the cabbage stage, so I'm off to add cabbage and beans. Fall is officially here!

This week

2009-10-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't have a big theme for this post. Just a lot of random thoughts rumbling around in my head. So, hopefully, they come out in some semblance of order!

Today was the kids' school country fair--we exchanged it from the traditional harvest fair. What a deal! Seriously, we traded in a day of sweaty kids trying to play games in costume and a lame "parade" for a dunk tank, cotton candy and an apple pie baking contest. Aris was one of the judges, by the way, and it was bliss. 10 different apple pies to savor and enjoy. I entered one without him knowing which one, but he didn't vote for it. Hmm. It did get votes from the other judges, so I don't feel bad. Plus, it might seem a bit suspicious if he's a judge and I win, but I LOVE that type of thing, so I didn't want to not enter. Another reason to love a country fair at our school is that we're a rural school--the petting zoo? A conglomeration of 4-H family pets and animals being raised for show. Hay bales and corn stalks? Driven in by parents. Cowboy/cowgirl costumes consisted of real boots with wear and tear, Wrangler jeans that are saved for nice occasions, and Stetson hats that have seen some livestock. It just fits us--and by us, I mean most of us. We still have a pink cowgirl hat and the fake "Sheriff" badge, but anyway, the whole fair was fun.

Still in a parenting storm at sea--there is calm internally, but we are still struggling with some tough issues. This is a long storm, and I like things wrapped up in neat boxes with happy bows tied on top. There's none of that right now. I don't feel we're sinking, but we certainly are navigating by the instruments and not by visual evidence right now. The emotions, and the intensity with which you feel them, that come with being a parent are amazing. I'm a steady girl, but boy, these about blind-side me, both good and bad. And it's exhausting learning how to let go, giving it a shot, and then spending so much energy taking it all back right out of God's hands, only to start the cycle over again. I'm not sure this paragraph makes much sense to anyone but me, but it's an accurate description of where I'm at. And yet, through it all, I feel closer and more in tune with my kids than I ever have, even though we're not getting the "results" we are aiming at. How is that possible? This is proof to me that life is about the process and not so much the product. I guess the product will come in due time. Anyone know if we're close to due time yet? I wish it would hurry up.

Submitted my substitute paperwork now. All set to sub in and around P-town. Will call and visit some of the school districts to get my name out there. We'll see how it goes. Excited and scared all at the same time. It's been 8 1/2 years since I've been in the classroom. Of course, I'm still with kids of all ages constantly, but it's not the same as walking into a new room daily. I guess it's time for a challenge, and most often, those turn out to be fun.

Football season has been fun this year--what am I saying? I enjoy it every year. I'm a Colt's fan Have been for a long while, but when Manning went there, it sealed the deal. Speaking of Manning, he is throwing really well in these last few weeks. I so much enjoy his strategy and style. I love a passionate player, but a smart player is SO FUN to watch! Plus, I really like a lot of the commentators that they have on various crews this year--Cris Collinsworth is so fun to listen to and is an awesome match with Al Michaels. I am also enjoying Jon Gruden's thoughts and the way he breaks down the plays. So fascinating! And this is one of our favorite interests that we share--football. And it makes me love fall. That's a bonus.

Really enjoying our property these days. Lots of winter prep to be done, but I really like the different aspects of it. We're still pulling in produce from our garden--picked a 3-gallon bucket of tomatoes today slated for sauce, cucumbers are still trickling in although they are slowing down, and I picked 12 more zucchini today. Gracious, that zucchini plant is a monster, coming up to my chest and extending 2 feet out of its box on each side! We have enough zucchini to feed the whole neighborhood, and we've been doing it. Still have to re-seal the wrap-around deck and the redwood picnic benches before we get much more rain. Mom and I tore out the pickling cucumbers, beans, and carrots last week, and planted the winter veggies. The beets and spinach are already coming up. Now, if we can just keep them a secret from the gaggle of wild turkeys that roam through... We have a couple of big projects that we need to get done in the next month or most likely they will sit until spring: we have the rounds from the trunk of our enormous cottonwood to haul off and split, we have the playground to move and a telephone-pole border to be created (we're getting them free!), and we have some sanding and painting to do on the base of our house. Those aren't my favorite chores to do, but each time I feel like complaining, I am reminded that 1) we did not lose our house in this crazy time like so many other, and 2) this property is a dream come true that feels like such a gift from God. I will not complain about my blessings, even if they require a lot of work. It should be my joy to take care of it--I love living here so much!

OK, so I have work to do tonight, and I can hear the clinking of my dear husband doing the dinner dishes. This is the rambly-est post I think I've ever written, but it feels like I've had a good chat with some friends. Now, if some of you would post comments, I will know who I've chatted with!

I am an idiot

2009-10-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

I may be a college graduate.

I may be a credentialed teacher.

I may tutor high school students.

However, my 3rd grade son is quite sure that this is me:

Because no matter how smart I am, how many right answers I can come up with, or short cuts I know, I am not Mrs. Garrigan.

And therefore, logically, I do not know HER way of times tables. I cannot do singular verbs and plurals as well as SHE can. And I certainly do not do Guess and Check the same way as the ever-perfect (honestly, I do love her too!) Mrs.Garrigan.

My only consolation was that at some point, many years ago, some 5th grader's parent was hearing, "That's not how Mrs. Pologeorgis does it."

Sigh. I used to be smart, I guess.

From My Journal

2009-10-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here is something I wrote in my journal recently.

" Life is so jumbled and messy. You think it marches in a straight line, alongside its counterpart: Time, but it doesn't. It swirls and races. Then all of a sudden, the brakes are on and life comes to an abrupt halt. All of this is fueled by the emotions we feel. When there's not strong emotions attached, for that brief time, Life seems content to steadily click in step with Time.

"It's easy for me, in the swirling times of life, to assume that it's all about me. In some ways, that's how I've operated since TGA--hiding my head when I wanted to and letting the emotions swirl. I still feel like burying my head in so many instances. But you [God] are my stabilizing factor.

"You are the same, calm, peace. You don't swirl and overwhelm like Emotion. Nor do you march on unfeelingly like Time. No, you settle over my chaos like a comforting blanket of fog. The chaos caused by the traffic of my heart is still there. You don't demand that I stop it instantaneously. But you draw me up, through that blanket of sound-muffling fog, to the view that awaits above those puffy clouds. The sunny skies that stretch long and wide before bumping into amazing craggy mountains, hundreds of miles away.

"Your presence reminds me that real life is not lived in the 10-miles of emotional traffic I'm in. It's not in the tasks on my to-do list. Real life is where you can breathe in the big picture of eternity. And just like coming back from a great perspective-finding vacation, I return to the land of traffic determined to alter my heart back to the simple, long-term-focused life for which I was created."

May you all enjoy the view with God from above the fog today.

Let there be pics...

2009-10-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

So I wrote about our family and community doing a build-a-clubhouse party for Theo's birthday. Here are a few pics that show that anytime you put creative people in a bunch, things get wild.

We were asking for/planning on a clubhouse. We decided to put it out in the eucalyptus trees, since Theo has created a pretend city there, each tree being a different part of the town. Well, Aris and my dad were in charge of the planning and constructing of the clubhouse. We should've seen the trouble beforehand: they are both completely thorough and detail-oriented. The bad news? We don't have a complete clubhouse. The good news? We have a three-walled Fort Knox that, when complete, will also act as an earthquake shelter for the property.

Well, with all of us there waiting on jobs, the wheels began to crank and the scrap pile began to call Angela's name. Before we knew what was happening, a pet shop was born and taking shape. So here's to the project that will probably never end, as just
as Dad and Aris are finishing the clubhouse, my mom has grand plans for an ice-cream shop!

Ang painting accessories for the Pet Shop

Ang and Heather finish the bench...boys are still working on Fort Knox.

Heather give the Pet Shop a store front!

The amazing construction of the Pet Shop

The owners of said Pet Shop

Mark and Heather paint the door of Fort Knox

The beginnings of Fort Knox

It's a hit with the Birthday Boy

See? Grand plans are underway!

And I'm only 3 months late getting this up! Whew...now where were the rest of those wedding pics???

Recipe of the Week: A Sweet Treat

2009-10-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

In this week's (ahem...in the liberal sense of the word) installment of Recipe of the Week, you are about to be introduced to a tried-and-true, Hunt Family tradition (drumroll, please):

Ron Hunt's Cinnamon Rolls.

Now, if you don't know my dad, let me tell you a few things:

1. He does not cook.

2. He likes things that are rich and butter-filled.

3. He is a detailed perfectionist.

4. He likes to conquer new challenges.

When we were in elementary school, my dad started a quest for finding the recipe for the best cinnamon rolls. He dearly loves them and wanted to learn how to make them well. As kids, we did not mind this quest a bit, as we were the taste-testers. And even the rejected recipes still turned out a warm spiral of dough that had sugar and frosting, so we were in heaven.

He soon had gathered different qualities from different recipes and ended up creating his own that we have been blessed to eat around Christmas every year. Once we moved away, we also go the bonus of homemade cinnamon rolls whenever we were able to venture home. So these have sentimental value as well as the Yum Factor.

You may be thinking, "Oh dear, I don't ever use yeast. I can't use yeast." Please don't stop reading! You CAN use it and it won't be bad! In fact, you may feel small bursts of triumph as you see that tan foam begin to build. There is such satisfaction in getting it to work every time.

Here are my tips on yeast:

1. Most newbies use water that is not warm enough. Lots of recipes say lukewarm water, and so we put in water that is safe for our newborn. I turn my faucet to hot and let it run for a minute. Then I measure out the water straight from there. I can still run my hand under it, but it's slightly uncomfortable.

2. Give the yeast some food--add the sugar into the water. If there's sugar in your recipe, take 1 T of it and put it in with the yeast. If there's no sugar in your recipe, you can do just 1-2 t., so your dough isn't sweet, but it helps the yeast to grow.

3. Put your yeast/water mixture somewhere draft-free and warm. After I've put the water, sugar and yeast in, I stir to dissolve and then set it on the back of my oven. Usually, it's pretty warm there and that really helps. You can also put it in your microwave to keep it warm--just DON'T run the microwave while it's in there!

OK, so now that we're all set with the yeast, let's see the rest of this. Don't be afraid of it, but do realize that you won't be whipping this labor of love out in 30 minutes. It's worth the work!

Ron Hunt's Cinnamon Rolls

3/4 c milk

1/4 c butter

1/3 c. sugar

1 tsp. butter flavoring

2 T. vanilla

1 tsp. salt

1 egg

1/4. c very warm water

2 pkg. dry yeast (it's about 1 T per package)

4 c. flour

1. Scald milk in small pan (this just means heat until the skin forms on the top, but it does not boil--see? still very easy!). Stir in butter, sugar (except the 1 T you will use with your yeast), salt, butter flavoring and vanilla. Let cool.

2. Measure very warm water and stir in yeast and 1 T sugar. Dissolve and let grow until a dome forms (I always do this in my 2-cup measuring cup).

3. When milk is cooler (won't scramble your egg), beat in egg until frothy. Stir in yeast mixture. All should be in a large mixing bowl (but save your largest mixing bowl for rising!).

4. Add 2 c flour and beat until smooth. Stir in approximately 1 cup flour, adding only as much as is needed to enable you to knead dough by hand. *Less flour means a more tender cinnamon roll.

5. Put dough on lightly floured surface and knead (I usually end up adding about 1/2-3/4 cup more flour in this process, so I'm almost up to our 4 cup total). It's about 100 kneading strokes. *If you haven't kneaded before, you just take the front of the dough and fold it into the rest of the dough, then you turn the dough and repeat. There's no real RIGHT way, but you do want to work it until your dough is smooth and elastic, not lumpy and sticky. This is a fun step, and it's hard for me to do this without feeling a little like a pioneer woman. It's lovely.

6. Put dough in a greased bowl. Put in a warm place, covered with a moist towel until dough is double--usually one hour. *Here's my hint: while I'm kneading, I have my oven turned to warm. Then I turn it off, while I put my dough in the rising bowl and get the towel. Then my dough has a warm (oven) and moist (towel) environment to grow in!

7. Punch down (this means poke it until it falls) and put dough on flat, lightly floured surface to roll. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Now this isn't exact. I just roll it out to cover my cutting mat--who knows if it's exactly 1/4 inch.

8. Spread generously with butter (don't have a heart attack, but it's about 1/2 cup!). cover with cinnamon until butter is completely covered (I know it's a lot but haven't you read that cinnamon is great for circulation?). Next, in a small bowl, mix white and brown sugar in a 2:1 ratio (I usually end up with 1 cup white for 1/2 c. brown, but you can do what you like). Cover cinnamon layer.

9. Roll tightly the short distance, so you have one long roll. You might need to pull the dough as you go. Stretch lengthwise a little when you're done. Cut into 12 rolls--first cut in half. Then into fourths. Then each fourth gets cut into three cinnamon rolls. Set in 9x13 pan that is sprayed.

Let rise 30 minutes.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Should still be squishy when done and only lightly brown on edges.

Frosting: 1/2 stick butter, 1/2 cube cream cheese, 1 t. lemon juice, 2 1/2 c powdered sugar, 2 T milk, 1 t vanilla, 1/2 t. butter flavoring. (Whip butter and cream cheese first, then add the rest and whip until smooth and yummy!

Frost generously! Enjoy!

Be sure to let me know if you tried this--it's so worth it!

It's been a bit of a struggle...

2009-09-30T16:36:00.001-07:00

Well, I could finish that sentence so many ways recently.

...to finish what I've started.
...to get organized.
...to look on the bright side of things.
...for us to know what to do at this point.

but the one I'm going to choose, is:

...for our dear daughter to transition to 1st grade.

School itself isn't hard for her. Academically, she is great.

Going without a nap?

It's. Killing. Us.

And I do mean us.And let me reiterate KILLING.

Let me count the ways. In the last two weeks alone, she's done the following (most of these on more than one occasion):
1. hitting
2. pushing people out of line
3. yelling at people when she doesn't get her way
4.crying when her artwork isn't just right
5. lying
6. crying when her friend won't play with her 24/7--I don't know WHY said friend wants a little space! The nerve!
7. returning stolen items

Oh yeah. It's been a ball.

I don't have it in me to recount all the conversations, strategies, punishments, positive rewards, tears, and prayers that these last two weeks have held, but suffice it to say they've taken the stuffing right out of me.

Now, I've known my child to be capable of all of this. She was 7 months old when she systematically tried to take over our home. It's been a challenge from the beginning. So, thankfully, I'm not a parent who is shocked that their little angel could do any of this.

It's just that she's always reserved this kind of behavior for the safety of our own home. We've been the ones to fight the battles. To be in the trenches. To be challenged day in and day out. And I wouldn't be honest if I said that I have not resented that at times. Why would she save the worst for us? Why does everyone else get to enjoy the giggly, sweet, endearing side?

But now that the tables are turned, I SO see the error of that thinking. It's a helpless feeling to have to rely on others to fight those battles. To not be there to be the one to correct. To only see the after-effects. And I thank God for Alexa's teacher. She is stable, calm, not easily ruffled, and not threatened by this kind of child. In fact, her words to me were,

"Oh, I understand her, because I used to be her."

And so we continue to chip away, firmly and lovingly insisting on change--through coaching, guiding, correcting, praising, and praying.

And while I see small changes in her, I see big changes in us as parents. I'm not sure which is more encouraging.

But I'll tell you, we're ready for encouragement!

RETRACTION!

2009-09-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are wanting to try the zucchini muffins in the earlier post, please note:

5 tsp of baking POWDER and
1/2 tsp of baking SODA

These proportions were reversed, and if you tried it as written, you will have disastrous results (sorry Alicia!)!

Maybe I shouldn't be typing my recipes at 6 in the morning...

OK, now you can have fun baking!

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

2009-09-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

We interrupt these amazing wedding photos to bring you, by Edie's request, a Recipe of the Week. I think it is a fun idea, and since I'm typing this one out for a friend already, I'm going to post it here. It's a great time of year for this one, since any gardener that planted even one zucchini seed has an overabundance at this point in the gardening season!

For the first time in writing ever, I give you...

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Makes 12 (large muffins or 24 not-so-mini muffins)

3 1/3 c flour

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. (+1tblspn) cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. salt

5 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda (originally, I had the proportions with baking powder and baking soda typed in here backwards...um, yikes! That's one mistake you don't want to make! So this is now correct!)

1 eggs

1 1/2 c. sour milk, or buttermilk (can also make this by putting 1 tsp. of vinegar in regular milk and letting it stand)

2/3 c. canola oil (or if you really want them to taste good, use melted butter that's been cooled)

2 c. shredded zucchini, squeezed in a dish towel

Mix together all the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk the wet ingredients (without zucchini), making sure to really get the eggs. Then add the wet to the dry, sprinkling in all the zucchini and stir just until dry is all mixed in.

Bake at 425 for 12 or so minutes...my oven is hot, so it may take more than this. But when they are crisp on the outside and springy to the touch, they are done.

Kids love them--I made four batches for my 1st-6th graders at church last week, and EVERY single kid ate one because they look (and are) chocolate. But no one complained about or noticed the zucchini. Lovely!

Wish I had a picture, but you can make them and post your own picture, if you would like. Of course, if you try this recipe, don't forget to come back and let me know how it did!

A Day to Celebrate

2009-09-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was fantabulous! My little sister, Angela, got married to her high school wanted-to-be-sweetheart. It only took 13 years for her to catch on, and maybe almost that long to be ready to dive into a lifetime of spontaneity that is my sister!

I'll have to do a whole other post about the things I want to remember about this weekend, but for now, here are some of Alli's pictures. They are so much fun!

Here's my mom fixing Angela's dress at 5:50...wedding at 6. See the stress on the bride's face?

Here's our photographer of the group! If it weren't for Alli, I'm not sure we'd have any photos of our fun together!

Ang sees herself in the mirror, right before she goes out to greet everyone. I love her expression here!

The Girlfriends(minus Edie) get a picture quick before the ceremony starts. Love these girls. Love this weekend with them. Missed Edie terribly.

My lovely husband...of 13 years!

The wedding starts with me giving a welcome--having a mic wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Actually, it was fun to be able to look around the room and see everyone who was there to celebrate.

Bill and Carrie said a blessing and prayer over Angela and Jason's ministry together. It was really neat--especially since these two are leading a missionary trip to Kenya together this summer. So cool.

Jason's ring, carried by the silliest and cutest ring bearer (if I do say so myself!).

Ok, folks, that has to be it for a bit. It's dinner time and I don't have any more pictures loaded. Be back tomorrow for the next installment!

A Hawaiian Treat

2009-08-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

I tell you that there is nothing simpler than Shave Ice, but on a hot Hawaiian day, there is nothing that hits the spot!

I am delinquent in educating my children, as when we were talking about plans for our days in Hawaii and the subject came up, one of them asked, "Mom, what's shaved ice?"

Yikes. Not only do they not know, they put the 'd' on the end. So very mainland. So we quickly covered our parenting gaffe, and remedied the situation:

And, yes, Aris' looks different because they actually poured sweetened condensed milk over the top! It's not for the faint of heart, folks!

So yummy, you won't believe it!

2009-08-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

OK, I know that roughly 2/3 of my readership is slightly worried that this is turning into a foodie blog. And I'd like to put your mind at ease that I will be sharing more than recipes, food ideas, and cooking triumphs...but not today.

You see, a few years back I came across a recipe for a creamy hummus that was part of an awesome black-bean/jack cheese/lettuce and jicama wrap. And for the record, THAT is an outstanding summer meal, but it's the hummus that hits me every time!

I've made it so much that I don't have to look the recipe up--and I don't have a good memory for these types of things. However, I was making it for company, so just to be sure, I did look it up, and you know what?

I've been making it wrong for a long time now!

I know that's so ridiculous...and so very me. However, I did my own recipe again, and it's fantastic. So fantastic that I have to share with you RIGHT NOW. For those of you who don't like hummus, please keep reading and try it. There is a 95% chance that you WILL like this one. Seriously, it sounds odd. Try it. You might not like any/all of the ingredients. Try it still.

Here it is:

--3-4 garlic cloves:drop into a processor and process until completely minced
--add 2-3 oz cream cheese and an ice-cream scoop of cottage cheese and process.
--add two cans of garbanzo beans, salt pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
--process until really smooth and then taste. You may need more spice (add garlic or lemon or pepper). If it's too spicy, add more cottage cheese.

Now here's the good stuff: you can serve this with anything.
1. crackers
2. carrots
3. celery
4. pita
5. blanched green beans
6. a spoon

If you are watching calories, just leave out the cream cheese and it's still good. It's such a refreshing snack when you don't feel like making lunch.

OK, the sales pitch can officially end now. (As long as you try it!)

PS: One thing I love about having my own blog is making up the statistics.

First Day Pie

2009-08-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the day many parents live for...and I have to talk myself out of dreading: the first day of school.

Oh, I love school. I LOVED this day as a child. I still relish the school-year schedule. I look to the school schedule for motivation and respond to it in a much deeper level than I do January 1 (in fact, I get very little motivation from the New Year, but that's another blog post!). However, as a mom, I just love being with my kids.

Yes, they have gotten on my nerves, each other's nerves, the dog's nerves, and, well, maybe I shouldn't go on, but you get my point. We've had our rough patches this summer; maybe rougher than any other summer. I am most humbled by our roughest patches and I cried harder, as a mom, than I've ever cried. But I delight in this job as a whole. I love waking them and cuddling, planning surprises, and pushing our limits. I love our days of tree climbing, trail hiking, and long conversations. I love our schoolwork charts and reading goals. And mostly, I love being with them.

In the summer, they haven't spent all their energy before we get a chance to talk. Of course, it's easy to say that now, but at one point this summer, I think my ears started to bleed. Heavens, I have TALKERS for kids! Again, another post...

OK, so now I'm way off base here, and I'm more than half a page through. This is supposed to be about today's happenings. So without further ado, I give you the required first-day-of-school pictures:

( Alexa 1st grade; Theo, 3rd grade)

(Silas, he's an ORNERARY kindergartener! I bet they can't wait until he's 5!)

Oh, yes, and today was also Alexa's birthday, so we added all that excitement to the day where they can hardly contain themselves! On the bright side, all the students got to remember what happens at school when it's your birthday. #1: you get a birthday ribbon:

#2: Your parents bring in snacks for the class:

I found this amazingly easy and beautiful idea in my favorite magazine, Family Fun. It was a lot easier than it looks, and I love that I'm not adding "brownies" to the agenda for the first day of school. I might have been shot by the teacher, if I had.

So off the oldest two went, in a flurry of backpacks, birthday pancakes, hair ribbons, and mis-matched clothing (did you notice that in the pictures?). And Silas and I were left with nothing to do...except our great plans!

Enter the surprise: fresh apple pie.

Silas loves to pick apples from our trees. He often gets the apple picker out himself and heads out for an afternoon snack. Yesterday found him, picker in hand, waiting patiently while the deer were under the trees eating the apples. They spotted him in a few minutes and then took off. At that point, he opened the gate and headed out to get apples of his own. Out of this love for independence and apples, came his idea to bake a pie.

Now, I have a first-day-of-school tradition of baking some sort of treat to eat right after school that first day while they tell us all about the fun. So this fit right into my ideas too.

So here is our process in pictures:

The contestants--picked mostly from the ground at 11am

The try-outs--not sure who got more: Silas or the pie shell

The team--the ones that made the cut are hiding under a blanket of pie crust!

Looks promising! We pulled it out of the oven the minute we got home from picking them up!

Victory!--served with apricot/honey sorbet that I made before we went to Hawaii. Oh, such a good combination! We might have another slice after dinner, just to be sure!

OK, with all this fun, maybe I don't dread this day afterall.

Where to Start?

2009-08-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

There is no way to adequately share with you the entirety of the last 13 years, nor would I want to--it's too personal, too much, too dear.

But I will take time to say that we've had a LOT of this:

A little of this:

And three of these:

But we've made it this far, still cherishing, desiring, forgiving, and loving each other because of thousands of these:

Thank you, Aris, for traveling this journey with me. You are a good one to be in the trenches with.

Something I Love

2009-07-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

Once in a long while something comes around that lives up to the hype. It really does make your life easier. Or maybe it really does save you $400 a month. Possibly it might even help you lose those last 10 pounds. Whatever it is, when it arrives, you. Know.

For me, it is this:
It's my Cricut Expression. Now, it hasn't saved my life or allowed me to earn a six-figure income, but it has lived up to the hype.

You may have seen the info-mercial. With ease, you just load your paper, type in what you want, and press "cut" and within seconds you have amazing expressions for cards, decorations for your home, or stylish labels for your pantry! I saw the tv ad after it had already been given to me, and I found myself saying, "Yes! It does all of that!" or "It really IS that easy!" and even "What?!? I didn't know you could do that!". I know I sound like a paid advertisement, but I really do love this machine.

Now, what prompted this post is that I found myself with 1/2 of free time this afternoon, and I popped in a cartridge and made this (sorry about the blur, my camera battery is on its ninth life!):

and this:
.

It's so easy to use, and somehow inspires really creative ideas in me--which is not my usual strong point. For father's day, I made my dad this hanging for his office. Completely on my Cricut.

Anyway, they are kind of expensive, so I don't expect that you'll rush right out and buy one, but if you are gifted with one (Thanks, Siana!), be sure to pull it right out and begin to experience the joy!

It's Date Night

2009-07-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

...and I get to spend the whole evening with this guy.

It's ok if you're jealous.

Sticky Fingers

2009-07-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

This just may be, to my dismay, the new nickname for my second child. In less than a month, she has taken items from three different places. Items that don't belong to her. Items that she wanted.

I am all astonishment.

The first time I thought it was a bit of a fluke. But we called and made amends. We wrote a letter of apology. We talked to God together.

The second was spiteful. Sad, but true. We made amends. Had a spanking. And talked to God together.

Today was just shocking. Now I'm talking to God by myself because of the alarm that is slowly rising in my chest. Plus we made amends, had a spanking, talked to God together and will not be chewing gum until the entire pack is chewed up by her brothers.

So any ideas on this topic would be lovely.

And as a side note, if I wasn't so traumatized, her feeble attempts at hiding her hot items might make me smile. I can feel hints of looking back at these days in laughter creeping into my soul...but not yet.

Colorblind

2009-07-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

So my hair, which I cut to donate last year at this time, has grown out. And grown into a completely wild, unkempt mess. I can't complain, since I never make appointments to get it cut and continue the unwise practice of cutting my own bangs. It's a vicious cycle, that bang-cutting, because I wait until I can't see anymore to think about making the call, then there are no appointments and so I cut them. Then I'm too embarrassed to make the appointment, knowing she's going to see where I've hacked off my own hair, and so I wait...until I can't see anything and repeat the cycle. Ridiculous I know. So back to the topic of my unruly hair. Seriously, my ponytail often looks like a well-worn brillo pad these days. I've just been chalking it up to the lack of attention.

However, today I was reading the directions on my new spray gel to see if I was missing something. It's just a lot stickier than I'm used to, but I did get the "super hold spritz", since it's summer and I often get out of the shower, use a pick on my curls and spray it with gel and leave it. I did want something to really hold the curls, since if they start to frizz, I'm back to brillo-land. So here is what the back of the bottle says, and you can tell me if I'm doing something wrong.

"Super hold for super style (just what I'm looking for). Never flaky (good!) or sticky (hmmm. Doubtful.), locks hair in place with no build up. Hair feels natural with lots of shine."

As I read this, I was still perplexed as that was exactly what I was looking for, but I wasn't getting the results I wanted. In fact, it was so sticky that I couldn't get a pick through it after I sprayed it on. And then the crunchy hair trick is nothing like the hair-feels-natural spiel they we selling.

You know, they say it's all in the wrist.

And so I turned my wrist, and there it was on the front of the bottle:

Black and Beautiful

Sigh. I am so not either of those words--however, I aim to fix the second one every so slightly with a little trip to the store!

And...we made it!

2009-07-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where I fell in love with road trips. It may have been somewhere along the Columbia River Gorge, deep in the Wisconsin Dells, or high in the Rocky mountains. I have such great memories of packing up the car (well, my parents packing up the car...), having trouble falling asleep out of excitement, and then being woken up at 3am to hit the road. We'd all sleep while my dad got us an early start. Nothing was better than waking up in the back of our luggage-loaded station wagon to the rising sun. Of course, in those days, we weren't strapped in a 15-point harness. We were just cozy among the bags and pillows in the back. I watched thousands of miles of electrical wire rise and fall in my window while I contemplated the truths of my 8-year-old life. Yes, somewhere there I fell in love.

I can tell you where I did NOT fall in love with it: on Interstate 5 between LA and SF. Oy! That is one long strip of flat, uninteresting land. And now there are thousands of abandoned acres that have "Congress-created Dust Bowl" signs posted. Whether you agree with that sentiment or not, one thing is for certain--there were only two things to look at previously for those 400 miles, trees and dirt, and now there is only one! Dirt, dirt, and more dirt. At any point, I would have been happy to see a lone tree, a bush or two, or even a shrub. OK, possibly I'm exaggerating, but seriously folks, California contains some of the world's greatest scenery. It is not on that stretch of highway.

However, for all my complaining, we did great. The kids are at a superb age for handling this kind of trip well--old enough to help themselves with food wrappers, water bottles and such, but still young enough to take naps in the car. Lovely! And the van worked like a dream, and traffic wasn't that bad. There is just something that makes me feel so adventuresome when I take off on an outing with me and the kids--and when that is a trip, well, we are quite the adventure-ers!

We weren't able to see nearly everyone that we would have LOVED to seen, but here's who we did see:

--Mulrees--friends from UP church; Kristy really helped me through my post-partum time
--Becketts--Aris' friends from high school/college, turned close family friends through ministry, Life group and traveling (Let's hear it for Greece 2000!)
--Johnsons--college friends, and love that we get to see each other on their occasional trips to P-town.
--Yaelan--my marathon-conversation friend; in our 10-year friendship we've had more 4+ hour conversations than I can count. Priceless.
--Lings--teaching colleague; dear family with two boys; this guy loves to laugh!
--Stricker--college acquaintance that became a friend when he moved into my classroom when I had Theo.
--Schleichers--teaching colleague and probably the funniest couple I know. I could listen to either one of them tell a story for hours, but telling a story together? The best!

Thanks to all of you who hosted us and made time in your schedules to hang out! Loved it.

Reasons I Love Our Family #1

2009-07-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

We spent the entire day today, the 4th of July, building a clubhouse and village for Theo's 8th birthday. It includes a clubhouse with flag and mailbox, pet shop, park with a bench, city hall, and a post office with 14 mail slots (pictures to come when my camera accepts new batteries. Ugh).

I love this. I love that our family would do this. I love that this is a birthday party.

I want to play in the clubhouse as much as the kids!

One of the Blessings

2009-07-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

Counting blessings is a good practice. I came across this picture, and decided to start with them: our good friends, Jason and Julie.

We've been friends for about three years. It's been a joy to have our life paths cross. This has been a big year for them and the action isn't over, but it's amazing to watch them be challenged, grow, try new things, and step out in faith. Plus, they are such fun to be with. Lots of laughs. Good stories. A real blessing!

Summer=Peaches

2009-06-23T17:07:00.001-07:00

At least that's what this household thinks!

Therefore this:

plus this:

becomes this:

which turns to this:

Peaches and Cream tarts. Yum.

Take a Breath!

2009-06-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is why men tune us out!

Thanks, Alli, for sharing!

Rhyme Time

2009-05-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

A spring limerick for you:

There once was a girl from Cali
Whose house was filled with allergy

She blew noses a lot
Each time with green snot

Even so, it's not the worst malady

*************

This sums up our last week!

Confidence

2009-04-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

One of my students was writing about confidence today and it sparked a small conversation which led to some more thinking about that very topic.

What is it that makes you grow and operate in confidence? Here are a few thoughts that have bobbled around in my head:

--being well-rested. My brain functions reasonably well and reliably with consistent sleep. When I am tired, I lose objectivity. I lose perspective. I lose my keys, purse, small chilren...it's bad.

--knowing I have a community that loves me. Not just likes me. Not just puts up with me. They know my hangups and glaring weaknesses, and they still really LOVE me. That is a platform from which I often get the courage to leap into the unknown.

--boundaries. When I know the playing field, I can size it up and tackle it. Without boundaries, I just feel like it's all the "unknown" and wander around aimlessly.

--a good cheering section. Of course, it's silly, but I really respond to the coach's pep talk or the cheers from people along the sidelines. I never realized its effect on me until I was giving birth to my first child. The pushing stage was tough, and at one point, I thought, "I can't do it. I can't flex one more muscle. That stupid nurse needs to count to 10 faster because she's KILLING me with the drawn out 8.....9..............10." But as soon as I said that (the first, not the nurse thing! I kept that safely inside my sweaty head), Angela and Aris came right back with strong "Yes! You can do it!" and that nurse, who turned out to be not so nasty, said positively, "What? Of course you can. You are going to do it on this next push." I remember thinking, "I am? Wow! I totally am." And then I did. Hmmm...maybe this is a better example of how easily I am mentally manipulated, but hopefully, you get my drift.

--training. I have often felt like I've been given a headstart in life in comparison to most of my compatriots. Probably was a time when what I was given from my family was the average or more the norm, but a secure emotional environment and strong life-skills, built right into the foundation of real-life spiritual foundation--that's a lot of training in a lot of areas. Of course, I wasn't so thankful for all of that in my growing-up years.

--good shoes. I'm no fashionista, but I do know that shoes can make it or break it. If I were rich, I would have a hard time not buying lots of shoes. When I have a big day, my outfit often starts with the shoes.

--my heavenly Father. I know that's going to sound corny, and much like the right answer to everything at church is "Jesus", but I am finding it to be more and more true. That is a relationship that is unwavering. I wrestle with it at times. Walk away at others. Bask in it a lot. But it is a constant in my life. It breathes confidence--not in me, but rather in His ability to work in spite of me--into my daily life.

What gives you confidence?

Where I'm From

2009-04-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jen,I got to read some Where I'm From poems. She inspired me, and anyone else, to write their own. It was a therapeutic exercise for me.

Without further ado, here it is:

Where I'm From

I am from birthday pancakes, from Sure-Jell and Little House on the Prairie.

I am from the stairs that became a slide, rows of home-canned fruit and murals painted above the piano. I am from the house that smells like bread and pies and culinary experiments. I am from bikes in the basement, raking leaves, patterns mowed in the grass and collecting buck-eyes. I am from four long months in a hotel. I am from homemade play-dough, doll houses, and roller skates.

I am from the waterfalls in the Gorge, the rhubarb in the corner, and the plants in the bathrooms. I’m from eating what we grow, canning what we pick, and trying new things for company.

I am from Christmas carols and hard work; from laughing Words, and studious Hunts and passionate Jamisons.

I am from family meetings and memory verses. Talking it out and praying for each other. I am from trying new things. I am from homemade Christmas gifts.

From doing it right the first time and passing advice along the generations with the phrase “one thing my father told me.” I am from natural consequences and lessons learned, hugs after spankings.

I am from a legacy of preachers who live what they teach, and mothers who pray for their children. From relationship instead of form. I am from praying for solutions, and learning going both ways.

I'm from Portland and Iowa, sticky berries and juicy corn. I am from breezy and bright Honolulu, luscious mangoes and spam musubi. I am from long-distance college and care packages with count-downs to Christmas break. I am from shared property, shared living quarters, shared values.

From falling shorts, Sit on It, and laying on picnic tables to look at the stars. I am from road trips with the travel basket instead of tv, Cabbage Hill, and telling of family stories around the campfire. I am from vacations that were never package deals, outhouses at Crater Lake, back roads, and Hells Canyon.

I am from photo albums and slide collections that hold more smiles, stories, and memories than could ever be expressed. From making memories and growing old together. I am from leadership and requiring much because much has been given.

I am from life-long connection.

My Life Right Now

2009-04-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

My life, right now, consists of

--being a wife. Coming off a year of major transitions and change. Attacking some old habits and patterns. Enjoying a new level of connection.
--being a mom to three kids, 7, 5,& 4. This year is three different schedules (full day, half day and all day).
--homeschooling two teenagers. One in 10th grade, one in 8th.
--part time job as a project manager. Will last for the next two months.
--ministry director of 1st-6th grades at New Life and four ministry teams under me.

Things I love about my life right now:
1. These are all things that God lined up for me. Called me to. Gifted me for. Filled me with passion about.
2. I am using parts of my brain that I don't get to use often. Seriously, when was the last time you did algebraic equations or graphing of a line? Me either.
3.Working with people of all ages brings me joy. I have volunteers in their 70's, a boss in his 50's, co-workers in every decade, ministry partners in college and high school, and my own kids in elementary school and below!
4. There is such variety in my days. I remember so often thinking "I did this exact same thing yesterday" when we were in the infant toddler stage. I never have those thoughts now!
5. My life is making a difference. If you've ever heard the starfish story, I am getting to watch one starfish at a time be tossed back in the water. It is humbling.
6. The challenges in my life make it impossible to do this on my own. I am, in this wildest season, more connected to God's voice and power than I have been, maybe ever.

Things I don't love about my life right now:
1. Spending so much time casting vision for other people so they'll get and stay on board. It's daily for my students. It's constant for my ministry team. My co-workers are sometimes missing it in a big way--when they're supposed to be part of the driving force. And I'm learning it's a huge part of parenting!
2. I love being on a schedule, but I don't like having to schedule EVERYTHING. Sometimes, I feel like I don't have time in a morning to go to the bathroom because it wasn't on the schedule. Hmmm.
3. My life takes a lot of discipline. My usual time to get up is 4:30am. I don't mind that so much as the discipline it takes to be in bed by 9.
4. I battle intensity. For these next months, it will be a challenge to walk at a fast pace and carry the heart of a slow pace.

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the sun." Ecclesiastes 3:1

This is my season in life right now. I will choose to focus on the first list. There is much to enjoy.

Dinner tonight.

2009-04-09T17:12:00.001-07:00

Well, it's Spring, which means one day is 80 and the next is 55. Today we're on the 55-side of things, so I grabbed a menu from another day that I had planned cozy food. Hopefully, that day in the future will be warm and sunny since I know have chopped salad on the menu! But back to tonight...

I made this split pea soup

It is SO good...even those of you who turn your noses up at such humble foods might really like it! My kids gobble it up every time.

And then I tried this marinated zucchini salad.

I loved the lemon pepper salad dressing. And it makes the zucchini so good--and I'm not a fan of raw zucchini.

Lastly, I made rolls on Wednesday, so we're having those. I can't wait for dinner!

Split Pea Soup

stock:
ham hock/ham bone/smoked turkey wings
2 quarts water
2 celery stalks
2 full carrots
1 onion
-Put in pot and boil. Simmer 1 hour (or do in the pressure cooker and be done in 10 minutes!) Strain out veggies and toss. Save broth for soup.

Soup:
3 T butter
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 T flour
reserved stock
2 c split peas
salt/pepper

--Saute veggies in butter for 5 minutes. Add flour and cook 3 minutes.
--Remove from heat and stir in stock, scraping bottom to get the goodness from the four and butter.
--Add split peas and simmer 45 minutes or until peas are soft. Add salt and pepper.
--Can mash, puree or serve as is. Croutons are nice!

Lemon-Pepper Dressing (I just started pouring, trying to keep proportions right...)
2 T lemon juice
1 T wine vinegar
1/4 t sea salt
1/2 t fresh pepper
1/2 t. stevia, Splenda, or sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. olive oil

Mix and pour over (amount is up to you), zucchini pieces (I cut into 1/4 lengthwise and then sliced). Add cherry tomatoes if you like. Marinate until you're too hungry to wait any more!

So true

2009-04-09T09:12:00.001-07:00

Here's something I read today and it rings so true in my experience, as a teacher and as a mom.

It is the ultimate paradox of childhood that a youngster wants to be controlled, but he insists that his parents earn the right to control him. --James Dobson, Parenting Isn't for Cowards

It was my prayer today, as it is often, that I live my life, train my children, and assert my authority in such a way as to earn their respect and ultimately their love.

Volunteers

2009-03-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

Managing volunteers is sometimes like herding cats.

I applaud people who step out of themselves to serve others in volunteerism. The success of our country and humanity depends on these very people.

What is frustrating, however, is the attitude of condescension--like they are bestowing their presence upon me and "my" project. It is such a trick to communicate thanks and appreciation in large doses, alongside steady portions of the vision we are aiming for, all the while, correcting with care and more doses of appreciation for the part they are contributing to the completion of the vision.

When you get it right, everyone comes out feeling inspired, significant, and useful. There is hope for humanity in the air. A sense of pride in people, our organization, and the vision permeates their being. It is rewarding through and through.

But when you get it wrong or something goes wrong, people are hurt, frustrated, burned out and grumble, not realizing that you are also...a volunteer.

Is it just me?

2009-03-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Ever have a small block of free time (or a large one, for that matter) and you are so caught off guard by not having a deadline to meet, a job to do, a child interrupting you, a Cheerio in your toe reminding you to vacuum, or a laundry explosion to tend to that you have mind blank?

Then you are almost giddy with the thought of freedom that you immediately are overwhelmed with thoughts of all the possibilities. Maybe I should tackle that corner closet. Send a card to a long-distance friend? She would LOVE me for that. Make dinner early, so that I'm not rushed tonight? Scrapbook that trip we took 5 years ago? How about the exercise tape I wanted to try? Put together the art collage that is collecting dust? Hmm. Maybe I should DUST.

But then you're attacked by all the dissenting thoughts. Ugh. I remember what's in that closet. I don't really have a card that I could send. In the kitchen, that wouldn't feel like freedom. Too big of a mess. Well, maybe...no, I don't want to be all sweaty. I don't have the right supplies for the art. There has to be something more worthy of my free time that DUSTING!

And so the time is slowly whittled away and you end up:

Starting last night's Office episode and dozing off. And then the kids woke up and the time is gone. All you have left is a blog entry.

Sigh.

Random Points

2009-03-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

A little full these days, and am not thinking linearly, so you get the random thoughts of my head:

1. When will sick season be over? We did make it to the snow this year, but came home with stuffy noses--which means we are T-2weeks from an ear infection for Silas. Ugh. That leads me to...

2. Been doing some reading on nutrition, wheat intolerance, etc. There is a lot of information out there. If one isn't careful, you are suddenly attacked by overwhelming fear of everything. Seriously, this one book I picked up went through the list of beverages, and even water had some strikes against it! What's a girl to do? Starving isn't an option around here. Sometimes you just have to take a risk...so I did, and had a glass of water.

3. Transition days are here for a bit. Aris' job is good, and he's going to like it. Swimming upstream against a sea of new information, but he's really growing interested in the medical equipment field, and he likes his co-workers. Plus they lock the building at 5, and he only has a desktop computer, so no fear of workaholic syndrome now!

4. If you leave food coloring on the counter, there is a chance that your three-year-old will use it as paint. And there is a slim chance that he'll get it only on the paper. Whew. I was lucky. It was green, so maybe I had the Luck 'o the Irish with me.

5. Ever wonder how you can go from really caught-up to really behind in about 2 days? It's quite a phenomenon around here, and it might be facilitated by three children putting clean clothes in the hamper continuously.

6. My high school student just finished up Biology, and will be heading into algebra this next week. There's a little side of me that is sad to see Biology go, and a little side of me that is excited to see Algebra come. I know. I'm weird, but this is the part of teaching I love. She is so certain that she can't do math, and I'm so certain that she's never been shown how to do it well, and therefore, can't see the joy that comes from an equation being worked out perfectly. Mr. Cadzow still rings in my ears every now and then--a prof from college that would exclaim at the wonder of some function of math. Still makes me smile.

7. Why can you never keep rolls of tape in a house with small children? I just bought a 3-pack, but had to use packing tape today. Maybe the Leprechauns are real and are having a good laugh right about now.

8. I'm running a large project at church for the next three months. By large I mean that in the end, we'll have had over 200 volunteers participate in getting three large-scale events done. It's a bit front-loaded for me and slightly overwhelming. I do love this type of thing, though. Especially when it gets people connected with God and others--they come out the other side feeling so alive and refreshed.

9. Headed to Oregon at the end of the month for my great-aunt memorial. I know that sounds far-removed, but we she's the youngest in her family and my dad is son of the oldest. So Esther is only 10 years older than him and we lived in Portland together for my childhood. She was a sweet friend, and I wouldn't want to miss this.

10. I wish I had pictures to post with this, but at this point, I have no more time. Hopefully, I'll get the snow ones this week and get some on here!

A Survey Question

2009-03-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

How many of you are Spring Cleaners? Anyone out there get the bug to chuck the junk that has settled into your corners in the course of the winter? And by junk I mean stacks of paper, old mail, broken toys, blankets with a rip that you mean to fix, and half-eaten sandwiches? OK, I've never found a sandwich, but really the Spring Cleaning bug gets me good each year.

And when it does, I have no tolerance for stuff that I've tolerated for months. It suddenly has to go TODAY. And what took me days to spot-clean (read: clean around the junk)prior to the Bug is purged and cleaned in only hours.

So fess up--do you don or resist the rubber gloves? Or maybe you avoid the whole thing by smashing that pesky little Spring Cleaning Bug the moment you see him.

A Big Day

2009-03-09T06:34:00.001-07:00

Aris is officially starting the work part of his new job today! He has no real idea what that means, but it all starts today--one year and one week after his last day at Sprint.

What a journey this has been.

Take a little trip with me

2009-03-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Down memory lane...

This is August '04. Maybe that sounds like a long time ago to you, but to me it can hardly be more than a year or two.

Here's what I notice when I see these pictures:

I love T's lips in the first one. It's probably a combination of intense concentration in sharing, and licking his lips from his last slurp. It just seems kissable to me.

I love that they are together. No one tells you how much is warms your heart when your children get along, choose to be together, or function as a team. Nor how much the opposite of that is also true.

A's tiny dimpled hand on the bench is so sweet to me. Where did the dimples go? When did they disappear? Aren't I supposed to receive a memo before these changes are approved?

Speaking of changes, the overalls that T is wearing are now too small for even our YOUNGEST kid. Sigh.

So for all of you who have new little ones, or those who are just having a day, pull out an old picture or two, see what catches your eye, and know that this is the stage that the days are an eternity, but the years are short.

2009-03-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Also, I’ve been tagged by Mrs. Cupcake for a short Q & A. And since I'm procrastinating, here are the rules.

Step 1: respond and rework -- answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.Step 2: tag - eight other un-tagged people

1) What are you wearing right now? lots of cocoa brown and pink slippers with a bow

2) Whats the perfect way to spend a rainyday? Snuggled on the couch with a good book (this was Mrs. Cupcake's answer, but it's exactly what I think, so I'm leaving it!)

3) Do you nap a lot? not a lot, but when my 3-year-old says, "Mommy, are you going to snuggle with me for a little bit?" I give in almost every time!

4) Who is the last person you hugged? my three kids for naps

5) What inspires you to be better? people who live intentionally

6) What was the last item you bought? a Bible for my brother

7) You are on the Oregon Trail, how are things going? I think we all have cholera...

8)What's the most difficult thing in your life right now? Not rushing the journey just to get to the end result

9) Has a celebrity's hair cut ever influenced your own hairstyle? nope, but I remember my mom taking pictures of Princess Diana into her hairstylist.

10) What is your most embarrassing moment? As a sophomore in high school, I was part of a group that went skiing for the first time. Each rookie was paired to an experienced skier for the morning. It was great for coaching, but my coach was a college guy--nice, but intimidating. Morning goes well, I get skis under me, and we are released to our own devices for the rest of the day. My wild and crazy best friend was also a rookie, so we finally meet up and decide to brave a bigger slope later in the afternoon. On the chair lift, she tells me that she freaks out getting off and has never done it without falling down wildly. Oh great. True to her word, she panics, plants her pole between my skis and we ROLL off the lift. Skis, gloves, poles go flying, and we're trying to gather them, but my knee really hurts, so that's hard. You might think that the equipment explosion that happens at the base of the lift slope is the embarrassing moment, but hold on, there's more! I limp down the long slope and decide that I've had it for the day, as my knee is swelling. I head to the nurses office to get dry and some ice for my knee, when not much later my "coach" comes to get me. He carries me to the car with my bag of stuff and dripping clothes. THIS certainly must be the moment that tops the list, right? Nope. Keep reading. So we get home, unload (again with the carrying), get my stuff, say a muffled thanks and think it is over. But in washing my things, I realize that the ski bibs that I borrowed from a friend are not in my bag. So the next morning, at church, I make a bee-line for him, not noticing the group of guys he is talking to and say the following: "Jason, I think I left my pants in the back of your car last night." To which there is a nanosecond of absolute silence and then uproarious laughter. And THAT was the most embarrassing moment.

11) What was the last movie you watched? Fireproof

12) If you had a whole day to yourself with no work, commitments, or interruptions what would you do? exercise hard, take a bath, and read or scrapbook

13) What is the one pair of shoes that you can not live without? of course I could LIVE without shoes, but which make me smile when I put them on? Well, that would have to be any pair of sandals. Love them.

OK, for the 10th question alone, I would love to hear from Jen B, Kristi, Edie, Angela, and Diane. Hopefully, you have two minutes to take a minute and share a laugh with us!

What I Wish

2009-02-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

So today is a rainy Monday, and on top of it, I'm spending the afternoon getting our finances in order. Yikes. That's a recipe for disaster in the Book of Lisa.

So if I had money to hire out for anything it would be a bookkeeper. I detest working with, talking about, handling, or even thinking about money. I would even vote for a lower salary if I didn't have to do any of those things.

I have no problem staying in a budget. I even find great satisfaction when my categories come out under the numbers. But the details of balancing a checkbook, developing and tracking a budget, or any of the other things that it takes to be a good steward of the money God's lent us...well, I'd rather not do it.

And for years we didn't. Aris and I aren't spenders, so as long as we were not spending more than we made, we just turned a blind eye. We both feel the same about it, so it was easier not to tackle. And thus, it's my wish--to never have to take care of it again.

Hire out for a cook--no way. I love that job! A housekeeper? Uh, no thanks. I'm ok with that one too. Yard service? There are parts I don't enjoy, but mostly I use it as a way to justify being outside more when the sun is out. So again, that's not my wish.

A bookkeeping fairy? Worth every dime I would spend!

How about you?

I know...

2009-02-18T10:50:00.000-08:00

I'm weird. I really love my cleaning day. It's Wednesday, and I look forward to it.

Today, I'm cleaning bathrooms, mopping floors, cleaning tile, washing glass doors, doing laundry, and dusting everything in sight.

And I don't mind. I guess it feels good to have time set aside in my schedule to do it. And I love how the house looks when it's all clean at once.

So I'm off!